The developer of the proposed Chason Woods subdivision intends to cut by about half the number of planned home sites from nearly 500 on a sanitary sewer to 232 on septic tanks. Danny Miller, a spokesman for and investor in the project with property owner Tom Gould of Longboat Key, said the change was made in response to concerns expressed by the public and Leon County staff members. They are worried about the impact of such a large development outside the urban service area just north of Wakulla Springs.

The Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the partnership with Florida Commerce Credit Union. Florida Commerce is celebrating their 70th birthday throughout 2010 and is positioned to be a strong ally for all businesses and their needs in our community.

The Leon County Commission will be hosting the Sustainable Communities Summit 2010 to engage residents and businesses on developing a sustainable community, county officials announced Friday. The summit will be held May 6 and 7 at the Florida State University Turnbull Center. Guests will include consultants, independent produce growers, businesses, entrepreneurs and representatives from government, education and civic groups, officials said.

Starting Monday, residents will be able to travel back and forth between Leon and Gadsden counties through the “Gadsden Express Transit Service.”

The new service is provided through a federal grant, and the goal is to reduce commuting costs for Gadsden County residents by 80 percent, according to the county’s Planning and Community Development Department.

Ken Armstrong, United Way of the Big Bend president, had a sigh of relief last week when the community campaign came to an end. However, Wednesday evening he was filled with excitement to announce the final total dollars raised from the 67th Annual United Way of the Big Bend Community Campaign.

The Sunshine State has an untapped industry close to home, says a University of Florida researcher studying how rural areas can attract Floridians hungry for relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

Other states have developed prosperous tourist trades by enticing city dwellers to natural and historic places, said Tina Gurucharri, a UF landscape architecture professor, who is leading a team that is exploring similar prospects in Florida.

WASHINGTON — The state of Florida and the federal government would swap several parcels of land to both expand Apalachicola National Forest and potentially relocate the North Florida Fairgrounds, under legislation the House approved Wednesday.

Though it will move its headquarters and consolidate some of its outlying offices, an official with the St. Joe Co. said personnel dedicated to its SouthWood community in Tallahassee will remain even after the company completes its relocation by the summer of 2011.

Governor Charlie Crist today, as part of his continued focus on strengthening Florida’s economy, joined Senator Jeremy Ring and Representative Lake Ray to promote two ports bills designed to create jobs, generate revenue and increase trade opportunities for Florida ports. House Bill 963 would help Florida more effectively compete with other states to attract port-related businesses, and House Bill 1169 would generate investments in new and expanding port projects through insurance premium credits.

A federal grant has come to the rescue of those in need of transportation in Taylor County. Taylor County’s bus shuttle will return to five days a week, thanks to a $40,000 federal transit grant. Several years ago, commissioners had to cut the service down to three days a week because of state budget cuts.