More travel news for Tampa International Airport: Avelo Airlines is adding new direct routes from TPA to New Haven, CT this November. Yes, that means you can get cheap flights to some of the best pizza in America. You can find this writer enjoying a pie from Sally’s (my old hometown favorite).

“We are looking forward to bringing more choice, affordability and the Avelo Soul of Service to Tampa,” said Levy, who serves as Avelo’s Chairman and CEO. “With nonstop flights to one of the area’s most hassle-free airports, travelers from Tampa will now have a smoother way to visit Southern Connecticut and experience all the region has to offer.”

TPA now serves 80 destinations across the globe, and the addition of New Haven is fantastic for recent transplants from the area. Read More

There is a persistent buzz in the air on the shop floors of Connecticut manufacturers, with people and machines turning out millions of dollars in products daily.

Six of those companies welcomed a new type of buzz this fall, capitalizing on a state matching grant program to introduce state-of-the-art equipment to their operations.

Accurate Lock and Hardware, Beacon Industries, Burke Aerospace, OKAY Industries, PTA Plastics, and Westminster Tool have different goals, but all are betting that technology and innovation will drive growth and competitiveness.

The six were each awarded $100,000 Additive Manufacturing Adoption Program matching grants in September through the state's Manufacturing Innovation Fund. Read More

Public transportation suffered significant losses due to low ridership in the pandemic, and now governors in the Tri-State area have announced nearly $14 billion in federal funds to make up for the shortfalls.

Connecticut will receive $474 million. Approximately $10.85 billion of the funding will be for New York, $2.66 billion will be for New Jersey.

This funding is part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Tri-State area was among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and the funding provides the resources necessary for the nation’s largest subway, commuter rail, and bus services in these states to avoid layoffs, furloughs, and severe service reductions. These transit agencies ensured essential workers could be where they were needed most, and this funding will help support their longer-term recovery and sustainability. Read More

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) announced the launch of its Tax Amnesty Program. The program began November 1, 2021 and ends January 31, 2022. The program offers taxpayers who owe Connecticut taxes the opportunity to satisfy outstanding tax liabilities on a favorable basis. In particular, the program provides a 75% reduction in interest, waives all penalties, and avoids criminal prosecution.

Taxpayers who have not filed, have under reported obligations or have existing liabilities relating to taxes owed to the DRS may participate in the program. The program applies to any taxable period ending on or before December 31, 2020, for any Connecticut tax collected by the DRS except the motor carrier road tax. Read More