Consumer Protection.

It seems that a day doesn't go by without unscrupulous individuals and companies trying to take advantage of people through bad service, bait-and-switch tactics or just plain old fraud. It is therefore important to be aware of the latest consumer protection news.

Below are links to some information that you may find useful in keeping one step ahead of those who are all too eager to free you from your hard-earned money.

Firstcoastnews.com On Your Side

Prescription Problems for First Coast Family

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Every so often, Medicaid updates its "Preferred Drug List." A First Coast family doesn't know if the July 1, 2010, update is related to their problem, but they said they're having a difficult time getting a much needed prescription refilled. So First Coast News took their problem to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

Lawmaker Promises a Ban of K2 in Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- In May, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Adminstration issued an alert about the growing use of synthetic marijuana among teenagers. Reacting to a First Coast News report on K2, one Florida lawmaker plans to lead the effort to ban the sale and use of K2 in Florida.

YMCA Closing Hilliard Florida Fitness Center

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- In the town of Hilliard, the YMCA has become a focal point for fun and health.

Royal Oak Baby's Death Prompts Baby Seat Recall

ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- The death of a 4-month-old girl from Royal Oak has prompted a national voluntary recall of a baby seat, the federal government announced this morning.

Local Worker Happy to See Unemployment Benefits Extension Approved

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- There are two unemployment compensation programs: the Federal Extended Unemployment Compensation and Extended Benefits, which requires state legislative action. Floridians who are eligible for the EUC will benefit from today's extension of benefits. Unemployed construction worker Robert Pacheco calls it good news.

Palm Coast News

Wea re stuck in slow gear: US Economy

Of course we're stuck. Attention to releasing capital and providing incentives to fuel domestic production is lacking.

Winn-Dixie closing store in Deltona

Winn-Dixie is closing its store at 1200 Deltona Blvd. in Deltona as part of its announced plans to close 30 non-remodeled stores in the Southeast United States.

Coast Guard Searching for Stranded Diver off Palm Coast

Rescuers are trying to get to a diver they believe to be stranded on the ocean floor.

Woman freed after texting parents

A woman whose boyfriend beat her up and locked her in a friend's bedroom was rescued after she sent text messages to her parents, Flagler County sheriff's investigators said.

Construction jobs fall further across most of the country

Published: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 1:00 a.m. Last Modified: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 4:08 p.m. Construction employment declined in 285 out of 337 metropolitan areas from June 2009 and June 2010, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released Tuesday by the Associated General Contractors of America.