Add these costs to the human toll of people being turfed out of their homes, and it is no surprise that America's politicians are scrambling for ways to stem the foreclosures. (All the more so because hardest-hit areas include election swing states such as Ohio and Florida.) So far, the focus is on low-cost intervention: encouraging borrowers to seek counselling and lenders to show forbearance.

ECONOMIST: America's property crisis

The coasts of four other US Gulf states - Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida - have so far been more seriously affected by the spill.

BBC: Gulf oil spill reaches Texas as tar balls wash ashore

Florida is the biggest prize so far in the GOP presidential contest, and polls suggest a tight race.

NPR: Reports from McCain, Romney, Giuliani Camps in Fla.

Joshua Staley, who has never coached college basketball, went so far as sharing his vision for the future of Florida Gulf Coast.

WSJ: Unlikely Prince Charmings Apply

So far, no human cases have been reported in Florida, Feiber says.

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So far, plaintiffs' attorneys have requested venues in Alabama, Florida and other of the Gulf States with most seeking New Orleans.

WSJ: Fight Erupts Over Oil Trial Venues

So far, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida -- in that order -- will hold presidential primaries or caucuses in January.

CNN: South Carolina GOP moves up primary, adds to 2008 scramble

So far, rather few have taken to packing guns in their handbags: Florida's records, for example, show that women account for only 15% of concealed-carry licences.

ECONOMIST: Freedom, guns and women

Florida, well known as a presidential battleground, has brought out nearly 1.2 million early voters so far, according to election figures.

CNN: Partial early ballots: Dem voters outnumber GOP