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The state ended the 2008-2009 fiscal year 90 million dollars in the black. Revenue collections were up slightly in May and June and home sales remain strong. As Whitney Ray tells us, car sales are expected to rise in the following months, but the state isn’t out of the woods just yet.

If it’s stain glass, chances are Susan Frisbee can make it. But lately making ends meet has been her main project.

“June of this year when I calculated my sales tax was about half of what it was last year,” said Susan.

The recession is forcing Floridians to shop less and art isn’t the only thing not selling. Tax collections on beer and cigarettes are down, contributing to a four million dollar decline on sales tax collections.

But home sales continue to pump money into the state’s bank account and the “Cash for Clunkers” program is already paying off.

“We’ve hardly had enough staff to keep up this week with the traffic,” said Mickey Atkinson, a Car Salesman with Tallahassee Ford.

The state isn’t out of the wood just yet. Even the ever-optimist governor is holding off on a victory lap.

“I wouldn’t go that far, but it certainly is a glimmer of hope,” said Crist.

A glimmer Susan has noticed over the past several weeks.

“July seems to be doing better already when compared to last year’s July I think we are kind of on the uptick just a little bit,” said Susan.

But even if the winds of change are in the air, the current economic storm hasn’t completely blown over.