Congratulations. The recession is over.

Uncle Sam (a.k.a. the Department of Commerce) reported Thursday that the economy grew at a 3.5 percent pace in the third quarter, the first positive upswing in 15 months.

But few are buying the argument that our economic winter has ended, particularly in Florida. Not with rising, double-digit unemployment and surging credit card defaults.

What's on the minds of Florida consumers? Just now, according to a new University of Florida survey, they're feeling more optimistic about their current personal finances but not so comfortable with the U.S. economy.

And the good-news-bad-news scenario for our local merchants is that consumers plan to be shopping for the holidays — but primarily if there are plenty of yesteryear price tags out there.

Florida consumers are still worried about the recession, though they're buoyed by huge buying opportunities this season, a new University of Florida survey finds.

"Consumers are more optimistic this month about their current personal finances and less optimistic about the U.S. economy in both the short and long term," said Chris McCarty, survey director of UF's Bureau of Economic and Business Research.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Belief that a national economic recovery is under way boosted Florida’s consumer confidence three points to 74 in September, according to a new University of Florida survey.

“I think Florida consumers are buying into the argument that the worst of the recession is over and we have avoided a complete meltdown,” said Chris McCarty, survey director of UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research. “Once again they have surprised us with a higher than expected index.”

Floridians are a bit more confident in the economy, with the consumer confidence level up three points to 74 in September, according to a new University of Florida survey.

The three-point increase follows a four-point revised increase in August.

However, the national consumer confidence level, which was also up in August, dipped to 53.1 from 54.5.

“I think Florida consumers are buying into the argument that the worst of the recession is over and we have avoided a complete meltdown,” said Chris McCarty, survey director of UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business, in a news release.

Finally, retail sales figures are poised to turn positive.

But don't get too excited about forecasts that consumer spending, the biggest single component driving the U.S. economy, will edge back into the black for the Christmas holiday.

What's happened is retail sales — and their key role in when the recession actually ends — are about to start being compared to last fall. That's when sales dropped off a cliff and stayed there after the financial markets meltdown.

Amid the bad earnings, bankruptcies and other bleak financial news from Carolinas companies, executives are increasingly blaming some of the gloom on the Sunshine State.

From Fortune 500 corporations to family-owned businesses, many area companies invested in Florida in recent years to capture a piece of the state's population boom. Now that the housing market has collapsed, growth has stalled, tourism has ebbed and consumer spending is down, a chill has fallen on the state's once-sizzling economy.

NEW YORK — Although consumer confidence may be increasing, it's not showing up at the cash register yet. Many retailers posted disappointing May sales on Thursday, and food and necessities remained high on shoppers' lists.

According to a Goldman Sachs/ICSC tally, overall same-store sales fell 4.6 percent, worse than the 3-percent drop predicted. The lower-than-expected results did not include Wal-Mart, which in recent months has boosted total results, but has stopped reporting monthly figures.

The federal government wants to put the auto industry back on the road and consumers in the driver's seat — and now is even willing to make sure you keep that new car running, as long as you buy American.

President Barack Obama on Monday announced the government would back General Motors and Chrysler vehicle warranties. That ensures consumers will have major repairs covered if the companies go into bankruptcy.

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's strategy for reviving the economy now turns largely on restoring public confidence, a psychological lift that would prompt consumers to shop, bankers to lend and investors to buy.

The president is racing from coast to coast to try to buck up consumers while the government pumps money into the economy, a theme sure to emerge at his nationally televised news conference set for 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

The message appears to be getting through to Floridians.