WEATHER ALERT
Publix posts modest sales growth as food inflation squeezes shoppers
Read full article: Publix posts modest sales growth as food inflation squeezes shoppersPublix said sales for the quarter ended June 27 were $15.7 billion, up 1% from $15.6 billion a year earlier. Sales for the six months ended June 27 were $31.9 billion, a 1.5% increase from $31.4 billion. Comparable-store sales fell 0.5% for the quarter and 0.3% for the six-month period.
Here’s what lawmakers cut from Florida Gov. DeSantis’ property tax plan
Read full article: Here’s what lawmakers cut from Florida Gov. DeSantis’ property tax planAfter state lawmakers approved a tweaked version of a new property tax amendment, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took to social media to highlight the differences between his plan and theirs.
Apopka utility bills could rise again this fall — and property taxes may climb, too
Read full article: Apopka utility bills could rise again this fall — and property taxes may climb, tooApopka residents could soon pay more for nearly every service listed on their city utility bill, adding another potential household expense as city leaders also consider a higher property-tax rate.
Millennials are buying up homes in these 3 Central Florida metros, study finds
Read full article: Millennials are buying up homes in these 3 Central Florida metros, study findsMillennials aren’t just renting longer — they’re increasingly buying homes, and Central Florida is among the biggest hotspots.
‘Zero tolerance:’ Three Chinese nationals accused of defrauding seniors out of more than $2 million
Read full article: ‘Zero tolerance:’ Three Chinese nationals accused of defrauding seniors out of more than $2 millionThree Chinese nationals are facing the possibility of decades in federal prison for their alleged involvement in a scheme to defraud seniors out of more than $2 million.
‘It’s a train wreck:’ Florida Sheriff Grady Judd rails against new property tax proposal
Read full article: ‘It’s a train wreck:’ Florida Sheriff Grady Judd rails against new property tax proposalDuring a news conference, Sheriff Judd criticized a statewide property tax proposal heading to the ballot later this year after lawmakers removed a key provision in the governor's original plan.
‘Not able to make a living:’ Central Florida teacher pay gap leaves educators struggling
Read full article: ‘Not able to make a living:’ Central Florida teacher pay gap leaves educators strugglingFlorida teachers are struggling to afford housing near the schools where they work, as stagnant salaries trail both the national average and rising rental costs, pushing some educators to the brink of quitting.
Cape Canaveral weighs property tax increase as city faces $4 million budget gap, depleted reserves
Read full article: Cape Canaveral weighs property tax increase as city faces $4 million budget gap, depleted reservesCape Canaveral city leaders are weighing a property tax increase as they work to close a projected $4 million budget gap while rebuilding emergency reserves that officials say were depleted after years of overspending.
Speed cameras will soon bring $100 tickets near these Central Florida schools
Read full article: Speed cameras will soon bring $100 tickets near these Central Florida schoolsDrivers who exceed the posted school-zone speed limit by more than 10 mph while school-zone flashing lights are active may soon receive a $100 civil citation in the mail, according to the police department.
Dollars & Sense: The vacation rental reality check
Read full article: Dollars & Sense: The vacation rental reality checkAmericans are traveling again in big numbers. If you’ve sat in holiday traffic, struggled to find a parking space at the airport, or searched for a hotel only to find “No Vacancy,” you’ve probably noticed.
Florida’s new ‘public nuisance’ law is now in effect. Here’s what it does
Read full article: Florida’s new ‘public nuisance’ law is now in effect. Here’s what it doesThis month, well over 100 laws finally kicked off in Florida — including a public nuisance law that brings several new rules to the table.
Central Florida nonprofit hands out hundreds of backpacks as teachers, families struggle with rising costs
Read full article: Central Florida nonprofit hands out hundreds of backpacks as teachers, families struggle with rising costsRedding, a teacher and single mother of two, says rising prices have made it harder to keep up with everyday needs — and she’s not alone. That’s why the nonprofit A Gift For Teaching has spent decades providing free school supplies to teachers and students.
A drive for parking: The pitch for a $54 million garage at Camping World
Read full article: A drive for parking: The pitch for a $54 million garage at Camping WorldA board tasked with recommending how revenue from tourist development taxes will be spent is considering a multi-million dollar request to build a parking garage on the campus of Camping World Stadium.
Single Florida ticket scores Mega Millions’ $800M jackpot. Here’s where it was sold
Read full article: Single Florida ticket scores Mega Millions’ $800M jackpot. Here’s where it was soldThe ticket matched all six numbers in Tuesday night’s drawing, claiming the estimated $800 million prize, or $344.2 million as a lump-sum cash payout.
Orange County groups make case for millions in tourist tax funding
Read full article: Orange County groups make case for millions in tourist tax fundingOrange County groups pitched new funding requests Tuesday for the county’s Tourist Development Tax, setting up a high-stakes debate over how to spend hundreds of millions of dollars collected from visitors.
Apopka residents blast proposed 32% millage hike, citing flooding, crumbling roads and rising costs
Read full article: Apopka residents blast proposed 32% millage hike, citing flooding, crumbling roads and rising costsApopka residents packed a special city meeting Monday night, airing frustration over flooding and poor road conditions as commissioners debated a proposed 32% millage rate increase.
This Central Florida attraction is no longer America’s favorite. Here’s what took No. 1
Read full article: This Central Florida attraction is no longer America’s favorite. Here’s what took No. 1Tripadvisor has released its latest list of the highest-rated attractions nationwide — though last year’s top pick fell a few places this time around.
‘Never asked for the check:’ Video of $300 dine-and-dash goes viral
Read full article: ‘Never asked for the check:’ Video of $300 dine-and-dash goes viralThe video has been viewed and shared on Instagram hundreds of thousands of times. It shows two adults and five children sitting at a table at the restaurant ‘@ The Diner’ last Sunday. At the end of the video, they leave. What the video does not show is the adults paying the bill.
‘NOT what people voted for...!’ Florida Gov. DeSantis calls out new federal bill
Read full article: ‘NOT what people voted for...!’ Florida Gov. DeSantis calls out new federal billThis week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took to social media to call out legislation that’s being considered by federal lawmakers.
This Florida metro is now more expensive than NYC, new data shows
Read full article: This Florida metro is now more expensive than NYC, new data showsOne major Florida metro has now eclipsed New York City in terms of its cost of living, according to new data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Orange County’s tourist tax task force to weigh MLB stadium, 23 other proposals
Read full article: Orange County’s tourist tax task force to weigh MLB stadium, 23 other proposalsThe Orlando Dreamers are asking for $975 million in tourist tax funding to build a new 45,000-seat venue. The proposed stadium would be located just north of Aquatica on International Drive.
Dollars & Sense: The private label revolution
Read full article: Dollars & Sense: The private label revolutionWalk down almost any grocery aisle today and you’ll notice something that would have been hard to imagine a generation ago: retailers are increasingly competing against national brands with brands of their own.
Palm Bay lowers proposed millage rate while officials warn of potential impact from property tax amendment
Read full article: Palm Bay lowers proposed millage rate while officials warn of potential impact from property tax amendmentPalm Bay commissioners voted to lower the proposed millage rate for next year while discussing how a proposed property tax amendment on the November ballot could affect city services and future budgets.
Deltona considers new fire assessment fee amid property tax concerns
Read full article: Deltona considers new fire assessment fee amid property tax concernsDeltona city leaders are moving quickly to establish a new fire assessment fee, bracing for a potential multimillion-dollar hit to the city’s budget if a statewide constitutional amendment passes in November.
Home security: Simple habits may protect your home better than expensive systems, experts say
Read full article: Home security: Simple habits may protect your home better than expensive systems, experts sayBefore you invest in a pricey home security system this summer, experts say the best protection may already be within reach. According to consumer advocates, most burglars aren’t using elaborate tactics — they’re simply walking through unlocked doors and open windows.
Florida gas prices spike amid US-Iran strikes
Read full article: Florida gas prices spike amid US-Iran strikesEscalating U.S.-Iran military tensions are driving up gas prices in Central Florida, with AAA reporting a gallon of regular gasoline averaging $3.95 — and analysts warning prices could climb further if the conflict persists.
Frontline workers could get up to $35,000 to buy a home as Florida program relaunches
Read full article: Frontline workers could get up to $35,000 to buy a home as Florida program relaunchesA popular program to help first time homebuyers just re-launched in Florida. The Florida Hometown Heroes Program provides up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for certain frontline workers.
Sanford considers possible fire assessment fee for third time as property tax reform looms
Read full article: Sanford considers possible fire assessment fee for third time as property tax reform loomsSanford has been down this road before — twice, in fact. Now, with a sweeping Florida property tax reform measure headed to voters this November, city leaders are once again weighing whether a fire assessment fee is the answer to a looming budget crisis.
Florida gas prices could climb as Mideast tensions shake global oil markets
Read full article: Florida gas prices could climb as Mideast tensions shake global oil marketsTensions between the U.S. and Iran over the weekend pushed oil prices higher in overnight trading, renewing upward pressure on Florida gasoline prices, according to WKMG news partner WJXT.
‘My life is here’: Windermere apartment units condemned after lightning strike
Read full article: ‘My life is here’: Windermere apartment units condemned after lightning strikeA lightning strike on Sunday sparked a fire at the Buena Vista Place Apartments, impacting 20 units. Orange County has since condemned the apartment building where the fire happened.
Dollars & Sense: 6 months down, 6 months to go
Read full article: Dollars & Sense: 6 months down, 6 months to goWith half the year already behind us, July is a natural checkpoint to review your spending, boost your savings, and make sure you’re still on track to meet your financial goals before year’s end.