WEATHER ALERT
Orange County instructs attorneys to look at options after Gilzean scholarships
Read full article: Orange County instructs attorneys to look at options after Gilzean scholarshipsOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings criticized outgoing Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean on Tuesday, accusing him of being “manipulative” in handling surplus funds.
FOR SALE: This Orlando home has mini-golf, lazy river and more. Here’s an inside look
Read full article: FOR SALE: This Orlando home has mini-golf, lazy river and more. Here’s an inside lookA huge property is now on the market in the Orlando area — and it comes with a ton of unique features.
⛽ How gas prices have changed in Florida in the last week
Read full article: ⛽ How gas prices have changed in Florida in the last weekAmericans may have record-low gas prices to be thankful for this holiday season as at least one analyst predicts average gasoline costs could fall below $3 per gallon by Thanksgiving.
Flagler County, Palm Bay work on affordable housing solutions
Read full article: Flagler County, Palm Bay work on affordable housing solutionsFlagler County is known for it's beautiful beaches and small-town feel, but the rising cost of housing is making it feel just as unaffordable as some big cities and counties.
These Florida cities among most debt-ridden in the US. Here’s why
Read full article: These Florida cities among most debt-ridden in the US. Here’s whyOf the 50 metros examined in this list, Austin, Texas was considered the most debt-ridden thanks to its high growth in recent years. But several Florida cities made it into the top 10.
Inflation is still on the rise — and it’s impacting your savings. Here’s how
Read full article: Inflation is still on the rise — and it’s impacting your savings. Here’s howInflation has caused costs to skyrocket for many Americans. But even as it cools, it's still threatening the value of your savings account.
Caretaker accused of exploiting DeLand senior couple for up to $100K nabbed at Internet café
Read full article: Caretaker accused of exploiting DeLand senior couple for up to $100K nabbed at Internet caféAn in-home caretaker has been accused of exploiting an elderly DeLand couple, raking in up to $100,000 using their credit cards and bank accounts, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Drowning in credit card debt? Here’s how one program helps pull you out of the red
Read full article: Drowning in credit card debt? Here’s how one program helps pull you out of the redAs the cost of living continues to soar, millions of Americans are grappling with the heavy burden of credit card debt.
Osceola County man wins $1M prize playing 500X the Cash scratch-off game
Read full article: Osceola County man wins $1M prize playing 500X the Cash scratch-off gameAn Osceola County man won a $1 million prize playing the Florida Lottery’s 500X the Cash scratch-off game. Larry Hamilton, of Kissimmee, claimed his winnings at the Florida Lottery’s headquarters in Tallahassee as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $640,000, according to a news release.
Seminole County pizzeria faces financial hardship after Hurricane Milton
Read full article: Seminole County pizzeria faces financial hardship after Hurricane MiltonWith one location in Lake Mary, Diaz expanded to downtown Sanford just over a year ago. In recent weeks, he’s found himself facing significant financial challenges.
⛽ How gas prices have changed in Florida in the last week
Read full article: ⛽ How gas prices have changed in Florida in the last weekThe average cost for drivers to fill up at the gas station is falling slightly nationwide following a slight uptick influenced by broadening conflict in the Middle East and Hurricane Milton.
Gas shortages frustrate drivers across Central Florida after Hurricane Milton
Read full article: Gas shortages frustrate drivers across Central Florida after Hurricane MiltonDrivers across Central Florida are facing mounting frustration as many gas stations remain out of fuel days after Hurricane Milton, leaving motorists scrambling.
‘Frustrations and emotions:’ Casselberry responds to online outrage after Milton
Read full article: ‘Frustrations and emotions:’ Casselberry responds to online outrage after MiltonJust hours after Hurricane Milton swept across the state, city officials issued the social media post to remind residents that they must apply for a permit before beginning storm repairs.
🥑 How forecasts of bad weather can drive up your grocery bill
Read full article: 🥑 How forecasts of bad weather can drive up your grocery billWhat's less known, but a growing area of interest among economists and scientists alike, is the role individual extreme weather events — blistering temperatures in Texas, a destructive tornado in Iowa — may have on what U.S. consumers pay at the supermarket.
Orlando bars sue city after being forced to pay nearly $850K for police
Read full article: Orlando bars sue city after being forced to pay nearly $850K for policeFollowing a number of shootings in the area, the city decided to impose new rules in an attempt to improve safety and draw more people to the district.
US Secretary of Education in Central Florida when news breaks of judge allowing student loan forgiveness to proceed
Read full article: US Secretary of Education in Central Florida when news breaks of judge allowing student loan forgiveness to proceedNews 6 was with US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, when he got the news that the Biden Administration can — at least temporarily — move forward with student loan forgiveness.
‘Our final curtain:’ Garden Theatre in Winter Garden set to close after nearly 2 decades
Read full article: ‘Our final curtain:’ Garden Theatre in Winter Garden set to close after nearly 2 decadesAccording to officials, the closure comes amid financial hardship for the theatre, which hasn’t been able to bring in enough funds to stay in operation.
Florida ports feel impacts of strike by International Longshoreman’s Association
Read full article: Florida ports feel impacts of strike by International Longshoreman’s AssociationFour busy Florida ports will see direct impacts from an International Longshoremen’s Association strike for higher wages that began Tuesday.
People selling homes in Florida must disclose past flooding issues under new law
Read full article: People selling homes in Florida must disclose past flooding issues under new lawThis includes providing buyers with filed insurance claims related to flood damage and disclosing whether federal assistance was given due to flooding.
Wildfires on the rise: Florida has 2nd-highest risk in the nation. Here’s how to prep financially
Read full article: Wildfires on the rise: Florida has 2nd-highest risk in the nation. Here’s how to prep financiallyIn terms of financial risk, the study shows that Florida has the second highest fire risk in the country, with losses expected to reach $269 million.
Marion County school board considers spending millions to replace some schools, sell others
Read full article: Marion County school board considers spending millions to replace some schools, sell othersMarion County school board members are discussing which schools need help the most as they look ahead to the November election where voters could help fund those projects.
Federal Reserve prepares for first rate cut since 2020. Here's what it could mean for homebuyers
Read full article: Federal Reserve prepares for first rate cut since 2020. Here's what it could mean for homebuyersThe Federal Reserve is expected to meet tomorrow, and all eyes are on what could be the first rate cut since 2020. With the current federal funds rate sitting at its highest point in 23 years—between 5.25% and 5.50%—consumers are left wondering how this decision will impact their wallets.
This abandoned resort near Disney could soon get a makeover. Here’s what to expect
Read full article: This abandoned resort near Disney could soon get a makeover. Here’s what to expectThe 77-acre Orlando Sun Hotel and Resort site has been described as an eyesore, though it may not be that way for much longer.
Florida Gov. DeSantis calls on lawmakers to address issues facing condo owners
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis calls on lawmakers to address issues facing condo ownersA 2022 bill set requirements for inspections of condominium buildings that are three stories or higher. But now, some condo owners are being hit with huge assessments and fees to meet the new law's deadline early in the new year.
💸 The ‘sandwich generation’ is strained: How to save for retirement while caring for kids and aging parents
Read full article: 💸 The ‘sandwich generation’ is strained: How to save for retirement while caring for kids and aging parents50 hours. That's the amount of time America's "sandwich generation" spends caring for both children and aging parents every week, according to a New York Life Wealth survey.
These are 5 of the top flea markets in Central Florida. Here’s where to find them
Read full article: These are 5 of the top flea markets in Central Florida. Here’s where to find themFlea markets can be a load of fun. And some of the state's top flea markets can be found right here in Central Florida.
🛢️ Here’s how gas prices have changed in Florida over the last week
Read full article: 🛢️ Here’s how gas prices have changed in Florida over the last weekGasoline remains at its cheapest levels for this time of year since 2021 and could dip even lower this fall as demand has been soft, production high, and the price of oil remains low.
Sanford residents may soon be paying more for utilities amid proposed rate hike
Read full article: Sanford residents may soon be paying more for utilities amid proposed rate hikeIf the commission decides to approve the adjustments, the average utility bill for 6,000 gallons of water and sewer per month would see an overall increase of 7% to $86.34.
‘Addicted to stealing:’ Woman gets 1-year sentence after stealing over $600K from Marion County school
Read full article: ‘Addicted to stealing:’ Woman gets 1-year sentence after stealing over $600K from Marion County schoolShe claimed she stole the money because she’d become “addicted to stealing the payroll funds,” DOJ officials announced.
Central Florida art nonprofits scramble after Gov. DeSantis vetoes arts spending
Read full article: Central Florida art nonprofits scramble after Gov. DeSantis vetoes arts spendingEarlier this year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in arts funding as part of the state's budget cuts. Now, Central Florida arts groups are reeling from the loss of taxpayer revenues.
🏙️ Cities with the most expensive homes in the Lakeland metro area
Read full article: 🏙️ Cities with the most expensive homes in the Lakeland metro areaPurchasing a home is one of the most important investments there is. More than a place to live, homeownership is an asset with the potential to tremendously rise in value.
🏙️ Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in the Orlando metro area
Read full article: 🏙️ Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in the Orlando metro areaThe real estate frenzy spurred by the coronavirus pandemic continues, though at a slower pace. Buyers are still competing for a limited supply of housing, driving up prices for affordable properties.
These are the best, worst states in the country. Where does Florida rank?
Read full article: These are the best, worst states in the country. Where does Florida rank?The list analyzes factors like education, economy, public infrastructure, safety and the environment to determine which states performed the best — and which still have room to improve.
‘Significant issues’ found in Visit Orlando’s financial audit
Read full article: ‘Significant issues’ found in Visit Orlando’s financial auditAn audit has raised concerns about "significant issues" within Visit Orlando's operating budget and record-keeping practices, including omissions on how $6.3 million was spent.
Are those online 5-star reviews too good to be true? Here’s what to look for
Read full article: Are those online 5-star reviews too good to be true? Here’s what to look forA former federal investigator has uncovered a pattern of positive reviews that she is convinced are the product of 5-star fakes for sale.
Buca di Beppo files for bankruptcy. Here are the remaining Florida locations
Read full article: Buca di Beppo files for bankruptcy. Here are the remaining Florida locationsDespite the announcement, company officials said the chain is restructuring 44 of its remaining core locations, as well as planning to open a new one.
Brevard school district, teachers union agree on pay raise
Read full article: Brevard school district, teachers union agree on pay raiseInstructional staff in Brevard County public schools returned to work with a pay raise following what the district calls a landmark agreement with its teachers union.
Florida regulators eye Citizens Insurance rate hikes to match market
Read full article: Florida regulators eye Citizens Insurance rate hikes to match marketFlorida regulators Thursday dug into a proposal that would lead to double-digit rate increases for customers of Citizens Property Insurance Corp., as the state insurer of last resort continues trying to push policies into the private market.
Oviedo leans toward borrowing money for future water treatment plant, stormwater projects
Read full article: Oviedo leans toward borrowing money for future water treatment plant, stormwater projectsTaxpayers in Oviedo have concerns about how the city will fund future projects. The city of Oviedo is growing, and city officials said the current water treatment facility can't keep up.
⛽ How gas prices have changed in Florida in the last week
Read full article: ⛽ How gas prices have changed in Florida in the last weekA refinery outage in Illinois is still causing higher gasoline prices in the Midwest while the rest of the country enjoys prices that have more or less plateaued for the last month.
‘Stayed the course:’ Florida receives higher credit rating than the US. Here’s why
Read full article: ‘Stayed the course:’ Florida receives higher credit rating than the US. Here’s whyFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis poked at politicians in Washington, D.C. on Friday after Fitch again affirmed the state's highest possible credit rating.
Massive fees for condo owners, Gov. DeSantis considers special session
Read full article: Massive fees for condo owners, Gov. DeSantis considers special sessionA new law requires condo boards to have fully funded reserves to keep residents safe. But some COAs have implemented exorbitant fees as a result.
‘Adding a city:’ Millions more could flock to Florida. Here’s when to expect it
Read full article: ‘Adding a city:’ Millions more could flock to Florida. Here’s when to expect itThe most recent estimates indicate that Florida will gain enough people each year to fill a city nearly the size of Orlando.
👴 Americans' confidence in their ability to retire remains shaken
Read full article: 👴 Americans' confidence in their ability to retire remains shakenAmericans' attitudes about life after work have shifted some in the last two years as higher costs of living force them to reconsider retirement plans despite stable incomes and a healthy stock market.
Prime Day is a prime target for package thieves
Read full article: Prime Day is a prime target for package thievesAs Amazon Prime Day approaches, it's not just deals and discounts that are on the rise— so are package thefts. With millions of people expected to be ordering online, security experts warn that the number of stolen packages could surge dramatically.