Things To Do In SW Florida

Gatorland’s new batch of American crocodile hatchlings has a historic connection to the attraction. They are direct descendants of Bonecrusher, the 15-foot reptile that helped put Gatorland on the map. Their parents are Bonecrusher II and Pretty Croc.

Two weekends ago, eggs were removed from a nest inside the exhibit of Bonecrusher II. The attraction’s animal-care team placed them in incubators and waited for the baby crocs to poke their ways out. On Father’s Day, several were seen being born live on Gatorland’s social media platforms as Danielle Lucas, leader of animal care, and Savannah Boan, crocodilian enrichment coordinator, watched and narrated.

“Look at Crusher Jr.,” Lucas said during one croc’s break-out moment.

Beat the heat: Double up on indoor-attraction combinations

“We could call him C.J.!” Boan said.

Bonecrusher II, the new daddy, was born at Gatorland in the late 1960s, but this is his first group of hatchlings, Gatorland says.

At birth, the crocodiles are 7 to 8 inches long, Gatorland says. They will be fully grown at about 10 to 12 years old, weighing an average of 880 pounds and measuring up to 14 feet long. read more

Q: I have enough assets to fund my income needs and little debt. I have $65,000 in a short-term bond fund for discretionary goals, and it’s down 5%. Should I wait for it to recover or take my family to Europe? –  J.L., Jacksonville

A: Since you have more than adequate monthly income, low debt and the ability to travel, I say go for it! The dollar is so strong against the Euro right now that money will go a lot further in Europe now than it has in decades. Plus, you have to enjoy your wealth while you have your health. –  David Blount

Q: I have a home and want to ensure that my grandchildren inherit it, and not my son. Do I have to set up a trust? – B.A., St. Cloud

A: Consider an enhanced life estate deed (AKA Ladybird Deed). You have all the rights of ownership, including the ability to sell or mortgage the home, but you can name your beneficiaries. When you pass away, your grandchildren will be the new owners without going through probate. – Helen Von Doltern-Fournier

Have a question? E-mail askanexpert@fpafla.com. Include your name (only your initials will be printed), hometown and phone. Questions are answered by Certified Financial Planners from the Financial Planning Association of Central Florida. Answers are for educational purposes only; you should also consult a financial professional. Questions and answers may be edited for space considerations. read more

“Humid enough for you?” was a greeting I received recently from a friend. We all put up a valiant fight, but we’ve entered that season in Central Florida where it’s both the heat and, yes, the humidity working against us.

Naturally, in these conditions, we advise sunscreen, constant hydration and following the first rule of theme-parking: Find your shade. But at this time of the year, also consider staying (gasp) in the great indoors.

Orlando has plenty of air-conditioned attractions to consider when the heat or the patented afternoon thunderstorm cranks up. This week, at the risk of sounding awfully People magazine-y, we present Hot Couples, pairs of indoor options that are geographically close, with one being new-ish in town and the other being more classic/veteran/old school.

Iconic duos

Next-door neighbors at Icon Park are Max Action Arena and Museum of Illusions. Max Action is an entertainment center with options such as escape rooms, ax throwing and what it calls “Zero Latency Extreme Virtual Reality.” Museum of Illusions features mind-bending visuals, many of which are Instagram-able and/or educational. Icon Park offers an array of combo deals for its attractions, not to mention the Great Florida Road Trip game that’s an add-on to a Wheel cycle. read more