Things To Do In SW Florida

By Jackie Veling | NerdWallet

Packing your things and moving to a new home is a financial hurdle even in the best of times, but higher demand for moving-related services in the summer can send prices skyrocketing.

If you’re wondering how to pay for an upcoming move, there are financing options, including credit cards and unsecured personal loans. You’ll want to minimize interest, though, and only borrow what you need.

By taking the time to get multiple quotes, moving some stuff yourself or getting rid of belongings, you can lower the amount you need to borrow or avoid financing altogether.

What to expect for moving prices this summer

One piece of good news for prospective movers: The cost of moving this summer will likely be lower compared to summers prior.

“The COVID years proved to be some of our highest demand periods where people were making housing decisions and work location decisions that were completely out of the norm,” says Steven McKenna, vice president and general manager of Allied Van Lines, one of the largest moving companies in the country. “This year, it’s come back down to earth a bit.” read more

DEAR TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER: I recently received an email from Airbnb that it had removed my account from the platform.

“Removal means that your account will no longer be accessible, and you won’t be able to create another one,” it said. “We want to assure you that we reviewed your case thoroughly before reaching this conclusion. As such, we won’t be able to offer you additional support on this matter at this time.”

I don’t understand why I’m banned. I last booked with Airbnb in September for my husband and his friend in Las Vegas. Airbnb canceled the first booking for that trip because the host said she was no longer accepting guests.

Airbnb found me another accommodation at a hotel, and after two days of staying there, they realized that the listing wasn’t legitimate (someone had booked the hotel rooms months before then and posted them on Airbnb as rentals). I don’t see why I would get banned for that.

Airbnb has deactivated my account for no good reason. Can you help? read more

Icon Park will host a one-day food festival dubbed the Great American Cookout on Sunday.

Ticketholders will have access to a private party featuring dishes from 11 International Drive restaurants plus one round trip aboard the Wheel, the 400-foot observation structure that tours above Icon Park.

The event menu includes a crawfish boil from Brother Jimmy’s, slow-based macaroni and cheese from Sugar Factory, guacamole from Uncle Julio’s, brisket sliders from Ole Red Orlando and more. There will be tastes from Shake Shack, Sloppy Joe’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Gordon Ramsay and others.

The pass includes a beer-tasting flight, a wine-tasting flight and samples of hard seltzers, craft beers and moonshine.

The event is an extension of Icon Park’s Sip ‘n Savor series. Tickets purchased in advance are $39.99 ($9.99 for ages 3-12). A portion of the proceeds will go to the Salvation Army.

Sea Life Orlando Aquarium offers Summer of Sharks activities

The hours of operation for the Great American Cookout will be noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. read more

By ANITA SNOW (Associated Press)

PHOENIX (AP) — Stephanie Pullman died on a sweltering Arizona day after her electricity was cut off because of a $51 debt.

Five years later, the 72-year-old’s story remains at the heart of efforts to prevent others in Arizona from having their power cut off, leaving them without life-saving air conditioning in temperatures that have topped 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) on every day this month.

“Stephanie Pullman was the face of the fight that helped put the disconnect rules in place for the big, regulated utilities in Arizona,” said Stacey Champion, an advocate who pushed for new regulations. “But we need more.”

Arizona Public Service, known as APS, disconnected Pullman’s power in September 2018 at a time when outside temperatures in her retirement community west of Phoenix reached 107 degrees Fahrenheit (41.6 Celsius). Just days before, a $125 payment was made toward Pullman’s past-due bill of $176.

Her body was found inside her home during a subsequent wellness check. read more