Things To Do In SW Florida

Earlier this year, winemaker Patrick Cappiello of Monte Rio Cellars, a small producer of wines from Lodi and Mendocino in California, made a dramatic plea in an Instagram post to his 37,000 followers.

“American wineries are struggling right now,” he said. “We have a huge amount of inventory and a huge decrease in sales… Drink our wines, buy our wines,” Cappiello implored, challenging his followers to “buy only American wine for two months.” Because otherwise, many American wineries you love will go out of business, he warned.

Cappiello’s appeal sparked widespread discussion in an industry facing a glut of global production coupled with sharp downward trends in consumption. Globally, wine consumption has decreased by 13% in 2023 from peak figures in 2007. And in the U.S., where the number of wineries has increased 4% annually since 2010 to over 11,000 wineries in 2022, wine sales have faltered as increasingly health-conscious consumers are drinking less alcohol, or seeking alternatives to wine like spirits, cannabis or premade canned cocktails. read more

Construction

Michael Shamblen was hired as director of Human Resources at T&T Construction Management Group Inc., Casselberry.

Robin Hetzel has joined Stevens Construction Inc. as a project manager in the firm’s Orlando office.

Hospitality

Fred Sawyers was appointed managing director at Evermore Orlando Resort.

Law

Justin Robinson has joined Dean Mead’s Orlando office as an attorney in the corporate and tax department.

Submit professional appointments, management-level promotions and significant awards for individuals, along with photos as .jpg attachments, to peopleonmove@orlandosentinel.com.

By Nicole Dow | NerdWallet

Personal loans and personal lines of credit are both helpful tools to cover large expenses. These financing options have similar benefits, like no collateral requirements and low rates for well-qualified borrowers, but deciding which is right for you comes down to how you prefer to receive and repay the funds.

Learn the similarities and differences between personal loans and personal lines of credit to determine which is right for your plans.

Personal loans and lines of credit: How they’re similar

Personal loans and personal lines of credit are typically unsecured, meaning you don’t have to pledge an asset as collateral in order to borrow. It also means the lender will rely mostly on your credit, income and existing debts to determine whether you qualify.

When you apply for either financing option, the lender will pull your credit report to examine your creditworthiness and how you handle existing debts. Applicants with good credit and low debt-to-income ratios have the best chances of qualifying and getting the lowest rates. read more

Peter Martin | (TNS) Bloomberg News

WASHINGTON — U.S. spies believe China’s leaders see little or no upside to the looming electoral showdown between President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump.

Ahead of next week’s first debate of the presidential campaign, U.S. intelligence agencies assess that China has no clear preference between the two candidates, according to American officials, who asked not to be identified discussing nonpublic assessments.

The conclusion suggests that officials in Beijing, like their counterparts in Washington, believe that ties between the world’s two largest economies will continue on their long-term downward trajectory despite a recent increase in high-level meetings billed as efforts to manage differences. In recent years, the two countries have clashed over everything from technology to human rights and the South China Sea.

The U.S. assessment is matched in interviews with Chinese officials, who also spoke on condition of anonymity. They say the view in Beijing is that both candidates are intent on containing China and disrupting its rise. read more

Curse of the Werewolf will be a spinning, family coaster at Epic Universe. The ride will be part of Dark Universe, a monsters-themed land inside Epicm which is set to open as part of Universal Orlando next year. (Universal Orlando)

Dark Universe will be a monsters-themed land inside Epic Universe theme park, which is set to open as part of Universal Orlando in 2025. Visitors will be able to experience Monster Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a dark ride within Dark Universe. (Universal Orlando)

Dark Universe will be a monsters-themed land inside Epic Universe theme park, which is set to open as part of Universal Orlando next year. Visitors will be able to check out the Burning Blade Tavern. (Universal Orlando)

EMBARGOED UNTIL 11 AM ET, JUNE 20, 2024

Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience will allow Epic Universe visitors to transform their looks to salute Universal monsters. The attraction will be part of Dark Universe, a monsters-themed land inside the theme park, which is set to open at Universal Orlando in 2025. (Universal Orlando) read more