Things To Do In SW Florida

By PAUL WISEMAN, Associated Press Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Powered by strong consumer spending, the U.S. economy grew at the fastest pace in two years from July through September, the government said Thursday in a slight upgrade of its first estimate.

Related Articles

• 
  Average US long-term mortgage rate edges higher, but still near lowest point in more than 3 years

• 
  Inflation fears are high. A new poll shows one group is particularly worried

• 
  Proposal to require state oversight of insurance affiliate payments clears first hurdle in Legislature

• 
  Prices ticked up in November as Americans keep spending a key inflation measure shows

• 
  4 in 5 small businesses had cyberattacks last year and almost half of those were AI powered

America’s gross domestic product — the nation’s output of goods and services — rose at a 4.4% annual pace in the third quarter, the Commerce Department reported Thursday, up from 3.8% in the April-June quarter and from the 4.3% growth the department initially estimated. The economy hasn’t grown faster since third-quarter 2023. read more

By STAN CHOE, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market is rising again Thursday and regaining more of its losses for the week following the latest walkback by President Donald Trump from tariffs he had earlier threatened.

Related Articles

• 
  Average US long-term mortgage rate edges higher, but still near lowest point in more than 3 years

• 
  Inflation fears are high. A new poll shows one group is particularly worried

• 
  Proposal to require state oversight of insurance affiliate payments clears first hurdle in Legislature

• 
  Prices ticked up in November as Americans keep spending a key inflation measure shows

• 
  4 in 5 small businesses had cyberattacks last year and almost half of those were AI powered

The S&P 500 climbed 0.7% and added to its big gain from Wednesday, when Trump said he had reached “the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland” and called off 10% tariffs on European countries that he said opposed his having the Arctic island. The index has recovered most of the losses it took after Trump shook financial markets with his initial tariff threat. read more

It isn’t often that someone buys a relatively new home, guts it, and then puts it up for sale. But that’s exactly what happened with a home in Lake Nona.

“Everything is customized in the house, everything personalized, the landscaping, the pool, the entire floorplan was changed,” said listing agent Humberto Cuevas with La Rosa Realty. “The only thing that stayed the same in the layout was the master bedroom.”

The 5,718-square-foot home was built in 2019 by Taylor Morrison, and someone lived in it for about a year. The current owner bought it in 2021 for $1.45 million and basically rebuilt it.

“She basically gutted the entire house and was doing construction for almost two years,” Cuevas told GrowthSpotter, adding the customizations are classy, making it more than just a white and grey box.

The kitchen moved from its original location and now has Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a large prep island, and frameless contemporary cabinets.

“When you open them, they light up inside as soon as you open them,” he said. read more

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts has burst back onto the scene at Walt Disney World. The event has many of the same artsy attractions as in previous years, but on opening weekend we spotted tweaks and updates whilst making the rounds.

Here are a few things to look for at the festival, which runs daily at the theme park through Feb. 23.

Living large lamp

There’s something new and big and shiny outside one of the entrances to Once Upon a Stage: The Magic of Disney on Broadway exhibit. And folks are rubbing it in anticipation of wishes.

It’s a large, golden lamp a la “Aladdin.” The sign says it’s 14 feet tall, weighs 1,200 pounds and once sat on the marquee of the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City. It was made as part of the stage show’s 10th anniversary.

“It is an exact replica of the small prop used in the show, all the way down to the intricate pattern carvings,” the sign reads.

Inside the exhibit, which demonstrates another floor plan for CommuniCore Hall, the standout items may be three bright ball gowns for Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” and a collection of puppet/costumes for “The Lion King.” read more

January is such a common time to file for divorce that it’s been long known as “divorce month” among family lawyers. It marks both the end of the holidays and the start of a new tax year, which can make it simpler to financially separate from your ex.

Related Articles

• 
  Ryanair CEO dismisses Elon Musk’s idea of buying the airline as verbal feud escalates

• 
  Wall Street rises after Trump says he won’t use force to take Greenland

• 
  2 Central Florida restaurants in Orange County shut down last week

• 
  FTC says it will appeal Meta antitrust decision

• 
  History center spotlights animation process, Disney productions

A key part of navigating a divorce is deciding what to do with your home. Your property is likely among the most valuable assets in the marriage, and it’s important to take the time to understand your options. The best outcome for yourself and your family may not be the one you expect.

1. Do you want to stay in the home or sell?

“The first thing that I would ask a client is, what would you like to do with the home?” says Kenneth Glasser, an attorney who specializes in divorce and property distribution in New York City. read more