Things To Do In SW Florida

The first residents have moved into the recently completed condo tower at the Four Seasons Private Residences in Disney’s exclusive Golden Oak community, occupying some of the swankiest — and priciest — condominiums in the market.

Construction of the tower and 31 units was completed in November. Disney won’t comment about specific sales numbers, but according to public records, the developer has closed 12 sales in the last three weeks for a combined $70.37 million, according to a report in GrowthSpotter. The sales prices range from $5.28 million to $7.4 million. Each buyer also must pay condo assessments totaling between $100,000 and $200,000 annually.

Host Hotels and Resorts bought the Four Seasons Resort Orlando and adjacent land in 2021 for $640 million. The vacant land had previously been approved for timeshares, but the developer rezoned it for condominiums. HHR and Disney jointly announced the expansion of the Four Seasons branded residences in July 2024.

“We are very pleased with sales and sales interest for this new development,” said Page Pierce, Disney’s vice president of real estate development. “There are a limited number of units still available.” read more

The family of a Kissimmee man who was fatally injured in September while riding the Stardust Racers coaster at Epic Universe has reached an “amicable resolution” with Universal Orlando Resort, their attorney announced Saturday.

A news release from Ben Crump, a civil rights and personal injury attorney, said terms of the agreement between the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, and Universal, which opened Epic in May, are confidential. The one-paragraph statement did not say if Universal would pay Zavala’s family or, if so, how much.

“The family is grateful for the community’s support and asks for privacy at this time,” Crump’s statement said.

Zavala had a spinal condition since birth and used a wheelchair, his family said. On Sept. 17, while riding Stardust Racers  — a fast-paced rollercoaster that reaches speeds of 62 mph and rises up to 133 feet — Zavala was flung forward, his head slamming into the seat in front of him repeatedly, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, which ruled his death an accident. read more

By JOSH JACQUOT, Edmunds

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, the remaining weeks of December could very well be a great time to buy. Several recurring industry trends converge at year-end, creating favorable conditions that can help you save money. The auto experts at Edmunds have come up with three key reasons why December often delivers the opportunity for better deals — and what to know to ensure you get the best one.

Year-end sales quotas and dealership incentives

Manufacturers and dealers operate under annual targets, and December is when they make their most concerted effort to meet them. According to Edmunds transaction data, December has historically delivered the highest average discounts off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for both new and used cars. The pandemic somewhat upended that, sending new car prices skyrocketing year-round as demand exceeded supply, but that blip has largely stabilized since 2022.

Typically, as the calendar year draws to a close, automakers and their dealer networks shift into high gear, deploying cash-back incentives, financing specials and price cuts to help them meet sales goals and finish the year strong. As a car shopper, you can take advantage of this year-end push. By choosing to buy a vehicle in December, you are more likely to encounter a dealership willing to make a deal, even if it’s less profitable. read more

After more than 2½ years of negotiations, Osceola Commissioners are set to vote Monday on a contract with the New York developers who were selected to build the mixed-use city center in the county’s NeoCity tech hub.

The development agreement revises the terms from the 2022 memorandum of understanding with co-developers Sciame Construction and Edward J. Minskoff Equities, and updates the phasing to account for the new Performing Arts Center that will anchor the city center, according to a report in GrowthSpotter. It’s an important milestone for the NeoCity vision of an arts-focused, technology hub.

Earlier this year, Commissioners issued $125 million in bonds backed by the county’s Tourist Development Tax for the performing arts center. Assistant County Manager Amanda Clavijo said the county will issue a Request for Proposals in the first quarter of 2026 for the design of the center and will launch a fundraising campaign for the project. “That will be a major step in 2026,” she said. read more

Residents of Winter Park won’t head to the polls in March because the races for two City Commission seats were uncontested — meaning automatic wins for a political newcomer and an incumbent.

Elizabeth Ingram, a trained opera singer who has performed with Opera Orlando, will take Seat 1 as successor to Commissioner Marty Sullivan, who did not seek a third term. In addition, Commissioner Craig Russell will return in Seat 2 for his first full term.

Qualifying in the city of about 30,000 ended Monday. Ingram will take her seat next to Russell after they’re sworn in at the beginning of the March 25 commission meeting.

Ingram, born and raised in the Winter Park house where her parents still live, said she looks forward to working on behalf of fellow residents.

“I think my number one priority is just protecting the look and special charm that Winter Park has which I think really separates it from so many other cities around here,” she said.

Among her other priorities are addressing traffic challenges and improving roadways, responsibly managing the budget without raising taxes, upholding the city’s commitment to public arts and culture, and supporting local businesses and economic growth. read more