Things To Do In SW Florida

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER, AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Oil prices jumped Tuesday for the second straight day and gas prices moved higher in the United States, underscoring the threat of rising inflation posed by the Iran war.

Coming after nearly five years of elevated costs, even a modest pickup in prices could further sour many Americans on the economy and heighten the affordability concerns that have become a top political issue.

On Tuesday, U.S. oil prices rose more than 5% to $75.22 a barrel in afternoon trading. Gas prices jumped 11 cents to $3.11 a gallon on average nationwide, according to AAA.

A key issue, economists say, is how long the conflict lasts and whether shipping routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, is closed. About one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas is shipped through the Strait. Even a war of a few weeks might not push up inflation or weaken the economy very long. But should it last for a few months, inflation would likely worsen — perhaps topping 3% for the first time since early 2024. read more

George, the younger brother of the Peppa Pig character, will begin wearing a hearing aid at appearances at Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven.  The change is in conjunction with a storyline development in the animated “Peppa Pig” series.

In its “Hearing Test” episode, Peppa’s family learns that George has moderate hearing loss in one ear, and he is fitted with a hearing aid. The in-park experience reflects the character’s status and reinforces the attraction’s committment to accessibility, says Merlin Entertainments Group, which own the theme park.

Peppa Pig Theme Park, which opened in 2022, is part of the Legoland Florida Resort and aimed at the youngest visitors and their families.  The new-look George also will appear at the Peppa Pig park in Grapevine, Texas, which opened last spring.

The two piglets and other members of their family regularly participate in meet-and-greet moments with visitors at the theme parks.

More than 400 “Peppa Pig” episodes have been produced since the British series’ TV debut in 2004.  The episodes, usually around 5 minutes long, can be found on its YouTube channel. The show and characters became part of Hasbro in 2019. read more

By KEITH BUGLEWICZ, Edmunds

Each year, the Edmunds Top Rated Awards are bestowed on the best new cars, trucks and SUVs on sale. To win, a vehicle must rank at the top of its class based on Edmunds’ rigorous, independent testing and evaluation process. That means each winner has been tested at the Edmunds test track and thoroughly evaluated over many miles of real-world use.

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Edmunds divides the awards into six main categories: best car, best SUV and best truck, and electric versions of the same categories. This year’s Edmunds Top Rated Awards feature some repeat winners and newcomers, and each is a great choice if you’re planning to purchase a new vehicle. Note that all prices below include destination charges. read more

By JON GAMBRELL and MAE ANDERSON

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The widening war in Iran has ground tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to a halt and oil prices have soared, highlighting the important role the narrow passageway plays in global energy supply.

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The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which about a fifth of the world’s oil passes. Tankers traveling through the strait, which is bordered in the north by Iran, carry oil and gas from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Iran. Most of that oil goes to Asia. read more

By CATHY BUSSEWITZ and MICHELLE CHAPMAN, AP Business Writers

NEW YORK (AP) — The average price for a gallon of gasoline jumped 11 cents overnight in the U.S., and some drivers in Europe waited in line to fill their tanks with fuel, as war engulfed the Middle East and shipments of oil and gas were stranded in the Persian Gulf.

A gallon of regular was selling for $3.11 on average in the U.S., according to motor club AAA, surprising some drivers at the pump. Gasoline prices were already rising before the U.S. launched strikes on Iran as refiners switch over to summer blends of fuel. But crude prices rose sharply in recent days because of the war.

Anne Dulske paid $15 more than usual to fill up her tank at a Jackson, Mississippi gas station on Tuesday.

“It’s going to affect everything in our lives,” she said. “It’s very scary, and it does hit closer to home than people think.”

Dulske, who said she had previously noticed gas prices slowly going down, called the increase surprising and said she was caught off guard when she learned the United States and Israel had attacked Iran over the weekend. read more