Things To Do In SW Florida

Instead of scrolling through Amazon’s Big Deal Days, I decided to try something different this year: thrifting my kids’ Christmas gifts. With toy prices predicted to climb because of tariffs, holiday shopping can add unwanted stress to this already expensive season.

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The secondhand market offers an alternative — one that’s kinder to my budget and to the planet. By starting early and scouring thrift stores, kids’ resale chains, and online marketplaces, I’m slowly finding gifts my kids will love at a fraction of regular retail prices. read more

Orange County is now certain to break its annual record for tourist tax collections in the wake of the spring opening of Epic Universe, with Monday’s report of another boom month in August.

Revenues were up 11% — or $2.48 million — over August of last year, leaving the county just a few million short of its 12-month historical high with one month left in the fiscal year, according to figures compiled by Comptroller Phil Diamond’s office, which tracks both collections and spending of the tax revenues.

“The question isn’t whether we break the record, the question is by how much,” Diamond said.

Through 11 months of Fiscal Year 2024-25, which ended Sept. 30, the Tourist Development Tax or TDT has totaled $355.1 million. Monthly collection reports generally trail collection by about five weeks. Figures for September will be announced in early November.

The 12-month fiscal year record, set Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024, is $359.4 million.

Diamond has attributed the surge to Epic Universe, Universal’s new park which features five themed “lands” based on characters in video games or films, including Super Nintendo, the Harry Potter series, How to Train Your Dragon and classic movie monsters. read more

By STAN CHOE, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street keeps setting more records, and excitement about the artificial-intelligence industry keeps leading the way.

The S&P 500 climbed 0.4% to set an all-time high following mixed trading on Monday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 63 points, or 0.1%, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.7% to its own record.

Advanced Micro Devices helped lead the way and soared 23.7% after announcing a deal where OpenAI will use its chips to power AI infrastructure. As part of the deal, OpenAI could own up to 160 million shares of AMD if it hits certain milestones.

A frenzy around AI has been one of the main reasons Wall Street has been hitting record after record, though that’s also raising worries that prices have potentially shot too high. Much of the furor around AI in the last couple weeks has come from OpenAI, which has quickly grown into a $500 billion company. It’s been announcing deals with businesses around the world to develop more AI infrastructure. read more

Florida gas prices climbed up and then backed off in Florida since last week, but still ended up 8 cents higher, according to data from AAA.

Florida’s state average for gas prices was $3.04 per gallon, according a report that took in statewide prices through Sunday.

The state average had gone up by 18 cents per gallon early in the week before falling by Sunday.

The price was still 10 cents less than prices one month earlier and 7 cents than a year ago.

“Since the fuel market has been stable, retailers are constantly adjusting prices to attract customers,” said spokesman Mark Jenkins.

The most expensive metro markets are West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3.22), Naples ($3.12) and Gainesville ($3.10).

The least expensive metro markets are Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($2.80), Pensacola ($2.80) and Panama City ($2.85).

By Brian Baker, CFA, Bankrate.com

When their working days eventually come to an end, many retirees will think about the best place to spend their golden years. Not all states treat retirement income — such as pension payouts or distributions from 401(k) plans and IRAs — the same way, which makes state and local taxes a key consideration for anyone expecting to be on a fixed income during this time.

Here’s what you need to know about how different states tax retirement income, including the states where you won’t pay taxes at all.

States with no income tax

Retirement distributions from 401(k) plans or IRAs are considered income for tax purposes.

Fortunately, there are several places with no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming

New Hampshire previously taxed interest and dividend payments, but that tax has been repealed starting with the 2025 tax year.

Washington does have a capital gains tax, though there are exemptions and deductions that may eliminate or lower the amount that is owed. read more