Things To Do In SW Florida

By ALEX VEIGA, AP Business Writer

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell this week to its lowest level in nearly a year, reflecting a pullback in Treasury yields ahead of an expected interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve next week.

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The long-term rate eased to 6.35% from 6.5% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.2%.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also fell. The average rate slipped to 5.5% from 5.6% last week. A year ago, it was 5.27%, Freddie Mac said. read more

By Kyle Stock, Bloomberg News

The Trump administration has been slashing green energy incentives, freezing the construction of wind farms and ordering coal-burning power plants to keep running longer than planned. And yet, more American homes and businesses are getting their power from renewable sources than ever before — and in greater amounts.

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In June, almost one-quarter of U.S. power generation was green, up from 18% in the year-earlier period, according to data compiled from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The question now is whether the trend continues with President Donald Trump back in the White House. read more

Disney Cruise Line has delayed the launch of one of two ships it had planned to debut later this year, citing “unexpected delays” in the shipbuilding process.

The Disney Adventure, which was expected to sail out of Singapore for the first time in December, will now celebrate its maiden voyage on March 10, 2026. All voyages scheduled from Dec. 15-March 12, 2026, will be canceled and effected guests will have options to rebook at a future date.

Disney Destiny, though, is still set to sail on time with its debut from Port Everglades in November.

“As we work on the final touches to bring the Disney Adventure to our guests, we’ve encountered unexpected delays in the shipbuilding process,” said Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences, in an emailed statement. “To ensure the experience we deliver reflects our commitment to excellence, we’ve made the decision to adjust our timeline. We know this may be disappointing to our guests, and we’re working directly with them to offer flexible rebooking options and uphold the trust they place in us.” read more

At a budget meeting packed with residents, Seminole commissioners this week gave preliminary approval to hike the county’s overall property tax rate for the first time in 16 years.

The new proposed rate of $5.38 per $1,000 of a property’s taxable value would be a 10.2% increase from the current rate of $4.38. That means the owner of a home with a taxable value of $300,000 would see a jump of nearly $150 in their property tax bill next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1.

Commissioners will cast a final vote on the new tax rate Sept. 23.

Wednesday’s 4-to-1 vote on the tax increase comes after commissioners agreed last month to add five cents to the price of a gallon of gas sold in the county, and hike the county’s public service tax on water and electric bills in the unincorporated areas from the current 4% to 10% starting Jan. 1.

Commissioners voted in front of dozens of residents. Some opposed the tax, complaining Seminole had a “spending problem” and that officials could find ways to cut the county’s budget. Others backed the hike and praised the public services their tax money supports. read more

Forty percent of baby boomers fear they will outlive their retirement savings. Several recent studies suggest they are right to worry.

Seniors in 41 states are projected to have more expenses than income during their golden years, putting them at risk for outliving their retirement savings, according to a new study by Seniorly, an assisted living online marketplace. The amount they’re missing, on average, over the course of their retirement years: $115,000.

In California, the gap between projected income and expenses for retirees is far higher: $337,000.

Along with the Golden State, three other states — New York, Hawaii and Alaska — have the nation’s highest retirement gaps, where people’s income likely can’t keep up with expenses. That’s no surprise: All are places with high costs of living.

But states with a lower cost of living didn’t necessarily mean a better financial situation for their seniors, in this analysis. Mississippi, for example, is second the cheapest to live, according to Seniorly’s findings, but it ranks No. 12 for a retirement gap. Its retirees need $162,000 in retirement savings to match their expenses over the course of retirement. That is almost $50,000 larger than the national average gap. West Virginia and Alabama are in a similar position, with some of the nation’s lowest costs during retirement, but savings so low they create a gap. read more