Things To Do In SW Florida

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and ANNE D’INNOCENZIO, AP Business Writers

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumers spent slightly more at retail stores last month after ramping up their shopping in March to get ahead of tariffs.

Sales at retail stores and restaurants rose just 0.1% in April from March, the Commerce Department said Thursday. That is much lower than the previous month’s 1.7% gain, which reflected a surge in car sales as consumers accelerated purchases ahead of President Trump’s 25% duty on auto imports that went into effect this month.

Last month’s tiny increase after the March surge makes it harder to get a clear read on consumer spending trends and reflects the ongoing turmoil and uncertainty in the economy in the wake of Trump’s stop-and-go tariff policies. Many publicly-traded companies have withdrawn or held off on the traditional practice of forecasting their revenues and earnings for the rest of this year because the economic landscape has become so chaotic.

Meanwhile, Americans are increasingly gloomy about the economy’s prospects, according to sentiment surveys, but it’s not yet evident whether that will translate into reduced spending and slower economic growth. read more

For those who’ve been through one, talk of a recession can be triggering. We’re not officially there yet (as of this writing), but it’s natural to be anxious about increased prices due to tariffs and the potential aftermath.

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Nearly 9 in 10 Americans (85%) have concerns about the tariffs, with one of the top worries being the tariffs resulting in a recession (45%), a NerdWallet survey found.

I recall how the Great Recession demolished jobs across the U.S., including mine. After graduating in 2009, I worked four months as an entry-level executive assistant at a nonprofit before being laid off.

I had limited financial knowledge, a short work history and a lot to prove to break into the field of journalism, my ultimate goal. Along the way, I picked up valuable lessons that might help you manage your finances in a shaky economy. read more

Royal Caribbean is big on superlatives. The company already has the world’s largest cruise ship. Now the cruise line is building a new private resort in Mexico that will herald in a few more titles.

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico is a 200-acre private destination resort being constructed at the port of Costa Maya, Mexico. It’s set to open in fall 2027. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean) Loco Waterpark will feature more than 30 slides including one shaped like a sombrero at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico is a 200-acre private destination resort being constructed at the port of Costa Maya, Mexico. It’s set to open in fall 2027. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean) Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico is a 200-acre private destination resort being constructed at the port of Costa Maya, Mexico. It’s set to open in fall 2027. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean) Loco Waterpark will feature more than 30 waterslides including the hydrolaunch slides that shoot riders into the air, adjacent a swim-up bar designed to let spectators enjoy the action. The park is a major feature of Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico, its 200-acre private destination resort being constructed at the port of Costa Maya, Mexico. It’s set to open in fall 2027. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean) The Loco Waterpark will feature more than 30 slides including 10 on the Jaguar’s Peak tower that will rise to more than 170 feet tall, the tallest waterslide tower across North and South America. The waterpark is a central feature of Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico, a 200-acre private destination resort being constructed at the port of Costa Maya, Mexico. It’s set to open in fall 2027. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean) A kid-friendly water play area called Splashaway Bay will be located in the Splash Cove neighborhood of Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico, a 200-acre private destination resort being constructed at the port of Costa Maya, Mexico. It’s set to open in fall 2027. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean) El Hideaway is an adults-only area coming to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico, its 200-acre private destination resort being constructed at the port of Costa Maya, Mexico. It’s set to open in fall 2027. El Hideaway will have a zero-entry pool, swim-up bar, in-pool DJ and the new Ultimate Party Cabana with its own pool and bar for 20 guests. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean) The extra-cost Costa Beach Club will offer private cabanas, an infinity pool and premium dining along with its own beach at

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico, a 200-acre private destination resort being constructed at the port of Costa Maya, Mexico. It’s set to open in fall 2027. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean)