Things To Do In SW Florida

By KEN SWEET and CORA LEWIS

NEW YORK (AP) — Rent can eat up an entire paycheck at the start of the month, so a growing number of renters are turning to a financial product that promises relief by letting them split the bill — for a price.

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So-called “rent now, pay later” services have emerged over the past few years as housing costs climb and paychecks grow less predictable, particularly for lower-income and gig-economy workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, rents have jumped nearly 28% in past five years.

Companies such as Flex, Livble and, more recently, Affirm, say breaking rent into multiple payments can help renters manage cash flow. But consumer advocates warn the products typically function like short-term loans, layering fees onto already strained budgets and, in some cases, carrying triple-digit effective interest rates — raising questions about whether they ease financial pressure or deepen it. read more

Orange County commissioners are expected to discuss Tuesday a revised contract with destination-marketing agency Visit Orlando that addresses a scathing July audit of its use of taxpayer money — but not everyone is certain the revisions will do the trick.

An amended pact was yanked from the commission agenda last month after some commissioners protested they hadn’t had sufficient time to look over the proposed changes hammered out by county staff and Visit Orlando, which primarily operates on tourist-tax revenue.

Since then, the proposed revisions have been revised some more.

But Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad protested again last week — noting that as of Thursday she hadn’t seen a final draft. She sent an email to County Administrator Byron Brooks asking to delay the discussion, which he mostly rebuffed.

The tension underscores the high stakes surrounding the Visit Orlando contract, which funnels a staggering $100 million annually to the agency to promote Central Florida’s tourism industry. read more

Longtime developer Gary Hasson is working to breathe new life into a Winter Garden property that for decades played an important role in one of the largest citrus operations in the county.

Hasson, owner of Crown Property Holdings, is transforming 3.7 acres consisting of 1061, 1063 and 1065 Tildenville School Road — and its five existing buildings — into a mixed-use development with entertainment, office, retail, restaurant and meeting space called the Old Packing House. He bought the land in May 2018 for about $2.1 million.

“When I saw this building, I saw immediately this was going to be an amazing market and mixed-use development,” he told GrowthSpotter. “And I also wanted to have a great family-oriented space and I wanted to keep the historical significance of the old packing house.

“I come from Orange County, California, and my family was in the citrus industry over in California, so I was very familiar with the citrus industry and always had very fond memories of it.”

The packing house was built in 1909 and used by the South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers Association. The organization was a collective of farmers attracted to fertile land near the shores of Lake Apopka. At one point, the group oversaw the largest citrus operation in Orange County, but in the early 1990s processing at the facility was phased out. read more

While Royal Caribbean ships can be seen in Nassau almost daily, the company has a new land-based offering aimed at increasing the port’s desirability and attracting new guests.

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened to cruise passengers in late December, giving guests an all-inclusive shore excursion with 17 acres of pristine oceanfront property to enjoy. A day pass, which has dynamic pricing, allows visitors to access two beaches and three pools, unlimited food, Wi-Fi, towels and roundtrip transportation. The more expensive pass includes alcohol.

With three “neighborhoods” — Family Beach, Chill Beach and Party Cove — the beach club aims to have something for everyone.

“With any port of call, people ask, ‘What’s something good to do there that’s safe, and fun, that my kids and parents will like?’” said Matt Hochberg, the owner and editor of Royal Caribbean Blog. “It’s basically the easy button for Nassau, and I love that.”

Enhancing guest satisfaction

The product gives guests something new to explore in Nassau, said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean’s chief product innovation officer. read more

The 7,500 s’mores toasted at fire pits in front of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts this winter might not be the most consequential statistic from the inaugural Frontyard Holiday Festival.

But as an indicator of the fest’s popularity with the public, those sweet and gooey treats hit the spot. The marshmallows will be melting again this December.

“The community can expect the Holiday Festival to return with even more opportunities to gather, celebrate and experience the arts in new ways,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of the downtown Orlando arts center. “We are continuing to find ways to expand the festival due to the positive reaction and need of our community.”

New outdoor music spot in downtown Orlando moves forward

That “positive reaction” manifested itself through 154,333 visitors to the outdoor extravaganza that ran Dec. 4-Jan. 4. Among its attractions: Live performances by 87 artists, family-friendly games, nightly “snowfall,” visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and an array of food stands, bars and boutiques. read more