Things To Do In SW Florida

By DEE-ANN DURBIN

Kraft Heinz lowered its full-year sales and earnings guidance Tuesday, citing weaker customer spending in the U.S. and the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Related Articles

• 
  Volcano Bay says ta-ta to TapuTapu, sets temporary closure for 2026

• 
  Starbucks’ new drive-thru in Texas is the coffee giant’s first 3D printed store in the US

• 
  Universal expands Epic Universe previews to general public

• 
  How to avoid credit card late fees after a court threw out a proposed cap

• 
  Coca-Cola reports better-than-expected quarterly profit, says it can manage through tariffs

It’s the latest big food company to sound the alarm over trade tensions and weak consumer demand. Last week, PepsiCo lowered its full-year earnings forecast, also citing tariffs. And earlier Tuesday, Coca-Cola noted a pullback in U.S. consumer spending due to economic uncertainty.

Kraft Heinz acknowledged that it’s in a tough spot. It needs to keep prices low to prevent consumers from migrating to cheaper store brands of products like ketchup, mayonnaise and macaroni and cheese. But tariffs – which impact imported ingredients like coffee – will add to its expenses. read more

By JAMIE STENGLE

There’s a new pour from Starbucks: Its first 3D printed store in the U.S.

Related Articles

• 
  Pastor calls for ‘full Target boycott’ over concerns about diversity, equity, inclusion

• 
  Secondhand stores are poised to benefit if US tariffs drive up new clothing costs

• 
  Tariffs pose dilemma for Florida’s tourist-oriented retailers: Raise prices or hold ’em?

• 
  429,000 portable chargers are under recall after some consumers report fires, minor burn injuries

• 
  China-founded e-commerce sites Temu and Shein say they’re raising prices due to tariffs

The Seattle-based coffee giant with more than 17,000 locations nationwide has never had a store quite like the one opening this week in the Texas city of Brownsville, along the U.S.-Mexico border, where a computer-controlled robotic arm did much of the work by pouring one layer of concrete atop another.

The location — which is drive-thru only — is set to open Friday and makes Starbucks one of the nation’s few big retailers that have tinkered with 3D printing for commercial construction. Builders have mostly used the technology in residential construction as they look to innovate to tackle an affordable housing crisis. read more

Universal Orlando has expanded its previews for Epic Universe theme park to the general public.  Tickets are now for sale for dates through May 19.

Previously, the official peeks at the attractions have been limited primarily to Universal employees, their invited guests, Universal Orlando hotel guests and the resort’s annual passholders ahead of Epic’s grand opening on May 22.

Epic continues to put “the final touches in place and rehearsing, so some attractions and experiences may not be available,” Universal’s website advises. There are a limited — although unspecified — number of preview tickets available.  Preview date prices vary with the date, ranging from $144 to $154 per day.

Universal also is selling multiday tickets that include a visit to Epic.  For tickets or more information, go to universalorlando.com.

SeaWorld’s parent company aims to fill 5,000 jobs in U.S. parks

Epic Universe includes themed lands named Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe (featuring classic monsters) and Celestial Park, a star-driven introductory land with restaurants, retail and a few rides.  The theme park has 11 rides, including four roller coasters, and two stage shows in its lineup. read more

By CORA LEWIS

NEW YORK (AP) — A Texas judge earlier this month threw out a federal rule that would have capped credit card late fees at $8.

Related Articles

• 
  Volcano Bay says ta-ta to TapuTapu, sets temporary closure for 2026

• 
  Kraft Heinz lowers sales outlook for the year, weighed down by consumer uncertainty and tariffs

• 
  Starbucks’ new drive-thru in Texas is the coffee giant’s first 3D printed store in the US

• 
  Universal expands Epic Universe previews to general public

• 
  Coca-Cola reports better-than-expected quarterly profit, says it can manage through tariffs

The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau finalized the rule last year as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to do away with what it called junk fees. It was paused by the courts before it could take effect.

At the time, the CFPB estimated that American families would have saved more than $10 billion in late fees annually had the fees been capped at $8, significantly less than the $32 average. read more

By DEE-ANN DURBIN

Coca-Cola reported better-than-expected earnings in the first quarter and said the impact of tariffs on its business are likely to be “manageable.”

Related Articles

• 
  Volcano Bay says ta-ta to TapuTapu, sets temporary closure for 2026

• 
  Kraft Heinz lowers sales outlook for the year, weighed down by consumer uncertainty and tariffs

• 
  Starbucks’ new drive-thru in Texas is the coffee giant’s first 3D printed store in the US

• 
  Universal expands Epic Universe previews to general public

• 
  How to avoid credit card late fees after a court threw out a proposed cap

Coke and other beverage makers are facing a 25% tariff on the aluminum they use for cans, among other items. Last week, rival PepsiCo lowered its full-year earnings expectations due to the impact of tariffs.

“Based on what we know today, the dynamic tariff landscape could impact pockets of our system’s cost structure, as well as consumer sentiment in our markets,” Coke Chief Financial Officer John Murphy said Tuesday in a conference call with investors. read more