Things To Do In SW Florida

By DAVID KOENIG (AP Airlines Writer)

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines is studying changes to its quirky boarding and seating policies as it searches for ways to raise more revenue.

Airline officials say they are studying possible changes but won’t have anything to announce until September. That tease is leading to speculation about whether Southwest might ditch some longstanding traditions, including the practice of passengers picking their own seats only after they board a plane.

CEO Robert Jordan says he is proud of Southwest’s “product,” but it was developed when flights weren’t as full as they are today, and customers’ preferences change over time, prompting the “deep dive” into “transformational options” in boarding and seating.

“Early indications, both for our customers and for Southwest, look pretty darn interesting,” he told analysts and reporters Thursday.

Every other major U.S. airline sells first- or business-class seats with more room and amenities. They assign seats long before passengers arrive at the airport. And increasingly, they charge extra if economy-class passengers want to pick a particular seat, such as one in an exit row or near the front of the cabin. read more

In a recent column for InvestmentNews, IRA expert Ed Slott highlighted the potential problems of holding alternative assets in IRA accounts. He explained that, in a recent case involving the estate of the late actor James Caan, several mistakes were made, resulting in approximately $1 million lost in taxes and penalties.

The primary issue stemmed from the nature of assets within the IRA account. Caan had multiple IRA accounts, one of which contained hedge funds. Custodians must report the year-end valuation for all IRA accounts. However, valuing illiquid alternative assets within these accounts poses challenges. This is particularly problematic when a required minimum distribution (RMD) necessitates a year-end value.

In Caan’s case, the custodian was unable to report to the IRS the year-end value of the IRA account with hedge fund assets. In addition, the financial adviser Caan was using left the firm that was holding Caan’s IRAs, and convinced Caan to transfer some of his holdings to a new financial institution. However, because of the valuation problem, that account was not transferred to the new financial firm. read more

Celebrity Cruises made its first trip to sister cruise line Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamas island CocoCay this week.

The popular destination is rife with bells and whistles that cater to the adventuresome set that frequent Royal Caribbean ships, but the island is filled with tastes for all, including a new adults-only beachfront area called Hideaway Beach.

Celebrity Reflection was the first ship to visit on April 22 followed by Celebrity Beyond on April 23, both part of five-night western Caribbean sailings departing from Port Everglades, part of new shorter itineraries being offered by the premium cruise brand. Sailings also visit Bimini, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Key West.

“Guest feedback inspired the new shorter Caribbean itineraries, designed to offer year-round opportunities to unwind with loved ones,” said Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge in a press release. “Introducing Perfect Day at CocoCay presents new experiences for Celebrity guests seeking quick beach getaway escapes close to home.” read more

By Melissa Lambarena | NerdWallet

Taking that much needed vacation while on a debt payoff journey may seem impossible, but it doesn’t have to be. By planning a vacation that suits your budget and keeps goals on track, you can transport yourself somewhere new and recharge.

Lawsuits against property insurers declined significantly through the first quarter of 2024 and that’s fueling market confidence that’s beginning to stabilize homeowner insurance rates in Florida, the state’s chief financial officer said.

Homeowners say they haven’t seen rates ease yet, but officials at a roundtable insurance discussion held by CFO Jimmy Patronis in Sarasota on Thursday urged further patience, saying rate increases are slowing as a result of increased competition from new carriers entering the market.

The roundtable featured the state’s top insurance officials, elected officials from Southwest Florida, leaders of business organizations and area policyholders.

Patronis said that lawsuits were down more than 20% “over the last quarter,” but a spokesman for the CFO later presented figures showing that lawsuits as reported to the Department of Financial Services’ Legal Service of Process database declined by 20.4% between the first quarter of 2021 — prior to the Legislature’s enactment of insurance reforms — and the first quarter of 2024. The spokesman said he knew that figure was what Patronis was referencing. read more