Things To Do In SW Florida

Citizens windstorm insurance for all. Closing loopholes for a “bad-faith” insurance claim. Creation of an insurance advisory council. Requiring mediation before policyholders can sue their insurer.

They are among proposed insurance law changes that will face scrutiny in the Florida Legislature this spring. More are likely to follow with five weeks left before the session’s scheduled March 4 start.

So far, no insurance-related bills have been filed for the special session that’s slated to begin on Monday. Condominium safety is one of the subjects that Gov. DeSantis has said he wants addressed.

The biggest proposed insurance change so far, and likely toughest to get passed, would make state-owned Citizens Property Insurance Corp. the provider of all windstorm insurance sold to homeowners in the state.

First proposed last year, the bill would end Citizen’s status as “the insurer of last resort” that provides multiperil coverage to customers who cannot obtain it affordably from the private market. read more

If you are buying a home or for the first time, it is very important to understand the necessary costs of being a homeowner beyond the down payment and mortgage costs.

You have to understand the costs of home insurance, property taxes, maintenance, utilities, association expenses and other costs you might not anticipate.

Home insurance

When you are looking to buy a house or condo, be sure to obtain actual insurance quotes for properties you are considering. A ballpark estimate of annual insurance cost of insurance is 0.5% of the value of a home. But get actual costs, not an estimate.

Take into consideration whether the area you are considering is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes or wildfires. The annual cost of home insurance in areas prone to natural disasters could be three times, or more than the national average.

You should also consider that in subsequent years, because of inflation, the costs are likely to increase, not decrease.

Maintenance

According to a Zillow and Thumbtacks report of 2023, routine home maintenance averages about $500 per month. If you are purchasing an older home, you should estimate the cost to be higher. These estimates refer to appliance repairs and lawn care. The cost of a new roof, air conditioning, water heaters and the like would be more expensive, so you should take into consideration the age of those items. Many experts recommend estimating a budget of 1% per year to cover large items. You can review real estate websites for additional estimates. read more

PGA of America booth during the PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center, on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
(Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

The PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center, on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
(Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Project Urban Legend at the Madjax booth during the PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center, on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
(Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Cobra 3DP Tour 7 iron club during the PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center, on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
(Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Detail of the inside of a Cobra 3DP Tour 8 iron club during the PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center, on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
(Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

A 3D printer makes keychain versions of Cobra 3DP Tour club heads as souvenirs during the PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center, on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
(Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel) read more

A section of Orange County’s famed International Drive could soon honor the late hotel mogul and philanthropist Harris Rosen.

Two Central Florida state lawmakers have introduced a bill to designate the stretch of the tourist corridor between State Road 528 and Sand Lake Road as “Harris Rosen Way.” This portion of I-Drive includes several Rosen hotels.

Rosen, the founder of Florida’s largest independent hotel chain and one of Orlando’s most prominent charitable donors, died Nov. 25 at the age of 85.

“Mr. Rosen was a remarkable role model for the Central Florida community,” state Sen. Kristen Arrington, D-Kissimmee, one of the bill’s sponsors, said in a statement. “Through his dedication and unwavering work ethic, he embodied the pursuit of the American Dream, inspiring others along the way.”

The tribute is a way to “carry on his remarkable legacy,” said state Rep. Rita Harris, D-Orlando, who sponsored the bill in the Florida House.

Legislative designations are for honorary purposes and do not require local governments and private entities to change street signs or mailing addresses, according to state law. The Florida Department of Transportation would erect markers, attaching Rosen’s name to I-Drive. read more

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa cut the ribbon on a new gaming area with 350 slot machines Thursday on the same day that the gambling destination reopened the Fresh Harvest Buffet.

These upgrades are complemented by a complete renovation of the hotel’s West Tower, a project comprised of 240 smoke-free rooms.

All of these improvements totaled $65 million and came from guest demand, said Steve Bonner, president of the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. In reopening the buffet and unveiling the new slot area, these projects happened in a quick eight-week time span.

“I couldn’t go anywhere in Tampa Bay without someone asking me about the buffet. ‘When’s the buffet opening?’ they asked. It’s open,” he said during an interview in the new slot area. “Seven weeks ago, they were serving pizza right where we’re standing, and the buffet hadn’t been open for four years.”

The latest expansion follows a massive $700 million project in 2019 that included the new 14-story East Tower with 562 hotel rooms, three pools, a spa and salon, a huge casino expansion and the addition of Elvis Presley’s iconic 24-karat gold leaf plated 1928 Kimball grand piano to the lobby. read more