Things To Do In SW Florida

Florida gas prices climbed up and then backed off in Florida since last week, but still ended up 8 cents higher, according to data from AAA.

Florida’s state average for gas prices was $3.04 per gallon, according a report that took in statewide prices through Sunday.

The state average had gone up by 18 cents per gallon early in the week before falling by Sunday.

The price was still 10 cents less than prices one month earlier and 7 cents than a year ago.

“Since the fuel market has been stable, retailers are constantly adjusting prices to attract customers,” said spokesman Mark Jenkins.

The most expensive metro markets are West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3.22), Naples ($3.12) and Gainesville ($3.10).

The least expensive metro markets are Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($2.80), Pensacola ($2.80) and Panama City ($2.85).

By Brian Baker, CFA, Bankrate.com

When their working days eventually come to an end, many retirees will think about the best place to spend their golden years. Not all states treat retirement income — such as pension payouts or distributions from 401(k) plans and IRAs — the same way, which makes state and local taxes a key consideration for anyone expecting to be on a fixed income during this time.

Here’s what you need to know about how different states tax retirement income, including the states where you won’t pay taxes at all.

States with no income tax

Retirement distributions from 401(k) plans or IRAs are considered income for tax purposes.

Fortunately, there are several places with no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming

New Hampshire previously taxed interest and dividend payments, but that tax has been repealed starting with the 2025 tax year.

Washington does have a capital gains tax, though there are exemptions and deductions that may eliminate or lower the amount that is owed. read more

By James Royal, Ph.D., Bankrate.com

Congress has shaken up retirement plans once again, and the changes benefit a wide swath of Americans saving for their golden years through IRAs or employer plans such as 401(k)s.

The SECURE Act 2.0 became law in the last days of 2022, and the new rules provide assistance for retirement savers, small businesses and many others. In fact, the changes are so wide that many of them didn’t officially begin until 2024 or later. The law is a sweeping follow-up to 2019’s SECURE Act, which itself shook up retirement funding and planning.

It’s worth noting that while the new law permits the following features, in many cases employers have to set up their retirement plans such as 401(k)s to actually enable those features. So you’ll want to check with your employer to see if they offer the new features and when.

Here are ten of the most important changes in the SECURE Act 2.0 and what you need to know.

1. The age for required minimum distributions rises

The SECURE Act 2.0 changes the age for when savers must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement plans, not once but twice. The age to start taking RMDs has now become 73, as of 2023, up from age 72. Then starting on Jan. 1, 2033, the age for beginning to take RMDs jumps to 75. The law applies to 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans and IRAs, among others. read more

Epic Universe visitors loomed at the theme park Saturday afternoon in anticipation of the Stardust Racers roller coaster reopening.

It would be the first day the thrill ride has been available to the public since a man died Sept. 17 after riding it.

Universal Orlando Resort announced the move Friday afternoon, saying it had worked with local and state officials to observe testing of the attraction. The ride system’s manufacturer and a coaster engineering expert did their own examinations that validated Universal’s findings, the company said.

Saturday morning, both sides of the dueling coaster were put through their paces — sometimes empty, sometimes with Universal employees on board. Epic workers told passers-by that it was hoped the ride would be available by late afternoon or early evening.

Guests were finally allowed to line up at 6 p.m., but a fire alarm at the park delayed proceedings again. At 6:45 p.m. the first full trains of the day launched. The park was scheduled to close at 10 p.m. read more

By Linda Bell, Bankrate.com

The Federal Reserve just did something it hadn’t yet done in 2025: It lowered its benchmark overnight lending rate.

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While the markets largely expected September’s quarter-point rate cut, it does mark the beginning of a potential easing cycle after months of holding rates steady. That matters for homeowners because the Fed’s decisions ripple through to home equity loan and HELOC rates, shaping how expensive (or affordable) it is to tap into the value of your home.

The natural questions now are: How much rate relief can home equity borrowers actually expect? And how might that impact the appetite for borrowing? read more