Things To Do In SW Florida

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and PAUL WISEMAN, AP Economics Writers

A lawyer for Lisa Cook on Friday urged a U.S. judge to let the Federal Reserve governor keep her job while she fights President Donald Trump’s attempt to fire her in a stunning assault on the central bank’s independence.

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The case in the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. could provide Trump with expansive power over the Fed, which has traditionally been shielded from political pressure as it makes tough, complicated decisions about whether to raise interest rates to fight inflation or lower them to encourage hiring and economic growth. read more

The latest concept for redeveloping Orlando Fashion Square Mall calls for even more apartments, less retail, and potentially the biggest gym in Central Florida.

Macy’s would get smaller, and Whole Foods might come in. But the biggest question about the distressed retail center remains: When is anything going to happen?

New Jersey-based M&M Realty Partners, the developer selected by mall owner Bancorp, revealed a new conceptual plan this week during a shopping center industry event, ICSC@Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center, according to a report in GrowthSpotter. M & M Realty is a joint venture led by Edgewood Properties founder Jack Morris and JMP Holdings President Joe Marino. They were tapped by the bank in 2021 to redevelop the mall.

The new M&M concept deviates from the framework master plan approved by the City of Orlando in 2021. Created by Baker Barrios, it called for 1,400 residential units spread over four phases, plus 177,000 square feet of new retail uses and a 120-room hotel. read more

By ALEX VEIGA, AP Business Writer

Wall Street notched more milestones Thursday after gains in technology stocks helped push the market to another all-time high.

The S&P 500 rose 0.3%, lifting the benchmark index to its second record high in a row. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reversed an early slide and gained 0.2%, enough to move past its record high set last Friday.

The Nasdaq composite closed 0.5% higher, finishing just short of its all-time high set two weeks ago.

About 55% of the companies in the benchmark S&P 500 closed lower, but gains in the technology and communication services sectors offset losses elsewhere in the market. Broadcom rose 2.8%, Amazon added 1.1% and Google parent Alphabet finished 2% higher.

“We’re seeing a continuation of a theme that has been in place really all year long, and that is communication services, information technology, really the areas that are surrounding this incredible capital expenditure cycle, have been the primary beneficiaries,” said Bill Northey, senior investment director at U.S. Bank Asset Management. read more

Boards of directors

Rick Cardenas, president and chief executive officer of Darden Restaurants, was appointed to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts board of directors.

Joseph Conte, co-founder of Consulate Health Care, was appointed to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts board of directors.

Ryan DeVos, managing director of the Orlando Magic, was appointed to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts board of directors.

Ted Edwards, founder of Law Office of Ted B. Edwards, P.A., was appointed to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts board of directors.

Leila Jammal, an executive vice president of NV5 Global Inc., was appointed to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts board of directors.

Tony Jenkins, market president for Florida Blue in Central Florida, was appointed to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts board of directors.

Marc McMurrin, president and chief executive officer of the Ginsburg Family Foundation, was appointed to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts board of directors. read more

Q: I am 67 and have not applied for my Social Security benefit yet. My wife applied for her benefit at age 70. I am not sure that waiting until 70 is best for me and my wife. I want to make sure that waiting until 70 is best, taking into consideration my benefit and potential spousal and survivor benefits.

A. Good question. First, let’s review the increase in benefit you are entitled to if you wait until age 70 to file. After you reach your full retirement age (FRA), you can postpone filing for your Social Security benefit until age 70. You can change your mind any time you choose, from your FRA to age 70. By postponing applying for your benefit, you are increasing the amount by 8% per year until age 70. There is no advantage in postponing applying after 70.

If you are healthy and expect a long life, then postponing your benefit can be a good choice. Basically, when you make the decision to postpone applying for a benefit, you are making the assumption that the additional income you will receive after 70, will outweigh the income you could have received if you applied for your benefit at your FRA. read more