Tag: Florida
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A recent WalletHub study has declared Florida the best state for retirement in 2025, citing its favorable tax environment for retirees. Despite a higher cost of living, Florida offers no estate, inheritance, or income taxes, making it an attractive place for those in retirement. “Retirement should be a time for relaxation, not financial stress, especially…
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Experts from the University of South Florida predict that 2025 will be a “major” year for Sargassum seaweed, which forms dense mats that often inundate Florida’s shores. These researchers monitor Sargassum levels and publish monthly updates on bloom locations. They reported that the quantity of Sargassum in the tropical Atlantic saw a significant increase in…
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If you’ve received text messages claiming you need to make an urgent payment to SunPass, you’re not alone. These fraudulent messages, part of a recurring scam, seem to be increasingly common. Thousands of SunPass users have reported receiving these texts, but the organization emphasizes that it never requests payments via text or demands immediate action…
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded more than $800 million to Pinellas County for long-term hurricane recovery efforts. This federal grant is aimed at enhancing prolonged hurricane resilience and addressing the unmet needs of residents. St. Petersburg, within Pinellas County, was also granted $159.9 million, making it the only city…
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Signs are already on the horizon and pointing to an unsettling reality. As unpleasant as it may be to think about, Tampa Bay residents are indeed facing the prospect of higher auto and homeowners insurance rates in 2025 due to the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why auto insurance…
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A new collaboration aims to enhance Florida’s ecosystem. Duke Energy has joined forces with the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida (CCA Florida), unveiling their new Mariculture Center in Crystal River on Thursday morning. The two organizations have committed to a four-year partnership to support environmental restoration efforts. The marine farming facility focuses on bolstering Florida’s…
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A workshop held Tuesday by the Sarasota County Commission marked the beginning of a series of discussions and meetings planned for 2025. These events aim to review and potentially revamp the county’s $27 million stormwater department and its policies. Key concerns include the buildup of sediment in Phillippi Creek, which some residents believe should be…
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A camera set up by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently recorded an extraordinary sight: a bobcat carrying a small alligator in its jaws. While bobcats are known to prey on smaller gators, this is the first time such behavior has been documented on video by the FWC. The footage, captured in…
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It’s an unusual snow day in Florida, the famous Sunshine State, where a new snowfall record has been officially established. Wednesday morning saw North Florida blanketed in snow, with Milton recording an astounding 9.8 inches. This beats the previous Panhandle record of four inches, set back in 1993. Temperatures dipped into the upper 20s in…
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The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan statistical area (MSA) dropped 19 spots in Zillow’s 2025 hottest market forecast. A hot real estate market, or buyer’s market, is when buyers have more negotiating power, while a cold market does the opposite. In 2024, Zillow ranked the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA as the 10th hottest housing market among the 50…
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As California battles devastating wildfires, Hillsborough County is taking preventive action through an extensive prescribed burn program that manages approximately 6,000 acres annually. The initiative is particularly crucial this year, with recent hurricanes leaving behind substantial vegetation that could fuel potential wildfires. “If a wildfire encounters an area we’ve just burned, it naturally extinguishes due…
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As Florida celebrates Arbor Day on Friday, Duke Energy is taking proactive steps to prepare for hurricane season by trimming trees near power lines. The utility is also giving away 1,000 trees to emphasize the importance of planting “the right tree in the right place” to maintain reliable power. Duke Energy customers may have noticed…
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Next week, parts of the Florida Panhandle might experience snow and ice, followed by extremely cold temperatures, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Meteorologists are tracking a winter weather threat that could bring a “wintry mix” to north Florida, followed by a polar vortex blast of cold air. NWS forecasters in Mobile posted on…
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While many Florida homeowners, like Barbara Leon of Apopka, continue to face rising insurance premiums, state officials are reporting signs of improvement in the property insurance market. Leon, who has lived in her home for nearly 40 years, reflects on the dramatic rise in costs. “I remember when the rates were low,” Leon said. “I…
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Monday plans for a special legislative session to begin January 27, focusing on hurricane recovery efforts and other policy priorities. Key Agenda Items The special session will address multiple issues: Hurricane Recovery Condominium Reform Education Policy “We don’t have the ability to just sit around and wait with a new…
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In October, home prices in Florida saw a nearly 1 percent increase compared to the same month last year, as revealed by a recent home price index. The cost of purchasing a house is anticipated to peak in early 2025 before beginning to slow down, according to the new CoreLogic Home Price Index analysis released…
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Kohl’s announced on Friday it will shut down 27 underperforming retail stores across 15 states by April. This decision affects only a small portion of their 1,150 stores as the chain, based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, struggles with 11 consecutive quarters of declining sales. Ashley Buchanan, a retail veteran and CEO of Michaels, is due…
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Concern is rising among various agencies regarding the population surge of the invasive Asian swamp eel in Florida. The University of Florida, in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies, is urging the public to report any sightings of this invasive species. Scientifically named “Monopterus albus,” the Asian…
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Parents with young children may soon have more flexibility throughout the day. Florida state senator Lori Berman has introduced new legislation to extend voluntary Pre-K programs from four hours a day to eight. Currently, parents must pick up their children after four hours or pay for the second half of the day. “Right now, if…
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It’s not just Florida. Hurricane Helene inflicted widespread damage across other states. North Carolina was hit hard in particular. Some communities in the Tar Heel State. Much like the Sunshine State, the southern territory suffered enormous losses. Sebastian Sarellano Paez was eating Cheerios when the floodwaters began rising around his family’s Swannanoa home. The 17-year-old…
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Florida, along with 18 other states, has passed legislation in recent years to adopt permanent daylight saving time, but federal approval is required for such a change. The annual ritual of adjusting clocks for daylight saving time occurs in November and March, often met with frustration from many Americans. According to the National Conference of…
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This week, a major Florida citrus grower announced it will discontinue its citrus operations, highlighting the challenges faced by the state’s iconic crops due to hurricanes and tree diseases. Alico Inc. revealed on Monday that it plans to wind down its citrus operations after harvesting the current crop later this year. Approximately 3,400 acres (1,376…
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Robocalls aren’t just an annoyance; they’re costing Americans billions every year through fraud and more. Florida is at the center of this issue, with St. Petersburg standing out as one of the most impacted cities in the country, according to a 2024 study by NumberBarn, a phone number management company. Florida’s Robocall Problem In 2024,…
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The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail boasts a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Kent Cleveland, the Chief Park Ranger, describes life on the trail as anything but routine. The trail is part of the larger Pinellas Trail Loop, stretching 75 miles throughout Pinellas County. “Our main duties as park rangers are…
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As Florida enters the new year, a significant issue on the legislative agenda is the potential elimination of high school exit exams. Florida is among just six states that still mandate these exams, and there’s growing criticism from educators who argue that they are ineffective and can hinder students’ education and graduation. “Our exit exams…
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The state of Florida is defending itself in a lawsuit over House Bill 3, a new law aimed at preventing minors from accessing harmful online content. Championed by Republican State Representative Chase Tramont of District 3, the legislation empowers the Florida Attorney General to impose civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation on websites…
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Florida children ages 5 and under can get free admission to theme parks SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and their water parks (Aquatica Orlando and Adventure Island) throughout 2025. Key details: Parents must register online for the Preschool Card for their preferred park locations: Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google,…
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The deadline to apply for FEMA aid is fast approaching. Applications for assistance from hurricanes Helene and Milton are due by Tuesday, January 7. FEMA representatives have been assisting residents for months. According to FEMA representative Belinda Borrero, Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) offer personalized assistance. “Since we have so many survivors, that’s why we have…
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After years of housing shortages across the U.S., the inventory is finally increasing. However, the underlying reasons for this rise paint a less optimistic picture for the real estate market’s future momentum. According to a recent report by Redfin, the number of homes for sale reached a four-year high in November, marking a 12.1% increase…
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The forecasted temperature drop might be an inconvenience for some, but it’s a recipe for disaster for an entire industry right here in Florida. A slight drop below 28°F for just a few hours can cause significant damage to citrus, leading growers to consider emergency harvesting. In the Tampa Bay area, including Dade City, citrus…
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Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers are using January to remind drivers that moving over for disabled vehicles isn’t just a courtesy—it’s the law. What Is Florida’s Move Over Law? The Move Over Law, first enacted in 1971, requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles. Over the years, it has been expanded to improve…
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According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2024 saw the highest number of Florida panther deaths in eight years, with a total of 36 panthers killed, surpassing the 42 deaths recorded in 2016. The year’s final reported death was a 2-year-old male struck by a vehicle in Lee County on December 26, marking…
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Red tide, originating from naturally occurring ocean organisms, can be exacerbated by human activities. Although Lake Okeechobee is far from Sarasota, the release of its freshwater to manage flood risks can intensify red tide blooms along the Sarasota coast, about 100 miles away. A study published in The Florida Scientist highlights how nitrogen-rich water from…
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A captain is offering his sailboat for $1 after it washed ashore during rough waters off Florida’s east coast. Allan Askar, headed from St. Augustine to the Dominican Republic, had to anchor the boat after 16 hours to rest, but it ended up washing ashore on New Smyrna Beach. Now, Askar has listed his 1977…
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Florida’s Department of Emergency Management has introduced an innovative artificial intelligence alert system called Beacon just in time for the upcoming hurricane season. Communication is crucial before, during, and after storms, and this system is designed to keep the public informed even when traditional power sources fail. Florida is now home to a pioneering alert…
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According to the Labor Department’s latest Consumer Price Index report, surging automobile insurance costs in Florida and elsewhere contributed to November’s annual inflation rate of 2.73%. Together, insurance for autos, homes, and medical care accounted for 15% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index, with double-digit increases in auto premiums being a major factor,…
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In a striking new video released by FOX 13 News Tampa, viewers can now witness the full scope of the damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton across the Tampa Bay area from an aerial perspective. The footage, captured by Tampa police helicopters, showcases significant flooding and structural impacts in neighborhoods like Shore Acres and…
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In 2024, there was a significant rise in store closures nationwide, with many brands deciding to shut down physical locations, particularly in Florida. According to retail data provider CoreSight, there’s been a 24% increase in store closures compared to the previous year, influenced by the move towards online shopping, inflation, and company bankruptcies. Here’s a…
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As the holiday season winds down, knowing the 2024 gift return policies for popular retailers like Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Amazon can help you easily navigate post-Christmas exchanges and returns. Whether it’s clothing in the wrong size or tools that don’t quite fit your needs, holiday gift returns are often unavoidable. Thankfully, many…
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Nearly a million condo owners in Florida face a significant deadline at the end of the year. A 2022 law mandates most condominium associations to submit inspection reports for their buildings and collect funds from owners to pay for necessary repairs. These new regulations, while stirring controversy, aim to address long-standing issues of building safety…
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A new system to improve the way Floridians are alerted to natural disasters – such as hurricanes – was launched today. Known as BEACON, this innovative technology delivers safety alerts and emergency information from official government sources directly to the public in their native languages. BEACON utilizes data from state agencies and emergency managers to…
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The Florida Department of Lottery has taken decisive action against an unauthorized third-party operation selling Florida Lottery tickets on the internet. Per a Florida Lottery press release, an online courier service called “The Lotter” was found selling lottery tickets in partnership with the retailer “ZaZa Accessories.” “The Florida Lottery actively closes down rogue operators who…
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The combined impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has inflicted an estimated $136 million in damages across Pinellas County, according to local officials. This figure is expected to rise as detailed assessments continue. More than two months after the devastating storms, thousands of residents remain displaced, awaiting final damage evaluations and approval for rebuilding. Pinellas…
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The Florida Division of Emergency Management or FDEM proudly introduces Florida’s inaugural Statewide Residential Mitigation Program, Elevate Florida. This initiative aims to bolster community resilience by protecting private residences from natural hazards. Eligible Project Types The following project types are eligible under the Statewide Residential Mitigation Program: Next Steps Details on how and when to…
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