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☆ Finally, a Way Around Exorbitant Rental Car Surcharges for Tolls
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-23 | by ( Elaine Glusac | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Tolls have long been the curse of rental car drivers, who often find their final bills inflated by per-day charges for access to automated toll payment devices provided by rental car companies. Now one toll authority in Florida aims to eliminate rental car sticker shock. The program — which the toll authority says is the first of its kind in the nation — aims to ensure that a traveler’s last memory of a trip to Orlando is not being gouged by fees for a rental car transponder. Usage fees often go to third-party contractors that handle toll payments for rental car companies. “Our governing board is made up of local elected officials and they were getting calls and emails.

Persons: we’re, ”, Michelle Maikisch, Ms, Maikisch Organizations: Central Florida Expressway Authority, Orlando International Airport, Central Florida Expressway, “ Locations: Florida, Orlando

☆ Meet the retirees driving for Uber and Lyft because Social Security isn't enough
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-10 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

AdvertisementSome recently started driving for Uber and Lyft to earn extra income and have something to do. AdvertisementHaving something to do in retirementSome drivers like Glenn Mueller, 75, said Uber driving gives him something to do in his retirement. Others like Bob Milosavljević, 72, rely on driving income to supplement his Social Security income. Now, Petrie, who lives in Anderson, South Carolina, said he gets $1,780 in Social Security, which isn't enough to cover all his expenses. He retired 11 years ago in Southwest Florida and started driving for Uber and Lyft in 2017 to supplement his Social Security.

Persons: George Conner, Uber, they're, they'll, Lyft, Glenn Mueller, Mueller, Bob Milosavljević, Milosavljević, hasn't, That's, David Petrie, Petrie, Steve Wilkie, —, Wilkie, Marilyn Cassidy, she's, Cassidy, Susan Harward, Harward Organizations: Service, Social Security, Business, BI, Security, Fort Myers Locations: Florida, Naples , Florida, Boston, Anderson , South Carolina, Southwest Florida, Miami, Fort, Myrtle Beach , South Carolina, Salt Lake City

☆ Is election stress affecting your sexual health? An expert explains
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-09 | by ( Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Chronic stress can also lead to other health issues that indirectly affect sexual health, such as cardiovascular problems, sleep disorders and mental health issues. All these factors combined can create a cycle in which stress has a negative impact on sexual health, leading to further stress and health complications. Erectile dysfunction and anxietyAnxiety is another common byproduct of election stress. How to get election stress out of your sex lifeTo manage election stress and maintain sexual health, it’s essential to engage in relaxing activities. Even when you’ve done all you can do, know that election stress is real and can have surprising effects on your sexual health.

Persons: Jamin, you’ve Organizations: Orlando Health, University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine, CNN, Pew Research Center, International

☆ These employees moved across the country for work, then Disney canceled the project. Now they’re suing.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Two employees are suing the Walt Disney Company, saying the company moved their jobs from California to Florida, only for Disney to cancel the project and move them back, hurting them financially and emotionally. But in May 2023, after CEO Bob Iger returned, the company canceled the $1 billion Lake Nona office complex amid a legal and political battle with Republican Gov. The plaintiffs, Maria De La Cruz and George Fong, both work for Disney’s product design division. The complaint alleges that Disney misrepresented and concealed its true plans for the Lake Nona project, hurting – financially and otherwise – at least 250 employees who had made the move from California to Florida. De La Cruz, Mr. Fong and many others dutifully moved to Florida because they love their jobs, they love the people they work with, and they love Disney,” Attorney Jason Lohr said.

Persons: They’re, Bob Chapek, Bob Iger, Ron DeSantis, Maria De La Cruz, George Fong, De La Cruz, Fong, Lohr Ripamonti, Disney, –, Disney “, De, Ms, Jason Lohr Organizations: CNN, Walt Disney Company, Disney, Republican Gov, Lohr, Superior Court of, Lake, Florida Locations: California, Florida, Nona, Superior Court of Los Angeles, De La, Southern California, Central Florida

☆ DeSantis tourism board approves $17 billion development deal with Disney that could pave the way for a 5th theme park
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-13 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewCentral Florida's tourism district unanimously approved a $17 billion development deal with Disney that could mean a new era for the company's profitable theme parks. Members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's board of supervisors pushed through the landmark deal on Wednesday evening during a meeting at its Lake Buena Vista headquarters. "This agreement is a big win for central Florida and will lead to numerous jobs and improved guest experiences." It will also permit Disney to build a fifth major theme park and two minor theme parks — something Disney fans have fantasized about for years. The development deal also authorizes Disney to add more rooms to its Central Florida hotel and expand its retail and restaurant space.

Persons: —, Ron DeSantis, Joe Burbank, Brian Aungst, Charbel Barakat, DeSantis, Bryan Griffin, Disney hasn't, George Miliotes Organizations: Service, Disney, Central, Central Florida Tourism, Business, Florida Gov, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Getty, Walt Disney, Communications, Wine Bar Locations: Central Florida, Buena Vista, Disney, Florida, Disney Springs

☆ Disney and DeSantis Reach Agreement, Ending Protracted Fight
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Brooks Barnes | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida have finally ended their feud, clearing the way for $17 billion in planned development at Walt Disney World near Orlando. On Wednesday night, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District — an entity that Mr. DeSantis took over in 2022, ending 55 years of Disney control and sparking multiple lawsuits — gave the company a big part of what it wanted all along: a locked-in, long-term plan for expanding Disney World. At least for the next 15 years, the length of the new agreement, Disney can develop the resort without worrying about interference by Florida politicians. Put bluntly, state leaders can no longer use growth at the 25,000-acre resort as a political weapon, as Mr. DeSantis did two years ago after Disney said it would fight to repeal a state education law that opponents called anti-gay.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, —, Disney, Jeff Vahle Organizations: Disney, Walt Disney, Central Locations: Florida, Orlando, Central Florida

☆ What men can do to maintain a healthy sex life
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

If we don’t take care of our health today, we won’t enjoy a healthy sex life tomorrow. Studies have shown that men with emotional problems or stress are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction in the form of either premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and/or low sexual desire. Side effects of certain medicationsCertain medications, including those for hypertension and depression, can cause sexual dysfunction as a side effect. They may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication that has fewer effects on sexual health. Diabetic men, for instance, are three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction compared with nondiabetic men.

Persons: Jamin, don’t, Peter Dazeley, you’re, isn’t, It’s, you’ve, You’ve, — Organizations: Orlando Health, University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine, CNN, American Heart Association, Bank, Getty, Health

☆ CPI report: Inflation slowed in May, hinting at welcome relief for consumers
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Falling gas prices kept inflation in check following a 0.3% gain in April. “Adding to the good inflation news, core services inflation (excludes energy services) printed its mildest monthly increase since September 2021,” Kathy Bostjancic, Nationwide’s chief economist, wrote in a note issued Wednesday. On an annual basis, shelter inflation slowed a tenth of a percentage point to 5.4%, which is its lowest rate since April 2022. Still, those costs continue to run hot for consumers, with transportation services prices up 10.5% from a year ago and car insurance up 20.3%. Soft CPI boosts chances for Fed cutsThe CPI, which tracks average change in prices for a basket of goods and services common to consumers, is the most widely cited inflation metric.

Persons: ” Philip T, Powell, They’re, ” Kathy Bostjancic, Indiana University’s Powell, it’s, ” Sean Snaith, ” Preston Caldwell, Tool, “, ” Scott Anderson Organizations: CNN, Inflation, Federal, Bureau of Labor Statistics ’, Indiana Business Research Center, Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Federal Reserve, CPI, Transportation, University of Central, Soft, Fed, Morningstar, BMO Bank Locations: “, Indiana, University of Central Florida

☆ Disney and DeSantis-backed board ‘come to their senses’ in new agreement
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

“Walt Disney World is inextricably intertwined in the fabric of the state of Florida. And the success of Walt Disney World is the success of Central Florida, and vice versa,” he said. The Disney World resort is currently home to four theme parks and two water parks. It’s been 26 years since Disney has opened a new theme park in Florida,” said Dennis Speigel, owner and founder of International Theme Park Services, a global consultant for theme park projects. Orlando is the Mecca of the theme park industry, and for it to function, Disney and Florida have to function together.”

Persons: Disney, Ron DeSantis, “, ”, Aubrey Jewett, Brian Aungst Jr, Walt, Jeff Vahle, CFTOD, It’s, Dennis Speigel, DeSantis, Bob Chapek, Walt Disney, ” Jewett, Reedy, Jewett, Speigel Organizations: CNN, Disney, Walt Disney, University of Central, Walt Disney World, Walt, World, Park, Universal, Improvement, ” Locations: Florida, Central Florida, University of Central Florida, Reedy, Disney, Orlando, Mecca

☆ Florida locals endorse Disney World's new $17 billion development
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The Central Florida tourism board will vote on a development plan with Disney next week. The proposed development deal could allow Disney to expand its existing Florida properties. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementLocal businesses are throwing their support behind Disney's $17 billion development deal, saying it could invigorate the local economy and boost sales. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's board of supervisors discussed the pending development deal in a 25-minute meeting on Wednesday at its Lake Buena Vista headquarters.

Persons: —, Ron DeSantis Organizations: Disney, Service, Disney's, Central, Central Florida Tourism, Business Locations: Central Florida, Florida, Buena Vista

☆ Disney's new development deal with DeSantis could pave the way for a Disney World expansion of mythic proportions
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Central Florida's tourism oversight district will soon vote on a development plan with Disney. The plan would greenlight $17 billion in development at Walt Disney World over 10 to 20 years. It could herald the arrival of the much-rumored "fifth theme park" in Florida. AdvertisementRumors that Walt Disney World might build a fifth theme park in Central Florida have persisted for years. A potential new development agreement between Central Florida's tourism board and The Walt Disney Company could usher in the rumored expansion.

Persons: —, Walt Organizations: Disney, Walt Disney World, Service, Walt Disney, Walt Disney Company, Central, Business Locations: Florida, Central Florida, Central

☆ I grew up in Florida and used to want to live anywhere else. Now that I'm older, I wouldn't dream of leaving
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Ashley Archambault | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Now that I'm an adult, and I've traveled all around the state and country, I've grown to appreciate where I'm from. I spent the first 24 years of my life in Miami, and now live in a smaller Central Florida town off of the Space Coast. Although I wouldn't live in Miami again, I'll happily keep a quaint old Florida town near the beach as my forever home. Fortunately, I'd say it's really only brutally hot in Florida for three months out of the year, from July through September. Living near a beach is important to meI'm embarrassed to admit that I used to take the beach for granted.

Persons: —, I've, I'm, Alexander Spatari, Augustine, Ernest Hemingway, you've Organizations: Service, Business, Getty, Sunshine States, Disney Locations: Miami, Florida, Central Florida, snowbirds, St, America, Key West

☆ Driver of truck involved in Florida bus crash that killed 8 farm workers arrested
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Rebekah Riess | Dakin Andone | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The driver of the pickup truck involved in a Tuesday crash that killed eight people and left more than 40 injured in north-central Florida has been arrested and charged with eight counts of DUI manslaughter, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The 2010 International Bus carrying “approximately 53 farm workers” and a 2001 Ford Ranger sideswiped each other around 6:35 a.m., about 15 miles west of Ocala, the Florida Highway Patrol said in a statement. The Ford, “for unknown reasons, traveled toward the center line” before the vehicles struck each other, Lt. Patrick Riordan of the Florida Highway Patrol said at a news conference at the scene. The bus then left the roadway, went through a fence and overturned. There’s no reason for me to be involved with these individuals.

Persons: “, Patrick Riordan, James Lucas, ” Riordan, WESH, Riordan, Billy Woods, Woods, ” Woods, Alicia Bárcena, ”, Ana Melgar Zugina, Gregory Wallace Organizations: CNN, Florida Department of Highway Safety, Motor Vehicles, Ford, Patrol, Fire Rescue, Mexico’s, Twitter, Transportation Safety Board, US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Sheriff’s Locations: Florida, Ocala, Marion, Marion County, Mexican, Orlando

☆ 8 Killed After Bus Carrying Migrant Workers Crashes in Central Florida
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Emily Schmall | More About Emily Schmall | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

At least eight people were killed and dozens of others were injured on Tuesday after a bus carrying migrant farm workers collided with a pickup truck in Central Florida, the local authorities said. The bus was carrying 53 migrant workers when it sideswiped a pickup truck, drove through a fence and overturned in unincorporated Marion County, west of Ocala, Fla., according to a spokeswoman for the Florida Highway Patrol, which is investigating the incident. About 40 passengers were taken to nearby hospitals to be treated for injuries, the spokeswoman said. She did not say the extent of their injuries. The authorities did not confirm where the bus was traveling, but the local station WCJB reported the bus was carrying workers employed at a watermelon farm in the area.

Organizations: Florida, Patrol, WCJB Locations: Central Florida, Marion County, Ocala, Fla

☆ Black creators were instrumental in building TikTok. Now they fear they'll be hit the hardest by a ban.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Lindsay Dodgson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

But largely, TikTok is a place Black creators found where they could thrive and reach new audiences and customers for their growing businesses. It wasn't that the content wasn't good, Ford said, it was that Instagram "just wasn't a place for Black creators, minority creators, to excel." Some Black creators suspected their Black Lives Matter content was suppressed in 2020 after George Floyd's death ignited a wave of protests. AdvertisementBlack TikTokers have also expressed an "undertone of anti-Blackness" in the platform's algorithm, where white creators benefited from the trends started by Black creators. AdvertisementThis is disheartening, Black creators told BI, because so many top trends and ideas come from their community.

Persons: —, Joe Biden, TikTok, Tenyse Williams, It's, Funmi Ford, Ford, Nya, I've, Étienne, Keith Lee, entrepreneurialism, Kahlil Dumas, Dumas, George Floyd's, Jalaiah Harmon, Black TikTokers, Williams, Imani Bashir, Bashir, We're, isn't Organizations: Service, Senate, Business, Consulting, University of Central, Columbia University, George Washington University, Pew Research Center, An, Free, Black, New York Times, Forbes, YouTube, BI Locations: University of Central Florida, Instagram, An Oxford, Atlanta

☆ A tiny low-cost airline you may not have heard of is expanding to 10 new cities. We asked its CEO what to expect.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Avelo Airlines continues to expand its fleet and routes, adding 10 new destinations on May 1. As Avelo strives for its third profitable quarter, the CEO says the airline is focused on itself. AdvertisementWhen low-cost newcomer Avelo Airlines launched its first flight three years ago, it had just three Boeing 737 Next-Generation jetliners and served 11 West Coast destinations. Business Insider spoke to Avelo CEO Andrew Levy about what makes the growing airline different from other low-costs and what customers can expect on board its planes. Avelo Airlines' route map.

Persons: Avelo, —, Andrew Levy, Jim Olson, Louis, Walt, we've, Levy, Joe Scarnici Avelo, he's Organizations: Avelo Airlines, Service, Boeing, Alaska Airlines, Business, Concord, Houston Hobby, Walt Disney, Universal Studios, Delta, Avelo, JetBlue Airways, Airlines, BI, Frontier Locations: Burbank , California, Sonoma County, Boise, Idaho, Montana, Albany, Atlanta, Charlotte , North Carolina, Destin, Knoxville, Lakeland, Central Florida, Miami, St, Traverse City , Michigan, Orlando, New Haven, Connecticut, New York City, Hartford, Boston, Alaska

☆ Male infertility contributes to about 40% of cases of infertility. What to do about it
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

I think the possibility that the man could have fertility issues can be more than just a clinical concern. That isn’t the case, which is why it’s crucial to broaden our focus and address male infertility. Within this context, male infertility plays a significant role, contributing to around 40% of cases of infertility. Treating male infertilityTreating your male fertility issues can start right now. Don’t stay silentTackling male infertility requires care that extends beyond the confines of medical treatment.

Persons: Jamin, That’s, “, you’re, what’s Organizations: Orlando Health, University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine, CNN, Consulting Locations: Alabama, United States

☆ AstroForge: How this startup plans to make asteroid mining a reality.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Amy Gunia | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Now the California-based startup is attempting to make asteroid mining a reality. That makes AstroForge the only company with a refinery that can turn M-type asteroids into PGMs in space, he adds. Some in the scientific community are skeptical that the private sector will be able to afford asteroid mining. Its all-or-nothing, lower-cost approach may help push asteroid mining closer to reality. “I hope if nothing else,” Gialich says, “we’re known as a space company that went for it.”

Persons: Matt Gialich, Gialich, Jose Acain, “, ”, we’re, “ We’re, AstroForge, Edward Carreon, “ that’s, –, Dan Britt, REx, James Cameron, Larry Page, Britt, “ I’m, ” Gialich, NASA's, Aubrey Gemignani, ” Britt, AstroForge’s Organizations: CNN, Virgin, SpaceX, NASA, Companies, Apple, Center, University of Central, JAXA, United, United Arab Emirates ’ Space Agency, UAE Space Agency, AP NASA, Planetary Resources, Titanic, Google, NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Getty Locations: California, University of Central Florida, China, United Arab, United Arab Emirates, Utah, Los Angeles, Florida

☆ Disney reveals more on huge Magic Kingdom expansion, one part of a $60 billion investment
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Glendale, California CNN —Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” sits at one edge of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park, the most visited theme park in the world. “It’s probably the largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom,” Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World site portfolio executive, said Tuesday during a rare media event previewing new Disney attraction designs and technology at its Walt Disney Imagineering facility in California. Disney’s 10-year investment planThe Magic Kingdom expansion is one part of a $60 billion investment Disney has said it’s planning for its parks, cruises and experiences over the next decade. But any plans for expanding the theme park footprint at the Disneyland resort would need Anaheim city approval because of zoning issues. This is really a wild experience.”Charita Carter, executive creative producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, worked on the project from its inception about four years ago.

Persons: “ It’s, ” Michael Hundgen, Walt, Walt Disney, Bob Iger, Josh D'Amaro, Iger, “ it’s, Disney, ” Iger, ”, Mike Pucher, Walt Disney Imagineering Iger, Imagineers, Darth Vader, Imagineer Lanny Smoot, ” Smoot, Smoot, Christian Thompson, Stella Reese Chase, Leah Chase, Chase, “ I’m, I’ve, ” Charita Carter, Walt Disney Imagineering, Carter, “ Organizations: California CNN, Railroad, Disney, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney, Walt, CNN, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal, Comcast, Anaheim City Council, National Inventors Hall of Fame, Research, Walt Disney Imagineering Research, Disneyland’s Locations: Glendale, California, ”, Central Florida, Disney’s Florida, Florida, Anaheim, New Orleans

☆ A boomer who moved from California to Florida started a Facebook group to help friends make similar moves. 300,000 members later, guiding Californians to new states is his full-time job.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-31 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

A few years ago, Terry Gilliam, 64, packed his bags, sold his East Bay, California home, and moved to Florida. After founding two Facebook groups for California movers, he realized thousands more were in the same boat. His groups, Leaving California and Life After California, have nearly 300,000 members between them. Gilliam moved to Winter Park, a city of 29,000 outside Orlando, to help care for his parents. Van Edom, the Knoxville realtor, said Knoxville is a newly popular destination for California movers.

Persons: Terry Gilliam, Gilliam, It's, they're, I've, Terry Gilliam Terry Gilliam, Haley Van Edom, California Gilliam, I'm, he's, He's, Craig Blessing, Van Edom, Shay Felknor, Berkshire Hathaway, Dan Joyner, there's, Felknor, Ethan Lanagan, Lanagan Organizations: Service, Business, Golden State, realtors, Golden, Edom Home Group, Disney, California Facebook, Universal, Estate Services, Berkshire Hathaway C, Dan Joyner Realtors, Sacramento — Locations: Bay , California, Florida, California, . Texas , Arizona, Golden State, Knoxville , Tennessee, Connecticut, Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, Orlando, shutdowns, Texas , Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Southern California, Central Florida, Van, Knoxville, Berkshire, Greenville , South Carolina, San Diego, Sacramento, Atlanta, North Carolina , Tennessee, Nashville , Tennessee, Franklin , Tennessee, Orange County, Franklin

☆ The S&P 500 just turned in its best first quarter since 2019
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The S&P 500 index rose 10.2% during the first three months of the year, its best first-quarter performance since 2019. The S&P 500 on Thursday logged its 22nd record-high close of the year. Companies in the S&P 500 saw earnings grow 4.3% during the fourth quarter of 2023 from the prior year, according to FactSet data. Analysts polled by FactSet expect S&P 500 earnings to grow by more than 10% for all of 2024. About 140,000 cars a day traversed the I-35W bridge that once stood more than 100 feet above the Mighty Mississippi.

Persons: Bell, Bitcoin, What’s, Leslie Thompson, Warren Buffett’s, Zachary Hill, ”, Elisabeth Buchwald, Samantha Delouya, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, Disney’s, Bob Chapek, “ Don’t, ” Chapek, ” DeSantis, “ I’m, Read, Francis Scott Key, Alicia Wallace, ” Christopher Phelan, ” Read Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New, New York CNN, Traders, Dow Jones Industrial, Nasdaq, Investment Research, Dow, Apple, Nvidia, Meta, Microsoft, Spectrum Wealth Management, Companies, FactSet, Research, Horizon Investments, Disney, Central, Republican Gov, Central Florida Tourism, Twin, University of Minnesota, CNN Locations: New York, China, Florida, Central Florida, Central Florida Tourism District, Orlando, Baltimore, Minneapolis, Mississippi, Twin Cities, Mighty Mississippi, Minnesota

☆ People priced out of Austin and Orlando are moving to these cheaper cities
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Dan Latu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Austinites are heading an hour away, to Killeen, according to real-estate consultancy John Burns. Orlando residents are decamping to Lakeland, Florida, trading nightlife for space, John Burns said. The Austin metropolitan area similarly grew 2.7% in 2021 and 2022, adding 63,000 people, according to the city of Austin. In 2021, 1,607 households moved from Orlando to Lakeland, while 250 households left Austin for Killeen, John Burns said in its analysis, published March 5. The primary reason is affordability, Austin real-estate agent Lisa Copeland told Business Insider.

Persons: John Burns, —, Orlando, Redfin, Killeen, Austin, Lisa Copeland, Copeland, Jordan Prais, It's, Prais, Lakeland's, it's Organizations: Service, Orlando, Austin, John, John Burns Research, Consulting, Business, Lakeland, Florida Children's Museum, Army Locations: Killeen, Orlando, Lakeland , Florida, Austin, Killeen , Texas, Lakeland, Central Florida, Austinites, Texas, Fort Hood

☆ Disney agrees to settle Florida lawsuit with special district backed by DeSantis
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Dan Mangan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board chairman Martin Garcia, right, delivers remarks as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis listens during a news conference at CFTOD headquarters at Walt Disney World on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Disney agreed Wednesday to end litigation in state court involving a Florida special tourism district that the entertainment giant effectively controlled for more than five decades until last year after Gov. The lawsuit was originally filed in state court by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District to void agreements the old district board had signed with Disney right before it was dissolved at DeSantis' behest after Disney opposed Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill backed by the governor. Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle, in a statement, said "We are pleased to put an end to all litigation pending in state court in Florida between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

Persons: Martin Garcia, Ron DeSantis, Disney, Jeff Vahle, Vahle, DeSantis Organizations: Florida Gov, Walt Disney, Disney, Gov, Central, DeSantis, Republican Locations: Florida, Lake Buena Vista , Florida, Orlando, Central Florida

☆ Disney and Florida reach a deal, putting their legal war on hold
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Grace Eliza Goodwin | Madeline Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Disney World and Florida have settled their legal dispute. The board of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District — which was DeSantis hand-picked to take control of Disneyworld's special tax district — agreed on Wednesday to settle the state lawsuit brought by Disney. AdvertisementBut just before DeSantis' allies took over the board, Disney's outgoing board members passed an agreement stripping the board of much of its power, effectively hamstringing DeSantis' incoming board. Related storiesNow, as part of the Disney-proposed settlement, Disney will agree to return power to the DeSantis-appointed board, which can now have a say in development plans and expansion. The settlement also instructs the tourism board to consult with Disney as it reviews and amends planning documents for the Disney World site.

Persons: Disney execs, DeSantis, Ron DeSantis, —, Bob Iger, Disneyworld, hamstringing, Iger, Disney, Charbel Barakat, Disney — I'm, Barakat, Walt, Jeff Vahle, Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, Egan, Jones, Nelson Peltz Organizations: Disney, Florida Gov, Service, Central, Improvement, DeSantis, Walt Disney World, Associated Press Locations: Florida, Central Florida, Reedy, Disney

☆ Miami Beach doesn't want spring breakers, but they don't want Miami Beach either. Here are the new top 3 spring break destinations.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Miami Beach announced it's "breaking up" with spring break tourism. But data shows that Miami Beach wasn't among the three trending destinations this March anyway. Young revelers typically flock to Miami Beach in March for weeklong vacations. But Miami Beach wasn't at the top of tourists' minds this year anyway, according to travel company Booking Holdings. Jeff Greenberg/Getty ImagesBased on Booking Holdings' data, Miami Beach peaked at No.

Persons: Orlando snagged, —, Young, George Rose, Joe Burbank, John F, Gary Hershorn, Jeff Greenberg Organizations: Miami Beach, Miami Beach wasn't, Service, Booking Holdings, Las Vegas, New York City, —, Vegas, Walt Disney, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Getty Images Orlando, Disney, Universal Studios, Kennedy Space Center, Orlando, York City, Liberty, Beach, Holdings, Miami Locations: Las Vegas , New York City, City, Miami, Orlando, New York, New York City Las Vegas, Nevada, Florida, Las Vegas, American, Cocoa Beach . New York City, Myrtle Beach, Cancún, Mexico

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