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THE BUZZ → SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Saturday Night With Sonic Boom Disney's 'Single Account' Vision Could Link Streaming to Park Trips Disney's Riviera Resort: Worth a Visit, But Maybe Not a Stay Disney World Wait Times Ease as Back-to-School Season Arrives Mousequerade 2026: The Disney Costume Contest Winners See Manatees From Shore: Florida's Best Free Viewing Sites EPCOT's Cheese Crawl Is the Festival's Best Kept Secret Universal Epic Universe Launches After-Hours Nights Event This Fall SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Saturday Night With Sonic Boom Disney's 'Single Account' Vision Could Link Streaming to Park Trips Disney's Riviera Resort: Worth a Visit, But Maybe Not a Stay Disney World Wait Times Ease as Back-to-School Season Arrives Mousequerade 2026: The Disney Costume Contest Winners See Manatees From Shore: Florida's Best Free Viewing Sites EPCOT's Cheese Crawl Is the Festival's Best Kept Secret Universal Epic Universe Launches After-Hours Nights Event This Fall
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🌴 Florida Living

Weather, local culture, and everyday Florida living — news for residents and transplants alike.

Lafayette Blue Springs: Cabins, Camping & Crystal-Clear Swims

Lafayette Blue Springs: Cabins, Camping & Crystal-Clear Swims

This remote North Florida gem sits halfway between Tallahassee and Gainesville — and most tourists have never heard of it.

6 Florida Beach Towns Where Retirees Can Live for Under $1,800/Month

6 Florida Beach Towns Where Retirees Can Live for Under $1,800/Month

From Pensacola to Fort Walton Beach, these Gulf and Atlantic Coast towns still offer real retirement value.

Florida TRIM Notice 2026: How to Read It and Lower Your Bill

Florida TRIM Notice 2026: How to Read It and Lower Your Bill

Your annual property-tax preview arrives in August — here's how to decode every line and fight back before the deadline closes.

Jacksonville Humane Society Lets You Name Your Own Adoption Fee

Jacksonville Humane Society Lets You Name Your Own Adoption Fee

Dogs and cats are available through Aug. 14 — and you decide what you pay.

Wekiwa Springs: Central Florida's Cool, Clear Lakeside Escape

Wekiwa Springs: Central Florida's Cool, Clear Lakeside Escape

Just 30 minutes from Orlando, this Apopka gem offers 72-degree spring swimming, kayaking, and miles of shaded trails.

12 Florida Beach Towns Where Rent Stays Under $1,800

12 Florida Beach Towns Where Rent Stays Under $1,800

From the Space Coast to the Gulf, these communities keep one-bedroom rent under $1,800 a month.

2026 Hurricane Season Looking Calmer Than Usual for Florida

2026 Hurricane Season Looking Calmer Than Usual for Florida

NOAA now puts the odds of a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season at 75%, up from 55% earlier this year.

Should Florida State Parks Require Reservations? One Lawyer Says No

Should Florida State Parks Require Reservations? One Lawyer Says No

An Orlando attorney argues mandatory day-use reservations at parks like Wekiwa and Blue Spring shut out the public they're meant to serve.

Silver Springs Gets $436K Gift From Late Volunteer's Estate

Silver Springs Gets $436K Gift From Late Volunteer's Estate

Monica McNamara of Ocala left the landmark Ocala park a transformative estate gift after years of volunteering there.

Pennekamp State Park Gets $250K Boost for New Aquarium Center

Pennekamp State Park Gets $250K Boost for New Aquarium Center

A Pittsburgh foundation's $250,000 gift helps fund the $52 million Discovery Center opening at Key Largo's iconic coral reef park in 2028.

Track Chairs Coming to Four Florida State Parks

Track Chairs Coming to Four Florida State Parks

A new partnership is putting all-terrain track chairs at Florida state parks, opening up beaches and natural areas to more visitors.

Prescribed Burn Set for Savannas Preserve State Park Friday

Prescribed Burn Set for Savannas Preserve State Park Friday

About 170 acres of mesic flatwoods near Port St. Lucie are slated for a controlled burn, weather permitting.

Florida Specialty License Plate Sets a Program First

Florida Specialty License Plate Sets a Program First

A newly released Florida specialty tag has achieved a milestone no other plate in the program has reached.

10 Smart Ways to Stay Cool This Florida Summer

10 Smart Ways to Stay Cool This Florida Summer

From 72-degree springs to frozen tiki bars, Central Florida has plenty of ways to beat the heat without emptying your wallet.

Caribbean Beach Resort: Fun, Theming, and Skyliner Access

Caribbean Beach Resort: Fun, Theming, and Skyliner Access

A colorful moderate resort with a great pool and unbeatable Skyliner access — just know what you're getting into before you book.

Florida Homestead Portability: How to Take Your Tax Savings With You

Florida Homestead Portability: How to Take Your Tax Savings With You

When you move to a new Florida home, your hard-earned Save Our Homes tax savings don't have to stay behind — here's exactly how to bring them with you.

21 Florida Towns That Make Retirement Actually Affordable

21 Florida Towns That Make Retirement Actually Affordable

From beach communities to inland gems, these spots combine low taxes with a quality of life worth retiring for.

Grande Lakes Orlando: A Luxury Retreat Near Disney World

Grande Lakes Orlando: A Luxury Retreat Near Disney World

Just 15 minutes from Walt Disney World, this Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott complex offers a peaceful, spa-forward escape from the theme park grind.

Evermore Orlando Launches New Signature Experiences

Evermore Orlando Launches New Signature Experiences

The resort near Disney World just added curated family offerings at both Evermore Residences and Conrad Orlando.

Evermore Orlando Adds Guided Park Tours & Signature Experiences

Evermore Orlando Adds Guided Park Tours & Signature Experiences

From private tree-planting ceremonies to guided theme park days, the lakeside resort near Magic Kingdom is rolling out a range of curated add-ons.

Key Largo's Pennekamp Park Is Getting a Major Aquarium

Key Largo's Pennekamp Park Is Getting a Major Aquarium

A new Discovery Center will anchor the iconic park with seven tanks and 43,000 gallons of water.

13 Florida State Parks With Waterfront Cabins and Yurts

13 Florida State Parks With Waterfront Cabins and Yurts

From Gulf Coast dune lakes to Suwannee River bluffs, these parks offer cozy stays that won't break the budget.

ALDI's Late-July Sale Has Budget Finds for Disney Trips

ALDI's Late-July Sale Has Budget Finds for Disney Trips

From $7 sandals to flowy maxi skirts, ALDI's one-week sale has wallet-friendly picks for park-goers.

ECP Airport Hits Record Highs With Busiest Month Ever

ECP Airport Hits Record Highs With Busiest Month Ever

More than a million travelers flew through Panama City's ECP in the first half of 2026, spurring a major terminal expansion.

Blue Spring State Park Now Requires Online Reservations

Blue Spring State Park Now Requires Online Reservations

Starting July 15, all daytime visitors to the popular Volusia County park must book a day-use pass online before arriving.

Your License Plate Can Help Florida's State Parks

Your License Plate Can Help Florida's State Parks

The $33 'Explore Our State Parks' plate sends $25 straight to conservation and park improvements statewide.

Florida Homestead Exemption: How to Apply & What You Save

Florida Homestead Exemption: How to Apply & What You Save

Every Florida homeowner should know these eligibility rules, the March 1 deadline, and the Save Our Homes cap that keeps your tax bill from spiraling.

New Smyrna Beach: The One Florida Coast Town That Still Works for Retirees

New Smyrna Beach: The One Florida Coast Town That Still Works for Retirees

A detailed cost analysis finds New Smyrna Beach is the last affordable beachfront option for median-income retirees.

Family Fun in Altamonte Springs: Top Picks for Kids

Family Fun in Altamonte Springs: Top Picks for Kids

This Seminole County city north of Orlando packs parks, dining, and year-round activities into one family-friendly package.

SunPass vs. E-PASS vs. Toll-by-Plate: Which Saves You the Most?

SunPass vs. E-PASS vs. Toll-by-Plate: Which Saves You the Most?

Florida's toll roads are unavoidable — but getting gouged on them is entirely optional if you know which pass to use.

Wekiwa Springs Is Getting Eco-Glamping Tents This Fall

Wekiwa Springs Is Getting Eco-Glamping Tents This Fall

Four new glamping tents are coming to the Apopka park, giving visitors a fresh way to sleep under the stars.

Haunted Mansion Sleep Sets Land at the Disney Store

Haunted Mansion Sleep Sets Land at the Disney Store

New loungewear and sleep sets inspired by the Haunted Mansion and Mickey icons are now available online.

Orlando Airport Warns of Weather Delays for Arriving Travelers

Orlando Airport Warns of Weather Delays for Arriving Travelers

MCO has issued a heads-up to incoming visitors about potential flight and baggage slowdowns tied to severe weather.

19 Florida Hidden Gems Only the Locals Know

19 Florida Hidden Gems Only the Locals Know

From tucked-away gardens to quirky eats, these under-the-radar Florida spots are worth seeking out.

Tropical Depression Threatens Florida This Weekend

Tropical Depression Threatens Florida This Weekend

The National Hurricane Center is tracking a tropical depression that could affect Central Florida — and your weekend Walt Disney World plans.

Orlando Airport Weather Ground Stop Delays Disney Travelers

Orlando Airport Weather Ground Stop Delays Disney Travelers

A rare weather-related ground stop at Orlando International briefly snarled travel plans for arriving and departing guests.

Another Florida State Park Now Requires Reservations

Another Florida State Park Now Requires Reservations

A beloved Florida state park joins a small but growing list of parks requiring visitors to book ahead before arriving.

Blue Spring State Park Now Requires Day-Use Reservations

Blue Spring State Park Now Requires Day-Use Reservations

A new online pass system launches Wednesday to cut down on long lines and crowding at the popular park.

The Florida Keys Aren't a Beach Destination — And That's the Point

The Florida Keys Aren't a Beach Destination — And That's the Point

From flats fishing to Duval Street, the Keys offer experiences you won't find on any sandy shore.

Palm Beach Airport Gets a Presidential Rename

Palm Beach Airport Gets a Presidential Rename

West Palm Beach's main airport has a new official name, branding, and aviation codes to match.

Central Florida Under Heat Advisory for Third Straight Day

Central Florida Under Heat Advisory for Third Straight Day

East Central Florida, including the Orlando theme park corridor, faces another heat advisory on Saturday, July 11.

Florida State Parks Blend Glamping, Springs, and Sustainability

Florida State Parks Blend Glamping, Springs, and Sustainability

A new report highlights how Florida's state parks are upping their game with modern amenities and eco-friendly options.

Tiger & Rory's TMRW Sports Eyes Downtown Orlando HQ

Tiger & Rory's TMRW Sports Eyes Downtown Orlando HQ

The tech-forward sports venture co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy could bring nearly 200 jobs to the city's urban core.

Your Guide to Indie Bookstores and Book Clubs Around Tampa Bay

Your Guide to Indie Bookstores and Book Clubs Around Tampa Bay

From local author picks to bimonthly book-and-film nights, the Tampa Bay area has a thriving independent bookstore scene.

Florida Counties Join Forces to Boost Winter Tourism

Florida Counties Join Forces to Boost Winter Tourism

From beaches to golf to fishing, a coalition of Florida counties is rolling out coordinated campaigns to draw winter visitors.

Florida State Parks Roll Out More Disability Access Options

Florida State Parks Roll Out More Disability Access Options

Beach wheelchairs and accessible tours are making Florida's state parks more welcoming for visitors with disabilities.

Blue Spring State Park Now Requires Day-Use Reservations

Blue Spring State Park Now Requires Day-Use Reservations

All visitors — including passholders, walkers, and cyclists — must book online before showing up.

7 Florida Beach Towns Where $1,650 a Month Can Fund Retirement

7 Florida Beach Towns Where $1,650 a Month Can Fund Retirement

A new study identifies coastal communities where retirees can stretch a modest budget without giving up the salt air.

St. George Island Gets New Accessible Beach Viewing Platform

St. George Island Gets New Accessible Beach Viewing Platform

A new partnership brings improved beach access to one of Florida's most beloved Panhandle parks.

Seven Low-Key Florida Beaches Worth the Drive

Seven Low-Key Florida Beaches Worth the Drive

Skip the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds — these seven under-the-radar stretches of Florida coastline are worth seeking out.

Visit Florida State Parks Free for America's 250th

Visit Florida State Parks Free for America's 250th

A national milestone means no entry fees at Florida's finest state parks — here's what to know.

Florida's Best-Kept Secrets Worth the Drive

Florida's Best-Kept Secrets Worth the Drive

Skip the theme park lines — these under-the-radar Florida spots deliver big without the crowds.

Free State Parks Near Jacksonville This 4th of July

Free State Parks Near Jacksonville This 4th of July

Florida is dropping admission fees at most of its 175 state parks for the Fourth of July weekend.

20 Under-the-Radar Florida Spots Worth the Drive

20 Under-the-Radar Florida Spots Worth the Drive

From underground caverns to wildlife sanctuaries, the Sunshine State has plenty of crowd-free gems waiting to be explored.

Free State Parks Near Jacksonville This 4th of July

Free State Parks Near Jacksonville This 4th of July

Florida is dropping admission fees at most of its 175 state parks for the holiday weekend.

8 Best Natural Springs in Florida (And What to Know Before You Go)

8 Best Natural Springs in Florida (And What to Know Before You Go)

From tubing at Ichetucknee to glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs — a real guide to Florida's clearest, coldest water.

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