Latest news with #Floridian
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Charlie Woods at the 49th Junior PGA Championships: Tee times, pairings
(Editor's note: Here's how Charlie Woods fared in Round 1 of the Junior PGA Championships on July 29.) Charlie Woods is in the field this week for the PGA of America's premier annual junior golf event. Woods, a rising junior at the Benjamin School and son of legendary golfer Tiger Woods, will play the 49th Boys & Girls Junior PGA Championships from July 29-Aug. 1 at Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Junior PGA Championships are comprised of two 72-hole stroke play tournaments for boys and girls junior amateur golfers. This year's boys and girls tournaments will each feature 156 golfers, respectively. First round play is scheduled for Tuesday with the boys tournament on Purdue University's Ackerman-Allen Course and the girls tournament on the Kampen-Cosler Course. The tournament will cut to the top 60 plus ties after Wednesday's second round. It will cut down to the top 30 plus ties after the third round on Thursday. One year later: Charlie Woods won't defend title at South Florida junior golf major Western Amateur: Cameron Kuchar in the field for historic amateur golf event The Junior PGA Championships were first hosted in 1976 and have a long history in Palm Beach County. From 1980-2000, the event was hosted PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens in all but two years. In 1990, Tiger Woods finished runner-up to Fort Lauderdale's Chris Couch at PGA National. Previous tournament winners include major champions Trevor Immelman and David Toms. Charlie Woods tee time, pairings Woods will begin the first round at 12:50 p.m. Tuesday on hole No. 10 of Purdue's Ackerman-Allen Course. He is paired with New York's Jackson Ormond and fellow Floridian Tyler Mawhinney. Woods will begin the second round at 7:41 a.m. Wednesday on hole No. 1 of Purdue's Kampen-Cosler Course. Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@ This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Charlie Woods at 49th Junior PGA Championships: Tee times, pairings
National Geographic
a day ago
- National Geographic
Planning the next family trip? Look to Galveston
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Stretched along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Texas, Galveston is where maritime history, ornate Victorian mansions and a decidedly Floridian beach-town vibe seamlessly blend. A popular choice among late-1800s holidaying elites and investors looking for new prospects, this barrier island became the richest city in the state, packing Southern charm and wild decadence into its gilded mansion-lined streets. Today, it's evolved into a year-round destination with things to do for all ages. It's the variety on offer that's especially appealing, from immersive museums and world-class animal education centres to attractions focusing on much more than just planet Earth. Plus, the relaxed Gulf-inspired dining scene is well-suited to kids, the city is manageable in size, and gentle Gulf breezes and occasional afternoon rains ensure temperatures stay comfortable. Here's why under-the-radar Galveston should be your next family getaway. Moody Gardens Pyramids are impossible to miss on the approach to Galveston. Photograph by Moody Gardens 1. Learn about animals at the Moody Gardens Pyramids The three pyramids rising high from the coastline, their glass exteriors glistening in the sun, are impossible not to notice upon your approach to Galveston — and yet even more eye-catching exhibits await inside. The pyramids are at the heart of Moody Gardens, a wildlife, education and nature centre with a focus on rescue and rehabilitation and programmes to save endangered species from extinction. The Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids offer a chance to learn about animals and their habitats, and feature exhibits to help kids (and adults) connect the dots between marine biology, animal conservation and human activity. In the Rainforest Pyramid, animals such as sloths and saki monkeys roam free, and tropical birds flit through the canopy; the Aquarium Pyramid's Coral Reef Lab is dedicated to researching and helping to protect Florida's coral reefs, which are facing a severe bleaching crisis. The third — Discovery Pyramid — features travelling exhibitions and immersive motion-simulator experiences. Friendly sloths are just some of the animals roaming free in the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid. Photograph by Visit Galveston 2. Tour the historic harbour Galveston's maritime heritage takes centre stage at the Texas Seaport Museum and the tall ship Elissa. Visitors can climb aboard the fully restored 1877 vessel and imagine life at sea during the Age of Sail, plying gruelling trade routes around the world. On shore, the Ship to Shore exhibit uses immersive technology — think motion platforms and multimedia storytelling — to bring to life Galveston's seafaring history, from immigration to storm survival. Afterwards, take time to wander the adjacent harbour, where working fishing boats and occasional cruise ships pass by. There are also options to join harbour or dolphin-watching tours, or visit a retired jack-up oil rig to understand the science and impact of oil production. 3. Become an astronaut for a day Just a 45-minute drive from Galveston, Space Center Houston is a must for any kids (or parents) interested in the universe. The official visitor centre for NASA's Johnson Space Center — part museum, part training ground — is where astronauts prepare for their missions. Kids can touch Moon rocks, try out virtual reality spacewalk and space travel simulators, see a Saturn V rocket (used for the Apollo missions) and explore one of two original aircraft used to transport the iconic Space Shuttles. Daily tram tours take visitors to mission control and astronaut training facilities (VIP options grant even more behind-the-scenes access), while interactive exhibits make the science of space travel more accessible. There are also STEM-focused play areas and challenges to test young minds. And with special events, seasonal programming and visiting astronaut talks happening regularly, there's always something new to learn. Plan a whole day to make the most of your time here. Space Center Houston is where NASA astronauts train for future missions and visitors can get a closer look at what the process entails. Photograph by Space Center Houston, Aaron Rodriguez 4. Tour Galveston's historic mansions Galveston's past isn't just preserved — it's celebrated. For history-loving families, a visit to The Bryan Museum is a fascinating dive into Texas and American West heritage. Housed in a former orphanage, the museum's collection spans centuries and includes exhibits on cowboys, Native American culture and early settlers, all presented with striking visuals and thoughtful storytelling. Kids can marvel at historic weaponry, try on period clothing or follow a scavenger hunt through the galleries. Beyond the museum, Galveston's East End Historic District is dotted with grand Victorian homes, many open for tours. Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion are standouts offering not only an architectural wow-factor but also a glimpse into Galveston's gilded past. Walking tours of the district make for a gentle afternoon of exploring streets lined with trees and historic plaques. Finally, make time to stroll The Strand, once nicknamed the 'Wall Street of the Southwest' on account of it being a hub for bankers, brokers and cotton merchants. The Bryan Museum offers engaging and interactive exhibits on culture and heritage of Texas and the American West. Photograph by Visit Galveston 5. Indulge in Gulf food Gulf cuisine is rich in seafood, while Tex-Mex influences and casual dining make eating out with kids a breeze. Before exploring The Strand and the harbour area, start the day with breakfast at Star Drug Store. First opened in 1886 as Texas's first drug store, it's now a much-loved breakfast and lunch spot, serving hearty portions of fluffy pancakes and other classic breakfast plates, plus shakes and malts. For lunch near The Strand, kids and adults alike will love the Italian-influenced Riondo's Ristorante, offering crowd-favourite pastas and pizzas. If you're introducing the little ones to seafood, head to BLVD Seafood, which serves Gulf redfish, shrimp and soft-shell crab, all grilled or blackened, in a taco, wrap or bowl. Trendy Sugar & Rye is good for dinner, with a New Orleans-inspired menu of jambalaya, Cajun seafood pasta and gumbo (parents and adventurous young diners should try the Texas brisket onion soup). And if you get a chance for a parents-only evening, book at Rudy & Paco for impeccable service, a carefully curated wine list and an extensive menu of South- and Central American-influenced steak and seafood. The grilled Gulf red snapper in Creole sauce is a standout. A 15-minute drive from downtown Galveston, Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center is a great choice for families. The resort features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, access to the Moody Gardens Pyramids, ropes course and zip-lines. The hotel's Palm Beach water park doubles the fun with a lazy river, wave pool and water slides. All 433 guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed. Family packages with two-day passes to Moody Gardens Pyramids from $486 (£357) per night for two adults and two children. This story was created with the support of Travel Texas and Visit Galveston. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
11 states offer 'sales tax holidays' on back-to-school supplies including MacBooks. See the full list.
If you're a Floridian eyeing a new MacBook, you might want to wait until next month to go shopping. About a dozen US states are gearing up for the sales tax holidays they hold during back-to-school season each year. These holidays allow shoppers to buy certain items without paying state sales tax. For example, Florida's sales tax holiday, held this year from August 1 to August 31, covers eligible clothing, shoes, accessories, school supplies, and computers that cost less than $1,500. These state tax exemptions can offer big savings, especially on pricey items like electronics. In Massachusetts, shoppers could buy a brand new 16-inch MacBook Pro for its retail price of $2,499 instead of the estimated $2,720 a New Yorker would have to pay after tax. Apple is promoting the state tax exemptions on its website, as MacRumors previously reported. Many of the states hold their tax holidays in July and August in preparation for students returning to school and advertise the tax-free period as a back-to-school sales tax holiday. The specific dates can vary from year to year. Some also offer sales-tax breaks at other times of year on items such as emergency preparedness supplies or household appliances. Florida is set to give residents a tax break on hunting, camping, and fishing gear beginning September 8. Sales taxes make up almost half of state tax revenues, according to 2024 Census data. These holidays combined will cost states and localities nearly $1.3 billion in lost revenue this year, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimated. These are some states that have sales tax holidays for electronics and school supplies. Each state's department of revenue or taxation website has more details. These states offer tax savings on computers, tech accessories, and more Alabama (July 18 to July 20): Computers less than $750 and other items such as eligible clothing and school supplies Alaska (October 2024 to March 31, 2025): All retail sales in the Municipality of Skagway Arkansas (August 2 and August 3): Electronic devices, including laptops, and other items such as eligible clothing and school supplies Florida (August 1 to August 31): Computers $1,500 or less, and other items such as eligible clothing and school supplies Massachusetts (August 9 and August 10): Tangible personal property, including computers, $2,500 or less on Missouri (August 1 to August 3): Personal computers, $1,500 or less, and other items such as eligible clothing and school supplies New Mexico (July 25 to July 27): Computers $1,000 or less, related hardware for $500 or less, and other items such as eligible clothing and school supplies Ohio (August 1 to August 3): All tangible personal property that's $500 or less South Carolina (August 1 to August 3): Computers and related supplies, as well as other items such as eligible clothing, bedding, and school supplies Tennessee (July 25 to July 27): Personal computers $1,500 or less, and other items such as eligible clothing and school supplies Virginia (August 1 to August 3): Cell phone chargers or batteries $60 or less West Virginia (August 1 to August 4): Computers $500 or less, and other items such as eligible clothing, school supplies, and sports equipment. These states have sales tax holidays for other items like back-to-school supplies Several states also offer sales tax holidays on other items, such as clothing, footwear, or back-to-school supplies. They include: Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shaq tells Mike Tyson retiring to The Villages in Florida is ‘the dream scenario,' here's why
Retired NBA legend and former Floridian Shaquille O'Neal, 53, wants to retire to Ocala, Florida, for an eye-opening reason: The rumors about The Villages that have circulated among Floridians for years. If you don't know, The Villages is one of the largest retirement communities in the U.S., spanning three counties and boasting more than 80,000 residents aged 55 and over. Most Floridians who know about The Villages have likely heard a rumor that went viral in 2023, about the community's high rate of STDs and a 'loofah code' that Villages residents allegedly use to signal to others what their sexual preferences are. That, coupled with true stories of seniors getting caught having sex in public places in the retirement community, created quite a reputation for The Villages – so much so that Shaq wants to move there because of the rumors, he told Mike Tyson on his podcast recently. 'For years, The Villages has been batting down stories that claim there's a higher incidence of sexually transmitted disease there than in Miami,' Columnist Frank Cerabino wrote for The Palm Beach Post in 2023. Here's what Shaq said about his 'dream retirement scenario' and a quick explanation of what the real 'loofah code' at The Villages is. More on Shaq: How he 'flipped the script,' expanding fortune after retirement What is the name of Shaq's podcast? Shaq calls retiring to The Villages his 'dream retirement scenario' Shaq's podcast, 'The Big Podcast with Shaq,' is a weekly show that he hosts with sportscaster Adam Lefkoe, covering a wide variety of topics, from sports to personal life and entertainment. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Last week, with Mike Tyson there as a guest, Lefkoe asked Shaq what his 'dream retirement scenario' is. Shaq said that he doesn't want to be in an old folks' home and doesn't want his kids to have to take care of him. 'The dream scenario is: There's this place called The Villages. The Villages is an old folks' home, but they have the highest rate of STDs. I want to be there,' Shaq told Lefkoe and Tyson. 'When I get to 65 and I can't move, take me down to Ocala, Florida. Just drop me off my boy.' Did Shaq ever live in Florida? Yes! Shaq now lives in Texas, but has owned four different Florida homes in his robust real estate portfolio, according to Architectural Digest. If you didn't know, Shaq played for the Orlando Magic for four NBA seasons in the late '90s and a decade later won a championship on one of his three seasons with the Miami Heat. The NBA legend has owned two homes in the Miami area and two homes in the Orlando area. The Villages rumors: "Loofah code" at Florida's largest retirement community more about confused than enthused What is The Villages in Florida known for? Villages 'loofah code' went viral The Villages is primarily well-known for its size. With more than 80,000 residents – around 79,000 in 2020 – it's one of the biggest (if not, the biggest) retirement communities in the U.S. 'The Villages is home to the world's largest recreation department, has more golf courses than any other community in the world, is home to three town squares (with a fourth one just announced) where residents go to eat and shop and enjoy free nightly entertainment, and is home to roughly 100 restaurants,' says. But it isn't The Villages' recreational opportunities or golf courses that have caught online attention. Like Shaq, many people have heard rumors in the last few years that The Villages is a community of very sexually active seniors who use a 'code' to learn each other's sexual preferences. A theory on Reddit took flight in 2023, when someone posted about the different-colored loofahs that residents put on their cars. But according to Palm Beach Post columnist Frank Cerabino and Ryan Erisman, who publishes the 'Inside the Bubble' blog about life in The Villages, the stories about residents using color-coded loofah signals aren't true. According to reports and comments from former employees on the original Reddit thread, the 'loofah code' is actually a way for some seniors to locate their car in parking lots. Contributing: Frank Cerabino, Palm Beach Post This article originally appeared on Florida Today: The Villages in Florida is Shaq's 'dream retirement.' Here's why Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Ron DeSantis heckled by screaming protester at Hogan tribute
A screaming heckler interrupted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as he delivered a tribute to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan on Thursday. As DeSantis eulogized Hogan, describing the fellow Floridian as a 'superhero' and a 'major icon for anybody in Gen X,' an unhinged man began shouting from the back of the room. 'Alligator Alcatraz - is that your [expletive] legacy!?' the unidentified protester yelled. De Santis told the man to 'stop' and 'get out of here' before the protester took another swipe at the governor. 'You bow to a [expletive] [child predator]. You're a [expletive] [child predator]' he yelled as security moved in to escort him out. '[Expletive] you all,' he added as security removed him. DeSantis then picked up where he left off, recalling the time Hogan lifted 520-pound Andre the Giant off the ground during Wrestlemania III. 'I was really worried that he wasn't going to be able to, but he slammed Andre the Giant,' he said. 'That was a huge thing for kids in that era.' The dramatic interruption came after Hogan, 71, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater Beach. Alligator Alcatraz, a migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, has come under fierce criticism since it opened its doors on July 1 and began accepting inmates two days later. It has sparked outrage over reports of poor conditions and the treatment of inmates. President Donald Trump toured the facility on July 1 alongside DeSantis and Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem, declaring: 'It might be as good as the real Alcatraz.' Two weeks later, a group of Democrats were granted access to tour the newly constructed grounds, and lamented the tough conditions migrants housed there will face. Florida Democrat Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz compared the facility to an internment camp and insisted 'there are really disturbing, vile conditions,' demanding the 'place be shut the hell down.' Kevin Guthrie, from the Florida division of Emergency Management, dismissed democrats' concerns in an interview with Jesse Watters on Fox. He said one critic 'had an infrared thermometer that they actually pointed at a lightbulb and it was 110C.' Guthrie said he suggested they 'pull that down' to gauge the actual temperature, suggesting it was an attempt to make the facility appear hotter than it actually is. One migrant being held at detention center described dozens of inmates being corralled inside cages at the mosquito-infested facility. Juan Palma, 48, told NBC6 that the lights stay on around the clock, leaving him clueless as to the time of day. The Cuban migrant said that he and 32 other people live in what he described as a cage and that they are only allowed to shower every three or four days.
