Latest news with #KenBurke
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This Florida woman may lose her 1800s house so the state can build a highway using eminent domain. Here's how
A 19th century home in Sanford, Florida that survived hurricanes and a nearly two-mile move to its current spot may soon be bulldozed to make room for a highway. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Officials from the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) are planning to build a two-lane road designed to relieve traffic congestion in Seminole County by connecting State Road 417 and the Orlando Sanford International Airport. But according to news reports from the Tampa Bay Times and WESH 2, the preferred route, known as Alignment 2A, runs straight through the 10-acre property where Becky Burke's home sits — an 1800s-era two-story house that has already been relocated once to escape demolition. A map revealed the road would be 'going through my dining room,' she said. If the plans move forward, the state is expected to use eminent domain to seize the land. But Burke, whose husband Ken passed away in August, may not have the strength to relocate the home all over again. She told WESH 2 it will depend on how much money she's given and how much land the government takes. "I love it out here," she said. "Knowing it was Ken's family, his history, his grandfather passed away here, he passed away here, so there's so much emotion that goes into that piece of what I'm facing." The couple moved the house in 2003 after the original land it sat on was sold to developers. Relocating the structure was no small feat — it took from July to November to complete, just in time for Thanksgiving. "That was quite a feat,' Burke told WESH 2. 'I think I wired every outlet in the house.' That effort preserved more than a structure; it preserved a family's history. "If the legacy ends with me, that's fine, I'm OK with that," she said. "But the emotional loss, it's like, one more thing. One more thing to break my heart, one more thing to make me just feel a little overwhelmed and sad." The new roughly two-mile road has a tentative budget of $200 million. The CFX says it will reduce the number of cars per day on Lake Mary Boulevard by nearly half by 2050. "For those of you who travel in and out of our amazing airport, you know the traffic backs up over there," said Rebekah Arthur, president of the Seminole County Chamber, according to WESH 2. "So this connector is going to be a very needed extension to our airport and will help people come in and out, especially as our sports tourism grows." Read more: No millions? No problem. With as little as $10, here's of diversified assets usually only available to major players According to the Tampa Bay Times, the CFX estimates it will spend $18.3 million for the acquisition of properties along the right-of-way. Eminent domain is a legal process that allows governments to take private property for public use, such as highways or bridges, provided the owner is given 'just compensation.' But just because it's legal doesn't mean it always feels fair. Owners like Burke should expect to be paid market value for their homes, but that may not always cover the full cost of relocation or compensate for the emotional stress. In Florida, property owners have the right to challenge eminent domain in court. They can: Dispute the taking itself: This is an option if property owners believe the land isn't truly needed for a public project. Challenge the compensation amount: If the offered payment doesn't reflect the property's fair market value, owners can argue for a higher fee. Negotiate relocation: Owners can argue that relocation benefits offered are not sufficient. Partial takings: When only part of a property is taken, owners can argue that the impact on the remaining property is not being fairly compensated. If you live or own property in the area, there are steps you can take to have your voice heard. The CFX will hold two public meetings in July where residents can ask questions and voice concerns about the project. Attending those meetings is one of the best ways for impacted homeowners to stay informed, get involved, and advocate for better outcomes — whether that means alternate routes or help preserving historic properties. The Tampa Bay Times says the CFX's governing board — made up of elected officials from the Central Florida region — will then review the project at its October public meeting. As for Burke, the future remains uncertain. 'I'm always the one that's trying to encourage other people and love on them and care for them,' she said. 'And now, I'm in this place where I don't know where God is leading me.' This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Money doesn't have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A cosplay wedding? Tampa Bay couples can tie the knot with costumed flair
If your wedding is in need of a superhero origin story, the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court office is ready to provide a lair. Held during the week leading up to Tampa Bay Comic Convention, the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court office from July 28 to Aug. 1 is offering its first week of cosplay weddings. The fan convention will be Aug. 1-3 at the Tampa Convention Center, and ticketholders often show up dressed as their favorite characters in cosplay, short for 'costume play.' For cosplay wedding week, Room 150 in the downtown Clearwater courthouse will have iconic backdrops and decorations provided by Emerald City Comics 'to give fans of sci-fi, fantasy, anime and superheroes the chance to celebrate their love in fan style,' an office announcement said. No appointments are necessary. Couples are invited to bring up to 10 guests to the downtown Clearwater courthouse at 315 Court St. Participants are required to be identified, so no heavy makeup will be permitted before verification. Face masks are allowed if they can be removed for identification purposes. 'We look forward to providing this distinctive, one-of-a-kind opportunity,' said Ken Burke, clerk of the circuit court and comptroller. The office also offers photographs for $10, a commemorative themed wedding certificate for $5, 'and a free Cosplay Wedding Trading Card.' You still need to get a marriage license before the ceremony, which are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. For more information about obtaining a marriage license and completing the marriage application prior to visiting the clerk's office in person, see Recording Services is also available to answer questions at 727-464-3008. This isn't the first time the office has offered themed weddings. This October, the office is offering its Fourth Annual Halloween 'Scaramonies.'
