Latest news with #GulfCoastNews
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Back-to-back hurricanes have left Florida homeowners with hefty repair bills and a weakening housing market
Glenn Martin is fixing up his home to sell, but he's not happy about it. He's worried all his work will be destroyed before he finds a buyer — and his fear is not unfounded. Martin lives in Punta Gorda, Florida. He's doing repairs because his home was badly damaged in Hurricane Helene last September. It's not the first time. Punta Gorda is located along the Gulf Coast in Charlotte County. The community has been pummeled by hurricanes in the past decade, including Irma (2017); Ian (2022); Milton and Helene (2024) 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 I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Martin is scared it will happen again. 'Every piece of furniture is downstairs, ruined. My refrigerator floated up,' Martin told Gulf Coast News. "One thing I'm afraid of right now is working on this house and spending a bunch of money and getting another one of these things next fall. Another storm." But Martin faces a dilemma. He's racing to offload his property because the hurricanes — the source of his problems — are making it much tougher to sell homes in the area. So while he doesn't want to pour money into a house that may be damaged again, he feels he has to in order to make the home more appealing to buyers. Martin's right. Zillow data shows that Punta Gorda's median home lists for $367,585, down 10% year-over-year. Around 82.8% of homes now sell under list price. 'The market is definitely weak right now,' Changzhou Kenzie, the head of economics for Redfin, said. 'You are seeing inventory accumulate. Prices are soft. If you are a potential buyer in Florida, you could probably negotiate a pretty good price for yourself.' Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now Gulf Coast News also reported that there's around a seven-month supply of homes on the Gulf Coast and that, in addition to turnkey homes on the market, there are at least 1,000 fixer-uppers for sale — many with lingering damage from repeated storms. 'Anytime you get hit back to back, it's going to be a challenge,' warned Cindy Marsh-Tichy, a realtor who sells homes in Punta Gorda and nearby areas. The repeated storms have created shortages of contractors and materials. That's one of the reasons Martin is willing to spend tens of thousands to get the work done so potential buyers won't be put off by the prospect of costly fixes. But it's not just the time and costs involved in repairs that may be scaring homeowners away. It's surging insurance costs as well. Dozens of insurers have pulled out of the state due to the repeated hurricane damage, leaving a limited number of insurers to provide coverage. The result? Florida is the most expensive state in the country when it comes to homeowners' insurance — with an average homeowners' premium of $12,000 a year, according to research by Insurify. Plus, while property values have fallen, a home priced at more than $360,000 is likely too expensive for many families. 'If we want more families, we need more affordable, starter homes,' Marsh-Tichy said. For those who can afford a down payment, mortgage rates remain stubbornly high, adding to the monthly costs for the 41% of Americans who say inflation is their biggest financial problem. Unfortunately, as extreme weather events increase, homeowners can expect more storms going forward — and prospective buyers need to consider the risks before closing on a house. If you live in an area with a high storm risk, consider taking protective measures, such as elevating living space above the level of typical storm surges, investing in hurricane or tornado straps and installing flood barriers. And if you're planning to buy a property, check the cost of home insurance and the history of storms around or at a home before signing a deal. You can also check FEMA flood maps to assist in this risk assessment work. That way you may avoid facing Martin's dilemma with a home that needs serious repairs just as its value falls. 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 Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead 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 Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cape Coral residents battle iguana takeover
CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WFLA) — Residents in a Cape Coral neighborhood are battling an unusual infestation: huge iguanas. NBC affiliate Gulf Coast News reported that one house has been vacant since Hurricane Ian in 2022, and since then, iguanas have arrived by the dozens, and nothing seems to help. WATCH: Crews spot alligator living in storm water pipe One neighbor, Rick Wheeler, said he's killed over 20, but they keep coming back. 'At any point in time, you can see 10, 15 iguanas outside,' he told Gulf Coast News. Green iguanas are invasive and now number in the thousands across South Florida. Like other invasive reptiles, you can humanely kill iguanas on your property year-round. Manatee dies while receiving medical care at Florida state park: report Photos and video shows iguanas covering the property outside, hanging out on the roof and even peeking through the windows from inside the house. They aren't small either, Wheeler caught one that measured almost six feet long. But the city says because its a nuisance and not a public safety concern, they won't use tax dollars to address the problem. Neighbors are concerned that if nothing is done, the iguanas will continue to spread through the neighborhood. Here are some tips from the Fish and Wildlife Commission to help deter iguanas from your property. Removing plants that act as attractants, like fruits and flowers Filling in holes to discourage burrowing Hanging wind chimes or other items that make intermittent noises Hanging CDs that have reflective surfaces Spraying the animals with water as a deterrent Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Independent
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Another Republican town hall descends into chaos over Musk and Trump's DEI policies
Florida Representative Byron Donalds faced hundreds of his constituents on Monday during a contentious town hall filled with boos, jeers, cheers and shouting – the latest Republican to field aggressive questioning in the public forum. Donalds, a close ally of President Donald Trump, defended the administration's policies and positions as he fielded confrontational questions about Elon Musk, the Department of Government Efficiency, the Israel–Hamas conflict, diversity, equity and inclusion, and more. However, he struggled to get through answers as audience members interrupted him several times to boo or shout at him. 'Are you going to allow me to answer the question?' Donalds asked the audience after he was interrupted while trying to explain the benefit of DOGE. The Republican representative got particularly heated while defending Trump's decision to end DEI policies in the federal government, arguing that the policies do not help minority children. "I like how everybody is shouting at me, the Black guy onstage with the microphone in his hands saying, 'Have you read this book, read this book, read this book, read this book?'' Donalds said. "Don't marginalize my life and what I've done. Don't do that." At one point, Donalds got into a yelling match with a pro-Palestinian constituent who continued to shout over him as he tried to address her concerns. Before the town hall had ended, nearly half of the crowd had walked out, according to Gulf Coast News, while many others had been escorted out by deputies. Donalds is the latest Republican to face stern questioning from constituents who are unhappy with various aspects of the Trump administration, namely the potential cuts that Musk and DOGE may make to Medicare or Social Security. The recent string of chaotic Republican town halls led some lawmakers move to a telephone format or avoid holding one altogether, at the advice of National Republican Congressional Committee chair Richard Hudson. But Donalds, who is also running for Florida governor, appeared prepared to face aggressive questioning. "It's important, especially at this time period, where there's a lot of confusion and a lot of misconceptions,' Donalds said, according to Gulf Coast News. 'Obviously, there are citizens who are not happy, but there are many more citizens who are. And so I think it's important to go out there and bring this information to people, whether they want to hear it or not.' Only those who pre-registered and provided a valid ID for Donalds's town hall were permitted to attend.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Captain makes once-in-a-lifetime sighting while scanning horizon off US coast: 'Everybody was screaming and hollering'
Two North Atlantic right whales, which are critically endangered, were spotted off the coast of Florida this past March. Gulf Coast News reported that Captain Ryan Goebel from Sea Trek Charters first saw the whales by Fort Myers Beach. "I'm driving in like normal, just like always," Goebel told the news outlet. "And I look off to the left side, and I see something in the distance ... So I pop up binoculars, and as soon as I pull them up, I see a blowhole shoot up in the air, and I'm like, that's a whale." Sea Trek Charters mate Chris Paul also commented to Gulf Coast News, "Everybody was screaming and hollering and jumping around, pushing everybody out of the way to try to get pictures. It was wild." The whales were then seen a day later near Caxambas Pass, which is close to Marco Island. The whales are named Koala and Curlew. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says they are named after koala- and curlew shorebird-shaped callosities, respectively. Callosities are rough, raised patches of skin on right whales' heads. Koala and Curlew's appearance is even more incredible considering that, per the NOAA, North Atlantic right whales have only been seen four times in the Gulf of Mexico since 2000. An assessment of Curlew in April 2024 concluded that there is a high probability she is currently pregnant, but she hasn't been seen with a calf since then. Pregnancies are a big deal for North Atlantic right whales because of their critically endangered status. There are only about 370 of them left. According to the World Wildlife Fund, fishing gear and warming oceans are some of their biggest threats. The NOAA advises that everyone should stay 500 yards away from whales in the wild. It's also important to report sightings to 877-WHALE-HELP ((877) 942-5343). Do you think America could ever go zero-waste? Never Not anytime soon Maybe in some states Definitely Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The NOAA and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission observe whales like these and others to help keep them safe. By taking care of the whales, we keep our fishing practices balanced and our planet healthy. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Done with Florida — Canada's snowbirds are selling properties, canceling trips as trade war heats up
Over a million Canadian snowbirds go south when it gets cold every year, and many of them choose to spend winters in Florida. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Here are 3 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? But the current political climate is changing that. Gulf Coast News recently reported on 'a mass exodus' of Canadians from Southwest Florida as new travel regulations are imposed and the trade war escalates. CNN also recently reported on snowbirds considering alternative destinations or selling their properties. 'Some of the clients I have been dealing with want to sell at any cost, even at a loss,' said Share Ross, a realtor based in southeast Florida. 'More home purchases in the U.S. are done by Canadians than any other country — 13% from April 2023 to March 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says,' reported CBC News. 'Half of all Canadian purchases were vacation homes, and roughly 41% of sales were in Florida.' This will likely have a ripple effect on the tourism industry and local businesses. Many Canadians are rethinking their plans to return to Florida, with some even considering putting their properties on the market. "I've lived here six months. This is my home, but I'm leaving April 2," said Susan, a Canadian speaking with Gulf Coast News. She was not comfortable sharing her last name for fear of becoming a target amid the growing political divide between the U.S. and Canada. For the Presement family, regular winter residents in Fort Myers, the political landscape has left them regretting their decision to visit Florida. 'The truth of the matter is if I hadn't prepaid everything and wasn't here and your weather wasn't so damn nice. I'd go home now,' said Barry Presement to Gulf Coast News. He and his wife Ruth have no plans to return next winter. "If we travel at all, it won't be here," Ruth said. "For sure, it won't be here. We'll go elsewhere." Their son Brian had even considered retiring in Southwest Florida, but now says Mexico is looking like a better option. "We thought about buying a home in Florida, but now we might reconsider that," he said. Local businesses are probably going to feel the strain of Canadians avoiding the U.S. 'It's not only having a negative impact on the tourism market, but business as a whole,'said Cole Peacock, owner of cannabis cafe & CBD marketplace Seed and Bean to Gulf Coast News. 'You need those extra visits to kick that profit margins to another level.' "Not only have Canadians been electing to divest from their vacation homes and investment properties in Florida, they have also been canceling their trips to the area which is having a negative impact on our vacation rental market," Robert Washington of Savvy Buyers Realty told "We have heard from several of our vacation rental property owners that they have experienced multiple cancellations from Canadian guests due to the tariff battle. Hopefully the tariff situation is resolved soon, or it could have a lasting impact on our tourism industry." Read more: Trump warns his tariffs will spark a 'disturbance' in America — use this 1 dead-simple move to help shockproof your retirement plans ASAP The U.S. Travel Association has said Florida is among the top five most visited states by Canadians and it 'could see declines in retail and hospitality revenue, as shopping is the top leisure activity for Canadian visitors.' In addition to losing business from a lack of Canadian visitors, Florida businesses and consumers are also facing another blow, the implementation of tariffs on imports from Canada and the rest of the world. These tariffs are set to raise the costs of imported goods, raw materials, and even locally produced items that rely on imported components. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, and 10% tariffs on other countries could raise consumer prices on everyday retail purchases such as food and beverage items and general merchandise, covering about a quarter of the total consumption basket, by 0.81% to 1.63%, assuming the costs are fully passed to the consumer. So what can consumers do to protect their budgets? A good place to start is to review spending habits, since cutting costs could provide some relief. Consider buying essentials in bulk before the tariffs drive prices higher. That way, you can lock in current prices and shield yourself from immediate price increases. For those willing to shop around, you can consider products from countries not affected by tariffs, or choose items that are produced locally to avoid the extra costs. Above all, staying informed is critical. As tariffs and related policies continue to evolve, consumers who stay up-to-date should be better equipped to make smarter financial decisions. 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 Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Cost-of-living in America is still out of control — and prices could keep climbing. Use these 3 'real assets' to protect your wealth today, no matter what Trump does This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
