Latest news with #HaganAceHardware
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida's Hurricane Tax Holiday Delayed Amid Budget Gridlock
For years, Floridians have relied on the state's Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday to help them save money while stocking up for hurricane season. But this year, the tax break is missing, stalled by a budget stalemate in Tallahassee. At Hagan Ace Hardware in Mandarin, shelves are stocked with essentials like batteries, tarps, and flashlights — the very supplies normally exempt from sales tax in early June. Doug Kreie, the store's general manager, said the delay has slightly slowed business. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< 'When they announced the sales tax, we do see a bump because it reminds people,' Kreie said. The state legislature has yet to approve a final budget. That means the tax holiday, which traditionally begins June 1, hasn't been authorized. Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed two 14-day tax-free periods this year, estimating more than $70 million in savings, but negotiations are only just beginning. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The delay comes as forecasters predict another above-average hurricane season, with up to five major storms possible. And for shoppers like Geoffrey Decker, the uncertainty is frustrating. 'I know it isn't a lot, but it does draw people out to get it done,' Decker said. 'That's what I'm waiting on.' Decker said he's holding off on buying more expensive items until the tax break kicks in, if it does. He's got his list handy. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] 'Batteries, water, pet supplies. God forbid if something does happen, we're prepared. And that's what it's all about,' said Decker. While lawmakers continue to negotiate in the state capital, experts and retailers urge Floridians not to wait. The storms won't delay, even if the legislature does. Kreie said calm weather may also be lulling some into a false sense of security, but now is the time to prepare, tax break or not. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Firefighter released from the hospital following fire that destroyed an Ace Hardware
The firefighter who was injured during an emergency response in Orange Park Friday night has been identified. The Orange Park Fire Department said Firefighter Cochran suffered a heat-related medical emergency while working alongside Clay County Fire Rescue and several other agencies. 'Our firefighters worked tirelessly in extreme conditions to contain and extinguish the blaze,' said OPFD. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The fire destroyed the family-owned Hagan Ace Hardware on Blanding Boulevard. Officials said they got the fire under control just after midnight, but the road remained shut down until nearly 9 A.M. Saturday morning. OPFD announced Saturday afternoon that Cochran had been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. No employees or customers were injured. 'We could not be prouder of the men and women of the Orange Park Fire Department who answer the call without hesitation, fully aware of the risks to their own safety,' said OPFD. Their courage, commitment, and professionalism are unwavering." The cause of the fire has not yet been identified, and the State Fire Marshal is investigating. A representative for Hagan Ace Hardware said Friday night that the location was their headquarters and housed its administrative offices, along with important company documents. The company had the following message for the community Saturday: 'THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU! The outpouring of love and support has been amazing. This building wasn't just a 'store' for us. For the past 45 years it has been our 'home base', a place we have created some of our best memories at Hagan Ace. It's so wonderful to see it has been a place of joy for so many of you too. 'As we navigate through this… please be patient with us. Because our main computers run through headquarters our other locations might experience a few hiccups in the coming days. We thank you in advance for your understanding." For the breaking news updates as they happened and videos of the fire, read the original story here. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
