Latest news with #News6
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida 55-plus community residents say they're being priced out after lot rents nearly double in price
Jodi Heger is a resident of Spanish Village and leases the land beneath her mobile home — a common occurrence for many of those living in mobile home lots. The rent was affordable on her income, but now she may be forced to leave the mobile home community for those aged 55 and over. As to what prompted the price increase, Heger told reporters at News 6 that, 'they can do it because there's no cap saying they can and can't.' It's not a small increase either. Heger is currently paying $480 a month to lease the land. In a few short months, the rent will almost double to $850 per month. For Heger and other residents, the increase is forcing them into a financial bind, even if they had the option to relocate. 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) Residents are saying it's a trend they're seeing elsewhere too — corporations are purchasing mobile home parks, and then increasing the rent for this land. The rent increases have huge negative financial ramifications because many residents rely on small retirement accounts or Social Security payments. Some may not even have any retirement set aside at all and live on fixed incomes, month-to-month. Peggy Elam is another resident that is feeling the pinch. Her father-in-law purchased the home in 1994, but the increases in rent — which have now happened several times by as much as $200 or more each time — are squeezing her out of the community. In tears, she told reporters, 'I promised to take care of it and now we may have no choice but to sell it.' Because so many can't afford the lot rent, residents are putting up their homes for sale. Spanish Village HOA President Phillip Roy said that out of the 36 homes listed for sale in the community, 32 are listed because the lease has become too costly. The issue is also that the increasing rent has made the homes less desirable to prospective buyers, leaving the current owners in a lurch. While homes previously went for as much as $150,000, now prices have gone as low as $30,000. 'People are actually losing their equity in their homes very quickly,' he told reporters. On their part, The Power Group — the management company responsible for Spanish Village — offered a written statement explaining the rent increases. The statement says that Spanish Village is, "consistently enhancing the community with impactful upgrades — including new roads, golf course installation, clubhouse renovations, extensive landscaping and tree work, and more." The company also says that it offers, 'resources available upon request to help those who may be facing financial difficulties, including information on nearby organizations that can help with rent assistance.' But will these resources really help residents who still can't afford the lot rent? 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 There may be some hope by way of House Bill 613 (Mobile Home Park Lot Tenancies) — a piece of Florida legislation enacted last July. The bill means that mobile home owners and park owners can go to mediation over any lot rent disputes. Until the dispute has been submitted, no civil action can be taken against residents or park owners. However, State Representative Paula Stark who drafted the bill says that some owners of mobile parks have been enacting strategies to get out of the mediation process. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is also working with her to determine what loopholes exist in the current legislation, and how these can be remedied. She also introduced House Bill 701, meant to help mobile home owners pay for rent through financial assistance provided by their municipal government. Unfortunately, that bill didn't pass this legislative session in the Senate after moving through the House. Increasing rent costs are a challenge, but you have several strategies available to you. Depending on your relationship with your landlord, you can begin by trying to negotiate with them. Perhaps you could ask them to delay the increase so you have a longer runway to prepare for the incoming hit to your budget. You can also suggest a compromise on the rate, to arrive at a rent amount that works for both of you. Of course, this does require you to adjust your budget at some point, as your housing costs will undoubtedly eat up more of your income (this is unfortunately a trend with housing elsewhere too). Emphasize that there is value in the track record you've established thus far — consistent and timely payments, following lease terms, caring for the property and its upkeep, communicating well and maintaining a positive standing within the community and management. There are plenty of examples of tenants causing problems for their landlords, so demonstrating your trustworthiness can serve you. If your building is rent-controlled or needs to adhere to certain rules, be sure to take the time to understand what rights you have. Reach out to the appropriate housing authorities if you need assistance or push for mediation. One mobile home community in Littleton, Colorado even banned together to fight a new corporate purchase with their own $18 million counter offer, turning their homes into a 'family business.' Exploring other housing may help yield other viable options for you, especially if you're on a fixed income or unable to increase the amount you earn. Consider renting in other areas or living with a friend or other family members to help control costs, if you absolutely need to go this route. 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
12-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Beachgoers beware! A record algae bloom is headed for South Florida
Large and often smelly brownish-colored algae blobs are headed for South Florida shores once again. But this time, they're even bigger. In fact, the amount of sargassum seaweed aimed at Floridians increased last month, with amounts in the eastern Caribbean Sea and west Atlantic Ocean reaching 'surprisingly high levels,' note scientists. Researchers at the University of South Florida's Optical Oceanography Lab said levels were 200 percent higher than their historical records in April in both areas, and the total amount in all regions combined was 150 percent higher. 'Furthermore, this total amount was 40 percent higher than the all-time high in June 2022, which makes 2025 a new record year,' they said. So what does this mean for Floridians, the state's ecosystems, and other inhabitants? Sargassum blooms are massive accumulations of brown seaweed that originate in the Atlantic Ocean and float on the surface of the water. The seaweed provides habitat for crabs, shrimp, threatened sea turtles, and fish. They're also filled with plastic. Historically, most of it was located in the Sargasso Sea, but the geographic range for sargassum expanded in 2011. Now, massive amounts from the new 5,000-mile region called the 'Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt' head west into the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Researchers believe the beach-choking blooms are tied to strong ocean currents and wind that help to create ideal growing conditions for the algae. The nutrients that are necessary for multiple kinds of blooms were driven by the shifting winds. Winds and currents carry the seaweed around to Florida. This year, scientists say that the exact reasons for the new historical records need to be investigated, although most were due to local growth and the seaweed's movement. 'Over the last month, we saw somewhere around 31 million metric tons of sargassum, which is the highest amount we've ever recorded in this area and [it] would be the largest macroalgae bloom ever,' Dr. Brian Barnes told News 6. Higher temperatures due to climate change may also be a factor, one scientist told The Miami Herald. But, another expert said hot water temperatures could hurt growth. May is expected to see a continued increase in most regions. The typical peak is in the summer. Florida has spent millions of dollars on clean-up over the last few years. Tourism is adversely affected when beaches close. But, there are also harmful health effects — for humans and animals. Brown tides can smother coral reefs and disrupt nesting grounds for sea turtles. Sargassum is not toxic unless it's rotten. If it is, it releases a hydrogen sulfide gas that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. People with prior respiratory conditions may have trouble breathing after inhaling it. Its smell is reminiscent of rotten eggs. In addition to other contaminants, sargassum may contain high levels of heavy metals, including arsenic and cadmium. To protect themselves and their families, people should avoid touching or swimming near the seaweed, close their windows and doors if they live near the beach, limit their time on the beach if they have respiratory issues, and use gloves to handle seaweed. 'Stay away from the beach if you experience irritation or breathing problems from hydrogen sulfide — at least until symptoms go away,' the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
This Is What It's Like To Survive An EF2 Tornado In Your Car
Jeanicmar Rangel was in her car in Lake Mary, Florida, near Orlando, when an EF2 tornado struck on Monday. Rangel recorded the storm as it passed over her car, tossing debris, bending trees and pummeling her car with heavy rain and wind. 'Oh my God,' Rangel repeatedly said in Spanish in the video. 'It was horrible,' she later told reporter Carlos Moreno. (MORE: Tornado Hits Florida TV Station During Live Weather Broadcast) The tornado struck around 9:30 a.m., packing winds up to 120 mph. The storm overturned a tractor-trailer in Lake Mary and destroyed a home in Longwood, News 6 reported. The driver and his dog, who were in the truck, were reported uninjured. Two people who were inside the home that collapsed in Longwood were also uninjured. Several other homes were damaged in the area and trees were reported down. After the storm moved out of the area, Rangel recorded the damage surrounding her vehicle. Debris was scattered about the neighborhood, with branches down and debris from homes littering the area.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
‘Kind of messed me up this morning' Knoxville community shares thoughts on springing clocks forward
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — On Sunday, East Tennesseans turned their clocks forward in observance of daylight-saving time, making the most of longer daylight hours with Spring approaching. Daylight-saving time has been a topic of debate in recent years, even sparking a proposed bill in the Tennessee legislature in 2023. Some support permanent daylight-saving time, while others wish to eliminate it altogether. Knoxville named one of America's most coveted creative communities: survey News 6 asked people in Market Square about their thoughts on daylight-saving time. For some, the shift means losing an hour of sleep, leaving them feeling fatigued. 'Kind of messed me up this morning. We had to be up at like, I think like 6:30 a.m. So, like, it totally messed me up. I'm very exhausted right now. I don't like daylight-savings. I guess I just don't see the point in it. I love consistency. I'm all about consistency. So, I would prefer it just to be one or the other,' explained Nathaniel Morris a Knoxville visitor from Colorado. 'We love sunshine. We hate the change. So, this morning, I thought I was getting up at seven… and it wasn't. So that was rough, but I don't know that we have much use for it anymore. So, I think it would be really nice to have it where we don't have a week at the front end and a week at the back end trying to adjust, and it's especially hard on kids,' added new resident Rachel Robinson. Another Knoxville local Alecia Johnson works in healthcare and shares the effects of the time change can be harmful. 'It's a little bit harder on seasonal depression and things like that, sundowning stuff like that and dementia,' said Johnson Others are either indifferent or all in favor of the extra sunlight. 'Daylight-savings don't matter to me. I get up at 5:00 every morning. It don't matter if it's snowing, raining, dark, light, don't matter to me,' said Eric Harrison. One Knoxville SC introduces pre-professional women's team 'I really feel like the time needed to just move forward, right? Like I was ready for some daylight in the evenings. I really don't love the winter time change. It really causes the sleep cycle to change a little bit. It really makes the nights sort of feel a lot longer, even though it's the same amount of time. It just starts a little earlier, causing us to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. So, I'm really thankful that the time changed. I hope they don't ever change it back,' shared John Miracle, Knoxville resident of over 20 years. Daylight-saving time will end on November 2nd this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
OSDE investigating teacher after Oklahoma foster child left outside in viral video
An Oklahoma teacher who is also a foster parent is under investigation after a video of a child standing outside with no coat in freezing temperatures went viral on social media. In the video taken by a neighbor, the child is seen standing outside of the home in pink pajamas calling to be let back inside. The neighbor, Rhet Wike, told News 6 that he saw the girl standing at the backdoor of the home and she was "trying her hardest to keep her foot off the ground." "[She was saying] 'I want to go back inside, I'm cold. I'm cold. I'm cold," Wike told News 6 in an interview. After so, he contacted law enforcement to the scene. The Oklahoma State Department of Education said in a news release Friday that they are investigating the incident alongside the Haskell Police Department and Oklahoma's Department of Human Services. The child is 5 years old, OSDE officials said. "The safety and well-being of our students are our top priority," said State Superintendent Ryan Walters in the statement. "lf an educator shows signs of abusive behavior or fails to ensure the safety of children, whether inside or outside the classroom, they have no place in our schools. OSDE is committed to taking swift and decisive action to protect Oklahoma students." OSDE officials said that after learning the individual was a teacher, the department filed a report with Awareity and launched an investigation into the teacher's actions. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma foster child left outside sparks outrage; teacher investigated
