Tag Archives: florida

Beach Getaways for Budget-Conscious Travelers

Spring arrives next week, though you’d never know it by the freezing cold temperatures and fresh snow falling in much of the Midwest and Central Plains.  If you are dreaming of ditching the ice in order to splish, splash into spring, consider the following beach deals that won’t wipeout your travel budget: Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach:  From now through May 1, 2013, the Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach is offering a money-saving “Beach Spring Break Package,” which includes complimentary breakfast for two adults and two children and use of the hotel’s beach accessories (umbrella, two beach chairs and four … Continue reading →

Save on Spring Break Escapes

  Old Man Winter has been walloping the nation with blizzards, brutal cold and blistering winds.  Consequently, it’s no surprise that so many people are looking to escape to warmer climates.  If you are in search of sun-kissed shores and sizzling hot temperatures, but are worried a beach vacation will blow your budget, consider the following tips: Book early:  If you want to save money on spring break travel, don’t procrastinate.  Many of the best deals are available for a limited time only.  Waiting for deeply discounted last-minute deals may cost you.  Remember, as planes and hotels fill up super … Continue reading →

Governor Scott Agrees to Temporarily Expand Medicaid

The Governor of Florida, Rick Scott, has decided to expand Medicaid in his state. However, this comes with some stipulations. He is only interested in the expanded program for the three years in which the federal government will pay for 100% of it. The Florida legislature also must approve of the expansion in order for it to happen. The federal government offers states funding that is to be used to expand their Medicaid programs. It is part of the Affordable Care Act. When the Supreme Court heard the case about the Affordable Care Act, it decided that states cannot be … Continue reading →

That’s Not Very Green, Orlando!

Jason and Jennifer Helvengston are residents of College Park, a section of Orlando, Florida.  This area is close to downtown and popular among the working age citizens, of which the majority are homeowners.  But, if you are a homeowner, do you have the right to do whatever you want on your land? No, according to College Park officials. See, Jason and Jennifer decided to set up a 25 x 25 foot micro-irrigated vegetable garden in their front yard.  City code says your yard has to look “finished” and kept clean to keep property values up.  Therefore, officials told Jason he … Continue reading →

Florida Appeals Order to Cover Autism Treatment

In March of 2012, a judge ordered the state of Florida to cover the cost of autism treatment for children who were covered by Medicaid. Private insurers had previously been required to cover it. Now, the state of Florida is appealing that decision. The state wants to decide if ABA treatment is necessary on a case by case basis. In order to fully understand this situation, you need a little background information. Applied Behavioral Analysis, (also called ABA), is a psychological form of treatment that is necessary for children who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is a therapy … Continue reading →

Florida Health Choices and the Affordable Care Act

Florida has been working on a health insurance marketplace called Florida Health Choices. It does not comply with the requirements set in place for insurance exchanges by the Affordable Care Act. What does this mean for the Florida program? According to the Kaiser Family Foundation Health Reform Source, Florida started working on an initiative called Florida Health Choices in 2008. When completed, it will be a web portal that individuals, and small businesses, can use to find health insurance coverage in Florida. Florida started beta testing the web portal in September of 2012. Florida Health Choices has some similarities to … Continue reading →

Christmas in Florida

After the Blizzard of 2009, I’m sure more people than ever are considering traveling to Florida for Christmas. I prefer Hawaii myself, but I digress. Sunny Florida is a hotspot for snowbirds looking to escape Old Man Winter’s blast. However, some shy away from flying south because they don’t think the sand and surf make for a traditional Christmas backdrop. Little do they know that Florida is filled with festive displays and attractions this time of year, including: ORLANDO The House of Mouse goes all out for the holidays. If you are planning to travel to Orlando this month, don’t … Continue reading →

Sexual Innuendo Gets Teacher Fired

I don’t know about you, but when I look at the state of Florida on a map, the last thing I see is a phallic symbol. Of course, I haven’t seen science teacher Ryan Haraughty’s recent depiction of the “Sunshine State.” If I did, I might have a better understanding of why Shawnee Mission school district administrators gave Haraughty the boot a couple of weeks ago. According, to the former Mission Valley Middle School teacher his firing was instigated by a drawing and comment he made about the state of Florida. The Kansas teacher says as part of a lesson … Continue reading →

Great Deals on Fun Family Spring Break Activities

If you have a little slugger in your family he (or she) is guaranteed to go batty for the incredible spring training deals being offered by Florida’s Grapefruit League and Arizona’s Cactus League. Both baseball organizations are offering outstanding opportunities for your little ones to catch big-league action at a relatively small price. What’s more, if you are traveling from out-of-town to see these athletes in action, you can save on hotel accommodations too. For example, Seralago Hotel & Suites (considered one of central Florida’s most affordable and family-friendly properties), is offering a spring training special to families who stay … Continue reading →

Have Fun in the Sun this Spring

Depending on your child’s school, spring break could be just a couple of weeks away. If that’s the case, you’re in luck. Several popular resorts are offering fabulous deals for families looking to escape to the sun and surf. The current economy has forced many top-notch properties to drastically reduce their rates in order to drum up business. This means that availability is excellent and you’ll get more bang for your buck, especially if you are traveling with kids. Take a look: ORLANDO What parent wouldn’t want to spend spring break lounging poolside while her child is happily splashing nearby? … Continue reading →