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Hey Sanford, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Jack in the Box returns, a pirate comedy cruise, and AI tools and tradeoffs talk + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Sanford protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

New openings signal broader push: After more than 30 years away, Jack in the Box has opened in Longwood, near Sanford, and the chain plans another Florida location in April as expansion continues — see what’s planned next.

Elevating care for kids: Seminole County Fire Department was recognized for excellence in pediatric emergency care, earning PEDReady Gold-Tier status for advanced training and specialized equipment that help protect young patients across Sanford — see what the designation means.

Creativity takes center stage: Sanford Seminole Art Association’s Spring show, Spring has Sprung, will run March 15 to 30 in Sanford, with a free reception set for April 9 — see dates, location, and reception.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Highlights this week:

• Join a family-friendly pirate comedy cruise
• Chat with local officers over coffee
• Pick up groceries and essential resources

🫶 We got your back

Craving a proper sub: From classic cheesesteaks to stacked hoagies, Laspada’s Original Philly Cheesesteaks & Hoagies delivers hearty, no-frills satisfaction. When you want comfort fast, a gooey cheesesteak or crisp Italian sub hits reset… Sanford staple energy, real-deal flavors, zero fuss.

Waterfront reset, anyone? Whether you’re corralling kiddos at the splash pad, racking up steps on the RiverWalk, or lingering for breezy lake views, Fort Mellon Park makes for an easy midweek breather in downtown Sanford. Think frisbee tosses, good company, and low stakes… just fresh air and room to roam.

Find the fun again: At Davey’s Toys, discover a smart mix of new and rescued kids’ toys, vintage finds, board and video games, plus quirky collectibles you won’t see at big-box stores. The shelves shift daily… and if it’s missing, they’ll hunt it down for you.

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

✂ Tuesdays Scrapbooking Work Day @ Lake Dr, DeBary, FL 32713, United States | Tuesday (3/10) at 10:00 AM – Turning Tuesdays into scrapbooking and photo workdays in DeBary, this free, RSVP hangout lets you finally tame that shoebox of prints or the album you ghosted. Bring a laptop or supplies, enjoy water and coffee, and pop into a quick demo or a low-cost class.

🧩 Pieces of the Puzzle: Addiction, Mental Health Issues, and the Impact on the Family System @ Magnolia Yoga & Wellness Center (Longwood) | Tuesday (3/10) at 11:00 AM – Wondering how addiction and mental health ripple through a family, and what to do about it? At the free Magnolia Wellness Hour, therapist Patti Hall offers an overview, practical resources, and Q&A, because none of us got a manual, with limited seats, and required registration.

🤖 AI: Tools, Tradeoffs, and What We Do Next @ The Sanford Galleon | Wednesday (3/11) at 7:30 AM – Sanford Chamber’s weekly Business Connections is tackling AI for people, from ChatGPT and Canva hacks to the messy tradeoffs around energy, water, and ethics. Expect smart tips, real talk, and breakfast at The Sanford Galleon. Newbies get three free visits, pairing nicely with coffee.

🔒 Fighting Fraud – Financial Wellness Workshop @ Serenity Towers on the St. Johns | Thursday (3/12) at 12:30 PM – Your phone’s been auditioning scammers, so let Sanford Police show you how to shut them down and protect your wallet. Free workshop at Serenity Towers on the St. Johns covers fake cops, lottery bait, and those unpaid toll texts, with practical tips you can use.

🚴 Get Sanford Cycling – Youth Cycling Program @ Historic Hopper Academy | Friday (3/13) at 9:00 AM – Spring Break starts strong for your 10–15-year-olds: a free youth cycling workshop at Historic Hopper Academy teaching safety, confidence, and local trails. They’ll ride to Gemini Springs for a picnic, lunch included, so snag a spot at GetSanfordCyclingMarch13.4honline.com and let someone else tire them out.

🎸 Saturday Acoustic Open Mic @ The Alley | Saturday (3/14) at 2:00 PM – Nothing beats a Saturday afternoon at The Alley & Fuel BBQ, where Dave G hosts a no-cover acoustic open mic, and your campfire favorites actually get an audience. Order brisket, sip something decent, and pretend those three chords were intentional, not nostalgic.

🚗 Downtown Longwood Cruise @ Downtown Longwood Cruise In | Saturday (3/14) at 5:00 PM – Saturday night in historic downtown Longwood means one thing, the free, open-to-all cruise that turns West Church Avenue into a rolling car museum. Expect 100-plus cars and trucks, a 50/50 that tests your luck, food trucks, and DJ Don from Cruisin Orlando spinning classics.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Sanford report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 88°F – Low: 66°F – Precip: 16%

Patchy fog before 10am, then a slight chance of rain showers. Sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 89°F – Low: 66°F – Precip: 3%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance? 🚗

Premiums have been climbing across Florida but most folks won’t notice until they’re hit with a higher bill when it’s time to renew.

That’s exactly what happened to me. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, it was out of sight and out of mind. Turns out I was blindly paying way more than everyone else I knew.

If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too – here’s the comparison tool I used.

This house is wild

Set in guard-gated Buckingham Estates, this 4-bedroom plus study home pairs privacy, water views, and a 3-car garage. Soaring ceilings frame an open plan to a chef’s kitchen with granite and Luxury Café appliances. The home offers ceramic tile throughout, a 2021 roof and HVAC, and an upstairs bonus suite. A screened pool overlooks the pond near Sylvan Lake Park.

Take a peek inside →