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Hey Winter Park, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Free backpacks and supplies, trivia night, and a resort-style pool home + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Back-to-school giveaway event: STAR 94.5 and Boost Mobile will offer free backpacks and supplies in St. Cloud on August 8 and Orlando on August 9 for the first 94, while supplies last -- see where to pick up.
Plan Your Orlando Arrival: A 2026 arrivals guide explains how to navigate MCO after landing, from Terminal C and the Terminal Link to baggage claim, rideshares, rental cars, hotel shuttles, and Mears Connect -- check the arrivals map.
Southern comfort standout: Orlando’s Se7enBites is beloved for buttery Southern comfort and award-winning sweets, featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Open Thu–Fri 8 AM to 3 PM, Sat–Sun 9 AM to 3 PM -- read the full story.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Seafood night upgrade: Lombardi's Seafood has been Central Florida’s go-to for more than 60 years, with pristine selections and online ordering when the craving hits. Pick up something grill-ready, then snag a recipe from their site and turn Tuesday into a coastal flex.
Feel-good thrifting: Refresh your closet and home this week at The HOPE Chest Thrift Store/Boutique, part of HOPE Helps, the local nonprofit working to prevent hunger and homelessness in Central Florida. Expect pre-loved clothing and household gems, plus the warm feeling that your treasure hunt strengthens neighbors through HOPE’s pantry and resource center.
Gear up your station: If your clippers are pulling more than cutting, Apopka Beauty & Barber Supply, Inc. has pro-grade essentials from Andis, BaByliss, Oster, and Wahl, plus shears, blades, barber chairs, and even shop signs. Grab the latest high-RPM WMARK tools or BaBylissPRO FXONE sets and upgrade your cut game this week.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🧠 Trivia Nights @ Aloma Bowl | Tuesday (8/4) at 6:30 PM – Test those dusty Jeopardy muscles with Simon Time’s trivia at Aloma Bowl, where the bar snacks are solid and getting in costs zero. The kind of friendly chaos that makes you feel smart, social, and competitive, then somehow ordering nachos feels like a victory.
👥 Walk in Wednesday - Open Caregiver Interviews @ All Ways Caring HomeCare | Wednesday (8/5) at 10:00 AM – Finally, a Wednesday that justifies real shoes. Walk in for caregiver interviews that matter, and if your credentials read CNA, HHA, LPN, or RN, even better. They can help with HHA, so bring I-9 docs, CPR, TB proof, background check, and AHCA fingerprints.
🥫 Harvest of Hope Food Pantry @ Sanlando United Methodist Church (Longwood) | Wednesday (8/5) at 2:00 PM – Harvest of Hope at Sanlando United Methodist Church offers no-fuss pantry staples for anyone who needs a little help. Friendly volunteers, quick check-in, and a few house rules keep it smooth, so skip the early-bird stakeout, pocket the cigarette, and plan pit stops accordingly.
🤝 August Volunteer Day @ OurLegacy (Maitland) | Thursday (8/6) at 10:00 AM – If your to-do list includes 'be a decent human,' check it off at the monthly volunteer day. Get your hands dirty, swap stories with neighbors, and enjoy a provided lunch that somehow tastes better when you earn it, then call it quality time well spent.
🏓 Pickleball @ Gateway Church | Friday (8/7) at 9:00 AM – Friday mornings at Gateway mean one thing, pickleball with your neighbors and zero pressure. First time’s free, then five bucks covers paddles, balls, and patient coaching. Easy Winter Park spot near Fairbanks and I-4, two morning sessions, plus cardio disguised as catching up.
🧺 Winter Park Farmers’ Market @ Central Park | Saturday (8/8) at 7:00 AM – Think you know your produce? Stroll Central Park West Meadow for the Winter Park Farmers’ Market, a weekly spread of just-picked veggies, artisan bread, local honey, and flowers under the oaks. You will run into neighbors, buy too much, and regret nothing.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Winter Park report Weather forecastToday — High: 91°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 50%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny. High near 91, with temperatures falling to around 85 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tomorrow — High: 92°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 67%
Showers and thunderstorms likely after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Southeast wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. East southeast wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. This house is wildThis 5-bed, 5-bath new construction by LUIH Luxury Homes delivers 2,868 square feet of sleek contemporary style, with completion set for December 2026. A bright open layout, designer finishes, and expansive windows keep the interiors airy and refined. Outside, a resort-style pool and spa elevate Florida living, all moments from Park Avenue, top dining, golf, and Winter Park culture.
Take a peek inside → |
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