Winn-Dixie Closing South Florida Stores

The economy has claimed another victim, Winn-Dixie and over 120 employees of the grocery chain. The company is planning to close 35% of its stores nationwide, including 13 South Florida stores.

Stores in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Greenacres, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Plantation and Pembroke Pines will close their doors for good on September 22, 2010.

Brazilian Tourists Flock to South Florida

In the midst of the South American nation's economic boom, Brazilian tourists are flocking to South Florida and are spending more than other tourists. This increase in visitors is influenced by the strength of Brazil's currency, easier visa approvals and more flights to Florida.

Brazilians are now the third most popular international tourists, after Canadians and Brits. Brazilians also tend to stay longer and spend more than other tourists visiting South Florida. Last year, when the number of tourists to Florida dropped overall, the number of Brazilians visiting the state rose 29% and their spending increased 36%. In the first quarter of this year, South Florida saw 272,000 visitors from Brazil.

U.S. Set To Announce Everglades Restoration Project

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Federal Government are set to announce a major Everglades Restoration project Monday for a portion of the Florida Everglades.

The project is designed to restore and protect the wetlands and improve water quality in the northern Everglades, providing habitats for the area's endangered species.

LeBron James May Boost Florida Economy

LeBron James announced Thursday night that he will be joining Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat. Immediately after the news leaked, season tickets were sold out, signaling the tourism and economic boom that the basketball superstar will bring with him to South Florida.

Here are 10 Ways LeBron James will Impact the Florida Economy:
1. Merchandise Sales
2. Ticket Sales
3. Sponsorship Sales
4. TV Revenue
5. Downtown Miami Development
6. Shopping Malls
7. South Beach
8. Job Applications
9. Other Sports - Let's go Marlins, Panthers & 'Fins!
10. Media Outlets

Opt-In for Overdraft Protection or Say Goodbye to Overdraft Fees

Effective August 15, 2010 Tropical Financial Credit Union will no longer pay overdrafts on ATM or debit card transactions unless you opt-in for overdraft protection. This is a result of recent regulatory changes to consumer accounts.

The good news is this means the end of overdraft fees! Instead of TFCU paying for your overdraft and charging you a fee, your transaction will simply be declined if you have not opted in for overdraft protection.

A great way to protect yourself against overdrafts and embarrassing declines is to link your checking account to your savings account. Whenever you overdraw your checking account, TFCU will automatically transfer money from your savings account to cover the transaction, without charging a fee.