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FAU Poll Shows Floridians Cutting Back in Reaction to Rising Inflation The economy, inflation and the high cost of housing are weighing on the minds of consumers as recent price hikes force Floridians to cut back on travel, entertainment and other discretionary items, according to the latest statewide survey from the Florida Atlantic University Business and Economics Polling Initiative (FAU BEPI). Roughly 47 percent of respondents rate the national economy as poor or very poor, while 84 percent consider the cost of living and inflation a high priority that the country must address. More than eight out of 10 respondents are concerned or very concerned about increasing costs for both housing and property insurance, while more than 53 percent said rising prices for food and goods and services have greatly affected their finances. Of the 532 survey respondents, more than 70 percent said they are cutting back on travel and entertainment, while about 66 percent are buying less food. Nearly 60 percent said they are using savings to pay bills, and almost 4 in 10 said they are missing bill payments. Summer travel likely will be impacted. The latest Travel Price Index from the U.S. Travel Association noted that transportation costs are up 30 percent, lodging up 11.4 percent and food and beverage are up 14.2 percent, compared with pre-pandemic 2019.
May 27 - June 2, 2022
“This increase in prices in the travel industry will lead to adjustments in summer vacation plans,” said Monica Escaleras, Ph.D., director of FAU BEPI in the College of Business. “The hospitality industry most likely will see a decrease in demand.” In other issues, nearly 67 percent of respondents, including more than half of the Republicans polled, said abortion should be legal in most or all cases. “However, it is not clear this issue will drive voting as abortion was only ranked as a high priority issue by 39 percent of Floridians,” said Kevin Wagner, Ph.D., a professor of political science at FAU and a research fellow of BEPI. Meanwhile, 43 percent oppose the recent Florida legislation that banned lessons about sexual orientation or gender identity in elementary schools. The legislation was supported by more than 37 percent of respondents, while nearly 20 percent had no opinion. As for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 47 percent believe America is providing the right amount of support to the wartorn country. More than 20 percent believe America should give more support. The online survey was conducted May 20-22 and has a margin of error of +/4.24 percentage points. The data, weighted by ethnicity, age, education and gender, was collected through Dynata.
BoyntonArts Holding Photo Contest for National Parks and Recreation Month BoyntonArts is proud to announce a photo contest in honor of National Park and Recreation Month. Anyone with digital photos that showcase City of Boynton Beach parks or the community enjoying them, is encouraged to submit their photos online at photocontest.boyntonarts.com by Sunday, June 12 at 4:30 pm. During July, the National Recreation and Park Association recognizes the power of parks and recreation and the professionals who build strong, vibrant and resilient communities. The City’s Recreation & Parks Department is comprised of 32 parks and ten recreational facilities that offer a variety of programs year-round for those of all ages and abilities. Submitted photos must have been taken within the last three years at a Boynton Beach park, Recreation Center, the Links Golf Course, or Oceanfront Park Beach. “When considering which photos to enter, we are asking the community to
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think along the lines of a toddler’s first visit to the beach, a winning touchdown pass at a Boynton Bulldogs game, or simply a butterfly fluttering through the air at the Town Square playgrounds,” remarked Glenn Weiss, the City’s Public Art Manager. “We are seeking a wide breadth of photos that represent the City’s parks and natural areas alongside the varied and wonderful experiences occurring within.”The community will have the opportunity to “like” their favorite photo on the BoyntonArts Facebook page from June 1 to July 22. The photo with the most “likes” in each category will be announced on Saturday, July 23; each category will have the chance to win a $50 gift card. The National Parks & Recreation Month Photo Exhibition at the Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center will be open to the public from July 1 to July 30. Hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 8 pm and Sat. 9 am - 1 pm. Admission is free.
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