Back-to-School Spending Expected to Decline as Inflation Takes its Toll

After 18 months of inflation, higher prices weigh on many K-12 families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

In addition to a 23.7% increase in the cost of school supplies in the past two years (per the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index), 3 in 10 (31%) surveyed parents say their households are in a worse financial situation than last year, and half (51%) expect the economy to weaken in the next six months. According to the “2023 Deloitte Back-to-School Survey,” consumers across income groups are expected to prioritize their spending and find ways to economize throughout the season. However, most parents are also willing to splurge on specific items for their children, signaling an opportunity for retailers heading into the back-to-school shopping season.

Deloitte’s back-to-school survey was conducted online using an independent research panel between May 26 and June 1, 2023 and surveyed 1,212 parents with at least one child attending school in grades K-12 this fall.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3O0I5aD

For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com

Arrive Alive This Summer: Be Safe, Slow Down, Never Drive Impaired, Buckle Up

Traveling throughout Florida can be just as fun as getting to your destination. During the summer travel season, Florida’s roads can be some of the busiest in the country. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is educating everyone on safe driving practices to always Arrive Alive.

SPEEDING – SLOW DOWN, STAY COOL

• As a motorist, it’s your responsibility to know and obey the speed limit on each road you travel.

• Speed limits are in place to keep you and those around you safe. Together, we can create a safer summer for all by slowing down and staying cool on the road.

• In Florida, the speed limit will never be higher than 70 mph on highways. Slow down – no excuses.

• Speeding is against the law and extremely dangerous. Obeying speed limits improves safety by reducing the probability and severity of crashes.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/44WQsuE

Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Begins Today, Monday July 24. Check Out What You Can Save On!

The first of Florida’s two upcoming tax-free holidays for back-to-school-supplies begins today, Monday July 24, and will run through August 6. The back-to-school- tax holiday is a great way for families to save a great amount of money on qualifying items. The next tax-free holiday after that will happen during the first two weeks of January.

DURING THE SALES TAX HOLIDAY PERIOD, QUALIFYING ITEMS WILL BE EXEMPT FROM TAX, INCLUDING:

• Clothing, footwear, and certain accessories with a sales price of $100 or less per item

• Certain school supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item,

• Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3q0x6pB

Malaria Outbreak in Sarasota County Prompts Proactive Mosquito Warning to Osceola County Residents

Osceola County Mosquito Control is urging its residents to remain proactive throughout the year in safeguarding the community against bothersome and disease-carrying mosquitoes. Recently, the Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory for the local transmission of Malaria in Sarasota County.

“OCMC continuously monitors mosquito populations, and we take action as populations start to increase or disease is identified in our area,” said Natural Resource Manager Susan Gosselin.

Malaria is transmitted by a certain type of mosquito, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, which is currently at low population levels in freshwater swamp areas of Osceola County. OCMC is very aware of the concern of residents and is keeping a close eye on the situation.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3qaSRTO

For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com

Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Begins

Monday July 24. Check Out What You Can Save On!

The first of Florida’s two upcoming tax-free holidays for back-toschool-supplies begins Monday July 24 and will run through August 6. The back-to-school- tax holiday is a great way for families to save a great amount of money on qualifying items. The next taxfree holiday after that will happen during the first two weeks of January.

DURING THE SALES TAX HOLIDAY PERIOD, QUALIFYING ITEMS WILL BE EXEMPT FROM TAX, INCLUDING:

• Clothing, footwear, and certain accessories with a sales price of $100 or less per item

• Certain school supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item,

• Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3q0x6pB