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Florida’s back-to-school, hurricane prep tax holidays begin Aug. 1

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SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Floridians will soon save money on hurricane preparedness and safety supplies year-round, as well as back-to-school needs and more, under a new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The permanent sales tax exemptions, part of Florida’s recently approved budget, take effect Aug. 1. The goal is to help families prepare for storms without having to wait for temporary tax holidays.

“It’s going to help us tremendously in the aspect of preparation,” said Matt Myers, chief of Manatee County Emergency Management.

Town of Longboat Key holds disaster preparedness seminar

Permanent Year-Round, What’s Included

(NEW: These were previously temporary tax holiday items; now they are permanent.)

  • Disaster preparedness items:
    • Batteries
    • Gas or diesel fuel tanks/cans
    • Portable generators
    • Tarps
    • Ground anchors or tie-down kits
  • Health & safety items:
    • Fire extinguishers
    • Smoke detectors/alarms
    • Sunscreen
    • Insect repellent
    • Life jackets
    • Bicycle helmets
  • Other:
    • Florida State Park admission (NEW: First-time admission fees are tax-exempt)
    • Gold, silver, and platinum bullion (NEW: First time permanent exemption)

Temporary 2025-Only Holiday

  • Hunting, fishing, camping gear:
    • (NEW: Created under HB 7031)
    • Dates: September 8 – December 31, 2025.

Second Chance Last Opportunity back-to-school drives

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Details

Aug. 1–31, 2025: Includes broader categories Permanent Annual Holiday

  • Back-to-school sales tax holiday:
    • CONTINUATION, BUT EXPANDED. Previously, a limited-time holiday (1–2 weeks).
    • NOW: Runs every August as a monthlong holiday.
  • School supplies (up to $50): Binders, notebooks, pens, pencils, lunch boxes.
  • Clothing/apparel (up to $100): Backpacks, pants, shoes, shirts, sweaters.
  • Learning aids (up to $30): Interactive books, puzzles, flashcards.
  • Personal computers/accessories (up to $1,500): Laptops, printers, flash drives, headphones.

Myers said the change could encourage people to plan ahead instead of waiting for limited-time tax breaks.

“Not only now you don’t have to wait for these sales tax holidays. You can actually go out preemptively anytime of year,” Myers said. “Seeing the devastation that happened and people having to wait for these sales tax holidays just to get prepared — I think it’s just less stress on people.”

For more information on the Back-to-School Tax Holiday, visit the Florida Department of Revenue website.

Fun 4 Manasota Kids back-to-school events

What Shoppers Are Saying

Local shopper Julio Ferrer said the savings will help residents better prepare for hurricane season.

“I think it’s great you get to save, and everybody likes to save,” Ferrer said. “I think people prepare more because they have more money, more funds to invest in their equipment.”

Still, he questioned why the exemptions aren’t already in effect.

“It should’ve started now. People want to start getting prepared early because then you get the rush and everybody’s in the market going crazy,” Ferrer said.

A Reminder to Prepare

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted 23 total named storms and 5 major hurricanes this season. Even with a relatively quiet hurricane season so far, Myers said now is the time to get ready.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Florida Disaster Preparedness tax-free holiday

“We have a lot of people on fixed income, and just those pennies on the dollar really add up, and now that’s just year-round,” he said.

He also reminded residents that sandbags are available throughout the hurricane season.

For more information on the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, visit the Florida Department of Revenue website.



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Fur-get the beach! Brits hate holidays without their dogs and will cancel travel plans if they’re not pet-friendly

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Britain really is a nation of dog lovers, with 76% of owners wishing they could pack up their pooch and take them on holiday, according to new research.

But though 73% say a trip is better with their hound at their heels, more than half (53%) admit finding pet-friendly accommodation is a nightmare.

This leaves three-quarters of owners guilty about ditching their pup, according to the survey by dog food brand Cesar. Incredibly, 55% of people have cancelled or changed travel plans because the destination wasn’t suitable for their pet.

And when asked what their dog’s dream travel itinerary would look like, UK dog owners were clear about their pups’ top choices.

The most popular were a beach day or swim in the sea (51%), a countryside hike or forest walk (43%), a dog-friendly road trip (41%), a stay in a cosy cabin or cottage (34%), without forgetting the very important playdate with other dogs (28%).

To help those who want to holiday with their hound, Cesar has teamed up with TripAdvisor to launch the Ulti-mutt Bucket List Travel Guide.

It includes pet-welcoming accommodation and experiences that humans and their four-legged friends can enjoy together.

Stephen Judson, Senior Principal Client Partner at TripAdvisor, said: “We’re already the go-to for millions of travellers looking for trusted recommendations. By collaborating with Cesar, we’re helping even more people feel confident about travelling with their dogs.

“From finding the perfect dog-friendly cottage to discovering that beach café where your pup gets their own little treat, we want to take the guesswork out of planning and help make holidays better for dogs and humans alike.”

Apart from accommodation, owners face a number of challenges when travelling with their pet, including issues with transport (35%) and dogs getting stressed or anxious (30%).

Even the packing stage poses challenges, with 60% of owners having forgotten a vital item for their dog, such as poo bags (42%), food or water bowls (29%), enough meals (26%) or their dog’s favourite toy (25%).

To help deal with dog-related holiday stress, Dr Tammie King, Pet Behaviourist at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, has several top tips to ensure both owners and hounds enjoy their time away from home.

“Get your dog used to being in the car when stationary by feeding favourite treats or a meal, then slowly building up the journey duration before you commit to a long trip,” she says. “Familiarity helps reduce travel-related stress.”

Explaining how to pack for your pet, she adds: “Keep a checklist of your dog’s key items in a notebook or on your phone to make prep stress-free.

“Don’t forget comfort items like their bed or favourite toy, and ensure you bring enough food and water, as well as bowls, and any prescription medication.”

It’s also a great idea to keep microchip details up to date and have an ID tag with your contact details attached to their collar. If a dog goes missing in an unfamiliar place, it will be much easier for others to return your hound home safe and sound.

Most important, though, is to choose your destination wisely – you need a holiday spot with secure outdoor spaces for walks and pet-friendly facilities.

If you need a helping hand to choose where to go, you can find top-rated UK dog destinations, and find travel tips here: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Articles-l2cB2pP2AiZc-Pet_friendly_travel.html



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Where to go for an adventure experience in Dhaka – Prothom Alo English

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Where to go for an adventure experience in Dhaka  Prothom Alo English



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Inside Sara Tendulkar’s Glamorous European Summer Vacation: Boat Rides, Beach Looks & Gourmet Bites | News

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Sara Tendulkar’s luxurious European summer vacation has taken social media by storm. From stylish beachside outfits to scenic boat rides across the French Riviera, her Instagram reel showcases the ultimate celebrity getaway. Fans were treated to glimpses of Sara’s glamorous looks, including a stunning yellow dress and chic group shots with friends. Her food choices—truffle pasta, grilled chicken, and vibrant salads—reflect a perfect mix of indulgence and wellness. With poolside views, ocean sunsets, and iconic European backdrops, Sara’s holiday highlights are trending across travel and fashion circles. This dreamy escape cements her status as a rising lifestyle and fashion influencer.



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