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WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?
An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the
same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.
There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.
FIXED ANNUITY
A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.
VARIABLE ANNUITY
A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.
INDEXED ANNUITY
An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.
WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?
It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much
income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.
FENG SHUI
IN COLOR & DESIGN
Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.
It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.
In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.
Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.
According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:
Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of
control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.
The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.
Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.
2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATES TOURNAMENT
JUNE 29 - AUG 4
AUG 5 - 11
* Schedule subject to change
Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF
Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina
DATES TOURNAMENT
AUG 12 - 18
AUG 19 - 25
AUG 26 - SEP 1
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
EDEX CUP PLAYOFFS
FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee
BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado
TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
+ Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
2024 LPGA
2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT
Schedule subject to change
Purse subject to change
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
AUGUST
AUG 7 |
ART WALK
Art Walk venues stretch across Downtown Jacksonville’s Northbank core and include James Weldon Johnson Park, The Jessie, The Breezeway at VyStar Tower, galleries, museums, restaurants, bars, Downtown businesses, and more. This event is a great way to meet artists, buy and appreciate their work, and be part of Jacksonville’s rapidly growing art scene. For more info visit: iloveartwalk.com
AUG 22 - 24 | CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL
Come visit the Jacksonville Caribbean Carnival, to enjoy new experiences, get to know a new and diverse culture, and spoil yourself in our weekend’s festivities. For more info visit: jacksonvillecarnival.com
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 13 - 14 |
FIN FEST
Florida Fin Fest is a free two-day Ocean Conservation, Education, and Music Festival.For more info visit: flfinfest.com
SEPT 28 | RAWFEST MUSIC
Come enjoy the annual Rawfest Music festival in Jacksonville Florida. Every year Rawfest produces local musicians to put on a benefit show for the MS Foundation. This year, with the help of SAW Kustomz, we will have our first classic car show during the event! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/y3mebaz6
OCTOBER
OCT 19 - 20 | AIR SHOW
Jacksonville’s own, The Blue Angels, come home every year to thrill audiences with an air show. Witness thrills like never before from a variety of military and civilian aerobatic demonstrations. The grand finale will be the Navy’s flight demonstration team: The
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
Blue Angels. For more info visit: nasjaxairshow.com
OCT 22 - 27 | COUNTY FAIR
The biggest little fair in florida. Livestock shows, live entertainment, awesome midway, and some of the best fair food in town. Come on by with the whole family to enjoy all the fair has to offer! For more info visit: bakercountyfair.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 3 | PERSIMMON FESTIVAL
Swing by the Eat Your Yard Jax farm for the Persimmon Festival, our annual fundraiser! We’re talking live music, drinks, tastings, local vendors, educational workshops, and plenty more. Bring the little ones along - kids ages 10 & under get in free with a ticket purchase! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yvkmxu3p
NOV 9 | PORCHFEST
Jacksonville PorchFest Presented by Corner on Main is a free, family-friendly event held in Historic Springfield, a community just north of Downtown Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, November 9, 2024. During the afternoon, dozens of bands perform on porches throughout this beautiful neighborhood. Food trucks are plentiful and a variety of craft beer and wine is available for purchase. Proceeds of PorchFest support arts related activities in Jacksonville’s urban core. For more info visit: jacksonvilleporchfest.org
DECEMBER
DEC 1 | SHOPAPALOOZA
LocalShops1 is excited to bring the annual Shopapalooza Festival to downtown St. Petersburg. Join us at the beautiful waterfront Vinoy Park for the best and biggest celebration of local artists, crafters, makers, and small businesses. Shopapalooza showcases 250 local businesses and community organizations, plus a full lineup of local
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
entertainment, special activities, prizes, surprises, raffles and more. For more info visit: shopapaloozafestival.com
DEC 1 - 31 | NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Nights of Lights has been listed among the top ten holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic. During Nights of Lights, St. Augustine glows with holiday magic – from the ground to the rooftops. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s Oldest City, and best of all it’s free of charge. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2GjYqrN
JANUARY
JAN 9
- 12 | FILM FESTIVAL
The St. Augustine Film Festival is a four-day festival in which foreign films, independent films, and documentaries are played daily at three of the city’s beautiful theaters. However, unlike an opening weekend at a big box office, you
won’t see any films created by Spielberg or Hitchcock headlining the festival. For more info visit: staugfilmfest.com
JAN 24 - 26 | BOAT SHOW
The North Florida Marine Association invites you to join us at the Jacksonville Boat Show. There will be a large variety of boats on display, from skiing, fishing, cruisers, personal water-crafts and more. Special surprises for the kids as well as seminars and education for the adults. Be sure not to miss it, our goal is to get out on the water and have fun! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3tzhJSN
JAN 25 - 26 | BBQ BACON FEST
Come enjoy mouth watering fall off the bone BBQ, family fun & festivities. With things like entertainment, delicious food, train rides, a baked bean eating contest, and much more, you are sure to be entertained all weekend! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/396mpvtr
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHEAST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | WINE FESTIVAL
The St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival is all about Spanish wine, cuisine and culture! All proceeds of the event will benefit local charities and organizations. Experience this one of a kind wine tasting event in the Nation’s Oldest City. For more info visit: spanishwinefestival.com
MARCH
MARCH 1 - 2 | STRAWBERRY FEST
Enjoy a weekend full of family fun and festivities, delicious food, art and crafts, live entertainment, everything strawberry that you can imagine and so much more! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/n3uxjprk
MARCH 8 - 9 | CELTIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Join us for the St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival in the nation’s oldest city. This annual, three-day event begins with an ‘early-bird’ whiskey tasting fol-
lowed by two days of live music by the top Celtic performers in the world as well as authentic Celtic food, highland games, and so much more. For more info visit: celticstaugustine.com
March 29 - 30 | SEAFOOD FEST
An all-American musical line-up once again lights up the stage at the St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival this weekend. The nonstop entertainment features an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, acoustic, country and bluegrass. All of this with amazing Florida seafood. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/t64jduya
APRIL
APRIL 4 - 6 | SPRINGING THE BLUES
The Springing The Blues is a free, outdoor blues music festival that celebrates America’s indigenous musical form. The three-day oceanfront event features national, regional and local blues artists on two stages. Please join
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHEAST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
us for a great time with blues on the beach! For more info visit: springingtheblues.com
APRIL 11 - 13 | MUSIC FEST
The Gamble Rogers Music Festival in St. Augustine, Florida celebrates recording artist Gamble Rogers who died trying to save a drowning swimmer in 1991. A three-day event is hosted each May at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, featuring national, regional and St. Augustine musicians and storytellers on six stages. For more info visit: gamblerogersfest.org
MAY
MAY TBA | JAZZ FESTIVAL
The festival will kick off with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Keyboard Connection on Thursday, May 25th followed by three days of live, free entertainment along the St. Johns River! For more info visit: jacksonvillejazzfest.com
JUNE
JUNE TBA | TOMATO FEST
A plethora of events surround Jacksonville’s annual tomato festival, creating an atmosphere of celebration throughout the week in “Tomatoville”. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mu62bped
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Enjoy live music, food vendors and spectacular free firework displays. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/33zQpbn
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT
SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’
JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single
JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single
DATE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
JUNE 30 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 1 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 2 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 3 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 4 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 5 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 6 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 7 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 8 - TUE 11:00 AM
JULY 9- WED 11:00 AM
JULY 10 - THU 1:00 PM
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final
JULY 11 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals
JULY 12 - SAT 2:00 PM
JULY 13 - SUN 2:00 PM
Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final
Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final
2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
HEALTH & FOOD
Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.
Sugar intake is a concern for many.
A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.
To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.
The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.
The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.
The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.
The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.
