Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans can add one more honor to his already illustrious resume — his own holiday. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday that Jan. 10, 2025, is Mike Evans Day.

"Florida celebrates Mike Evans for his profound dedication to the sport of football, making countless memories for fans across the Sunshine State and across the country," DeSantis said in a statement. 

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"Mike Evans was named the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for the fourth time in his career due to his unyielding commitment to giving back to the Tampa Bay community and improving the lives of countless others through his Mike Evans Family Foundation."

DeSantis also listed the many accomplishments Evans has achieved on the field. 

"Evans’ career includes 168 games played, over 830 receptions for a total of over 12,684 yards and 105 career receiving touchdowns," a statement said.

BUCS’ MIKE EVANS MAKES NFL HISTORY, CASHES $3 MILLION INCENTIVE WITH CATCH ON FINAL PLAY OF GAME

"Evans’ record of accomplishment has included selection to the Pro Bowl five times and inclusion as a second-team All-Pro in 2016 and 2023."

The Florida governor also noted how Evans accomplished his eleventh consecutive 1,000 yard season, which he achieved in the waning moments of the Bucs' win Sunday. 

With Evans’ eleventh consecutive 1,000-yard season, he tied the legendary Jerry Rice’s all-time record. Evans has never finished a season with fewer than 1,000 yards. 

Evans was selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers and became an immediate star.

While Evans may be happy about getting his own day, he has a playoff matchup to think about. 

Evans’ Bucs are playing the Washington Commanders at home at 8 p.m. ET Sunday in the wild-card round. 

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called out a reporter on Thursday for the lack of blame being placed on California leaders for the devastating wildfires, pointing out that it's in stark contrast to how Republican leaders are often treated in the wake of disasters.

DeSantis, and all other Republican governors, had just wrapped up a dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday evening when the heated exchange with a reporter took place.

The reporter appeared to be asking another governor if it was appropriate for Trump to criticize Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom as deadly wildfires rage throughout the state.

NEWSOM CALLS TRUMP'S CLAIMS 'PURE FICTION' AFTER PRESIDENT-ELECT POINTS FINGER OVER CALIFORNIA FIRE TRAGEDY

The question prompted DeSantis to step forward and ask, "Is it appropriate for people in your industry to try to create division and to try to create narratives any time these things happen?"

"Now, you're not as interested in doing that because Newsom is a D. If Newsom was a Republican, you guys would go try ... you would have him nailed to the wall for what they're doing over there," he continued.

DESANTIS HALTS RIVALRY WITH NEWSOM, OFFERS AID TO BESIEGED BLUE STATE GOVERNOR

The Florida governor, who has managed multiple disasters during his tenure, said he has often been criticized for things that were out of his control and has been blamed for incidents before the facts came out, referencing the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse.

"I think your track record of politicizing these things is very, very bad," DeSantis said.

He said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass would be treated much differently for her trip to Ghana while fires were high risk if she were a Republican.

"You should have been there preparing and doing that, and yet I don't see a lot of heat being directed [toward her]," DeSantis said. "I'd like to see some balance on how this is done. You can criticize the president-elect, but you also have to hold these other people accountable, and I have not seen that."

ADAM CAROLLA RIPS CALIFORNIA LEADERS FOR RUNNING STATE 'INTO THE GROUND' AS FIRES RAGE: 'LUNATIC NUTJOBS'

Bass returned to Los Angeles on Wednesday, and didn't have much to say to the residents of her city outside of news conferences. While waiting to deplane, she gave the cold shoulder to Sky News reporter David Blevins, who was asking her if she had anything to say about the devastating fires.

"No apology to them? Do you think you should have been visiting Ghana while this was unfolding back home?" Blevins asked as Bass continued to look at the ground.

"Madam mayor, let me ask you just again, have you anything to say to the citizens today as you return?" he said.

As multiple wildfires rage on in Los Angeles County, California residents have been criticizing both Newsom and Bass for past decisions related to fire-prevention efforts, including Bass' decision to cut the LAFD budget by $17 million.

The wildfires have claimed at least 10 lives since they broke out on Tuesday, scorching more than 35,800 acres total and destroying thousands of homes and businesses.

Firefighters were still struggling to contain the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire – the two largest of the group – as they sit at 6% contained and 0% contained, respectively, on Thursday evening, according to data by CAL FIRE.

• I visited KFC's spin-off restaurant, Saucy, that's all about chicken tenders and dipping sauces.
• The first Saucy location is in Orlando, and I'd definitely go back for its delicious food.
• The restaurant's crispy chicken tenders and tasty sauces felt like an excellent value.

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has a new spin-off in town that's all about chicken tenders and dips — and it's called Saucy.

The restaurant's first location opened in Orlando in late December, about 90 minutes away from my home.

Although I couldn't tell you the last time I went to KFC, I was excited to try Saucy, as it's a concept the chain hopes to expand around the country.

Here's what it was like and why I'll absolutely be back.

Unsurprisingly, Saucy is all about sauce.

The stars of the menu at Saucy are the chicken tenders and the 11 dipping sauces. The number of sauces is a nod to the 11 herbs and spices in KFC's original fried-chicken recipe.

Saucy sauces include: chimichurri ranch, peri-peri ranch, jalapeño-pesto ranch, smoky bacon ranch, Thai sweet and spicy, Sweet 'N Saucy BBQ, Saucy's Sauce, spicy mango chutney, Saucy ranch, Creole honey mustard, and sweet teriyaki.

Otherwise, the menu is fairly short and simple, with a slew of non-alcoholic beverages, a few chicken sandwiches, two desserts, and sides like toasted Hawaiian rolls and coleslaw.

We decided to eat inside the restaurant.

Although Saucy has a drive-thru, we chose to dine in. I'm glad we did: Saucy feels like a 100% modern twist on its Kentucky-fried roots.

I loved its funky decor, which was bright with shades of pink and hints of red that seemed to pay homage to KFC.

With its futuristic light pendants and cool sculptures resembling dripping sauce, Saucy had a vibe all its own and felt very different from the KFC dining rooms of my youth.

The ordering process was automated and simple.

Ordering at Saucy was easy and contactless.

We used one of several touchscreens to order, paid at the kiosk, and then waited for our name to be called so we could collect our food.

We got a lot of food for under $40.

My husband and I were able to try everything we wanted to at Saucy for under $40.

We ordered a six-tender box combo ($16) that came with two sauces, fries, coleslaw, and a toasted Hawaiian roll; a Key-lime-cake dessert ($4); an extra coleslaw ($2); two tropical black teas ($4); a spicy-queso-crunch sandwich ($5); and nine additional sauces (49 cents each).

The tenders were delicious.

We got our tenders with crinkle-cut fries and a toasted Hawaiian roll, though we could've also chosen coleslaw as a side.

Saucy's tenders are apparently made using the same recipe as KFC's. Still, I thought the tenders I got at Saucy seemed plumper, moister, and crispier than any I remember getting on past KFC runs.

We were impressed by many of Saucy's menu items, including all 11 dipping sauces.

Our meal at Saucy was nothing short of incredible — truly the kind of fast food that tasted like it could've been from a sit-down restaurant.

Nothing we had was overly greasy, and the tasty sauces made our dining experience even more enjoyable. I liked that there seemed to be one for everyone, from several ranch-based dips and classics like barbecue sauce to even Asian-inspired delights.

Although we had some clear favorite sauces, there wasn't a single one we didn't enjoy.

The sandwich we ordered was great but not necessary.

My husband also got the spicy-queso-crunch chicken sandwich ($5).

We liked the crunchy, battered chicken tender topped with queso sauce and spicy peppers on a buttery Hawaiian roll. Still, we'd probably skip it next time. The tenders and many dipping sauces were the clear stars of our meal.

The dessert in a can was easy to share.

Saucy had both a chocolate and Key-lime cake available for dessert, and both were served in a plastic can.

We chose the latter, which cost $4. It was the perfect size, especially considering how full we were from our meal.

I liked the citrusy icing and cake layers and felt this was a wonderful sweet ending to our meal. Plus, the spoonable cake was easy to share.

My top five sauces came home with my leftovers.

When we'd dipped and nibbled until we had no room left in our stomachs, it was time to pack up our leftovers to take home.

Our to-go container had room for just five sauces, so we kept our favorites: jalapeño-pesto ranch and per-peri ranch, two spicy and flavorful dips we really loved; smoky bacon ranch, our favorite of the ranch-based dips; and sweet teriyaki and Thai sweet and spicy, which were packed with tons of flavor and sweet twists.

I can't wait to go back to Saucy for more chicken-dipping fun.

As a lover of chicken tenders, I was smitten with Saucy. The food was really good, and dipping delicious fried chicken tenders in all of those sauces was tons of fun.

Our meal also felt surprisingly affordable, especially since we got far more food than the two of us could finish — and next time, we'd order less.

Based on my finger-lickin'-good experience, I'd definitely go back to Saucy, even if its only location is a 90-minute drive from me.

If you're visiting Orlando, I suggest treating yourself to a little culinary sauce journey at Saucy. Hopefully, though, more locations will open soon.

• I spent time along Florida's 30A in three towns: Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach.
• Each beach town was very different, and the one I liked best felt the most "Florida" to me.
• The 30A beach town I'd recommend for a first-time visitor is Seaside for its great food and vibes.

Florida's 30A area is a stretch of white-sand beaches, Gulf of Mexico views, and quaint beach towns that runs for 24 miles along County Road 30A.

The area, which is in the Florida panhandle between Panama City Beach or Destin, has grown in popularity in recent years and has been nicknamed "the Hamptons of the South" by those who visit.

Recently, I spent a few days in 30A and explored three beach towns there: Rosemary Beach, Seaside, and Alys Beach.

All were charming and had lots to do, but as a Florida native who writes about travel for a living, there was one spot I'd recommend if you're looking to get the full 30A experience while still feeling like you had a distinctly "Florida" vacation.

Alys Beach felt too high-end for what I'd like to experience in Florida.

Alys Beach stood out with its architecture and design. White, stone structures and beautiful landscaping were king in this area, and it's easy to see why it's a popular spot for luxury travel.

With bright, linear buildings set against a cerulean sky, the area feels like something out of the Mediterranean region or, at the very least, a spot where celebrities would buy homes or take vacations in Florida.

I had a yummy lunch here on the outdoor patio of a spot called George's at Alys Beach and shopped for a bit in the public area. Still, it wasn't my favorite.

In my opinion, this area felt the least accessible to vacationers and had the vibe of a private community — not so much an inviting beach town.

Rosemary Beach gave off European vibes, but again, didn't feel like Florida.

I enjoyed my time in Rosemary Beach and found the TikToks I'd seen about the area to be accurate: The whole town has a European vibe, from the architecture of its homes to the design of its main shopping and dining area.

The area felt high-end and pricy, something some people vacationing in Florida may not expect.

Despite being cute and within walking distance of the main area of town, I found myself preferring to drive elsewhere in my rental car.

Of all the 30A beach towns I visited, Seaside was my favorite.

During my visit to 30A, I stayed at an Airbnb between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.

A perk of this area is that most of the beach towns are within walking or biking distance, and bike-rental shops are plentiful if a bicycle isn't included with your rental property.

Seaside was about a 15-minute drive from my Airbnb, and I found myself making the trip on two separate occasions to spend time there because I liked the area so much.

Seaside feels like an upscale beach town that's still distinctly "Florida."

As someone who's lived in Florida for the last eight years, I've come to appreciate the state's quirkiness and beauty. I love everything Florida's beach towns have to offer, and walking through Seaside felt very "Florida," while also feeling upscale.

There were gorgeous beach houses and breathtaking views of the blue-green Gulf of Mexico, but the area also had beach bars, souvenir shops, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants that reminded me I was still in my state.

Some of the best meals I had in 30A were in Seaside.

The flavors of Seaside were delightful and I'd absolutely return to the town for meals on future trips to 30A.

One night, I had a wonderful steak dinner on the rooftop of Bud and Alley's, a historic restaurant with famous sunset views.

Another day, I visited Seaside bright and early for breakfast at Pickle's Burger and Shakes, a spot on the beach that serves Southern breakfast fare like biscuits and gravy.

Even the latte I grabbed at Amavida Coffee and Tea was excellent.

The sunsets in Seaside can't be beat.

The sunsets along the Gulf of Mexico are stunning, and the prettiest one I saw was while having dinner on the roof of the aforementioned Bud and Alley's.

The restaurant even rings a bell each time the sun sets.

My dream rental property in Seaside would be right on the gulf with a balcony for viewing the sunset on the days I didn't make it to Bud and Alley's roof.

One of the best parts of my trip was a walking tour of Seaside.

The best thing I did while in Seaside was actually a free self-guided walking tour created by the Seaside Institute that I played on my phone as I explored the town.

It featured recorded audio snippets from architects and town planners who founded Seaside explaining everything from the art and design of each beach entrance to how the local historic post office came to be.

Not only was it great to see the town on foot and learn about its history, but also finding a free vacation activity that's fun is always a win in my book.

Overall, I'd describe Seaside as an upscale Florida beach town with a family-friendly vibe.

I love that Seaside doesn't seem to take itself as seriously as towns like Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.

Instead, it seems to embrace its Florida roots while still maintaining stunning architecture, beautiful art installations, and vibrant public areas.

It's beautiful enough to feel like a vacation — even to someone from another part of Florida — while not feeling as pretentious as other towns in the area.

My perfect 30A trip would include a stay in Seaside and day trips into the other towns.

I cannot wait to return to 30A for another vacation along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

After exploring the area, I'm definitely a Seaside girl, and would choose a rental property right in the heart of the town for my next trip.

I'd still venture into towns like Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach for a meal or some shopping, but I'd recommend a stay in Seaside to a first-time 30A visitor.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican, told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that he is "reviewing the opportunity" of possibly mounting a gubernatorial bid. 

The former House lawmaker noted that if he ultimately decides to throw his hat into the ring, he would need to engage in "active steps toward a run" toward the end of 2025.

Gaetz, who recently started hosting a One America News Network program, said that many Floridians have encouraged him to run, and while he believes it is a bit early to decide, he will pray about the prospect and discuss it with his wife.

He noted that he is "deeply concerned" about increasing prices for people in Florida, including property and casualty insurance. "I know how to fight the special interests who've increased prices in my home state," he said, noting that if he believes he could "make a positive change," then he will "significantly" contemplate the move.

TRUMP-BACKED CANDIDATE AIMING TO REPLACE MATT GAETZ WANTS FLORIDA TO ADOPT GOLD AND SILVER AS LEGAL TENDER

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who took office in early 2019 and was resoundingly re-elected in 2022, cannot seek re-election in 2026, which means the field will be wide open for candidates interested in vying for the job.

Responding to the Tampa Bay Times' report when Gaetz said he was "starting to think about running for governor," Florida state Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Democrat, responded by declaring, "And I will kick his ass."

On the heels of a 2024 re-election victory in Florida's 1st Congressional District, Gaetz swiftly resigned from Congress after President-elect Trump announced the lawmaker as his nominee for U.S. attorney general. 

Later that same month, however, Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration for the role. 

"There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump's DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," he said in a post on X.

HOUSE REPORT ACCUSES MATT GAETZ OF PAYING WOMEN FOR SEX, USING ILLEGAL DRUGS, ACCEPTING IMPROPER GIFTS

Trump has endorsed Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis to fill Gaetz's former House seat — the GOP primary is later this month.

A House Ethics Committee report alleged that "the Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress."

Gaetz declared in a post on X, "There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses."

TRUMP HAILS FLORIDA DEM'S DECISION TO DITCH PARTY, JOIN GOP: ‘THANK YOU HILLARY!’

Gaetz instigated the ouster of then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., from the speakership in 2023.

President-elect Trump said on Tuesday that negotiating away the Panama Canal was a "very big mistake" by former President Jimmy Carter – ahead of Carter's state funeral later this week.

Trump said at a press conference that he believes the canal, which he would like the the U.S. to reclaim, is why Carter lost the 1980 presidential election to Ronald Reagan, who also opposed the treaty Carter negotiated to hand over the canal.

"It's a bad part of the Carter legacy," Trump said.

"He was a good man. I knew him a little bit, and he was a very fine person. But that was a big mistake."

LIVE UPDATES: JIMMY CARTER REMEMBRANCES, FUNERAL SERVICES

"Giving the Panama Canal to Panama was a very big mistake. We lost 38,000 people. It cost us the equivalent of a trillion dollars, maybe more... They say it was the most expensive structure… ever built. And giving that away was a horrible thing. And I believe that's why Jimmy Carter lost the election, even more so than the hostages," he said.

Speaking in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump lamented the fact Carter purportedly "gave" the canal lands back to the Panamanians "for $1." According to reports, no part of the treaty mentioned a $1 sale.

"I thought [giving the canal back] was a terrible thing to do," Trump said.

When reporters pressed Trump on criticizing Carter on the day of his Washington wake, the president-elect said he was a "very fine person" but that his politics left something to be desired.

Trump has also sparred verbally with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino about his plans for the canal.

However, more than a century ago, another Republican – Theodore Roosevelt – celebrated the way the United States spearheaded the canal project in part through some diplomatic maneuvering.

HOW CARTER TRANSFORMED THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY

In the early 1900s, as the Colombian Senate balked at a treaty favoring U.S. control, Panama was in the process of declaring its independence from Bogota – and America quickly recognized the new nation and effectively circumvented the Colombians.

In 1903, President Roosevelt boasted of the accomplishment.

"Fortunately, the crisis came at a period when I could act unhampered [by Congress]. Accordingly, I took the Isthmus, started the canal and then left Congress not to debate the canal, but to debate me," he said. 

Trump’s plans to retake the canal have earned him praise from otherwise regular critics.

Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Sen. John McCain – with whom Trump often sparred – backed the man she otherwise tends to critique.

"Trump is right about the Panama Canal. This is very personal – my dad was born in the Panama Canal Zone."

The elder McCain was born in 1936 at the then-Coco Solo U.S. Navy installation – as a U.S. citizen since the canal zone was controlled by Americans.

The late Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina also expressed reservations about canal negotiations in the 1970s.

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In a letter to then-President Ford, Thurmond warned the Panamanians were cozying up to the Communist Cuban government, and that "any action on the part of the United States that indicates the slightest position of weakness or a willingness to accommodate anti-American sentiment in Panama, would result in many other Latin American countries moving in the same leftward direction."

Thurmond led 35 senators in crafting a resolution opposing what he called the surrender of U.S. sovereignty in the PCZ.

"Any loss of control of the Canal would be extremely detrimental to our vital interests, especially in Latin America. We should make it clear that U.S. vital interests there are not negotiable."

Carter's negotiations led to Panama taking full control of the canal by 1999. His other major diplomatic negotation – peace accords between Egypt and Israel – also remain intact today.

President-elect Donald Trump railed against the ongoing "lawfare" against him during his first public remarks since Congress certified his decisive election win over Vice President Kamala Harris. 

"They're playing with the courts, as you know, they've been playing with the courts for four years. Probably got me more votes because I got the highest number of votes ever gotten by a Republican by far, actually, by a lot. And, you know, we had a great election, so I guess it didn't work. But even to this day, they're playing with the courts and they're friendly judges that like to try and make everybody happy .. It's called lawfare, it's called weaponization of justice," Trump said Tuesday during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. 

Trump held the press conference, which was his first since Congress certified his election win on Monday, to announce DAMAC Properties will invest $20 billion in new data centers across the country. DAMAC's owner, Hussain Sajwani, said the investment is aimed at facilitating the development of AI and cloud-based technologies.

JUDGE MERCHAN DENIES TRUMP'S REQUEST TO DELAY SENTENCING

Trump took aim at the legal battles he has faced in the last four years during the address, slamming special counsel Jack Smith as well as New York Judge Juan Merchan. 

"I call it the Injustice Department. What they've done is so bad, the whole world has watched that. And, it took work, but it got me a lot of votes, because when explained, we have a judge in New York is a very crooked judge," he said, referring to Justice Juan Merchan who presides over the New York v. Trump case. "I'm under a gag order. I can't even talk about aspects of the case that are the most vital aspects I'm going to do. You know that I'm the president-elect of the United States of America. I'm a former very successful president."

Merchan announced earlier this month that he will sentence Trump in the New York v. Trump case on Jan. 10, ahead of his inauguration as president on Jan. 20. Trump's legal team filed a motion to delay sentencing, which Merchan denied on Monday afternoon. 

TRUMP FILES MOTION TO STAY 'UNLAWFUL SENTENCING' IN NEW YORK CASE

"Today, President Trump’s legal team moved to stop the unlawful sentencing in the Manhattan D.A.’s Witch Hunt. The Supreme Court’s historic decision on Immunity, the state constitution of New York, and other established legal precedent mandate that this meritless hoax be immediately dismissed," Trump spokesperson and incoming White House communications director Steven Cheung told Fox Digital on Monday morning.

"The American People elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate that demands an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and all of the remaining Witch Hunts. We look forward to uniting our country in the new administration as President Trump makes America great again," Cheung continued. 

​​Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in the Manhattan case in May. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office worked to prove that Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to former porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election to quiet her claims of an alleged affair with Trump in 2006. Trump has maintained his innocence in the case. 

NEW YORK JUDGE SETS TRUMP SENTENCING DAYS BEFORE INAUGURATION

Smith, who led the investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents after his first term in the White House, is set to release a final report on the investigation. Two of Trump's former co-defendants in the classified documents case, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, filed an emergency motion on Monday in an effort to block the report's release. 

"These Defendants will irreparably suffer harm as civilian casualties of the Government’s impermissible and contumacious utilization of political lawfare to include release of the unauthorized Report," Nauta and De Oliveira's attorneys wrote in an emergency motion filed on Monday. "The Final Report relies on materials to which Smith, as disqualified special counsel, is no longer entitled access— making his attempt to share such materials with the public highly improper." 

The judge presiding over the case blocked Smith's efforts to release the report on Tuesday. 

Trump slammed Smith as "deranged" during his Tuesday remarks while taking a victory lap that the court cases brought against him since the 2020 election have fizzled out since the 2024 election. Trump has maintained his innocence in the various state and federal cases brought against him, arguing they were examples of "lawfare" intended to hamper his campaign to reclaim the White House. 

NY JUDGE ANNOUNCES UNCONDITIONAL DISCHARGE SENTENCING FOR TRUMP ON JAN 10

"I defeated deranged Jack Smith. He's a deranged individual. I guess he's on his way back to The Hague. And we won those cases. Those were the biggest ones. And, the press made such a big deal out of them. But we did nothing wrong. We did nothing wrong on anything. And the people saw that, you know, when they vote to when you went to Republicans," he said. 

Fox News Digital's Anders Hagstrom and Brooke Singman contributed to this report.

• In 2020, my family of three moved from Florida to a small village in Central Portugal.
• The people we met in Portugal were very kind — and loved to stay up late.
• Overall, life in Portugal was more affordable for us.

In early 2020, my family of three was living in West Palm Beach, Florida, when we decided to take a six-month trip around Europe.

During our stay, we rented an Airbnb in Portugal on farmland near the city of Coimbra. We fell in love with the area and ended up extending our stay so many times that the owner asked if we'd like to buy the house.

We decided to make the purchase and lived in central Portugal for the next three years. Here are a few of the biggest differences we noticed after moving abroad.

For my family of 3, settling in Portugal was much cheaper than living in Florida

One of the main reasons we relocated to Portugal was the lower cost of living. Though there are always exceptions, the homes we saw in Portugal were considerably cheaper than those in Florida.

For example, a market summary from the Miami Association of Realtors said the median sale price of a home in Palm Beach County was $363,000 in January 2020. Meanwhile, in our Portuguese neighborhood, we saw houses listed for less than $250,000.

Essentials like medicine, groceries, and even road tolls were also incredibly affordable compared what we paid in the US. In Florida, our family of three spent about $150 on essentials each week, but in Portugal, we spent about $80 weekly.

In Portugal, my family of three could go out to eat for the equivalent of about $31. However, in the US, I don't believe we ever got away with a bill under $50 for a middle-of-the-road meal.

The strangers we met in Portugal were incredibly kind

When we first moved into our home in Portugal, our neighbors offered us freshly picked produce each week.

At the store, when other customers or staff members saw my husband and me with our small child, we were ushered to the front of whatever line we were in. By comparison, in Florida, people sometimes cut me in line if I became distracted by my child.

Though there are definitely kind strangers in the US, the people we met in Portugal were nicer than I expected, and it felt genuine.

Driving through Portugal feels like exploring a national park — an experience I didn't have in the US

If you've ever been to a national park in the US, you'll probably understand what I mean when I say this is how I think of most of Portugal.

From the majestic mountains to the abundance of unspoiled landscapes, you can travel for miles and see only wildlife before being jerked back into reality by another traveler on the road.

Nature trails, walking and bike paths, natural pools, and boardwalks seem to be endlessly woven through the country.

There are tons of beautiful places in the US, but where I lived in Florida, I didn't feel that natural beauty was as accessible or widespread as it was in Portugal.

Our Portuguese friends' schedules were much different from ours

We were surprised to learn that many of the Portuguese people we met liked to stay up late, even with their kids.

While spending time with friends in Lisbon, I learned many of them thought of 8 p.m. as the normal time to begin dinner. After eating, parents often sat, chatted, and had wine while children played alongside them, so small kids didn't get to bed until 9 p.m. or later.

Back in the US, my family usually ate dinner at about 6 p.m., and we always made sure to have our child in bed by 7:30 p.m.

FIRST ON FOX — Dozens of former Justice Department (DOJ) officials sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday urging confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi, later this month— praising both her commitment to the rule of law and her track record as Florida’s former attorney general that they said makes her uniquely qualified for the role.

The letter, previewed exclusively to Fox News Digital, was signed by more than 110 senior Justice Department officials who served under both Democratic and Republican administrations, including former U.S. attorneys general John Ashcroft, Jeff Sessions, Bill Barr and Edwin Meese. 

Former acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, deputy attorneys general Rod Rosenstein and Jeffrey Rosen, and Randy Grossman, who served as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California under the Biden administration, are among the other notable signatories. 

The DOJ alumni expressed their "strong and enthusiastic support" for Bondi, Florida’s former attorney general, who also spent 18 years as a prosecutor in the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s office.

"It is all too rare for senior Justice Department officials—much less Attorneys General—to have such a wealth of experience in the day-to-day work of keeping our communities safe," they wrote.

TRUMP'S AG PICK HAS ‘HISTORY OF CONSENSUS BUILDING’

"As a career prosecutor, Attorney General Bondi will be ready from the first day on the job to fight on behalf of the American people to reduce crime, tackle the opioid crisis, back the women and men in blue, and restore credibility to the Department of Justice," they wrote in the letter sent to Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Dick Durbin, D-Ill.

The letter praised Bondi's work as Florida's attorney general, where she led an aggressive crackdown on opioid drugs and the many "pill mills" operating in the state when she took office. They also praised what they described as Bondi's "national reputation" for her work to end human trafficking, and prosecuting violent crime in the state.

Officials also emphasized Bondi's other achievements in Florida, where she secured consumer protection victories and economic relief on behalf of residents in the Sunshine State. After the 2008 financial crisis, her work leading the National Mortgage Settlement resulted in $56 billion in compensation to victims, the letter said — and in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Bondi's lawsuit against BP and other companies responsible resulted in a $2 billion settlement in economic relief.

The letter also stressed Bondi's commitment to the rule of law, and what the former officials touted as her track record of working across the aisle during the more than two decades she spent as a prosecutor. 

'UNLIKELY COALITION': A CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM ADVOCATE SEES OPPORTUNITIES IN A SECOND TRUMP TERM

"Some of us have worked directly with Attorney General Bondi during her time in office and can personally attest to her integrity and devotion to the rule of law," they wrote. "Many more of us know and admire her well-earned reputation from her long and accomplished career in government service in Florida, her litigation and advocacy on the national stage, and her demonstrated courage as a lawyer."

"As former DOJ officials, we know firsthand the challenges she will face as Attorney General, and we also know she is up to the job."

Those close to Bondi have praised her long record as a prosecutor, and her staunch loyalty to the president-elect, alongside whom she has worked since 2020—first, helping to represent him in his first impeachment trial, and, more recently, in her post as co-chair of the Center for Law and Justice at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) a think tank set up by former Trump staffers.

She also served in Trump's first presidential term as a member of his Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission.

Bondi's former colleagues have told Fox News Digital they expect her to bring the same playbook she used in Florida to Washington—this time with an eye to cracking down on drug trafficking, illicit fentanyl use, and the cartels responsible for smuggling the drugs across the border. 

"We firmly believe the Justice Department and the Nation will benefit from Attorney General Bondi’s leadership," the DOJ officials  said in conclusion, adding: "We urge you in the strongest manner possible to confirm her as the next Attorney General of the United States."

• Pornhub exited Florida at the start of the year because of a new age-verification law.
• The HB3 law requires users to provide ID to access adult sites. Noncompliant platforms face fines.
• After the law was enacted, interest in VPNs in Florida skyrocketed.

Searches for VPNs in Florida skyrocketed after Pornhub exited the state over a new law requiring age verification for adult websites.

VpnMentor said it "detected a surge of 1,150% in VPN demand" in Florida in the first few hours after the law took effect at the start of the year.

The company described the surge as "staggering."

Google searches for "VPN" in Florida also experienced a notable rise.

While Google Trends doesn't give exact search figures, it showed that interest in the term "VPN" in Florida reached a score of 100 on New Year's Day. A value of 100 represents peak popularity for a term, a sharp increase from a score of 58 the day before.

Interest remained high as of Monday, with the term scoring 82.

VPNs allow users to hide their location and IP address by routing their internet connection through a remote VPN server, allowing them to bypass regional blocks on websites.

The surge in VPN interest followed the implementation of HB3, which was passed by Florida lawmakers and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

HB3 requires users to verify their ages with a third party using a driver's license before they can view pornographic material. If platforms hosting explicit material fail to comply, they can be fined up to $50,000 for each violation.

Oklahoma, Idaho, and North Carolina have also introduced similar age-verification laws.

Last year, Pornhub exited Texas in protest over a legally contentious effort to introduce age-verification requirements.

Proton, a VPN service, said on Friday that it had received a "massive surge" in sign-ups for its services in the US.

"Typically, we see such spikes from countries with unstable governments facing internet shutdowns, meaning this is an anomaly," it said.

In a follow-up X post, Proton described it as a "false alarm" and said the surge was the result of "porn."

Pornhub, the world's most visited adult website and one of the most visited websites in the world, has already blocked access to its content in 17 states, according to The Independent.

In a statement provided to Business Insider, Aylo, Pornhub's parent company, said it is generally in favor of implementing age verification but described the age-verification methods outlined in such laws as "ineffective, haphazard, and dangerous."

"Any regulations that require hundreds of thousands of adult sites to collect significant amounts of highly sensitive personal information is jeopardizing user safety," it continued.

Those attempting to access Pornhub in Florida without a VPN are now shown a video presented by the adult-entertainment star Cherie DeVille, who says "giving your ID card every time you want to visit an adult platform" is ineffective and puts children and users' privacy at risk.

Beyond grappling with age-verification laws, Aylo is also dealing with a wave of legal challenges.

Hundreds of people have sued the company, alleging the website knowingly profited from videos depicting their abuse.

In August, a Toronto law firm began a three-year independent monitorship of Pornhub and Aylo, which will review how Aylo responds to takedown requests and how it screens for illegal content.

• Chris Curle, 77, does yoga and walks daily.
• She shared her tips for staying active and healthy into older age with Business Insider.
• These include going on field trips and not letting age hold you back.

A 77-year-old who does yoga and goes on daily walks shared three things that she believes have helped her stay healthy and active with Business Insider.

Chris Curle and her husband, Don Farmer, were anchors on CNN for a decade. When they retired in 1997, they moved from Atlanta to Florida to be close to her aging parents and nature. Farmer died in 2021, and Curle now lives at the Vi at Bentley Village senior living community in Naples, Florida.

Curle does yoga classes twice a week at the community's fitness center and walks at least a mile every day, she told Business Insider. Bentley Village is set over 150 acres of land, some of which is a reserve, so she sees all kinds of animals, including alligators, bears, coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons, on her walks.

Shai Efrati, a doctor specializing in longevity and an associate professor at Tel Aviv University, previously told BI that staying active is one key to healthy aging, alongside other basics of longevity such as limiting ultra-processed foods.

Here are Curle's other simple tips.

Go on field trips

"You have to have a lot of curiosity and maintain that your whole life," Curle said. To do this, she goes on lots of "field trips" — half or full-day excursions to local attractions similar to the ones she used to do at school.

"Every community has something interesting nearby or something to do or something to learn," she said. She's been to local botanical gardens, museums, nature reserves, ranches, and festivals. She often takes friends along with her — although she's never afraid to go alone, she said.

Staying curious was a common trait among centenarians who participated in a 2023 study by researchers at the Complutense University of Madrid.

Stay mentally active

"Staying active and keeping your body and your brain working, that seems to be the formula the experts provide" for longevity, Curle said.

Curle learns new skills, including Tai Chi, and attends lectures at a local university on topics such as history, entertainment, and tech.

Keeping the mind active and learning new skills is thought to be one of the keys to longevity, Heidi Tissenbaum, a professor of biology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School who researches healthspan, previously told BI. This is because doing new things creates pathways in the brain, which keeps it active and healthy.

You're only as old as you feel

"When you're 77, the mirror says something entirely different from how you feel inside," Curle said. "But go with whatever your brain thinks your age is. And celebrate every birthday because it's better than the alternative!"

A 2022 study published in JAMA Network Open found that adults over 50 who thought more positively about aging had a 43% lower risk of dying of any cause than people who were less satisfied by their aging. They were also more likely to do frequent physical activity and less likely to be lonely.

• Nicole Sunderland has been to all 50 US states and has a few suggestions for first-time visitors.
• Her tips include a mix of nature-inspired and adventure-filled experiences in various states.
• Michigan, Florida, Alaska, Hawaii, and Utah are her top picks for first-time visitors.

From lush forests to scenic seaside drives and iconic skylines, the US has something for every type of traveler.

With visitors able to experience multiple landscapes in one trip, it's no surprise the country was touted as the top tourism destination in the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024.

For those considering their first trip to the US in 2025, now is the perfect time to start planning.

In 2024, the United States Travel Association's (USTA) biannual US travel forecast predicted that about 77.9 million international visitors would travel to the US and spend an estimated $153 billion. In 2025, that visitor number is projected to increase by 9.8%, for a total of approximately 85.5 million international visitors.

And while many people prefer cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco, Nicole Sunderland — a travel creator who has been to every state in the country — said there's more to America than its big cities.

"The places that are getting the most tourists in the country are not even in my top 10 list of places that I would recommend," Sunderland told Business Insider, adding that she's spent years in California and often leaves it off her recommendation list, which infuriates many people.

She realized this was because most people preferred hiking or exploring the same type of locations outdoors. She said that although these are fun and engaging activities, she prefers more diversity in her itineraries, which include trying out new cuisines, riding seaplanes, or taking a boat to explore an Alaskan fjord.

If you're a first-time visitor in need of some inspiration, here are five states you could add to your itinerary for a mix of popular and off-beat experiences, according to Nicole Sunderland.

Michigan

"This [state] is one that I get the most flack for," said Sunderland.

She grew up in Detroit and lived in a small town in Northern Michigan, but said she did not truly experience the state's beauty until she was 19 and took up a seasonal job on Mackinac Island on Lake Huron.

"I did not realize places like that existed in my state," she said, adding that if people looked past Detroit and Lansing, they'd be introduced to a host of incredible places.

"Grand Rapids is like Beer City, USA. We've got Traverse City, which is the cherry capital of the state," she said. "We have crystal-clear lakes like Torch Lake and Higgins Lake, and the Tunnel of Trees, which is one of the most incredible fall destinations — I mean, it is literally a riot of colors with the trees."

Hawaii

Sunderland loves that each Hawaiian island is so different and has something to offer everyone.

"It's impossible to run out of things to do, especially on Oahu," Sunderland said, adding that she's found something new to explore on every visit.

"I feel like I've barely scratched the surface," she added.

Beyond its beautiful beaches and state parks, though, she enjoys the island's culinary scene and loves heading to it on long weekends so she can "eat and explore."

"There's nothing like waiting in line for a piping-hot custard malasada from Leonard's Bakery or getting a local plate lunch, extra mac salad, please!" said Sunderland.

Florida

"Orlando's popular. Miami's popular. But looking outside those areas, one place that I fell in love with last year was Pensacola Beach," said Sunderland.

Having traveled extensively to beaches around the world, Sunderland said Florida's Panhandle beaches, with their crystal-clear waters, surprised her.

"I've been enamored with that area ever since because everyone thinks, 'Oh, you got to go to Bora Bora or Maldives to access these insanely gorgeous beaches,' but you don't even have to leave the country," she said.

If you plan a road trip to the Florida Keys, Sunderland recommends lounging by the Islamorada sandbar or riding a seaplane to explore the area.

While in the Keys, she also enjoys visiting Amelia Island, the Palm Beaches, and the Biscayne and Dry Tortugas National Parks.

Alaska

Sunderland loves traveling to Alaska and said it is quite different from places she usually visits or shares on her social media.

It was also the final state on her 50 states travel bucket list; she checked it off in 2019.

"I think I've been back five times since," she said, adding, "Alaska is a different level of beauty and one I never expected. It's like the air is lighter there."

The time she's spent there has been so refreshing that she struggles to explain it completely. She said that people need to visit the state and experience it for themselves, preferably in summer, when it's warmer.

One of her favorite places in the country is also in Alaska, about 45 miles outside Juneau.

"It's called Tracy Arm Fjord," said Sunderland, adding that it is close to Sawyer Glacier and only accessible by boat.

Utah

Most people love the national parks in Utah, as does Sunderland, but her favorite memory of the state is from when she "got to spend a day out on Lake Powell," she said.

She visited the lake on Labor Day and described the experience as "one of those moments where I was just in awe. I'll never have the words to eloquently explain that experience, but it was overwhelming."

She called it one of the coolest places in America that should be on everyone's itinerary.

It's getting harder to access popular adult sites in the US South.

On Wednesday, Pornhub's owner, Aylo, kicked off the new year by blocking two more states that implemented age verification laws requiring ID to access porn, Florida and South Carolina. According to 404 Media, these states are now among 16 states where Aylo sites, including Pornhub, RedTube, and YouPorn, cannot be accessed. Tennessee also risked being blocked, but a court preliminarily blocked its age-verification law from taking effect.

The other blocked states are Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Mapping it out, 404 Media noted that the Aylo blackout spans nearly the entire US South, with Georgia's age verification law set to take effect in July and likely to trigger another block that would almost complete the blackout.

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President-elect Donald Trump congratulated and thanked Florida state Rep. Hillary Cassel after the Sunshine State lawmaker announced her decision to dump her Democratic Party affiliation and join the GOP.

"Today, I am announcing my decision to change my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican," Cassel said in a statement. "I will be joining the Republican Conference of the Florida House of Representatives because I believe in their vision for a better, more prosperous Florida."

In a statement hailing the move, Trump urged more Democrats to defect.

DESANTIS WELCOMES FLORIDA STATE LAWMAKER TO REPUBLICAN PARTY AS SHE DITCHES DEMOCRATS

"Congratulations to Hillary Cassel for becoming the second State Representative from the Great State of Florida to switch her Party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, once more expanding the GOP Supermajority in the State House! I would further like to invite other Disillusioned Democrats to switch Parties, and join us on this noble quest to Save our Country and, Make America Great Again - GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. THANK YOU HILLARY!" Trump exclaimed in a Truth Social post.

Cassel's announcement came after fellow Florida state Rep. Susan Valdés announced earlier this month that she was switching her registration from Democrat to Republican.

While seeking office in 2022, Cassel described herself as a "proud Democrat," "pro-choice champion," and "faithful ally of the LGBTQ+ community." 

FLORIDA BANS CHILDREN UNDER 14 FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

She also pledged that she would "stand up to #ClimateChange deniers" and "stand up to the NRA and fight for a ban on military style assault rifles and the high capacity ammunition that make them so lethal."

But now Cassel says the Democratic Party does not reflect her values.

"As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged on their character and their actions not on their labels," she noted in her statement. "As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party's failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism. I'm constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians. I can no longer remain in a party that doesn't represent my values.

TRUMP-BACKED CANDIDATE AIMING TO REPLACE MATT GAETZ WANTS FLORIDA TO ADOPT GOLD AND SILVER AS LEGAL TENDER

"I know I won't always agree on every detail with every Republican, but I do know that I will always have input, collaboration, and respect. The House Republican Conference empowers members to find common sense solutions to real issues facing all Floridians. They welcome different ideas and collaboration, which is the cornerstone of effective government. Those are my values," Cassel noted.

• I've lived in Miami for more than six years, and the area has so much to offer visitors.
• As a Miami local, I enjoy exploring the culture and history in Little Haiti and Liberty City.
• North Miami Beach has some great outdoor activities, but South Beach can get crowded.

Miami is one of the most popular vacation spots in the United States, and for good reason.

Its proximity to the tropics ensures warm weather almost any day of the year, and Dade County's eastern border has miles of coastline.

Plus, there's so much more to experience in Miami than expensive cabanas, parties, and Cuban food, especially if you want to support local social, cultural, and economic diversity,

Having lived here for over six years, here are some of my favorite parts of Dade to visit — and one you may want to skip.

Immerse yourself in culture in Little Haiti.

Before moving to Miami, I didn't realize Southern Florida was home to such a large Haitian and Haitian-American population.

If you're unaware like I was, do yourself a favor and spend a day immersing yourself in Little Haiti. Stroll through the Little Haiti Cultural, Complex, soak in the neighborhood's murals, and eat some pikliz and Haitian patties.

Be sure to stop into Libreri Mapou, a bookstore that sells French and Creole titles year-round. Or, if you're a literary enthusiast, plan your trip in the spring so you can swing by the Little Haiti Book Festival, which has tons of booksellers, authors, and more.

Allapattah has some incredible Dominican food.

You'll know you're officially in Allapattah when you see lampposts and street corners adorned with signs depicting alligators.

"Allapattah" is the Seminole word for "alligator," and the name stuck even though these reptiles mostly live in the Everglades now.

It's one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami, and many locals consider it one of the best places to order Dominican food in Dade. Club Tipico Dominicano is a popular pick.

Plus, Allapattah is home to Rubell Museum and SuperBlue, two destinations where you can enjoy a renowned art scene.

Liberty City and Brownsville have some of the city's best-preserved African American history.

Liberty City and Brownsville are historic neighborhoods within Miami.

Take a step back in time when you visit the Historic Hampton House in Brownsville, a converted hotel that once hosted the likes of Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Then, stop into the Joseph Caleb Auditorium or the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center to enjoy a local show from some of the neighborhood's most talented performers.

Finally, end your day by ordering food from some of Liberty City's best restaurants, like World Famous Theo's Seafood and Pasta or World Famous Rib Shack.

There's a lot to do in Downtown Miami.

Situated on Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami is an expansive neighborhood bustling with activities.

This part of the city technically includes Brickell, Miami's Financial District, but I want to focus on all the attractions just north of the Miami River.

This part of Miami is one of the few walkable places in the city, so ditch your car and spend time on foot or exploring via the free Metromover.

Definitely take time to explore HistoryMiami Museum, Frost Museum of Science, Pérez Art Museum, and Bayside Marketplace.

Stay in the county but leave the city with a visit to North Miami and North Miami Beach.

North Miami and North Miami Beach technically aren't part of the City of Miami, but they're part of Miami-Dade County and worth a visit on your next vacation.

Outdoor activities are popular in these areas. If you have a day to spend in nature, hike or kayak through Oleta River State Park.

Alternatively, if you only have a few hours to spend here, drop by Greynolds Park or the Ancient Spanish Monastery to enjoy an afternoon surrounded by sun and palm trees.

Consider skipping South Beach.

Similar to North Miami, South Beach isn't technically in the City of Miami. It's part of Miami Beach, the official name for the city that lies just to the right of Miami proper.

You have to cross one of Dade's many bridges to get to Miami Beach, and South Beach is one of the most popular parts of the beach you can visit.

If you've never been to Miami, by all means, pass through South Beach. Its beaches, architecture, and nightlife are famous for a reason.

However, I don't think it's the best beach in Dade. From a resident's perspective, South Beach often gets too crowded, and the amenities aren't as nice as you can find on other stretches of sand.

Plus, parking is expensive on South Beach. Whether you want to book a hotel on Ocean Drive or spend a day on the sand, expect to pay a decent chunk of change.

If you're looking for something quieter, try North Beach or Hollywood instead.

• Mike Cavanagh bought a 10-foot-wide skinny house in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, in 2024
• It's a spite house because its developer decided to build what he could given city restrictions.
• Cavanagh said he's glad he bought the skinny house even though it attracts some curious onlookers.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Mike Cavanagh, a 51-year-old regional manager for a medical device company, who purchased a skinny house built out of spite in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, in 2024. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

I realized it was time to downsize once my kids got older and moved out.

In 2020, I sold my 3,700-square-foot home and moved into a townhouse. I spent about four years renting, hoping the market would adjust, but it never did. I eventually decided it was time to buy something.

In June, I called a real-estate agent friend in Jacksonville Beach and said, "Hey, I'd like to see a few properties." We toured three homes — one was a townhouse, and the other two were three-bedroom houses. None of them felt right.

Later, they called and said, "I've got something you need to see. It's really unique."

The moment I walked into the house, I turned to my real-estate agent and said, "I'll take it."

The home is 10 feet wide and 1,547 square feet, with two bedrooms and 2½ baths. Despite its narrow layout, the exterior has great curb appeal. Inside, it has a modern feel, with beautiful flooring and tile work throughout.

The same day I toured the home, I made an offer. It was accepted, and we closed in just 30 days. I purchased it in early June for just over $600,000.

The home feels like the right size for me

At first, I didn't know much about the home's history. What drew me in was the neighborhood — it was quiet and peaceful, which I liked. The house is also the perfect size for me since I'm single. If I were 40 with young kids, it wouldn't have worked.

Eventually, I met with the home's builder. He explained that he had owned the lot for a long time, and while neighbors wanted to buy it, he wasn't willing to sell.

Originally, he wanted to build a 15-foot-wide home, but the city said no. So, he decided to do it his way and make the home 10 feet wide. That's how its unique design came to be.

I've definitely acclimated to the home. It doesn't feel small; its bumped-out walls give the house an almost container-like feel, reminiscent of an RV from the outside.

One of the home's unique features is its built-in nooks. The upstairs bedroom has a built-in platform where my mattress sits, so I don't need a bed frame.

Another important feature of the home is its natural light. The builder did an excellent job positioning the windows to create a bright, inviting atmosphere.

I hired a local designer, and together we developed a vision for the space.

I do entertain sometimes, but I don't have massive dinner parties. I just wanted to create a great environment for working from home.

We added a built-in white oak couch in the living room with custom cushions. It was a bit pricey but totally worth it because it's incredibly comfortable and has an artsy vibe. By the TV, we also installed built-in shelving and cabinets made from white oak.

I think the skinny house is a good investment

I think the fact that my home was featured on Zillow Gone Wild and that there used to be a "For Sale" sign in the yard both drew a lot of attention.

It's more subdued now, but I occasionally notice random people driving by or walking past and making comments.

I still get jokes, too. Some friends introduce me socially as "the guy who bought the skinny house."

Sometimes, when I meet my neighbors, they mention that they thought the house would be bought and turned into an Airbnb since there are plenty around Jacksonville Beach.

Compared to other cities in Florida, Jacksonville Beach has been slow to develop, which helps keep it affordable — especially relative to other beach towns.

As more people discover it's a fantastic place to live, there's been an influx of movers from the Northeast, some from California, and many from the Midwest.

My real-estate agent and I agreed that the house wouldn't lose equity with Jacksonville Beach's population growing.

If I change jobs or decide to move, I'm confident my home will attract enough interest to sell quickly. I could also rent it out on Airbnb. So I have plenty of options for the home in the long term.

But I plan to continue living in the home. It's my only property, and my job is based in the area, for now at least.

Overall, I do think buying the home was a good decision. Smart people just don't buy real estate to make money; they buy to have a great place to live — and to avoid losing money.

This home was definitely a solid investment.

• A plot next to Jeff Bezos' Miami properties is on sale for $200 million.
• The land is on Indian Creek, a private island that's home to several billionaires.
• The sellers remain unknown, but their broker said they are open to negotiating the price.

A plot of land next to Jeff Bezos' properties in South Florida is on sale for $200 million.

The 1.84-acre property is on Indian Creek, a private, artificial island in Miami-Dade County that's known as the "Billionaire Bunker." The island is home to properties owned by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, Tom Brady, Carl Icahn, and a more recent arrival — Jeff Bezos.

The asking price — $200 million for the land — is more than what Bezos paid for any of his three properties on the island. In 2023, the Amazon founder purchased a $68 million mansion and an adjacent property for $79 million. In September, he made a third purchase for $90 million. Last year, Bezos said he would be moving to Miami after living in Seattle for 29 years. The listing was first reported by the New York Post.

Ilya Reznik is representing the owners, who did not want to be identified. The owners bought the land for $27.5 million in 2018, the listing states. Predesigns for a 25,000-square-foot estate on the property that would be available to the buyer, according to the listing.

Reznik told Business Insider that asking price comes down to the lot being "a very unique location." However, Bezos' purchases had an effect on the prices in the area.

Bezos "did pay the numbers, which are really high," Reznik said. "But now those prices are there and the market is there and higher."

"It's not just Indian Creek, but everywhere in Miami and on the islands," Reznik said. "And if it's new, if it's a new build house, buyers are willing to pay premium. This is just what's going on in Miami."

The listing states that the land also comes with 200 feet of Biscayne Bay waterfront, which The New York Post reported would allow the owner to build a deep-water dock for a 180-foot megayacht.

Indian Creek is about 15 miles from Miami. The highly secure island is accessible only by a single bridge connecting it to the mainland. It has about 40 homes over 300 acres and an ultra-exclusive country club. The island's police department monitors the area's only entrance and patrols the perimeter around the clock.

• Some overemployed Americans have secretly worked multiple remote jobs to increase their incomes.
• They've used the money to travel, save for retirement, buy cars, and pay off student debt.
• Many said job juggling was worth it despite the long hours and risk of professional repercussions.

Some Americans have increased their incomes by secretly working multiple remote jobs, and they're using the money to splurge or improve their financial futures.

In 2021, Robert was making roughly $180,000 a year from his tech job. When his workflow started to slow, he feared he could be laid off and found a job that paid $190,000 annually. He kept both remote roles, and in 2023, Robert earned more than $300,000 across the two.

Robert, a Gen Xer in Florida, said the extra income enabled him and his partner to take a roughly $20,000 cruise and spend another $10,000 on trips to Yellowstone, the Galápagos Islands, and Las Vegas, among other places.

"We spend a lot on travel because life is more about experiences and memories than material things," Robert previously told Business Insider. His identity is known to BI, but he asked to use a pseudonym because of his fear of professional repercussions.

Robert is among the "overemployed" Americans who have secretly worked multiple remote jobs to boost their incomes. Over the past year, BI has interviewed more than two dozen job jugglers who've used the extra money to pay off debt, save for retirement, and afford expensive weight-loss drugs.

To be sure, while some employers may be OK with their workers having a second job, doing so without company approval could have professional repercussions. Additionally, job juggling can lead to burnout, and the ethics of doing it in secret are up for debate.

But many current and former overemployed individuals told BI that the financial benefits were worth it, and some have used the money to build additional income streams. BI has verified their earnings, and their identities are known, but they asked to use pseudonyms because of their fear of professional repercussions.

Overemployed workers set up new earnings opportunities

Patrick, an account manager, earned about $200,000 last year secretly working two full-time remote jobs and doing some freelance work.

He used the extra income to pay off debts and make home improvements. It also allowed his wife to trade her full-time job for a part-time gig so she could spend more time with their child.

"I'm a new father, and my goal is financial freedom," Patrick, who's in his 30s and lives in California, previously told BI.

Some overemployed workers have tried to turn their extra earnings into additional income streams.

In 2023, Luke made about $225,000 across multiple remote jobs. The e-commerce professional said he used the extra income to make a down payment on a truck and start an Airbnb. He said he didn't want to become reliant on the extra income.

"I went into it saying that I was not going to use the money as spending money," Luke, who's in his 30s and lives in the South, previously told BI. "I was basically going to treat the money like it wasn't there unless it was something that I needed to buy that was big."

Over the past few years, Charles, a consumer-product professional in his 30s, earned between $100,000 and $300,000 annually by working multiple remote roles. His income fluctuated as he bounced between different jobs.

He said boosting his earnings made it possible for him to make home improvements, buy a rental property, and purchase a new car.

Some job jugglers have padded their savings or paid down debt

Some overemployed workers haven't splurged much and have instead used the money to shore up their finances.

Adam, who's in his early 40s, had roughly $118,000 in student-loan debt as of January 2023. The security-risk professional said juggling two remote roles and doubling his income to more than $170,000 had allowed him to significantly reduce his debt burden.

"I'm expecting to have all my student loans paid off before Christmas," Adam, who lives in Arizona, previously told BI. In November, Adam said he was still on track to meet this goal.

Adam said he also used his extra money to build a four-month emergency savings fund and help out a few friends financially.

In 2021, Phil, a software engineer in his 30s, saw his workload decline at his job. He thought the change would give him the time to juggle two remote jobs simultaneously.

Phil, who's in his 30s and lives in Texas, said his roughly $350,000 annual pay allowed him to allocate nearly $75,000 to his retirement funds last year.

"Overemployment definitely helps as far as financial security is concerned," he previously told BI.

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• I relocated from New York City to Florida to be closer to one of my favorite places, Disney World.
• I visit the parks at least three times a week and love spending time with my friends there.
• I'm still adjusting to the severe storms and dealing with a little homesickness.

As someone who lived in New York City for over 20 years, moving to Florida was a significant change.

I live about 15 minutes away from Disney World, and though I love visiting the parks, I definitely miss some things about NYC.

Here are a few of the best and worst parts of my move.

I can visit the Disney parks multiple times a week.

One great thing about living so close to Disney World is that I can go to the parks whenever I want, as long as reservations are available for annual passholders.

I usually visit three or four times a week because the parks bring me so much happiness.

I enjoy meeting the characters, so if I'm having a hard day and want to see Mickey Mouse or a princess, I don't have to commute very far.

I frequently get to spend time with my friends at the parks.

Most of the friends I made during my time in the Disney College Program in 2018 now live in Florida.

Since moving, I've met with them to watch the parades, visit characters, and eat snacks in the parks.

It's nice to go to the parks, enjoy each other's company, and not feel rushed during every experience.

I can easily try the new, creative snacks Disney rolls out.

The creative snacks are one of my favorite parts of visiting Disney World.

I love trying the different cupcakes, brownies, and Mickey crisped-rice treats that celebrate holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Father's Day.

I often enjoy the Mickey ice-cream sandwiches and bars, especially when the heat is unbearable.

Most of the people I've met in Florida have been friendly.

I was born and raised in New York City, so I was taught not to make eye contact or say hello to most people when walking on the street.

One of the first things I noticed when I moved to Florida was how friendly many people were, especially the staff at Disney World.

Whenever I pass by people at my apartment complex or in the parks, a wave or a "hello" is often involved.

Though this initially felt strange, I've become more comfortable interacting with strangers.

I can see glimpses of Magic Kingdom's fireworks from my apartment.

I never thought I'd be able to see Magic Kingdom's fireworks from my apartment, but now I can.

Though I don't have a complete view of the shows, I see at least a couple of magical fireworks each night.

On the other hand, Florida has more intense storms than New York.

I thought I knew what heavy rain was like living in New York, but I didn't realize how extreme tropical storms and hurricanes could be until I moved to Florida.

Although New York has been hit directly by a handful of hurricanes in the past few years, Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the US.

The storms in Florida can get pretty extreme. When I had to evacuate my apartment complex and ride out Hurricane Ian, my first big Florida storm, I chose to stay at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

It was a frightening experience, but I thought the park employees did a great job ensuring guests were as comfortable as possible.

Still, I try to stay on top of extreme weather warnings and upcoming storms more than ever now that I'm in Florida.

The heat can be brutal, especially when waiting for outdoor attractions.

Florida is known for its high temperatures and strong sun rays, so I apply sunscreen much more often than I did in New York.

Many of the attractions and shows at the theme parks are outdoors, so if I forget my sunscreen, I get a harsh sunburn that lasts for several days.

The tap water doesn't taste as good as it did in NYC.

After living in New York for about 20 years, I grew accustomed to the taste of tap water.

Since I made drinking tap water a habit, I usually bring my reusable water bottles with me when I visit the theme parks.

However, I find that Florida's tap water doesn't taste as great.

I miss my family and often experience homesickness.

I moved to Florida with my sister but often miss my parents and family back in New York.

It's hard knowing I can't take a 40-minute train ride to see my parents on the weekends like I did in college.

It's nice when my parents do come to visit, though.

This story was originally published on January 16, 2024, and most recently updated on December 23, 2024.