Record holiday travel expected
Original reporting by Noah Vinsky
The day before Thanksgiving is set to be the busiest travel day of the year. AAA projects a record 82 million travelers next week.
About 70 million of these people will be hitting the roads, making up nearly 90% of Thanksgiving travel.
AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins says those record travel numbers also come with heavy traffic congestion.
“Leave early if you can, those heaviest days are going to be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday on the return home,” Jenkins said.
The Florida Highway Patrol is preparing for the influx of drivers on Florida’s interstates.
FHP Sergeant Steve Gaskins says drunk and distracted driving are more of a concern over the holidays.
“If you’re out there behind the wheel after you’ve enjoyed some of those beverages, that’s where we see some of those problems later on in the evening,” Gaskins said.
The Florida Department of Transportation recommends checking your car’s tire pressure and fluids before heading out, and having things like jumper cables handy in case of an emergency this holiday season.
Local balloon business opens storefront
Original reporting by Cameron Churilla
A Carrollwood balloon business has been blowing up recently.
Balloonies is a ballon decor store owned by Charlie and Lisa Williams. They started this company in 1981 and have recently opened their first storefront.
This comes after the closure of their competitor Party City. Because of the closing they obtained most of Party City’s inventory.
“It brings us more into the public of where they see what work we have done and what else we can do with it,” Co-Founder Charlie Williams said.
Balloonies doesn’t just sell balloons, they serve as a full party supply hub selling candles special plush dolls and other things, making everything more personable for the customers.
“Now we actually meet and greet, they can talk to us about what they need we can give them professional advice on what would work well with them, you know that kind of thing,” Co-Founder Lisa Williams said.
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