Florida
Florida Walmart shopper nearly kidnapped, stuffed into car trunk by knife-wielding sex offender while packing groceries: ‘I’ll slice your throat’
![Florida Walmart shopper nearly kidnapped, stuffed into car trunk by knife-wielding sex offender while packing groceries: ‘I’ll slice your throat’ Florida Walmart shopper nearly kidnapped, stuffed into car trunk by knife-wielding sex offender while packing groceries: ‘I’ll slice your throat’](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Screen-Shot-2024-09-05-at-115707-PM-comp-1.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=1024)
A Florida woman was nearly thrown into the trunk of her car with her would-be kidnapper holding a knife to her and threatening to “slice” her throat if she didn’t comply.
Veronica Jones had just finished shopping at an Orlando Walmart on Monday at around 4:30 p.m. and was putting her groceries into her trunk when the horrifying ordeal went down, according to WESH 2.
“All of a sudden, somebody grabbed me full body,” Jones told the outlet, revealing at first she thought it was someone she may know trying to pull a prank on her.
“He kept pushing me, I was pinned against my car, he kept pushing me toward my trunk as he was pulling my purse at the same time.”
The suspect, later identified by police as 54-year-old Juan Perez, demanded that she cough up her purse and cash.
Jones said she was “fighting” to keep her purse because it contained all her important valuables.
However, she quickly realized the perp was willing to get violent when he put a knife to her throat and threatened her life.
“Then he put something to my neck, which he says if you don’t stop this, I’m going to slice your throat, if you don’t give me your purse,” Jones shared.
Perez continued to push her into the truck, with the blade still pressed against her throat, causing Jones to go into “survival mode.”
Jones said she “started screaming” for help, but her cries were swiftly muffled out when the would-be kidnapper shoved a glove down her throat, she told the outlet.
Fortunately, she got out one shout for “help,” which alerted a nearby bystander, who rushed over and scared the violent suspect off.
“She heard me say help, so she got out of the car, and then at this time, we’re tugging on the purse, and he got it cause the strap broke,” Jones told the outlet.
The brave bystander later told law enforcement she saw the victim’s “legs flailing out of the trunk” and the suspect trying to push her in, according to an affidavit obtained by Fox 35.
When the suspect took off with her purse, the Walmart shopper lost her wallet, driver’s license, insurance card, phone, gift cards, $60 in cash, and a $125 check.
Jones was left with a mark on her neck where the suspect had pressed the knife into her during the frightening ordeal. She denied medical attention at the scene.
But she’s just grateful the good Samaritan heard her pleas for help and intervened.
“I’d like to thank the girl that stopped though, because she stayed with me the whole time, she was a lot of help,” Jones told WESH 2.
Police arrested Perez the following day after a GPS he was wearing from a past crime put him at the scene of the attempted kidnapping and armed robbery.
Perez’s car was also spotted in the parking lot during that time, and his probation officer verified him as the perp from stills off of Walmart’s security cameras, according to the outlet.
He was taken before a judge following his arrest and charged with attempted kidnapping, armed robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, battery, and destruction of evidence, according to the Orlando Police Department.
He is being held at the Orange County Jail without bond. Perez is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Sept. 10.
Perez was on federal probation for a previous kidnapping charge when he allegedly tried kidnapping Jones and stole her purse using the deadly weapon, according to Fox 35.
He is also a registered sex offender in Florida for Lewd Or Lascivious Battery of a victim 12-15 years old from 2004.
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Florida
Florida Entrepreneur Discusses JetBlue Board Seat as Stake Nears 10%
(Bloomberg) — JetBlue Airways Corp. investor Vladimir Galkin, a Florida entrepreneur, has increased his stake in the carrier to 9.98% and says he’s met with top executives to discuss a possible board seat.
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Galkin has been steadily building up a stake in JetBlue this year, and is now the airline’s third-largest investor, behind BlackRock Inc. and Vanguard Group Inc.
Galkin said in an interview that he met with JetBlue’s Chief Executive Officer Joanna Geraghty and Chief Financial Officer Ursula Hurley earlier this week.
“I have not decided whether I want to become a director,” he said. “Any consideration would, of course, require further discussions with the board and adhering to their nominating process.”
Galkin said he “expressed my interest in monitoring my significant investment as a director at some point” during the discussions. Geraghty didn’t make a commitment “either way,” and encouraged him to speak with the board’s nominating committee as required by the company’s bylaws, Galkin said.
In a statement, JetBlue said it “regularly speaks with shareholders and investors to listen to their views on the company’s strategy and progress.” A spokesman declined to comment on discussions with individual shareholders.
The airline is in the midst of a turnaround effort after federal judges blocked a planned acquisition and a partnership with another carrier, limiting its growth prospects. Geraghty has detailed plans to pull out of some cities and delay $3 billion in new aircraft purchases to help control persistently high costs. The airline will shift its focus back to leisure customers in its original strongholds of New York, New England, Florida and Puerto Rico.
“I was really impressed with Joanna and her team and their progress to date,” said Galkin, who cofounded and owns a majority stake in HUBX, an online global marketplace for wholesale electronics.
Galkin, who cashed in on GameStop Corp. during the meme stock craze, reiterated in the interview that he will hold his JetBlue investment to below 10%. Reaching a 10% stake triggers additional disclosure requirements and would allow him to call for a special shareholder meeting. He would also be considered an insider.
Activist investor Carl Icahn, who took a stake in JetBlue of nearly 10% earlier this year, subsequently secured two board seats.
Galkin has had, and intends to continue to have, discussions with JetBlue executives and board members “regarding the possibility of board representation,” according a regulatory filing Thursday. He may communicate with the board, management or other investors about operational, strategic, financial or governance matters, it said.
Shares of the company rose 1.3% in postmarket trading as of 6:02 p.m. Thursday in New York. The stock is down nearly 3% this year.
–With assistance from Crystal Tse.
(Adds JetBlue comment in sixth paragraph.)
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©2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Florida
Extravagant Florida mansion located near Gisele Bündchen’s property asks $24M — and could break an area record
![Extravagant Florida mansion located near Gisele Bündchen’s property asks M — and could break an area record Extravagant Florida mansion located near Gisele Bündchen’s property asks M — and could break an area record](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/88869312-1.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=1024)
Supermodel Gisele Bündchen’s $9.1 million purchase last year of a 7.5-acre estate in Southwest Ranches, the Florida equestrian hotspot about 30 miles from Miami, now seems prescient.
There, a new construction home has hit the market for $24 million — and it’s poised to break area records if it sells at, or even near, that price.
The modern residence, at 17250 SW 52nd Court, is an extravagant 25,609 square feet. It features seven bedrooms and sits on 4 acres. Built in 2022 and move-in ready last year, the home is at the end of a cul-de-sac and bordered by the 172nd Avenue canal.
Its crown jewel is a 19,000-square-foot finished rooftop space for entertaining — and displaying art.
The dwelling’s design includes 187 impact-resistant glass window panels and doors framed in silver aluminum. It comes with a motorized aluminum gate, security, and an infinity-loop driveway lined with green turf and palms.
Other chic touches include floor-to-ceiling windows, plus a wine display room that holds up to 264 bottles. Some areas even include double- and triple-height ceilings, such as the main entrance, which is more than 25 feet high. There are also two kitchens, home offices, a gym, indoor and outdoor pools — and two separate four-car garages.
Three steel staircases lead to the gym, bedrooms and the roof.
Outside, along with the infinity-edged pool and a kids’ pool on a 6,722-square-foot tiled deck, are landscaped gardens and tall aged trees.
The seller, Javier Muniain, president and CEO of Surfernet Corp., is relocating to Europe.
The listing broker is Kimberly Knausz of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.
Florida
These are the top ten cities for retirees; five are in Florida
![These are the top ten cities for retirees; five are in Florida These are the top ten cities for retirees; five are in Florida](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2023/12/0/0/iStock-524624897.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
A recent AARP survey finds over half of adults over 50 are worried about having enough money for retirement
Florida remained a very retirement-friendly state in 2024, with five locales in the Sunshine State appearing among WalletHub’s ten best retirement cities.
Orlando, which is located in central Florida, nabbed the overall first-place title on WalletHub’s “Best & Worst Places to Retire” ranking this year.
The personal finance website indicated factors like its activity options and elder health care helped Orlando earn the title of best city to retire. Florida’s tax policies also played a major part, according to WalletHub.
The city’s total score was 61.49.
THE NUMBER OF 401(K) MILLIONAIRES HIT A NEW RECORD HIGH
This year, five other states had representation in the top 10 in addition to dominant Florida.
The list included a total of 182 U.S. cities. To determine the overall position of the cities on the list, WalletHub said it relied on several dozen metrics within the categories of affordability, activities, quality of life and health care.
According to WalletHub, 2024’s ten locales most favorable for retirees included:
1. Orlando, Florida
Orlando Florida, took the top spot for the best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve with some of the lowest price options and highest nightlife options. (iStock / iStock)
2. Miami, Florida
![Apartments](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/07/931/523/rent-2.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 29: In an aerial view, the City of Miami skyline, where many renters reside in the apartment buildings on September 29, 2021 in Miami, Florida. According to an analysis from Realtor.com, rents nationwide are rising, with th ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images) / Getty Images)
3. Minneapolis, Minnesota
![](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2022/01/931/523/Minneapolis-iStock.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Aerial View of Minneapolis and the Mississippi river in summer (iStock / iStock)
4. Tampa, Florida
![Tampa, Florida skyline](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2023/06/931/523/2.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Aerial drone View of sprawling Tampa Bay Skyline, Florida. (Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)
5. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
![](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2021/11/931/523/Bahia-Mar-Beach-.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Fort Lauderdale Coastline Aerial (Photo by Hoberman Collection/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)
6. Scottsdale, Arizona
![Scottsdale Arizona](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2021/06/931/523/Scottsdale-Arizona-iStock.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Downtown Scottsdale and suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona, with the White Tank Mountain Range in the background (iStock / iStock)
7. Cincinnati, Ohio
![](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2021/11/931/523/Cincinnati-iStock.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Cincinnati has seen a 125% increase in vacation rental demand, according to Vrbo’s report. (iStock) (iStock)
8. St. Petersburg, Florida
![Sunrise on St. Petersburg Florida facing Atlantic Ocean explodes into orange color. (Photo by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/09/931/523/st-petersburg.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Sunrise on St. Petersburg Florida facing Atlantic Ocean explodes into orange color. (Photo by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) (Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)
9. Casper, Wyoming
![CASPER, WY - JUNE 11, 2022: The last rays of sunlight fall on local favorite Jonny Js Diner on June 11, 2022 in Casper, Wyoming. Wyoming is a Republican stronghold and Liz Cheney (R-WY) is facing an uphill battle to retain her seat in Congress after she has criticized former President Trump over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/09/931/523/casper-wyoming.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
CASPER, WY – JUNE 11, 2022: The last rays of sunlight fall on local favorite Jonny Js Diner on June 11, 2022 in Casper, Wyoming. Wyoming is a Republican stronghold and Liz Cheney (R-WY) is facing an uphill battle to retain her seat in Congress after (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images / Getty Images)
10. Atlanta, Georgia
![](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2021/11/931/523/Atlanta-GA-iStock.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, Georgia, metropolitan area was found to be the best cold-weather winter vacation destination this year, according to WalletHub. Atlanta is pictured. (iStock / iStock)
“It’s important to choose wisely when picking where to retire, as many retirees are on a fixed income,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said. “As a result, the best cities for retired people are those that minimize taxes and expenses, as well as have good opportunities for retirees to continue paid work for extra income, if they choose to do so. In addition, the top cities provide high-quality health care and offer plenty of enjoyable activities for retirees.”
AMERICANS REVEAL THEIR BIGGEST FINANCIAL REGRET ABOUT POTENTIAL RETIREMENT
Of the top 10 best retirement cities, Miami received the highest rank for the main activities category, at No. 2.
Two of the other top-10 cities landed No. 3 placements for different main categories that WalletHub looked at to help formulate its list. Scottsdale came in third-place for quality of life. Meanwhile, Casper received that ranking for affordability, the personal finance website found.
MORE AMERICANS ARE THINKING ABOUT POSTPONING RETIREMENT
WalletHub’s best cities to retire comes after the personal finance website identified Florida, Colorado, Virginia, Delaware and Wyoming as top states for retirement earlier in the year.
In April, Northwestern Mutual found Americans think they must have $1.46 million set aside in order to “comfortably” retire. That was up 15% from the prior year.
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