GST going up...to 9%

[Lisafuller]

Parts of Tampa are much the same, especially down in Ybor City / Tampa area. Used to be the centre of the cigar industry in Florida. One of the best Restaurants in all the trips down to Tampa & Plant city is Carmine's Restaurant & Bar in Ybor City. Tampa is considered the home of the Cuban Sandwich. The rivalry between Tampa and Miami been going on for a lot of years, but Tampa wins hands down. Cuban bread baked with the palmetto frond strips in the batter is unbeatable.
https://www.seriouseats.com/cuban-sandwich-history

And yes, I like mine 'pressed'.

I’m going to have to disagree with you. But then again, I may be a little biased here

[Lisafuller]

Yep, when I’m on the road, a cheap, relatively healthy meal is all that I need.

But have to admit, I was also drawn to the ethnic and slightly ghetto vibe of the place!

I wouldn’t call it ghetto… maybe some of the inner areas. I will say thought that you are right about the ethnic feel, you can definitely see a lot of the Latin American esp Cuban influence in the food, music, art, architecture.

Oh, not Miami itself, I’m saying Pollo Tropical has a slightly ghetto vibe, but I can dig that.

Miami was awesome, although we didn’t spend much time there — it has a nice laid back feeling, but did strike me a little as a “see and be seen” kind of place — at least that was my impression in the few areas we explored. I remember we stopped off at the Aventura Mall and have to say, we were a bit disappointed. We were expecting it would be something like South Coast Plaza in Orange County, definitely a far cry from that.

Aventura mall is a dump- boring and incredibly crowded. I’d say it has a lot to do with the fact that its in Aventura, a place not exactly known for fun. If you’re looking for fun, try Sawgrass Mills. Not exactly in Miami, but close enough.

[malcontent]

Were y’all hibernating when it was announced way back in 2018 that the GST will be increased?

Based on the latest budget news in parliament, it’ll be a gradual hike to 8% in 2023 and then 9% in 2024.

I was right here… and back then everyone thought it was a bad idea… it shouldn’t be a surprise that everyone still thinks it’s a bad idea.

However, I am glad they are increasing by only 1% per year, retailers will have a harder time blaming 5-10% price hikes on GST.

[sundaymorningstaple]

When did that ever stop them?

[Lisafuller]

Were y’all hibernating when it was announced way back in 2018 that the GST will be increased?

Based on the latest budget news in parliament, it’ll be a gradual hike to 8% in 2023 and then 9% in 2024.

I was right here… and back then everyone thought it was a bad idea… it shouldn’t be a surprise that everyone still thinks it’s a bad idea.

However, I am glad they are increasing by only 1% per year, retailers will have a harder time blaming 5-10% price hikes on GST.

True, but still don’t think increasing taxes at a time like this is appropriate. Even if it was announced years ago I feel it should have been pushed back in consideration of new developments.

[Lisafuller]

When did that ever stop them?

Can’t really blame most of them for doing it now though, they’ve suffered enough during COVID.

[MOCHS]

Even if it was announced years ago I feel it should have been pushed back in consideration of new developments.

Pretty sure they wanted to increase it in 2020 but COVID happened so they have already pushed it back.

[Lisafuller]

Even if it was announced years ago I feel it should have been pushed back in consideration of new developments.

Pretty sure they wanted to increase it in 2020 but COVID happened so they have already pushed it back.

I see, don’t remember that being the case, although perhaps I’m just forgetful. It has been years at this point.

[abbby]

Not a good timing, times are bad and we're still in the pandemic...or soon-to-be endemic.

[Lisafuller]

Not a good timing, times are bad and we're still in the pandemic...or soon-to-be endemic.

Seems like gov is finally transitioning to an endemic approach, giving up on reporting infection, decreasing quarantine times, and getting rid of social distancing altogether.