Online Trademark Attorneys
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File a Trademark for $399 + $250 Government Filing Fee
Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Tampa, FL
If you're an entrepreneur, you know that protecting your intellectual property should be high on your list when it comes to safeguarding your company. However, as a successful business owner, you also know the steps and costs of filing a trademark in the U.S. can be expensive and arduous.
This conundrum can be even more overwhelming for new business owners who want to do everything possible to minimize the price of securing trademarks. They try to handle complicated tasks like trademark registration on their own, which can be a big mistake - especially when juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a business. You may be thinking, "But what about those set-it-and-forget-it services you can find online? All you have to do is plug in your info, and you're done." Using pre-made templates for trademark filing can be tempting, but doing so can leave you with inadequate protection and hurt you in the long run.
So, what is the easiest, most cost-effective route to consider that also minimizes legal risk? The truth is, before you spend money on an online filing service, it's best to consult with a trademark attorney working with clients in Tampa, FL.
At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with U.S. trademark filing, U.S. trademark responses, and U.S. trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.
- Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Tampa, FL
- Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the U.S. Trademark Process
- Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Tampa, FL?
- Additional Benefits of Using a Trademark Attorney
- What About Online Filing Services?
- Understanding Trademarks Over Time
- Steps to Renew Your Trademark
- Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Abandonment
- How to Avoid Having to Refile Your Trademark
- What Makes an Online Trademark Attorney Great?
- Trademark Attorneys Working Hard for You
Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the U.S. Trademark Process
Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.
Using a trademark attorney for filing in Tampa, FL, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The U.S. government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.
In terms of filing a U.S. trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:
1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.
2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the U.S. Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.
3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your U.S. trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.
The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
The bottom line?
At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Tampa, FL?
It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.
The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.
Call
us (843) 654-0078Additional Benefits of Using a Trademark Attorney
Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:
Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.
Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.
Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.
Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.
Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.
Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.
Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.
Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.
What About Online Filing Services?
Online services, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in Tampa, FL.
Although online filing services offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. Online filing services' disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, online filing services cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.
In other words, online filing services can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.
For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.
Understanding Trademarks Over Time
Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Tampa, FL can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.
The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.
Steps to Renew Your Trademark
Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.
During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.
After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.
It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.
By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in Tampa, FL, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.
Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Abandonment
In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.
Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Inappropriate Licensing
In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.
How to Avoid Having to Refile Your Trademark
If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.
To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.
It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.
Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.
What Makes an Online Trademark Attorney Great?
At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.
It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.
When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.
Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.
In summary:
- Be sure you're using a licensed trademark attorney helping clients in Tampa, FL.
- It's best to work with a trademark lawyer who has years of experience filing trademarks.
- Ensure that your trademark lawyer is willing to provide ongoing notifications relating to your trademark application process.
Trademark Attorneys Working Hard for You
Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.
With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.
If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.
Latest News in Tampa, FL
Gasparilla Bowl brings UF and Tulane to Tampa
Kylie Joneshttps://www.fox13news.com/news/gasparilla-bowl-brings-uf-tulane-tampa
The BriefThe Gasparilla season in Tampa kicked off on Friday with the Gasparilla Bowl. Longtime SEC rivals, Florida and Tulane, met again on the gridiron at Raymond James Stadium this afternoon for the first time in 40 years.On paper, the Green Wave (9-4) and Gators (7-5) come into the contest with similar records, but the two took very different paths en route to the Gasparilla Bowl.T...
The Brief
The Gasparilla season in Tampa kicked off on Friday with the Gasparilla Bowl. Longtime SEC rivals, Florida and Tulane, met again on the gridiron at Raymond James Stadium this afternoon for the first time in 40 years.
On paper, the Green Wave (9-4) and Gators (7-5) come into the contest with similar records, but the two took very different paths en route to the Gasparilla Bowl.
The Gators went through the gauntlet this year with arguably the toughest schedule in college football. Eleven out of 12 of their games were Power Four opponents and when all was said and done, Florida made it through its beast of a schedule against five programs that made the College Football Playoff rankings and two more, LSU and Texas A&M, that spent most of the season in the Top 25.
The Gators started off shaky but finished strong with three straight wins. Much of Florida’s turnaround has been attributed to freshman phenom DJ Lagway, who took over starting duties after senior Graham Mertz tore his ACL in October.
Lagway threw for 1,610 yards and 11 touchdowns and went 5-0 in games he started and finished.
Meanwhile, the Green Wave’s season had a very different trajectory. Tulane was in the running to crack the College Football Playoff before a pair of disastrous late-season losses to Memphis and Army.
The Green Wave will also be without starting quarterback Darian Mensah, who recently transferred to Duke.
While the oddsmakers have Florida as a heavy favorite in this match, this game brings a big impact to the Tampa Bay area as the Gasparilla season gets underway.
"The impact of what it brings," Katie Kicklighter with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission said. "New people visiting our city, staying, trying our restaurants, and really, just seeing everything that Tampa has to offer."
Krewes from around the Tampa Bay area anchored their floats at the "fan invasion" tailgate ahead of the game.
"Being from Florida, you have all the Florida teams, all of Tampa Bay, and we just love the combination of putting it all together," said Maggie Williams with the Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry. "Meaning, we’re trying to promote Gasparilla, get more people involved in that to come see what it’s all about. And, of course, who doesn’t love a football game…especially when the Gators are playing."
Gator fans came from near and far on Friday, and some said they felt a sense of being on home turf at this game.
"I actually was a USF fan, and I went to my first Florida Gators game with my dad and ever since then, I’ve just always wanted to go to UF," one Florida fan said.
The Green Wave was well represented as well, with fans making the trip all the way from New Orleans.
"Just getting away, and college football has more of an element that the pros don’t have," one Tulane fan said. "A little bit more spirit involved."
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission said the Gasparilla Bowl’s impact stretched beyond the field. The game is a huge economic driver throughout the Tampa Bay area, bringing people from around the state and the country to Tampa to stay, eat and explore.
"The bowl is really the kickoff to the total season, and I know, coming out of a series of storms, the community has been hit hard. What this brings, the excitement to the area, the energy, the economic impact, all of it is going to just bring us back," Kicklighter said.
The Gasparilla Bowl is the first of two bowl games to kick off at Raymond James Stadium. The University of Alabama will take on the University of Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31 at 12 p.m.
Where To Find The Best Holiday Light Displays In The Tampa Bay Area
Tampa, FL Patchhttps://patch.com/florida/southtampa/where-find-best-holiday-light-displays-tampa-bay-area
From Godzilla to Star Wars to botanical gardens, Patch has compiled some of the best Christmas lights displays in the Tampa Bay area.Tiffany Razzano, Patch StaffTAMPA BAY, FL — If you’re looking for a little Christmas cheer this season, we’ve compiled a list of holiday light displays throughout the greater Tampa Bay area.Some displays were submitted to us by Patch readers, while others are public d...
From Godzilla to Star Wars to botanical gardens, Patch has compiled some of the best Christmas lights displays in the Tampa Bay area.
Tiffany Razzano, Patch Staff
TAMPA BAY, FL — If you’re looking for a little Christmas cheer this season, we’ve compiled a list of holiday light displays throughout the greater Tampa Bay area.
Some displays were submitted to us by Patch readers, while others are public displays or were found on social media.
It’s not too late to include your holiday light display in this round-up. Email [email protected] with photos, information about your display, your address, and dates and hours.
Hillsborough County
The Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds is open through Dec. 29. The drive-thru light display charges visitors by the carload. It’s open nightly, though hours vary. Santa’s Village is also open on certain nights. Find a full schedule here.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A Very Merry Sithmasis a Star Wars-themed light display on Quintessa Lane in Lithia. The show starts nightly at 6 p.m. and runs for 15 minutes. It restarts every half hour.
Another impressive light display is on Redwood Avenue in Temple Terrace. The home light display, which runs nightly from 6 to 11 p.m., features new decorations every year, according to christmaslightfinder.com.
A home on Oakvista Circle in Tampa features a handbuilt nativity scene, 20 trees and a 30-foot-long tunnel, according to theholidayatlas.com.
Meanwhile, Santa regularly visits a home on N. 25th Street in Tampa from Dec. 1 through Christmas Eve, the website said.
And a home on Lightner Bridge Drive in Tampa offers a full projector light show, as well as light curtains, dog decorations, and an old school Santa and his truck.
The Holiday Spectacular returns to Tampa’s Riverwalk this year. Enchanting lights are displayed along the Riverwalk and on floating barges in the Hillsborough River through Jan. 2.
Manatee County
One reader told Patch that their favorite area to drive around and view multiple homes lit up for the holiday season is along Riverview Boulevard in Bradenton.
The Freedom Factory hosts its first Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival, a drive-thru light display with more than 100,000 lights synchronized to music, dozens of set pieces and a light tunnel. Once your drive is complete, visit Christmas Village, which boasts a 50-foot Christmas tree, visits with Santa on Fridays and Saturdays, games and rides, food and drinks, vendors, and more. The display is open to the public through Jan. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Pasco County
One reader, a New Port Richey native, shared his holiday lights display with Patch, calling it the “tallest Christmas tree … maybe?”
The display can be found downtown at the intersection of Polk Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
“We lost a couple (of) strands since last year, but I’m … proud to say I haven’t seen a taller tree yet,” he told Patch.
The lights are on any time it’s dark, he added.
The Thomas Christmas Display at 9111 Bearcat Road in New Port Richey features more than 50 blow molds, as well as several blow-up decorations, in the yard.
“Many of my blow molds are old,” the homeowner who submitted the display told Patch. “Many have been restored and repaired and painted.”
The lights are on daily from 6 to 10 p.m. and are synchronized to music.
Another light display at 7008 Grand Blvd. in New Port Richey features more than 40,000 lights, including a 35-foot tunnel of lights.
“We also set up a photo bench in the tunnel of light. Many people come to take their Christmas card photos on the bench,” the homeowner who submitted his light display told Patch. “We have several tall trees lit up. Also, we have a nice gingerbread house.
The lights are on daily from about 6 to 10:30 p.m. through Jan. 5.
Pinellas County
The Valley View Light Show at 960 Valley View Cir in Palm Harbor is now in its fifth year. It boasts more than 15,000 LED pixel lights all synchronized to 38 different songs with “some amazing special effects, like singing Christmas trees and bulbs,” the homeowner told Patch.
This year, they introduced the Angel Wing Photo Station. Visitors can control the color of the wings and take their photo in front of the show.
“And if that’s not all, YOU can control what song you want to hear via your phone when you’re at the show,” the homeowner said. “Just follow the instructions on the sign by the mailbox.”
The show runs nightly through Dec. 31. The lights are on from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
A home on Julia Circle North features more than 200,000 lights synchronized to music. The display includes a 23-foot tree with 10,000 lights and a 19-foot tree with 6,000 LED lights that does animation, according to christmaslightfinder.com. New this year is an 85,000-pixel screen. Shows run continuously from dusk until 11 p.m. through early January. Outdoor speakers are on until 9:30 p.m. and those in cars can listen to the music on 99.9 FM.
The Oakdale Christmas Display at 2719 Oakdale Street in St. Petersburg, now in its 47th year, features about 500,000 lights. Visitors are invited to walk through the display, which covers about half an acre.
Largo’s 182-acre Florida Botanical Gardens sparkle with 1 million twinkling LED lights in various colors, as well as laser lights, lighted figures, and more. The display is open to the public nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 4.
Nearby, the Largo Central Park holiday display features a walking tour of more than 2.5 million LED lights. There are also food, beverage and market vendors, as well as amusement rides. The display remains up until Dec. 29.
Polk County
A Lakeland couple decided to “go big” after Hurricane Milton ravaged their home in October, destroying part of their roof.
On top of their home, which is located at 1836 Tristram, is a 14-foot-high inflatable Godzilla crushing the part of the roof affected by the storm. There’s also a single strand of colorful rainbow lights along the roof’s edge.
“All the lights are perfect along the entire roof line, except where Godzilla is,” the homeowner told Patch. “There the lights are dangling and hanging.”
On the ground, in their front yard, is an inflatable Santa with a slingshot poised to fling presents at the giant green monster.
“No charities. No synchronized music. Just Santa slingshotting presents at a Godzilla on a crushed house,” he said, adding, “It ain’t much, but some people like the creative lights.”Sarasota County
Lights in Bloom at the Selby Gardens’ downtown campus is a Sarasota holiday tradition. Explore the light display, which features more than 2 million lights illuminating the gardens, through Jan. 1. General entry to see the display is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. daily.
Town Square University Parkway at 8450 Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota is decorated for the holiday season. The 1950s-themed adult day center welcomes guests Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to explore its indoor holiday displays and explore the 15 different storefronts. The decorations will come down during the first week of January.
The University Town Center hosts its annual Festival of Lights. The shopping destination hosts nightly light shows every 30 minutes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., as well as festive fireworks on Saturdays at 9 p.m. There’s also a full calendar of special events.
The Cedar Hollow neighborhood in Sarasota is also known for its annual extravagant holiday display. The lights start at the first roundabout off Honore Avenue just south of Fruitville Road.
“Drive throughout the entire neighborhood. There is lots to be found,” according to the Facebook page.
The lights will be on display through Dec. 31.
Restaurants Open And Closed For Christmas 2024 In Tampa
Tampa, FL Patchhttps://patch.com/florida/southtampa/restaurants-open-closed-christmas-2024-tampa
If you need to make plans for Christmas dinner, these restaurants in the Tampa area are accepting reservations for the holiday.Tiffany Razzano, Patch StaffTAMPA, FL — Not everyone wants to cook Christmas Eve supper or Christmas Day dinner, but there will be some places open in Tampa that will cook up something scrumptious for your group — if you get a reservation now before they’re snapped up.Accor...
If you need to make plans for Christmas dinner, these restaurants in the Tampa area are accepting reservations for the holiday.
Tiffany Razzano, Patch Staff
TAMPA, FL — Not everyone wants to cook Christmas Eve supper or Christmas Day dinner, but there will be some places open in Tampa that will cook up something scrumptious for your group — if you get a reservation now before they’re snapped up.
According to the online reservation service Open Table, choices in Tampa are:
Several national chains are also open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or both. Participation and hours may vary by location, so be sure to call ahead:
Applebee’s: The casual restaurant is usually open but closes early on Christmas Eve, although that varies by location. Restaurants are closed on Christmas Day.
Arby’s: The fast-food chain is open on Christmas Eve but will be closed on Christmas Day.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bar Louie: The restaurant and bar is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Reduced hours may apply.
Bob Evans: The casual chain is open on Christmas Day and offers a Farmhouse Feast menu.
Bonefish Grill: The seafood restaurant is open on Christmas Eve, but not on Christmas Day. Hours may vary by location.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, but may close an hour or so earlier than usual. Hours on Christmas Day vary by location and local regulations, but most will be closed.
Burger King: The fast-food chain will be open for regular hours on Christmas Eve and some will be open for reduced hours on Christmas Day.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: The restaurant is open on Christmas Eve, although hours vary by location, and closed on Christmas Day.
Chili’s Bar & Grill: The restaurant is open on Christmas Eve (hours may vary by location) but is closed on Christmas Day.
Chipotle: The Mexican restaurant is open on Christmas Eve but not on Christmas Day.
Cracker Barrel: Restaurants are open until 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.
Dave & Buster’s: The sports bar and restaurant is open Christmas Eve but closed on Christmas Day.
Del Frisco’s Grille: The bar and restaurant known for its upscale American cuisine will be open from 12 to 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 12 to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Denny’s: The diner-style restaurant is open 24 hours a day.
Domino’s Pizza: Pizza deliveries will be made Christmas Day, but participation may vary by location.
Fleming’s Fine Steakhouse & Wine Bar: This upscale steakhouse and restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Golden Corral: The buffet-style restaurant is open on Christmas Eve, with most locations open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and closed on Christmas Day.
Hard Rock Cafe: Most locations will be open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Hardee’s: The fast-food restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve but will be closed on Christmas Day.
Hooters: Locations will be open from 4 p.m. to midnight on Christmas. Locations in Kansas City will be open from 11 a.m. for the Chiefs game and close at 10:30 p.m.
IHOP: The casual breakfast chain will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but for limited hours at certain locations.
KFC: The fast-food restaurants will be open for regular hours on Christmas Eve but closed on Christmas Day.
Kona Grill: Restaurants are open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
McDonald’s: Many but not all locations of the fast-food restaurant will be open on Christmas Day.
Morton’s The Steakhouse: The fine-dining steakhouse offers a special menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours may vary by location.
Olive Garden: Some locations of the fast-casual Italian restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve, but all locations will be closed on Christmas Day.
Outback Steakhouse: The Australian-inspired steakhouse is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
P.F. Chang’s: The Asian bistro is open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Panda Express: The fast-casual Chinese restaurant is typically open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, although participation and hours may vary by location.
Perkins Restaurant and Bakery: Many locations will be open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, although hours may vary by location.
Red Lobster: The seafood chain’s restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House: The upscale steakhouse is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, though hours may vary by location.
Sonic Drive-In: The fast-food restaurants close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and are closed on Christmas Day.
TGI Fridays: The casual restaurant will be open for regular hours on Christmas Eve but will be closed on Christmas Day.
Village Inn: The casual restaurant is open regular hours on Christmas Eve and until 4 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Waffle House: The fast food sit-down restaurant never closes, meaning it will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Wendy’s: The fast-food restaurant will be open for regular hours on Christmas Eve and some may be open on Christmas Day.
This list of national chains was curated from emails to Patch, restaurant websites, USA Today, Good Housekeeping and Cozymeal.
Why are people flocking from Florida in record numbers?
Kailey Tracyhttps://www.fox13news.com/news/why-people-flocking-from-florida-record-numbers
Young people moving out of FloridaFlorida has the third-highest population in the country, but a new study shows that a lot of young people are moving out of the Sunshine State. Kailey Tracy reports.TAMPA, Fla. - Florida has been one of the fastest-growing states. More than 22 million people live here, but a record number of people left the state in 2023.According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s latest migratio...
Young people moving out of Florida
Florida has the third-highest population in the country, but a new study shows that a lot of young people are moving out of the Sunshine State. Kailey Tracy reports.
TAMPA, Fla. - Florida has been one of the fastest-growing states. More than 22 million people live here, but a record number of people left the state in 2023.
According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s latest migration report, more than half a million people left the state last year, the most Florida has ever seen. It was the second-most in the country in 2023, behind California. The average age of people leaving Florida is 32.
The report says the "perception of limited career opportunities for younger, early-career workers" and rising housing costs are the two key factors leading to younger people leaving the state.
Residents left Florida for states like Tennessee and North Carolina, which offer more affordable living options, the report said.
While a record number of people left Florida last year, the report says nearly 637,000 people moved to the state from across the country. People 60 and older were the biggest age group moving here.
People of all ages also have recently packed up and moved out of the Sunshine State after back-to-back storms this year.
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There was a net total of about 126,000 people who moved to Florida from other states in 2023, the report says. Florida Chamber of Commerce officials say it shows Florida is a top destination for new residents. It also is, however, about a 50 percent decrease from the previous year, and is the first major decline in net migration in a decade.
Chamber officials say while the report "highlights Florida’s status as a national leader in net income migration," it also underscores the "pressing challenges that could impact the state’s long-term growth and economic stability."
According to the latest numbers, Florida led the nation with a net income migration of almost $36.1 billion annually. Chamber officials wrote in a press release that the migration trends emphasize the need to understand who is leaving, why and what can be done to retain Florida’s workforce.
According to "U.S. News and World Report," the Chamber said, Florida ranks top in the nation for higher education and first in four-year college affordability. The state, however, struggles to keep its graduates. The Florida Chamber Foundation’s Future of Work Florida initiative aims to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline by bridging the gap between education and workforce options.
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"Businesses must play an increasingly active role in developing and retaining Florida’s talent pipeline," Mark Wilson, President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce & Foundation, said. "When Floridians see a pathway forward to a flourishing career in our state, outmigration will slow. But job opportunities alone aren’t enough—affordable housing is certainly important. If our younger workforce can’t afford to live here, they will start looking elsewhere."
The Florida Chamber has supported initiatives like the Live Local Act, which aims to expand affordable housing options, to address the rising housing costs.
"Florida is at a crossroads," the report concludes. "Now is the time to reinforce Florida’s brand as the best place to live, work, raise a family, and build a future and learn."
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