DON’T LET FLOODING DRAIN YOUR FINANCES WHY HOMEOWNERS NEED SEPARATE FLOOD INSURANCE Did you know that your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover any damages resulting from flooding? Flood insurance must be obtained separately, and failing to have it can leave you with significant out-of-pocket expenses if a flood occurs. Flood insurance offers protection against the financial impact of flooding, whether it’s heavy rainfall, storm surges, or other natural events that cause it. Without this coverage, the cost to repair structural damage, replace belongings, and restore your property could be overwhelming. In addition to covering the repair costs, flood insurance policies can reimburse you for the preventive actions you take during a flood, such as sandbagging, moving furniture, and debris removal. This means any efforts you or your family make to protect your home during a flood are also covered. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) flood maps are an important factor in determining the necessity of flood insurance. These maps indicate the flood risk level in specific areas,
Coney Island’s Cutthroat Carnival The Rivalry That Redefined Entertainment In the early 20th century, Coney Island was the beating heart of America’s burgeoning amusement park industry. Three rival theme parks — Steeplechase Park, Luna Park, and Dreamland — engaged in fierce, cutthroat competition that dramatically reshaped this iconic destination. A TAWDRY REPUTATION TRANSFORMED Coney Island’s reputation was once far from wholesome. Known as “Sodom by the Sea,” it was considered a tawdry, vice-filled destination. That began to change in 1897 when Steeplechase Park opened. Its founder, George Tilyou, sought to bring clean fun to the masses, creating a lighthearted atmosphere exemplified by his iconic “Funny Face” caricature. STEALING IDEAS AND UNDERHANDED TACTICS Tilyou’s success soon drew the attention of rival park operators. In 1902, he lured away the founders of the popular “A Trip to the Moon” attraction from the upcoming Luna Park. These underhanded tactics were common, as the parks constantly copied each other’s rides and acts to one-up the competition. RAPID INNOVATION DRIVES CHANGE This competitive spirit drove rapid innovation at Coney Island. Over just a few years, the parks introduced groundbreaking new attractions like the Rotating Barrel, Thunderbolt roller coaster, and the world’s largest Ferris wheel. They transformed the public’s perception of amusement parks, elevating them from sideshows to immersive, technologically advanced experiences. THE BIRTH OF THE MODERN AMUSEMENT PARK The era of Coney Island’s dueling theme parks was short- lived, lasting only from 1904 to 1911, but its impact can still be felt today. The parks’ relentless one-upmanship drove the rapid evolution of the amusement park industry, laying the foundation for the iconic destination Coney Island has become. What began as a vulgar locale became a glittering symbol of American ingenuity and the pursuit of wholesome fun. While the tactics of these rival parks may have been underhanded, the lasting legacy of their fierce competition is undeniable. The rapid innovations, technological advancements, and shifts in public perception from this crucible of competition continue to shape the amusement park experience today.
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