Carjacking- ‘Tis the Season

The following is a forward I received this morning:
If this is true – we all need to be cognizant of what is going on around us.  Even if it isn’t true it is a reminder that there are people out there that do not have our best interest at heart – they only have their own agenda – especially with the upcoming holiday season when we will all be out shopping.

BEWARE OF PAPER IN THE BACK WINDOW OF YOUR VEHICLE 
NEW WAY TO DO CARJACKING

Heads up everyone! Please, keep this circulating…You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside.  You start the engine and shift into Reverse.When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view.  When you reach the back of your car, that is when the car jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off.  They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car.  And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car.  So now, the car jacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised! 

BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED….
If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away.  Remove the paper later. And be thankful that you read this e-mail.  I hope you will forward this to friends and family, especially to women.  A purse contains all kinds of personal information and identification documents, and you certainly do NOT want this to fall into the wrong hands.

Please be careful.
Thank you.

Free Mammograms!

 

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Florida No-Fault Insurance Coverage

Due to recent legislative changes in the law, Florida will return to a no-fault coverage system, which requires all policyholders to maintain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as of January 1, 2008. If you fail to maintain PIP coverage after this date, the State of Florida may suspend your driver’s license and vehicle registration.

Personal Injury Protection coverage pays for some medical and rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, replacement services, and death benefits — regardless of who is at fault in an accident. This coverage is available to you, your passengers, and relatives residing in your household according to the terms of Florida law.

I’m paying extra for this coverage that will probably cover an X-Ray and a broken finger nail in the hospital ($10,000 cap). You rear ended me- you should pay, not me. Why are responsible drivers the ones to suffer? Why not give credits to those with no driver’s violations rather than punish them by mandatory extra insurance coverage? Why not ask drivers for their proof of insurance during a driving violation, and if no proof is furnished, then impound the vehicle on the spot? Make the uninsured driver pay for towing, impound storage, a fine, and show proof of valid insurance. Punishment should be placed on the irresponsible. If you can’t afford the insurance, take the bus.

Florida Legislature Makes Real Progress on Tax Reform

The House and Senate have finally come to an agreement on property tax reform. Unlike the last proposal – Super Exemption, this plan will actually benefit homeowners. Here are the highlights:

• 50,000 homestead exemption
• Save Our Homes portability
• 10% increase cap in annual increases on commercial and second homes
• 25,000 tax exemption on business equipment

This proposal will be on the ballot January 29th.

Edit – October 30th
The news outlets are saying the new proposal will save the average Floridian $240 come tax time. Hmmm…

Cypress Isles, Waterford Lakes Traffic Control Discussion

Commissioner Linda Stewart and Orange County traffic engineers will hold a community meeting this Thursday, October 25th at Camelot Elementary. It is important that all Cypress Isles residents attend to discuss a possible remedy to the traffic problem along Spring Island Way.

View Spring Island Way on Map

Avalon Park Halloween Spooktacular

This Saturday the 27th is the Avalon Park Spooktacular. We had such a great time last year, especially at the Haunted House! The festivities include:
DJ, hayrides, costume parade, pirate ship ride, games, prizes, food, haunted graveyard, and the haunted house!
The haunted house is open this Friday and Saturday nights after 6pm, as well as on Halloween night.

 The flyer can be viewed here: Avalon Park Halloween Spooktacular

Gated Avalon Lakes Home Under $250K

Nearly 2000 square feet home for sale in Avalon Lakes- all for under $250,000! You’ll love this bright and cheerful home! Let me show you this property today.

Florida Property Tax Reform Proposal

The following update has been provided by Nancy Riley, FAR President:
We expect the House to begin consideration of this proposal on Monday. Both the House and Senate plans that are being considered maintain the current Save Our Homes structure and provide for portability of Save Our Homes. Here is a complete list of the issues being proposed in the House plan:

• Instead of doubling the homestead exemption, this exemption is tied to the county’s median home value and will target relief to all homestead property owners (not just first time buyers).  Again, the exemption would be 40% of area median. 

• Save Our Homes-like cap on non-homestead and commercial property to help restore fairness, equity and predictability to our property tax system by capping any increase at 5%.  This will help businesses who have faced outrageous tax increases and owners of second homes (Snowbirds).

• Portability – homeowners may transfer their Save Our Homes benefits to a new homestead anywhere in Florida within 2 years of leaving their former homestead. 

• Creates a new Tangible Personal Property Exemption of $25,000 

• Limits the authority of local governments to increase property taxes 

• Provides for limitations on assessed values of properties used for affordable housing 

• Provides an assessment growth limitation for all non-homestead properties in Florida by 5% 

• Creates more flexibility for the Legislature to limit assessments for working waterfront properties

• Election of all county property appraisers

S.S. Homecoming Carnival 2007

Date:  Friday, October 19
Location:  Tanja King Park
Time:  5-8 pm
Cost:  $10 unlimited rides, or $0.50 per ride

Ahoy Mates! Welcome Aboard!

More homes in Waterford?

I came across the following flyer this morning:

Tired of all of the traffic in Waterford Lakes?
Does it take you forever just to get out of Waterford in the morning?
Concerned about the safety of your children when playing outside? 

Well, there could be up to another 300-600 cars coming our way, if we don’t take immediate action!!! 

So… what can you do about it? Write to your Orange County commissioners and tell them that you are against more homes and/or town homes on parcel N19B. Parcel N19B is a parcel of land located in the back of Waterford Lakes at the very end of Lake Underhill Road. 

The commissioners will be voting on this over the next few weeks and we must write to them to influence their vote!!! 

Their Email addresses are: 

Teresa Jacobs – district1@ocfl.net
Frederick Brummer – district2@ocfl.net
Mildred Fernandez – district3@ocfl.net
Linda Stewart – district4@ocfl.net
Bill Segal – district5@ocfl.net
Tiffany Moore – district6@ocfl.net
Mayor Rich Crotty – mayor@ocfl.net