The final property-tax assessments were even worse in some areas than initially thought, setting the stage for budget battles across South Florida.

The most severe drop in taxable property value in Miami-Dade County in at least 40 years is actually a little worse than first thought.

The Complete Story…

So far, the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season has been quiet, but that’s normal for the first month. On average, the first tropical storm doesn’t emerge until July 10 and the first hurricane on Aug. 14. A tropical depression briefly formed in the Atlantic at the end of May, but it didn’t amount to much.

Federal forecasters predict a slightly slower than normal season with nine to 14 named storms, including four to seven hurricanes. The reasons: Cooler than normal temperatures in the Atlantic and a weak El Nino, an atmospheric condition that works to suppress storm formation.

For helpful tips on how to get ready for a storm, check out these links:

What to put in your hurricane kit

Get the latest hurricane analysis from Ken Kaye’s Storm Center

Hurricane season from A – Z

Review your insurance policy before a storm threatens

Caring for abandoned homes can keep your home safe

We are committed to providing you with the information you need to stay safe this hurricane season. For complete information anytime, please visit http://www.sun-sentinel.com/hurricane.

http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/main.asp

The Newseum displays these daily newspaper front pages in their original, unedited form from the top newspapers around the country.

Some front pages may contain material that is objectionable to some visitors. Viewer discretion is advised.

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee — 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

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Friend –

A few weeks ago, President Obama asked you to share your personal story about how the health care crisis has affected you and the ones you love. Hundreds of thousands of stories poured in from every corner of the country. The President and I have read through many of them ourselves — and now I’m encouraging you to do so as well.

Read these powerful, personal stories from people in your area and around the country.

And after you do, please forward this note on to as many people as you can.

For folks who don’t yet understand why health care reform is such an urgent priority, these stories make the case far better than any statistics ever could.

For those who support health care reform but haven’t yet found the time to join our campaign, these stories provide more motivation than any speech any politician could ever give.

So please read these stories, pass this note on to everyone in your address book, and help us show everyone in America why fixing our broken health care system is a necessity that just can’t wait:

http://healthcare.barackobama.com/stories

Thank you,

Vice President Joe Biden

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Interesting collection of stories about people and their health care experiences

Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway. Activities include apple pie eating contest and musical entertainment – starts 6 p.m. . Culminates in 9 p.m. fireworks show. Call 954-602-3319.

Pompano Beach Fireworks Extravaganza, 9 p.m. on the beach at Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach. Call 954-786-4111

Coral Springs Celebration, 6 p.m. at Sportsplex, 2575 Sportsplex Drive, Coral Springs. Culminates in 9 p.m. fireworks show. $3 parking. Call 954-345-2200.

Vista View Park, 4001 SW 142nd Ave., Davie. $5 per vehicle, $1.50 individual. Call 954-327-8797 – no fireworks scheduled. This is a viewing of other fireworks displays.  8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Hollywood Broadwalk on the beach. 5-10 p.m. – Activities include musical performance, marching band and 9 p.m. fireworks. Call 954-921-3404.

Pines Recreation Center, 7400 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines. Activities include games, rides and 9 p.m. fireworks display. Call 954-435-6525.

Terramar Park, 6575 NW 76th Drive, Parkland.  Bicycle Parade, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. -  Prizes awarded to top three patriotic bicycles. Call 954-757-4120.

Dania Beach Pier – 2-10 p.m. Activities include musical performance and laser light show. 954-924-6800.

Broward Boulevard and 46th Avenue ending at Plantation City Hall at 7:30 a.m. Call 954-452-2506.

Plantation Central Park Ball Fields, 9151 NW Second St. Call 954-452-2510. Fireworks and Concert at 7:30 p.m.

Sunset Strip and NW 12th Street ending at City Park in Sunrise. Call 954-747-4600. – Sunrise Parade and Party at 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

BankAtlantic Center, 2555 NW 136th Ave., Sunrise. 6-10 p.m. -  Activities include rides, food vendors and 9 p.m. fireworks display. Call 954-835-7825.

Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie. $8.50 adults; $4.25 children. Call 954-473-2955. Flamingo Gardens Bazaar from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Oon the beach at Ocean Way, one block south of Hillsboro Boulevard. Activities include water slide, musical concerts and 9 p.m. fireworks. Call 954-480-4433. Lauderdale-By-the-Sea Celebration from 1-9 p.m.

El Prado Park, El Prado and El Mar drives in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Activities include water slide, climbing wall, car show and 8:30 p.m. fireworks display on the beach in front of the park. Call 954-772-3336.  – Lauderdale-By-the-Sea Beach Blast Celebration from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Bouganvilla Drive behind Town Hall, 4501 Ocean Drive. Call 954-772-3336. – Deerfield Beach Parade from 10 a.m.

Elks Lodge, 700 NE 10th St., Pompano Beach. Activities include volleyball, bounce house and horseshoes. Call 954-781-2300, ext. 4. – Pompano Beach Picnic from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

V.F.W. Post 1966, 350 SW 25th St., Fort Lauderdale. $7. Call 954-765-0791. V.F.W. Picnic from noon

On the beach at Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-828-5363. – Fort Lauderdale Spectacular Fireworks Show, 9 p.m.

Community colleges pride themselves on open-door policies, but they could be shutting soon for thousands of South Florida students.

Budget cuts have eliminated hundreds of classes at Miami Dade College, while Broward College and Palm Beach Community College worry they won’t be able to add enough classes to handle the demand.

The complete story…

By Kathy Bushouse | South Florida Sun Sentinel
6:54 PM EDT, June 15, 2009

FORT LAUDERDALE – At least 396 public school teachers have been told they no longer have jobs with the Broward County School District.

Most are in their first year with the district and were given the news in certified letters sent out Friday. The laid-off teachers taught in 17 subject areas, including elementary education, art, business education, computer science, drama, English, physical education, French, Spanish and social sciences.

The Complete Story…

The coupon expires June 22. You need to print the coupon and bring it to the restaurant. $1 treats weekdays at Davie chocolatier Schakolad Chocolate Factory in Davie is offering a different $1 treat every weekday through August 31.

There’s no limit to how many you can purchase.

Here’s the line-up.
Monday: 12-ounce latte
Tuesday: 2 chocolate dipped pretzels
Wednesday: chocolate dipped strawberry
Thursday: 1 scoop of ice cream
Friday: chocolate rose lollipop

Schakolad (pronounced shaq-o-LAD) Chocolate Factory is located at:
7740 SW 24th St. (Nova Dr.),
Davie, Florida
954-472-6155 ]]> http://www.broward-directory.com/wordpress/2009/06/good-food-deals/feed/ 0 http://www.broward-directory.com/wordpress/2009/06/broward-property-taxes-may-rise/ http://www.broward-directory.com/wordpress/2009/06/broward-property-taxes-may-rise/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:33:40 +0000 admin http://www.broward-directory.com/wordpress/?p=1451 By Scott Wyman | South Florida Sun Sentinel

Most homeowners would have seen their property tax bills go down this year because of falling home values. But county commissioners are considering raising the rate 13 percent to help cover Broward County government’s $100 million-plus deficit.

The average homeowner would pay $78 more than they would have owed if the rates stayed unchanged.

The complete story…

I’m Insurance Consumer Advocate Sean Shaw, and welcome to the first issue of our quarterly newsletter, “The Advocate’s Advice.”  CFO Alex Sink appointed me as Insurance Consumer Advocate last year to be a strong voice for you as you make insurance decisions.

I appreciate CFO Sink allowing me to share the introductory issue of our newsletter with all of her Consumer eViews subscribers.  If you would like to continue to receive The Advocate’s Advice, please select the “Subscribe” link in the left-hand column of the online newsletter.  I also welcome any comments or suggestions you have for future issues.

Headlines for this quarter’s newsletter include:

• Understanding Your Health Insurance
• Homeowners: Basic Steps when Reviewing your Current or Future Policy
• Time to Begin Preparing for Hurricane Season
• What is Windstorm Mitigation?
• Buyer Beware: Stranger-Originated Life Insurance
• Read This Before You Plan Your “Dream Vacation”
• Verify BEFORE You Buy!

Read the newsletter and subscribe to future issues: http://www.MyFloridaCFO.com/ICA/Newsletter/

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about your insurance needs!

Sean Shaw
Insurance Consumer Advocate
State of Florida
http://www.MyFloridaCFO.com/ICA/Newsletter/

When applied to your AC condenser unit, the Cool-n-Save™ creates a “Chill Zone” which keeps the air around your unit up to 30 degrees cooler than the surrounding air. Because of this, your AC unit can transfer heat much more efficiently, greatly increasing its EER (Energy Efficiency Rating.)

This increased energy efficiency saves you money in two ways. First, the lower temperatures in the AC compressor itself means it runs at a lower pressure, allowing it to work using less energy. Second, your AC unit will run for shorter periods since it will transfer heat much more efficiently. This results in your AC unit using much less electricity, lowering your summer cooling bills!

http://www.coolnsave.com/index.php/How-Does-it-Work.html

It costs $99 and takes 5 minutes to install.

http://www.coolnsave.com/index.php/Easy-Installation.html

• - Attaches to any free standing Outside Air Conditioning Unit
• - Saves up to 30% instantly on your AC costs!
• - Improves Home AC Efficiency
• - Reduces the consumption of electric kilowatts
• - Saves Energy and money
• - Uses less than 6 Cents of water per day!
• - Easy 5 step install with no tools!

You will probalbly want to order extra  Water treatment Filter  – $29.95 – they are supposed to be replaced every 3 months

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Dear Leaders,

We all know the economic climate is not where we’d like it to be.  Given this, have you taken the time to review the job you currently have and reviewed your career opportunities?  Is it where you want to be?  And although no job is secure, how do you feel about how sustainable your position is?  Have you proven that you add value in your position?

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Meade Dickerson, Certified Executive Coach provides the following 12 tips for managing your career:

1. Position yourself well before challenging times hit.  The best time to act is before, not during a downturn. If you’re just starting out or looking for a line of work to get into, consider a recession proof career.
2. Focus on the job you have. Are you already employed? Then one of the best things to do during tough times is to concentrate on your current job and do your best to shine.
3. Raise your opportunity cost as high as you are able at your company. Make it tough for your boss to carry on without you.
4. Keep your eye on your company. Watch your boss. Understand how your company is operating to get a feel for its health. If they start cutting hours at your job, get ready for other changes.
5. Create a game plan with priorities and contingencies. Have you thought of what you would do in case you get laid off?
6. Cut costs and control your budget now. Be frugal! Enough said.
7. Make sure you have an emergency fund that amounts to at least 6 months worth of living expenses.
8. Understand the consequences of a layoff. Be aware of unemployment benefits in your state; tally up your employee-sponsored accounts and benefits; look to your HR department for next steps.
9. Know your strengths, skills and talents. Look at more than one type of work that you can do based on those skills.
10. Consider employment options beyond what’s typical for you. You may be wired to think that you should only be doing one type of job. See if there are possibly other jobs you can enjoy doing and explore those possibilities.
11. Tap your support network for advice and job leads. Network!
12. Widen your options and keep them open. If you think that where you live is not cutting it and that you may not be making progress financially due to a lack of prospects in your neighborhood, then it may be time for you to make a huge change, such as moving to an entirely new place where you may find greener pastures (you’ll need to be careful here, because not all pastures are green elsewhere….).

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Additional tips include:

• aways have an updated resume available
• Validate your strengths and weaknesses by soliciting feedback from trusted colleagues
• Obtain a mentor
• Invest in yourself to keep your skills current.

Take the time and make the commitment to secure your future!

Sincerely,

Michael W. Kublin and Jan Mayer-Rodriguez

http://www.peopletekcoaching.com

To contact PeopleTek:

Mike Kublin
email – mkublin@peopletekcoaching.com
phone 1.888.565.9555 x 711

Jan Mayer-Rodriguez
email – jan@peopletekcoaching.com
phone 1.888.565.9555 x712

You can help fight identity theft by monitoring your credit reports and ordering a free yearly credit report from one or all three credit bearues.

1) You may request your free credit report online
2) Request your report by phone
3) Request your report through the mail.

Free credit reports requested online are viewable immediately upon authentication of identity. Free credit reports requested by phone or mail will be processed within 15 days of receiving your request.

You can select one of the three and order one credit report from each every three months

https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

http://www.tvfool.com

Last week, Alex Sink made history and announced that she is running for Governor.

I know that she will provide a new and different kind of leadership and help Florida solve the challenges facing all of us. With Alex Sink leading the ticket we have amazing opportunities to build on our success in 2008 and elect fresh leaders like Alex who can bring change to Tallahassee.

For the first time in decades, every statewide office and dozens of legislative races are up grabs across the state.  Floridians are ready for a change and deserve leadership that will fight for them.

And in just a few weeks Alex Sink and Democrats from all over the state are gathering together for an amazing night: our annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. While tickets are already sold out, I am giving you a chance to join us.

We will select one grassroots donor, and invite them and their guest to join me, Alex, many other leaders and energized Democrats at this exciting event. You will also get the opportunity to meet with Alex in person and share you thoughts and ideas about the future of Florida with her.

Make a contribution to the Florida Democratic Party in the next seven days and you could be selected to join us at our annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Miami on May 30^th.

http://www.fladems.com/JeffersonJackson

But as we gather for our Jefferson-Jackson Dinner and prepare to bring a different kind of leadership – many are working just as hard to make sure that the same old politics remains in Tallahassee.  The Republican Party leaders and powerful special interests are working hard to ensure that Tallahassee doesn’t look much different after the 2010 election.

What they aren’t counting on is you. You helped us make history in 2008 by helping elect President Barack Obama, and bringing change to our country. Now we need to do it again to change Florida.

Contribute now and you and a guest could be selected to join us in Miami for the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, speak with Alex Sink and see the change we can make in the state.

http://www.fladems.com/JeffersonJackson

With your help, we can build a grassroots campaign that will change Florida for generations to come. Now that Alex Sink is running for Governor, we can finally have a businesswoman and working mom leading our state.  And with the U.S. Senate seat, every Cabinet seat, and 31 open Republican held legislative seats up for grabs, we have the opportunity and the challenge to make this historic change a reality.

Thank you for all your support and I look forward to your excitement and energy in the months ahead!

Sincerely,

Karen

—

Congresswoman Karen L. Thurman
Chair, Florida Democratic Party