Southern Palm Beach County Projects: Atlantic Avenue / S.R. 806, from NW/SW 12th Avenue to A1A

This $4.2 million construction project began January 5, 2009, from just east of I-95 to just west of A1A in Delray Beach. This project includes milling and resurfacing the roadway; replacing sidewalk curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; and signalization, widening, and landscaping. The work is being performed by Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be completed by early December, 2009.

Restrictions: Travel lanes will be closed between I-95 and Swinton Avenue 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday, November 22, through Wednesday, November 25, and 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday, November 21 through Tuesday, November 24. At least one lane will remain open in each direction. On-street parking and access to side streets may be temporarily restricted during those times. Detours will be established when necessary. Access to local businesses and residences will be maintained at all times. Motorists should expect delays. Work will be suspended Thursday, November 26 through Sunday, November 29, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

S.R. 7 / U.S. 441 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road--Construction on this 2.9-mile project began February 9, 2009. Work consists of milling and resurfacing, curb ramp replacement, guardrail, and signalization. The project will cost an estimated $4.7 million. The work is being performed by Hardrives of Delray, Inc. and is expected to be completed early December 2009

Restrictions: Lane closures will occur from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, November 22, through Wednesday, November 25, and from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday, November 21 through Tuesday, November 23, for paving and other project related work. Motorists should anticipate delays and seek alternate routes when possible. Work will be suspended Thursday, November 26 through Sunday, November 29, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road--Construction on this 3-mile project began Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Work consists of milling and resurfacing, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction Industries and is expected to be completed summer 2011.

Restrictions: Lane closures will occur at various locations between Glades Road and the Broward-Palm Beach County line, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Wednesday. The contractor will install temporary barrier wall and establish continuous lane closures at various locations, as necessary, for drainage work. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Turn lanes will be closed at various locations for safety reasons. Motorists may experience delays. Work will be suspended Thursday, November 26 through Sunday, November 29, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

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The next meeting takes place Friday Nov. 20 at 10 A.M. at the South County Civic Center, Jog Rd., Delray opposite Morikami Gardens.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Wm. D. Andreassen, Au.D., Associate of Labyrinth Audiology.
He will speak about Balance Problems, Diagnosis and rehabilitation of balance problems due to hearing disorders. According to Dr. Andreassen, there is help.

Visit HLAA website at www.hladelrayboynton.org.

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Consumer Traps & Tips--A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division

Topic: Airline Baggage Fees

Trap--Due to a family emergency, Bill and Linda Barker had to get the next flight to Denver. Bill checked the airline’s Web site and booked two seats but failed to review four pages of information regarding baggage fees. Since they were only taking a carry-on and one large suitcase Bill wasn’t concerned. The next morning, while checking in, their large suitcase weighed 72 pounds. The ticket agent asked them for the normal $20 checked baggage fee plus an additional $50 overweight fee. Seventy dollars for one suitcase?

Tips--Airlines are finding new and creative ways to increase their bottom line. Charging for baggage is just one of them. Before packing your suitcase, consider these tips:
• Checked baggage fees vary from airline to airline. European carriers allow up to 45 pounds and North American airlines up to 70 pounds (although many domestic carriers have a 50 pound limit). Take your time before booking your flight to avoid problems at the gate by reading the disclosures carefully.
• Use your bathroom scales to weigh your bag before heading to the airport.
• If you are told your bag is overweight, offer to quickly repack some items into your carry-on or travel partner’s bag. Take a coat out and carry it over your arm.
• Along with the weight of your bag, make sure the suitcase dimensions do not exceed the airline’s limitations. Check with the airline for specifications.
• With some airlines, it can actually cost less to check in an additional piece of luggage than to pay for one that is overweight. If this is the case, bring a collapsible “soft bag” or ask the agent for a box.
• Plan/Pack carefully and get to the ticket counter one hour before your flight.

Call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer for more information.

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Dear Friend: As the year winds down, legislative leaders in Tallahassee are pushing for a special session on transportation issues in early December. If scheduled, Tri-Rail funding could be addressed. Florida has an opportunity to receive part of the $8 billion in federal stimulus money that is available for rail projects nationwide. However, the only way to draw down our share in South Florida is by finding a dedicated funding source for Tri-Rail. Last spring, Tri-Rail legislation was included in a broader transit bill that died in the Senate.

Florida’s Turnpike is Moving to an All-Electronic Toll Collection--Florida’s Turnpike is moving to an all-electronic toll collection, with the first implementation on the southern 47 miles of the Turnpike in Miami-Dade County by 2011, followed by other segments. In order to accomplish an all-electronic toll collection, the Turnpike is introducing a new electronic toll collection system called Toll-by-Plate. The Toll-by-Plate system works by capturing an image of a vehicle’s license plate and billing the registered owner for the tolls. The Toll-by-Plate program allows for customers to either call in and register for an account, or just wait for their bill, which includes an administrative charge, in the mail. Payments can be made with cash, credit, and debit using multiple payment methods including mail, on-line, or through new payment kiosks that will be located at major retailers.

The Turnpike is holding a Toll Rate and Administrative Rules Development Workshop on Tuesday, November 17, at 6pm. The Workshop is being held as a statewide webinar, which is a live presentation over the internet. This will allow interested persons to attend the meeting from their personal computer. For more information on the webinar, please visit: www.floridasturnpike.com/all-electronictolling/publicmeeting.html.

For those persons without a computer or internet access, several site access locations are provided at various FDOT offices across the state. The nearest site in our area is at: FDOT, District 4 Auditorium, 3400 West Commercial Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale.
The purpose of the workshop is to present information on proposed toll rate and administrative rule changes and provide the public an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed changes. For further information, please contact Sonyha Rodriguez-Miller, Public Information Officer, at 1-800-749-PIKE or sonyha.rodriguez-miller@dot.state.fl.us.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-6593
Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90

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Palm Beach County traffic will be affected this week by ongoing construction projects and maintenance work, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials report. Weather permitting; closures will be in effect on I-95 and in other areas throughout Palm Beach County for construction activities.

For around-the-clock, real-time, I-95 traffic information, call 511. To view real-time video of I-95 in Palm Beach County, visit the Florida Department of Transportation’s Palm Beach SMART SunGuide Transportation Management Center (TMC) website at www.smartsunguide.com. FDOT and the SunGuide™ Partners provide these free services. For updated lane closure information, please refer to www.pbfdot.com.

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This morning, at 10:15 A.M., November 12, the ground breaking ceremony was held for the Ruth Rales Delray Senior Center which will be built adjacent to Temple Anshei Shalom, off West Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach.

Among the speakers, in addition to the three gentlemen in the picture (l. to r.) Larry Blair, RRJFS Board Chairman; Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aaronson and William S. Bernstein, President and CEO of Jewish Federation of South Plam Beach County were Bob Schulbaum, President of the Alliance of Delray; Ted Deutch, Florida State Senator; Rabbi Sydney Goldstein, D'var Torah, RRJFS Chaplain; and Irving Friedman, President of Temple Anshei Shalom.

The 12,000 square foot Senior Center is scheduled to provide a wide array of services and programs to the many seniors who live in the multitudinous communities in the West delray area. The buliding is slated to be completed the summer of 2010.

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Topic: Addiction Half-Way Houses

Trap: Aaron finally decided to get help for his addiction. He entered a residential treatment facility and four weeks later transferred to a half-way house. The $1,000 deposit and weekly rent for the half-way house was paid by Aaron’s parents. Unfortunately, just two days later, Aaron relapsed and failed to return to the facility by curfew. Aaron was evicted the next day for violating the rules and his parents were not entitled to any refund.

Tips: Half-Way Houses are not regulated in Florida and the state Landlord-Tenant Act does not apply to those facilities because residency isn’t the main focus. The key for a successful stay is understanding terms of signed agreements and following the rules.
• The best half-way houses have rules and the consequences for non-compliance in writing and apply both consistently. Residents are required to sign paperwork acknowledging their understanding. Always ask for copies of all signed documents.
• Violations of the signed agreement may result in immediate eviction and forfeiture of any deposit and rent paid to the facility. Parents who pay for their adult child’s care might not be given copies of documentation or information about an eviction.
• Carefully research and visit several locations before selecting one. Talk with the counselors and ask for references. Check their credentials to help determine if this is the right place for you. Walk around the facility to see how well it is maintained.
• How long has the half-way house been established? What is the average length of stay? How are issues between residents handled? What assistance is given to residents looking for a job? What circumstances allow for a refund of your deposit?
• Ask for a copy of the rules of the agreement. Don’t be pressured into making a quick decision. Take the agreement home and review it thoroughly before signing.

Call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer to see if other consumers have had complaints against the half-way house you are considering

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To read my stories in November 8 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE.
and CLICK HEREhttp://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/boca-raton/sfl-flfinance1108psnov08,0,2703388.story

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Dear Friend: Veterans Day--Today we observe Veterans Day. This special day honors America's veterans for their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good, making our country safe today and for future generations. Florida is home to more than 1.7 million veterans. In recognition of this occasion, I wanted to make you aware of some available veterans related services.

Florida Housing Help partners with Veterans Affairs--The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs has been a community partner with the Florida Department of Financial Services to help provide veterans services and programs for which they may be eligible. Veterans Affairs offers assistance with housing as well as medical care and employment for eligible veterans and their families. Often, veterans can receive mortgages with a lower interest rate than most conventional loans. For information on Veterans Affairs, visit the Web site at www.floridavets.org.

New Armed Services Advocacy Project--The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County recently launched its new Armed Services Advocacy Project (ASAP). Palm Beach County is home to 1,200 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. The mission of this project is to provide civil legal assistance to active duty armed forces services members and veterans (and their families) who are serving or have served in Iraq or Afghanistan. The Armed Forces Advocacy Project will provide legal advice, education, counsel and representation with regard to pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment issues free of charge. For more information, please call Elaine Martens, Esquire at 561-822-9706 or emartens@legalaidpbc.org.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-6593.
Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90
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To read my stories in November 8 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE.
and CLICK HEREhttp://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/boca-raton/sfl-flfinance1108psnov08,0,2703388.story

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Southern Palm Beach County Projects: Atlantic Avenue / S.R. 806, from NW/SW 12th Avenue to A1A—This $4.2 million construction project began January 5, 2009, from just east of I-95 to just west of A1A in Delray Beach. This project includes milling and resurfacing the roadway; replacing sidewalk curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; and signalization, widening, and landscaping. The work is being performed by Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be completed in November.

Restrictions: Travel lanes will be closed between I-95 and Swinton Avenue 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. At least one lane will remain open in each direction. On-street parking and access to side streets may be temporarily restricted during those times. Detours will be established when necessary. Access to local businesses and residences will be maintained at all times. Motorists should expect delays.

S.R. 7 / U.S. 441 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road--Construction on this 2.9-mile
project began February 9, 2009. Work consists of milling and resurfacing, curb ramp replacement, guardrail, and signalization. The project will cost an estimated $4.7 million. The work is being performed by Hardrives of Delray, Inc. and is expected to be completed late November 2009.

Restrictions: Lane closures will occur from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, for paving and other project related work. Motorists should anticipate delays and seek alternate routes when possible.

Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road--Construction on this 3-mile project began Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Work consists of milling and resurfacing, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction Industries and is expected to be completed summer 2011.

Restrictions: Lane closures will occur at various locations between Glades Road and the Broward-Palm Beach County line, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The contractor will install temporary barrier wall and establish continuous lane closures at various locations, as necessary, for drainage work. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Turn lanes will be closed at various locations for safety reasons. Motorists may experience delays.
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To read my story in November 8 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE.

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The Society conducted a free concert for the public at the South County Civic Center, Jog Road, Delray Beach this past Friday from 2 to 3 PM. The Sid Parker Quintet and vocalists Roberta De Muro and Steve Leeds provided vocal accompaniment. Under the leadership of Sid Parker playing tenor sax, the group included Johnny Amoroso, trumpet (and vocal on a community sing "Lulu's Back in Town"), Cotton Kent, keyboard; Al Greenstein, bass; and Joe Belanger, drums. The group put on a loose, fun-filled show, designed to be a taste of the good music available during the six show season of the Society that begins November 17.

An audience of more than 350 from Boca Raton, Delray and Boynton, mostly seniors, enjoyed the classic popular songs from the 40's and 50's. De Muro and Leeds did a duet on "Makin' Whoopee" a popular tune made famous in the '30's by Eddie Cantor that would make Eddie proud. The quintet featuring solo turns by Parker and Amoroso began the concert with "Take the A Train,"and moved on from there through a program that included "Girl from Ipanema" and concluded with everyone singing "God Bless America" in a salute to victims of the tragic events of November 5 at Camp Hood, Texas.

The first Swing & Jazz Preservation Society concert of the new season features the Johnny Amoroso Sextet, Tuesday evening, November 17 at 7:30 PM. Johnny plays trumpet and sings some of the material made famous when he played with Tommy Dorsey as a young man.

All monthly concerts of the Society take place at the Spanish River Performing Arts Center, 2400 Yamato Road, corner of St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton, the third Tuesday of each month through April 20, 2010. Ticket information call ( 561) 499-9976. Access their website at:
www.swingandjazzpreservationsociety.org.
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To read my story in November 8 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE.

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