Trap: Edna of Royal Palm Beach received an e-mail offering her a job she could do from home. She would be a secret shopper helping the business evaluate various companies. She agreed and was sent her first assignment along with a check. Edna was to cash the check and wire the bulk of the money using two different money transfer companies. She was to keep ten percent of the money as payment. Edna followed the instructions only to later discover the check was a fake and the bank was holding her responsible for the full amount of the check.

Tips: How to recognize fake check scams: Variations: It can start with an offer to pay you to work as a “shopper.” You could receive an “advance” on sweepstakes you’ve “won.” This might be the first “payment” from the millions of dollars promised to you for agreeing to transfer money from a foreign country to your checking account.
• You are sent a check but are required to wire money back. There is no legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money, to ask you to wire money back to them. If a stranger wants to pay you for something, insist on a cashier’s check for the exact amount, preferably from a local bank.
• Why can’t the bank tell if the check or money order is fake? With current technologies crooks can make very convincing fake checks which can take weeks to be discovered. You are responsible for any funds you withdraw against a check presented to the bank. Don’t assume a check is good unless you know the person or until the bank can confirm the check has cleared.
• Resources: www.fakechecks.org; www.ftc.gov; www.nclnet.org; www.fraud.org.

For more information, contact Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362) or visit www.pbcgov.com/consumer.
Dennis Moore, Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division 561-712-6600 Boca/Delray/Glades toll free: 1-888-852-7362 Fax: 561-712-6610 50 So. Military Trail, Suite 201 West Palm Beach, FL 33415

Check out our website at: http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer

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April 24, 2009

Dear Friend, Budget conference meetings were supposed to begin this week so that the House and Senate could work out differences between their respective budgets. However, both chambers have been unable to agree on a starting point, and the conference committee has yet to meet. The House and Senate have been unable to agree on the level of spending for higher education, whether or not to include an increase in the tobacco tax, and how much to increase revenues and reduce spending. Unfortunately, we are running out of time to pass a budget by the end of session on May 1st, and session may need to be extended to work out the differences between the House and Senate budgets.

While things remain at a standstill regarding the budget, individual bills are continuing to move through the legislature. Several pieces of legislation that I am sponsoring passed the House this week. HB 331, which would help the Florida Public Health Institute more effectively promote public health awareness in our state passed the House on Thursday and has been sent to the Senate for final passage. Click here for more info about the bill and to track its progress through the Legislature.

I also passed two pieces of legislation in the House regarding condominium law. One piece of legislation would create a “Condominium Handbook” to be posted on the Condominium Ombudsman’s website that would explain the Chapter 718 condo laws in a clear, conspicuous, and easily understandable manner. Chapter 718 has been a constant cause of confusion for the many Floridians who live in communities with condominium associations, and this handbook would help our citizens easily understand what their rights are, how they can best follow the condo laws of Chapter 718, and what they should expect from their association boards.

The other piece of legislation I am sponsoring regarding condos would allow unit co-owners to serve on the condominium association board of directors if nobody else expressed an interest in serving. Co-owners are currently prevented from serving on the board at the same time, and in smaller communities and senior communities it can often be difficult to find someone willing and able to serve on the board.

My top priority, House Bill 897, which would authorize an electronic prescription drug monitoring system in Florida that would help physicians and law enforcement officials better prevent abuse, misuse, and illegal sale of prescription drugs has passed the Senate and will be up for a vote in the House next week. Click here for more info about the bill and to track its progress through the Legislature. The Senate version can be found here.
Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90

For more information, visit my official website at http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4364&SessionId=61

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Atlantic Avenue / S.R. 806, from Via Flora to McNab Avenue
This $3.6 million, 2.7 mile construction project began on December 1, 2008, between Via Flora and McNab Avenue in Delray Beach. The work to be performed during 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 storm water drainage improvements at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Congress Avenue. The project is being built by Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be complete in fall 2009.

Restrictions: Daytime lane closures will occur, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., at the intersection of Congress Avenue and Atlantic Avenue and other areas within project limits, as necessary, Monday through Friday. Motorists might encounter delays through the intersection of Congress Avenue and Atlantic Avenue during non-peak daytime hours. Nighttime lane closures will, 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, for final paving operations, weather permitting. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times.

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. The work to be performed during 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 project is being built by Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be complete in late 2009.

Restrictions: Daytime lane closures will occur, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, between SW/NW12th Avenue and Swinton Avenue, for project-related work. On-street parking will be restricted at various locations and side streets might be closed for drainage work in this area. Detours will be established and clearly marked, as necessary. Project-related work between E. 6th Avenue and A1A is tentatively scheduled to begin on May 10, 2009.
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 and is expected to last until late 2009. Work is being performed by Hardrives of Delray, Inc.

Restrictions: The outside travel lane will be closed in each direction, between Glades Road and Marina Boulevard, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for road widening and other project related work. Two lanes will remain open in each direction, however, dedicated right turn lanes might be affected at various times and locations.

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This past Thursday morning, Sheriff's Dept. District 4 Lt. Pete Ebel conducted a Security Seminar for Alliance of Delray community security representatives at the Vizcaya Community Clubhouse.

Topics reviewed were:
...Seniors vs. Crime presented by Jerry Feblowitz of that organization
...Financial Crimes by Detective Adam Fox
...Discussion of Gangs by Detectives Byron Smith and Steve Ferreira
...Homeland Security by Sgt. Anthony Alberti
...Overview by District 4 Detectives John Wilkse and Ryan Miller. They emphasized protecting your vehicle at your home. Unlocked vehicles are more likely to be burglarized. Leaving items in the open such as your purse, wallet or loose change invites theft. Their advice:

Keep vehicle doors locked at all times.
Secure personal items in glove box or trunk
Bring valuables into your home.
Report suspicious people right away by calling 911.
Protection from theft begins with YOU!!

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At a friend's birthday party recently she hired two male singers--Scott Ringersen does Elvis Presley. He can be reached at (561) 967-4573. Catch a sample of his work at www.elvisringersen.com.

The other gentleman, Ralph "R.J." Franzene, (954) 675-5299, does a lot of Frank Sinatra and
and some Dean Martin.

These men provided quality entertainment throughout the celebratory afternoon.

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

Topic: Know your lease before you break it!

Trap: After a long period of unemployment, Michael finally got a job offer in North Florida. He needs to relocate in order to be employed. Brenda is a single mom whose electricity keeps going out. A roof leak was repaired but Sam’s water-damaged furniture was not. What do these three have in common? They want to break their leases by vacating their apartments early.

Tips: Carefully read the entire lease agreement before making a decision you may regret. What you don’t know may cost you! Just like a signed contract, failure to honor a lease could result in financial penalties. In this economy no one can afford debts that may be avoided. The Florida Landlord/Tenant Act requires written notice to landlords when vacating, whether early or at lease end. Many leases require a 60-day notice.
• Few leases address the need to move for a job. Michael should make his move known to the landlord in writing as soon as possible. Working amicably with the landlord will give Michael the best chance to minimize lease-breaking penalties.
• If Brenda’s request for repair is ignored by the landlord, her next phone call should be to Code Enforcement for Palm Beach County or her municipality to request an inspection. Code violations will result in mandated repairs by the property owner. She should also call Consumer Affairs. Giving the landlord the opportunity to make repairs will save Brenda a lot of trouble. Breaking her lease should be her last resort.
• Sam’s lease likely has a clause stating the landlord is not liable for any damage to personal property. Renter’s insurance provides additional protection. If Sam breaks his lease over this issue, he will probably incur costly penalties and perhaps a trip to court to enforce the lease.

Consumer Affairs mediates landlord-tenant disputes. Call 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362), or check out landlords on the Web site at www.pbcgov.com/consumer.

Dennis Moore, Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division, 561-712-6600
Boca/Delray/Glades toll free: 1-888-852-7362, Fax: 561-712-6610
50 So. Military Trail, Suite 201, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
Check out our website at: http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer

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Atlantic Avenue / S.R. 806, from Via Flora to McNab Avenue
This $3.6 million, 2.7 mile construction project began on December 1, 2008, between Via Flora and McNab Avenue in Delray Beach. The work to be performed during 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 storm water drainage improvements at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Congress Avenue. The project is being built by Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be complete in fall 2009.

Restrictions: Daytime lane closures will occur, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., at the intersection of Congress Avenue and Atlantic Avenue and other areas within project limits, as necessary, Monday through Friday. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Motorists might encounter delays through the intersection of Congress Avenue and Atlantic Avenue during non-peak daytime hours. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times.

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. The work to be performed during 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 project is being built by Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be complete in late 2009.

Restrictions: Daytime lane closures will occur, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, between SW/NW12th Avenue and Swinton Avenue, for project-related work. On-street parking will be restricted at various locations and side streets might be closed for drainage work in this area. Detours will be established and clearly marked, as necessary. Project-related work between E. 6th Avenue and A1A is tentatively scheduled to begin on May 10, 2009.

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Read Sunday, April 19 Sun-Sentinel Community News story about Boynton Beach H. S. Dimensional Harmony Chorus. CLICK HERE.

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Read Sunday, April 19 Sun-Sentinel Community News story about Boynton Beach H. S. Dimensional Harmony Chorus. CLICK HERE.

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Chris LaBarbera brings his trumpet and five outstanding musicians to the stage of the Spanish River Performing Arts Center, Yamato Road and St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton, Tuesday April 21 at 7:30 P.M.

In this, the final Swing & Jazz Preservation Society concert of the season, LaBarbera will demonstrate his prodigous talent by singing and playing classic trumpet solos influenced by Harry James, Dizzy Gillespie and Roy Eldridge as well as offering a taste of Klezmer music.

Call 561-499-9976 for ticket information.

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Read Sunday, April 19 Sun-Sentinel Community News story about Boynton Beach H. S. Dimensional Harmony Chorus. CLICK HERE.

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The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America will have it's April 17 meeting at the South County Civic Center beginning at 10 A.M.

This is a very important program: "The Dangers of Being Hearing Impaired." Hospitals can be dangerous if you give a wrong answer to critical question because you didn't her correctly.
Part One: Learn how to survive a stay in the hospital. What to ask, what to do, what to expect and how to protect yourself.
Part Two: Tonya Fox Shaw, System Coordinator, Special Needs Services for Memorial Healthcare System. She will tell us what hospitals are doing to help patients with hearing loss.

The public is invited, admission is free. Join us for morning coffee and bring a friend or two.

Ideas on how to manage with hearing loss presented at each meeting, the third Friday of each month.

Call Oscar Segal, President with any questions: (561) 499-9873.

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To read my story in Sunday's Delray Community News Section of the Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE.

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MORTGAGE PROBLEMS? QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STIMULUS PACKAGE?
COME AND HEAR FROM THE EXPERTS:
Join Congressman Robert Wexler for a townhall meeting on the housing crisis, the
economy, the stimulus package, and what local services are available to get you the help you need.
Representatives from the following organizationsbe present:
Consumer Outreach - FL Department of Financial Services,
Department of Housing and Urban Development Affiliates,
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office - Economic Crimes Unit,
AARP, West Palm Beach Foreclosure Assistance Center,
Neighborworks, Veterans Administration, Foreclosure Judge
Cook of the 15th Judicial Circuit, Condominium Ombudsman,
Florida Foreclosure Defense Bar Association, Financial
Literacy Coalition, Fair Credit Law Center
Monday, April 13, 2009, 2:00 to 4:00 P.M., South County Civic Center, Jog Rd., Delray Beach
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*For Immediate Release from the Office of Representative Maria Sachs
April 9, 2009
In response to growing complaints in our community regarding property damage and health hazards, I contacted the Florida Department of Health. As your State Representative, It is important that we get the word out to everyone who may be suffering from a health hazard related to the use of drywall imported into Florida from the Republic of China. I attended the meeting set up by United States Senator Bill Nelson and Congressman Robert Wexler at West Palm Beach City Hall on April 8, 2009. I do not want to sound like an alarmist, however, after hearing testimony from many families who have suffered from the affects, I think it is important that our homeowners investigate and certainly register with the Florida Department of Health if they suspect that Chinese drywall has been used in the construction of their homes.
In the 2003-2007 housing boom and post-hurricane emergency repairs, contractors imported drywall from China that emits sulfuric gas. Chinese drywall corrodes metal and causes decaying of air-conditioning coils, metal fixtures, and jewelry and emits a rotten egg odor. Health problems reported by those who reside in homes built with Chinese drywall include headaches, sinus infections, and sore throats. The Florida Department of Health is “currently identifying and assessing potential human health hazards related to the phenomenon of rapid and recurring corrosion of metals inside homes.”
The Sun-Sentinel has released a checklist on how to inspect your home for Chinese drywall (4/9/2009):
• Remove some of your light-switch plates and look to see whether the wires inside are covered with black soot.
• Remove the air-conditioning panel and check whether the coils inside are black. A greenish tinge is normal.
• Check for black soot on the washer and dryer plugs.
• Look for an unfinished spot in the attic where the brand name of the drywall is visible. The brand name under investigation is Knauf.
• Visit the Florida Department of Health website: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/indoor-air/drywall.html
If you discover Chinese drywall in your residence, file a complaint with the Department of Health at the aforementioned website link. I will be updating you on the further developments of this issue in our district.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact my office: (561) 266-6645 or email Maria.Sachs@myfloridahouse.gov.
Very truly yours,
Maria Lorts Sachs, State Representative
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To read my story in Sunday's Delray Community News Section of Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE.

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Southern Palm Beach County Traffic Projects:

Atlantic Avenue / S.R. 806, from Via Flora to McNab Avenue
This $3.6 million, 2.7 mile construction project began on December 1, 2008, between Via Flora and McNab Avenue in Delray Beach. The work to be performed during 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 storm water drainage improvements at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Congress Avenue. The project is being built by Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be complete in fall 2009.
Restrictions: Daytime lane closures will occur, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., at the intersection of Congress Avenue and Atlantic Avenue and other areas within project limits, as necessary, Monday through Friday. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Motorists might encounter delays through the intersection of Congress Avenue and Atlantic Avenue during non-peak daytime hours. Nighttime lane closures will occur from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, for final paving operations, weather permitting. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times.

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. The work to be performed during 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 project is being built by Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be complete in late 2009.
Restrictions: Daytime lane closures will occur, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, between SW/NW12th Avenue and Swinton Avenue, for project-related work. On-street parking will be restricted at various locations and side streets might be closed for drainage work in this area. Detours will be established and clearly marked, as necessary.
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To read my story in Sunday's Delray Community News section of the Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE.

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A message from my old neighbor on Wantagh, L. I., Evelyn Fleischmann, who has been living in Las Vegas for many years:

Common Sense.  When I think of the job situation in this country I can't help but think this helps in some small way. I don't know how many households there are in the US but if these were the only things we bought think of the impact ....

This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60 W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets. I was in the light bulb aisle and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off brand labeled "Everyday Value." I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats - they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the EverydayValue brand was made in -get ready for this - the USA.  So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here - from a company in Cleveland OH!  So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets....yep you guessed it. Bounce was more money and made in Canada, the Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA!  I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!

So my challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time Besides you might save a little green in the process. Stop buying the junk from China.....people........... We should have taken charge a decade ago...... let's get with the program.... help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here. THIS WILL WORK ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES. JUST TRY!!!!!

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April 3, 2009
Dear Friend,
The budget will be a primary focus of mine during the next few weeks, but I will also be working to pass two of my bills that are moving through the Florida House. Momentum is continuing to build in support of legislation I am sponsoring with two other representatives to authorize an electronic prescription drug monitoring system in Florida that would help physicians and law enforcement officials better prevent abuse, misuse, and illegal sale of prescription drugs. The bill passed its third committee/council with unanimous support this week and has one more stop before hitting the House Floor. Click here for more info about the bill and to track its progress through the legislative process.
Another bill I am sponsoring to help the Florida Public Health Institute more effectively promote public health awareness is scheduled to be heard next week by its last committee/council before reaching a vote on the floor of the House. Click here for more info about the bill and to track its progress through the Legislature.
This week was also a very important week because it was Safe Teen Driver Awareness Week in Florida. Safe teen driving is a priority of mine, and I was proud to stand side by side with former State Representative Irv Slosberg and other safety advocates for a press conference at the Capitol to promote teen driver safety. I am sponsoring a bill that would limit the number of teenage passengers allowed in a vehicle driven by a sixteen or seventeen year old, which unfortunately has faced an uphill battle in the Florida Legislature. However, I will continue fighting to enact legislation that will make our roads and highways a safer place to drive.
While there is a lot of news to report from Tallahassee, the following items may be of interest to you as well.
New Safe Teen Driving Website: The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has launched a new website geared towards teenage drivers to promote safe driving. Visit www.takethewheel.net to find information on tips, dos and don’ts, consequences and a survey that rates your safe driving practices.
Health Tip: For individuals who regularly take medications, it can be difficult to stay on schedule. The American Heart Association offers the following suggestions to help you keep track of medications that you may need to take at specific times of the day:
• Make taking your medication a part of your daily routine, as you would brushing your teeth.
Take your medicine while performing another daily activity, such as having breakfast.
• Use a daily pill box to organize and track when you've taken your medication.

• Track taking your medication on a calendar, and mark off the day afterward.
Use a white board to keep track of when you've taken your medication.
• Ask a family member or friend to remind you each day.
These are good suggestions, but make sure to follow up with your doctor before making any significant changes to your routine.
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) 470-65
Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90.
For more information, visit my official website at http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4364&SessionId=61

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Florida panel approves higher tobacco taxes as federal cigarette taxes increase
The Associated Press
5:39 AM EDT, April 1, 2009
TALLAHASSEE - Cigarette and cigar smokers and those who use smokeless tobacco would pay more to satisfy their habits under legislation that has won unanimous approval from a Senate committee.

The bill approved Tuesday would increase Florida's tax on cigarettes, now one of the nation's lowest at 33.9 cents, by $1 a pack. It also would add a $1 per ounce charge to tobacco products, except for small cigars that would be subject to the same tax as cigarettes.

Today the federal per-pack tax for cigarettes climb from 39 cents to $1.01.

Revenue generated from what supporters are calling a "surcharge" would go into the federal-state Medicaid program that covers the treatment of many people who become ill from smoking and other tobacco use.
"Tobacco ... has killed as many people as all of our wars combined," said Sen. Ted Deutch, the sponsor. "While using tobacco is absolutely a choice, the consequences of that choice should not be foisted upon the citizens of the state" who help pay for the Medicaid program.

Deutch, D-Boca Raton, and other advocates say they hope the increase would discourage youngsters from taking up smoking and encourage people who already do to quit -- even if that means less money for the state.

State economists have estimated the cigarette surcharge alone would bring in $871 million a year. No estimate has been made on how much the tax on other products would raise. That provision was a late addition announced Monday by Deutch and Finance and Tax Committee Chairman Thad Altman, R-Viera.

Deutch's bill (SB 1840) has the support of Senate leaders but needs to get through four more committees before going to a floor vote. Similar bills, though, have yet to get a hearing in the House, where leadership views range from skepticism to flat opposition.

Gov. Charlie Crist also is cool to the idea but said he's not close-minded.

"I am reluctant when it comes to the T-word," Crist said. "So I think as we move through the session we'll have a better idea of what may be acceptable and what may promote good health."

Crist said he's also sensitive to how the increase would affect Florida's cigar industry.

Bobby Newman, whose family owns the J.C. Newman Cigar Co. in Tampa, told the Senate panel Florida manufacturers are expecting to lose up to 30 percent of their business and lay off workers because of the federal tax increase.

"If the Florida tax goes through I can say with certainty that we will have further layoffs," Newman said. "I can also say with certainty that hundreds of mom and pop cigar shops in Florida will lay off hundreds of their employees."

Lobbyists for cigarette distributors, manufacturers and retailers as well as Associated Industries of Florida said the tax increase would cut sales and employment while increasing cigarette smuggling and tax-free purchases at Seminole Indian reservations and over the Internet.

Deutch disputed those arguments. He said the bill also would increase penalties for smuggling and offer rewards for information on illegal sales.

John French, a lobbyist for Altria Group Inc., which owns Philip Morris USA, said most smokers are on the low end of the economic scale and can least afford such an increase.

"We know that people are hurting, but it's not the people on Wall Street," French said. "You're going to tell these people ... 'We're going to take your choice away as to whether or not you want to do things like smoke cigarettes, drink whiskey, eat red meat.'"

The bill's supporters include the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, Florida Hospital Association, League of Women Voters, PTA, AARP, Mayo Clinic and Florida Association of Counties.

American Cancer Society lobbyist Paul Hull told the panel a Republican icon, President Ronald Reagan, supported cigarette tax increases while in the White House and when he was governor of California.

"The great one himself said 'If you want less of something tax it; if you want more of something subsidize it'" Hull said.
Tara Laxer, Legislative Aide to Senator Deutch of District 30, 216 Senator Office Building, 404 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Fl 32399-11001-85...
Laxer.Tara.S30@flsenate.gov or senatedeutch@yahoo.com

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For the past year everyone in West Delray area has been watching one large 5,800 sq. ft. luxury home being built on Linton Blvd., just west of Jog Road in a development called the Estates of Tuscany. I drive by it every day when I exit on to Linton Blvd. from the rear gate of my community. It has 6 bedrooms and 6 ½ bathrooms, swimming pool and Jacuzzi spa, a two car garage and a separate garage for a single car. The downstairs will have marble floors and the upstairs will have unique black wood floors,

It is on a piece of land that can accommodate 11 or 12 homes. The owner of the property is Mizner Grande Partners LLC.

Recently they appointed a real estate agent to sell the house, Ms. Desiree Pierce of Lang Realty. I contacted her and this past Tuesday she took me through this model house. The exterior is completed, including landscaping. The interior will be completed and fully furnished by May 15 and will be seen by appointment with Ms. Pierce. You can reach her at 213-3457.

The asking price for this model home completely furnished is 1.9 million dollars.

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

Topic: Boat Repairs…Don’t get Soaked!

Trap: The sun was shining, and the seas were calm, but Jake’s boat engine wouldn’t start. Jake called a friend who knew someone who worked on boats. The “mechanic” came to Jake’s house and looked at the engine. He said the fuel filter was bad, and the carburetor needed to be rebuilt. Jake paid $400 and waited a few weeks to get the parts. The mechanic installed the parts and declared the boat ready to go. Unfortunately, 10 miles out to sea, Jake had the same problem. This time the engine wouldn’t start, and Jake had to pay $200 to get the boat towed to the marina.

Tips: The International Boat Show ended Sunday, March 29. Events like this provide an opportunity to learn more about keeping boats shipshape. Here are some tips:
• Florida does not require “boat mechanics” to be certified in marine repairs.
• The Motor Vehicle Repair Act does not include boat repairs, and mechanics are not required to provide a written estimate before beginning repairs. You should request a detailed written estimate with a specific bottom-line dollar amount.
• Visit the shop first, and inspect it for cleanliness and organization. Determine how long the shop has been in business by checking for a business tax receipt.
• Before contacting a marine repair shop, know what type of engine you have, and ask if any of the technicians are factory trained. Be prepared to explain your specific problem (i.e. hard start, no start or running/idling rough).
• Consider membership in a boat or fishing club. Ask members for references.
• Is the business insured? Consider the liability if someone gets hurt on your property.

If you need more information, call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362), or visit www.pbcgov.com/consumer to see if other consumers have filed complaints against the company you are considering.

Dennis Moore Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division 561-712-6600 Boca/Delray/Glades toll free: 1-888-852-7362 Fax: 561-712-6610
Check out our website at:http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer

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