The Volen Center presents Health and Wellness Day
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Screenings Include:
• Meet a Nutritionist by
Allegiance Home Health
• Medication Management by
Allegiance Home Health
• Vision Screenings by
Ocean Optics
• Hearing Screenings by Tympany
• Glucose Screenings by Hospitals Without Walls
• Podiatry Screenings by Hospitals Without Walls
• Ask A Nurse by A-Plus Home Health
• Blood Pressure Check by
Boca Raton Rehabilitation Center
• Chiropractic Screenings by
Boca Pain Relief & Wellness Center
• Meet a Neuro-psychologist,
Dr. Susan Rodell
• The Volen Center Exhibit

Event is being held at The Volen Center, 1515 West Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33486. www.maevolen.com
For more information, please contact Jared Policano at 561-395-8920, ext. 272

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

Topic: Computer Viruses and Repair

Trap--Susan in Delray Beach won a car, at least that’s what her computer pop-up showed. However, after clicking the link, her computer became very sluggish. Susan also noticed lots of new pop-ups. She had no virus protection, and all her data and pictures were on the hard drive, so she called the first computer repair company she found. They wanted $175 in cash just to open and diagnose the computer problem.

Tips--Computer viruses cost consumers millions of dollars and many hours of lost time. Viruses such as malware, adware, spyware, worms or trojans steal information, send you advertisements, or wreak havoc on your computer. Here are some ways to avoid computer problems and choose a computer repair company:
• Keep your computer’s anti-virus software current. Some Internet providers offer free anti-virus software. There are legitimate free anti-virus software companies like AVG (http://free.avg.com/ ) or Malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/). Free anti-virus software usually doesn’t provide the full-spectrum of services and protection as the paid versions do.
• Don’t open e-mails or attachments from unknown sources – delete them. Don’t visit Web sites you don’t know. Be very wary of “you’ve just won” pop-ups.
• Before having someone repair your computer, make sure all computer and power cables have tight connections (This is the cause of 70 percent of all computer problems.)
• Avoid paying cash for computer repairs. You have more recourse and options when paying by a credit card. Request a guarantee – and get it in writing.
• Ask friends about their experiences with computer repair companies. Ask computer repair workers to list their experience. Ask for and check references.

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 computer repair company you are considering.
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To ready my story in Sunday, July 26 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE

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Phil Levenstein, Palm Beach County Health Department’s Cities Readiness Initiative Coordinator held the first of three briefing meetings at the Vizcaya community in West Delray Beach for its Readiness Initiative volunteer staff of 25 residents Tuesday evening July 21, 2009 in the main ballroom of the clubhouse.

“Volunteer workers throughout the county will be responsible for mass antibiotics dispensing in case of a medical emergency such as an Anthrax attack,” said Levenstein.

He described the program: “We are identified nationally as Region 7 for the state of Florida. There will be 45 locations in Palm Beach County for mass dispensing of three medications in an emergency. Amoxicillin, Cipro and Doxycycline. We have 1,000 people in the County Health Department who are on call 24/7. However they are not enough during an emergency. We need 5,400 volunteers at the 45 dispensing points to dispense the meds at the rate of 625 people per hour. All drugs are pre packaged in bottles with a 10 day supply for rapid dispensing. That is why we are going to communities, schools, colleges and businesses to enlist the aid of volunteers. We have 35 communities signed up right now and are recruiting more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supplies the three medications at no charge during an emergency situation.

There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.

For More Information on establishing an R-POD at our Residential Association
Or Home Owners Association, Or to find out how to volunteer, please call:
Philip Levenstein
PB County Health Department
Office of Emergency Preparedness
(561) 355-3150 or E-mail: Philip_Levenstein@doh.state.fl.us
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To ready my story in Sunday, July 26 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE

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Palm Beach County Traffic Report—July 24 through July 31, 2009

Palm Beach County – Palm Beach County traffic will be affected this week by ongoing construction project 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 FDOT I-95 Interim Traffic Management System (ITMS) website at www.palmbeachcotraffic.org. These free services are provided by FDOT and the SunGuide™ Partners. For updated lane closure information, please refer to www.pbfdot.com.

To view real-time video of I-95 in Palm Beach County, visit the FDOT I-95 Interim Traffic Management System (ITMS) website at www.palmbeachcotraffic.org. These free services are provided by FDOT and the SunGuide™ Partners. For updated lane closure information, please refer to www.pbfdot.com.
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To ready my story in Sunday, July 26 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE

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This was an interesting week. Monday morning my Alliance of Delray board member associate Margie Walden and I attended a presentation by Janice Friebaum, Senior Planner of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County at Zinman Hall, Donna Klein Blvd., Boca Raton.

Ms. Friebaum, a brilliant lady I wrote about when I met her more than a year ago when she spoke at a Holocaust Memorial service locally, outlined the results of an 18 month research project on Senior Services. The study was done to determine how best to utilize funds reserved to address the unmet needs of seniors in our community. The report found the needs of this population are vast and varied. The goal of the study was to gain a thorough understanding of the landscape of local senior services that presently exist, how well the needs re being met by these services, and what actions can be taken to address the most critical unmet needs.

To obtain more detail about the study, or offer assistance contact Janice Friebaum at 561-852-3100.
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Tuesday morning I received a phone call from a friend in New York City that I hadn’t heard from in over 20 years. Jerry Moss, who I did business with for many years called out of the blue. At age 89 and retired, he and his wife Bernice and their three adult children are doing well. I was thrilled to hear from him.

Sam Costanza, a mutual friend of ours and one of the senior executives of the company I worked for had dinner with Jerry a few months ago when he visited New York, from his home in Las Vegas. Sam asked Jerry if he ever heard from me he would like to speak to me. Jerry gave me Sam’s phone number and I called him that afternoon. I hadn’t seen or spoken to Sam in 25 years. Sam, also retired, is 94 years old and sounded strong as ever. He was built like a fullback and always kept himself in good physical shape. We agreed to stay in touch—sooner than 25 years from now.
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Phil Levenstein, Palm Beach County Health Department’s Cities Readiness Initiative Coordinator held the first of three briefing meetings of the Vizcaya Readiness Initiative volunteer staff of 25 residents Tuesday evening July 21, 2009 in the main ballroom of our clubhouse.

“These volunteer workers will be responsible for mass antibiotics dispensing in case of a medical emergency such as an Anthrax attack,” said Phil. He is in charge of recruiting 5,400 volunteers in Palm Beach County to man 45 dispensing points to administer medications in case of an attack.

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To read my story in Sunday July 26 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE.

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Topic: Scholarship & Financial Aid Scams

Trap: Barbara graduated from high school last year and lives with her mother. She works for a company that provides temporary office help. Barbara likes the work, but it doesn’t provide a strong career path. She wants to become a nurse but doesn’t have the money for school. A friend told her about an Internet advertisement. The company guarantees financial aid to all applicants who pay a registration fee and attend a four-hour seminar at a local hotel. It sounds a little too easy. What could go wrong?

Tips: Before using a financial aid service, check them out thoroughly. Contact your high school guidance counselor or local college financial aid office for information, and watch out for these red flags:
• “Apply now before it’s too late.” Resist high pressure tactics. You may end up paying for information you can get free.
• “Millions of dollars of aid go unclaimed…” The “millions” represent an estimated national total of employee/member benefits that are only available to employees and/or their families of companies or unions that have made funds available.
• “We guarantee you’ll get aid.” The company may charge $1,000 and provide a $200 scholarship and then claim this fulfills the promise.
• “You can’t get this information anywhere else.” Actually, scholarship information is available from libraries, schools, government offices and FREE Internet scholarship sites if you’re willing to search for it.

If you need more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site, http://studentaid.ed.gov, or call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362), or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer.

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Last month, Senator Deutch and I called on the Governor to appoint a Condo Task Force comprised of community association leaders and representatives, realtors, lenders, banking officials and legislators to address a broad range of condo issues, including the impact of the current foreclosure crisis on community associations. It’s my hope that we’ll be able to address these issues during an accessible, public forum prior to the start of House and Senate committee meetings in Tallahassee, which begin in October. I’ll be sure to keep you informed of any developments as we push for the Governor and the Legislature to address your concerns.

The Florida Supreme Court is also looking for solutions to address the foreclosure crisis, and they would like to hear from you. The court’s Task Force on Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Cases will be recommending changes to foreclosure proceedings and they would like input from homeowners who have been involved in a residential mortgage foreclosure case. Click here to complete a foreclosure survey. Your input is essential to developing common sense solutions to the foreclosure crisis.

2010 Palm Beach County Budget Information Online--Information on the 2010 Palm Beach County budget has been posted on the county website. You can review the line-item budget, view presentations and videos from the budget planning workshops and find information on public hearings.

Online Map of Bicycle-Friendly Roads in Broward--Riding a bicycle is great exercise and an economical, environmentally-conscious method of transportation to significantly reduce your consumption of gasoline. However, it’s very important to be as safe as possible when riding a bicycle on crowded South Florida roads.

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 Sun-Sentinel article in Sunday's July 19 issue CLICK HERE: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/delray-beach/sfl-flhagen0719pcjul19,0,4617698.story

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Southern Palm Beach County Road 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: Lane closures will occur, 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, for project-related work. Motorists might encounter delays during these 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 and from Federal Highway to A1A, for project-related work. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times. However, on-street parking and access to side streets might be temporarily restricted. Detours will be established when necessary. Access to local businesses will be maintained at all times. Motorists might experience 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 and is expected to last until late 2009. Work is being performed by Hardrives of Delray, Inc.

Restrictions: Single lane closures will occur at various locations, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday and two lanes will be closed for roadway paving, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, between Glades Road and the Broward County Line, weather permitting. At least one lane will remain open at all times. Access to turn lanes and driveways might be temporarily affected. Motorists should anticipate delays.
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To read my story in Sunday's July 19 Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/delray-beach/sfl-flhagen0719pcjul19,0,4617698.story

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Consumer Traps & Tips--A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division
Topic: This hospital bill is 4 years old!

Trap: Joyce of Palm Springs was upset to receive a call from a collection agency saying she owed money for a hospital stay four years ago. She did not recall receiving any bills from the hospital at that time and thought insurance had paid for the stay. How can they attempt to collect from her after all this time?

Tips: How old is too old? Debts that are so old they are beyond the point at which a creditor or debt collector may sue you to collect are called “time-barred debts.” In Florida, civil court actions are not permitted unless they are within the time limits prescribed by law (Chapter 95). For most debts not involving real property, the time limit is four or five years. In some situations the time limit can be reset when any kind of payment was made on the principal or interest owed. Even if you can’t be sued, the creditor or a debt collector may continue contacting you to pursue payment of the debt as long as the company does not violate the Federal Fair Debt Collection Act.

Steps to take:
• Send a letter requesting an original itemized bill. Is this your debt? Older debts are often sold to collection agencies without proper documentation to show who is responsible.
• Compare the itemized bill with your own records to determine if you already paid the bill. Compare it with your insurance “Explanation of Benefits” (EOB) to see if the bill was submitted to your insurance company and what was paid.
• Contact the original creditor and ask them to review their records to verify that payments were correctly credited to your account.

For more information: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (http://www.ftc.gov) or call1-877-FTC-HELP; or Consumer Affairs (http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer) or call 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362).

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I had an interesting experience Monday July 13. As a board member of the Swing & Jazz Preservation Society, our President Rene Zerah who is away for the summer, asked me to represent him and speak to the Board of County Commissioners at their Monday meeting in West Palm Beach to make a plea for the modest Cultural Council grant we were awarded a few months ago. However the Commissioners, in dire need of money had already indicated that no money would be available for grants, as it was needed to meet the important needs of the County.

When you wish to speak at a Commission meeting you fill out a card and wait your turn to be called. The meeting was originally called for 2 PM, but they started at 1:30 because of the time pressure to review and discuss the entire budget amongst themselves (in front of the audience and televised on Ch. 20) before hearing from the public. There were over fifty people that requested the opportunity to speak. Because of that large number the normal three minute per person time allotment was reduced to two minutes.

I arrived at 1:20, filled out my card and waited to be called. Many people filled out cards after I arrived. As luck would have it my card was the last to be called—at 5:20 PM. Apparently they have no way of calling people in the order of when the cards are handed in. I had my two minutes, said my piece and departed.

I don’t envy the job of County Administrator Bob Weisman and the commissioners. Everyone has to tighten their belts and do with less.

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Topic: Hook by Crook

Trap: Mary met friends in Boca Raton for a night out. After dinner they all walked back to her car. When she got in and turned the ignition key, the car wouldn’t start. A tow truck soon appeared, and the driver asked if she needed help. She told the driver her car was under warranty and to take it to her dealer as they had a 24-hour drop-off service. The driver charged Mary $100 and would only accept cash. She was concerned about paying cash, but was sure she could get it back from the dealer. It was getting late, so Mary paid the driver, got a receipt, and gave him the name and address of her dealer. Mary rode home with her friends. When she called her dealer the next morning, she was told her car had not been dropped off! She called the tow truck company only to find that the number had been disconnected. Mary’s next call was to the police department to report that her vehicle was stolen.

Tips: Be aware of roving “bandit” tow truck operators, and remember these tips:
• “Bandit” tow truck operators can appear out of nowhere to offer assistance when vehicles break down or are involved in accidents.
• If your car breaks down, contact local law enforcement for assistance, or ask your mechanic to recommend a tow truck company. Keep the company’s information in your wallet or glove compartment.
• Many insurance companies and independent providers of service contracts offer affordable 24-hour emergency roadside assistance plans.
• When possible, pay by debit or credit card, and avoid paying with cash.
• South Florida weather is rough on car batteries. Have your mechanic check your battery regularly.
• Palm Beach County has established towing regulations that protect consumers.
They can be found on the Consumer Affairs Web site along with a list of licensed tow truck companies that meet Palm Beach County requirements.
Visit http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer or call 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362) for more information.
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To read my stories that appeared in Sunday's Delray Community News Section of the Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE. and HERE

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Southern Palm Beach County Road 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: Lane closures will occur, 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, for project-related work. Motorists might encounter delays during these 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 and from Federal Highway to A1A, for project-related work. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times. However, on-street parking and access to side streets might be temporarily restricted. Detours will be established when necessary. Access to local businesses will be maintained at all times. Motorists might experience 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 and is expected to last until late 2009. Work is being performed by Hardrives of Delray, Inc.
Restrictions: North and southbound single lane closures will occur between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at various locations between Glades Road and the Broward County Line, Monday through Saturday, for minor widening and other project-related work. Motorists should use caution and anticipate delays traveling through the area.
Nighttime paving operations will begin on Monday, July 13. Paving will occur, 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, weather permitting and will last approximately three weeks. At least one lane will remain open. However, access to turn lanes and driveways might be temporarily affected.

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To read my stories that appeared in Sunday's Delray Community News Section of the Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE. and HERE

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The skyrocketing cost of health care is putting a tremendous burden on Florida families, small businesses and our state budget. While Congress grapples with the best way to ensure that everyone in this country has access to the quality health care they deserve, we also need significant, positive change at the state level as well.

I believe it is important to enact policies that will offer health care to those who need it most, such as the 800,000 uninsured children in our state. That is why I was proud to be a co-sponsor of legislation signed into law by the Governor recently that streamlined the application process for Florida Kidcare, making it easier for parents to obtain affordable health insurance for their children.

These changes went into effect on July 1, 2009 and I strongly encourage families to apply for coverage if they are finding it difficult to purchase affordable health insurance for their children. For more information about enrollment in Florida KidCare, visit floridakidcare.org or call 1-888-540-5437.

Establishing and improving programs like Florida Kidcare are important steps forward. However, we still have a lot of work to do to significantly improve health care in Florida, and I will continue fighting for the positive changes we need.

New License Requirement for Shoreline Anglers: Beginning August 1, 2009, saltwater anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore are now required to purchase a shoreline fishing license as a result of new state law, unless they have a valid regular resident saltwater fishing license. The new license goes on sale July 15. For information on how to obtain a license, Palm Beach County residents should CLICK HERE. http://www.pbcgov.com/tax/services_h&f.shtml

Broward County residents should CLICK HERE. http://www.broward.org/revenue/rvi00400.htm

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 that appeared in Sunday's Delray Community News Section of the Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE. and HERE

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The 3 organizations known as South County Partnership - ABC, the Alliance of Delray, West Boca Community Council (WBCC), and Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA), are inviting all residents to join in their legislative project to review association statutes: Chapter 718 (COA) & Chapter 720 (HOA). Our local legislators are ready and willing to listen to our ideas for changes to the existing laws. Therefore, ABC intends to take them up on their offer to help make our voices heard.

YOU can be part of our effort for change no matter what your level of legislative knowledge. If you want one word, sentence or section added or deleted, let us know. If you have an opinion or a new idea, please let us know. You may provide your input by e-mail and/or by attending legislative project meetings starting this summer. The links to texts of 718 & 720 will be provided by e-mail, major sections of concern will be e-mailed, and full written texts of 718 & 720 will be available at the scheduled meetings.

Together, WE can provide the information for positive changes before negative changes are made for us by others. Our local legislators need our suggestions and ideas for change in order for us to be proactive instead of reactive in the 2009 – 2010 legislative session. Please invite your friends and neighbors to join us in this effort!

To respond to this message or for further information regarding the ABC Legislative Project contact Barbara Zee, Alliance VP of Legislative Affairs at email address: allianceofdelray@bellsouth.net or (561) 495-9670.

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Lori Vinikoor, Vice President of the Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International informs us of this unusual event:

There is no other plant sale like this on the planet. The Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International announces its semi-annual Tropical Fruit Tree and Plant Sale. With hundreds of varieties of fruit and spice plants to choose from there will be something available for every taste and every space. Whether you are looking for a specific type of banana or an early producing mango or that elusive jaboticaba, you’ll probably find it here. The growers and members of the Rare Fruit Council will also be present to answer questions related to care and propagation of tropical fruits.

Come to the South Florida Fairgrounds Agriplex between 9 AM and 2 PM on Saturday July 11, 2009 to choose from thousands of wonderful trees and plants. Directions from Route 95: take Southern Blvd. west to Fairgrounds Rd. north. Gate 8 will be on the right. Directions from State Rd 7 (441): take Southern Blvd. east to Fairgrounds Rd. north. Gate 8 will be on the right.

The Rare Fruit Council’s own “Fruitilizer,” a fertilizer specifically formulated to Rare Fruit Council specifications, will be available for sale. “Fruitilizer” provides the proper nutrients and minerals for optimum tropical fruit crop production.

The Rare Fruit Council Meets the Second Friday of every month 7:30 PM at the Mounts Botanical Garden, Military Trail, West Palm Beach.

“Dedicated to promoting and furthering the cultivation and use of tropical and rare fruit both in south Florida and throughout the world”

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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: Lane closures will occur, 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, for project-related work. Motorists might encounter delays during these 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 and from Federal Highway to A1A, for project-related work. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times. However, on-street parking and access to side streets might be temporarily restricted. Detours will be established when necessary. Access to local businesses will be maintained at all times. Motorists might experience 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 and is expected to last until late 2009. Work is being performed by Hardrives of Delray, Inc.

Restrictions: North and southbound single lane closures will occur between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at various locations between Glades Road and the Broward County Line, Monday through Saturday, for minor widening and other project-related work. Motorists should use caution and anticipate delays traveling through the area. Nighttime paving operations will begin on Monday, July 13. Paving will occur, 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, weather permitting and will last approximately three weeks. At least one lane will remain open. However, access to turn lanes and driveways might be temporarily affected.

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Dear Friend, Independence Day is always a wonderful celebration of the founding of this great nation and an opportunity to spend time with friends and family. There will be various Independence Day celebrations throughout Palm Beach county on July 4th, and I thought the events listed below would be of particular interest to everyone who lives in District 90 or nearby.

Each event will have several activities planned throughout the day, ending with an exciting display of fireworks. Click on the website links below for additional details. Be sure to arrive early and don’t forget to bring a blanket or lawn chair. Happy Independence Day!

Boca Raton Fabulous 4th Celebration: Time: 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. (fireworks at 9 p.m.), Location: Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, southwest corner of the university. Parking on location. Contact: (561) 393-7806 selection 2.

West Boca Raton Celebration: Time: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. (fireworks at 9 p.m.).Location: Cove Amphitheater, 12551 Glades Road, 2.5 miles west of State Road 7, Boca Raton. Parking on location. Contact: 561-488-8069

Delray Beach Celebration: Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. (fireworks at 9 p.m.). Location: Ocean and Atlantic avenues and downtown area along Atlantic Avenue. Free parking at Robert Federspiel Parking Garage (22 SE 1st Avenue) and the Old School Square Parking Garage (95 NE 1st Avenue) which may be accessed by traveling eastbound or westbound on NE 1st Street or southbound on NE 1st Avenue. Contact: 561-279-1380 ext. 3.

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. Have a safe and happy Independence Day! All the best,
Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90

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Consumer Traps & Tips--A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division
Topic: Renters Insurance

Trap: Brittany finally completed decorating her apartment. She purchased new designer accessories which enhanced the antique furniture she inherited from her mother. That night, a pipe burst in the wall and flooded her apartment. Brittany’s living room furniture was ruined and her big screen TV was damaged beyond repair. She thought her landlord’s insurance would cover the replacement of her property. Later, she found out she was wrong.
Tips: Aside from broken pipes and fire damage, powerful tropical storms pose the same type of concerns for area renters. Thousands of dollars in damages can occur and your landlord’s insurance policy won’t cover the tenant’s losses.
• Renters insurance will cover your household items including furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances if they are damaged or destroyed.
• Liability coverage is also available if the insured is sued by someone who claims they were injured while in the apartment.
• Natural disasters like floods are typically not included. Coverage can be purchased separately through your insurance agent or company.
• You may receive a discount on your policy if your apartment contains safety features like fire extinguishers, alarm systems, or sprinklers.
• Take an inventory of appliances, electronics, jewelry, collectables and other valuable possessions. Shop around before you buy to get the best price. Talk to your agent about deductibles and coverage available.
• Check with the Florida Department of Finance for insurance company ratings (www.fldfs.com).

Get more information at our website www.pbcgov.com/consumer or give us a call at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray/Glades call toll free at 888-852-7362).

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Dear Friend, The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) held public hearings this week in Broward and Palm Beach counties to consider a petition from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) for a permanent base rate increase of about $12.40 more per month per household. According to the PSC, FPL is requesting this increase of about 12 percent “to earn a fair rate of return on its investment and to cover increasing operating costs.”
The PSC, which consists of five members appointed by the Governor with the power to regulate utilities, will vote on the proposed rate increase November 13, 2009. Click here to visit the PSC website and click on the link for the June 2009 Florida Power & Light Company Special Report for more details on FPL’s petition.
Anyone who wants to comment on the proposal and was not able to attend the public hearings can email the PSC at contact@psc.state.fl.us or send a letter to:
Florida Public Service Commission, Office of Commission Clerk, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0850
Please be sure to include the docket number, 080677-EI.
Our office attended the hearings this week and I will be paying close attention to this issue as the PSC continues reviewing FPL’s petition.

Unemployment Benefits Extension: The Florida Legislature passed legislation this session authorizing the Agency for Workforce Innovation to begin paying Extended Unemployment Compensation Benefits to people who have been out of work and have exhausted all unemployment benefits. Payments will begin in early July and will be made retroactive to February 22, 2009 for those who are eligible. For more information visit www.floridajobs.org and click on the link for “Extended Benefits” or call 1-888-896-0091.

Palm Beach County Offering Free Summer Food Program for Children: Palm Beach County Division of Human Services is offering free meals and snacks to low-income, school-age children on weekdays between June 8 and August 14. Children who are age 18 and under are eligible. Sites are located throughout Palm Beach County in low-income neighborhoods. Click here to visit the Summer Food Service Program website for a list of locations, or call Georgiana Devine at (561) 355-4775 for more information.

Zicam Health Warning: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently warned consumers to stop using and discard or return three zinc-containing Zicam intranasal products that may cause a loss of sense of smell. The FDA has received more than 130 reports from consumers who used the following products to treat the common cold and lost their sense of smell:
• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel (15mL, NDC 62750-003-10)
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-20)
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-21)
To find more information online, click here, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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 article in the Sunday, June 28 Delray Community News Section of the Sun-Sentinel
CLICK HERE.

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