I'm sure most of us have read the so called comparison of Lincoln and Kennedy, but did you ever consider the relationship between Obama and Lincoln . . . Amazing!
Parallels between Abraham Lincoln and Barack Hussein Obama:
1. Lincoln placed his hand on the Bible for his inauguration. Obama used the same Bible.
2. Lincoln came from Illinois. Obama comes from Illinois.
3. Lincoln served in the Illinois Legislature. Obama served in the Illinois Legislature.
4. Lincoln had very little experience before becoming President. Obama had very little experience before becoming President.
5. Lincoln rode the train from Philadelphia to Washington for his inauguration. Obama rode the train from Philadelphia to Washington for his inauguration.
6. Lincoln was a skinny lawyer. Obama is a skinny lawyer.
7. Lincoln was a Republican. Obama is a skinny lawyer.
8. Lincoln was highly respected. Obama is a skinny lawyer.
9. Lincoln was born in the United States. Obama is a skinny lawyer.
10. Lincoln was honest, so honest he was called Honest Abe. Obama is a skinny lawyer
11. Lincoln saved the union, our United States. Obama is a skinny lawyer
Saturday, March 13, 2010
AN IRISH BLOND IN A CASINO
An attractive blonde from Cork , Ireland arrived at the casino. She seemed a little intoxicated and bet twenty-thousand Euros on a single roll of the dice.
She said, 'I hope you don't mind, but I feel much luckier when I'm completely nude'.
With that, she stripped from the neck down, rolled the dice and with an Irish brogue yelled, 'Come on, baby, Mama needs new clothes!'
As the dice came to a stop, she jumped up and down and squealed...'YES! YES! I WON, I WON!'
She hugged each of the dealers and then picked up her winnings and her clothes and quickly departed.
The dealers stared at each other dumbfounded.
Finally, one of them asked, 'What did she roll?'
The other answered, 'I don't know - I thought you were watching.'
MORAL OF THE STORY -
Not all Irish are drunks,
not all blondes are dumb,
but all men...are men.
She said, 'I hope you don't mind, but I feel much luckier when I'm completely nude'.
With that, she stripped from the neck down, rolled the dice and with an Irish brogue yelled, 'Come on, baby, Mama needs new clothes!'
As the dice came to a stop, she jumped up and down and squealed...'YES! YES! I WON, I WON!'
She hugged each of the dealers and then picked up her winnings and her clothes and quickly departed.
The dealers stared at each other dumbfounded.
Finally, one of them asked, 'What did she roll?'
The other answered, 'I don't know - I thought you were watching.'
MORAL OF THE STORY -
Not all Irish are drunks,
not all blondes are dumb,
but all men...are men.
The rumor is that Maxwell is giving new houses to the Chinese drywall people. Truth or fiction?
Anybody out there know the answer????????
Odessa truck owner beats Eagles Master Association lawsuit
Article Courtesy of The St. Petersburg Times
By Kevin Graham
Published December 16, 2008
TAMPA — The Ford F-350 pickup truck is champagne in color, and A.J. Vizzi says he couldn't fit it in his garage if he tried.
But his homeowners association insisted he do just that.
"They just didn't care," Vizzi said Monday. "They said get rid of it or else."
At least 80 times, he said, the Eagles Master Association sent notices threatening a $100 fine for violating a deed restriction that prohibits parking pickup trucks in driveways in his gated community in Odessa.
But on Friday, a Hillsborough judge sided with Vizzi, calling it "utterly unreasonable" to create such an exclusion, his attorney said.
"All along I thought I was in the right," said Vizzi, 48. "That's the only reason I went as far as answering their lawsuit against me."
Two years ago, the Eagles sued A.J. and Doree Vizzi, claiming they violated a provision governing homes within the community. The Vizzis said that when they purchased their home in the Eagles' Windsor Park Village, the builder said their subcommunity was exempt from the truck restriction.
An attorney for the Eagles Master Association couldn't be reached late Monday.
Daniel Anderson, the Vizzis' attorney, said other residents in the community have paid fines. It was unclear Monday whether Hillsborough Circuit Judge Martha Cook's ruling could mean a reversal in those fines. Vizzi said he never paid a dime.
The Vizzis purchased their $346,900 home in 1997. Since then, A.J. Vizzi has owned three pickup trucks, he said. The neighborhood association first notified him of a violation in 2001. A lawsuit didn't come until after Vizzi purchased his 2004 F-350, which he said he uses to tow his family's 40-foot camper.
Aware of the prohibition on pickup trucks affecting other villages within the Eagles, Vizzi said he custom-ordered single rear wheels for his diesel truck, instead of dual wheels which typically come on a truck that size. He said he also eliminated any clearance lights.
"I wanted it to look like a passenger vehicle so it would blend in with the neighborhood," Vizzi said.
He accused the Eagles of selectively enforcing the deed restriction. In some instances, Vizzi said, SUV owners received clearance to park their vehicles in their driveways, even though the state Department of Motor Vehicles may have classified the automobiles as trucks.
Now, Vizzi says, his neighbors will be forced to pay legal fees for a fight over something he describes as "so trivial."
"They could have used that money to buy a park," he said. "They've been promising the community that for years."
By Kevin Graham
Published December 16, 2008
TAMPA — The Ford F-350 pickup truck is champagne in color, and A.J. Vizzi says he couldn't fit it in his garage if he tried.
But his homeowners association insisted he do just that.
"They just didn't care," Vizzi said Monday. "They said get rid of it or else."
At least 80 times, he said, the Eagles Master Association sent notices threatening a $100 fine for violating a deed restriction that prohibits parking pickup trucks in driveways in his gated community in Odessa.
But on Friday, a Hillsborough judge sided with Vizzi, calling it "utterly unreasonable" to create such an exclusion, his attorney said.
"All along I thought I was in the right," said Vizzi, 48. "That's the only reason I went as far as answering their lawsuit against me."
Two years ago, the Eagles sued A.J. and Doree Vizzi, claiming they violated a provision governing homes within the community. The Vizzis said that when they purchased their home in the Eagles' Windsor Park Village, the builder said their subcommunity was exempt from the truck restriction.
An attorney for the Eagles Master Association couldn't be reached late Monday.
Daniel Anderson, the Vizzis' attorney, said other residents in the community have paid fines. It was unclear Monday whether Hillsborough Circuit Judge Martha Cook's ruling could mean a reversal in those fines. Vizzi said he never paid a dime.
The Vizzis purchased their $346,900 home in 1997. Since then, A.J. Vizzi has owned three pickup trucks, he said. The neighborhood association first notified him of a violation in 2001. A lawsuit didn't come until after Vizzi purchased his 2004 F-350, which he said he uses to tow his family's 40-foot camper.
Aware of the prohibition on pickup trucks affecting other villages within the Eagles, Vizzi said he custom-ordered single rear wheels for his diesel truck, instead of dual wheels which typically come on a truck that size. He said he also eliminated any clearance lights.
"I wanted it to look like a passenger vehicle so it would blend in with the neighborhood," Vizzi said.
He accused the Eagles of selectively enforcing the deed restriction. In some instances, Vizzi said, SUV owners received clearance to park their vehicles in their driveways, even though the state Department of Motor Vehicles may have classified the automobiles as trucks.
Now, Vizzi says, his neighbors will be forced to pay legal fees for a fight over something he describes as "so trivial."
"They could have used that money to buy a park," he said. "They've been promising the community that for years."
Homeowner wins fight with HOA over pickup truck
Article Courtesy of Bay News 9
By Josh Rojas
Published December 16, 2008
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A Hillsborough County homeowner has won a battle with his homeowners association over a pickup truck.
The homeowners association at The Eagles had prohibited homeowner A.J. Vizzi from parking his pickup truck in his driveway. The association rules said the truck had to be parked in the garage.
Vizzi thought he was unfairly targeted by the homeowners association because some neighbors have SUVs in their driveways, including a Chevy Suburban in his neighbors' driveway.
The Department of Motor Vehicles classifies that vehicle as a truck, but the HOA said the Surburban is permitted.
"They interpreted the rules, even though it said trucks, that SUV's were not trucks," Vizzi said. "And it said 'vans'. And they interpreted the rules to say that a minivan or even a passenger van was not a van. Yet, because it said pickup trucks, they wanted to enforce the rule on me."
Homeowner A.J. Vizzi said his HOA prohibited this pickup truck . . .
Vizzi, who said his truck wouldn't fit inside his garage, fought the association for two years and spent thousands in legal fees.
A Hillsborough County judge ruled in Vizzi's favor on Friday.
The judge essentially said that the more reasonable and rationale interpretation of the two is that only commercial vehicles should be prohibited," said Vizzi's attorney, Dan Anderson. "Not non-commercial vehicles like Vizzi's pickup truck."
The homeowners association could appeal the judge's ruling, and said they would not comment until the board can go over the judge's ruling with their attorneys.
"A lot of the people who live in this neighborhood do not realize the money that the association has spent to keep one-person from parking a pickup truck in their driveway," Vizzi said.
By Josh Rojas
Published December 16, 2008
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A Hillsborough County homeowner has won a battle with his homeowners association over a pickup truck.
The homeowners association at The Eagles had prohibited homeowner A.J. Vizzi from parking his pickup truck in his driveway. The association rules said the truck had to be parked in the garage.
Vizzi thought he was unfairly targeted by the homeowners association because some neighbors have SUVs in their driveways, including a Chevy Suburban in his neighbors' driveway.
The Department of Motor Vehicles classifies that vehicle as a truck, but the HOA said the Surburban is permitted.
"They interpreted the rules, even though it said trucks, that SUV's were not trucks," Vizzi said. "And it said 'vans'. And they interpreted the rules to say that a minivan or even a passenger van was not a van. Yet, because it said pickup trucks, they wanted to enforce the rule on me."
Homeowner A.J. Vizzi said his HOA prohibited this pickup truck . . .
Vizzi, who said his truck wouldn't fit inside his garage, fought the association for two years and spent thousands in legal fees.
A Hillsborough County judge ruled in Vizzi's favor on Friday.
The judge essentially said that the more reasonable and rationale interpretation of the two is that only commercial vehicles should be prohibited," said Vizzi's attorney, Dan Anderson. "Not non-commercial vehicles like Vizzi's pickup truck."
The homeowners association could appeal the judge's ruling, and said they would not comment until the board can go over the judge's ruling with their attorneys.
"A lot of the people who live in this neighborhood do not realize the money that the association has spent to keep one-person from parking a pickup truck in their driveway," Vizzi said.
The Eagles homeowners group will appeal ruling over pickups parked in driveways
Article Courtesy of The St. Petersburg Times
By Rodney Trash
Published April 24, 2009
ODESSA — The homeowner association that tried, unsuccessfully, to defend a policy prohibiting residents from parking pickups in driveways is ready for Round No. 2.
With less than a handful of residents in the audience, the Eagles Master Association board voted Monday night to appeal the ruling of Hillsborough Circuit Judge Martha Cook, who once called the restriction "utterly unreasonable."
"We're hoping to in essence overturn the final judgment as it relates to the ruling of parking of pickup trucks," said Jonathan Ellis, the attorney for the Eagles.
Tension between the association and homeowner A.J. Vizzi surfaced in 2001 when the Eagles sent him a violation notice for parking his pickup in his driveway, rather than the garage. It was the first of at least 80, according to Vizzi's count.
The association sued him in December 2006. Vizzi said his subdivision was exempt from the restriction and filed a counterclaim challenging the authority of the Eagles' board.
Cook sided with him in the pickup matter Dec. 12, but made no decision on the counterclaim, which Vizzi withdrew on Feb. 20.
Vizzi was at the meeting Monday when the board took the vote. He said he can't understand why the association pursues this case.
"They're not collecting dues," Vizzi said. "They're running out of money and needing to borrow. Now they're going to spend $100,000?"
Last month, the Eagles and Vizzi filed motions for attorney fees and costs. Cook dismissed them on April 3.
The Eagles has until May 3 to formally file its appeal.
By Rodney Trash
Published April 24, 2009
ODESSA — The homeowner association that tried, unsuccessfully, to defend a policy prohibiting residents from parking pickups in driveways is ready for Round No. 2.
With less than a handful of residents in the audience, the Eagles Master Association board voted Monday night to appeal the ruling of Hillsborough Circuit Judge Martha Cook, who once called the restriction "utterly unreasonable."
"We're hoping to in essence overturn the final judgment as it relates to the ruling of parking of pickup trucks," said Jonathan Ellis, the attorney for the Eagles.
Tension between the association and homeowner A.J. Vizzi surfaced in 2001 when the Eagles sent him a violation notice for parking his pickup in his driveway, rather than the garage. It was the first of at least 80, according to Vizzi's count.
The association sued him in December 2006. Vizzi said his subdivision was exempt from the restriction and filed a counterclaim challenging the authority of the Eagles' board.
Cook sided with him in the pickup matter Dec. 12, but made no decision on the counterclaim, which Vizzi withdrew on Feb. 20.
Vizzi was at the meeting Monday when the board took the vote. He said he can't understand why the association pursues this case.
"They're not collecting dues," Vizzi said. "They're running out of money and needing to borrow. Now they're going to spend $100,000?"
Last month, the Eagles and Vizzi filed motions for attorney fees and costs. Cook dismissed them on April 3.
The Eagles has until May 3 to formally file its appeal.
Court sides with homeowner in dispute over pickup
Special Report Courtesy of
CHANNEL 8 -- ON YOUR SIDE
By PETER BERNARD
Published March 13, 2010
A man who parked his truck in his driveway has won a long legal fight with a homeowners' association that actually began in 2001.
A.J. Vizzi has lived in The Eagles golfing community in northwestern Hillsborough County since he built a two-story house on a lake in 1997. For a few years, he parked his pickup in the driveway and didn't hear anything negative about it.
That all changed in 2001, when he said he received a violation notice from his homeowners association. "Up until 2001, I was here for four years before they ever even told me I was in violation of any of their covenants," said Vizzi.
He uses the large Ford F-350 to get around town, and to haul a fifth-wheel trailer when he and his family go camping. It won't fit in his garage.
The violation turned into a lawsuit in 2006. A year later, a Hillsborough circuit court ruled in Vizzi's favor. In 2009, the homeowners association appealed. On Wednesday, the Second District Court of Appeal upheld the lower court's ruling.
That means the truck can stay.
"The family's gone through with the lawsuit, about three and a half years of anguish," said Vizzi. "And they've always harassed me about something that I've known, since I built the house, that I should have been able to do."
His attorney, Dan Anderson, said the odd thing is neighbors voted to do away with the no-pickup rule, but the association board never implemented the change.
"I think it's one of the most ridiculous lawsuits I've ever seen and quite frankly, I'm not sure why the association filed it in the first place," said Anderson.
Now Vizzi wonders if he will recover almost $200,000 he has paid in legal fees. A judge has ruled Vizzi should be compensated, but the association can appeal.
Jonathan Ellis, attorney for the association, did not return telephone calls seeking comment.
The Eagles homeowners group will appeal ruling over pickups parked in driveways
CHANNEL 8 -- ON YOUR SIDE
By PETER BERNARD
Published March 13, 2010
A man who parked his truck in his driveway has won a long legal fight with a homeowners' association that actually began in 2001.
A.J. Vizzi has lived in The Eagles golfing community in northwestern Hillsborough County since he built a two-story house on a lake in 1997. For a few years, he parked his pickup in the driveway and didn't hear anything negative about it.
That all changed in 2001, when he said he received a violation notice from his homeowners association. "Up until 2001, I was here for four years before they ever even told me I was in violation of any of their covenants," said Vizzi.
He uses the large Ford F-350 to get around town, and to haul a fifth-wheel trailer when he and his family go camping. It won't fit in his garage.
The violation turned into a lawsuit in 2006. A year later, a Hillsborough circuit court ruled in Vizzi's favor. In 2009, the homeowners association appealed. On Wednesday, the Second District Court of Appeal upheld the lower court's ruling.
That means the truck can stay.
"The family's gone through with the lawsuit, about three and a half years of anguish," said Vizzi. "And they've always harassed me about something that I've known, since I built the house, that I should have been able to do."
His attorney, Dan Anderson, said the odd thing is neighbors voted to do away with the no-pickup rule, but the association board never implemented the change.
"I think it's one of the most ridiculous lawsuits I've ever seen and quite frankly, I'm not sure why the association filed it in the first place," said Anderson.
Now Vizzi wonders if he will recover almost $200,000 he has paid in legal fees. A judge has ruled Vizzi should be compensated, but the association can appeal.
Jonathan Ellis, attorney for the association, did not return telephone calls seeking comment.
The Eagles homeowners group will appeal ruling over pickups parked in driveways
CDD MEETING ON FRI March 12 @ 10AM
The CDD meeting was all done in 25 minutes or less, after they dot the I's and corrected errors on the minutes on the last meeting. Nothing was said about nothing. No Parking signs were ordered, a fence will be build around pool equipment, and Margo said it cost $100.00/hr for the used of electric and air. Ballroom rug on hold. Good by and good night. What a waste of time.
Friday, March 12, 2010
It is Sushi & Sake Night at WAVES Gallery & Club. Friday Mar 12th, starting at 6 pm. RSVP deadline is by end of Wednesday. Wales Gallery & Private Clu
Today is the day, starting at 6PM on Park St next to the big clock. An experience you don't want to miss. See you all there.
Bush
President Bush, decides to leave the Ranch and go out to sit in a local Crawford bar. A guy walks in and asks the barman, 'Isn't that Bush sitting at the end of the bar?'
The bartender says, 'Yep, that's him.' So the guy walks over and says, 'Wow, this is a real honor! What are you doing in here?'
Bush says, ' I'm planning WW III.'
The guy says, 'Really? What's going to happen?'
Bush says, 'Well, I'm going to kill 140 million Muslims and one blonde with big tits.
The guy exclaimed, 'A blonde with big tits?
Why kill a blonde with big tits?' []
Bush turns to the bartender and says,
'See, I told you, no one gives a darn about the 140 million Muslims'.
The bartender says, 'Yep, that's him.' So the guy walks over and says, 'Wow, this is a real honor! What are you doing in here?'
Bush says, ' I'm planning WW III.'
The guy says, 'Really? What's going to happen?'
Bush says, 'Well, I'm going to kill 140 million Muslims and one blonde with big tits.
The guy exclaimed, 'A blonde with big tits?
Why kill a blonde with big tits?' []
Bush turns to the bartender and says,
'See, I told you, no one gives a darn about the 140 million Muslims'.
Nurses aren't supposed to laugh...
"Of course I won't laugh", said the nurse. "I'm a professional. In over twenty years I've never laughed at a patient."
"Okay then," said Fred, and he proceeded to drop his trousers, revealing the tiniest 'man thingy'
The nurse had ever seen. Length and width, it couldn't have been bigger than a AAA battery .
Unable to control herself, the nurse started giggling, then fell to the floor laughing.
Ten minutes later she was able to struggle to her feet and regain her composure.
"I am so sorry," she said. "I don't know what came over me. On my honour as a nurse and a lady, I
promise it won't happen again. Now, tell me, what seems to be the problem?"
..."It's swollen," Fred replied.
She ran out of the room
"Okay then," said Fred, and he proceeded to drop his trousers, revealing the tiniest 'man thingy'
The nurse had ever seen. Length and width, it couldn't have been bigger than a AAA battery .
Unable to control herself, the nurse started giggling, then fell to the floor laughing.
Ten minutes later she was able to struggle to her feet and regain her composure.
"I am so sorry," she said. "I don't know what came over me. On my honour as a nurse and a lady, I
promise it won't happen again. Now, tell me, what seems to be the problem?"
..."It's swollen," Fred replied.
She ran out of the room
Latest HOA fine sparks Jensen remarks
Article Courtesy of Your Observer
By Michael Eng
Published March 11, 2010
LAKEWOOD RANCH — Schroeder-Manatee Ranch President and CEO Rex Jensen is calling for reason and common sense following the latest disputed homeowner’s association fine in Lakewood Ranch.
Greenbrook Fields residents Malcolm and Karen Ronney last week paid a $2,250 fine for a small plaque they had placed on their home in 2006. The Ronneys, also owners of MacAllisters Grill & Tavern on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, are natives of Scotland, and the sign was part of their heritage.
“In Scotland, it’s (customary) to name your home,” Karen Ronney. “The sign says, ‘Albanach,’ which his Gaelic for ‘Scotsman.’”
But the sign, measuring about 12 inches by 4 inches, violated Greenbrook regulations. And more than three years later, the Greenbrook Homeowner’s Association sent the fine plus interest to the Gulf Coast Collection Bureau.
Jensen, who has remained silent on the issue since Summerfield resident Joani Ellis told her story to The East County Observer Feb. 11, now is asking community leaders to reevaluate their practices.
Karen and Malcolm Ronney were fined $2,250 for placing this sign on their home for 47 days in 2006-07
“I see the equity on both sides,” Jensen said of the fines. “But it comes to a point: Can’t we all just get reasonable? A plaque is not the world’s biggest problem.
“Had it been me (on the board), I wouldn’t have said, ‘Rules are rules,’ he said. “I wouldn’t have taken a cannon out to shoot a fly.”
SIGN OF THE TIMES
Natives of Scotland, the Ronneys moved to Lakewood Ranch in 2004 specifically to open their Scottish-themed restaurant on Main Street. They bought their home in Greenbrook Fields and then a condo a year later. Finally, in 2006, the Ronneys were among the first restaurateurs on Lakewood Ranch’s retail crown jewel.
As with their business, the Ronneys wanted to show their Scottish pride at home and placed the “Albanach” sign on the front of their house. But it wasn’t long before they received the first letter alerting them of the code violation.
The Ronneys initially disputed the violation. The HOA then held a hearing on Nov. 22, 2006, and established that it would fine the Ronneys $50 per day until the sign was removed.
According to current Greenbrook HOA President Tom Headley, the Ronneys sent a letter to the HOA Dec. 4, 2006, asking for a procedural variance. On Dec. 12, 2006, the HOA left a voice mail for the Ronneys and then about one month later, on Jan. 4, 2007, sent them a letter notifying them of the $2,150 fine they faced because the sign was still up.
Four days later, on Jan. 8, 2007, the Ronneys removed the sign.
The sign had been up for 47 days total. At $50 per day, the fine totaled $2,250, Headley said.
PLUS THREE YEAR’S INTEREST
After removing the sign, the Ronneys say they did not receive any more communication from the HOA. They did not pay the fine and allowed it to stay dormant for more than two years.
“We’re not innocent in this,” Karen Ronney said. “We didn’t hear anything, and we thought it had gone away.”
And in a way, it had. Headley noted the previous HOA board had decided it would not send to collection any fine of less than $5,000. But in July 2009, the current board voted to send all unpaid fines to collection. Headley could not recall the number of fines, but the Ronneys’ violation was among them.
Last November, the Ronneys received a notice from the Gulf Coast Collection Bureau of the fine — which had increased to $3,278.59 because of interest that had accumulated in the last three years.
In December, Malcolm Ronney called Headley to appeal the new fine. Headley advised him to present his case at the Feb. 25 board meeting.
The Ronneys did not attend the meeting but sent a letter asking for a reduction in the fine.
“What I am asking to be considered is a reduction in the fine, a new amount to be (issued) and the existing fine to be deleted,” Malcolm Ronney wrote.
The HOA decided it would eliminate the accrued interest and bring the Ronneys’ fine back to $2,250.
“We took off more than $1,000,” Headley said.
The Ronneys paid the reduced fine — primarily to put an end to the dispute and preserve their credit, they said. They don’t know what they will do with the “Albanach” but are considering placing it in MacAllisters.
CHANGES
With their dispute over, the Ronneys now hope their story can elicit change in the governing practices of Lakewood Ranch’s HOAs.
“I wish SMR were still in charge,” Malcolm Ronney said. “If SMR were in charge, this would have been nipped in the bud. Common sense would have prevailed.
“Something has to change,” he said.
Some things have. Headley noted the Greenbrook’s HOA has changed its fine structure and eliminated the daily fine. According to the Greenbrook Homeowners’ Manual, the fine for signs is now $25 per month. Not counting interest, the Ronneys’ fine would have been about $50 under the new fine structure.
However, Headley cautioned that the board cannot change drastically its rules for any one resident.
“As a board, we need to be careful about what we do,” he said. “We set precedents that affect every homeowner.”
Furthermore, Headley said many HOAs are facing budgetary restrictions because of the increase in foreclosures and vacant properties. Last year, those properties added up to $32,247 in uncollected Greenbrook HOA dues, Headley said. Moreover, the HOA is incurring additional costs to keep the lawns and landscaping of those empty homes up to HOA standards.
And although Jensen said SMR will not become involved in HOA matters, he encouraged leaders not to take SMR’s original rules as gospel.
“I don’t buy the ‘These are the rules SMR gave us’ argument,” Jensen said. “As a developer, we did not necessarily envision every little thing, so as you go through life, you encounter it, and maybe it’s something you didn’t anticipate.
“You can’t take these things as chiseled in stone, as commandments,” he said. “If they aren’t working for you, then modify them. … You have got to apply reason and common sense, and you need to look at what your priorities are.”
By Michael Eng
Published March 11, 2010
LAKEWOOD RANCH — Schroeder-Manatee Ranch President and CEO Rex Jensen is calling for reason and common sense following the latest disputed homeowner’s association fine in Lakewood Ranch.
Greenbrook Fields residents Malcolm and Karen Ronney last week paid a $2,250 fine for a small plaque they had placed on their home in 2006. The Ronneys, also owners of MacAllisters Grill & Tavern on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, are natives of Scotland, and the sign was part of their heritage.
“In Scotland, it’s (customary) to name your home,” Karen Ronney. “The sign says, ‘Albanach,’ which his Gaelic for ‘Scotsman.’”
But the sign, measuring about 12 inches by 4 inches, violated Greenbrook regulations. And more than three years later, the Greenbrook Homeowner’s Association sent the fine plus interest to the Gulf Coast Collection Bureau.
Jensen, who has remained silent on the issue since Summerfield resident Joani Ellis told her story to The East County Observer Feb. 11, now is asking community leaders to reevaluate their practices.
Karen and Malcolm Ronney were fined $2,250 for placing this sign on their home for 47 days in 2006-07
“I see the equity on both sides,” Jensen said of the fines. “But it comes to a point: Can’t we all just get reasonable? A plaque is not the world’s biggest problem.
“Had it been me (on the board), I wouldn’t have said, ‘Rules are rules,’ he said. “I wouldn’t have taken a cannon out to shoot a fly.”
SIGN OF THE TIMES
Natives of Scotland, the Ronneys moved to Lakewood Ranch in 2004 specifically to open their Scottish-themed restaurant on Main Street. They bought their home in Greenbrook Fields and then a condo a year later. Finally, in 2006, the Ronneys were among the first restaurateurs on Lakewood Ranch’s retail crown jewel.
As with their business, the Ronneys wanted to show their Scottish pride at home and placed the “Albanach” sign on the front of their house. But it wasn’t long before they received the first letter alerting them of the code violation.
The Ronneys initially disputed the violation. The HOA then held a hearing on Nov. 22, 2006, and established that it would fine the Ronneys $50 per day until the sign was removed.
According to current Greenbrook HOA President Tom Headley, the Ronneys sent a letter to the HOA Dec. 4, 2006, asking for a procedural variance. On Dec. 12, 2006, the HOA left a voice mail for the Ronneys and then about one month later, on Jan. 4, 2007, sent them a letter notifying them of the $2,150 fine they faced because the sign was still up.
Four days later, on Jan. 8, 2007, the Ronneys removed the sign.
The sign had been up for 47 days total. At $50 per day, the fine totaled $2,250, Headley said.
PLUS THREE YEAR’S INTEREST
After removing the sign, the Ronneys say they did not receive any more communication from the HOA. They did not pay the fine and allowed it to stay dormant for more than two years.
“We’re not innocent in this,” Karen Ronney said. “We didn’t hear anything, and we thought it had gone away.”
And in a way, it had. Headley noted the previous HOA board had decided it would not send to collection any fine of less than $5,000. But in July 2009, the current board voted to send all unpaid fines to collection. Headley could not recall the number of fines, but the Ronneys’ violation was among them.
Last November, the Ronneys received a notice from the Gulf Coast Collection Bureau of the fine — which had increased to $3,278.59 because of interest that had accumulated in the last three years.
In December, Malcolm Ronney called Headley to appeal the new fine. Headley advised him to present his case at the Feb. 25 board meeting.
The Ronneys did not attend the meeting but sent a letter asking for a reduction in the fine.
“What I am asking to be considered is a reduction in the fine, a new amount to be (issued) and the existing fine to be deleted,” Malcolm Ronney wrote.
The HOA decided it would eliminate the accrued interest and bring the Ronneys’ fine back to $2,250.
“We took off more than $1,000,” Headley said.
The Ronneys paid the reduced fine — primarily to put an end to the dispute and preserve their credit, they said. They don’t know what they will do with the “Albanach” but are considering placing it in MacAllisters.
CHANGES
With their dispute over, the Ronneys now hope their story can elicit change in the governing practices of Lakewood Ranch’s HOAs.
“I wish SMR were still in charge,” Malcolm Ronney said. “If SMR were in charge, this would have been nipped in the bud. Common sense would have prevailed.
“Something has to change,” he said.
Some things have. Headley noted the Greenbrook’s HOA has changed its fine structure and eliminated the daily fine. According to the Greenbrook Homeowners’ Manual, the fine for signs is now $25 per month. Not counting interest, the Ronneys’ fine would have been about $50 under the new fine structure.
However, Headley cautioned that the board cannot change drastically its rules for any one resident.
“As a board, we need to be careful about what we do,” he said. “We set precedents that affect every homeowner.”
Furthermore, Headley said many HOAs are facing budgetary restrictions because of the increase in foreclosures and vacant properties. Last year, those properties added up to $32,247 in uncollected Greenbrook HOA dues, Headley said. Moreover, the HOA is incurring additional costs to keep the lawns and landscaping of those empty homes up to HOA standards.
And although Jensen said SMR will not become involved in HOA matters, he encouraged leaders not to take SMR’s original rules as gospel.
“I don’t buy the ‘These are the rules SMR gave us’ argument,” Jensen said. “As a developer, we did not necessarily envision every little thing, so as you go through life, you encounter it, and maybe it’s something you didn’t anticipate.
“You can’t take these things as chiseled in stone, as commandments,” he said. “If they aren’t working for you, then modify them. … You have got to apply reason and common sense, and you need to look at what your priorities are.”
Island Escape condos score 'final judgment' against fee scofflaw, again
Article Courtesy of The St. Petersburg Times
By Susan Taylor Martin
Published March 12, 2010
CLEARWATER — In a case closely watched by other condominium associations, a small Clearwater Beach complex has moved a step toward evicting an owner who owes thousands of dollars in maintenance fees.
Last week, Pinellas County Judge Myra Scott McNary granted a final judgment of foreclosure against Laurence "Larry'' Holzer, who bought a unit at Island Escape on Island Way in 2005.
Since then, Holzer has paid his fees sporadically and is now $10,278 in arrears.
"It's a problem, especially for smaller complexes like ours,'' said condo association president Skip Shepherd. He and the other nine owners have had to pick up Holzer's share of fees as well as their own $325-a-month payments.
This is the second time Island Escape has won a final judgment against Holzer. Shortly before his condo was to be sold at public auction in June, he declared bankruptcy in a move that automatically canceled the sale. A bankruptcy judge later dismissed Holzer's Chapter 13 filing for failure to make required payments.
McNary set April 16 as the new date for Holzer's condo to be auctioned. Deutsche Bank — which holds the $335,000 first mortgage — would have priority over the association's lien and would be paid off first if the unit is sold to a third party.
If nobody bid, the bank would take title but under current law would be responsible for only six months of overdue condo fees or 1 percent of the loan amount, whichever is less.
The problem of deadbeat owners has become acute since many people who bought condos at inflated prices during the real estate boom are no longer able or willing to pay their mortgages and maintenance fees.
Several bills that would give associations some relief have been proposed for the current Florida legislative session. One measure would increase the cap on back payments to 12 months and another would eliminate caps altogether.
Holzer, whose Florida appraisal license was revoked in 2006, is living virtually free at Island Escape because he hasn't made a mortgage payment in more than two years. Besides being in default on both his mortgage and condo fees, he owes the Internal Revenue Service $18,272, court records show.
In a motion to forestall the foreclosure, Holzer said he had started a new company and intends to pay.
"How do you get him out of there?'' Shepherd wonders. "This is absolutely ridiculous — there's got to be some way to protect other people.''
By Susan Taylor Martin
Published March 12, 2010
CLEARWATER — In a case closely watched by other condominium associations, a small Clearwater Beach complex has moved a step toward evicting an owner who owes thousands of dollars in maintenance fees.
Last week, Pinellas County Judge Myra Scott McNary granted a final judgment of foreclosure against Laurence "Larry'' Holzer, who bought a unit at Island Escape on Island Way in 2005.
Since then, Holzer has paid his fees sporadically and is now $10,278 in arrears.
"It's a problem, especially for smaller complexes like ours,'' said condo association president Skip Shepherd. He and the other nine owners have had to pick up Holzer's share of fees as well as their own $325-a-month payments.
This is the second time Island Escape has won a final judgment against Holzer. Shortly before his condo was to be sold at public auction in June, he declared bankruptcy in a move that automatically canceled the sale. A bankruptcy judge later dismissed Holzer's Chapter 13 filing for failure to make required payments.
McNary set April 16 as the new date for Holzer's condo to be auctioned. Deutsche Bank — which holds the $335,000 first mortgage — would have priority over the association's lien and would be paid off first if the unit is sold to a third party.
If nobody bid, the bank would take title but under current law would be responsible for only six months of overdue condo fees or 1 percent of the loan amount, whichever is less.
The problem of deadbeat owners has become acute since many people who bought condos at inflated prices during the real estate boom are no longer able or willing to pay their mortgages and maintenance fees.
Several bills that would give associations some relief have been proposed for the current Florida legislative session. One measure would increase the cap on back payments to 12 months and another would eliminate caps altogether.
Holzer, whose Florida appraisal license was revoked in 2006, is living virtually free at Island Escape because he hasn't made a mortgage payment in more than two years. Besides being in default on both his mortgage and condo fees, he owes the Internal Revenue Service $18,272, court records show.
In a motion to forestall the foreclosure, Holzer said he had started a new company and intends to pay.
"How do you get him out of there?'' Shepherd wonders. "This is absolutely ridiculous — there's got to be some way to protect other people.''
Condos give up fight over beach access
COLLIER COUNTY: Just two days after Collier County Commissioners voted to file a lawsuit against Moraya Bay for privatizing a piece of Vanderbilt Beach, the cones are gone.
Representatives with Moraya Bay say they want the beach war to be over.
The cones that sectioned off a piece of the beach right in front of Moraya Bay were removed.
Representatives say they are preparing a statement about the beach battle which has not only angered commissioners, but outraged beach visitors.
Commissioners feared allowing one condo to mark off a piece of the beach, others would follow.
One person was so outraged, he can be seen on surveillance video early Tuesday morning vandalizing Moraya Bay's beach chairs and umbrellas with spray paint.
Moraya Bay says they were abiding by state law which says a property owner owns the land down to the erosion control line. They wanted a small section for its residents only.
The official statement from Moraya Bay is expected this afternoon.
Representatives with Moraya Bay say they want the beach war to be over.
The cones that sectioned off a piece of the beach right in front of Moraya Bay were removed.
Representatives say they are preparing a statement about the beach battle which has not only angered commissioners, but outraged beach visitors.
Commissioners feared allowing one condo to mark off a piece of the beach, others would follow.
One person was so outraged, he can be seen on surveillance video early Tuesday morning vandalizing Moraya Bay's beach chairs and umbrellas with spray paint.
Moraya Bay says they were abiding by state law which says a property owner owns the land down to the erosion control line. They wanted a small section for its residents only.
The official statement from Moraya Bay is expected this afternoon.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
SENIOR CITIZENS DEATH WARRANTS
Wednesday, I was at the doctor whom I have been going to since we moved down here (he is the one who discovered my cancer). I have to get a very expensive shot every 3 months ($3000) that is designed to keep the PSI down and help to prevent a recurrence of the cancer. Has someuncomfortable side effects, and I was questioning the need to continue with it, which he assured me was necessary. He then asked how old I was, and when I replied 70, he said that if this legislation goes through as intended by the powers that be, that I probably would not be able to get it next year, as that would be money better spent on someone else with greater longevity. I would be referred to someone to "counsel" me.
I asked him why the AMA had recently endorsed the plan. He replied that only about 15% of the nation's doctors were members of AMA, and most of them were not really on the front lines of doctorhood but in some other areas of medicine. He said he was a member, but would not be after this membership year.
This man got part of his training in London , and practiced in Canada for 16 years before coming to the US , and he has no use for socialized medicine, regardless of how you wrap it, or what kind of bow to put on it. He said that we have a shortfall of around 400,000 doctors at the present time, and many of today's doctors are of the baby boomer generation who are nearing retirement and/or will decide to hang it up rather than deal with the results this is sure to bring.
Scary, my friends. The picture for our age group is not pretty in Obamaland.
SENIOR DEATH WARRANTS:
In England no one over 59 can receive heart repairs or stents or bypass because it is not covered as being too expensive and not needed.
Obama wants to have a healthcare system just like Canada 's and England 's. I got this today and am sending it on.. If Obama's plans in other areas don't scare you, this should. Please do not let Obama sign senior death warrants.
Everybody that is on this mailing list is either a senior citizen, is getting close or knows somebody that is.
Most of you know by now that the Senate version (at least) of the "stimulus" bill includes provisions for extensive rationing of health care for senior citizens. The author of this part of the bill, former senator and tax evader, Tom Daschle was credited today by Bloomberg with the following statement:
Bloomberg: Daschle says "health-care reform will not be pain free. Seniors should be more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them."
If this does not sufficiently raise your ire, just remember that our esteemed Senators and Congressmen have their own healthcare plan that is first dollar or very low co-pay which they are guaranteed for the remainder of their lives. Nor are they subject to this new law if it passes.
Please use the power of the Internet to get this message out. Talk it up at the grassroots level. We have an election coming up in one year and five months. And we have the ability to address and reverse the dangerous direction the Obama administration and its allies have begun andin the interim, we can make their lives miserable. Let's do this!
If you disagree, do nothing.
I asked him why the AMA had recently endorsed the plan. He replied that only about 15% of the nation's doctors were members of AMA, and most of them were not really on the front lines of doctorhood but in some other areas of medicine. He said he was a member, but would not be after this membership year.
This man got part of his training in London , and practiced in Canada for 16 years before coming to the US , and he has no use for socialized medicine, regardless of how you wrap it, or what kind of bow to put on it. He said that we have a shortfall of around 400,000 doctors at the present time, and many of today's doctors are of the baby boomer generation who are nearing retirement and/or will decide to hang it up rather than deal with the results this is sure to bring.
Scary, my friends. The picture for our age group is not pretty in Obamaland.
SENIOR DEATH WARRANTS:
In England no one over 59 can receive heart repairs or stents or bypass because it is not covered as being too expensive and not needed.
Obama wants to have a healthcare system just like Canada 's and England 's. I got this today and am sending it on.. If Obama's plans in other areas don't scare you, this should. Please do not let Obama sign senior death warrants.
Everybody that is on this mailing list is either a senior citizen, is getting close or knows somebody that is.
Most of you know by now that the Senate version (at least) of the "stimulus" bill includes provisions for extensive rationing of health care for senior citizens. The author of this part of the bill, former senator and tax evader, Tom Daschle was credited today by Bloomberg with the following statement:
Bloomberg: Daschle says "health-care reform will not be pain free. Seniors should be more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them."
If this does not sufficiently raise your ire, just remember that our esteemed Senators and Congressmen have their own healthcare plan that is first dollar or very low co-pay which they are guaranteed for the remainder of their lives. Nor are they subject to this new law if it passes.
Please use the power of the Internet to get this message out. Talk it up at the grassroots level. We have an election coming up in one year and five months. And we have the ability to address and reverse the dangerous direction the Obama administration and its allies have begun andin the interim, we can make their lives miserable. Let's do this!
If you disagree, do nothing.
Area Code 809
We actually received a call last
week from the 809 area code. The woman said Hey,
this is Karen . Sorry I missed you--get back to us
quickly. I have something important to tell you.' Then
she repeated a phone number beginning with 809 We didn't
respond.
Then this week, we received the following
e-mail:
Do Not DIAL AREA CODE
809,
284, AND
876
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE
809
This one is being distributed all over the US .. This is
pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get
you to call.
Be sure you read this and pass it on.
They get you to call by telling you that it is information about a family
member who has been ill or to tell you someone has been
arrested, died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc....
In each case, you are told to call the
809 number right away. Since there
are so many new area codes these days, people
unknowingly return these calls...
If you call from the U.S. , you will apparently be
charged $2425 per-minute.
Or, you'll get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try
to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase
the charges.
WHY IT WORKS:
The 809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic .
The charges afterward can become a real
nightmare.. That's because you did actually make the
call. If you complain, both your local phone company and
your long distance carrier will not want to get involved
and will most likely tell you that they are simply
providing the billing for the foreign company.... You'll
end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they
have done nothing wrong....
Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to
help them become aware of this
scam..
AT&T VERIFIES IT'S TRUE :
SNOPES VERIFIES IT'S TRUE:
week from the 809 area code. The woman said Hey,
this is Karen . Sorry I missed you--get back to us
quickly. I have something important to tell you.' Then
she repeated a phone number beginning with 809 We didn't
respond.
Then this week, we received the following
e-mail:
Do Not DIAL AREA CODE
809,
284, AND
876
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE
809
This one is being distributed all over the US .. This is
pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get
you to call.
Be sure you read this and pass it on.
They get you to call by telling you that it is information about a family
member who has been ill or to tell you someone has been
arrested, died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc....
In each case, you are told to call the
809 number right away. Since there
are so many new area codes these days, people
unknowingly return these calls...
If you call from the U.S. , you will apparently be
charged $2425 per-minute.
Or, you'll get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try
to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase
the charges.
WHY IT WORKS:
The 809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic .
The charges afterward can become a real
nightmare.. That's because you did actually make the
call. If you complain, both your local phone company and
your long distance carrier will not want to get involved
and will most likely tell you that they are simply
providing the billing for the foreign company.... You'll
end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they
have done nothing wrong....
Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to
help them become aware of this
scam..
AT&T VERIFIES IT'S TRUE :
SNOPES VERIFIES IT'S TRUE:
CDD MEETING THIS FRI @ 10AM
Circus is coming to town and the show will start at 10am in the ballroom this Friday. Margo will solve all the problems at the meeting, bless her heart. Will she ever tell the truth? How on earth did she ever get elected? How dumb can the residents of Lake Ashton get, its like electing Obama without any knowledge of this guy, now everybody is crying that he has been elected. Give me a brake.
Kansas City, Missouri
City to closed 50% of its schools and laid off over 700 teachers or go bankrupt.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Paul Pontious
Bingo Paul has called me an idiot has loud has his voice can be heard 5 different times.
1 He was playing golf and drove by my house in his golf cart while my back was turn and he shouted IDIOT at me. I had to run up the golf course to see who said it, it was Bingo Paul.
2. While I was playing pool with the boys, he walks in the pool room in front of all the players including one CDD committee member and call me a IDIOT and also said he had $30,000 of bingo money.
3 He drove by my house in his golf cart while I was out working in the yard and shouted IDIOT as loud as he could.
4. One night has I was coming out of the clubhouse after I was playing pool, he shouted at me IDIOT and other obscene words.
5. Just this last Monday, Paul was dumping the Bingo cooler on the front lawn outside the clubhouse, I had just gotten done playing pool and once again he shouted IDIOT to me and here is this guy dumping the Bingo Cooler on the front lawn.
I notify Joe Hunter about the dumping of the cooler and as of today I have not heard from him.
1 He was playing golf and drove by my house in his golf cart while my back was turn and he shouted IDIOT at me. I had to run up the golf course to see who said it, it was Bingo Paul.
2. While I was playing pool with the boys, he walks in the pool room in front of all the players including one CDD committee member and call me a IDIOT and also said he had $30,000 of bingo money.
3 He drove by my house in his golf cart while I was out working in the yard and shouted IDIOT as loud as he could.
4. One night has I was coming out of the clubhouse after I was playing pool, he shouted at me IDIOT and other obscene words.
5. Just this last Monday, Paul was dumping the Bingo cooler on the front lawn outside the clubhouse, I had just gotten done playing pool and once again he shouted IDIOT to me and here is this guy dumping the Bingo Cooler on the front lawn.
I notify Joe Hunter about the dumping of the cooler and as of today I have not heard from him.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Joe Hunter and Paul Pontious
Let it be known that when Paul thinks one of his Idiots is doing anything wrong he makes up a story to Big "do nothing" Joe Hunter and he quickly writes up a letter to the idiot who really has done nothing. That idiot could be 2,000 miles away and he is guilty as sin. Joe Hunter just wants to get on every body's back. He wants everybody to believe he's the boss. He's got that one wrong. Big Joe Hunter and Bingo Paul are kissing cousins buddies, Guys who make up stories about people doing things that they are not doing. I don't speak to Big Joe and I don't want him to speak to me. He has accuse so many people, including me of things they did not do. Get off my back Joe, and speak to Bingo Paul, write him a letter. Bingo Paul is the biggest lair and has the biggest mouth, and also the biggest gut here at Lake Ashton. I saw this guy dumping the Bingo cooler on the clubhouse lawn last night and I told Joe Hunter by E-mail, I have not yet received a reply from Big Joe. All you residents, dump your cooler on the front lawn, Joe Hunter says its all right. Joe, you are something else.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Neighbors: Man's Home Decor Nuisance For Community
WILBUR-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. -- A Volusia County home has become a nuisance for an entire neighborhood, and county code enforcement is now involved.
Clothes hung around the home and a mound of sand out front are just a couple of the many problems, neighbors said.
"This was, at one time, arguably the prettiest house in the neighborhood," said Wilbur-by-the-Sea resident Pam Lucas.
Lucas is also the president of the local homeowner's association, and she said that since the current resident moved in several years back, things have turned ugly along Venetian Way.
The paint color is an eye-opener, but it's the underwear strung up all around the house, the debris piled high and the ungainly sand mound with projectiles sticking out that disturb so many.
Lucas said most people in the neighborhood are elderly.
"I would imagine that would create stress for anybody, and it has created stress for some of our older neighbors, and we are concerned for them," she said.
Robert Hodges, who goes by the name Prince Mongo, wasn't home on Friday, but neighbors think what they call a bizarre eyesore is retaliation.
Hodges, whose nephew owns the property, was forced to take down an unpermitted deck. That's when the property became a landfill that attracts a steady stream of gawkers, residents said."They're looking at this as they're driving," Lucas said. "They're not paying attention to their driving, so yes, there certainly is a safety issue here."
WESH 2's Claire Metz said it wasn't easy to get anyone in the neighborhood to talk about the property. People in the area are reluctant to confront Hodges. Some said they're afraid of him, but others said they worry they'd be drawing attention to the home and it could get worse.
The property has repeatedly been cited by by county code enforcement, and there are new violations that have been filed, along with a $1,000 lien. Residents are demanding more action, and soon.
county code enforcement, and there are new violations that have been filed, along with a $1,000 lien. Residents are demanding more action, and soon.
Clothes hung around the home and a mound of sand out front are just a couple of the many problems, neighbors said.
"This was, at one time, arguably the prettiest house in the neighborhood," said Wilbur-by-the-Sea resident Pam Lucas.
Lucas is also the president of the local homeowner's association, and she said that since the current resident moved in several years back, things have turned ugly along Venetian Way.
The paint color is an eye-opener, but it's the underwear strung up all around the house, the debris piled high and the ungainly sand mound with projectiles sticking out that disturb so many.
Lucas said most people in the neighborhood are elderly.
"I would imagine that would create stress for anybody, and it has created stress for some of our older neighbors, and we are concerned for them," she said.
Robert Hodges, who goes by the name Prince Mongo, wasn't home on Friday, but neighbors think what they call a bizarre eyesore is retaliation.
Hodges, whose nephew owns the property, was forced to take down an unpermitted deck. That's when the property became a landfill that attracts a steady stream of gawkers, residents said."They're looking at this as they're driving," Lucas said. "They're not paying attention to their driving, so yes, there certainly is a safety issue here."
WESH 2's Claire Metz said it wasn't easy to get anyone in the neighborhood to talk about the property. People in the area are reluctant to confront Hodges. Some said they're afraid of him, but others said they worry they'd be drawing attention to the home and it could get worse.
The property has repeatedly been cited by by county code enforcement, and there are new violations that have been filed, along with a $1,000 lien. Residents are demanding more action, and soon.
county code enforcement, and there are new violations that have been filed, along with a $1,000 lien. Residents are demanding more action, and soon.
It is Sushi & Sake Night at WAVES Gallery & Club. Friday Mar 12th, starting at 6 pm. RSVP deadline is by end of Wednesday.
Wales Gallery & Private Club with private areas with amenities for club members only featuring the art of James R Hahn. Located on 16o Park Ave, Next to the clock, Lake Wales 863-241-3852
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Classifieds
These classifieds actually ran in a Minneapolis newspaper - a smile for your day...
FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER .
8-years old. Hateful little bastard. Bites!
FREE PUPPIES:
1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbor's dog.
FREE PUPPIES..
Mother, AKC German Shepherd.
Father, Super Dog..able to leap tall fences in a single bound.
FOUND DIRTY WHITE DOG.
Looks like a rat. Been out awhile.
Better be a big reward.
COWS, CALVES: NEVER BRED.
Also 1 gay bull for sale.
NORDIC TRACK
$300 Hardly used, call Chubby.
GEORGIA PEACHES
California grown - 89 cents/lb.
JOINING NUDIST COLONY!
Must sell washer and dryer $300.
WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE .
Worn once by mistake. Call Stephanie.
And the best one?:
FOR SALE BY OWNER:
Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes. Excellent condition.$1,000 or best offer. No longer needed. Got married last month. Wife knows everything.
FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER .
8-years old. Hateful little bastard. Bites!
FREE PUPPIES:
1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbor's dog.
FREE PUPPIES..
Mother, AKC German Shepherd.
Father, Super Dog..able to leap tall fences in a single bound.
FOUND DIRTY WHITE DOG.
Looks like a rat. Been out awhile.
Better be a big reward.
COWS, CALVES: NEVER BRED.
Also 1 gay bull for sale.
NORDIC TRACK
$300 Hardly used, call Chubby.
GEORGIA PEACHES
California grown - 89 cents/lb.
JOINING NUDIST COLONY!
Must sell washer and dryer $300.
WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE .
Worn once by mistake. Call Stephanie.
And the best one?:
FOR SALE BY OWNER:
Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes. Excellent condition.$1,000 or best offer. No longer needed. Got married last month. Wife knows everything.
Gun owners
if we didn't have enough to get upset about! If you have a gun, I hope
it isn't registered!
It begins ... more Freedom gone ... the right to protect yourself and your
family gone! Now ALL GUNS must be listed on your next (2010) tax return!
Senate Bill SB-2099 will require us to put on our 2009 1040 federal tax
form all guns that you have or own. It will require fingerprints and a tax
of $50 per gun. This bill was introduced on February 24, 2009, by the Obama
staff. BUT, this bill will only become public knowledge 30 days after the
new law becomes effective! This is an amendment to the Internal Revenue Act
of 1986. This means that the Finance Committee has passed this without the
Senate voting on it at all. Trust Obama? You must be kidding!
The full text of the IRS amendment is on the U.S. Senate homepage:
www.senate.gov .
You can find the bill by doing a search by the bill number, SB-2099. You
know who to call; I strongly suggest you do. Please send a copy of this
e-mail to every gun owner you know.
Text of H.R.45 as Introduced in House: Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and
Record of Sale Act of 2009:
www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h45/text
Obama's Congress is now starting on the firearms confiscation bill. If it
passes, gun owners will become criminals if you don't fully comply.
It has begun ... Whatever Obama's "Secret Master Plan" is ... this is just
the 'tip of the iceberg!'
Very Important for you to be aware of a new bill HR 45 introduced into the
House. This is the Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sale Act of
2009.
Even gun shop owners didn't know about this because the government is
trying to fly it under the radar as a 'minor' IRS revision, and, as usual,
the 'political' lawmakers did not read this bill before signing and
approving it!
To find out about this - go to any government website and type in HR 45 or
Goggle HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009.
You will get all the information.
Basically this would make it illegal to own a firearm - any rifle with a
clip or ANY pistol unless:
1) It is registered
2) You are fingerprinted
3) You supply a current Driver's License
4) You supply your Social Security number
5) You will submit to a physical & mental evaluation at any time of their
choosing
Each update change or ownership through private or public sale must be
reported and costs $25. Failure to do so you automatically lose the right
to own a firearm and are subject up to a year in jail.
There is a child provision clause on page 16 section 305 stating a
child-access provision. Gun must be locked and inaccessible to any child
under 18. They would have the right to come and inspect that you are
storing your gun safely away from accessibility to children and fine is
punishable for up to 5 years in prison.
If you think this is a joke - go to the website and take your pick of many
options to read this. It is long and lengthy. But, more and more people are
becoming aware of this. Pass the word along. Any hunters in your family
pass this along.
This is just a "termite" approach to complete confiscation of guns and
disarming of our society to the point we have no defense - chip away a
little here and there until the goal is accomplished before anyone realizes
it.
This is one to act on whether you own a gun or not.
it isn't registered!
It begins ... more Freedom gone ... the right to protect yourself and your
family gone! Now ALL GUNS must be listed on your next (2010) tax return!
Senate Bill SB-2099 will require us to put on our 2009 1040 federal tax
form all guns that you have or own. It will require fingerprints and a tax
of $50 per gun. This bill was introduced on February 24, 2009, by the Obama
staff. BUT, this bill will only become public knowledge 30 days after the
new law becomes effective! This is an amendment to the Internal Revenue Act
of 1986. This means that the Finance Committee has passed this without the
Senate voting on it at all. Trust Obama? You must be kidding!
The full text of the IRS amendment is on the U.S. Senate homepage:
www.senate.gov .
You can find the bill by doing a search by the bill number, SB-2099. You
know who to call; I strongly suggest you do. Please send a copy of this
e-mail to every gun owner you know.
Text of H.R.45 as Introduced in House: Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and
Record of Sale Act of 2009:
www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h45/text
Obama's Congress is now starting on the firearms confiscation bill. If it
passes, gun owners will become criminals if you don't fully comply.
It has begun ... Whatever Obama's "Secret Master Plan" is ... this is just
the 'tip of the iceberg!'
Very Important for you to be aware of a new bill HR 45 introduced into the
House. This is the Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sale Act of
2009.
Even gun shop owners didn't know about this because the government is
trying to fly it under the radar as a 'minor' IRS revision, and, as usual,
the 'political' lawmakers did not read this bill before signing and
approving it!
To find out about this - go to any government website and type in HR 45 or
Goggle HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009.
You will get all the information.
Basically this would make it illegal to own a firearm - any rifle with a
clip or ANY pistol unless:
1) It is registered
2) You are fingerprinted
3) You supply a current Driver's License
4) You supply your Social Security number
5) You will submit to a physical & mental evaluation at any time of their
choosing
Each update change or ownership through private or public sale must be
reported and costs $25. Failure to do so you automatically lose the right
to own a firearm and are subject up to a year in jail.
There is a child provision clause on page 16 section 305 stating a
child-access provision. Gun must be locked and inaccessible to any child
under 18. They would have the right to come and inspect that you are
storing your gun safely away from accessibility to children and fine is
punishable for up to 5 years in prison.
If you think this is a joke - go to the website and take your pick of many
options to read this. It is long and lengthy. But, more and more people are
becoming aware of this. Pass the word along. Any hunters in your family
pass this along.
This is just a "termite" approach to complete confiscation of guns and
disarming of our society to the point we have no defense - chip away a
little here and there until the goal is accomplished before anyone realizes
it.
This is one to act on whether you own a gun or not.
Tarzan You will love this one
A couple of movie critics were discussing old movies and wondered whatever happened to Tarzan. So they decided to look for him and ask him a few questions. Finally they located him, and the conversation went like this:
- Tarzan how come we haven't seen you in a movie in a long time?
- Well, I've had a bad case of arthritis and I can't swim anymore or jump from branch to branch.
- What about Jane, Tarzan?
- Jane is in really bad shape. She has Alzheimer and doesn't know who I am anymore.
- What a shame. What can you tell us about your son Boy?
- Well, we don't see much of Boy lately. He stopped going to school and he only comes around to see us when he needs money or a favor.
- That's sad Tarzan. What about Cheetah. Have you heard anything about her?
- Oh Cheetah. She's really doing well. She married a lawyer and is now living in the White House.
- Tarzan how come we haven't seen you in a movie in a long time?
- Well, I've had a bad case of arthritis and I can't swim anymore or jump from branch to branch.
- What about Jane, Tarzan?
- Jane is in really bad shape. She has Alzheimer and doesn't know who I am anymore.
- What a shame. What can you tell us about your son Boy?
- Well, we don't see much of Boy lately. He stopped going to school and he only comes around to see us when he needs money or a favor.
- That's sad Tarzan. What about Cheetah. Have you heard anything about her?
- Oh Cheetah. She's really doing well. She married a lawyer and is now living in the White House.
Chryslers Railroad
> This is unbelievable.
>
> This could be a scandal of epic proportions and one that makes Nixon's
> Watergate or Clinton's Monica Lewinsky affair pale by comparison. Why
> was there neither rhyme nor reason as to which dealerships of the
> Chrysler Corporation were to be closed? Roll the clock back to the weeks
> just before Chrysler declared bankruptcy. Chrysler, like GM, was in dire
> financial straights and federal government graciously offered to "buy
> the company" and keep them out of bankruptcy and "save jobs." Chrysler
> was, in the words of Obama and his administration, "Too big to fail,"
> same story with GM.
>
> The feds organized their "Automotive Task Force" to fix Chrysler and GM.
> Obama, in an act that is 100% unconstitutional, appointed a guy named
> Steve Rattner to be the White House's official Car Czar- literally,
> that's what his title is. Rattner is the liaison between Obama,
> Chrysler, and GM.
>
> Initially, the national media reported that Chrysler had made this list
> of dealerships. That is not true. The Washington Examiner, Newsmax, Fox
> New and a host of other news agencies discovered that the list of
> dealerships was put together by the "Automotive Task Force" headed by no
> one other then Mr. Steve Rattner. Now the plot thickens. Remember
> earlier we said earlier that there was neither rhyme nor reason why
> certain dealerships were closed? Actually there's a very interesting
> pattern as to who was closed down. Again, on May 27, 2009, The
> Washington Examiner and Newsmax exposed the connection. Amazingly, of
> the 789 dealerships closed by the federal government 788 had donated
> money, exclusively, to Republican political causes, while contributing
> nothing to Democratic political causes. The only "Democratic" dealership
> on the list was found to have donated $7,700 to Hillary's campaign, and
> a bit over $2,000 to John Edwards. This same dealership, reportedly,
> also gave $200.00 to Obama's campaign. Does that seem a little odd to
> you?
>
> Steve Rattner, the guy who put the list together. Well he happens to be
> married to a babe named Maureen White. Maureen happens to be the former
> national finance chairman of the Democratic National Committee. As such,
> she would have access to campaign donation records from everyone in the
> nation, Republican or Democrat. But of course, this is just a wacky
> coincidence, we're certain.
>
> Then comes another really wacky coincidence. On that list of dealerships
> being closed down, a weird thing happened in Arkansas, North Louisiana,
> and Southern Missouri. It seems that Bill Clinton's former White House
> Chief of Staff, Mack McClarty, owns a chain of dealership in that
> region, partnered with a fellow by the name of Robert Johnson. Johnson
> happens to be founder of Black Entertainment Television and was a huge
> Obama supporter and financier. These guys own a half dozen Chrysler
> stores under the company title of RLJ-McClarty-Landers. Interestingly,
> none of their dealerships were ordered closed - not one- while all of
> their competing Chrysler/Dodge and Jeep dealership were! Eight
> dealerships located near the dealerships owned by McClarty and Johnson
> were ordered shut down. Thus, by pure luck, these two major Obama
> supporters now have virtual monopoly on Chrysler sales in their zone.
> Isn't that amazing? Go look in The Washington Examiner, the story's
> there, and it's in a dozen or so other web-based news organization, this
> isn't being made up.
>
> Now if you thought Chrysler was owned by Fiat, you are truly mistaken.
> Under the federal court ruling, 65% of Chrysler is now owned by the
> federal government and the United Auto Worker's union- Fiat owns 20%.
> The other 15% is till privately owned and presumably will be traded on
> the stock market. Obama smiles and says he doesn't want to run the auto
> industry.
>
> As horrifying as this is to comprehend, and being as how this used to be
> the United States of America, it would appear that the president has the
> power to destroy private businesses and eliminate upwards of 100,000
> jobs, just because they don't agree with his political agenda. This is
> Nazi Germany stuff, and it's happening right here, right now, in your
> back yard. There are voices in Washington demanding an explanation, but
> the "Automotive Task Force" has released no information to the public or
> any of the senators demanding answers for what has been done. Keep your
> ear to the ground for more on this story. If you've ever wanted to make
> a difference about anything in your life, get on the phone to your
> national senator or representative in the House and demand an
> investigation on this.
>
> Benjamin Franklin had it right when he said, "All that's necessary for
> evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
>
> Car Czar No More
>
> An amazing thing happened as this story was going to press. Obama's Car
> Czar, Steve Rattner, resigned on July 13 and was promptly replaced by
> former steel workers union boss Ron Bloom. According to CBS News,
> Rattner left "to return to private life and spend time with his family."
> Treasure Secretary Tim Geithner said, "I hope that he takes another
> opportunity to bring his unique skills to government service in the
> future." By the way, Rattner is under investigation for a multi-million
> dollar pay-to-play investment bank scandal in New York. Uh-oh! But,
> we're certain that had nothing to do with his resignation. And,
> according to several news sources out there, there are rumors he's being
> investigated for what could be pay-to-play scandal involving the closing
> of Chrysler and GM dealerships. Really? Again, that couldn't have
> anything to with his resignation- that's ridiculous! Like CBS said, this
> guy just wants to spend more quality time with his family. Obama has
> thirty-two personally appointed "czars" that answer to no one but him,
> all of whom are acting without any Constitutional authority. But hey,
> we're sure they all have "unique skills," as Tim Geithner likes to say.
>
>
>
> This could be a scandal of epic proportions and one that makes Nixon's
> Watergate or Clinton's Monica Lewinsky affair pale by comparison. Why
> was there neither rhyme nor reason as to which dealerships of the
> Chrysler Corporation were to be closed? Roll the clock back to the weeks
> just before Chrysler declared bankruptcy. Chrysler, like GM, was in dire
> financial straights and federal government graciously offered to "buy
> the company" and keep them out of bankruptcy and "save jobs." Chrysler
> was, in the words of Obama and his administration, "Too big to fail,"
> same story with GM.
>
> The feds organized their "Automotive Task Force" to fix Chrysler and GM.
> Obama, in an act that is 100% unconstitutional, appointed a guy named
> Steve Rattner to be the White House's official Car Czar- literally,
> that's what his title is. Rattner is the liaison between Obama,
> Chrysler, and GM.
>
> Initially, the national media reported that Chrysler had made this list
> of dealerships. That is not true. The Washington Examiner, Newsmax, Fox
> New and a host of other news agencies discovered that the list of
> dealerships was put together by the "Automotive Task Force" headed by no
> one other then Mr. Steve Rattner. Now the plot thickens. Remember
> earlier we said earlier that there was neither rhyme nor reason why
> certain dealerships were closed? Actually there's a very interesting
> pattern as to who was closed down. Again, on May 27, 2009, The
> Washington Examiner and Newsmax exposed the connection. Amazingly, of
> the 789 dealerships closed by the federal government 788 had donated
> money, exclusively, to Republican political causes, while contributing
> nothing to Democratic political causes. The only "Democratic" dealership
> on the list was found to have donated $7,700 to Hillary's campaign, and
> a bit over $2,000 to John Edwards. This same dealership, reportedly,
> also gave $200.00 to Obama's campaign. Does that seem a little odd to
> you?
>
> Steve Rattner, the guy who put the list together. Well he happens to be
> married to a babe named Maureen White. Maureen happens to be the former
> national finance chairman of the Democratic National Committee. As such,
> she would have access to campaign donation records from everyone in the
> nation, Republican or Democrat. But of course, this is just a wacky
> coincidence, we're certain.
>
> Then comes another really wacky coincidence. On that list of dealerships
> being closed down, a weird thing happened in Arkansas, North Louisiana,
> and Southern Missouri. It seems that Bill Clinton's former White House
> Chief of Staff, Mack McClarty, owns a chain of dealership in that
> region, partnered with a fellow by the name of Robert Johnson. Johnson
> happens to be founder of Black Entertainment Television and was a huge
> Obama supporter and financier. These guys own a half dozen Chrysler
> stores under the company title of RLJ-McClarty-Landers. Interestingly,
> none of their dealerships were ordered closed - not one- while all of
> their competing Chrysler/Dodge and Jeep dealership were! Eight
> dealerships located near the dealerships owned by McClarty and Johnson
> were ordered shut down. Thus, by pure luck, these two major Obama
> supporters now have virtual monopoly on Chrysler sales in their zone.
> Isn't that amazing? Go look in The Washington Examiner, the story's
> there, and it's in a dozen or so other web-based news organization, this
> isn't being made up.
>
> Now if you thought Chrysler was owned by Fiat, you are truly mistaken.
> Under the federal court ruling, 65% of Chrysler is now owned by the
> federal government and the United Auto Worker's union- Fiat owns 20%.
> The other 15% is till privately owned and presumably will be traded on
> the stock market. Obama smiles and says he doesn't want to run the auto
> industry.
>
> As horrifying as this is to comprehend, and being as how this used to be
> the United States of America, it would appear that the president has the
> power to destroy private businesses and eliminate upwards of 100,000
> jobs, just because they don't agree with his political agenda. This is
> Nazi Germany stuff, and it's happening right here, right now, in your
> back yard. There are voices in Washington demanding an explanation, but
> the "Automotive Task Force" has released no information to the public or
> any of the senators demanding answers for what has been done. Keep your
> ear to the ground for more on this story. If you've ever wanted to make
> a difference about anything in your life, get on the phone to your
> national senator or representative in the House and demand an
> investigation on this.
>
> Benjamin Franklin had it right when he said, "All that's necessary for
> evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
>
> Car Czar No More
>
> An amazing thing happened as this story was going to press. Obama's Car
> Czar, Steve Rattner, resigned on July 13 and was promptly replaced by
> former steel workers union boss Ron Bloom. According to CBS News,
> Rattner left "to return to private life and spend time with his family."
> Treasure Secretary Tim Geithner said, "I hope that he takes another
> opportunity to bring his unique skills to government service in the
> future." By the way, Rattner is under investigation for a multi-million
> dollar pay-to-play investment bank scandal in New York. Uh-oh! But,
> we're certain that had nothing to do with his resignation. And,
> according to several news sources out there, there are rumors he's being
> investigated for what could be pay-to-play scandal involving the closing
> of Chrysler and GM dealerships. Really? Again, that couldn't have
> anything to with his resignation- that's ridiculous! Like CBS said, this
> guy just wants to spend more quality time with his family. Obama has
> thirty-two personally appointed "czars" that answer to no one but him,
> all of whom are acting without any Constitutional authority. But hey,
> we're sure they all have "unique skills," as Tim Geithner likes to say.
>
>
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