CHART 1…

CHART 2….

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Source: Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office

outh Florida Sun-Sentinel

Source: Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office

Excerpts….

“FORT LAUDERDALE – Twenty-six of 31 cities, as well as Broward County government, both hospital districts and the local children services agency, are looking at raising tax rates and fees on property owners this year.

The proposals are in response to the worst decline in Broward’s tax roll in decades. The rate hikes would allow officials to avoid severe cuts to public safety and communities. Still, local governments are looking at reducing hours at parks and libraries, laying off employees and freezing salaries.

The Property Appraiser’s Office mailed the first batch of preliminary tax notices to residents last week, detailing their new property value and tentative bill. The agency expects to finish the mailing by Aug. 21 and is bracing for a deluge of complaints.

“I don’t ever remember rate increases this high,” Property Appraiser Lori Parrish said.

The impact will vary according to how long residents have owned their property.

Longtime owners built large tax exemptions during the real estate boom and would pay higher taxes in many cases this year. Because of their exemptions, they do not pay taxes at their home’s full market value and won’t benefit from the decline in real estate prices. Residents who bought homes more recently could see some savings despite higher rates because their homes are taxed more closely to current values.

A longtime owner of a home valued last year at $200,000 in Hollywood, for example, would pay an extra $222 to the city in taxes and fees, while a new owner of the same home would pay $76 more if the property’s value declined at the county average.

Local governments lived off the windfall from rising property values during Florida’s real estate boom, allowing officials to keep tax rates stable while collecting more money. But the taxable value of property in Broward has declined two consecutive years, falling 10.5 percent this year from $166.4 billion to $147.2 billion.

Among Broward cities, only Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Park, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Sea Ranch Lakes have not proposed higher tax rates. Fort Lauderdale is avoiding an increase by tapping rainy day reserves, not filling vacant jobs and even letting the grass in city parks grow longer.”

full text link below….

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/sfl-broward-higher-taxes-081709,0,1345414.story

Posted in Uncategorized

THEY’RE HOBNOBBING…… IN ORLANDO ….

http://www.marriottworldcenter.com/about-us/media-room.aspx

BC- from the 13-15th…comparing notes and feeling important……below what’s in store for today….

Saturday, August 15, 2009

7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Past Presidents’ Luncheon Ticket Exchange Open

7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. – Various Local/Regional League Breakfast Meetings
Contact your local league for more information.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Coffee Service

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Technology Center Open

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Registration Desk Open

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Voting Delegate Registration Open

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Annual Business Meeting

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Coffee Service

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Youth Council Program
If your city’s youth council is interested in participating, contact Casey Cook at (850) 701-3609.

10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Second General Session
Featuring keynote presentations by Florida CFO Alex Sink and former Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Michael K. Powell.

12:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. – Past Presidents’ Luncheon and Installation of New President

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Workshop – A Purple State of Mind: How to Think Differently about the Things that Divide Us Most

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Roundtable Discussions (for information, see Friday’s schedule)

6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – Childcare Provided. Pre-registration required.

6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – “Taste of Florida” Closing Night Event
Celebrate our state with this unique event. It will showcase the best Florida has to offer in food, entertainment and culture.

9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – An Evening with Dave Barry
Round out the night by enjoying the sardonic wit of humorist Dave Barry.

http://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/Events.aspx?CNID=1193

Posted in Uncategorized

Now thru the end of summer you’ll save 20% on any UV glass purchase and know you’re protecting your pictures for generations to come.

Posted in Uncategorized

BC- CRACKIN” THE WHIP….on the volume ….

Excerpts…

“Fort Lauderdale tells beach bars to be quiet after 11 p.m.
Live musicians at Fort Lauderdale beach’s bars have been given an 11 p.m. bedtime by City Hall.
Code enforcers are cracking down on loud music late at night in bars all over town, including at the historic Elbo Room at Fort Lauderdale beach. (Click here to see my Friday post on this, with a videotaped interview with Gary Gore the guitar player.)
The beachfront bars and restaurants were ordered to stop blaring their music after 11 p.m. or face heavy fines.
City code manager Michael Maloney said there’s not a complete curfew on music; just on loud music. Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom said the noise enforcement was prompted by condo residents’ continuous complaints.“It’s a constant battle between the residents and the entertainment district,’’ said Rodstrom.
The city passed a new, stricter noise law a year ago, and in January began to turn down the dial on “excessive noise at the beach,’’ Maloney said. Inspectors took decibel readings, and issued noise citations.
The loud music didn’t stop.
Beach residents know they’re not moving to a pastoral, quiet setting, he said.
Penrod, whose family has owned the iconic bar for 30 years, said she thinks the crackdown “will hurt us.’’ “It’d be like going down to Key West and Sloppy Joe’s closing at 11. It doesn’t make sense.’’
On a recent weekday, musician Gary Gore was on stage in the extremely casual Elbo Room, belting out “I Alone.’’ Live acts used to play until 2 or 3 in the morning. Now the bar switches to quieter house music after 11.
Gore was so baffled by the crackdown, he could only theorize that someone wants the land to build “more high-rises.’’
“It’s obviously absurd. It’s someone playing with the political process, messing with the democratic process. … Who are we loud to? We’re across the street from the beach.’’
At the northern end of the same block, Cafe del Mar general manager Arturo Soares smoked a cigar at a sidewalk table.
“This is the last party block on A1A,’’ he said, “where people of every walk of life are welcome to come down. …. We embellish the experience with live entertainment.’’
“By 11 o’clock, even my canned music needs to be off,’’ he said. “No music outside at all.’’
And, he said, “the minute you shut off your music, everyone leaves.’’
At the nearby Venetian condo, resident Vicki Mowrey said she didn’t complain, and those who did should “move to Weston,’’ Broward’s western-most city.
“It’s like moving next to the train track and complaining because the trains go by,’’ she said, “which people do all the time.’’

Full text link below….

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2009/08/fort_lauderdale_tells_beach_ba.html

Posted in Uncategorized

THE IRS IS COMING….

BC- Lunch at the Blue Moon guys?……….Valet parking…

Excerpt…
‘A state agency with authority over charities plans to review the operations of a South Florida foundation that took in millions of dollars by reselling donated yachts but spent only a portion of the proceeds on its main mission: saving sea turtles.

The state Department of Agriculture’s Consumer Services Division has assigned an investigator to look into the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation, headquartered in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, to “see if there is anything amiss,” agency spokesman Terry McElroy said.

The state inspection was prompted by a story about the foundation’s finances in Sunday’s South Florida Sun Sentinel. The newspaper reported that the charity received donated boats worth more than $48 million over 11 years, and sold them for $35 million, according to its Form 990s filed with the Internal Revenue Service. In those records, the foundation said it spent $7.6 million on activities to save endangered sea turtles, but that sum included costs for computers, rent, salaries and other administrative costs.

The organization has drawn concern from some conservationists who wonder whether its chief purpose is to help turtles or acquire and resell large boats.

The foundation’s tax lawyer, Ira Zuckerman of Hollywood, said Wednesday that the charity is in full compliance with all state regulations. “We file everything we’re supposed to, we’re not doing anything inappropriate,” he said.

In 2007, the foundation received the lowest possible rating from Charity Navigator, a watchdog group, because the foundation reported spending only 5 percent of its revenue then on programs, versus 90 percent on fundraising. The IRS subjected the charity to a lengthy audit and determined that it was not violating federal rules.

McElroy said a state Agriculture Department investigator likely will visit the foundation and “ask what is going on, perhaps ask for paperwork and possibly interview people.”

“We want to see some evidence that the underlying charitable cause is getting something,” McElroy said.

Under Florida law, charities must devote at least some of their income to their tax-exempt purpose, but there is no legally mandated minimum.

full text link below….

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-turtle-charity-inquiry-b080509,0,7890945.story

Posted in Uncategorized

Come in out of the heat this summer and check out our COOL selection of diamond, white gold, sterling silver, and stainless steel jewelry! Browse our huge selection of PANDORA including new Summer Glass beads!

PERIDOT – AUGUST BIRTHSTONE

Prized by the ancient Egyptians as the gemstone of the sun, peridot has been credited with a host of healing properties and magical powers. A guard against the evil eye, peridot was thought to sweeten dreams and reveal insights. August’s birthstone, peridot is also recognized as the preferred gift for the 16th wedding anniversary. Historically, peridot was believed to bring happiness, attract love and foster friendship. The gem of bliss and good fortune, periodot illuminates the sunny disposition of those who wear it. Formed in volcanoes, peridot ranges in color from yellowish green to deep olive. Peridot comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and we are sure to have the perfect peridot in stock for you or your loved one on that special occasion or “just because”.

August “It’s All In The Bag” PANDORA Promotion
Calling all handbag lovers! Receive a FREE PANDORA purse hanger with any purchase of $100 or more of PANDORA jewelry from August 1-31, 2009.
The perfect solution for keeping your handbag
in sight and off the floor!
($25 value, limit one per customer, while supplies last.)

New for Summer: PANDORA Heart Murano Glass Beads!

ICY COOL DIAMONDS !
Beat the heat this summer with a cool new piece of “ICE”!
Check out our beautiful new collection of fancy colored diamonds in pink, yellow, blue, and champagne!!! Browse our huge selection of diamond jewelry including engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond fashion rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets.
Stainless Steel & Silver Jewelry Clearance Sale
Come by and browse our huge selection of stainless steel men’s jewelry, pens, money clips, and more. ALL 50% OFF !!!

We also have various designer Sterling Silver jewelry
on sale 30-50% off! Quantities are limited-stop by today!

WE BUY GOLD! TURN YOUR OLD GOLD INTO CASH!

Store Hours Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Sincerely,

P.J. Rossi Jewelers
IJO Master Jeweler
PANDORA Jewelry Gold Dealer
217 Commercial Blvd.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida 33308
954-492-9133
www.pjrossijewelers.com

Join Our Mailing List

Save $20 Print this coupon out and bring in for $20 off your next purchase of $100 or more at
P.J. Rossi Jewelers during the month of August. Offer excludes PANDORA, consignment jewelry, watch batteries, and repairs.
Offer Expires: August 31, 2009

Posted in Uncategorized

Sea Watch Restaurant
on the Ocean
6002 N. Ocean Blvd.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308
(954) 781-2200
Full Moon Party!!!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
5:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Live Entertainment
32 oz. Drink Specials
Light Fare from the Grill
Contest & Prizes for All Ages
Special Activities for Kids
Enjoy the Most Beautiful View
in South Florida!!!!!!!

Posted in Uncategorized

UPCOMING EVENTS
• August 7 – Don’t miss your chance to win an ORIGINALPAINTING by artist NIA NAKIS. Proceeds benefit United Way of Broward County
• August 13- Bonnet House Fine Artist’s
• August 21- Opening reception introducing Roy Butler benefiting Family Central
• August 28 – Final Reception with Roy Butler benefiting Flamingo Gardens
pre-sale raffle tickets are available for each of our events…don’t miss your chance to win!
Raffle Items

Sangri-La
original acrylic
by
Nia Nakis

Raffle drawing on
FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2009
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Ticket Prices:
1 – $10 or 3 – $20
*participants DO NOT need to be present to win*
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Best Life Salon & Day Spa is now donating 15% of sales to our charity of the week when you mention our name at the time of your service. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive first class salon and spa services while contributing to a worthy cause.

954.562.3004
3333 NE 32nd Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL
NEW CUSTOMERS
• $55 Signature Power Facial
• $15 Brow, Chin, Lip or Ear waxing
• $40 Goldwell Color Touch-ups
*Valid Monday – Thursday with appointment
Special thanks to spa owner Erich Kissel

Dear Friends of the Gallery,

Here at the gallery we know that summer can be a busy time and we would like to thank all of our patrons for your continued support at our Friday receptions. Despite the oppressive heat or torrential rain you have come out in impressive numbers to support our charities and for that we are grateful. Be sure to stop in this month and check out our newest additions to our list of featured artists including original works form Michael Alexander and Cary Howard.

As always we are looking to share our good fortune with others through charitable giving and event planning. If you are part of an organization or know someone else who is and would be interested in planning an event with us, please contact our newest employee, Andrea here at the gallery and she will be happy to assist you (954.566.8011).

Please read on to learn about about our newest services and a complete guide to our upcoming events!

Sincerely,

Randy Liebig
St. Lawrence Gallery

Posted in Uncategorized

BC- Cracking the foundation…could have some turtle friendly “donors “….heading out to sea?….

Excerpt…
‘LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA – For two decades, a charity headquartered on the Intracoastal Waterway has made boat owners an unusual offer: Give us your yachts, and we’ll sell them to help endangered sea turtles.

The National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation enticed donors with hefty tax deductions and, sometimes, a wad of cash up front. So many mariners heeded the call that during an 11-year period, the charity reported gifts of at least 150 boats.

No bathtub flotilla, the vessels were worth a combined $48 million, the charity reported to the Internal Revenue Service. Among the donations: two 82-foot San Lorenzos, a 90-foot Striker, six Bertrams, 17 Hatterases and a 63-foot Viking — along with the occasional WaveRunner.

Some whose profession or passion is safeguarding the sea reptiles now wonder, where did the money go?

“It certainly didn’t come to us,” said Carmelo Duesler, a services specialist at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, a turtle nesting site in Dania Beach that collects data for scientists worldwide.

Moreover, the foundation’s links to a local boat brokerage have led some to question its primary purpose: to assist turtles, or to engage in the acquisition and resale of luxury watercraft?

“They’re not advocates. They’ve never been advocates,” said David Godfrey, executive director of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, a Gainesville nonprofit organization with extensive turtle research and protection programs.

The National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation’s accountant and attorney say the organization has funded many worthwhile projects, including beach and waterway cleanups and education programs for schools and scouts.

They note that the IRS subjected the tax-exempt foundation to an exhaustive audit in recent years and determined that it was engaged in charitable work and its pursuits did not violate federal rules.

“They’ve done a lot of good things through this foundation,” said the accountant, Carl F. Fisher III.
Boats sailed in
Frank Wojcik, 72, a Lauderdale-by-the-Sea boat broker, created the foundation and serves as its executive director. The charity and his company, Four Points Yacht and Ship Brokers, share office space. A Four Points salesman is “in charge of solicitation activities” for the foundation, state records show.

In 1987, the year the foundation began operations, Wojcik wrote to the IRS seeking tax-exempt status, saying members wanted to donate boats “for beach patrol and sea rescue of injured turtles.” The IRS approved the request, and the boats sailed in.

The IRS declined the Sun Sentinel’s request for an interview about its review of the foundation finances. But independent specialists said IRS regulations in place at the time allowed plenty of latitude for charitable organizations.’

full text link below….

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fort-lauderdale/sfl-sea-turtle-charity-080209sbaug02,0,7705536.story

Posted in Uncategorized

FILE IT IN CIRCULAR….

BC- …FAN MAIL FROM SOME FLOUNDER?….DELEGATED TO DELETE!…

Sentinel part 1 & 2….

‘Fort Lauderdale – If you’re one of the many who e-mailed the city’s Planning & Zoning Board with thoughts on the Bahia Mar redevelopment, consider yourself deleted.

Board member Fred Stresau said he doesn’t want your e-mails, and he deleted them without reading them. Next time you e-mail him, you’ll get a reply saying your e-mail will be deleted, “unread and unwanted,” he said Monday.

Stresau complained that he got more than 100 e-mails from the public about the Bahia Mar condo-marina-hotel complex a developer hopes to build on city land at the beach. The Planning & Zoning Board was scheduled to vote on it July 15, but postponed it.

“I’ll tell you what,” Stresau said that night, “I don’t need to hear from all these people that were here tonight, to have my e-mail clogged up because the city gave my e-mail address out.”

Assistant City Attorney Sharon Miller advised Stresau that if his private e-mail address is in city records, it’s a public record “now and forever.”

“Then I’ll change my e-mail address,” he responded. “This is absolutely ridiculous!”‘

‘Fort Lauderdale City Attorney issued a legal opinion yesterday in the unwanted-emails controversy.

City attorney Harry Stewart was asked to give a legal opinion about whether an advisory board member can legally delete emails from the public that arrive in a private email account and are unread. That’s what Stresau said he did with emails from city residents about the Bahia Mar redevelopment.

Stewart said there is a “dearth of legal precedent” on this topic, and that “until determined otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction,” he advises that deleting without reading is OK. (The same would apparently apply to tossing mail into the garbage unread, or returning FedEx packages to the developer, unopened, like board member Pete Witschen said he did.)

Stewart went on to say in his memo that if the emails are read, the advisory board member should announce at the public hearing “the receipt of an ex parte communication” and present it to the city, in the same way that board members announce conversations they had with the developer or others involved in the case, before they vote.

Note: If public officials delete your emails without reading them, they are still retained in the city computer system.

This whole to-do will be resolved, city officials say, by giving advisory board members email addresses at “fortlauderdale.gov.”’

full text link below…………

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2009/07/fort_lauderdale_city_attorney.html

Posted in Uncategorized