Local Stuff

When the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 came through, the government chartered insurance company of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Co, ran out of money. They ran out of money because they were undercharging high hazard coastal properties.  For the last 10 years, if you have a home, auto, boat or business insurance policy in Florida, you have been paying a 1.4% assessment to make up the difference.  You can thank the Florida Legislature for the privilege of reimbursing coastal millionaires.

The good news is the assessment ends this year, and you will save a few dollars.  Citizens is in much better financial health these days, and hopefully will not need to assess you the next time we get a hurricane.  Read more at Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

Last week, we asked  if you had a roadside emergency kit in your cars, and if your kit includes tire changing tools.  This week, we ask, “Do you know how to use the tools?”   We found a very good article, with lots of pictures, from WikiHow on how to change a tire.  Maybe you could make practicing tire changing a family activity this weekend and have some fun with it. Think NASCAR!   Most folks plan to call AAA first anyway, but you never know if your mobile phone is going to work or how long it could take to for help to arrive.

John was privileged to serve as a judge at the Columbia County Math Bee last night sponsored by Rotary.  After ten grueling rounds of word problems, Eastside Elementary took home the trophy.  Congratulations Eastside!  In fact, every school fielded an impressive team.  The problems were difficult.   It is good to see there are plenty of future engineers, scientists, doctors and researchers in our midst.  John was thrilled the answers were provided to the judges and  he didn’t have to figure out the answers himself.

I was reminded last weekend, on a quick trip to Jacksonville, the importance of a roadside emergency kit.  A young driver needed a jump, so I pulled out my jumper cables to help.  This caused me to think, “What else might I need?”  What about a first aid kit and a  fire extinguisher?  Have I practiced changing my tire with the manufacturer provided jack lift?  The answer is no.  I have not practiced.  I don’t have an extinguisher and no first aid kit. All I have are jumper cables.  I need to get better at this.  Here is a a good article from Consumer Reports about what to include in an emergency roadside kit.   We hope you find this useful.

Congratulations PCS-Phosphate for being presented Outstanding Community Service Award by United Way of Suwannee Valley.

We  congratulate Jim Moses and his family on receiving the United Way Presidential Volunteer Services Award.    The Wheeler Agency proudly supports the United Way Annual Banquet to recognize great volunteers like Jim.