Fellow Floridian:

This week we’ve watched the tragic aftermath of disasters on both coasts - a tornado that hit Pensacola and the wildfires burning across Southern California.  We all must remember that tragedy can happen at any time and we must be vigilant about being prepared.
 
If you do not have a disaster plan for your family, make one now.  This is important not just during Hurricane Season but throughout the year.  Think of all the things that could go wrong and set a place where your family will meet.  Have copies of financial documents ready to go.  Remember to plan for family members with special needs, and pets, too.
 
This week we will be enjoying visits from “goblins and ghouls” who will prowl our neighborhoods for Halloween treats.  We wish everyone a safe and fun holiday. 

Settlement Agreement

CFO Sink last Friday was the keynote speaker at an awards ceremony held by the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc., a law firm of 30 attorneys specializing in providing civil legal assistance to low-income persons. During the ceremony, the organization gave its Equal Justice Award, its highest honor, to Bob Beckham of Holland & Knight. Part of Beckham’s pro bono service includes representing clients for the Innocence Project, an organization dedicated to exonerating people who were wrongfully convicted through DNA testing.
Seven other individual attorneys from various law firms were also recognized for pro bono work during the past year. Sink told the audience it is critical to ensure that the justice system “works for all people, whether they can afford to hire a lawyer or not.”

Earlier that same day, Sink held a business roundtable meeting with members of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce on current business and economic issues. The informal discussion touched on many issues, with emphasis on property insurance to property taxes, with the CFO renewing calls for balance and keeping the long view in mind.

1-800-22-STORM

Pensacola was surprised on October 18 by a weather event - a tornado that was rated an EF1 on the enhanced Fujita scale – that translates to 86-109 mph. The maximum width of the tornado was about 150 yards and the track length was about 7 miles. The tornado lasted for about fifteen minutes.

Damage began with touchdown along the water just northeast of Pensacola Naval Air Station. Boats were flipped over near the Boca Chica drawbridge and the twister tracked to the northeast. Minor tree and power line damage occurred along this track.

The tornado started causing a little more damage when several homes were heavily damaged and a church had part of its roof taken off. Four minor injuries also happened in this area.

A daycare center had been alerted to the tornado’s approach and had taken cover several minutes before it hit. The children were protected well and had no injuries. Ball field bleachers were turned over and power lines were down. Thirty cars in the Target parking lot were totally destroyed, with very little damage was done to the store.

The storm destroyed four structures, caused major damage to twenty-four structures and caused minor damage to fifty-eight structures. Including the 30 cars in the Target parking lot, the damage adds up.

Now would be an excellent time to purchase a NOAA all-hazards radio. A weather radio will alert you when a severe weather warning is issued and can be purchased at electronics, department and drug stores.

Being prepared for a storm can mean survival.

CFO Sink made a special trip last Friday to deliver a check for over $28,000 to  Baker County middle school nurse Shelly Bennett. When contacted by the Bureau of Unclaimed Property about the unclaimed cash in her name, Ms. Bennett thought it was a scam. But it was the real thing, mostly from certificate stocks that had been turned over to the state.

"I'm so glad we were able to find Ms. Bennett and give her this money back," said Sink. "I encourage all Floridians to visit our Web site. With nearly eight million accounts, the chances are good we are holding cash or property for you or someone you know."

Go to www.FLTreasureHunt.org or click on the "Search for Unclaimed Property" button to the right to search for your name.