Today's Quote 12-31-2007

"The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine." Mike Murdock

Pit Bulls and other mean dogs

In my opinion, pit bulls and other mean dogs who hurt and sometimes kill people and other pets are a product of people who are mistreating the dogs or just not being responsible pet owners. The Florida Times-Union reports on 12/30/2007 of "A rash of serious pit bull attacks on the First Cost this year..." siting a sampling of local attacks this past year.

Cindy Bishop, executive director of the Florida East Coast Humane Society in St. Augustine, who counsels potential owners before adoption is quoted as saying: "I tell them, I have a dog that people are afraid of just based on what kind he is and what he looks like, I have to be 10 times as responsible as anybody else." And I know what she means. In my lifetime, I have owned 2 German Shepards and currently have a very sweet tempered mix between a Pit Bull and Dalmation. You should see my yard and the fence and concrete I have installed to keep my dog in the yard. She actually stays in the house with me most of the time.....You can see her on my website at www.plattrealty.com under ABOUT US....I talk and show pictures of some of my pets.

Because pit bulls are overbred by people who want mean dogs to fight them, the dogs are often mistreated and dumped. I think something should be done about allowing people to bred and fight dogs. And something should be done about people who chain the dogs, which will make them more violent.

Other dogs considered to be attackers are the Akitas, chowchows, Rottweilers, and German Shepperds.

"Experts say it's important to put dog attacks in a broader context. The number of fatal dog attacks is far fewer than fatalities from drowning, biking accidents and even lightning strikes, according to the National Canine Research Council, which records and investigates deaths caused by canines."

Shelter Policies:

Animal shelters screen dogs to make sure they are not dangerous, and are now screening humans to make sure they are a good match. Below is a list of shelters and their policies. (Info is taken from The Florida Times-Union, 12/30/2007. )

Jacksonville Animal Care and Control. No breed ban on adoptions. They discourage dog adoption to families with children under 6, and does a special screening for those who want to adopt pit bulls, Akitas, chowchows, Doberman pinschers, English bulldogs, German shepherds, Great Danes, mastiffs, Rottweilers, St. Bernards and Har-Peis, as well as mixes of those breeds.

Florida East Cost Humane Society (St. Augustine): No breed ban on adoptions. The shelter does a temperament exam on every animal and screens potential pit bull owners with extra caution, and may even conduct a home visit.

St. Johns Animal Control: Pit bulls not adopted out. They screen behavior of all dogs.

Putnam Animal Control: Pit bulls not adopted out. There is a possibility of an exemption for an extremely docile doge, although staff is reported to say that has never happened.

Clay Animal Control: No Breed ban on adoptions. They do a temperament exam on every animal.

Nassau Animal Control: No breed ban on adoptions. They do a temperament exam on every animal.

Jacksonville Humane Society: No breed ban on adoptions. They do a temperament exam on every animal and screen potential owners.

All you ever wanted to know about Jacksonville.....

Do you want to know how close sex offenders live to you? Or about National Crime Statistics? Or First Coast Homocides, Restaurant Violations, Florida Crime Statistics, where Jacksonville's cheapest gas can be found, aboutSchool Grades, about 2007 Census Estimates, and more.....go to www.jacksonville.com/databases.

Fireworks - Only Sparklers are legal in most of Florida and Georgia

Fireworks are dangerous. They are harmful to pets ears and emotionally condition. They can physically injure both people and pets. And sometimes they KILL! I don't use them! I hate New Year's Eve because of them! I keep my pets inside, because I have had a dog hit by a sparkler that ended up in my back yard. Please read on ..... and protect yourself, your children, and your pets with the following safety tips if you do use fireworks or are in an area where neighbors use them!

According to a report in The Florida Times-Union 12/30/2007, TNT Fireworks, the nation's largest distributor of consumer fireworks stated in a news bulletin that only sparklers are legal for private use in most of Florida and Georgia. Sparklers include little wire torches and small, nonexplosive devices like snakes and glow worms. In both states private use of fireworks that "launch and explode" is illegal. Included in the report are a list of common-sense tips:

1. Adults should be present while lighting or handling sparklers.

2. Read instructions.

3. Never mix alcohol and spbarklers.

4. Always keep a hose and a bucket of water nearby.

5. Only use sparlers outdoors in clear areas.

6. Don't try to relight sparklers that don't ignite. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then douse them with water and trow them away.

7. Keep pets indoors.

8. Light only one sparkler at a time.

Community Development District's in Florida

When purchasing a home, buyers should find out whether or not there is a Community Development District fee. Builder's of new homes are increasing adding this fee. It is commonly called the CDD fee.  It pays for things like streets and pools in the community. According to The Florida Times-Union report on Dec. 3, 2007, Florida has 545  CDDs with 27 in St. Johns County, 15 in Duval County, 11 in Clay County, and 6 in Nassau County.  They got their information from the State Department of Community Affairs. A current up-to-date list of CDDs in Florida can be found amount the lisings called "Special Districts" under OFFICIAL LIST OF SPECIAL DISTRICTS at the website www.floridaspecialdistricts.org.

Today's Quote 12-30-2007

Today's Quote - 12-29-2007

Register to Vote Deadline in Florida

Deadline to register to vote in Florida primary and on property tax reform in the state - which is held on Jan. 29, 2008, is on 12/31/2008. Get registration info here: http://www.srqelections.com/downloads/webappform.pdf

Who is the largest private landowner in the U.S.?

Ted Turner is the largest private landowner in the U.S. according to The Florida Times-Union, Nov. 29, 2007, page D-1. He has purchased 2 million acres over the past 2 decades. Most of the land he owns is in New Mexico, Nebraska, Montana and South Dakota. He owns 29,530 acres in Florida. New Mexico is at the top with 1,105,905 acres as of mid-Sept. 2007. (Info taken from The Florida Times-Union, Nov. 29, 2007, page D-1)

Today's Quote 12/28/2007

Today's Quote 12/28/2007: "Every person who invests in well-selected real estate in a growing section of a prosperous community adopts the surest and safest method of becoming independent, for real estate is the basis of wealth." TEDDY ROOSEVELT

Trash & Garbage Disposal

Jacksonville, Florida - Trash & Garbage Disposal

Check out the following website for all the details: http://www.coj.net/Departments/Public+Works/Solid+Waste/default.htm

Note: Hazardous materials (ie paint, batteries, pool chemicals) have to go to the Hazardous Wastes Facility at 2675 Commonwealth Avenue in west Jax.  Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.  The facility is closed on Sunday and Monday.  For more information or to arrange for special handling of unusual material, call 387-8847.

Homeless Shelters in Jacksonville, Florida

Blog entry updated on 12/4/2008.

Homeless Shelters in Jacksonville - I am attempting to provide accurate information here. Please verify by calling or visiting the site. I have not personally visited the sites. Most of the information is taken from The Florida Times-Union listings under Charities.

These are homeless shelters for people. Homeless Shelters for pets are listed under a separate entry.

Salvation Army, 15 E. Church St., Downtown Jacksonville. Opens a shelter when weather is cold for homeless. If that fills up, people MIGHT be moved into the Salvation Army building at 900 W. Adams. St. During severe weather, people may stay regardless of whether beds are available. (T-U 1/2/08)

Circle of Love Ministries, 13519 N. Main St., Jacksonville, FL  32226, 904-751-1034. Helps the homeless and has a discipleship ministry long-term shelter for men only.

P.O. Box 28425, Jacksonville, FL 32226. 904-696-3105.

Needs donations of money to help with electric & insurances, toilet paper, paper towels, pasta, copy paper, vegetables, and a volunteer cook.

Family Promise of Jacksonville, PO Box 40363, Jacksonville, FL 32203, 904-354-1818. Helps homeless families with children. www.familypromisejax.org.

Mission House, 800 Shetter Avenue, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, 904-241-6767. Day facility helping the homeless from Mayport on the north to St. Johns County on the south. Provides meals, showers, clothing vouchers, medical care, case management and referrals.

SafeHouse of Jacksonville, 3325-8 Plymouth St., Jacksonville, FL 32205, 904-425-4228. Helps with food, clothing,direction and support. www.safehousejax.com.

The Suzbacher Center, 611 E. Adams St., Jacksonville, FL 32202, 904-394-1646. Provides services to homeless and at-risk-men, women, and children. Open dining room when temperatures go down to 40 degrees. www.sulzbachercenter.org.

904-394-8084

www.toallagoodnight.org

Terry Health Center, 611 E. Adams St., Jacksonville, FL 32202, 904-359-0457. Privides primary care and dental services to homeless and at-risk- men, women, and children. www.sulzbachercenter.org.

City Rescue Mission, 426 South McDuff Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254, 904-387-4357. Provides emergency and recovery services to people in need, and helps homeless get back on their feet.

Waste Not Want Not, PO Box 119, Orange Park, FL 32067, 904-215-3150. Collects and provides food to organizations serving the homeless and hungry, low-income families and seniors, people with disabilities and at-risk youths.

Trinity Rescue Mission, 622 W. Union St., Jacksonville, FL 32202, 904-596-2420. Homeless Shelter for men, women, and children. www.trinityrescue.org.

Needs donations of toys for kids, clothing, blankets, towels, toiletries and money.

Today's Quote - 12-27-2007

Animal Rescues in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida - Animal Rescues: (Attempts to accurancy of info, but please verify at address, phone number, and website provided.)

Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216, 904-725-8766. Adoptions, rescues/investigations, human education and foster/ rescue. www.jaxhumane.org

K&C Pet Rescue, 2745 W. Beaver St., Jacksonville, FL 32254, 904-545-2502. No-kill shelter.

Kamp Kritter Rescue Foundation, 1650-31 Margaret St., Jacksonville, FL 32204. No-kill shelter for injured, abandoned or abused dogs. Take donations to VBarking Lot Doggie Daycare and Kennel, 281 S. McDuff Ave., Jacksonville 32254, 904-381-9562. www.kampkritter.com

Springfield Animal Care and Rescue Club, 210 W. Seventh St., Jacksonville, FL 32206, 904-485-6597. Rescues & rehabilitates abandoned animals in Springfield.

Wildlife Rescue Coalition of Northeast Florida, PO Box 24535, Jacksonville, FL 32241, 904-591-9585.  Rehabilitates orphaned, injured or displaced wildlife.

Animal Care and Control Center, 2580 W. First St., Jacksonville, 904-387-8924. Adopt pets 8-5 Mon - Sat. Kennels open for viewing at 9 am. Adoption fee is $80 dogs, $60 cats and includes vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. The city license is $16.00. www.jaxpets.org.

"Best is yet to come"

Jacksonville, Florida

Here are a few reasons Jacksonville is considered hot: Transportation, Strong Workforce, Future Expansion. This year, 325,000 people are expected to move to Florida according to the Florida Association of Realtors. And thousands of them will call Jacksonville home. Jacksonville has low unemployment at around 4%. Approximately 60 companies that have expanded or moved to Jacksonville have added about 6,300 jobs according to the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. Jacksonville's labor force grows at an annual rate of between 8 and 9 percent. Prices on homes for sale are realistic now and interest rates are low. It is a great time for buyers to buy real estate in Jacksonville. (Information taken from The Florida Times-Union, Dec. 22, 2007, P. F1)

Do Not Ride Dogs in Back of Pick Up Truck - Danger

Pet Safety & People Safety: "Keeping your dog out of the bed of the truck is the right thing to do for the dog and people.....If the dog jumped out, or was thrown out due to a sharp turn, crash, etc., anyone behind that truck would swerve to avoid hitting the dog." Rants & Raves, The Florida Times-Union, Dec. 22, 2007

Today Quote 12-26-2007

Today Quote 12-26-2007: "It’s tangible, it’s solid, it’s beautiful. It’s artistic, from my standpoint, and I just love real estate."
Donald Trump

Today's Quote - 12/24/2007

Today's Quote - 12/24/2007: "Reality leaves a lot to the imagination." John Lennon

Today Quote 12-23-2007

Today's Quote - 12-22-2007