Raccoon Problem

I know when you see a raccoon you think they are so cute, the "masked bandit", well that cute animal sure can do some damage, or worse bite you. Then there will be a problem. So when you see them around your home DO NOT FEED them. Once they loose the fear of people and find out you do not have any food for them, they can and will be very aggressive. So please do not feed them. Also if you leave food out bring it in, if you take away their food source they will move on...... Thank you....... Dave

WARNING!!!!!

Hi Everybody,

We have a serious problem in Bent Oak, there has been three cars stolen. Two were on Bent Oak Dr. and one on Whispering Oak. There was one other at a different location that if it wasn't for a dead battery that would have been gone also. I have been in contact with the sheriffs Dept. investigator who has been investigating the situation. So please remove all your valuables and if possible the garage door openers. Please go the extra mile on this don't make it easy on the bad guys..... Dave 

Vacation Plans

I rI Received this from OCSO, Wanted to pass it along...... Dave

*** Holiday Travel Safety***

The Orange County Sheriff's Office wants you to enjoy your vacation destination before, during and after your trip.  Please take the time to follow some of the simple precautions and recommendations to make your travel and destination choice not only safe but fun for you and your family.

Ø  Always report any suspicious activity.  You may do so by calling 407-836-HELP (4357) for non emergency or 9-1-1 for any emergency.  Both are operational 24/7.

Ø  Always lock your vehicle and take all valuables with you. These items may include GPS, cell phone, loose change, and compact disc and other electronics to name a few. 

Ø  Set your vehicle alarm if you have one.  In addition to locking you vehicle doors, make sure if your vehicle has a latch to open a trunk or cargo area, and if it is equipped with a lock feature that you use it.

Ø  Do not announce on your email auto response that you are on vacation with the dates you are leaving or returning.  This includes both work and personal emails.  If you must leave an auto response reply it should contain as little information as possible. Example: I am currently away and periodically checking my emails.  If you need an immediate response, please contact Jane Doe at407-555-5555.

Ø  Do not announce to the whole community that you will be gone on vacation. This would include by word of mouth, voice mail and social networking sites (Facebook, My Space, Twitter, etc) Only let a few select and trusted friends or family members know so they can check the home for you.

Ø  Do not update your travel plans on social networking sites.  Example: We are having a blast in the islands… we go snorkeling tomorrow. Wishing you was here.  See you in two weeks. 

Ø  Turn down the ringer on your phone so it can’t be heard from the outside

Ø  Periodically retrieve your home messages so your voice mail does not get full.  This could be another indicator you are not home. 

Ø  Do a maintenance check of your alarm system prior to your departure.  Make sure they have updated contact information to include how to reach you as well as a trusted friend or relative in the area.

Be kind to your neighbors

With the weather breaking and you are out for your walks and you decide to take "Fidow" out with you and "Fidow" gets the urge to use your neighbors yard for a bathroom, do the neighbor a favor and take a bag with you and pick up the "deposits", the neighbor should not have to do it. Thank you, and I know your neighbors will like it too,,,,,,, Dave

Up Coming Holidays

With the Holiday season fast approaching, and who out there don’t think that you could use a good vacation?

            Here is a few pointers that can be done to make your home just a little safer, so when you return it is in the same condition as when you left. 

           Have your paper stopped, or have a neighbor pick it up as early as possible, just to make sure several papers do not end up in your driveway. This sends a “Red Flag” up saying “no one home”.

          Mail is another important “Red Flag”. You can have the mail stopped and started very easy. Or you can have one of your neighbors pick up your mail, after all you could return the favor, and do the same for them.

          Pick up a timer for a lamp, or even two of them, that will go on and off at different times in different parts of your home. Put them where they will do the most good.

          Give your neighbor some phone numbers where you can be reached, and some phone numbers locally, if possible, just incase your neighbor needs to reach someone in a hurry.

           Please tell your neighbor if you will be having anybody come to your home to do anything, and what kind of vehicle they will be driving.

            Speaking of vehicles, don’t forget to remove any valuables and LOCK them up. Most of the items that were removed came from an unlocked vehicle.

            Now all of this has been done, go on that needed vacation and have a wonderful time, take plenty of pictures.

Water Restrictions

OC Utilities Announces One-Day-a-Week Watering Restrictions beginning November 4th

The End of Daylight Savings Marks the Beginning of One-Day-a-Week Watering for Orange County and Continued Steps to Water Conservation for Orange County Utilities

By limiting the number of days of irrigation during Eastern Standard Time, Orange County Utilities has seen a decrease in water usage by its customers.

Orange County, FL – Sunday, November 4 will begin Orange County Utilities’ third year of one-day-a-week watering restrictions for Orange County. In order to comply with the rules of St. Johns River and South Florida Water Management Districts, Orange County adopted Water Conservation Ordinance No. 2010-02 limiting the number of days and hours irrigation can occur each week. Since adopting the ordinance, Orange County Utilities has seen a substantial drop in water usage for the county.

“We are pleased that since the implementation of the one-day-a-week watering restrictions during the cooler months of the year, the average homeowner has reduced irrigation watering by 4,000 gallons per year,” said Jacqueline Torbert, manager for Orange County Utilities’ Water Division. “Grass goes dormant during this time of year so the need for irrigation decreases tremendously. This should put customers at ease when it comes to the health of their yard.”

From Sunday, November 4, 2012, to Sunday, March 10, 2013, homes and nonresidential properties in Orange County are asked not to water between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the following days: homes with odd-numbered or no addresses water only on Saturday, homes with even-numbered addresses water only on Sunday, and nonresidential properties water only on Tuesday. Watering is restricted to no more than one hour per zone. These restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water, and water from public and private utilities.

For more information, please visit www.OCConserveWater.net or send an email to Water.Division@ocfl.net.Orange County Utilities Water Division is also available at 407-254-9850 (select option 1, then option 2).

Time change information

Here is some information on the time change, hope you have a great day..... Dave

PLAN NOW for this change. Here are some simple tips to keep you and your family safe during the fall back time transition.
Personal Safety:1. While the time will change your normal routine such as going to work, school or other activities may not.
2. Please remember there will be an adjustment period when you leave for the day during your regular time in the morning. The surrounding area may look very different due to the time change.
3. Activities such as students, pedestrians. bicyclist and runners will still be present. Please remain alert while driving and pay extra attention to school zones.
4. Extra attention should be focused on areas where children and young adults travel to school. Remember to be alert for crossing guards.
5. Small children should be walked to school by an adult or taken by vehicle.
6. Speed limit postings should be strictly observed in all areas. Stay alert while driving by parked vehicles as children and pedestrians may not immediately be visible. Remember: Your reaction time may be greater during the darker hours. Also remain alert for pets and wildlife.7. Students, pedestrians, walkers, runners and bicyclist should wear clothing that allows them to be visible. This may include: reflective strips, clothing, vest, etc. A small flashlight for visibility should be carried.
8. Those operating Bicycles, Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (Segways), etc should be visible and comply with all applicable laws.

Preventative Measures:
1. In addition to checking your smoke detector batteries. The back-up batteries for your intrusion detection and or fire suppression system should be checked.
2. Alarm system sensors and other features should be checked to make sure it is in working order.
3. Codes, passwords, responder information and phone numbers should be updated with your alarm company.
4. Lights on timers should be reset for both interior and exterior lighting. All lights should be checked for damage and burned out bulbs. They should be immediately repaired or replaced.
5. Exterior door locks should be checked with a key and proper maintenance should be done. Locks should also be checked for damage and corrosion. Keys should be tried at least once a week for preventative maintenance. This should include the interior garage door leading into your home.
6. All windows should be checked to make sure they are in good working order and operational. Window locks should be checked for tampering and corrosion. Window screens should also be checked for tampering or damage. These should be fixed or replaced immediately.
7. Garage door opener remote batteries should all be replaced. The garage door rollers and springs should also be checked and maintenance should be done. This should only be done by a trained professional.8. Replace the battery for your vehicle remote/alarm entry system.
9. Check and properly dispose of expired medications.

Information can be found at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/medications/default.htm

Early Voting

Early Voting begins Saturday, October 27, 2012.  Ten centers are available to eligible voters through Saturday, November 3, 2012.  Florida law requires voters to present signature and photo identification when checking in to Early Vote.  If a voter has moved since the last elections - especially if they've crossed county lines - they are encouraged to call 407-836-VOTE (8683) to update their registration record prior to visiting the Early Voting Center.

Early Voting Locations and hours of operations are:

Alafaya Branch Library, 12000 East Colonial Drive, Orlando

(8am-8pm)

Apopka Community Center & VFW, 519 S. Central Avenue, Apopka (8am-8pm)

Orlando Public Library (Downtown), 101 E. Central Blvd, Orlando (8am-8pm M-Th, 8am-6pm F-Sat, 1pm-6pm Sun)

South Creek Branch Library, 1702 Deerfield Blvd, Orlando

(8am-8pm)

Southeast Branch Library, 5575 S. Semoran Blvd, Orlando

(8am-8pm)

Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando

(8am-8pm)

Supervisor of Elections Office, 119 W. Kaley St, Orlando

(8am-8pm)

Washington Park Branch Library, 5151 Raleigh St, Suite A, Orlando

(8am-8pm)

West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Rd, Ocoee

(8am-8pm)

Winter Park Library, 460 E. New England Ave, Winter Park

(8am-8pm)

Bogus letters question Florida voters' citizenship

Please be careful on this.... Dave

The state has launched a criminal investigation of bogus letters sent to at least dozens of Florida voters suggesting they won't be allowed to vote unless they prove they are U.S. citizens.

The letters, received by voters in at least 23 counties so far, falsely claim to be from county elections supervisors and demand proof of citizenship within 15 days.

"This is voter intimidation 14 days out from a presidential election," said Brevard CountySupervisor of Elections Lori Scott. "The fear is they won't contact their supervisors. It looks official, and they're going to think, 'Well, I can't vote.'"

Most of those who have contacted elections officials after receiving the letter are Republicans, were born in the United States and are regular voters. At least some — including all of the reported recipients in Orange, Seminole and Brevard counties — have contributed to the Republican Party or Republican candidates.

"Since I'm a senior citizen and I've voted since I was 21, I was a little surprised," said Orlando resident Diane Parker, a GOP donor and volunteer who found the letter in her mailbox on Friday.

Parker thought the letter was legitimate, but a bureaucratic mistake. The letterhead said "Supervisor of Elections," and the envelope said "County Supervisor, Division of Elections." But it was postmarked from Seattle.

The letter says the Florida Division of Elections has provided information about the recipients' citizenship status, and that "registering to vote under fraudulent conditions or swearing a false oath are both third-degree felonies in Florida."

The mailing asks recipients to bring original documents proving citizenship to their elections office, and also included a "Voter Eligibility Form" asking for personal information.

In Central Florida, four Brevard voters reported receiving the letter, along with three in Orange, and one each in Seminole and Osceola counties.

The fake letters follow the state's own effort to purge voter rolls of noncitizens last spring. The state released a list of 2,600 registered voters identified as noncitizens and told elections supervisors to write them demanding proof of citizenship. The list was riddled with errors and a court battle ensued; the final tally included 198 names.

In an email to supervisors on Monday, Secretary of State Ken Detzner asked that all reports of the bogus letters be forwarded to the state for investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

"The Department of State takes this possible act of voter intimidation and fraudulent activity very seriously and is pursuing all avenues to ensure the practice is immediately stopped, as we do with all attempts at voter intimidation or fraud," Detzner wrote.

From Andrea

Dear Members and Friends of Tri-County Association H.E.L.P., Inc.

Several days ago, I sent an e-mail notifying you of an important meeting  of the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve.  The meeting is scheduled for Monday evening at 6:00 p.m., October 1, 2012 at the Markham Woods Church in Longwood FL.  Since my initial e-mail to you, I have spoken with Ms. Deborah Shelley, the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve Manager and have more information on the meeting format.  Ms. Shelley will be giving opening comments about the Management Plan Draft (available at www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/sites/wekiva/ ) and there will be tables of information set up for the public to gather information and speak to representatives about particular issues.

This meeting has been structured as an “open house”.  It is not the “open mike” public input format I expected from my attendance at similar meetings.  As a result, Tri-County Association will not be giving a verbal presentation to FDEP representatives.  Tri-County was invited to submit a written commentary about issues in the Management Plan Draft that affect our septic systems.  The Tri-County Assoc. publication has been forwarded to Ms. Shelley and several other individuals at FDEP involved in the drafting and finalization of the Aquatic Preserve Plan.  Those comments are attached for your review.  If you plan to attend this Oct. 1 meeting, the information in the Tri-County publication will be helpful to you. 

In the meantime, as a result of these conversations and for the first time, Tri-County Association has been invited to participate on behalf of homeowners in the Wekiva Basin Ecosystem Working Group, which includes representatives of various environmental organizations, officials from Orange, Seminole, and Lake Counties, Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection, the Florida Park Service, and others.  A review of this meeting highlights will be published in www.thesludgereport.org.  

Please let me know if you have questions about the above information. 

Andrea

andrea@tricountyassociation.org

Septic tanks

Got this from Andrea, thanks for all that you do on this..... Dave

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012 – 6:00 p.m.

Markham Woods Church, 505 Markham Woods Rd., Longwood FL 32779

A formal public meeting to receive input regarding the Draft Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve Management Plan will be held.  This plan strives to bring together under the Florida Department of Environmental Protection all the work of the various working groups regarding nutrient loading in the Wekiva River Area, including 20 miles of the St. Johns River.  All along, we have been attending many of the meetings held by these groups and monitoring activity as it impacts our septic systems.  The entire survey of these activities is presented in the link below.        

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/sites/wekiva/pub/Wekiva_River_Aquatic_Preserve_Management_Plan_DRAFT_2012.pdf

Please go to Page 57 of this draft.  It gives a broad description of these groups, their activities, and the draft is a preliminary step to rule-making based on the findings and recommendations contained in this draft.  Although the draft gives a nod to the on-going DOH Nitrogen Reduction Strategies Study which is supposed to provide nitrogen reduction alternatives for conventional septic systems, it is particularly disturbing that the draft has recommended and named “performance-based technology” as a solution to reduce nutrient loading from septic systems.  TRI-County Association will be addressing this and related issues at the meeting.

Public meetings are typically held in advance of rules being developed and adopted.  Homeowners cannot be silent and unrepresented, or as in the past, rules will be promoted and passed that are inappropriate and devastating to our home asset values and basic property rights.  Please plan to attend!

Andrea Samson, President

TRI-County Association H.E.L.P., Inc.

P.S. If you have friends in the Volusia County area, please pass along this information.  There is a second meeting planned for Tuesday, October 2, at the Volusia County Administration Bldg., 23 West Indiana Avenue, DeLand, FL 32720.  More information on time, etc. is available atwww.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/wekiva/ .  For more information on the history of EPA, Wekiva Basin Management Action Group (BMAP), the Earth Justice lawsuit, etc., please visit www.thesludgereport.org .

BOB, (Bent Oak Bear)

It's getting that time of the year when BOB is on the prowl at night. So please be careful, the last spotting was at Whispering Oak and Hidden Pine Ln. What ever you do DO NOT FEED the bear, and keep the dog or cat food in a safe place, and it would be a good idea to make sure your garage door is closed before evening gets here, thank you, and please be safe.... Dave

A Note From Marti Jones

I received this from Marti Jones to put on the Blog, Dave....... Hello Bent Oak Neighbors, I want to invite Bent Oak Ladies who have a need for prayer to connect with me. I have scheduled a 1-hour prayer time on Tuesday and Thursday early morning. If you have an interest in coming by (walkers, joggers, etc.) please contact me so I can exchange information with you, register your name and contact you anytime my schedule changes. I have personally experienced the need for focused prayer in our own family, for friends, and in general...our neighbors and for our country. If you are not able to stop by just email your prayer requests and I will be happy have them prayed for. Anonymous requests are welcome. Please only "first names" for those you wish to identify. God bless you Fellowship in Prayer Group Marti Jones (on Hidden Pine Lane) marti@cfl.rr.com

Info on contractors

Here is some information on tree contractors, this also goes for lawn maintenance people, please be careful.... Dave The unlicensed tree trimmer you hire today could own your home tomorrow Homeowners who hire unlicensed contractors to perform tree work may expose themselves to liability for injuries suffered by employees of the contractor. “With thousands of dollars at stake, not to mention the integrity and appearance of your property and your personal safety, make sure you investigate before deciding which company you should hire,” warns Peter Gerstenberger, senior advisor for safety, standards and compliance with the Tree Care Industry Association. “If the ‘professional arborist’ you hired to remove a tree drops it on your house instead of your lawn, it’s too late to confirm the company is insured.” A large number of consumers have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured contractors. Why? Because if an employee of an unlicensed contractor is injured on the job, the homeowner may be responsible for his injuries or disabilities. Of course, if that unlicensed tree service drops a limb on the house – or a tree on the neighbor’s house – there is probably no protection other than the homeowner’s insurance. Consumers believe that paying a tree service company “under the table” will save them money. That may or may not be true, but if there is a problem the consumer almost never has any option with an unlicensed or uninsured contractor. In addition to having no insurance, unprofessional companies are less likely to perform professional work. Consumers may end up paying more to repair the damage, or may lose the value of a specimen tree that declines due to poor care. “Disreputable companies are renowned for ripping gutters off, breaking fences and bird baths, and even dropping trees on houses,” says Gerstenberger. “Then they typically fold up and leave, never to be seen again.” In most cases unlicensed tree workers are employed by companies that do not have workers’ compensation insurance or liability insurance. These companies do not pay city, state, or federal taxes. They do not secure permits when required. Any of these problems can cause a homeowner costly legal problems! How can homeowners protect themselves? Disreputable companies tend to: o Solicit work door-to-door o Demand payment in advance o Advertise topping, an injurious practice to trees o Sell jobs without producing a written estimate or work order. During the off school months, lawn care companies form calling themselves professionals, but they do not get the required licensing and insurance to protect you and your property. Ask for their Orange County business license and a copy of their liability insurance before work is done. In most cases, a cheaper quote is the result of not carrying any credentials to do work in Orange County and should be reported.

Fire Works Information

What kinds of fireworks can I use legally?The short answer: not many. Fireworks generally approved for use by consumers include sparklers; small fireworks that emit colored smoke only; and "glow worms," which burn in bright colors without exploding. The state fire marshal has a full list, including brand names, at myfloridacfo.com/sfm/sparklerindex.htm. "These are the only items consumers without a permit can legally use," said Nina Ashley, a fire marshal's spokeswoman. Other, more high-powered fireworks are permitted only for industrial use or by professionals in public displays. So everything else is off limits? If it explodes, flies or lifts off, the law prohibits you from lighting it. That includes the popular Roman candles."There is no approved list of 'whiz, boom, bang or stuff that leaves the ground' for the retail public," said Bart Wright, the Maitland Fire Department's assistant chief of administration. "Florida Statute 791 is explicit about that. Consumer purchase and use of such material is unsafe, a threat and, most importantly, illegal in this state."

Hurricane Season is Here

The 2012 Hurricane Season is fast approaching and runs until November 30th. It is all of our responsibility to properly plan for and react to predictable storms. Your individual responsibility is to prepare your home and family so, if necessary, you can leave them with a certain level of comfort and security and serve your community. The below links provide a list of suggestions to make your preparations easier and ensure you have the needed supplies. www.ready.gov Family Disaster Plan Red Cross Disaster Preparedness http://www.orangecountyfl.net/YourLocalGovernment/CountyDepartments/OrangeCountyFireRescue/OrangeCountyOfficeOfEmergencyManagement/HurricanePreparedness.aspx

Have you ever wondered

Just in case you have wondered why this happends,Dave...... Question: Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch? Most people experience some kind of skin reaction after being bitten by a mosquito. The pain of the bite and the red bump that follows can be tolerated, but the persistent itching is enough to drive you crazy. Why do mosquito bites itch? Answer: Only the female mosquito feeds on blood. Though we commonly call them mosquito bites, she's not really biting you at all. The mosquito pierces the upper layer of your skin with her proboscis, a straw-like mouthpart that allows her to drink fluids. Once the proboscis breaks through the epidermis, the mosquito uses it to search for a blood vessel in the dermal layer underneath. When she locates a vessel, the mosquito releases some of her saliva into the wound. Mosquito saliva contains an anti-coagulant that keeps your blood flowing until she is finished with her meal. Now your immune system realizes something is going on, and histamine is produced to combat the foreign substance. The histamine reaches the area under attack, causing blood vessels there to swell. It's the action of the histamine that causes the red bump, called a wheal. But what about the itching? When the blood vessels expand, nerves in the area become irritated by the swelling. You feel this irritation as an itchy sensation.

Thank you Andrea

Fresh off the press on the dreaded septic tanks... HB 1263 has been signed by Governor Scott !! SB550 State-wide inspections repealed New inspection program & homeowner protections in place! Check out www.thesludgereport.org (under “information links”)to download/print a summary of the new inspection program Let me know if you have any questions. Andrea...... Have a great weekend

Info on Septic Tanks

Andrea sent me this info on the Septic Tanks, thank you Andrea for what you are doing on this...... Dave

SB 550 STATE-WIDE INSPECTIONS REPEALED
NEW INSPECTION BILL PASSES
CELEBRATE!!!!!
Session ended Friday. SB820 never made it to the floor of the Senate for a vote. But, at the last minute, the new septic inspection language from SB820 and HB999 was folded into two other bills and passed both the House and the Senate. IT’S DONE!!! It now goes to Gov. Scott for his signature. Over the next few days, we will be doing a thorough review of the adopted bill and publishing a full report. For now, take time to pat yourselves on the back for everything you’ve done over the past MANY months that helped make this happen. Senator Dean and Rep. Dorworth need your thanks. Dean.charles.web.@flsenate.gov. chris.dorworth@myfloridahouse.gov The bills that passed did not have their names on it, but their tireless efforts were entirely responsible for the success. There are many other legislators and friends of TRI-County Association, and supporters throughout the state who have unselfishly given of their time and influence to make this happen. More information on that will be posted on www.thesludgereport.org .

In the meantime, MY THANKS TO YOU!!!
Andrea

Wekiwa Springs State Park Run

Here is some info on the run at Wekiwa Springs State Park.... Dave

The 25th Annual Real Florida 5k and 10k Fun Run and Walk Saturday, February 25thCome and help us celebrate the 25th anniversary of this great event and help raise money for projects in the park. Because our next race is so special we have included an additional element - the first 10K ever run in the park.
All the proceeds from this event go towards our two current capital projects - relocating and expanding our nature center and building an environmental classroom that can be used by all the schools in the area.
Come and have a fun run in the park and support a really worthwhile cause.
To register click here http://www.active.com/running/apopka-fl/25th-annual-real-florida-5k-10k-and-fun-walk-2012?int=29-6

Annual Meeting

Please put this on your calendar, on March 13, 2012 there will be the Annual Homeowners Meeting at Clay Springs in the Chorus Room. Sign up begins at 6:45 pm, and the meeting at 7:00 pm.

There are several positions open for the board, if you are interested in becoming a board member, please e-mail me at mountainman98@gmail.com, and I will forward your information to the proper people.

Thank you, and hope to see you there…… Dave

A Little Fun

Sometimes you have to put a smile on your face..... Dave

Fitness after 60
Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.

With a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can.

Try to reach a full minute and then relax.

Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.

After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags.

Then try 50-lb potato bags and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I'm at this level.)

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag .

Septic Tanks

I received this from Andrea Samson

BREAKING NEWS ALERT!! As you know, TRI-County Association, Markham Woods Association, Florida Realtors Association, and Florida Homebuilders Association worked all summer drafting new legislation that would repeal the state-wide septic system inspections mandated in 2010 by Senate Bill 550, and stop the Dept. of Health Bureau of On-Site Sewage rule making efforts that were so devastating to homeowners. Representative Chris Dorworth of Longwood filed our bill - HB999, in December 2011. Senator Charlie Dean also filed a similar bill, SB 820, but it initially contained provisions we could not support.Today, Senator Dean filed an amendment to his bill which adopts the same language as our bill, HB 999 !!!! YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!Senator Dean’s newly amended bill will be presented to the Environmental Preservation & Conservation CommitteeAt 10:00 a.m, Monday, January 9, 2012Please send today an e-mail to the following Senators: Sen. Charlie Dean (dean.charles.web@flsenate.gov)Message: Thank you for amending SB820. The newly filed amendment makes SB820 a bill I can and will support! Committee Members:Senator Nancy Detert (detert.nancy.web@flsenate.gov)Senator Steve Oelrich (oelrich.steve.web@flsenate.gov)Senator Dennis Jones (jones.dennis.web@flsenate.gov)Senator Jack Latvala (latvala.jack.web@flsenate.gov)Senator Nan Rich (rich.nan.web@flsenate.gov)Senator Eleanor Sobel (sobel.eleanor.web@flsenate.gov) Message: The newly amended Senate Bill 820 provides an affordable and effective means for all communities in the State of Florida to make sure septic systems are operating properly. It is important to me that Florida’s water resources are protected, and this amended bill will help provide that protection. Please vote “yes” and support Senator Dean’s amended bill. Thank you. ****************************************Message from me to you:Thank you all for taking the time to do this. As always, please pass this message to your e-mail circles. It’s been a long road for all of us, and your continuing support and involvement has been vitally important and effective. With all of us pitching in on this effort, and with the help of many of our friends and committed legislators, we have finally made it to the point where homeowners can be protected and common sense legislation is waiting to be passed. More details on the bill will be available later today on www.thesludgereport.org . In the meantime, please take time TODAY to send your e-mails and THANK YOU!! Andrea Samson, PresidentTri-County Association H.E.L.P.Editor: The Sludge Report