Insight Online Exclusive For the 11th straight year, identity theft topped the list of complaints received by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). More frightening than that, Florida is the number one state for identity theft in the nation. As scary as it may be knowing someone could have your credit card and social security information, there are some proactive steps you can take to ensure you have less of a chance of being a victim. One of the most common types of complaints filed with the FTC are related to government documents or benefits fraud, such as someone collecting your social security benefits or even filing your taxes before you and... [Read more]
They are there - rain, shine, hot, cold, and if it snowed in East Orlando, well, they’d still be there. They are there Monday through Friday insuring the safety of any child who comes along to walk, ride or even skip across the street. Crossing Guards are the dedicated people, making sure that all school children make it safely from their home to their school and then back again. But what does being a crossing guard really mean, other than a bright orange vest and a stop sign? Crossing Guards must go through a training program for several hours without students and before they are on the streets once they are officially hired. Bertis Negron,... [Read more]
What comes to mind first when you think Public Safety? Are you getting visions of fire trucks with engines screaming? How many public buildings do you visit every day? Are you considering building safety when public fees are brought up? Public safety involves prevention and protection from events that can cause harm to the general public, whether they are natural or manmade disasters. Collecting fees to support safety services have a long history. Florida’s 27th Governor, Frederick P. Cone, created the Florida Highway Patrol during his term which ran from 1937 to 1941. Fees assessed on Driver’s Licenses were used to fund the Patrol. Today... [Read more]
The school year is winding down and with summer right around the corner, parents everywhere are searching for the right summer camp for their child. Identifying the perfect summer camp for your child can be challenging, but taking a few basic factors into consideration can make the selection process much simpler. The first choice to consider is whether an overnight camp or a day camp is suitable. Overnight camps nurture independence skills while giving children a vacation-like experience. But, day camps can give children a similar experience while allowing them to come home at the end of the day to share their experiences with family and friends. Ask... [Read more]
Summer in Orlando brings a host of new opportunities and challenges. The kids are out of school, the weather is sunny (except for those pesky afternoon showers), and the tourism dollars start flowing. However, the weather can bring some unwanted dangers as well. Here are some typical Florida concerns and ways to stay safe during the summer. While Swimming: Summer is the perfect time to head for the water. While Orlando itself does not have beaches, there are plenty of local alternatives like a YMCA pool or local campground. Florida is a leader in child drowning. The good news is that drowning under the age of 18 has been reduced drastically... [Read more]
