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Deadline is March 1 to apply for your Homestead Exemption if you purchased last year, and this is your primary residence. The homeowner must file a claim for homestead exemption with the state.

Homestead exemptions remove part of your home's value from taxation, so they lower your taxes.

Every person who owns and resides on real property in Florida on January 1 and makes the property their permanent residence is eligible to receive a homestead exemption up to $50,000..

Requirements

• The owner must have legal or beneficial title to the property recorded in Hillsborough County by January 1 of the year of application. Homestead exemption application (DR-501).
• The application must be submitted on or before March 1, unless it falls on a weekend or legal holiday, then it would extend to the next business day, to be timely filed.
• The owner must establish Hillsborough County as his/her legal domicile and reside on the subject property, be a US citizen or Permanent Resident.

At the time of application the applicant should have:

· Proof of Florida residency (i.e. Driver license) A "Valid in Florida" designation on your Florida driver license is not acceptable. A Florida Identification Card with an out of state driver license is not acceptable.

· Proof of Citizenship (i.e. voter registration or permanent resident card)

· Address of property, tax bill or deed/title.

· Social Security numbers for your spouse and any owner who resides on the property. (FL Stat 196.011(11)).

· If you have a mobile home, you will need your title or registration to the mobile home and the deed to the real estate.

· If the real estate is in a trust, you will need to provide us evidence of from the Trust which provides that you have the necessary ownership interest to qualify for homestead exemption. (see sample verbiage or Fl Stat. 196.041(2)).

To qualify for the current year you must have title to the property and moved onto the property as of January 1. You may go in person to complete the application at any of the 5 offices of the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser by March 1, unless it falls on a weekend or legal holiday and then it would extend to the next business day. We also have the application online to print with a sample and instructions that you may use and return by mail.

Cut and paste the following to receive a form.

http://www.hcpafl.org/downloads/pdfs/dr501.pdf

If you need any help, just call

OPERATION SHOEBOX

Web site www.operationshoebox.com

I live in Monaco Gardens in Carrollwood Village and my neighbor, Jo Ann decided to help our troops with Operation Shoebox. Every last Saturday of the month we collect donations between 4-6pm. We also welcome monetary donations to help with the cost of postage. Last month was our first collection and we received 5 boxes that were mailed to the soldiers, and we received a wonderful response thanking us for we had a letter indicating the items were from Monaco Gardens. Here is the e-mail:

From: "Teas, Michael A SSG MIL USA FORSCOM" <michael.teas@us.army.mil>
To: joannburkhardt@yahoo.com
Sent: Sat, October 24, 2009 7:28:05 AM
Subject: Thanks

Dear Mrs Burkhardt,

On behalf of myself and my fellow soldiers, I would like to express my thanks to you for giving us one of the better days we've had since arriving in Iraq. We recieved your packages yesterday and it was like Christmas had come early. Your boxes contained a little something for everyone and and put a smile on everyone's face. We appreciate the time and effort you so obviously put into taking care of us.

Our heartfelt gratitude,

SSG Teas

On behalf of the 15th SB Maintenance Management Office.

ACTIVE LISTINGS

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES – 216 – PRICED FROM $ 59000 to $3900000

CONDOS – 107 – PRICED FROM $27900 to $423320

TOWNHOMES 65 PRICED FORM $189000 to $489900

PENDING SALES

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES 157 $35000 to$ 459900

CONDOS 66 $19500 TO $139000

TOWNHOMES 26 $39900 TO $199900

SOLDS

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES –35 SOLD

$47000 to $567443 – 5 Cash, 18 New Conventional, 10 New FHA, 2 New VA

CONDOS 15 SOLD $28900 to $183500 12 Cash, 3 New Conventional

TOWNHOMES 15 SOLD $50000 to $258000 5 Cash, 3 New Conventional, 6 New FHA, 1 New VA

I have been thinking about this for awhile but with the passing of 2 kitties – one this week and the other last Christmas, I am not ready to implement a plan for I am surviving my pets. So, what will happen when your pet survives you? Do you have a plan? Do not assume you’re good friend or relative will step up to the plate. This is an unwise assumption. This is the checklist I have come up with and maybe, you can add a few other pointers.

1. Designate someone to assume ownership

2. Keep in touch with this person to see if they are still willing

3. Authorize payments for food, veterinary care, grooming, etc.

4. Ask an attorney how to include language that will protect our pets in estate planning

5. Name a Trust Protector to oversee a pet’s new owner and any funds set aside for the pets care

6. Carry a pet alert wallet card

The best news the SPCA Tampbay offers “The Pet Owner’s Guide to Estate Planning for Pets” a pet alert wallet card and pet profile forms. To request any of the FREE materials call 727-581-3249 or visit www.spcatampabay.org

Do you have an old cell phone and do not know what to do with it? How about donating your phone to the soldiers. This way it will help increase the talk time for our soldiers. There are many drop off places to donate your phone or you can mail it away. So far, I have donated two phones to them. It is a good way to support our troops. The following web site has all the details: www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com

Since we live in Florida, we need to keep our family safe this storm season. Like every other state, Florida is dealing with dire economic realities that already have forced severe cutbacks for all of us. All the more reason for Floridians to prepare to have a plan, to stock away the supplies we will need and to pay careful attention as storms head our way.

First, you should make a family disaster plan. If you need help – go online to www.tampabayprepares.org or www.floridadisaster.org

Second, you need to refer to the hurricane evacuation map to see where you live and your evacuation zone. Determine if and when you would have to evacuate. REMEMBER – ALL MOBILE HOME RESIDENTS MUST EVACUATE REGARDLESS OF LOCATION. If you have to evacuate, decide now where you would go – to a friend, relative, hotel, public shelter or out of the region.

Third, Check your disaster supply kit and add any items you need. Your disaster kit might include: non-perishable foods, drinking water, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, coolers for food and ice, clean up supplies, camera, plastic trash bags, toilet paper, paper towels, baby wipes. Manual can opener, cash, pillows and blankets. I am sure you can add more items to this list.

Fourth – Inventory your property on paper or video. Store all important papers and inventory in a safe place, maybe with a relative out of state.

You will need to purchase materials such as storm shelters, ply wood, or a battery powered radio. Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down. Also, make sure your car is filled with gas.

Hope this helps keep you safe throughout 2009 season from June 1 through November 30.

As I was reading the Making Tracks newsletter from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, I am proud to report we were selected as the number 1 cat friendly city in the United States. The article was written by Sherri Silk, Executive Director of Humane Society. Below is a copy of the article

Recently the CATalyst Council announced that Tampa Bay was selected as the #1 Cat Friendly City in the country! Tampa was followed by Phoenix, San Francisco, Portland, Denver, Boston, Seattle, San Diego, Atlanta, and Minneapolis. The list was compiled after reviewing the top 25 standard metropolitan areas for such data as cat ownership per capita, level of veterinary care, micro chipping and cat friendly local ordinances.

According to Dan Kramer, chairman of CATalyst Council, “Our goal is to recognize and celebrate why cats are such popular companions. We applaud the efforts of these major metropolitan areas for providing a wealth of resources for cats and their owners, along with their earned accolade of being one of America’s Top 10 Cat Friendly Cities.”

At Humane Society Tampa Bay we believe it is a well deserved honor for our area! HSTB, Hillsborough County Animal Services, St. Francis Society, Cat Call, Feline Folks, Kitty City, and other cat rescue groups, work very hard to find homes for as many cats as possible. Each group is dedicated to saving cats lives. Additionally, HSTB, Mission Meow and other groups are committed to the TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) of feral cats in our community. With TNR, feral cats are sterilized and returned to their colonies. They are then cared for by hundreds of caretakers that love cats. TNR is the only way to prevent the birth of thousands of unwanted kittens each year. The TNR program in our community is one of the more progressive in the country.

SO LET’S WEAR THIS HONOR WITH PRIDE TAMPA BAY! CONGRATULATIONS! MEOW!

With the majority of houses on the market that are Bank-owned and Short Sales, the owners are forgetting to take the fleas with them.  I showed homes all week and could not keep the fleas from biting.  I tried mosquito spray, wearing socks under my slacks, wearing hose, and nothing worked.  My legs look like I have measles. With the houses being vacant for so long, all the other bugs and insects are usually dead except for spiders which I have no problem with for I don't disturb them.

One friend suggested I start taking Vitamin. B's, and of course I am willing to try anything.  Since the market is a long time away from changing, I need any suggestions or help you can give me.

 Happy Clients!

Critter Cronies, Tampa, Florida

Member of Pet Sitters International, Pet Tech, Inc. Qualified Pet First Aid Instructor, and founder of Tampa Area Professional Pet Sitter Network

Professional Pet Sitting In Your Home

I was so glad to meet Caroline Drake who owns Critter Cronies, Inc. She is a qualified pet tech, and pet first aid instructor. Caroline is trained in pet first aid and CPR and is qualified to teach Pet Tech Inc. which mission statement is improving the quality of pets’ lives, one pet owner at a time. Caroline also mails out her newsletter which is called Your Treasured Friends which she keeps us updated on her life and her own fur children. I must say her newsletter is very entertaining for she is a good writer. I feel more relaxed when I travel knowing that Caroline is taking care of my fur child, for I know the love and passion she has for our pets. After meeting Caroline, she will become part of your family. She not only watches after our pets but also your home, bringing in the mail, newspaper collection and alternating lights, feeding outside ducks, filling bird feeders, etc and walking your dog as many times as needed each day. She will give your pet a mid-day break, look in on a new puppy to be sure they are not getting into things they shouldn’t be, If they had surgery and you are wondering how they are doing, or have a senior dog who would appreciate an extra potty break, or he is crated and would enjoy an exercise period. I love the fact there is minimal disruption to feeding, medication and exercise schedules, no inconvenience to you having to transport your pet, All this is provided at a very reasonable rate. As you can see, I LOVE MT PET SITTER and so will your pets!

If you live in the following zip codes, Give Caroline a call!

Zip codes service areas 33556, 33558, 33624, 33625, 33618

Critter Cronies, Inc.

813-969-2757

crittercronies@yahoo.com

The last newsletter, Caroline mailed out an article named I Rescued A Human Today. You can read at the following link

http://rescuemedog.org/dog-blog/i-rescued-a-human-today-by-janine-allen/

Written by Janine Allen CPDT, Rescue Me Dog's professional dog trainer. Janine's passion is working with people and their dogs. She provides demonstrations for those who have adopted shelter dogs, lends email support to adopted dog owners that need information beyond our Training Support Pages, and aids shelter staff and volunteers in understanding dog behavior to increase their adoptability. Copyright 2009 Rescue Me Dog; www.rescuemedog.org

The Carrollwood Cultural Center has been in operation almost a year and it is going strong! It still needs programs, funding and volunteers - for those who can or have a desire to do so!

It offers classes in art, music, photography, computers and other topics; has expositions of various artists, both local and national, plays, symphonies and it also offers a wonderful place for business meetings, training rooms, and social events(weddings, etc.) (Discounts for members - individual membership only $50!)

This month will be the beginning of a new program called Dining Around The World which will a monthly social at a featured restaurant that will celebrate the cuisine from that establishment's native country.  A different restaurant will host the event each month.  A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Center.  This month will be at Acropolis GreekTaverna in Ybor City.

Come check it out!

 4537 Lowell Road

Tampa, Florida 33618

(813) 269-1310 

info@carrollwoodcenter.org 

www.carrollwoodcenter.org