Hug Florida - Home: HugFlorida.com

Written by Liz
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
In researching one of the proposed new amendments we will be voting on in the November election in Florida, I felt you might miss this one and it sounds like it could have quite an impact for boaters, marinas, waterway access, fishermen and the fishing industry- all very important to Florida and most Floridians. Apparently, currently the taxation of waterfront property is based on the most expensive comps and usage in the area including condos for example and new structures, and waterfront property (even if it is a mom and pop establishment or dry storage racks for boats (drystacks) or a marine repair facility), is not based on how the property is actually and currently used (which is reasonable and also how most other properties are assessed). The higher taxes are hurting these businesses. This amendment would change how they are assessed to a more reasonable one based on their current usage, and so in effect, it would also help those businesses by lowering their taxes. This will help protect these waterfront based businesses that so many Floridians need and appreciate. Apparently this amendment needs at least 60% yes to pass. So if you agree with the above and want to do your part in helping this amendment to pass, you would want to vote Yes on Constitutional Amendment No. 6 Assessment of Working Waterfront Property Based Upon Current Use Liz
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 22 October 2008 )

Written by Liz
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Dear Florida enthusiasts, proud Floridians, and vacation visitors, HugFlorida.com is... *"The Place Online for Folks Who Love Florida"* We've named this site HugFlorida.com because when you love someone, you want to hug, and take care of them -- well, in this case, it's an entire state that we want to hug because it is so special and dear to us! It's easy to fall in love with Florida. If you're still reading along, you probably share our good feelings and appreciation for Florida- in part because of all her beauty, beaches, boating, exciting places to visit, interesting people to meet, abundant cultural diversity, nature and wildlife, fine warm weather with gentle breezes, and overall lifestyle advantages. We believe that "If You Hug Florida... Florida Will Hug You Back." To us that means, if you help her and love her, say and do things to support her, then Florida will continue to delight you with her many treasures. So, since Florida is so dear to us all, we'll be finding and sharing with you ways that you can "hug" Florida... ways you can give back to her, keep her in great "shape" and make her even better. We'll help you discover ways you can contribute to her well-being with your ideas and talents, sharing information about waterways, conservation and helping the wildlife, volunteer opportunites, and more! And speaking about discovering Florida and her many treasures and wonders... if you want to vacation in, live, work, or play in Florida, then this site will also connect you with Florida information you'll want to know. For example, you'll get help here with finding vacation rentals, Florida businesses, and learn interesting information about different areas as well as fun and sometimes "off-the-beaten track" things to do while you're in Florida. So remember, if you love Florida, protect her, give kudos to her, and then rest assured... for Florida will surely hug you back... with its natural beauty and beaches, with fun things to do and friendly people to meet, with its unique resources, and with what those of us who are lucky enough to live here enjoy... a relaxing and fun Florida lifestyle. Example Of Exciting Moments In Florida On Oct 24, 2007 The Space Shuttle Discovery soared into space after a spectacular lift-off blaze. Why We Started This With many years of experience as someone who loves living in Florida.. we wanted to help Florida visitors and residents to find and enjoy its many treasures while supporting a positive movement in support of Florida. This resource site will help you discover the many benefits, natural and otherwise, of experiencing Florida and how to help her (with your "hug back.") Hugflorida.com reflects support and appreciation for Florida. In this resource we will focus on the wonderfulness of living in and visiting this state, featuring the many benefits Florida offers us as THE PLACE to live, work and play. That is how we feel Florida gives back to us, and hugs us back! When we take care of Florida, Florida gives back to us. Florida offers its visitors and residents a sweet lifestyle, beautiful beaches, waterviews, wildlife, golfing, boating experiences, theater and other fun activities, quirky places to see and things to do, and thriving businesses. Clearly, there are so many things to do and see on a year-round basis in Florida. This state is not only a warm winter escape for our friends from up North, this is a wonderful place to live throughout the year. Florida is great place to live throughout your lifetime. It's both the place to enjoy raising our families, and our retirement years! Your Turn... Some things to come... We'll be adding "things to do", people's top things to do and sights to see per area of Florida... YOU tell US... What are your top 5 reasons why you love Florida? (maybe yours will be included...) You can also submit photos to be considered for use on this site about Florida. Must be your own amateur photo you took or one of your family members took and to portray and allow use of the photos freely as public domain photos. The photos should reflect the theme of appreciating Florida and wanting to HugFlorida. Also, we'll be including featured vacation rentals, worthwhile businesses to patronize and visit, and more! Please help us grow... and tell your friends to HugFlorida.com Remember when submitting to us, you should only send in your own comments, photos, tips, ideas, and positive experiences about Florida! Do not send in copyrighted material, only your own material. Keep in mind that by sending in material to us, you give your permission for us to use it on this site or on any promotions about this site. We look forward to getting your submissions! Also, will you help Florida by linking to hugflorida.com on your web pages, blogs, and social networking sites? We'd appreciate it! If you know you love Florida, please contribute to the site and give Florida a hug! Watch how this site continues to develop. Then as you discover new resources, things to do and see, people to know, places to visit, and natural wonders to preserve, send them in, and you'll also know you can find out about new interesting people and places by visiting hugflorida.com too. Then you'll know you are also on the receiving end as Florida hugs you back. Seaside breezes and gentle hugs, Liz and Dan
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 05 February 2008 )

News Flashes

Constitutional Amendment No. 6 Waterfront Property Based Upon Current Use

In researching one of the proposed new amendments we will be voting on in the November election in Florida, I felt you might miss this one and it sounds like it could have quite an impact for boaters, marinas, waterway access, fishermen and the fishing industry- all very important to Florida and most Floridians.

Apparently, currently the taxation of waterfront property is based on the most expensive comps and usage in the area including condos for example and new structures, and waterfront property (even if it is a mom and pop establishment or dry storage racks for boats (drystacks) or a marine repair facility), is not based on how the property is actually and currently used (which is reasonable and also how most other properties are assessed). The higher taxes are hurting these businesses. This amendment would change how they are assessed to a more reasonable one based on their current usage, and so in effect, it would also help those businesses by lowering their taxes. This will help protect these waterfront based businesses that so many Floridians need and appreciate.

Apparently this amendment needs at least 60% yes to pass. So if you agree with the above and want to do your part in helping this amendment to pass, you would want to vote Yes on Constitutional Amendment No. 6 Assessment of Working Waterfront Property Based Upon Current Use

Liz

Zach Railey Floridian US Finn Class Olympics Sailing Results...

8-9-08 (see 8-18-08 update below too) Zach Railey, representing the US (and Florida- he's from Clearwater, Florida) at the Olympics in the Finn Class Men's Sailing Races, had a great first day, in 2nd place after the 2 races of the day in China's Qingdao. More races to come (11 races in all). Today there was light wind, about 6 knots.

Zach Railey has trained often in Clearwater as well as in many other places around the world. He has friends and supporters in many places, but especially in the Tampa Bay area, since he and his family have ties and experiences with programs and friends through Clearwater Sailing Center and Clearwater Yacht Club. Zach is an amazing sailor.

Example Of Exciting Moments In Florida

Why We Started This

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