Jacksonville, FL

(Top photo)Sunday services as well as community events are held at the Lakeshore property. (Bottom photo) Sal Palmeri and Francine Cianflone, students at Florida Coastal School of Law, talk in the Lakeshore chapel after participating as volunteers in a community event.

I visited the Lakeshore property for Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church recently. My family and I sometimes visit the original church at 7860 Southside Blvd. The Christmas Eve service is our favorite because the music is amazing and the members always extend a warm welcome. I wanted to see what the 40-acre site on Columbia Park Court off Greenland Road looks like; it’s close to our Mandarin home and there’s a 9:45 a.m. service every Sunday. The Lakeshore service is nontraditional contemporary.

Shepherd of the Woods is a big congregation—the Southside sanctuary offers several choices for Sunday worship as well as a Saturday worship.

If you visit either facility and talk to the members or Pastor George L. Johnson, you’ll find yourself welcomed warmly. During my recent visit, Pastor Johnson told me about the church’s mission in Lima, Peru. The church Web site reports 33 members are participating in this third endeavor, to help with construction and repairs, building tables, purchasing school uniforms and school supplies, and providing evangelism and outreach training and materials. The Web site also says the Jacksonville congregation volunteers in Peru will continue to construct the second story of Emaus Church with the nearly 3,000 bricks which will provide classroom space for the school. This energetic group has added on to their ministry plans the addition of building two new homes for two very poor families in the community next to Emaus church.

“We want to care for our members around the world,” Pastor Johnson told me.

Locally, Shepherd of the Woods undertakes a broad mission as well, assisting area charities and nonprofit organizations, and offering a variety of classes and enrichment opportunities. There are Spanish classes, adult education classes and social opportunities for people of all ages. The church also makes the Lakeshore property available to community groups for activities.

All in all, Shepherd of the Woods takes its mission seriously, whether the benefits come to Jacksonville or to our distant neighbors on the other side of the world.

For complete information about worship and missions, visit the Shepherd of the Woods Web site.

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, Shepherd of the Woods, Lutheran Church, Community Events, Volunteers, Mission to Peru, Faith, Jacksonville worship

Recently a car crashed through the back fence of my neighbor’s yard. The driver appeared to have injuries, with glass shards in his face and bruises. I’ve often wondered who picked up the tab for the fence he destroyed, the outbuilding he leveled, and damages to shrubbery and trees. Cars routinely speed down Loretto Road. Speeding incidents increase dramatically late at night.

---

I’ve received letters and notices in the mail about Personal Injury Protection. The Florida Association of Insurance Agents sums it up tidily. “Originally enacted in 1971, Automobile No-Fault Insurance, also known as PIP (Personal Injury Protection), is a required coverage under Florida law. It covers the insured driver and passengers for accident-related injuries, regardless of fault, with payment made directly to the insured(s) by his/her own insurer. Unless reenacted, the No-Fault system will cease to exist (sunset) October 1, 2007.”

The Florida Times-Union reports area hospitals are upset about the expiration of PIP, noting, “Hospitals rely on the mandatory medical coverage provided by auto insurers to help pay for care provided to accident victims, especially those without health insurance.”

Health insurance companies probably won’t be too happy if the No-Fault insurance sunsets, because that will increase their own claims.

Right now, there’s a lot of room for improvement in PIP. I am required to buy this insurance, even if I don’t need it, since I have health insurance. But in general, PIP is viewed as an opportunity for fraud and inflated billings. Everyone is familiar with the whiplash scenario. You have a minor scrape in traffic and suddenly the very healthy person you bumped into has a slew of medical problems.

Here’s a really intriguing aspect of PIP, pointed out by the Times-Union: If the PIP law is allowed to sunset, Florida motorists who are considered “safe drivers” will not be required to buy auto insurance, said Julie Baker, spokeswoman with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. A safe driver is a motorist who has had no driving convictions (such as speeding fines) in the past three years, or had his license revoked or suspended in the past seven years.

I’d say this is a pretty important issue. Legislators need to address it. (Text and Photo by Kay B. Day)

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, Personal Injury Protection, Florida insurance, Florida drivers, accident, legislation, insurance injury, health insurance

Jacksonville distributor Omni United USA Inc. is on the list of companies who sold allegedly faulty tires manufactured in China.

Global trade creates complex relationships. Jacksonville Business Journal says Omni United USA Inc. is a subsidiary of a Singapore-based company, Omni United Pte. Ltd. The company sold tires manufactured by China-based Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. and imported by Foreign Tire Sales.

The tires are light truck radials that could fall apart on the road.

Consumer Affairs reports a lawsuit has been filed against FTS over a fatal traffic accident in Pennsylvania in 2006:

The suit says tread separation caused a cargo van carrying four passengers to crash, killing two passengers and injuring the other two. The light truck tires were sold under the names Westlake, Telluride, Compass and YKS.

FTS has filed an $80 million lawsuit against the Hangzhou Rubber Company and notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TSA of the defect. FTS had conducted testing after warranty requests increased. Consumer Affairs says, “Visual analysis revealed that some tires seemed to have an insufficient or missing gum strip — a key safety feature to preserve the integrity of the belts.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration told Fox News, “We want a full tire recall to take place.” The agency has notified Foreign Tire Sales. The Hangzhou tires were sold to the following distributors: Tireco, in Compton, Calif.; Strategic Import Supply, in Wayzata, Minn.; Omni United USA Inc., in Jacksonville, Fla.; Orteck International Inc., in Gaithersburg, Md.; K&D Tire Wholesalers LLC, in Carlsbad, Calif.; and Robinson Tire, in Laurel, Miss.

NHTSA is a great resource for safety and performance information about tires. For more information, visit the tire information pages at the NHTSA Web site.

(text by Kay B. Day; photo from NHTSA Web site (safercar.gov); photo is not representative of recalled tires.)

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, Chinese Tires Recall, Jacksonville, imported tires, tire distributor, lawsuit faulty tires, Kay Day

Mandarin High football coach J. D. Hall died suddenly Saturday night of an apparent heart attack. He was only 35 years old. Hall had joined the Mustang program in 2004. Within a short time, he proved he would lead the team to a new level of competition, taking the Mustangs to a pair of playoff appearances and a District Championship.

The Mandarin High Football Web site says Hall has seen 11 (7 in 2006)of his Mustangs earn Scholarships. The Web site also says, “Hall implemented a character building program when arriving…The program now includes a scout program as well as the Mandarin ‘Total Package’ policy manual. Hall’s program prepares his players for the next level at any college Division.”
(more…)

Dorothy K. Fletcher heads into a Washington, D. C. hotel. Fletcher and I read together at the U.S. Library of Congress for “Florida Poets Arrive.” Fletcher appears at Barnes and Noble in St. John’s Town Center on Saturday as part of a Literacy Pros event.

Literacy Pros celebrates a dedication to adult literacy at Barnes and Noble in the St. Johns Town Center (10280 Midtown Parkway) on Saturday, June 16. The Bookfair runs from opening to closing, 9 a.m.-11 p.m., when a percentage of every sale made will be donated to Literacy Pros. Jacksonville authors Dorothy K. Fletcher (Zen Fishing and Other Southern Pleasures) and Victor DiGenti (Windrusher series) will talk with guests and sign books from 4-6 p.m.

That evening features music by Damien Lamar and Laurel Lee from 7-8 p.m. Lee has a great Web site; you can find out about the new CD Why don’t we get married featuring Laurel Lee and the Escapees. Lamar is well-known in Northeast Florida, and his selections offer a variety of styles. Visit Lamar’s Web site to learn more.

I’ve read with Fletcher on many occasions, and her poetry and prose weave stories of the past and present, illustrated by specific events and happenings in the South. She has a low-key sense of humor; she loves to talk writing. DiGenti is a key figure in writing events around Northeast Florida because he’s regional director for the Florida Writers Association. DiGenti’s first novel was praised by actress Betty White and it’s popular with cat lovers of all ages. Both are award-winning authors with several books in the marketplace and they enjoy talking to people.

The Web site for Literacy Pros says the organization was founded in 2003 by “a local group of dedicated literacy volunteers. These trainers and tutors were interested in finding new ways to deliver literacy training to the community.” A recent success story is the Prison Literacy Program in conjunction with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office.

Events like this provide a great way to help worthy organizations and have some fun at the same time. So pick up a book, sip on some coffee or tea and enjoy the music on Saturday.

You’ll need a voucher to be sure the sale is tagged for Literacy Pros; for convenience, you may print one from the Web site. (photo and text by Kay B. Day)

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, Literacy in Jacksonville, Education, Reading, Authors, Books, CDs, Musicians, Northeast Florida support groups, Zen, cats, mystery, poetry, novels, volunteers, booksigning Jacksonville, memoir

Josh Scobee, field goal kicker for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, reads to children who participate in at-risk programs for youth administered by The Bridge, at Barnes and Noble in Mandarin.

---

I talked with Zoe Ann Boyle yesterday about summer day camp for children at The Bridge of Northeast Florida, an organization offering support for education, nutrition, health and counseling for at-risk youth. Boyle told me something, citing study findings by Johnson & Johnson, that astounded me. “African-American children,” she says, “are 50 to 60 times more likely to drown.”
(more…)

Recently, the Mounted Unit of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office hosted a “Family Fun Day.” The families were invited to tour the Mounted Units facilities. They also watched equestrian and canine demonstrations and learned about JSO’s Aviation Unit.–photo courtesy of City of Jacksonville press room

Typical zoning and rezoning matters as well as addressing the way citizens can change the city charter will be visited by the Jacksonville City Council at the regular meeting on Tuesday, June 12, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at 117 W. Duval St., City Hall, 1st Floor, Council Chambers.

Jacksonville is for the most part a well-run city. It’s a daunting task to manage a city this big—the Chamber of Commerce likes to remind us we’re the largest city in land mass in the contiguous United States.

Another item on the agenda relates to auditing the tax collector, property appraiser, supervisor of elections, clerk of the courts and sheriff a minimum of once every five years. This is an accountability matter; it seems to be a good management tool.

Council will also give a nod to Jacksonville’s 185th birthday—our city was founded by Isaiah Hart on June 15, 1822.

The public can attend council meetings. If you aren’t inclined to go, you can take a look at the preliminary agenda on the city Web site.

Note: We’ve had severe storms rolling through since early this morning. I’m posting late today because it’s been necessary to shut down the computer. Jacksonville has some sensational lightning shows, and this morning’s was a real piece of work.

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, Jacksonville Fl, City Council, Zoning, Audits, Meeting, 185th Birthday Jacksonville Fl

Tuesday’s severe storm brought much needed rain. At least one Mandarin neighborhood had trees fall; one car fell on a truck in Greenland Oaks, according to The Florida Times-Union.

---

Despite a couple of drenching storms this week, our area is still in the throes of a drought. JEA has issued a report about our water supply, including conservation tips and results of testing for various unappetizing substances. The good news is our water is safe.

Water conservation practices are recommended routinely. The Florida Times-Union asked readers if they’d turn in a neighbor for breaking the liquid Golden Rule: water lawns no more than two days a week, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Some readers would; others would not.

Months ago, Folio Weekly did a story on Jacksonville residents who use more than their share of water. Way more. Some of these individuals are high on whatever scale the upper crust uses to determine social ranking. The stats were amazing—many of the homes and pools had serious water leaks; the owners simply chose not to address them. The result, other than a whopping water bill, is a complete waste of a natural resource. FW content is not archived online, but that article was a real eye-opener.

The report that came in my mailbox Thursday is an accountability tool detailing the status of water pouring through 3,590 miles of water distribution mains ranging from two to 36 inches in diameter. Reports on testing of each grid are provided. You can learn answers to all sorts of exciting questions you didn’t know you had. Does my water contain above-average levels of arsenic? How about fecal coliform and E. coli? Where’d all that sodium come from?

In addition to test sample results, a variety of conservation tips are offered. You can even learn why our water often leaves spots on your drinking glasses and windows (spots are harmless).

JEA is our water utility. The St. Johns River Water Management District handles permits, resource maps and land acquisition to protect wetlands.

Jacksonville’s water source is the Floridian aquifer, one of the major sources of groundwater in the United States. If we’re smart, we’ll be good stewards. It’d be hard to do without water. (photos & text by Kay B. Day)

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, JEA water report, St. Johns River Water Management District duties, drought, storms, Florida, Jacksonville water

Car buffs can have a field day Saturday, June 2, at the Jax511 event at the St. John’s Town Center. Members of the First Coast Car Council will bring their classic rides to the event for a Show ‘N Shine from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Jax511 event officially runs from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Twenty lucky registrants selected at random will compete in a scavenger hunt. Top prize: a brand new 2007 Chevy HHR provided by Nimnicht Chevrolet. Runners up will win gift cards and gas cards. According to information at the jax511.com Web site, registration is over and the 20 hunters will be randomly selected from those who completed the contest form on the Web site. The scavenger hunt runs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rules and prizes are posted at the Web site pages.

Seeing the classic vehicles FCCC members bring is worth the trip. I visited the council’s Cruise-In in the Julington Creek area and really enjoyed seeing all those incredible cars. I talked with members like Buddy Marable, whose ’55 Chevrolet drew a lot of admiration. Marable worked in car sales and says he enjoys the Cruise-Ins because, “Everybody is friendly. There aren’t any snobs.”

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority will also have a tent at the event.

Jacksonville now becomes part of the 511 family, joining other cities across the nation and in Florida like Tampa and Orlando. The service is a great way to stay informed about traffic with “real-time” updates, and is accessible by phone or at the Web site.

Photo of classic cars at the First Coast Car Council Cruise-In by Kay B. Day.

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, Jax511, classic cars, cruise-in, Jacksonville

Ethiopia ranks eighth among the world’s 22 countries with a high tuberculosis burden, according to USAID. Photo courtesy of the World Health Organization.

---

The Florida Department of Health has issued an alert to our state’s residents and visitors. For those who have questions about the XDR-TB (extensively drug-resistant) case, or for those who may have traveled on one of the flights taken by the individual who is now in quarantine, a 24/7 hotline has been established.

The hotline number is 1-800-4TB-INFO. A lot of information about TB can be found at the DOH Web site.

DOH also says local health departments in the Sunshine State “will give the highest priority to individuals who were on one of the flights with the individuals currently in isolation, and who need evaluation and testing.” DOH encourages anyone on these flights “to seek TB testing and evaluation.”

The DOH alert references “individuals currently in isolation.” I’m assuming that plural noun individuals isn’t a typo and may refer to the passenger’s wife, but that is an assumption on my part.

The World Health Organization says that one in three people in the world is infected with dormant TB germs (i.e. TB bacteria), but people become ill with TB only when the bacteria become active. Information at the WHO Web pages says, “TB can usually be treated with a course of four standard, or first-line, anti-TB drugs. If these drugs are misused or mismanaged, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) can develop. MDR-TB takes longer to treat with second-line drugs, which are more expensive and have more side-effects. XDR-TB can develop when these second-line drugs are also misused or mismanaged and therefore also become ineffective. Because XDR-TB is resistant to first- and second-line drugs, treatment options are seriously limited. It is therefore vital that TB control is managed properly.”

The New York Times ran a story Wednesday about the Georgia man who exposed fellow passengers on different commercial flights, starting with a flight to Paris from Atlanta on Air France 385 on May 12.

One of Jacksonville’s most well-known hospitals, Shands, is located on a site where in 1922, Duval Hospital on Jefferson Street became a tuberculosis sanitarium.

And one of America’s most colorful gunfighters, Doc Holliday, died of TB.

WHO offers some small comfort to those who may be exposed to this disease. TB is spread when the sick person coughs, or sneezes, or simply talks, because these actions propel TB bacteria into the air. A person needs only to breathe in a small number of these germs to become infected.

However, only a small proportion of people will become infected with TB disease.

For those who’ve been exposed, take DOH advice to heart. Seek testing and evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, Florida Health Alert, XDR-TB, flights, quarantine

In Florida, Memorial Day means more than somber ceremonies and outdoor grilling. That day is one of the last worry-free days Floridians have where warm weather is concerned.

Hurricane Season starts Friday, and Jacksonville’s Fire and Rescue Emergency Preparedness team wants city residents and travelers to head off as much confusion as possible if a big one hits.

Now is the time to set aside canned food and organize your emergency kit, learn evacuation routes and establish a rendezvous point for you and loved ones who may be in different places.

If you have pets, or if you have special needs, use the city Web site to register now.

If you have an abundance of the stately oaks we enjoy in our neighborhood, trim them. There’s nothing like a monster-sized limb landing on your roof to shake you up when the wind is howling like a banshee.

I’ve lived through two serious hurricanes, both of them when our home was in South Carolina. One of those storms, Hugo, literally turned on us. Every forecaster in our area except for TV weather man Jim Gandy said the storm wouldn’t be too serious for those of us in the central part of the state. But Hugo hit Charleston as a Category 4 storm, roaring inland, destroying one billion board feet of timber. I was nine months pregnant with our second child. I will always remember that night—it will be the stuff of stories I tell my grandchildren if I am lucky enough to have some one day.

I selected the video above from youtube.com because although I didn’t experience this storm, the sound on the video is similar to sounds I heard the night Hugo paid us an unwelcome visit. If I have such an experience again, I will definitely be as prepared as possible.

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, Hurricane Preparedness, Hurricane Season, Florida Weather, Emergency Preparedness

Rip current warnings remain in effect for the Northeast Florida area as of Tuesday, with high risks expected for beaches in Duval, St. John’s and Flagler counties.

Beachgoers on Memorial Day seemed to be observing red flag warnings posted at beaches on the southern end of the area coasts, but some still ventured beyond posted swimming areas where there was no lifeguard. Over the holiday weekend, hundreds of swimmers at Florida beaches required help from lifeguards and others. There’s never a good reason to take a risk associated with swimming, no matter where you are.

As we walked on the beach Saturday, I realized the risks lifeguards face themselves when undertaking a rescue. Beachgoers should be sure they understand the flag system Florida uses, and they should also follow safety recommendations from the U.S. Lifesaving Association.

Recommendations like not swimming alone and never swimming in an unguarded area are common sense, but people often ignore them. Swimming only while sober is also common sense, but people ignore that one too.

As we took our beach stroll, letting the water rush around our legs, I realized how strong the surf was. At times, it was hard to stand. I was glad to see parents keeping a watchful eye on their children. Rip currents can get even the strongest swimmer in trouble.

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, Florida beaches, rescue, swimmers, tips, red flag

Photo of Ponte Vedra Beach by Kay B. Day

Jacksonville will honor those in the military who have given their lives in defense of our country during Memorial Day weekend and on the Monday holiday.

The city’s Memorial Day Observance ceremony will be held Monday, May 28, at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Wall, 1145 East Adams Street downtown. Ten local heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice will be honored. A concert precedes the ceremony. Starting at 9:30 a.m., the St. Johns River City Band and Don Thompson chorale will perform.

The ceremony includes keynote speakers, presentation of colors, family tributes, wreath presentation, a 21-gun salute, “Taps” and musical tributes.

For those who can’t attend, the City of Jacksonville Web site provides suggestions for ways to observe this special day.

On Saturday, May 26, the city presents the 2007 Spring Music Festival. Gates open at Metropolitan Park at 6 p.m. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. and the movie “Hoodwinked” follows the concert. Music is by Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts Band; Belushi is the voice of the Woodsman in the movie. Admission is free. For full details, visit the Music Festival page at the city Web site.

Today’s Florida Times-Union has additional listings of area events. Pick up a newspaper or visit the T-U Web page for more information about things to do.

Many of us will celebrate with family and friends as we remember the men and women who protect us. Have a safe, happy holiday!

Photo of the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall is from press pages at the City of Jacksonville Web site.

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, Jacksonville, Memorial Day, veterans, ceremony, music festival

Winn-Dixie and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office are holding “Common Sense Self Defense” seminars around The River City during the next four months. The seminars are free and will be held in a number of locations during weekday evenings or Saturday mornings at 27 local WD stores.

The seminars are aimed at educating a person on self-defense when escaping a threatening situation is not possible. Each seminar lasts 60 minutes. You must reserve a spot in order to participate.

Full details can be found at the Sheriff’s Office site on the Web. Check out the brochure explaining details. The brochure also offers common sense tips for personal safety. There’s a schedule online as well so you can select a convenient time and location.

I plan to go with my daughter and I’ll report on my experience here at our Jacksonville, FL site. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared even if you feel safe most of the time as I do.

In the photo above, Raines High School senior Erica Timmons learns self-defense moves from Jacksonville Sheriff’s officer Sam Rodgriguez during the seminar offered to residents during Customer Appreciation Day on April 28 at the Winn-Dixie store on Moncrief Road. Photo from JSO public information.

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, JSO, self defense seminar, Winn Dixie

Film Festival promises lively entertainment

Jacksonville was once known as “Hollywood East.” The Florida Memory Project says The Sunshine State has been the location for “countless films” since the early 1900s. Classic films like “The Flying Ace” (1926) and “Basic” (2003) starring John Travolta were shot in Jacksonville.

The fifth annual Jacksonville Film Festival May 17-20 pays homage to the industry’s history and present in our city. This year’s celebration features a screening of “Polyester” (1981) in Odorama. A festival spokesperson says special scratch-and-sniff cards will be handed out. I can’t tell you what you’ll smell, but it sounds quirky enough I’d be willing to try it. A special highlight on Saturday, May 19, includes director John Waters offering live commentary on his film. The film features heart throb Tab Hunter, a name well-known to Boomer fans. Festival events are held at various downtown venues. For complete information on screenings, programs and locations, visit Jacksonville Film Festival on the Web.

It’s all about the weather

Today is bright and sunny with very little smoke. Yesterday was a different story. The acrid smell of wildfires hung over the city yesterday, with cloudy conditions and wind making things even worse. Mid-afternoon, storms rolled in, dropping hail and much-needed rain. What meteorologists call a “microburst” brought winds estimated at 60+ m.p.h. to the North Side. Some homes sustained damage, but no injuries were reported. Meanwhile, the wildfires rage on. For complete information about the current fire situation, visit the Florida Division of Forestry Daily Report on the Web.

There’s good news, though, because the weekend forecast calls for sunny skies, temperatures in the 80s and a nice breeze—picture perfect weather for having fun in The River City. Enjoy!

“Polyester” poster used with permission,©JacksonvilleFilmFestival, 2007

Word Press, Technorati, Tags, Florida Wildfire, Jacksonville Film Festival, Florida Travel