July 2022 Newsletter
Patricia Lee
From The Publisher:
A study is being conducted for the consideration of adding two more lanes on HWY 98 downtown Destin. The study is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2023. Cost of the study is said to be 1.7 million. Widening the road would certainly physically impact many businesses which are currently located close to the road. Local citizens are speaking out and below are some of their comments.
"This is a ridiculous waste of money. We already know it's needed! Start working on solutions and stop building more hotels and homes that contribute to a larger population which we already can't handle."
"Put up a sky bridge hwy. Add bicycle lanes and walking over passes."
"Make Destin less car dependent. Build trams."
"We need a monorail system like Disney World with drop off stations from one end of Destin to the other."
"1.7 million? I'll do it for 1 million. Ring me up!"
There are other things being considered besides just the widening of the road. You may read more details by clicking on this link.
https://www.cityofdestin.com/533/Hwy-98-PDE-Study
Patricia Lee, Owner: www.Destinites.com - Creator: www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites
[email protected]
A study is being conducted for the consideration of adding two more lanes on HWY 98 downtown Destin. The study is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2023. Cost of the study is said to be 1.7 million. Widening the road would certainly physically impact many businesses which are currently located close to the road. Local citizens are speaking out and below are some of their comments.
"This is a ridiculous waste of money. We already know it's needed! Start working on solutions and stop building more hotels and homes that contribute to a larger population which we already can't handle."
"Put up a sky bridge hwy. Add bicycle lanes and walking over passes."
"Make Destin less car dependent. Build trams."
"We need a monorail system like Disney World with drop off stations from one end of Destin to the other."
"1.7 million? I'll do it for 1 million. Ring me up!"
There are other things being considered besides just the widening of the road. You may read more details by clicking on this link.
https://www.cityofdestin.com/533/Hwy-98-PDE-Study
Patricia Lee, Owner: www.Destinites.com - Creator: www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites
[email protected]
*** If you are interested in being a sponsor or article contributor, contact Patricia Lee: [email protected]
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Lori Leath Smith
Make A Wish: By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher - Life Media, Inc. Destin Life community newspaper
Mason Burnette, age 6, loves Destin and the beach. So, on a beautiful Destin Day in May, Shantel Simpson, Salt Water Vacations guest relations manager, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Destin gathered at James Lee Park at The Crab Trap to gift him an amazing experience. Mason, a Make-A-Wish Georgia Foundation recipient struggling with Leukemia, had a big wish—to ride on the beach in a patrol vehicle for his birthday. First, Mason was sworn in as a Junior Deputy by Sheriff Eric Aden, who presented him with a Junior Deputy Badge and K9 Deputy Tim Patterson introduced him to K9 Beau. Destin Mayor Gary Jarvis also gave Mason a city challenge coin along with a goodie bag that included a new copy of Green Eggs & Ham from the Destin Library, Mason’s favorite book. His parents, Makayla Hall and Dustin Burnette, were truly thankful for those in our community making his wishes come true. “We just gave them the information and Shantel and the Make-A- Wish Foundation ran with it; they planned the entire experience,” she said. "I cannot express how grateful we are at Salt Water Vacations for all the hard work from OCSO, the City of Destin, the Mayor, Mel Ponder and countless others who showed up and showed out today for Mason," said Shantel. “We don’t make any money. We simply work with the community and jump in and make it special. We initially took a phone call from the foundation and then excitedly booked the house for Mason and his parents, decorated it and took donations, all to make their vacation special.”
The community was instrumental in providing additional activities that us locals love—free tickets to visit the Gulfairum, free pontoon rental services from Xtreme H20, free meals from Boshamps, Harbor Docks, Brotulas, Soleil, Crab Shack and Chick-Fil-A, smoothies from Tropical Smoothie, free access to the Fort Walton Beach Science Center and a Smile and Wave dolphin boat ride from by Capt. Pam.
Mason Burnette, age 6, loves Destin and the beach. So, on a beautiful Destin Day in May, Shantel Simpson, Salt Water Vacations guest relations manager, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Destin gathered at James Lee Park at The Crab Trap to gift him an amazing experience. Mason, a Make-A-Wish Georgia Foundation recipient struggling with Leukemia, had a big wish—to ride on the beach in a patrol vehicle for his birthday. First, Mason was sworn in as a Junior Deputy by Sheriff Eric Aden, who presented him with a Junior Deputy Badge and K9 Deputy Tim Patterson introduced him to K9 Beau. Destin Mayor Gary Jarvis also gave Mason a city challenge coin along with a goodie bag that included a new copy of Green Eggs & Ham from the Destin Library, Mason’s favorite book. His parents, Makayla Hall and Dustin Burnette, were truly thankful for those in our community making his wishes come true. “We just gave them the information and Shantel and the Make-A- Wish Foundation ran with it; they planned the entire experience,” she said. "I cannot express how grateful we are at Salt Water Vacations for all the hard work from OCSO, the City of Destin, the Mayor, Mel Ponder and countless others who showed up and showed out today for Mason," said Shantel. “We don’t make any money. We simply work with the community and jump in and make it special. We initially took a phone call from the foundation and then excitedly booked the house for Mason and his parents, decorated it and took donations, all to make their vacation special.”
The community was instrumental in providing additional activities that us locals love—free tickets to visit the Gulfairum, free pontoon rental services from Xtreme H20, free meals from Boshamps, Harbor Docks, Brotulas, Soleil, Crab Shack and Chick-Fil-A, smoothies from Tropical Smoothie, free access to the Fort Walton Beach Science Center and a Smile and Wave dolphin boat ride from by Capt. Pam.
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AREA EVENTS! <-- Please click the picture to view some of our local events for the Destin area. |
Lori Leath Smith
Destinite Spotlight: by Patricia Lee
Lori Leath Smith - Publisher, Destin Life monthly newspaper - Life Media, Inc.
I would like to give this Publisher of our Destin Life monthly newspaper, a big shout-out! Have you ever noticed that this paper keeps us all informed and does so without negative connotations? Not only is this paper friendly and upbeat but it is also freely distributed to residents of Destin, local businesses and may be found in various bends around town. How much more accommodating could this be? Not to mention that she attends every event possible, as she is making connections and doing her best to be supportive of this community. She has certainly been supportive of all of my endeavors with Destinites and I am proud to call her a personal friend. Lori actually publishes multiple different community newspapers every month. I don't know how she does it all but somehow this superwoman makes it happen! It is always a pleasure to read her newspapers and I love the coupon page! Next time you see her, give her a pat on the back and a thank you for all she does, as it is well deserved.
Lori Leath Smith - Publisher, Destin Life monthly newspaper - Life Media, Inc.
I would like to give this Publisher of our Destin Life monthly newspaper, a big shout-out! Have you ever noticed that this paper keeps us all informed and does so without negative connotations? Not only is this paper friendly and upbeat but it is also freely distributed to residents of Destin, local businesses and may be found in various bends around town. How much more accommodating could this be? Not to mention that she attends every event possible, as she is making connections and doing her best to be supportive of this community. She has certainly been supportive of all of my endeavors with Destinites and I am proud to call her a personal friend. Lori actually publishes multiple different community newspapers every month. I don't know how she does it all but somehow this superwoman makes it happen! It is always a pleasure to read her newspapers and I love the coupon page! Next time you see her, give her a pat on the back and a thank you for all she does, as it is well deserved.
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Tylor Kenall
Youth Strength Training: by Coach, Tylor Kendall, Owner - Foundations 850, Inc.
What age should youth begin strength training? There is an ongoing debate about when adolescence should begin strength training. What does the science say? That is what we will focus on later in this article.
But first, let's not confuse strength training with heavyweight training, bodybuilding or powerlifting etc. Strength training is resistance training that may incorporate weights, bands or even just body weight movements.
The goal for strength training isn’t to pack on muscle mass or to focus on increasing one rep maximum strengths. Instead it is far more imperative to focus on movement and flexibility while incorporating the individual’s life activities, such as a specific sport or dancing. With that being said, strength training is not only beneficial to young athletes but to any teen and preteen!
There are numerous beneficial reasons to incorporate strength training into child's routine. These are not limited to strengthening bones, muscle and neurological systems. The output produces benefits for cardiorespiratory and aerobic systems as well as immunity. Any sport or performance will benefit from resistance style training. There may also be an increase in self confidence and self image! The list goes on!
So at what age should I introduce strength training to my child? According to mayoclinic.org "as early as age seven or eight, however strength training can become a valuable part of an overall fitness plan - as long as the child is mature enough to follow directions and able to practice proper technique and form."
But won't that stunt my child's growth? There are many misperceptions and false information that spread rapidly through the fitness community about certain training for youth. The science lacks any evidence backing the theory behind proper strength training under correct supervision being any culprit to stunting youth's growth when done under the guidelines previously mentioned. Men'sjournal.com stated "Both (previously cited doctors) say there is almost zero downside to strength training for children as long as they're doing a sound program under proper instruction."
So how do you introduce strength training to your children? Consult a professional. Foundations 850 would love to help you and your youth with developing a program tailored to your individual goals and needs! Message us on Facebook to set up consultation!
Warm-up and cool down! Normal play as well as a structured static and reflective stretch routine is a great way for both of these while including mild aerobic activity. Keep it light. Don't focus on increasing weight production. Instead focus on proper form and technique. Supervision required! Whether you lead them yourself or they lift with a school sanctioned team, there should always be experienced adult supervision present. Incorporate proper nutrition intake and sleep pattern. Adequate rest between workouts and muscle groups should be monitored as well. Last but not least - keep it Fun! We are trying to promote lifelong healthy habits. Routine exercise is one of the most beneficial habits we can incorporate and promote into our lives for the benefits are without parallel.
I know that there is a lot of contrasting information. I would encourage you to do your own research. Look up your own trusted sources. See what science is saying - or isn't saying. There's a lot to weigh in. If you have any more questions about getting your youth involved in strength training and or athletic speed agility and sports specific training, Foundations 850 would love to help in anyway! See you at the gym!
What age should youth begin strength training? There is an ongoing debate about when adolescence should begin strength training. What does the science say? That is what we will focus on later in this article.
But first, let's not confuse strength training with heavyweight training, bodybuilding or powerlifting etc. Strength training is resistance training that may incorporate weights, bands or even just body weight movements.
The goal for strength training isn’t to pack on muscle mass or to focus on increasing one rep maximum strengths. Instead it is far more imperative to focus on movement and flexibility while incorporating the individual’s life activities, such as a specific sport or dancing. With that being said, strength training is not only beneficial to young athletes but to any teen and preteen!
There are numerous beneficial reasons to incorporate strength training into child's routine. These are not limited to strengthening bones, muscle and neurological systems. The output produces benefits for cardiorespiratory and aerobic systems as well as immunity. Any sport or performance will benefit from resistance style training. There may also be an increase in self confidence and self image! The list goes on!
So at what age should I introduce strength training to my child? According to mayoclinic.org "as early as age seven or eight, however strength training can become a valuable part of an overall fitness plan - as long as the child is mature enough to follow directions and able to practice proper technique and form."
But won't that stunt my child's growth? There are many misperceptions and false information that spread rapidly through the fitness community about certain training for youth. The science lacks any evidence backing the theory behind proper strength training under correct supervision being any culprit to stunting youth's growth when done under the guidelines previously mentioned. Men'sjournal.com stated "Both (previously cited doctors) say there is almost zero downside to strength training for children as long as they're doing a sound program under proper instruction."
So how do you introduce strength training to your children? Consult a professional. Foundations 850 would love to help you and your youth with developing a program tailored to your individual goals and needs! Message us on Facebook to set up consultation!
Warm-up and cool down! Normal play as well as a structured static and reflective stretch routine is a great way for both of these while including mild aerobic activity. Keep it light. Don't focus on increasing weight production. Instead focus on proper form and technique. Supervision required! Whether you lead them yourself or they lift with a school sanctioned team, there should always be experienced adult supervision present. Incorporate proper nutrition intake and sleep pattern. Adequate rest between workouts and muscle groups should be monitored as well. Last but not least - keep it Fun! We are trying to promote lifelong healthy habits. Routine exercise is one of the most beneficial habits we can incorporate and promote into our lives for the benefits are without parallel.
I know that there is a lot of contrasting information. I would encourage you to do your own research. Look up your own trusted sources. See what science is saying - or isn't saying. There's a lot to weigh in. If you have any more questions about getting your youth involved in strength training and or athletic speed agility and sports specific training, Foundations 850 would love to help in anyway! See you at the gym!
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Steven Craft, Jr.
New Florida Insurance Regulations: by Steven Craft, Jr. - Agent - Lucleon Insurance Company
Last month I shared some information on the hard regulations that standard insurance carriers had placed on Florida homeowners. Now, agents in the insurance industry are waiting to see how insurance companies will respond to the new legislation that Governor DeSantis signed. This move by DeSantis registers a big win for Florida homeowners across the board. Let’s give our Governor a big round of applause for this one, folks!
See below for details on the new legislation:
Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs Property Insurance Legislation: Many officials have described the package as “a meaningful first step in repairing a market plagued by insurer insolvencies, policy cancelations and rising insurance costs.” The insurance industry has had two years of underwriting losses exceeding $1 billion each year and several insurance companies have gone insolvent, required midterm cancellations, are in liquidation or have stopped writing new business since 2021. The loss of private insurers has caused property owners to resort to getting their insurance from Citizens Property Insurance, a the state insurer of last resort.
Huge Success for Florida Homeowners: Generates 2 billion Reinsurance to Assist Policyholders program for insurers to buy insurance to help insulate themselves from risk. Insurers would have to reduce policyholders rates to access the state reinsurance fund. It also offers grants of up to $10,000 to outfit homes so they are less at risk to hurricane damage if the homes meet certain criteria.
Huge Success for Florida Homeowners: Insurers, with the new legislature, cannot automatically deny coverage because of a roof’s age if the roof is less than 15 years old. Homeowners with roofs 15 years or older would be allowed to get an inspection before insurers deny them coverage.
Huge Success for Florida Homeowners: “If an inspection shows that a roof has at least five years of life remaining, insurers can’t deny a policy solely based on the roof’s age. If a roof is more than 25% damaged but already complies with the state’s 2007 building code, it would be repaired instead of the insurance company demanding total replacement under an exemption to the building code that the proposed legislation generates.”
Last month I shared some information on the hard regulations that standard insurance carriers had placed on Florida homeowners. Now, agents in the insurance industry are waiting to see how insurance companies will respond to the new legislation that Governor DeSantis signed. This move by DeSantis registers a big win for Florida homeowners across the board. Let’s give our Governor a big round of applause for this one, folks!
See below for details on the new legislation:
Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs Property Insurance Legislation: Many officials have described the package as “a meaningful first step in repairing a market plagued by insurer insolvencies, policy cancelations and rising insurance costs.” The insurance industry has had two years of underwriting losses exceeding $1 billion each year and several insurance companies have gone insolvent, required midterm cancellations, are in liquidation or have stopped writing new business since 2021. The loss of private insurers has caused property owners to resort to getting their insurance from Citizens Property Insurance, a the state insurer of last resort.
Huge Success for Florida Homeowners: Generates 2 billion Reinsurance to Assist Policyholders program for insurers to buy insurance to help insulate themselves from risk. Insurers would have to reduce policyholders rates to access the state reinsurance fund. It also offers grants of up to $10,000 to outfit homes so they are less at risk to hurricane damage if the homes meet certain criteria.
Huge Success for Florida Homeowners: Insurers, with the new legislature, cannot automatically deny coverage because of a roof’s age if the roof is less than 15 years old. Homeowners with roofs 15 years or older would be allowed to get an inspection before insurers deny them coverage.
Huge Success for Florida Homeowners: “If an inspection shows that a roof has at least five years of life remaining, insurers can’t deny a policy solely based on the roof’s age. If a roof is more than 25% damaged but already complies with the state’s 2007 building code, it would be repaired instead of the insurance company demanding total replacement under an exemption to the building code that the proposed legislation generates.”
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Mercedes Feris
How To Deep Clean Your Showerheads - by Mercedes Feris Owner: Happy Planet Cleaners
You only need to deep clean your shower head once or twice a year, or any time you notice sudden low water pressure or other signs that it’s clogged.
-Deep bowl -Baking Soda
-White vinegar -An old toothbrush or soft brush
-Dry rags -Tweezers (optional) -Wrench (optional)
Remove your shower head Unscrew your shower head by hand. If you need to use a wrench, cover the jaws with a rag to protect your shower head from damage. Shake excess water from your shower head once it’s off.
Remove the filter screen. Locate the filter screen at the end of the shower head where it attaches to the pipe. Use tweezers gently to remove this. Rinse both sides of the screen under running water to dislodge debris and remove sediment, then set it aside to dry.
Sprinkle with baking soda. Sprinkle your shower head inside and out with baking soda then scrub it with an old toothbrush dipped in water. Do not rinse the shower head yet. Soak it in vinegar Fill a deep bowl with 2 inches of vinegar then add your shower head and let it soak for 20-30 minutes. It will fizz as the baking soda residue reacts with the vinegar. This action dislodges more buildup. Do not exceed the recommended soaking time.
Rinse. Use the toothbrush to scrub the shower head again then rinse it with hot water inside and out. Repeat the previous step to remove stubborn limescale deposits that remain after rinsing.
Reassemble. Once your shower head is clean, let it completely air dry then reinstall the filter screen. Reattach the shower head to the pipe. If you can’t get your shower head off the pipe or don’t want to try, you can clean it in place by slipping a plastic bag filled with vinegar over it. Fasten the bag to the shower arm with a rubber band. Let this sit for an hour, remove the bag, and insert a toothpick or safety pin into the head’s nozzles to remove any debris. Finish by wiping the shower head with a rag, and run the water to rinse away any residue.
How to Clean Hand-Held Shower heads You can clean hand-held shower sprayers and their hoses following the steps above. If you can’t fit the hose into a large bowl, use a deep pot or even your bathtub. Submerge the sprayer and hose in vinegar for at least an hour, then rinse well, shake out excess water, and let it completely dry overnight.
Shower head Cleaning Tips • Never use chlorine bleach on your shower head since it can damage the gasket and filter screen. Bleach can also permanently discolor some metals like brass and stainless steel. Always rinse your shower head thoroughly with water after cleaning it with vinegar. It is okay to soak most shower heads in vinegar for the time recommended, provided you rinse it thoroughly. Remember to never mix bleach and vinegar! #KeepTheEmeraldCoastGreen
You only need to deep clean your shower head once or twice a year, or any time you notice sudden low water pressure or other signs that it’s clogged.
-Deep bowl -Baking Soda
-White vinegar -An old toothbrush or soft brush
-Dry rags -Tweezers (optional) -Wrench (optional)
Remove your shower head Unscrew your shower head by hand. If you need to use a wrench, cover the jaws with a rag to protect your shower head from damage. Shake excess water from your shower head once it’s off.
Remove the filter screen. Locate the filter screen at the end of the shower head where it attaches to the pipe. Use tweezers gently to remove this. Rinse both sides of the screen under running water to dislodge debris and remove sediment, then set it aside to dry.
Sprinkle with baking soda. Sprinkle your shower head inside and out with baking soda then scrub it with an old toothbrush dipped in water. Do not rinse the shower head yet. Soak it in vinegar Fill a deep bowl with 2 inches of vinegar then add your shower head and let it soak for 20-30 minutes. It will fizz as the baking soda residue reacts with the vinegar. This action dislodges more buildup. Do not exceed the recommended soaking time.
Rinse. Use the toothbrush to scrub the shower head again then rinse it with hot water inside and out. Repeat the previous step to remove stubborn limescale deposits that remain after rinsing.
Reassemble. Once your shower head is clean, let it completely air dry then reinstall the filter screen. Reattach the shower head to the pipe. If you can’t get your shower head off the pipe or don’t want to try, you can clean it in place by slipping a plastic bag filled with vinegar over it. Fasten the bag to the shower arm with a rubber band. Let this sit for an hour, remove the bag, and insert a toothpick or safety pin into the head’s nozzles to remove any debris. Finish by wiping the shower head with a rag, and run the water to rinse away any residue.
How to Clean Hand-Held Shower heads You can clean hand-held shower sprayers and their hoses following the steps above. If you can’t fit the hose into a large bowl, use a deep pot or even your bathtub. Submerge the sprayer and hose in vinegar for at least an hour, then rinse well, shake out excess water, and let it completely dry overnight.
Shower head Cleaning Tips • Never use chlorine bleach on your shower head since it can damage the gasket and filter screen. Bleach can also permanently discolor some metals like brass and stainless steel. Always rinse your shower head thoroughly with water after cleaning it with vinegar. It is okay to soak most shower heads in vinegar for the time recommended, provided you rinse it thoroughly. Remember to never mix bleach and vinegar! #KeepTheEmeraldCoastGreen
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Andrea & Paul McArthur
July Home Maintenance Tips: By Paul McArthur - Owner: Agape Home Pro
It’s summertime and the weather is warm (better said… HOT!) and the sun is out! Take some time this month between backyard barbecues and summer vacations to complete some of these July home maintenance tips. This month’s list includes a mix of indoor and outdoor items focused around safety and enjoying the summer.
Update your Home First Aid Kit:
We all spend more time outside and being adventurous with the warmer weather. This can often lead to more accidents as well. Be prepared by making sure your first aid kit is updated and ready to go. You might even consider having a small additional kit for outside or to keep in the car for outings and weekend getaways.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Fire Extinguishers:
Don’t wait until your one smoke detectors starts chirping at 3:00am to service your smoke detectors. Make sure to use the test button on each device and change batteries as needed. You might also want to consider replacing older smoke detectors with the newer 10-Year Worry Free Sealed Battery Smoke Detectors. These newer detectors take away low battery worries and chirps. It is also a good time to check your fire extinguishers and make sure they aren’t expired.
And, if you don’t have a fire extinguisher (or three), get one!
Check Outdoor Lighting:
Start with cleaning your porch lights on the front and back of your home. Some fixtures are easily removed and can be brought inside to clean with warm water and gentle soap. For those that must stay in place, turn the power off and carefully wipe the exteriors with a damp microfiber cloth and dry with a soft cloth. When your finished cleaning, double check and make sure that all the light bulbs are working as well. Think about changing out bulbs in some of your outdoor lights to smart bulbs. This allows you to automate a schedule for your lights and keep the exterior of your home lit up even when you aren’t home. We find in our home that lights that are on a schedule add ambiance and become something we can enjoy even when we weren’t thinking about it.
Clean and check windows:
Take time to thoroughly check your windows. Remember that poorly insulated or installed windows can take extra energy in your home. First check for any gaps between the windows and casings. You will also want to inspect the screens on windows and doors for any holes to prevent pests, especially mosquitoes, from entering the home. You can use a screen patching kit to repair any damage. Next work on giving the windows a good cleaning to keep that summer sunshine streaming in. Use a glass cleaner or a vinegar solution, then squeegee them dry or wipe with a clean microfiber cloth. Consider using a window washing hose attachment or telescoping window washer to reach outdoor windows without a ladder. Before moving onto the next window make sure that the window locks are all in working condition. Make sure to tighten or replace any loose locks. Be sure to pay attention to access points on the ground level of your home. This leads us into our next item on the list.
Home Safety Check:
Our summertime thoughts are often filled with BBQ’s (July is National BBQ month BTW), days at the beach and vacations. But do not overlook your homes safety while you are away. Did you know that burglary rates are higher in the summer compared to any other time of year according to the US Department of Justice. It might be a good time to consider a new security system. Today there are tons of options for home security. Consider the different options and costs to see which best fits your needs. It is a good time to make sure that all the locks on your doors are in working condition. You might even want to consider replacing older deadbolts with smart locks that can be controlled remotely. Lastly, take inventory of your home’s safe. Make sure all valuables are in the safe including documents, jewelry, and firearms.
Change Air Filters:
The spring months are tough on the air in our homes. Extra pollen comes in through open windows and doors. Spring cleaning can add extra dust to the air. This pollen and dust can get trapped in your HVAC filters. Take time to make sure you change out the old filters and improve the air quality in your home.
Inspect Water Heater:
Take time to check your water heater this month to see if it needs any repairs. It is recommended that you drain your water heater once a year to clear out built-up sediment and minerals. Flushing your water heater improves the efficiency and life span of the unit. You should also check the lines, fittings, and valves for any leaks.
To drain the water heater:
First turn off the electricity or gas to the unit. Close the cold-water supply valve. Next, affix a hose to the drain valve and snake outside. Open the drain valve first, then the pressure relief valve. This will allow the water to start to drain from the tank. Once the tank is empty, you will want to open the cold-water valve again and let the water run clear from the hose. Then close the drain and pressure relief valves, allow the tank to refill, and detach the hose. The final step is to turn the water heater back on.
Check outdoor sitting areas:
Keep the good times going outside by doing a quick clean up in outdoor sitting areas. Take a moment to wash outdoor cushions and furniture with a mixture of warm water and dish detergent. Use a broom, leaf blower, or wet-dry vacuum to remove debris from outdoor areas to help keep it free of pests. Open up the patio umbrella and use a vacuum or broom to remove cobwebs. You can also use warm soapy water to wash the umbrella, then leave open to dry. Consider adding some shade to your entertaining area to increase comfort and usability. You can do this by adding additional umbrellas, shade sails, using plants or canvas shades. When you have ample shady spots to sit in, you will likely find yourself spending more time outdoors during the hot months of summertime.
Creating a ceiling:
In your outdoor spaces also adds an extra level of intimacy or privacy. Clean your outdoor cooker. Give your grill a deep cleaning to enjoy outdoor eating all summer long. Gas grills, turn the heat up high and leave the lid closed for 30 minutes. After the grill cools, brush it off with a grill brush. Wipe down the grill’s exterior with a damp sponge and a gentle cleanser. Don’t forget to clean the grill’s drip pans! For charcoal grills, empty the grill completely and wipe out any residue. Then clean it inside and out with hot water and some liquid dishwashing soap. Be sure to let the grill dry completely before your next use.
Keeping up with home maintenance regularly, adds to the value of your home and makes preparing for selling your home easier. Whether you are looking to sell in the next few months or living in your home forever, make sure to show your home some love and care.
It’s summertime and the weather is warm (better said… HOT!) and the sun is out! Take some time this month between backyard barbecues and summer vacations to complete some of these July home maintenance tips. This month’s list includes a mix of indoor and outdoor items focused around safety and enjoying the summer.
Update your Home First Aid Kit:
We all spend more time outside and being adventurous with the warmer weather. This can often lead to more accidents as well. Be prepared by making sure your first aid kit is updated and ready to go. You might even consider having a small additional kit for outside or to keep in the car for outings and weekend getaways.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Fire Extinguishers:
Don’t wait until your one smoke detectors starts chirping at 3:00am to service your smoke detectors. Make sure to use the test button on each device and change batteries as needed. You might also want to consider replacing older smoke detectors with the newer 10-Year Worry Free Sealed Battery Smoke Detectors. These newer detectors take away low battery worries and chirps. It is also a good time to check your fire extinguishers and make sure they aren’t expired.
And, if you don’t have a fire extinguisher (or three), get one!
Check Outdoor Lighting:
Start with cleaning your porch lights on the front and back of your home. Some fixtures are easily removed and can be brought inside to clean with warm water and gentle soap. For those that must stay in place, turn the power off and carefully wipe the exteriors with a damp microfiber cloth and dry with a soft cloth. When your finished cleaning, double check and make sure that all the light bulbs are working as well. Think about changing out bulbs in some of your outdoor lights to smart bulbs. This allows you to automate a schedule for your lights and keep the exterior of your home lit up even when you aren’t home. We find in our home that lights that are on a schedule add ambiance and become something we can enjoy even when we weren’t thinking about it.
Clean and check windows:
Take time to thoroughly check your windows. Remember that poorly insulated or installed windows can take extra energy in your home. First check for any gaps between the windows and casings. You will also want to inspect the screens on windows and doors for any holes to prevent pests, especially mosquitoes, from entering the home. You can use a screen patching kit to repair any damage. Next work on giving the windows a good cleaning to keep that summer sunshine streaming in. Use a glass cleaner or a vinegar solution, then squeegee them dry or wipe with a clean microfiber cloth. Consider using a window washing hose attachment or telescoping window washer to reach outdoor windows without a ladder. Before moving onto the next window make sure that the window locks are all in working condition. Make sure to tighten or replace any loose locks. Be sure to pay attention to access points on the ground level of your home. This leads us into our next item on the list.
Home Safety Check:
Our summertime thoughts are often filled with BBQ’s (July is National BBQ month BTW), days at the beach and vacations. But do not overlook your homes safety while you are away. Did you know that burglary rates are higher in the summer compared to any other time of year according to the US Department of Justice. It might be a good time to consider a new security system. Today there are tons of options for home security. Consider the different options and costs to see which best fits your needs. It is a good time to make sure that all the locks on your doors are in working condition. You might even want to consider replacing older deadbolts with smart locks that can be controlled remotely. Lastly, take inventory of your home’s safe. Make sure all valuables are in the safe including documents, jewelry, and firearms.
Change Air Filters:
The spring months are tough on the air in our homes. Extra pollen comes in through open windows and doors. Spring cleaning can add extra dust to the air. This pollen and dust can get trapped in your HVAC filters. Take time to make sure you change out the old filters and improve the air quality in your home.
Inspect Water Heater:
Take time to check your water heater this month to see if it needs any repairs. It is recommended that you drain your water heater once a year to clear out built-up sediment and minerals. Flushing your water heater improves the efficiency and life span of the unit. You should also check the lines, fittings, and valves for any leaks.
To drain the water heater:
First turn off the electricity or gas to the unit. Close the cold-water supply valve. Next, affix a hose to the drain valve and snake outside. Open the drain valve first, then the pressure relief valve. This will allow the water to start to drain from the tank. Once the tank is empty, you will want to open the cold-water valve again and let the water run clear from the hose. Then close the drain and pressure relief valves, allow the tank to refill, and detach the hose. The final step is to turn the water heater back on.
Check outdoor sitting areas:
Keep the good times going outside by doing a quick clean up in outdoor sitting areas. Take a moment to wash outdoor cushions and furniture with a mixture of warm water and dish detergent. Use a broom, leaf blower, or wet-dry vacuum to remove debris from outdoor areas to help keep it free of pests. Open up the patio umbrella and use a vacuum or broom to remove cobwebs. You can also use warm soapy water to wash the umbrella, then leave open to dry. Consider adding some shade to your entertaining area to increase comfort and usability. You can do this by adding additional umbrellas, shade sails, using plants or canvas shades. When you have ample shady spots to sit in, you will likely find yourself spending more time outdoors during the hot months of summertime.
Creating a ceiling:
In your outdoor spaces also adds an extra level of intimacy or privacy. Clean your outdoor cooker. Give your grill a deep cleaning to enjoy outdoor eating all summer long. Gas grills, turn the heat up high and leave the lid closed for 30 minutes. After the grill cools, brush it off with a grill brush. Wipe down the grill’s exterior with a damp sponge and a gentle cleanser. Don’t forget to clean the grill’s drip pans! For charcoal grills, empty the grill completely and wipe out any residue. Then clean it inside and out with hot water and some liquid dishwashing soap. Be sure to let the grill dry completely before your next use.
Keeping up with home maintenance regularly, adds to the value of your home and makes preparing for selling your home easier. Whether you are looking to sell in the next few months or living in your home forever, make sure to show your home some love and care.
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Wendi Townsend
Volunteering For Beach Clean Up: by Wendi Townsend, Agent - Sand Dunes Real Estate
Good morning Sunshines! With the celebration of Fourth of July Independence Day coming up we are organizing a beach cleanup for Saturday, July 9, 7:30 AM at Destin CrabTrap. The awesome crew at North American Funding will be sponsoring the event bringing coffee, donuts, water, and Gatorade! Super excited to see some new friends join to help clean up our beautiful beaches. Huge thanks to the friends that get out there quite often and do it on their own. Remember getting outside any day and breathing in the free salt air is great for the body, soul and mind. We also have several turtle nests that have come onto our gorgeous beaches and laid their nests. We want to help as much as possible fill in holes, knock down sand castles, remove any trash and not use flashlights or phone lights at night. This is so that the baby turtles may reach their water destination. #cleandatkflat
Good morning Sunshines! With the celebration of Fourth of July Independence Day coming up we are organizing a beach cleanup for Saturday, July 9, 7:30 AM at Destin CrabTrap. The awesome crew at North American Funding will be sponsoring the event bringing coffee, donuts, water, and Gatorade! Super excited to see some new friends join to help clean up our beautiful beaches. Huge thanks to the friends that get out there quite often and do it on their own. Remember getting outside any day and breathing in the free salt air is great for the body, soul and mind. We also have several turtle nests that have come onto our gorgeous beaches and laid their nests. We want to help as much as possible fill in holes, knock down sand castles, remove any trash and not use flashlights or phone lights at night. This is so that the baby turtles may reach their water destination. #cleandatkflat
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Travel & Day Trips Around Florida
There is a website you might enjoy called, Florida Back Roads Travel. Here is a link to one of their pages where you can find day trips by theme; for example: amusment parks. Check it out! https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-day-trips-by-theme.html
There is a website you might enjoy called, Florida Back Roads Travel. Here is a link to one of their pages where you can find day trips by theme; for example: amusment parks. Check it out! https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-day-trips-by-theme.html
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Okaloosa County Master Gardeners: Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OCMGA
If you want to know what to plant in May, check out this May Planting calendar on the OCMGA website. https://www.ocmga.org |
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July at the Destin Library: Click on the picture to be taken to the Library's calendar of events for the month of May. They have some exciting, fun things taking place! I think you just may be surprised at what all goes on there. There is a lot more than just books at that place. Check it out! |
Christian Corner: by Patricia Lee
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
There is so much divide among us these days for so many different reasons. People are viciously turning on each other just because of differences of opinions. You only need to watch TV news or social media to know that it has become very heated and out of hand. We need to re-learn how to live in this world together and respect each and everyone's right to their own opinion. Learn how to pray for those whom you feel are misguided, rather than spewing hate at them. Prayer is a lot more effective than loud words of hate. Kindness is a rarity these days but it all starts with you. Let kindness be your guide, in everything you do.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
There is so much divide among us these days for so many different reasons. People are viciously turning on each other just because of differences of opinions. You only need to watch TV news or social media to know that it has become very heated and out of hand. We need to re-learn how to live in this world together and respect each and everyone's right to their own opinion. Learn how to pray for those whom you feel are misguided, rather than spewing hate at them. Prayer is a lot more effective than loud words of hate. Kindness is a rarity these days but it all starts with you. Let kindness be your guide, in everything you do.
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