• Salute Our Military

    Armed Forces Day
    May 19, 2012

    Many Americans celebrate Armed Forces Day annually on the third Saturday of May. It is a day to pay tribute to men and women who serve the United States armed forces. Armed Forces Day is also part of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May. Armed Forces Day is reserved as a day to pay special tribute to our nation's men and women of the military forces that have defended our country day and night, insured our freedom, and upheld the beliefs and principles that this great nation was built on.


    ---

    more
  • Driving and Road Trip Resources


    Whether you're driving locally or taking a road trip, find helpful resources on USA.gov's Road and Train Travel page, including:


    • Gas Mileage Tips -- Find out how driving efficiently, keeping your car in good condition, and combining trips can help you save money.
    • Traffic and Road Closures -- Get resources to keep you informed about road and traffic conditions.
    •  Scenic Byways -- Find scenic drives that you might enjoy while traveling on the road.

    -- Resources for Senior Drivers  , Teen Drivers & Child Safety

    Wherever you're driving, make safety a top priority and keep in mind that most states have banned texting while driving. Learn more about distracted driving.


    Information provided by USA.gov & NHTSA


    ----

    more
  • America the Beautiful

    The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass



     A new federal recreation pass is available that combines the benefits of existing recreation passes from five federal agencies into one comprehensive pass: “America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.” Frequent visitors to multiple federal agency lands may save money by buying this annual pass. Plus, 90% of the purchase price goes back to federal land agencies to help them protect these national treasures for generations to come.

    The new pass program was created by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, which Congress authorized in December 2004 and replaces the Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and the Golden Access Passports as well as the National Parks Pass. Existing passes will remain valid until expired.

    The America the Beautiful: National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass (Interagency Annual Pass) is honored nationwide at National Park Service, Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation recreation sites charging day-use or entrance fees.

    The basic pass terms and conditions are listed below:

    •  Cost $80
    •    Valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. Expires the last day of the month punched.
    •     Includes two signature lines and any two individuals may sign the pass. Both are considered pass holders.
    •     Admits pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee sites.
    •     At per person fee sites, admits pass holder and up to three (3) persons age 16 and older. Children 15 and younger are admitted free of charge.
    •     Photo identification may be required to verify ownership.
    •     Passes are NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
    •     To plan your trip and determine if this pass is the right one for you, please contact the offices of the federal recreation sites where you plan to visit.


    Other kinds of passes include:

    Senior Pass -- $10 lifetime pass for U.S. citizens who are 62 years and older

    Access Pass -- Free lifetime pass for permanently disabled U.S. citizens

    Volunteer Pass -- Annual Pass awarded to volunteers who contribute 500 or more hours

    Additional Information and FAQ's


    _____




    more
  • Increasing Fuel Prices in the U.S.

    Why the Price of Gas is Rising

    Our increasing fuel costs here in the United States are mainly due to the rising price of crude oil. 
    Crude oil is a natural form of oil found in the ground, and it must be refined into gasoline.  As of January, one gallon of crude oil costs $2.57, making up 76% of our cost of $3.38 per gallon, a national average in January.

    Causes of increased crude oil prices?  China and other countries have increased their demands. In addition, the instability in the Middle East means unpredictable or less output from Libya and Iran, who produce a majority of the crude oil. Less production of crude oil means higher prices for us at the pump.



    World countries and corporations that sell crude oil benefit when the price is high. In 2010, about 49% of the oil used by the U.S. was imported from foreign countries.  Read FAQs provided by the U.S. Energy Administration, and also what the US Energy Administration gives as breakdown on what makes up the rest of the price. Click here for those details.


    What you can do? Avoid idling. It gets you zero miles per gallon. Don't be aggressive, brake hard, or rapidly accelerate. This can lower mileage by 33%. Watch your speed: every 5 mph over 60 mph, is like paying an additional $0.30 per gallon. Air conditioning “economy” and "recirculation" settings are helpful and allow reduction of chilling the hot outside air.  

    Check out the following links: 



    Information provided by USA.gov.




    more
  • Property Appraiser to Speak Thursday

    Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells will be speaking tonight, March 22nd, at the Beacon Square Civic Association meeting Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

    Mr. Wells will discuss the  appraisal process, property values, legislation affecting those property values, among other topics.

    The Beacon Square Civic Association is located at 3741 Bradford Drive, New Port Richey.  Heading south on U.S. 19, turn right onto Moog Road, and then turn right again on Bradford Drive. 

    More information is available by calling the Association at 727-807-7007.

    * Information provided by the Suncoast News / Pasco North edition.

    more
  • "Passport Day in the USA"


    On Saturday, September 17, the Department of State will host its third annual “Passport Day in the USA.” U.S. citizens throughout the country may apply for a passport book or passport card at all regional passport agencies and participating passport application acceptance facilities, including post offices and clerks of court.

    For this day only, U.S. citizens may apply directly at passport agencies without making an appointment. Both routine and expedited processing service may be requested. To reduce wait times on September 17, customers are encouraged to complete applications online at www.travel.state.gov, print the completed forms, and bring them to the passport agencies and acceptance facilities.

    Information about passport requirements
    National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778 
    or TDD/TTY at 1-888-874-7793.




    --

    more
  • Hurricane Irene Updates and Preparedness

    The Weather Channel reports Hurricane Irene, the first hurricane of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, now has its sights set on the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast. Irene is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane by early Wednesday as it passes over the Bahamas.

    Storm Team 8 Tampa Bay reports that the more time passes, the less threat the rapidly strengthening Hurricane Irene appears to be to the Tampa Bay area. Irene grew into a Category 2 hurricane late Monday and the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said it might continue to increase in strength. 

    For our Tampa Bay area residents,  it's never to late to prepare for severe storms, as the forecast has been known to change in the past. 
     
    USA.gov has plenty of resources to assist you in both pre- and post- hurricane situations -- for you, your family, your business, and your pets. 

    If you live near the path of a storm, Ready.gov recommends that you:

    Find more information about how to prepare for a hurricane.

    Don't let a disaster catch you by surprise -- Be prepared !

    more

Presidential Speeches

Credit Reports

LEAP

Never miss an update!

My recent del.icio.us additions