In another race for the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners, incumbent Carlton Henley will keep his seat after he received 47 percent of Tuesday’s vote. Don Epps came in behind Henley with 33 percent of the vote and Win Adams got 20 percent.

Florida Hometown Democracy is the sponsor of Amendment 4, a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that will be on the November 2010 ballot. Amendment 4 will give voters oversight control over how their communities grow. Under Amendment 4, your city or county commission will study and vote as usual on proposed changes to the local comprehensive land use plan, which is a blueprint for future development. Plan changes approved by the commission will then be submitted to you – the voter — on the ballot at the next regularly scheduled Election Day. You will either veto or approve them. It’s that simple. Amendment 4 doesn’t require special elections.

http://floridahometowndemocracy.com/

A  boat was stolen last Monday in Chuluota and a car several days prior to that. The boat was found  cut into 4 pieces laying along a road in Bithlo, stripped of engine, all electrical and accessories. The boat was locked on the trailer and the trailer was locked.in the side yard and behind a truck.

It is believed that a group of folks are traveling in the area and going through garbage at the street, and are acting as look outs for others to come steal other stuff. It is suggested that any info you don’t want someone to have be shredded before placing in your garbage. Florida statutes considers garbage at the street to be surrendered property and anyone can sort through it.  If you happen to see someone sorting garbage  or look suspicious you should identify them and contact local police.

This database contains public record information on offenders classified as sexual predators and sexual offenders under Florida law because of a conviction for a sex-related crime and/or a specified crime against children. This information is made available to interested citizens to help them educate themselves about the possible presence of such offenders in their local communities. The placement of information about an offender in this database is not intended to indicate that any judgment has been made about the level of risk a particular offender may present to others. This information is made available to assist interested persons in forming their own risk assessments based on the offender’s personal circumstances and conviction history.

http://www.seminolesheriff.org/en-us/advisories/registered_felons/sex_offenders_and_predators.php?state=list+felons&zip=32766

A rain barrel collects and stores up to 55 gallons of rain water from your roof top. This water can later be used to water your garden, lawn or potted plants. The water normally would flow through your downspout and drain off of your property into the storm drains. This water can reduce your municipal or well water usage, save money, and decrease stormwater pollution.
A rain barrel is a food-grade barrel that has been altered for the collection and storage of rainwater for later use. Most rain barrel systems re-route water from gutters into the barrel and store it for non-potable use. The water collected can not be used for drinking water without suitable treatment, and is most commonly used for gardening and other outdoor watering.

Rain barrels are great for conserving water, reducing stormwater pollution and saving money. They are simple to make and can be decorated to enhance your garden areas and supply you with extra water for your potted plants, bed areas, and even some of your turf. Rain barrel water is not for human consumption.

Obtaining a food grade quality barrel can be difficult. Look in your local phonebook under barrels or containers. Once you have gotten your barrel be sure to wash it with soapy water, a little bleach, and a scrub brush especially if it was recycled.
There are several things you must consider when deciding where to locate your rain barrel. Not all of your down spouts (if you have gutter system) will provide you with the same amount of water. Try to determine the size of the area that is draining into the system.

Rain Barrel Workshops
Milch & Associates, Inc. can provide you and your group with an educational and fun experience constructing and decorating your very own rain barrel. We will provide and deliver all the needed materials to your selected location. You need at least 15 people. The workshop format consists of a short discussion about rainwater harvesting and future water supply issues in the Central Florida. Then we construct the barrels ($75.00 for barrel and supplies) and we can provide the materials to decorate your barrel. ($10.00 supply fee). The workshop can be as short as 1.5 hours without decorating and up to 3 hours with painting. Price may vary depending upon material pricing increases.
Call 407-682-7811 to schedule a workshop or email gabbiemilch@aol.com.

We punched in our local zip code and turned up three local growers we now MUST visit (and we’ll provide reviews once we do):

Fawn Run Farms in Oviedo

Fawn Run Farms is a family operated small farm offering fresh eggs and seasonal produce. Our fresh brown eggs are produced by a small but growing flock of naturally raised, free-range hens.

In season, we offer naturally grown produce including tomatoes, squash, onions, specialty lettuces, carrots, beets, and our favorite: fresh blackberries.

Heart of Christmas Farms, LLC in Christmas

Heart of Christmas Farms, LLC is a small hydroponic farm providing locally grown fruit and vegetables to Florida. We are not organic certified, but use organic growing methods to produce the best tasting, healthiest produce possible. We carefully tend our strawberries, herbs, tomatoes, peppers (bell, banana, hot) lettuces and other greens, and other select vegetables and fruit, many of which are heirloom varities. to ensure that you are receiving the best food available.

Rest Haven Farm in Geneva

Hydroponic Produce featuring Vine-Ripened Beefsteak Tomatoes, Seedless Cucumbers, Fancy Leaf Lettuces. Our season is December 1 – July 1.

The Chuluota Sportsmans Club located on Willingham Road. The range has been part of our community for a very long time. With urban sprawl all around us there are very few location for peole to go use a gun range.  Chuluota Sportsmans Club has been a wonderful part of our community , their goal is to Encourage Organized Shooting Among Citizens of the United States, with a view toward a better knowledge of safe handling and proper care of firearms, as well as improved marksmanship on the part of citizens in our community

http://www.chuluotasportsmensclub.com/

For more info, read this article from the Seminole Chronicle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy9gwNaqpqg