Sharon Richards

Deadline is March 1 to apply for your Homestead Exemption if you purchased last year, and this is your primary residence. The homeowner must file a claim for homestead exemption with the state.

Homestead exemptions remove part of your home's value from taxation, so they lower your taxes.

Every person who owns and resides on real property in Florida on January 1 and makes the property their permanent residence is eligible to receive a homestead exemption up to $50,000..

Requirements

• The owner must have legal or beneficial title to the property recorded in Hillsborough County by January 1 of the year of application. Homestead exemption application (DR-501).
• The application must be submitted on or before March 1, unless it falls on a weekend or legal holiday, then it would extend to the next business day, to be timely filed.
• The owner must establish Hillsborough County as his/her legal domicile and reside on the subject property, be a US citizen or Permanent Resident.

At the time of application the applicant should have:

•· Proof of Florida residency (i.e. Driver license) A "Valid in Florida" designation on your Florida driver license is not acceptable. A Florida Identification Card with an out of state driver license is not acceptable.

•· Proof of Citizenship (i.e. voter registration or permanent resident card)

•· Address of property, tax bill or deed/title.

•· Social Security numbers for your spouse and any owner who resides on the property. (FL Stat 196.011(11)).

•· If you have a mobile home, you will need your title or registration to the mobile home and the deed to the real estate.

•· If the real estate is in a trust, you will need to provide us evidence of from the Trust which provides that you have the necessary ownership interest to qualify for homestead exemption. (see sample verbiage or Fl Stat. 196.041(2)).

To qualify for the current year you must have title to the property and moved onto the property as of January 1. You may go in person to complete the application at any of the 5 offices of the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser by March 1, unless it falls on a weekend or legal holiday and then it would

extend to the next business day. We also have the application online to print with a sample and instructions that you may use and return by mail.

Cut and paste the following to receive a form.

http://www.hcpafl.org/downloads/pdfs/dr501.pdf

If you need any help, just call

OPERATION SHOEBOX

Web site www.operationshoebox.com

I live in Monaco Gardens in Carrollwood Village and my neighbor, Jo Ann decided to help our troops with Operation Shoebox. Every last Saturday of the Month, we collect donations between 4-6pm. We also welcome monetary donations to help with the cost of postage. Last month was our first collection and we received 5 boxes that were mailed to the soldiers, and we received a wonderful response thanking us for we had a letter indicating the items were from Monaco Gardens. Here is the e-mail:

From:"Teas, Michael A SSG MIL USA FORSCOM" <michael.teas@us.army.mil>
To:joannburkhardt@yahoo.com
Sent: Sat, October 24, 2009 7:28:05 AM
Subject: Thanks

Dear Mrs Burkhardt,

On behalf of myself and my fellow soldiers, I would like to express my thanks to you for giving us one of the better days we've had since arriving in Iraq. We recieved your packages yesterday and it was like Christmas had come early. Your boxes contained a little something for everyone and and put a smile on everyone's face. We appreciate the time and effort you so obviously put into taking care of us.

Our heartfelt gratitude,

SSG Teas

On behalf of the 15th SB Maintenance Management Office.

ACTIVE LISTINGS

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES - 216 -PRICED FROM $ 59000 to $3900000

CONDOS - 107 PRICED FROM $27900 to $423320

TOWNHOMES 65 PRICED FORM $189000 to $489900

PENDING SALES

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES 157 $35000 to$ 459900

CONDOS 66 $19500 TO $139000

TOWNHOMES 26 $39900 TO $199900

SOLDS

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES -35 SOLD

$47000 to $567443 - 5 Cash, 18 New Conventional, 10 New FHA, 2 New VA

CONDOS 15 SOLD $28900 to $183500 12 Cash, 3 New Conventional

TOWNHOMES 15 SOLD

$50000 to $258000 5 Cash, 3 New Conventional, 6 New FHA, 1 New VA

Sharon Richards

Kirsten Realty, Inc.

813-230-4930

srich612@tampabay.rr.com

I have been thinking about this for awhile but with the passing of 2 kitties - one this week and the other last Christmas, I am not ready to implement a plan for I am surviving my pets. So, what will happen when your pet survives you? Do you have a plan? Do not assume you're good friend or relative will step up to the plate. This is an unwise assumption. This is the checklist I have come up with and maybe, you can add a few other pointers.

•1. Designate someone to assume ownership

•2. Keep in touch with this person to see if they are still willing

•3. Authorize payments for food, veterinary care, grooming, etc.

•4. Ask an attorney how to include language that will protect our pets in estate planning

•5. Name a Trust Protector to oversee a pet's new owner and any funds set aside for the pets care

•6. Carry a pet alert wallet card

The best news the SPCA Tampbay offers "The Pet Owner's Guide to Estate Planning for Pets" a pet alert wallet card and pet profile forms. To request any of the FREE materials call 727-581-3249 or visit www.spcatampabay.org

Since we live in Florida, we need to keep our family safe this storm season. Like every other state, Florida is dealing with dire economic realities that already have forced severe cutbacks for all of us. All the more reason for Floridians to prepare to have a plan, to stock away the supplies we will need and to pay careful attention as storms head our way.

First, you should make a family disaster plan. If you need help - go online to www.tampabayprepares.org or www.floridadisaster.org

Second, you need to refer to the hurricane evacuation map to see where you live and your evacuation zone. Determine if and when you would have to evacuate. REMEMBER - ALL MOBILE HOME RESIDENTS MUST EVACUATE REGARDLESS OF LOCATION. If you have to evacuate, decide now where you would go - to a friend, relative, hotel, public shelter or out of the region.

Third, Check your disaster supply kit and add any items you need. Your disaster kit might include: non-perishable foods, drinking water, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, coolers for food and ice, clean up supplies, camera, plastic trash bags, toilet paper, paper towels, baby wipes, manual can opener, cash, pillows and blankets. I am sure you can add more items to this list.

Fourth - Inventory your property on paper or video. Store all important papers and inventory in a safe place, maybe with a relative out of state.

You will need to purchase materials such as storm shelters, ply wood, or a battery powered radio. Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down. Also, make sure your car is filled with gas.

Hope the tips keep you and your family safe throughout 2009 season from June 1 through November 30.