Florida – The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in Florida has been extended to Tuesday, November 14, 2017.

DUA is available to FL businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to Hurricane Irma. DUA is available to those who:

• Worked or were self-employed or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment
• Do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits from any state
• Due to the disaster:
  • Are not able to work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster
  • Cannot reach the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster
  • Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster
  • Became the breadwinner or major supporter of a household because the head of household died as a direct result of the disaster.

Applicants will be required to provide their social security number, check stubs, and documents that support the claim that they were working or self-employed when Hurricane Irma struck. In some cases, additional documentation may be required. In order to get DUA benefits, all required documents have to be submitted within 21 days from the date that the DUA application is filed.

DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning on September 10, 2017, until March 17, 2018, as long as the applicant’s unemployment continues to be a direct result of the disaster.

To file a DUA claim go to FloridaJobs.org, or call 1-800-204-2418.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Flagler County, FL – Investigators in Flagler County say there are no verified sites in the state of Florida for Antifa demonstrations rumored to be scheduled for Saturday, November 4.

There have been rumors that Antifa, a political movement of anti-fascist groups, is planning coordinated, non-violent demonstrations to be held on November 4 at locations across the country… rumors that spread to include Palm Coast. The Northeast Florida Fusion Center and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Domestic Homeland Security Section conducted research and concluded that there is no evidence to indicate a verified demonstration site in Flagler County or the state of Florida. Officials say the Flagler County Sheriff’s Domestic Homeland Security Section is working with other local and state agencies to continue monitoring the situation and will notify the community of any updates.

FCSO says a widely disseminated fake social media post from a Facebook page based in Kansas claimed that Palm Coast would be the site of an Antifa demonstration on November 4th, causing concern for some citizens. “We have seen the postings on social media and other outlets that suggest there will be protests in our county,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “We’ve taken appropriate measures to research those reports and have found that there is no known legitimate source for this claim. In any event, our agency is prepared and residents should continue their normal activities.”

Photo courtesy Anton Chalakov and Shutterstock.com.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Daytona Beach, FL – On Wednesday, the Daytona Beach City Commission is expected to approve an architect for the design of the new First Step Shelter (FSS), the  24-hour, full-service homeless shelter that was approved for the area off of International Speedway, west of I-95.

Two architectural designers have submitted their plans for the design of FSS to the City. Those designers are Hall & Ogle Architects and architect William Chapin. The existing professional services contract is with Hall & Ogle in the amount of $181,743 for the shelter’s design. The City is expected to vote at its Wednesday night meeting whether or not to approve a work authorization for the contract with Hall & Ogle or to go with the design plan from William Chapin.

The design plan from Hall & Ogle uses more traditional roofing, and the construction costs are estimated between $1.98 million and $2.7 million for the first phase of construction. It would cost an additional $741,510 to expand from the first phase to maximum occupancy. The construction of the design is anticipated to take nine months, and the life expectancy of the construction concept is approximately 50-75 years, according to City records.

William Chapin’s design uses a tensile fabric roofing concept that has a life expectancy of 10-20 years and would require more maintenance. The Chapin design would only take about three to six months to construct, and construction for the first phase would cost an estimated $880,000, and then $1.3 million to expand to maximum occupancy, according to City reports. The Chapin concept is a more temporary design solution.

Both architectural plans have been reviewed by a third-party, Bentley Architects & Engineers, and Bentley recommends that the City go with Hall & Ogle for the design of FSS. Bentley recommends Hall & Ogle due to the durability and life expectancy of the plan. The Hall & Ogle plan also allows for the homeless shelter to be used as a hurricane shelter.

Another item on the City Commission’s agenda is the approval of a measure that would let the City spend up to $40,000 for additional contract services related to Hurricane Matthew cleanup. The City awarded a continuing services contract to Thompson Consulting Services (TCS) in July of this year for debris monitoring and other services related to Hurricane Matthew. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State reimburse the City for a portion of these costs.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Volusia and Flagler Counties, FL – Several of area’s Florida Hospitals have received an ‘A’ for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit dedicated to rating the quality and safety of hospitals in America.

Florida Hospital DeLand, Florida Hospital Fish Memorial in Orange City, Florida Hospital Flagler in Palm Coast, and Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center (FHMMC) in Daytona Beach were all awarded an ‘A’ rating, qualifying them as some of the highest ranked hospitals in the nation.

“We are so proud of these scores, as they reflect the hard work and dedication of our staff. It is extremely difficult to earn the A rating, so this recognition is very meaningful to us and our team,” said Volusia and Flagler Florida Hospitals CEO, David Ottati. “Florida Hospital is a quality organization because that is what our community deserves.  It is our responsibility and privilege to help our community live healthier and happier. This achievement speaks to our hospitals’ culture of safety and unwavering dedication to providing the very best patient care.”

832 hospitals in the nation earned an ‘A’ grade. FHMMC is among only a few hospitals that have received straight A’s since the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Score began in 2012. Hospitals are ranked with either an ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ ‘D,’ or ‘F’ according to the occurrence 27 different standards such as medical errors, infections, and other hospital dangers. Twice a year, The Leapfrog Group grades around 2,600 hospitals based on what peer-reviewed experts report.

“It takes consistent, unwavering dedication to patients to achieve the highest standards of patient safety. An ‘A’ Safety Grade recognizes hospitals for this accomplishment,” said The Leapfrog Group president and CEO, Leah Binder. “We congratulate the clinicians, board, management, and staff of Florida Hospital for showing the country what it means to put patient safety first.”

For more information on the hospital grades, go to www.hospitalsafetygrade.org.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

DeLand, FL – Update: The pedestrian who was killed in the accident near North Woodland Blvd. and Woodmont Rd. in DeLand Saturday night  has been identified as John William Kaiser.

The man was a transient, though police records indicate most of his contacts with law enforcement occurred in Daytona Beach.

Earlier Reporting:

Police are investigating an accident that occurred in DeLand on Saturday night that left one pedestrian dead.

At around 7 PM, police arrived at the scene of the accident near North Woodland Boulevard and Woodmont Road. A silver Honda van was traveling northbound when they struck a pedestrian south of the intersection.

The driver of the van was not injured but the pedestrian sustained fatal injuries. The victim has not been identified because next-of-kin has not been notified. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Florida – The 2017 March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card indicates that premature births in Florida have risen in the last year, qualifying the State for a ‘C’ grade.

In Florida, the preterm birth rate is 10.1% The nationwide rate also increased in the last year, earning the country an overall ‘C’ grade. Preterm births are the leading cause of infant death in the U.S. Every year, 380,000 preterm babies are born. In 2016, 6,000 more babies were born prematurely because the preterm birth rate rose in 2015.

These babies are likely to experience chronic health problems, disability, and even death before their 1^st birthday. Some of the conditions caused by preterm birth include breathing difficulty, jaundice, loss of sight, cerebral palsy, and intellectual development issues. Preterm births occur before the 37^th week of pregnancy.

“The 2017 March of Dimes Report Card demonstrates that moms and babies in this country face a higher risk of preterm birth based on race and zip code,” said March of Dimes President, Stacey D. Stewart.  “We see that preterm birth rates worsened in 43 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and among all racial/ethnic groups. This is an unacceptable trend that requires immediate attention.”

The National Academy of Medicine reports that premature births cost $26 billion in medical and societal costs every year. “The March of Dimes is dedicated to giving every baby a fair chance for a healthy start in life, and our work is more vital than ever,” said Stewart.

“In addition to discovering new ways to prevent premature birth, and improve the care that women receive, it’s essential that we improve the broader social context for health,” said March of Dimes chief medical officer, Paul E. Jarris, MD, MBA. “Only then will our nation be able to level the playing field for mothers and babies in every community.”

The March of Dimes outlined several solutions to bring down the rate of premature birth. Those solutions are:

• Expanding scientific research by understanding the relationship between premature births and health care, housing, jobs, neighborhood safety, food security, and income.
• Increasing education by campaigning towards women of childbearing age and medical professionals
• Strengthening advocacy for moms and babies by supporting policies and programs that protect their health
• Improving health care programs and practices by supporting preterm babies and their families with Supportive Pregnancy Care and NICU Family Support

In 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, the rate of premature birth increased. In Alabama, Arizona, and Washington the rate stayed the same. In Nebraska, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming, the rate decreased.

Other 2017 Premature Birth Report Card statistics include:

• 4 states earning an ‘A’
• 13 states earning a ‘B’
• 18 states receiving a ‘C’
• 11 states and the District of Columbia receiving a ‘D’
• 4 states and Puerto Rico receiving an ‘F’

For more information about March of Dimes, go here.

Photo courtesy of StockKK and Shutterstock.com.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017

Daytona Beach, FL – Daytona Beach Police arrested the man who is charged with stealing a cash register and two donation containers from the Daytona Beach Halifax Humane Society and is wanted for other burglaries as well.

On Wednesday, at about 12:25 AM, officers located a red Toyota pickup that had been reported as stolen. It also matched the description of a truck driven by 49-year-old James Donnelly, the suspect in the Humane Society burglary. Officers followed the Toyota as it left a parking spot at an apartment complex on Beach St.

The driver of the Toyota drove the vehicle outside of the complex and attempted to flee police by driving down nearby streets and even driving through a ditch in order to try to elude officers. The officers later used stop sticks on the Toyota, but the driver continued to drive, even though the truck’s tires were deflated.

Police reports say the driver, later identified as Donnelly, parked at the Yvonne Scarlett Golden Cultural Center at 1000 Vine St. and ran on foot through the woods on the east side of the parking lot. That’s when officers caught up to Donnelly.

Donnelly initially complied with officers but then resisted arrest and tried to brace his arms to prevent officers from putting handcuffs on him. Donnelly was ultimately arrested and charged with fleeing and attempting to resist arrest, grand theft auto, and driving with a suspended license, on top of his burglary charges.

(Donnelly’s mugshot courtesy Volusia County jail)

For earlier reporting on this story, click here.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Orlando, Florida – Vice President Mike Pence will be traveling to Orlando on Thursday, along with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, to speak about tax reform.

Pence and Perdue are scheduled to meet with local businesses, community leaders, and Florida families to discuss a push for tax reform. Pence and Perdue will arrive on Air Force Two at Orlando International Airport on Thursday afternoon.

Pence is scheduled to speak at Correct Craft Manufacturing Company at 14700 Aerospace Parkway in Orlando at 5 PM, according to a release from the Vice President’s Office.

Photo courtesy Gino Santa Maria and Shutterstock.com.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Daytona Beach, FL – At its Wednesday night meeting, the Daytona Beach City Commission unanimously approved a $181,743 contract with architectural firm Hall & Ogle to design the new First Step Shelter (FSS), the 24-hour, full-service homeless shelter that was approved for the area off of International Speedway, west of I-95.

There were two plans that the City was considering for the design of the shelter. One plan was from Hall & Ogle Architects, and the other was from architect William Chapin. The design plan from Hall & Ogle will use more traditional roofing that would last approximately 50-75 years. The Hall & Ogle design is expected to cost between $1.98 million and $2.7 million for the first phase of construction and additional $741,510 for the second phase. Construction is expected to take nine months, as opposed to the more temporary Chapin plan, which would have taken three to six months to construct.

Commissioner Rob Gilliland said he feels that the more permanent Hall & Ogle design was the way to go, even though it would take longer to build. “If we’re going to do this, it’s worth doing right, and I believe that a permanent structure is something that is appropriate for the population that we’re trying to serve,” says Gilliland. “I’m not looking for a solution that’s gonna get us through the next year. I’m looking for a solution that’s gonna get us through the next many decades.”

A third-party consultant, Bentley Architects & Engineers, recommended that the City go with the Hall & Ogle plan because of its longevity, durability, and its ability to be converted into a hurricane shelter. Chapin’s design would have used tensile fabric roofing that lasts an estimated 10-20 years and would require more maintenance. The plan would have been less expensive than the Hall & Ogle plan overall, but it would not  have been as durable, according to City reports.

The ability for the Hall & Ogle plan to be used as a hurricane shelter was a major benefit to some members of the Commission. “Seeing what happens in a storm and the challenges of addressing the homeless population during the storm, I did become convinced that (the shelter) needed to be close to hurricane ready, and if it wasn’t hurricane ready on day one, then it would be something that we could, with limited resources, make hurricane ready in the future,” said Mayor Derrick Henry.

Another item the City approved at its meeting was a measure that would let the City spend up to $40,000 for additional contract services related to Hurricane Matthew cleanup. The City awarded a continuing services contract to Thompson Consulting Services (TCS) in July of this year for debris monitoring and other services related to Hurricane Matthew. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State reimburse the City for a portion of these costs.

You can find earlier reporting on these City agenda items here.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Volusia County, FL – The Volusia County Council is expected to vote at its Thursday morning meeting on the purchase of eight new beach toll booths that will cost a total of $73,920.96.

The toll booths will be placed at the seven new beach ramps that are expected to be completed and opened to the public by April 1 of next year. The booths would be purchased from Mardan Fabrication and would take about 10 to 12 weeks to make.

The County directed the opening of the seven additional beach ramps in October of 2017, and County staff recommends the purchase of eight toll booths so that service is not reduced if one of the other booths needs to be repaired. The new ramps will be opened after the toll booths are installed.

The County is also expected to set up a new economic development incentive fund for the $4.5 million in financial incentives approved for development of a new Brown & Brown Insurance Company Headquarters on North Beach St. in Daytona Beach. The County approved the incentive money for Brown & Brown last month. According to County records, the $4.5 million would be transferred from the economic development fund to the new fund that was set up for the purposes of transparency and accountability.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

New Smyrna Beach, FL – A New Smyrna Beach Police officer and U.S. Army veteran was killed early Thursday morning when he lost control of the pickup truck he was driving, flipped the vehicle, and hit a tree in New Smyrna Beach.

FHP says Josh Calverley, 29, was driving a 2004 Toyota pickup north on US-1 in New Smyrna Beach when for an unknown reason he lost control of the vehicle. According to the incident report, it was around 1:45 AM when the pickup went into the medium and  Officer Calverley overcorrected, forcing the vehicle off the roadway and onto the east shoulder. The pickup then flipped and the roof hit a tree near Creekside Cir., just north of the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport.

Officials say Calverly was wearing a seatbelt but it’s not known at this point if alcohol played a factor. The crash is still under investigation.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Florida – Eligible Hurricane Irma survivors who are getting Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA) may be eligible for an extension to temporarily stay in hotels as they look for an alternative place to live.

The TSA program, which pays for short-term hotel stays, has extended the checkout date from Nov. 5 to Dec. 3. People who are benefiting from the program should get a phone call to tell them whether or not they’re eligible for the extension and what they need to do to stay at their current hotel or how to find a new hotel. Applicants do need to meet certain requirements in order to remain eligible.

Irma survivors who aren’t currently in the program but who may be eligible for it will be notified automatically. TSA participants have to be registered with FEMA and they must be eligible for disaster assistance. FEMA is responsible for paying for the room and any taxes associated with the hotel stay. Applicants will be responsible for all other costs, like meals and transportation. Hotels may require a credit card for those incidental expenses.

A household of four or fewer people is authorized to get one hotel room, while a household of five or more is eligible for additional rooms based on a limit of four people per room. It is required that each room have at least one person aged 18 or older.

TSA eligible applicants are expected to find and book their own hotels. To find participating hotels go to DisasterAsisstance.gov, FEMAEvacHotels.com, or call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585. For 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

Applicants with disabilities should check with hotels to make sure that appropriate accommodations are available. People with pets should check to see if hotels will allow pets.

For more information on Hurricane Irma and Florida recovery, visit FEMA.gov/IrmaFL, check the @FEMARegion4 Twitter account, or go to the Florida Division of Emergency Management website, FloridaDisaster.org.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Daytona Beach, FL – The Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) recently conducted a prostitution sting that resulted in the arrest of several women.

On the evening of November 1, undercover DBPD officers went to several known prostitution areas in Daytona Beach. In 5 separate instances, 5 women agreed to perform oral sex on the undercover police officer for $20. Upon agreeing to take the money in exchange for the sex act, the women were all arrested without incident. This prostitution sting targeted the following areas:

Shady Place and Ridgewood Ave.

• Arrested: Kimberly Slezak, 34

Madison Ave. and Segrave St.

• Arrested: Natasha Smith, 31

200 Block of Frances Parkman Drive

• Arrested: Ashley Heise, 22

Madison Ave. and Ridgewood Ave.

• Arrested: Gina Slater, 51

Cedar St. and Segrave St.

• Arrested: Brandy OChipa, 43

During the incident at the corner of Madison Ave. and Segrave St. at around 6:47 PM, the undercover cop that arrested Smith after she agreed to perform oral sex also found evidence of illegal narcotics. Upon her arrest, police found a glass pipe with burnt residue inside the Smith’s bra and 2 spoons with residue, 2 pushrods, 3 plastic syringes, 2 more glass pipes with residue, and copper mesh inside her purse.

After a NARK swab test, the pipes were found to have traces of cocaine, the spoons had traces of heroin, and the syringes had a negative result.

Mugshots courtesy of Volusia County Corrections.

Photo courtesy of Gustavo Frazao and Shutterstock.com.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Volusia County, FL – On Thursday, the Volusia County Council discussed some proposed changes and upgrades for the area’s beaches, including more beach ramps, the approval of the purchase of eight new beach toll booths for a total of $73,920.96, and the possibility of increasing the price of a daily pass for beach-goers.

The Council unanimously approved the purchase of the eight new toll booths that will be made by Mardan Fabrication and will take about 10 to 12 weeks to construct. The booths will be placed at seven new beach ramps. The County had already approved the opening of the seven additional beach ramps last month. The Council approved the purchase of eight toll booths so that service is not reduced if one of the other booths needs to be repaired. The new ramps will be opened to the public after the toll booths are fully installed next Spring.

Higher rates for daily passes to the beach could come along with the new ramps and toll booths. The prices for the passes are proposed to increase from $10 to $20 for 2018, potentially bringing in an increase of approximately $4 million in revenue for 2018. That money would all go back to the beaches for ramps, toll workers, and better litter collection services. The County is expected to make the final vote on the beach pass rates at its November 16 meeting.

County Manager Jim Dinneen says that the money from beach passes would be spent on beach access first and foremost. “The money is being generated to open all the ramps. That is the primary place the money goes first,” says Dinneen.

All of the proposed improvements for beach access are expected to be completed by Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018. Council hopes that the improvements will be ready before then so that beach-goers can enjoy the improvements ahead of the Easter weekend. The improvements include site upgrades to existing ramps, the addition of the new ramps and toll booths, and reconstruction of the Williams Ave. beach ramp that was damaged during Hurricane Matthew.

The County Council also plans to focus on an effort to keep the beaches clean, including more public outreach, more trash cans in accessible areas, and an increase in the number of litter porters. The Council also mentioned a brand new turtle mascot.

(Photo of mascot CiCi the Turtle courtesy Volusia County records)

Council Chair Ed Kelley said he previously compared the County’s vision for clean Volusia beaches to Disney. “What I said was, relative to trash, you go to Disney, there’s no trash lying around. That was what I was referring to was to make it like Disney so it’s clean,” explains Kelley.

Council member Deborah Denys says that the beach improvements would not make Volusia beaches Disney-like. “One turtle mascot does not Disney-like make it,” says Denys. “However, I think the message that we are sending is that we want to be friendly to our beach-goers as we have been, such as, when they’re being patrolled, there’s no weapons in view.” Denys says she wants everyone to have a pleasant experience at the beach.

Another item that the Council approved at the meeting was a new economic development incentive fund for the $4.5 million in financial incentives approved for development of a new Brown & Brown Insurance Company Headquarters on North Beach St. in Daytona Beach. The County approved the incentive money for Brown & Brown last month. According to County records, the $4.5 million would be transferred from the economic development fund to the new fund that was set up for the purposes of transparency and accountability.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Palm Coast, FL – The City of Palm Coast is hosting a cycling festival this weekend called the Flagler Fondo.

The festival will take place at Central Park in Palm Coast on November 3 through November 5. At 7:30 AM on Saturday, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) and Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney will escort the bike rides.

A Kids Bicycle Rodeo and Safety demo will be presented by the Sheriff’s Police Athletic League (PAL) and Bike Patrol Unit. There, kids 12 and under will be able to get their bikes inspected by Flagler Beach Bike, Run & Fun. Registration for that event will begin at 9:30 AM to 10 AM and there will be instruction and challenges until 12 PM.

The Daytona Beach Bicycle Club, FCSO and the Flagler County Kiwanis Club will be providing free helmet fittings and helmets. PAL will also host several cycling games and activities. Families will have the opportunity to attend “Pedaling with Patrol,” a bike ride alongside local law enforcement, after the Bike Rodeo.

7th- Day ReCYCLEry is partnering with Flagler Fondo to repair donated bikes to give them out to those in need. Attendees are encouraged to bring an old or new bike to donate to the program. All bikes collected will be given back out to the Flagler County community.

“We’ve been looking forward to this event for a long time,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. “It was originally scheduled for September but was interrupted by Hurricane Irma. This is a great opportunity to bring the community together with law enforcement and enjoy an exciting community event. I know our Bike Patrol is looking forward to interacting with the kids and teaching them about bike safety.”

For additional information about the Flagler Fondo, contact them at 386-846-5493 or via email at director@flaglerfondo.com. Information can be also found on their Facebook page and website.

(Poster courtesy of the FCSO)

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017

St Augustine, FL – The defense for the Deltona man convicted of triple murder argued during sentencing Thursday that a brain injury caused the man to murder.

Luis Toledo, of Deltona, was convicted of killing his wife, Yessenia Suarez, and her two children, Michael and Thalia Otto, and now faces the death penalty. During the sentencing portion of Toledo’s trial on Thursday, his defense claims the killing was a result of mental illness caused by a brain injury and that he should be sentenced to life without parole. Prosecutors argued that the defense cannot diagnose Toledo based on brain scan images.

The judge also told Toledo to stop making hand gestures as they violate security rules. Experts with the State Attorney’s Office say that his gestures meant “to go ahead and just do something,” but it is unknown who he was trying to talk to. Toledo said he does not want his defense to try to help him avoid a death sentence.

For more on this story, head to WFTV.com.

New Smyrna Beach, FL – A Daytona Beach nursing assistant, who was taking care of a 41-year-old disabled female patient in New Smyrna, was arrested after Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) says she used the patient’s debit card to rack up more than $1,500 in fraudulent charges.

33-year-old Ureka Harris was employed by America’s Best Caregivers (ABC) and served several times as a fill-in caretaker at the home of the disabled patient. The patient receives continuous care from home health-care workers, according to VCSO.

On Wednesday, the patient alerted VCSO that someone had used her Wells Fargo debit card without her permission and rang up $1,574.08 in payments. Ten fraudulent charges were made since July 24. Some of the payments were to Florida Power & Light, Direct General Insurance, the City of Daytona Beach, and Boost Mobile. Deputies investigated the case and traced the payments back to Harris.

Harris was arrested on Thursday and is charged with illegal use of credit cards more than twice and grand theft of less than $5,000. When interviewed by investigators, Harris said the patient had allowed her to use the debit card once to pay an FP&L utility bill. Harris has since been fired from ABC and has had her CNA nursing license revoked.

(Harris’s mugshot courtesy Volusia County jail)

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Daytona Beach, FL – Firefighters from New Smyrna Beach have purchased a new bicycle for a Daytona State College student whose bike was destroyed when he was hit by a vehicle on his way to school on Thursday morning.

Steven Lasic was struck by a vehicle near the DSC entrance on Thursday morning. Luckily, Lasic didn’t suffer any injuries but his bike was badly damaged. “Steven’s only worry on scene was how he was going to continue to get to school,” said Battalion Chief Bill Crapps.

Firefighters wanted to try and repair Lasic’s bicycle, but they didn’t have any way to get the bike back to the fire station. A bystander who saw the accident volunteered to drive the bike to Station 50.

When the firefighters realized how badly the bike was damaged, they decided to buy the student a new one. Chief Crapps went to Walmart and spoke with management, and they agreed to donate $25 towards the purchase.

When firefighters got to Lasic’s house, he thought they were dropping off what was left of his damaged bike, but instead they gave him a new one. His mother was moved to tears. “I’m so grateful for this,” said Lasic.

Lasic is scheduled to earn his AA degree from DSC next May. He plans to enroll at the University of Central Florida to get a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. “We wanted to make sure that Steven could continue getting to school and finish his education,” said Chief Crapps.

Photo courtesy the New Smyrna Beach Fire Department.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Florida – Those affected by Hurricane Irma are being reminded that the deadlines to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance are approaching.

There are several types of FEMA assistance available to individuals, businesses, and governments. The following deadlines are subject to change, however, they are accurate as of November 2.

Request for Public Assistance (RPA)

Applications for the RPA grant must be submitted by Sunday, November 5. This FEMA grant provides local governments and some nonprofit organizations with reimbursement grants to help offset the costs of emergency response, debris pick up and repairs to public infrastructure.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management recommends all applications be submitted by the deadline, so they can be given to FEMA by their November 10 deadline. So far, 957 applications for this type of aid have been submitted.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance must be submitted by Wednesday, November 14. If you do not qualify for traditional state unemployment benefits but you need help with re-employment after losing your job as a result of Irma, you may be eligible for this type of assistance. You can apply online here.

Individual Assistance

Applications for Individual Assistance are required by Friday, November 24. This aid can be used towards rent, temporary housing, repairs, and other disaster-related needs. Those who rent may qualify for rental assistance.

$877 million will be dispersed and about 2.6 million applications have been submitted. You can apply online here, or over the phone at 800-621-3362 (Voice, 711 or VRS) or 800-462-7585 (TTY users). If you need help with any aspect of the process, you can call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 711 or VRS) or 800-462-7585 (TTY users) from 7 AM to 11 PM daily.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Low-Interest Loans

Applications for SBA loans are due Friday, November 24. Other than insurance, SBA loans are used by businesses to repair or reconstruct damaged property. If you are filing for economic injury, the deadline for your application is June 11. You can apply online here.

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

Applications for Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program are required by Thursday, November 30. Small businesses affected economically or physically may qualify for up to a $50,000 short-term, interest-free loan. You can apply online here.

Immediate Foreclosure Relief

A 90-day moratorium has been placed on foreclosures and forbearance on foreclosures of Florida home mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The moratorium ends on March 9, 2018.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)

If you received TSA after your home became unlivable after Hurricane Irma, you are reminded to keep an eye on your hotel/motel checkout date. You can go online to your account here, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, check your emails and text if you signed up for them, or go to a Disaster Recovery Center.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

If you sustained economic or physical losses that prevent you from buying healthy food, you may qualify for the Food for Florida (FFF) Disaster Food Assistance Program (D-SNAP). You can check for dates, times and locations here. If your country has not opened an FFF location, you are asked to be patient until they do. If it has already closed, you are urged to go to another county.

NFIP Grace Period Extension for Policy Renewals

If you have a National Flood Insurance Program that expires anywhere from August 7, 2017, through October 6, 2017, you qualify for a payment 120-day grace period. NFIP cannot pay out if claims occur after the expiration date unless it is claimed before the grace period ends.

Insurance

If you were denied by FEMA due to your insurance, even if your insurance did not cover all damages, you may become eligible once the insurance pays out. If you are able to prove that insurance has not covered all of your needs or that you are uninsured, you are encouraged to reapply. FEMA is able to help with damages not covered by flood or homeowners insurance, but cannot duplicate an insurance payment.

After you apply for FEMA, you have 1 year to provide records of an insurance settlement. If your insurance has not settled after 30 days, FEMA will accept letters explaining the situation. In this case, if you receive money from FEMA, you would have to pay it back with the insurance payout.

If you are denied, you are encouraged to look over your application as it may be due to a small error or missing documents. You can submit documents online here or at a Disaster Recovery Center. A list of centers is available here.

FEMA mailing address

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

FEMA faxing address

800-827-8112

Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

Additional information about FEMA can be found on their website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

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Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.

Florida – The Federal Emergency Management Agency wants to remind Floridians that making fraudulent disaster assistance claims is a felony, and those who make false claims are taking money away from those who have legitimate claims.

As some Floridians are still recovering from Hurricane Irma, FEMA says that it takes the disbursement of disaster funds very seriously, and the agency wants to make sure the assistance money only goes to those who suffered legitimate losses. Those who are caught trying to make fraudulent claims can be charged with a felony and, if convicted, may face a maximum 30-year prison term and up to $250,000 in fines.

Special agents from the Office of Inspector General detect fraud in a number of ways. An automated system cross-checks information with other agencies and insurance companies to weed out duplicate applications. Field inspections are also conducted to verify losses and damages for every person who applies to FEMA for individual assistance.

Potential cases of fraud or misuse are referred for prosecution as federal offenses. Audits are standard procedure in all federal disaster operations, and the U.S. Department of Justice prosecutes these types of fraud cases when they result in criminal charges.

Any applicant who has made a mistake when reporting damage or has misrepresented losses has the opportunity to correct or cancel their claim. Anyone wishing to amend disaster claims should call the FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362) for voice or 711 VRS, or 800-662-7585 for TTY to withdraw or correct an application and prevent prosecution.

If you suspect someone has filed a false claim with FEMA, you can report it through the following methods:

• Contact the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at 800-323-8603, TTY 844-889-4357.
• A fraud complaint may also be completed online at the OIG’s website (, faxed to 202-254-4297 or mailed to: DHS Office of Inspector General: Mail Stop 0305; Department of Homeland Security; 245 Murray Drive SW; Washington DC 20528-0305.
• Survivors can also call FEMA’s Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO) Tipline at 866-223-0814 or email to FEMA-OCSO-Tipline@fema.dhs.gov.

Calls may be answered by a recorded message. The caller will be asked a few questions. The information will be entered into the data system and assigned to a field investigator. If the caller left a name and phone number, it will be the investigator who will call back, not the person who took the call. An inspector has 90 days to verify the complaint.

For more recovery information, visit www.FEMA.gov/IrmaFL, or follow @FEMARegion4 on Twitter and on FEMA’s Facebook page.

Photo courtesy Mike Focus and Shutterstock.com.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.