Forgive my delay in posting, it seems real-life sometimes gets in the way of blogging.

It seems the cash-strapped Florida legislature is not going to hold a tax-free hurricane preparedness week, as in the pats. The Florida government used to offer a 1 week tax holiday on storm preparedness items, e.g. batteries, flashlights, camp stoves, coolers, etc. would be tax free for 1 week. This could be 6-7% savings depending upon which county one lives in.

Well, now it's time for the state to promote retail sales instead of reducing you tax burden.

May 30, 2008

Contact:

GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
850-488-5394

ST. PETERSBURG – Governor Charlie Crist today joined state and local emergency managers and the Florida Retail Federation to promote Florida Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 25-31, 2008. He announced that some Florida retailers will be hosting special sales on hurricane supplies, beginning Friday, May 30, and continuing through June 8. Governor Crist and officials also accompanied Sandra Jackson of St. Petersburg and three of her children to shop for hurricane supplies at the Home Depot in St. Petersburg.

“Florida retailers have stepped up to the plate during tough times to help Floridians get ready for this hurricane season,” said Governor Crist. “We applaud their commitment and partnership to the safety of all who call the Sunshine State home.”

The Governor announced that the Florida Lottery and the Florida Retail Federation have partnered with Emergency Management this year to increase public awareness efforts across the state. Emergency supply lists will be available in more than 13,000 Lottery retailers from the Panhandle to the Keys. The Florida Lottery will also work with its existing broadcast media partners to place preparedness messages in both English and Spanish during select television and radio events.

“The Florida Lottery is proud to play a part in preparing Floridians for the upcoming hurricane season,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Leo DiBenigno. “For 20 years, the Lottery has provided billions for education in the Sunshine State, and we are glad to support emergency managers statewide to help raise awareness and keep our residents and visitors safe.”

“Florida is a great place to live, work and play,” said Governor Crist. “However, with this paradise comes the responsibility for all who call the Sunshine State home to get a plan and prepare for the 2008 Hurricane Season.”

Rick McAllister, president and chief executive officer of the Florida Retail Federation, explained how retailers across the state have stocked their shelves with emergency supplies, and they encourage residents to visit stores in their local community to get prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.

“Floridians can use the emergency supply list as they prepare themselves and their families for any type of disaster, especially hurricanes,” said McAllister. “We encourage everyone to check and replenish their emergency supplies so they are ready before an event happens.”

All of the participating Florida retailers are actively engaged in hurricane and disaster preparedness. Some Florida retailers will make special savings available on common disaster-supply items during the 10-day event. Check your local newspapers for the sales and promotional prices that may be taking place in your area.

“All Floridians need to get a plan and prepare to the best of their ability,” said Craig Fugate, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Residents should stock up on emergency supplies for the hurricane season.”

Some of the items included on the emergency supply list include:
· Flashlights and portable, self-powered light sources
· Portable radios, two-way radios and NOAA weather-band radios
· Flexible waterproof sheeting (tarps)
· Gas or diesel fuel containers
· Batteries
· Medications
· Ice chests or other food storage coolers
· Portable generators
· Carbon monoxide detectors
· Storm shutter devices
· Pet carrier and supplies

Florida Hurricane Preparedness Week is running in conjunction with National Hurricane Preparedness Week activities being conducted across Florida and other coastal states. For more information go to www.FloridaDisaster.org or http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml. The 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, 2008.

-----

This past weekend I attended the Southern Classic Gun show in Miami. One of the lessons learned: shop carefully. Many dealers were asking FAR too much for weapons that were in crappy shape. AK47's going for $700, used Glocks for $500. Just awful stuff.

One nice find was a Ruger Speed Six in good condition for $400, which C, My Favorite Lesbian, got for $375 out the door.

One thing that is interesting is they were selling Mosin-Nagants for the $200 range. After some consideration, I decided to apply for my 03 C&R FFL license, which is $30 for 3 years. Just the savings alone on one Mosin justifies the license cost, and permits the shipping of C&R firearms without needing a an 01 dealer to process it.

Get your own 03 C&R:
http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2005/howtogetyourcurionrelicffl03/index.asp

http://www.atf.treas.gov/dcof/index.htm
The form is F7CR 5310.16 Application for License (Collector of Curios and Relics) Under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, Firearms

Update: The requested forms arrived in 4 days. I'll update on the processing time once I send them out.