Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Let's Talk...
After Hurricane Irma hit Naples I contacted Johnny with Let Me Help to put our lives back together.... You just may want to have Johnny Help You!


http://OneCardMe.com/LetMeHelpHomeMaintenance

Let Me Help was created to fill the need for general cleanup and getting  lives back to normal after hurricane Irma paid us a visit here in Naples.  We found many of our friends and neighbors were asking where they could find some reliable help or some extra muscle to get their house back in order.  
Our services include... and are no way limited to power washing, window/slider washing-inside and out, screens, lanai clean up, leaves and limbs, getting your outdoor furniture cleaned and put back in its place, pool decks sprayed and cleaned, outdoor kitchen clean up-cabinets, exhausts and grills, inside home cleaning, garages, spoiled pet sitting, dog walking-daytime and over nights, house sitting including light clean up included. Are you moving and need help packing and moving boxes we do that as well. 
I am culinary trained if you need some healthy meals put together so you don't have to cook during these stressful times or do you need some help making your favorite appetizers for the upcoming holidays!!!
Let Me Help YOU is here for YOU contact me today by calling or by texting 913.333.6643 

Friday, September 8, 2017

Let's Talk... HOT Off The Press!


Evacuation and Shelter Opening Announcement
The Collier County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will fully activate at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, in response to Hurricane Irma. The Collier County Information Hotline will also open at 8 a.m. and will remain active 24-hours a day until the EOC deactivates. Residents with questions may call the Hotline at (239) 252-8444 (within Collier County residents may dial 311). Officials announce the followingevacuation notices and the opening of emergency shelters:
Evacuations – Mandatory evacuations will go into place at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, forGoodlandEverglades City and Chokoloskee. Hurricane Irma has the potential to inducedangerous and damaging storm surge in those areas.
Residents of mobile homes throughout Collier County, especially those east of Collier Boulevard(S.R. and C.R. 951), are strongly advised to evacuate to a hardened structure or to an emergency shelter.
Emergency Shelters – Those who plan to use emergency shelters should take any necessary medications, cell phone chargers, toiletries, favorite snacks and anything else they need to be comfortable. 
special needs only shelter will open at Palmetto Ridge High School, 1655 Victory Lane, Naples, Florida 34120, at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 8for electrically dependent or bed ridden pre-registered clients who require nursing care. A family member or caregiver is asked to accompany the special needs person at the shelter. 

General population shelters will open at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8at the following locations. Note, lunch will not be served.

  • Immokalee High School, 701 Immokalee Drive, Immokalee, Florida 34142 (no pets)
  • Immokalee Middle School 401 N. 9th St., Immokalee, Florida 34142 (pets allowed)
  • Cypress Palm Middle School, 4255 18th Ave. NE, Naples, Florida 34120 (pets allowed)
  • North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples, Florida 34109 (pets allowed – please note that due to preregistration, this shelter is full and will not accept anyone who is not already registered)
  • Gulf Coast High School, 7878 Shark Way, Naples, Florida 34119 (no pets)
  • Oak Ridge Middle School, 14975 Collier Blvd., Naples, Florida 34119 (no pets)
  • Lely High School, 1 Lely High School Blvd., Naples, Florida 34113 (no pets)

Note the shelters at Immokalee Middle, Cypress Palm and North Collier Regional Park will be pet friendly for vaccinated and crated dogs and cats only. Pet owners must bring their vaccination records, the appropriate size kennel for their animals, food and water for a minimum of three days, bowls and all supplies including waste bags and litter. When taking pets outside, they must remain leashed, and pet owners are responsible for picking up pet waste.  There must be a family member or care taker of the pet present in the shelter always. 
Collier Area Transit (CAT) – To facilitate transportation to and from the county’s emergency shelters, Collier Area Transit fares will be waived beginning Friday, Sept. 8, until the emergency shelters close.  Buses with routes close to open shelters will deviate to take residents who need a ride to the shelter.

Thursday, September 7, 2017


Let's Talk... Hot Off The Press!

Emergency Numbers and Irma 

Information
This morning the Board of Fire Commissioners declared a State of Emergency for the North Collier Fire District. We continue to wait for official word from the Collier County EOC on mandatory evacuations and shelter openings.

In the coming days, these are important emergency numbers to have on hand:
Collier County Information Hotline 239-252-8444 or 311
Special Needs 239-252-8809
Emergencies Dial 911
Non-Emergencies 239-252-9300

Please note, first responders do have restrictions during storms. If winds reach a sustained speed of 45 MPH vehicles will not be responding to emergency calls. The calls will continue to be received by the 911 center, logged and once the winds recede emergency care providers will begin to respond to the list of calls.
Please find additional information and tips listed below.

Basic Preparedness Tips
  • Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay.
  • Put together a go-bag: disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.  Make sure your CERT Bags are all full of the items needed if you are planning on staying local.
  • If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for at least 72 hours and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
  • Make a family emergency communication plan.
  • http://ecnetwork.com/  This is the link to the CODERed System Utilized by the Collier Sheriff’s Office. Click on the upper right-hand corner under enroll and follow the instructions from there.
    We will send emails, update our Facebook page so please keep an eye out on all your social media outlets and computers for the tiem being.
Preparing Your Home
  • Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
  • Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
  • Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors, including the garage doors.
  • If you have a portable generator now is the time to check it.  PLEASE Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from 
  • moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet
Other Resources:
 
If you do decide to evacuate please consider the below as you return home:

Be sure you have at LEAST TWO forms of ID with you for re-entry.  Collier County EOC suggested Drivers License, copy of a Utility Bill and your automobile registration assuming it matches your home address.  You will need to show proof of who you are and that you live at the address. 
Wait for the all-clear to be given and the evacuation order to be lifted. 
You actually help others by not being in the way while crews are still trying to open roads, restore power, restore water, etc. 
Delaying your return could also mean better traffic for you and less time spent sitting in the car.
Gas up often on the way back and try to arrive home with a full tank.  Local stations may be closed for a while.
Buy groceries and supplies where you are today to bring home with you.  Local stores may also be closed for a while.
The same goes for any medications you may have to refill.  Get them where you are before heading home. 

When arriving home do a “scene size-up”  before even getting out of the car (where you’re protected).  Sections of power lines might be down (which on moist ground can electrocute you), limbs may be hanging by a thread and ready to fall, trees may still fall while the ground is wet, and be sure to look out for displaced animals (especially snakes) that may have chosen your yard as their evacuation destination.

These apply for your pet as well. Don’t let your pet out in your yard unattended.  Snakes may be a threat, and who knows what has washed into the yard that may be toxic to your four-legged loved ones.

Let's Talk... Hurricane Preparedness 

With much of Florida in Hurricane Irma’s path with potentially life-saving tips and resources on hurricane preparedness for you and your home.
Please stay safe during our Hurricane Season, Also be sure to visit www.FloridaDisaster.org
Michelle


Hurricane Preparedness PSA

When a hurricane is headed for your home, preparation is key. 
In order to help keep you and your family safe and to protect your home 
from costly damage, here are a few helpful hurricane preparedness tips 
and resources for you.

Before

During

After

 
Michelle J. DeNomme, REALTOR, GRI
Cellular Phone I  239.404.7787
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty
Office: 239.659.2400
E-Fax Number: 239.236.5550
Website:  www.NaplesHomeSweetHome.com        
Twitter: DeNommeRealtor

 

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Let's Talk...
2017 Collier County Evacuation Zones







Lets Talk... Know your zone: SWFL evacuation, storm surge maps
via NEWS

Lets' Talk... Hot Off the Press

                                 Sept News Michelle DeNomme bhhsmarketingresource.com          

TURTLE POWER

Lets Talk...TURTLE POWER

Lets Talk...TURTLE POWER

TURTLE POWER
Florida sea turtle hatchlings emerge, begin treacherous trip to the water 
BY ROBBIE SPENCER 



PERHAPS NO OTHER TYPE OF PROCREATION on Earth is more meticulously protected and
cared for than that of the sea turtles that lumber ashore in Florida to lay their eggs. Nesting began in late April, and now through October is peak hatching season for all those clutches of eggs signified by patches cordoned off in the sand. From all reports, it should be a good season for sea turtle hatchlings. Thanks to the efforts of countless volunteers and numerous government and nonprofit organizations, turtle nesting numbers have been on a significant rise in the last decade, with 2017 being no exception.
“The cumulative effects of our conservation efforts — including lighting and development regulations and enforcement, regulations in commercial fishing such as the use of turtle excluder devices in the shrimping industry and circle hooks in longline fishing — have had a huge impact,” Maura Kraus, principal environmentalist for Collier County, said.
Looking back at the last three nesting seasons, there have been 1,687 hatched nests in Collier County, including through this past week. By comparison, from 2005 to 2007 in Collier there were 514, with 2005 being a particularly low point with just over 100 hatched nests. 
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has counted 830 nests on the two islands alone this year, as opposed to 262 in 2009, according to SeaTurtle.org. Monitoring on the islands has been going on since the late 1950s, making it one of the longest-running monitoring programs in the country. 
“We’re having another banner year for turtles on the islands,” said SCCF communications director Karen Nelson. Another long-running turtle monitoring program, Turtle Time, monitors the coastline from the northern tip of Fort Myers Beach to the Lee-Collier border of Bonita Beach, as well as the shores of Pine Island farther north. So far this year, Turtle Time volunteers have counted 325 nests, with 99 hatched nests. More than 200 of those nests have been laid on Bonita Beach, and almost 100 on Fort Myers Beach. 


Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium tracks nests near the Sarasota region of beaches, including Siesta Key, Casey Key, Lido Beach and Venice. In the 2006 nesting season, they reported just over 900 nests. In 2016? Nearly 4,500. And according to tallies from the Coastal Wildlife Club, there have been 4,343 loggerhead nests counted in Charlotte and Sarasota counties this season.
But none of these numbers come even close to the nesting levels of the east coast of Florida, where the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports more than 110,000 nests this season, including nearly 36,000 in the Palm Beach County area alone, compared to 18,704 for the entire west coast.
“Nesting has been higher than average this year for greens and loggerheads,” Kirt Rusenko, a marine conservationist at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, said about hatching season. Gumbo Limbo counts nests on a five-mile span of Boca Raton’s beaches.
Mr. Rusenko noted that leatherbacks are not having a banner year in Palm Beach County; however, green turtles are seeing a near-record number of nests. Their status as an endangered species was downlisted to threatened in 2016.
“We are in the middle of hatching season and have been dealing with more hatchlings than last year,” Mr. Rusenko said of Boca Raton’s beaches. He added that even though the hatch rates are significantly higher this year — up from 38 percent last year to 59 percent — that number should be closer to 85 percent. “The dry, hot weather of south Florida has literally been cooking some eggs at the top side of nests,” he said.


Mr. Rusenko added recent heavy rains will help cool the weather and likely aid the hatchlings.
“Our biggest problem is that dry weather. Rain wouldn’t do any harm unless we received Texas-level rains,” he said, referring to Hurricane Harvey deluges.
“We’ve had a bigger problem than usual with foxes and raccoons this year,” he said.
Sea turtles are among the world’s oldest living creatures, existing more than 110 million years ago during the era of the dinosaurs. Despite their remarkable stamina, their status on the planet has been threatened by illegal harvesting, habitat encroachment and pollution to the point that extreme measures have been taken by many organizations to safeguard their mating process.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s turtle monitoring program is in its 35th year this season. Since 1982, Conservancy researchers have documented more than 284,000 hatchlings, primarily loggerhead sea turtles. Staff and volunteers at the nonprofit work with Collier County environmentalists to help track and protect sea turtle nests across a stretch of beach more than 20 miles across.
Conservancy biologist Dave Addison has spearheaded the organization’s monitoring efforts for years. For him, spotting a new loggerhead nest is unlike anything he’s seen in nature.
“Those brief encounters become all the more fascinating when I stop to think that these moments when a marine turtle ascends a beach to nest represent only a tiny fraction of her 80- to 100-year lifespan.”
Their human-like lifespan makes for a unique case study.
“Because sea turtles live such a long time, studying them over many years is the only real way for us to learn what they have to tell and understand how to protect them for future generations. It takes time and persistence.”
While loggerhead sea turtles make up the bulk of nests in Southwest Florida, green turtles and leatherbacks also lay their eggs here. In the 2016 season, FWC documented more than 120,000 loggerhead nests, 5,000 green turtle nests and 1,000 leatherback nests across the state.
Loggerheads are a protected species and only nest in two areas of the world: off the coast of Oman in the Middle East and on the beaches of Florida.
Female loggerheads can deposit more than 100 eggs in a nest. After incubating for approximately two moths, the bleary-eyed babies set a course for the sea. Only one in 1,000 survives to adulthood.
“Sea turtle hatchlings are small and appear helpless, so people may make the mistake of thinking they need assistance getting to the water. But you can help hatchlings (get home to deep water) by leaving them alone,” said Robbin Trindell, who leads FWC’s sea turtle management program.
Some may take this as a call for the public to help the hatchlings make their way out to sea, as their success rate is so low. That couldn’t be any further from the truth.
Sea turtle hatchlings are biologically programmed to look for the brightest horizon and make their way toward the water. This means beachgoers approaching hatchlings with cell phone lights or flashlights, or beachfront residents leaving porch and condominium lights on, can disorient the babies and cause them to turn away and literally crawl straight to their death.
“Any interference or disturbance by people, such as getting too close or taking flash photos, increases the chances the hatchlings will get confused, go in the wrong direction and not reach the ocean quickly,” Ms. Trindell said. “That makes them vulnerable to dehydration, exhaustion and predators.”
The FWC actually requires that any volunteer or official have a special permit to interact with sea turtle hatchlings. So unless you have a permit, you’re breaking the law if you try to help a hatchling find its way.
For more on sea turtle nesting and hatchlings, go to www.MyFWC.com/Sea- Turtle.
Report any hatchlings that are stranded, wandering in a road or parking lot, heading away from the water or dead to FWC’s 24-hour Wildlife Alert Hotline, 888-404-FWCC (3922) or *FWC or #FWC on a cell phone. ¦ 
Loggerhead Sea Turtle Facts 
Scientific name: Caretta caretta 

 Adult length: 3 feet 
 Weight: 250-300 pounds 
Lifespan: Greater than 50 years 
Habitat: Widely distributed throughout temperate and tropical regions of the ocean. Here in Florida, sea turtles use our patch reef ecosystems, just like you can see in our 5,000 gallon Patch Reef Aquarium, as foraging grounds. 
Diet: Primarily carnivorous- eating fish, crustaceans, jellyfish, and occasionally seagrass and algae. 
 Protection status: Threatened in Florida, Endangered in other parts of the world. 
 Threats: As hatchlings, sea turtles face several natural predators, but as adults their only predators are sharks and humans. Human threats include habitat loss, poaching, pollution, litter (such as plastic bags), commercial fishing and boat collisions. 
 Other cool facts: Loggerheads were named for their relatively large heads and powerful jaws. Females come onto our local beaches, where they lay 100-120 eggs, and can come back to lay clutches multiple times in a nesting season. Nesting season for this species typically runs from May–October.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017



HUD announces changes on reverse mortgage program

Changes include raising the upfront payment from 0.5% to 2% and lowering annual payment from 1.25% to 0.5%



Let's Talk...
8 Best Upgrades to Personalize Your New Home
By Rachel Abraham
RISMEDIA, Tuesday, September 05, 2017— Editor's Note: This was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. See what else is cookin' now at blog.rismedia.com: Before you move into your new house, you may want to make upgrades. These add value to your investment, improve your home's function and allow you to express your personality. Plus, making upgrades before you move in reduces inconvenience later. Consider the following upgrades to make your new house feel like home.
 
1. Enhance the Kitchen
Quality kitchen upgrades ensure the room meets your family's needs, and add value to your home. Consider several changes that improve the quality and function of your kitchen:
  • Get high-end, energy- or water-saving appliances.
  • Lower the bar counter from 42 to 36 inches so it's more accessible.
  • Install quartz countertops.
  • Add lighting under the counters.
  • Choose matching fixtures and hardware. 
Worried about staying on budget while renovating the most expensive room in the house? According to HomeAdvisor's Kitchen Cost Guide, it costs the average homeowner between $12,500 and $33,500 for a full kitchen remodel.
 
2. Redo the Flooring
It's definitely easier and more affordable to upgrade a house's flooring before you arrange all the furniture. Consider stain-resistant carpeting in high-traffic areas, or install hardwood in connected rooms for a sleek appearance.
 
3. Update the Bathroom
Spruce up a bathroom already in the house or add an additional bathroom before your move. When renovating a bathroom, consider your current and future needs, such as your family size or entertaining habits. Several possible changes include:
  • Install a double sink.
  • Install a walk-in shower or Jacuzzi tub.
  • Choose decorative shower, floor or wall tile.
  • Customize the lighting or fixtures.
  • Hang extra shelves for storage. 
4. Bring in New Cabinetry
Before you unpack all your possessions, install new cabinetry that helps you get and stay organized. The kitchen and bathroom cabinets have a big effect on your home's function and appearance. Choose cabinet finishes and designs that match your personal style and color scheme. You can hang the old cabinets in the garage or attic to expand your storage space.
 
5. Update Electrical Wiring
Older houses may have outdated wiring, or you may find that you need additional outlets in certain rooms. Walk through your house, visualize how you will use each room and plan any electrical wiring updates. With help from an electrician, you can add outlets in the living room to accommodate your gaming systems or wire the den ceiling for a new fan.
 
6. Wire for Internet Service
Improve security and speed in your new home with wired internet throughout the house. It allows you to install and use a variety of electronics, including security cameras, in any room. Full-house wired internet also prevents outside users and hackers from accessing your network and potentially harming your family.
 
7. Add Lots of Storage
Getting extra storage throughout your house before you move helps you completely unpack and organize your home the way you want. The price of installing a new closet is about $1,800, as found on HomeAdvisor. Choose from a variety of cabinet types, shelving, and overhead storage designs and materials that match your needs and preferences.
 
8. Transform the Laundry Room
While you probably plan to use your laundry room primarily for laundry, you may wish to transform it into a functioning pantry, drop zone or mud room. Rearrange the washing machine and dryer hookup to make room for pantry storage. Consider adding a bench and hooks for shoes, backpacks and umbrellas, too.


Copyright© 2017 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission

Monday, September 4, 2017



Let's Talk...
Bayshore Art District... Updates!


The Bayshore Arts District is a lively community off the East Trail in Naples, Florida.  Over the past few years, the area has been in redevelopment and more and more businesses have moved to the area.  

On November 18thGreen Door Nursery is hosting their “Art Among the Blossoms” Art/Craft Show.  They are still looking for more vendors, so please reach out to Joel if you are interested! They have been in the Bayshore Arts District for 10 years now and are very supportive of local artists! Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog post about them in October. In the meantime, be sure to follow them on Facebook greendoornurserynaples

A Jaron Fine Jewelry...has been on fire lately (figuratively speaking, of course)! If you’ve been around the Bayshore Arts District lately, I’m sure you’ve seen the mermaid mural on Amanda Jaron’s new studio. Amanda won a Naples Daily News 2017 Choice Award for SWFL’s favorite Fine Jewelry. She hosted a party and was a sponsor for the PACE Center for Girls, Collier and she is a title sponsor for the upcoming Scene to be Seen: A Runway Art Show to benefit the Naples Art Association on November 2nd (tickets available here). Between her many charity endeavors, A Jaron Fine Jewelry is also participating with Green Door nursery in their biannual Art Show coming up on November 18th from 10am-3pm where Artists will be showcasing their work in tents outside her studio. Contact Information: #BeMermazing (ajaron.com or 239-596-8610)


The Naples Botanical Garden always has a great line up of Fall and Winter events.  September 8th at 1pm there will be a Chamber Music Concert.  They have their annual fundraising event, Hats in the Garden, coming up on November 8th.  This event is currently sold out, however, you may email Erin Wolfe to be added to the wait list (ewolfe@naplesgarden.org). One of our favorite events, Night Lights in the Garden, will return again in December with dates on December 8th-23rd, December 26th-30th, and January 1st – 3rd.  Mark your calendars to buy tickets as this is a very popular event! Member pre-sale begins October 24th – November 13th and tickets will be available for the public to purchase on November 14th. Lastly, don’t forget, the garden has many volunteer opportunities if you are looking to get involved in the community.

Three60 Market... Is closed for their Summer Vacation the month of September.  They will reopen on Tuesday, October 3rd at 8:00AM

Bayshore Food Truck Park could open by December 2017, site owner says
People who travel to Bayshore Drive in East Naples won’t be heading to see just the Botanical Gardens, or just the new brew house opening or Three60 Market. They’ll be coming to Bayshore to make a day of it!!!
Let's Talk... Hot Off The Press...


Looking for outdoor adventure? 
Naples might be just what you have been looking for!!!

Naples isn't just a place to eat, shop and sit on the beach. It's also a great place for adventure, according to the U.S. Tourism Quality Index. The index ranks Naples No. 9 on this year's list of the top U.S. Sports & Adventure Vacation Destinations. Read more here.