As a criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale, I oftentimes receive inquiries regarding whether a client is eligible to seal or expunge their criminal record. I created this “cheat sheet” for my clients to understand the benefits of sealing or expunging a criminal record and the common reasons for denial.

Benefits

Due to the economic downturn, the unemployment rate in the United States is hovering around 9%-10%. As a result, employers can be very particular with their new hires and may preclude hiring an individual with any criminal record. Worse yet, with advances in technology, employers can inexpensively uncover your criminal history from anywhere in the United States with no time limitations. I recently had a client fired from his job for not disclosing a misdemeanor marijuana charge from 1978! In addition to employers, criminal background checks are common when applying for housing, professional licenses, security clearance, and certain bank loans. I have even heard of potential dating partners researching an individuals’ criminal history before dates.

When you expunge your criminal record, your criminal history is no longer accessible to the public. Such criminal history includes your Court Case number, your Jail file, and the police record of the incident (i.e. probable cause affidavit). Please be aware, that if you were arrested for a crime, even if the charges were never filed or your case was dismissed for any reason, the record of your arrest and Court Case remains public access until you expunge your case. It is worth repeating that even if the State Attorney’s Office “dropped” or announced a Nolle Prosequi (“Dismissal”) of your case, the record of your arrest and Court Case are still available for employers to view until you expunge your case.

In most situations (including all expungements), you may legally deny that you were ever arrested for the crime that you had sealed or expunged. Think of the value of not having to tell an employer of your youthful indiscretion or poor-behavior that is currently leaving an indelible mark on your resume. The cost-benefit of spending a few hundred dollars to hire an attorney to seal or expunge your record could potentially net you tens of thousands of dollars in the future. Please note, in Florida, it takes approximately 6-7 months for a Court to expunge your record. As a result, be proactive – do not wait until you are applying for a new job before petitioning the Court to expunge your case.

Common Reasons for Denial

I receive dozens of phone calls a year from individuals who were improperly advised by their previous criminal defense attorney that they can seal their record of the arrest. I am always amazed when criminal defense attorneys misstate the law on sealing as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides a detailed explanation on their website of which crimes are ineligible to be sealed or expunged.

By far, the most common inquiry I received concerns the criminal offense of Driving While Under the Influence. In the State of Florida, anyone who accepts a plea to Driving While Under the Influence receives an Adjudication of Guilt. An individual cannot receive a Withhold of Adjudication to Driving While Under the Influence, unless the State Attorney changes the charge to Reckless Driving. The law is clear that an individual CANNOT seal or expunge their record if they have ever been ADJUDICATED guilty of any criminal offense, including Driving While Under the Influence or Driving While License Suspended.

The second most common inquiry concerns individuals who were improperly advised by their previous criminal defense attorney that they can always seal the record of their arrest if they received a WITHHOLD of ADJUDICATION to the charge. Again, I consider this legal malpractice considering the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website specifically enumerates which crimes are ineligible to be sealed, regardless if adjudication of guilt was withheld. Of note, all the ineligible offenses are listed in Fla. Stat. 907.041.

Criminal defense attorneys most often misrepresent that the following crimes can be sealed if the client received a withhold of adjudication: (1) Burglary of a Dwelling; (2) Any act of domestic violence; and (3) Stalking. These charges cannot be sealed even if the charge is a misdemeanor and you received a withhold of adjudication. In addition, an individual can only seal or expunge their record on ONE occasion. An individual cannot seal a charge in 2010 and expect to seal another charge in 2011.

Although you do not need an attorney to petition the Court to seal or expunge your criminal record, it is my recommendation to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to handle this matter for you. Most attorneys in Florida will charge anywhere between $500.00 – $1,000.00 for this service. As making sure you correctly seal or expunge your criminal record could be one of the most important decisions you make in your lifetime, it is beneficial to make sure it is done properly.

The information in this article site was developed by Lyons, Snyder & Collin, P.A. for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The transmission and receipt of information from this article does not form or constitute an attorney-client relationship with Lyons, Snyder & Collin. Persons receiving the information from this article should not act upon the information provided without seeking profession legal counsel.

Venetian Island homes are among the finest luxury real estate options that can be found within South Florida today. If you are looking for the opportunity to live within a waterfront home that is found within a first-class community within the region, you should definitely learn more about these outstanding real estate options and the actual community in which they are located.

The community in which Venetian Island homes are located is comprised of six man-made islands which include Biscayne Island, Di Lido Island, San Marino Island, San Marco Island, Belle Isle, and Rivo Alto Island – all of which are located between the city of Miami Beach and Miami proper which enables residents of the community to experience the best of both worlds.

Each of the islands are connected via the Venetian Causeway which is one of the leading primary areas which many of the community’s residents and visitors go to in order to go for a stroll, exercise, walk their pets, or simply gaze out at the beautiful surroundings.

All six man-made islands offer a selection of Venetian Island homes which are often waterfront properties that are set upon large lots of land with spacious backyards and boating docks. Being luxury real estate options found within South Florida, property buyers can also look forward to first-class facilities found right on the property which include swimming pools and other recreational options that a lot of people seek when looking for real estate properties.

Needless to say, the captivating views that the community has to offer stands out as being one of the main reasons why wealthy individuals are so inclined to purchase Venetian Island homes from today’s property market. Aside from the actual selection of beautifully designed and fully functional homes, many have come to find the grand splendor of the community’s surroundings to be truly worth their while, especially in the case of people who are looking to find the most peaceful community settings that are available within South Florida today.

Since Venetian Island homes are included in the luxury real estate sector of the local market, interested property buyers should keep in mind that the price range for these options can be relatively more expensive than usual properties. As of the second week of October 2012, the median sales price for luxury homes within the community was $5.05 million.

If you would like to find out more about the availability of options found within one of South Florida’s most amazing waterfront communities, you should contact a real estate agent that specializes in Venetian Islands real estate for more information.

Concerning “The Lakeland, Florida Revival” I as a licensed Foursquare minister received an email from the President Jack Hayford, a very humble, prayerful, and wise man of God. I attended a weekt the King’s College in Van Nuys, CA and was greatly blessed. in the School of Pastoral Nurture with Pastor Jack and his gracious staff a

Far more than a seasoned instructor, Pastor Jack is a spiritual father who is relatable, warm, and accessible. He had all of us within the school that I attended over to us his home for dinner and a time of fellowship in the Lord. His purity and humility precede his wisdom, opening a wide door of utterance for him. Not to mention Pastor Jack has a solid and proven life of character and fruitful ministry that has impacted countless lives throughout the earth.

That being said, some of the wise words concerning the “Lakeland Revival” (which I attended and a friend from New Zealand prophesied before it happened here in Florida), are worthy of noting and earnestly taking heed to lest we be snared by an evil heart of unbelief or an arrogant heart of proud boasting in ourselves. Christ alone is the rock of ages and the Savior of our soul in whom we must trust.

The following was provided by the Foursquare president, Pastor Jack Hayford, as a response to the many inquiries that have been received regarding the “Lakeland Revival.”

Pastor Jack wrote: “…it is far too early to assert anything on any terms. Understandably, the reports of miracle blessing would cause rejoicing in anyone who believes that God does, indeed, work miracles in our time. …it has not been the practice of The Foursquare Church to draw conclusions hastily in such situations. Our own history as a movement is marked by miracle visitations, both in the United States and in many nations around the world where our ministry extends. We have seen pure, wise, and trustworthy leaders scorned by cynics-at times, even scorned by church leaders who oppose miracles in our time on any terms. That is one reason our general response is to be “slow to speak,” as the Bible instructs (James 1:19). It is for that same reason that we tend to position ourselves as Gamaliel did (Acts 5:34-41)-the rabbi whose influence is reported by the Apostle Paul as having shaped his own thinking in significant regards (Acts 22:3).”

My crude summary of such wise instruction and counsel is simply remain humble and prayerful, waiting for all things to be revealed over time. Through prayer and earnest devotion to God and His Word the fruit (or lack thereof) shall speak for itself. Moreover if there be any evil or deception, the Holy Spirit of truth will certainly and swiftly bring it to the light for all to see.

Meanwhile afford every soul and minister God’s grace to breathe, believe, and receive from heaven. God’s thoughts are above our own and His methods and ways transcend or minuscule methodologies and mental limitations. As Pastor Jack exhorted, let us be available to His Spirit, instructed by His Word, open to His will, and humbly slow to pass judgment on things that are outside our purview. We are not called to answer for any other ministry or its report; our responsibility is to seek to serve our flock, teach our people God’s Word and wisdom, and keep ourselves open to to the precious workings of His Spirit.

Let us live in hope, believe for God’s best in our day, and counsel our leaders and our people to be filled with the Spirit of God. As Pastor Jack prayed, let us ask the Spirit to give us humility in discernment and to guard our souls from being either gullible, doubt-prone, or resistant to whatever God may seek to do that proves Christ-exalting, Word-verifying, and enduring beyond sensation or mere excitement. With time, whatever is taking place in Lakeland and through activities issuing from its happenings will either verify or discredit the source of the manifestations.

Pastor Jack wisely and as a spiritual father desirous of seeing God’s glory revealed in we His people reminds us that we are in an hour of history, both nationally and internationally, that calls us to prayer and fasting. Let us give ourselves to seeking God, and let us give place to His visitation in ways that please His heart, seek His glory, and honor His Son, our Savior, Healer, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, and Soon Coming King.

Charisma editor Lee Grady takes a conservative & cautious look at the Lakeland, Florida Revival.

On May 14, 2008 Charisma’s editor stated “honest questions” & concerns below. Thereafter I give my thoughts and admonition to Grady and Charisma.

Grady: “…But as the noise from Lakeland grows louder and its influence spreads, I’m issuing some words of warning…”

Davis: “What you call ‘noise’ Lee is the roar of the young lions breaking forth in the earth with the zeal of the Lord. They may not speak, dress, act, or maneuver according to the clever dictates of professional men within Christendom, but they possess faith that works by love which casts out fear and throws caution to the wind.”

Grady: “‘Beware of strange fire. The name of Jesus is being lifted up in the Lakeland revival, and three people came to the altar for salvation the night I attended. Larger numbers have come to the front of the auditorium to find Christ every night since then.”

Davis: “If the name of Jesus is being lifted up in Lakeland, we need not worry. If man’s name is being lifted up, let us beware. The two services I attended in Lakeland, Todd was careful to exalt & uplift Jesus. Should his heart, manner of ministry & focus change the glory will leave. God doesn’t share His anointing with carnal & vain men. When God’s glory leaves, the people will as well. As long as both are present, let us rejoice in the risen Christ.”

Grady: “Yet I fear another message is also being preached subtly in Lakeland-a message that cult-watchers would describe as a spiritual counterfeit. Bentley is one of several charismatic ministers who have emphasized angels in the last several years.”

Davis: “Cult-watchers should not be our concern, as they are not discerning themselves. True discernment begins with awakening to that which is good (Hebrews 5:14), not merely hunting that which is evil (see Romans 16:19). When we are enamored with evil, we ourselves become evil. We become what we behold (see 2Corinthians 3:18). Ultimately we attract & attend to what we ourselves are, as our perception leads to our personal detection & projection.”

Davis: “What a man or minister did several years ago, need not have any bearing upon what they believe or do today. Shall we ask what you did several years ago? A person’s past does not have to dictate their future. As for angelic visitations, these are common throughout Scripture. We should seek God, not angels. Yet should the Lord choose to send an angel to answer our prayers, we should not limit the holy one of Israel.”

Grady: “…Paul was adamant that preoccupation with angels can lead to serious deception.”

Davis: “Agreed, heard, understood & acknowledged.”

Grady: “We have no business teaching God’s people to commune with angels or to seek revelations from them. …We need to remember that Mormonism was born out of one man’s encounter with a dark angel who claimed to speak for God.”

Grady: “Beware of bizarre manifestations. …where do we draw the line between legitimate experience and fanatical excess?”

Davis: “Christ never called ‘we’ His disciples to ‘draw lines’ but to love and lift people. Jesus said let the wheat and tares grow together. The Lord Himself can remove the weeds and pluck up that which He has not planted” (see Matthew 13:30; 15:13). To my knowledge Bentley isn’t teaching ‘God’s people to commune with angels,’ neither to seek them.”

Grady: “…Paul called for discipline and order …In other words, Paul was saying that no one under the influence of the Holy Spirit should act out of control.”

Davis: “The apostle Paul said ‘let all things be done decently and in order’ (1Corinthians 14:40). Before trying to harness, discipline, and order a move of God; first let it flow and ‘be done’ before endeavoring to structure and order it. Grady and Charisma can write about revival, but until they can birth and do revival they should not criticize, nor seek to contain it.”

Davis: “People under the influence of the Holy Spirit respond in innumerable fashions. Since where the Holy Spirit there is liberty (2Corinthians 3:17), people can respond to God freely and don’t need Grady’s permission to do so.”

Grady: “In many recent charismatic revivals, ministers have allowed people to behave like epileptics on stage… such behavior feeds carnality and grieves the Spirit.”

Davis: “What feeds carnality and grieves the Spirit is the arrogance of men like Grady who fight a move of the Spirit rather than supporting and birthing one. Casting out demons and healing the sick is not always pretty to the professional eye.”

Grady: “…emotional euphoria doesn’t guarantee a heart change. …When we put bizarre behavior on the platform we imply that it is normative.”

Davis: “Being a Christian critic and unbelieving believer doesn’t produce a heart change either. A heart of unbelief breeds evil and causes people to depart from the living God (see Hebrews 3:12).”

Grady: “Beware of hype and exaggeration.”

Davis: “Beware of embracing an evil heart of unbelief and becoming a Pharisee who knows the Scripture, but not the power of God” (Matthew 22:29).

Grady: “The church is in a backslidden state and our nation has rebelled against God.”

Davis: “Perhaps you and Charisma magazine are as well. Yet if you will rend your hearts and go hard after God with humble desperation, the Lord of life will revive you with the power of the resurrection.”

Grady: “In our longing for a holy visitation, however, we must be careful not to call the first faint breeze of the Spirit a full-fledged revival. If we do that, we are setting people up for disappointment….”

Davis: “Instead of trying to label and name a revival, call out for it in prayer in your own life. I find no disappointment in revival, only in those who try to deny and restrict it.”

Grady: “Some of the language used during the Lakeland Revival has created an almost sideshow atmosphere. People are invited to “Come and get some.” Miracles are supposedly “popping like popcorn.” Organizers tout it as the greatest revival in history.”

Davis: “According to your faith, be it unto you (Matthew 9:29). Better to go to God’s show than Hollywood’s. Better to get ‘some’ of God’s glory than dead religion. If Charisma and Grady don’t like ‘some’ than let them change the name of their magazine to Jesus instead of promoting their ‘some’ and new ‘someone’ on the cover every month.”

Grady: “Let’s stay humble and broken before the Lord ….miracles and crowds alone don’t guarantee a revival. …It was the few disciples who followed Jesus after Calvary who ushered in a true revival-one that was bathed in the fear of God, confirmed by signs and wonders, tempered by persecution and evidenced by thousands of conversions, new churches and the transformation of society. We should expect nothing less.”

Davis: “Thanks for providing the persecution Lee. We’re almost there! Now, please teach us humility and brokenness. Perhaps you can match the commitment of Mormons to go overseas for 2 years to birth a true revival of your own. Until you can win as many souls, birth as many churches, and transform societies be quick to hear and slow to speak. As Jesus said the fruit speaks for itself (see Matthew 7:20). I pray we all keep our hearts and eyes on Jesus. Beware of trying to steady the ark or seeking to straighten the flow of God’s Spirit lest you be swiftly judged (1Samuel 6:6-7; Micah 2:7). If this revival is of men, it will cease and be brought to not (Acts 5:38). If however it is of God, it shall continue unhindered full force with signs and wonders as God confirms His holy Word with power (see Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:4).

Manatee County located on the Gulf of Mexico in west central Florida is home to one of the largest ecosystems of its kind in the world. This area is one of the largest wetlands (2) in the region and forms headwaters to rivers in the area supplying about fifteen percent of the water flow in the Peace River basin. This particular region of Florida is used for fresh water reserves, cattle, agriculture, and newly populated residential neighborhoods. This ecologically critical region is populated with pristine rivers, creeks, springs, aquifers, ponds, and lakes. Both floras and fauna flourish in these unique environmental habitats, from abundant marine life to healthy populations of deer, possibly bears, wild hogs, along with a host of other wildlife.

However, the phosphate industry decided to buy this land with intensions to strip mine this region of central Florida, despite industries poor environmental conservation record over the last seven decades. Strip mining will destroy and plunder these regions of central Florida for the phosphate just beneath the surface. All that was mentioned previously will be extinct in the strip mined areas. There will be no freshwater, no cattle pastures, no agriculture, no marine life, no springs, no aquifers, no wild animals, no floras and no fauna. The only thing leftover from strip mining the land is radioactive materials, caustics, acids, and destroyed landscapes that look more like a lunar landscape. The abandoned phosphate strip mining poisons mentioned above will be there for decades to come, or until Florida’s taxpayers pay for the cleanup costs. Phosphate strip mining has no environmentally redeemable qualities. Historically, industry officials are not environmentally trustworthy, carry out clandestine toxic dumping of millions of tons of toxic waste, and build their business models on scrupulous business practices.

This particular area of central Florida is area where Florida’s phosphate industry decided to strip mine for the valuable phosphate ore in the area. The phosphate industry officials stated their confidence to the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA in the ability to reclaim the land to support a beneficial use after mining operations end. Interestingly, the EPA issued permits, but Manatee County officials required more details about the project and delayed strip mining for the time being. Each permit requested by the phosphate officials were denied on two occasions by Manatee County after the EPA issued the permits to start mining. Manatee and Sarasota Counties and countless smaller suits against the phosphate industry continue to battle for central Florida’s environmental health from being destroyed for phosphate.

Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, DEP, stated the plans submitted for strip mining did not provide accurate information, no proof of financial responsibility, and no acceptable reclamation policy. (1) These particular items are of interest because the phosphate industry historically leaves all the environmental havoc they produce for the taxpayers to cover cleanup costs. Manatee County denied the permits were denied and forced phosphate industry officials back to court. The state of Florida along with manatee County will hold phosphate industry officials from new strip mining in Manatee County until all required reports are filed for review and approved by the county. After all, the phosphate industry already forced Manatee County taxpayers to cover the cost to remove an abandoned phosphate fertilizer plant near the Port of Manatee at a cost of 144 million dollars.

Manatee County is fighting a losing battle due to financial hardships (without federal dollars) with phosphate officials over new strip mining in the Myakka River watershed, which is also one of the largest watersheds in the state. The 2500 acres of watershed adjacent to present day mining in the Myakka watershed is where the eight year environmental court battle will play out.

Florida’s phosphate industry is a financial juggernaut which will not stop strip mining in Florida until it is financially detrimental to do so. Florida’s citizens can help state environmentalist too with their votes and their funding. Central Florida environmental resources like Manatee County Commission, Peace River initiative, Sarasota County-Shelby Botanical Gardens, and Manasota-88 are local to the central Florida region and take donations for the preservation of central Florida’s unique ecological systems.

Reference

1. Altman Permit. ourphosphaterisk.com/permitting/altman-permit.

2. Michael Gallen, Manatee County Commissioner | Sarasota Bay sarasotabaytoday.com/2012/10/michael-gallen-manatee-county-commissioner/.

Wheelchairs are very vital to the elderly. It’s a vital tool for mobility and getting your life easier. In the market today there are lots wheelchair types and its all serves different purpose. But the fact remains that not all people have the resources to acquire a wheelchair for themselves.

It’s really fortunate for people living in Panama City, Florida. Manual wheelchairs are really a bargain in Panama, and its no wonder a lot of people own their wheelchairs there.

Wheelchairs come in many shapes and sizes. Many people have different criteria for a manual wheelchair that they think is right for them. In Panama city, you’ll be sure find what you’re looking for. There are lots of assortment that will surely your satisfy your criteria for a manual wheelchair.

Manual wheelchairs that are available in Panama City Florida include Lightweight Wheelchairs. This is lightweight type of wheelchair. Great for elderly who don’t have much upper body strength. Not much very expensive compared to electric type and yet much mobile than the standard manual wheelchairs.

The Standard manual wheelchairs built with cross-brace frame which is composed of a mid-to-high-level back. This frame is made to be built-in and it has detachable armrests and it also has a swing-away footrest for the relief of the user. He or she can decide the type of setting or arrangement of the wheelchairs. Most people have a preference of this type of wheelchair especially the elders. Standard wheel chairs are the best selling wheel chairs of all times.

Manual wheelchairs for sale in Panama City Florida also include wheel chair cushions for the comfort of the user. Each cushion is sold separately because a user or a buyer can choose whether he wants to have a cushion seat for the wheel chair.

This will require additional payment but these seat cushions are inexpesive especially when you are going to buy at manual wheelchairs for sale in Panama City Florida. Some of the cushion seats will also come for free when you purchase a wheel chair.

The state of Florida seems, on the surface at least, to be experiencing a real estate meltdown. Rampant real estate speculation, development and the sub-prime mortgage debacle are being blamed for the glut of homes for sale that has left the market upside down and many homeowners under water and facing the prospect of foreclosure. With many Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) due to reset at higher rates the fallout may not be over. Further manifesting the situation is the insurance premium increases coming down the pipe to cover the devastation and property loss/claims associated with the last several hurricane seasons.

Compounding the problem is the expected increases in condo fees to cover property losses not covered by insurers. The fallout has created a unique opportunity to re-visit real estate opportunities right across the state. There are a couple of by-products to this type of market. One is a rise in For Sale by Owner properties. Homeowners are looking for any edge they can get when they are looking to get out from under a high equity mortgage or negative equity mortgages. A For Sale by Owner allows the homeowner more options when it comes to pricing. They can expedite the sale of the property by passing on the real estate commission savings associated with a For Sale by Owner. This can represent a substantial savings to the buyer and certainly make your property more attractive when you consider the real estate commission savings on a $280,000 property is $16,000! The For Sale by Owner also has more latitude when it comes to making their home “appear” to be more attractive.

They can offer creative seller concessions like “no condo fees for a year” or “0% financing for 3 years”. Essentially instead of passing the savings directly to the buyer they create a “package” that may seem more appealing. I have personally seen everything from “Free Plasma TV’s” to “Timeshares in Puerto Rico”. Creativity can certainly perk someone’s interest, but I tend to prefer a straight “cash” discount or rebate. This allows the prospective homebuyer the opportunity to decide how they want to best use the monies. Cash has a set face-value; $2000 always carries a “value” of $2000 regardless of the buyer, whereas a “timeshare in Puerto Rico” will have different values to different people.

The 2nd by-product, unfortunately, is “Foreclosures” – which have been rapidly increasing in Florida since 2006. Industry experts blame this increase on “sub-prime mortgages”. Sub-prime mortgages are higher risk because they are made to borrowers that typically do not qualify under traditional more rigorous criteria because of limited or poor credit history. Sub-prime mortgage loans have a significantly higher failure rate then prime mortgages. Sub-prime mortgages typically have a higher debt service-to-income ratio and the homeowner simply can’t make ends meet. The end result is more foreclosures and an increase in houses for sale – the fact that they are “distressed” and vacant further erodes the overall values of all homes. As the inventory of unsold properties continues to grow, residential real estate prices decline.

The bottom-line is there is an abnormally high number of existing homes currently listed for sale in Florida. As supply outpaces demand, property values drop. For Sale by Owner may allow the homeowner to bridge that drop in value and allow them to avoid foreclosure.

The white sands welcome you to join the party of pure fun and to engulf you in the joy of oneness with the beautiful nature. Welcome to Daytona Beach Florida, the world’s most famous beach and one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world. The Daytona is a 23 mile of white sand spread across covering the complete beach and complimenting the sparkling sea water which plays a vital role in making it a popular tourist destination from the early 1900’s.

Another interesting fact associated with the Dayton beach is its connection with automobiles. There are many wheel buffs who like to be on the white sands of Daytona. The automobile racing was one of the factors which were crucial increasing in Daytona’s popularity. The first incredible speed record on this beach was set in 1902 which was 52 miles per hour. It was in the year 1935 when the last land speed record was set on the beach when Sir Malcolm Campbell drove the world famous “Bluebird” at 276 miles per hour on the beach! In today’s scenario the racing on the hard packed white sand of the Daytona Beach is restricted only for a 18 mile stretch so that the visitors who do not wish cars in the company can relax and enjoy activities other than driving. And there are many not all who enjoy surfing more than driving.

Daytona Beach is full of activities all the time around the year. So it is ideally a 23 mile stretch full of fun and colorful people. There are many activities on the beach where the tourists can enjoy everything to the hilt like sunbathing, surfing, parasailing, fishing, beach volleyball, jet skiing and having a gala time the whole time. And to add to it the visitors can have many special treats like beach-dogs, sonwcones etc. on the beach itself. And for the racing champs who still miss racing on the beach can watch NASCAR racing at Daytona International Speedway. That’s not all this location provides easy access to Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, Church Street Station, MGM Studios and the historical St. Augustine and Kennedy Space Station.

The number of visitors in Daytona Beach is increasing every year and that is why the hotels in this area have increased. Now finding a good stay at Daytona is not a problem unless you are here in the peak season without prior reservations. The hotels in Daytona are suitable for almost every budget and it is hardly a problem if you are on a tight one. Moreover the restaurants in this region guarantee full satisfaction of the taste buds with the delicacies they serve. From whichever continent you are you will find the food appealing. Some of the regular facilities offered by the hotels in Daytona include air conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport pick and drop facilities, swimming pools, health clubs, spas, restaurants etc. Also the nightlife in the city is a wonderful experience to have. So why are you waiting, pack your bags and set out for the white sands of the Daytona Beach.

You can make your trip to Naples, Florida an exciting one by taking part in some of the available activities and adventures while you’re here. So let’s talk about a few of them.

• Hiking and walking
• Exploring nature
• Fishing and boating
• Kayaking
• Stand up paddle-boarding
• Learning to kite-board

Let’s start with hiking and walking because they are the most basic. You’re a smart person and you know that you have to have patience when walking around because it isn’t the fastest form of transportation that we’re used to. But it can be the most satisfying because it’s actually a great form of exercise that allows you to experience new scenery at a slower pace.

When walking is not a good option for you or one of your family members you can always find bicycles to rent. And you’ll be happy to know that this area is filled with parks, miles of beach and a handful of shopping centers for you to explore. If you’re like most people though, you’ll end up renting a car while you’re here.

One place you’ll want to visit if you appreciate nature is the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Or you can go to one of the areas beautiful beaches and attractions. Speaking of attractions here are three places you should know about:

• Tin City
• Clam Pass Beach
• Sugden Park

Tin City is a must see while you’re here. If you’ve been to Naples, you probably know what I’m talking about. It’s an old shopping center that sits right on Naples Bay so you get to watch the boats pass by. The building has the “old Florida” look and feel to it which almost everybody appreciates.

If you head over to Sugden Park on the right day of the week you’ll find plenty of action there including water skiing, wake boarding and sailing. Best of all they’ve got boats, instructors and the best learning equipment so you can learn no matter your skill set!

Clam Pass is one of the areas beaches which I believe has the most to offer because of its nature boardwalk through the mangroves and the kayak launch where you can paddle and explore for miles.

If you spend a long enough time at the beach in Naples I’m sure you’ll notice the kite-boarders out in the Gulf. And since you’re an adventurer, you probably want to try. If you’re feeling up for it we have great instructors in town that can teach you the sport and get you up and running within a day. If not, you can try stand up paddle-boarding or kayaking.

In 1988, Florida’s legislature enacted Florida Statutes Section 61.075, the equitable distribution statute. This law gave Florida courts the authority to distribute marital property in divorce or dissolution of marriage cases.

Under the law, the court will set apart each spouse’s nonmarital assets and liabilities, and will then distribute the marital assets/liabilities among the parties. Generally, the court begins with the premise that the distribution will be equal, unless there is a justification for unequal distribution.

It is important to note that under Florida divorce law, the parties have a right to equitable distribution of assets. Equitable does not necessarily mean equal. A family law court will distribute marital assets/liabilities as fairly as possible, considering a whole host of factors, including:

• a spouse’s contributions to the marriage (i.e., care/education of children, homemaker, etc.)
• the economic circumstances of the spouses,
• the length of the marriage,
• interruption in personal career of either spouse,
• a given spouse’s desire to retain a specific asset, including the marital home,
• each spouse’s contributions to household income and contribution to debt,
• intentional waste, depletion or destruction of marital assets, going as far back as 2 years prior to the filing of the petition for divorce.

How Does the Court Make Distributions?

Equitable distribution is the first order of business in a divorce case in Florida. First, the court must classify all the assets and liabilities owned by the parties, whether individually or jointly, as marital or nonmarital. After making this classification, the court will distribute all nonmarital assets/liabilities to each respective spouse. Then, the marital assets/liabilities will be distributed in accordance with the various factors outlined above. When distributing marital assets/liabilities in a divorce case, the court is required to make findings of fact. If the parties can agree to a division of assets and liabilities, the court is likely to accept the agreement, so long as it is reasonable. If the parties cannot agree, the court will distribute marital assets/liabilities at trial.

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