2015 Holiday Schedule

2014 Holiday Schedule Remaining

Voting ends November 30th. If you have not already voted for C&S in the Readers Choice Awards, there is still time. Just click here and then click on C&S Management from the list.  Please vote today and thank you for all your support!

Thirteen C&S team members now support the Literacy Buddy Project of the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County and are providing books to 16 book buddies. Below are pictures of some of the C&S team getting the books ready to be sent off to their Literacy Buddies. The purpose of the Literacy Buddy Project is to teach children about correspondence, communication, and promote early literacy while providing children with quality books that they take home. The project also supports parents as partners in their children’s learning. For many of the children, a Literacy Buddy provides the only opportunity for them to have books of their own at home.

Anyone, any age, anywhere can become a Literacy Buddy and it doesn’t take much time, but makes a large impact in the life of a child. Exchanges occur three times per year. For more information about the Literacy Buddy Project and the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County, look at their website: http://www.earlylearningcoalitionsarasota.org

Most in-home fires are caused by ordinary things like a stove burner, candle, space heater or extension cord. Mental lapses, poor judgment and carelessness make these things dangerous.

Thankfully, by exercising good safety habits and taking simple prevention steps, you can cut down on deadly and damaging fire risks.

First, always be sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them monthly and replace those that are more than 10 years old.

Cooktops. Never leave the kitchen while something is cooking on the stove. Keep combustibles, such as curtains and wall hangings, at least three feet from the stove.

Space heaters. Keep them at least three feet away from drapes and bedding, and plug them directly into outlets, not extension cords. Don’t use space heaters while sleeping.

Wood stoves and fireplaces. Empty ashes in a metal container and store them outside away from combustibles for at least a week before disposing of them in the trash. Be sure your chimney is inspected and cleaned annually. Keep any combustibles at least five feet away from the stove or fireplace.

Electrical equipment. Replace undersized or frayed extension cords. Never run an extension cord under a rug. Call an electrician if circuit breakers regularly trip or if your electrical box has a warm cover. Don’t use light bulbs that exceed a fixture’s recommended maximum wattage.

Appliances. Ensure combustion chamber covers are in place on water heaters. Clean all lint from a dryer’s back service panel and from the vent line. Replace vinyl vent lines with smooth, metal ducts.

Smoking. Don’t smoke in bed. Use large ashtrays on tables. Soak ashtrays under the faucet before throwing cigarette butts in the trash.

Candles. Use tip-proof containers. Burn candles only while you’re awake and in the same room. Keep candles at least three feet away from combustibles.

Matches and lighters. Store out of the reach of children.

Since we are still in hurricane season, we thought it would be good to provide some additional safety tips.  During extreme weather events, mobile devices can be essential tools for keeping in touch with family and monitoring response and recovery efforts. Before a severe storm hits, make sure your mobile device is prepared.

Start a texting tree:

When communication channels are disrupted, texting may be the only available way to stay connected. Create a network of contacts on your smartphone so you can quickly reach out to others in your community.

Set up Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA):

WEA are emergency text messages sent through your wireless carrier by government authorities, including local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Weather Service. The alerts can help you stay informed when you may not have access to television or radio and can help keep you safe during a crisis. Messages include extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, AMBER Alerts and presidential alerts during a national emergency. For information about which mobile devices are WEA-capable and carrier participation, visit www.ctia.org/wea or contact your wireless carrier.

Use mobile banking and insurance apps:

Banking and insurance apps allow you to move money, pay bills, deposit checks and file claims from your smartphone.

Prepare for power outages:

If you have advanced warning of a severe weather event, make sure to fully charge your phone. Keep a car phone charger and spare battery on hand as well; if power is out for an extended period, your car can serve as a valuable energy source.

Ellen Brown will be one of the presenters at the upcoming Board Member Certiification class for HOA and condominium board members on November 11th in the Meadows.  

Congratulations Colleen Lloyd for passing the State test today and becoming a licensed CAM (Community Association Manager)!  

C&S has been urging Colleen to take her test for some time as she has acquired more experience and knowledge than many long term CAMs in her role as an administrative assistant with C&S.  

We are very proud of Colleen and know that her future client associations will be in very good hands.  

Congratulations to Ellen Brown, our latest to be awarded the Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) designation by the Community Associations Institute (CAI).

PCAM is the highest designation a community association manager can be awarded and requires an extensive range of education, experience, professional involvement, and specialized classes ending with a comprehensive case study.  The PCAM program takes at least five years to complete all requirements.  

Ellen is a District Manager with C&S and will be attending the formal PCAM awards presentation in Las Vegas.  Ellen, we are very proud of you!

Click here for more information on the PCAM designation.

Don't miss out on any news items we post: Subscribe now and allow C&S to help you stay informed.  

It is as simple as entering only your email address in the upper right corner.  

News items will be sent right to your email.

The Community Association Leadership Lobby (CALL) has made available their 2014 Legislative Guides for Condominiums, Cooperatives, and Homeowners' Associations. Click the links below to view and download each guide.

Condominiums

Cooperatives

Homeowners' Associations

Hurricanes and unlicensed contractors seem to always go hand in hand.  Ken Lawson, DBPR Secretary, sent out this letter today which we want to pass on to you: 

Dear Friends,

Throughout the week, the entire nation has been observing Hurricane Preparedness Week together. As Floridians, we especially understand the importance of preparing for the potential damage of natural disasters such as hurricanes and tropical storms. With the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season kicking off on Sunday, I want to remind Floridians of the ways to protect themselves from unlicensed activity scams, both before and after a storm.

Whether your home or business is in need of maintenance in preparation of hurricane season or repairs due to hurricane damage, you’ll likely need to hire a construction contractor to get the job done. Most construction contractors in Florida require licensure with DBPR, and it’s essential that you and your family understand the ways to protect yourselves from unlicensed individuals posing as licensed professionals.

First, make sure you know the common storm-related services that require state licensure. Roof repairs, roof installations, window installations, plumbing repairs and electrical repairs or rewiring all require a state license with DBPR. Common storm-related services that do not require state licensure include trimming or removal of fallen trees, removal of debris or placement of tarps on roofs. For the full list of construction industry services that DBPR licenses and regulates, visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/index.html. Don’t forget to check with local building departments to determine if there are any additional permitting or licensing requirements in your area.

Once a service requiring state licensure is needed, always verify the professional license with DBPR prior to hiring or signing a contract. You can verify licenses on the DBPR website at www.myfloridalicense.com, over the phone at 850-487-1395 or on your mobile device using the DBPR Mobile app. Double check that the individual’s license is current and in good standing and that the information they provide matches the information on record with DBPR.

Hurricane season can take its toll on Floridians, but unlicensed activity doesn’t have to. If you suspect unlicensed activity is taking place, I encourage you to report the activity to DBPR by calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1-866-532-1440 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The DBPR Mobile app also allows consumers to submit pictures and descriptions to report unlicensed activity directly from mobile devices. This hurricane season, let’s conquer unlicensed activity by coming together as proactive and informed Floridians!

Sincerely,

Ken Lawson
Secretary

Department of Business and
Professional Regulation
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Customer Contact Center:
850.487.1395
www.MyFloridaLicense.com