TALLAHASSEE — The motorcycle looks reminiscent of vehicles on the set of the 1998 World War II classic movies like "Saving Private Ryan," with that distinct shade of green and black accents.

But it was actually built by a team of technicians at Tallahassee's local Harley-Davidson dealership.

Some of those technicians are veterans, and they built this World War II-themed motorcycle for the statewide Baddest Bagger competition. Baddest Bagger is an annual competition that invites builders to exhibit their custom-building skills and creativity.

The 82-horse-power, 105-foot-pounds-torque luxury cruiser will sell for about $45,000, the dealership's service manager Ted Vaccari said. Part of the proceeds will go toward the Charity Honor Flight, a nonprofit that facilitates a trip for veterans to connect and gather in Washington, D.C.

"There's a lot of custom fabrication on it, everything from some of the sidecar mounts to the machine gun," said Jeremy Taylor, a U.S. Army veteran and local Harley-Davidson technician. He was one of the lead builders.

Aesthetics were planned to the most minute details to match actual military vehicles and styles of the era. The team was made up of about five technicians, including Taylor and Claude Sturm, a 25-year U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq. The technicians also drew from their own observations and military experience for the concept.

The visible bolts were treated with black oxide, and the paint and powder coats were matched to the federal standard 383 color.

"We really didn't outsource much of anything," Taylor said. The team spent about 150 hours over about a month building the bike. Planning began in December when the concept and renderings were drafted.

Previously, the dealership donated $600 from the store's Bike Night proceeds to another nonprofit for veterans.

Tallahassee's Harley-Davidson has participated in the Baddest Bagger program for the past four years.

By Nada Hassanein / Associated Press

A team from SeaWorld Orlando and state wildlife workers released the turtles at Canaveral National Seashore on Friday.

The turtles were rescued from Massachusetts and flown to Florida in December. During winter months, turtles are vulnerable to "cold stun" from the frigid water temperatures.

At SeaWorld Orlando, the turtles were given antibiotics and treated for mild pneumonia.

A fourth turtle also was released. That turtle had come from a marine lab in St. Augustine last May needing treatment for emaciation, lethargy and barnacles covering its body. The turtle received fluid therapy and was treated for digestive problems.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 3, 2017 –

The buzz in Tallahassee is palpable as the 2017 session of the Florida Legislature fast approaches.

With just over a day to go until the annual legislative race begins, Realtors® throughout the state will be impacted by a myriad of bills that are set to be discussed, debated and voted on over the next 60 days.

Florida Realtors will be focusing on six legislative priorities designed to protect homeowners, promote business and community growth, safeguard Florida’s natural resources, ensure fair and transparent real estate transactions and provide Floridians with more affordable housing options.

“This really is the calm before the storm, but by no means have the last few months been a sunny day at the park,” says Carrie O’Rourke, vice president of public policy for Florida Realtors. “Leading up to session, we have been working hard to explain our issues to lawmakers and help them understand why legislation is needed. I think those efforts paid off based on the movement of some of these bills during the last month of pre-session committee meetings.”

Here is a quick status update on where Florida Realtors’ priorities are in the legislative process prior to the start of session:

• Priority: Cut/reduce the business rent sales tax

Summary: Florida charges a six percent sales tax on business rent, creating a financial burden for any business that leases space. What’s more, municipalities and local governments may levy additional taxes on top of the state sales tax rate. Consequently, businesses in many counties are paying up to an eight percent sales tax rate on their business rent. Lowering the business rent tax will provide Florida businesses with the capital to expand, hire more employees, improve benefits and raise salaries.

Florida Realtors is leading a coalition of business trade associations and other interested parties to advocate for the successful passage of a bill that will reduce the amount of sales tax that businesses must pay to rent commercial space.

Status: Senate Bill 704 by Senator Rene Garcia (R-Hialeah) is awaiting vote by the Community Affairs Committee.

House Bill 463 by Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) is awaiting a vote by the Ways and Means Committee.

• Priority: Support a permanent property tax cap on second homes and commercial property

Summary: A constitutional amendment created a 10 percent cap on the annual increase of property taxes for all non-homestead properties. This cap helps make sure businesses don’t get hit with property tax bills they can’t cover, the cost of owning a second home doesn’t skyrocket, and that renters don’t see huge increases in their monthly rent. However, this cap is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2019.

Florida Realtors is leading a coalition of business trade associations and other interested parties in encouraging the legislature to take action this session to ensure a constitutional amendment is put back in front of voters for renewal during the 2018 General Election.

Status: Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 76 by Senator Tom Lee (R-Brandon) was voted favorably by the Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. It now moves to the Appropriations Committee.

House Joint Resolution (HJR) 21 by Representative Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland) was voted favorably by the Ways and Means Committee. It now moves to the Commerce Committee.

• Priority: Cap the fees charged by community associations for estoppel certificates

Summary: Florida law allows condo and homeowners associations to charge a “reasonable” fee to prepare an estoppel certificate, which is essentially a payoff letter. Some association management companies have turned this administrative task into a lucrative revenue stream.

Florida Realtors is advocating for a bill that restores fairness to real estate transactions by capping estoppel fees.

Status: Senate Bill 398 by Senator Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) was voted favorably by the Regulated Industries Committee. It now moves to the Judiciary Committee.

House Bill 483 by Representative Byron Donalds (R-Naples) is awaiting consideration by the Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee.

• Priority: Increase funding of the housing trust funds

Summary: The state and local government housing trust funds were created to help families achieve the dream of homeownership with down payment assistance. They also provide housing rehabilitation and rental assistance to Florida’s homeless, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities.

Last year, the Legislature allocated $200.1 million toward the housing trust funds, the highest funding level in nine years. This is a significant allocation and we applaud lawmakers for supporting housing programs. However, as the economy continues to strengthen and home values rise, the need for housing assistance will increase as well.

Florida Realtors is urging the Legislature to appropriate the housing trust fund monies for housing programs.

Status: This is a budget item. No status update at this time.

• Priority: Help preserve Florida’s natural resources

Summary: No matter where you live in Florida, clean and abundant water is vital. Florida Realtors supports legislation that reduces the number of septic tanks near shorelines and other important surface waters through a voluntary cost-share program between state and local governments that converts onsite sewage systems to central sewage.

Status: Senate Bill 874 by Senator Dana Young (R-Tampa) has been assigned to the Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is awaiting placement on the agenda.

House Bill 551 by Representative Charlie Stone (R-Ocala) has been assigned to the Natural Resource and Public Lands Subcommittee and is awaiting placement on the agenda.

• Priority: Reform Assignment of Benefits to stop the abuses that raise everyone’s insurance rates

Summary: Assignment of Benefits (AOB) allows a contractor or other company handling repairs for a homeowner to work directly with the insurance company and collect the homeowner’s insurance benefits. AOB abuse with water and roofing claims have led to a significant increase in both the frequency and severity of insurance claims, particularly in South Florida. As a result, a number of insurance companies are requesting significant rate increases, and this shows no sign of slowing.

Florida Realtors supports legislation that would implement AOB reforms aimed at reducing this fraud and abuse.

Status: Senate Bill 1038 by Senator Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange) is awaiting a vote by the Banking and Insurance Committee.

No House companion bill has been filed yet.

© 2017 Florida Realtors®

Topics: Florida Legislature
RSS: YES

Last year, I taught a class called Taste of African Heritage for Black History Month, which focused on the plant-based diets of Africans. Africa is a vast continent and offers many flavors, but nearly all of the regions have a plant-based diet.I love teaching this class, which is from Oldways, a non-profit food and nutrition education organization with a mission to inspire healthy eating through cultural food traditions and lifestyles. This cooking series is also sponsored by Walmart and is a great way to continue your New Year's resolution of a healthier lifestyle.

The Taste of African Heritage hands-on class gives participants the opportunity to learn about the African Heritage Diet Pyramid and commit the easy-to-follow, plant-based recipes to memory. I am offering the series in conjunction with the city of Eustis Recreation Department on March 4, 11 and 18. This class is for anyone who is looking for flavorful ways to add plant-based recipes into their life. To register or for information, call the city of Eustis Recreation Department at 352-357-8510.

The series is full of delicious recipes, but I continue to go back to one particular recipe, especially on cold days. It was a little cold the other morning, and I put a stew on in the morning and figured it would be done by lunch. Well, I was wrong, and we had Senegalese sweet potato and peanut stew (AKA Mafe) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I forgot how fast and nutritious this recipe is.

We will be cooking this stew during the Taste of African Heritage series.

OLDWAYS SWEET POTATO PEANUT STEW

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 large sweet potato, chopped into medium-size cubes

• 2 large carrots, cut into thin rounds

• 2 green zucchini, cut into thin half rounds

• 1 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes, no salt added

• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon curry power

• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter

• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, minced, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Sea salt to taste

Directions:

1. On medium, heat the oil in a soup pot and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent (about 3 to 4 minutes).

1. While the onions and garlic sauté, chop the sweet potato, carrots and zucchini.

1. Add the sweet potato and vegetables to the pot; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.

1. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth and curry powder, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

1. After 10 minutes, add the peanut butter and the thyme to the stew. Let it cook, covered, for another 3 to 5 minutes.

1. Salt to taste.

Ze Carter is a food columnist for the Daily Commercial. Email her at zecarter12@gmail.com.

Source: Carter: Learn about Africa’s plant-based diet

Cody, accompanied by his handler Leslie LeFave, will be competing in the conformation contest — aka beauty contest — and is expected to be one of the youngest competitors among more than 3,000 dogs entered.

LeFave, a local Shih Tzu breeder of 16 years and show handler who co-owns Cody with David L. Barber, a retired professor from the University of Florida, said she is excited to see what Cody can do.

After all, she said, “Cody’s a natural.”

She said that after his first competition at the American Shih Tzu Club's National Specialty show in Atlanta last May when he was just 7 months old, it was plain to see Cody belonged in the ring.

Cody, a grand champion who goes under the official name of Tian Mi’s Something to Talk About, finished 10th in the country among Shih Tzus.

“It helps when you have a dog who loves it (competing),” LeFave said.

LeFave said Barber purchased Cody primarily as a pet, but when Barber expressed interest in shows the two agreed on co-owning him.

Lefave entered Cody in smaller venues and by the time he competed at nationals, he was on point with more seasoned dogs.

“David came to buy a pet and ended up with one of the best show dogs I’ve ever bred,” LeFave said.

As for Westminster, LeFave said it is somewhat unprecedented for a dog as young as Cody to be entered, though he was invited because of his national rank.

LeFave said she considered waiting until Cody was a little older. But after Barber was diagnosed with serious health issues, she decided to go ahead with this year’s show.

“We know we will be competing against more experienced dogs, but we are going to get there, have fun and try our very best for his daddy,” LeFave said.

She said Cody is known for lying next to the stage, snoring until it is his turn, then jumping right up on cue. LeFave said Cody’s express responsibility is to walk the stage while remaining poised and focused.

“Basically, he has to get out there and look beautiful,” she said.

The show starts with the fourth annual Master Agility Championship on Saturday, followed by the second annual Masters Obedience Championship at Westminster on Monday and the 141st Annual Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show on Monday and Tuesday.

LeFave said Cody is scheduled to be shown at 1:30 p.m. Monday. She said the show will be live-streamed on Westminster’s website.

LeFave said Barber and many of her clients, including Rob and Karen English from Mount Dora, whose dog is Cody's half-brother, will be watching and rooting for Cody.

“We are so excited. That boy (Cody) is so healthy and beautiful and Leslie, she's been breeding for so long and is one of those people who just has a love for her dogs,” Karen English said.

LeFave said she and Cody will be busy way before his scheduled stage times.

“He has to get a show bath and that takes approximately five hours from start to finish. Then the day of the show, he’ll get his top knot put in and that takes about an hour,” LeFave said.

After the competition, the plan for Cody is that he will compete one last time at the show he started with last year — the National Specialty Show — then go live with Barber at his farm in Gainesville.

LeFave will be preparing two puppies for future shows. One is Cody’s puppy, bred with Peyton, another Shih Tzu she owns, and a Brazilian puppy she’ll be picking up at Westminster.

“Cody is a natural show dog, but when he gets back to the farm, he’ll fit right in too, because he loves chasing chickens,” LeFave said.

Roxanne Brown @DC_SLP_roxbrown

Come see this beautiful 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom home in Heritage Hills! We're holding an open house from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm this Saturday, February 11, at

3932 Serena Ln, Clermont, FL 34711!

[embed]https://vimeo.com/170426397[/embed]

• Premium Lot
• Lush landscaping
• Perfect size
• Diagonal tile throughout
• Numerous updates & upgrades
• Updates & improvements $30K+!!!

                     Home Features & Extras

• No more building in this neighborhood!
• Convenient access to community back gate!
• Screened lanai!
• New diagonal flooring throughout home!
• Vitex smart security system & surround sound!
• Walking trail right outside your door!
• Green space, garden, water view!
• Designer fans!
• Gutters & downspouts!

                  Heritage Hills Community Features

• 19,000 sq. ft. clubhouse
• Golf simulator
• Resort style outdoor pools
• 24/7 security guard & gate
• Fitness Center

We hope to see you there on Saturday!

Look out for Jessica McKinney, who will be hosting the open house and be able to answer any of your questions.

For more detailed information on this listing, CLICK HERE!