Issue #160: Florida Home Program Funds End, Meet Lutz's Realtor, Halloween Concert, Longoria's Rays Memories

07/17/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
17 Jul

8Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— My Safe Florida Home Program Runs Out of Inspection Funds in Just 10 Days

— Local Business Spotlight: Discovering Her Passion: Neidre Hines, Lutz's Trusted Realtor®

The Arts

— Don't Miss Maverick City Music's Electrifying Halloween Concert in Tampa

Sports

— Evan Longoria Reflects on Rays Memories and Future Stadium Plans

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My Safe Florida Home Program Runs Out of Inspection Funds in Just 10 Days

The My Safe Florida Home Program, designed to aid Florida homeowners in preparing for hurricanes, has run out of funds for initial inspections just ten days after reopening on July 1. This development essentially halts the program for new applicants.

Promoted as a critical measure to address Florida's insurance crisis, the program offers $10,000 grants for essential home repairs to safeguard against hurricanes. The program involves three stages: initial inspections, grant funding, and final inspections.

According to the state CFO's office, the funding for initial inspections was exhausted by July 10. Without this step, homeowners cannot proceed with further steps, and thus, no new applications can be processed.

However, homeowners who have already completed the initial inspections will still receive funding. Priority remains for low-income and senior homeowners. This is not the first time the program has faced financial issues; it previously ran out of money in 2023 and required a $200 million replenishment from the state this year.

Local Business Spotlight

Discovering Her Passion: Neidre Hines, Lutz's Trusted Realtor®

In Lutz, Florida, Neidre Hines stands out for her exceptional, personalized real estate services. With over seven years of experience, Neidre has become a trusted guide for home buyers, sellers, and investors.

Her journey into real estate began unexpectedly. One evening, while searching for a discount meal online, Neidre found a coupon for a discounted real estate license class. “I bought it out of curiosity, thinking I’d learn to outsmart real estate agents,” she recalls. Instead, the class ignited a passion for real estate. With her daughter off to university, she saw an opportunity for a new career. By December 21, 2017, Neidre earned her license, and by August 2018, she had sold her first house, marking the birth of "Your Tampa Home Girl."

Neidre’s philosophy is centered on client education. “I believe a home to be the largest purchase a person makes in life,” she says. “It’s my responsibility to make sure buyers and sellers are confident throughout the transaction process.” Her clients receive the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, ensuring they feel secure and empowered.

Neidre’s dedication starts before the transaction and continues long after closing. She has navigated both fast and slow markets, especially noting the post-pandemic influx of residents to Florida. Her experience makes her an invaluable asset, and her vibrant personality and genuine care set her apart.

Her approach combines professional expertise with a fun, engaging personality, creating a seamless and enjoyable real estate experience.

For those looking to buy or sell in the Tampa area, Neidre Hines offers expertise and a commitment to integrity. Her story, from a curious class to a thriving career, is a testament to following one’s passion.

To learn more about Neidre Hines and her services, visit Your Tampa Home Girl or follow her on Instagram at @yourtampahomegirl and Facebook at All Home Neids.

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Neidre Hines, a Realtor® with integrity, is ready to assist with your next real estate adventure.

Don't Miss Maverick City Music's Electrifying Halloween Concert in Tampa

Maverick City Music is set to perform at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on October 31, 2024. Despite the unusual pairing of church and Halloween, the Georgia-born worship collective is expected to deliver a spiritually uplifting performance.

The group's past events include a historic visit to the Everglades Correctional Institution in Miami with gospel legend Kirk Franklin, resulting in the popular track "Melodies from Heaven." This visit was part of a project aimed at expanding the concept of the Kingdom of God.

However, Maverick City Music has faced criticism from some fans for collaborating with artists who use profanity and for parting ways with former member Dante Bowe after a social media incident. Another point of interest is whether founder Chandler Moore, currently on hiatus, will rejoin the group for the fall concert.

Tickets for Maverick City Music's Halloween show at Amalie Arena are still available, starting at $25.75.

A particularly striking and little-known fact about Halloween is its connection to soul cakes and the tradition of "souling." In medieval Britain, during the festival of Samhain, people would go door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for small, round cakes known as soul cakes. This practice, called "souling," is considered one of the earliest forms of trick-or-treating. The cakes symbolized a soul being freed from purgatory, and the more cakes received, the more prayers were offered for the donor's departed loved ones.

This ancient tradition highlights how Halloween's customs are deeply intertwined with themes of remembrance and community, providing a fascinating glimpse into the historical evolution of the holiday.

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Evan Longoria Reflects on Rays Memories and Future Stadium Plans

Evan Longoria, the legendary third baseman, returned to Tropicana Field for the first time since his trade to the Giants in 2017.

Longoria, who played 725 games at the stadium, threw the ceremonial first pitch in a game against the Guardians. He expressed hope that the Rays' plans for a new stadium on adjacent land get approved, believing it would benefit loyal fans and rejuvenate the area.

Longoria reminisced about his time with the Rays, appreciating the nostalgic video tribute and the special gesture of the team not reissuing his number 3 jersey.

Although officially retired, he enjoys spending time with his family and might explore future roles in baseball that offer a balanced lifestyle.

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