News briefs for January 22, 2011

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News briefs for January 22, 2011

County News

Friday, 21 January 2011 13:45

Car wash fundraiser is today
A car wash is planned today from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Kissimmee Police Department, 8 N. Stewart Ave., to benefit the TEARS (Travel Expenses and Reservations for Survivors) Foundation formed by Stephanie and Sandy Kocab, the sister and mother of fallen Tampa police officer Jeff Kocab.
Kocab was shot and killed last year in the line of duty during a traffic stop.
The foundation is designed to raise money to assist family members with travel expenses for the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
The car wash will be at the back lot of the department.
Tourist taxes up
3.9 percent so far this fiscal year
Osceola County’s tourist development tax revenue was down 8.7 percent in November compared to the same month a year earlier, according to the latest report from the Osceola County Tax Collector’s office.
Tax revenue for the second month in the 2010-11 fiscal year, which started Oct. 1, was $2.19 million, compared to $2.4 million a year earlier.
However, revenue for the first two months of the fiscal year was up 3.9 percent compared to the same period last year. County officials cautioned that the 20.4 percent increase and the 8.7 percent drop in revenue for October and November, respectively, were “skewed due to the timing of payments” and should be averaged to get a better picture of overall collections.
The average daily room rate in November was down 12.1 percent – at $65.35 this year versus $74.34 last year for the same month. The hotel/motel occupancy rate for the month, though, was up 9.1 percent, climbing to 42 percent this year compared to 38.5 percent last year.
The occupancy and average daily room rates do not include Disney properties. Osceola County collects a 6 percent tax on overnight stays of 180 days or less.
The tax collector also reported sales tax receipts for October compared to the same month the prior year, based on a report from the Florida Department of Revenue. Those results are:
• Lunchrooms, restaurants and catering services, up 8.4 percent.
• Hotel/motel accommodations, up 7.2 percent.
• Gifts, cards, novelty, hobby, crafts and toy stores, up 22.4 percent.
• Admissions, amusement and recreation services, down 19.6 percent.
Traffic fatalities continue to decline in Florida
In 2010, Florida experienced 2,430 traffic crash fatalities, a three-decade low number of traffic crash fatalities and an annual decrease of more than 5 percent, according to preliminary data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
By comparison, 2,563 people died in traffic crashes in 2009. The number of crash fatalities in 2010 is the lowest the state has seen since 1978 even though the Sunshine State’s population has doubled since that time.
“It is encouraging to see the number of traffic fatalities continue to drop, and the department will continue our efforts to educate motorists and aggressively enforce the traffic laws to create the safest possible driving environment,” DHSMV Executive Director Julie L. Jones said. “Unfortunately, we know all too well the devastating impact that even a single fatality resulting from a careless, inattentive or impaired driver can have on a family and community.”
The final count for 2010 will be made available later this year when the department publishes its annual Traffic Crash Statistics Report 2010. Reports from previous years are available online at www.flhsmv.gov/html/safety.html.
Motor vehicle crashes are the top killer of people between the ages of 5 and 34, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reports that seat belt use is the single most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes and that using seat belts reduces serious injuries and deaths in crashes by about 50 percent.
In an effort to reduce crashes, state troopers not only enforce the law, but also educate the public on safe driving habits. They talk to groups about traffic safety, conduct demonstrations using the rollover simulator, show parents how to properly install car seats and more.
To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov or follow the agency on Twitter at @FDHSMV.
County has walking program
To support a healthy lifestyle in the workplace, Osceola County has begun a walking program endorsed by the American Heart Association called “Start! In the Workplace.”
The biggest obstacles preventing employees from getting enough physical activity are the time constraints and responsibilities of their jobs, a county press release stated. Poor diet and lack of exercise are responsible for at least 25 percent of healthcare costs incurred by working adults.
Investing in the health of employees is one of the best decisions a company can make. Research shows that for every $1 invested in worksite wellness, companies can receive up to $3 in return.
Osceola County is encouraging its staff and departments to join the campaign to take charge of their health. Participating in this program can significantly improve their health, the press release stated. The goal is for the county as a group to log 708 miles in six weeks, the distance to New Orleans from Kissimmee.
As part of the quest to become a “fit-friendly” company, Osceola County held a kick-off event and employee challenge Thursday at the County Administration Building.
For more information, contact the Osceola County Public Information Office at 407-742-0100.