County to install metal detector

In an effort to provide better security to staff, elected officials and visitors, Osceola County will place a temporary metal detector in the first-floor lobby of the County Administration Building for all County Commission meetings.

The metal detector will be in place Monday and is one element in the county’s plan to beef up security at the Administration Building.

This screening process will increase security for both employees and visitors, county officials stated, adding that the plan is to make the metal detector a permanent fixture in the lobby within the next few months.

Courthouse security and Sheriff’s Office deputies will continue to have a presence at commission meetings, with the security additions enhancing their services.

For more information, call the Osceola County Community Outreach/Public Information Office at 407-742-0100.

Free federal tax return program use

The Free File Alliance, a coalition of industry-leading tax software companies partnered with the Internal Revenue Service, recently announced the launch of the 2011 IRS Free File program.

Since its inception in 2003, IRS Free File has offered low-to-moderate income taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software. This year, every taxpayer with a 2010 adjusted gross income of $58,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov to prepare, complete and e-file his or her federal tax return at no cost.

To begin, taxpayers may visit the IRS website, www.IRS.gov, and click on the “Free File” icon. Users will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and may either choose the one that fits their needs or utilize the “help me find a company” tool. After selecting a company, taxpayers will be transferred to the company’s website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. Three of the 19 participating software companies also offer services in Spanish.

This year, the Free File Alliance also has partnered with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), a service for low-to-moderate income taxpayers. Because of the new partnership, Free File Alliance member software will be available on self-assist kiosks at VITA sites in 29 states.

For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org.

Florida Senate unveils new website

The Florida Senate recently unveiled its newly redesigned website, www.flsenate.gov.

The site includes updated features which make it easier for Floridians to follow legislation and other events taking place in the Senate.

Some of the new features include:

• Personalized “Senate Tracker,” allowing users to follow updates regarding legislation, senators, committees or news releases. This feature also will send an e-mail when new information is added to content being tracked;

• Social media integration, including Facebook and Twitter, for the entire Senate and individual senators;

• Live video when the Senate is in session as well as real-time access to bills and amendments under consideration;

• Meets compliance standards for Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act.

The website also provides Floridians with additional information about each individual senator.