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FROM THE EDITOR, April 26, 2024: Heroes and Scouts
At the Jackson house last week, we had that “freak out” moment.
About the budget. It was right when the documents for the new homeowners insurance policy arrived. I’d say, “You could have heard us from all the way in Orlando,” but I think the shriek the lovely Mrs. Jackson let out was only audible to dogs.
Our previous carrier chose to flee from — I mean, um, pull its business out of — the Florida market. By law, I don’t think I’m allowed identify that company named after people who farm on a Farm that has caused us this distress.
One of the only companies to respond to our request for new coverage gave a quote — for less coverage than we had before —more than triple what we’ve paid the last three years. After weighing options, we’ll be going with Citizen’s Insurance so our insurance rates only double.
By the way, that’s Citizens, the company touted by the state as “Florida’s insurer of last resort,” and in the same breath also noted for having other private insurers picking up thousands of their policies. So where are they? I have a pretty wide driveway and they aren’t strolling up it to take our money.
Remind me of that “last resort” thing when one of the 25 named storms the hurricane experts are promising us this year is bearing down on our coast this summer.
To all the lawmakers who love to tout this place as The Free State of Florida — Yo! It ain’t so free to live here, is it?
This is one of a number of things that could make me angry enough to chew steel. However, I’m not choosing angry in this column. I’m focusing on a couple of things that make me proud to be here.
A few weeks ago, Joseph “JB” Brown, Narcoossee Elementary’s head custodian, was working in the cafeteria when he saw two students frantically waiving at a girl who was choking. Brown swiftly went into action.
“My goal was just to get her breathing again,” he said as he applied the Heimlich maneuver. On the second thrust, a piece of chicken came out of her mouth, and she was breathing again. Brown took her to the nurse’s office … and went back to his work without saying a word. Had the nurse not said anything to her principal, we would not know about this small but lifesaving act.
“I was just doing my job, that’s all,” J.B. said, noting he didn’t want to talk much more about it. “I think the teachers are heroes.”
I can think of at least one pair of parents in town these days who think Brown is a bona fide hero and thank him for taking a heroic moment.
Then, next week, I’ll be attending the annual Boy Scouts’ Golden Eagle Banquet, the organization’s premier fundraising event.
If I were telling you this face-to-face, now’s the time I’d be pulling a card from my wallet — National Eagle Scout Association, 1993. Thanks right, I’m in the brotherhood and … On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country … and my community.
Since 1919, when Lord Baden-Powell brought the movement over from England, Scouting has brought boys into leadership they take into their adult years. Basically, America needs to get back to the values Scouting never left. And supporting the banquet helps provide that character education to our youth. For information, go to the sponsorship page, or to donate, go to the donation page.
The 2024 banquet honoree, OHP GM Robb Larson, wants to raise more than County Manager Don Fisher, last year’s honoree, raised. I like Scouting. I like Robb. And I like Don. But I also like a little competition.
Just like I wish the insurance industry liked to compete for my business and offered a competitive rate.
