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SpaceX Falcon 9 launched NROL 76

SpaceX Falcon 9 launched NROL 76 BREVARD COUNTY • KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLORIDA – SpaceX Falcon 9 launched NROL-76 from the historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday 1st May 2017 morning. The launch on Monday comes after Sunday’s launch was scrubbed due to a sensor issue that the launch conductor flagged with under one minute to go for launch. The payload for the launch is being referred to as NROL-76 and is classified.

United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket lifting off

United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket lifting off United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket lifting off Isolated camera views from various locations around Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center show the United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket lifting off Tuesday 18, 2017 with the Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo freighter bound for the International Space Station.

United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket lifting off

Honey Gables Park Cleanup 2017

Honey Gables Park Cleanup 2017 Honey Gables Park Cleanup 2017 “Glad Cleaning the Capital” is a citywide campaign that takes place in the spring and fall of each year. Residents combine their efforts with those of other communities to make Ottawa clean and green. As one of many community cleanup projects registered with the city, our HGDA will receive a cleanup starter kit and is eligible to win prizes offered by the campaign’s generous sponsors. Please join your neighbours with rakes and gloves at the Honey Gables Park on Saturday, 6 May at 9:30 am to help tidy up the park, our streets, and the pathway. Muffins and coffee will be served.

2017 Honey Gables Community Annual General Meeting

2017 Honey Gables Community Annual General Meeting The Honey Gables Community Annual General Meeting will be on Sat. May 6, 2017, at the home of Frank and Sandi Branker – 76 Ryeburn Drive. All Honey Gables Community Residents are invited to attend for a discussion on the initiatives of the committee and community concerns.

Cocoa Beach Vacation Homes Recreation toys

Cocoa Beach Vacation Homes Recreation toys I created this video with the YouTube Slideshow Creator (https://www.youtube.com/upload) Cocoa Beach Vacation Homes 1285 Potomac Drive Merritt Island, Florida 32952

Cherie Down Park Brevard County

Cherie Down Park Brevard County Cocoa Beach is only a five-minute drive away. It's not very crowded at the north end. Our preference is an area around Washington Avenue beside Cherie Down Park. You have free parking, restrooms, showers and running water. In addition, the boardwalk area is pretty crowded and a very nice to visit. You can stop and swim anywhere along the beach from Port Canaveral to Miami. Pick your spot http://ift.tt/2k4Unm1 Cocoa Beach Vacation Homes 1285 Potomac Drive Merritt Island, Florida 32952-7222

Cherie Down Park Brevard County

Coco Beach Florida

Vacation rentals? What’s the issue?

I live in a neighborhood that is almost entirely vacation rentals. There is only one other permanent resident, besides my wife and me, and a handful of seasonal residents. It is wonderful.

Everyone in my neighborhood is on vacation, having a good time, and their happiness is infectious. They come from all over the world and the United States, and it is a delight to meet and chat with them.

My personal experience simply does not align with the arguments of those who want to ban or restrict vacation rentals. 

For example, Home Rule Florida, a group concerned about the effects of vacation rentals on communities, says: “Incompatible short-term rental housing negatively impacts the neighborhood environment and impairs its stability, affecting the entire community.” And: “The displacement of true residents both year-round and part-time by transient vacationers diminishes the critical attribute of neighborhood pride.” 

But there is little data that I can find, such as declining home values, to support Home Rule’s view.

Indeed, without any real evidence of harm, in effect, you can interpret Home Rule’s comments as saying: “We don’t like vacation homes, so we don’t want to allow you to rent out your home.”

In fact, Home Rule is working to defeat legislation in the Legislature that would negate all local governments’ short-term vacation rental regulations adopted since 2014. It says it wants “to restore the choice of local communities so they can fulfill their own vision of what they wish in protecting and preserving the character of existing neighborhoods and condominium communities.”

But in response to that goal, here’s a straightforward question: Isn’t part of homeownership being able to do what you please with your home, as long as you do not demonstrably harm your neighbors?

We have an extensive body of nuisance and other laws designed to prevent one homeowner from imposing harms on others via noise, smells, parking, trash, what have you. After all, we all have family and friends who visit us, staying for various lengths of time. Some people have lots of family and friends who stay with them. In terms of neighborhood impact, how is that different from vacation renters? Why not let homeowners use their homes as assets if they like? 

Indeed, Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, is taking that position. He says more than 30 municipal ordinances around the state to restrict or ban vacation rentals have been introduced since 2014; he has authored a bill that would stop them from doing so.

Since 2011, state law has allowed local governments to regulate vacation rentals, as long as they do not limit the duration or frequency of stays. Sen. Steube says his law would strengthen those protections. His bill also would prevent regulation-happy local governments from singling out vacation rentals for special, more-stringent and invasive rules than what is already in place, regulating everything from floor coverings to parked cars.

Cocoa Beach Vacation Homes 1285 Potomac Drive Merritt Island, Florida 32952-7222

Why should a homeowner wishing to rent his home out to vacationers have to adopt stricter rules than everyone else on the block?

Home Rule Florida argues that Steube’s bill and similar laws violate local government home rule, and that policies about vacation rentals are best made locally. In general, I agree, but not when it comes to violating people’s rights.

It is wrong to prevent all the good and responsible vacation home owners and vacationers from voluntarily exchanging money for housing to prevent a few imagined or real bad actors. And it fundamentally violates the property rights of those owners who want to rent out their home.

Sen. Steube’s law would not be a violation of home rule, but would merely prevent local activists or political leaders from ganging up on one select group of property owners to diminish their rights.

Some people say vacation rentals are a problem because they are commercial. The commercial nature of vacation rentals does not warrant any special restrictions because protecting the parties from fraud and protecting neighbors from nuisance are already in the law. There is nothing wrong or harmful about commercial transactions. We do it for all manner of goods, including paying for our own homes.

When I look around my own neighborhood of vacation rentals, I don’t see damage to my neighborhood or my family. All I see is homeowners doing as they see fit with their property, just as I would like to do with mine.
  
When I look at anti-vacation rental regulations, all I see is people imposing their views on others and controlling homeowners’ use of their own property.

Asserting unspecified “negative neighborhood impacts” and diminished “neighborhood pride” is not evidence. That just scares people into regulating away their freedoms.

Take it from someone who lives in a vacation rental neighborhood: There is no negative impact, no impaired stability and no diminished neighborhood pride — just a lot of happy people on vacation and a lot of happy homeowners. These regulations don’t make any sense and should not be allowed.

http://www.businessobserverfl.com/opinion/detail/vacation-rentals-whats-the-issue/

http://www.businessobserverfl.com/opinion/bio/6009

http://www.cocoabeachvacationhome.com/

Premium WordPress Themes - How to Add Links to Footer Area - YouTube

Premium WordPress Themes - How to Add Links to Footer Area - YouTube Premium Word PressThemes How to add links to footer area of your template. In this YouTube video, I will show you how easy it is to add links to your footer area. Can't post the list. Angle brackets aren't allowed in your description.

Premium WordPress Themes - How to Add Links to Footer Area

TALLAHASSEE — Homeowners should be able to rent their property for a short term to tourists without getting treated differently than their neighbors, according to the sponsor of a bill to restrict local vacation rental regulations.

State Rep. Mike La Rosa said some counties and municipalities have gone overboard imposing hefty fines and restrictions on rentals and he wants the state to roll back local governments' right to do so. His House Bill 425 narrowly cleared its first committee Tuesday on a 9-6 vote, with support from the rental industry and opposition from the Florida Association of Counties.

If La Rosa's bill becomes law, ordinances to restrict parking, occupancy and noise in places such as Indian River County would be thrown out unless they predate a 2011 law that preempted local control.

La Rosa, R-St. Cloud, said if local governments want to address such issues, they should pass ordinances that affect all properties of the same type, such as all single-family homes, and not just short-term rentals.

“What I’d tell homeowners and city commissions is, whenever you want to resolve a problem do it across the board, not just for rentals," La Rosa told the House Agriculture and Property Rights Subcommittee on Tuesday.

LOCAL ACTION

As more tourists book rentals through websites such as Airbnb and HomeAway, local officials on the Treasure and Space coasts and Collier County grapple with complaints from neighbors about noise, partying, too many people coming and going and too many cars being parked on their street.

A 2014 state law allowed local regulations as long as they didn't require a minimum stay or prohibit vacation rentals. La Rosa's bill would get rid of the 2014 law, along with ordinances passed in about 20 counties and municipalities since then, and would leave only the 2011 preemption in place. For example, Vero Beach, which banned rentals for less than 30 days in 1977, would be allowed to keep its regulation because it predates the preemption.

Last year, Indian River Countyimposed an occupancy limit on rentals leased for less than 30 days — two people per bedroom plus two additional guests or 10 people, whichever is less. The county also requires owners to get a license, restricts parking and bans events such as weddings in homes rented specifically for that purpose. Vacation Rentals in Brevard County has regulations dating back to 2007 and 2008 on maximum occupancy and noise levels at one-family or multifamily units rented out for less than three months at a time.

Opponents of La Rosa's bill said vacation rentals aren't the same as regular single-family homes. They are, for example, required to pay tourist development taxes, get a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and are subject to inspections. Some homes are operated by companies, and not homeowners, that advertise them as small hotels.

The 2011 preemption on local control already was a big win for the industry and the 2014 law allowed local governments to prevent rentals from becoming small hotels, said Florida Association of Counties lobbyist Eric Poole.

"If you got a different group coming in every weekend … it begins to look less residential and more and more like a small hotel," Poole said.

USA Today Network writer Dave Berman contributed to this report.

kellyPark Brevard County - YouTube

kellyPark Brevard County - YouTube kellyPark Brevard County - YouTube. This 15.37-acre community river park and internationally recognized windsurfing area on the Banana River features a natural catamaran / sailboard launch area with sandy beach and shower, boat ramps with dock, and adjacent parking for cars and boat trailers. Near a small scenic lagoon, a paved walkway connects a mid-size pavilion, 5 grills, restrooms, drinking fountains and recreation amenities. Two small pavilions and picnic tables provide picnicking by the river’s edge. With the waterfront view and facilities attracting numerous group gatherings through the spring and summer season, advanced reservations are recommended.

Downtown Ottawa Canada

Downtown Ottawa Canada Relocating to a new city can be exciting and challenging. The more you know, the easier the transition. Relocating to Ottawa may be the perfect place to call home and the following information will help you decide if it should be yours. http://ift.tt/2kG3pr2

Brevard County Points of interest

Going to Florida nowadays, particularly when you are visiting Orlando theme parks, can be pricey. A family of four will spend around $210.00 just to get into Disney World. The price does not include the cost of stopping, snacks, dinners, memorabilia, and snacks. [caption id="attachment_870" align="alignnone" width="400"] Magic Kingdom Park[/caption] Instead of staying in Orlando, you should consider staying and visiting the east coast referred to as the Space Coast. It will provide worthwhile inexpensive activities to make your family never miss the team parks. However, if you wanted to visit Minnie and Mickey, they are within an hour’s drive. Some of you may be asking yourself, where is Florida space coast, well most of the areas are within Brevard County. They include the areas of Titusville, Satellite Beach, Cocoa, Rockledge, Cape Canaveral, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Indialantic, and Palm Bay. Plenty to see and do in this diverse area of Florida. It starts with endless beaches, Kennedy Space Center, cruise ports and a Zoo just to name a few. I guarantee everyone will find something to do while visiting. I will highlight some of the things to do in this post. [caption id="attachment_867" align="alignnone" width="643"] Map Florida Space Coast[/caption]

Traveling to Florida

If you are a Canadian snowbird traveling by car, the Florida Space Coast can be reached directly by either Interstate 95, a typical route for northerners or Interstate 75 if you are coming from elsewhere. You have four options if you are planning on flying – Orlando International, Orlando Sanford International Airport, Daytona Beach and Melbourne International. After arriving on the Space Coast, you will find many cities to stay in– Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach will be the most popular selections. [caption id="attachment_875" align="alignnone" width="300"] Florida flamingos[/caption] You will find other smaller coastal cities that have lodgings that are great and affordable at the same time, including Melbourne, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Titusville and Palm Bay. It is one of the most reasonably priced vacation spots in all of Florida, with plenty of exhilarating things to do and see in and around Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Florida's Space Coast offers much more than only a bird's-eye view of the country's shuttle launches, and surfing is not only a pastime. You will want to become familiarized with Florida's Space Coast. The beaches are home to many different sea turtle nesting places. The area has a fantastic zoo, museums, plenty of movies and excellent restaurants. Wet or dry, it is a fantastic vacation destination.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

For visitors keen on fun open air exercises, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge might be a decent alternative. This untamed life shelter comprises of about 140,000 acres bushland. Its home to more than 300 types of natural life species including bald eagles, ocean manatees, gators, and marine turtles [caption id="attachment_873" align="alignleft" width="300"] Florida Alligator[/caption] Spend an afternoon driving through a seven-mile course, looking for several varieties of birds and alligators in their natural habitat. Visitors are encouraged to stay in their cars but don’t forget to bring your camera. Its $5 a day pass if you are in a vehicle, the cost is ideal for gatherings or family. When you enter the recreation center, there is a checkpoint to pay your charge, and after that, your excursion starts! This is a fabulous drive to watch flying creatures, particularly in the winter months when they move here. It is one path on a sand street through boggy and mangrove ranges. Other than a variety of birds, alligators can be spotted sunning themselves. We have also seen gators cross the street.

The Kennedy Space Center

Next to the wildlife reserve is another area you should think about seeing throughout your holiday on Florida's space coast, the Kennedy Space Center. Next to the wildlife reserve is the Kennedy Space Center--another place you should consider visiting during your vacation on Florida’s space coast. Space travel has gotten almost routine. Here, visitors can learn more about the awesome shuttle up close with interactive pursuits and the first space simulations. Not only is this the only functioning space shuttle site in the country, but also features a rich history and an array of attractions. Some of the attractions offered by the center include IMAX movies, which are screened in the Visitor Complex. If your child is taller than 44 inches, he or she will have the opportunity to experience the Shuttle Launch Experience. A motion simulator ride for the kids offers a sample of a launch experience. For space enthusiasts and tourists, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex may be a fun attraction, offering bus tours, the chance to have lunch with astronauts and the ability to view more than 60 interactive exhibits. Bus tours drive visitors through sites of launch pads, and they get to see a Saturn rocket that is 363 feet in length, notes KennedySpaceCenter.com. At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, another popular attraction is the Shuttle Launch Experience, a simulation of a shuttle launch.

Canaveral National Seashore

Florida's Canaveral National Seashore is a 23 mile stretch of beaches that eschews progress for beauty. What you lose in that equation is the usual proliferation of surf shops, condos, motels and beach parties. What you gain is what nature intended. The trade off for this peacefulness is that you will need to bring in any food or drink yourself and you should be aware of where the limited number restrooms are before you wander about. Most visitors feel this is a small price to pay for the experience. PLAYALINDA is a series of 13 separate beaches along a natural seashore, unspoiled by commerce. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the East coast, it is reminiscent of what Florida used to be like. Quiet and unspoiled, you can walk for miles along the water's edge, stop for a picnic, take amazing photos and nap on the dunes. Be forewarned that beaches 11-13 are clothing optional, so you may want to stay within beaches 1-10 if that concerns you. It is considered bad manners to walk down to those areas with binoculars and camera at the ready, so be considerate. If you are seeking a peaceful, uncrowded retreat, the beaches of Playalinda are for you. (Note that the beach closes during launch preparations at Kennedy Space Center.) BANANA River is actually a lagoon situated between Port Canaveral and Merritt Island. It is notable as a wintering home to many migratory waterfowl as well as a residence for a diverse population that includes a wide range of species from bald eagles to egrets. In addition, the sport fishing is world class, making the lagoon a perfect resting spot for nature lovers. TITUSVILLE is where nature and progress coexist. Sea turtles nest alongside rocket launch pads. With that in mind, visit the American Space Museum followed by some quiet time bird watching. The town also has an abundance of museums, an art gallery, quaint restaurants and antique shops. There really is something for everyone here. PORT CANAVERAL is cruise central, home to the industry's top cruise lines. It is also an important cargo port and has many fishing charters all of which can be viewed from the many waterfront dining establishments. It is said that Port Canaveral serves some of the freshest seafood in Florida. The port's entertainment district, known as "The Cove", features shopping, dining and live music. BLACK POINT WILDLIFE DRIVE is a self-guided seven-mile drive along a dike road that takes you through marshland and flatwoods. It is an excellent place to observe waterfowl, alligators and even bobcats among scores of other natural inhabitants

Malcolm E. McLouth Fishing Pier

Malcolm E. McLouth Fishing Pier is a 1,200-foot public fishing pier. Open 24 hours. It’s a concrete pier, well lighted, and equipped with complimentary fish-cleaning tables and completely accessible to the physically challenged. The view of a cruise ship going out to the ocean is fabulous from that vantage point. The first two-thirds is just 4 feet. The fishing goes and comes but is consistently entertaining. I 'd urge you attempt to be there during the Mullet run through early November. A river of Lady Fish and enough Mullet Blue Fish for everyone. The finest fishing I've ever had. But the pier is considerably a lot more than only for fishing. Additionally, it is unbelievable to find the large boats with the Dolphins leading the way to come in and out of the channel. Perhaps best of all is the fact that quite rarely have I gone that there was not a few Manatee next to the pier swimming. It’s also common to see the giant sea turtles coming up for air.

Marathon brings in $3.2M to Sedona

With more than 3,500 registered runners, this year’s Sedona Marathon was the largest yet. Those numbers also equate to big bucks for many local businesses during one of the slowest times of the year.

Sedona Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff, who also serves as race director, said an estimated $3.2 million was spent in Sedona the week of the race.  

“This also equates to nearly $125,000 in sales and bed taxes,” she said. “Those are powerful numbers for a one-day event. That’s why it’s so important to Sedona because it showcases the best of the best that Sedona has to offer.”

Each year the chamber asks participants to fill out of a survey regarding their likes and dislikes in terms of the race and Sedona as a whole. To date they received about 20 percent of the surveys back with more expected to trickle in over the next couple of weeks.

It showed that 84 percent of runners were from out of town with 24 percent driving here on the day of the race, another 24 percent staying one night while just over 50 percent stayed two nights or more. In addition, 85 percent of those competing brought at least one person with them.

In terms of accommodations, most stayed in hotels with 7 percent in both timeshares and guests of friends while rented vacation homes was less than 5 percent. Now that short-term vacation rentals are allowed in Sedona, Wesselhoff said she expects that number to increase next year. 

Aside from the race, 76 percent of the respondents said they dined out, 42 percent shopped in local stores while 40 percent said they hiked or biked while here.

Finally, as far as what the runners liked most about the race and Sedona, an overwhelming number said the scenery, followed by the community feel, the well-organized race and the work done by the volunteers. Negative comments included traffic, stores and restaurants closing early, lack of shuttle buses to the race and roundabouts.

And while the participants were happy with the race, Wesselhoff realizes that there are many residents who are inconvenienced the day of the marathon. 

“We are very grateful for the patience and understanding of the residents who are impacted the race,” she said. “We appreciate the sacrifices they make that day.” 

This year’s race drew nearly 900 more competitors than last year. Wesselhoff attributes a lot of the decline last year to the fact that in 2015 the marathon portion was shortened to just a half-marathon due to poor weather and dangerous course conditions. The result was that many runners did not return in 2016.

Being that most of the race takes part on U.S. Forest land, the marathon is in the midst of a five-year permit that allows a 3 percent growth in the number of 10K, half and full marathon runners annually. There is no cap for the 5K. And even though the race grew substantially, Wesselhoff said they are still a ways off from hitting the maximum number of participants allowed.

The chamber purchased the marathon five years ago but for the past two years it has teamed with Blue Wolf Events and owner Jeff Frost who produces the event. 

“This really put the marathon in the hands of professionals,” she said. “That’s not to say we’re not professionals but producing a marathon is not the area of our expertise. Honestly, without Jeff, I’m not sure what we’d do — he’s incredible.” 

She went on to say, “The reason we purchased the marathon was because we wanted to be able to illustrate the power of events as a form of economic development in times when we really need business.”

http://www.redrocknews.com/news/20-news-stories/50842-marathon-brings-in-3-2m-to-sedona

LAWMAKERS STRUGGLING WITH HOW, OR IF, TO REGULATE AIRBNB OPERATIONS IN N.H.

CONCORD — By a unanimous vote the House Commerce Committee has scuttled a bill backed by the Travel Technology Association, which represents Airbnb, FlipKey, HomeAway, Expedia and Priceline, that would have forbidden municipalities from prohibiting short-term and vacation rentals and instead recommended convening a committee to study the taxation and regulation of short-term and vacation rentals.

In New Hampshire, Airbnb lists nearly 1,000 rentals according to Airdna, a website that tracks the company's rentals, In the Lakes Region, there are 15 listings in Alton, 10 in Center Harbor, 29 in Gilford, 52 in Laconia, 27 in Meredith, 36 in Moultonborough, 35 in Wolfeboro and 50 in Bristol.

House 654 as introduced was modeled on legislation enacted in Arizona and begins by noting that the growing practice of homeowners offering residential and investment for rent through internet platforms "is encountering resistance resistance from many governments, in the form of zoning restrictions and prohibitions." While stipulating that municipalities cannot prohibit the practice, the bill would allow them to regulate short-term and vacation rentals to protect public health and safety as well as to ensure that operators remitted the rooms and meals tax.

Mike Somers, president and chief executive officer of the New Hampshire Restaurant and Lodging Association, said that vacation rentals handled by agents, usually realtors, have been commonplace in New Hampshire for years. However, with the advent of Airbnb and similar enterprises, which match renters with landlords directly online, has raised fresh issues, particularly ensuring that operators remit the rooms and meals tax and comply with life safety codes. He said that state and local governments across the country have wrestled with these questions for several years without striking a balance between the right of homeowners to use their property as they wish and the interest of government in ensuring the safety of the public.

Somers offered the example of a commercial bed and breakfast, which is licensed, regulated and inspected, next door to a single mother renting a room in her home. "There is a line to be drawn," he said, "But, we haven't found just where to draw it."

The original bill met with stiff opposition from the New Hampshire Municipal Association, which claimed it was an encroachment on the zoning authority long vested in cities and towns. There are a few examples of the Legislature overriding local control by mandating municipalities allow particular uses, These include manufactured housing, workforce housing and most recently accessory dwelling units, all of which were enacted after much study and debate.

The bill defines a short-term or vacation rental as "any individually or collectively owned single-family house or dwelling unit or any unit or group of units in a condominium, cooperative , or timeshare, or owner occupied residential home, that is offered for a fee and for less than 30 consecutive days." In other words, every unit in a condominium complex could be rented on a nightly or weekly basis, much like a hotel, and a municipality would have no authority to designate where such an operation would be located.

A study funded by the American Hotel and Lodging Association and undertaken by the School of Hospitality Management at Penn State University in 2016 found that in a dozen large cities, full-time operators renting multiple units accounted for 40 percent of Airbnb's revenues. However, there is no sign that concentration of the industry has approached this level in New Hampshire.

Last year, the city of Portsmouth drafted a zoning ordinance that would restrict short-term and vacation rental to specific sections of the city as well as require liability insurance, off-street parking and limit occupancy. However, the proposal was tabled, pending the outcome a legislation to license short-term and vacation rentals, which was ultimately shelved.

http://www.laconiadailysun.com/newsx/local-news/101957-house-wrestles-with-airbnb

Advisory committee to review existing ordinance for short-term rentals

Click for more Vacation Rental News

WACO, TX (KXXV) -

The Waco City Council discussed its existing ordinances and permitting process for short-term rentals on Tuesday afternoon.

Planning Services Director Clint Peters explained to the council currently 46 listings have obtained special permits to run the vacation rentals with three of them pending council approval.

He added most of these listings have come in the last three to four months.

“I think that is a positive thing for Waco, there is an increase desire for people in Waco and more people coming and visiting,” Peters said.

Last year, Kathy Wise received her permit for her bed and breakfast located in the 1800 block of Washington Avenue.

The Hymnsinger house, which opened in January, used to be an old barn behind the house built in 1896.

“I just couldn't figure out a way to salvage it so I decided to tear it down and build a new building and use the barn wood of the new structure to preserve the story of the property,” Wise said.

Wise said with the help of friends who want part-time work and technology, she runs her business.

 “I like hospitality and I think we’ve created a place that is beautiful and restful,” Wise said.

Peters said there are benefits of having short-term rentals, such as bringing financial benefits to the local economy and improving housing conditions in older neighborhoods.

However, Peters said there are some concerns associated with them.

“Impacting neighborhoods. I don’t think we’ve had any specific problems with them, the ones that have been approved have been well maintained and operated well but there are still concerns about these impact neighborhoods long-term,” Peters said.

These are some of the concerns a new advisory committee, which has neighborhood representatives, short term rentals owners, members of the Plan Commission and a Baylor representative, will look into. 

The members of that committee will review the existing ordinance and the process residents go through when applying for a permit.

Wise said she obtained her permit last September after applying for it in July. The proposal had to go before the Plan Commission and City Council.   

"It was a very quick process once I turn in the paperwork,” Wise said.

However, a newly formed advisory committee, which has neighborhood representatives, owners of vacation rentals, will take a look at the permitting process to see if it needs to be changed. Something some council members asked for it to be reviewed during the work session on Tuesday.

Peters said the permitting process currently takes three months. 

"Streamlining the permitting process so you have clear rules on how they're managed and then if t they meet all the rules and they go through a permitting process through city staff and don’t have to go through a public hearing process,” Peters said.

Even though, there are homeowners who have gone through the permitting process to open their short-term rental, Peters said 22 of them are operating without a permit.  

In six months, the committee will present the recommendations after reviewing the ordinance to the Plan Commission and city council. 

http://www.ktre.com/story/34446099/advisory-committee-to-review-existing-ordinance-for-short-term-rentals

Greg Steube: Local rental rules hurt the economy

By Greg Steube, Guest Columnist

Short-term rentals have become a vital component of Florida's tourism industry, granting property owners and visitors more flexibility when planning the duration and location of their stay. These types of rentals also help lift financial burdens off family renters by allowing them to stay together in a home instead of multiple hotel rooms, which can get unnecessarily expensive.

Property rights are advanced by this industry as well, giving owners the freedom to rent out their property as they so choose.

In 2011, the Florida Legislature recognized these benefits by passing a law that banned local governments from prohibiting short-term rentals.

It only took three years before the Legislature changed its mind and gave more power to cities seeking to prohibit or severely cripple the short-term rental industry.

Since that time, we have seen local governments run wild, enacting onerous rules that, in my view, dampen our economy and trample on Floridians' property rights.

Take Miami Beach, for example, where some homeowners have been fined $20,000 for violations of short-term rental ordinances. These exorbitant penalties have functioned as a de facto ban for many homeowners who would have liked to rent out their property to potential vacationers.

Instead of recognizing vacation rentals as an economic benefit, cities have exploited it with excessive fines, penalties and registration fees, all while violating your right to own and enjoy your property!

I have introduced Senate Bill 188, a bill that will stop this kind of overreach and return the law back to its 2011 version.

The debilitating effects of current law are not limited to just travelers and short-term rental owners. Policies that discourage tourism have widespread effects on our economy too. Travel and tourism are essential to Florida's economic health, producing $67 billion in economic activity every year.

Diminishing tourism activity ultimately harms local businesses and job creation, depriving Florida of valuable tax dollars. Less tourism means less tax revenue to be used for projects in cities and communities across the state, including right here in the Tampa/St. Pete area.

Opponents of my bill claim that short-term rentals invite the potential for "party houses," when justifying the restrictions enacted by the cities. But cities have their own local laws that address such nuisance complaints, and all homeowners - full-time or part-time - are subject to these rules. If you as a homeowner feel that neighboring renters are disruptive, urge your city to either enforce existing ordinances or pass stronger ordinances that deal with such behavior.

I don't think the government should be in the business of picking one person's property rights over another's.

Further, it is important to clarify that this bill does not affect local homeowners associations and neighborhoods that have adopted their own covenants, declarations or bylaws. The bill simply serves to help safeguard a vibrant part of our economy while protecting property owners and renters from overreaching city governments.

Florida has a chance to go back to a law for short-term rentals that worked. By passing Senate Bill 188, we can once again establish a commonsense approach to preserving a growing segment of Florida's most important industry. Strong statewide standards that protect all Floridians' property rights are crucial to ensuring the well-being of Florida's tourism economy.

- State Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, represents Florida Senate District 23, which includes Sarasota County and western Charlotte County.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/opinion/20170203/greg-steube-local-rental-rules-hurt-economy

Editorial: Allow communities to restrict rentals

The explosion of short-term vacation rentals in Florida is fundamentally changing the character of communities throughout the state, yet the Legislature has prevented local governments from responding to reasonable concerns that residential neighborhoods are being transformed into the equivalent of motel strips.

A proposal by state Sen. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, would make matters worse. Senate Bill 188 would provide that "local laws, ordinances and regulations adopted after a certain date may not restrict the use of, prohibit, or regulate vacation rentals based solely on their classification, use or occupancy, etc."

The bill was referred to the Regulated Industries, Community Affairs and Rules committees. We hope this bad bill will get bottled up in committee before the Legislature opens its annual 60-day session on March 7; if not, it will be up to legislators who believe in deference to the government closest to the people to reject the idea.

Steube told Zac Anderson of the Herald-Tribune last month that his bill was triggered by a personal experience. The senator, who lives on a large lot in semi-rural Sarasota County, said he tried to buy an investment property on Florida's east coast but was advised that local laws prevented short-term rentals. "For me it boils down to a property right," Steube said.

But how about the rights of the owners who deliberately purchased properties zoned for residential but now face the prospect of being surrounded by houses that effectively serve as motel or hotel rooms, rented out a day or two at a time, sometimes to an unlimited number of occupants? What about their investments? What about their reliance on reasonable regulations that were in place before the Legislature began intervening in local affairs starting in 2011?

Let's face it: While legions of renters are respectful of those around them and provide welcome economic impacts locally, cities in Florida - especially beachfront communities in our region - have experienced downsides, including intrusive late-night noise, litter and parking problems.

The cities of Venice, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria have attempted to use zoning codes and local ordinances to address residents' concerns, and Bradenton Beach voters in November approved initiatives to limit construction of new houses with more than four bedrooms for rent.

The Legislature in 2011 prohibited local governments from regulating short-term vacation rentals (a house rented more than three times a year for less than 30 days at a time). The legislation allowed cities to maintain their ordinances if they were adopted before June 1, 2011. That law created problems for local governments behind the curve. It also made cities with laws in place hesitant to amend them, fearing that changes would eliminate their "grandfathered" status.

Fortunately, in 2014, the Legislature backed off slightly, reinstating the authority of local governments to adopt ordinances aimed at mitigating the effects of noise, parking, litter and public safety. But the bill continued to limit the ability of cities to respond to the concerns of their residents and voters.

Steube's bill would make matters worse by interjecting big state government into local affairs for no good reason.

The increase in short-term rentals, fueled by the growth of online services such as Airbnb, is so significant that counties, including Sarasota, are seeking to find ways to collect so-called tourist taxes on these transactions.

What's more, local officials believe that a 20-percent reduction in the permanent-resident population on Anna Maria Island is due in part to the effects of short-term vacation rentals.

Vacationers are valuable to the local and state economies. But so are permanent residents, and local governments that have the power to protect their interests.

Original Post

Kelly Park Merritt Island Florida is located just off the #528 at 2550 N. Banana River Drive Merritt Island, FL 32952. It is a 15 –acre River Park universally renowned for its windsurfing and fishing on the Banana River. It features a sailboard/windsurfing staging area with sandy beach and shower, boat ramps with dock and nearby parking for your cars and boat trailers. [caption id="attachment_347" align="alignnone" width="300"] KellyPark Merritt Island Calema Windsurfing[/caption] Stay close to the park in a vacation home. Currently, Kelly Park receives more than 200, 000 visitors every year. Hence it is one of the most popular parks in the Merritt Island Florida region. Its popularity may be attributed to the many attractions and amenities it offers. They include boat ramps and docks, expansive parking lots for boat trailers and cars. You will also find grills, restaurants, a scenic lagoon, a fishing pier and boardwalk. Kelly Park hosts a large number of visitors—especially in summer and during holidays. [caption id="attachment_460" align="alignnone" width="300"] Kelly Park Merritt Island[/caption] During such days, the park is normally filled to capacity a few hours to mid-morning. Currently, there is a maximum number of visitors who can be allowed into the park every day. This capping was introduced to offer a unique recreational experience. You should consider booking early to partake in various recreational activities in this park. Kelly Park has many attractions to offer you during your vacation, some of which are described below. Near a small picturesque lagoon, a paved walkway connects a modest-size pavilion. You will also find grills, bathrooms, drinking water and recreation facilities. With magnificent waterfront view, two small pavilions and picnic tables offer ample seating at the river’s edge. On any giving day, you can watch the windsurfers as they go by on the Banana River. It is the perfect location to teach younger children to do shoreline fishing while having a picnic. Kelly Park also attracts various organizations and groups during the year. If you are planning to bring a large group of people to Kelly Park, I recommend you make reservations. Fishing is a big deal in Florida, and Brevard County is no exception. It seems to be the right mixture of saltwater, mangrove shorelines and grass flats creating some remarkable game fishing. Anglers come in search of redfish, sea trout, tarpon and many other species of fish. They start coming in as early as 4 AM in the morning to launch their boats. In most areas, the average depth of the brackish water is only ten feet. In the early mornings or afternoons, it is common to see dolphins chasing the various species of game fish. Depending on the time of year, you will see different types of birds. Including Migratory Ducks such as Green-Winged Teal, Common and Red-throated Loon, Horned Grebe, Shorebirds, and Waders. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to its proximity to Port Canaveral. You should consider visiting Merritt National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is about 140000 acres large and is home to numerous bird and wildlife species. You should visit the reserve between autumn and spring. This is a period when more than 350 bird species fly across the reserve during their annual migration. Additionally, the park has more than 1,000 plant species and is bustling with wildlife throughout the year. The Kennedy Space Center. Next to the wildlife reserve is the Kennedy Space Center. This is another place you should consider visiting during your vacation. Not only is this the only functioning space shuttle site in the country. It also features a rich history and an array of attractions. IMAX movies are screen in the Visitor Complex. If your child is taller than 44 inches, he or she will have the opportunity to experience the Shuttle Launch Experience. This is offered through a motion simulator ride for the kids. If you are traveling from the Orlando Airport, it is an easy drive with little or no turns. After you exit the airport and head east on 520 for exactly 40 miles, then turn on exit 52 or Banana River Drive. Head south for a couple of hundred yards and you will see Kelly Park on the left. Kelly Park West. On the west side of banana river drive, south of Kelly Park ease is Kelly Park West. It is a 41-acre community park with fields with tennis courts, soccer fields. The paved walkway around the areas is ideal for excising including walking and as running tracks. [caption id="attachment_464" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Sign for Kelly Park West[/caption] It also has a playground, concession facility, washrooms, a small fishing pier on a small brackish lake, drinking fountain pavilion and five grills add convenience for planned youth athletics at this park. [caption id="attachment_211" align="alignnone" width="300"] View of Port Canaveral from Kelly Park[/caption]

Accessibility:

Parking, Restrooms, Pavilion, Playground, Boat Dock, Concrete Walkway

Restrictions:

Service animals only or dogs on short leash and only when leading dog between vehicle and boat. Alcoholic beverages in designated areas only. Other restrictions as posted.

Features and activities:

Beach	Boat Ramp	Dock
Drinking Fountain	Fishing	Grassy Activity Area
Grilling Stations	Horseshoe Pit	Non-Motorized Boat Launch
Parking	Picnic Pavilion	Picnic Table
Playground	Restroom	Shower
Volleyball Court	Wildlife Viewing	Wind Surfing

Canadian Snowbirds and Brevard Counties Ninety Day Rule

As we age, it becomes harder to tolerate the cold weather in the north and countries like Canada. For Florida snowbirds - retirees who travel south to get away from the cool and snow of winter. Vacation rentals offer an assortment of the life choices without the related monetary duty of owning a second home. Despite where you might need to travel for the winter. You will find a place that is a good fit for you to get away from the ruthless winter. Owners tailor their accommodations specifically to snowbirds. For snowbirds who do not own a winter getaway, vacation rentals are an ideal way to spend the winter in a sunny southern location.

Accommodation

Finding decent accommodation is not rocket science. First-time snowbirds and those looking for a long-term rental home in a new area may think they need to find a 55+ community. That is no true. Vacation homeowners usually try to seek out long-term renters on vacation rental sites like Airbnb and Home Away. Most savvy owners will reject short-term inquiries in the hope of landing a longer term rental from a snowbird. The hope is that they will return every year. Merritt Island Florida offers many vacation rentals choices for snowbirds. The keys to Success is to start looking as early as possible. You should plan a year in advance to reserve one of these vacation homes. You can rent a beachfront property. Alternatively, somewhere that is a short driving distance to Cocoa Beach. You can also enjoy the benefits of living in a quiet community home with an in ground pool.

Brevard Counties ninth day vacation rule

I am not a fan of short-term vacation rentals including weekends or seven days. Did you know that Brevard Counties ninth day vacation rule has adverse effects on the County’s economy? Sure, the County is happy about the money they are generating from snowbird rentals. However, they leave a lot of it in the pocket of the Canadian snowbirds. It leads me to wonder is Brevard County had any consultations with the snowbird communities in adopting the ninety-day bylaw. Canadians make up a large number of the vacation rental community. However, a lot of them cannot afford to stay ninth days in Florida. Canadians Snowbird will not make the long trip to Florida for just one weekend. When they travel to Florida, they like to spend at least thirty days. They are usually retired, or semi-retires, adult couples with kids looking for a winter getaway. They are not weekend partyers looking to have a good time. A thirty-day rental vacation rules are ideal for snowbirds rentals in Florida. The average Canadian cannot afford to spend ninety days anymore because of the value of the Canadian dollars. The value of the Canadian dollar is hovering around seventy cents with no sign of recovery any time soon. Moreover, the average snowbird vacationer cannot afford to be away for so long. A thirty-day vacation rental rule for traveling snowbirds can benefit everyone. Brevard County will generate more revenue from taxes. Property owners will do more business if they change the ninety-day rental rule to thirty days. Brevard County should encourage the larger vacation rental websites like Home away, VRBO, and Airbnb.com to take action for collecting and submit taxes. Large corporations are owners so its time they play an active part in the process of tax collecting. That will also eliminate the need for Counties to hire additional enforcement offers.

BusinessNap 79 Ryeburn Drive, Ottawa, Ontario

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BusinessNap Directory Listings 76 Ryeburn Drive, Ottawa, ON K1V 1H5 Open Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Phone: (613) 912-9239 Email Us: admin@businessnap.info Website: https://businessnap.info/ Province: Ontario

Our free Ottawa business listings website can give you the opportunity to spread the word about your company without having to spend a cent. Some of the best things in life are free. If you want to promote your Ottawa business, we have excellent news for you. Listing your company on our convenient local business directory can help people in the area learn all about your products, services, and will be able to visit your website directly from our business listing website. Businesses that have tight budgets never have to worry about paying for our listings. Our listings are free. If you feel you need more than just a free listing, you can upgrade to BusinessNap $5.00 standard listing for more benefits. In addition to a business listing, there are other ways you can promote your business. You can learn more about our 10 Ways to Promote your Site for Free now and always will be. People who browse our directory can learn about all that businesses have to offer. They can get your business' contact details as well. When you need free Ottawa advertising that's dependable, effective, and hassle-free all at the same time, you can count on our thorough directory. Visit our free Ottawa advertising website today for further information.

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Free online listings can be extremely helpful to businesses of all kinds. They can make outstanding and effective Ottawa business marketing tools. Local citations are helpful as well. They can provide potential customers with business information that's reliable and exhaustive. These citations, in brief, provide people with useful business details including website information, street addresses, and telephone numbers. N.A.P. is a vital component of local SEO (Search Engine Optimization). It's short for name, address, and finally, phone number. If you want your business to soar in organic search results, N.A.P. assistance can be a beautiful thing. Most listing websites will allow you to link back to your website, you should not overlook that benefit. Backlinks are one of the most important ranking factors in SEO. if you are not informed about backlinks you should read more about Backlinks, How They Can Help? Hiring a credible full-service digital marketing agency can be a terrific idea for businesses that want to manage their Ottawa business marketing requirements. if you are a small company and you do not have the financial resources to hire a marketing person then, free listings should be your starting point. It doesn't matter if you are an experienced site owner or new to owning a website, Citations and listings are both invaluable parts of strong online marketing. Businesses should never dismiss the value of both of these things. Our Social Media Channels and External Blogs Links External Blogs | FaceBook | Pinterest | Google My Business | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

Cocoa Village Amphitheater

Situated in notable Cocoa Village the Riverfront Park, the amphitheater in mix, with Lee Wenner and Taylor Parks, gives people in general perpetual access to about 10 sections of land of prime riverfront arrive decisively amidst downtown Cocoa. Run, play and unwind while you appreciate the excellent perspectives at Riverfront Park.   Many events take place at the Cocoa Village amphitheater in the spacious Riverfront Park. Lots of events including live concerts light up the amphitheater including a big Fourth of July fireworks and concert with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. Kids play in the huge man-made fountain all summer long. [caption id="attachment_821" align="alignnone" width="300"] Water fountain play area for kids[/caption] Historic Cocoa Village is among the Space Coast's most well-known destinations. This town has a colonial flavor wherever your kids are going to have a lot of fun.   There's something for everybody within this historic spot. The remodeled grounds starts at the back of the Cocoa Civic Center and Porcher House and merges flawlessly with Taylor Park along Delannoy Avenue. [caption id="attachment_822" align="alignnone" width="800"] Walking along the riverside Cocoa Village amphitheater[/caption] A great deal of entirely free parking can be found on the street and in several smaller lots about town. It makes it east to attend concerts at the Cocoa Village Amphitheater. Facilities

• Sweeping green park
• Playground area
• Amphitheater, for outdoor concerts and other events facing the beautiful Indian River
• Boardwalk
• Spacious covered pavilions
• Areas for fishing, water sports and boat launching
• Bathrooms
• Water playground

[caption id="attachment_825" align="alignnone" width="800"] Cocoa Riverfront park[/caption]   http://www.cocoabeachvacationhome.com/index.php/2016/12/31/cocoa-village-amphitheater/amp/

Cherie Down Park Beach Cape Canaveral YouTube

Cherie Down Park Beach Cape Canaveral YouTube Cherie Down Park Cape Canaveral. If your preference is to stay away from the big crows and just enjoy a day at the beach with your family and kids, then this is the place for you. Plenty of free parking as well as bathrooms and showers. Free parking spaces are also available on the side streets adjacent to the beach south of the park. Depending on the time of day you can see the cruise ships going out to sea. Looking for a place to stay on your visit? http://ift.tt/2k4Unm1

Cherie Down Park Beach Cape Canaveral YouTube

Travel Advice To Improve Your Vacation Experience

A link to the original article is below.

There you are, losing sleep, worrying about your next vacation. It seems like a lot of trouble to go through, but it’s not if you do it right. The traveling tips in this article will reduce your stress when traveling.

You should not take any extra belongings that are worth a considerable amount money. Having valuable items with you on a trip is just asking to have them lost or stolen.

When you are in an unfamiliar area, be on guard for criminals acting as officials such as law enforcement. Never hand over your original passport, as you might not get it back. If you are made to go to an office, do so by foot. Never, under any circumstances, get in a car with an unknown local.

The type of digital camera you take on your trip should be dependent on the trip you are taking. If you’re going backpacking, a camera with a rechargeable battery might not be the best idea. You also want to pick out something that will focus almost immediately.

When you are traveling in an airplane, it’s a good idea to wear slip on shoes that are light and comfortable. You might have to take them off quickly for security checks. Your level of comfort is crucial. Do not worry about serious foot support; you will be doing a lot more sitting than walking when you travel by air. The best shoes for flying might well be sandals or flip-flops.

Keep your business card or some identifying information from your hotel when venturing out. In the event that you get lost while meandering about, this info will help you find your way when using a taxi or other service. This simple precaution goes a long way to make up for whatever you lack in speaking the local language.

Credit Card Companies

When traveling abroad, it is a good idea to find out what kind of insurance coverage you are already offered by your credit card companies. For example, some credit card companies cover their customers for flights that are cancelled, but have been charged to their credit cards. It’s worth doing a little research before you depart.

When packing light for a long trip, take a rain coat that has a soft lining. The weather could be tumultuous, wherever you go. A rain coat has a few other helpful uses as well. For example, it makes a great windbreaker during the coldest weather, yet a comfortable bath robe while you’re staying at the hotel.

For most people, staying at a fancy hotel is not an option. If you aren’t happy with your hotel, take along a doorstop. It can be wedged under the door overnight, along with the chain and lock. It is almost impossible to enter a room that has a doorstop placed beneath the door.

Bring a few cookies sheets with you when going on a road trip in which your children will be with you. They can be used to make flat surfaces for playing cards or a surface for coloring books. You can even bring magnetic letters, numbers or shapes for the little ones for educational fun.

As soon as you can, find out if you need a visa for entry to the country that you plan to visit. Sometimes visas can take a long time to process so it is best to apply for one a long time before you are due to travel. If you do not have a visa and your destination requires it, then you will not be able to enter.

When taking a long plane trip, bring some edible snacks in your bag. Fresh snacks can include apples, strawberries or grapes, and will provide a welcome change from the airplane meals that weigh you down. You will save lots of money by doing this too.

Bank Atm

Avoid having to exchange currency with a bank when you travel to a different country. You can get a better exchange rate at home. Use a bank ATM whenever possible. If you are able to use a bank ATM machine, you will be able to find a more affordable exchange rate and less fees.

Don’t forget your prescriptions! You may forget to get refills or forget your pills altogether. It may be hard to get medicine in other countries.

Make certain the clock radio in your hotel room works before you go to sleep. You can’t be sure when it’s set to go off, and you don’t need to be awakened late at night.

Travel using a bus to avoid hefty baggage fees. Although buses have small fees for over-sized bags and excess weight, they have a much higher baggage allowance than any airline. There are a number of advantages to taking the bus. For example, in addition to the standard baggage you’d bring on your trip, you can also take large parcels.

The information from this article can help you have an enjoyable trip. Put these skills in practice and you will be having fun in no time. Don’t lose sleep. Get prepared to leave, instead.

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