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See You at the BORC – the Ongoing Transition of Bay Oaks
With all the talk about Bay Oaks being taken over by the Town, there has been some concern amongst our readers that their favorite programs would be discontinued, or that they would no longer be able to use the facility as they once did. The Sand Paper decided to speak to a few folks who are working directly with the takeover to let our readers know exactly what to expect. Read more... | |
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Cigarette Taxes Rise Again,
President Obama Signs Bill Banning Flavored Cigarettes
As of tomorrow, smokers will pay an extra dollar a pack to get their nicotine fix. Coming after a new 62 cent per pack tax levied by the federal government last year, the latest tax was recently passed by the 2009 Florida Legislature and the money raised will go to offset the rising costs of Medicare and Medicaid. Cigars will not be affected by the bill, and for other tobacco products - such as pipe or chewing tobacco - the surcharge will be 60 percent of the wholesale price.
“The idea is that since smokers cost more, that they would have to pay for themselves, healthwise,” said Randy Miller, Executive Vice President of the Florida Retail Federation. “They expect to raise about a billion dollars, but, since this will probably make a lot of people finally quit, I don't think they're going to be able to count on that money in the future.” Read more... | |
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Fort Myers Beach Budget – Scott Janke, Town Manager
The Island Sand Paper, in our continuing efforts to keep beach residents informed has received information from Town Manager Scott Janke regarding the towns budget. As a community service announcement we are publishing his newsletter, “Town Corner.”
TOWN CORNER
I wanted to provide Islanders with a bit of education regarding the Town's budget. As you may be aware, we are deeply into the Fiscal Year 2010 budget process now. Our fiscal year begins on October 1, 2009 and goes through September 30, 2010. Read more... | |
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Governor Appoints Sheriff Scott To Task Force On Human Trafficking
Governor Charlie Crist has appointed Sheriff Mike Scott to a new statewide task force aimed at human trafficking. Sheriff Scott is one of three appointees on a 19-person panel created to examine the problem of human trafficking and to recommend strategies and actions for reducing or eliminating the unlawful trafficking of men, women and children into Florida. |
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Read More...
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Thursday, July 02, 2009
North Korea test-fires 4 short-range missiles
SEOUL, South Korea - North Korea test-fired four short-range missiles Thursday, South Korea's Defense Ministry said, a move that aggravates already high tensions following Pyongyang's recent nuclear test and U.N. sanctions imposed as punishment.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Fireworks sellers hope it's a 'backyard' Fourth
Operators of the thousands of fireworks stands on Indian reservations and in parking lots throughout the country think patriotism, tradition and a strong need to party on a Saturday night will translate to a billion dollars and more smoldering in America's pockets this Fourth of July.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Oscar-winning actor Karl Malden dies at 97
LOS ANGELES - Karl Malden, the Academy Award-winning actor whose intelligent characterizations on stage and screen made him a star despite his plain looks, died Wednesday, his family said. He was 97. Malden died of natural causes surrounded by his family at his Brentwood home, they told the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. He served as the academy's president from 1989-92.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Jackson's parents waste no time seeking control
Michael Jackson's parents wasted little time demanding authority over their son's financially strained empire and guardianship of their fatherless grandchildren. The big question is who, if anyone, will contest them?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
4 US soldiers killed during Iraq cities pullout
BAGHDAD - Four U.S. soldiers were killed in combat shortly before the American military completed a withdrawal from Iraq's cities, and the prime minister assured Iraqis that government forces taking control of urban areas on Tuesday were more than capable of protecting the country.
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Independence Day: A celebration for every American
What does it really mean?
The Fourth of July is the major holiday of our American summer, an occasion for picnics, parades, fireworks, parties and relaxation. As we gather with friends and family to enjoy a day free from our usual work and routines, do we recognize the true significance of our freedom? Rarely do we even call this national holiday by its proper name any more: Independence Day. (Read more...) |
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Shrimp Festival Program Guide A Success
Ted Clifton, Lions Club President, accepting a check from Publisher Carl Conley for $4, 450.00 for the 51st Annual Shrimp Festival Program Guide put out by The Island Sand Paper to help the Lions with their community programs and kid's summer camp. Guide artist, Keri Hendry and Karen Mills, Promotional Sales Director hold the check for the photo-op. Spanning 6 years, the partnership between the Lions and the Sand Paper has raised over $34,000 for Lions Club programs. (For more on this story read The Island Sand Paper)
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Bring Forth the Fourth with Traditional Fireworks Show
Bill Semmer of Semmer Electric and his family are known for the stunning Fort Myers Beach fireworks spectacular they come up with every Fourth of July at the pier on Times Square, and this year's event promises to be one colorful, noisy bash to behold.
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Caption: Taste Of The Beach Part 1...
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Caption: This weeks Back Page Girl... High speed DSL/Cable click here to view larger video clip. |
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