Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
November 29th is the National Day of Giving — Here are some local charities that help our children, homeless, families, and veterans
Citrus County Education Foundation’s mission is, “to provide resources to support the Citrus County School District to enhance the quality of education for present and future generations”. The foundation offers programs and events to benefit students and faculty of Citrus County. These programs help engage students and enrich their education experience. They service 15,000 students, 2,200 Citrus County School District employees and you can get involved by volunteering, joining their Board, becoming a sponsor, or donating financially. You can visit their website at www.citruseducation.org.
Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County’s mission includes, “we work to eliminate substandard housing for people of all backgrounds, races, and religions by providing simple, decent, affordable housing to those who have a need, ability to pay and willingness to partner”. Habitat for Humanity of CC has several ways to donate. You can donate cars, things, or your time. You can also donate by shopping on Amazon. Visit smile.amazon.com and choose Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County and a portion of your purchase price will go as a donation. You can visit their website at www.habitatcc.org.
The Path is a rescue mission that serves Citrus and Marion County. The Path has been in operation since 2001 and has sheltered over 2,500 homeless or displaced men, women, and children. The Path Shelter Bargain Store was opened in 2000 to raise funds and awareness, 2001 the shelter officially opened, and in 2005 The Path was loaned 10 acres where they grow pesticide-free veggies to provide healthy food for the shelter and community. The Path has acquired multiple homes and creates work therapy programs, classes to cover physical health, boundaries, anger management, practical and soft life skills, training programs and more. You can visit their website at pathofcitrus.org.
The Citrus County Veterans Foundation Inc. provides emergency financial assistance to local honorably discharged veterans or their surviving spouses in financial crisis. This donation helps to pay for food, electricity, rent, transportation, and other urgent needs. Need is verified and dispersed by the Citrus County Veterans Service Office and every donated dollar, except for required Internal Revenue and Florida filings and fees, directly supports local veterans and their surviving spouses. You can visit their website at citrusvf.org.
Citrus County Blessings is a program dedicated to silencing the weekend hunger of local children. During the school year, each participant in the program, receives a bag of food to take home for the weekend. Citrus County Blessings has three programs; Blessings, Feed the Kids, and Food Recovery. Each program is dedicated to feeding the hungry in Citrus County in different ways. Feed the Kids is for kids to have access to food during the summer months and Food Recovery picks up food donations from local businesses and delivers to local soup kitchens. You can visit their website at www.citruscountyblessings.org
OPEN HOUSE ALERT
11265 N Blackfoot Point
Dunnellon, FL 34434
August 28th 11 am to 3 pm
Recently reduced to $650,000
Check out this southern Florida charmer with four bedrooms, four baths sitting on over 2 acres of gorgeous, lush, green land with giant grand-daddy oaks. You will have 160 feet of waterfrontage along the Withlacoochee River, but river frontage is heavily wooded. Home is just outside of downtown Dunnellon where the Withlacoochee joins the Rainbow River, so close to the crystal, clear springs. The home sits alone on a cul-de-sac at the end of a quiet and peaceful street. Top quality construction and energy efficiency went into this house from the beginning. The walls are ICF (insulated concrete form), so it stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Beautiful open concept with granite counters, tile floors in main living area, three bedrooms including the master on main floor and a massive bonus room/ in-law suite upstairs.
DCIM100MEDIADJI_0001.JPG
DCIM100MEDIADJI_0006.JPG
Hometown Heroes Program
2020 reminded us how hard out first responders, essential workers, educators, active military, and many more are hard-working, over-worked, under-appreciated, and under-paid. We also know how crazy the real estate market has been and how difficult it is for homebuyers to purchase their dream homes due to inflation and rising home prices. Thanks to Florida Legislative and Governor Desantis, our local heroes now have a little extra help to become homeowners. In 2022, the Hometown Heroes Homebuyers program was created, allocating $100 million, and $12.1 million has already been used by 843 qualified families throughout the state; according to the Florida Realtors article by Kerry Smith, dated 07/27/2022, titled, “$12.1M goes to Fla.’s hometown hero homebuyers”. Article
So, what does this mean for our heroes?
Help to become homeowners!
According to Anne with Movement Mortgage, these are the important points
to remember about the program:
- Max amount $25,000 (5% of loan amount)
- Can be used for down payment and closing costs
- Is a second loan, not forgivable, 0% interest
- Minimum credit score 640, DTI 45% (USDA, FHA, VA)
- 680 score, DTI 50% (FHA, VA)
- First time homebuyer (cannot have owned or occupied a primary residence in last three years)
- Income limits and loan limits are county specific
- Max cash back $1000
If interested in seeing if you qualify, contact Anne Moranville, with Movement Mortgage, at 540-907-6216. There is a large list of professions that qualify including: APRNs, certain DCF employees, assisted living facility admins, correction officers, dental assistants and hygienists, home health aide, medical assistant, CNA, Nutritionist, EMT, Firefighter, law enforcement officers, teachers, veterinarian assistants and technicians, veterans and so many more! After getting pre-approved, give me a call to find that dream home!
If you are a homeowner but know someone who is looking to buy and could benefit from this program, please let them know and have them contact me today!
Crystal River Outdoors
Citrus County offers numerous paved and unpaved trails for walkers and bikers, including the Seven-Mile Loop Trail. According to FloridaStateparks.org (https://www.floridastateparks.org/), “Starting out on the western section, you’ll cross over three tidal creeks – Deer Creek, King Creek, and Dolphin Creek – where you can witness the beginnings of the estuary food chain”. Also, the Churchhouse Hammock Trail off Hwy 19 featuring 1.2 miles of beautiful wildflowers and Florida nature is easy for any skill level. Don’t forget that Crystal River also has a historic side, featuring the Crystal River Archaeological State Park located at 3400 N Museum Point. The park highlights geo-seeking, hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and much more!
Don’t forget about the crystal-clear waters of Hunter’s Springs! Find your adventure with Hunter Springs Kayaks (http://www.hunterspringskayak.com/) with the largest selection of kayaks, stand up paddle boards, see-through kayaks and hybrid paddleboards on the Nature Coast … and launch from the Hunter’s Springs beach with direct access to King’s Bay and Three Sisters. You can have a relaxing swim in the crystal-clear waters and spot a manatee or two! Check out their website for more info! Located at 36 NE 4th Street Counter A Crystal River 34429.
I’m sure you’ve seen their impressive building off Hwy 19 while cruising through town, but American Pro Diving (Website) is not just for the tourists. Did you know they offer education programs for kids? When I was growing up, I remember several trips with American Pro Dive to King’s Bay Springs and the Rainbow River. They also offer dive classes right there in their building or open water dive classes. Once you pass or already certified, they offer guided diving tours in our local crystal-clear springs! Check out their website or call today at 352-563-0041
Cool down with Frozen in Time’s gourmet ice cream (Facebook Link) located at 1615 SE Hwy 19 in the Winn Dixie Plaza. Their ice cream flavors are AMAZING! My husband and I decided to check it out one night after dinner. There are so many choices, 45-50 flavors of ice cream, six flavors of Italian ice … all but three made at their shop every Tuesday and dairy free options available too!
Thinking of going green?
I recently purchased solar panels with a whole-house generator from Freedom Solar (website). The process was easy, simple, quick, and informative. The rep, Roger, sat with my husband and I for hours answering questions. I thought, why not share my experience?
Here are some benefits on why we went solar:
- Going green and lowering your carbon footprint
- Lower and/or no electric bill (we pay a $30 bill a month with Duke for having solar)
- Potentially increase home value
- Tax savings – up to 30% tax credit
There are some cons to solar though. Installation and maintenance costs can be high. I will say, with Freedom Solar the installation costs were included, and my maintenance is included under my 25-year product warranty and 30-year performance warranty. Freedom Solar also offers a 10-year labor warranty from date of installation; only company to do so! Another con is solar only works when the sun is out … we live in the Sunshine State. If any part of the country is solar friendly, it’s Florida!
Another con is the tax breaks may expire or will be expiring … this is true. Roger, from Freedom Solar, and I discussed that certain legislature is being passed next year that may hinder future purchasers from the awesome tax credits available now!
Things you need to consider:
- The cost of the solar power system
- Our whole system was purchased with a 25-year loan, 0% interest, with no money down
- How much energy it will produce
- Freedom Solar installs solar panels made in the USA. It comes with an app called Enlighten, where I can see what my panels are producing, how much I’ve consumed, and track my energy efficiency
- What you would otherwise pay for the same amount of energy
- My electric bills were averaging $350 a month. With rising fuel prices, it’s only going to get higher. My monthly payments are lower than that, with the generator.
- How many years it will take for your upfront investment to pay for itself in saved energy costs
- Per Roger with Freedom Solar, I will see a return on investment in 11 years. Per Investopedia.com, on average it takes 10-20 years to break even. I had no upfront costs.
- Whether the system will pay for itself in five years
- Like I mentioned above, we were told 11 years. BUT, with rising costs, that may be sooner!
