(NAPSI)—When your phone rings—don’t answer it. At least, not unless you’ve a good idea of who’s calling. After all, your phone is like your house. You deserve to know whom to let in.
Especially now. September, Hispanic Heritage Month, and all through the year, Latinos and others can be subject to calls from criminals looking to take your money and confuse your vote.
The Problem
Studies suggest the Hispanic community is disproportionately targeted with misinformation, particularly through phone scams and fraudulent communications. So it’s more important than ever to empower Latino communities with the tools they need to protect themselves and their voices, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrated every September, this celebration of Hispanic culture, achievements, and contributions, is also a good time to reflect on the challenges that lie ahead, particularly as America moves into a critical election period.
The Numbers
According to the latest Truecaller/Harris Poll Scam Report for 2024, Hispanics are twice as likely as non-Hispanics to lose money to phone scams, with 30% of Hispanics reporting financial losses compared to 15% of non-Hispanics. Additionally, Hispanics experience mobile phone scams at a rate more than double that of non-Hispanics (23% vs. 11%), indicating a targeted approach by scammers.
Misinformation during election cycles often comes in the form of robocalls and text messages that spread false narratives or provide misleading voting information. The report shows that Hispanics are three times more likely than non-Hispanics to lose money to scams originating from robocalls (16% vs. 5%). This highlights the urgent need for tools that can protect this community from both financial scams and the spread of election-related disinformation. Continue reading
While there’s no distinct COVID-19 season like there is for the flu, it’s been shown that COVID-19 can peak during the winter months. To help fight respiratory illnesses, it’s recommended you get a flu vaccination, as well as the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people six months and older, with rare exception, should get the updated annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of Oct ober. The CDC also recommends that everyone ages six months and older should get the updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, unless otherwise noted, to help restore and enhance protection against the currently circulating virus variants.
It’s especially important to protect certain populations. This includes those at increased risk of complications from severe flu or COVID-19 illness, such as adults 65 and older, people with certain immunocompromising or chronic medical conditions, infants, children younger than two and pregnant women.
“Preventive vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself and your family from seasonal illnesses,” said Dr. Sree Chaguturu, executive vice president and chief medical officer at CVS Health. “Access to preventive vaccinations is critical to keeping communities healthy.”
According to Dr. Chaguturu, it’s helpful to understand the science behind vaccines so people feel informed and safe getting vaccinated.
Myth #1: You should wait until flu season peaks to get vaccinated. Continue reading
By TomL
During an interview of Donald Trump, Elon Musk of Tesla and X CEO suggested creating a “government efficiency commission” to study and discuss Government Spending. GREAT IDEA! Trump said he wanted to cut some of the Government programs. Elon Musk said he would like to be part of that commission that does the stiudy.
A report claims 30% of the hospital money is being spent on the Undocumented (illegals) and the government is paying the migrants twice as much as the retirees are getting. Some of the government Dems say that we should not have Social Security. There would not be any problem with funding it if the politicians would have stop using it to pay for their pet project.
Trump said “The Biden/Harris Administration did not properly protect me, and said “I was forced to take a bullet for Democracy.” He then added, in all caps, that it was his “GREAT HONOR TO DO SO!” In the process a first responder Fireman gave his life protectING his family. The current Administration has blood on their hands. Now the team is Harris/Walz. Some people say Harris is a chamlian, I think she is more like a femal lepard they never change their spots and she is trying convince the voters that she has changed over night. She has total changed her views and adopting Trumps political views to steel his votes. One of the news media’s said she is going for people who don’t follow politics or are low information voters. In other words if you fall for a gimmick in a speach you are stupid. I don’t beleive that, but their are a few that don’t even know who she is. But they will when the door knockers are going around collecting votes.Even people don’t knoe her they will go out and protest and support her. Continue reading
Everyone has heard the story of The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen where a very vain emperor obsessed with his appearance is approached by two weavers who claim they can weave the finest clothes imaginable. So fine that they are invisible to anyone who is unfit for their position or hopelessly stupid. Eager to flaunt these magical garments, the emperor commissions the weavers who proceed to pretend to work at their looms but
producing nothing. Fearing to be seen as unfit or stupid, the emperor pretends to see the nonexistent clothing and decides to give a formal parade to show off his new garments.
For a time, all the parade observers are eager to show that they are not stupid so they exclaimed how wonderful the emperor’s new clothes seem. However the ruse is exposed when a child points out to his mother that the emperor is wearing nothing at all. Hearing the child, others begin to say the same thing and the embarrassed emperor is hurried back to his castle.
What does this fairytale have to do with reform of the U.S. tax system? Since 1913, the Elites have told the American people that only people “unfit for their position or hopelessly stupid” would question the logic and benefits of a system that: Continue reading
For most people who do not call our state home, when they hear “Florida” they think vacation. In fact, many have suggested half in jest that instead of the Sunshine State our nickname should be the Tourist State. One of the reasons our state can have no state personal income tax or state property tax is because of the tens of millions of tourists who visit our beaches and theme parks. However, many would be surprised to learn that Florida’s first commercial tourist attraction was not at an oceanside community or near the big mouse, but here. In Ocala.
Silver Springs was Florida’s first commercial tourist attraction. Glass-bottom boats have wowed guests since 1878. Look at the sentence again. Visitors to the Springs have been riding on glass bottom boats for 146 years! Tourists began arriving by the thousands via steamboat and railroad to tour the must-see Springs. By 1962, more than 1.5 million guests a year visited Silver Springs and ranked as Florida’s most visited destination.
The arrival of Walt Disney World in 1971 began a period of rapid decline at Silver Springs. Blame the mouse, blame poor ownership, blame changing interests. Regardless of why, the park drew fewer and fewer tourists and was converted to a state park in 2013. From an economic perspective, tourism has not been a major driver in the local economy since the early 70’s. However, that is changing. Continue reading
From the Desk of Senator Dennis Baxley—-
Good morning, friends-The Primary elections are over. The General election is just around the corner, including the Presidential election and six Constitutional Amendments. Make sure you have read and understand about the amendments. They include Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards; The Right to Fish and Hunt; Adult Personal Use of Marijuana; Limit Government Interference with Abortion; Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions; and Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement.
For more information you can reach out to your Supervisor of Elections office.
Initial mailout of Vote-by-Mail Ballots for the November 2024 General Election for Military and Overseas Voters is September 20, 2024, Initial Mailout of Vote-by-Mail Ballots for the 2024 November General Election is September 27, 2024. Vote-By-Mail Ballot Mailouts and Counter Pickups continue for the November 2024 General Election September 30-October 4, 2024.
Early Voting dates and times for the General Election are October 21st – November 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The General Election is on November 5th, voting is from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
GET OUT THE VOTE!!!
Onward & Upward
Over 50 businesses attend the Lady Lake Chamber refferal luncheon. The luncheon is designed for chamber members and guest to sit at different tables. When you come in you draw a number and that is the table you sit at. At the beginning of the meeting for 30 minutes, 11:30, til 12 noon everyone mingle and meets everyone in the room. Then we sit at the table order our meal and get to know the business people at our table. There is a drawing for door prizes. Everyone has a chance to meet a lot of business people. The Lady Lake Chamber does a great job organizing the luncheon every month the third Thursday of every month. If you want to take part call the Chamber 352-753-6029.
The Art of Aging opening reception Friday, August 2nd. Marion Cultural Alliance and Marion Senior Services. This is the 9th Annual event. Be sure to check it out at Brick City Center for the Arts 23 SW Broadway Street, Ocala, FL 34471
The pictures were taken by CK Johnson
LADY LAKE – As part of ongoing efforts to ensure the highest standards of road safety and quality, the Town of Lady Lake has contracted with Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoat-ing, Inc. for road resurfacing work. The milling and paving work is scheduled to begin on Sept. 16 and is expected to continue through Sept. 25. During this period, work will be car-ried out between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Residents are asked to ensure that no vehicles, boats, trailers, or debris are left in the road-way during the hours of operation to allow paving to proceed efficiently, safely and on time. There will be limited access to these roadways during working hours, with full access avail-able during non-working hours. Affected residents will be notified directly.
A full list of the roads affected by this project is on the Town’ website at www.ladylakefl.gov/167/Town-Projects.
The Town of Lady Lake is proud that its proactive road improvement initiatives have again yielded impressive results, with the town’s roads rated as “excellent,” with a score of 83 out of 100. This rating reflects the town’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing infrastruc-ture to benefit both residents and visitors.
The Town appreciates the community’s cooperation during this time. For more information or immediate assistance during the project, residents may contact Gordon Young at (954) 591-3971.
LADY LAKE – Over the weekend, the Lady Lake Police Department was dispatched to The Village of Silver Lake for a series of car burglaries. A total of 12 incidents were reported, with 10 investigated by LLPD and two investigated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, due to jurisdiction.
The burglaries, which happened overnight on Aug. 10-11, occurred on Silver Oak Avenue, Tarson Boulevard, Ann Avenue, Mark Drive, and Jennifer Drive.
All vehicles involved had been left unlocked and were rummaged through, with primarily loose change stolen. One vehicle was stolen; however, LLPD has since recovered it.
Residents are reminded that vehicles with unlocked doors are easy targets for criminals. To prevent future incidents, the Lady Lake Police Department urges residents to take the following precautions:
- Lock Your Vehicles: Always lock your car doors when the vehicle is unoccupied.
- Remove Valuables: Do not leave keys or valuables in your vehicles.
- Be Aware: Turn on exterior lights and set your security alarms.
- Residents are encouraged to adopt the “9 p.m. Routine,” a nightly practice of securing their homes and vehicles. By doing this, residents can significantly reduce the risk of becoming victims of crimes of opportunity.
The Lady Lake Police Department relies on the vigilance and cooperation of the community to keep the area safe. If you observe any suspicious activity, please contact the Lady Lake Police Department immediately. Your awareness and prompt reporting can make a difference in protecting your neighborhood.
