The United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee is seeking volunteer tax preparers, interpreters, and greeters to help our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites during the 2021 tax season. With the support of trained, IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, VITA sites provide free tax preparation to individuals and families earning less than $66,000 per year throughout the five county area of Lee, Hendry, Glades, Okeechobee, and Charlotte Counties.
Volunteers of all ages and levels of experience are welcome, though it is preferred that volunteers be comfortable working with a computer. There is a special need for bilingual Spanish speakers. Flexible hours are available January through April. Volunteers will receive specialized IRS certified training including learning how to prepare basic tax returns, using online tax preparation software, and learning about tax deductions and earned income tax credits that benefit eligible taxpayers. In addition, experienced agents, certified financial planners, and non-credentialed tax return preparers can earn continuing education credits when volunteering as a VITA tax preparer.
“Dedicated and passionate volunteers are the key to the success of the United Way VITA program. VITA volunteers not only make a financial but also a social impact in the lives of people in our community,” said Patrice Cunningham, Volunteer Center Director. “We are excited to offer virtual training opportunities this year, allowing us to expand and offer additional support for new and returning volunteers”.
Last year, 195 volunteers helped file more than 5,700 federal tax returns, bringing over $8.2 million in federal tax refunds back to the local community through the United Way VITA program. In addition, United Way VITA clients saved the cost of tax preparation by a commercial service, which totaled over $1.7 million.
Join us for online orientations and training classes for new volunteers in November. Small, in person, social distanced classes will be available as well. For tax professionals or experienced volunteers, an online training and certification tool is also available. Simply register online at https://www.unitedwaylee.org/become-vita-volunteer/, or contact Mary Meador at MaryM@UnitedWayLee.org 239.433.7206 for additional information.
The United Way Volunteer Center connects individuals and companies to volunteer opportunities throughout our community. You can reach the United Way Volunteer Center by calling (239) 433-7567, or by visiting the United Way website at www.UnitedWayLee.org/Volunteer.
Wednesday, October 07, 2020
Monday, October 05, 2020
Fast Air Conditioning Company In Fort Myers Sued By Florida Attorney General Office
FORT MYERS, FL. -- Attorney General Ashley Moody today announced a court action against Foster Air Supplies & Technical Services d/b/a Fast AC SWFL, and its principal Matthew Foster.
According to an investigation by Attorney General Moody’s Consumer Protection Division, Fast AC deceived consumers, many of whom were seniors—some suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. The investigation uncovered that Fast AC representatives allegedly presented customers high-priced quotes for unnecessary services or unneeded replacement of air conditioning systems or parts.
According to the complaint filed in Lee County, Fast AC told numerous consumers that high-priced repairs were needed, but when the consumers obtained a second opinion from another heating, ventilation and air conditioning business, these consumers learned that the high-priced repairs were excessive and unneeded.
Fast AC is alleged to have victimized consumers, including an 86-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer’s that was sold an unneeded $2,407 ultraviolet germicidal light system even though the victim had an active maintenance program with another company. Then, despite the victim’s family notifying Fast AC to never return to the property, its technicians returned and unnecessarily replaced $2,550 worth of ductwork. The family again contacted Fast AC to request that they stop going to the victim’s home, only to learn that a few months later, Fast AC’s technicians went back and charged for an alleged faulty capacitor and freon.
Another alleged victim, an 88-year-old with dementia who was under the supervision of several caretakers, was contacted by Fast AC to service a working air conditioning unit. Despite the victim’s family canceling the appointment, Fast AC’s technicians arrived at the home while the caretaker was absent and convinced the victim that the air conditioning system needed to be replaced at a cost of more than $9,000 because a coil in the system was broken. No work permit was obtained and the existing system was dismantled by the time the caretaker returned. Another air conditioning company that regularly serviced the home later advised that the coil was under warranty and would cost only $600 to $800 to replace; confirming that a new unit was likely completely unnecessary and the price charged was outrageous.
The complaint names both the company and its owner, Matthew Michael Foster, and seeks full restitution for Florida consumers allegedly victimized by the deceptive and unfair trade practices. The court action also seeks to enjoin the defendants from engaging in these alleged unlawful business practices. Additionally, the Florida Attorney General’s Office is seeking civil penalties and court costs.
To view the complaint, click here.
According to the complaint filed in Lee County, Fast AC told numerous consumers that high-priced repairs were needed, but when the consumers obtained a second opinion from another heating, ventilation and air conditioning business, these consumers learned that the high-priced repairs were excessive and unneeded.
Fast AC is alleged to have victimized consumers, including an 86-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer’s that was sold an unneeded $2,407 ultraviolet germicidal light system even though the victim had an active maintenance program with another company. Then, despite the victim’s family notifying Fast AC to never return to the property, its technicians returned and unnecessarily replaced $2,550 worth of ductwork. The family again contacted Fast AC to request that they stop going to the victim’s home, only to learn that a few months later, Fast AC’s technicians went back and charged for an alleged faulty capacitor and freon.
Another alleged victim, an 88-year-old with dementia who was under the supervision of several caretakers, was contacted by Fast AC to service a working air conditioning unit. Despite the victim’s family canceling the appointment, Fast AC’s technicians arrived at the home while the caretaker was absent and convinced the victim that the air conditioning system needed to be replaced at a cost of more than $9,000 because a coil in the system was broken. No work permit was obtained and the existing system was dismantled by the time the caretaker returned. Another air conditioning company that regularly serviced the home later advised that the coil was under warranty and would cost only $600 to $800 to replace; confirming that a new unit was likely completely unnecessary and the price charged was outrageous.
The complaint names both the company and its owner, Matthew Michael Foster, and seeks full restitution for Florida consumers allegedly victimized by the deceptive and unfair trade practices. The court action also seeks to enjoin the defendants from engaging in these alleged unlawful business practices. Additionally, the Florida Attorney General’s Office is seeking civil penalties and court costs.
To view the complaint, click here.
Former Sheriff's Deputy William Teal Jr. Dies In LaBelle, Aged 75
William Robert "Billy" Teal Jr, age 75, of LaBelle, passed away October 1, 2020 in LaBelle.
Billy was born March 14, 1945, in Clewiston FL, and was preceded in death by his parents William "Red" Teal Sr, and Ethel Hendry-Simmons, his grandparents Hubert "Pop" Edwards and Rhoda Hendry-Edwards.
Billy is survived by his loving wife Marilyn Fox-Teal of LaBelle. Children, William and Lori Teal, Thomas Pastors, Scott Pastors, and Michael Teal, Granddaughter, Brandi Pastors. Brothers and Sisters, Shirley Daubner, Mary Vickers, Charles and Brenda White, Richard and Kathy Hendry, Gloria and Wayne Evans, Della and Mike Woodham, Brenda and James Clark, John and Lisa White, Denise Simmons and numerous nieces and nephews.
Billy was a devoted husband, father and brother. Billy enjoyed helping others and solving problems. Billy served and retired as a Lieutenant for the Hendry County Sheriff's Office; he also was a Deputy for Glades County Sheriff's Office, a Police Officer for Clewiston Police Department, and the Belle Glade Police Department.
Billy was loved by many for his personality and living by his own rules. Billy's influence will remain in the lives of all who knew him.
Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle, with Pastor Jim Lanier officiating, there will be a Masonic Service at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. also at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. Cremation arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.
Last Day To Register To Vote In Florida And Update Your Registration
Go here to register online and find directions for online or in person registration and checking your current voter information to correct addresses, etc:
Thursday, October 01, 2020
Arvin Eugene Kelting Dies, Aged 83
Arvin Eugene Kelting, age 83, of Talladega, passed away September 28, 2020 in Talladega. He was born Dec. 31, 1936 in Indio, CA, to the late Elwyn Wesley and the late Nellie Mae (Von Roeder) Kelting.
He was a heavy equipment operator for many years. He also loved to write songs. He had been in the Clewiston area for more than 50 years.
Survivors include daughters; Barbara Edmonds and husband David of Clewiston, Laura Kelting of Homestead, Sarah Curtis of Homestead, and son; Arvin Kelting, II and wife Gay of Talladega, AL, brother; Richard Joseph Kelting, sisters; Marilyn Bulifant and Margaret Hogan, nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his Daughter, Jeanine Kelting Burke and brothers; his twin Ervin Kelting, David Kelting, Elwyn, Jr, John Kelting, Edward Kelting, sisters; Maryann Kelting, Madelyn Kelting and Eleanor Jones.
Celebration of Arvin's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Akin-Davis Funeral Home where visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday evening, October 2, 2020. Interment will take place in Ridgelawn Cemetery - Clewiston. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.
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