The latest news and updates
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Annual Back to School Expos and Events
by Maria Machado and Susana McIntosh
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August 7, 2021: Seminole County Towne Center Expo
The 11th Annual Back to School Expo is taking place on Saturday August 7, 2021 from 11:00 am - to 4:00 pm at the Seminole Towne Center Mall located at 200 Towne Center Circle Sanford, FL 32771.
It's a free family event in which parents, teachers and others can connect face-to-face with education, health and family focused organizations and companies. The event is taking place during Florida's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday therefore providing an opportunity to save money while stocking up on school supplies.
The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County will also be providing childhood immunizations on site, as well as dental, nutrition and family health information.
You can visit their Facebook page by clicking here and you can RSVP to the event by clicking here.
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August 7, 2021: Came and Get It: Back-to School Backpack Giveaway
On August 7, 2021, CrossLife church in Oviedo, FL is holding a back-to-school backpack giveaway.
The giveaway includes a backpack with all of the essential basics inside in order to ensure a stress free back to school season.
The giveaway is located in the Christian Life Center Gym building, located at 45 West Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL 32765.
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August 7, 2021: Backpack Giveaway @ Delaney Street Baptist Church
Delaney Street Baptist Church is putting on a backpack giveaway on Saturday, August 7, 2021. It begins at 10am in the church gym which is located at 1919 Delaney Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806.
The church will be giving away all kinds of school supplies such as backpacks, writing tools, notebooks, cleaning supplies, and more.
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April 30 through September 1: Back to School Immunizations and School Physicals
The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County is currently providing immunization and physicals for students going back to school!
Due to the current health situation, the FDH is not taking any walk-ins. Appointments are required for immunizations and physicals. Children must be accompanied by one adult, with a current ID. Appointments can be made between Monday and Friday from 8 am to 3:30 pm by calling (407) 665-3700.
The main office for the FDH is found at 400 West Airport Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32773.
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Back-to-School Tax Free Holiday from July 31 to August 9, 2021
by Susana McIntosh
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From July 31 to August 9, 2021, any purchase made on qualifying back-to-school items will be exempt from sales tax.
Florida law directs that during those dates, no sales tax nor local option tax will be collect on:
- clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item
- purchases of certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item
- the first $1,000 on personal computers, and certain computer-related accessories when purchased for personal use
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Bridging the Technology Gap
by Susana McIntosh
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Seminole County has opened a public computer lab in order to help residents apply for financial assistance, specifically for rent, utilities, and mortgage assistance. This is done in an effort to bridge the "digital divide" that exists across America, and in Seminole County itself.
According to the Pew Research Center, based on a survey collected in early 2021, only 59% of adults with an income under $30,000 have a computer (laptop or desktop) in their household, 76% have a smartphone, and 57% have at-home broadband internet. This is significantly lower compared to American adults in the next income bracket who earn between $30,000 and $99,999, 84% of which have computers at home.
The computer center is located at 520 West Lake Mary Boulevard, Sanford,Fl 32773. At the center, there are five stations with a computer and scanner. The center is open from 8:30 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. On site staff are available to help residents submit documents to try and receive financial relief. Staff are also available to assist residents who speak a language other than English, such as Spanish or American Sign Language.
Residents are encouraged to make an appointment at (407) 665-0000, however walk-ins are also welcome as long as there are available stations.
The intention of the center is to help residents who:
- Don't have computers or scanners at home
- Are not computer savvy
- Need help navigating and uploading information to apply for pandemic relief
The opening of the computer center occurred along side the launch of Seminole County's mortgage assistance program, a project designed to provide relief to 300 households in the area.
Eligible residents who meet the requirements can apply for assistance to pay for past mortgages dating all the way back to April 2020. The program will also pay for an additional month of mortgage payments. Seminole County is putting $1.6 million into the program, drawing from the federal Community Development Block Grant.
The online portal, which is available at SeminoleEMAP.com, will have closed once 500 applications are submitted.
Seminole County has about $4 million left in rental assistance for renters facing eviction, having already distributed $8 million to 1,255 households. Similar to the mortgage assistance program, applicants can receive up to a year's worth of rent and assistance to cover up to three months of rent in the future.
Much of this was done in an effort to combat the eviction crisis which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the upcoming end of the CDC moratorium on evictions.
Qualifications to apply for the aforementioned eviction programs include documentation of:
- financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- residency in Seminole County
- an income of below 80% of the county's median income
- $48,850 for two (2) person household
- $61,050 for four (4) person household
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In an effort to provide equal access to education, T-Mobile has launched Project 10Million. In granting free internet, T-Mobile hopes to connect every student and provide them with the necessary tools to succeed academically.
Know a student that could benefit from free internet? Sign up today by clicking here, or visit a T-Mobile retail store to receive online enrolling assistance.
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Do Not Call List
by Susana McIntosh
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Have you been receiving unsolicited phone calls from random numbers in the past few months?
Florida residents who wish to report these unsolicited communications, or sign up for the Do Not Call registry can now do so.
All you need to do is visit FloirdaConsumerHelp.com or Call 1-800-435-7352 for English speakers or 1-800-352-9832 for Spanish speakers.
It is completely free to subscribe to Florida's Do Not Call list, and the registered number stays on the list indefinitely.
Additionally, on April 28, 2021, both legislative houses in Florida voted to amend Florida's Telemarketing Act with CS/SB 1120, and was passed by Governor Ron Desantis.
Now, companies are prohibited from using an automated system for the selection and dialing of phone numbers in order to make calls, texts or to leave voicemails. The amendment also narrows the time allotted for telemarketing calls between 8 am and 8 pm, and restricts the number of times a single number can be dialed on the same matter to three times in twenty four hours.
The exceptions include (1) consumer initiated call backs; (2) unlisted calls, or calls "scrubbed" against the aforementioned Do Not Call list; (3) calls relating to previous goods or purchases made; or (4) calls made with "prior express written consent".
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Emeritus Lawyer John Howard King
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We have a new lawyer this month!
His name is John Howard King and he was appointed by the Florida Supreme Court as an Emeritus Lawyer. He serves solely at our legal aid society office without compensation.
Having been associated with our office or the past three weeks, John reports that he is delighted to be assisting our staff attorneys with Eviction cases. As a former sole practitioner, John says he has truly been enjoying our strong paralegal support.
John’s career includes years as an Orange County prosecutor, public defender and County Judge. He has been active in Seminole County in recent years as a court-appointed parental-rights attorney, as a guardian advocate and as a guardian-ad-litem.
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Local Orlando Students Providing Free Tutoring
by Susana McIntosh
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Orlando Student Tutoring is a free tutoring program run by high school student volunteers. Their mission is to connect students and help provide free academic assistance.
Currently students and tutors are meeting online in order to provide academic assistance in a safe way in light of the on-going pandemic. The tutors cover:
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- Math
- Science
- Language
- History
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- English
- Standardized Testing (ACT, SAT, PSAT)
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On the website, you can learn more about the tutors, their qualifications, involvement, and areas of expertise. Sign ups for Orlando Student Tutoring are open again in August, 2021.
To sign up for tutoring, or to learn more, please click here.
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COVID-19 Vaccines 4 Teens
by Susana McIntosh
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In the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to know the locations in our area where one can get a vaccination, and to understand legislation regarding vaccination cards, masks, and the distribution of vaccines.
Current COVID-19 vaccination rules for the state of Florida determine that individuals above the age of eighteen (18) are able to be vaccinated.
Additionally, children ages twelve (12) to seventeen (17) are now eligible for vaccination. To get vaccinated against COVID-19, tweens and teens must:
- be getting the Pfizer vaccine
- be registered by a parent or legal guardian
- have signed consent from a parent or legal guardian
- be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when receiving the vaccine
Locations which offer the Pfizer vaccine in the state include Walgreens, Walmart, Publix, Sam's Club, Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Mas, and CVS Health.
If you are interested in preregistering for vaccination, click here. Do not forget to bring an ID.
The COVID-19 pandemic is still of major concern, with cases on the rise. Studies have shown that with the two recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, individuals have a "robust protection against Delta and every other variant described so far", according to virologist Angela Rasmussen.
It is important to do all you can to protect yourself, and those around you, against the virus. On July 1, 2021, Senate Bill 2006 went into effect. The bill grants Governor Desantis the ability to rescind local government orders during a health crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the bill prohibits local governments, businesses, and schools statewide from requiring a "vaccine passport" or vaccine card to enter a business. Registering and getting the vaccine can protect you from the virus as our local hospitals fill with new COVID-19 patients.
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Sealing and Expungement: 2021 Virtual Workshop on August 18
by Susana McIntosh
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Do you have, or know of anyone who has, an arrest on your record that did not result in a conviction?
You may be eligible to have your criminal record sealed or expunged. Goodwill Industries of Central Florida is partnering with the Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society to provide information and education about the sealing or expungement process.
We are hosting a webinar which will explain how to complete the process involved in sealing or expunging a criminal record on your own, without an attorney.
The virtual workshop will be hosted through Zoom on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
If you are interested, please click here to register. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Maria Machado by calling (407) 834-1660, ext. 108.
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New Florida Laws Crash Course
by Susana McIntosh
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On July 1, 2021, a handful of new laws for the State of Florida came into effect.
These new laws reflect the tensions of the past year, and exhibit a desire to move forward from the health crisis the entire nation has faced. Some laws also address the political protests, and concerns which have been accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Others are products of years of research, lobbying, and legislation.
Some of the most public, and widely discussed bills are summarized here:
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HB 5 - Changing Civics Education: Changed the requirements for Florida's public schools civics education. U.S. Government classes must include a discussion on political ideologies which conflict with U.S.'s founding principles.
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HB 529 - Moment of Silence: Requires public schools to set aside one to two minutes of silent reflection in the morning. Teachers are prohibited from suggesting a particular manner to use in practicing these moments of silence, and they must encourage parents to discuss the practice with children at home.
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HB 241 - Parent Bill of Rights: Creates a clear list of rights which parents have when it comes to interacting with schools and medical providers. Makes it easier for parents to exempt children from vaccinations and courses like sex education.
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SB 1028 - Transsexual Athletes: Bans transgender females from playing on women's high school and university sports teams. The sex for which a student may participate will be based on the sex listed on their birth certificate.
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SB 2006 - Emergency Management: Grants the governor's office the ability to countermand local orders during a health care crisis, such as COVID-19. Additionally, governments, schools, and businesses are prohibited from requiring proof of vaccination.
For a full list of all 162 new laws which came into effect on July 1, 2021, please click here.
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The Effect of the Pandemic On the Practice of Law and Moving On
by Susana McIntosh
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The American Bar Association published a survey entitled "Practicing Law in the Pandemic and Moving Forward", on the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the practice of law, and possible effects that may be observed in the future.
The purpose of the survey was to create a cohesive data set which outlines the issues which arose or were highlighted by the pandemic. In this publication, the authors attempted to understand and characterize the data trends which resulted from the survey, and draw a conclusion on the best practices and new methods which may and should emerge in the future as a result.
The survey was taken between September 30, and October 1, 2020, roughly seven months after the beginning of the pandemic. Over 4,200 ABA members responded to the survey, answering question about their demographic, and experiences during the pandemic. With such a large sample size, the p-value of the survey is statistically significant, suggesting that the data revealed in the survey was correct, and would be consistent if tested upon further.
The design survey is structured around the transformation of the practice of law throughout the pandemic, and the anticipated changes which the field might observe post-pandemic. The major demographics of the data are:
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The study found that of the survey group, around 7% found that their employment status was affected by COVID-19. While these numbers did not differ significantly based on gender, minorities and junior lawyers reported higher percentages of job loss or status change.
The most prominent effect of the pandemic on lawyers, the survey found, was the merging of work and home life. Due to the significant time attorneys spent working at home, whether that be full-time or part-time, it was more difficult to have defined work hours.
As a result of this merging, and the ongoing pandemic, lawyers were overwhelmed by everything. Those working with children, especially children under the age of 5, found themselves with even higher levels of stress than those without, ultimately resulting in less efficiency in the workplace. Concerns about workplace resources, recognition in the workplace, and job security increased, with up to 55% more worry on average about salary reduction. Specific demographics showed significant differences in concern, such as:
- Women worried more
- Women with children felt overlooked for client and business management opportunities
- Lawyers of color worried more about advancement
Attorneys reported that it was substantially harder to obtain new business, and provide client services during the pandemic than the year before. Interestingly, while there wasn't much difference between demographics over the increased difficulty in providing client services, and getting new clients, women, and lawyers of color reported no increased level of difficulty in setting up client meetings, while white men did report more difficulty. This suggests that before the pandemic, it was more difficult for women and lawyers of color to set up client meetings.
The survey covers patterns observed in diversity and equality initiatives. The study found that while the increased social tension resulted in more discussion about inequality in the workplace, women and lawyers of color still felt increased stress at work due to their gender and racial identities. The findings of the study exemplifies the issues that lawyers of color and women face in the legal field, and the unequal access to opportunities which continue to plague practices across the United States.
The authors of the survey concluded that many attorneys are feeling more sympathetic to a flexible schedule. Many were of the opinion that they would not be opposed to spending more time working remotely, however, this remote work needed to be supported with increased communication with employers, clear written expectations for employees, and technological resources which match office technology (such as IT support, online files, and internet access). There should be increased awareness of mental health and wellness, and increased flexibility for working parents. The stigma against flexible schedules and part-time work, in which it is reserved mainly for the "mommy track", needs to be addressed and adjusted.
Overall, the survey found that the pandemic workplace meant that lawyers no longer see coming in to the office to work as a requirement. Additionally, the pandemic emphasized the need for awareness, action and dedication to diversity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace. Best practices in the post-pandemic world should see more flexibility, a hybrid workspace, increased communication, and awareness of mental health and wellness issues.
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"Back to the Future" Annual Fundraiser
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This year, on December 16, 2021 we will be hosting our annual Silent Auction fundraising event, but we need your help!
We would like to ask your business to please consider donating an item(s) and/or sponsor our event. All of the funds raised from this event will be used to help local families in the community gain access to the justice system.
We are so fortunate to have individuals in the community like you who support and believe in our mission. You are participating not only in our program but in the future of our community. Your contributions enable us to serve many more members of our community.
If you have any questions regarding donations or would like to donate, please contact Maria Machado, Pro Bono Coordinator, at mmachado@scbalas.com or call 407-834-1660, ext. 108.
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Resources for Victims of Crime
by Maria Machado
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The Bureau of Victim Compensation's brochure provides useful information for those within our communities that have fallen victim to such crimes. The resources provided are:
- Toll-Free Victim Services Information and Referral Line 1-800-226-6667
- Benefits Available
- How to Apply
- Qualification Guidelines for Applying
- Information Need to Apply
- Next Steps after a Claim is Submitted
To view the full brochure and get complete information please click here.
Also, to view a list of other resources available to victims of crime please click her.
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New Administrative Orders
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In Re: Judges - Appointment of County Court Judges to Handle Circuit Cases in Certain Situations
In Re: Judges - Appointment of Circuit Judges to Handle County Court Cases in Certain Situations
In Re: Judges - Administrative Judges
In Re: Judges - Division and Case Assignments
In Re: Civil - Case Management
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Upcoming Events
- July 31, 2021 - CDC Moratorium on Evictions Ends
- July 31 - August 9, 2021 - Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday
- August 7, 2021 - Purple Heart Day
- August 18, 2021- Sealing and Expungement Virtual Workshop
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 1-800-435-7352, WITHIN THE STATE OR ONLINE AT WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. OUR REGISTRATION NUMBER IS 1944.
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