Families

Is a Teen Paint Party Too Risque?

Saturday, June 4th, 2011, 12:22am

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Paint parties have been popular with college kids for years, but now local promoters are marketing them to teens.

A company called "TeenGlow" will host the first even teenage paint party on June 12th, and some First Coast parents don't like the idea.

"Who is really going to know what's going on behind those closed doors," asked Todd Moline, a concerned father.

He did some research about the paint parties after his 16-year-old daughter posted online about the one coming up here in Jacksonville.

"It's just too young, too young to be in that type of atmosphere. It's almost like a rave type atmosphere, bringing them in to the bar scene," said Moline.

Looking through the pictures posted on the TeenGlow website, Moline says he was appalled they're marketing this type of party to teens.

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Duval County School Board Cuts Magnet Transportation, Sends Email to Parents

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011, 10:54am

Duval County School Board Cuts Magnet Transportation, Sends Email to Parents

The School Board has been forced to consider reducing /eliminating secondary Magnet transportation over the next 4 years. We want you to know that these decisions were not made lightly, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have on your family.

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Jaguars Foundation's Straight Talk Show Airing

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011, 10:39am

Jaguars Foundation's Straight Talk Show Airing

Straight Talk, a unique partnership of the Jaguars Foundation with local media, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy to help prevent teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections among teens is airing its 2011 show from June 2 through June 9, 2011. This year’s show is co-hosted by Samantha “Sam,” cheerleader from The ROAR of the Jaguars, Jaguars cornerback Derek Cox and Jaguars running back Rashad Jennings.

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Hands-Only CPR Takes 60 Seconds to Learn and Could SAVE the Life of Someone You LOVE

Submitted by Katie Seay, Communications Director, American Heart Association

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011, 9:20am

Hands-Only CPR Takes 60 Seconds to Learn and Could SAVE the Life of Someone You LOVE

Did you know, CPR Week runs from June 1 to June 7? In celebration of National CPR Week we want you to know that anyone can learn CPR – and everyone should! Sadly, 70 percent of Americans may feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency because they either do not know how to administer CPR or their training has significantly lapsed. This alarming statistic could hit close to home, because home is exactly where 80 percent of cardiac arrests occur. Put very simply: The life you save with CPR is mostly likely to be someone you love.

This June, in honor of National CPR Week, the American Heart Association is calling on all Americans to learn how to give Hands-Only CPR by watching a simple one-minute video at heart.org/cpr.

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Property Tax Break for Florida's Deployed Military

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Thursday, May 26th, 2011, 1:24pm

Property Tax Break for Florida's Deployed Military

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A property tax credit is being afforded Florida's military personnel who own homes and served overseas last year. The only stipulation is the deployment must be connected to either Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom or New Dawn.

The Duval County Property Appraiser's Office has been been getting phone calls and taking information since the forms needed are not yet available.

The benefit of the tax break can be sizable since it is based on time out of country in 2010.

"If the service person was away for the entire year they can be exempt totally and not pay any property taxes," said Dana Clark who heads up exemptions at Duval Property Appraiser's Office.

The deadline to apply is June 1, but late applications are being accepted.

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Florida Residents Encouraged To Include Pets In Family Disaster Plans

Submitted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 26th, 12:53 pm

As a part of Florida Hurricane Preparedness Week, state emergency management officials are encouraging every pet owner in Florida to include their animals in their family disaster preparedness plan before the start of the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season. By planning for the needs of your pets, it will greatly increase the chances of their survival during disasters.

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Support Children's Health in Duval County, Keep PE in Our Schools

Submitted by Katie Seay, Communications Director, American Heart Association

Thursday, May 19th, 2011, 12:56pm

Support Children's Health in Duval County, Keep PE in Our Schools

On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, the Duval County Public School Board began making recommendations to Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals for the 2011-2012 budget. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association understands the school board is working with the best intentions and is in an unfortunate financial situation.

However, the American Heart Association is concerned increasing the class size in art, music, and PE would greatly reduce the quality of instruction. In addition, it is possible afterschool sports and activities might be reduced or even eliminated and without afterschool transportation many students with working parents would be unable to participate. Students in the lowest family income brackets would be disproportionately impacted and we know these families are often vulnerable to both high rates of obesity and high dropout rates.