Catch some rays, save money

Catch some rays, save money Dominick Porretto Jr., a certified electrical contractor and owner of A National Electric Service Inc., recently installed 10 solar-powered panels on the roof of his building to help provide energy for his home/office in Pompano Beach. The SunPower-brand photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, will power part of his apartment's energy needs year round, even on cloudy days. The system would normally retail for about $8,600, Porretto said, after a rebate from the state. Despite the high initial cost of installing a photovoltaic power system, Porretto and other proponents of solar power think demand for these products will expand in South Florida and other parts of the state as people become aware of rebates now available from the state, the potential savings as power bills continue to rise and the "green" benefits of solar power.

Crime a growing pain in Santa Rosa County

Crime a growing pain in Santa Rosa County The growth in Santa Rosa County that is elevating property values and bringing added retail shopping opportunities also is fueling increased crime."The crime rate today is up. It's up 17 percent over last year at this time," Santa Rosa County Sheriff Wendell Hall told the Central Santa Rosa Republican Club recently. "If we can come in with less than a 10 percent increase by the end of the year, I won't be happy, but I won't be quite as sad."Many categories of lawlessness have increased by double or even triple digits this year over last year. The number of calls for law enforcement service is up. Arrests have increased to the point where Hall believes the county jail may need to be expanded.The cause?"We're experiencing growth, and unfortunately, a certain percentage of those individuals who move in here won't play by the rules," Hall said.

DeSoto News Briefs RSVP for WWII veterans ceremony

DeSoto News Briefs RSVP for WWII veterans ceremony A ceremony to honor local World War II veterans will be hosted by DeSoto County Commissioners at the Arcadia Elks Lodge, 1028 W. Oak St., at 6 p.m. on Nov. 6. Any World War II veteran who now lives in DeSoto County or who has lived here previously is invited to call DeSoto County Public Information Coordinator Matt Holloman at 863-993-4800 to secure his or her place on the guest list. The tribute ceremony will include dinner, presentation of certificates, a live musical performance and an audiovisual show featuring photographs from the personal collections of local WWII veterans. A final guest list must be in place by Oct. 18, so veterans are urged to call Matt Holloman as soon as possible. Each veteran is welcome to bring one family member or friend for free. Additional loved ones wishing to attend will be asked to pay $15 for their meals.