Blog – Page 97 – Debbie Roney Smith, REALTOR®

Social Distancing~The new normal

Debbie Roney Smith on March 26, 2020March 25, 2020

Social Distancing is being said by thousands of people every day. But what does it really mean? Do you need to do it? It seems like so many aren’t even trying, then there is the group that is out daring each other to do stupid things like licking shopping carts, coughing and spitting on things in grocery stores, having and attending parties, etc. This is a chance no matter your political opinions to do the right thing. The longer people don’t social distance the longer we will all be home. Let’s encourage our kids, friends, others on social media, and even our families to stay home if possible and social distance if not. Hope this video makes you laugh at least once. Please be aware this video does contain bad and crude language so turn your volume down if kids are around. We all need to think of the positives as much as possible. Be say and please stay 6 to 10 feet away from everyone you encounter throughout your day.

National Corn Yeild Contest has a 1st place winner from Graceville

Debbie Roney Smith on March 25, 2020March 23, 2020

The National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 members, 50 affiliated state corn grower and checkoff organizations, and over 300,000 corn farmers who contribute to state checkoff programs.The National Corn Yield Contest began in 1965 with 20 entries from 3 states. At that time, the highest overall yield was 218.9 bushels per acre, while the national yield average was in the mid-60 bushel-per-acre range. The 2019 crop-year winners were recognized February 28th at the 2020 Commodity Classic, the premier convention and trade show of the U.S. corn, soybean, sorghum, wheat and equipment industries, held this year in San Antonio.

Christopher Dietrich of Graceville placed first in the state for his category in the recent National Corn Yield Contest based on 2019 yields. Farmers are encouraged through the contest to utilize new, efficient production techniques. The 2019 contest participation included 7,454 entries from 46 states.

Congrats Christopher Dietrich!

Coronavirus price-gouging hotline is active

Debbie Roney Smith on March 24, 2020March 23, 2020

A State of Emergency has been declared due to the Coronavirus. With store shelves emptied of soup, tp, and sanitizer, businesses are being warned against raising prices on in-demand items.

Price gouging law protects people impacted by an emergency from illegal price gouging on medical supplies, food, gas, and other essential supplies. Price gouging is illegal during a declared state of emergency. In general, stores that carry certain supplies—such as food, emergency supplies, and medical supplies—cannot charge more than 10% of the price of that item before the declaration of emergency.

The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and rental housing.

If you have been the victim of price gouging or know of a situation where a business may be charging excessively for goods in high demand, you should immediately file a complaint. They will ask you to provide as much detail as possible, so take out that smart phone and snap a photo. Price gouging can be reported by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM or by clicking on this link MyFloridaLegal.com

Those who are found guilty of the state’s price-gouging statute are subject to penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period.

Thank you and tips to brighten your mood

Debbie Roney Smith on March 23, 2020March 22, 2020

Are you or loved ones practicing self-isolation? Social distancing is important for helping limit the impact of COVID-19 (the coronavirus) but it can be an emotionally tiring time. If you or someone you know is in need of a pick-me-up, try these self-care ideas to brighten your mood and occupy your mind:

~Write a letter to a friend or family member. Catch them up on the good things your life as well as the bad. Best part? You don’t have to interact with anyone to take your letter to the mailbox or keep ahold of it until business returns to usual. You can also write a thank you letter to a local police station, hospital, trucking company, grocery store, a restaurant, etc. They could use all the kind words you can give!

~Email a local business owner and see what you can do to help. Maybe they are in need of you posting a positive review, buying a gift certificate, ordering food for pick up, or sharing the company website on your social media. Let’s do what we can to help locals.

~Do something you remember bringing you joy when you were younger; blow some bubbles, read a book, play a video game online, call and gossip with your friends/family.

~Take a walk! Going outside is okay as long as you stay 6ft away from others; go visit a state or local park, walk around the neighborhood, or simply try walking in place while looking out an open window. Close enough, right?

~Don’t forget basic self-care such as hydration, gentle stretching, food, and basic grooming. All these activities help lower stress and anxiety because they help instill a sense of normality.

Be safe, and thank you to all those on the front lines dealing with this everyday.

Coronavirus

Debbie Roney Smith on March 22, 2020

COVID-19 more commonly being referred to as the coronavirus has changed the norm for everyone. The nation and a lot of the rest of the world is on self-quarantine. The world is battling an outbreak which started in the city of Wuhan, China, and has been spreading around the globe. The World Health Organization declared a global pandemic on March 11.

What can you do? Stay home. Unless you are one of those providing for the US. The truck drivers, doctors, nurses, restaurant workers, grocery store employees, police officers, and all of those on the front line that are helping us all. Wash your hands. Surprisingly that isn’t something everyone does! 20 seconds with soap and warm water if it is available. Try to not touch your face. That is a hard one. On line it said that you will touch your face on average of 25 times every hour. Cough/blow your nose into a Kleenex then throw it away! Help to stop spreading the germs even if it is just allergies, or not the COVID-19. It will be a good chance to train you for a healthier habit. And PLEASE stop hoarding toilet paper(and other necessities)! Below is a photo of the shelves at Walmart in Marianna this last week. Not everyone has the money to buy in bulk or a way to get it to and from the store. They may only have $2 to buy one pack a month and now they have none. As for medicine. Do you know that thousands of people are in need of daily vitamins like Vitamin B, C, and D to stay healthy daily. When you go buy it all they have none. Those with already compromised immune systems and the elderly. So please when you purchase enough to last your family for a year, right now that isn’t over buying, that is hoarding! And one more piece of advice don’t believe everything you read and stay calm.

Tonight at 10:49 Spring starts

Debbie Roney Smith on March 19, 2020

Spring officially starts tonight at 10:49pm. It feels like we have had spring weather for the last few weeks in this area. On the first day of Spring the sunrise and sunset are about 12 hours apart, everywhere on the Earth and the hours of daylight and night are almost equal. Daylight is a little longer. This is the first time in 124 years the first day of spring has occurred on March 19 nationwide. We are celebrating the earliest nationwide March 19 equinox since 1896. Next year, the spring equinox will return to March 20 in much of the country (it moves 6 hours later each year). But spring will begin on March 19 every leap year for the rest of this century, and the time of the spring equinox in non-leap years will move earlier and earlier. By the end of the century, the spring equinox will fall on March 19 most years.

A few facts about Spring: 1.The fall and spring equinoxes are the only two times during the year when the sun rises due east and sets due west. 2.The first day of spring is called the vernal equinox. The term vernal is Latin for “spring” and equinox is Latin for “equal night.” 3. Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. 4. Every year, allergies constitute over 17 million outpatient office visits, mostly in the spring and fall. 5.If Pope Gregory XIII would not have established the Gregorian calendar, which most of the world now observes, in 1582, then every 128 years the vernal equinox would have come a full calendar day earlier, eventually putting Easter in midwinter.

March 17th~Update on boil water in Panama City Beach & today’s holidays

Debbie Roney Smith on March 17, 2020

~The broken water main was repaired in Panama City Beach. Since the repair was successful, the city will not be turning off the water on the beach Tuesday night. Panama City Beach remains under a boil water notice, pending satisfactory bacteriological testing results. The first sampling of water will be Tuesday.

~March 17th is FULL of observance days. A few you may never have heard of but you all have heard of St Patrick’s Day! Saint Patrick is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. He is credited with successfully spreading Christianity throughout Ireland. The symbol of St. Patrick is a three-leaf shamrock, not a four-leaf clover. However, long before the shamrock became associated with St. Patrick’s Day, the four-leaf clover was regarded by ancient Celts as a charm against evil spirits. Did you know blue was the color originally associated with St. Patrick, but green is now favored? The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the American colonies was held in New York City on this day in 1762. The meal that became a St. Patrick’s Day staple across the country—corned beef and cabbage—was an American innovation. While ham and cabbage were eaten in Ireland, corned beef offered a cheaper substitute for impoverished immigrants.

Enjoy your cabbage, corned beef, oranges and lemons today, while you brag about your absolutely incredible kid while you are wearing green and trusting you doctor-patient relationship!

Southern Fields Brewing~New buisness in Campbellton~opening soon

Debbie Roney Smith on March 15, 2020

Soon Campbellton’s newest business will be open to the public. Their main goal is to be a family friendly brewery in their hometown. So go, relax, and enjoy a variety of hand-crafted beers along with the nostalgic qualities of the 120 year old building. It is family land, the building has been in the family since the great depression. It was a bank built in 1899 and it folded in 1931. William Gilbert had his hardware store in the bank building and after he passed away in the 50’s the only thing the building was used for was actually to store peanut hay. The family has refurbished and appropriated this unique space into an establishment devoted to bringing people together. This business is bringing history to life reusing pictures and historical landmarks from the town to brand their products. Southern Fields Brewing also reused trees damaged from Hurricane Michael to create many of their chairs, tables, and bars throughout the building. The beer taps may be empty now at Southern Fields Brewing but soon they will be making history as the first craft brewery in Jackson County. Right on the border of Alabama and Florida you’ll come across Southern Fields Brewing in Campbellton.

Boil Water Notice for Panama City Beach~March 15 to March 17th

Debbie Roney Smith on March 14, 2020

A precautionary boil water notice will take effect starting Sunday around 8 p.m.In Panama City Beach. A leak has been discovered in a pipe that supplies the area with about 60% of its water, including unincorporated parts of the city. This means residents will have to go into a precautionary boil water notice. The water is safe for bathing. You boil it or use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing your teeth, making ice, and washing raw produce. Officials are advising residents to boil water for one minute and cool before use. Also, avoid contact with cuts or other wounds when bathing.

Around 20,000 customers will be affected by the boil water notice and they expect it to be lifted on Wednesday morning however be sure to check before you stop boiling and using bottled water.

Saturday~March 14th

Debbie Roney Smith on March 13, 2020March 11, 2020

Another busy weekend in the Panhandle. So many events happening all over. Below are just a few of them. Be sure to check under each photo for details on each event. Some need you to register beforehand. This Saturday is shaping up to be a warm and sunny day. And don’t forget the weekly events like the Farmer’s Market in Marianna which is every Saturday morning.