While were only six weeks into the turtle nesting time (May 1 to October 31) here in Southwest Florida, the 2008 season is off to a good start. As of last weekend, there were 194 known nests on the beaches in Lee and Collier counties. That’s up from 131 at the same time last year.

In 2007, scientists only found a total of 28,500 nests on 19 surveyed beaches in Florida, down from almost 50,000 in 2006. With overall sea turtle populations down its good to see we may not have a repeat of last year. And, while many factors can influence any one particular season, this year’s start is encouraging for both scientists and nesting volunteers alike.

Tags: living, SW Florida

Under a new law signed by Governor Crist, landlords can now charge liquidated damages or an early termination fee if you break your lease. However, the new law also provides limits and rules that must be followed before a tenant may be charged. For instance, the early termination fee cannot exceed two months’ rent, and the landlord cannot require the tenant to give more than 60 days notice.

The law became effective Monday and only applies to new or renewal leases. The primary requirement is prior tenant agreement to pay the fees being part of the contract and, to collect an early termination fee; a landlord must present the tenant with a separate addendum that offers two choices. The tenant either agrees to pay the fee should he choose to move before the end of the lease period, or acknowledges that the landlord could still seek damages as provided by law.

Tags: Florida, living

With aproximately 87 wildfires encompasing over 45,000 acres currently burning in Florida, now might be a good time to consider some simple things you can do to help protect your property.

Fire researchers from the Division of Forestry say that even 30 feet of defensible space around a home can greatly decrease the probability of structure damage or loss due to a wildfire. Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson urges state residents to take action and points to three problem areas that can be corrected very inexpensively:

• Roof and Gutters: remove all dead leaves, pine needles, small twigs and palm fronds - anything that can ignite easily by falling embers.

Tags: living

Florida residents and visitors should be aware its alligator mating season once again and you cannot be too careful with these fierce but wonderful creatures. Each year as spring turns into summer and the weather begins to truly warm, an alligators metabolism increases and they become quite frisky in seeking out mates.

Once on the edge of instinction, the alligator population has fully recovered and encounters with humans are inevitable. You can find them on your front lawn, in your swimming pool and even in your house, if you’re not careful. Awareness and understanding are the keys for learning how best to live near the areas they inhabit.

So, here are some important Gator tips to remember:

Tags: living, SW Florida