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"Florida Increases Age Requirement For Car Seats"

6/26/2014

Posted: Jun 25, 2014 11:47 AM , June 25, 2014 11:47 AM

By Associated Press

"HP officers often host car seat safety events for parents. FHP photo TALLAHASSEE, FL (WFLA) - Parents will have to use a car seat for children up to 5 years old under a new law approved by Gov. Rick Scott.

Scott on Tuesday signed a bill (HB 225) that increases Florida's car seat requirement from 4 years old to 5 years old. Starting in January, parents will no longer be allowed to use seat belts for children under 5.

The new law allows parents to use booster seats to meet the requirements.

Past efforts to raise the age requirement for car seats have gone nowhere in the Legislature. Former Gov. Jeb Bush in 2001 vetoed a bill to increase the age.

There are exceptions to the new law, including if a child is being transported by someone who is not a member of the immediate family."

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Crime Rate Drops Across Lake County

4/30/2014

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"Crime was down in significant categories across Lake County in 2013, according to data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The data shows a decrease from eight murders in 2012 to three in 2013; robberies dipped from 130 in 2012 to 115; and aggravated assaults dropped from 784 to 734. In addition, burglaries slid from 2,003 to 1,850 in 2013, larceny declined from 4,934 to 4,631 and motor vehicle theft went down from 375 to 333.

Forcible rapes, however, increased from 75 in 2012 to 89 in 2013.

The crime rate per 100,000 people decreased across the county by 7.8 percent from 2012, according to the data.

“I just think that it says that Lake County is still very much a safe place to live and work and visit, and we’re proud of those numbers,” said Lt. John Herrell of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s definitely a collaborative effort between all the law enforcement agencies in the county, as well as the involvement of the citizens.”

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office specifically saw a 9.2 percent decrease in its crime rate per 100,000, and all municipalities except Clermont, Howey-in-the-Hills, Minneola and Astatula, noted decreases in that category, according to the data. However, Howey-in-the-Hills only saw six incidents of the crimes listed in this data, Astatula only had 30, Minneola posted 229 and Clermont reported 964.

The Groveland Police Department did not report.

The data shows the Lady Lake Police Department having the biggest drop in its crime rate per 100,000 with a 33 percent decrease.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported one of the murders, with Mount Dora and Tavares seeing one each.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office handled the most forcible rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, larcenies and motor vehicle thefts, the data shows. The Leesburg Police Department handled the second most in those categories, except for motor vehicle thefts which Clermont had more of than Leesburg. "
Todd McNiff
Daily Commercial

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Belton attended the "Women in the Art 2014"!

3/28/2014

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President of the Florida Bail Agency Association & Belton Bail Bonds Man, Freddie Belton & wife Tracy certified Financial Planner Belton Financial Group, Raymond James, attended the Women in the Arts 2014 at the Raymond James Financial Center in St. Petersburg, FL on March 19th, 2014.

The presenting artist this year was Jane Chapin.
"A nationally recognized artist, Jane's work has been exhibited in Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, Salon International, International Guild of Realism, American Women Artists and the Richard Schmid Fine Art Auction. Her plein air work has been accepted into juried shows in Easton, Callaway Gardens, Florida’s Forgotten Coast and San Diego Museum's En Plein Air. She has also served as an entry and awards juror for regional shows and as an instructor in both classroom and private venues. She is noted for street scenes and figurative landscapes. Her work hangs in corporate, university and private collections".

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Beltons support the Lake Eustis Museum of Arts

3/21/2014

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Freddie Belton, President of the Florida Bail Agency Association/ Belton Bail Bonds Man, and wife Tracy Belton, Belton Financial Group, Raymond James, were the presenting sponsors in the Wine -A- Fare, Wine-A-Fare Wine-A-Fare Wine-A-Fare Lake Eustis Museum of Arts (LEMA) fundraiser event, last March 13th, 2014.

“The 2014 Wine-A-Fare will benefit the Lake Eustis Museum of Art, and it’s a really good time for a really good purpose,” said Richard Colvin, LEMA director. “It is our premier signature event, and it has been going on for the best part of a decade. It is a vital source of funding for our art museum, and it contributes to programming, art classes and exhibitions all year long. It is our biggest deal of the year.”

Colvin said LEMA hopes to raise $60,000 from the fundraiser. “The 2014 Wine- A- Fare will benefit the Lake Eustis " The Wine- A- Fare will benefit the Lake Eustis Museum of Art, and it's a really good time for a really good purpose, " said Richard Colvin, LEMA Director. "It is our premier signature event, and it has been going on for the best part of a decade. It is a vital source of funding for our art museum, and it contributes to programming, art classes, and exhibitions all year long. It is our biggest deal of the year".

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Lake County Sheriff Office Warning!

2/26/2014

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The Lake County Sheriff Office reported 65 incidents of car vandalism this past month during the early morning hours where windows appear to have been shot out with a BB or pellet gun throughout Lake County, Florida including Fruitland Park, Umatilla, Eustis, and Leesburg.

Do not leave any valuables in your cars!

If you have any information regarding these incidents of vandalism contact the Lake County Sherriff Office immediately at 352-343-2101 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS.

The Belton Bail Bonds’ family is always open to help the Lake County Community (24-7 everyday of the year). To bail a loved one out of jail call Belton Bail Bonds at (352) 343-7775 Belton Bail Bonds is located @ 525 W. Main St. next to the Lake County Jail in Tavares, FL www.beltonbailbonds.com

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Happy Holidays from Belton Bail Bonds!

12/20/2013

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Wishing you peace, joy, and prosperity in the New Year!
Thank you for your continue support this past 40 years. We look forward to working & serving you in the years to come...

Have a safe Holiday Season!

Belton Bail Bonds in Tavares will be open during the holiday season and every day of the year 24-7. To bail a loved one out of jail call us (352) 343-7775, or visit us at http://www.beltonbailbonds.com. We are located next to the Lake County Jail.

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Thanksgiving Security Tips by Belton Bail Bonds!

11/25/2013

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Belton Bail Bonds in Tavares would like to recommend a few tips to keep your Lake County home safe during your Thanksgiving vacation.

1-    It is best not to post vacation plans or status on social media. You don't know who may be reading it.

2-    Make sure that all your doors and windows are locked.

3-    Install exterior lighting throughout your Lake County property, and interior lighting using timers to make it look like there is somebody home.

4-    Set your alarm system.

5-    Inform a neighbor or ask a trusted friend to keep an eye on your Lake County home. Have them collect newspaper, mail, and others. If possible, have someone that you can trust live temporarily in your house.

6-    Leave your grass trimmed before you go away.

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Belton Bail Bonds will be open on Thanksgiving Date and every day 24-7. Our office is next to the Lake County Jail 525 W. Main Street

To bail a loved one out of the Lake County jail call us (352) 343-7775, or www.beltonbailbonds.com

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Happy Veterans Day to Residents of Lake County!

11/11/2013

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Belton Bail Bonds would like to pay tribute to all of the American Veterans who have served our country; especially those who are residents of Lake County, Florida.

Here is a list of Veteran Day Events that are happening in Lake County to celebrate this holiday.

"Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul"
Michel de Montaigne

Thank you to all Lake County Veterans for all your sacrifice and service to the country.

Do not drink and drive and have a safe holiday.
Happy Veterans Day!

Belton Bail Bonds is located next to the Lake County Jail in Tavares, Florida. Our bail bonds agents are available 24-7. Call us anytime at 352-343-7775 or visit us at www.beltonbailbonds.com

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Belton Bail Bonds received a UCF Game Ball Award!

10/31/2013

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Freddie Belton, owner of Belton Bail Bonds, and his wife Tracy were awarded a UCF Game Ball, Saturday October 26, 2013 during the UCF Home Football Game vs. UCONN.

This UCF Game Ball was given to them as appreciation of their long standing
commitment to education and support of the University of Central
Florida.

Freddie Belton has been serving the Lake County, Florida community as a bail agent for over 40 years, Lake County Teacher for over 30 years, and Tavares High School Basketball Coach for 13 years. He has presided
as the president of the Florida Bail Agents Association for the past 4 years.

The Belton Bail Bonds’ family is always open to help the Lake County Community (24-7 everyday of the year). To bail a loved one out of jail call Belton Bail Bonds at (352) 343-7775 Belton Bail Bonds is located @ 525 W. Main St. next to the Lake County Jail in Tavares, FL www.beltonbailbonds.com

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Halloween Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips!

10/23/2013

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October is a fun time of the year, especially Halloween with its costumes, parties, & Trick-or-Treating. However, October is also Crime Prevention Month. Halloween is a perfect chance for criminals to take advantage of a situation.

Belton Bail Bonds tips to keep our Lake County families safe:
1- Make a map of the area where you are going to Trick-or-Treat. Pick a safe neighborhood. Watch out for sex offenders homes. Check out the following link by the Lake County Sherriff's Office to find out if there are offenders where you are planning to visit: http://www.icrimewatch.net/index.php?AgencyID=54298
2- Make a plan to go in groups. Kids should always go with a trusted adult. Also, have a plan in case a child gets separated from the group. Remind the kids to never enter a stranger's house or vehicle.
3- Instruct your kids to eat the candy when they get home or after inspected by you. Be wary of anything that it is not wrapped by the candy factory or that it is not longer sealed.
4- Train your kids to be cautious and to report any incident to you. Teach them to scream or make a scene if anyone tries to grab them or attempts to force them to .
5- Design or buy safe Halloween Costumes for kids. They should wear comfortable shoes, and should be able to see even with masks.
6- If you are handing out candy keep your house well lit and make sure to remove any items that are on people's way.
7- Report any suspicious activity to the Lake County Sherriff's Office.
A good alternative to trick-or-treating in neighborhoods is "truck or treat" at churches and communities.
Belton Bail Bonds wishes you a Happy Halloween.
Have fun and be safe!
Belton Bail Bonds is always open (24-7 everyday). To bail a loved one out of jail call us (352) 343-7775, http://www.beltonbailbonds.com

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