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A Journey from the Remote North Pole to Florida: Creating a Safe and Nurturing Childhood for My Kids
Life is an incredible journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes, circumstances compel us to make difficult decisions for the sake of our loved ones. This is the story of how I moved from the remote North Pole, Alaska, to the sunny shores of Florida, to keep my kids safe and give them a better childhood.
A Challenging Beginning
Living in the North Pole had its unique charm. The breathtaking landscapes, the close-knit community, and the sense of adventure were all part of our daily lives. But as my children grew older, I began to worry about their safety and the limited opportunities available to them.
The extreme weather conditions, the isolation, and the lack of educational resources were some of the challenges we faced. While the North Pole had its magic, I knew that my kids deserved more. They deserved a childhood filled with diverse experiences, educational opportunities, and a safe environment to thrive.
Florida: The Land of Sunshine and Possibilities
After much contemplation and discussion with my family, we decided to make the bold move to Florida. The Sunshine State offered a myriad of benefits that we couldn’t resist. From its temperate climate to its vibrant cultural scene, Florida seemed like the perfect place to create a safe and nurturing environment for our children.
One of the main reasons we chose Florida was its excellent educational system. We wanted our kids to have access to top-notch schools and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Florida’s commitment to education and its diverse curriculum options made it an ideal choice for us.
Another factor that played a significant role in our decision was the abundance of recreational activities. Florida is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush national parks, and numerous outdoor adventures. We wanted our children to grow up with a deep appreciation for nature and an active lifestyle, and Florida offered all of that and more.
A Safe Haven for Our Kids
Ensuring the safety of our children was paramount in our decision-making process. Florida’s strong focus on community safety and its commitment to family-friendly neighborhoods made it an attractive destination for us.
Moreover, Florida’s lower crime rates compared to other states gave us peace of mind. We wanted our kids to grow up in an environment where they could freely explore and enjoy their surroundings without constant worry.
Embracing New Experiences
Moving from the North Pole to Florida meant adapting to a whole new way of life. We embraced the change with open arms, knowing that it would broaden our horizons and expose us to new experiences.
Our kids quickly adjusted to their new surroundings, making friends and immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of Florida. From exploring the Everglades to visiting world-class museums and theme parks, they have had countless opportunities to learn, grow, and create lasting memories.
A Bright Future
As I look back on our journey from the remote North Pole to Florida, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities we have been given. While we left behind a place that held a special place in our hearts, we have gained so much more.
Florida has become our new home, providing a haven for our kids to flourish. The diverse opportunities, excellent education, and warm community have exceeded our expectations. We are confident that we made the right decision, and we look forward to witnessing our children’s bright future unfold in this beautiful state.
Life is indeed an incredible journey, and sometimes, it takes us to unexpected places for the sake of our loved ones. Our move from the remote North Pole to Florida has been a transformative experience, allowing us to create a safe and nurturing childhood for our kids. And as we continue to embrace the sunshine and possibilities that Florida offers, we are grateful for the new chapter that awaits us.
Will ‘My Safe Florida Home’ save you money on insurance?
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — So many viewers tell 8 On Your Side the cost of property insurance is soul-crushing.
This month, 8 On Your Side told you about a state program that promises rate relief for those who harden their homes.
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis says on average, homeowners save $1,000 a year on their premiums.
But one Tampa Bay policyholder who completed the program tells Investigator Mahsa Saeidi he didn’t save a penny.
The program is called My Safe Florida Home or MSFH program and here’s how it works.
The state helps foot the bill to upgrade your windows, doors, and roof.
Applicant Glenn McKiel says he spent approximately $5,000. The state also gave him about $10,000.
But after it was all said and done, his premium didn’t budge.
Mr. McKiel is grateful his South Pasadena home is hardened against hurricanes.
“So these are actual new hurricane rated windows,” McKiel told 8 On Your Side.
The new windows replaced ones that were 60 years old. It’s part of the reason McKiel signed up for the MSFH program.
But McKiel wasn’t just trying to protect his property. He also wanted to protect his pocketbook.
“My premium has gone up 300% in four years. And we’re anticipating another close to 100% increase this year on premiums,” said McKiel.
Like dozens of homeowners 8 On Your Side has profiled, McKiel was seeking savings. For years, we’ve seen lawmakers make reforms but families never see rate relief.
In recent months, state leaders, including CFO Patronis have promised the program can help.
Mr. Patronis reasserted that claim during the Special Session on Israel in Tallahassee on Nov. 6.
“The average participant in the My Safe Florida Home program is seeing their premium drop by a thousand dollars a year,” said Patronis.
“What I heard from the folks in Tally on a previous Channel 8 report was that the average savings was around $1,000 a year. So, it was my hope that maybe over five years, seven years I could recoup that $5,000,” said McKiel.
Before the program, McKiel’s premium was $2,388. After the program, it was $2,388.
“I got nothing. I was expecting something,” he said.
In an email, McKiel’s insurance agent writes in part the “carrier received the wind mitigation inspection report and processed it, unfortunately it did not lower your annual premium…”
“I’m not sure I would have entered into the program had I known that we were not going to get an insurance discounts we were initially lead to believe,” said McKiel.
We wondered how many McKiel’s are there? Legislative data we covered shows 3,021 homeowners have completed the MSFH program thus far. But only about half of them, 1,562 homeowners reported a discount. That’s according to a legislative analysis of a bill that just boosted funding for the MSFH program.
So, what happened to the premium of all the other applicants? By our count, 1,459 homeowners?
In a statement, the CFO’s Office says in part “Premium savings reporting… is voluntary, so the remaining participants simply did not report back…”
So that $1,000 discount the CFO was touting at Special Session was solely based on voluntary reporting and it doesn’t give homeowners a complete picture of the discount they may receive after forking out thousands of dollars.
Patronis’ Office also says while the discount varies, all homeowners get a benefit by hardening their home.
As childhood pneumonia spreads, here’s what parents can do to keep their kids healthy
With some U.S. states beginning to report outbreaks of childhood pneumonia cases, experts are sharing tips for parents to prevent the illness from making its way into their households.
Dr. Robert Frenck, a pediatrician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Cincinnati Children’s and director of the health system’s Vaccine Research Center, noted that every year, respiratory viruses emerge that can cause pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs.
“This is the time of year when we get a lot of respiratory infections,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“They tend to be at their highest during the fall and winter months. What we typically see this time of year is a combination of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID.”
Other bacteria and viruses that may cause pneumonia include mycoplasma pneumonia, streptococcus pneumoniae, Group B streptococcus, staphylococcus aureus and adenovirus.
As some U.S. states begin to report outbreaks in childhood pneumonia cases, experts share tips and insights for parents to prevent the illness from making its way into their households. (iStock)
Pneumonia tends to be more common among children younger than 5 years old.
Kids that are at a higher risk of getting pneumonia include those with weak immune systems, existing respiratory conditions or chronic health problems like asthma or cystic fibrosis, according to Cedars-Sinai.
Children are also more susceptible if they live in households in which parents or caregivers smoke.
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There are vaccines available that can help prevent the spread of these viruses, said Frenck.
“We have a flu vaccine that is recommended for every child 6 months of age or older,” he said. “People 2 years or older can get a nasal flu vaccine.”
There are also RSV vaccines available for pregnant women, who can pass on the antibodies to their children, Frenck added.
Good hand hygiene and frequent hand-washing are very important to decrease the spread of infections, a medical expert said. (iStock)
“And we have monoclonal antibodies, although they’re kind of in short supply, for babies in the first eight months of life,” he said.
Prevnar, a vaccine routinely recommended for infants and children, also protects against pneumococcus bacteria.
Good hand hygiene and frequent hand-washing are also very important to decrease the spread of infections, Frenck said.
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Dr. Sarah Park, medical director of medical affairs at Karius, a California biotech company that specializes in testing for infectious diseases, recommends considering mask-wearing in crowded or enclosed spaces, especially if there are reports of increased respiratory illness in the area.
Vaccines are available to can help prevent the spread of these viruses. (iStock)
“If children do become ill, keep them at home to prevent spread to others,” advised Park, who was formerly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an epidemic intelligence service officer.
The primary symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include fever and chills, cough, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, and chest pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Some children may also experience vomiting or diarrhea, fatigue and loss of appetite.
“If our lungs aren’t working well, we have to breathe faster to get the oxygen we need, so one of the early signs of pneumonia you see is the child breathing faster,” said Frenck.
Also, children “may not be as active,” he said.
The primary symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include fever and chills, cough, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, and chest pain. (iStock)
In younger children, Frenck said that parents may notice their nostrils flaring out a bit.
“If they’re really having severe distress, you can see their ribs pulling in,” he warned. “But most of the time, it’s a cough and increased respiratory rate.”
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