The County Record, NOVEMBER 29, 2006, Page 14 Bridge named for Charlie Parker Dedication ceremony Tuesday Construction was recently completed on the bridge spanning the Mexico Beach Canal. The new bridge fea- tures modern bridge building technology and additional lanes to accommodate future traffic increases. The bridge will be named the 'Charles M. Parker' bridge in honor of the first mayor of Mexico Beach, and a man who had the vision to see what this seaside community could be in the future. 'Charlie,' as he was known to everyone he ever met, worked to make his vision a reality and has been missed since he passed away in 2003. The bridge will be a memorial to a man who gave so unselfishly of himself to his community. TALLAHASSEE Tom Gallagher, Florida's chief financial officer, has announced that the Department of Financial Services has uncovered another scam seeking to lure Floridians into buying poten- tially. inappropriate financial products. As a result, Gallagher is again warning consumers to "Verify Before You Buy." Earlier this rrionth, Gallagher ordered Ohio- based Investors Union, LLC and its managing member, Peter J. Bonnell III of Medina, Ohio, to immediately stop sending, misleading post- cards to Florida seniors bear- ing the word "NOTICE" and advising consumers that they "may have an annuity ..that has reached the end of its surrender period." When- recipients" call a toll-free number listed on the post- card, they are not given any information regarding their own investment accounts, but are instead asked for per- sonal financial information and advised they should set' an appointment to review their existing annuities and other investments. 'These deceptive practices .against our seniors in attempts to manipulate them out of their hard-earned sa\- ings will not be tolerated". said Gallagher. who oversees the Florida Department of- Financial Sernices. .'I com- mend the .investigators who discovered these activities early on before too nman\ sen- iors were scanlmed." An annuity' is a contract in which an insurance company makes a series of payments that provide primary or sup- plemental retirement income while the armulity holder is, alive. Most annuities have a surrender period during which the holder would pay . an extra service charge for withdrawing money beyond a set amount. !As CFO, Gallagher imple-, meented a "Verify Before YouW Buy" campaign using web- sites. billboards, radio ads and various new s shows and publications urging Floridians to protect them- selves in financial transac- tions. He also created a Senior Resource Center web- site. at ~%vww\\.flseniors.net/. to help seniors with the diverse Charles M. Parker The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 5th at 11:00 (cst) on the west side of questions and financial chal- lenges they may face. Also, in response to calls and letters from hundreds of seniors robbed 'of access to their savings because they were convinced to liquidate CDs, stocks and savings accounts to.fund annuities, Gallagher pushed for legisla- tion that passed in 2004 requiring agents to document the basis for selling annuities to seniors and also gave the department authority to take corrective action if a compa- ny or agent violates the law. Gallagher is again urging Floridians and especially seniors to take the following precautions to avoid becom- ing a victim of a financial scam: V Do an- assessment of your financial means and investment objectives. V 'Understand that all investments involve risk: generally, the .higher 'the return, the higher the risk. V Ask the sales agent (bro- ker) about commissions, fees, penalties. 'sales charges and any other costs. V Ask as many questions as you want and take notes. Walk away if they avoid your questions. V Take your time. High- pi-essure sales tactics will rush you. into an unwise decision. A sound investment will be just as good tomorrow or next week. V Document all transac- tions., i. Carefully-; read and, understand documents before you sign them. V Ignore "inside informa- tion," "hot tips" and "rumors." V Hang up on "cold calls" from strangers. V Beware of bonus" inter- est rates as they are usually limited in duration and have strings attached. Vt, Be cautious of sales pitches that claim you will 'recoup" all penalties with the higher returns of a new police' . V Remember: if It sound's too good to be true. it proba- bly is.: Anyone who believes they may be a victim should call the department's Consumer Helpline at 1-500-342-2762 or log on to vwwv.fIldfs.com to file a complaint. the bridge on Canal Parkway - close to the Tourist Information Center. The guest of honor will be Mrs. 'Inky" Parker, Charlie's wife of almost 60 years and their three daughters, Cathey, Sue and Nan. The public is cordially invited to the dedication ceremony and reception to be held at the Tourist Information Building immediately after the cere- mony. Record Deadline Monday at Noon ~~ ~',;.-I` . RWIL-aILLER CHIIRLET-BICK-CPILL4C polo ALL REMAINING IN Si 06 CHEVROLETS & Bi rOCK ICKS ELOW ;ALER P LUS ALL FACTORY, RCE BATE S! HURRY, THESE SPECIAL RED TAG PRICES END SOON! Easy steps can help you NEW 2007 CHEVY SILVERADO CLASSIC EXT. CAB prevent type 2 diabetes EQUIPPEDSn Oi - TALLAM-LSSEE The Florida Department of Health (DOH). the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the National Diabetes Education Program join to observe National Diabetes Month and ask Floridians to take small steps to prevent type 2 diabetes. One way to control blood glucose levels .is through lifestyle changes. By taking "one small step." these changes become a part of daily life: V Know your family histo- ry m order to assess Your diabetes risk Work -with your healthcare provider to -find out if you have other risks for diabetes or have pre-diabetes. Understanding your risk prepares you for making any needed changes. V Commit to your game plan. Set goals and work with your healthcare provider, family, and friends. Losing five percent to seven percent of your weight is one NOT STRIPPED! - big step in reducing your risk of diabetes and keeping your PHu ia' Taa Ds3ia.LrFre vp. A nRebaiai oVier .O.Appid - blood glucose in control..9 V. Be physically active '. '-t... .- - ever, day. Regular exercise '7BOE W.. * such as walking tackles sev- eral risk factors at once. Start 02 BUICK 04 CHEVYW 5FR* OU 04 CADILLAC 04L CLN CHEVYW0HV off slowly and work up to 30 LESABRE MALIBU LS DEVILLE S-10 LS minutes of brisk walking a 4DorCeian, neseit7 V r. ,Lw : l i.ttur ,g 1 t ab4,1g00..U)J day. Een modest amounts of 868 10868 15,68 17268 activity, such as walking the$ ,8 dog or working in the garden. help cut the risk of obesity. 04DODGE 05CHEV 04CHEV1500 06CHEVY high blood pressure. and dia- RAM 1500 2500 HD EXT. CAB MONTE CARLO SS betes. Crewa, Lram, e, 0M75u75 Crew Cab 4.4, i0001 LeA'r, Z-7,T:00,001 -. O,1 ,Tr8i m)7 DOW L0anP i V Make health ', food $1 9688 s19 2689s819668 s23,928 choices. What you eat has a $18,900 big impact on your health. "PLUS TAX,'TAG br DEALER PREP By\ making healthy food choices. you can help control your body weight. blood pres- sure, and cholesterol.s1 t/ Track your progress.--? Record your weight as well as_ AN. M MEI TN EB ICo what you eat and drinkeevey wuaawei Re proven to be one of the most powerful tools to help you .4204WEST LAFAYETTE STREET MARIANNA, FL (850) 482-3051 lose weight and keep it off. Beware of scam targeting seniors -MEMP6, _5j OR;A 'Bo I I.