As we near the spookiest holiday of the year, many myths arise about the impending dangers of Halloween night and Halloween candy. All over the news, stories are broadcasted of how to protect your children, and who wouldn’t want to be informed and extra cautious? But are these claims about poisoned lollipops or candy bars with razor blades grounded in truth? See the breakdown below for some Halloween debunking from the Mike Rance Team before the big night!
Trick or treat?
Myth: Your children’s candy may be poisoned.
Fact: There have been no documented cases of strangers poisoning Halloween candy. All known cases have turned out to be hoaxes. However, danger can arise from allergies or dietary restrictions. Parents, keep an eye on what your children may be getting in their bags. Always remember that even if a product doesn’t contain nuts, it could have encountered an area in production of cross-contamination with nuts. Any sugar restrictions should be carefully monitored. And lastly, if your neighbors love to hand out delicious homemade baked goods, make sure you ask them what is in them so as to avoid any accidental consumption of an allergen. Other than these risks, the most discomfort a child will feel from Halloween candy is from eating too much at once!
Reality: Allergens aren’t only in the food we eat, but the products we come in contact with. Costume fabrics and face and body makeup may give the wearer an adverse reaction. Always test out face paint or other make up on a small patch of skin before applying in full. Costumes can also cause adverse reactions here in Florida due to almost year-round heat. Make sure plenty of water is accessible for neighborhood trick or treating and that warm or thick costumes are breathable.
Myth: There could be razor blades in your children’s candy.
Fact: No documented cases of children being injured by candy with razor blades inside, either. It is important in the Halloween hype to remember that most people aren’t out to hurt your children. Even child predators are not calculated to be a higher risk factor on Halloween than any other day – some states have curfew laws for sexual predators, requiring a lights off policy and a posted “No Candy” sign. Experts advise Halloween-ers to treat the day like any other day, applying the same key rules of safety (Ex: don’t talk to strangers).
Reality: Even if your neighborhood is crawling with mummies, monsters, and cowboys (and girls), remind your kids that roads are still roads, and cars will be passing by. Sadly, the risk of getting hit by a car is more than double on Halloween, as more people, adults and children alike, are out and about in ways they may not be usually. Educating your kids on the right way to look before crossing and actually cross the street can make a huge difference on Halloween night.
Don’t forget the pet! Your furry children also need some looking out on Halloween. If you don’t plan on taking them out – on a leash, of course – with you in a cute costume to trick or treat, make sure they don’t get out when you open the door to give out candy, and if they do bolt, having your pet micro-chipped might be a good idea. Also, chocolate might be a delectable treat for humans, but for your pet it could mean a trip to the hospital. Keep your Halloween bounty secure and away from reach of your pet!
Have a Happy Halloween, from the Mike Rance Team!
This river begins in Indian River County as a marsh appropriately called St. Johns Marsh. The St. Johns River is slow-flowing (sometimes called a “lazy river” or rather “liquid chameleon”), and starts with barely any drop in elevation – the marsh actually ebbs and flows with the influence of nearby tides. The St. Johns River hits its first bit of stride one county north of its origin as it gains some traction and widens to a navigable waterway – but just as quickly the river dips back to its narrowest section of near impassible marshland, all within the upper basin – the first of three basins along the St. Johns River. One of the most famous lakes in the upper basin is Lake Hell n’ Blazes, named as a tribute of the frustrated curses of early navigators muck, weeds, and “floating islands” of the St. Johns marshes. Most of the upper basin wetlands are fed by rainwater and therefore water levels fluctuate with the seasons, making navigation unpredictable and airboats the most reliable form of transportation.
The middle basin encompasses the Central Florida counties of Orange, Lake, Volusia, and Seminole counties. The river creates two of the largest lakes of this basin, Lake Harney (9 square miles) and Lake Monroe (15 square miles). The town of Sanford lines the south side of the lake with its downtown area, offering public dock access to commuters by boat. This middle basin, also passing by Central Florida towns Debary and Deltona, has some unique features such as a significant tributary, the Wekiva River, the largest black bear population in Florida, and a thriving population of non-native rhesus macaque monkeys. Lake George, the second largest lake in Florida, and the Ocklawaha River, St. Johns largest tributary, are also found in the middle basin.
Areas of the St. Johns River have long been populated, Paleo-Indians being the first peoples to arrive on the Floridian peninsula about 12,000 years ago when the ocean was 350 feet lower and the land mass was twice its current size. It wasn’t until 5000 years ago when climate change allowed archaic humans to inhabit the area around what we know today as the St. Johns River. The transition into settled groups and centuries of agricultural cultivation led to population increases and formations into what would eventually be known as the Timucua, the indigenous peoples that the European settlers would encounter.
As of Friday Oct 23, 2015, 67 properties along the St. Johns River are available for the homeowner that wants the authentic Floridian lifestyle – flush with native wildlife and beautiful scenery. Navigable by boat, airboat, kayak, paddleboard, and more from private and public docks and parks, the St. Johns River gives you the opportunity to live the riverfront life you’ve always dreamed of.
1. What says “fall” to you? Fall can mean a lot of different things to different people, but some ideas are typically universal – pumpkins, of course, lots and lots of pumpkins (don’t forget those off-color white ones!); an overflowing cornucopia (that fog-horn looking wicker basket full of fruit – tip: use fresh fruit!); anything turkey (or are you more of a holiday ham person?); and arrangements of autumn leaves (perfect in vases or a cute decorative wreath). For fall-themed decorations, sticking with the basics with reach that warm, fuzzy spot in the biggest number of buyers!
3. “This is my haunted house.” Halloween is great occasion to change up your look, but the same shouldn’t be applied to your house. When you’re selling your home, it is not key to follow the same mantra as your Halloween costume (a tacky “This is my Halloween costume” printed shirt!) Your home is not a substitute haunted house, and buyers should not be scared when they walk in (cross your fingers for those inspections!). Don’t use fake cobwebs, especially outside, as they can be difficult to remove and may make your home or property look messy. Don’t try to scare your buyers with a skeleton that screams when it senses motion nearby or a hand that pops out of a bowl of sweets. Don’t use fake caution tape or wooden boards on doors or windows, as it could give the impression that the house isn’t up-to-snuff – say NO to anything that draws attention to possible flaws or puts buyers on edge! Instead, keep your Halloween decorations to a tasteful minimum. A vase or other arrangement of bare branches as a centerpiece or mantel accessory can give the desired spooky feel. Various antiques such as an old rake or a vintage lantern can also give that eerie appeal in a refined way that will please future buyers. Even fake blackbirds or crows can be placed strategically as classy Halloween decorations!
4. Those sweet fall smells… Pumpkin spice, apple pie, cinnamon sticks. These are just a few that when asked what smell reminds you of the fall season, most people would probably answer. A nice aroma in a home during a showing is pleasant and charming. Something as easy as a scented candle or cinnamon broom (decorative and sweet!) is inviting to buyers. Other ideas (with more effort) could be leaving fresh baked gingerbread cookies or a pitcher of apple cider with cups waiting on the counter as a refreshment (kill two birds with one stone!). Side Note: Some buyers may not appreciate a certain scent the same way you do, or they may be allergic! Take these risks into account when considering staging your house with a fall aroma, and make sure if you do choose to use a scent that it is not overwhelming (a.k.a. test it out beforehand!)
This spring-fed chain is noted for its crystal-clear water quality and high fishing potential year-round, specifically largemouth bass. “Bird Island,” the Audubon society’s 32 acre wildlife preserve on Lake Butler, is a popular spot for boaters to anchor near for watersports, bird-watching, or a simply day out on the lake (do not go on the island – it is off limits as a sanctuary!). Lake Butler is the largest of the Butler Chain of Lakes, covering 1,665 acres and offering peak opportunity for waterskiing and other watersport activities. The only public access to the Butler Chain of Lakes is available through RD Keene Park at Lake Isleworth by a small daily fee or yearly membership. However, residents of Windermere can enjoy a residents-only boat ramp directly onto Lake Butler.
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Mike Rance, Realtor 