Check out our June newsletter!
The
Digest
DeWittLaw.com
JUNE 2020
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REMEMBERING WHY WE CELEBRATE HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
While we may not be able to enjoy all the normal traditions this Independence Day due to COVID-19, let’s take this opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of our citizenship. Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Declaration of Independence makes it clear: Being an American is about more than the place we call home. It is about liberty, equality, opportunity, and self-governance. Our nation has been through tough times before, but history demonstrates how we have persevered and overcome. As we enjoy our hot dogs, hamburgers, and pie (hopefully, lots of pie), remember the Americans who are continuing to fight for our freedoms! Hopefully, we will look back on this Fourth of July and remember how we created new traditions to celebrate our independence. Have fun celebrating the red, white, and blue! I wish you all a happy and safe Fourth of July!
Like many of you, I hope to spend part of the Fourth of July weekend celebrating our nation’s birthday. To me, the Fourth of July doesn’t seem complete without writing my name in the air with sparklers, heading to the beach, and digging into some homemade barbecue. I am hopeful that as my son gets older, I can share some of these traditions with him. It is important to remember why we celebrate the Fourth of July. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress as we formally separated from Great Britain. The first celebrations of Independence Day happened one year later, in 1777, and were marked with fireworks illuminating the Philadelphia sky.
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE MAKES IT CLEAR: BEING AN AMERICAN IS ABOUT MORE THAN THE PLACE WE CALL HOME. IT IS ABOUT LIBERTY, EQUALITY, OPPORTUNITY, AND SELF-GOVERNANCE.
– Moses DeWitt
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PERSONAL INJURY - DIVORCE - REAL ESTATE
The beautiful June weather means it’s time to get outside and enjoy Florida! In the wake of COVID-19, you might be a bit wary of what activities you can participate in, but this is the perfect opportunity to explore Central Florida while keeping your family safe and entertained. Below are a few of our favorite places! PONCE DE LEON INLET Going to the beach is a fun way to make great memories with loved ones, even if you have to stay 6 feet apart. Ponce Inlet is located just south of Daytona Beach. Not only is it a great surfing spot, but it is also home to the tallest lighthouse in Florida — 175 feet tall and 203 steps. If you’re lucky, you may even spot Nelly, the lighthouse cat! BOK TOWER GARDENS Bok Tower Gardens is located between Tampa and Orlando in Lake Wales. It is a place of historic beauty and serenity with the Olmsted Gardens, a reflection pool, and the 205-foot Singing Tower with 50 carillon bells. Bok Tower Gardens plans to open to the public June 1! The grounds are also dog-friendly; they just require your dog to be leashed and well behaved. BEAR CREEK NATURE TRAIL While the weather is just right, be sure to get out and enjoy Florida’s fantastic hiking trails. The Bear Creek Nature Trail in Winter Springs is perfect for more inexperienced hikers or those who prefer a leisurely walk. At just less than 1 mile long, it is much shorter than most other trails. The trail follows the creek and is surrounded by cypress, oak, and palm trees! Make sure you use the restroom before heading out for your hike because this trail does not have a bathroom. Explore Central Florida This Summer! AND ENJOY OUR LOCAL SCENERY
A VOYAGE FOR THE SOUNDS OF EARTH RECORD YOUR OWN AUDIO TIME CAPSULE
In 1977, a NASA committee led by esteemed astrophysicist and author Carl Sagan set out to record images and sounds from around Earth, which were then enshrined in two copper records that included music, languages, and natural sounds from around the world. The Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft carry these records, and since the ‘70s, they have explored space and routinely sent transmissions to Earth about what they have encountered. As Sagan said of the Voyager mission, "The spacecraft will be encountered and the record played only if there are advanced spacefaring civilizations in interstellar space, but the launching of this 'bottle' into the cosmic 'ocean' says something very hopeful about life on this planet.” We may still not have definitive answers about extraterrestrial life, but that doesn’t prevent us from thinking about what we might want to tell others about life on Earth. So, why not make your own recording?
RECORD YOUR OWN MESSAGE
Take inspiration from the Voyager mission by setting out to create a recorded message with your family that can serve as a time capsule for others to enjoy for years to come. As a starting point, ask your kids what they would want to tell future generations or interstellar travelers. What does life on Earth look like to them? Your messages don’t have to be solely futuristic, either. You can record a message to loved ones and have fun sharing it with them. Think of a family member or friend who could use a pick- me-up and create a recording just for them.
Before you head out, be sure to check online for any closures. We hope you have a great June and enjoy exploring Central Florida!
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Most phones and computers have an audio recorder app, and this should be all you need to make a recording. Start by creating your message. You can improvise or write a script beforehand. Then, use your phone or computer to record it. This file can be shared on different platforms and sent to the people you’d like to hear your message.
Have fun with this project and think of it as your chance to tell others what life on Earth means to you.
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MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE BASICS
As we enter the summer season, I know many people are eager to hop on their motorcycles and enjoy the amazing weather. But before you jump on your bike, make sure you have the right insurance to protect yourself in case you are in an accident. Motorcycle accidents can happen in a fraction of a second and may result in serious injuries. In Florida, neither personal injury protection (PIP) nor bodily injury coverage are required for motorcyclists, and most insurance companies only require minimum coverage, which is rarely enough. To ensure you and your loved ones are adequately protected, here is what you need to know. The cheapest required motorcycle insurance policy will cost roughly the same amount as your car insurance but includes primarily liability coverage. This form of insurance only pays for the other party’s injuries or vehicle damage if you cause the accident. So if you ride a motorcycle, it is a good idea
exploring the discounts you qualify for. If you maintain a clean driving record, complete a motorcycle training course, and buy another policy from the same insurer, you may be eligible for a reduced rate. Navigating motorcycle insurance can be stressful, so if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure you and your family are properly protected as you enjoy the open road.
to purchase uninsured motorist coverage, which provides insurance coverage if you are in an accident and the individual at fault is uninsured or underinsured. Uninsured motorist coverage provides compensation in the event the at-fault driver does not have sufficient coverage for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages that may occur. Extra motorcycle insurance can be costly due to the high accident rates of this form of transportation, so make sure you’re
BREAK TAKE A
GRILLED BASIL CHICKEN AND TOMATOES You can’t go wrong with grilled chicken and tomatoes on a warm summer’s evening. It’s a simple recipe that packs a flavor punch.
INGREDIENTS
•
1/4 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves
• • • •
2 tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic
• •
8 Roma tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz each)
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
DIRECTIONS
1. For marinade: In blender, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, vinegar, and basil. Cut 2 tomatoes into quarters and add to mixture. Cover and process until blended. Halve remaining tomatoes for grilling. 2. In bowl, combine chicken and 2/3 cup marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Reserve remaining marinade. 3. Heat grill to about 350–400 F. Lightly oil grates. Grill chicken until internal temperature reads 165 F, about 4–6 minutes per side. Grill tomatoes until lightly browned, about 2–4 minutes per side. Discard remaining marinade. 4. Serve chicken and tomatoes with reserved marinade.
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Unforgettable Fourth of July Memories
1
Create Your Own Audio Time Capsule
2
Enjoy the Florida Outdoors
2
The Basics of Motorcycle Insurance
3
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
3
Help Local Nonprofits in Challenging Times
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THE BEST WAYS TO HELP LOCAL NONPROFITS IN CHALLENGING TIMES
DONATE
news is that many nonprofits need volunteers for positions that maintain social distance, such as driving. Food banks and kitchens need drivers to pick up donations or ingredients from donors and to deliver food to people in need, such as the elderly or those with disabilities.
While many people donate generously during the holiday season, remember that nonprofits need donations throughout the year, and different nonprofits need different things. A monetary donation can often go a long way, but never feel obligated to give money, especially when your budget may be tight. Instead, consider cleaning out your closet. What clothes, shoes, or other accessories can you part with? What about dishware or small appliances? When you clean out your home and donate unused items, you benefit those in the community who need them most.
ADVOCATE
Even if you don’t have time or resources to give, you can become an advocate for important causes around your community. While it might not seem like much, sharing information about local nonprofits on social media can make a genuine difference. Nonprofits need exposure, which is greatly boosted through community support. Sharing useful information about nonprofits — or sharing their posts — increases their visibility so more people will take action.
Over the past several months, families, businesses, and nonprofits have had to navigate life in this challenging “new normal,” and it can be hard to support your favorite nonprofits when times are tough. Here are a few ways you can help these important entities, even when you don’t have resources to spare right now.
VOLUNTEER
In a time of social distancing, volunteering may be discouraged, but nonprofits still need volunteers to operate. The good
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