============================================================ DIGITAL DIGEST � http://www.bonitanews.com � November 30, 2004 ============================================================ Subscribe to the Bonita Daily News: http://web.bonitanews.com/circulation/ TRADITION, NOT RULES REGULATE CHICKEE HUTS It may be the closest thing Florida has to common law. You want a chickee built? Then hire a member of the Miccosukee or Seminole tribes. From Marco Island to Fort Lauderdale, many South Floridians � including government officials � have never actually looked it up in the books, but they believe it is the law. In truth, it's more of a tradition. DESPITE LAWSUIT, LEE MAY RAISE SCHOOL IMPACT FEE Builders and home buyers are still challenging Lee County's school impact fee in court, but county officials might be looking to raise it even more. It's been three years since county commissioners first authorized the new fee, a $2,232 one-time payment imposed on new homes to offset the impact new building has on the need for school buildings. HOMEOWNER INSURANCE PREMIUMS LIKELY TO RISE Florida homeowners can breathe easier knowing today marks the end of hurricane season, but nevertheless they may have shaky hands opening their insurance bills in the coming months. When Hurricane Charley ripped through the state in mid-August, insurance officials declared their preparedness for the catastrophe and vowed one hurricane wouldn't result in premium hikes. BUSINESS EXECUTIVE WANTS TO HEAD LEE GOP Bonita Springs resident Jack Eikenberg has helped lead companies from Cuisinart to Mr. Coffee, and soon could do the same for the local Republican Party in Lee County. Eikenberg is semiretired and still consulting for housewares companies, but spending a great deal of time not just on party politics but as a member of the Lee County Smart Growth Advisory Committee, Lee Memorial Hospital finance committee and the school district's Continuous Improvement and Compliance Advisory Committee. Get details on all these stories and more at http://www.bonitanews.com PERSPECTIVE: EDITORIAL: FCAT BONUS MONEY -- MERIT PAY PLAN COULD END THE TEACHER-SCHOOL DIVIDE You might think the stress and debate with FCAT is over once the tests are taken. Even after the scores are in and they are good, contentiousness remains over how the state's rewards for grade-A schools are shared. It is amazing that there are some who differentiate between "the classroom" and "teachers" as worthy recipients of any or all of the rewards, which this year in Collier County Public Schools total more than $2 million split among 22 schools. See more of today�s Perspective stories at http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/perspective BUSINESS: NATION'S RETAILERS HAVE A MODEST START TO HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON NEW YORK � The holiday shopping season got off to a modest start after bargain-hunters jammed malls on Friday for early bird specials but did less buying the rest of the weekend after the sales ended. Big chains including J.C. Penney Co. Inc. and Sears, Roebuck and Co. were pleased with their sales. See more of today�s Business stories at http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/business NEAPOLITAN: EXPLORING THE LAST FRONTIER Missing the boat can sometimes be a blessing, though one does not realize the magnitude of such good fortune until the pouting and whining have subsided. At the moment it's time for the pouting, as our water chariot pulls away from the dock and floating along with it are my family's plans for a day in the great outdoors exploring the Ten Thousand Islands via boat. See more of today�s Neapolitan stories at http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/neapolitan
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