Business digest

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 19, 2007

Hook lawyers attend elder law seminar

Joan Nelson Hook and David Hook of the Hook Law Group of New Port Richey located at 4918 Floramar Terrace in New Port Richey, recently attended an advanced elder-law seminar regarding changes to Medicaid eligibility in Orlando. Presented by the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys, the invitation-only seminar examined how Florida is implementing the federal Deficit Reduction Act DRA '05 and how it will affect Florida seniors, says Mrs. Hook, the firm's founder.

The new rules, some taking effect as early as this month, will have an impact on the way elderly people qualify for nursing-home assistance, special-needs trusts, long-term care insurance, annuities and other related issues.

The Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys is a non-profit association that helps lawyers, bar organizations and others who work with older clients and their families.

Staff members also consult with other elder-advocacy experts regarding complex tax situations and family-law issues, as well as nursing-home injury, abuse or neglect.

More information about Hook Law Group is available by calling (727) 842-1001.

Marketing director selected in Top 30

Julie Rogers of Progressive Air Systems located at 5907 Dasher Court, Port Richey, was selected in September to be part of the highly competitive Tampa Bay Business Journal's Top 30 Under 30 Class of 2007. Rogers is a graduate of the University of South Florida and is an active member of the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Trinity Rotary, Pasco Building Association and others. The Tampa Bay Business Journal's Top 30 Under 30 had 117 nominations.

Still time to be a SPCA holiday lights sponsor

The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Suncoast at 7734 Congress St., Port Richey, (727) 849-1048, is excited to announce a new holiday lights festival from Nov. 30 to Dec. 30. The SPCA Suncoast is encouraging area businesses to sponsor a kennel or become an event sponsor.

Sponsor a light in honor or in memory of a beloved person or pet, see your family or business name on a dog or cat's kennel that you made brighter for the Holidays or make sure everyone knows you and your employees care for animals by becoming an event sponsor.

Fidelity Bank opens new Port Richey branch

The Fidelity Bank of Florida, N.A. at 10523 US 19 in Port Richey, (727) 868-0484, is now open for business. The branch manager is Yvonne Del Campo. Fidelity specializes in high interest certificate of deposits and offer a variety of loans.

The main office of Fidelity Bank is in Merritt Island. The lobby hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The drive through is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Homebuyers never have to leave the car

Hannah Bartoletta Homes makes it possible for prospective buyers to drive by the home of interest and retrieve vital information via cell phone. Bartoletta employs texting and mobile Web technology for interested buyers.

By simply following texting directions on a sign in front of each Hannah Bartoletta home, buyers can get an informational text message instantly. If they need more details, buyers can access mobile Web links that will provide photography and an audio narrative describing the home.

To test the new technology, text HBH36 to 82672 for information on MiraBay or text HBH37 to 82672 to learn about a home at Wilderness Lake Preserve of Pasco County.

Send all articles to Lucille Lazich, P. O. Box 879, Port Richey, FL 34673-0879, fax (727) 869-6233 or e-mail lazich@sptimes.com Please include your company name or group in the subject line.

[Last modified November 18, 2007, 20:42:20]