HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Out with the old and in with the new most always evokes hope, promise and optimism, and there are as many ways to greet and celebrate a new year as there are resolutions you can make [and break soon thereafter!].   All over Florida and close to home around Tampa, dozens of night clubs, yacht clubs and neighborhood clubs offer party atmospheres and wonderful food and drink.

There are those who jam themselves into Times Square, others who love the excitement of being among party revelers downtown around here and still more who prefer the coziness of home with friends or family.   Getting kids involved in New Year's traditions is a great way to make it a family affair. From creating homemade party hats and favors to crafting a home disco or confetti ball, all of New Year's Eve can be spent together on preparing for a special dinner and celebration.

When midnight strikes on television, the littlest ones can scream Happy New Year and go to bed.   It'll be a decade or slightly less until they figure out there is no real Santa Claus and it was not yet midnight in Florida when they were whisked away for sweet dreams.   Older kids can make a time capsule of the year ending and hopes for the year coming in and bury it for a year or five or ten.   Other family-friendly ideas ~ 

• family slumber party in the living room
• fondue dinner
• make popcorn balls
• movie with intermission
• candlelight dinner
• game tournament (think: Risk ~ prepare for: all night)
• p.j. dance party

For adults, a wine tasting is fun; kids can add flavors to club soda.   A cool neighborhood event is the progressive dinner, where you move from house to house for different courses like appetizers, salad, dinner, dessert, Champagne and sparkling soda at midnight.   Or a pot luck. Or a street party.   With Christmas just a week behind, the neighborhood association or a group of neighbors might spring for a dumpster rental from Bin There Dump That.   Everyone can rid the home of old gift wrap, extra food scraps and overflowing trash cans to begin the new year trash-free, if only for a day.   

Of course, New Year's Eve is simply not complete without a rendition of "Auld Lang Syne." Most people know the chorus well, if not the verses.   And lots of us are as perplexed as Billy Crystal in the movie "When Harry Met Sally." 

His character Harry says: "What does this song mean? My whole life, I don't know what this song means. I mean, 'Should old acquaintances be forgot?' Does that mean that we should forget old acquaintances? Or does it mean that if we happened to forget them, we should remember them, which is not possible because we already forgot them?"

"Well, maybe it just means that we should remember that we forgot them or something," Sally responds. "Anyway, it's about old friends."

It was Guy Lombardo who sort of accidentally played "Auld Lang Syne" at midnight between two programs at a live performance in New York in 1929. It caught on as the New Year's Eve tune, and we'll never let it go. Happy New Year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

& 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

From your friends at Bin There Dump That!

Holiday Planning

This is the time of year when holidays come along ~ bing bing bing ~ one after another, and the sharpest of holiday planners is ready for instant changeover once Halloween exits, Thanksgiving comes and goes, Christmas moves through and a New Year is ushered in. Going too fast for you too? Well, with your proverbial ducks in a row, holiday transitions will go smoothly all fall, and you'll look like a very close cousin to Martha Stewart.

To accommodate holiday decorations and accoutrements, it's never too early to do some sorting, donating, clean-up inside and out. And for that, getting a dumpster rental from Bin There Dump That can make the burden lighter -- no trips to the dump, no wondering what to do with yard waste, no struggling with old, broken stuff that's taking up space and taking down your attitude. With things neat and tidy comes a plan for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.

The best places for your holiday spirit to shine include:

• Front door/porch outside
• Main entrance area inside
• Kitchen
• Family room
• Dining space

The most simple way to manage is to determine in advance what will change and how. Colors are first with orange and black, followed by more orange, yellows, earthy reds and the hues of marmalade. Then the vivid reds, greens and golds of Christmas, which give way to blue and silver for New Year's. More contemporary colors are being incorporated into these holidays, and Florida's signature shades of ocean aqua, soft peach and sandy beige are always welcome.

Your front door is the first welcome, and it's easy here to change a wreath for each holiday, along with a bucket or wood box of seasonally appropriate things like Indian corn, pumpkins (both which conveniently serve Halloween and Thanksgiving), ornaments, pinecones and twigs with a patterned bow. Change the bow.

Simple changes inside will set the stage for a festive, jolly, joyful decor each step along the autumn way of holiday cheer.

• Scented candles or reed diffusers
• Small seasonal rug
• Lamp and lampshade
• Throws and quilts
• Hand towels in kitchen and bath
• Strand of lights around outdoor railing
• Toss pillows
• Candy dishes
• Table linens
• Cookies in the freezer
• Holiday-theme plates, bowls or mugs

Now, you are seasonally decorated, and you know whom to call for all the clean up disposal: Bin There Dump That!

Christmas around Tampa

The notion of a white Christmas and chestnuts roasting over an open fire has a romantic aspect until you are bundled up beyond recognition to battle the cold.  Take away the bitter wind and snowy sidewalks and embrace the warmth and equally as stunning Christmas lights, fun and celebration right here in the Tampa Bay region.  It's all about family, friends, reaching out and coming over to share in this joyous season.

Santa trades in his sleigh for watercraft in Dunedin, Clearwater, St. Pete, Treasure Island, & other waterfront communities around us and parades of boats cast sparkles on the waters from myriad lights on deck and along the rigging.   He also can be found in malls and Christmas parades.   Walking the beach in search of shells and little treasures to be crafted into Christmas ornaments is a common holiday tradition in these parts, along with decorating palm trees and outdoor activities, like:

• Dunedin's Holiday Boat Parade - THIS WEEKEND!!!
• Tampa Downtown on Ice
• St. Petersburg Snow Fest  - THIS WEEKEND!!!
• Safety Harbor Snow Fest - THIS WEEKEND!!!
• Holiday Festival of the Arts at South Straub Park
• Citrus County's Old-fashioned Christmas on Courthouse Square
• Nature Coast Botanical Gardens
• Curtis Hixon Park's uplifting music and tree lighting
• Santa Fest and downtown Christmas parade, Tampa
• Clearwater's Island Estates Boat Parade - December 12th

The Nights of Shimmering Lights is a must-see, drive through the lights in Dover, FL.    More than a million LEDs encase the driving path with all sorts of characters and light statues along the way. It's a delight for all ages, and admission is by the carload. After the drive join other merry people at the Christmas Village for a bite to eat and spot of shopping.

If you are hosting family and friends -- like those from colder climates who do not wish to bundle up beyond recognition every time they step outside -- then plan your events and activities accordingly. Thanks to the British, we have eggnog, and thanks to the Germans, there are candy canes.  There's the old fruitcake joke that there are just a handful of them going around each year because no one really eats fruitcake, but the fact is that fruitcake [credit the ancient Romans] is chock-full of goodness. 

When all the company leaves, you may find such a mess of gift wrap and boxes and trash that you need to call Bin There Dump That for a small Tampa dumpster rental to clean up quick.   It's the easy way to get rid of junk right from the comfort of your own home and start the new year with a clean, tidy, trash-free home and yard.   They deliver, offer weekend service, can help with questions, are residential friendly, take care of your driveway during placement a & pick it all up on your schedule.  Call for Holiday specials!

The weather is of little consequence at Christmas. It's what is in your heart that is The Heart of Christmas. Merry Christmas!

Getting ready to sell your home? How it looks can make a big difference!

We are starting a new series of guest blogs where we'll have a local expert provide us with some advice and tips in their field of expertise. To start things off, my friend Brad Meinck from Coastal Properties Group has some great tips and thoughts on getting your home ready for sale.

Often, clients ask me what are some of the things that I can do personally to make a meaningful impact on selling my home? One of the easiest and cost effective solutions is to remove any clutter, junk or other unusable items within the home, garage, storage sheds etc… You want to project a clean and organized home. While your personal style aesthetic may differ from buyers; by having everything neat and orderly, this goes a long way of allowing a potential buyer to visualize the home with their own unique personal touches.


Another great way of adding appeal is to perform a yard clean up. Whether it is palm limbs, weeding or other non-essential materials in the yard, removal will project a better “curb appeal”. The use of potted plants and flowers is also a nice choice in projecting and emphasizing your home’s individual beauty. You can’t underestimate the impact of how your yard looks when a prospective buyer drives up for the first time.


It today’s fast paced work and home environments its hard to set aside time for deep cleaning and getting rid of junk. A good practice is to set aside a weekend to get the job done. For those items that may have value, there are many charitable organizations that will provide areas for drop off. Some charities will even provide pickup service to gather your donations.


With the local market having limited inventory of single-family homes and values increasing, you want to achieve the best price possible. By taking some time and elbow grease, a homeowner can go a long way in helping improve their chances of yielding the best return on their home sale.


For the non-usable items, trash and yard waste, I recommend Bin There Dump That Tampa Bay. I have personally used them at my own home and have recommended them to my Real Estate clients. They deliver a clean dumpster and do not damage your driveway. Their customer service professionals can assess your job and recommend the best sized dumpster for your particular job and available placement.

If you’re a looking to buy or sell in the Tampa Bay area, I am a Clearwater Beach based agent with Coastal Properties Group and Christies International Real Estate. My cell phone number is 727.366.2606 and my web address is www.bradmeinck.com

Do-It-Yourself TV Shows

Since many of your will be attending this weekends Home Show at the Trop in St. Petersburg, i thought it would be timely to talk about the Do-It-Yourself TV shows and some of our favorites!

We all know electricity and television are here to stay. With more than a third of the adult population reportedly considering a DIY project and home improvement revenues topping $320 billion this year, one might confidently say that DIY television shows are here to stay as well.

Do-it-yourself is really nothing new. Our country was built on the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the settlers and pioneers. Some measure of creativity and the satisfaction of completing a project resides in most homeowners, whether a major renovation or something simple like changing knobs on the cabinets. It's rewarding to personalize our spaces to reflect our preferences, and money is not always the driving force.

Tuning in to television shows on HGTV or DIY Network offers zillions of ideas before you even think of opening your checkbook. Identical twins Jonathan and Drew Scott, 38, have made a big splash in this arena with four shows on the HGTV network: Property Brothers, Buying and Selling, Property Brothers at Home, and Brother vs. Brother. According to Kathleen Finch, president of HGTV, these guys are "the cable equivalent of box-office movie stars."

They are known not only for transforming run-down rooms and houses into attractive, functional spaces, but also for Scott Living, their own line of furniture and home decor available on QVC. They bought their first house at age 18. Both are real estate agents, and Jonathan is a licensed contractor. This bold duo are smart in their choice of Bin There Dump That for dumpster rentals on site.

Tapping into a new trend of minimalist lifestyles is the show Tiny House Hunters. Many folks are finding that living small and efficiently leaves more time, energy and money to travel, relax, garden and enjoy hobbies. Like the Property Brothers, Chip and Joanna Gaines have become household names for their show Fixer Upper. Florida residents might tune in for great ideas on Beach Flip, Beachfront Bargain Hunt, Curb Appeal, Design on a Dime, Room Crashers or The Outdoor Room. In that last one, award-winning landscape designer Jaime Durie converts non-descript outdoor spaces into beautiful living, dining and relaxing oases.

If you're thinking of selling your house, check out Meridith Baer's show Staged to Perfection. Staging a home is the new must-do for selling quickly and at a higher price. The general idea is to remove personal photos and items to create a neutral zone in which prospective buyers can envision their personal style. Childhood sweethearts John and Whitney Sparks have taken their show Flipping the Block to the east side of the Sunshine State for the program Florida Flippers.

The whole television line-up for DIY homeowners, as well as a plethora of youtube

videos, is valuable to anyone contemplating home improvement, renovation or simply sprucing up a room. You can see if you like bold color, granite, white trim, wood floors, tiny homes or rock fireplaces, then evaluate what it takes to do one of the DIY projects you are considering. There's a wealth of ideas to watch, understanding well that your DIY project may not go as fast or smooth, but the satisfaction at the end might be your best feeling of the year. And like the Property Brothers, dial up Bin There Dump That for all your junk hauling or Tampa dumpster rental needs.

Tampa Home Show November 6 - 8

If you are looking for something to do next weekend, you might consider checking out the Tampa Home Show at the Trop in St. Pete.  It will be held from Friday November 6, 2015 through Sunday November 8th.  This is one of the many home shows that happen around our area.  This one located inside the trop makes it easy no matter what the weather brings for us.  Even better, they offer free parking for visitors.

Here is the quick schedule...

• November 6 Friday 10am - 6pm
• November 7 Saturday 10am - 7pm
• November 8 Sunday 10am - 5pm

Location Info...

Tropicana Field

One Tropicana Drive

St. Petersburg, FL 33705

(Just off I275, Exit 22 in downtown St Petersburg)

They claim to have it all, so if you are interested in home remodel, building a new home, gardening, or updating your patio, pretty much just about anything you can think of related to your home.   You can check out the schedule and get more information by visiting the website  http://www.tampabay.com/expos/tampa-bay-home-show-attend.page .

There are sure to be all kinds of contractors & home service companies ranging from remodel contractors, building contractors, kitchen contractors, roofers, air conditioning, flooring companies, architects & more.  

There is a great list of shows scheduled each ranging from dogs that do tricks, Marcottes Design Salvage (side note this store is GREAT... I love it) and Jenni Turcotte present “ The How too’s for painting kitchens using Chalk Paint, Home Loans & more

Holding a Garage Sale

It's the all-American trash-to-treasure phenomenon that attracts people from all walks of life and socio-economic strata. It's almost, not quite, as much a social event as a treasure hunt, and in a twist on "build it and they will come", the garage sale slogan could well be: "Advertise it and they will come."

While most people are seeking something new-to-them for their home or tools to complement what they have, others are seasoned buyers who might host a flea market table elsewhere and look for cheap stuff they can turn around for a buck or two more than they paid. Whatever their motivation, yours is clear: Get rid of things no longer wanted or used and get a little money in the process, as we say "Clean Up & Clear Out!

You might want to order up a junk dumpster rental from Bin There Dump That at the outset if you have a deep clean-out from an overly-cluttered garage, basement or storage unit. That makes it easy to toss the non-saleable junk and debris items right away into your Tampa dumpster rental. As you price stuff, bear in mind you'll probably get offers for half the asking price, and haggling over dollars and cents is the hallmark of garage sales.

A first order of business is to check with your homeowner or neighborhood association, town and county for rules and regulations governing garage sales. Some have permit requirements, limits on how many per year, sign ordinances, etc. If you have covered space, then you don't need a rain date, but you might consider it if your driveway and front yard are the only showroom areas for your trash-to-treasure things. You don't need much to hold a garage sale, but it goes much smoother if you have thought ahead and assembled a few basics, here is a quick list to get you started:

• Markers
• Signs
• Staple gun/tape to put up signs (as allowed)
• Paper bags make good, stand-up signs with thick marker with weight to hold them down
• Money box
• Lots of $1 bills and change
• Stickers for prices
• Plastic bags for small or multiple items purchased
• Dolly to move furniture, grill, heavy stuff
• Hangers for clothes, rack or tree limbs
• Calculator
• Tables and a couple folding chairs (one for you)

Advertising on craigslist is a no-brainer, and the Garage Sale category is under the For Sale section. Garagesalestracker.com and local community newspapers may also be good for publicity.  

And here are a few little tricks of the trade.

• One rule of thumb for pricing is to consider one-third of what the item would cost new, assuming it's in great condition.
• Go through the pockets of all the clothes.
• Have an extension cord to test lamps, appliances, etc.
• Put tools or a lawn mower out front to entice men to willingly stop.
• If there are several people selling things, use different color stickers and have a notebook handy to record the sale.
• Go through each item yourself to tally a total.
• Have fun!

Disaster Restoration Professionals

No matter how prepared you are for events such as hurricanes or flooding, natural disasters and other unwanted disasters like fires do strike.  When disaster strikes and you have your hands full with evaluating the needs of your home or business and safety of your family, it might be the right time to engage the services of a disaster restoration company.  These folks are the experts in water extraction, odor neutralizing, mold and mildew evaluation, hazards to health and home, professional clean-up and complete restoration of property, including contents which can be salvaged.  They can make a big difference in your recovery time and really remove stress from the process.

Not only does a disaster restoration staff have specialized training and knowledge in disaster recovery, but also they have super-duper equipment like high-powered water extraction units, gigantic fans and state-of-the-art thermal imaging tools to find water where you cannot see it.  It's likely if they are on the scene quickly, after a flood, for example, that mold will never materialize into a big issue because they know well how to act fast to remove water and dry a structure.

Additionally, disaster restoration firms can deal with biohazards like sewer backup, hazardous material spills, copious mold, hoarding situations, even crime and death scenes.  Most of these firms are familiar with and assist in the process of dealing with insurance companies and claims making the process even easier for you.  Some municipalities may require professional cleaning before re-instating an occupancy permit in a house or allowing you to re-open your business building.

When choosing a disaster recovery company, look for online reviews & reputation, check to see that they have a local contractor permit, registered to do business in FL, Better Business Bureau endorsement and/or the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) logo. This non-profit institute offers a comprehensive line of classes to increase knowledge and competency and certification in a wide range of areas, like:

• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)
• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)
• Senior Carpet Inspector (SCI)
• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)
• Health and Safety Technician (HST)
• Odor Control Technician (OCT)
• Wood and Laminate Flooring Inspector (WLFI)
• Introduction to Substrate Subfloor Inspection (ISSI)
• Building Moisture Thermography (BMT)
• and  many more...

The National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI) has been providing advanced training to indoor environmental professionals for more than a decade.  NORMI is involved in possible legislation that states may embrace which will not impede business growth.  Currently, there are few or no mold regulations for building or maintaining structures.

While we applaud the do-it-yourselfers who often rent Tampa roll off dumpsters from Bin There Dump That, there are DIY projects both at home and at work (if you are a business owner) which are best left to the professionals in terms of turnaround time, expertise,  equipment and proficiency.   When it comes to getting rid of that debris or junk, Tampa dumpster rentals from the team at Bin There Dump That is a great option to considder.  Let them do what they do best, Tampa dumpster rentals, so you can spend your post-disaster time and energy on family, business and employee safety and security.

September = National Preparedness Month

The most prepared some families and individuals get is 24 hours before a major

weather event, after store shelves have been cleared of batteries, flashlights and other

essential supplies. You may not need a dumpster rental from Bin There Dump That

during a crisis, but you must craft a plan well in advance, and what better time than ~

[drum roll] ~ today!

Communication is imperative during an emergency, so have your ICE (In Case of

Emergency) programmed into every cell phone, including a contact outside your region,

in case communications are down locally. Teach everyone to text or use SMS (Short

Message Service) as it might work when a phone call does not. It is advisable to have a

contact card in every wallet, purse, book bag or backpack in case you are in different

locations and someone needs to make contact for a child or injured adult.

The most common reasons for evacuating your home or business, according to the

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are flood and fire. Determine a place

for you and family members to meet in a circumstance where you need to leave your

house, neighborhood or town at a time when you are not together. This can be a corner of

the yard, a certain street corner or a park in a neighboring community. Special

transportation needs must be addressed in advance for:

• babies and small children
• elderly folks, especially those with dementia or ambulatory issues
• tween kids and teenagers
• special needs people
• house pets
• horses and livestock

Your emergency kit can go with you if you leave your home or lose power at

home. Whether you live in a house, apartment, condo, travel trailer or high-rise, everyone

should have an emergency kit in a case with a handle or a backpack with handy items,

such as:

• flashlights and batteries
• portable radio and batteries
• bottled water
• non-perishable snacks
• change of clothes for everyone
• poncho for each person
• contact cards
• roll of toilet paper and paper towels
• basic first aid supplies
• a whistle 
• couple toys for children
• list of conditions and/or medications for each family member
• three large trash bags (in case you need to carry this through water)
• things you can toss in at the last minute include prescriptions, cell 
• phone chargers, dog and cat food

One of the most significant and challenging aspects of dealing with an emergency

or weathering a storm at home is staying calm. Children and elderly people especially are

greatly influenced by the actions and attitudes of adults and even teens around them.

Your behavior, facial expressions, choice of words and tone of voice can make a huge

difference in the response of those close to you during a crisis. Breathe, pray, move

slowly and confidently, sing, speak in a normal tone of voice and talk to your teens in

advance, letting them know you expect them to be strong and get along with everyone

during a rough time.

Gather the family around the kitchen table and pull together your emergency plan

and disaster kit. There will be greater cooperation when everyone has been part of the

plan ~ a plan you hope you never have to use. But if you do, you are well prepared.

Fall Football Fun ~ 2015..... rah rah rah - bucs and bulls!

It is fall and for many... that means Football & Hunting season has arrived!

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the Cleveland Browns Aug. 29 on the heels of a
loss to the Vikings and creaming the Bengals before ending preseason with a win over Miami.  So the Bucs enter the season with a preseason of 2 - 2.  Hopefully we'll see a "w" posted in the opener against Tennessee! GO BUCS!

The USF Bulls started by having home field advantage in their season opener against Florida A&M on Sept. 5 with a HUGE win!   GO BULLS!!!   This Saturday we get to see the Bulls take on Florida State which is sure to have some good Saturday rivalry talk for all of us locals.

Despite a less than stellar season (for both teams) last year, the bulls and Bucs plan to charge Raymond James Stadium with all the gusto, passion and power their mascots imply.

Almost as popular as the game itself is the forerunner to the kick-off: the tailgate party.  From the picnic basket literally perched on the tailgate of a vehicle to the ever expanding collection of portable tables, canopies, grills, chairs, coolers, banners, music and satellite television systems, tailgating has morphed into a social setting that blends sports, food, friends and fun.

Toby Keith wrote and sang a hit song for one tailgate necessity: red Solo cups.

And along with those cups, you are going to want some:

• Ice and cooler
• Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• Corn Hole set and bean bags
• Cold drink holders
• USF or Tampa Bay Buc apparel 
• Sunnies (sunglasses, useful in the Sunshine State and fashionable for all night games)
• Sound system
• Grill
• Burgers, brats, dogs + toppings, chips, sides
• Pigs in blankets
• Frisbee/football
• Aspirin
• Bottle opener, cork screw
• Binoculars
• Folding chairs
• Blankets
• Friends 
• Tickets to the game

Tailgating is not confined to parking lots or campus either. Fans tailgate in backyards, on street corners, in sports bars, man caves, neighborhoods and anywhere a few friends gather.  If you are hosting a good-sized tailgate party, you may as well go ahead and set up to rent a dumpster from Bin There Dump That because these folks have "been there" -- they know the kind of trash that can accumulate from tailgaters.  You do not want overflowing trash cans and errant red Solo cups to spill on to your lawn or driveway and roll down the street.

If all your friends are out of town on your tailgate party day, just make friends,  like Toby Keith did, with a red Solo cup.

Red solo cup, you're more than just plastic

More than amazing, you're more than fantastic

And believe me that I'm not the least bit sarcastic

"Red solo cup, you're not just a cup (No, no, God no)

When I look at you and say:

You're my friend, yea (Lifelong)

Thank you for being my friend" 

Save most of your energy for when Rocky the Bull, the Herd of Thunder and the
USF football bull players thunder on to the field for a spectacular afternoon of a uniquely
American sport.  Watch the Buccaneers in their 39th season as they hope to play right to
the Super Bowl, like 12 years ago when they captured the Lombardi Trophy in a 48-21
win over Oakland. in Super Bowl XXXVII. Rah rah rah!

Go Bucs and Bulls!

Labor Day ~ Rest and Recognition

As Memorial Day often signals the beginning of summer, Labor Day seems like the second bookend to summer time.   Many schools now resume classes in August, and Labor Day is much more than a rite of seasonal passage.   It's a storied holiday officially recognized by Congress in 1894 ~ the same year that Coca-Cola first sold its soda in bottles, the first U.S. automobile was tested [by Elwood Hayes at 6 mph], the first Sunday newspaper comic section was published [in NY World]; and it cost one penny stamp to mail a letter.

Like many American holidays, the beginning of Labor Day is disputed.   What is not in question is that Labor Day has its roots in the USA, and many countries around the world have followed suit in setting aside a day of rest to mark the achievements and contributions of workers to the economy. Though the early labor union Knights of Labor was a driving force for bringing attention to long hours and dangerous working conditions, Labor Day celebrates all workers, union or not.

Another great opportunity for parades, picnics, backyard BBQ and fireworks, Labor Day pays tribute to the men and women who have worked to make this country great.   But a small cog in the giant economic wheel, Bin There Dump That exudes the American dream of entrepreneurship.   It is, after all, the amalgamation of small businesses that runs the enormous economic engine, that creates and provides the most jobs collectively and that drives individuals to work hard.   The country was founded on the premise of liberty and justice for all ~ and freedom reigns in our job and career
choices.

Thomas Edison is famous for lots of things, and hard work was paramount. "The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense," he once quipped.   Vince Lombardi embraced hard work when he aptly noted: "The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work.   Work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything.”

Labor Day in the Tampa area is ripe with activities day and night.   The NFL and college football seasons kick off.   The beaches are open, and many take to the links for a day of golf, pitch a tent or just have a family BBQ at one of the parks in the area.   Music plays all weekend at Caddy's on the Beach, and over at Hogan's Beach, superstar DJ, Laidback Luke, hosts the party they dub as "Tampa's biggest Labor Day weekend beach bash."  Davis Islands Seaplane Basin is a welcoming park with beach and dog park.

There's another dog park and more grills over at Rowlett Park, and Desoto Park has trails, restrooms, skate park and grills.   However you decide to mark Labor Day this year, pat yourself on the back for your own hard work.  Thank the men and women who work in stores you regularly visit, and remember there are hardworking folks over at Bin There Dump That for all your short-term trash and junk clean out and debris removal needs.   Enjoy the day, the time, the family and friends, the hot dogs and ice cream.   Just chill on this day set aside to honor and validate work and workers.

Dozen Days of Downpours... plus a few Dozen more!

This past month had a few dozen days of downpours.  A few dozen or so roads closed. A few dozen inches of rainfall...  Several dozens of disasters.   If you are dealing with the fallout of flooding and rain damage, the Bin There Dump That Dumpster Diva is here to help.   

July ended with 4.77 inches above normal rainfall, and if you have wet carpets, a flooded carport, water damage in your yard or around the foundation or other rain-inflicted destruction, you need to take action.   The City of Tampa has been giving away sandbags, and residents have to exercise caution in leaving home, as many roads have been closed, flooded and/or damaged.   Flood warnings were issued, and the Anclote River rose more than two feet above flood stage on Aug. 3.   Flooding can occur days after rain has stopped.

Unwanted water commands immediate attention as it not only can destroy carpets, electronics, floors and furnishings, but also it creates a haven for mold growth.   Mold can ruin interior walls and structure components, and it promotes very poor indoor air quality which in turn can cause serious illness and respiratory problems.   The quicker you act, the faster you reduce chances of unnecessary damage and health issues.

• Disconnect power if water is above any electrical outlets, and exercise caution using electrical things like a shop vac in places where water has accumulated
• Wear protective clothing, boots and gloves, etc
• Take photos for insurance purposes before you begin clean-up work
• Remove what you can as quickly as you can to higher ground or place
• Get rid of water; use buckets and mops if you have to; remove mud with shovels and hose out what you can
• Cut away wet drywall, tear up rugs, remove wet insulation and worry about repairs later
• Check foundation for mortar breakdown
• Open up everything you can to dry air and breezes
• As things dry, clean with disinfectant to eliminate bacteria; water and common bleach mixture (5:1 ratio) is a great disinfectant except for fabric; wear protective gear and work with windows open
• One excellent product, Concrobium, inhibits mold growth  
• Arrange for a Tampa dumpster rental with Bin There Dump That to keep all the wet, damp and damaged stuff together and away from the house.

Timing is of the essence when cleaning up unwanted water, and cross-ventilation is the best way to dry things out.  It may not be the fastest, and you can assist with fans.  Don't forget to open small spaces like half-baths, closets and pantries. 

Then head for the yard for downed branches, debris, plastic chairs and anything in the neighborhood that wasn't nailed down during high wind and rain that may now be on your property.  Bin There Dump That can deliver a yard waste dumpster rental for you to share with a couple neighbors for tree limbs, errant junk and damaged landscaping. 

Remember this tiny fact: Most people underestimate the size of a dumpster they need, so go up a notch or two and be sure you have what you need first time, so you're not paying for multiple pick-ups and replacement. The Bin There Dump That folks can help you decide, and they'll be like your new best friend for a quick response and professional placement and storm debris and junk removal. 

Keep an eye on where ERIKA is going, hopefully it turns east and gives us a break from the rain!

Be Safe ~ Be Smart: Flood Prep

The number one natural disaster in the United States is floods, and Florida leads the country with twice as many claims and twice as much money paid out than the second state on the list [Alabama]. While a flood is a temporary condition, it is also a potentially dangerous and expensive experience. 

In the Tampa Bay region, it's not usually swollen rivers overflowing their banks, but heavy rainfall in a short period of time, measured in hours, not days or weeks or the high tides in South Tampa.   The topography is fairly flat, and there are not many appropriate places for rainwater to go once the drain systems are overwhelmed. So, it leaks and pours into inappropriate places, like your house. 

You can't control Mother Nature, but you can be prepared and remain safe during torrential rains and local flooding.   About half of people who die in floods are trying to drive through water.  The Bin There Dump That Dumpster Diva is here to tell you that water is one powerful force.   It creates valleys like the Grand Canyon, can sweep away a car or SUV in a mere two-foot depth, and a person can go down quickly in as little as six inches of rapidly moving water.  

If you live in Aspen, Colorado, you should be prepared for heavy snows and power outages.  If Chicago is your home, its nickname of the Windy City is a clue that mega breezy conditions may occur.  And if you are lucky enough to reside in the Sunshine State of Florida, flooding could be the thorn in your side.  Preparation is key, even if there's nary a cloud in the sky.  

Things to keep on hand year round, plus extras you can gather even one day in advance:

• flashlights and batteries
• radio with batteries
• pet flood emergency plan
• spare toiletries in a secure bag
• change of clothes in waterproof container
• dry foods, snacks and pet food
• medicine
• flotation devices (why not?) for every member of the family
• know how to shut off power and gas to your house
• fully charged cell phone
• at least a few gallons of clean water.

All levels of government stay informed and impart information to the public as it becomes available.  Stay tuned in advance to weather alerts and heed both watches and warnings.  Hold a family powwow and go over emergency procedures, plans and supplies.  

Take advantage of free sandbags, like the City of Tampa recently provided, and all other services, including moving to a shelter in advance.  Emergency Medical Services personnel and equipment are stretched to the limit during natural disasters, and people who plan ahead need not be in the statistics of those who need evacuation assistance or among those who perish in the disaster.   Be part of the solution, not the problem. 

• Stay calm and clear-headed
• Tune in for local news and information often
• Do not drive or walk in moving water
• Evacuate in advance if it looks worse than normal
• Cut off your own power if water rises
• Don't touch any downed power lines
• Refrain from swimming
• Be smart, sensible and safe

Since hurricanes are a serious source of flooding, many of our resources locally address flooding in hurricane preparedness communication.  Here are a few local resources for flood preparation around our area:

• City of Tampa - Hurricane & Flood Preparation
• My Fox Tampa Bay Hurricane Preparation resources
• Florida Division of Emergency Management
• Bay News 9 Hurricane Preparation resources
• City of Clearwater - Protect yourself from floods
• City of St. Petersburg - Hurricane Center

Tampa Flood Clean Up

Some Rain Must Fall

In his well-known poem "The Rainy Day," Henry Wadsworth Longfellow [1807-1882] concluded:

Into each life some rain must fall,

Some days must be dark and dreary.

Certainly this could not have been some premonition of recent days in Florida, could it?   The Gulf View Square Mall in Port Richey closed mid-afternoon. Parts of Anclote River Estates were evacuated. Streets and intersections in Tampa were flooded. The Sky Way Bridge closed at times, & Buddy Brew on Kennedy Avenue in Tampa gave away coffee to stranded motorists.

Even the Pony Express, now known as the U.S. Postal Service, was halted from its operating slogan, "the mail must go through," due to flooding.  I thought they never stopped!   This was not a futuristic movie of natural disaster; it is/was real life in the Tampa Bay region as rainfall descended at unprecedented rates in late July and into August.  

Just under six inches of rain in 12 hours was reported in Odessa at one point, while more than seven inches fell in Palm Harbor and close to five and a half in Dunedin!   Imagine heading home via the I-275 southbound exit ramp at Westshore Blvd. to find it flooded at the bottom and gridlock of autos backed up to the highway. Rescue units were out in full force plucking folks from flooded homes and evacuating families from flooded apartment complexes.

Curt Gadson, a federal employee who was stuck on a flooded Palmira Avenue in Palma Ceia, joked about capturing the water and sending it to drought-ridden California. In Palm Harbor, jon boats and Humvees were pressed into service to bring people out of an RV park. Even Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority got into the action, sending out a couple buses to assist stranded residents. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge boasted winds gusting up to 43 miles per hour, and the Florida Highway Patrol advised everyone to use caution if they had to go that way.

The Anclote River rose close to its highest ever, and rain fell in some places at the rate of three inches per hour. And for a few days and ensuing weeks in this neck of the woods, it's possible that the Sunshine State was fast becoming the Waterlogged State. Most of you probably saw the facebook map where our area was under water in the middle of Florida!

The normal average rainfall for August fell in just the first three days. July ended with 4.7 inches above average rain. The flatness of the land along with our location means that the greater Tampa region often experiences heavy rainstorms and local flooding. Tropical storms and hurricanes bring more damage and floods than the typical, afternoon thunderstorms, but all can damage property and threaten health and well-being.

The City of Tampa has produced a Stormwater Department Flood Protection brochure available by clicking this link here.

But the bottom line is this:

If you have/had water seeping into your living room, master bedroom, kitchen, carport or anywhere, you don't much care about the statistics.  You know there's been wa-a-a-ay above average rain. You're looking at it in places you don't want to see it, possibly damaging your property and stuff. Stick with Bin There Dump That's Dumpster Diva for flood tips, clean-up advice and debris removal dumpster rentals coming next to our blog!