Dear Readers,

Unfortunately, with the explosion of growth in our area comes an increase in crime and associated problems. Dealing with crime in our community is a lesson in perspective. We need to use common sense in our daily lives. Don’t leave your garage open. Don’t leave your purse unattended. Don’t cut people off in traffic. Do get to know your neighbors. Do be vigilant. This issue of Insight focuses on public safety because a community can only be great when its citizens feel safe and secure.

We interviewed the four men running for Sheriff of Orange County about the plans they have for East and Southeast. 
This is a key election for our community.

The information in Jeff Griesemer’s article, The Danger Of Talking About Strangers, may surprise you. But
Insight Co-Publisher, Jennifer Thompsonchildren also need to be physically safe in the backyard as the weather gets nicer and nicer, so parents, be sure to also check out our Backyard Safety Tips.

Insight Co-Publisher, David MullinsOur other insightful articles this month will help keep thieves out of our online wallets, Identity Theft, give you tips on Hurricane Preparedness, and discuss the importance of Fire Safety. We appreciate Christine Greenaway’s experience starting her Neighborhood Watch, and we are a part of our neighborhood’s program. We caution everyone not to let fear rule our lives, though, and remember that common sense precautions lead to safer communities. We’ve sprinkled such common sense tips throughout this issue.

Finally, we wish all the Moms out there [including our own, Lisa and Harriett], a very happy Mother’s Day! Dads and sons, be sure to check out our gift tips before you head out to the stores!

Happy Reading!

Jenn & Dave

Updated on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 03:22PM by Publisher

The four men running for election to head the Orange County Sheriff’s Office have at least one thing in common: they all believe more deputies on the street are needed. This necessity was echoed recently at OCSO’s East Orlando substation, where they are stretched very thin across Sector Two, the largest in the entire county. Zone makeup, which distributes deputies across the county, was determined in the mid-70’s, and has not kept up with the current explosion of growth, especially in our areas. At the beginning of the year, current Sheriff Kevin Beary announced he would not seek a fifth term. The office says it has a budget over $140 million and more than 2,400 employees. Another substation is planned to be built near the intersection of Lake Underhill Road and Rouse Road by the summer of 2009.

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FAIRWINDS Credit Union is coming to your neighborhood soon. As part of a large-scale three-year expansion plan, FAIRWINDS is excited to open the doors to their new full-service branch in Avalon Park. Eight new branch locations opened in 2007 with nine more opening this year and three locations slated to open next year. With assets over $1.7 billion and a membership base of over 140,000, FAIRWINDS is one of the fastest growing credit unions in the country. “In order to better serve our growing membership, there was a need to expand our branch network throughout Central Florida,” says Larry Tobin, President and CEO of FAIRWINDS. “We recognize the importance of convenience to our members and the opportunity to bring FAIRWINDS membership to Central Florida communities.”

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