1000 OCEAN HAS FIRST CLOSING

It's official. After years of often contentious battles with neighbors and under different ownership, One Thousand Ocean, the ultra-luxurious condominium project in Boca Raton, is done.

The city issued the developer LXR Luxury Resort & Hotels, owner of the Boca Raton Resort & Club, a certificate of occupancy last week. The condo sits on the resort's property adjacent to its Boca Beach Club.

The first closing at LXR's One Thousand Ocean, which is owned by New York-based Blackstone Group, took place yesterday, officials said. The units run from $3 million to $15 million.

UPCOMING LOCAL TOURS

Downtown West Palm Beach Historic Trolley Tours: 3, 4 p.m. Fridays; 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, leaves from Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County Museum, North Dixie Highway & Third Street. $5; ages 10 and younger free. RSVP 561-833-8873.

Boca Raton Historical Society Hotel Tour: 2 p.m. Tuesdays at Boca Raton Resort & Club, 501 E. Camino Real. $15; $9 valet fee. RSVP 561-395-6766 ext. 100 or bocahistory.org.

Boca Raton Historical Society Trolley Tour: 10 a.m. second and fourth Thursdays of the month leaving from Boca Raton Historical Society, Town Hall, 71 N. Federal Highway. $20; members $15. RSVP 561-395-6766 ext. 100 or bocahistory.org.

Narrated Bus Tours of Historic Delray Beach: Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History. Registration 10 a.m., departure 11 a.m. Feb. 27 from Delray Beach Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave. Adults/seniors $15; under 18 free. delraybeachbustours.org, 561-243-2662.

West Palm Beach Antiques Show: Early buyers 9 a.m.-noon March 5 ($25); regular hours: noon-5 p.m. March 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 7 at South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Boulevard. Adults $7, seniors $6, under 16 free. 561-793-0333, wpbaf.com.

Lake Worth Parrot Cove Home and Garden Tour: Includes nine homes/gardens, two bed & breakfasts and St. Andrews Episcopal Church 2-6 p.m. March 7. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 day of event. 561-586-8612, parrotcove.org.

Arts & Crafts Trunk Show: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 13, 12-5 p.m. March 14 at Art-Sea Living Gallery, 1628 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. 561-737-2600, art-sealiving.com.

Spady Museum Ride & Remember Trolley Tour: Leaves 10 a.m. March 13 from Delray Beach Parking Garage, NE First Street & NE First Avenue. Cost $15; $10 children; $12 members. 561-279-8883, spadymuseum.org.

American Orchid Society: 16700 AOS Lane, Delray Beach. "Orchid Design Clinic" 1 p.m. Feb. 27. Members $5, non-members $10. 561-404-2031. Orchid Judging 2 p.m. Feb. 27. Orchid Doctor 1-4 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays; 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. 561-404-2000.

Gardening Classes: "Landscape Design Techniques Used by Professionals" 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, through March 1; "When Your Garden Misbehaves" 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, March 15-29 at Community Center, Boca Raton. Residents $38, non-residents $48. 561-338-5436.

Boca Raton Garden Club: Clubhouse, 4281 NW Third Ave. "History of Boca Raton" 1 p.m. March 2 Free. Rummage Treasures ‘N Plants Sale 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 13. Free. 561-395-9376.

Mounts Botanical Garden: 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. "Designing, Creating & Maintaining Your Home Landscape" workshop series 6-9 pm. March 3-27 (Wednesdays). $50 members, $60 non-members. Bonsai Society 7 p.m. March 2. J.harman2006@yahoo.com. PBC Beekeepers Association 7 p.m. March 5. 561-686-6557. Begonia Society 7 p.m. March 8. 561-434-3745. Herb Society of PBC 9:30 a.m. March 9. 561-640-7943. Orchid Society of Palm Beaches 7:30 p.m. March 11. pottedorchid@aol.com. Rare Fruit Coucil 7:30 p.m. March 12. 561-495-4694. Enchanted Garden Spring Benefit/Auction 4:30-7 p.m. March 14. Tickets $75. General info: 561-233-1757, mounts.org.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens: Art of Bonsai classes begin March 7 (9 a.m.-noon Sundays through April 11) at 4000 Morikami Park Road, west of Delray Beach. Members $81, non-members $91; additonal material fee of $35. 561-495-0233 ext. 210, morikami.org.

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens: 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach. Marino Marini Sculptures, Etchings and Lithographs on view through March 8. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Sun. 561-832-5328, ansg.org.

SEA TURTLE DAY AT GUMBO LIMBO

On March 13^th, Gumbo Limbo will celebrate their 5^th Annual Sea Turtle Day from 10 a m to 4 pm.  Included in the celebration will be marine life, our oceans, terrestrial species and habitats along with a fun-filled day of environmental education.  Learn about conservation to help make our world a better, cleaner place, and how all species and habitats are interconnected.  This year’s focus will be on responsible fishing.  Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

CBS Channel 12 will feature on their morning show on February 21^st a live broadcast from Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, from 6-9 am.  CBS recently showed surgical treatments for 35 green sea turtles affected by fibropapilloma, a virus which manifests in fleshy tumors on the turtles skin.  It is contagious among turtles, but does not affect humans.  Currently, only surgery can remove the tumors.  After surgery and a short recovery period, the turtles will be released to the ocean.  There were 5000 “cold-stunned” turtles rescued during 2 weeks of abnormally cold temperatures in Florida. 

Come to Gumbo Limbo and stroll around the butterfly garden, climb the observation tower on the boardwalk through coastal hammock, sit in a hut, see saltwater tanks brimming with marine life and take photos of the 7 giant turtles in the sea turtle garden. 

Wiggy, the Kemp’s Ridley turtle pictured about was captured as an adult in 1971 and is presumed to be born about 1960. 

The turtle pictured here, FeeBee, a Loggerhead, survived pneumonia and was hatched in July 2002 in Spanish River Park in Boca Raton.

Above is Milton, another Loggerhead, hatched in July 2002 south of the South Beach Pavilion in Boca Raton.  97 out of 102 of Milton’s eggs hatched.

You can adopt a sea turtle, including FeeBee or Milton, to help support their care and feeding.

GOING THROUGH END-OF-LIFE ISSUES WITH FAMILY MEMBERS?

Head over to the CARING INFO website.  Find out there about caring for someone, planning ahead, living with an illness.  You can download an advance directive form, fill it out and add it to your google health profile so it will always be easy for a family member to find.  There is hospice info there and a legal guide for the seriously ill.  There is also information on grieving a loss and using community outreach resources.

BOCA WHISPER WALK COMMUNITY GUN CLUB VERY ACTIVE

In order to get a Florida state gun permit, according to the Treasurer of the Whisper Walk Gun club in West Boca Raton, you need 6 hours of intense coaching and a final period of shooting the gun at a range. The club is 14 years old and has 50 members including retired professionals, a few ex-law enfocement officers, neighbors and people from other communities. They meet monthly in the community clubhouse. 

During class you

·        see a 10-minute NRA video about the safe and responsible use of firearms

·        go through the NRA training manual, “The Basics of Pistol Shooting

o      pistol parts

o      operation

o      ammunition

o      using a pistol safey

o      operating a pistol

o      shooting basics

Three fundamental gun safety rules are mentioned:

·        always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction

·        keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

·        always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use

The group learns how to shoot and care for their weapon.  They go to a Pembroke Pines shooting range a few times a month.  For more information call 561-483-5636.  Cost of course is $40.

LATEST FLORIDA HOME SALES NEWS:

WHY IS RIGHT NOW THE BEST TIME EVER TO BUY A PROPERTY IN FLORIDA? Florida single family home sales in Florida were up 33% for the month of JANUARY 2010  compared with the prior year, and condo sales gained 91%.  REALTY TIMES reports that Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors which conducts the pending sales survey said the swings from month to month are "masking the underlying trend (in housing) which is a broad improvement over year-ago levels."   Yun also predicts that that the two home purchase tax credits -- the extended $8,000 credit and the new $6,500 credit -- will have a significant impact on closed sales in the coming several months.  He forecasts that the two credits combined will stimulate 2.4 million sales in 2010, and most of that activity will be compressed into the first six months of the year. December's pending sales contracts were 11 percent higher than December 2008's.

19th ANNUAL BIG WINTER SPECTACULAR WEST PALM BEACH ANTIQUES FESTIVAL.

Florida’s largest antique show with more than 1000 dealers hosts the Big Winter Spectacular on February 5-7, 2010.  An Early Buyer pass can be purchased to enter from 9-12 Friday mornings for $25 and is good all weekend.  Daily admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors.  Children under 16 are free.  Discount coupons for admissions are available in the newspapers and at http://www.wpbaf.com.

You will find everything from period furniture from the 1700’s to 1960’s modernism for sale.  Glass and jewelry repair will be onsite, while you wait and shop around your items can be fixed.  Browse and shop inside huge new air conditioned buildings, and outside more than 100 dealers set up in covered areas or tents.  Unlimited free parking, and food and drink concessions are available.

Hours are:
Friday, 2/5: noon to 5 pm

Saturday, 2/6 9 am to 5 pm

Sunday 2/7: 10 am to 4:30 pm

The Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fair is located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach.  From the Florida turnpike go west on Southern Boulevard for 1 ½ miles.  From I-95 go west on Southern Boulevard for 7 miles. 

For more information email info@wpbaf.com or call 941-697-7475.

THE WHITE HOUSE LOST MARKET VALUE TOO…

 

The Palm Beach Post Real Estate News page reports that,  “you and your neighbors are not alone.  The place the president and his family call home was worth 5.1% less last year, one analyst says.”

Zillow “zestimates” 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington DC (The White House) at $288,494,000.  The residence has 16 bedrooms, 35 baths and is 55,000 sq ft.  They further estimate a monthly mortgage payment would be $1,216,562.

SAVE MONEY AT THE MOST POPULAR COUPON WEBSITES

The numbers are unique December 2009 traffic amounts.  Before you buy, take a look at each appropriate site and save yourself money, whether buying online or in a store.  There are now thousands of coupon sites, and the sites listed here are offering really good deals.  Today more than ever consumers are looking to save money.  Try store specific sites such as Target and Amazon.  Check out these sites!  Copy URL above to return to this site or left click in white space, right click, click BACK.

Coupons.Com (14.6MM). $300MM worth of coupons printed in 2009.  163 coupons for supermarket and drugstore items to print today. Enter your zip code for local deals. Call your store and be sure they accept these coupons. 

RetailMeNot.com (9.9MM).   Discounts at 40,000 online stores for toys, clothes, travel, electronics and more. Subscribe to weekly newsletter for Monday best deals.  Refreshes three times a day.  You can be alerted when new codes are posted for your favorite retailers.

CouponCabin.com (3.4MM).  Save up to 30%. Subscribe to newsletter. Many stores featured.

FatWallet.com  (2.1MM) Coupons and cash back from over 2500 merchants.

DealCatcher.com (1.3MM)  Technology and electronics-oriented and consumer products including groceries. 

CouponMom.com  (2MM members)  Get $25 Restaurant Gift Certificates for $10 at 13,000 restaurants nationwide.  Grocery and drug store items.

Let us know which sites worked best for you for which items. 

KEY WEST TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE-A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT!

From 1946 to 1952, The Harry S. Truman Little White House was the winter White House of America, and subsequently used by later Presidents.  Fourteen American Presidents have vacationed in the Florida Keys and Key West.  This was a relaxing and restoring environment when dealing with the threats of the Cold War. Opened in 1991 as the only Florida Presidential Museum, almost 90% of the furnishings are original to the site, giving an intimate view of Truman’s personal life.  Restoration is ongoing to bring the property even closer to its 1949 appearance.  Public donations are accepted by the Harry S.Truman foundation.

Tour Guides offer glimpses into the Cold War politics, personal views of Truman, and the Naval History of Key West.  The tours are occasional closed for government functions.  The home can be used for Private Events as well.  Your can host your own private state dinner for two or for one hundred and have an extraordinary dinner party.  Weddings are held here too.  From February 1 to April 1, 2010, “With Love, Harry” will celebrate Bess Truman’s 125^th birthday.  Included will be a display of the thousands of letters sent between Harry and Bess over 50 years. Botanical Gardens tours reveal an acre of tropical foliage and trees surrounded by the original 1890 wrought iron fence.

Christmas is a special time here, with “Harry’s Girls” decorating the house.  There is a Museum Gift Shop featuring White House Ornaments dating back to 1999.  Recently Truman’s 125^th birthday was celebrated at the Little White House representing three of his most important decisions: recognition of the state of Israel, the berlin Airlift and desegregation of the military.  The birthday cake was served by  “Harry’s Girls.”

Thirty-five percent of Americans polled by Washington Whispers picked the Key West Little White House as the place they most would like to visit, topping all other seasonal White House locations.  Click here for TOUR INFORMATION.  You can call 305-294-9501 for information.

REPORT ON THE ECONOMY

The Washington Post reports that:

"There has been zero net job creation since December 1999. No previous decade going back to the 1940s had job growth of less than 20 percent. Economic output rose at its slowest rate of any decade since the 1930s as well.

"Middle-income households made less in 2008, when adjusted for inflation, than they did in 1999 -- and the number is sure to have declined further during a difficult 2009. The Aughts were the first decade of falling median incomes since figures were first compiled in the 1960s.

"And the net worth of American households -- the value of their houses, retirement funds and other assets minus debts -- has also declined when adjusted for inflation, compared with sharp gains in every previous decade since data were initially collected in the 1950s." (See: "Aughts were a lost decade for U.S. economy, workers," Jan. 2, 2010)

Translation: The economy was downsized during the past decade.

We're just not going to have a better real estate market, or much of anything else, until demand for labor increases in terms of both jobs and real income.

REPORT ON THE ECONOMY

The Washington Post reports that:

"There has been zero net job creation since December 1999. No previous decade going back to the 1940s had job growth of less than 20 percent. Economic output rose at its slowest rate of any decade since the 1930s as well.

"Middle-income households made less in 2008, when adjusted for inflation, than they did in 1999 -- and the number is sure to have declined further during a difficult 2009. The Aughts were the first decade of falling median incomes since figures were first compiled in the 1960s.

"And the net worth of American households -- the value of their houses, retirement funds and other assets minus debts -- has also declined when adjusted for inflation, compared with sharp gains in every previous decade since data were initially collected in the 1950s." (See: "Aughts were a lost decade for U.S. economy, workers," Jan. 2, 2010)

Translation: The economy was downsized during the past decade.

We're just not going to have a better real estate market, or much of anything else, until demand for labor increases in terms of both jobs and real income.

NEW YEARS GOOD NEWS: CHAMPAGNE KEEPS HEART DISEASE AT BAY

Top British scientists tell us to start New Year with a “glass of bubbly,” to keep strokes and heart attacks away, like two glasses of red wine is recommended for as well.  According to Dr. Jeremy Spencer of Reading University, who asked the Daily Mail, “a couple of glasses a day has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels—which suggests champagne has the potential to reduce strokes and heart disease.”  Other types of sparkling wines can help, and perhaps a mug of hot cocoa, though Dr Spencer said, “While the benefit is the same, it doesn’t seem as much fun somehow.”  We leave the choice up to the readership!

INTERESTED IN DOING THE "IN THING?"

Don't miss Stefan Swanepoel's DEFINITIVE INFO on SOCIAL MEDIA and 10-DAY Action plan. Many free good downloads. http://tinyurl.com/yczfqmc

STORY OF RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER... confirmed true by SNOPES

A guy named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night. His 4-year-old daughter, Barbara, sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer. Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dads eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob. Being small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember.

From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938. Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined a make one - a storybook!

Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.

Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there. The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book. In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter.

But the story doesn't end there either. Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas." The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing!

STAGING TO SELL… WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

Robb & Stucky in Boca Raton will present ideas for anyone thinking of selling their residence on December 29^th at 2 pm.   Learn how to “prep” your home for a faster sale, and how you can make your property stand out from others on the market.   It could make the difference in this highly competitive market as to whether the house sells or not, and/or result in getting a faster sale.  Details also will be discussed on current real estate market trends.   

Robb & Stucky is located in Mizner Park at 200 Plaza Real.  You can also request a complimentary design consult.  Call 561-862-5597 to reserve a seat for this seminar which is free to the public.  Click here for a list of other seminars and events at the Boca Raton store.

WHAT TO DO AT GUMBO LIMBO NATURE CENTER in BOCA RATON

Founded in 1984, Gumbo Limbo’s mission is to increase public awareness of coastal and marine ecosystems through research, education, preservation and conservation.   Stroll through the butterfly garden, climb the observation tower located on the winding boardwalk through coastal hammock, sit in a Chiki hut, visit the saltwater tanks brimming with marine life, including sea turtles, fish, sharks and rays and take pictures in our sea turtle garden with 7 giant turtles. 

Marine and coastal environmental education for the community is provided through classes, workshops, lectures, field trips and research.  Programs are given for children, adults and families. Sea Turtle Research includes information on tracking them and observing their nests in the area.   Closed on Christmas and New Years Day, the Center is open 361 days a year, Monday thru Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm, Sunday from Noon to 4 pm.  For information, call 561-338-1473.

MIZNER PARK MALL OWNER TO EXIT BANKRUPTCY BY 2010

According to Reuters, General Growth Properties, the second-largest mall owner in the U.S., which operates Boca Raton's Mizner Park mall, has reached a deal with its lenders to extend loans, a move that will allow it to exit bankruptcy by 2010. Representatives from 70 of General Growth's loans, some of which exceeded $1 billion in value, agreed to extensions averaging six years. The Chicago-based company's financial woes, marking the biggest real estate failure in U.S. history, according to a report from Reuters, have underscored the nationwide retail crisis, as vacancies in the retail real estate sector have continued to mount as the holiday season approaches.

DEED FOR LEASE PROGRAM (DL-4)

New program announced by Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) to keep mortgage-challenged borrowers in their homes.  Qualified borrowers relinquish the deed to their property and rent their home at market rate for 12 months.  To read more about it, see Chris Thorman’s informative blog.   Your comments are most welcome!

1st TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2010

The $8000 tax break for first-time home buyers would require a signed purchase agreement contract, and will have a 60-day cushion beyond the end of April to complete the closing.

In addition, existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for at least 5 years but want to relocate to a new primary residence can use a $6,500 tax credit.

Income limits for both would be $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.

The tax break would be offered on homes priced at $800,000 or less Recipients who sell the home or stop using it as their primary residence within 3 years would be required to repay the credit

ART REIGNS SUPREME

The New York Times reports that prices at Sotheby’s Auction far surpass estimates. A recent auction was well represented by buyers from the US, China, Latin America and Russia. A Derain, “Barque au Port de Collioure sold for $14MM recently, the highest price for one of the artists works at auction. It was estimated to sell for $8MM but there were 3 bidders and one was determined to win the painting.

TIME FOR A RETURN TO THE VICTORIAN ERA?

Are you interested in Victorian homes in Palm Beach or Broward County? Call Marilyn at 561-302-3388 for more information.

Meanwhile, mark your calendar now for a very interesting afternoon. Enjoy a “Harvest Tea” and treats with Victorian hostesses in costume and your personal butler, most elegantly done by The Mad Platter Catering and Befitting Just Your Style at Robb & Stucky at 200 Plaza Real in Mizner Park on Wednesday, November 23 at 2 pm. See a traditional Victorian Thanksgiving… and get new ideas for your own holiday. Tips will be offered on blending older furnishings with today’s lifestyle with your own distinctive touch. Reserve by calling 800-838-5931 for pricing and reservations.

Design Professionals: Did you know that Robb & Stucky offers CEU Classes for you? See http://www.robbstucky.com/CEU-Classes-for-Design-Professionals.aspx?Id=10 for list of classes.

AUCTIONS: BEST BUYS IN TOWN & HISTORIC HOMES: WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

For BEST BUYS IN TOWN and WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN See The Examiner.

WEEK OF 10-12-09 PENDING SALES ROSE BY 2% IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Buyers are becoming aware that NOW is the BEST TIME EVER to buy in Florida, and the best properties are being bought up as you read this. Front runner Palm Beach County was up 3%. Have you been out looking for the best possible deal? Better hurry….

DID YOUR PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX BILL GO UP?

While local headlines SCREAM that Florida properties were devalued even more this year (did I hear 18%?), the property taxes, inexplicably, are going UP UP AND AWAY. Appeals to the county’s Value Adjustment Board by angry taxpayers for their 2009 property tax bills are expected to climb, perhaps by over 20% up from 13,200 appeals in 2008, challenging property assessments and homestead and tax exemption classifications. Petitions can be file online or in person at 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, until September 14^th, and there is a $15 filing fee. For more information call the Clerk and Comptroller's office at (561) 355- 6289. The Clerks office says that while the increase in appeals may be due to the economic downturn, a state law has changed requiring the property appraisers office to prove their assessments are accurate. In the past the property owner had to prove the assessment was wrong. Special magistrates must be hired to settle disputes between property owners and the county property appraisers office. Responsibility for processing petitions and scheduling hearings lies with the Clerks office. Preliminary tax notices were mailed Friday to all county property owners.