South Florida Businessman Makes Donation to Preserve the Legacy of America’s First Free Black Town

Victor Harvey, founder of Victor George Spirits presented a $10,000 donation to representatives from the Fort Mose’ Historical Society in St. Augustine on Friday, June 23. Former NFL player Oronde Gadsden, a Charleston South Carolina native joined Harvey for the presentation to share his insights. Additional attendees at the ceremony and celebration included Fort Mose Historical Society President Charles Ellis and Vice President Sedrick Lee, St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline and State Park Manager Michael Watkins.

The donation is from Harvey’s pledge to donate one dollar from every bottle sold of their bourbon Fort Mose’ 1738. The donation will help with educational programs, events and creating overall awareness of the historic town. This year- long initiative to support Fort Mose’ Historical Society ran from June 19, 2022 until June 19, 2023 in celebration of freedom and Juneteenth.

Fort Mose Bourbon is named after the Florida town which was established in 1738 just two miles north of St Augustine, Florida. This became the first settlement and town in which Black people could live free.

“This donation is greatly appreciated and will help with executing our mission statement of continuing to tell the story of Fort Mose’ and the impact it has had in the history of our country not only for African Americans but all Americans. We are excited to work with Mr. Harvey’s company to educate the community and make sure this part of history is never forgotten,” said Charles Ellis, President of Fort Mose’ Historical Society.

“Giving back has always been part of who I am. We knew with the story behind Fort Mose’ and us being able to help tell it through our bourbon that this was going to be a huge brand. We wanted to do more and I saw donating funds from every bottle sold over the past year as a way to do that,” said Victor Harvey, Founder of Fort Mose 1738.

Victor George Spirits is one of the fastest growing Black owned spirits companies in the United States. Its award-winning Victor George “VG” Vodka is currently distributed in 45 states and its Gold medal award winning Fort Mose’ 1738 Bourbon has been picked up in ten states since its initial launch in June 2022. In January 2023, VGS released its first flavored vodka, Victor George Caramel Vodka. Also earlier this year, Victor George Spirits (VGS) entered into a partnership agreement with singer, songwriter and actor, Cee Lo Green (Cee Lo) who has won five Grammy Awards, one BET award, one Billboard music award as well as nominations for over eighteen other Grammy awards. This summer, Victor Harvey will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking at the future site of The Victory Building on Sistrunk Boulevard, which will be Fort Lauderdale’s First Black Owned Distillery.

Shielding Your Home: Best Ways to Protect Against Hurricanes

Hurricane season is here, and now more that ever, it’s crucial to fortify your home against the onslaught of these powerful storms. By taking proactive measures and implementing robust safeguards, you can enhance the resilience of your house and protect both your property and loved ones. Here are some of the best ways to shield your home from the ravages of hurricanes:

Reinforce Doors and Windows: Strengthening your doors and windows is vital to prevent wind and debris from breaching your home’s interior. Install impact-resistant shutters or plywood boards to shield windows, and consider upgrading entry doors to those built to withstand hurricane-force winds.

Secure Roof and Soffits: High winds can peel away roof shingles and tear off soffits, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage. Ensure your roof is in good condition and consider reinforcing it with hurricane straps or clips. Reinforce soffits with materials designed to resist wind uplift.

Clear Yard and Secure Outdoor Items: Trim trees and remove weak branches to minimize the risk of falling limbs during a storm. Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and other loose items, as they can transform into dangerous projectiles in high winds.

Reinforce Garage Doors: Garage doors are often susceptible to damage during hurricanes. Strengthen them by installing a bracing system or using a reinforced door that meets wind-resistant standards.

Reinforce Anchoring Systems: If you live in a coastal area, ensure your home’s foundation is securely anchored. Bolting your house to the foundation and reinforcing connections between walls, roof, and foundation will help it withstand

Safeguarding Lives and Property: The Indispensable Importance of Hurricane-Proof Windows

the strong winds and storm surge. Install a Generator: Power outages are common during hurricanes. Consider installing a generator to ensure you have a backup power source for essential appliances and medical equipment. Remember to follow safety guidelines when using generators and keep them outside in a well-ventilated area.

Create a Disaster Preparedness Kit: Assemble a comprehensive emergency kit that includes essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, a first-aid kit, and important documents. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and have a plan in place for your family’s safety.

Purchase Flood Insurance: Flooding is a significant concern during hurricanes. Standard homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover flood damage, so consider obtaining flood insurance to protect your property. Be aware of the coverage limits and policy terms.

Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates from reliable sources and heed evacuation orders or other directives from local authorities. Stay informed about the storm’s progress and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

Regular Maintenance: Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of your home’s structure, including roofs, gutters, and drainage systems. Identify and address any weaknesses or vulnerabilities well before hurricane season.

Remember, protecting your home from hurricanes is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and preparation. By implementing these measures and staying informed, you can increase the resilience of your home and mitigate potential damage caused by these formidable storms.

In regions prone to hurricanes and severe storms, the importance of hurricane-proof windows cannot be overstated. These specially designed windows provide a formidable defense against the destructive forces of nature, safeguarding both lives and property. With climate change leading to an increase in extreme weather events, investing in hurricane-proof windows is becoming increasingly crucial. This article explores the significance of hurricane-proof windows and highlights the advantages they offer in terms of safety, protection, and long-term savings.

The primary and most critical advantage of hurricane-proof windows is the enhanced safety they provide for those residing in hurricane-prone areas. Traditional windows are often vulnerable to the powerful winds and flying debris associated with hurricanes, which can cause glass to shatter, endangering the lives of inhabitants. In contrast, hurricane-proof windows are constructed with laminated glass, which consists of a strong interlayer between two layers of glass. This interlayer prevents the glass from shattering, even when subjected to significant impact, reducing the risk of injuries caused by flying shards.

During a hurricane, the high winds and airborne debris pose a significant threat to both homes and businesses. Conventional windows may fail under the immense pressure, allowing wind and debris to enter the structure and cause catastrophic damage. Hurricane-proof windows, on the other hand, are engineered to withstand intense winds and resist the impact of debris propelled at high velocities. Their reinforced frames and impact-resistant glass make it extremely difficult for wind and debris to penetrate, significantly reducing the risk of structural damage and subsequent water intrusion.

Hurricane-proof windows not only protect against physical damage but also help preserve the interior spaces of homes and buildings during severe storms. When traditional windows fail, wind pressure can enter the structure, leading to an increase in internal pressure. This pressure imbalance can cause roofs to lift, walls to collapse, and even complete structural fail- ure. By preventing this pressure build-up, hurricane-proof windows help maintain the integrity of the building envelope, reducing the risk of severe damage and ensuring the preservation of valuable belongings and personal mementos.

Aside from their protective capabilities, hurricane-proof windows offer long-term financial benefits. These windows are often designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring multiple layers of glass with insulating air gaps. This construction helps to minimize heat transfer, keeping the interior cool in the summer and retaining warmth during colder months. By reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems, homeowners can experience significant energy savings and lower utility bills over time. Furthermore, some regions offer insurance premium discounts for properties equipped with hurricane-proof windows, as they are seen as proactive measures for mitigating potential storm damage.

Another advantage of hurricane-proof windows is their ability to reduce outdoor noise infiltration, creating a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment. The multi-layered glass acts as a sound barrier, dampening external noise such as traffic, construction, and wind, resulting in a more comfortable living or working space. Additionally, hurricane-proof windows are often manufactured with a UV-protective coating, blocking harmful ultraviolet rays from entering the building. This feature helps prevent fading of furniture, flooring, and artwork, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

As the frequency and intensity of hurricanes continue to rise, it is essential to recognize the significance of hurricane-proof windows in safeguarding lives and property. These windows offer enhanced safety, protection against wind and debris, preservation of interior spaces, energy efficiency, cost savings, noise reduction, and UV protection. Investing in hurricane-proof windows is a proactive step towards fortifying structures against the destructive forces of nature, providing peace of mind to residents and ensuring a resilient future