BUY SPECIALTY PLATES ONLINE

TAX COLLECTOR’S WEBSITE EXPANDS SERVICES

Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) will host five “Beat the Heat” events this summer at different locations throughout the Florida Keys. MCFR will be providing a gentle stream of misting water for children of all ages to enjoy in a safe and fun environment. It is a great way to meet your neighborhood firefighters, learn about fire prevention and cool off from the summer heat. Children are encouraged to wear a bathing suit and water shoes, and bring a water bottle and a towel. Free snow cones will be available. The events take place on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m.

June 3: Tavernier, Harry Harris Park

June 10: Layton Community Baptist Church

June 24: Big Pine Key Community Park

July 1: Sugarloaf School

July 8: Stock Island, Bernstein Park

“We hope parents bring their kids out to enjoy these fun events,” said Monroe County Fire Chief James Callahan. “This is one of the times when the fire truck shows up that it’s a good thing.”

For more information, call Monroe County Fire Rescue at 305289-6005. These events are subject to cancellation due to inclement or threatening weather.

Monroe County Tax Collector Sam Steele recently announced that county residents now can order Florida specialty license plates and pre-sale vouchers at monroetaxcollector.com.

Prior to the online upgrade, residents were required to visit a local tax collector’s office to purchase a specialty plate or voucher. They could also place an order online with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

“I am proud of this new enhancement because it expands motor vehicle services and convenience for Monroe County residents,” said Steele. “Specialty plates give Florida residents a way to show their support for a cause or organization they care about.”

When a specialty license plate is authorized, the re- questing organization must sell 3,000 vouchers within 24 months before the plate will be manufactured, to prove there’s sufficient interest. The customer will receive a pre-sale specialty license plate voucher receipt.

If the organization meets the 3,000 pre-sale voucher requirement at or before the end of the 24-month period, the specialty license plate will be manufactured and available for sale. Revenue generated by the sale of specialty license plates provides millions of dollars each year toward special causes and organizations. Currently, residents can select from over 100 specialty license plates and 36 pre-sale vouchers at county-taxes.net/ fl-monroe.

— Contributed