Autumn

Autumn

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Sonofabit*h, Updated

The state of Florida in all its wisdom has shut down any access from the street to my business. For all intent and purposes I'm out of business for two days, or longer.

Damn near came to blows with the construction foreman a few minutes ago. He insisted it wasn't against state law to block commerce. I believe he's wrong. We'll see.

I shall now begin the process (fight) with the state for business loss compensation. Wish me luck.

I'm in such a good mood.

*I was correct. After a call to the city they sent representatives and the police and made the crew open egress and ingress to my parking lot. Their actions were illegal.Still with all this huge equipment and activity I doubt I'll do much business today or tomorrow.

Stephen

32 comments:

  1. Seems to me this could be some Divine intervention - to force you to take a break after your recent health issue. And to possibly spend some quality time with Sweet Wife - away from American Idols...

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    1. It's a nice thought, Dani, but when one is self-employed time off isn't good for the overhead. Thanks, my friend.

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  2. Good luck dealing with the bureaucrats. That's never fun.

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    1. I was surprised at how quick they agreed with me and their actions. Within minutes of my call a police officer was on site, and a few seconds later city inspectors parked and jumped into action. They had the supervisor of the construction crew come inside the shop and explain his actions. He looked like a whipped dog.

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  3. Replies
    1. It surely did suck...better now. At least my customers have a chance...Thanks, Sweet Kelly.

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  4. Good for you, more people need to stand up for their rights like you did today.

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    1. Thanks, my friend. All I did was make a phone call.

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  5. Well that just stinks. But seems you got a fast remedy. I was going to suggest you call your congresswoman the infamous Ms. Corrine and get her to help you out since you are such a big fan of hers.. : )

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    1. Duke came in at just the right time too. He enjoyed the show. Thanks, Sweet One.

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  6. The loss of business would almost be worth the fact that you were right and the foreman had to grovel.

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  7. I guess a local business can get too political too quickly. It makes for easy video by local media.

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    1. I was surprised how quickly the city government acted on my behalf. Good point. Thanks, Russell.

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  8. Truly sucks, and I'd STILL go for compensation!!!

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  9. Stephen,

    Most business owners would not contact the state to find out if the construction crew was breaking the laws, that is why the J.A. didn't admit to wrong doing. I would attempt to getcompensated for your time, loss of potential customers and the aggravation of having to deal with idiots.

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    1. I will, Sandy. I have (supposedly) one more day of it. Thanks, Sweet Lady.

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  10. I am glad you got some remedy to this. We were not able to stop the illegal timberers. The sheriff's office now only comes out for "blood crimes". Tell me again why we don't need our guns ?

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    1. Exactly. Cops are useless. When you think about it they only appear at crime scenes and string yellow tape and make chalk outlines. Take care, Dear Lady.

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  11. Glad you stood up for your rights. Not many people know them.

    Hope the construction doesn't hurt the bottom line too much.

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    1. It will hurt but at least I have a fighting chance. Thanks, my good friend.

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  12. Let me know if you need someone to come over and make a stink about getting in or out of the parking lot...

    You're only 10 or so minutes away, and I can make quite a scene if needed...

    TBG

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    1. Thank you very much for the offer, Big Guy. I had Duke over to cover my six...he's quite good in a scrape.

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  13. Alright! Stephen! Way to fight back!

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  14. If I stop by tomorrow, will I be able to get in? Sure hope it isn't moving up, or rather East of you. Justin's had different battles to fight & dealing w/that just might push him over the edge.

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    1. Truthfully, I'm not sure. I hope they move the traffic pattern to my side of the divider tomorrow. We'll see. I'm sure Justin can hold his own. Thanks, Pretty Girl.

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  15. Even I knew it was illegal and I'm just a hick from the hills. Sheesh.

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    1. To comply required extra men and labor cost...he knew. Thanks, Joy.

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  16. If Florida is like Texas (and I think it is), the construction contract mandates ingress and egress of adjoining property is not to be impeded. So, call the local department of transportation office and ask for the area engineer, explain your problem and ask if there is a method to file a formal complaint against the contractor and the state for damages due to their activities.

    If this doesn't get you any satisfaction, contact your state rep and explain your problem. Highway officials don't like messing with elected officials, since they can pull funds.

    If all of this gives you no satisfaction, contact an attorney and sue for damages. The contractor will settle quickly, especially if his retainage is held due to unsettled claims on the project.

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    1. Thanks, Jess. I had the problem solved within a half hour. Took one call to the city. Even with their compliance it still cost me business. Nice to hear from you.

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