Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

Today is June 1, 2005. For a couple reasons, June 1 is a significant date for Floridians this year.

Florida residents are now eligible for your free annual credit report. Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) consumers can request and obtain a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. The program was put in place in stages, and June 1 begins availability for the southeast. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com for your checkup.

Second of all, (as if they would let it sneak up on us) it’s the start of hurricane season. I hope you already purchased your plywood, bungee cords, and a generator. Or if your credit report shows you are in good shape, go buy the stuff now: Not only is there a 7% discount (remember, sales tax is waived on eligible items) for a few days, but prices will rise as the summer moves on. Of course, maybe you won’t need that stuff. Some people think if you have to be in the south, Tampa is the safest place to be during hurricane season.