TREASURE

Hunt

Big bucks are waiting to be found.

WRITER: B.E. CONRAD

Almost $33 billion in cash and assets is waiting to be claimed.

That startling statistic comes from the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, which is tasked with returning forgotten cash to its rightful owners, many who have no idea they’re entitled to a financial windfall.

Taking time to search for unclaimed property and lost money can leave you a lot richer. In fact, you can ensure that you never lose track of money that’s rightfully yours by making a search part of your yearly routine.

Start by going to unclaimed.org. Once there, go to the center of the page and click on the interactive map. That will open a window pointing to the unclaimed property department for your state. Each state maintains its own database of unclaimed property, making it easier for residents to find bank accounts, brokerage accounts, tax refunds and other property they are entitled to.

Enter your last name or business name and click the search button. Only your last name is required, but providing your first name will narrow the search and make the results more relevant. Entering your first name is more important if you have a common last name.

Click on each matching record to see more details. The record will contain information about the financial institution the money came from, along with an estimated amount. Note any assets you feel belong to you.

Complete a claim form for money you believe to be yours. Each state has its own procedure for claiming lost funds, so be sure to read the claim form carefully, provide all the required information and follow the instructions on the claim form.

And be sure to check the unclaimed property department records for each state where you’ve lived. Florida residents should check: www.fltreasurehunt. org/index.jsp

Top 10 States Holding The Highest Values In Unpaid Unclaimed Property Claims

NEW YORK: $12 billion

CALIFORNIA: $6.1 billion

TEXAS: $2.2 billion

PENNSYLVANIA: $1.9 billion

MICHIGAN: $1.55 billion

OHIO: $1.53 billion

ILLINOIS: $1.5 billion

FLORIDA: $1.2 billion

NORTH CAROLINA: $1.14 billion

VIRGINIA: $1.1 billion

MARCH 1

Orange Blossom Half Marathon and 5K

Celebrating its fifth year, this half marathon and 5K event is a flat and fast course along Lake Dora and Lakeshore Drive. Wooton Park, 200 Ruby St., Tavares. Information: 352.394.1320.

MARCH 6

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group: PUN (Pity Us Not)

The MS support group provides people with MS and their families an opportunity to share their MS experiences with those who can understand and identify. Educational, fun and positive support. Information: 352.638.0663

MARCH 13 -

14

Dragon Boat Festival

Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and steerperson compete for trophies and ranking. Professional performers, vendors and fireworks. Proceeds benefit Rotary Club’s local and international charities and scholarship. 5–9p.m. 100 E. Ruby St., Wooton Park, Tavares. $3 admission.

MARCH 14

GCCF 14th Annual Round Robin Tennis Tournament

Round Robin tennis tournament benefitting the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation. 7a.m.–4p.m. Summit Greens Tennis Club, Clermont. Information: 407.325.5054

MARCH 14 - 15

39th Annual Leesburg Fine Art Festival

MARCH 7

Bids 4 Kids: Annual Fundraiser

The Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center’s annual fundraiser to raise operating funds for the year. The event is an invitation-only barbecue with a silent and live auction. Corporate and private sponsors recognized. Savannah Center in The Villages.

Information: 352.323.8303 in Lake County or 352.748.3156 in Sumter County.

Over 100 fine artists and craftsmen. Musicians, actors, dancers, festive food, classic car zone and a student art exhibition at the Leesburg Center for the Arts. 10a.m.– 5p.m. Main Street, Leesburg. Free. Information: 352.365.0232

MARCH 13 - 15

Pig on the Pond

This annual event provides fun for the entire family, including cooking competitions and a 5K run/ walk. Proceeds go toward scholarship funding for South Lake County students. Waterfront Park, Clermont. $5 daily fee for adults, $3 for children ages 2-6. Information: PigOnThePond.org.

MARCH 15

Double Run Paddling Adventure

Paddlers will be guided along the shores of Little Lake Harris into Double Run. Guides will identify plants and wildlife along this scenic area. 9a.m.–1p.m. Astatula Boat Ramp, 12703 Florida Ave. Information: 352.343.3777

MARCH 17

Remy Time

Come together for story time geared toward children and families impacted by autism or Asperger’s syndrome.

10:30a.m. at East Lake County Library, 31340 County Road 437, Sorrento. Free.

Information: 352.383.9980

MARCH 20

Revolution Road Rally

Experience the excitement of ATV riding surrounded by a fun festival featuring live music, games and activities for kids. Bring your own ATV and ride on our fun and exciting obstacle course, or rent one for $10. 8a.m.–5p.m. Revolution Off Road, 4000 State Road 33, Clermont. Free. Information: 352.400.1322

MARCH 22

32nd Annual Great Clermont Triathlon Festival

Distances International Triathlon: 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run. International Aqua Bike:

1.5K swim and 40K bike. After racking your bike make sure to head down the finish chute to start celebrating. Clermont Waterfront Park, Clermont. Information: 352.394.1320

MARCH 22

World Water Hike Day

The Green Swamp is considered an Area of Critical Enviromental Concern and the heart of the Florida aquifer. Learn about its connection to Florida’s drinking water while exploring the park. 9a.m.–11a.m. Pasture Reserve, 5144 Lake Erie Road, Groveland. Free. Information: 352.253.4950 from top, left: John Pease,

If you’ve been to our Trust and Investment Services Department, then you recognize us. We’ve been dedicated to helping people build financial security for a long time, and built a lot of enduring relationships along the way. It comes naturally when you put your customers first. That’s what we promise to do for you.

When you want a bank that does more, come to one that cares more. First National Bank.

APRIL 11

Amazing Race for Charity

Two-person teams enjoy a 5to 6-mile race through Eustis, stopping at 20+ challenge stations on the way to the finish at lakeside Ferran Park for a festival, food, awards and music. This race attracts serious runners, as well as amateurs. 9a.m.–3p.m. Ferran Park, 50 Ferran Park Drive, Eustis. $125 per team. Information: 352.242.8111

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Fore A Good Cause

Angel Flight Southeast held its 18th annual golf tournament at Arlington Ridge Golf Club in Leesburg. The event, sponsored by Harper Family Charitable Foundation, included a helicopter ball drop raffle and a $1 million hole-in-one contest. Proceeds benefited Angel Flight Southeast, which provides free air transportation to distant medical facilities.