NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUN 1 – JUN 7, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 22
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‘Gimme a break!' Although South Floridians did not get the majority of the over $600 million tax break originally proposed by Governor Rick Scott earlier this year, they will benefit from two tax breaks between June 2August 6.
BROWARD
Rewarding extraordinary people Veteran actor/comedian Oliver Samuels headlines a cast of Jamaican entertainers who will be honored at the second People Profile Awards at Bailey Hall in Davie, Broward County on June 18. The comic duo of Ity and Fancy Cat, groundbreaking deejay Yellowman, Tanto Metro and Devonte and Papa Michigan, will also attend. Founder of the People Profile Awards, Dr. A6 – Samuels
Oliver Samuels
Last week, the governor signed tax cuts approved by the Florida Legislature amounting to $180 million. They include a three-day tax holiday from June 2-4 offering residents a tax break to purchase supplies including batteries, first-aid kits, gas tanks, coolers and generators in preparation for tropical storms and hurricanes. The other tax holiday is anticipated annually by parents, high school and college students. Between August 4-6, the state offers a tax holiday on back-to-school clothing, shoes, wallets, handbags, backpacks, pens, pencils, binders, lunch boxes and computers costing less than $750. The twin tax breaks will save Floridians $37.9 million. The significance of the taxbreak on school clothing and supplies is borne out by the family of Sean and Brittany Chinquee of Davie who have five children attending middle and high school. “Last year we spent over $500 for backto-school clothing and school supplies, but saved over $30 because of the tax-holiday. When you have five kids $30 is like winning the lottery,” Brittany said. Other significant tax breaks offered in the bill signed by Scott includes the longawaited removal of the tax on female hygiene products including tampons and sanitary napkins. The previous “Tampon tax” was deemed an unfair burden by thousands of women from low-income families. Businesses will also benefit, from a 0.2 percent reduction on the tax they pay for rental of business property. This tax was regarded as archaic and Florida was the only state where it was imposed.
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Salute! Today, Caribbean National Weekly introduces a column that pays homage to Caribbean persons (or people of Caribbean descent) who made a mark in South Florida and beyond. We kick things off with broadcaster Clint O’Neil.
Clint O’Neil in studio with assistant
For twenty-five years, Jamaican Clint O’Neil ruled South Florida’s Caribbean airwaves through his Sounds Of The Caribbean show on WLRN FM 91.3 FM in Miami.
When he died in October, 2004, not even his rivals could challenge his title as ‘King of South Florida Radio’. If Pat McKay and Ken Williams put reggae on the map in New York City, then O’Neil was its champion out of Miami. Sounds Of The Caribbean started in 1979 once per week but grew to a daily gig with O’Neil playing the latest (and oldest) hit songs from the region. But for novelty songs and the ubiquitous Bob Marley tune, Caribbean artists found it difficult to break on mainstream radio in the US. It took disc jockeys such as O’Neil to change that. Throughout the 1980s and A6 – O’Neil
WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER
EDITORIAL
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
DR. MAXINE HAMILTON ALWAYS ON CALL AT FMC A3
CARIBBEAN-AMERICANS INDEBTED TO PRESIDENT JFK A6
30 YEARS OF JAMMING IN ORLANDO B4
STADIUM TO BE BUILT FOR USAIN BOLT, AND GLEN MILLS B9