• If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.

• Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

• Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by e-mail, so be on the look out for e-mail scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Prices tend to be reasonable in Pensacola, which this year is celebrating the 450th anniversary of its founding by Spanish explorers. Famed for miles of white beaches, sport-fishing, the nation’s first Naval Air Station and the precision-flying Blue Angels, the historic city and its barrier-island stretches of sand offer a calmer alternative to more developed, shopping center-packed, high-rise condo beach towns on the stretch of coast in Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama dubbed the “Redneck Riviera.”

A great, positive story and just in time for summer!

Two weeks ago I sent you news that Citizens Property Insurance Company assigned Dave LeHue to work in my office. Many people have contacted Mr. LeHue, and he has been able to help countless families resolve their claims. Since he started, he has also been joined by Jenni Harrell, Spike McMillen, and Boyce Hager. I have even seen them in the office late at night and on weekends, and they are committed to helping our community rebuild.

I need your help in getting the word out about this service to others in our area. Would you please forward this message to others in your e-mail list who might still need assistance? Let them know that the best way to arrange a time to meet with one of these Citizensâ?? employees is to call 438-2008 between 9 and 10:30 a.m., and they will schedule a meeting to discuss their issues.

In addition, in response to your concerns, our delegation has arranged for Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher to come to the Civic Center this Wednesday from 5 until 8 p.m. with 25 of his employees to help address other hurricane-related issues. I have also received suggestions from many people about ways that we can learn from our experiences with Ivan, and I hope you will share your thoughts with me.

Please continue to let me know how we can help you and your family rebuild.
Thank you.

Sincerely,
Holly Benson