His name is Kenneth Whitmier. His middle name could be “Remarkable.”

Tammy Whitmier: “He was a very generous, giving, loving man.”

Tammy’s father, Sgt. Maj. Whitmier, served 27 amazing years in the U.S Army.

Gary Booze: Two tours in Vietnam, purple hearts, two Bronze Stars, one with valor. It just goes on and on, and on.”

Ask Mr. Whitmier about his achievements and Gary says you would learn another fact. He was humble.

Gary Booze: “I said, ‘What was the Bronze Star for?’ He said, ‘Being stupid?’ and that was the end of the conversation.”

Then in June, Mr. Whitmier passed away.

Gary Booze: “Lost the best member of our family and just trying to do something to remember him, and and carry on his wishes.”

This is one of those wishes Tammy’s father would want to see.

The VA had just given him this nice electric wheelchair.

Gary Booze: “It’s brand new. It’s never been used. The only place that’s ever gone around is right here in this living room.”

Gary tried to give it back to the Veterans Administration.

Gary Booze: “I actually went to the VA down the street. There’s no mechanism in the U.S government for taking back any of this equipment that I can find.”

But Gary and Tammy were determined to do what they knew the late Army veteran would want.

Gary Booze: “Ideally, dad would have like this to have gone to another veteran.”

So they asked Help Me Howard to find a needy veteran.

I contacted Joanna Pardo, the owner of Total Mobility. She is very familiar with people who need wheelchairs and found a veteran who didn’t have a chair.

With the help of Luis and Abdel from Channel 7, we loaded Mr. Whitmier’s two wheelchairs and walker in the truck and headed to meet Eugene Leonard.

Eugene Leonard: “I want the wheelchair. I can’t walk far, you know.”

Eugene badly needed a wheelchair.

Tammy and Gary were about to make it happen.

Gary Booze: “Brother. Thank you for your service.”

Eugene Leonard: “Thank you, thank you. Thank you.”

Eugene thought he was just getting a standard chair he’d have to wheel. He didn’t know it was an very nice, brand new electric chair that could also raise his seat up.

Eugene Leonard: “Oh, man. I appreciate what you’re doing for me. Given me the wheelchair and the chair.”

Gary Booze: “We didn’t do anything for you. Tammy’s dad, Master Sgt. Kenneth Whitmire, did this for you.”

While Eugene was thrilled by the chair, he was just as impressed by the rank of the man it belonged to.

Eugene Leonard: “I tip my hat off to him. As a sergeant major, that’s the highest you can get as an enlisted man.”

Then it was time for Eugene to try out his new toy.

Gary Booze: “When you press that, it turns on some headlights.”

Eugene Leonard: “OK. I’m gonna ride my little scooter for awhile.”

Tammy and Gary were as happy as Eugene, to accomplish what Tammy’s father would have wanted.

Gary Booze: “It’s a relief, you know, that we really got to see something good come out of this.”

A man who struggled to get around in a walker was free to go.

Eugene Leonard: “Oh, oh oh. I got this here.”

Eugene said he always wanted an electric wheelchair

Eugene Leonard: “Oh, you know, I’m not going to cry now, you know.”

He was just sorry another veteran had to pass away so he can get it.

Eugene Leonard: “And you got a good man with it to ’cause I will take care of this here and I will remember sergeant major. that helped me get this here.”

Two army veterans are now linked together in a unique way. Two thoughtful people made it happen.

Eugene Leonard: Thank you all so much for giving me this here. I’m on top of the world now. Whoo, thank you.”

You’re welcome, Eugene. And thank you Gary and Tammy for letting us be a part of your kind gesture.

Fighting a problem and can’t soldier on? Ready to get on a roll? Enlist with us ’cause it’s a gift for us to be able to help you.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Dianellys’ mobile home was a gift. Literally.

Dianellys Molina (translation): “The trailer was initially purchased by my children’s grandfather. Then he put it in my name.”

This is the only home Dianellys’ two children know. A place they love.

Dianellys Molina: “It’s been practically my whole life here with the children.”

Twenty years after moving in, it all changed when she was walking her dog and her bosses’ dog, who she was pet sitting.

The property manager came out.

Dianellys Molina: “I was walking, she passed me by, and she told me, ‘You know that you can’t have two dogs here,’ and I said, ‘OK, I didn’t know that, but hey, that’s fine. In a little while, this dog is leaving.'”

Dianellys was fined for allowing a visitor’s dog on the property. She paid the fine and thought that was it.

Eleven months later, she got this letter.

Dianellys Molina: “That letter says that I have 30 days to get out of here for having a second dog. That’s just basically what it says.”

Dianellys was accused of walking her bosses’ dog again. Not true, she said.

Dianellys Molina: “I know that I can’t have two dogs, after all that happened last year.”

While Dianellys owns her trailer, she rents the space it sits on, and now she feared losing the home.

Dianellys Molina: “She won’t accept the rent because that’s usually what she’s done in the past. Then, after she doesn’t accept the rent, she takes you to court like you are not paying, to evict you.”

Dianellys was stunned that she had 30 days before she will be evicted. Enough time to pack up, but not enough time to sell her home.

Dianellys Molina: “She wants me to go, and leave my trailer for her to sell and keep my money.”

Dianellys was left in tears. Her home is worth money. Now, she about to lose all that.

Dianellys Molina: “I need you to help me so she doesn’t kick me out of here, because it’s unfair.”

Doesn’t seem fair, but is it legal to evict someone from their home and then sell that mobile home? Howard?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “This is not fair, but yes, it’s legal. If the landowner has the right to evict you, you have three choices: move the trailer, sell it or abandon it. Giving someone 30 days to sell it is also not fair. The best solution: delay the eviction so you can sell it, but you need to hire a lawyer, and many people who live in mobile homes do not have the money to do that.”

We tried to contact the property manager at Haven Lake Estates. She wouldn’t talk to us.

Our solution: we spoke to Broward Legal Aid.

They took a simple step, but it worked. They got Haven Lake to give Dianellys 45 days to sell her mobile home, and she did, after that call to Help Me Howard.

Dianellys Molina: “Very grateful for you guys. Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.”

Dianellys then used the money from the sale of the trailer to buy a house. A pool in the back, lots of room and lots of smiles.

Dianellys Molina: “I’m able to have a cat, a dog, doing barbecue, parking on the grass, a lot of freedom, thank God. Yes, I’m very grateful.”

And in the end, everything worked out for the best for Dianellys, and I was surprised the mobile home park could end up owning Dianellys’ trailer if she didn’t sell it or move it, but in the eyes of the law, it’s abandoned on their property, and they can keep it. However, in this case, Dianellys beat them by selling it.

Not mobile enough to escape a problem? Need a double wide list of solutions? Hitch up with us to house your problem.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

When Stephanie was a teenager, she met who she thought would be the love of her life.

Stephanie Velez: “He was really nice to me at first, and, you know, he was very, like, treating me like a princess.”

Stephanie and her partner had two beautiful children. What people may not know, their father was abusing their mother.

Stephanie Velez: “He was for like almost five years and I thought he was going to change, but it just eventually, progressively got worse.”

You may have noticed Stephanie doesn’t even have a picture of her with her ex, Rashaad Jenkins. Understandable after the last attack.

Stephanie Velez: “He choked me and I woke up under my work desk and I was unconscious for like almost a minute.”

When she became conscious, Jenkins is accused of being even more brutal.

Stephanie Velez: “He threw me on the bed and he has a firearm and he cocked it back and he was putting it on the back of my neck and he hit me in the back of my head up here.”

Stephanie’s head was busted and bleeding from being hit by the gun. A neighbor heard her screaming and called the police. When they got there, Jenkins had blood on his shirt and told an officer “Yes, it’s my girlfriend’s blood.” They confiscated the loaded weapon he allegedly hit Stephanie with. She went to the hospital. He went to jail and Stephanie made a decision—it was time to get away from him.

Stephanie Velez: “I can’t keep getting abused for so long, especially in the presence of the two girls.”

She asked her apartment manager to be let out of the lease she and Jenkins shared. They said no.

Stephanie Velez: “You know, they said, at the end of the day, you have to pay what you have to pay. Honestly, I wanted to cry because it’s not like I did it on purpose or I wanted this to happen.”

Scared to death, Stephanie moved out anyway and went to stay with family and the property manager verbally came after her.

Stephanie Velez: “They took the security deposit for the rent that I had to pay, which is fine, but they’re charging me another $2,676 for breaking the lease.”

Common sense says get away Stephanie, but does the law allow her to break the lease without a penalty? Howard.

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Unfortunately no. The law does not protect domestic violence victims regarding a lease. Some states do allow a victim to early terminate a lease without penalty, but Florida does not help victims in that regard.”

We spoke to the apartment manager.

To us, they were wonderful. They said they would not go after Stephanie for the $2,600 in rent payments and even though they didn’t have to return the security deposit, they gave Stephanie the $1,625.

Stephanie Velez: “I didn’t even think they’re going to return it. So it’s very good that they’re doing that. With your help, of course.”

She also tried to make her break from Jenkins official.

Stephanie Velez: “I have a five-year restraining order on him, and I have full custody of the kids.”

She will always be looking over her shoulder for her ex but at least now she can move forward and try to put her life back together.

Stephanie Velez: “Yes, I definitely am. I’m very grateful and appreciative for what you guys did for me.”

Nice to be able to help you, Stephanie. Be safe and it’s stunning that the Florida legislature didn’t want to help victims of domestic violence avoid getting hammered on a lease like some other states did. Maybe they will in the future.

Facing a situation you wanna end? Take a break and contact us to see if we can help you flee the problem.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

When CJ sits down, his voice stands out.

CJ Fierro: “Welcome back to another amazing episode of the Pegasus Media Sports podcast.”

It’s a massive understatement to say CJ is a little bit of a sports fan.

CJ Fierro: “Yes, I’m obsessed with sports. It’s all I think about.”

But while his voice carries his podcast, his legs aren’t as reliable.

Carlos Fierro: “He has a condition called AMC, arthrogryposis, and he has bone brittle disease, which, you know, his bones can break at any moment.”

CJ’s walk is unsteady. To get around crowded places like school, he uses his wheelchair.

Carlos Fierro: “You don’t want him walking, you know, 5,000 kids around you. Accidents happen, so that’s why we use a wheelchair.”

This year, everything was great at Cypress Bay High School. Carlos would take his son in and out of school across this pathway.

And then it began.

Carlos Fierro: “One day, just one of the busses blocked one of the two ADA ramps, walkways.”

Each day, the same two school bus drivers decided to park over the two pathways CJ could use to get to his father’s car.

Carlos Fierro: “But now this is the one pathway that is totally blocked, and this is the other one. They’re doing it, not because they need to do it, but they want to do it, which is a huge difference.”

The drivers could pull up — there are no buses in front of them — or not park over the pathway.

Carlos Fierro: “I went up to them. I said, ‘Could you please back up so I can pass with my son?’ Her response was, ‘I can’t back up. Oh, if you have a problem, call this number,’ and it was the number to the Department of Transportation.”

Carlos contacted the Department of Transportation. He says they sided with the two drivers blocking CJ’s exit from school.

Carlos Fierro: “Now the school has told us that it’s out of their hands. They can’t do anything because it’s coming from the district.”

CJ now has to go out a different way. Farther, not as easy, irritating his father.

Carlos Fierro: “Some words I can’t say on TV. I mean, you are blocking a child that is going through so much in their life. Why would you do that?”

The eloquent CJ has no idea, just a simple request.

CJ Fierro: “Please don’t be this mean and don’t be this cruel. Just move a little bit.”

Well, can bus drivers block a student in a wheelchair? Howard?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Legally, this is complicated. The school have to provide access to any program for all students, and they do that by providing another entrance for students like CJ. That’s more difficult for disabled students like CJ. The simple solution is for the bus drivers not to park on the pathway, which is a reasonable accommodation, and that’s what they should do.”

We contacted the Broward School District while Carlos kept making calls to help CJ.

Things then changed.

The school district spokesperson told me the problem has been solved. The bus drivers were told to stop before they got to the pathway where CJ crossed.

Carlos Fierro: “Everything is good now.”

We went with Carlos to pick up CJ. As you can see, those drivers who were blocking the pathway did what they were told to do and stayed back.

Seems simple, but it means the world to CJ.

CJ Fierro: “I’m so happy. I am so relieved. This was an amazing day, I think.”

Father and son are happy after we all worked together to solve this Help Me Howard.

Carlos Fierro: “I am so happy I called you guys, because that’s what got the ball rolling, really.”

Nice to meet you both and help you a little. Now, the high school officials wanted to help CJ and the district did help. Just took a while.

As for those drivers who parked over the pathway, yeah…

Blocked from solving a problem? You don’t need a podcast to have a voice. Bus us in to open a pathway for you.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

When the Potters walk out their front door, it’s into a nice neighborhood.

Jill Potter: “I think our complex, they seem to be taking care of it.”

Now look out Jill’s back window.

Jill Potter: “Trash. Lots of trash.”

The trash is on the swale behind their Pompano Beach condo. You name it, it’s here.

Jill Potter: “There’s flooring. There’s kitchen cabinets. There’s furniture, mattresses, couches, bathtubs and toilets.”

It’s been going on for a while. This is Google Maps from 2022 with the trash prominently in the picture.

Jill Potter: “I don’t even have words for it. It’s just terrible that people think they can just drive up and dump trash anywhere.”

Over the past year plus, Jill has snapped pictures of everything from tires to tubs.

Jill Potter: “We’ve seen them pull up in pickup trucks and vans and they just dump everything out there to stand there and pull it out. Piling on, pile it on.”

As you can see it’s no secret who is doing it. Jill and her husband have documented it again and again with the dumpers staring straight at them.

Jill Potter: “There was a guy this morning. He was in a pickup truck. He was taking out flooring, like wood planks. We drove by. I took a picture. He looked right at me, didn’t stop, just kept on dumping.”

Jill has also sent pictures of the trash and the tossers to the association and the city.

Jill Potter: “When the city came out one time when we had an issue, they said they’re not responsible for cleaning it up. So I contacted the association, our property manager, and they said they’re fighting with the city.”

Jill assumes it’s a crime. The sign above the mess says it is.

Jill Potter: “I want to go out there and say something to them. But, you know, I’m not going to confront someone. They don’t … I don’t know their stability or anything.”

Jill has lived here for 28 years but not lived like this.

Jill Potter: “I get angry when I see people dumping because I know they shouldn’t be doing it. I get frustrated because no one’s helping out. No one’s cleaning it up. No one’s taking responsibility. They don’t care.”

Well Howard, legally who is responsible for cleaning this up and stopping it?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Dumping garbage on private property is a crime. It’s up to the police to stop it but in reality, garbage is not a high-priority matter. In this case, taking the pictures helps law enforcement. As for cleaning it up, the property owner, the condo association, has to remove the trash even though they are the victims of the dumping. It’s not fair but it’s the law.”

We contacted the City of Pompano Beach and they were impressive. The city removed the trash even though they could have forced the association to do it. The city representative, Sandra King, told us the pictures helped them identify one of the dumpers, a worker for a nearby association. The Broward Sheriff’s Office had a little chat with him and the dumping stopped.

Jill Potter: “So it’s been nice to be able to look out my window and not see a pile of garbage.”

The garbage is gone and hopefully, the dumpers will stay away as well.

Jill Potter: “I am happy. I was at my wit’s end. I didn’t know what to do. So I said, ‘I’m going to try calling. Help me, Howard.'”

Patrick Fraser: “We are here to help and apparently the maintenance worker who was dumping trash was telling his contractor buddies they could dump there as well. If you have a similar problem, take pictures like Jill did. Set up a surveillance camera to make the job for police easier.

Got a problem you think is garbage? Ready to trash it? Dump it in our laps. See if we can pick up a solution for you.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

When Keith was young, his father prepared him for what his life might be like.

Robert Smith: “We had a friend that had a little person; everybody called him a midget. I saw everything that that little boy went through, and I said, ‘He’s not going to go through what he did.'”

And with his parents’ support and guidance, the 4-foot, 1-inch Keith feels he’s been able to lead a fairly normal life.

Keith Smith: “Now I’m used to it, and I feel like a regular person. I blend in with the crowd.”

Keith is certainly a confident person. In high school, he ran for homecoming king and won.

He’s had a job as a salesman in a lumber yard and a second job as an entertainer.

Keith Smith: “It’s like a side job for me, so I’ve been doing it for 15 years plus. I love it. I’ve got over 50 costumes, for St. Patrick’s as leprechaun, Christmas mini Santa Claus or an elf. I’ve done Donald Trump at Club 11.”

But mixed in with the fun, physical problems. Eleven surgeries over his lifetime.

Keith Smith: “Being a little person, we have a lot of issues in our lives that we we go through, and we have to have surgery for different things.”

The latest surgery on his neck has left him struggling to walk.

Keith Smith: “I’m still numb from the side, all the way down to my toe, to my feet.”

Without money coming in, Keith moved back home with his parents.

Keith Smith: “If my parents weren’t here, what would happen to me? I would be living probably in the streets, under a bridge, homeless shelter or something like that.”

In February, Keith applied for disability to try to get a little money and health insurance.

Robert Smith: “He’s been born here, paid taxes, worked all his life, and he’s a perfect example of a person that needs it, and they’re turning him down.”

Keith doesn’t want disability for the rest of his life, just temporarily, until he can walk normally again.

Keith Smith: “I’m not able to go to work, which I wish I could. I would go tomorrow if I could. This is a hold back, and once I get back to normal, I’m going to be back to being me.”

But right now, everything is on hold, as he wonders if he will be able to get disability.

Keith Smith: “It’s like a waiting game. It’s like, when is the waiting game over?”

Well, Howard, technically who is entitled to disability?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “There are two types of federal disability, and anyone is eligible if they meet the requirements. One disability benefit, called SSI, is for people who didn’t work or pay enough to qualify for Social Security. The other type is for people who are eligible for social security, it’s called SSDI, and it pays up to three times as much as SSI. Keith is eligible for SSDI. The problem is, it can be years to get an answer from the federal government.”

This one shocked us, in a good way. We contacted the Social Security Administration and were told they would look into Keith’s disability claim.

We expected it to take months. Six weeks later, Keith got this notice. He was approved.

Robert Smith: “He was almost jumping up and down, and he’s not able to jump up and down. Everything’s working out since you guys got involved real good.”

Keith not only got this month’s disability check. He also got them going back to the day he applied for disability.

Keith Smith: “I’m happy that Help Me Howard got on the case, and I want to thank you so much for helping me.”

You’re welcome, Keith, and can’t wait to do a follow up to see Keith healed, so he can drop his disability and get back to the work he loves.

Now, if you have a disability issue, Social Security has some tips to see if you qualify and how to qualify. The link is at the bottom of this Help Me Howard.

Determined to whip a problem? Never give up, ’cause we won’t.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

More Information:
Social Security disability benefits

Moises does pretty well playing air hockey with his daughter.

Pretty well, that is, for a guy who is supposedly dead.

Moises Ramos: “Fatality in 2019.”

His so-called passing began when Moises backed out of his driveway and another driver bumped him.

Moises Ramos: “We called police department to make an accident record for insurance.”

No one was hurt. Everything was fine, until Moises applied to be an Uber driver and was rejected.

Moises Ramos: “And I was like, ‘Why am I getting denied?’ So I disputed it. They came back again, and they put because of an accident of a ‘fatality.'”

Moises was told to check the Miami-Dade Police report on the fender bender.

Moises Ramos: “And when they reviewed everything, they stated that the police officer had made an error.”

Under “injury severity,” the officer should have clicked 1 for none. Instead, he clicked 5, fatal.

Moises Ramos: “They realized that the fatality on the record was myself.”

Imagine being told you’re dead.

Moises Ramos: “And that kind of like shook me.”

Miami-Dade Police said they would correct the mistake and notify the Division of Motor Vehicles, who had been told Moises died in the accident.

But a month later, he was still a fatality in the state records, so he contacted the police again.

Moises Ramos: “‘We reported it to the state. There’s a phone number you can call.’ We call, they don’t answer.’ I don’t know what else to tell you.”

It’s not only irritating, it’s having consequences. Besides being unable to drive for Uber, Moises can’t get things like life insurance.

Moises Ramos: “I know I’ll get denied because they’re going to check everything, and if they comes up a fatality, it’s going to deny it.”

Even stranger, while the state lists Moises as a fatality, his license is still valid, and of course, the feds makes him pay taxes.

Moises Ramos: “Yeah, they’ll take the money, even if it comes from a dead man.”

Moises can joke about it, but being declared dead is not funny to him anymore.

Moises Ramos: “Very frustrating. So it’s like they made a mistake, and now it’s on me to fix it. So I just don’t know what to do.”

Well, Howard, what can you do?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “You can sue the state, but that’s too expensive. The simple solution: be the squeaky wheel. Keep calling till you get to the right person. If you can’t, call your state representative. They can make the bureaucracy fix the mistake.”

I was Moises’ squeaky wheel.

We contacted Miami-Dade Police, who confirmed they corrected the report, showed Moises was not a fatality and sent it to Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

On Friday, we asked them to correct their records. By Monday, they did that and more.

Moises Ramos: “It was not only resolved, but it was taken to another step further that they took the whole accident off of my driving record.”

Moises’ life is back to normal, after Help Me Howard was able to breathe new life into his situation.

Moises Ramos: “I’m ecstatic about it, and I don’t think this would have happened had had it not been for Help Me Howard.”

When they list you as dead, you get problems. And in the defense of government agencies, they have people who want to help, but in many cases, they are overwhelmed. Not enough staff, ’cause as we often see, the government doesn’t fund the government properly.

Feel your chances of solving a problem are dead? Perish the thought. Let us bury the headache so you can get up and go.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Alejandra got hooked when she was young.

Alejandra Salazar: “Yeah. For my 16th birthday, my grandma got me a husky because I wanted one so bad.”

Nucita is 12 years old now. Alejandra has gotten two more huskies, but Nucita is the special one.

Alejandra Salazar: “She’s the original. She’s just been with me for so long.”

If you notice, Nucita cannot stand up after a trip to the groomer.

Alejandra Salazar: “And then when she comes out, she was like, basically, like unable to walk and like sprawled out like frog legging, like she kept on falling.”

When Alejandra left for the groomer, the ringtone camera showed the husky walking normally.

This is how she looked when she picked her up at the groomers. Their explanation…

Alejandra Salazar: “They thought that she got a cramp from being in this dryer for several hours.”

When Nucita didn’t get better, Alejandra took her to the vet.

Alejandra Salazar: “They think it’s like a tear in like the ligaments in her back legs.”

The groomer said the injury didn’t happen at their shop, showing a short video clip of Nucita as proof.

But the pictures in their lobby tell a different story. A heart breaking story after the vets office tried to prepare Alejandra for what might be coming.

Alejandra Salazar: “They actually were talking to me about like potentially euthanizing. I just started crying and I just cried. At this point, like my mom was crying, like everybody was crying.”

Alejandra is scared and she says so is Nucita

Alejandra Salazar: “Well, the first few days, definitely sad, definitely in pain, scared. The first couple of days, especially when I picked up like her, her eyes were, like, so afraid.”

The vet prescribed medication and Alejandra is using a sling to help Nucita get up when she wants to go to the bathroom outside.

Alejandra Salazar: “She’s adapted to that. So we’re still using that technique because she’s still struggling to get up. I don’t know if she’s ever going to be able to get up on her own.”

Animals are remarkable. After a few days, Alejandra says it appears Nucita is a getting little better.

Alejandra Salazar: “I want to hold out hope that she’s going to get better and I’m holding on to it because I’ve seen that there’s been improvement.”

In the meantime, the groomer apologized and refunded the $165 they charged to wash Nucita, but they still wont tell her what happened and won’t pay for the $1,400 vet bill.
.
Alejandra Salazar: “Things could have been so different had they just been very honest from the get-go and called when whatever it is that happened happened.”

Well, Howard. How does the law look at this?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “This is what the law calls a mutual bailment where each side gets a benefit. And the law will presume, since the husky walked in fine, that the groomer injured the animal. They have to prove otherwise. If they can’t, they have to pay the vet bills.”

We contacted the groomer who wouldn’t tell us how the animal was hurt either.

After a few conversations, they agree to pay the $1,432 vet bill and they said they will continue to pay Nucita’s follow up bills until she is fully recovered.

And look at Nucita now. The medicine and time are working.

Alejandra Salazar: “She’s able to walk now on her own without needing the support.”

Alejandra had the agony of watching Nucita suffer, but she won’t have the pain of paying the vet bills after her call to Help Me Howard.

Alejandra Salazar: Because you guys were so helpful with dealing with the situation and communicating with the groomers to help come to the best resolution that we could.”

Glad Nucita is getting better.

And the bottom line, if someone or their animal injures your pet, they have to pay the vet bills. But they don’t have to pay for your pain and suffering because the law considers a pet like a piece of furniture. Sounds cold but it’s the law.

A problem dogging you? Feel like you are barking up the wrong tree? Unleash us ’cause we’re itching to help you.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Maryanna takes good care of herself: exercise, eating right. But of course, she still gets aches and pains.

Maryanna Healy: “My shoulder has been bothering me. It’s probably just an age thing, rotator cuff.”

She called her primary care office, where she was told a new doctor would see her.

Maryanna Healy: “They told me, ‘Yes, your insurance is going to cover this. Oh, yes.'”

The appointment went well … and then she was hit with a new ache.

Maryanna Healy: “About two weeks later, I get a bill for $548.”

Turns out the doctor she saw had not yet been approved by her insurance. She called the office.

Maryanna Healy: “‘And it’s all going to work out. And we’ll – we will redo it, and it’ll be fine.'”

It wasn’t fine.

Maryanna Healy: “I got another bill, and I’ve been following up, and I keep getting electronic and paper bills.”

Maryanna contacted her insurance company, who told her how her doctor could get approved by them.

Maryanna, who worked in the health care industry for 40 years, says she explained it to the staff members.

Maryanna Healy: “I’m going to say 15 times at least, and the same thing happens. It was like I was Groundhog Day no matter what I did.”

Then she finally she got the painful letter from the doctor’s office.

Maryanna Healy: “Final notice. They’re going to take action against me if I don’t pay this bill.”

She went to the physician to feel better, not worse.

Maryanna Healy: “It just made me angry. I could pay the $548. It’s not about the $548. It’s about justice.”

The pain in her shoulder is going away. Now Maryanna needs a prescription to make her billing headache disappear.

Maryanna Healy: “My husband convinced me. ‘You need to call Help Me Howard.'”

Well, Howard, if a medical provider says they accept your insurance, do you have to pay if they don’t?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “No, you are not responsible. This is simple. Maryanna called the doctor’s office, and she relied on what they said: that they accepted her insurance and were in her network. Therefore, she is not responsible for the bill.”

We contacted the representative for the doctor’s office. We wish every problem could be solved this quickly. That afternoon they contacted Maryanna.

Maryanna Healy: “She said she took care of the billing and would move it over to ‘insurance only.’ And she was apologizing.”

Maryanna went to a doctor’s office. What if it’s a hospital where you see several doctors?

Howard Finkelstein: “There’s a new law, called the No Surprises Act, that says if you go to a hospital that’s in your insurance company’s network, and one of their providers does not accept your insurance, you only have to pay what you would have paid if they accepted your insurance.”

Maryanna doesn’t owe any money at all, after her call to Help Me Howard.

Maryanna Healy: “And I really appreciate what Patrick and you and Howard, everyone has done. It’s remarkable how once the media was involved, the problem could be solved in two hours, and I had spent countless hours on it for the past four months.”

As in many cases, it’s just getting in touch with the right person. That’s why we’re here, to help you do that.

And to know your rights if you get a surprise medical bill, or to know what to expect ahead of time, the links to the state and federal laws protecting you are at the end of this Help Me Howard story.

Got a problem that’s a real pain? Aching to get a solution? Make an appointment with us, ’cause we have the prescription to help you out.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

Federal Law Regarding a Surprising Medical Bill

Information Regarding Florida Surprise Medical Bill Law

Florida law prohibits surprise billing in emergency situations. In addition, it protects consumers when they are at in-network hospitals for non-emergency services, but are unknowingly treated by out-of-network physicians for covered services. Hospitals must post on their websites the health plans with whom they are in-network, and put consumers on notice that patients may be seen by out of network practitioners.

For more information on Florida’s consumer balance billing protections, please contact the Agency for Health Care Administration, at 1-888-419-3456 / 800-955-8771 Florida Relay Service (TDD number). Additional information for consumers is available on the Florida Health Care Complaint Portal.

And For More Information:
jackson-hospital.com/patients-visitors/no-surprise-billing-notice

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

While you are sleeping, Joseph is working … making donuts.

Joseph Podmokly: “I’ve been doing it for almost 30 years. They always ask me what donut I like. I say I don’t have a favorite no more.”

But your favorite will be warm and tasty when you wake up every morning … ’cause recently Joseph has been working every morning.

Joseph Podmokly: “Right now, I’m working seven days a week. It’s difficult. I mean, you gotta get used to it.”

One reason Joseph was working so much was to get a car.

Joseph Podmokly: “Four thousand [dollars] altogether. Down payment was like $4,000.”

When Joseph told the used car dealer he didn’t have the $4,000 down payment, they said, “Just pay us $400 a week for 10 weeks to cover that payment.”

Joseph Podmokly: “And if the dealership was willing to do something like that, I figured, hey, it would be a great opportunity.”

Joseph says he signed the contract to pay off the down payment plus the contract to buy the car. The dealer told him the name of the lender who was financing the loan to pay off the rest of the vehicle.

But when he didn’t get any paperwork from them, his wife, Tammy Jean, called that lender.

Tammy Jean Podmokly: “‘Joe’s is not in the system. There’s no auto loan there.’ And I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’ And she said, ‘No, no, it was never approved. I don’t know what’s going on.'”

Joseph immediately called the used car dealership to find out why the lender hadn’t approved him for financing.

Joseph Podmokly: “And he kept saying, ‘Oh, don’t worry about it, don’t worry about it. They’re going to get in contact with you.'”

And then the hammer hit. After 10 weeks, Joseph had made the last payment on the the $4,000 deposit … and the car disappeared.

Joseph Podmokly: “They repoed it. They said they didn’t get the money and then they could come and repo it.”

The dealer said Joseph didn’t pay the lender the monthly payments on the auto loan, but Joseph and Tammy Jean said the lender turned down the financing for the car.

Tammy Jean Podmokly: “If there was no loan on this car, why did you even say he was approved? Why did you let us walk out?”

Joseph Podmokly: “This doesn’t sound right. It’s just fishy.”

It certainly stinks for Joseph, because the used car dealer won’t return the $4,000 deposit that he worked seven days a week to afford.

Joseph Podmokly: “I’m just a small little peon kind of guy. I just want justice. You know, I just want my money back.”

But is Joseph entitled to his $4,000 back, Howard?

Howard Finkelstein: “Yes. Legally, it’s questionable. If the dealer knew Joseph’s financing was turned down and still let him proceed for 10 weeks paying the deposit, the deal is invalid and Joseph gets his money back.”

We went to the dealership where the car Joseph had tried to buy was for sale again.

Joseph Podmokly: “This is the car that I bought here that they screwed me over on.”

We spoke to the owner of Royalton Motors several times without getting the problem solved.

Josh Becker then wrote us that “Mrs. Podmokly also called you and told you she doesn’t want the story run and that you do not have her authorization to do so.”

She said she told him she did not control Help Me Howard.

After that, the dealer returned the $4,000.

Joseph Podmokly: “He says, you know, he wants to do the right thing, and of course, he did at the end. But if it wasn’t for Help Me Howard, this would have never happened.”

We met Joseph as he was arriving at night at the donut shop … in the truck he just bought. Possible after his call to Help Me Howard.

Joseph Podmokly: “If anybody has any problem, I would say call Help Me Howard. They’re the best.”

And getting that $4,000 back helped Joseph get a truck. One lesson here: no matter what the used car dealer tells you about financing, do not take the vehicle off the lot until financing is approved in writing. Otherwise you’re going to be in trouble.

Doing a donut trying to solve a problem? Don’t take a half baked solution. Let us deliver a tasty one to get your dough back.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Forty years ago, the Browns’ parents bought this property in Liberty City. It’s seen some changes.

Hernando Brown Jr.: “Previously, it’s been a cleaners on one side, a restaurant on the other side.”

Today, it houses a church and four apartments, if its allowed to stand.

Hernando Brown Jr.: “The building is to be apparently demolished because it is unsafe.”

The trouble began back in 2015 when water from a second floor air conditioner started running inside the wall instead of outside. A wet piece of drywall on the first floor ceiling fell.

Barry Brown: “So I’m with the my truck. Got a piece of drywall, put it back up.”

In 2015, the city posted a notice that the Browns needed to pull a permit to repair the wet spot and the hole Barry enlarged to put in the new drywall.

Barry Brown: “They repair with less than $100. You do not need a permit.”

That was it. Until suddenly, seven years later, the City of Miami posted this unsafe structure notice writing because of the water stain and partial ceiling collapse, the Brown’s needed to get a permit for the repair, and to do that, they had to take several expensive steps.

Barry Brown: “They told me get a contractor, got a contractor. Told me get an architect, got an architect. For a piece of drywall.”

Barry thought there was no need to appear before the Unsafe Structures Board since he was taking care of the problem.

Turns out they did have to go, so Hernando tried to schedule a meeting.

Hernando Brown Jr.:”No, you will not be going in January, the docket is full. No, you will not be going in February, the docket is full. I would go every month.”

And they got this notice. Their request to speak to the Unsafe Structures Board was denied and their building had to be demolished.

Hernando Brown Jr. :”And if I won’t demolish it, they will demolish it.”

Needless to say, Barry was stunned.

Barry Brown: “Tear down a church and a four unit apartment building. There seems to be a very steep price to pay for not getting a permit that was not required.”

They tried to fight to save their building. Right now, they are losing.

Barry Brown: “Where somebody can come along and just take something from you, and I find that to be very disturbing.

Hernando Brown Jr.: “My brother said, ‘Maybe we should call Help Me, Howard.”

They did. But legally, what can they do to save the building, Howard?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Waiting years to come after a property owner over a piece of drywall doesn’t make sense. The purpose of code enforcement is compliance and safety, not punishment. If the city was concerned about safety, they should have done something in 2015. Waiting until 2022 to try to demolish the building proves this is simply punishment. It’s wrong, probably illegal and should be stopped.”

I asked the city for all their records regarding the Browns’ drywall case. I got pictures but none of the paperwork from the Unsafe Structures Board.

Then I was able to talk to high ranking city officials who straightened it all out with just four words: “This was a mistake.”

We then got a document cancelling the notice of violation and the pending lien. The demolition order was wiped out.

Hernando Brown Jr. “Well, I was glad to hear it.”

As for why the city waited seven years to bring up the violation notice, I was told the corner lot has two addresses and there was a mix up that wasn’t discovered in 2022. But Hernando and Barry won’t have to fight anymore to save their property after their call to Help Me Howard.

Hernando Brown Jr. “That’s my brother’s idea. But i’m all for it because I didn’t feel that I had a voice.”

That’s another reason we’re here. To give you a voice.

One reminder. Even if you do everything the government agency says to do, you need to contact them and get their approval in writing to avoid any other headaches, days or years down the road.

Battling a problem and getting demolished? Ready to patch things up? Permit us to help to see if we can construct a timely solution.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Many people want to move from home and be on their own. Maliyah and her brother Joseph knew what it would take to do that.

Maliyah Collins: Work, work. We worked a lot. Over four years, me and my brother were saving. Kept saving, kept saving.”

This summer they found an apartment where the property manager wanted them to pay $8,800 to move in.

Maliyah Collins: “She told us, since we didn’t have any credit or anything, we had to pay six months’ rent.”

They paid it, left their mother’s house and moved in.

Maliyah Collins: “We were excited that we really did this big step.”

For a month and a half, everything was great.

Until things collapsed.

Maliyah Collins: “I just heard a big boom, and he called me to come in. He just fell inside the ground, like the wood just fell with him.”

A hole had opened up in the living room floor. Later that day it got worse.

Maliyah Collins: “The whole floor caved in, was nothing in the room but the wood.”

Maliyah contacted the property manager.

Maliyah Collins: “She told me someone was going to come tomorrow to fix it. But how can someone fix that in a day?”

They didn’t fix it. The county slapped an unsafe structure warning on the property, and Maliyah was told her lease was terminated.

Maliyah Collins: “They told us we would be receiving some of the money, but they never followed up with us about it.”

In fact, the promise to return some of her money disappeared just like the floor.

Maliyah Collins: “I just want our money back.”

Losing all their money and their apartment is not what Maliyah and her brother expected when they moved out on their own.

Maliyah Collins: “It’s crazy. It’s scary. It’s devastating.”

Well, legally, where do the brother and sister stand, Howard?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “The law calls this a casualty, which terminates the lease. Also, they are entitled to get back unused or advanced rent plus their security deposit, but they do have to pay for the 45 days they lived there.”

We contacted the property manager. She agreed to return the entire $8,800 and not deduct rent for the 45 days Maliyah and her brother Joseph lived there.

She drew up a settlement that said, after both sides signed it, it was over.

And then a first for us. We got a text from Maliyah saying no.

She wrote “Personally, I want to accept what they’re offering but, (referring to her brother Joseph), he said he is not signing anything.”

Her brother wants to hire an attorney and sue the landlord.

What do you think about that, Howard?

Howard Finkelstein: “It’s risky. If you go to court and win, you are not going to get much more than they $8,800 the landlord offered and probably will have to pay your attorney 30% to 40% of that. If you lose, you don’t get anything back, and while you don’t have to pay your lawyer, you have to pay the landlord’s attorneys’ fees. If I were them, I would take the $8,800 and move on.”

We got Maliyah and Joseph the $8,800 they wanted. Her brother said forget that, but Mayilah won’t forget their first apartment experience.

Maliyah Collins: “I was confused. I was scared. I didn’t know what to do.”

Hopefully you’ll never experience that again.

And we don’t tell people what to do. We give them their options, tell them what we would do, and let them make a decision. Joseph might be right in turning down the $8,800, and he might be wrong.

A problem floored you? Contact us before things collapse. Let us nail it down and construct a solution for you.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Marquis is a big man. A very big man.

Marquis Gay: “Right now, about 600, give or take.”

He has been large his whole life.

Marquis Gay: High school? I could’ve been like 300. 300, 350. I don’t know.”

As an adult, he kept gaining weight until he reached 600 pounds.

Marquis Gay: “It all gradually happened, man. Just being lazy and not doing much. I don’t blame nobody. I mean, I’m lazy. I well, I used to be active.”

Now he can barely walk-.

Marquis Gay: Life, it sucks right now.”

And so Marquis is ready to make a change.

Marquis Gay: “To lose weight. To regain life. To regain freedom. To celebrate what my body can do.”

Marquis wants to get gastric bypass surgery to help him lose weight.

To do that, he has doctors appointments. And to transport him, his insurance company sends out four guys who put him on a stretcher and load him into an ambulance, then to his appointment where, he says, people stare at the guy on a stretcher.

Marquis Gay: “It’s embarrassing because I feel like I should be at at least have some suitable transportation.”

Another problem, Marquis says some offices won’t accept a patient on a stretcher.

Marquis Gay: “I get a little frustrated.”

Marquis asked his insurance company to send a van like this that he can drive up into.

Marquis Gay: “They, they said they don’t, they don’t do that. You can go in a stretcher.”

Marquis is on disability. With limited money he had to save up awhile to pay $400 to rent the van to get to a doctor who won’t accept a patient on a stretcher.

He doesn’t like to be carried like this. He can’t afford to travel like this.

Marquis Gay: “Well, I want to get to my appointments in a wheelchair without being in a stretcher.”

But Howard, does Marquis have the legal right to tell his insurance company how to transport him to the doctor?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: Legally, this is too close to call. On the insurance company’s side, the stretcher is a reasonable accommodation. But on Marquis’s side, he would say the wheelchair and ramp is both safe and maintains his dignity. If this went to court, even judges would disagree with who is right.”

We contacted Marquis’ insurance company. Their corporate office sent a statement, basically saying Marquis had to go in a stretcher because of his weight, writing “to travel in a medical transportation unit that is equipped with a ramp or hydraulic lift, there are regulations and a threshold pertaining to the combined weight of the patient and their wheelchair.”

They apparently believe a stretcher is safer.

Marquis Gay: “So that’s really it. Just one day at a time.”

Marquis wanted to be transported in a wheelchair. That failed, but he says he won’t fail in his plan to lose weight.

Marquis Gay: “It took a lot to get like this so it’s going to take a lot of effort to get out of it.”

Marquis has a goal to lose a lot of that weight. Getting there on a stretcher is just another hurdle for him. Good luck, young man.

A problem stretched you out? Wanna move that weight out of your life? Transport yourself to us. Let us do the heavy lifting.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Martha is deaf. Let her tell you whats that’s like.

Martha Cano (American sign language): “Not good. Hearing people see me, talk to me, and I can’t understand.”

Her husband Ronald is nearly deaf.

Ronald Cano: “I can’t hear, I’m sorry.”

Together, they’re homeless, in part because of their hearing.

Martha Cano: “Yes, being deaf can be hard.”

Back in July, Ronald got sick, missed a few days of work and came up short in paying the rent. The landlord wasn’t happy.

Ronald Cano (translation): “‘Oh, you are not able to pay the rent? Then get out,’ and they kicked us to the streets.”

An eviction without a notice is illegal, but the couple didn’t know who to turn to. So they packed their clothes in their car, and it became their home.

Martha Cano: “We can’t sleep at night. The mosquitoes keep biting us.

Ronald Cano: “You know, it doesn’t feel safe, either. You can’t sleep thinking that someone can come and get us.”

In fact, when Ronald was at work one day, someone tried to open the car door.

Martha Cano: “What’s going on? I was getting dress. I think someone was watching me.”

Ronald Cano: “If someone attacks her, she is deaf and mute. She couldn’t do anything.”

The homeless shelters are full. To clean up, they head to a park restroom.

Ronald Cano: “I brush my teeth and comb. And we don’t know where we can shower.”

Martha can’t work. Ronald has a job and is saving the money for a security deposit for an apartment, even though Martha says some landlords don’t even want to try to communicate with them.

Ronald Cano: “I think people don’t like us because we’re deaf. They laugh at us, things like that. They mock us for being deaf, and it breaks my heart. No one wants to help me.”

Nowhere to sleep, nowhere to go and no help.

Martha Cano: “Everybody keeps telling us no. I’m so confused; I don’t know how to communicate to find a home.”

And so Help Me Howard went to work.

Dade and Broward shelters are just full. Since Ronald works in Palm Beach, we turned there.

Sasha Lopez took over and got the couple into a shelter.

Martha Cano: “She has been a good friend to us. We are very grateful for her help. She has been beautiful and helpful.”

Sasha is with Palm Beach County’s Community Services. After she got them into the shelter, she started looking for an apartment for the couple … and found this beautiful place.

Sasha Lopez: “We were able to secure first, last security and an additional three months of rent for Ronald and Martha to be able to live here.”

As they moved from their car to their apartment, their smiles spoke loudly.

Martha Cano: “Since we saw this home, we think it’s so beautiful.”

They made a call to Help Me Howard, who found Sasha Lopez. It then all worked out for Martha and Ronald.

Martha Cano: “Yes, I am happy. We’re very happy.”

Great for them, and imagine how tough it is for Martha. You can’t call agencies for help or talk to most people. Glad we were able to help a little.

Sheltering a problem you need help with? Hand it over to us and let us give you the signal: it’s solved.

Thank you for watching 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Way before most of us were born, back in 1925, Victoria Park was created.

Denise Toupin: “It’s very nice, very quiet and it’s well located.”

Many beautiful old homes, away from crowded noisy Fort Lauderdale.

Denise knows, shes been her awhile.

Denise Toupin: “Yeah, since 1977, actually.”

A good address, which Denise is now sharing.

Denise Toupin: “In shock. In shock because I couldn’t believe it.”

In shock because the company using her home address is a moving company.

Denise Toupin: “Adam Moving Fort Lauderdale Movers. That’s the entire name.”

When the generic mail started coming for Adam Moving, Denise Googled the company. Up popped her home address with the logo of Adam Moving over a picture of her house. And Denise has no desire to share an address with a moving company.

Denise Toupin: “Because it’s scary because these moving company don’t have a good reputation. I don’t want anybody to come and knock at my door one day. Well.

The company’s website has a list of glamorous employees. Probably stock photos. And of course Denise’s home address for the angry customers who want to come in and complain.

Denise Toupin: “Who’s going to suffer if somebody is mad at them? They’re going to come to me. They’re going to say, ‘Where is my money? Where’s my furniture?’ That’s what I’m scared of.”

Denise called the number for the company. The people who answered said they didn’t know anything about Adam Moving or her address.

Denise Toupin: “Trying to get in touch with them to remove it is impossible because they they’re hiding something, I would think. It’s fishy.”

Out of options, Denise turned to the people who haven’t been around as long as Victoria Park, but close.

Denise Toupin: “And I don’t know who to call. Well, I called you, Patrick Fraser.”

Well, is it legal to use someone else’s address as yours?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “It’s not illegal, but you cannot do it because it’s not the truth and not accurate. The websites have to take it down If you can get in touch with them. Why would a mover do this? To have a local address so customers will trust them. Or two, to hide their identity because they plan on stealing the customers money or furniture when they move them.”

We started checking.

Adam Moving of Fort Lauderdale is not a registered corporation in Florida.

I emailed the so called employees from the website. Their addresses were not valid.

I called the number for Adam Moving. The fellow who answered said he had never heard of the company, but he would be happy to move my furniture.

We then asked, Google, Yelp and the company that hosts websites, Turnkey Internet, to remove the address from the internet.

They all did immediately and let us know it may take a few days to be completely gone from the internet.

Denise Toupin: “I can sleep at night. This is great. I’m so happy. Very happy.”

Happy after she moved her problem into Help Me Howard’s lap.

Denise: “You guys are wonderful. The entire crew is beautiful. Thank you so much. I’m going to kiss you, I think.”

You are so nice, Denise.

And how do you get your information off the web? Google what to do. A lot of people have good ideas and links, but be careful because some of those people are scammers as well. The web’s a tangled mess.

A web of headaches netted you? Ready to move it out of your life? Let us address because if we had a WWW is we work well for you.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

After walking into Maribel’s home, you might think it looks like something from a TV show, because it does.

Maribel Medina: “I like to watch HGTV. I’m an HGTV addict. I watch what they do, and I said, ‘OK, I’ll try that,’ and trust me, there are many failed projects.”

Maribel is being humble. She usually succeeds.

Maribel Medina: “The noodle board, yeah, I made that. I made this. Oh, this is a post here.”

She made this. A company she hired made a mess.

Maribel Medina: “When I went ahead and signed the contract, I had absolutely no reason to believe that it wouldn’t come to fruition.”

Maribel had signed a contract with a solar company to not only install solar panels, but first put on a new roof

Maribel Medina: “The total contract value was $65,000; $20,360 of that was for the roof replacement, the remainder was for the solar.”

Maribel gave the solar company $32,000.

The roofing company did a good job. And then the problems started pouring in when she tried to get the solar panels installed.

Maribel Medina: “I call the office, no response. I call her cellphone, no response.”

Months passed by. Then it got worse.

Maribel Medina: “The roofing company called me to say, ‘Hey, you know, we haven’t received payment,’ so the roofing company is owed $20,360.01.”

The solar company didn’t pay the roofer they hired. They didn’t install the solar panels.

And then Maribel discovered the truth when she talked to the owner of the company.

Maribel Medina: “And he proceeds to tell me how he had a partner who robbed from him, and so now he was having difficulty.”

Maribel had paid $32,000. Now she’s lost that and owes the roofing company another $20,000.

Maribel Medina: “And I just cried, because I thought, ‘You know, I worked so hard,’ and I was thinking that I was doing a good thing, and now here I am.”

Well, Howard, legally, where is Maribel?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Legally, a good spot. In reality, it’s a tough spot. Maribel is not responsible for the roof because she paid the solar company, they hired the roofer and have to use Maribel’s money to pay them. The solar company also owes her the $12,500 back, but that’s where reality kicks in. If the company goes out of business, there’s not a lot you can do.”

This one was tough. It took us six months to work it out.

Unfortunately, neither side can talk about the resolution, which means they signed a confidentiality agreement.

But Maribel is happy.

Maribel Medina: “Oh, absolutely, absolutely. I have reason to smile now.”

And when you hire someone to work on your home, how can you be sure you’re happy after the job is done?

Howard Finkelstein: “Remember, track record and accountability. Hire someone you’ve checked out and others have had luck with. And don’t give big down payments, only pay each portion after the work is done. Then, if they walk away, you have the remaining money to hire someone else.”

And not only is Maribel relieved, so is her family, after the call to Help Me Howard.

Maribel Medina: “They’re happy not to hear me complaining about this or see me stressed out over it, so we’re all very excited.

That’s nice to hear. And while we tell people to pay as the work is done, many contractors will say, “I need half up front for materials.” You say, “Goodbye.”

Hit the roof trying to solve a problem? Feel like there’s no solution in your solar system? Let us negotiate to leave you in a sunny spot.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Tina arrived home with a smile, not thinking about what she had been through, wondering about us.

Tina Bakr: “How have you guys been?”

Patrick Fraser: “Forget us. How have you been?”

Tina Bakr: “I’m all right. I’m hanging in there.”

Twenty-two days ago, Tina went into the hospital where her leg was amputated.

Tina Bakr: “The pain was like nothing I ever felt. It was excruciating.”

But Tina doesn’t dwell on the negatives, just the positives.

Tina Bakr: “I’m very fortunate. I’ve had pain in the stump, of course, and the other things, other pains that I was having before. But I’m doing much better now.”

However, she should never should have lost her leg from the knee down.

Tina Bakr: “And I was informed that it was a synovial sarcoma.”

What started as a bump on Tina’s foot turned out to be cancer and a tumor.

Tina Bakr: “It breaks bones, nerves, tendons. It’s very destructive and it grows rapidly.”

When her bosses found out she had cancer, they fired her.

When her doctor said he needed to remove her foot, her insurance said no.

Months passed and the tumor grew.

Tina Bakr: “The tumor has wrapped itself around my ankle. So now it’s too late for a foot removal. Now I have to have a partial leg removal as well because of this waiting time.”

Tina appealed the insurance company’s decision when they denied the amputation again, she called Help Me Howard. After we contacted the state agency that administers medicaid, she got approval for the surgery.

Tina Bakr: “Oh, my God, yes. I’ve been praising you guys every day. I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude. So is my family.”

And now 22 days later, it’s amazing to see someone so happy to be able to use a walker.

Tina Bakr: “With my little bunny hop.”

It’s fascinating to hear Tina talk about having to build up the courage to look at the stump she now has.

Tina Bakr: “So the nurse had covered the leg and she was very gentle with me. She said, ‘I just want you to turn and look,’ and I looked at it and I said, ‘Oh, OK, not so bad.'”

And her warm smile grew brighter when we brought some flowers to surprise her.

Tina Bakr: “Oh, my God. Like sunflowers are my favorite. Oh, thank you so much. This is gorgeous. I can’t believe you guys did this.”

Her attitude is inspiring. Not thinking about living without her leg, planning what she will do when she walks again.

Tina Bakr: “And my prosthesis, I think, should be in by maybe Thanksgiving. So I’m waiting to cook and bake for Christmas.”

This was Tina before she got cancer. It changed her but it wont stop her.

Tina Bakr: “I am very excited because I, I sat here for months, just rotting, feeling like I was rotting.”

Not anymore. She feels lucky she called us. We feel lucky we got to know Tina.

Tina Bakr: “And now, thanks to you guys, the wheels were put in motion and now everything is moving forward very quickly, so I’m excited and I want my life back.”

A great attitude is so important.

I’ve always believed if you think great things are going to happen to you, they do. Tina is convinced she will be walking soon and I am sure she will.

Positive you have a problem? Don’t let the negatives negate your outlook. Cheer up and contact us. Together we can accomplish anything.

With this Help me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

It’s not good when someone says you’ve gone to the dogs … unless you’re Raquel.

Raquel Marsal: “Yes, I am blessed. It’s fantastic working with the dogs all day.”

Raquel owns Grooming Diva. She comes to you to take care of your pet.

Raquel Marsal: “I find it very fulfilling being with animals, because they have an unconditional love and trust.”

Raquel has four grooming vans. Well, I should say three, because one has been in the shop for … you ready for this?

Raquel Marsal: “It’s been almost two years. It’s not being fixed by a mechanic.”

For two years, the shop has had her van that went in for an air conditioning and engine repair.

The estimate?

Raquel Marsal: “It was around $6,000.”

Raquel has the receipts that she says showed she had paid nearly $11,000 for parts, but her van still sits in the shop.

Raquel Marsal: “I think it’s absolutely insane, and I keep asking for my van back.”

The owner refuses.

Raquel Marsal: “He says he doesn’t want to give me the van until it’s in working condition.”

The van is blocked by other vehicles, so Raquel can’t tow it away. She sent a certified letter demanding it be released. It was ignored.

She contacted the police.

Raquel Marsal: “We did. We went to the police to file a report, and nothing happened. We were told that it was a civil matter.”

And so her van, used to groom dogs, sits in here, day after day, year after year, even though Raquel has paid $11,000 for repairs that haven’t been made.

Raquel Marsal: “I want my van back, and I just want my money refunded to me.”

Patrick Fraser: “What am I missing? What’s going on?”

Raquel Marsal: “I wish I knew. I don’t understand why he won’t relinquish the van.”

Well, Howard, if a repair shop refuses to release your vehicle, is it criminal or civil?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “In reality, it’s probably not criminal, it’s civil. If you owe money, the mechanic can hold the vehicle until they are paid in full. But in this case, Raquel says she has paid, meaning the mechanic has to release the van. If he won’t, she has to get a judge to issue what is called a Writ of Replevin to give her the van back.”

I spoke to the owner of Prestige Car Service.

Mauricio Valdez said he had been in the hospital.

I said, “For two years?” He said for one year. He added the van had engine, battery and AC problems, and he couldn’t find employees to work.

He promised me he would have the van ready is a few weeks, and four weeks later, he dropped it off at Raquel’s house.

Raquel Marsal: “And you guys made it happen in four weeks what I couldn’t do in two years. It’s just amazing what you guys did for me.”

Raquel says the van’s engine doesn’t sound right, so they want another mechanic to check everything out before they put it back to work.

Raquel Marsal: “I am so glad we called Help Me Howard, because if not, we would still be locked in this battle for God knows how long.”

Nice to be able to help you get that van back, Raquel. And Raquel has used the same mechanic in the past and has been happy. It just didn’t work out this time.

Now, before you take your vehicle into a shop, do research, talk to people, to make sure they can get the parts and do good, timely work.

A problem dogging you? Feel like you’re barking up the wrong tree? Let us wrench it from you to see if we can crank up a solution.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

When Marcee moved from Hawaii, she brought a piece of the island culture back to South Florida.

Her dancers, all with Polynesian connections, have entertained South Floridians for years.

Marcee Rodriguez: “Dancing, like shows. Parties, all kinds of things. Everybody has some sort of connection to the island.”

They make you wanna sway.

Marcee has a problem she wants to go away.

Marcee Rodriguez: “And I have a notification that there’s been a change to my Sunbiz.”

In Florida, business owners register their companies with the state. Someone changed the record and said they owned Marcee and her husband’s advance electric company.

Marcee Rodriguez: “I called Sunbiz and they were like, ‘Well, there’s nothing we can do. We only house records.'”

Marcee had to pay to correct the information.

A few days later, the person, using the name Raynold, switched the records again.

Marcee paid to fix it, then the crook paid to change it a third time.

Marcee Rodriguez: “So I called Sunbiz again, I’m like, ‘Hey, this has got to stop, you know.”

Marcee wasn’t sure why someone kept doing it and then she was.

Marcee Rodriguez: “And then I got a notification from Truist, telling me that there’s been an address change. He opened the account, I assume he was next going to ask for a loan.”

Yep. The person putting their electric company in his name had tried to open a bank account in the company name using a different address.

He would then take out a loan, leaving Marcee and her husband to pay it back.

Marcee Rodriguez: “What he told the gentleman that opened his thing, was that he had just bought the company from us.”

Marcee then tried to track down the person using the name Raynold who was coming after them.

Marcee Rodriguez: “And up comes mug shots with all these felonies.”

Marcee says she notified the state and the police, but so far, nothing has happened.

Marcee Rodriguez: “Super frustrating.”

Well, Howard. If you own a company, can anybody just put it in there name?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “As of today, anyone can. It’s a crime, but seldom is anyone prosecuted. And the crook does not own the company just by putting it in their name. But the danger: They can use that fake document to open bank accounts and try to get loans. That’s why people who own corporations need to periodically check to make sure their records have not been altered.”

Miami-Dade Police told us this case is under investigation and they can’t tell us if they are trying to track down the person who is hacking Marcee’s account.

We went to the address the person used as he tried to open a bank account.

Patrick Fraser: “Is there a Raynold that lives here?

But some good news. The state is finally trying to stop the crooks.

A spokesman wrote the legislature is giving us the authority to ‘implement a password protected log-in system for Sunbiz to help business owners protect their assets from bad actors.”

They hope to have it implemented by the end of the year.

Marcee Rodriguez: “That makes me feel awesome. I think it’s time that they did protect people and it shouldn’t be so easy.”

Marcee is convinced the crook has stopped coming after her after that close call at the bank and the attention from Help Me Howard.

Marcee Rodriguez: “Yes, absolutely. Thank you so much.”

Glad things have settled down, Marcee. And the crook must have really felt confident about getting a bank loan, because every time he charged the corporate records of the company, he had to pay a filing fee. So in case, crime didn’t pay.

A company owning you? Ready to dance away from them? Incorporate yourself with us so we can light a fire under them.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

If you were told what Michael does, you might not believe it until you see it.

Amazon and Best Buy send Michael their merchandise to review. From kitchen appliances to a curved computer screen, a wine cooler, and the day we were there, he was asked to write about these ear buds.

Michael Meislik: “Review it, test it, play with it, see what it does, what it doesn’t do.”

After writing his review, Michael gets to keep the product. But one thing he has not been offered is a TV like this.

And when he decided to buy one, he turned to people like himself.

Michael Meislik: “And then I researched comments, reviews, what people thought, and decided on a particular TV.”

It was this 85-inch model.

Michael Meislik: “One of the best places to get a TV with an extended warranty would be BJ’s Wholesale Club.”

Michael bought it it. Then as he looked at his receipt, something caught his eye: the sales tax.

Michael Meislik: “And I multiplied the total amount and the cart times 7%, which is Miami-Dade tax rate, and the rate was way over what it should be.”

The TV was on sale for $1,627, meaning the 7% sales tax should have been $113. But BJ’s charged the tax on the original $2,999 price, making the sales tax $209.93 cents, costing Michael an extra $96 in sales tax.

Michael Meislik: “A little bit surprising, unpleasant, unwanted.”

Michael contacted BJ’s to make sure it wasn’t an accounting error. The company rep said, nope, that’s the way they did it.

Patrick Fraser: “So you were you paid the taxes on what they wanted to sell it for, not what they sold it to you for?”

Michael Meislik: “Yes, exactly.”

Michael and Miriam are happy with the TV, not happy with the taxes on the TV.

Michael Meislik: “It’s wrong any way you look at it. Where is this excess money going, and is this legal?”

Well, Howard, can a business charge a sales tax like this?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “This is weird, complicated and confusing, but it is legal. The courts have ruled that if the discount comes from the store, then you pay taxes on the sales price. If the discount comes from the manufacturer, then you pay sales taxes on the higher original price.”

We asked BJ’s corporate office why they decided to charge taxes on the full price instead of the sales price.

They didn’t answer the question but believe their customers understand their policy writing, “We provide this information to our members in the relevant promotional materials.”

Michael says he wasn’t told about it.

A long list of customers have tried to sue BJ’s over their policy, claiming it’s misleading. So far, BJ’s has won in court, meaning Michael won’t get that extra sales tax money back, but BJ’s does have to turn it over to the state and county.

Michael Meislik: “Sometimes it’s a little hectic with all the reviews.”

And if you are thinking, “How can you get companies to send you products to review?” Michael didn’t find them, they found him after reading his reviews of products he had bought online.

Michael Meislik: “I review everything: office paper, pens, pencils, whatever I’m purchasing. So I think that’s how they picked me up.”

A tip from Michael: Don’t just say a product is good or bad, explain why.

Now, to make sure you are not being charged sales tax you don’t think you should pay, check your receipt, ask questions. If you don’t like the answers, walk away, because you worked hard for your money.

A problem taxing you? Want someone to review it? Ship it to us, because we charge the perfect rate: zero.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Its a big property with a small church. Led by a pastor who loves guiding her congregation.

Pastor Vera Joy-Naylor: “Our job is to prepare people, help people and do whatever we can to support them.”

But on Sunday, Vera wasn’t just thinking about caring for the people at church. She was worried about saving the church.

Vera Joy-Naylor: “They’re not going to take this ministry. God will make a way when there is no way.”

The problem goes back to 2006 when Miami-Dade County fined the Crown of Thorns Church $2,925 for code violations. Vera signed an agreement to pay it off.

George Naylor: “If you count it up, we pay more than in $,2900. I add it up to be $3,100.”

In 2010, George got a letter saying he still owed money, he replied I already paid it.

He thought that ended it.

Until this July, 13 years later, when he got a call from the county

George Naylor: “Hey, you need to talk to me because there’s a lien on your property.”

George went to meet with code enforcement to show the checks that he says proved he paid the fines.

He was told, ‘You didn’t pay the entire amount,’ and the fine was no longer $2,925.

George Naylor: “Aug. 23, the fine will actually be close to $50,000.”

George’s reply.

George Naylor: “Why are you coming after us 20 years later?”

Vera’s response, something strange was going on.

Vera Joy-Naylor: “I can lose my property. They can buy the lien, pay off the lien and take my, take my building from me.”

The small ministry doesn’t have the money to pay off the lien, and so that’s why saving her church was on Vera’s mind as she led her parishioners this Sunday.

Vera Joy-Naylor: “It’s a place of worship, but what can we do about it? See, that’s where God comes in, and I’m telling he told me to call Help Me Howard.”

Well we never claimed to be holy, but Howard, legally can we help Vera save her church from what they call an ungodly fine?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Maybe. If you are late or miss a payment, the county contract allows them to require the full payment immediately, minus the amount the church already paid. What makes this confusing: The church says they did pay the full amount and they have the checks, they say. prove it. Also, the county can foreclose on a church, but they almost never do because politically you just don’t go after churches.”

We contacted Miami-Dade County.

They sent a statement saying Vera defaulted on the agreement resulting in the accrual of additional penalties.

George disagrees, saying these checks prove he paid the fine in full.

The county said that letter from 2010, warning about a lien, showed the church still owed $325.

Again George disagreed.

We asked the count date the lien was filed and why Miami-Dade waited until 2023 to notify the church.

The county has not yet responded.

Miami-Dade then told the church they would lower the fine to $2,509 dollars, and if the church would pay it now, in full, they would release the lien.

The church paid.

Vera Joy-Naylor: “Oh my God. I can sleep at night because I didn’t know what we were going to do.

The Crown of Thorns Church is in the clear.

Vera and George can now focus on the ministry and not worry about losing the property after their call to Help Me Howard.

Vera Joy-Naylor: “I like to say God bless, Help Me Howard. God told me to call and look what happened.”

Glad everything worked out with the church, pastor.

Does the government have to tell you every year or two that they have placed a lien on your property and that the fines are piling up? Legally, no.

One notice and that’s it.

Feel like you have no prayer of solving a problem? Confess it to us because we are blessed to be able to help you out.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

More Information:
Check for liens
Broward County
Miami Dade County
Monroe County

When David decided to move into a smaller home, he wanted to find a way to entertain his cats.

David Prince: “We know that they love seeing the squirrels, so we found a bird feeder that sits in the window.”

David also enjoys the wildlife. Well, most of it.

David Prince: “I love squirrels, you know. They’re part of nature. Rats are invasive, unhealthy and dangerous.”

Rats are a sore subject with David right now.

Remember I mentioned he had downsized? At that time, he rented a self-storage unit for his extra belongings.

David Prince: “Modern furniture from the ’70s, and a few of the pieces came from my grandparents’ apartment. Also had a lot of sentimental value to us.”

Back in December, David’s wife had gone to the storage facility to pick up a few things.

David Prince: “She went and she closed it up. Everything was fine with the unit.”

In April, they went back, and you will see why David is disgusted by rats.

David Prince: “And as we were approaching the unit, walking through the halls, there was a putrid smell on the halls.”

As they opened the door, they saw rats had moved in to live and die.

David Prince: “It was rat infested. Everything in the unit was covered with urine, rat feces, and we even found dead rats in the unit.

Remember the sentimental items, like his grandfather’s chair? Ruined.

David Prince: “They destroyed furniture, artwork, documents that we were saving, military collectibles. Everything was just absolutely destroyed.”

Fortunately, the storage company required that David buy insurance.

Unfortunately, that insurance was basically worthless.

David Prince: “They pointed out that, you know, we paid for insurance, that they won’t cover more than $500 for vermin damage.”

David estimates the damaged items are worth tens of thousands of dollars.

He battled the storage facility to get reimbursed. He lost.

David Prince: “I’ve called corporate. No one in corporate will get on the phone with me. We’ve just been stonewalled.”

Well, Howard, legally is the storage facility responsible for the rat damage?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Most of these contracts for self storage facilities are very one sided in favor of the storage company, in part because the tenants signs away their rights. And while the facility is not responsible for rat damage, they could be if they become aware of the problem and don’t correct it, but again, it’s an uphill battle for the renter because the contract favors the facility.”

We contacted the storage company. After we spoke to them, they told David they’d compensate him for the damages if he’d sign a confidentiality agreement and not discuss the details with us.

David said yes, and while he can’t say what he got, he can say he’s happy.

David Prince: “I’m ecstatic. Thank you very much. Help Me Howard solved the issue, and we couldn’t be happier.”

David has taken everything from the storage unit, and while a lot of items got trashed, he has hopes for a few things.

David Prince: “We hopefully will be able to get restored and recovered some of this furniture that had value and sentimental value.”

Glad David is satisfied. And if you watch Help Me Howard, sometimes you see people sign a non-disclosure agreement like David did so they can’t talk about what they got. We don’t mind, because our goal is to get you what you deserve, and if you sign that document, it means you did.

Got a problem that’s left you hollering “rats”? Eradicate the pest by storing it with us, so we can clean things up for you.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

To borrow from an old line, the Dingman’s are proof a family that plays together, stays together.

Andrew Dingman: “I just feel at peace when I’m out on the water fishing and we’re out in the woods camping. It’s just so peaceful.”

Peaceful quiet, missing just one thing: a nice camper. So Andrew and Kim decided to take care of that.

Andrew Dingman: “We decided to drive over there and take a look.

Kim Dingman: “It was just beautiful. Like I could just see where everybody would be sitting, camping and laughing.”

It was a brand new travel trailer, just what they needed. But financing it was $69,000 dollars. Andrew hooked it up to his truck and brought it home.

Andrew Dingman: “And it had a full kitchen. It was perfect.”

Until it rained.

Andrew Dingman: “She went in and told me, ‘You’re not going to believe this, it’s leaking.’ That shocked me. I was like, ‘There’s no way this is brand new.'”

Their brand new trailer was soaked. They took it back to the dealer who says they repaired it. Back home, another South Florida rain shower.

Andrew Dingman: “It still leaked, if not worse.”

When Andrew took it back to the dealer for a third time, they said they could not fix the leaky roof.

Andrew Dingman: “Made documentation that the whole roof was built incorrectly, and they said that it would need to be replaced.”

The dealer said to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturers said the dealer had to replace the roof.

Kim Dingman: “Blaming each other and we’re in the middle.

Andrew Dingman: “They just refuse to do anything.”

The Dingman’s had enough. Andrew hooked the trailer up and headed back to the dealership.

Andrew Dingman: “I was mad and I took it back. I gave him the keys.”

That was last October, but they still had a problem.

To avoid destroying their credit score, they have had to make the monthly payments on a travel trailer they don’t even have anymore.

Andrew Dingman: “Almost $5,000 probably.”

Ouch. Monthly payments for a camper they returned.

Yep, sounds like a Help Me Howard.

Andrew Dingman: “We’ve seen it on TV and we’re like, ‘Maybe, maybe they can help.'”

Kim Dingman: “It’s our last resort. We don’t know what else to do anymore.”

Legally what can you do, Howard?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “There is a state law and a federal law that together protect the consumer. Without boring you with the legal details, the bottom line, they are entitled to get out of the contract and the dealer has to pay off the loan to the finance company, meaning the Dingman’s walk away not owing money to anyone.”

We contacted the dealership where the Dingman’s bought their trailer.

They could not have been more helpful telling us they would take care of things.

Now, neither side can tell us what happened, which usually means they signed a non-disclosure agreement.

Andrew’s face seems to say it all.

Andrew Dingman: “I don’t even know how to say it.”

Kim Dingman: “Like 1,000 pound weight off our shoulders.”

In other words, they are out of the woods after that call to Help Me Howard.

Andrew Dingman: “We’re just very happy that Help Me Howard was able to help us and get it off our plate.”

As long as you are happy, we are happy.

Now, there are laws to protect someone who buys a new product, but they can be complicated and difficult to navigate.

A problem camped in your life? Just want a sporting chance to solve it? Hitch up with us and we will go fishing for a solution.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

More Information:
Recreation vehicles
How the Florida lemon law works
Florida Bar’s view of lemon law
Magnuson moss warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act

When Luis was a kid, he liked cars. As an adult, he turned his attention to Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Luis Mellado: “There’s nothing like it. You feel the wind blowing in your head, the sound of the engine.”

And Jasmine enjoys the bikes as well.

Jasmine Mellado: “I ride on the back; I don’t ride by myself. I ride on the back.”

Not only do they like to ride, Luis also loves to repair the bikes.

Then one day, he saw a warehouse bay for sale in Perrine, and the couple decided to buy their own shop.

Luis Mellado: “We sold our home, and with the profits of it, we bought the warehouse.”

The Mellados used all their money to buy a warehouse to repair Harleys. Talk about going all in.

Jasmine Mellado: “It was a little scary. It was definitely a little scary. I mean, that’s a lot of money.”

Then it went from scary to terrifying, when Luis went to the county to get the paperwork to open the shop.

Luis Mellado: “And the gentleman says, ‘Hey, you know, we can’t give you a certificate of use here.’ I said, ‘Why?’ ‘Yeah, you know, this has been violated for the 40-year inspection.'”

Turns out the property was declared unsafe in 2022 because the building didn’t get a 40-year recertification. Luis’ title company never told him that.

Luis Mellado: “Without that, you can’t get anything else. You can’t get DERM, you can’t get the fire department. When I heard that, my heart fell.”

The industrial complex is run by a board made up of the warehouse bay owners like Luis, but they’re allowed to keep their doors open.

Luis Mellado: I guess they had their permits from before, so they’re not issuing any new permits because it’s an unsafe structure.”

Now only Luis is facing the disaster of not being able to open the shop he and Jasmine sunk every dollar into.

Jasmine Mellado: “He can’t work. What do we do? Where do we go.”

Good question. Mr. Attorney. Legally, what do you do?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “If this was a residential property, you could rescind the contract because the seller did not disclose major defects, but with commercial properties, the buyer does not have the same consumer protection. It’s basically what the law calls caveat emptor, which means let the buyer beware. In other words, you are on your own and have to do your own due diligence.”

We contacted the Perrine Industrial Park. They didn’t respond to us, but Luis says they quickly began the 40-year recertification process.

That can take a while, but submitting the paperwork allowed the county to give Luis the certificate of use to open his business.

Luis Mellado: “I feel good. I feel good, you know? I can sleep a little bit better at night.”

Luis is happy and lucky, a fellow whose love of Harleys is his livelihood.

Luis Mellado: “It’s in my blood. I’ll never lose the love for it, you know? I love what I do for a living. I don’t see myself doing anything else.”

If your hobby is your work, it’s not work. And before you open a business or make any major purchase, it’s best to spend a few dollars to hire an attorney to go over the paperwork. I don’t like to tell people to hire lawyers, but it can save you a wad of cash and a lot of headaches.

Tired of someone giving you the business? Ready to crank up a solution” Contact us. We can have Howard can ride in on a motorcycle … if you can find training wheels.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

It’s why they called Help Me Howard with Patrick Fraser.

When you see people make that dangerous lonely journey across the Florida Straits, they’re the best at explaining why they risk their life.

Ralph Theodore: “You come to freedom. You’re going to work and have your stuff, so we just running for a better life.”

And for Ralph and his family, they found the freedom they were looking for in America.

Ralph Theodore: “Yeah, we did. We did. And we appreciate that too.”

For 15 years, they have enjoyed the highs of South Florida, and of course the headaches.

Ralph Theodore: “The problem was that we started having issues with the stove and microwave since last year.”

The owner of the duplex they rent sent out a repairman, again and again, who would tell Ralph the same thing, again and again.

Ralph Theodore: “Because he said that is related to electrical.”

Finally, the landlord replaced the two appliances and then sent Ralph the bill for $1,430 to pay for them.

Ralph Theodore: “And then when we call them to ask the reason why they want to charge us for the stove and microwave, the lady said, ‘OK, it is because you guys had roaches.”

Ralph replied like everyone in South Florida. We have to battle roaches, but not in the stove or microwave, plus that wasn’t the problem anyway.

Ralph Theodore: “Your own electrician guy said, it’s electrical related.”

The landlords reply.

Ralph Theodore: “They only had one thing one their mind; roaches, roaches, roaches. That’s the only thing they kept saying.”

When Ralph refused to pay for the new appliances, the landlord wouldn’t accept the monthly rent and sent a three day notice telling him they were evicting Ralph and his family.

Ralph Theodore: “I mean, we have been good to them. We have been doing whatever we were supposed to be doing. Everything.”

That’s when Ralph did what people who have lived in South Florida all their lives do.

Ralph Theodore: “We call Help Me Howard because we were hopeless.”

Well Howard, can a landlord force you to pay for new appliances, and if you don’t, toss you out?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “In most rental contracts, it says the landlord is responsible for maintaining the appliances. There are cases where a tenant is responsible but they have to be really negligent. And saying that roaches destroyed two appliances at the same time when there were electrical problems, just won’t fly. Clearly, Ralph doesn’t have to pay for those appliances and cannot be evicted for refusing to pay for the stove and microwave.”

We contacted the owners of the property and they moved quickly.

Ralph says they told him they would accept his rent check, stop the eviction process and he no longer has to pay for the appliances.

Ralph Theodore: “Yeah. I’m so happy. Like, finally everything got resolved. We got what we needed, you know?”

And Ralph made a decision that makes him and his landlord happy. When his lease expires he is moving out, so he won’t need Help Me Howard for awhile.

Ralph Theodore: “Yeah, I’m glad because if I never even had called you guys, I don’t know what would have happened.”

Happy we can help you out, Ralph.

Now before you sign a lease, read it carefully to look for things you are responsible for if they break.

In most cases, the answers to all your questions are in that lease.

Something bugging you? Don’t let it make your skin crawl. Pester us so we can evict the problem.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

It started with a small bump on Tina’s foot.

Tina Bakr: “So I went to the doctor and he said, ‘Let’s just keep an eye on it.'”

It started growing. Doctors did a biopsy.

Tina Bakr: “And I was informed that it was a synovial sarcoma.”

Patrick Fraser: “Cancer.”

Tina Bakr: “Yes. Your whole world stops?”

At that time, Tina was a property manager where her compensation included an apartment and health insurance. When she told her boss she had cancer, they fired her.

Tina Bakr: “I lost my apartment, my health insurance, my job, my source of income. I lost everything in a day.”

Since Tina was unemployed, she was able to get insurance through Medicaid. They paid for the chemotherapy that worked on the cancer but not on the tumor.

Tina Bakr: “But it’s a very destructive tumor and it breaks bones, nerves, tendons. It’s very destructive and it grows rapidly.”

Her doctors concluded they couldn’t remove the massive tumor and asked her insurance company to pay to amputate her foot.

Tina Bakr: “My doctor’s office did. That was also denied.”

The denial was signed by an OBGYN. Tina was told to appeal.

She did.

In July, her insurance again denied the surgery claiming her doctor was not in network.

Tina says he is, and the tumor continued to grow.

Tina Bakr: “The tumor has wrapped itself around my ankle. So now it’s too late for a foot removal. Now I have to have a partial leg removal as well because of this waiting time.”

For three months, Tina has fought to get her surgery. Now her leg has to be removed below the knee. Her conclusion is understandable.

Patrick Fraser: “So am I correct in saying if they had approved this, you would not lose your leg, just your foot?”

Tina Bakr: “From my understanding, yes.”

Tina sent me a picture of what she looked like a year ago to show what dealing with cancer, a tumor and her insurance company has done to her.

Tina Bakr: “I’m angry, I’m confused, I’m worried. I just, I, I don’t understand why this is happening.”

The denials have Tina fearing she will die. She has Medicaid. Legally Howard, is she entitled to this surgery?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Yes, this treatment is necessary. The denials make absolutely no sense because amputation is actually cheaper than other treatments. This is why we created Help Me Howard.”

I contacted ACHA, the state agency that administers Medicaid and I contacted the insurance company.

I was told Tina should file another appeal and ask for a Medicaid hearing.

After Tina’s third appeal was denied, I contacted the state and said Tina wanted to know if she was doomed to die.

It might have been a coincidence, but hours later, Tina got good news..

Tina Bakr: “And by the evening, it was suddenly approved due to some new information that was provided to them.”

Tina says she didn’t provide any new information.

Tina Bakr: “I was infuriated that why couldn’t this have been resolved months earlier.”

But that battle is behind her.

Tina now has to prepare for the long awaited surgery after her call to Help Me Howard.

Tina Bakr: “Oh, my God, yes. I’ve been praising you guys every day to everybody. I mean, I, I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude.”

Bless you Tina. And we’ve never worked so hard to help someone get a leg amputated. Good luck with the surgery that is scheduled for Wednesday, Tina. Recovery will take time and money, which Tina does not have right now.

She has opened a GoFundMe page to help her and to prepare her for her future; working to help people going through chemotherapy. What a beautiful thought.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

MORE INFORMATION:
Tina’s Gofundme

But does the city have to follow its own laws? The answer from Help Me Howard with Patrick Fraser might surprise you.

Progress is great, until it creates problems. Like sleepless nights and bleary eyes for Michael and Robin.

Michael Hughes: “Wake up tired, come home tired. It hasn’t been enjoyable around here for the last six months.”

Six months ago, progress moved in. A $26 million plan to eliminate flooding in this Fort Lauderdale neighborhood.

Alan Dodd: “Even when we have regular rains, there has been tremendous flooding in here, so this project is going to alleviate those to reduce the risk to houses, the risk to people.”

Here is progress’ problem: 40 feet from Michael and Robin’s bedroom window is a large pump, ironically called the “Silent Partner,” which is draining the water to allow the construction of the new pipeline.

Michael Hughes: “Extremely loud.”

Fort Lauderdale’s ordinance says the noise level cannot exceed 60 decibels outside in the daytime, 50 at night.

As you can see, it’s around the mid-80s.

Michael Hughes: “Monday through Friday, it’s on 24 hours a day.”

And in the bedroom…

Robin Richard: “I’m looking at between 50 and 55, and it should be lower than 45 during the day, and at night, lower than 35. The city is breaking their own code and not doing anything about it.”

But the city is trying. This is the fourth different pump brought in to try to lower the noise level.

Alan Dodd: “This is the quietest pump that is available that still provides the ability to move the volume of water that we have to move.”

When that wasn’t enough, Michael asked the city to move the pump further away from the houses. The city says this is where they have to pump the water to allow the construction to continue.

Michael Hughes: “We have our hurricane shutters down, as they requested, to try to keep it quieter in the house.”

When the shutters and earplugs didn’t quiet things, Michael asked if the contractor could turn off the pump at night.

Michael Hughes: “Response was, ‘No, it must stay on.'”

Alan Dodd: “It would take us six to seven hours to drain it down where we could continue work the next day, so we would never be able to finish the project if we limit it to just 12 hours a day.”

It was a quiet neighborhood.

Michael Hughes: “It’s not enjoyable right now.”

Until progress came roaring in.

Michael Hughes: “I’m annoyed, and I’m fed up with the City of Fort Lauderdale. Help me, Howard.”

Well, Howard, does the city have to follow their own laws?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Both sides have legal rights. The city does not have to follow its own laws, but the residents have a right to the quiet enjoyment of their homes. The legal solution? The city has to do everything in their power to protect the homeowner from excessive noise while still being allowed to finish a project that will make all of the residents’ lives better.”

And give Alan Dodd credit.

After we contacted Fort Lauderdale, he came out to explain the details of the project and to show us the city’s newest effort to quiet the neighborhood.

Alan Dodd: “You can see, in the last week, we put a second wall on. We have the one enclosure around the pump station, which has thick insulating foam all around it.”

Installing a muffler, plus a second wall, made a difference.

Here is the side away from the houses. Now walk around the generator towards Robin and Mike’s house.

Much quieter.

Robin Richard: “With this last barrier that they put, it’s definitely made a difference.”

The city has even better news for Robin. They told us they hope to be able to turn the pump off in about a month.

Robin Richard: “So we definitely are thankful for Channel 7 for doing that and having them come out and put a stop to it, which is great.”

Nice to help you out.

Now, this is a unique situation. It will be worth it when flooding is stopped, and hopefully, the neighborhood will be quiet like it used to be when the pump is turned off at the end of August.

Drained? We hear you. So don’t accept a watered down solution. Let us pump up your spirits.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Can she get out of the deal? It’s why she called Help Me Howard with Patrick Fraser.

Life is hard for a lot of people. It’s even harder for Katrina.

Katrina: I wonder what’s happened to me because I’ve always been someone that opened up to everybody.

Katrina lost her home, often went hungry and struggled to get a job.

Katrina: Because I didn’t have anybody to take me anywhere, and I didn’t have any transportation.

Finally, she found work and went to a used car dealership, where they told her they could get her financing for a car she could afford.

Katrina: I bought a car so that I won’t have to miss work — so that I have a way to work.

But after signing the paperwork for the $20,000 used car at nearly 20 % interest, Katrina found out she couldn’t afford it when she got the first payment.

Katrina: I was like, shocked like, that’s almost $500.

The $484 plus insurance is about what Katrina makes each month. So why did she sign the contract?

Katrina: It was it was just so fast-moving.

Patrick: Did you know what you were signing?

Katrina: Not really, no.

When we talked to Katrina she was living with her sister, sleeping on the couch. With the car expenses, she will never be able to afford her own apartment.

Patrick: You blame the car salesman or you?

Katrina: Well, I blame myself for putting myself into that car.

Katrina accepts the blame, but can’t find a way out. The dealership won’t buy the car back, the finance company won’t take it, and she is broke trying to pay for it.

Katrina: I can’t afford the payments on that car. I want them to get me out of that car so I could be able to be in something that I could afford.

Howard, you sign a contract you don’t understand and can’t afford, or you lose your job and can’t afford the car. Is there a way to get out of the contract?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: In most cases, no. If you sign the contract you are stuck. The only exception is if the dealership exaggerated your income to qualify you for financing — that’s fraud. But to prove it, you have a sue in court. If you can’t afford a car, you can’t afford a lawyer. The best thing to do is try to return it to the finance company.

When we next saw Katrina again, it was appropriate that it was cloudy and a thunderstorm was coming in because Katrina had more bad news.

Katrina: I was pushing carts and I felt the pain in the left side of my neck. And I have a herniated disc.

Of course, her car was repossessed and the bills from the finance company keep coming in. Now totaling $2,320 for missed payments.

Katrina: I say, ‘Why should I have to send you a payment when you have the car?’

Howard: The finance company will sell the car and bill Katrina for the difference between what it was sold for and what you owe. Katrina will find that out after the car is sold at auction.

Now with her neck problem, she can’t work and has no idea what she will do next.

Katrina: No, it can’t get no worse than this.

Hang in there Katrina.

We sometimes hear from people who say a used car dealer got financing for them by exaggerating how much money they take home. Check the paperwork to stop that because you won’t be able to make the payments.

By the way, a friend has set up a GoFundMe page for Katrina to pay the $2,320 she still owes. If you would like to help Katrina out, click here.

Fighting a problem you can’t afford to lose? Buy some time with us. We have an outrageous interest in helping you for free.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

A judge agreed, ordering the county to release the dog. And then, the day after Help Me Howard with Patrick Fraser aired last week, the county attorney’s office made a phone call.

Louise Davis had not seen her dog for 120 days until she walked out of animal services with Precious.

Louise Davis: “I’m ecstatic to see that she’s in such good shape. Really?”

Precious, wearing a county-mandated muzzle, kept putting her paw on Louise’s arm, not wanting to let go of her.

Louise Davis: “Baby is coming home.”

It’s a new beginning for Precious after a bizarre battle with Miami-Dade County, determined to euthanize her, and Louise and her husband Scott fighting to bring her home.

Scott Davis: “Extremely difficult for both my wife and I.”

Back in March, Scott opened the gate to move his boat in. A boy was riding his bike on the dirt road in the Redlands.

Precious darted out and bit the boy once on the leg.

Scott Davis: “I’ve accepted the fact that I was negligent in this particular case.”

And a terrible accident turned into a travesty Scott believes.

Nearly six weeks later, animal services and several Miami-Dade Police officers showed up with a court order to seize precious and euthanize her.

Scott Davis: “This dog is like a child to me. I’ve had this dog for a decade.”

Scott hired well-known animal rights attorney Lauren Peffer who was shocked at what she found.

Lauren Peffer: “And then going and taking someone’s property without due process, without their side of the story, that should freak you out.”

The county held a hearing without notifying Scott they were putting Precious down. Then drew up three court orders signed by two judges that were based on several factual errors.

The order to seize the dog, signed by a judge, was actually a case of a tenant eviction that had nothing to do with the owners of Precious.

The bite victim’s mother said the animal services investigator told her it was not the first time Precious had bitten someone. Not true, just the boy.

The affidavit from the county said Precious had bitten the boy twice. Again not true, just once.

Lauren Peffer: “I mean, you gotta, you gotta be pretty disturbed by this.

Lauren filed an appeal to block Precious from being put down.

She also asked Miami-Dade to at least show Davis a picture of Precious to prove she was still alive. The county’s attorney, Christopher Wahl said no.

Lauren Peffer: “But they have no cause of action that they could bring before this court, to dictate to us, how we are taking care of the dog.”

Judge Diana Gonzalez Whyte later ruled the decision to seize precious without Scott being notified of the hearing violated his rights and state law. She said to return the dog.

Diana Gonzalez Whyte: “If it’s possible, by the end of the day today, I think that would be ideal.”

The county attorney agreed but that weekend worked to file this appeal to block the Judge’s order to return the animal.

Two days later Judge Gonzalez Whyte issued another order in bold letters ‘RETURN THE DOG’

The county attorney filed another appeal to block that leaving Scott both, despondent and furious.

Scott Davis: “It’s unbelievable. Absolutely.”

The assistant county attorney wouldn’t talk to us about his reason for refusing to at least show the family a picture of Precious or why the county attorney’s office was working weekends, spending tens of thousands of dollars to fight a case based on factual errors.

Our story aired, and we were inundated with emails from people, outraged about the county’s actions.

Maybe it was a coincidence but the next day Lauren got a call from the county attorney’s office.

Lauren Peffer: “Well, the county wants you to have the dog back. They’d like it to be as soon as possible. And I was like. Well, okay, that’s great.”

24 hours later Precious was back home and the law that was used to seize her has been ruled illegal by a county judge.

Scott Davis: “Vindicated. Totally vindicated, they can’t do this to somebody else anymore.”

And that may be why the county tried so hard to put Precious down.

Here are 21 separate court cases where Miami Dade declare a dog dangerous and seized them to euthanize them without the owners being notified of the hearing and given a right to tell their side of the story.

The ramifications of that, Howard?

Howard Finkelstein/ 7 News Legal Expert: “I believe Miami Dade County fought so hard because the owners of those 21 dogs have a federal lawsuit. Their dogs were taken, like Scotts, through a violation of their constitutional rights, if those owners sue and win that means the taxpayers could be on the hook for an enormous amount of money.”

Lauren saved Precious in court.

Lauren Peffer: “When when we got off camera, I mean, I dropped a tear.”

Precious will have to get used to the county order nasal, when strangers are around but she is happy back in Scott’s lap.

Scott Davis: “That’s right, you are not going anywhere, I love you too, You are home.”

Precious is home, She won.

Scott and Louise have a beautiful yard, but they can’t enjoy it, because part of the family is missing.

Scott Davis: “And for four months, quite frankly, we’ve gone through hell.”

In February, Scott opened his gate to move his boat. His 10-year-old dog, named Precious, saw a boy riding a bike and bit him on the leg once.

Scott Davis: “I’ve accepted the fact that I was negligent in this particular case, allowing this accident to happen. That’s what it was.”

Scott offered to pay the boy’s doctor’s bill. He quarantined Precious for 10 days as the county required. Then 30 days later…

Scott Davis: “I see several Metro Dade cops with two Animal Control officers. ‘We’re here to get your dog, and we have a court order to her.'”

It turns out Miami-Dade Animal Services and the county attorney’s office had three court orders signed by two judges to take Precious and euthanize her.

Scott Davis: “This dog is like a child to me. I’ve had this dog for a decade.”

Scott immediately hired Lauren Peffer, an animal rights attorney who was stunned to discover the court hearing to seize Precious was held without Scott being told about it.

Lauren Peffer: “And then going and taking someone’s property without due process, without their side of the story, that should freak you out.”

And Scott’s side might have changed the judge’s decision to put Precious down.

In an affidavit, the bite victim’s mother swore she was told by Animal Services that it wasn’t the first time Precious had bitten someone. Not true.

The case number Animal Services submitted to seize Precious and signed by a judge refers to an eviction that had nothing to do with Scott or his property, and Animal Services said that the dog bit the boy twice.

Again, not true, Scott says. The boy was bitten once.

Lauren Peffer: “I mean, you gotta be pretty disturbed by this.”

Lauren filed an appeal to block Precious from being killed.

We asked Animal Services to see Precious or get a picture to prove she was still alive. They said no.

Back in court, the county attorney supervising the seizure of Precious said the dog was fine but wouldn’t show any proof.

Christopher Wahl, Assistant Miami-Dade County Attorney: “But they have no cause of action that they could bring before this court to dictate to us how we are taking care of the dog.”

Lauren argued, since the dog was seized based on false evidence in a hearing where Scott wasn’t allowed to tell his side of the story, the dog should be returned to him.

Two weeks later, after reviewing the case law, Judge Diana Gonzalez-Whyte agreed.

Judge Diana Gonzalez-Whyte: “There has been a violation of due process. We should have had an actual hearing on it. They had the right to notice and a hearing.”

Judge FGonzalez-Whyte also ordered the county to give Precious back to Scott.

Judge Diana Gonzalez Whyte: “If possible, by the end of today, I think that would be ideal. Is there anything that you, you know, foresee that’s gonna make it very complicated for them to be able to get the dog back?”

Christopher Wahl: “I don’t foresee anything, Your Honor.”

But the county attorney had a different plan than he told the court.

On Sunday, he sent out an email that he had appealed the court’s order to fight the judge’s decision to return Precious, a legal maneuver that could take months to resolve.

Scott Davis: “And did it on a Sunday, of all things. I mean, you know, this guy is working overtime for some reason on this particular case, and I have to ask myself, ‘Why?'”

I emailed Christopher Wahl, asking why the county attorney’s office was working on the weekends, spending thousands of dollars to put down a dog based on a case filled with factual errors.

Wahl responded, “The County Attorney’s Office does not comment on pending litigation.”

But two days later, Judge Gonzalez-Whyte responded to the county attorney’s action, voiding the original orders to pick up Precious, writing, “They violated state law, and in bold letters she wrote, “RETURN THE DOG.”

We met Louise Davis when she went to get Precious, but the county attorney quickly filed another appeal and refused to release Precious, stunning Scott again.

Scott Davis: “And I think they possibly went ahead and euthanized my dog, and they don’t have a dog to deliver me.”

Lauren then filed a motion to vacate the stay and return Precious.

Scott says he will keep fighting to get his dog back and find out why Miami-Dade County is working so hard to never return her.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

In 1966, after fleeing Cuba, Eduardo Urivazo came to Miami, worked hard and bought a small apartment complex.

Eduardo Urivazo: “Oh, this is his life. Hard earnings right here. No vacation, just hard work.”

In 2008, Eduardo passed away and left the six-unit complex in Miami to his children.

He wanted his son, also named Eduardo, to take care of the property.

Eduardo Urivazo: “Uh, I am honored that he chose me, but with that it requires responsibility.”

One responsibility for Eduardo, keeping the complex profitable.

Eduardo Urivazo: “I noticed that the price for the commercial pickup of the trash was getting too expensive.”

Once a week, the trash company picks up the garbage. After the price kept rising, Eduardo started contacting other haulers.

Teresa Urivazo: “Right now, I think we’re paying like $1,300 where we’ve gotten quotes of $700.”

Eduardo and Theresa contacted the trash company to stop them from picking up… and were told, “You have a contract with us.”

Teresa Urivazo: “The contract was signed by my father-in-law, and that was back in 2008.”

Eduardo got the old contract his father signed with a company called General Hauling. It was a one-year deal, but that company was bought out by waste connections and their salesman said that one year deal is still in effect.

Eduardo Urivazo: “Those types of contracts renew themselves every five years, every ten years automatically, unless you cancel it 30 days prior.”

That 10-year clause from the old company is in there, but Teresa and Eduardo don’t think its valid because it was signed by a man who has passed with a company that doesn’t exist.

Teresa Urivazo: “My husband tried to explain to them that he did not have a contract with them, that my father-in-law was the one that had a contract and my father-in-law passed away.”

The salesman disagreed and said they could not break the contract without paying a large penalty.

Eduardo Urivazo: “This this has been going on for almost two years and we have not been able to cancel. And they continue to just raise the rate every month.”

Eduardo’s father wanted him to take care of the complex. This trash trouble, with the cost almost twice as much as other companies, has left him feeling like garbage.

Teresa Urivazo: “We’re big fans of Help Me Howard, and my husband came up with the idea. Let’s call Help Me Howard.”

Thank you for doing that. And so, is a contract signed by a man who has passed away with a company that doesn’t exist still valid, Howard?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “In this case, yes. When the children inherited the apartment, they inherited the contract and are bound by it. But there is another way out of the contract. Florida has a law that says before this 10-year renewal can take place, the trash hauler has to notify Eduardo 30 to 60 days ahead of time, giving him the opportunity to cancel. Because they didn’t, he has the right to cancel the contract immediately.”

We contacted waste connections and they could not have been more helpful.

They told us they were canceling the trash contract as Eduardo wanted. They blamed the misunderstanding on their sales rep, and as a nice gesture to Eduardo, they said they will pick up his trash for free for a month to give the family time to find another trash company.

Eduardo Urivazo: “So this is going to be a great help for us.”

Eduardo says they have a company in mind at a lower price. Everything is coming together after their call to Help Me Howard.

Eduardo Urivazo: “So finally, with your help, we were able to put this to rest and we were able to move on. So we’re very thankful.”

Nice to be able to help you. And a lot of different types of companies besides trash like pest control and alarm systems have contracts that automatically renew unless you cancel them.

Keep an eye on those, and if you inherit something or buy a business, be aware of the contracts before you get surprised by them.

Problems dumped in your lap? Don’t let them trash you. Haul it over to us and we’ll try to container for you.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Gloria knows what hard, hard work is.

Gloria Love: “My father was a farmer, and he had a big farm. So we pick cotton and shake the peanuts.”

They say that kind of work makes you strong. It made Gloria want to leave the farm and head to the city.

Gloria Love: “I worked for Memorial for 31 years. That’s where I met, Mr. Love.”

The Loves come from big families, and when special events roll around, the gatherings are wonderful.

Gloria Love: “I enjoy them. I love having them come.”

To get ready for her family last Thanksgiving, Gloria wanted to spruce up her house.

Gloria Love: “One day, I just was in the bedroom, and I was just like, ‘Wow, they’re falling apart; it’s time to replace them.'”

She decided to replace the old blinds in three rooms and hired a guy who had done work for her sister.

Gloria Love: “Because he came so quickly, you know, and took the measurements and everything, says, ‘OK, Miss Love, we’ll have them both rooms ready for you by Thanksgiving.'”

Well, since it’s July, and Gloria is on Help Me Howard, you can guess the blinds were not installed in time to show off for her family’s Thanksgiving gathering.

Gloria Love: “He just didn’t keep his promise that he’s going to have them ready for me for the holidays. That’s what I was disappointed with.”

The contractor took her money, $697. Why didn’t he do the work for the past nine months? Gloria has no idea.

Gloria Love: “You don’t answer the phone, you don’t return a call. Nothing.”

Gloria can’t find him and is actually worried about him.

Gloria Love: “I hope that he’s maybe not sick or he died, or what happened? I don’t know.”

Let’s hope he’s not dead, but Gloria has lost hope of him doing his job.

Gloria Love: “You are not gonna do the drapes, you know, give me my deposit back.”

Gloria clearly deserves one of the other, but for a small job like this, legally, is there anything a customer can do?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “If you pay with a credit card, you might be able to get your money back by disputing the charge. Once you’ve paid in full with a check, like Gloria did, your hands are tied if the business won’t do the job. Therefore, in a case like this, Gloria’s only option is suing in small claims court or call Help Me Howard.”

We contacted the blinds business owner. He said he would install the blinds in two weeks.

We said Gloria had been waiting nine months and wanted it done now. He then said he didn’t have the money for the blinds.

Apparently, he found it. Two days later, Gloria got a call from him.

Gloria Love: “And I was happy, I was shocked, and if it hadn’t been for Help Me Howard, I don’t think, I would have ever got a call from him.”

Gloria was shocked when he came over, and even happier when her blinds were installed.

Gloria Love: “Thanks to Help Me Howard, I got them, and they look beautiful. Thank you, Help Me Howard, for all your help.”

Six hundred and ninety-seven dollars is not a lot to some people, but it was for Gloria, and the smile on her face when she showed us her new blinds is why we are so happy to help people.

And remember, don’t pay someone in full. Pay a down payment and then pay as the work is done.

Draped with a problem? Feel like shade is being thrown at you? Draw back the blinds and let us look to see if we can say curtains to your troubles.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Look around, traffic backed up, people lined up.

Clearly, South Floridians have one thing in common; they are busy.

Katherine Grigelis: “And I don’t have a lot of time to do like, shopping and a lot of things like that personally.”

Proof of that, the other day, Katherine didn’t have time to run an errand until after midnight.

Katherine Grigelis: “I saw the CVS and I decided, I needed a couple of things I would run in.”

Katherine pulled in next to this sign that read “If you park and leave the shopping center, you are subject to tow.”

Katherine Grigelis: “And it didn’t faze me at all because I didn’t leave the lot and I didn’t do anything wrong.”

When she was in the CVS, she says a tow truck driver actually walked in to talk to the clerk.

Katherine Grigelis: “They came in and asked if they should tow the cars, and she had told them not to because there were customers in the store.”

A few minutes later, Katherine paid for her items and walked out.

Katherine Grigelis: “And when I went outside, my vehicle was gone. It was very unpleasant, you know, to walk outside of a store is an unsettling feeling when your vehicle is not there. I immediately thought maybe it had been stolen.”

Nope, it had been towed from the CVS parking lot while Katherine was inside shopping at CVS.

Katherine Grigelis: “So I called the towing company who wasn’t very pleasant and then, they told me to call the people who signed for the tow. So I called lot management systems. They didn’t answer.”

Katherine’s husband took her to All County Towing where she had to pay $169 to get her car.

Katherine Grigelis: “They weren’t very friendly, they charge you extra to use your credit card. I don’t usually carry cash like that.”

Katherine has her receipt to prove she was in CVS while her car was being towed.

So the next day, she contacted the store lot management who asked for the towing and she called the tow company to try to get her money back.

Katherine Grigelis: “I called a lot of people to try to help me and nobody was able to help.”

Living in South Florida, you know if you park illegally you can be towed. But Katherine is convinced she parked legally and still got towed.

Katherine Grigelis: “You know, not everyone can afford $169 to get their car out and I didn’t like it.”

Well Howard, was the tow illegal and if so, who has to reimburse Katherine?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Yes, the tow was illegal. As for the reimbursement, state law regulates tows from private property and says, whoever authorized the illegal tow has to reimburse Katherine, and in some cases, if the car is damaged, they have to pay for that and legal fees if you have to sue them in court.”

We started by contacting CVS.

They wrote, “We did not request or authorize the towing and suggest, she contact the landlord who manages the property.”

The property manager said Katherine would get her money back. That mistakes happen.

It took a couple of weeks, but the company who called to have her towed, Lot Monitoring Service, sent the $169 dollars back to Katherine.

And that’s all she had been asking for.

Katherine Grigelis: “I’m feeling great, Thank you Help Me Howard. I appreciate your help, and I just don’t think, it should happen to anyone else.”

Glad we could get that taken care of for you, Katherine.

Now, the key is resolving many Help Me Howard’s, finding the right person, and staying on top of it. It took us two weeks to get Katherine’s money back. Sometimes it happens overnight, sometimes longer, but we never give up.

Hooked up to a problem you want to haul away? Tow us in because we have the prescription to help you out.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Some people would do anything to be popular. Tammy says she’d rather be right than be liked.

Tammy Cutshaw: “Yeah, and I will stand my ground to the day I die. That’s just the way God wired me.”

But standing her ground has left some people staring her down at Waterford Point Condos.

Tammy Cutshaw: “And I’m hated now.”

It’s an impressive property on the ocean in Pompano Beach, but Tammy says it’s what you can’t see that has her worried.

Tammy Cutshaw: “Washers and dryers being installed, kitchens being redone. Major electrical power panels, your breaker box not permitted, not inspected by the city.”

Tammy says she knows the work is being done because the people doing it used to be her friends.

Finally, she said, enough is enough.

Tammy Cutshaw: “After Surfside, it hit me, this could be happening to us at some point. We’re gonna be the Pompano version of Surfside if somebody don’t stop us.”

Tammy says she sent an email to Pompano Beach Code Enforcement, listing 25 units that had installed washers and dryers and hooked them up to the electrical panels without permits.

A few days later, her email to the city appeared, posted for everyone to see.

Tammy Cutshaw: “They plastered the email I sent to the city with a note above it, telling everybody what unit I lived in, at both elevators and in the mail room, for two and a half days.”

Along with Tammy’s email, the condo board wrote a letter telling what she had done and to contact the board if they wanted to know if they were on Tammy’s list.

Needless to say, Tammy was now a target.

Tammy Cutshaw: “Well, I’ve been cursed in Spanish by the real estate friend, and people just staring at me like they want to kill me.”

Some people did thank her for exposing the unpermitted work.

Tammy Cutshaw: “They’re appreciative that I’m doing this, that I’m brave for doing this, and they’ve wanted to do it for years, but they’re afraid that they’re going to be treated like I was.”

But the angry people are louder.

Tammy Cutshaw: “You can’t go to the pool without retaliation, you can’t do nothing without retaliation.”

Patrick Fraser: “The only thing you’re doing is making enemies.”

Tammy Cutshaw: “Yeah, and the city gave them the ammo.”

But Howard, can the city turn around and tell the condo board Tammy had reported them?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Yes, a new law was passed that says, code enforcement has to reveal who filed a complaint. Now, can the condo board post the complaint? There’s no law that prohibits it, but they could be liable if a person physically retaliated against someone like Tammy.”

The condo president, Karen Barbera, wrote Tammy’s email “was posted because the owners needed to be notified of who was being investigated by the City.”

Barbera added, “No one is retaliating against Tammy,” adding that Tammy has been “following” people and “harassing” them so much, their attorney issued a cease-and-desist order against her.

As for Tammy’s complaint, Pompano Beach Code Enforcement investigated and found five units had done work without a permit. They have hearings scheduled before a magistrate.

Three units had no problems, and eight owners refused to let the code enforcement officer into their property to determine if illegal work had been done, stunning Tammy.

Tammy Cutshaw: “Because the city should have access if they know that there’s illegal stuff in there.”

Howard?

Howard Finkelstein: “Legally, without a court order, code enforcement cannot enter your home without your permission.”

Tammy knows she’s infuriating some residents, but until she thinks the building is completely safe, she says she’ll continue to speak up.

Tammy Cutshaw: “Try to get with the city, and somebody come in here and fix this before we burn to the ground and people die.”

And with so many South Florida condos facing 40-year recertification, there are going to be a lot more Tammys speaking up to expose problems that have been around for years and need to be corrected.

People not living by a code you follow? Need someone to befriend you? Contact us, and permit us to help you.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Karin likes to write, sometimes it’s for a newspaper.

Karin Stahl: “I’ve written stories mostly about Miami history.”

And sometimes her stories are for her favorite; a magazine.

Karin Stahl: “Because a magazine article tells you a lot more depth.”

Today, Karin could write another story about a dream turning into a disaster.

Karin Stahl: “And I also wanted him to do brand new tiles all through the bathroom, the new bathtub, the new sink, the new toilets and two new bathroom cabinets.”

Karin hired a fellow who specializes in tile. He charged her $10,500 dollars and also did the plumbing work.

The floor looks good, but the day he finished the job, Karin started hearing sounds.

Karin Stahl: “And a funny, weird sound started in the bathtub, and under the floors of my bathroom were very sticky.”

Karin tried to get the tile guy to come back and find out what was going on. He wouldn’t but she soon knew what that weird sound was.

Karin Stahl: “Then I heard ‘bang, bang, bang, bang, bang’ on the door, and Ricky, the maintenance man, came in and said the bathroom downstairs, the ceiling has collapsed.”

The ceiling in the apartment below had fallen after water came pouring down from Karin’s tub and sink.

When her tile guy wouldn’t come to fix the problems, she hired a licensed plumber who quickly saw what the tile guy did wrong.

Karin Stahl: “The bathtub drain was not inserted properly and they said just these words to me, ‘They have butchered your bathroom.'”

It took the plumbing company six hours to fix what the tile guy messed up and Karin got their bill.

Karin Stahl: “The shoddy work has cost me now an extra $2,200 for the plumbing company to come back and correct the mistakes”

Karin asked the man who originally installed the tile and plumbing to pay the $2,200 bill. He wouldn’t even talk to her.

Karin Stahl: “I was pretty upset.”

She paid a tile guy to work on her bathroom and then $2,200 to repair what he broke.

Karin Stahl: “At what point does a contractor’s responsibility end? Does it end as soon as they finish the job and they can say just because work completed, they can just say, ‘I’m all done.”

Your turn, Howard.

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “If they are negligent in the work, they do, and if it causes damage, they have to pay for the repairs. How long does the guarantee of the work last? It’s complicated because the law uses the word reasonable amount of time. Another problem with these types of repairmen, they don’t have the money to pay for the damage, so it’s hard for you to get your money from them.”

The man who botched the remodeling job would not talk to us.

We finally went to his apartment and left a card.

His wife then called, we went back and forth. They didn’t want to pay for the repairs.

But I didn’t give up, they thought the plumber’s bill was too high but would pay $1,200 to Karin.

Karin accepted the $1,200, reluctantly.

Karin Stahl: “If he was being a really good contractor and really owning up to his mistake, he would have paid me the entire $2,200.

Karin wishes she could have written the perfect ending to her story, But she told me if she hadn’t penned a note to Help Me Howard, she wouldn’t have gotten anything.

Karin Stahl: “Yes, I’m very glad I called you. Thank you very much.”

One note, before you hire someone, make sure they are licensed and insured. That way, you can try to collect through their insurance if they mess up. And if they don’t have insurance, you have to decide whether to move forward with them or walk away.

A problem draining you? Don’t want a watered-down solution? Leak it to us, before things come crashing down on you.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

You often hear about so many Americans living paycheck to paycheck.

Marcus is one of them.

Marcus Alvarado: “They started to have to lay off people from work, so I was one of them that got laid off.”

Without that weekly check, the bad luck rolled in.

Marcus couldn’t make his car payment.

Marcus Alvarado: “One day, I came out and my car was gone, and I kind of figured that the bank came and picked up the car.”

Marcus had to have a car to search for a new job, so he decided to delay his rent payment.

Marcus Alvarado: “I kind of used my rent money to – used to get my car.”

But more bad breaks blocked that plan. Marcus tried to use his Cash App to pay the finance company the $1,414 he owed them.

Marcus Alvarado: “The payment did not go through; it was getting denied.”

Marcus then Googled “Cash App assistance” and called the number that popped up at the top of the list.

Marcus Alvarado: “So the gentleman had a real deep accent, couldn’t understand too well. Then he said, ‘Yeah, yeah, we can help you.'”

Turns out the number listed on Google wasn’t for Cash App. It was for a scammer.

Marcus Alvarado: “They have told me to download this app called AnyDesk, so I downloaded it.”

AnyDesk is an app that allows someone else to access your phone. The scammers then stole Marcus’s $1,414, and when he tried to stop them, they blocked him from contacting them.

Marcus Alvarado: “Once I saw that I wasn’t getting my money back, I knew it was a scam.”

With no paycheck and no car to find a job to pay the bills, Marcus was told his power was being turned off.

And then he got the dreaded eviction threat.

Marcus Alvarado: “I went to my room, I crawled up like a little ball and just couldn’t believe everything was happening to me.”

A nice fellow with one piece of bad luck after another when the paychecks stopped coming in. A nice, trusting fellow.

Marcus Alvarado: “You know, that’s the thing, I’m too honest, I believe people.”

You can never be too honest, Marcus, just too unlucky.

But, legally, is Marcus out of luck, Howard?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Legally, yes. When you pay with an app, if you send it to the wrong person, or a crook gains access to the app, you are out of luck. The app is not responsible for a cash transaction. The only option is to go after the person who took it, and if they’re a scammer, it’s almost impossible to find them and get your money back. That’s why you have to be so careful with cash apps.”

We contacted Cash App, and they were great.

While they didn’t have to return Marcus’ $1,414, they’re good company, and they refunded all his stolen money.

Marcus Alvarado: “So, when I opened my text, and I saw that it was my Cash App, I said, ‘Holy cow, my money came back.’ I was super excited.”

Marcus can now get his car back, and just like the bad luck kept pouring in, more great news followed.

Marcus Alvarado: “Today my boss calls me up also, so she goes like, ‘Are you ready to go to work?’ I said, ‘Yes, yes.'”

Everything is getting back on track, and it all began with a little help from Help Me Howard.

Marcus Alvarado: “Yes, I am so glad that I called you guys, and you guys are great. I’m glad you guys came through for me.”

Nice to be able to help you see your luck change, Marcus.

Now, Cash App provided us with some tips to protect yourself on their app, and it’s good advice for apps like Zelle and PayPal as well.

Going through a bad streak? Need a little luck to slam a scammer? Contact us, ’cause we’re apt to help you out.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Cash App Customer service website:

Britani and her husband have two young, energetic boys.

Britani Royal: “As you can see, I already have my hands full.”

And right now, her belly is full as well, with another boy due in July.

Britani Royal: “I love being a mom. That’s the best part.”

As Britani and Richard thought about their future, they decided they wanted to raise their young family far from the city, out in the country.

Britani Royal: “So we had this idea of bringing the kids up, having animals on it, like goats, like, you know, chickens and plants.”

Britani started looking on the internet and found a property about 250 miles north of Broward, up in Flagler County.

Britani Royal: “So it only had one photo, it was like an aerial photo, highlighted where the property was, and then the address.”

They recorded their drive up to see the property, hired a Realtor who took them to this part of Florida, a wooded area with roads and a few houses.

Britani Royal: “I thought it was bushy, but I loved it, because I was like, ‘OK, it’s far away. I have one neighbor.'”

In person, the property looked great, but what they didn’t realize from the ad, where it said “no building permit at this time,” is they were about to make a terrible purchase.

Britani Royal: “So after everything is finalized, we saw a different ZIP code with the property, and we brought that up.”

The property they were shown near a road was in St. Johns County.

The property they bought for $12,500 was in the middle of a large parcel across the street in Flagler County, called Flagler Estates, with no roads and no way to get to their land.

Britani Royal: “I have no idea as to where to place the blame.”

They spent their life savings to buy a piece of land out in the country to raise their boys. They own the land, but it’s in the middle of nowhere.

Britani Royal: “I have no hope at this point, really. All the dreams that was put into it, everything is gone.”

Well, Howard, is what happened here illegal?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Probably, but there is not a lot you can do. While the ad did say you cannot get a building permit, the family might have been misled if they were shown the wrong piece of property. You could sue, but it would not be worth it because it would cost more in legal fees than you would get if you won.”

Turns out, over the years, many people have felt ripped off when buying lots in Flagler Estates.

Britani’s lot is about 20 miles from the nearest road in Flagler County.

The county spokesperson, Julie Murphy, told me no permits for building are allowed, because on the Flagler County side, they cannot provide essentials like roads, police and fire rescue.

I spoke to the Realtor who showed the wrong property to Britani. He said, since there was no address for the land, he used his GPS to take them to what they thought was the lot.

The man who sold the land to Britani and Richard told me he bought seven of the lots back in 2005 for around $11,000 apiece.

He said he didn’t mislead Britani. Everybody knows you can’t build up there; the ad says that.

But he said, if they were unhappy, he’d buy it back for $5,000.

I told Britani of the offer.

Britani Royal: “Nope. Absolutely not, absolutely not.”

They own land they cannot use and cannot see.

They lost their savings, but Britani hope they don’t lose their dream.

Britani Royal: “I want our dream back. You know, the dream of my children being on a farm, raising their own animals.”

Sorry we could only get the seller to offer you $5,000, Britani, and not the $12,500 you wanted.

And when can you build on that lot up in Flagler County? No one knows. Could be a few years, could be longer, because that property is way out in the boondocks, as they like to say in North Florida.

A problem left you swamped? Think a solution is remote? Land with us. See if we can carve a road out for you.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

You often hear about families that don’t get along. Maybe they should meet these sisters.

Ellen Schatz: “We spend so much time together. We can practically live together.”

Lynn Lauder: “We have a date night every Saturday night.”

Lynn and Ellen enjoy a lot of the same things, including music.

Everything from Elton John to Flo Rida to Shakira.

Ellen Schatz: “Yeah, I love Shakira. You know, I you know, I have one of her first albums.”

Then Ellen got an email from Ticketmaster, showing this: Tickets for sale for Shakira at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables.

Ellen Schatz: “OK. It said Shakira with a big picture of Shakira. Her name and nothing else on it, and I said, ‘Oh, OK. Shakira, Shakira is playing. Well, I owed Lynn a birthday present, and I know she loves Shakira, so I wanted to take her to see Shakira.

Ellen paid $174 for the two tickets.

They then went to what they thought was a concert.

Ellen Schatz: “I saw it said Billboard. That and the phrase.”

Lynn Lauder?: “No, I just thought it. They were sponsoring it.”

Inside they were impressed…

Ellen Schatz?: “And where we were sitting, we were able to look down, and there were tables, and they were very, very nice dressed people.”

As they would find out, it wasn’t a Shakira concert, it was the Billboard Latin Women in Music Awards show, and Shakira was the Woman of the Year.

Ellen Schatz?: “She didn’t sing at all. And she was only up there for like three or four minutes thanking people in Spanish for her award.”

Then the show ended.

They came to hear the artist they love sing. Didn’t happen.

Ellen Schatz?: “My issue, was with Ticketmaster for false advertising.”

Lynn Lauder?: “We thought she’d sing, and she was the one that was highlighted the most.”

Lynn went to work to get Ticketmaster to return Ellen’s $175.

She didn’t get what they wanted there either.

Lynn Lauder: “The venue is not going to return your money once you’ve already been to the show after the fact.”

They could have given up, but when you are full of life, and personality, you are also filled with determination.

Lynn Lauder?: “And I said to her, just out of the blue, I said, ‘You know Help Me, Howard? Maybe we should do that.'”

They thought they were going to hear Shakira sing, instead, they are singing the blues.

So Howard, do they get their money back?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Yes. In Florida, there is a specific law that bans false and misleading advertisements. This ad was misleading because it did not say it was an awards ceremony or a concert. It just showed Shakira who is known for singing. A reasonable person could assume this was a Shakira concert, and because of that, legally, Ellen and Lynn could get a refund.”

The first thing we noticed from a review of the show, Lynn and Ellen were not the only people who were unhappy.

This ticket buyer wrote very misleading advertising and experience as you sold it as a concert with Shakira

We contacted Ticketmaster, explained what happened, and they took care of it.

Two days later, Ellen got her $174 back from the event that was supposed to be Lynn’s birthday present.

Ellen: “As I told Lynn, ‘Now I can buy you another birthday present.’ Hopefully, one that will stick, and that’s why I am happy.”

Happy for an upcoming present, -and who knows, maybe one day seeing Shakira sing.

Lynn Lauder: “So hopefully we will get to see her. I would really like to see her.”

Put Ellen and Lynn together and they could put on their own show.

Now, how do you know an ad is misleading? In most cases, you don’t until it’s too late. And getting your money back isn’t easy, which is why we are here.

Is someone putting on a show that’s not entertaining you? Need to get in concert with someone to find a solution? Get on stage with us. We don’t want an award, just see you get rewarded.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Mady was on a cruise. Relaxing, having fun. A scammer attacking her was also having having a good time.

Mady: “I started getting prompted that my order was received.”

But Mady hadn’t ordered anything from her Walmart account.

And then she logged in.

Mady: “And it was just one order after the other, after the other for the same amount.”

Mady tried to stop the hacker.

Mady: “As quickly as they placed the orders, they process the order. So there was no way to cancel it.”

Each order: four coffee mugs for $235. The crook ordered 25 boxes of mugs and used Mady’s credit card to pay for it.

Mady: “It was $6,000. I was very panicked.”

And then it got weird.

The boxes the crook ordered started arriving at Mady’s home. So light, the mailman could fill a bag with them because there were no coffee mugs inside the boxes..

Just this.

Mady: “Oh, it is the chips. So I paid $54 for this.”

Why did the scammer put a bag of Pea Green snacks in a box that was supposed to have four overpriced coffee cups? Mady has no idea.

Mady: “This is a whole new level.”

But one thing is clear.

Mady: “I would think it’s either an inside job. They have access to Walmart boxes, Walmart tape, and it’s a Walmart shipping label.”

Actually, two things are clear: the crook left Mady with a $6,000 bill.

Mady: “And, if they’re not cleared, I would have to pay $6,000.”

And the boxes keep coming in. None have cups, just snacks.

Mady: “There were 25 orders, so I’m assuming I’ll be getting 25 bags of chips.”

Well, scammers are always changing tactics, and since Mady got boxes with a snack inside, Howard, legally is she left holding the bag?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “This is an interesting scam. In this case, the criminal created a phony company to send the coffee mugs. Then they used the Walmart website because Mady’s credit card was linked there to her account. And to get Walmart to ship the boxes, the scammer had to buy a bag of snacks from Walmart, so there was something to send. Of course, Walmart did not know the scammer was not delivering any coffee mugs. By the way, under federal law, Mady does not owe the $6,000.”

It took a few attempts for us to get Walmart to respond to us.

Finally they did. They wouldn’t explain how the scammer was able to become a third party seller on their website, but they did what Mady wanted.

Mady: “If my credit card did not refund those charges, that they would help me out.”

Mady will get her $6,000 back, and from now on, will change her passwords once a month and not leave a card attached to an online account.

The lesson was aggravating, but it didn’t cost her any money.

Mady: “Thanks to you guys helping me out and clearing a lot of stuff up. I feel a lot better.”

And that makes us feel better.

Now, you might have noticed we didn’t show Mady’s last name. She says she is afraid of other hackers coming after her.

And while the credit card companies had to return all Madys money, in other cases, the victim of the theft might not get it all. A lot of twists and turns in the law.

A scammer scheming to scare you? To heck with the hackers. Bank on us to be aware of them.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Lost or stolen credit or ATM card tips
How to get your money back after hacking
How long can banks take to resolve your card hacking dispute

Scott Davis and his wife live down in the Redlands. Beautiful, quiet.

But being remote has a drawback. It’s where people throw out their animals.

Scott Davis: “We have literally saved and found homes for and kept hundreds of animals.”

Many dogs, tortoises that have become the family pets, and ten years ago, a puppy was dumped on the road that Scott’s friends named.

Scott Davis: “She is just precious. Well, that’s what we call her.”

Then in February, Scott says something baffling happened. As he was bringing his boat onto the property, Scott let the 10-year-old Precious play near the canal.

A young boy came riding by on his bike.

Scott Davis: “He stuck his leg out. She bit him. I witnessed it. I saw it. I was right there, and it was quite shocking to me as well. I’ll admit it.”

The boy had one bite mark from the mouth of the dog.

Scott quickly picked up the boy, and when his parents, who had been 40 yards behind came up, Scott offered to pay their medical bill.

Miami-Dade Animal Services came out to inspect Precious.

Scott Davis: “He took some photos of her and told us that he would be demanding a 10-day quarantine period for her at the house.”

Since the county report said the investigation was completed, and it was the first time Precious had ever attacked anyone, Scott thought it was over.

Thirty days later, police officers surrounded his property.

Scott Davis: “And it was so ridiculous, Patrick, that I had neighbors calling me. One of my neighbors could not get by. There were so many police cars.”

Scott was surprised to find out the county had gone to court and gotten a judge to sign an order to confiscate Precious and they were given the right to euthanize the animal pending the outcome of the investigation.

Scott Davis: “This dog is like a child to me. I’ve had this dog for a decade.”

If the thought of Precious being killed over one mistake broke Scott’s heart, what was discovered after he hired noted animal advocate Lauren Peffer, stunned him.

Lauren Peffer: “We’ve got a government that’s conducting a shadow hearing with only one side of the evidence, hearsay evidence at that.”

Turns out, animal services had gone to court and gotten three separate orders, signed by two judges on three different days, backed by an affidavit signed by an officer swearing to the facts in the case.

Lauren Peffer: “Gary Boyette signed a verified complaint stating that there were two attacks and it’s not valid. Again, he wasn’t there. There are multiple bites in there. The child was bleeding and it kept biting after he did something like that. None of this is true.”

Scott says if he were allowed to attend the hearing, he could have corrected mistakes, like the mother of the boy who was bitten saying animal services told her Precious had bit another person a year ago. Not true, says Scott.

Scott Davis: “There’s never been a separate incident with her.”

But technically there are two cases against Precious because the bite case number was altered to create a new case number.

Was it an honest mistake or intentional?

Scott is suspicious.

Scott Davis: “There is something wrong here.”

Scott doesn’t know what’s going on. In fact, doesn’t even know if Precious is dead or alive..

Scott Davis: “Now refusing to allow me to see her, to know where she’s at.”

Scott says he just wants his dog back and will abide by any rules the county mandates.

So, Howard, you have looked at the case. Is the county allowed the right to do what they are doing?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “No. First of all, it’s terrible that this young boy got bit by the dog, but that doesn’t give the county the right to violate the law. There are a lot of strange events in this case, but the more glaring one is denying Scott the basic right to tell what he saw when the dog bit the boy.”

Animal services told me they don’t notify the dog owner of the court hearing to avoid the owner hiding the animal.

I asked for all their records in this case. I got a lot, but they said certain records are being withheld under Florida law.

I asked for proof Precious was still alive. I was told she was but the county would not show me a picture or video.

Then I was told, “Due to pending litigation, Animal Services has no further information to add.”

Lauren Peffer: “We had filed an emergency motion for the return of the animal based on the things that I just told you.”

As Scott walks past animal services, he wonders if Precious is even inside the building.

Scott Davis: “It’s devastating. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. I have to win.”

Because if he doesn’t win, Precious dies.

Scott says he feels terrible for the boy. The family has made it clear they are going to sue Scott and he understands.

He just wants to get to court to get his dog back.

We will let you know what happens.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Yonique loves animals.

All right, let’s be more specific.

Yonique Thomas-Smellie: “I love dogs. Always had dogs growing up. I get along with dogs more than any other animal, and I enjoy them.”

Two years ago, her husband gave her Peeka as a gift.

Yonique Thomas-Smellie: “He’s my little baby.”

Yonique then began to worry Peeka was lonely during the day.

Yonique Thomas-Smellie: “We wanted a companion dog for him because we are gone for work the majority of the day, and he’s home by himself.”

Yonique did some research and decided a cocker spaniel or a poodle would be a good companion for Peeka.

Then she saw an ad from a pet store, with a cockapoo puppy for sale.

Yonique Thomas-Smellie: “So when I went there, I showed them the puppy that they had online. They said it was a ‘cockapoo F1B girl.’ A cocker spaniel and a poodle.”

The puppy in the store was red. The one in the ad was light brown.

Yonique Thomas-Smellie: “They then told us that, ‘Hey, sometimes the color of the fur changes as the puppies get older.'”

The pet store’s paperwork said it was a cockapoo. The ad said it was 86% off, just $495 plus tax.

So Yonique bought her, named her Pepper and watched her grow.

Yonique Thomas-Smellie: “Features are getting longer, her body is getting longer, and we’re like, ‘OK, this doesn’t look like the breed that they sold us. This looks completely different.'”

When they took Pepper out, people thought she looked like a dachshund, so Yonique went to the vet.

Yonique Thomas-Smellie: “The vet then stated that this breed is not a cockapoo, that it is a mini dachshund.”

Their cockapoo puppy appeared to be a mixed-breed dachshund.

Yonique Thomas-Smellie: “At this point, we’re furious, because we were under the impression that this dog was a cockapoo.”

Yonique called the pet store.

Yonique Thomas-Smellie: “‘I don’t want my money back. I want the dog that I wanted. And that’s it.'”

The reply to her request for a full-blooded cockapoo puppy: no.

Yonique Thomas-Smellie: “I felt like, they felt like,’ OK, you bought the dog, you’re stuck with the dog.’ Don’t get me wrong, she’s cute, she’s amazing, but this is not the dog that is compatible for my family.”

Well Howard, two months after buying the puppy, legally is Yonique in a good or bad spot?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “She’s in a good spot. The contract was violated because the dog was not a cockapoo, which the contract said he was. And under the Florida puppy Lemon Law, you have up to one year after the purchase to either return the dog and get your money back or get a replacement dog of equal value.”

We contacted Forever Love Puppies. While Yonique said they told her breed discrepancies were not covered by the warranty, they could not have been more cooperative with us.

They said to bring the puppy back, and they would give Yonique her money back.

She did, and they did.

Yonique Thomas-Smellie: “I am. I’m very happy. So, so, so happy.”

There were cockapoos for sale at the pet store, but at four times the cost of what Yonique had paid for Pepper. She is now searching again for a companion for Peeka, while also feeling a little sad about Pepper.

Yonique Thomas-Smellie: “Because I did get attached. I hope Pepper finds a loving forever home. I hope she has the best life that she could possibly have.”

We did try to contact the pet store to see if Pepper is for sale. They didn’t get back to us.

And Florida has that Lemon Law to protect you when you buy a cat or a dog. Read it to know your rights before you buy an animal.

Got a problem dogging you? Unleash us. We are a different breed: trained to retrieve a solution.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Florida Puppy Lemon Law

Parties are in Jonathan’s blood. Not going to them, making them happen.

Jonathan McCane: “I’ve been doing this for, like, practically my whole life. I mean, I was 12 years old when my aunt would call me, ‘Hey, it’s time. Come pick up some chairs,’ you know?”

Jonathan’s family owns La Jolla Ballroom, a well known location for events in Coral Gables..

Jonathan McCane: “It’s the nicest, most beautiful venue in this area. And we do weddings, corporate events, and we have our ballroom upstairs.”

After growing up in the business, Jonathan decided to also try to open his own business.

Jonathan McCane: “I started a new company, Gables Event Design in September.”

Last fall, Jonathon thought his company had gotten a break when a luxury condo association hired him to do their New Years Eve party for 200 residents.

Jonathan McCane: “And we were to provide everything chairs, tables, linens, flowers, entertainment, catering.”

Jonathan said that he should have charged about $60,000 for a New Years Eve party like that, but he agreed to do it for $28,000.

Jonathan McCane: “I wasn’t really going to make a profit here, but this was a really good opportunity to, you know, build my company.”

And then the problem.

The management company kept delaying his request for a deposit. As the party date approached, he had to decide to move forward or back out of the deal.

Jonathan McCane: “So I figured, what the hell? I’ll take the risk then. They’re not going to stiff me, and they did.”

After Jonathan put on the party, overcame the surprises, like 224 guests instead of 200, he tried to get paid.

Jonathan McCane: “Oh, yeah, we’re going to cut the check. It’s it’s going to get approved and nothing.”

When he couldn’t get his money, he couldn’t pay his vendors.

Jonathan McCane: “For example the caterer. He’s right now facing foreclosure because of these people.”

To save people, like the caterer, Jonathan agreed to cut his fee to get the condo association to pay something.

Jonathan McCane: “I basically settled for half like $15,000. I’m like, ‘Look, $15,000. Okay, just give me something.'”

Jonathan could sue to try to get his $15,000, but like he says, a start up business against this fancy luxury condo. Come on.

Jonathan McCane: “I mean, you’re talking about nothing but millionaires that live there.”

So he has no idea what to do.

Jonathan McCane: “Obviously, I feel like an idiot for believing them, but that’s past.”

Well, Howard. Whether you are a caterer, a contractor or a cookie maker, how can you get money you are owed if you can’t afford a lawyer?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “It depends on the amount. If its less than $8,000, it’s easy for you to do in small claims court. But if its over $8,000, it’s complicated and difficult to get the money without that lawyer. However, if that’s your only option, then you have to try to take it court yourself.”

Jonathan won’t have to go through that battle.

We sent emails to the management company, the condo board and their attorney.

They contacted Jonathan again, quibbled, bickered and said they would pay him $13,860. If he would take that, they give it to him immediately.

He said OK. and they gave him the money.

Jonathan McCane: “I’m just ready to move forward and I can’t thank you enough.”

Jonathan will keep working at La Jolla and can now continue to build his new business thanks to his call to Help Me Howard.

Jonathan McCane: “You know how how difficult and stressful the situation has been, and called you guys, and a week later, resolved.”

That’s our goal.

Now, Howard mentioned how difficult it is to sue without a lawyer.

To help, when you sign the contract, put that the prevailing party gets their legal fees paid by the loser if it goes to court. That can give you some bargaining power.

Or another idea, call us.

Someone turned the lights out on your celebration? Need a buffet of solutions? Be our guest and contact us so hopefully you can throw a victory party.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

On his Harley, with his ponytail and sleeveless T-shirt, Anthony looks like a rough, tough biker.

Anthony Beck: “Most bikers dress that way for shock value. They’re not bad people.”

The proof? Get Anthony back home talking about the last few months of his life.

Anthony Beck: “I’m sorry.”

Anthony had been living in California, taking care of his mother, whose health was failing, and who had made him promise to take care of something else she cared about.

Anthony Beck: “And this was my mother’s furniture she gave to me.”

Anthony packed up all his mother’s belongings and hired a mover.

Anthony Beck: “I paid them almost $6,000.”

He then returned to South Florida, rented an apartment and waited for the movers to bring his mother’s furniture.

It arrived three weeks after it was promised, and not in the shape it had left California.

Anthony Beck: “Everything was damaged. Everything was damaged. The bed was in splinters, couldn’t even be assembled. The only part of the bed that that I was able to save was the headboard.”

What wasn’t destroyed, looked like it had been hit with a buzzsaw. Holes in a cabinet, a dining room set carved up.

Anthony Beck: “All the chairs are rubbed on the top. They need to be refinished.”

Anthony had to throw away his mother’s soaking wet mattress, and when he contacted the moving company, he felt like they tossed out his complaint with a worthless promise.

Anthony Beck: “And they offered to pay me $756. I never got my check. They never sent it.”

That $756 won’t replace or repair everything, but it’s something, for furniture that means everything to Anthony.

Anthony Beck: “Of course it does. This was my mother’s furniture. It’s the last thing she gave to me before she went into the ALF.”

Well, Howard, legally, how can you protect yourself when you hire a mover?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Get a firm written estimate of the cost. Even though the mover should have insurance, it won’t cover everything, so get your own insurance in case your property is lost or damaged. If it’s a move from one state to another, make sure the mover is registered with the federal government, and of course, do research on the company before you give them a dime.”

We contacted the owner of the moving company.

He asked if we were seriously trying to collect $756 from him.

We said we were. He said ‘OK,’ and then he sent Anthony the money.

Anthony Beck: “Well, I got the check.”

Anthony got the $756 and he is convinced it would not have happened if he hadn’t ridden over to Help Me Howard.

Anthony Beck: “Absolutely not. I’ve been struggling with these people for a year, and they laugh at me on the phone, and you guys came through.”

We try to come through, Anthony.

Now, Howard mentioned what to do before you hire a mover.

If you still get ripped off, the links to file a complaint with the state or feds are under this Help Me Howard.

But those agencies move slower than a bad mover. Do your research before you hire someone to avoid the headaches.

Boxed into a corner? Unable to move out? Pack it up and ship it to us. See if we can unwrap a solution.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

Hiring a mover tips and where to file a complaint:

Interstate—State to State

Intrastate—Within State of Florida

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Christin enjoys life with one problem you initially can’t see.

Christin De La Rosa: “I have retinitis pigmentosa. I still have central vision, but I still miss things here and there.”

Christin can see what’s in front of her, but in 2012, she was declared legally blind because she has no peripheral vision, plus she can’t see in the dark and bright sunlight bothers her.

Christin De La Rosa: “I still bump into things. I, I don’t see things when they fall on the floor. I might miss your hand if you went to shake my hand to introduce yourself. And it’s not intentional.”

Christin is proud and independent but she needs help. And her fiancée Ony has subtle ways to guide her.

Christin De La Rosa: “When he’s holding my hand, If he twists a certain way, it means go behind and go to the left. Step up.”

To help Christin even more, they decided to live together in Christin’s condo. Guess what Onys welcome to the neighborhood was:

Ony Velez: “I stayed the night and they towed my car.”

Ony was told he had to have the condo board’s permission to move in. He applied.

They rejected him.

Christin De La Rosa: “Then they came back saying he doesn’t meet the requirement of the credit score that we want, so he can’t live here.”

Christin of course wonders what Ony’s credit score has to do with living in her condo.

Christin De La Rosa: “I own my home. I’ve had no late payments. I pay my mortgage. I pay the HOA dues.”

Christin’s eyesight is now getting worse.

Christin De La Rosa: “I need more assistance now because of my disability.”

But as you may have noticed in South Florida, condo boards don’t bend, and in their eyes, a credit score overrides Ony wanting to move in to help his legally blind girlfriend.

Ony Velez: “We don’t want any issues or anything like that. We just want to live at ease and at peace.”

Christin De La Rosa: “But they just don’t seem to care.”

The financee of a legally blind condo owner is being blocked from moving in with her because of his credit score.

Can they do that, Howard?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “No. One reason may be wrong and the other may be illegal. Let me explain. While associations have a right to check your credit report if you are buying or renting, it makes no sense if you are an occupant like Ony who doesn’t pay the mortgage. And because Christin is considered disabled under the law, legally the association is required to make a reasonable accommodation. In this case this means they have to allow Ony to move in to help Christin.”

The Jacaranda Villas condo board didn’t want to talk to us but wanted to see proof Christin is legally blind, and asked how she was able to grocery shop and have a job.

This is why boards need good attorneys and they had one.

After we contacted Eric Glazer and showed him proof Christin is legally blind, he wrote, “Thank you for providing this information that I certainly did not know about,” adding, “Ony is afforded the right to park and the right to use amenities. I hope we all now consider this matter closed.”

Christin De La Rosa: “I’m happy that this all worked out. We just have to organize now. Unpack.”

Ony is moving in with with Christi after their call to Help Me Howard.

Ony Velez: “We just want to thank, Help me Howard and the legal team, and your help as well for helping us out. We really, we really needed it.”

Glad we could help. And while the board probably changed their minds because of Christin eyesight problems, they also were on shaky ground trying to deny Ony because of his credit score.

Imagine trying to tell a parent their adult child can’t move in because their credit score isn’t good enough. Makes no sense at all.

Feel boxed into a corner? Ready to unpack a solution ? Move over to our side because we never loose sight of our goal; helping you.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

You may not know Alexandria’s face.

Alexandria Crossman: “I could look into that for you right now.”

But you might have heard her voice.

Alexandria Crossman: “Customer relations. Customer service.”

Whether its working at a hotel or for a credit card company, Alexandria loves people.

Alexandria Crossman: “I love to meet new people, I love to talk to new people, and I’m friends with people for life that I’ve met in the hotel.”

But when she bought her townhouse in 2017 at Hampton East, she met some people, she would never be friends with.

Alexandria Crossman: “Ever since I addressed her in the HOA, the association’s meeting, that was it. That was it. She had her eyes set on me and she was never going to let go.”

Alexandria said she felt targeted by the board president after she stood up to her. Finally, in 2022, she decided enough was enough and found a buyer for her townhouse. But the troubles continued.

Alexandria Crossman: “Well you can’t sell because we have to check the property before you sell to see if there’s any violations.”

Alexandria said the property manager sent pictures of items like cedar wood that were considered violations and needed to be repaired or replaced before the board would approve the sale.”

Alexandria Crossman: “The cedar was not rotten. Cedar is, it has creases in it. I had a license contractor come out and they said the same thing, that there was no rotten wood.”

But Alexandria says she paid $6,000 for the repairs and even sent the board pictures circling the work that had been done.

But the board was not satisfied.

Alexandria Crossman: “They gave me one set of repairs and then later on, after I finished those repairs, they sent in another set of repairs.”

Alexandria showed us her former neighbor’s houses that she said needed repairs, and the board isn’t requiring them to do it.

Alexandria Crossman: “That is selective enforcement. It’s just an issue that the president has with me. It has nothing to do with anything else.”

To settle the dispute back in October, the association let Alexandria sell her place if she put $10,000 in escrow to cover a final repair from a handyman who said he would do it for $685.

Alexandria Crossman: “We’ll take $685 and we’ll fix it ourselves. “Does this mean it’s done? She said this means it’s done.

But it wasn’t.

Accoding to the paperwork, Alexandria thought she would receive the remaining $9,315 from the escrow account but the repair work has still not been done

Alexandria Crossman: “I think I’m entitled to all my money back now at this point.”

Technically, the buyer could release the funds but they won’t. And so Alexandria sits and waits while her money.

Alexandria Crossman: “I’m tired. I want it done.”

Well Howard, can a seller be blocked from getting some of the money from the sale of their house?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Temporarily, but Alexandria having to wait six months is unreasonable. If the two sides cannot resolve the impasse, the escrow agent can try to settle the dispute or turn the $10,000 over to a judge and let them make a decision one way or the other.”

The Hampton East board president told me this is not selective enforcement.

The property manager added pieces of wood like this needed to be replaced and were not.

The board didn’t use the handyman who offered to do the job for $685, instead they got two more bids; one for $2,000 dollars and one for $4,000.

Alexandria refused to release the money from the escrow account for that large amount, but then their standoff took a strange turn.

Alexandria Crossman: “I did. I got finally got my $8,000.”

Alexandria says $8,000 was released from the escrow account and given to her, leaving $2,000 dollars left for the repairs.

But.

Alexandria Crossman: “I’m not signing for the $2000. I already made all the repairs on the house.”

Without Alexandria’s signature, the $2,000 cannot be spent on repairs and the battle over that money may never end.

Alexandria Crossman: “I cannot be a loser. So I can never let them win, and this is just going to go on forever.”

After talking to both sides, I don’t doubt that.

And if they can’t settle this and it has to go before a judge, then the legal cost will eat up most of that $2,000.

We’ll keep an eye on this one.

In a stand off? Don’t want to budge? Let us try to repair the damage. We won’t judge. Just try to help you cash in.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

No one can take care of you. You have to do it yourself.

Aretha does.

Aretha Wilkerson: “I do like to do myself up nice. I don’t want to get wrinkles and stuff.”

But of course, the years are always fighting to age you, and Aretha felt like she was losing that battle.

Aretha Wilkerson: “Everybody else has a flat stomach, so I want to get a flat stomach, you know.”

Aretha’s husband then paid $4,500 to make it happen.

Aretha Wilkerson: “I was getting liposuction and tummy tuck. So I was so excited.”

Aretha lives in New York, but decided to have to have the plastic surgery in South Florida at a place two relatives had it done.

Aretha Wilkerson: “They have it in New York, but I love Miami, so that’s why I came down here to Miami.”

Aretha arrived at Miami International Airport, headed to the surgery center and walked in the door.

Aretha Wilkerson: “I got on the scale, and then the lady is like, ‘Oh, you’re too big, you need to lose 30 pounds.'”

Aretha had paid for a trip for nothing, to a surgery center which, she said, already knew her weight.

Aretha Wilkerson: “‘Because I sent you my [body mass index]. I sent you everything that you asked for.'”

She flew home, and the irritation turned to anger when the center wouldn’t return her $4,500 after refusing to do the surgery.

Aretha Wilkerson: “She told me that the check was in the mail, so I just had to wait. All right. I waited; the check didn’t come.”

Months went by. No check.

So Aretha decided to fly back to Miami and asked us to go with her to help get her $4,500.

Aretha Wilkerson: “To come there, confront them, tell them, ‘Just give me my money back.’ That’s what it was.”

If she was angry when she got here, she was stunned when she got to Adore Plastic Surgery.

Aretha Wilkerson: “It was a building with no name and no furniture, no nothing.”

The sign showed Adore had been evicted, shutting the door on Aretha’s attempt to get her $4,500 back.

Aretha Wilkerson: “Oh, my God. My stomach. I could’ve collapsed.”

And it’s why Aretha called from New York for Help Me Howard.

Aretha Wilkerson: “Because I knew they would help me.”

Well, Howard, legally where does Aretha stand?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “If a clinic decides to not do your surgery, they have to return your money, meaning Aretha is entitled to get $4,500 back. But here is the problem. In Florida, if a company goes out of business and has no assets, in most cases you’re not going to get your money, and you are out of luck.”

We tried to contact the owners of Adore Plastic Surgery and got nowhere.

We then spoke to the plastic surgeon who was supposed to operate on Aretha.

That worked. He apparently made a phone call.

The next day, an employee who worked for the owner of Adore called us and said the $4,500 was being wired to Aretha.

It was.

Aretha Wilkerson: “I couldn’t have gotten done without you.”

Mike Wilkerson, Aretha’s husband: “At all. Help Me Howard helped us.”

Aretha Wilkerson: “Yes, yes, yes.”

Aretha has her money back, but it won’t be spent on a tummy tuck.

Mike Wilkerson: “I told her I love her as she is.”

Instead, the couple has another plan

Mike Wilkerson: “Her birthday is in August, so we’re going somewhere. We’re going out of the country somewhere to enjoy the money.”

Have fun, and glad we could help you get that money.

Now, if the plastic surgery center doesn’t do the job, as Howard said, you get your money back.

But if you cancel, it depends on the contract. You might get some money back, or you might not get any, so read that contract before you sign it.

Can’t keep abreast of a problem? Need to implant a solution into your life? No ifs, ands or butts. A little nip and tuck from us, and you’re on your way.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Having children is a joy. And then Maria had grandchildren.

Maria Teresa Cerqueira: “My mom used to say, ‘The parents are here to train them, to teach them, to discipline them. Grandparents need to spoil them.'”

Maria is lucky enough to share a home with her family, including three grandchildren, helping out where she can and having fun.

And just as she taught her sons to paint…

Maria Teresa Cerqueira: “That’s my son’s painting. I do smaller ones.”

She now shares her love of art with her grandchildren.

Maria Teresa Cerqueira: “We started painting, and they really enjoyed it.”

Something else Maria enjoys, when her grandchildren turn 5, she opens up a savings accounts for them to teach them about money.

Maria Teresa Cerqueira: “Twice a year, I sit down and I show them how much they’re getting. I mean, there’s not much interest in savings account, but something now is growing, just like they are growing.”

And when she was showing Bianca her account, she noticed it was filled with deductions.

Maria Teresa Cerqueira: “That $8 was being taken every month, and I said, ‘Well, that never happened with the other two accounts. What’s going on?'”

Eighty dollars had been taken from her granddaughter’s saving account for maintenance fees.

So Maria headed to the bank.

Maria Teresa Cerqueira: “‘Well, you have the wrong account. You shouldn’t have that account.’ I said, ‘Well, that’s the account you guys gave to me. I didn’t ask you for that account.'”

Maria says each grandchild has the same type account, with their name and hers as the custodian. Then she reread the bank’s paperwork regarding maintenance fees.

Maria Teresa Cerqueira: “It says that children under 17 years old, minors’ savings account, shouldn’t have fees.”

The bank returned half of the maintenance fees they had deducted, but the next month again withdrew $8 from Bianca’s account.

Maria Teresa Cerqueira: “Makes me feel very frustrated, really frustrated, because it’s like hitting a wall.”

But Maria painted up another scenario.

Maria Teresa Cerqueira: “I said, ‘Well, let’s see if Help Me Howard can do something,’ so I called you guys.”

Well, a grandmother tries to do a nice, educational thing and, as Maria says, hits a brick wall. Legally, Howard, can she break through?

Howard Finkelstein: “Yes. The bank says in their document they do not charge fees for a custodial account like Bianca has with her grandmother, so they have to return the money. It’s that simple.”

I emailed Bank of America. If only everyone moved this quickly.

The response? “Hi, Patrick – wanted to let you know that we contacted our customer and have resolved the issue.”

Maria Teresa Cerqueira: “So they changed the account, they returned absolutely every penny.”

Bianca got all her money back.

Maria Teresa Cerqueira: “Nobody’s going to get rich on that one, but it’s my granddaughter’s. I am very glad I called you guys.”

Howard Finkelstein: “No matter whether it’s your account, a child or grandchild, look at the monthly statements, not just the bottom line but individual transactions. You may find you are paying for things you did not realize.”

And one more thing that Maria did…

Howard Finkelstein: “To insist, to persevere, not to just give up.”

Maria didn’t give up; she won. Now, Howard mentioned checking your bank statements. Also check credit card bills, cable bills, everything. You never know when you’ll get a bad surprise.

Feel like you are being framed? Ready to paint a different picture? Bank on us helping. We aren’t artists, but Howard had a brush with a law book — once.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Usually when we hear about an association, it’s a complaint.

In this case, the association is having the problem.

Alli Wilhelm: “Fiesta has definitely been victimized by — I don’t even know what to call this a loophole.”

Alli is the property manager for the Fiesta Homeowners Association in Margate who was hired in 2020 to fix the problems the 348 townhouses were facing.

Alli Wilhelm: “To get a loan for the roofs to be replaced, they didn’t have reserves to get that taken care of. They were also overdue for painting at the time.”

Making Alli’s job harder, the prior property manager had passed away, and all the association’s financial records were in a locked storage facility under his name. Alli spoke to the storage company rep.

Alli Wilhelm: “We’ve learned that the gentleman that owns this facility, this unit, is deceased, and that we have our own lock on the facility and nobody is allowed entry.

Alli tried to reason with the storage company to get her association’s records.

Alli Wilhelm: “Um, well, it’s like a brick wall, you know. They’re so stuck by their administrative policies. There’s no wiggle room with that.”

When the storage facility wouldn’t release the records, Alli’s job got tougher, as she had to gather information on all the vendors and 348 property owners.

“And I’m talking phone numbers, email addresses, license plates, decals, numbers, all of this. I’ve been collecting it along the way. I’ve been building it as I go.”

While doing all that, Alli discovered the storage company was withdrawing $248 a month for the rent where the records were kept.

Alli Wilhelm: “And they’re refusing to stop those payments.”

Alli contacted the association’s bank where she was told she couldn’t stop the storage company from withdrawing the funds from the association’s account, but she could close the account to block it.

Alli Wilhelm: “This impacts the association in a very large way.”

That’s because every vendor and all 348 homeowners would have to stop using one account and switch to a new bank account.

Alli Wilhelm: “I mean, it’s almost impossible to do this kind of a switch without seeing a negative impact.”

Alli has options, just can’t get the one she wants.

Alli Wilhelm: “Help Me Howard was called because where else can we go?”

Well, Howard, can someone withdraw money from your account even if you want them to stop?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “The answer is no. This case got complicated because the prior property manager put the storage unit in his name instead of the association’s name. As a result, the storage company couldn’t release the records and would need a letter from the association (cancelling the withdrawal) if the company refuses to send a copy of that letter to the bank to get them to stop payment.”

The rep at Public Storage in Tamarac refused to talk to us.

We then turned to Truist Bank, and they helped solve the problem. They told us, due to privacy, we are unable to discuss client relations, but they did what we asked and stopped the withdrawal from the association’s account for 24 months, which in reality, is permanent since the storage company will auction off the contents and rent the space to someone else.

Alli Wilhelm: “And of course I said, yes, and he stopped the payments in the moment on that phone call.”

Alli says the association probably won’t even bid on the old records when the storage unit is auctioned off since she has recreated them.

Finally her headache is behind her after her call to Help Me Howard.

Alli Wilhelm: “I would say you guys had an incredible impact on the association, and without Help Me Howard, I really had nowhere to turn, truthfully.”

Glad we could help.

The lesson here: if you run an association, put things in your association’s name, not the property manager’s name, and if a business is withdrawing money from your account, the tips to stop it can be found here.

A problem got you locked in? Don’t automatically withdraw from the fight. We have a better option. Store it with us and let us open the door to an answer.

With this Help me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

David Snell is from Frisco, Texas, just outside Dallas, where he owns several businesses.

David Snell: “I am a pilot with an airplane tour business, a large crawfish catering business and a wood floor business.”

But David wanted to come to South Florida to meet with Help Me Howard because of a South Florida man who was giving him the business.

David Snell: “And that’s why I flew here from Dallas, to come here to try to catch this guy and light a fire under some of these people that haven’t gotten him yet.”

Let’s back up to last September when someone tried to open six credit cards in David’s name, including this one that got mailed to his house.

David Snell: “But the Navy Federal Credit Union told me that the credit card was not open. I didn’t have to worry about it. And that was it.”

Boy, were they wrong…

David Snell: “Lo and behold, a few weeks later, and there’s a $6,160 charge showing up on my credit report from none other Navy Federal Credit Union.”

Someone had used the card to withdraw more than $4,000 in cash from ATMs in just three days, and then strolled over to Neiman Marcus in Bal Harbor where he spent $1,330 shopping.

David Snell: “A nice pair of swim trunks — hopefully not a speedo for $545 — and a nice pair of black and white Dolce & Gabbana socks for $105.”

As a joke, David went to the store to show the items his credit card had bought, but he wasn’t laughing after trying to get the store and card company’s fraud departments to go after the suspect.

David Snell: “But, I mean, it was like pulling teeth with these people. If I didn’t step outside of the box, I’d probably still be here having to fight that. That debt was mine, on my credit report.”

But David kept battling. After the credit union shut down the card and wiped out the $6,000 bill, he was given a picture of the person who he was told used his credit card, and the accused even gave a name that was printed at the top of the receipt: Lee Darvil.

David Snell: “And yet no one can get this guy and say that they don’t have a case. If you don’t have a case for that, you might as well let them all walk free.”

Turns out, a fellow by the name of Lee Darvil did time for bad checks.

David contacted Bal Harbour Police with the picture and a request.

David Snell: “You might have to bleep it out. I want that guy’s ass in jail.”

But the man in the store picture was not arrested.

David Snell: “These are all my notes. In the first few days, all this crap.”

And David is being told it’s not a good case.

David Snell: “I’ve delivered everything to these people, and the fact that they can’t get this guy in jail is driving me crazy.”

Well, Howard, legally is someone dropping the ball here?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Yes, a lot of people, but it’s a ball that doesn’t bother them. The police could try to solve the case, but these cases are time consuming, difficult, and sometimes hard to get a conviction, and in most instances, once the victim gets the debt the crook ran up wiped out, the case is done. It’s the way things operate today.”

I contacted the Bal Harbour Police.

Lt. Carlos Arango told me they had a better picture of the person who allegedly charged items to David’s credit card.

They did a photo lineup with clerks who interacted with him.

Lt. Arango said no one recognized Darvil so our case is dead in the water, adding if witnesses who interacted with him can’t ID him, we can’t charge him.

So, Howard, why don’t the banks and stores go after people taking their money?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “The stores don’t care because they get their money from the credit card company. And for credit card companies, it’s cheaper for them to take the loss and write it off, rather then try to track down the crook and get their money back. It’s the cost of doing business for them.”

As David returned to Dallas, he left us with a promise if there is ever an arrest, he will buy the suspect a gift from his favorite store.

David Snell: “And the orange Prada shoes that I saw there for $550 that were foam would look great with an orange jumpsuit with this guy back in jail.”

At least David still has his sense of humor. And one more thing, when credit card companies get hit with thefts, they pass the cost on to customers who pay the interest rates on their credit cards, so in that way, you have to pay for someone else’s crime.

Someone stealing your piece of mind? Don’t let it take a costly toll on you. Let us fly in, no frills and no charge.

With this Help me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Imagine Rafaella’s day, with three boys, two dogs, a turtle.

Now add a cat and a couple of chickens.

Rafaella Correa-Pinto: “I love the craziness with all these chickens. I kind of like a little bit of the craziness. It makes the day very different every day. It’s a lot of fun.”

Throw in their full-time jobs and Rafaella and her husband are busy, but she still finds time to take care of herself.

Rafaella Correa-Pinto: “I had my initials on it. I like my jewelry. I am a girly girl. I like my my things, you know?”

Recently, she had these three pieces of jewelry that needed work done.

Rafaella Correa-Pinto: “I sent one of my favorite pairs of earrings. I sent a bracelet. I sent a necklace. They repair it, they clean it, and it’s part of their service that they do.”

Before closing the box, she took pictures of the jewelry and then headed to the post office.

Rafaella Correa-Pinto: “The total value is about like, I think, $1,600, so I was kind of nervous about sending all the pieces together. I paid for tracking and insurance.”

The postal service took over and the bad news came in when things arrived in Philadelphia.

Rafaella Correa-Pinto: “And they delivered it to Lagos in a bag that said this was opened and had no contents.”

The box had been ripped open and her three pieces of jewelry were gone.

Rafaella Correa-Pinto: “But then my first, right after, I had that reaction, I was thankful that I got insurance, so I immediately filed the claim with the USPS.”

But first she was told she had to have receipts for the three items.

Rafaella Correa-Pinto: “Yes, all the pieces that I got were gifts, and I’ll tell you, that was kind of a challenge because I didn’t know I needed to have proof of purchase.”

After she got the receipts, she filed her claim. The postal service responded, “We need the box you shipped the jewelry in.”

Rafaella Correa-Pinto: “So I immediately called Lagos and said, ‘By any chance, do you guys still have the box that was delivered?’ and they said that their protocol is to photograph everything, and they discarded the box. They don’t usually keep it.”

Rafaela notified the post office.They replied.

Rafaella Correa-Pinto: “And they’re giving me a hard time and denying my claim on the grounds that I didn’t provide the box, the damaged box.”

You have to be determined to successfully raise three boys and keep up with a handful of animals, so Rafaella appealed the postal service’s decision claim.

Rafaella Correa-Pinto: “That they still denied my claim.”

But Rafaela still wasn’t going to mail it in and give up.

“I didn’t know who to call, and I always watch Help Me Howard and Channel 7, so I was like, I’m going to call Help Me Howard, and maybe they can help me get to the bottom of this.”

Well, Howard, legally what can you do if your claim is denied?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “The post office has a lot of hoops you have to jump through. For example, if they refuse to pay your claim, you have to appeal through the post office at least two times. If they refuse that, you have to sue in federal court, and that is expensive. Rafaella did everything she was supposed to do, but dealing with the federal government is sometimes just not fair.”

We contacted the United States Postal Service in South Florida. They were great.

They asked Rafaella to appeal the decision again. She did.

The postal service then contacted Rafaella letting her know her claim was approved for payment for the full $1,600.

Rafaella Correa-Pinto: “Wasn’t expecting to get everything approved like that that quickly.”

Rafaella can now enjoy the kids, the cat, the chickens after that call to Help Me Howard.

Rafaella Correa-Pinto: “I’m super excited, and I’m so thankful that I contacted you guys because it really helped me save time and getting this process done.”

Glad we could help you out, and if you are battling a business, one thing: be persistent like Rafaella. Don’t give up.

Or, if it’s a small amount, you might want to say, let it go. You don’t need the aggravation.

Or a third option: let us fight for you.

Got a real jewel of a problem? Don’t give up and mail it in. Let us deliver a solution to insure you get satisfaction.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN