August 1, 2018 In Miscellaneous

Wellington History – A Wealth Management firm in Wellington Florida

Wellington was once all swampland. Things got started in the 1950s when Charles Oliver Wellington, a successful accountant from Massachusetts who graduated from Harvard acquired 18,000 acres of swampland. Mr. Wellington named the land south of Southern Boulevard, and west of 441 “Flying Cow Ranch.” C.O.W. were his initials, and “flying” as he was an aviator. There was even once a landing strip for Wellington’s planes at Flying Cow Ranch Road.

Soon after, legislation was passed by the State of Florida to create the Acme Drainage District. This was designed, in 1953, to provide drainage and flooding measures to make the land more accessible for farming. This would later transform into the Acme Improvement District, adding parks and recreation to its duties.

In the 1960’s parts of Flying Cow Ranch were sold or leased to farmers. 2,000 acres soon became devoted to strawberry patches, even claimed to be the world’s largest strawberry patch. In 1953, there was recorded to be only 100 people residing in Wellington. However, it soon became one of the quickest growing areas in Florida, expanding residential areas, as well as service industries.

Major construction began when 7,200 acres of land were sold from the ranch to the Investment Corporation of Florida (ICOF) in 1972. Another developing company, Alcoa Florida joined ICOF to develop a golf course, the 150 acres Lake Wellington, and the Wellington Club. Next, Gould Florida bought out the project and added the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club, as the chairman of Gould Inc., William Yilvisaker was an active polo player. These developments would have lasting impressions on the culture of Wellington, as it is widely known that Wellington is an international hot spot for Equestrian sports.

Officially, the Village of Wellington was created on December 31st, 1995, and act inspired by a group of zealous Wellington residents that was necessary in order to qualify for state funds. Today, the Village is home to nearly 50,000 residents, offering a unique identity as a home for equestrian, golf, polo, aviation, and more. Wellington offers a friendly charm, full of beautiful neighborhoods, and boasts 11 A-rated Palm Beach County schools. The Village of Wellington’s history is far from complete, as it continues to steadily grow today.

Our firm, Davis Private Wealth, is happy to be located in such a great community as Wellington. We pride ourselves in being one of the premier Wealth Management firms in the Wellington area and all of South Florida. Located right on 441 we are in a great central location with easy access from the turnpike.

July 1, 2018 In Miscellaneous

Hurricane Preparedness

The majority of our clients live in South Florida and so hurricane preparedness is a necessity. Hurricane encounters are inevitable and you want to be ready whenever one occurs. A hurricane is a powerful storm that develops over warm, tropical waters and can sustain wind forces of 39 mph or higher. Hurricanes can bring heavy rains, flooding, and heavy winds capable of damaging property. In Florida, we are especially vulnerable to hurricanes. Hurricane season is roughly from June 1st to November 30th, but hurricanes can arise before or after these days.

1. Check on your insurance. (Months in advance)

  • Verify that you have a Flood Insurance policy.
  • Look over your Homeowners Insurance policy with your agent or with us to make sure your properly covered.

2. Hurricane preparedness is essential. The steps you can take to stay safe include:

  • Create an evacuation route and be ready to leave the area if necessary. Several of our clients stayed in Georgia or North Carolina during 2017 hurricane Irma (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Irma).
  • Locate nearby shelters in case you are unable to evacuate.
  • Note the safest room in your house, preferably with no windows towards the center of the house.
  • Keep important documents in a safe place or upload digital copies.
  • Purchase a generator to use after the power goes out.
  • Create an emergency kit.

3. Your emergency kit should include (from ready.gov). (Weeks in advance)

4. If a hurricane is approaching. (Days in advance)

  • Put up your hurricane shutters, close your shutters, or board your windows.
  • Trim trees and shrubs as well as clear gutters.
  • Bring in outdoor furniture and decorations, these are often thrown around or at least damaged.
  • Fill your bathtub before a storm for flushing and washing only.
  • Fill gas cans for back up gas and for the generator.
  • Be sure to fill your gas tanks on your cars far in advance of an approaching storm, waiting until the last minute can leave you with long lines or no gas at all.
  • Turn on your TV and check the forecast periodically for weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Charge your cell phone batteries.