Robin Speronis, a resident of Cape Coral, Florida, wants to live off the grid. She doesn’t use the city’s water—she collects rain water; she doesn’t use the city’s power—she has solar panels; and she tries to survive on non-perishable food and whatever else she can grow. She is as close to self-sufficient as a person can be in an urban community.
After a local news agency found out about Speronis’s off the grid lifestyle, they did a little story on her, effectively informing the city of Cape Coral about Speronis’s actions. And Cape Coral wasn’t happy. So they placed a notice on Speronis’s property to the effect that it was unfit for human occupation.
Just why they thought that was the case is unclear. Apparently, they couldn’t be sure the water and power situation there was actually safe, so they seated Speronis with a handful of code violations. Why it was their responsibility to make sure that Speronis’s environment was safe—since her environment affected only her—is unclear. It seems they were just annoyed that Speronis was living off the grid.
After Speronis got legal counsel, the city dropped their charges of code violations and tried a different tack. Apparently, Speronis had still been using the sewer system, but because she wasn’t using city water, she had received no bills. The city said she must connect to city water and pay back-charges of a few thousand dollars, or they would cap her sewer line.
But Speronis doesn’t want to connect to city water—she doesn’t use city water. She also said she could find another way to dispose of her waste. But Cape Coral is determined to collect the back-charges nonetheless. This woman must be punished, obviously, for her evil actions. And speaking of evil actions, Speronis has had a few other run-ins with the law. She pled no contest to larceny in 2011, and was sentenced to probation and restitution. Then she had her real estate license revoked for refusing to return the commission on a condo she failed to sell.
And then just when things were starting to turn around for her, and she had effectively begun living off the grid, this happens. You just can’t win sometimes.
Win if you can, Lose if you must, but always cheat … guess thats what her mantra is …
how was she cheating?
A lot of people are too ignorant to realize that you don’t have to punch a clock every day. That you can find a lake or river and live like Daniel Boone if you want. Tired of this rat race myself. If people don’t like her lifestyle, they need to stick there nose back into their cell phone and DON’T FRIGGIN WORRY ABOUT IT!!!
Cities charge sewer with water usage and since she pays no water she not paying for the sewer but was discharging her waste through it.
How do you know she wasn’t digging a hole and fertilizing the soil?
Human waste for fertilizer? Yuck!
Then there is the little detail that she admitted using the sewer and challenged the city by saying she would continue without paying.
to use a sewer system that is city funded and maintained requires the that all residences commercial and residential pay into it for the maintenance and operations of that system.
These billings are based on water usage in other words, X amount of water use, times a formula number + would equal the amount of sewage fee assessed. They can’t put a meter on every sewer line to calculate flow so they base fee on water usage.
By her collecting rain water and using that water to flush the toilet and or to Shower and wash dishes, she technically cheated the city and cheated her neighbors that lived in the same sub-division. They paid the fees, She did not, but utilized the system.. that is cheating.
This case is not one where this woman lived out in the sticks and was totally self sufficient, if that was the case then she had every right to live how she wants to without fear from city BS…
My point, if you CHOOSE to live in a sub-division and or a planned neighborhood where there are systems that are taxpayer funded, i.e. sewage systems, garbage collection, police & fire protection,street and road maintenance, etc.
there are associated costs for those services, Listen I think it sucks ,I think these city inspectors got a little over zealous and just stepped all over their dicks trying to get her to comply.. THEY COULD HAVE HANDLED IT A LOT BETTER..
But it is what it is…She can move…that another choice.. she sounds like more of a country style woman anyway.. I would tell the city to stick it and get to the country…
Cheating? Stealing rain water from G-d?
You cannot live in a building in Cape Coral with the water turned off. The water and sewer go together. I wonder what she’s doing with her waste.
A lot of waste water can be used for a garden.
So many homes now have two water meters. One for inside use and one for the outside hose bibs. The outside one won’t drive the sewer charges. But if you only have one meter, then all the water consumption will be used to calculate the sewer charges.
To carlene:
You have to know Cape Coral to understand. There are no slums in the area or dumpy neighborhoods. This keeps the property values (and taxes) up. Anyone who lives there knows the area is restricted. To move there and then try to change the system is just plain stupid. The lady should move to an area more suitable for her needs. My friends did that and now lives in Washington state. The media often puts their slant on things they know nothing about.
Taking it to City Hall, maybe?
In Colorado, collecting rainwater is illegal because all rain belongs to the state. Welcome to the New America, Comrade!
to use a sewer system that is city funded and maintained requires the that all residences commercial and residential pay into it for the maintenance and operations of that system.
These billings are based on water usage in other words, X amount of water use, times a formula number + would equal the amount of sewage fee assessed. They can’t put a meter on every sewer line to calculate flow so they base fee on water usage.
By her collecting rain water and using that water to flush the toilet and or to Shower and wash dishes, she technically cheated the city and cheated her neighbors that lived in the same sub-division. They paid the fees, She did not, but utilized the system.. that is cheating.
This case is not one where this woman lived out in the sticks and was totally self sufficient, if that was the case then she had every right to live how she wants to without fear from city BS…
My point, if you CHOOSE to live in a sub-division and or a planned neighborhood where there are systems that are taxpayer funded, i.e. sewage systems, garbage collection, police & fire protection,street and road maintenance, etc.
there are associated costs for those services, Listen I think it sucks ,I think these city inspectors got a little over zealous and just stepped all over their dicks trying to get her to comply.. THEY COULD HAVE HANDLED IT A LOT BETTER..
But it is what it is…She can move…that another choice.. she sounds like more of a country style woman anyway.. I would tell the city to stick it and get to the country…
Sounds like you’re describing millions of welfare recipients, illegal aliens and disability frauds. But your not mentioning them, just the poor woman living off God’s land. Read the news before you make ignorant comments.
say libturd who is she cheating, her taxes are paid. that all that is necessary unless you live amongst a bunch of leftist , elitist, demomoncrat libturds
Not a liberal.. it’s obvious that you do not see the principal here…
to use a sewer system that is city funded and maintained requires the that all residences commercial and residential pay into it for the maintenance and operations of that system.
These billings are based on water usage in other words, X amount of water use, times a formula number + would equal the amount of sewage fee assessed. They can’t put a meter on every sewer line to calculate flow so they base fee on water usage.
By her collecting rain water and using that water to flush the toilet and or to Shower and wash dishes, she technically cheated the city and cheated her neighbors that lived in the same sub-division. They paid the fees, She did not, but utilized the system.. that is cheating.
This case is not one where this woman lived out in the sticks and was totally self sufficient, if that was the case then she had every right to live how she wants to without fear from city BS…
My point, if you CHOOSE to live in a sub-division and or a planned neighborhood where there are systems that are taxpayer funded, i.e. sewage systems, garbage collection, police & fire protection,street and road maintenance, etc.
there are associated costs for those services, Listen I think it sucks ,I think these city inspectors got a little over zealous and just stepped all over their dicks trying to get her to comply.. THEY COULD HAVE HANDLED IT A LOT BETTER..
But it is what it is…She can move…that another choice.. she sounds like more of a country style woman anyway.. I would tell the city to stick it and get to the country…
Taxes may not necessarily be used to maintain and run a sewer system, they’re used to build them.. but water fees are used in many jurisdictions to calculate sewage fees.. jack ass !
How can they try and collect back charges of a few thousand dollars, if they have no record? Maybe they can gather for the future, but they have no idea what she did or did not use in waste. If they can not give her a real number to be billed from (not really sure how the would do that since usually water and waste goes together), then she should bring up legal action again.
In order to get a certificate of occupancy on a new home, one has to have the water/sewer turned on in Cape Coral. It is all on one bill. If you are building and you don’t have a bathroom yet, you will still pay the sewer bill. This is woman is trying to live without water and sewer and it is against regulations in that area, which is a very nice area. It would be easier for her to move to the sticks than to try and change Cape Coral regs.
typical libturd response
I am not a libturd, as you say. Far from it. I am a Republican Christian conservative. I live in realsville. I know the Cape Coral area since I lived there most of my life. I sold several homes there and made good profit. That is the purpose of the regs, to keep up the property values. There are no slums in Cape Coral. People here have opinions on what they know nothing about.
Read Agenda 21 if you want to know the real purpose of the gov’t rules and regulations.
The Liberals will just find a code violation outside the city too. If she is Not paying her fair share, then they will make her eventually. It’s the new world order, you know…
It’s not just a “code violation”. This woman was using the sewer and not paying for it. She was stealing. If she can afford to live in a nice area, then why can’t she afford to turn on the water and sewer? The lots are only 80 x 125 feet. You can’t have hillbillies living next door with out houses. People know this when they move there.
yes, and they determine what ‘fair” is…
I live in Florida and theres nothing illegal about it. Them coming up with the sewage thing was an after thought b/c they couldnt think of any other way to harass her.
She was using the sewer without paying for it. That area is a very nice area. If she can afford a home there then why can’t she turn on the water? It’s less than $100 a month for water and sewer.
You don’t know for a fact that she was using the sewer and not paying for it.
You said : If she can afford a home there then why can’t she turn on the water? It’s less than $100 a month for water and sewer. Perhaps, like millions of Americans, she has lost her job because of the immoral policies of this administration, and she doesn’t have any extra money to make this payment. Also, obama true to his evil word has shut down other sources of low cost options and our electricity and other bills have sky rocketed.
I live in the North East and our electricity has gone up 40% since last year and we were told by our company that the prices are going up even more. We have just enough heat in our house to keep the pipes from freezing.
Bet the Washington political cheaters and liars, don’t have to worry about their electricity and water being shut off!
Perhaps so. Yet, which city ordinances has she genuinely violated? Her dwelling was not cited as being a violation, rather trumped-up violations were generated.
Not true. Read my other posts. I lived there for most of my life. I saw Cape Coral when it first became a city. Would you move into Beverly Hills and put up an out house in your yard? What would be the purpose since obviously you would have the money to turn on the utilities.
We have seen massive gov’t tax extortion on legal American citizens in every state now. In this case, we don’t have ALL the information yet to determine if this woman was yet another victim of the gov’t over stepping their Constitution reach or if she was in the wrong.
Thank you for responding, Sam.
when given power and control, as we have done in cities, towns, districts and states throughout this country, by electing (or not voting) liberals into power, they can do what they want. Legal? Justified? Rational? Those are no longer applicable.
Simple answer is they just make it up? just like they do in DC and all gov entities! Is Obamacare simply made up out of thin air ?
We live in massive illusions.
Water and sewer rates are typically a flat fee. if you were to use more water than the base rate you would pay the price for bulk water.
Essentially, she could just pay the flat rate for her usage back to when she was paying and be done with it.
It is harder to make the “off the grid argument” when she lives within incorporated city limits.
Not too hard if you saw how her home is set up as shown on videos of this. She is not using city water. I did wonder about the waste and now I know. She is not using power and her home is clean. Seems like she did it just fine in her home that I hear is paid for. But if she is off the power grid, off the water grid and such she is off the grid regardless of location
“They” probably know when she moved in and will probably try to extort her from that date. Back in PA a fellow up the street was running his old Mercedes diesel with home heating oil until his neighbor ratted him out. The authorities charged him with tax evasion, imposed a large fine and charged him back road tax based on mileage from when he bought the car. Here in Portsmouth a diesel vehicle is charged a surtax when registered. The rational being since it will get better fuel economy it will fuel up less often and so pay less road tax per mile driven. Cute.
Is there a surtax on electric vehicles?
Last I read Virginia and Washington State are levying green-car taxes on electric vehicles and New Jersey, North Carolina, Indiana, and at least four other states are considering doing the same.
They’ll look back and see when she last had utilities and charge from that date.
Still would not be the correct number. Again they would be charging for sewer and water. She would have used zero water. However, she did use the sewer line. So, I agree she should pay her share, but using last charge will not work, if you going to charge her a fair and correct amount. Now, if MTpatriot is correct for this county (flat rate) then I guess they should be able to come up with a fair number.
If obama has a third term we may all live “off the grid”.
Amen to that!
Or if Hillary Clinton succeeds him.
THERE’S MILLIONS DOING IT NOW.
And growing every day. I’m reminded of an Espression by Socratese
about tyranny, “The tighter you squeeze, the more slips through your fingers”.
I blame EVERY LIberal idot that voted for him, every Repub and indep that stayed home b/c they didnt like Romney. Whther or not I liked Romney didnt matter, i damn sure dont loike Obama and his policies.
There will be no “grid” to live off of. He is already working the destruction of the coal industry. His goal is to destroy and punish America and create a “utopia” of social justice. In other words, spread misery equally.
He’s attempting to stop the burning of Wood in stoves. In Washington State they have public employees who’s job is to drive around, looking for smoke coming out of chimneys and fine the residents. That in the Cold of Winter. All eyes are on us.
They do that already in Denver when they have the burning restrictions. They use special cameras and fly around in helicopters checking out heat.
And the point is????? Control. There are senior citizens and others who can’t afford electricity for heat, and use wood to keep warm. It’s very cruel to citizens to make such regulations. This government is spiraling out of control. “Of the people, by the people, for the people…….they need a reminder.
Yes it is. I have a lot of friends who use wood and pellet stoves and they are very efficient in heating the majority of the home and it saves money because they are on fixed incomes. They do what they can to be comfortable and yet not suffer and what does Obama do?…. he takes a very simple, inexpensive way to heat homes and destroys everyone in his path. This will cause the heating rates to double or more so that no one can afford to heat their homes. In the meantime, he is taking jobs away from the industry. The POS knows how to destroy at all angles.
What does Congress do? Sit around and allow a dictator to target citizens, take away rights, steal our money and make life miserable for working people??? Seems like it.
Whats crazy about this is that Kentucky was one state that has /had many Coal mines but the idiots still voted for Obama knowing what he was going to do. Now you cannot fix STUPID.
You can but its illegal.
Soros /’The Schwartz’ counted the votes coming out of ‘Chuck You’ Hagel’s voting machines!! Massive Fraud, not Votes got this “Jassacks” in AGAIN!
When did you think you had a say in how this country is run????
The money machines put who ever they want into office.
Congress knows OB is’nt lrgal but the money machines won’t let them do anything about it, if they try to the next pair of shoes will be cement.
The Rep + DEM, NWO pawns in the US congress continue to perform symbolic fellatio on the alias, Barack H. Obama. They must be voted out, and the symbolic sodomization of Americans must be stopped ! ASAP.
Symbolic sodomization still sounds painful. Would a rubber against bama exist?
Do you mean several stretched around his neck ?
He’s not going to stop American ingenuity, or will power! That is a fact!!!!
Cruelty is a “non word ” to maniacal power hungry psychopaths like make up the “militant progressive sector”!
Right on!
Just how do they think people kept themselves warm before coal, oil and electricity, haven’t they ever watched a cowboy or indian movie? They want us to go away, we bother them, if we can’t heat our homes and cook we get to die or move to a tropical area, not the USA, that will be reserved for friends of O.
We, the People need to start taking Charge of this government, remind BO that HE works for the American people, not illegal Aliens, Muslims or Hollywood. I will burn wood all I want, I’m not going to have my family live like a 3rd world Country for him or anyone. They can threaten all they like, it’s not going to make a difference to me or any of my friends.
Until We the People start… We the SHEEPle fits better…
Pray for what’s left of OUR, ‘once-blessed’, America. If you don’t believe in prayer, pray that you are right. Thanks
Don’t listen to Media. They have an Agenda. There are more people than you realize who are fed up with this whole DC Mess. Work to change local, State and Federal representatives. Even down to the School Boards. We can still boot them out.
I agree with you 100%… Problem is We the SHEEPle are not doing anything of SERIOUS EFFECT. Tiny minorities, who are very active for their evil cause, are winning in the courts, (sic), & with OUR PoliticalScumBags.
So many new laws are being set into motion, by the time anyone is “booted out”, it’s becoming very late in our demise.
We Talk, Write, Rally, March & Demonstrate — all to no SERIOUS Effect. I realize the majority are “fed-up”, again to no avail however.
Our forefathers would have started hanging some of these Enemies of OUR America. Something very serious has to happen.
You can help save OUR America. Hang your local Politician – Today. Thanks
We the SHEEPle have been asleep for a long time; we awaken to a government we deserve… Pray
Let’s wait and see what November brings. Think positive. This is not the first time a President has tried to be Tyranical, it has happened before. Here’s a tidbit about FDR: Liberal hero FDR arrested 110,000 Americans and sent them to concentration camps for looking Japanese.
He made the American citizen the enemy of the Federal government on March 6th, 1933.
His greatest accomplishment as President was dying.
Friends of O won’t know how we secretly introduced wolves and bears into the best areas of the US. When they’re alone in the woods, in the dark, they’ll find out about carnivorous.
When they come knocking , tell them your not burning wood, just dummies, and let them know you are running low!
I will remember that. Had to laugh though. If it actually happened, it wouldn’t be very funny.
LOL
u sir have never had your ass chewed out by an outraged pierced bead wearing progressive tree hugger. LOL
No tomas I haven’t! Most anybody that ever chewed my butt, I would refer to as Sir or dad! None of which were tree hugging progressives! Sir! LOL
These “rat public employees” should begin to disappear !
It looks like when you vote for city officials you will have to make sure that they are not liberals.
Have you noticed most small town or city politicians are “leftwingers” and never seem to have a long houred, physically hard job, they generally have money, on disability or some other way that gives them time to mull around sticking their noses in everyones business !
My point exactly.A LIBERAL.
Read ‘Unintended Consequences’ by John Ross. Your rat idea is a large part of a plot that would actually work. If u don’t like the read let me know. on G+.
OK, Ill get it! I make no bones about believing that govt , from city to federal is out of control and oppressive! Ill give anyone two days to come up with “one, not two” things of any description that is not controlled by govt in our ‘supposed free lives”! If anyone comes up with one thing. Ill show them that they are sadly wrong! Govt is inherently evil and gets worse with growth !
His mothers “harem of nasty black African Nationalists” beat the need for retribution against whites and so-called Western exploitation” in the Interlopers head! There is NO DOUBT that obama is a ‘psychopath” and if given the chance will kill the opposition !
You mistakenly used future tense. What about the murders that began shortly before he was slid into the POTUS slot, and which have continued?
The death of Sherman Skolnick, the independent, Chicago investigator is questionable. Skolnick produced reams of background information on the NWO and the alias, Barack H. Obama. Skolnick uncovered evidence of Obama´s birth in Kenya, and various related facts. Skolnick may have been the first assassination associated with the alias, Obama. Or, one of the firsts – .
You are so right! watch HLN Dr. Drew and see when they describe a criminal psychopath. You will hear them describe attributes of the UNpresident. Arrogance, no compassion for people they destroy, sense of entitlement, complete disregard for the Rule of Law, ect. etc, etc.
Unless YOU are living down wind and down stream from a stinking polluting coal fired power plant keep your ill informed opinion to yourself.
So if I am living down wind or down stream from a coal fired power plant, I get to have an opinion? If you ever had a brain it has long since been destroyed by pollution from your imaginary world!
The DemBulbs used to and still do criticize Reagan and his trckle down prosperity. I for one was living quite comfortably during that period. Obungle has an opposite theory, it’s trickle up poverty. My household income has managed to increase since he has been in office but it sure does not feel like it. Even though I am making more I do not feel any further ahead, guess his program is working.
Got news for you ‘donl’…there’s already a lot living off the grid and more going there every day.
well if they keep spending our money like they do it may happen sooner than you think.
We make sure that does not happen.
Thats why I would suggest everyone at least buy a couple of Solar Panel, batterys, as large of inverter as you can afford and get as many batteries as possible. I’ve started doing this but for different reasons kinda. I could 3 or 4 250 watt panels and run most of my house on that or at the very least lesson my electric to near nothing. Plus, when the power goes out for hgurricanes or whatever, you dont have to worry. Yes, I have a couple of generators but they set there all the time doing nothing from hurricane to hurricane and hope fully when they come you’;ve gotten your gas and if needed oil for the gens. I just like the idea of having nthem as backup, especially as bad eas America is looking right now and FOOD is about to explode in price. IF you havent been saving or putting back food, start now. If nothing else, the cheapest canned goods you can afford. Beans, watch for when they go a BOGO free. I recently purchased a little over 60 1 lb bags of beans for approx $28 and that was every kind of bean you can think fo eating. Our Walmart has ad matching from ANY local stiore ad at their price which is normally much cheaper OR ad the store ad if it is cheaper,. We’ve saved ALOT since that started or since we found out about it. Look, evemn IF beans is ALL you can afford, buy them, but make sure you get some canned veggies and some canned fruits when on sale. The canned fruits serve a couple of purposes, that helps the sweet tooth and it gets some somewhat fruit in your body. LOL.
Many are already….OPM is running low…
The “Ides Of March” require re-enactment to assist Cassius & Brutus when “Julius” comes to the Forum..read that while attending a “Lit” class in HS back in 1949..Mrs. Jorgenson gave me an “F” for my rendition of the ‘reading” right after I’d read the..”et you brute” ? Then Turman said he needed me for this Korean ‘gig’ ..so I enlisted in the USAF..Where I learned about discipline & comaradery…of unity of purpose..Might be a ‘solution’ for a loltta today’s young folks…:)
It won’t be a third term. He may simply declare the second term permanent, but there is NO WAY he will attempt to run for a third term. Why rick losing an election?
YOU HAVE STATED this PROPERLY – WE ALL WILL BE IN THE SOUP LINE IF THAT HAPPENS.
Whatever happened to the pursuit of happiness?
You mean live on the dole and chase your dreams? Remember, Obama lies every darn time so if it is okay by him, then you can interpret as it is not okay by him!
The city is persuing their “happiness”
Grace, there are neighborhoods all over the USA that have Municipal and Local rules. There are also communities which have an entire sub-set of other rules … like what color you can paint your house and what kind of plants you can have in your landscaping. I got into a huge fight over having wildflowers growing on my 4.5 acre property since one of the neighbors decided they were “weeds” and took it to the Town Council in PA. Only by bringing in a definition of “weed” and suggesting that I, personally, considered their “prize rose bushes” to be weeds and offering to remove my weeds the same time they removed theirs did I stymie the move to make me turn all 4.5 acres into a “lawn” … which is what they wanted … they wanted ME to have to keep all 4.5 acres as a manicured lawn.
The worst fascist. Are liberal fascist that attempt to tell other what they can and can’t do. Then they scream about choice as they suck the brains out of another baby.
Not when you live in obamaworld.
it went out sometime in the mid 1800’s when the politicans figured out that the tax payer had to much money and they had to help them do something with it. even Lincoln wanted to give it to the railroads so they could build west of the Mississippi river.
Somebody will always try to take anothers freedom.
Have you thought of what she is doing with her waste since the water and sewer go together in the Cape? It’s not a place where you can live like Daniel Boone and she knew this before she moved there.
Glad those thousand and thousands of wild animals go to 7-11 to Crap and piss.
Guess one’s HUMAN BEING just tilts the scales and screws up the environment and now the place glows in the dark!!!
You ever actually go camping?
Tard
This is happening in the next town from me. It’s too bad that she is a dingbat because I would like to see a solid fight against that lousy city. We call it Cape Crap because of their Gestapo like regulations there. My water bill went from 8.95 a month to $70.00+ per month when they gave me the “gift” of running the sewer system down my street. I live alone and had a newly installed triple leach-field system that would have served the Brady Bunch well for fifty years. Of course the liberal media is standing on the wrong side of this as might be expected.
Control, control, control is the goal for legislatures at every level. Fire them and hire new legislatures. They are OUR employees and continue to want to operate on their own rules, not ours. I admire the woman and I think many others are doing the same. Gungho!
Some is unjustified harassment but the city was well within its rights to block her usage of the sewer system. Cities charge sewer with water usage and since she pays no water she has no right to the sewer.
She helps the environment more than anyone can by sucking off the grid. She should receive a medal for her thoughtful way of life. She considered how to save money, not to be a burden to society, etc. I think that the majority of us would love to do what she’s doing. Ovomit needs government suckers to suck off tax payers.
I would like to see someone try to live in Beverly Hills with no sewer or water in their home. It won’t happen!
No because all those poopheads are walking around like the human sewage they are
Sam your Jealous your paying bills and she is not 🙂 bottom line quit crying
Malibu Bob’s tent (on the beach) doesn’t have a connected sewer. He just craps in the ocean.
They placed a notice on Speronis’s property to the effect that it was unfit for human occupation? It hasn’t been till the last few hundred years we had to pay for utilities. Just think of all the centuries before without, gas, electric, piped water, and sewage. What? These people are insane!
Guess they’ll dig up everyone and pull gold teeth so those 200 year dead folks dead beats can pay for all that water and sewage they never paid for!!
The answer is get rid of the civil service system and pay these city workers about $10 per hour, because most of the time they sit on their rear ends. Where are the judges when someone’s constitutional rights are being denied? What ever happened to life,liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Vote out these officials because they are just a bunch of goons hassling this lady and anyone else who challenges their authority.
Amen!!
Well, this is an old story. That is, it was news about a month and a half or more ago. It doesn’t make it any less important.
However, that said, the area in which she has decided to do this is an area that is considered to be pretty upscale. As to the sewer and water bills I am not 100% positive but I believe that the sewer bill is attached to the water bill as in … according to how much water flows through your meter … you are billed for the same amount of usage for sewer. If she is not bringing in water … how does there get to be a sewer bill? I don’t know. Then too, what happens if you use a composting toilet system? I believe the answer remains that if you do not use the “city” water, you can’t get billed for the “city” sewerage.
Very well said.
Almost every water sewer bill has the sewer charges based upon the water consumption. It is much cleaner than installing a meter on the waste line. It works both ways. If you use tap water outside, that water consumption will drive the sewer bill even though the sewer didn’t receive anything.
Ummm … did I not say that? Water flows in … it must go “somewhere” so its billed proportionately as sewer usage. In most places with this system there is also a secondary meter for water that is considered “agricultural” as in, used to water lawns, gardens and wash cars & etc where the water that flows through that meter is not reflected in the sewerage bill.
very very few places have two meters . generally the suppliers just steals the extra $ from the people they supply
Sorry … I know that specifically some areas of N.C. have them (separate meters)
so then in reality who is cheating who== looks like the city is the cheater
Because of the history of the tactics taken by this city, it does appear that they just want to run the show and what everyone dependent upon the city for their very existence.
With that said, the lady should pay something for the sewer charges except that the rates that were approved are only based upon water usage. So first the city must restructure their rates, have the new rates approved by the state if needed, then start charging her going forward.
But several thousand dollars is grasping at straws and trying to come up with something that hurts rather than something that is justified.
She should have just left herself hooked up. Then use next to nothing. She would have the utilities to pay for, but that wouldn’t have been much.
Local news agency, I bet the reporter thinks they did good. They have an absence of malice. Why didn’t the reporter take credit for this?
She should pay for the sewer service she used and then otherwise be left alone to live however she pleases.
The government wants you to depend on them only. You’re not supposed to fend for yourself. Government knows best. They don’t want you to be like an ‘Uncle Tom”!!!!
follow the money
Funny how government wants us to lower our “carbon footprint”, but they sure hate “off the griders” who are doing just that. I guess we need their permission first.
If she was using the sewer system she has to pay for that service. Treating sewer water is not free. Other than that, let her live however she sees fit. She should move somewhere where she as a septic tank and then she won’t have to pay for sewer. Also, how can someone in Cape Coral collect enough rainwater to live on is strange to me. That side of the state is pretty dry.
Gotta punish people who live off the grid so they’ll get back on the grid so that the government can suck their money out of their veins.
It is a fact that the cities don’t want anyone living off the grid because then they can’t control them.
….And they can’t suck tax money out of them!
Here is the definition of a “Protection Racket”. A protection racket is an extortion scheme whereby a powerful organization coerces individuals or businesses to pay “protection money” which allegedly serves to purchase the powerful organization’s protection services against various external threats, whereas the actual threat comes from the powerful organization itself. Those who do not buy into the protection plan are targeted by the powerful organization and are harassed to try to force payment of the protection money. Sounds a lot like the government doesn’t it.
yes, it’s all spelled out in Agenda 21.
the u.n. and agenda 21 has already stated that “owning homes” for 1 family and having air conditioning/heating and toilets in “each” house is and will be “unsustainable” — so, we may be looking at agenda 21 where we live in “barracks” type living – in the california desert, several residents have already been “removed” from their homes and put into an urban, “livable” new situation- so where and when will we all get there? I actually like living in a house with just my family and I LOVE have 2 1/2 bathrooms- if our family were bigger, I would love 3 1/2 or 4 (if needed) but lets face it, the u.n. and obama are in bed together and he is changing america FAST- faster than I thought he could have.
Day by day the tyranny grows expedentially while the sheeple take it up the _ _ _ (fill in blank) REVOLUTION is the SOLUTION, why is it that the sheeple can’t unite and fight, is it the chem-trails or fluoride in the water? WAKE UP, WISE UP, RISE UP! All the sheeple in this community ought to refrain from paying their utlities unless this unlawful ruling is reversed!
Out here in California, we had an electricity delivery problem. We were told to conserve, do laundry off-peak hours, etcetera. We did. In fact, we did so well that they raised our rates to pay THEIR bills, such as exhorbant retirements, et al. We are now in a drought. When we cut back on water, will they again raise rates because of dropped usage? Three guesses on that one. And a final slap in the face? When the supply returns and usage goes up, do they bring the price back down? No way Jose.
WE’VE GOT ROADS BUILT BY THE GOV, DOES EVERYONE PAY THERE FAIR SHARE OF THE USE?
SO WHY DON’T WE DO THAT FOR WATER SEWER SERVICE THEN THIS POOR LADY WOULDN’T BE CHEATING LIKE YOU SAY.
If her waste water is going into the actual sewer system vs storm drainage then she should pay what what she owes for that. However, I am struggling to see how that adds up to a “few thousand dollars” though. Must be the cities method of “imputing” usage.
Licenses, fees, permits. . .it’s all about the money. Every license or permit you are required to get is a “right” you used to have that has been converted into a “privilege” granted by government for which you must pay a tribute. Can you think of anything left that there is not a license or permit involved somewhere along the line? You literally can no longer eat, drink, or take a crap without a license.
No sympathy for her. If she hadn’t tried to get her 15 minutes of fame through the media, I doubt the city would have ever been aware of her.
The same could be said of the “Doomsday Preppers” morons.
People learning to live off the grid are seen as a tremendous threat to those who would control the lives of every American. Take the EPA’s recent action: They are putting restrictions on the use of wood burning stoves. They don’t want anyone to be able to survive without the city, county, state, and federal governments having any control over them. If you found a way to grow enough vegetables and to preserve them without refrigeration, they would make it illegal. We The People have been gradually losing our freedom for years, and I fear it will not stop any time soon.
The sewage seems to be the only “sticky” part of this. Perhaps she could collect all such waste in a reinforced plastic bag. When full, she could leave it at her Congressman’s front door. After all – it really BELONGS in Washington….
Debbi Schultz wouldn’t like that too much, so do it.
Prepare
Government fascist. They’er not your friend.
And thats GOOD OLD America today thanks to Devil in WHITE House. And Crooked Senators all the way to our HOME Towns and many more.Sodom and Gommorah I hope I am Readdy Take it LORD Devour all the wrong AMEN>>>>>>>>
I say leave the women alone ,government is doing any thing they can to force themselves into our lives .
It can all be summed up in a single word: Kontrol. [For the “low information voter” – Yes, I know how to spell. I deliberately spelled the word with a capital “K”.]
I guess you’re a Russian, huh, Gino? LOL ….
Melia Sese – Actually, I am a German/Russian linguist and worked “in the community” some years ago. It was also very useful when traveling as Russian is not that common in the US. While flying is Strategic Air Command our crew drew a “Busy O'” mission where we had to “rig” the Moskva – the most heavily armed ship in the Soviet navy at the time (including the Leningrad – Moskva’s sister ship). Without going into all the sordid details, we exchanged pleasantries: “Piszda Tovarichy! Mya suka cine Russkie druzya!” to wit a radio operator aboard the Moskva responded, “F*ck you too, Americanskie sons-of-bitches!” That was 1979 and I was flying in a B-52G out of Warner-Robins AFB, Georgia. As for my “ethnicity”, my mother’s parents were Czechoslovakian immigrants, gypsies AND card carrying members of the communist party USA. I never understood how someone with their background could live in the United States AND be card carrying communists. None-the-less, they were what they were. Under Hitler’s “national socialism”, gypsies were little more than targets and lower on the social scale than the Jews. Even when the soviets invaded Hungary and Czechoslovakia and built their “iron curtain”, my mother’s parents STILL thought “socialism” was THE wave of the future. Were they alive today they would be typical “low information voters” – too stupid to realize they were what Lenin called “useful idiots”. Like all useful idiots, in the end they are “purged” along with all the people they helped liquidate in the first place. Typically, the low information voter is a “gimme-gimme” and want “the e-e-e-e-e-evil rich to PAY!” That describes the so-called “99 percenters” to a “T”. Finally, as career Military – both enlisted and commissioned – my allegiance is not to Russia but the the United States of America and to the Constitution of the United States.
You must be punished…if you do not conform…you must be punished.
Though not in urban areas, I know many who are living off the grid at this moment. The only concession I received from a friend a couple of years ago we that he and his wife would maintain a prepaid cell phone. They live in a wilderness area, in an underground house, rain water filtered, hunting and fishing, solar energy…
…sometimes I envy them.
Hopefully you won’t ‘see’ them as they increase steadily as this administration continues to destroy the country.
You are so right. Keep your head down, avoid the media and limelight, don’t let the gov’ment know what you’re doing. The mistake this lady made was letting the TV crew come around and film.
You are correct.
POLICE STATE!!
ONLY because We the SHEEPle allow it to be so! Do we care? REALLY !!!
All it takes for Evil to prosper is for good people to do nothing.
“We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.”
Re: School violence… We the SHEEPle allowed Tiny Minorities to ‘all-but-banish’ Yahweh/God. He’s not allowed in school any-longer! Kick Him out, His Blessings go with.
I don’t think anyone cares, especially the 70 million baby boomers who want security over liberty!
Sad, Isn’t it….. Thanks for your response
I have no real hope anymore. I’m waiting for the drummed up reason to attach freedom loving people in the USA and put them in FEMA camps… It’s coming.
I agree with you. Part of the times We the SHEEPle, (Who could change things if we suddenly awakened & started ‘caring ‘again)….
I’m glad I’m the age I am (69), but wonder about the kids & grandkids. Dottie & I are also secure in our Faith
The most interfering, obnoxious, dictatorial, degrading factions of society are local, state & federal governments (including police & teachers). It’s their way or no way. This woman is not harming anyone or anything – including herself….nor is she breaking any ‘real’ (but rather ‘imagined’ laws. But the ‘Powers That Be’ have to ‘do their job’. Seems their jobs have widely exceeded those of 10 yrs. ago although no votes
have been taken to change them.
It’s evident, more so since Obama, there is no peace to be had in this country. Every body has a say in what we do, don’t do, how we live, what we can and cannot have…eventually, if Obama, Holder, the blacks and finally Islamics have their say, we will do their bidding.
This poor woman is and example (and being made an example of ) of life in the United States in the
21st century and beyond.
…but liberals WANT us to live off the grid. Don’t they?
Not if we are working!
Right! Good point!
When they come for your firearms, give them your bullets…Anon.
Cape Coral is pretty close to where I live in Naples. I wonder if anyone from the city has presented the other side of this story … if not, I just might have to agree with the author’s conclusions. Apparently they can’t abide someone living without paying some kind of fee or tax. Typical. Time to lawyer up …
I know I’m opening myself up to a lot of criticism here, but hear I go…
1) I’m old and most, if not all, of the people I have known that lived “off the grid”, were kinda nuts, or at least social misfits.
2) As an engineer and former voluenteer firefighter and fire commissioner, there are a lot of real good reasons for “codes and standards” that are put into place. They are there to protect life and limb, as well as making sure that neighborhoods are safe.
I have also observed that these types of folks often have problems with garbage, rodents, etc. on their property, and woulde you want to live next to that in an urban environment?
Such is obviously not the case with this woman. Had it been, the city officianados would not have to trump up fairy tales against her.
They are not the only neighbors who you might not be thrilled about living next to, but that doesn’t mean they should be harassed by their town.
I thought we were encouraged to change to solar power. Isn’t that going off the grid?
Under the Bill of Rights to the Constitution, Articles 9 and 10 apply. The city does not have the right to regulate or pass laws. It is up to the state and then the people. City governments are not mentioned nor considered, nor any intermediate government between state and people. Therefore, lawyer up and make the challenge as a Constitutional issue; but check with the state’s constitution to see if it mentions authorizing any city to issue governing laws.
I hope he does try to do a third term, that would show his real color, not trying to be a raciest. Anyone who thinks he can go for that little aspect like he is King. We will eliminate any and all kings in this country. So I would council him that would be bad for his health, anyone for that matter, Clinton did not even try to do that and his hubris is big as his johnson
Why can they just leave her alone!
Perhaps she should charge the city for the organic fertilizer she has provided them?
How many billions of humanity lived relatively free lives before any of us ever heard of “city water” and “sewer systems” ?
…Speronis has had a few other run-ins with the law. She pled no contest to larceny in 2011, and was sentenced to probation and restitution. Then she had her real estate license revoked for refusing to return the commission on a condo she failed to sell.
Added to my ;;;;;;;;;;;;WEIRD B|TCH DO NOT DATE LIST
How many thousands of realtors across the US could be charged with similar deviations from ethical practice ? And hundreds in Forida, also – . Others might raise the question, is there ethical practice in the realty swindle business?
You should attend some of the meetings between LA county officials and rural residents about their right to impose costly and drastic new regulations over private wells, private water deliveries and private septic systems, despite there never having been an example of sickness caused by the existing regulations being inadequate. “It is our responsibilty to make sure you are safe” the nannies cry, without being able to say exactly where this power or responsibility originates. It certainly is not in the Constitution.
Oh the irony! First they go after her supposedly to protect her from substandard living conditions. Then, when that doesn’t work, they threaten to deprive her of sewer service, thus ensuring substandard living conditions… The city father deserve a lot of ridicule for this one, and I hope they get it. I also hope for early termination of their political careers.
Why someone thought it was a good idea to write a story on her is beyond me.
Some of us are not surprised by whatever occurs in the state of Florida. Why ? Several facts about Florida deserve consideration. Doctor Werner von Braun, leading scientist for NASA, a former NAZI, broke the NAZI code of secrecy, 1974, prior to dying of cancer. He revealed the NAZI plan, to overtake and control world governments, to Dr. Carol Rosin. The tool for the NAZI enterprise is NASA. Where is the major launch facility for NASA? Historically, Cape Canaveral, FLA. Where did NAZI LTC Otto Skorzeny, the last body-guard of Hitler, secretively live, 1945- 1999? Miami area. Who pulled off the voter fraud in Florida, 1999-2000, in order to elect his evil brother to the POTUS slot? Jeb Bush, the evil son of George H. W. Bush, (pedophile) 41st former occupant of the POTUS slot.
Governor Rick Scott´s urinalysis business, controlling shares divested to a trust in his wife’s name, affects thousands of Floridians, forcing them to submit to drug tests or risk losing their public jobs or benefits. For 35 years, mandatory
urinalysis has focussed on THC positives, from cannabis smoking. Positives for delta-9 THC, cannabis (marijuana) has been used for years to distract from the tons of cocaine that has been smuggled annually into the US by the CIA under the watchful eyes of George H. W. Bush (Sr), since Viet Nam days. Per Chip Tatum, CIA whistle-blower. http://www.whale.to/b/tatum.pdf
The state of Florida was a stop-over for the cocaine smuggling via the Mena, Arkansas, airport, when Wm. Clinton was governor of Arkansas. Barry
Seal was a major pilot-operative for several years, until he revealed that Wm.
Clinton + Bush Sr. controlled the operation. Not too long thereafter, he was riddled with bullets by South American drug operatives, allegedly. How very strange – – -. Reminds one of Sadaam Hussein, with all the alleged
Weapons of Mass Destruction, who was destroyed when the US oil officianados had overtaken the oil of his country, no longer needed him and he could not be permitted to reveal the billions with which Bush had been bribed him into collusion.
And, the compound of the Bush family in Florida ? That Jeb Bush still walks freely, in spite of the thousands of soldiers and indigenous Americans he deprived of their vote, 1999 – 2000. Florida officiandos continue to look for peons to scapegoat, such as Robin Speronis. And, if they don’t have a felony charge
already hanging, the machine will whip one together instantaneously. Quite Obviously !
So . . . . what do you KNOW about Barry O ?
So many huge holes in your story . . . eg: “the alleged Weapons of Mass Destruction, trumpeted by the Bush family and pawns”
Pawns like Bill and Hitlery, Gore, Kennedy, Albright, and a dozen other dhimmicraps. Can supply the quotes if you like ! ! !
Country is in great shape today though eh ?
After 8 yrs of a dhimmicrap senate and 6 years with the most clueless president in the history of the USA . . . things are going swimmingly . . yes!
What you term holes in my story are areas in which you are not well informed. The alias, Barack H. Obama, illegal alien, was identified as a Kenyan by Sherman Skolnick, when Obama was “community organizing” in Chicago. Some folk think that the questionable death of Skolnick was related with his documented evidence that Obama was not qualified for the US presidency.
The alias, Obama, is not clueless. His individual questioning of US military generals and lesser field-grade officers, and “firing” those who favor patriotism, indicates that he is well informed, and knows how to destroy patriotism in the US military. Folk who think Obama is clueless, need to back up and take a broader look at all the destruction he has caused. Certainly he has continued and accelerated the destruction initiated by the George H. W. Bush entourage, and Americans should demand that he be REMOVED from the POTUS slot, and immediately.
All marxists are clueless . . . but not stupid . . .
“Who pulled off the voter fraud in Florida, 1999-2000”
We would have gotten Gore . . . would we have been Better off or Worse off? I suggest WORSE, much worse ! ! !
Bush could have done much better . . . he could have closed the southern border, stopped the F&F nonsense . . .
and possibly avoided or lessened the financial collapse. Although much of that was orchestrated by Foreign Investors.
Today half the country is detached and asleep . . . waiting for the next handout . . .
Someone living in a city without paying, how stupid is that??????????????????????
Government does not want you to be self sufficient. The power to control is then reduced and most governmental entities have a problem with that. They say it is for the safety and betterment of the community but there is always a trade off in personal freedom. You are now governed right down to your door step under the guise of protecting property values via home owners associations. You can’t even paint your house without permission. I might not like the color you choose but I definitely believe in your right to choose it. It’s only when you start telling me what color I can’t use that you have crossed the line. Of course that is my opinion and does little to change reality.
There is NO DOUBT, that this FRAUD Obama/Soetoro, whoever the hell he really is, is doing everything he can to totally DESTROY our America! Someone in this series of write-ups wrote “of the people, for the people, by the people” and I personally believe these CORRUPT politicians are actually PUSHING the American people straight toward an ALL-OUT Revolution to regain control of our own country and take back the freedoms this CORRUPT administration has taken from us! This FRAUD/FOREIGNER in our White House has got to go!!!
Everyone knows or should know, that this SOB Obama/Soetoro is closing all of our “COAL-FIRED” electric plants supposedly because they cannot meet bullshit unreasonable rules and regulations he has had the CORRUPT EPA put on these plants! But we are selling coal to other countries so they can build their “COAL-FIRED” electric plants! Doesn’t make any sense. By the way, the American people voted down the “CAP and TRADE” which was designed to do what this SOB Obama/Soetoro is doing by ILLEGALLY using the BS “Executive Order” power to by pass Congress and essentially illuminate the votes of the American people!
This is nothing compared to what is heading “We the Peoples” way…!!! I feel sorry for her, but Tyranny has already taken over our Nation in the form of fraud in our WH and his Commie/Muslim/NWO Cronies..!!!
Here in the N.C. Mountains we get a lot of wind and snow in the winter. A lot of power lines go down. Almost all homes have a fireplace or wood stove. There are no gas lines up here and with all roads closed wood is the only way to go. Also a lot of people turn to wood cutting for a living in the winter when no construction jobs are available
Since she is living off the grid the bureaucrats can’t collect any taxes from her or exploit her. Does that answer the question?
We the People are responsible for the government we have! Just like the German people were for Hitler’s NAZIS! Obama’s regime will be eventually held fully accountable for CRIMES they are and will commit. God always allows criminals to become fully ripe before He acis. When God does act those punished will be guilty of their crimes and even they will confess their guilt.
This attack on coal and wood won’t stop until an ex bernie madof client, wearing a fox fur, is photographed and published frozen to death with ice sicles hangin on her nose, in her wheelchair, embracing the NYT with a headline on some form of social justice denied. The only thing that would make it better is if she’s from Manhattan, jewish, and of color. If we get real lucky her tribe will be outraged, politically connected and famous, and progressive obama supporters.
I called Coral Gables. Apparently, this isn’t the whole story. I think that everyone should get the City Manager’s telephone number and call. This lady has done things her own way for a long time. That larceny charge was the tip of the iceberg for the city. They feel that as long as the sewer line was IN USE, they are entitled to fees for it’s provision. And the dwelling that Robin lives in was condemned for being truly unfit for human habitation.I’d have to see it to be sure, but there may two sides to this story, in truth. It pays to check it out.
And judt so’s you all know where I really stand, Obamarama sux the big stalk. And he is not American born. He deserves to be put out of office the hard way, tarred and feathered on a rail. And We The
People need to get ready; It’s Coming SOON.
what do you say about a house that was closed down for 5 years, with no one living in it for that length of time, but still paid the water & sewer bill each and every month, i’d say the city cheated them. The owner was in assisted living, and the city wouldn’t let them turn it off.
Speronis is not fully living off the grid if she is using the city’s sewer system that is flushed with city water to dispose of her waste. Now if she could find a natural river…