MEMORANDUM: Interim Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs

DATE: June 22, 2010

TO: Interested Media

FROM: Sterling Ivey, Governor’s Press Secretary

RE: Interim Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs

Governor Charlie Crist today appointed Charles T. “Chuck” Corley of Tallahassee as Interim Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, effective June 22, 2010. He has served as the Deputy Secretary and Chief of Staff since February 2007 and previously served as Interim Secretary during Governor Crist’s transition in 2006. … Continue Reading

Sen. Don Gaetz: 6/22 – Latest update on the oil spill

As dime to five inch-sized tar balls and tar “patties” continue to slowly inundate the Northwest Florida coastline, officials with the United States Coast Guard, British Petroleum, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the State of Florida and local governments  are continuing their efforts to assist in protecting our beaches.

Across the Florida Panhandle, over 350 boats are being deployed within the Vessel of Opportunity program to assist in the clean-up efforts.

According to DEP, the Perdido Pass, Pensacola Pass and Destin Pass will be closed with the tide in order to reduce the amount of oil attempting to enter inland waters. To assist in this effort, boom will be deployed across each pass during an incoming tide, and then, retracted during an outgoing tide.

Currently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) oil plume model indicates that an oil plume is remaining stationary 17 miles off the coastline of Panama City and 227 miles from St. Petersburg. The near shore trajectories show that direct onshore impacts are likely to continue into Walton County through Thursday. … Continue Reading

FAC brings together counties, US Coast Guard and State of Florida to discuss the Deepwater Horizon Response

On Wednesday, June 23, 2010, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) is hosting a meeting with United States Coast Guard Captain Steve Poulin, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Sole and commissioners, administrators and emergency directors from Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin and Wakulla counties.

The meeting will be held at:

Emerald Coast Conference Center
1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Bch, FL 32548-6208
3:00 pm Central … Continue Reading

Crist/Kottkamp Administrative Schedule 6/23/2010

GOVERNOR’S SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010

8:00am MEETING WITH SHANE STRUM (via phone)
(CDT)

8:45am MEETING WITH PHILIPPE COUSTEAU
(CDT) Location: Pensacola Regional Airport

Address: 4145 Jerry L. Maygarden Road

Pensacola, FL 32504

9:15am AERIAL INSPECTION OF GULF COAST SHORELINE WITH
(CDT) DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SECRETARY MIKE SOLE, MAJOR GENERAL DOUGLAS BURNETT, FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD, AND COMMANDER JOE BOUDROW, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

Location: Pensacola Regional Airport
Address: 4145 Jerry L. Maygarden Road

Pensacola, FL 32504 … Continue Reading

Statement by Jeff Greene Regarding Judge’s Ruling to Block Off Shore Drilling Moratorium

Palm Beach, FL – Today, Jeff Greene, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, issued the following statement regarding a U.S. judge’s ruling against the Obama administration’s six-month moratorium on deepwater drilling in the wake of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. … Continue Reading

Senate President Atwater Tours Northwest Florida

~Listens to those on the frontline of Florida’s Oil Disaster and Cleanup Efforts~

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, Senate President Jeff Atwater (R-North Palm Beach) met with business leaders, local officials, and individuals in the fishing and hospitality industry. He heard firsthand reports about ongoing preparation and response efforts to protect Florida’s pristine beaches and Floridians’ way of life. … Continue Reading

Attorney General Sues Broward County “Auto Relief” Company for Deceptive Practices

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced his
office has filed a lawsuit against a Broward County company alleging the
company engaged in deceptive and unfair trade practices related to
automobile loan modifications. … Continue Reading

Marco Rubio For U.S. Senate: The “Anybody but Rubio” campaign

A recent Wall Street Journal article has the political universe all abuzz. It seems the Democrat establishment will stop at nothing to ensure Marco Rubio is not Florida’s next U.S. Senator, even if it means abandoning their own Democrat candidate and throwing their support behind “Independent” Governor Charlie Crist in an “Anybody But Rubio” effort.  As the article notes: … Continue Reading

Drowsy Driving Prevention Bill Sponsored By Rep. Alan Williams Signed Into Law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Representative Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) welcomed the signing into law of Senate Bill 971, relating to Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

The legislation contains an amendment, taken from Representative Williams House Bill 221, that establishes a Drowsy Driving Week each September. Representative Williams was proud to work with the family of RonShay Dugans, a young girl killed in 2008 as a result of a collision with a fatigued driver, to sponsor and pass this important legislation during the 2010 legislative session. … Continue Reading

Governor Crist Signs Legislation Supporting Florida’s Hispanic Community

~ Bills creates Hispanic specialty license plate, council to benefit Hispanic and minority Floridians ~

ORLANDO – Governor Charlie Crist today ceremonially signed House Bill 971, creating a Hispanic specialty license plate and requiring the establishment of a Hispanic Achievers Grant Council to recommend statewide grants to not-for-profit organizations for services, programs and scholarships to benefit Hispanic and minority Floridians. … Continue Reading

MEMORANDUM: Governor Charlie Crist’s Letter to Doug Suttles

Please see the attached letter from Governor Charlie Crist to Doug Suttles, Chief Operating Officer of Exploration and Production for BP America Inc. Governor Crist requested the data needed to evaluate the claims process and measure the economic impact of the losses to all level of governments throughout Florida.

Governor Crist also asked Suttles to begin working with the Governor’s legal office, Office of Policy and Budget and the Florida Department of Revenue to provide a complete electronic file of every business, individual, and government claim, to be updated weekly, with indications whether the claim has been approved, denied, or is still pending a decision. … Continue Reading

Charlie Crist For U.S. Senate: Charlie Crist Continues to Lead in U.S. Senate Race

Florida Governor Charlie Crist continues to lead the U.S. Senate race. Governor Crist, who is an Independent, leads Republican Marco Rubio by 11 points and Democrat Kendrick Meek by 28 points. The statewide poll of 607 likely voters was released late Friday by the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

This is a testament to the work you are all doing to get the word out and your participation in the People’s Campaign.  Together we will send Charlie to Washington to fight for Florida.

It’s a long time until November, though, and we still need your help.

Every donation we receive makes an enormous difference.  Won’t you take a minute to donate today?

If you would like to contribute by phone, please call Katie at (850) 339-9599.

If you would like to attend a fundraising event in your area, please e-mail Katie Bohnett at Katie@charliecrist.com for more details.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

The Need For a Summer Special Session–Statement from House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands (D-Weston) issued the following statement:

“Florida’s fragile coastline, our beautiful beaches, and the livelihoods of many Floridians are in imminent peril due to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Florida’s economy, key industries, and the livelihood of many people are at grave risk. The people are demanding action from their government. It is prudent that the Legislature move rapidly and provide urgent assistance. … Continue Reading

Gelber, Fitzgerald and Kriseman Urge Crist to Call Summer Special Session

Extraordinary crisis stemming from BP oil spill requires immediate action from legislature

Tallahassee, Fla.  State Senator Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach) and State Representatives Keith Fitzgerald (D-Sarasota) and Rick Kriseman (D-St. Petersburg) today sent a letter to Governor Charlie Crist urging him to convene the legislature in a summer special session to address the complex challenges from the BP oil spill. In their letter, the trio present five areas on which legislative leaders should focus their attention during the special session. … Continue Reading

Florida Deepwater Horizon Response June 22, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall. … Continue Reading

CFO Alex Sink Ramps Up Unclaimed Property Efforts in Northwest Florida

TALLAHASSEE –Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced that her Bureau of Unclaimed Property will begin focusing additional efforts to return unclaimed cash or property to Floridians living in areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

“During this disaster and tough economic climate, every penny counts,” said CFO Alex Sink. “I encourage Gulf residents and businesses to visit www.FLTreasureHunt.org today to see if the state is holding any unclaimed property that may help them weather the economic effects of this disaster.” … Continue Reading

Fed-up fish consumers say they’d spend more to be assured of grouper authenticity

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Not much in life beats a fresh grouper sandwich enjoyed with a cold beer and an ocean view.

But that experience is far less fun when consumers discover they’re paying a restaurant for fresh, locally caught grouper, yet eating farm-raised fish from thousands of miles away. … Continue Reading

Department Of Health Urges Precautionary Measures To Prevent West Nile Virus And Other Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Health (DOH) emphasizes the importance of protecting against mosquito-borne diseases during the summer rainy season, which include peak mosquito activity months.  DOH works with partner agencies, including the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, mosquito control agencies, and state universities year-round to monitor for the presence of illnesses carried by mosquitoes including West Nile virus infections, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria and dengue. … Continue Reading

Governor Crist Appoints Melinda Kirsch Brown to Broward County Court

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced the appointment of Melinda Kirsch Brown of Plantation to the Broward County Court.

“Mindy has nearly two decades of practical experience with the law and how it affects people’s personal lives,” said Governor Crist. “Her patience and respect for people and knowledge of the law will serve Broward County well.” … Continue Reading

FSU Offers A ‘Smart’ Solution: Free, Cutting-Edge App For Mobile Devices

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –– Florida State University students, alumni and others who own “smart” phones and other mobile devices have a new and easy way to stay connected with their university: A mobile application, or “app,” has just been developed that offers amazingly convenient access to the latest campus news, as well as maps, dining locations and hours, and much more. What’s more, it’s all free. … Continue Reading