Lance Lozano, Chief Operating Officer, Florida United Businesses Association Regarding Support for Destination Resort Development

“The Florida United Businesses Association (FUBA) and its thousands of members support bringing job creating destination resorts to Florida.  The Destination Resort Act will generate more than 45,000 construction jobs and potentially 100,000 full time jobs.  Various industries including construction, hospitality, restaurants, retail, convention and gaming will all benefit and hire new workers.

The impact of destination resorts would be enormous in helping lift the state’s unemployment burden, and will play a critical role in helping our state recover from these tough economic times.  Florida is at a crossroads with too many Floridians remaining jobless.  We believe this legislation will be a major step forward in putting hard working Floridians back to work.  FUBA endorses the Destination Resort Act.”

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Honors America’s Veterans Through “Operation Outdoor Freedom”

Commissioner Putnam Launches Program Inviting Wounded Veterans and
Active Service Members of the U.S. Military to Enjoy Florida State Forests

Tallahassee, FL – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Jim Karels, Director of the Florida Forest Service, launched Operation Outdoor Freedom, a program of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service to invite wounded service members and veterans to enjoy recreational activities at Florida State Forests. The program formalizes a Department tradition of hosting wounded service members and veterans at Florida State Forests through a partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project.

“As we recognize the selfless service of American veterans this Veterans’ Day, we are reminded of the men and women who put their lives on the line for a cause greater than themselves,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Operation Outdoor Freedom is a salute to their service.”

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Governor Scott Appoints Lisa Herndon to Fifth Judicial Circuit Court

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Lisa D. Herndon of Ocala to the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court.

Herndon, 46, has been an assistant state attorney with the State Attorney’s Office for the Fifth Judicial Circuit since 1997 and with the Tenth Judicial Circuit from 1990 to 1997. In addition, she briefly practiced with Daniel Hightower P.A. in 2003 and with Teresa Nightingale P.A. in 1996. Herndon received a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and a law degree from the Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law.

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Nestlé Waters Employees Volunteer at Crystal Springs Preserve

-Employees and Their Families Conduct a Habitat Restoration in the Hillsborough River -

Zephyrhills, Fla. — On Friday, October 21, the Student Conservation Association (SCA), a national leader in youth service and stewardship, joined Nestlé Waters North America employees in Zephyrhills, FL for a joint “Employee Volunteer Day” service project at the Crystal Springs Preserve. The sunny, chilly morning was the perfect setting for some 30 volunteers – employees, retirees, friends, and family from ages nine to retired – to spend a few hours helping to improve the aquatic habitat at the Crystal Springs Preserve, a 525-acre sanctuary devoted to environmental education and dedicated to the preservation of Florida’s natural environment. … Continue Reading

Statement from Florida Groups Regarding Announcement of Cat Fund $3.2 Billion Shortfall

TALLAHASSEE – Following yesterday’s Cat Fund Advisory Council meeting, various groups who have for years supported reform of both Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund spoke out regarding the announcement of the Cat Fund’s $3.2 billion shortfall.  The announcement was made following the release of the fall bonding and claims-paying capacity estimates prepared by Raymond James & Associates. … Continue Reading

Governor Scott Appoints Mose Floyd to the Duval County Court

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Mose L. Floyd of Ponte Verde Beach to the Duval County Court.

Floyd, 56, has served as an assistant state attorney for the Fourth Circuit since 2010 and from 1999 to 2008. In 2009 he served as the managing attorney for the State Attorney’s Office for the Seventh Circuit. Floyd also served in the United States Marine Corps from 1977 to 1999. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy and received master’s degrees from the University of Southern California and the Marine Corps University. He holds a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

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Governor Scott Awards 2011-2012 Defense Grants

ORLANDO, FL (October 3, 2011) — Today, Governor Rick Scott and Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida Gray Swoope announced $2,431,245 in defense grants to local communities and organizations that support Florida military installations. These funds will continue to enhance and maintain Florida’s reputation as the most military friendly state in the nation. … Continue Reading

Florida Chamber of Commerce Kicks Off FRAUD FACT FRIDAY

Tallahassee, FL (September 30, 2011) – David Hart, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, today announced the start of an educational movement designed to raise awareness about the costly consequences associated with fraud and abuse in Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law.

Each Friday, the Florida Chamber will release FRAUD FACT FRIDAY reports highlighting the extensive fraud and abuse riddling Florida’s PIP law and forcing Floridians to pay higher automotive insurance rates. FRAUD FACT FRIDAY will not only demonstrate the significant impact PIP fraud and abuse has on the wallets of Floridians, they will validate the need for significant changes to Florida law. … Continue Reading

Florida’s Gadsden County, “Big Bend” Region Win Southeast’s Largest Solar Farm Project

~National Solar Power announces $1.5 billion 400 MW project to boost jobs, economy~

Tallahassee, Fla. – National Solar Power today announced the company will build the Southeast’s largest solar farm in Gadsden County, Florida – generating hundreds of new jobs and pouring $1.5 billion in economic investment into the region.

“Gadsden County was chosen for this significant project for many reasons, including its great year-round climate, strong community leadership, incredibly inviting regional support and the strong potential for future economic growth,” said James Scrivener, CEO of National Solar Power.

Along with the large solar farm planned for Gadsden County, Scrivener added that the other geographic areas the company considered in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina as possible home of the solar farm project have excellent sites and will be considered for future expansion of solar farms. The company continues to have talks with representatives in those communities. However, discussions are most advanced in Hardee County, Florida. In the near future, plans include making an announcement about establishing a meaningful solar project in Hardee County. … Continue Reading

Adam Putnam: It’s All About Florida

Dear Friends:

Over the last two weeks, the eyes of the nation have been on Florida as the Republican presidential candidates presented their ideas on how to restore confidence in the American economy and create jobs during nationally-televised debates in Tampa and Orlando.

It’s not surprising to see the candidates spending time in Florida, a key battleground state for the 2012 election. We are America’s largest swing state, with 29 electoral votes that could go either way. In the last nine of 10 general elections, the winner of Florida won the presidency.

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Non-Profit Offers 3 Easy Consumer Tips to Save on Prescriptions

NeedyMeds.org Says Saving on Prescriptions is Not That Hard

GLOUCESTER, Mass., Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Health care costs are increasing, but NeedyMeds.org today reminded consumers that there are ways to save money while staying healthy.

NeedyMeds.org is a not-for-profit one-stop-shopping clearinghouse when it comes to finding discounts on prescription medications and other medical needs.  Consumer can visit www.needymeds.org to see information in both English and Spanish regarding cost savings on prescription drugs that cuts through all of the confusing clutter, and patients can even sign up for savings right on the spot. … Continue Reading

FL Chamber Statement RE: Education Reform Lawsuit

“The world is changing, and the future of Florida’s economy is all about talent,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce “It’s unfortunate that the labor union claiming to represent teachers has resisted every meaningful education reform effort for more than a decade. Now they are going to spend money fighting one of the most important education reforms this country has ever seen.”

TALLAHASSEE, FL (September 14, 2011) – Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, today issued the following statement regarding the lawsuit filed against Florida’s education reform law. … Continue Reading

Nazi War Plunder Crimes May Extend to Painting of Christ in Resent Exhibit at The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science

~ U.S. Attorney says painting must remain in U.S. until dispute is resolved ~

TALLAHASSEE, FL – U.S. authorities have notified The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science that a stunning, 400-year-old painting of Christ, on loan to the institution as part of a special exhibit, is at the center of an international controversy involving Nazi war plunder during World War II. Until the rightful ownership of the painting is determined, federal authorities may prohibit the painting’s return to the Milan museum from which the exhibit originates. … Continue Reading

The Florida Municipal Attorneys Association Bestows Lifetime Achievement Honor on Former City Attorney

The Florida Municipal Attorneys Association (FMAA) has presented the Claude L. Mullis Lifetime Distinguished Service Award to John G. Hubbard. The award was presented to Hubbard during the 30th FMAA Annual Seminar, held recently in Palm Beach.

Hubbard served as the City of Dunedin city attorney from 1974 to 2011. He has also served as city attorney for the Pinellas County municipalities of Oldsmar, Belleair Bluffs, Tarpon Springs and Belleair Beach. … Continue Reading

Florida Municipal Attorneys Association Honors John Wolfe as Municipal Attorney of the Year

St. Petersburg City Attorney Receives Prestigious Paul S. Buchman Award

John Wolfe, St. Petersburg City Attorney, was named Florida’s municipal attorney of the year and awarded the Paul S. Buchman Award during the 30th FMAA Annual Seminar, held recently in Palm Beach. … Continue Reading

Donald Smallwood to Head Florida Municipal Attorneys Association

City Attorney of Kissimmee Elected President of Prestigious Statewide Attorneys Organization

Donald T. Smallwood, City Attorney for Kissimmee, was named president of the Florida Municipal Attorneys Association (FMAA) at the organization’s 30th Annual Seminar held recently in Palm Beach. Smallwood will serve a one-year term leading the FMAA. … Continue Reading

2011 Governor’s Business Diversification Award winners announced

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 30, 2011) – From a pool of 107 organizations vying for 2011 Governor’s Business Diversification Awards, 18 have won the prize.  They will be honored on September 14 during a reception in Tallahassee at the Florida Governor’s Mansion.

The awards recognize outstanding contributions toward improving and diversifying Florida’s economy plus distinctive community investment efforts, particularly relating to industries targeted for economic development and high wage job growth. … Continue Reading

Rep. Hazelle Rogers Announces Behavioral Health Care Stakeholders Meeting

LAUDERHILL, Fla. – State Representative Hazelle Rogers (D-Lauderhill) is calling for public participation at an upcoming meeting concerning the future of mental health and substance abuse treatment in Broward County.

Behavioral health experts, stakeholders and others are urged to attend the meeting hosted by the Florida Department of Children & Families. The two-hour event takes place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, at the Bank Atlantic Support Center, 2100 West Cypress Creek Road in Fort Lauderdale. … Continue Reading

Florida’s July Employment Figures Released

www.employflorida.com

TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in July 2011 is 10.7 percent. This represents 987,000 jobless out of a labor force of 9,220,000. The state’s unemployment rate is unchanged from the revised June 2011 rate of 10.7 percent but is 0.8 percentage point lower than the year ago rate of 11.5 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate is 9.1 percent in July. … Continue Reading

The Limited Expands in Tallahassee to Satisfy Loyal Consumers’ Confident Sense of Style

Iconic Women’s Fashion Retailer Partners with Dress for Success for New Store Opening at Governor’s Square Mall

Tallahassee, FL August 18, 2011 – The women of Tallahassee will now have access to more of the modern, impeccably tailored, on-trend designs offered by The Limited with the official opening of the Governor’s Square Mall store location.

Bridging a gap for the brand’s already enthusiastic customer base, the iconic fashion retailer opens its doors on the first floor at 1500 Apalachee Parkway. This is the first store in the Tallahassee area, making a total of 14 stores in Florida. … Continue Reading