Attorney General Bondi’s Office Arrests Day-Care Owner for $500,000 in Medicaid Fraud

Contact:
John Lucas
Phone: 850.245.0150
john.lucas@myfloridalegal.com

Attorney General Bondi’s Office Arrests Day-Care Owner for $500,000 in Medicaid Fraud

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has arrested a 46-year-old Palm Beach County day-care owner for allegedly defrauding the Medicaid program out of more than $500,000. Maria Estela Edward is charged with Medicaid fraud and grand theft, both first-degree felonies. The investigation alleges that Edward was fraudulently billing the Florida Medicaid program for speech language pathology services that were never provided at Ismaelillo Learning Centers I and II. Edward’s business partner, Irene Terrero, was arrested in March on the same charges.

“Falsely claiming to provide speech therapy to children and billing Florida’s Medicaid program for services that were never rendered is unethical and illegal,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. “My Medicaid Fraud Control Unit will continue working to ensure that every dollar spent on Medicaid goes to Floridians in need, not to criminals abusing the system.”

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Governor Rick Scott Announces Florida’s 2012 Uniform Crime Report

Contact: media@eog.myflorida.com
(850) 717-9282

Governor Rick Scott Announces Florida’s 2012 Uniform Crime Report
Floridians safer today than any time in the last 42 years

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today announced the 2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report. The report shows Florida’s crime rate dropped 6.5 percent compared to 2011. The total number of crimes fell 5.7 percent from last year which translates into 43,536 fewer crimes in 2012. The number of violent crimes was down 4.3 percent or 4,218 fewer crimes reported. The complete 2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found on FDLE’s website at www.fdle.state.fl.us/fsac/ucr/.

Governor Scott said, “It is because of the hard work of Florida’s law enforcement community that we can celebrate today’s great news about Florida’s crime rate. Having a low crime rate is important to my goal of creating jobs and opportunities for Florida families, and making our state the best state in the nation to live, work or raise a family.”

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Multi-agency hurricane exercise to begin in North Central Florida

Multi-agency hurricane exercise to begin in North Central Florida
Vigilant Guard – FL 2013 to bring an estimated 2,100 personnel to Camp Blanding for week-long event – Media Day to be held May 21

http://www.floridaguard.army.mil/news/contact-public-affairs/130516-vigilant-guard-2a

STARKE, Fla. (May 16, 2013) – The Florida National Guard will host “Vigilant Guard – Florida 2013″ – a national level emergency response exercise sponsored by the National Guard and the military’s Northern Command – at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Starke, Fla., May 17-23, 2013.

“Vigilant Guard – Florida 2013″ will involve exercise scenarios at multiple locations in response to a hurricane and hazardous material events.

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Statement from President Gaetz Regarding Florida TaxWatch

CONTACT: Katie Betta, (850) 487-5229

STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT GAETZ REGARDING FLORIDA TAXWATCH

Tallahassee — Florida Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) today released the following statement regarding Florida TaxWatch releasing their 2013 Turkey Watch Report.

“The TaxWatch list is built on the unconstitutional perversion that if an appropriation isn’t recommended by unelected agency officials it shouldn’t be considered in conference by elected legislators. This is an arrogance of the elite who spend too much time in Tallahassee and Washington listening to the echoes of their own invented wisdom and thinking they’re hearing the voice of God.

“No agency put in its budget a $3,500 raise for Florida’s most effective teachers, yet that was funded. No agency testified before the Legislature asking for a raise for state employees who had been without one for six years, yet we passed it. No bureaucrat in the Department of Education asked for a career-technical pathway to a high school diploma or an online pathway to a university degree, but we funded them. Not a whisper of criticism from TaxWatch on any of these and a hundred other similar items. So, apparently, their indignation is not only ill-informed but selective.

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Ramps Closures at State Road 407 to Interstate 95

Steve Olson; 386-943-5479
steve.olson@dot.state.fl.us

Ramps Closures at State Road 407 to Interstate 95

Brevard County – Motorists need to be on the lookout starting Sunday night, May 19th through Wednesday, May 22nd as the northbound and southbound on ramps for I-95 at State Road (SR) 407 will be closed and a detour will be in place. These closures are part of a project to widen and improve I-95. Hubbard Construction is performing the work under contract with the Florida Department of Transportation.

The detours direct motorists to SR 50 to access I-95. No restriction are in place if motorists wish to exit I-95 at SR 407 (exit 212).

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Flagler Memorial Bridge Replacement Project: Westbound Ramp to N. Flagler Drive Reopening Rescheduled for May 21, 2013

Flagler Memorial Bridge Replacement Project
Westbound Ramp to N. Flagler Drive Reopening Rescheduled for May 21, 2013

In coordination with the Palm Beach County Traffic Division, the reopening of the ramp from the westbound Flagler Memorial Bridge to N. Flagler Drive, originally anticipated for Friday, May 17, has been rescheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 21. The new temporary traffic signal will also be placed into service at that time.

Restriping of N. Flagler Drive will take place on Wednesday night, May 15, or Thursday night, May 16, weather permitting, and the following traffic pattern changes will be in effect when restriping is completed:
· Drivers going north on N. Flagler Drive will not be able to turn left onto 6 Street
· Drivers going east on 6 Street will not be able to turn left onto N. Flagler Drive
· Drivers exiting the Bank of America drive-thru will not be to turn left onto N. Flagler Drive

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Florida State Parks Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day on May 18

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

FLORIDA STATE PARKS CELEBRATE NATIONAL KIDS TO PARKS DAY ON MAY 18
~State Parks to host a variety of family friendly events and activities ~

TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service will celebrate National Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 18. Parents are encouraged to celebrate by bringing their children to a state park for a picnic, a hike in the woods or a refreshing swim.

“National Kids to Parks Day provides a wonderful opportunity for families to experience Florida’s natural beauty with a fun day outside,” said Florida Park Service Director Donald V. Forgione. “This Saturday, gather your kids and friends and head to a Florida state park to explore nature and enjoy our famous sunshine.”

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Taproot Creative Expands Public Relations Staff, Expertise

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION:
Stacey Getz, APR
850-309-1900
stacey@taprootcreative.com

TAPROOT CREATIVE EXPANDS PUBLIC RELATIONS STAFF, EXPERTISE

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Taproot Creative, a Florida-based integrated marketing firm, today announced a new addition to its public relations strategy team. Sandi Copes Poreda, APR, joins the agency to focus on communications strategy, specifically crisis management. Poreda brings with her nearly a decade of communications experience with the State of Florida.

“Following our acquisition of an international research firm in 2012 and recent expansion into cross-cultural marketing, Sandi’s addition marks another significant milestone in the growth of our business,” said Sean Doughtie, president and CEO of Taproot Creative. “Her experience and expertise add breadth to our services and will no doubt prove to be invaluable to our clients.”

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May 16, 2013 – Filings for the Florida Supreme Court

May 16, 2013 – Filings for the Florida Supreme Court

SC09-1—Michael Joseph Griffin v. State of Florida & SC09-1894—Michael Joseph Griffin v. Michael D. Crews, etc.
SC10-1295—Angela Samples, etc., et al v. Florida Birth Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association
SC11-830—City of Palm Bay v. Wells Fargo, N.A.
SC11-2513—Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. v. Barbara J. Phillips, etc., et al.

sc09-1
sc10-1295
sc11-830
sc11-2513

Jackie Hallifax
Deputy PIO
Florida Supreme Court
(850) 414-7641
hallifaj@flcourts.org

Florida TaxWatch Releases 2013 Turkey Watch Report

CONTACT: Morgan L. McCord
850.222.5052

Florida TaxWatch Releases 2013 Turkey Watch Report

The annual budget analysis identifies $106.8 million in projects

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The 2013 Florida TaxWatch Turkey Watch Report, released today, identifies $106.8 million in Budget Turkeys. This annual Report from the independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy research institute and government watchdog identifies appropriations that appear in the budget at the last minute, bypassing the legislatively-established competitive process and receiving little or no public review. This year’s Report highlights 107 projects that deserve extra consideration for veto by the Governor.

“The Turkey Watch review is an important part of the watchdog role of Florida TaxWatch, and we take this responsibility very seriously,” said TaxWatch Chairman John Zumwalt, III.

The “Turkey” label is not a judgment of a project’s value; instead, the Turkey Watch review focuses on the budget process based on the concept that the expenditure of public funds should follow established budget processes and all appropriations must be scrutinized.

“While we believe that there are many good things about this year’s budget and commend the Florida Legislature for their work, we have still identified projects that are turkeys by our long-standing review process,” Dominic M. Calabro, President and Chief Executive Officer of Florida TaxWatch, said. “The public funds appropriated to this year’s Turkeys could have been directed to priority programs in need. Although Turkeys make up a relatively small percentage of the budget, these projects would cost taxpayers more than $100 million of their hard-earned dollars. This is why Florida TaxWatch identifies these projects for the Governor’s consideration for line-item vetoes.”

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Governor Scott Celebrates $36 Million in Funding for APD Waiting List

Contact: media@eog.myflorida.com
(850) 717-9282

Governor Scott Celebrates $36 Million in Funding for APD Waiting List
Waiting list funding to be allocated for the first time in 8 years

ST. CLOUD, FL—Governor Rick Scott today visited Bishop Grady Villas to celebrate $36 million in funding for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) waiver waiting list. Hundreds of people with disabilities and their families cheered as Governor Scott shared the good news about APD’s budget for 2013-2014.

Governor Rick Scott said, “I want every Floridian, including those with disabilities, to have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of finding a job and live their version of the American dream. With our $36 million investment, we will be making a big impact on many families throughout the state. For the first time in eight years, we are helping more than 750 people move off the APD waiting list where they will receive the services they need to participate in their community and develop skills to find employment.”

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Governor Rick Scott Appoints Stephen Nielsen to Board of Pilot Commissioners

CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 717-9282
media@eog.myflorida.com

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Stephen Nielsen to Board of Pilot Commissioners

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Stephen Nielsen to the Board of Pilot Commissioners.

Nielsen, 70, of Davie, is the vice president of Caribbean Atlantic Shore Operations for Princess Cruises. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending October 31, 2013.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

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FWC announces new app for Fish Orlando!

Contact: Bob Wattendorf, 850-488-0520

Photos available on FWC Flickr site: Go to http://flic.kr/p/ejrDdV

FWC announces new app for Fish Orlando!

If anglers aren’t familiar with the Fish Orlando! effort, modern technology offers a new way to explore its many facets. There’s an app for it. The application allows residents and tourists to see maps of the major lakes in the area, read specific rules, identify local sport fish and obtain fishing tips via any Android or Apple operating system. You can download the Fish Orlando! app at bit.ly/FishOrlando, thanks to a British businessman who loves to vacation in Florida and fish in urban Orlando.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in cooperation with local governments, manages urban lakes to enhance fishing opportunities.

The FWC developed the Fish Orlando! program in 1998 to expand Orlando’s urban fisheries program by providing quality-size fish, unique fishing experiences at various lakes and ponds and habitat enhancement – all of which can bring tourists. Enter Tony Bickley, CEO of Team Dart and an avid angler who travels from Great Britain annually to fish in Florida. He especially likes to visit lakes in Orlando.

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Jupiter man arrested for child pornography

Jupiter man arrested for child pornography

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Miami Regional Operations Center Cyber High Tech Crime Squad, a member of the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) arrested Anthony Carlton Fonseca, 43, of Jupiter, FL, for 30 counts of possession of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children and one count of transmission of pornography by an electronic device. Fonseca was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail.

A search conducted at Fonseca’s home, located at 1605 US Highway 1, Apt. S10E, Jupiter, FL, revealed numerous still photos and computer images of the sexual exploitation of children. Fonseca allegedly impersonated a 16-year-old girl online to engage in Web chats with young boys to solicit sexually explicit images. Fonseca had been previously arrested and convicted of voyeurism involving young boys in Palm Beach County.

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Certified Marinas Celebrate a Decade of Environmental Stewardship

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

CERTIFIED MARINAS CELEBRATE A DECADE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
~Clean Marina Program honors 21 marinas for dedication to protecting Florida’s waterways~

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Marina Program recognizes 21 marinas for a decade of commitment to environmental stewardship as designated Clean Marina facilities. Fifty marinas have been in the program a decade or more this year as well.

“We want to congratulate these facilities for their dedication to protecting Florida’s marine environment over the last ten years,” said DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives Director Brad Stombock. “By helping protect Florida’s waterways, these marinas are ensuring the health of the state’s environment and economy.”

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CABA Letter to Senate Judiciary Members re Amendments to S.744, “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act”

Contact: Sandra M. Ferrera
305.358.6363

CABA Letter to Senate Judiciary Members re Amendments to S.744, “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act”

MIAMI, FLORIDA (May 15, 2013) – The Cuban American Bar Association recently sent a letter to Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee opposing any and all amendments to S.744, the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act”, that (1) provide for indefinite detention of immigrants; (2) abridge judicial review of immigration proceedings; or (3) eliminate a reasonable path to citizenship for deserving undocumented immigrants currently in the United States.

Amongst other things, CABA’s letter emphasizes its concern for basic and procedural due process issues inherent in that proposed amendments of S.744. In particular, CABA asserts that comprehensive immigration reform must result from a unified federal scheme that would provide “basic procedural safeguards, such as the right to counsel, a neutral decision maker, the availability of judicial review, the right to confront adverse evidence, a clear standard of proof, and the placement of the burden of proof on the government.”

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Green Cove Springs Man Claims $1 Million Top Prize Playing 50X the Cash

CONTACT:
FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727
www.flalottery.com

GREEN COVE SPRINGS MAN CLAIMS $1 MILLION TOP PRIZE PLAYING 50X THE CASH

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Lottery announces that Joseph A. Richmond, 21, of Green Cove Springs, claimed a $1 million top prize in the 50X THE CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee. Richmond chose to receive the winnings in a one-time, lump-sum payment of $800,000. He purchased his winning Scratch-Off ticket at Hess Express, located at 1545 Blanding Boulevard in Middleburg.

The $10 game, 50X THE CASH, launched on July 3, 2012, and offered 12 top prizes of $1 million. Two top prizes remain to be won. The overall odds of winning are one in 3.46.

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UF to celebrate insects and other arthropods during Bug Week, May 20-24

From the University of Florida
News Desk http://www.news.ufl.edu
newsdesk@ufl.edu
352-392-0186, fax 392-3358
101 Tigert Hall / Box 113075
Gainesville, FL 32611-3075

UF to celebrate insects and other arthropods during Bug Week, May 20-24

By Tom Nordlie, 352-273-3567, tnordlie@ufl.edu

Contact: Ruth Borger, 352-392-2411, ext. 293, rborger@ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s seemingly endless supply of natural wonders includes insects, spiders and other arthropods that creep, crawl, burrow and fly, and the University of Florida will educate residents about these creatures during Bug Week, a multimedia event May 20-24.

Bug Week includes projects and programs from around campus and showcases the strength of the university’s entomology program, said Ruth Borger, assistant vice president for information and communication services with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

“We have one of the biggest and best entomology departments in the country, and we want people to know about it,” said Borger, who helped organize Bug Week. “With summer approaching and bugs becoming more active, we think this is an ideal time to show how our expertise can help average people understand the bugs they see around their homes, yards and communities.”

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FWC, partners rescue injured Florida panther kitten

Contact: Carli Segelson, 772-215-9459

Photos available on FWC’s Flickr site: Go to http://flic.kr/s/aHsjF6SLK3.

FWC, partners rescue injured Florida panther kitten

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partners rescued an approximately 9-month-old female Florida panther in the Golden Gate Estates area of Collier County on Monday.

The FWC received a call about a panther kitten dragging its rear leg. A homeowner noticed the injured panther earlier that morning as he was leaving for work. When he returned home and saw the panther a second time, he notified law enforcement.

FWC panther biologists and law-enforcement officers, deputies with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and staff from the Golden Gate Animal Clinic responded to the area where the panther was last seen. They located the panther in thick brush and sedated it.

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America’s Dueling Jackpots Compete for Player Excitement

Media Contact:
FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727
www.flalottery.com

AMERICA’S DUELING JACKPOTS COMPETE FOR PLAYER EXCITEMENT
Powerball Increases the Jackpot Estimate to $360 Million for Tonight’s Draw

TALLAHASSEE – Players have plenty to talk about as Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots continue to climb. The Mega Millions jackpot is at an estimated $190 million for Friday night’s draw. Powerball’s jackpot is being raised to an estimated $360 million for tonight’s draw.

“This is an exciting time for both multi-state jackpot games as they continue to roll,” Florida Lottery Secretary Cynthia O’Connell said. When jackpots are on the rise, both loyal and new players across the country want to join in the frenzy of playing a multi-million dollar jackpot game, and we are thrilled to be now able to offer both games here in Florida.”

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