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Publix and Procter & Gamble partner to #LightTheTorch for Special Olympics Florida

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From January 4 through 20, Publix customers and associates can
support Special Olympics by purchasing a Torch Icon at the register

Publix Super Markets and Procter & Gamble are helping customers save money all while supporting Special Olympics Florida.
From January 4 through 20, 2018, Publix customers and associates will be able to make a donation to Special Olympics Florida at the register and in turn will receive a special Torch Icon that includes exclusive savings on Procter & Gamble brands including Tide®, Gain®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Gillette®, Venus®, Pampers®, Luvs®, Olay®, Ivory®, Vicks DayQuil or NyQuil®. Donations can be made for as little as $1, $3, $5 or $10, and all donors will receive $14 in coupon savings.
“For 45 years, we have shared the vision of Special Olympics and have been proud supporters, along with our partners at Procter & Gamble, and our loyal customers,” said Maria Brous Publix director of media and community relations. “Together, since 1993, we have raised more than $40 million for Special Olympics. We take great pride in and thank our customers and associates for making a positive impact throughout the communities we serve.”
Special Olympics Florida offers life-changing opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to learn new skills, build confidence and achieve their fullest potential through sports training and competition. Special Olympics Florida serves more than 42,000 athletes who compete at local, state, national and worldwide levels. In addition to training and competition for these athletes, Special Olympics Florida provides $2 million in free medical exams for thousands of Floridians with intellectual disabilities through its health programs, including much needed access to free prescription glasses and hearing aids. Its Unified Champion Schools further spread the message of inclusion, respect and advocacy in 167 schools and 14 universities throughout Florida.
“Our athletes are able to achieve greatness on and off the playing field,” said Special Olympics Florida Chief Executive Officer Sherry Wheelock. “With support from Publix, Procter & Gamble and the thousands of Florida shoppers who donate at the register, we are able to reach more adults and children in Florida with opportunities, critical services and support they need to thrive.”
To learn more about Special Olympics Florida and the 2018 #LightTheTorch Publix campaign, click here.
About Special Olympics Florida
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected and contributing members of their communities. To learn more, visit specialolympicsflorida.org.

Safety Tips for Ringing in the New Year with Fireworks

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Fireworks and campfires pose wildfire risks year-round, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service is providing tips for a safe New Year.
Individuals should check with local laws before using fireworks. Local fire and police departments and the state Fire Marshal’s Office can also provide guidance. People planning to use fireworks should follow these safety tips:

  • Follow all county or city fireworks laws;
  • Light fireworks on a cleared area free of any vegetation or debris;
  • Remove any debris from roofs or decks where fireworks could land;
  • Always have a water source available in case of a fire;
  • Aim fireworks away from people, homes and wooded areas;
  • Do not allow young children to light or handle fireworks;
  • Never use homemade fireworks;
  • Discard used fireworks in a bucket of water;
  • Store unused fireworks and lighters out of the reach of children;
  • Clean up all debris from fireworks; and
  • Report any fires immediately to 911.

Since Jan. 1, 2017, 2,917 wildfires have burned more than 201,171 acres across Florida.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.
For statewide wildfire updates and additional wildfire information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Court Orders Tobacco Company to Honor Florida’s Historic Tobacco Settlement

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Attorney General Pam Bondi today announced a major ruling in a case involving Florida’s historic tobacco settlement agreement. The litigation centers around R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s sale of three iconic cigarette brands, Winston, Kool and Salem, along with a legacy Lorillard Tobacco Company brand, Maverick, to Imperial Tobacco Group in June 2015 for $7 billion.
From the time of the tobacco settlement in 1997 through 2015, RJR paid the state tens of millions of dollars annually for these cigarette brands in compliance with the historic settlement. After the June 2015 sale, RJR stopped making payments on these brands, costing the state an estimated $30 million a year in perpetuity.
“Today’s ruling will ensure Florida’s landmark tobacco settlement is honored and our state receives the money it is owed,” said Attorney General Bondi. “My office is committed to pursuing all appropriate remedies when companies try to evade their monetary obligations to the State of Florida.”
RJR’s refusal to pay the agreed to settlement money led to Attorney General Bondi filing an enforcement motion on Jan. 18, 2017. The enforcement motion was the subject of a three-day bench trial before the Honorable Jeffrey Dana Gillen on Dec. 18-20. Judge Gillen today ruled that “Reynolds is still obligated to make the payments pursuant to the Florida Agreement.”
After the entry of the order requiring RJR to make all of the payments to Florida for the past and future sales of these cigarettes, the next step in the lawsuit will involve RJR and ITG providing the necessary information to accurately calculate the amounts owed pursuant to reporting requirements under the settlement agreement.
To view a copy of the trial court’s order granting the enforcement motion, click here.
The historic 1997 settlement resolved Florida’s landmark 1995 lawsuit against RJR and the other major tobacco companies seeking relief from decades of past unlawful actions relating to the marketing and sale of cigarettes. The annual, perpetual payments compensate Florida for the past and future public health care expenses from its citizens’ consumption of the settling defendants’ cigarettes.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: 6 Fire Safety Tips for New Year’s Eve

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Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis urges Floridians to celebrate safely during upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause an annual average of three deaths and cost $43 million in direct property damage.
“Since 2014, Florida firefighters have responded to more than 50 fireworks-related incidents accountingfor more than $1.5 million in property loss,” said CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. “It’s important to use precaution while celebrating on New Year’s Eve as fireworks can destroy property, cause serious burns and can pose a serious threat to the safety of our communitities. Leave the fireworks shows to the professionals so you can avoid becoming a part of these devastating statistics.” 
Only approved sparklers and fireworks purchased for approved agricultural or industrial purposes are legal in Florida. Anyone who chooses to use fireworks or sparklers should follow these six safety tips. 
  1. Only purchase sparklers from licensed vendors. 
  2. Keep a fire extinguisher and water hose on hand, and a bucket of water available to fully extinquish used products.
  3. Never give fireworks to young children. Even sparklers can reach temperatures between 1,300 and 1,800 degrees, at least 200 degrees hotter than a standard butane lighter.
  4. Light only one item at a time and never attempt to re-light.
  5. Keep pets indoors and away from all fireworks.
  6. Never mix fireworks and alcohol. Attend public fireworks show instead. Public displays are sponsored by communities and organizations across Florida.
Floridians should not sign waivers to purchase fireworks that are illegal for personal use in Florida. Signing a waiver will not clear a consumer of responsibility if caught illegally using fireworks. Local law enforcement agencies are charged with the enforcement of Florida fireworks laws. To learn more about fireworks enforcement, click here.
For a complete list of Florida-approved sparklers your family can enjoy, click here.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Tips for Safe Christmas Tree Disposal

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam encourages Floridians to dispose of Christmas trees safely. Dry limbs and needles from discarded Christmas trees can be an ignition source for fire if not properly cleared away from homes and natural areas.
One way to remove this potential fire hazard is by recycling Christmas trees. Many locations offer tree recycling services, such as curbside pick-up, recycling centers and mulching programs. Check with a local utilities service for more information about Christmas tree disposal and recycling programs.
However, some residents may decide to burn their Christmas trees. The Florida Forest Service offers the following tips for safe outdoor burning:

  • Check local ordinances and requirements for outdoor burning.
  • Burn only if significant rainfall has occurred in the last three or four days.
  • Never burn on dry or windy days.
  • Select a burn location that is at least 25 feet from natural areas, 25 feet from your home, 150 feet from other occupied buildings and 50 feet from any paved public roadway.
  • Remove all decorations from the tree before you burn.
  • Cut the tree into manageable sections, as necessary.
  • Clear the burn area free of other flammable materials, such as leaf litter and pine straw.
  • Keep a shovel and water hose handy in case the fire starts to escape containment.
  • Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is out before leaving.
  • Never burn a Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

New Traffic Signal Coming to State Road 434 and Tarry Town Trail in Longwood

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The Florida Department of Transportation will be installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of State Road (S.R.) 434 and Tarry Town Trail/Roxboro Road beginning in January. The safety improvement project involves construction of single mast arms for the signals, as well as extending the left turn lanes at the intersection to meet current design standards.
The FDOT anticipates its contractor to install the drilled shafts for the mast arms in early January and place the mast arms in early February. Construction work is expected to occur both day and night and will involve outside lane closures at the intersection.
Project updates are available on www.cflroads.com. Please note schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Media inquiries should be directed to FDOT Communications Manager Steve Olson at 386-943-5479 or [email protected]. Other construction-related questions may be directed to Carolyn Fitzwilliam, Public Information Coordinator, 386-740-3566 or [email protected].
FDOT advises drivers to slow down in construction zones; the life you save may be your own.

Secretary Ken Detzner Reminds Florida Business Owners to “Mind Your Sunbizness!” during National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month

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December is National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month and the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations is launching the “Mind Your Sunbizness!” initiative, which aims to provide information and resources to help Florida business owners take steps to prevent business identity theft. All business entities in Florida are required by law to register with the Division of Corporations and file an annual report, but it is critically important that business owners check their business filings often throughout the year and ensure their contact information is up-to-date with the Division in order to receive alerts if their business filing has been changed.
“Business identity theft is a growing concern for the Department, which is why we want to remind business owners to ‘Mind Your Sunbizness!’ and use the helpful information and resources we have available to take steps to protect their business filing information,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “By checking their filing information regularly on Sunbiz.org and monitoring any alerts received from the Division of Corporations, business owners can greatly reduce their risk of business identity theft.”
Florida business entities can follow these simple steps to protect their business filing information with the Division of Corporations:

  • Ensure the email address on file with the Division is up-to-date. The Division will send an email alert if any changes are made to your business filing. Business owners can verify the email on file for them by emailing [email protected].
  • Check your business filings often by visiting SunBiz.org to ensure the information is accurate and has not been fraudulently changed.
  • Monitor your business’ credit report, accounts and bills.

While there is no foolproof method to prevent business identity theft, by following the simple steps above a business owner can greatly reduce his or her risk and possibly detect fraudulent activity quicker so that corrective action can be taken.
If you receive an alert from the Division of Corporations that your filing information has been changed but it was done without your knowledge or consent, immediately contact the Division at 850-245-6000 to correct the information. You should also contact your bank and credit card providers, file a report with local law enforcement and report any issues to the fraud department at the credit reporting agencies such as Equifax, Experian and Transunion. They can place a fraud alert on your file that will tell creditors to contact you before any accounts are opened in your name.
For more tips on how to “Mind Your Sunbizness!”, please visit Sunbiz.org or check out the Sunbizness Identity Theft Resource Guide.
About the Division of Corporations
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations serves as the State of Florida’s official business entity index, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Sunbiz.org. As the first stop for starting or staying in business in Florida, it is also an excellent resource for locating businesses operating in the Sunshine State. The Division is a ministerial filing agency with two broad functional services; formalizing the legal standing of a business or activity by accepting and indexing the filing or registration, and supplying information and certification regarding the filings and activities of record. The Division maintains over eight million records and annually performs approximately five million activities. For more information, visit Sunbiz.org.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Named PSC Helping Hand

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is recognizing the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as December’s Helping Hand for helping raise public awareness about the Lifeline Assistance telephone and broadband discount program, energy and water conservation, and scams affecting consumers.
“The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offer state-wide educational Consumer Protection Fairs that support our outreach strategies to assist consumers,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “We appreciate DACS for including us in community events since it allows us to broaden our reach by sharing PSC information with a wider audience.”
Each month, the PSC highlights a partner agency or organization whose clients are eligible for the Federal Lifeline Program and/or need help reducing energy and water bills. Through these PSC Helping Hand partnerships, the Commission shares vital information to help consumers better manage their resources to meet their monthly bills and avoid falling for utility-related scams.
“We appreciate the PSC honoring us with this award. Those that attend our Consumer Protection Fairs really enjoy the PSC presentations and information,” said Alexander Warmka, Research and Training Specialist, with DACS’ Division of Consumer Services.  “Our community programs include elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged persons who need assistance to maintain their independence and quality of life.  PSC information supports our efforts to connect consumers to the vital community services they need.”
Look for all the PSC Helping Hand outreach partner recognitions on the PSC’s homepage, under Hot Topics.
About the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food.  Their programs are so varied and extensive, they touch the life of just about every Floridian. For more information, call 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-435-7352.

More Active Hurricane Seasons Are “New Normal” and Floridians Need to Get Homes, Insurance, Plans Ready

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Floridians should expect that more active storm seasons are the “new normal” – a reality they must prepare for by hardening their homes, updating their insurance, and getting personal and business plans ready. That’s the message from former FEMA Director Craig Fugate in releasing a new survey showing many Floridians are not ready for this threatening new dynamic.
The survey, commissioned by the National Hurricane Survival Initiative, found that 51 percent of Floridians say they were caught unprepared in at least one way leading up to Hurricane Irma, which tore through Florida in September. That included 1 in 5 who cited a lack of window protections like shutters or boarding (22 percent), batteries or backup power (20 percent), and gasoline (23 percent), while 15 percent admitted they lacked an evacuation plan or water supply.
“After Florida was pummeled by a record-breaking 2017 hurricane season that included a Category 4 hurricane, we cannot stress enough the need to start getting ready now,’’ said Craig Fugate, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and host of the initiative’s “Get Ready, Florida!” television special. “It’s looking like more active hurricane seasons are the ‘new normal,’ and Floridians certainly need to take hurricane preparedness more seriously to prevent loss of life and property.’’
In response to this new reality, the National Hurricane Survival Initiative launched a new awareness campaign to educate and encourage residents to take steps to be storm-safe and hurricane-ready. It features resources on the GetReadyFlorida.org website and “Get Ready, Florida!,” a 30-minute television special slated for broadcast in early 2018. Both are packed with practical information and preparation tips from hurricane and industry experts.
Fugate, who as director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management guided the state through its unprecedented pounding from named storms in 2004 and 2005, called on Floridians to use the time between hurricane seasons to harden their homes, update their insurance, and develop plans for their families and businesses.
The survey, which polled more than 500 Floridians, revealed knowledge gaps that may prevent Floridians from fully preparing. These gaps include misunderstanding their insurance coverage and not knowing about financing options that could help them harden their homes.
The survey also revealed some potential safety issues.

  • Thirteen percent of Floridians surveyed wrongly assume the garage is a safe place to run a generator. One in 10 incorrectly – and dangerously – believe that an apartment balcony is acceptable for generator operation.
  • Fewer than 1 in 4 (23 percent) know that it’s best to transport gasoline on the car roof or in an outside storage container. Close to half (44 percent) are unaware of how to best transport gasoline when evacuating. Of the remaining, 28 percent incorrectly cited the trunk, 2 percent wrongly said the back seat, and 3 percent incorrectly said anywhere would be fine.

The survey found that while 42 percent believe they know the amount of their hurricane deductible, many are mistaken: Though most homeowners have hurricane deductibles in the $5,000 range, 73 percent believe it’s less than that and one in four believe it is less than $1,000.
That could come back to haunt those homeowners. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed said paying their deductible would be difficult or impossible, while only 26 percent said paying their deductible would be “no problem at all” or “very manageable’’ following a storm.
Guy McClurkan, chief operating officer of the FAIR Foundation, said more Floridians should consider purchasing flood insurance because flood protection is not covered in a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. But, he added, homeowners cannot wait until a storm is bearing down.
The survey found that of the many homeowners who attempted to purchase flood insurance as Hurricane Irma approached, only 1 in 3 said they were able to add it in time.
“Many people don’t realize that hurricane damage is subject to a special hurricane deductible,” said Locke Burt, Chairman and President of Security First Insurance. “Some people can afford a larger deductible than others, but all homeowners need to know what their deductible amount is, and what their policy does and does not cover.’’
Many of those surveyed believe their homeowners insurance policy covers items that may not actually be covered – 1 in 5 believe their policy covers replacing spoiled food, 1 in 4 believe it covers tree and debris removal from yards, and 1 in 3 believe it covers temporary housing.
“Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to your home and personal belongings, and living expenses while your home is being rebuilt,” said Alok Jha, Assured Risk Cover chief executive officer. “Homeowners can purchase special insurance to fill the gaps that their homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover, but only if they realize those gaps exist.”
“Your home is probably your single largest investment – and if it’s damaged or destroyed by a hurricane, the effect is devastating,’’ added Melissa Burt DeVriese, Security First Insurance Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel.
Many Floridians know that parts of their houses are vulnerable but have no idea about financing options that could pay to strengthen or replace them. Floridians considered their windows the most vulnerable part of the home (36 percent), followed by roofs (33 percent) and flood-prone areas (23 percent). They said they would make home hardening improvements if they had the money, especially installing impact-resistant windows (6 in 10), wind-resistant roof shingles (4 in 10), and reinforced window and door frames (4 in 10).
“The time to upgrade vulnerable parts of a home is now, months before the next storm season rolls around,” said Tat Granata, an executive with Florida Home Improvement Associates. “Homeowners can access an array of newer products, like impact-resistant windows, that can greatly improve a home’s safety profile.”
“Impact-resistant windows are designed to withstand the impact of 2x4s hitting them at 50 feet per second to simulate 140 mph wind speeds,” said Rod Miller, Senior Vice President for Custom Window Systems. “If your window is breached, it creates a pressure variance that could cause the roof to blow off your house.’’
Fewer than 1 in 10 (8 percent) are aware of the PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) program, an innovative tool that provides private financing to homeowners to make home hardening and energy efficient improvements through their property tax bills. While most were unaware of the PACE program, a majority (53 percent) said they would be interested in such a program. 
“Ygrene is focused on providing Floridians with an accessible and affordable way to make their homes more resilient,’’ said David Kelly, Ygrene SVP sales, national sales director. “With PACE, homeowners have a viable option to reduce their risk exposure to a major hurricane and save money in the process. It truly is a win-win for the Sunshine State.”
Four in 10 Floridians said they evacuated their homes during Hurricane Irma, but 1 in 4 say that after this hurricane season, they are less trusting that forecasts can predict where a specific hurricane will make landfall.
“We live in the hurricane capital of the United States,’’ said Erik Salna, Associate Director & Meteorologist for the International Hurricane Research Center at Florida International University. “Florida residents need to understand that’s the major hazard we need to be ready for and prepared for each and every hurricane season.’’
The survey, fielded in Dec. 5-10, has a margin of error of +/- 4.2%.
The National Hurricane Survival Initiative is sponsored by Security First Insurance, StormPeace, Florida Home Improvement Associates, Custom Window Systems, and Ygrene in partnership with the FAIR Foundation, the International Hurricane Research Center at Florida International University, the National Emergency Management Association, and The Salvation Army.

Gov. Scott: Florida Reemployment Tax Rate to Remain at its Lowest in 2018 for Third Year in a Row

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Gov. Rick Scott today announced that Florida businesses will continue to pay the lowest possible rate for reemployment taxes next year for the third year in a row. The minimum tax rate will remain at $7.00 per employee in 2018. As a result of Florida’s thriving economy, more than 60 percent of Florida’s employers will pay the minimum tax rate, which is the highest number of employers at the lowest reemployment tax rate since 2004. The $7.00 per employee minimum tax rate for 2018 is down from a high of $120.80 per employee in 2012. Since 2012, Florida businesses have had their reemployment tax reduced by more than 94 percent, resulting in a savings of more than $4.9 billion.
Gov. Scott said, “By keeping the reemployment tax low, we are putting more money back into the hands of job creators so they can invest in their businesses. This continued low rate is another example of the steps we are taking to make Florida number one in the nation for job growth and opportunities.”
Florida businesses pay the reemployment tax as a percentage of the first $7,000 in wages for each employee. Reemployment taxes, or taxes on payroll, fund Florida’s Reemployment Assistance Trust Fund. Florida’s strong economy and private-sector job growth has allowed the state to dramatically reduce the minimum reemployment tax rate. As a result, this year’s trust fund is robust and the reemployment tax rate will remain low for 2018.
Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Businesses are confident in Florida’s economic climate and continue to create jobs for hardworking citizens. Our strong trust fund allows for a lower tax rate for a majority of businesses. This allows businesses to reinvest these savings. Florida remains the best state in the nation to live, work and do business.”
More information about the Reemployment Assistance tax rate can be found here.