Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Aaron William Timm, 31, of 5310 Overbrook Drive in Milton, Florida, for 28 counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
FDLE agents executed a search warrant at the residence on July 26, 2017, and the investigation determined that Timm had uploaded multiple child pornography images. The Search Warrant stemmed from two cyber tips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding multiple child pornography images which were uploaded to Timm’s e-mail account.
Timm was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail. Additional charges are pending a full forensic review of the items seized at the residence. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 1st Judicial Circuit.
Please visit the Secure Florida website to review tips for keeping your children safe online,
Following Delay on S.B. 10, Mast Requests Information From Army Corps
Army Corps Requested 30-Day Extension to August 1 Deadline
to Begin Working with South Florida Water Management District
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requesting an “immediate meeting with you to discuss the options the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are considering” to implement Florida State Senate Bill 10 (S.B. 10). He also requested monthly status updates on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ involvement in the project.
The letter follows a request by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a 30-day extension to respond to South Florida Water Management District’s June 24, 2017 invitation to participate in the development of a post authorization change report for the southern water storage reservoir authorized in S.B. 10. The legislation set a deadline for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and South Florida Water Management District to start working together by August 1, 2017.
The text of the letter is below.
July 27, 2017
Colonel Jason A. Kirk
District Commander
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
701 San Marco Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Dear Colonel Kirk:
Last summer the Treasure Coast experienced environmental disaster firsthand. As a result of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ discharges from Lake Okeechobee, guacamole-thick algae plagued our community, threatened public health, decimated local businesses and killed wildlife.
Since the moment I was sworn into Congress, I have been working to ensure this does not happen again. In addition to my work in Congress, I advocated passionately for the passage of Florida State Senate Bill 10 (S.B. 10) to construct a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. The passage of S.B. 10 was a landmark achievement for our community. You can understand, therefore, why I was disappointed to learn of your request for a 30-day extension in responding to South Florida Water Management District’s request to work together on the project.
I respect the importance of exploring all possible options before reaching a decision, and I appreciate your desire to be thorough. From my time in the Army, however, I also understand the importance of meeting deadlines. The bottom line is our community has waited long enough.
In your July 24, 2017 letter, you stated that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is “working through multiple options for the next steps.” Therefore, I am requesting an immediate meeting with you to discuss the options the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are considering and the issues you are working through. Furthermore, I request a monthly status update on the progress of this project for the duration of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ involvement.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this issue. I look forward to working together on this supremely important project.
Respectfully,
Brian J. Mast
Member of Congress
Gov. Scott: New Proposal Will Prohibit Florida from Doing Business with Maduro Regime
Florida Stands with the Venezuelan People Against
Upcoming Maduro Controlled Constituent Assembly
Governor Rick Scott released details regarding his proposal to the Trustees of the Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) that will prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the Maduro regime. The Governor reiterated that he stands against Nicolas Maduro’s upcoming plans to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution to further empower his dictatorship through a Constituent Assembly on July 30th.
Governor Scott said, “The atrocities happening at the hands of the brutal and oppressive Maduro regime are unspeakable. I have heard firsthand from Floridians about the need for change in Venezuela. Prohibiting the Florida State Board of Administration from making investments that support Nicolas Maduro is a big step in the right direction, and we must continue to find ways to bring freedom and democracy to Venezuela. I am encouraged by the Trump administration’s sanctions against the Maduro regime this week. President Trump’s swift actions on this issue are welcomed and I look forward to working with our federal and state partners to support democracy in Venezuela.
“Nicolas Maduro’s attempt to rewrite Venezuela’s constitution and take power away from his citizens is reprehensible. This brash attempt, which completely disregards the will of the people, will not be tolerated. Floridians stand with our fellow Americans for freedom and democracy in Venezuela and all Latin America.
“I look forward to working with the SBA on this important proposal and I will work with the Florida Legislature during the next legislative session to take more action against Maduro and his gang of thugs.”
Governor Scott’s proposal that will be considered by the trustees of the State Board of Administration on August 16th prohibits the SBA from doing business with Venezuela in the following ways:
- The SBA will be prohibited from investing in any securities issued by the Government of Venezuela.
- The SBA will be prohibited from investing in any company that is majority owned by the Government of Venezuela.
- The SBA will be completely prohibited from participating in any vote or resolution that advocates or supports the Maduro regime.
- The SBA will be completely prohibited from doing business with any financial institution or U.S. company which directly, or through a subsidiary, and in violation of federal law, makes any loan, extends credit of any kind or character, advances funds in any manner, or purchases or trades any goods or services in or with the Government of Venezuela.
DCF Encourages Parental Engagement as School Year Approaches
As summer break transitions back into the school routine, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) encourages parents to be engaged in the attention and time given to children by taking a few steps to maximize your time. Being vigilant and intentional in parenting young children promotes effective habits and trust within the family dynamic. One of the most important daily decisions a parent or caregiver can make for their children is a commitment to building strong and well-functioning family relationships. The more time spent with a child, the more meaningful the relationship can become.
“Our lives can often be filled with deadlines and distractions that sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “However, we are never too busy to close our laptop, put down our phones, and make time for our children. This precious time spent with them not only validates a parent’s unconditional love and support, but also teaches children important principles they can carry with them throughout their lives.”
There are a variety of simple and easy tools parents can use to become more purposeful, including:
- Engage with your child. Make time to play with them, help with homework, and stimulate their minds. Your presence alone is beneficial to their development.
- Create a safe environment. Talk to your child about strangers, drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, and other influencers they may encounter in their lives and how to appropriately react in these situations.
- Establish consistency. Children, like many of us, handle change best if it is expected and becomes part of the context of a familiar routine. Structure and routines teach children how to constructively control themselves and their environment.
- Create and share traditions. Teach your child about their family history. Have a family dinner night at least once a week so your child will know what to expect on this night.
- Provide support. Tell your child how proud you are of him/her. Embrace their uniqueness. Attend school events and extracurricular activities. Teach them trust.
- Screen time can be useful to the parent-child dynamic if utilized properly. Talk to your child about the show or movie you are watching to gauge their reactions, opinions, and thoughts, as well as relate the show to real-life lessons for your child to learn.
Focused parenting provides the foundation from which children grow. Once school begins, remember to ask children how their day at school was, engage in their take-home assignments, and let them know when they have accomplished a task to be proud of. For more information on parenting resources, click here and here.
Commissioner Putnam Applauds Governor Scott’s Support of Florida’s Law Enforcement Officers
Following Governor Rick Scott’s legislative budget proposal for $30 million more for state law enforcement pay raises, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement:
“Our state law enforcement officers deserve all the support we can give them, as they’ve achieved a 46-year crime low and face unprecedented challenges, such as the current opioid crisis.
“Our 240 law enforcement officers with the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement and their peers at other state law enforcement agencies deserve a raise. In order to recruit and retain the best law enforcement officers to keep Floridians and visitors safe, this is a much-needed step in the right direction. I thank Governor Scott for this proposal.”
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Gov. Scott to Propose $30 Million in Pay Raises for State Law Enforcement Agencies
Proposed Funding Would Double Current Year Investment
Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose $30 million in pay raises for state law enforcement agencies to use for officer recruitment and retention in his 2018-2019 recommended budget. Last month, Governor Scott signed SB 7022 to provide a five percent pay raise for Florida’s sworn state law enforcement officers. This $30 million would double that investment and be used to reward current sworn state law enforcement officers and continue to attract qualified officers. The Governor’s proposal will allow each state agency with sworn law enforcement to formulate their own pay raise plan to meet their specific needs. The Governor will announce his entire recommended budget before the beginning of next year’s legislative session.
Governor Scott said, “Today, I’m proud to announce that as part of my upcoming recommended budget, I will be proposing a $30 million investment in pay raises for our state law enforcement agencies to use for officer recruitment and retention. This $30 million in pay raises will help reward our hard-working state law enforcement officers and ensure we can continue to hire highly qualified and dedicated officers to keep Florida families safe for years to come. I know that each state agency has different needs, and this proposal allows them to provide pay raises to best suit their sworn law enforcement officers.
“As Governor, I have traveled the state and had the opportunity to meet firsthand with our brave law enforcement officers to hear incredible stories of their bravery and service. Our state law enforcement officers face danger every day, and they have protected our communities during some of our state’s most challenging times. I was proud to stand with the Florida Senate and Florida House this year to fight for the well-deserved five percent pay raise for sworn state law enforcement officers, but we cannot stop there. We must do everything we can to recognize our law enforcement and work to ensure that our state can recruit hard-working law enforcement officers to build on Florida’s 46-year crime low.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “We are grateful for Governor Scott’s continued support of Florida’s law enforcement community and his commitment to the safety of our Florida citizens. His proposal will help us continue to hire the best, and to better retain the talented agents we have already working for FDLE.”
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes said, “I am immensely proud of the life-saving work that the Florida Highway Patrol members do every day to protect the citizens and visitors of our state. Governor Scott is dedicated to ensuring the state has the necessary resources to recruit and retain state law enforcement, and I thank him for his proposal.”
Florida Highway Patrol Director Colonel Gene Spaulding said, “Every day, Florida Highway Patrol troopers leave the safety and comfort of their homes and families to protect and serve our great state. This funding proposal is a testament to their great sacrifice, and I thank Governor Scott for his continued commitment to our troopers and all of the state law enforcement officers.”
First Lady Ann Scott Concludes Summer Literacy Adventure
Tomorrow, July 27, First Lady Ann Scott will conclude the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure in Hobe Sound. During her visit, the First Lady will read to students from the Tree Top Academy of Palm Beach.
WHAT: Summer Literacy Adventure
WHEN: Thursday, July 27, 2017
10:00 – 11:00 am
WHERE: Jonathan Dickinson State Park
16450 SE Federal Hwy
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
Mast to Trump: Nominate Assistant Secretary to Oversee Army Corps
Mast Pushing Army Corps to Work on Southern Reservoir
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today sent a letter, joined by 32 other Members of Congress, to President Donald J. Trump calling on him to nominate a permanent Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to oversee the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Army Corps is currently overseen by an Acting Assistant Secretary who has not been confirmed by the Senate.
In the letter, Rep. Mast calls for the President to nominate “an outsider who recognizes the need for transformational change within the Corps, and who is willing to work with Congress to make those changes come to fruition.” Rep. Mast has been pushing the Army Corps to collaborate with South Florida Water Management District on implementing State Senate Bill 10 to build a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee.
The text of the letter is below.
July 26, 2017
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Trump,
As members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, we write in support of swift action to nominate an Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA-CW) to lead the critical missions of the Army Corps of Engineers – Civil Works (Corps).
The Corps has a significant role to play in rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure. The agency owns and operates more than 600 dams, operates and maintains 25,000 miles of commercial navigation channels, maintains more than 900 coastal and inland harbors, and is integrally involved in much of the regulatory processes that must be followed and completed before projects can move forward.
We believe that streamlining much of the Corps’ regulatory responsibilities can save taxpayers millions of dollars and help get projects off the ground and completed much more quickly. While Congress will have the opportunity to make such changes in statute, we embrace the opportunity to work with your administration and particularly a new ASA-CW to improve the implementation of existing regulations and permissions related to infrastructure projects.
We also have concerns that, under the previous administration, the Corps began to move away from its true missions, placing less priority on actually building projects and enabling private investment in infrastructure to move forward. It is therefore of great importance that the new ASA-CW is an outsider who recognizes the need for transformational change within the Corps, and who is willing to work with Congress to make those changes come to fruition.
We share your goal of making significant investments in our nation’s infrastructure, and look forward to working with you to that end. In order to ensure the most prudent and efficient use of taxpayer dollars on much of these critical investments, we respectfully ask that you move expeditiously to nominate an ASA-CW.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
Gov. Scott Attends Office Depot Foundation Back-to-School Celebration
Governor Rick Scott today attended the Office Depot Foundation Back-to-School Celebration to hand out backpacks and school supplies to students and parents for the 17th annual “National Backpack Program” event. Governor Scott also highlighted this year’s Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday starting Friday, August 4 and continuing through Sunday, August 6.
Governor Scott said, “I was proud to attend the Office Depot Foundation Back-to-School Celebration where they donated 6,000 backpacks to children in Miami. This year’s Fighting for Florida’s Future budget includes record per-student K-12 funding and a Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday which will save families more than $33 million on necessary school supplies so students can succeed in the classroom. We are working to ensure every child in Florida has the opportunity to get a great education and we look forward to their continued success in the upcoming school year.”
President of the Office Depot Foundation Mary Wong said, “It is our mission to make sure that every child has the right tools to achieve success in school. School is challenging enough on its own, and when you’re unable to come prepared with the basic essentials for learning, it’s nearly impossible. We want to give every kid a fair chance.”
The 2017 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Rick Scott. This sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 4, 2017, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2017. During this sales tax holiday, qualifying items will be exempt from tax including: certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and personal computers and certain computer-related accessories for $750 or less per item.
For more information and a list of qualifying items, please visit the Department of Revenue’s 2017 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday webpage.
CFO Patronis Invites Floridians to 2017 Unclaimed Property Auction in Fort Lauderdale
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis invites Floridians to participate in the 2017 Florida Unclaimed Property Auction. This public auction featuring the sale of nearly 50,000 individual items valued at more than $630,000 will be hosted Saturday, July 29, at the Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek in Fort Lauderdale. A public preview will be held Friday, July 28, at the Sheraton Suites hotel.
Featured items in this year’s auction include a 12-pound silver bar recovered from shipwreck Atocha, a vintage Wilt Chamberlain basketball card, 4.3-carat diamond earrings, and several high-end watches from brands such as Rolex, Chopard and Bulgari.
2017 Unclaimed Property Auction Preview
Date: Friday, July 28
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek
Address: 555 NW 62nd Street
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 32256
2017 Unclaimed Property Auction
Date: Saturday, July 29
Time: 10:00 a.m. (Registration opens at 8:00 a.m.)
Location: Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek
Address: 555 NW 62nd Street
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 32256
The unclaimed property auction features items from safe deposit boxes that have gone unclaimed for years despite exhaustive efforts to return them to their owners. Proceeds from the auction are deposited into the state’s education fund where they work to support Florida’s public school system. Should a property owner discover that he or she owned an item that was auctioned; however, the proceeds from the sale can be claimed any time at no cost.
For full details about this weekend’s auction, or to search for or claim unclaimed property, visit www.FLTreasureHunt.gov, or call 1-88-VALUABLE or 850-413-5555. A free catalog, which lists each item up for sale, is also available on the website.
