New material has been posted to the Supreme Court website in:
- Michelle Rhea v. Hernando School Board (answer briefs of Hernando & Seminole County school boards in testing “opt out” case)
Follow the links at: http://www.floridasupremecourt.org.
Attorney General Bondi Continues Efforts to Shut Down Tech Scams
Attorney General Pam Bondi today announced the filing of three complaints, including one filed jointly with the Federal Trade Commission, against companies allegedly involved in the operation of tech support scams. Tech support scams trick consumers into believing their computers are infected with viruses and malware in an effort to bilk users out of hundreds of dollars.
“Tech support scams prey on people’s fear of losing important work, family photos or sensitive identification information. Using that fear, scammers trick thousands of consumers in to paying millions of dollars to fix problems that never existed,” said Attorney General Bondi. “These scams will not be tolerated in Florida and that is why we are bringing more cases against more tech support scammers than any other state in the country—to protect consumers and recover money for victims.”
These recent scams all involve similar tactics targeting consumers by using pop-up ads disguised as computer virus alerts that instruct consumers to call a number for help. This number connects callers to a sales agent at a call center who allegedly confirms the computer is infected and in need of services. The scammers exploit consumers’ fears about computer viruses, malware, hackers and other security threats, to ultimately convince them to purchase unnecessary and costly technical support services or software products.
Attorney General Bondi’s Office alleges that the following companies are in violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act:
- GoReadyCalls Marketing, LLC, A.E.A. Worldwide, LLC, Capital Investments, LLC, Cutting Edge Outlook, LLC, Kradanomic Solutions, LLC, Secure It Digital Solutions, LLC, Software Pros, LLC, Teamkeen, LLC, Us Software Experts, LLC, Us Software Pros, LLC, Wizard Tech Solutions, LLC, Adam Lennox, Evan Keen;
- Learn More Media, Inc. and Elesha Aflalo; and
- Vylah Tec LLC d/b/a Vtec Support, Express Tech Help LLC, Tech Crew Support LLC, Angelo Cupo, Dennis Cupo and Robert Cupo.
Each complaint orders the freezing of assets, seeks immediate access to the business premises and the appointment of a receiver. The complaints filed against Learn More Media Inc., GoReadyCalls Marketing, LLC and related entities and individuals, also seek preliminary and permanent injunctions, full consumer restitution, disgorgement of ill-gotten monies and attorneys’ fees and costs.
Attorney General Bondi’s Office and the Federal Trade Commission jointly filed the complaint against Vtec Support in the Middle District of Florida. Today, Attorney General Bondi joined representatives from the Federal Trade Commission in Tampa to announce a major national and international crackdown on tech support scams. To learn more about this multiagency law enforcement sweep, click here.
To view the three complaints filed by Attorney General Bondi’s Office click here, here and here.
Since November 2014, Attorney General Bondi’s Office has filed 12 actions against tech support scam operations, leading the nation in shutting down these bad actors.
Anyone who suspects unfair or deceptive business practices can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office online at MyFloridaLegal.com or call (866) 9-NO-SCAM.
Secretary Detzner Encourages Floridians to Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month in May
May is National Historic Preservation Month and an opportunity for Floridians across the state to celebrate the historically significant places in their community and the importance of preserving Florida’s rich history. Throughout the month, the Florida Department of State will continue to raise awareness of historic preservation in Florida and engage Floridians in exploring and appreciating the many historically significant places in our state.
“During National Historic Preservation Month, I invite all Florida residents and visitors to experience Florida’s historic sites to see firsthand how historic preservation benefits our economy and contributes to our understanding of our diverse heritage,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner.“Some of the nation’s most historically significant sites are located in the Sunshine State. I encourage all Floridians to join the Department of State in celebrating the preservation of Florida’s historic sites.”
Led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the theme for the National Historic Preservation Month campaign is #ThisPlaceMatters. The department joins the national effort to showcase ways in which we work year-round to protect, preserve and promote Florida’s historic places, including through the department’s Florida Heritage Trail publication series.
The Florida Heritage Trail publication series began in 1991 and helps to raise awareness of the state’s cultural and historical resources. Each publication offers profiles of significant individuals and identifies historical sites throughout Florida that are related to the topic being examined, such as the Civil War or Native American history.
The department has produced 15 Florida Heritage Trail publications which are all available online. A full list of Florida Heritage Trail publications is below.
- Black Heritage Trail
- British Heritage Trail
- Civil War Heritage Trail
- Cuban Heritage Trail
- Florida Historic Golf Trail
- French Heritage Trail
- Seminole Wars Heritage Trail
- Spanish Colonial Heritage Trail
- World War II Heritage Trail
- 1733 Spanish Galleon Trail
- Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail
- Florida’s Underwater Preserves
- Native American Heritage Trail
- Jewish Heritage Trail
- Women’s Heritage Trail
The department encourages Floridians to use these great resources to explore history and historic sites in their community and throughout Florida. As you visit historic sites near you, snap a picture and share your story using #ThisPlaceMatters on social media.
The department’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) has also launched a series of weekly contests on its Facebook page to highlight National Historic Landmarks and National Register properties in Florida. Prizes will be awarded to randomly selected individuals who correctly identify the historic site in each contest.
DHR continues to highlight the national Preservation 50 initiative, which recognizes 50 years of the National Historic Preservation Act and shines a light on the past, present and potential future achievements in historic preservation.
For a calendar of National Historic Preservation Month activities in Florida, please visit flheritage.com. To learn more about National Historic Preservation Month, please visit Savingplaces.org.
About The Division of Historical Resources
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, archaeological, and folk culture resources. The Division Director’s office oversees a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites; coordinates outreach programs such as the State Historic Markers program and the Florida Folklife program which identifies and promotes the state’s traditional culture. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The Division director serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of two Bureaus, archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information visit flheritage.com.
PSC Assists Hillsborough County Seniors During Older Americans Month
During May’s Older Americans Month, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is partnering with two Hillsborough County Senior Centers for events on Tuesday, May 16, 2017.
PSC representatives will distribute and discuss water and energy conservation information, assist eligible seniors in applying for the Lifeline Assistance discounted telephone service program, and educate against falling for utility-related scams.
The Hillsborough County events are scheduled for the following times and locations:
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Town N’ Country Senior Center
601 E. Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, Florida
1:00 p.m.
Oaks at Riverview Senior Center
101 E. Kirby Street
Tampa, Florida
About Older Americans Month
Since 1963, communities and agencies across the state and nation have joined in the annual Older Americans Month commemoration. The tradition shows the state’s commitment to celebrating the contributions and achievements of older Florida residents. For more information visit, https://oam.acl.gov/.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Weekend Closure on Taft Vineland Road
West Taft Vineland will be closed in both directions at the railroad crossing east of Sidney Hayes Road from 9 p.m. Friday, May 12, through 3 a.m. Monday, May 15.
During the closure, traffic will be directed to use South Orange Avenue, Fourth Street and Sidney Hayes Road as a detour. Detour signs will be placed throughout the area to direct drivers. Access to businesses will be maintained.
The closure is needed as part of SunRail’s Phase II South extension project, which will add approximately 17.2 miles of new rail line between the Sand Lake Road station in Orange County and the Poinciana station in Osceola County. The project also involves double tracking most of the corridor and improving grade crossings.
Please note that schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Updates can be found on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Central Florida website www.CFLRoads.com.
For construction-related questions, please contact Public Information Coordinator Carolyn Fitzwilliam at 407-637-7461 or by email at [email protected]. Media inquiries should be directed to Public Information Manager Steve Olson at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].
The Florida Department of Transportation urges motorists to use caution near all railroad crossings and when driving in areas with road construction. Please slow down and stay alert.
Attorney General Bondi and FTC to Hold News Conference in Tampa
MEDIA ADVISORY
Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Federal Trade Commission will be hosting a news conference on Friday, May 12, 2017 in Tampa. Attorney General Bondi will be announcing new and continued efforts to crack down on tech support scams in Florida and nationwide.
WHO: Attorney General Bondi and the Federal Trade Commission
WHAT: News Conference
WHEN: Friday, May 12, 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Florida Attorney General’s Office
3507 E Frontage Road
Suite # 325
Tampa, Fla. 33607
Weekend Closure on East Concord Street Approaching I-4 Announced
Concord Street will be closed in both directions at the railroad crossing between North Orange Avenue and North Garland Avenue from 9 p.m. Friday, May 12, to 3 a.m. Monday, May 15. The closure is necessary to replace the crossing, including construction of new concrete panels and asphalt approaches.
The closure will affect traffic trying to access the on ramp to I-4 westbound from Concord Street. Traffic traveling toward I-4 on Concord Street will be directed to turn left onto North Orange Avenue, right onto Amelia Street, right onto North Garland Avenue to the entrance ramp. Detour route signage will be placed at key locations in the area to direct drivers around the work zone. Access to businesses will be maintained.
The crossing replacement is part of project to improve the tracks and grade crossings within the existing SunRail corridor from the DeBary Station in Volusia County to the Sand Lake Road Station in Orange County.
Please note that schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Updates can be found on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Central Florida website www.CFLRoads.com. For construction-related questions, please contact Public Information Coordinator Carolyn Fitzwilliam at 407-637-7461 or by email at [email protected]. Media inquiries should be directed to Public Information Manager Steve Olson at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].
The Florida Department of Transportation urges motorists to use caution near all railroad crossings and when driving in areas with road construction. Please slow down and stay alert.
Governor Scott to Sign Lake Okeechobee Legislation
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, May 12, Governor Rick Scott will host a ceremonial bill signing for SB 10, which helps protect Florida’s environment by authorizing the building of a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee.
WHAT: Bill Signing
WHEN: 10:00 AM
WHERE: Miami Canal-John Stretch Park
47000 State Road 80
Lake Harbor, Florida 33459
Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform Legislative Report
The Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform (CCJR) mobilized this session to address decades of failed “tough-on-crime” policies that have caused the state’s prison population to balloon by more than 1,000 percent since 1970.
Partners from more than a dozen organizations along the political spectrum, as well as citizens with personal stories to tell lawmakers, educated legislators and their staffers on the pressing need for criminal justice reform in the Sunshine State. Several states, including many of our Southern neighbors, have approved reforms that resulted in lower incarceration and taxpayer savings while maintaining public safety.
An Important First Step
Data is critical to making informed decisions and we applaud the Florida Legislature’s funding of $300,000 for criminal justice research. The CCJR anticipates a working group will review that research and recommend substantive criminal justice reform measures for the 2018 Legislative Session.
No Profiting from Mugshots / Sealing Arrest Records
Legislators banned the practice of publishing an arrestee’s mugshot then soliciting removal of the photo for a fee. In addition, criminal history records of an arrest or incident of alleged criminal activity that resulted in a dismissal, acquittal, or not guilty verdict will be administratively sealed. Arrest records can prevent individuals from obtaining jobs and leading productive lives, and this legislation will help ensure that arrests do not taint an individual’s future prospects.
Standards for Eyewitness Identification
The Innocence Project of Florida reports that eyewitness misidentification was the cause behind 64 percent of the Florida cases in which DNA evidence later exonerated the defendant. The Eyewitness Identification Reform Act approved this session should prevent such tragic errors in justice. This legislation creates procedures for state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies to follow when they have in-person or photo lineups for an eyewitness to identify a suspect. These procedures require the use of a lineup administrator who is unaware of which person in a live lineup is the suspect. For photo lineups, the procedures prohibit the photo administrator from knowing which of the photographs presented to the eyewitness is of the suspect. Live lineups are prohibited if an independent lineup administrator is not available.
Florida’s Criminal Justice Future
Florida today imprisons approximately 100,000 people, costing taxpayers $2.3 billion annually – more than the state allocates for higher education. One out of every 104 people is currently locked up, giving Florida the ninth highest incarceration rate in the country. In addition, one out of 54 residents is under some kind of supervision by the criminal justice system.
This is untenable for Florida’s future. Over the next several months, the CCJR will continue to advocate across the state for smart solutions and prepare to work during the 2018 Legislative Session to end over-criminalization and over-incarceration while not compromising public safety.
Florida Realtors Education Foundation Awards $166,000 in Scholarships
Hearing “the check is in the mail,” is welcome news to 104 well-deserving young people who live in communities across Florida. Why? These students — high school graduates about to enter their first year of college and others already enrolled in a college or university — have received scholarships through the Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Inc.
A not-for-profit corporation established by the state Realtor association, the Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Inc. provides real estate-related educational scholarships. The Foundation’s Board of Directors awarded $166,000 in scholarships to help pay for higher education expenses for 104 young people in the 2017-2018 school year. All recipients are Florida residents and will be attending community colleges, four-year universities, graduate programs or law schools both in state and out-of-state. Some students wish to pursue careers in real estate.
“Over the past eight years, the Florida Realtors Education Foundation Student Scholarship Program has helped 790 young people realize their dreams for the future by continuing their education,” said Vince Price, chairman of Florida Realtors Education Foundation Inc. “We’re proud to provide much-needed financial support to families often struggling to pay for their children’s college dreams. These student scholarships are one way that Realtors across the state give back to the community. It’s our investment in the future.”
Since the program’s inception, Florida Realtors has awarded a total of $1,306,300 in scholarship funding, which helped 790 students go to college or university, Price said.
Scholarship recipients are enrolled at institutions of higher learning throughout the state, such as University of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of Tampa, Florida International University, Florida Southern College, Flagler College and the University of South Florida, as well as other colleges throughout the U.S., including Brown University, Clemson University, Howard University and Stanford University, to name just a few. A variety of criteria was considered for successful applicants including: academic achievements, financial need, relationship to the Realtor family and contributions to family, school and community.
Florida Realtors ® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 165,000 members in 55 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org.
