Florida News Straight From the Source
Walmart today unveiled a new associate education benefit designed to remove barriers to college enrollment and graduation. The program reflects the company’s commitment to train and educate workers to advance in the jobs of today — and the future. [Read more…] about UF to partner with Walmart in new education benefit for associates
Today, Governor Rick Scott visited Hall Hardware in West Palm Beach, where he spoke about the beginning of the 2018 Hurricane Season and how important it is to be prepared. He highlighted the disaster preparedness sales tax holiday that will begin this Friday, June 1st and go through June 7th. During this holiday, Floridians will not pay sales tax on flashlights, batteries, generators, and other critical supplies needed to stay prepared during a disaster.
This holiday will save Florida families $5.8 million. Since Governor Scott has been in office, taxes have been cut nearly 100 times, saving Florida families over $10 billion.
To see a list of disaster preparedness items that are tax free June 1st through 7th, CLICK HERE.
Who: FDOT PIO, I-4 Ultimate PIO
What: Westbound I-4 shift between Gore Street and Orange Blossom Trail (U.S. 17-92/441)
Where: On newly constructed westbound I-4 bridge over Kaley Avenue
When: Wednesday, May 30
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Please see attachment or call the FDOT PIO office, Jessica Ottaviano 386-479-6369 /[email protected].
Safety gear is required for this event. This is an active construction zone. All media in attendance must have attended a prior safety orientation and are required to be in full PPE (this includes photographers as well), which includes:
Construction activities will require a temporary nighttime closure and detour of U.S. 92 eastbound (International Speedway Boulevard) near the Interstate 95 (I-95) interchange on Tuesday night. Also, the I-95 northbound Exit 260C/U.S. 92 (International Speedway Boulevard) ramp will be closed with a detour on Wednesday night.
Detours will be well marked. Travelers are advised to slow down, and follow the detour signs through construction zones. Posted detours are:
Please note construction schedules may change due to weather or other circumstances, and if this happens, the closures may be rescheduled for Wednesday or Thursday nights. Updates will be available on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Central Florida website, http://www.CFLRoads.com.
Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT Communications Office at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].
FDOT advises drivers to slow down and use extra caution in construction zones.
Following Subtropical Storm Alberto, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is reminding Floridians to prepare for the 2018 hurricane season, which officially begins June 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts another above-average hurricane season.
“As Floridians, we understand the threat of hurricane season all too well,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “It’s imperative that Floridians have a plan in place to protect their families, homes and businesses this hurricane season. Floridians should take advantage of the hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday that begins June 1.”
Floridians can take the following steps to prepare for the 2018 hurricane season:
In addition to these tips, it is crucial to have an adequate supply of food and water during a disaster.
During an emergency, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides necessary food and water to affected areas and helps protect animals and pets. The department’s Florida Forest Service is responsible for incident management and assists emergency responders in clearing debris and distributing supplies. Additionally, the department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement provides law enforcement services to police departments and county sheriff’s offices as necessary.
For more information and tips on hurricane preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of seven individuals for operating a complex shoplifting scheme. The theft ring targeted specific items sold at several major retail stores. Antoun Arbaji, the principal codefendant and his girlfriend, oversaw two crews of large-scale shoplifters led by female counterparts responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars of stolen goods. Six of the arrestees have lengthy criminal histories rendering them eligible for prosecution as habitual offenders, facing up to life in prison.
According to the investigation, the defendants entered Publix, Target, Walmart and Winn-Dixie retail stores in a coordinated effort to fill empty plastic totes or suitcases with merchandise, including expensive items, and walked out of the store. If approached by store management the defendants would abandon the property and flee. When the theft ring successfully stole items, they would attempt to sell the stolen goods online.
In total, the defendants are responsible for more than 100 incidents, often for several thousand dollars each, in Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
The following defendants are facing charges related to the theft ring:
Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute this case.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office: (904) 823-0166
Cell: (904) 501-6053
WHAT – An awards ceremony to present Camp Blanding with the national-level Military Conservation Partner Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
WHEN – 10:30 – 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, May 30. Media must arrive at the front gate no later than 10 a.m. in order to be escorted onto the installation. Late arrivals cannot be guaranteed an escort.
WHERE – Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, near Starke, Florida.
The Military Conservation Partner Award is given annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in recognition of a military installation that has accomplished outstanding work in cooperation with the Service to promote conservation on military lands over the previous year. Mr. Michael Oetker, the Acting Regional Director (Southeast), will present the award to Camp Blanding military leadership.
MEDIA: Please RSVP to one of the numbers listed above if you plan to attend.
Today, Governor Rick Scott visited the Walton County Emergency Operations Center in Defuniak Springs where he spoke with emergency management officials and law enforcement about Subtropical Storm Alberto.
Joined by CFO Jimmy Patronis, he discussed the importance of hurricane preparedness and the upcoming tax holiday this weekend. He also thanked the Walton County Emergency Operations Center staff for their hard work and dedication during the storm.
To view the video, CLICK HERE.
Today, the Manny Diaz Campaign announced the endorsement of Senator Rene Garcia, who currently holds the District 36 seat in the Florida Senate that Diaz is seeking. Diaz has represented District 103 in the Florida House of Representatives since 2012. Garcia joins a number of other key Miami-Dade leaders in backing Diaz’s candidacy.
[Read more…] about Rene Garcia Endorses Diaz
Today, the Tommy Gregory Campaign announced the endorsement of former U.S. Senator Connie Mack, who represented Florida for two terms. Gregory continues to consolidate the support of area Republican leaders in his run for the District 73 seat in the Florida House of Representatives, currently held by Joe Gruters, who is running for the Florida Senate.
