Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that residents in and around Osceola County can now visit the Osceola County Tax Collector’s Office to apply for or renew their concealed weapon licenses. Osceola County Tax Collector Bruce Vickers is the 51st tax collector to partner with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services since Commissioner Putnam implemented this first-of-its-kind partnership in 2014.
“By expanding our partnership with county tax collectors, we’re able to provide a more convenient way for citizens to apply for or renew their concealed weapon licenses,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “I thank Osceola County Tax Collector Bruce Vickers for his hard work to offer the most efficient process possible to Floridians seeking a concealed weapon license.”
The partnership allows tax collectors to receive applications, take fingerprints and photographs and send the information to the department to process the request for a concealed weapon license. Tax collector offices also offer on-site, same-day printing of renewal licenses for eligible Floridians.
The 51 tax collectors participating in both the application and renewal process for concealed weapon licenses include the following counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gulf, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Walton, Wakulla and Washington.
Consumers can still apply for or renew a concealed weapon license via mail or at one of the department’s eight regional offices in the following locations: Doral, Fort Walton, Jacksonville, North Port, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Consumers can also renew their licenses online. Concealed weapon licenses are valid for seven years.
To further enhance convenience, Commissioner Putnam announced in June that the fee to apply for or renew a concealed weapon license was lowered for the third time. Additionally, the department expedites concealed weapon license applications for all active military members and veterans. To date, nearly 90,000 active military members and veterans have received expedited concealed weapon licenses.
For more information on Florida concealed weapon licenses, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
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Statement from American Senior Alliance on Constitutional Proposal
American Senior Alliance’s Executive Director, Conwell Hooper issued this statement regarding Constitution Revision Commission proposal (0088) risking quality care in long term care facilities
American Senior Alliance has deep concerns that the proposal recently introduced by Constitution Revision Commission member Brecht Heuchan would threaten access to quality nursing home care in Florida. As a nonprofit organization representing seniors, including those who reside in nursing homes, we’re always on the lookout for proposals that impact the stability of our nation’s long term care sector.
Heuchen’s proposal appears to outline more ways to sue nursing homes than ensure residents have access to the care and services they need. Adding those types of provisions to Florida’s Constitution is not only alarming, but also counterproductive to what is best for a state that has made great strides in improving nursing home care over the last decade.
Florida has the nation’s highest share of seniors. As these citizens continue to age, we need to ensure nursing homes will be able to continue to provide quality care at a level that is among the best in the nation. Lawsuits drive up costs for residents and divert financial resources away from facilities’ ability to make improvements that will meet consumer demand. Nursing home residents are far better off when facilities have enough resources to provide important services or make improvements that will enhance quality of life.
Mr. Heuchan’s proposal will do absolutely nothing to improve long term care in the state of Florida or to ensure resources will be there for our senior citizens. We truly hope the Constitution Revision Commissioner sees Commissioner Heuchan’s ill-advised proposal for what it is, a lawsuit fishing expedition that does nothing to support the future needs of our older Americans.
Senator Annette Taddeo rejects hate: 'We stand for Immigrant Rights across the state'
In a sharp rebuke to legislation currently poised for the 2018 legislative session that would wrest control from local governments on immigration policies, state Senator Annette Taddeo on Tuesday announced her intentions to rally support against HB9/SB308: Federal Immigration Enforcement.
“I have always believed in treating our immigrant community with dignity and respect,” said Senator Taddeo. “Immigrants are what make our country great. This bill would only terrorize our communities and put unwarranted responsibilities on our local law enforcement professionals. I condemn this bill and stand with our immigrant communities.”
The proposed bills would force local governments to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in ways that are not required by federal law. The measures would also force outrageous penalties on non-compliant municipalities and would grant the state government authority to strip an elected official from office. Bills remarkably similar to this one have been successfully challenged in court and would only cost taxpayers and embarrass the State of Florida if passed, Senator Taddeo added.
Promising to work with her colleagues in the Florida Legislature to call attention to the egregious nature of these bills, Senator Taddeo noted that Florida’s history has been defined by people migrating to our state and achieving greatness. “It is going to take all of our leaders on both sides of the aisle to be an example to the rest of the country on what it means to champion our immigrant communities,” she said.
Two players claim $1 million prizes playing $5,000,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game
The Florida Lottery announces that Carissa Nadeau, 40, of West Palm Beach; and Carol Showman, 63, of Eustis, each claimed a $1 million prize in the $5,000,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. Both winners chose to receive their winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $745,000.00.
Nadeau purchased her winning ticket from P.T. Express Grocery, located at 2843 Lake Worth Road in Lake Worth. Showman purchased her winning ticket from Centerhill Food Mart, located at 75 East Kings Highway in Center Hill. The retailers will each receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off tickets.
The $20 game, $5,000,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER, features six top prizes of $5 million, 30 prizes of $1 million, and more than $752 million in total cash prizes! This $20 game offers more than 16.8 million winning tickets, and overall odds of winning are one-in-2.99.
Scratch-Offs are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in FY 2016-17, and comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales.
Florida PSC Approves Gulf Power’s Renewable Energy Purchase
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved Gulf Power Company’s (Gulf) renewable energy contract with Bay County. Under the six-year contract, Gulf will purchase all the electricity produced by the Bay County Resource Recovery Facility, a municipal solid waste plant.
“Gulf’s renewable energy purchase promotes Florida’s fuel diversity, further reducing our dependency on natural gas,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “This renewable energy option also reduces landfill waste, saves customers money, and serves the public interest.”
Beginning in July 2017, the contract provides for Gulf to purchase the facility’s 13.65 megawatts of renewable generation for its customers at a fixed price that is expected to save approximately $250,000. The energy-only contract provides security for customers since Gulf pays only for the energy produced; if the plant fails to provide energy, no payment is due.
As required by rule, the PSC considered Gulf’s need for power, and the contract’s cost-effectiveness, payment provisions, and performance guarantees in making today’s decision. This is the third renewable energy contract between Gulf and Bay County, continuing contracts approved in 2008 and 2014. The Bay County Resource Recovery Facility is located in Panama City.
For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.
Record Breaking Drug Take Back Day
Attorney General Pam Bondi is highlighting last month’s record breaking National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On Oct. 28, 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration collected 912,305 pounds of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs across the country. As part of the Drug Take Back Day Program, Americans are encouraged to empty their medicine cabinets of expired or unnecessary drugs and turn this medicine into participating collection sites nationwide for proper disposal.
“Being in the midst of the deadly opioid epidemic, I am encouraged and proud that so many Americans are stepping up to prevent drug abuse,” said Attorney General Bondi. “I want to thank Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the hard-working men and women at the DEA and everyone who answered the call to action to enable this record amount of prescription drugs to be disposed of properly—and not used to exacerbate the national opioid epidemic.”
In Florida alone, individuals turned in more than 26,000 pounds of prescription drugs to 155 collection sites.
According to the DEA, since starting Prescription Drug Take Back Days in 2010, the agency has collected more than 9 million unused drugs through the nationwide program.
The next Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held on April 28, 2018.
Camp Blanding Veterans Day Ceremony
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: Camp Blanding Joint Training Center will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.
WHERE: Camp Blanding Museum & Memorial Park, near the main gate – 5629 State Rd. 16 West, Starke, Fla. 32091
The Camp Blanding Museum will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony honoring those who served our nation. The event is hosted by Colonel Daniel (Matt) Johnson, the Commander of Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, and the featured speakers for the event are Mr. Ken Detzner, Secretary of State of Florida and Brig. Gen. Trey Chauncey, Assistant Adjutant General – (Army) Training, Installations & Programs, Florida Army National Guard.
The ceremony is free and open to the public and will be held in the memorial park. All veterans present will be recognized for their service.
Governor Scott and Florida Cabinet Issue Resolution Recognizing Veterans Day
Recognizes More Than 60 Florida Veterans
with Governor’s Veterans Service Medal
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet issued the following resolution recognizing November 11, 2017 as Veterans Day. Governor Scott also recognized more than 60 veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to Florida and the nation.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to issue this resolution recognizing Veteran’s Day as we honor those who have served our great nation. Florida is committed to being the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation. As a veteran myself, I think it is so important to thank our courageous veterans for their service defending our country’s freedom.”
Colonel Glenn Sutphin, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “On this Veterans Day, we ask you to pause, reflect and thank our state’s more than 1.5 million veterans who have defended the principles upon which our country was founded. From our network of award-winning state veterans’ homes to connecting veterans to their earned benefits and services, Florida is the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, for more than two centuries, individuals from all walks of life have taken up arms and sworn an oath to support and defend the principles upon which our country was founded; and
WHEREAS, throughout our history, courageous men and women have donned the uniform of our Armed Forces and built a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service to our Nation; and
WHEREAS, Veterans Day has been set aside as both a national and state holiday to honor those American patriots who answered the call of duty, preserving our freedoms and often making the ultimate sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those heroic men and women who served, were wounded, or even died in battle; and
WHEREAS, the unwavering commitment of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Merchant Mariners has preserved our freedoms and saved millions around the world from tyranny; and
WHEREAS, we continue to draw inspiration from the heroism and dedication of those who currently serve and sacrifice for the cause of liberty and justice; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that all Floridians honor America’s military veterans, including Florida’s more than 1.5 million living veterans, through whose selfless service and sacrifice we enjoy freedom and liberty.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby recognize November 11, 2017, as
VETERANS DAY
and call upon all Floridians to honor the contributions of current and former members of the United States Armed Services.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida encourage citizens to participate in local Veterans Day activities honoring the men and women who have stood watch over America.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 7th day of November 2017.
RICK SCOTT
GOVERNOR
PAM BONDI
ATTORNEY GENERAL
JIMMY PATRONIS
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ADAM. H. PUTNAM
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE
Commissioner Adam Putnam Recognizes Operation Outdoor Freedom, Honors Veterans at Florida Cabinet Meeting
Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, CFO Jimmy Patronis
and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam with Operation Outdoor
Freedom program members and OOF State Program Coordinator David Hunt
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam recognized the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service’s Operation Outdoor Freedom program during today’s meeting of the Governor and Cabinet.
Operation Outdoor Freedom is administered by the Florida Forest Service and provides wounded veterans with recreational outdoor activities, such as guided canoe rides, hunts and fishing trips, free of charge. The program has hosted more than 3,200 veterans at more than 400 outdoor events.
Veterans can register for Operation Outdoor Freedom events here. For more information about how Operation Outdoor Freedom is working to honor Florida’s veterans and how to get involved, visit OperationOutdoorFreedom.com.
Tallahassee woman claims first top prize in new $500,0000 HOLIDAY CASH Scratch-Off game
Pamela Yeomans poses with her son and oversized check after
claiming a top prize in the $500,000 HOLIDAY CASH Scratch-Off game.
The Florida Lottery announces that Pamela Yeomans, 41, of Tallahassee, claimed a top prize in the $500,000 HOLIDAY CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She purchased her winning ticket from Maxwell’s Grocery, located at 9002 Mahan Drive in Tallahassee.
The new $5 Scratch-Off game, $500,000 HOLIDAY CASH, launched on October 23, and offers more than three million winning tickets, with 118 prizes from $10,000 to $500,000! Overall odds of winning are one-in-4.07.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2016-17.
