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Featured

Spritz Earns Endorsements From Three House Members

Posted on July 24, 2017

Representatives Byron Donalds, Alex Miller, and Bob Rommel say Matt Spritz has
the work ethic and conservative principles to be an outstanding House member.

The Matt Spritz Campaign today announced endorsements from three members of the Florida House of Representatives: Representatives Byron Donalds, Alex Miller, and Bob Rommel. Spritz is running for the District 89 seat, currently held by Bill Hager, who faces term limits in 2018.
“There’s no doubt Matt will be an outstanding legislator,” said Rommel. “As a former legislative aide, he has never shied away from hard work. He’s extremely dedicated to serving the public.”
“Matt is a dynamic individual with a deep understanding of the complex issues we are tackling in Tallahassee,” said Miller. “He has the right vision for how to move Florida forward.”
“Matt Spritz is a principled conservative,” said Donalds. “I very much look forward to serving with him in Tallahassee.”
Rommel and Donalds both represent Naples in the Florida House while Miller’s district includes part of Sarasota. All are Republicans and were elected in 2016.
“Representatives Donalds, Miller, and Rommel are outstanding legislators and community leaders,” said Spritz. “I am honored to have their support, and I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside dedicated conservatives like them in Tallahassee.”
Born and raised in South Florida, Spritz graduated Phi Beta Kappa with high honors from Emory University and from New York University School of Law in New York City. He practiced corporate and business law in New York City and later in South Florida before committing himself to public service in the Florida House.
House District 89 covers coastal portions of Palm Beach County spanning from Singer Island to Boca Raton, which has the largest concentration of voters. Thirty-six percent of registered voters in the district are Republicans, while Democrats make up 33 percent, and voters with minor or no party affiliation, 31 percent.

Paid by Matt Spritz, Republican, for State Representative

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Endorsements, Matt Spritz Campaign

FWC partners with Bienville Plantation to conduct bass tournament research

Posted on July 21, 2017

Pro anglers and industry stakeholders fished at a
simulated tournament to assist in research initiatives.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) partnered with the Bienville Plantation to host two simulated bass fishing tournaments to assist with an ongoing research initiative studying water quality in boat livewells during summer bass tournaments.
Bass caught during fishing tournaments are temporarily held in an angler’s boat livewell until time for the tournament weigh-in. Livewells are holding tanks in a boat that contain aerated water to keep bass healthy until they are released. There are many different livewell settings and management styles, so the FWC designed a research study to determine which combination of livewell settings and management styles provide the best water quality to keep the bass healthy prior to their release.
This tournament was the second of eight events that will contribute to this research initiative. Six additional events will be hosted at other sites throughout the state. This event took place on a 1,300-acre Bienville freshwater lake previously used for phosphate mining, so the lake varied in depth, water clarity, cover and structure. Twenty-two anglers participated in the event on 11 boats, each fishing for a five-fish limit. The largest bass caught weighed 7.3 pounds and the winning total weight was 18.66 pounds.
Fishing League Worldwide pro anglers Braxton Setzer and Joshua Weaver donated their time and talent to the study, along with anglers representing Bienville Plantation, Yo-Zuri, Shimano, Pitman Creek and the American Sportfishing Association.
Bienville Plantation is one of America’s most renowned hunting and fishing operations, catering to individuals as well as families and corporations. Located in White Springs, it offers activities such as quail hunting, guided bass fishing, duck hunting, alligator hunting, skeet, trap, 5-stand, fine dining and well-appointed lodging. For more information, visit Bienville.com.
For more information about this research initiative, email Amber Nabors at [email protected].                 

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: bass tournament research, Bienville Plantation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, MyFWC

Gov. Scott: Florida Unemployment Lowest in a Decade

Posted on July 21, 2017

Nearly 18,000 Jobs Created Across the State in June

Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.1 percent in June, the lowest rate since June 2007. Florida businesses created nearly 18,000 private-sector jobs in June, bringing the total number of new jobs added since December 2010 to 1,397,400. Florida’s annual private-sector job growth rate, which is 3.1 percent, has exceeded the nation’s rate, which is 1.7 percent, for 63 consecutive months. Governor Scott will also meet today with representatives of Allegiant Air at their Nevada headquarters to discuss the company’s continued investments in Florida. Since Allegiant Air chose Florida as the best location for their new East Coast Training Center last year, their base at Orlando Sanford International Airport has become the company’s largest in the United States. Allegiant Air is currently responsible for more than 15,000 direct jobs across the State of Florida.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest rate in 10 years and that nearly 18,000 new jobs were created for families across the state in June. Over the past six and a half years, we have tirelessly worked to cut more than $7 billion in taxes and reduce more than 5,000 burdensome regulations, which is helping job creators like Allegiant Air bring new opportunities to our state. Our newly established $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will keep Florida on track to becoming the national leader for job growth. I encourage businesses interested in growing in Florida to learn more about the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund today.”
As of June, Florida’s unemployment rate dropped 6.6 percentage points since December 2010, while the national rate declined by only 4.9 percentage points in the same time period. In the last year, 343,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 3.5 percent, while the national labor force growth rate is only 0.8 percent.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Florida’s unemployment rate has dropped below the nation’s and down to the lowest our state has seen in an entire decade. Thanks to our state’s pro-growth policies, Floridians have thrived and companies have become more confident. Together, we have made Florida the best place in the nation to live, work and play.”
Other positive economic indicators include:

  • Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year were:
    • Professional and business services with 47,800 new jobs;
    • Education and health services with 40,300 new jobs;
    • Trade, transportation and utilities with 35,600 new jobs
    • Leisure and hospitality with 33,500 new jobs; and
    • Construction with 32,400 new jobs.
  • Florida job postings showed 248,335 openings in June 2017.
  • In June Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards reported 22,977 Floridians, including 1,276 veterans, were placed in jobs.

To view the June 2017 employment data, click here.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Florida unemployment, Governor Rick Scott

FSU MAAPP Students Hosted Roundtable on Retaining Young Professionals

Posted on July 21, 2017

Community Leaders Joined Students in Discussion About Local Opportunities for Graduates

Florida State University Master of Applied American Politics and Policy students hosted a roundtable discussion today with local, state and federal leaders to discuss opportunities for young professionals in the Capital City. Applied educational programs, like the FSU MAAPP program, provide young professionals an opportunity to pursue a graduate degree while advancing in their careers.
“Politics is big business in Tallahassee and for more than 20 years FSU’s MAAPP program has been educating some of the brightest politicos in our state,” said Bob Crew, Ph.D. Director of FSU’s MAAPP Program. “We teach students working fulltime in the state legislature, executive branches, lobbying, communications and other important areas of the political process—often providing more incentive for these young professionals to pursue lifelong careers in Tallahassee.”
“Tallahassee’s colleges and universities are a rich source of creativity and innovation, and as the Congressman for Florida’s fifth district, I am dedicated to working with academic, city and community leaders to ensure these creative minds have opportunities in our area once they graduate, said Congressman Al Lawson. “Attracting and retaining young professionals helps foster new ideas and entrepreneurship – which in turn, benefits Tallahassee’s economy.”
“Tallahassee NYP’s mission is to help make our city a great place to live, work, play and stay by highlighting and cultivating some of the great amenities the city has to offer young professionals,” said Mukadam. “I am grateful that so many leaders in our community are focused on efforts to ensure talented young professionals have an opportunity to thrive in the Capital City.”
Congressman Al Lawson, Leon County Commissioner John Dailey, Tallahassee City Commissioner Curtis Richardson, Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals President Brittany Mukadam, Chair of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Talent Initiative Berneice Cox, Tallahassee Democrat President Skip Foster and FSU students participated in the panel discussion held at City Hall.
Tallahassee is home to three colleges and universities, and according to 2010 census data, more than 30,000 residents ages 18 – 25. Recent additions like College Town, enhancements in Midtown and the revamping of the Tallahassee Mall are just a few examples of efforts to attract and retain young professionals. The city and local nonprofits continue to explore innovative ways to grow opportunities for new graduates and young professionals.
The MAAPP program is a terminal Master of Science degree designed for those who seek active careers in a number of political fields: Campaigns, Fundraising, Political Communications, Lobbying, Legislative Affairs, etc. Unlike the traditional graduate program in Political Science, which is designed for individuals with career paths in academia and research, MAAPP offers practical experience and a diverse set of skills for those interested in careers as political operatives. Florida State University’s MAAPP program has two distinct advantages over other political science programs of this type: flexible enrollment options including evening courses for students holding full-time jobs during the day, and the significant political networks available due to our location in Tallahassee, the capital city of the third-largest state in the U.S.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: FSU MAAPP, Roundtable, young professionals

Nelson Urges Administration to Act on Fee Refunds for Delayed Bags

Posted on July 20, 2017

More than a year after Congress passed a law requiring airlines to issue prompt fee refunds for delayed bags, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) wants to know why it’s taking so long for the administration to act.
In a letter sent today to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Nelson called on her to immediately issue rules needed to carry out the law.
“As we enter the heart of the summer travel season, each further day of delay causes substantial consumer harm,” Nelson wrote. “I urge you to act now to give the flying public the protections they were promised in last year’s FAA extension.”
The FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act, which passed Congress and was signed into law in July 2016, gave the Department of Transportation (DOT) one year to develop rules requiring fee refunds for delayed luggage and mandated a review of airline family seating policies. Specifically, the law required DOT to adopt rules requiring the airlines to issue prompt baggage fee refunds when checked luggage is not delivered within 12 hours after the arrival of a domestic flight or 15 hours after the arrival of an international flight. Additionally, it mandated that DOT review current airline policies on family seating and, if appropriate, require them to seat families with children under the age of 13 together.
According to DOT statistics cited by Nelson, the top 13 U.S. airlines collected at least $4.2 billion last year in baggage fees – resulting in passengers being charged as much as $11.4 million per day in bag fees.
Below is the text of Nelson’s letter to Secretary Chao.

July 20, 2017

The Honorable Elaine C. Chao
Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20590
Dear Secretary Chao:
I write today regarding the status of regulations that were due by July 16, 2017, implementing two critical aviation consumer protections contained in last year’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) extension.
As you know, the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 passed Congress last year with broad bipartisan support. In addition to extending the FAA’s operating authority for one year, the bill also contained two provisions designed to help commercial air travelers. The first provision (Section 2305) generally required automated refunds for any baggage fees when checked luggage is not delivered within 12 hours after the arrival of a domestic flight or 15 hours after the arrival of an international flight. The second provision (section 2309) directed the Department of Transportation (DOT) to review and, if appropriate, establish policies directing air carriers to seat children 13 or under adjacent to the seat of an accompanying family member over the age of 13.
By statute, the DOT was required to take final action on both of these regulations no later than one year after enactment of the bill – or July 16, 2017. Unfortunately, neither regulation has been finalized by the deadline.
As we enter the heart of the summer travel season, each further day of delay causes substantial consumer harm. According to DOT statistics, in 2016, the top 13 U.S. carriers collected almost $4.2 billion in ancillary baggage fees. This works out to approximately $11.4 million in checked baggage fees per day. And, even assuming that only two percent of paid checked baggage is not delivered within the deadlines, that amounts to almost $229,000 in refunds that consumers are not receiving every day this rule is delayed.
Furthermore, the failure to promulgate the family seating regulation also causes substantial consumer harm. This summer, almost all flights are completely full. When a family is not able to obtain adjoining seating for children 13 or under, it causes undue stress and discomfort as family members are often forced to beg other passengers to move so they can sit next to a young child.
In recent months, the DOT has spent a substantial amount of time on issues, such as privatization of the FAA’s air traffic control function, that appear to be taking away resources from statutory mandates – like these important aviation consumer protection requirements. I urge you to act now to give the flying public the protections they were promised in last year’s FAA extension.
Thank you in advance for your assistance with this important matter.

Sincerely,

Senator Bill Nelson

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Delayed Bags, Fee Refunds, Senator Bill Nelson

Southern Rail Commission releases comments on Gulf Coast Working Group’s report

Posted on July 20, 2017

Monday’s delivery to Congress of the Gulf Coast Passenger Rail Working Group’s Final Report by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) provides positive endorsement for the Southern Rail Commission’s long standing recommendation that passenger rail service be restored across America’s Gulf Coast. The Report details anticipated capital costs of less than $112M, plus estimated $5M for project development and planning. The culmination of more than 18 months of dedicated service on the part of the Gulf Coast Working Group (GCWG) appointees, including Amtrak, CSX, FRA, SRC, and over 30 regional stakeholders, the Report is the result of comprehensive, thoughtful analysis and unbiased consideration of participants’ input.
The GCWG was created by Congress to study this service in Section 11304 of Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. This provision stated that FRA is to “convene a working group to evaluate the restoration of intercity rail passenger service in the Gulf Coast region between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Orlando, Florida.” The Southern Rail Commission was appointed by name in the FAST Act to be part of this group.
“We are encouraged that FRA has found that rail service can begin quickly and at a reasonable cost. The SRC is grateful for the unified political and grassroots support the restoration of Gulf Coast passenger rail service has received from Mayors to Governors to the gulf south’s Congressional Delegation,” said Greg White, Chairman of the SRC. “Since 2012, the base of this support has consistently expressed that daily passenger service is essential for the economic resiliency of America’s gulf coast.”
All SRC members are especially pleased to see this Report’s recommendations regarding passenger service for the Gulf Coast, and give full support to the Report’s consideration of safety for all passenger rail users, including Positive Train Control and other recommended safety measures.
The GCWG recommended two preferred service options: daily long-distance train service between Orlando and New Orleans with estimated annual operating need of $5.48M, and a daily regional train between New Orleans and Mobile with an estimated annual operating need of $4M.
The Report outlines a number of capital improvements and operating costs associated with launching these services, and some of this funding could be acquired through new federal rail programs such as the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program for capital expenses and from the Restoration and Enhancement Grant (REG) Program for operating support. The SRC has also received significant interest and initial commitments from private sector partners across the gulf coast interested in contributing to the rail project.
Also noted in the Report, the SRC and FRA are currently providing $1.33M in grant funds to communities in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama for station area planning and rail safety improvements. These communities have contributed their own cash match, resulting in more than $2.6M in projects underway in preparation for service restoration.
Attached as a part of the FRA report is a letter from the Southern Rail Commission that addresses what we consider unjustifiable cost demands by CSX (www.southernrailcommission.org/news/fra-gcwg-report). The FRA and SRC have diligently worked to address the purported obstacles to restoring service that CSX identified.  Recognizing that issues and details remain to be negotiated and resolved, the GCWG Report recommends continued coordination and collaboration among Working Group partners.  The SRC remains committed to being a part of these ongoing efforts.
“Congress has identified this route as being of high importance and interest for the public”, said Greg White.  “Continued investments in our national passenger rail system are vital as our society becomes increasingly mobile and we look for ways to improve access to skilled workers, jobs, and new opportunities for economic development. The SRC is committed to ensuring the Gulf Coast region of our country is not left out.”
About the Southern Rail Commission
The SRC engages and informs public and private rail interests to support and influence southeast passenger rail initiatives. They promote the safe, reliable and efficient movement of people and goods to enhance economic development along rail corridors; provide transportation choices; and facilitate emergency evacuation routes.
The Commission was founded in June of 1982 by the 97th Congress which enabled the formation of an interstate rail compact, which was subsequently approved by the Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama legislatures. The Southern Rail Commission is comprised of governor-appointed commissioners from each member state. For more information, visit www.SouthernRailCommission.org.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Gulf Coast Working Group, Southern Rail Commission

First Lady Ann Scott Continues Summer Literacy Adventure at Marion County Public Library

Posted on July 20, 2017


First Lady Ann Scott today continued the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure at Marion County Public Library in Ocala. First Lady Scott read to students from the Marion County Boys and Girls Club and encouraged them to read throughout the summer as they prepare for school to begin.
“I thoroughly enjoyed spending my morning at the Marion County Public Library with students from the Boys and Girls Club,” said First Lady Ann Scott. “This is the perfect time for children and families to spend extra time reading and learning together. I encourage all of our wonderful students to take the Summer Literacy Adventure pledge so they are prepared for a great school year.”
The First Lady was joined by representatives from the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Lottery. DEP generously provided state park passes, Junior Ranger Activity Folders, pencils and sunglasses for the student participants and a Florida Lottery sponsorship made it possible for students to leave with a goody bag containing books.
“First Lady Ann Scott sets a great example for Florida’s students, and we are extremely fortunate to have her as a strong advocate for lifelong success,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “The Summer Literacy Adventure is a great way to show our students that literacy is exciting, and it is critical that they keep reading over the summer months to retain the knowledge they have gained when school starts back in the fall.”
“In order to be successful in school and in life, it is critical for Florida’s students to develop a love of reading,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell. “The Lottery is honored to join First Lady Ann Scott, the Department of Education and the Department of Environmental Protection as we encourage Florida’s students to continue the Summer Literacy Adventure.”
“We are proud to work with First Lady Ann Scott and our partners to encourage students to read over the summer,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “Florida’s natural resources have served as the inspiration for countless books, and I encourage students to read a book about Florida’s environment or history this summer.”
In May, First Lady Scott challenged Florida students to participate in the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure by pledging to read as many books as possible during the summer. At the start of the 2017-2018 academic year, she will visit the school where students successfully completed the most reading pledges.
The 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure helps keep Florida students excited about reading and literacy during their summer break. Research shows that children who do not continue reading through the summer can lose a month or more of progress made during the school year.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: first lady ann scott, Marion County Public Library, Summer Literacy Adventure

New FWC BearWise funding will focus on communities with ordinances

Posted on July 20, 2017

In an effort to help reduce human-bear conflicts, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is inviting local governments to apply for BearWise funding for their communities.
The FWC will focus on providing funding to local governments with BearWise ordinances requiring residents and businesses to keep garbage secure from bears. The funding will offset the costs for residents and businesses to use bear-resistant equipment to secure their garbage from bears.
Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature appropriated $415,000 for this project and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida added $100,000 from proceeds of the Conserve Wildlife license plate, for a total of $515,000 in available BearWise funding this year.
“Thanks to Gov. Scott, the Florida Legislature and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, these new funds will allow us to continue to expand our work with local community partners to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to help avoid conflicts with bears,” said Nick Wiley, FWC Executive Director.
The FWC invites counties, cities and other local governments to submit applications to be considered for funding. While preference will be given to applications from areas with BearWise ordinances and to large projects benefiting the most people, consideration will also be given to other proposals as funding allows.
Local governments are strongly encouraged to consult with FWC staff to discuss options and implementation before submitting their applications. The FWC will assist any local government considering passing an ordinance, including providing example ordinances.
Last year, the FWC distributed $825,000 in BearWise funding to 11 counties, three cities, and two homeowners associations to purchase 4,000 bear-resistant trash cans, 2,500 sets of hardware to secure regular trash cans, and 40 dumpsters modified to keep bears out. Over 70 percent of funding was provided to local governments with BearWise ordinances.
To be considered, the FWC must receive applications before close of business on Oct. 16. Applications should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Attention: Bear Management Program, 620 South Meridian St., 6B, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
For additional details on the funding and application process, visit MyFWC.com/Bear and click on “Live BearWise.”
Help the FWC help bears and other wildlife by purchasing the Conserve Wildlife license plate at BuyaPlate.com.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: BearWise, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, MyFWC, ordinances

Senator Travis Hutson Asks for Fairness in Algebra II Grades

Posted on July 20, 2017

Senator Travis Hutson (R-St. Augustine) has asked the Department of Education (DOE) to fix an unfair grading situation for students who have previously taken Algebra II. The issue stems from the controversial and now eliminated Algebra II end of course exam (EOC). After the enacting of HB 7069 this month, the Algebra II EOC is no longer offered not just for students who will take Algebra II next year, but also for those who took the course this year but were going to make-up the exam this month. Since the exam counts as 30% of the grades of students who took the exam this year, students who took the same course will have one-third of their final grades calculated differently depending on if they took the test or not.
Without action, this disparity will carry over not just between Algebra II students this year, but also between those who took it this year and future years. With the status quo, there will be students in the same graduating class who will be graded differently in the same course depending on if they took it before or after the EOC was eliminated. This coupled with the problems with the Algebra II EOC, which led ultimately to its elimination, leaves the students whose grades are built on the EOC at a distinct disadvantage.
As such, Senator Hutson is asking DOE to do whatever it can to not have the flawed Algebra II EOC negatively affect the GPAs of students who had to take it. “Since Algebra II is basically a prerequisite for colleges, the problems with the exam have real world negative effects on some students GPAs and college competitiveness,” Senator Hutson explained. “If there is anything we can do to make sure past and future Algebra II students are graded fairly and uniformly, we need to do it.”
SEE LETTER BELOW:
July 20, 2017
Dear Chair Johnson and Commissioner Stewart,
In recent weeks, both parents and teachers in my district have brought a troubling situation to my attention regarding the elimination of the Algebra II end of course exam. While the elimination of the exam is universally applauded, the timing has brought about an unintended consequence that does not treat all students fairly. Specifically, since the enacting of HB 7069 on July 1, students who took Algebra II last year are graded differently depending on whether they took the end of course exam or not. While the exam counted as 30% of the final grades for those who took it, those who were intending to take the make-up test this month can no longer do so and their grades will be calculated without the exam. This creates a scenario where some students who took the exam would see their grades improve if their grades were calculated the same way as students who did not take the exam.
This year’s disparity between grading students who took the exam and students who did not take the exam highlights the larger problem of unfairness in how the exam counts towards grades and GPAs going forward. The problems with the Algebra II end of course exam are well documented and the reasons for its elimination are well founded. However, there is a current cohort of students who took the exam and had their grades negatively affected by a flawed test that their peers who will take Algebra II next year will not have to worry about. While it is too late to help those who are starting college this year, there is still time to right this wrong for the rising sophomores, juniors and seniors who have had the Algebra II exam hurt their GPAs.
I am writing to ask you to look into this situation and if possible offer relief to ensure fairness in how the past Algebra II exams affect students’ grades. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Travis Hutson
Florida Senator, 7th District

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Algebra II Grades, Department of Education, Senator Travis Hutson

Additional Florida Forest Service Firefighters Join Wildfire Suppression Efforts Out West

Posted on July 20, 2017

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that an additional 24 wildland firefighters from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service will join an interagency federal hand crew of firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assist wildfire suppression efforts in western states. This deployment brings the total to 91 Florida Forest Service firefighters battling western wildfires.
“After selflessly battling one of the worst wildfire seasons in Florida history, our Florida Forest Service firefighters will help protect other parts of our country from wildfire,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Today, the National Interagency Coordination Center will fly the state and federal firefighter crews from Tampa to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they will receive assignments according to priority and fire activity. Crews will potentially be sent to Utah, Montana, California, and South Dakota.
“Florida Forest Service firefighters have proven their bravery and ability time and again when fighting Florida’s wildfires,” said Jim Karels, State Forester. “They are exceptionally well-trained and know how to suppress wildfires aggressively and safely.”
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. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: florida department of agriculture and consumer services, Florida Forest Service, Wildfire Suppression

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