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Jimmy Patronis: Firefighter Safety Will Always Be a Priority

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Floridians,
This week, I was honored to announce that my office has started rulemaking to develop new standards of safety for managing lithium-ion battery fires in devices such as electric vehicles (EVs), scooters and golf carts. Lithium-ion batteries are an amazing technology, but there are serious drawbacks that can be very dangerous. During Hurricane Ian, we witnessed about 20 EV fires, and saltwater intrusion played a role in some of these fires. Once these fires begin, they can spread quickly and can be extremely difficult for firefighters to put out. The danger is known, it is real, and the time to act is now.
On Tuesday, I announced the arrest of four individuals in Miami who were involved in an alleged Personal Injury Protection (PIP) fraud scheme. The four allegedly had the intention to defraud United Auto Insurance Company, Responsive Insurance, and Infinity Automobile Insurance Company by exploiting PIP benefits associated with their auto policies for financial gain. PIP Fraud drives up auto premiums. It’s stealing from us all, and as Florida’s CFO, I have made it my top priority to tackle insurance fraud and ensure that fraudsters like this are put behind bars.
We also continued helping policyholders impacted by the storms and tornadoes that hit Tallahassee. Remember, don’t sign anything. Before you do, call your insurance agent, your carrier or my office at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236).
Lastly, this Saturday is Armed Forces Day. May this day serve as an encouragement for all of us to show our appreciation for these heroes. They sacrifice so much so that we can live safely and freely. Please, seek out a veteran, thank them for their service, make them know that we don’t take them for granted. God bless all of our service men and women.
Sincerely,

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FAMU Announces Plans to Reopen, Return to Campus Monday

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For Immediate Release

Thursday, May 16, 2024

FAMU Announces Plans to Reopen, Return to Campus Monday

 

Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Tallahassee campus will re-open on Monday, May 20 to begin in-person summer classes and for non-essential employees to return to the office.

Since a tornado struck campus on Friday, May 10, non-essential employees have been working remotely out of concern for their safety and to facilitate the speedy removal of debris and the repairs to damaged buildings.

President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., has expressed admiration for what has been accomplished over the past six days.

“It’s a testament to the work that these people around me and those who have worked with them have done,” Robinson said Wednesday as he stood with senior Finance and Administration leadership following a tour of the campus.

Campus classrooms are ready to welcome the 3,200 undergraduate students and 463 graduate students enrolled in Summer A&C classes. The add-drop period has been extended to Monday, May 20.

The recent storm damaged several lab fume hood systems. As a result, the Department of Environmental, Health and Safety advises faculty, staff and students the use of fume hoods is prohibited without explicit approval until further notice.

While the FAMU Developmental Research School and the Durell Peaden Jr.  Rural Pharmacy Education Campus in Crestview are open for normal operations, the Educational Research Center for Child Development (ERCCD) will remain closed until further notice.

The May 10 tornado and high winds damaged roofs, downed trees and utility poles, blocked roadways and knocked out power across the FAMU campus. FAMU officials are tracking clean-up and recovery expenses with the hope of reimbursement if there is a federal disaster declaration.

The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center. Not far away, in the Bragg Stadium parking lot, the Florida Small Business Development Center is operating a mobile unit to offer consultation to small business owners who may be affected by the storm.

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Media Contact

Andrew J. Skerritt

Associate Director/Media Relations

850-544-2675

[email protected]

Office of Communications

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL

Main: 850-599-3413

FDLE arrests defense contractor for soliciting child for sex

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FDLE arrests defense contractor for soliciting child for sex

For Immediate Release

May 16, 2024

 

VALRICO, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) today arrested James Robert Bechtold, 33, of Valrico, for soliciting a minor online for sexual activity. Bechtold is an information technology security specialist defense contractor. The Colorado State Police and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations assisted in the investigation.

FDLE’s investigation began on February 4 when the Colorado State Police notified agents about an unknown individual in Florida who was coordinating and producing child sexual abuse material. Investigators say Bechtold used messaging apps to communicate with victims.

Through the investigative process agents identified Bechtold as the suspect and contacted the Air Force Office of Special Investigations because Bechtold worked as a contractor at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.

Today FDLE’s Special Operations South Team served a search warrant on Bechtold’s residence and placed him under arrest.

FDLE’s Tallahassee and Tampa Cyber Units are investigating the case, which remains active.

Bechtold was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at https://secureflorida.org/Family-Safety/BPParents.htm.

 

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

(850) 410-7001

New Home Health Care Services Law Sponsored by Rep. Gallop Franklin to Help Improve Health Outcomes in Florida

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CONTACT

Ryan Banfill

District Aide

Office of Rep. Gallop Franklin

[email protected]

850-717-5008

New Home Health Care Services Law Sponsored by Rep. Gallop Franklin to Help Improve Health Outcomes in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Home health care services will receive a substantial boost under legislation signed last Friday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The legislation (CS/CS/HB 935) sponsored by  Representative Gallop Franklin (D-Tallahassee) and  Senator Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City)  allows advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants to order medically necessary home health care services.

“Home is the best place for healing and recovery for many patients. This new law to strengthen home health services promotes independence, enhances Florida’s quality of life, and reduces health care costs by preventing unnecessary hospitalizations,” said Representative Franklin. “Thanks to Sen. Trumbull’s incredible work carrying the bill in the Senate, the unanimous support from the Florida Legislature, and with Gov. DeSantis’ signature, Florida will improve health outcomes for our most vulnerable residents.”

Under the new law set to take effect July 1, 2024, health care services offered in the home may include:

  • Doctor care;
  • Nursing care;
  • Physical, occupational, respiratory, or speech therapy;
  • Home health aide services;
  • Medical social services; and
  • Homemaker/companion services.

The new law ensures better health outcomes for Floridians by better aligning Florida’s Medicaid safety net for low-income residents with Medicare and private insurers to pay for home health care services ordered by advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants.

Representative Franklin noted the new law is a compassionate, and cost-saving framework to provide patients with a care plan that is tailored to their specific needs.

Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be held Saturday

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Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be held Saturday

Five to be honored at Tallahassee event

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Former law enforcement officers from throughout Florida will be honored Saturday at the Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Tallahassee.  The ceremony will honor the inductees for 2024.

 

The 2024 inductees are:

 

Mark C. Bohne – Riviera Beach Police Department and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office

Michael F. Joyner – Monticello Police Department, Jefferson County and Citrus County Sheriff’s Offices

René G. Landa – City of Miami, Key Biscayne and South Miami Police Departments

Don R. Moreland – Ocala Police Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Daniel A. Smith – Florida Highway Patrol, Coral Gables Police Department

 

What: The Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Who: FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass will preside over the ceremony

When: Saturday, May 18, 2024

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Where: Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee

 

The ceremony will be livestreamed on the Florida Channel’s website at https://thefloridachannel.org/.

 

The Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame was created by the 2014 Florida Legislature to recognize and honor law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of Florida’s citizens and visitors through their works, service and exemplary accomplishments.

 

For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Honors Land Conservation Families

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 16, 2024

Contact: Communications

850-617-7737

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Honors Land Conservation Families

RFLPP Event

LAKE PLACID, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson was joined by land conservation professionals at Buck Island Ranch to recognize the families of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and to celebrate the program’s 100,000th acre milestone in agricultural land preservation.

“It was a true honor to be around so many people from all over the state today who have dedicated their lives to securing the future of agriculture in Florida,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program’s success is a testament to the dedication of all stakeholders involved, including landowners, land-related professionals, legislators, and conservationists. As Florida’s agricultural lands face increasing threats from urban development, this program is paramount in ensuring the long-term future of our state’s agricultural community and our natural resources.”

At today’s event, Commissioner Simpson individually recognized 20 family farms that are current participants in the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program:

  • Geno Evans, Evans Farm
  • Michael and LeeAnn Adams, Adams Ranch
  • Doyle Carlton III and Dale Carlton, The River Property
  • Harold Ray Clark, Clark Cattle & Citrus
  • Ray Corona, Corona Ranch
  • Woody Larson, Cow Creek Ranch
  • William Curren, Curren Dairy
  • Roy and Gloria Fussell, Fussell Farms Old Town Creek
  • Derek Hendrie, Hendrie Ranch
  • Lisa Priddy, JB Ranch
  • Ronnie Bryant, Kuder Ranch
  • Brian Tillman, Natural Bridge Creek
  • Doris Lisle and Debbie Larsen, Ox Creek Ranch
  • Jay, Dan, and Ann Ryals, Ryals Citrus and Cattle
  • Wayne Smith, Smith Family Farms
  • Frederick and Jennifer Hartt, S.Y. Hartt
  • Cary Lightsey, Tiger Lake Ranch
  • Todd Clemons, Todd Clemons Unit One
  • Cary Lightsey, XL Ranch
  • Hilary Swain, Buck Island Ranch

Additionally, Commissioner Simpson recognized the many conservation partners who work behind the scenes as landowner representatives, surveyors, and appraisers to contribute to the success of the program.

About the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

Established in 2001 with the passage of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act, the program recognizes that working agricultural lands are essential to Florida’s economic future. Agricultural lands are being increasingly threatened by urban development. To counter this trend, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program partners with farmers and ranchers to ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources.

During the 2023 Legislative Session, HB 1279 was signed to support the department’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program by no longer requiring the department to submit a purchase agreement to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund for approval for projects with a purchase price of less than $5 million. In early January, Commissioner Simpson announced the first acquisition of a permanent rural land protection easement through the department’s sole authority.

During the 2024 Legislative Session, Commissioner Simpson helped to secure from the Florida Legislature $100 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and another $100 million each fiscal year, appropriated in SB 1638, to support the Florida Wildlife Corridor, including the acquisition of conservation easements under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

Commissioner Simpson has been involved in Florida’s land conservation policy issues long before becoming Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. As Senate President, Commissioner Simpson championed the successful passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which directed the state of Florida to better protect and connect Florida’s natural areas and wildlife habitats and to preserve working agricultural lands from future development. As Senate President, Commissioner Simpson also secured $300 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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FAMU Announces Investigation, Appoints Interim VP for University Advancement

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For Immediate Release

May 15, 2024

 

FAMU Announces Investigation, Appoints Interim VP for University Advancement

Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Board of Trustees (BOT) voted Wednesday to conduct an independent investigation into the handling of the Gregory Gerami gift.

The vote during a Zoom meeting was held hours after Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation, resigned to return fulltime to her role as School of Business and Industry dean.

In announcing the news to the University of Advancement staff, President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., said during this transition period, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer (COO) Donald Palm, Ph.D., will step in to serve as the interim vice president for Advancement.

“Donald brings with him a wealth of experience and a dedication to our institution’s mission. I am confident that he will capably fulfill this role,” Robinson said.

Since August 2023, Palm has served as EVP/COO. In that role, he is charged with the guiding strategy for vice presidents and other senior administrators to improve outcomes on key performance indicators and achieve operational excellence throughout the University.

A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native, Palm completed a doctorate in pharmacology at Penn State University. Palm served as vice president/provost at Virginia State University before returning to FAMU, where until 2016, he was associate provost for Undergraduate Studies and a tenured professor in the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health.

While Palm serves in the interim University Advancement role, FAMU is in the “process of working with the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) to identify a longer-term interim vice president for Advancement, who will help steer us forward as we prepare for a national search to fill this important position,” Robinson said. “I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the momentum of our advancement efforts during this period.”

A national search in 2023 did not produce a replacement for Friday-Stroud, who has previously expressed her desire to return to SBI full-time.

During the BOT meeting, Trustee Belvin Perry praised Friday-Stroud for her good years in the Foundation and her efforts at “producing record numbers in giving.”

“Nobody has raised the kind of money she has,” Perry said. “I just want to thank her as we move forward for the outstanding job she has done.”

Since July 1, 2020,  Friday-Stroud and her fundraising team have raised $75.3 million in cash and $10.7 million in pledges.

BOT Chair Kristin Harper also praised Friday-Stroud for her contributions.

In response to a question from Trustee Loryn May, the Student Government Association president, Robinson was emphatic.

“FAMU’s financial standing is strong,” said Robinson, citing a recent clean audit from the state. He also mentioned a $225,000 gift from Shell received Wednesday. “People out there still have tremendous confidence in you, our students,” Robinson said.

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Media Contact

Andrew J. Skerritt

Associate Director/Media Relations

850-544-2675

[email protected]

Office of Communications

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL

Main: 850-599-3413

FAMU Resumes Remote Work on Wednesday As Clean-Up Continues

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For Immediate Release

May 14, 2024

FAMU Resumes Remote Work on Wednesday As Clean-Up Continues

Florida A&M University (FAMU) resumes remote work on Wednesday as federal, state, and county emergency management officials plan a visit to the Tallahassee campus to assess tornado damage and storm recovery efforts.

Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will join state and county officials in walking the campus with University administrators and staff.

Since the tornado struck on Friday morning, FAMU employees and contractors have been removing fallen trees, clearing debris, and securing damaged roofs with tarpaulin. More than a dozen buildings’ roofs were damaged.

FAMU, the state of Florida, and Leon County have all issued state of emergency declarations in response to the storm damage.

The campus was closed Tuesday as a precaution as more storms were forecasted. The University will resume remote work for the remainder of the week as the clean-up and repairs continue.

Faculty and non-essential staff are asked to work remotely until instructed to return to the office. Other Professional Service (OPS) employees are permitted to work at the authorization of their supervisor.

FAMU Developmental Research School and the Durell Peaden Jr. Rural Pharmacy Education Campus in Crestview will re-open for normal operations on Wednesday. The Educational Research Center for Child Development (ERCCD) remains closed for the remainder of the week.

Summer A and C classes will be conducted via remote through May 17, while the campus cleanup is underway. Students are advised to contact their course instructors for more details. The add-drop period has been extended to Monday, May 20.

FAMU’s Baseball team is scheduled to host Mississippi Valley State University Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for the final regular season series. The ground will be open to spectators.

FAMU Police Department is providing security for the American Red Cross Shelter at the Lawson Multipurpose Center. Interim Police Chief Sgt. John Cotton is asking those on campus to lock their vehicles to deter theft.

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Media Contact

Andrew J. Skerritt

Associate Director/Media Relations

850-544-2675

[email protected]

Office of Communications

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL

Main: 850-599-3413

Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus on Antisemitic Sermon Given by Miami Dentist

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CONTACT
Office of Representative Michael Gottlieb
[email protected]
(954) 655-5498

 

Miami, FL – The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus calls for the suspension of Dr. Fadi Kablawi’s dental license after he made inflammatory and violent, antisemitic remarks.

During a sermon on April 26th, Kablawi called for the murder of Jews and also called the current Israeli regime “worse than the Nazis.”  Kablawi is an imam at Masjid As Sunnah An Nabawiyyah.

Former State Representative Joe Geller from North Miami states that “This alarming and hateful speech is unacceptable and frightening.  Calling for the annihilation of an ethnic group amounts to genocide.  Patients deserve to be protected from this violent and dangerous individual.  This cannot be tolerated in a civilized society.”

North Miami, the area where Dr. Kablawi practices, is home to an expansive and diverse Jewish population.  The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus is deeply concerned with Dr. Kablawi’s incendiary rhetoric and the potential danger it poses to his patients.  All Floridians deserve to feel safe when seeking medical care.  We ask that the Florida Board of Dentistry review our concerns and take necessary action to revoke Dr. Kablawi’s license and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our citizens.

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Representative Michael Gottlieb, Chair

Senators

Senator Lori Berman

Senator Lauren Book

Senator Tina Polsky

Representatives

Representative Michael Caruso

Representative Hillary Cassel

Representative Randy Fine

Representative Peggy Gossett-Seidman

Representative Rita Harris

Representative Michelle Salzman

Representative David Silvers

Representative Kelly Skidmore

Representative Allison Tant

Statement from FAMU BOT Chair Kristin Harper

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Statement from FAMU BOT Chair Kristin Harper

Chair Kristin Harper

FAMU Board of Trustees

May 10, 2024

 

Last Saturday, May 4, 2024, a gift of $237 million was announced at the university’s commencement. In addition to the gift announcement, the donor was afforded the opportunity to address the commencement audience. Serious concerns have been raised regarding the validity of the gift, the adequacy of the due diligence processes and whether the Foundation Board and Board of Trustees have been provided ample oversight opportunity. I regrettably share these concerns.

As a result, I have taken the following actions:

· The administration was directed to conduct briefings with each Trustee.

· A special Board of Trustees meeting will be convened on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 3 p.m. Several Trustees have expressed a shared interest in thoroughly and transparently addressing these issues.

We are committed to seeking truth and to recommending any corrective actions necessary to improve the operations and controls of our university. A formal meeting is required for the Trustees to continue this important work.

We will get to the bottom of this. I ask for patience and grace as we work diligently to gather information, take action, and build a stronger Florida A&M University. I look forward to updating the Rattler community as we learn more.

Thank you