Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that, following an investigation led by his Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, a prescribed burn conducted by Wildland Fire Services, Inc. on behalf of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission caused the wildfire in Eastpoint, which burned more than 800 acres and destroyed 36 homes. [Read more…] about Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces Cause of Eastpoint Wildfire
Government
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Consumer Alert
Insurance Experts on the Ground for Franklin County Residents Impacted by Fire
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis yesterday directed his Division of Consumer Services to send insurance experts to Franklin County to assist residents with navigating the insurance claims process. Insurance experts will be on the ground today, June 26, and Wednesday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. [Read more…] about CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Consumer Alert
Nelson presses HHS secretary for answers on plan to reunite separated children
HHS says it’s looking at setting up ‘family camps’
where children and parents would be detained together
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) today pressed Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar for specifics on what his agency is doing to reunite more than 2,000 children who were separated from their parents at the border – and why he’s been unable to speak to the one person he was told is responsible for reuniting 70 kids who were separated from their families and now being held in Homestead, Florida. [Read more…] about Nelson presses HHS secretary for answers on plan to reunite separated children
Gov. Scott Appoints Dena Pittman as the Hendry County Property Appraiser
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Dena Pittman as the Hendry County Property Appraiser. She will fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Phillip Pelletier, beginning June 25, 2018. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott Appoints Dena Pittman as the Hendry County Property Appraiser
Nelson puts HHS secretary on notice prior to tomorrow’s hearing
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) took to the Senate floor today to put the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services on notice that he intends to ask him a series of questions regarding his agency’s efforts to reunite 2,300 children who have reportedly been separated from their parents when he testifies before the Senate Finance Committee tomorrow.
[Read more…] about Nelson puts HHS secretary on notice prior to tomorrow’s hearing
Adam Putnam to Tour Franklin County Wildfire Damage, Visit First Responders
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will take a helicopter and ground tour of damage from the Lime Rock Road Fire in Franklin County.
Event: Wildfire Media Availability
Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Eastpoint Volunteer Fire Department
24 6th St, Eastpoint, FL 32328
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Tolls Waived on State Road (S.R.) 417 in Seminole County
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is announcing that tolls are being suspended on the Seminole County section S.R. 417, which extends from Interstate 4 (I-4) to Aloma Avenue at the Orange County line. This is to assist travelers who are trying to avoid major traffic congestion due to a natural gas leak, which has closed a section of I-4 in both directions in Seminole County, near S.R. 436 in Altamonte Springs. FDOT is urging drivers to avoid the area or seek alternate routes, including S.R. 417 in Seminole County.
[Read more…] about Tolls Waived on State Road (S.R.) 417 in Seminole County
ICYMI: Associated Press: Florida Gets High Marks for Handling of State Finances
Florida gets high marks for handling of state finances
Associated Press
June 23, 2018
Florida is getting high marks from a major ratings agency for a “sustained” and “robust” recovery from the Great Recession.
…
During his time as governor Scott has pushed to reduce Florida’s total amount of debt.
… Florida earned the higher rating because the state’s economy and finances have been consistently improving.
…
Port Charlotte man is $1 million richer after playing $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game
The Florida Lottery announces that Thomas Wagner, 60, of Port Charlotte, claimed a $1 million prize in the $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings in annual installments of $40,000.00 a year for 25 years. [Read more…] about Port Charlotte man is $1 million richer after playing $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game
Chairman Frelinghuysen Announces Rep. Rutherford to go to Appropriations Military Construction/VA Subcommittee
Other Change Includes Rep. John Rutherford to Move to
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee
House Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen today announced that Rep. Jeff Fortenberry will become the new Chairman of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee. The post became available following the retirement of Rep. Charlie Dent.
“Representative Fortenberry is a valued member of the Appropriations Committee and has worked diligently over the years to make certain that each and every tax dollar under our care is used responsibly. His leadership and insight in his new role as Subcommittee Chairman will be essential to craft legislation that funds the Legislative Branch of our government, ensuring the proper functioning of our democratic process and the safety of those that work in and visit the Capitol complex every day,” Chairman Frelinghuysen said.