In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Attorney General Pam Bondi is offering information on common scams that target senior citizens and tips to help avoid these types of scams. More than 3.2 million seniors call Florida home and thousands more reside throughout the state during the winter months, making Florida a target for scammers who prey on seniors.
Government
Gov. Scott Proclaims June 12 as Pulse Remembrance Day in Florida
Governor Rick Scott today proclaimed June 12th as Pulse Remembrance Day in Florida in recognition of the 49 innocent lives lost in the horrific attack on Pulse Nightclub on June 12th, 2016. Gov. Scott is asking all Florida residents to pause for a moment of silence at 9:00 a.m. and is directing all state flags in Florida to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow, June 12th, 2018. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott Proclaims June 12 as Pulse Remembrance Day in Florida
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, June 8, 2018
Gov. Scott Appoints Jill Danigel to Southeast Volusia Hospital District
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Jill Danigel to the Southeast Volusia Hospital District.
Jill Danigel, 53, of Edgewater, is the former captain of the Edgewater Fire Department. She succeeds Ferdinand Heeb and is appointed for a term beginning June 8, 2018, and ending March 21, 2022.
[Read more…] about Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, June 8, 2018
ADLF: Rick Scott Must Open Independent Investigation Into Background Check Scandal
The American Democracy Legal Fund today called for Gov. Rick Scott to immediately open an independent investigation following a report in the Tampa Bay Times that the state of Florida approved tens of thousands of applications for concealed weapons permits without performing a rigorous background check, allowing people with dangerous intentions or mental health problems to carry a gun in public.
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Gov. Scott Appoints Eleven to the Florida Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers
Governor Rick Scott today announced the five reappointments and six appointments to the Florida Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers.
Dr. Sara Evans, 35, of Pensacola, is an assistant professor at the University of West Florida. She is reappointed for a term beginning June 5, 2018, and ending January 1, 2020.
Cheryl Miller, 40, of Sarasota, is a therapist with Manatee Children’s Services. She succeeds Arwyn Holmes and is appointed for a term beginning June 5, 2018, and ending January 1, 2020.
[Read more…] about Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Monday, May 21, 2018
Gov. Scott Appoints Ramiro Christen Areces & Elijah A. Levitt to the Miami-Dade County Court
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Ramiro Christen Areces and Elijah A. Levitt to the Miami-Dade County Court.
Areces, 35, of Coral Gables, is a solo practitioner, and previously practiced with Jorden Burt, LLP. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and his law degree from the University of Miami. Areces fills the vacancy created by the death of Judge Shelley J. Kravitz.
[Read more…] about Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Monday, May 21, 2018
Florida lawmakers’ letter to Scott
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) joined with 11 other members of Florida’s Congressional delegation in sending a letter to Gov. Rick Scott today urging him to work with them to protect Florida families from escalating health insurance costs.
In addition to Nelson, the letter – which outlined six specific actions Scott should take at the state level to help mitigate rising healthcare costs – was signed by Reps. Kathy Castor (D-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Charlie Crist (D-FL), Val Demings (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Al Lawson, Jr. (D-FL), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, May 11, 2018
Gov. Scott Appoints Ray Berry to North Broward
Hospital District Board of Commissioners
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Ray Berry to the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners.
Ray Berry, 54, of Davie, is the founder and chief executive officer of Health Business Solutions. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending June 29, 2021.
Gov. Scott Appoints Dr. Michele Heston to
Florida Center for Nursing Board of Directors
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Dr. Michele Heston to the Florida Center for Nursing Board of Directors.
Dr. Michele Heston, 58, of Avon Park, is the dean of health sciences for South Florida State College. Dr. Heston was recommended by the State Board of Education pursuant to s. 464.0196, Florida Statutes. She succeeds Dr. Louise Pitts and is appointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending June 30, 2020.
Gov. Scott Appoints Dr. Mark McKenney to
Florida Trauma System Advisory Council
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Dr. Mark McKenney to the Florida Trauma System Advisory Council.
Dr. Mark McKenney, 59, of Miami Beach, is a professor of surgery at the University of South Florida. He is appointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending April 30, 2021.
Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Dorothy Groover-Skipper and John Van Delinder to the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council.
Dotti Groover-Skipper, of Tampa, is the anti-trafficking director for The Salvation Army Florida Division. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending September 6, 2021.
John Van Delinder, of Callahan, is the executive director of the Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending September 6, 2021.
Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Polk State College District Board of Trustees
Governor Rick Scott today announced two reappointments to the Polk State College District Board of Trustees.
Mark Turner, 55, of Winter Haven, is a partner at Straughn & Turner, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctorate from Stetson University College of Law. Turner is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.
Teresa Martinez, 63, of Lakeland, is the president and founder of the Institute of Spanish Communication Inc. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. Martinez is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
House Judiciary Committee Approves Bill to Prevent Attacks Against Law Enforcement Officers
The House Judiciary Committee today approved by voice vote the Protect and Serve Act of 2018 (H.R. 5698). This bill, authored by Congressman John Rutherford (R-Fla.), provides a significant deterrent for those seeking to attack police officers.
Attacks against police officers continue to rise across the country. For instance, in July 2016, police officers in Dallas, Texas were ambushed and fired upon, resulting in the death of five police officers and injuring another nine. Ten days later, six police officers were shot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Three officers died and three were hospitalized. And just last month, two sheriffs’ deputies were gunned down eating at a Chinese food restaurant in a suspected ambush in Gainesville, Florida. In 2016 alone, 64 police officers died in action and 21 in ambush style attacks – police ambush deaths were up 250%.
To combat attacks against police officers, the Protect and Serve Act allows for the federal prosecution of those who knowingly cause or attempt to cause significant bodily injury to any law enforcement officer. In order to qualify for federal prosecution, the victim must either be a federal law enforcement officer, or, if a state or local officer, there must be a nexus to interstate commerce.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Congressman Rutherford praised today’s approval of the bill in the statements below.
Chairman Goodlatte: “Every day, police officers across the country put their lives at risk to keep Americans safe. From routine duties to emergency responses, danger is always lurking for the men and women who wear the badge. Sadly, our nation has witnessed an increase in attacks against law enforcement officers in recent years and these attacks show no signs of stopping. We must do more to prevent attacks against our nation’s heroes. TheProtect and Serve Act provides a new tool to deter attacks on police officers by allowing for the federal prosecution of those who attack or seek to harm them. I applaud Representative John Rutherford for introducing the Protect and Serve Act and am pleased the House Judiciary Committee today approved this bill. I also want to thank Representative Ken Buck for his work on this issue, and his dedication to protecting and serving the men and women of law enforcement.”
Congressman Rutherford: “As a career law enforcement officer and sheriff of Jacksonville for 12 years, I know what officers go through every day when they put on their uniform, say goodbye to their families, and go out on the streets doing the important work of protecting our communities. With an uptick in ambush attacks on law enforcement, like we saw last month in Trenton, Florida, we must ensure that there are steep consequences for anyone who targets our law enforcement officers. The Protect and Serve Act will serve as a significant deterrent for anyone who deliberately targets officers with violence. I want to thank my friend, Congresswoman Val Demings for her leadership on this bill and for her support of law enforcement officers across the country.”
The Protect and Serve Act is supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs Association, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Cape Canaveral Hospital District
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of two to the Cape Canaveral Hospital District.
Judith George, 75, of Cocoa Beach, is a retired nurse with Creative Care Center. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending August 19, 2019.
Rusty Fischer, 74, of Cocoa Beach, is the owner of Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending August 19, 2019.
Gov. Scott Reappoints Heather Baumwald to Board of Nursing
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Heather Baumwald to the Board of Nursing.
Heather Baumwald is reappointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending October 31, 2019.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Appoints Walid Sobh to Board of Professional Engineers
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Walid Sobh to the Board of Professional Engineers.
Walid Sobh, 55, of Orlando, is the president of ECS Florida, LLC. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending October 31, 2018.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Board of Auctioneers
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Don Shearer and the appointment of Matthew Varable to the Board of Auctioneers.
Don Shearer, 71, of Kissimmee, is the owner of Auction Services of Kissimmee. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending October 31, 2021.
Matthew Varable, 40, of Tampa, is the director of labor relations for Chemtrade Logistics Corporation. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending October 31, 2021.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
