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ICYMI: Florida Ranks Second in the Nation for Heat-Related 911 Calls in May

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2024

CONTACT:

[email protected]

 

ICYMI: Florida Ranks Second in the Nation for Heat-Related 911 Calls in May

FDP Chair Nikki Fried says “Republicans are making Florida more dangerous for everyone”

Tallahassee, FL — Last week, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that Florida ranked second in the nation for heat-related 911 calls in May, according to a new Heat Related EMS Activation Surveillance Dashboard from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This report comes after a new law signed by Ron DeSantis in April banned local governments from creating regulations to protect workers from extreme heat. Over two million Floridians work outside in the heat, putting them at increased risk for heat-related injury and death due to our growing climate crisis.

“Last summer was the hottest on record for the state of Florida, and this year shows no signs of cooling down,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “Instead of facing this crisis head on, Republicans are making Florida more dangerous for everyone — especially our construction and agriculture workers.”

Read the full story here: Dehydrated, nauseous, sunburned Floridians flood emergency rooms when temperatures rise

KEY EXCERPTS:

  • “Florida ranked second in the U.S. for 911 calls related to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dangerous sunburn for the two weeks ending May 24…More than half the counties in Florida received higher-than-average EMS calls for heat-related emergencies from late April to May.”

  • “The CDC hopes to encourage local leaders to put in stronger public health protections when EMS calls spike and a community has a high level of outdoor workers or few nearby hospitals. This year, however, Florida lawmakers restricted local governing agencies from instituting heat protections for workers.”

  • “Heat waves kill more people in the U.S. than any other weather hazard, including hurricanes, tornadoes and floods combined, according to the CDC…nearly three-quarters of the heat deaths last summer were in five southern states that were supposed to be used to the heat and planned for it, including 84 in Florida.”

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Representative Kelly Skidmore and Leader Fentrice Driskell’s Sickle Cell Bill Signed by the Governor

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2024

CONTACTS

Gwynne Gonzalez

Office of Representative Kelly Skidmore

[email protected]

561-496-5940

Representative Kelly Skidmore and Leader Fentrice Driskell’s Sickle Cell Bill Signed by the Governor

 

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Late last week, Governor DeSantis signed HB 7085 sponsored by Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton) and Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa). This new law creates the Sickle Cell Disease Research and Treatment Grant Program within the Department of Health and expands the existing sickle cell registry to allow adults with sickle cell disease to opt into the registry.

The Office of Minority Health and Health Equity within the Department of Health will award grants to community-based sickle cell disease treatment and research centers to fund the operation of Centers of Excellence for the treatment of sickle cell disease. The centers will also develop the health care workforce that is prepared to address the unique needs of patients with sickle cell disease. Additionally, $10 million in recurring funds for the grant program is included in the House and Senate budget.

“This landmark legislation will directly impact individuals and improve the health and quality of life for those suffering from this painful disease and their families,” stated Representative Skidmore. “Sickle cell disease causes chronic pain and requires specialized treatment that is costly and difficult to access. By passing this legislation and adequately funding it, Florida is acknowledging the critical urgency to provide as many research and treatment options as possible.”

According to a 2023 report by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, Florida has an average of 7,000 new cases a year, twice that of the national average. Moreover, the number of people with sickle cell disease enrolled in Florida Medicaid averages 7,328 people per year.

“A lot of these patients will go to the emergency room, and they need treatment for pain. The doctors or their care providers might not recognize why they’re asking for this treatment, and, sometimes, they get treated like drug addicts. I’m very glad that our bill includes an education component that will provide opportunities for community-based sickle cell care providers to educate the doctors and the medical care providers so we can work to provide better care and reduce ER visits,” added Leader Driskell.

The law became effective upon the governor’s signature.

 

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FDLE joins public safety partners in RDSTF full-scale training exercise

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FDLE joins public safety partners in RDSTF full-scale training exercise

Region 6 Domestic Security Task Force highlights importance of coordinated response efforts

For Immediate Release

May 31, 2024

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Fort Myers Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson is hosting a media availability to discuss the full-scale training exercise organized by the Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF). On Tuesday, June 4, FDLE members will join local, state, and federal law enforcement, fire and rescue, health, emergency management, and education partners to participate in a complex coordinated attack scenario. Following the media availability, FDLE will provide a guided tour of part of the exercise.

Who: FDLE Fort Myers Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson and Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno

When: Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please arrive by 10:00 a.m.

Where: JetBlue Park

Address: 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Note: No live weapons of any kind are permitted on the premises during the exercise. A checkpoint will be in place for anyone entering the training site, including media personnel.

Parking: Media should enter through the Fenway South East Entrance and park in the area east of Fenway South Drive and south of David Ortiz Way. The media staging area will be slightly north of the parking area east of Fenway South Drive and north of David Ortiz Way.

For Planning Purposes:

Please contact PIO Jensen Rayburn at (850) 350-6328. For any other requests or inquiries, please contact the FDLE Office of Public Information at (850) 410-7001.

Update on the May 25 Ginnie Springs investigation

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FDLE: Update on the May 25 Ginnie Springs investigation

If you have information about this case, please contact FDLE 

For Immediate Release

May 31, 2024

HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) continues to investigate the May 25 shooting at Ginne Springs that killed one and injured two innocent bystanders. Marco Mandujano, 26, died from injuries he sustained and the other two shooting victims were treated at the hospital and have been released.

Agents urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have information about this case to call FDLE at (386) 462-9975.

Additional information will be released as appropriate.

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

(850) 410-7001

Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Preparedness as 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2024

CONTACT: FDEM Communications Team, [email protected] | (850) 815-4940

Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Preparedness as 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

~Executive Director Kevin Guthrie hosted roundtable discussions with county officials to discuss preparedness before the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season on June 1~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) marks the official start of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season tomorrow, June 1, and encourages Floridians to prepare their families and their businesses.

“I have spent the last month traveling around the state, making myself available to all county emergency managers to discuss concerns and best practices ahead of this hurricane season,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state is equipped with the resources it needs to support communities during a potentially very active season, but preparedness begins in individual homes and businesses. I urge all Floridians to finalize their plans now – once a storm forms and threatens our state, it’s too late to prepare.”

Throughout the month of May, Executive Director Guthrie personally traveled to all 10 Division-designated regions of the state to meet with county emergency management officials and discuss preparedness and coordination efforts ahead of the 2024 hurricane season. These roundtable discussions allowed Executive Director Guthrie to directly address community concerns and unmet needs, ensuring ample state support stands at the ready if a storm threatens Florida this hurricane season.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and runs until November 30 with the historical peak of activity occurring in September. This year, two disaster preparedness sales tax holidays coincide with the beginning and peak times of hurricane season. Governor DeSantis announced the first two-week disaster preparedness sales tax holiday, beginning June 1, here.

The Division urges all Floridians to have preparations in place for their personal and family needs in the event a storm threatens their community.

Preparedness efforts and resources include:

Get Educated, Get Informed

  • Learn about community disaster plans and community warning systems. Every household is encouraged to have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure they can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers.
  • Register to receive life-saving emergency weather alerts at FloridaDisaster.org/AlertFlorida.

Make a Plan

  • Make a list of personal household needs and resources for meeting them in a disaster environment.
  • Include all members of the family, including children, in the disaster preparedness planning process, so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
  • Pets are part of the family, too – identify a safe place to take pets if you cannot bring them with you during an evacuation. Never leave household pets behind during a hurricane or tropical storm.
  • Make a family plan at FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare, and make a business plan at Business.FloridaDisaster.org.

Inventory Home Possessions

  • Make a record of your possessions – in writing or video – to help claim reimbursement in case of loss or damage.

Reduce Home Hazards

  • Have defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections repaired.
  • Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
  • Have cracks in ceilings and foundations repaired.
  • Make landscaping hurricane-resistant by trimming trees and plants down and putting any items inside that may turn into dangerous projectiles in high winds.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

  • Every household should have a fully stocked disaster supply kit with at least seven days of items for each household member, including consideration of children, pets and seniors.
  • Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins tomorrow, June 1, and provides residents with the opportunity to purchase supplies tax-free during one of two 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays.
  • For a full disaster supply kit checklist, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.

Safeguard Important Records and Documents

  • Keep copies of important family records and other documents (birth and marriage certificates, Social Security cards, passports, wills, deeds, insurance cards, etc.) in a safe deposit box or other waterproof location.

Know Your Zone, Know Your Home

  • Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to learn if you live in an evacuation zone or low-lying flood-prone area.
  • Know your home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds.
  • Follow all evacuation orders issued by local county emergency management officials.

If You’re Halfway Full, You’re Halfway There

  • During hurricane season, vehicles should always have at least half a tank of gas or be halfway charged to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm.

Evacuate Tens of Miles, Not Hundreds of Miles

  • Evacuations do not have to be hundreds of miles away – they can typically be tens of miles inland to a location that can withstand hurricane-force winds and remain out of reach from life-threatening storm surge.

2024 Florida Hurricane Season Guide

For more preparedness content, follow the Division on Instagram, X and Facebook.

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Below is a statement from Biden-Harris 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler on verdict

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2024

Biden-Harris Campaign Statement on Today’s Verdict

Below is a statement from Biden-Harris 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler on today’s verdict:

“In New York today, we saw that no one is above the law.

“Donald Trump has always mistakenly believed he would never face consequences for breaking the law for his own personal gain. But today’s verdict does not change the fact that the American people face a simple reality. There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box. Convicted felon or not, Trump will be the Republican nominee for president.

“The threat Trump poses to our democracy has never been greater. He is running an increasingly unhinged campaign of revenge and retribution, pledging to be a dictator ‘on day one’ and calling for our Constitution to be ‘terminated’ so he can regain and keep power. A second Trump term means chaos, ripping away Americans’ freedoms and fomenting political violence – and the American people will reject it this November.”

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Paid for by Biden for President

Representative Hunschofsky’s Flood Disclosure Bill is Signed into Law

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 30, 2024

CONTACT

William Giliberti

Office of Representative Christine Hunschofsky

[email protected]

(954) 956-5600

Representative Hunschofsky’s Flood Disclosure Bill is Signed into Law

 

PARKLAND, Fla. – This week, House Bill 1049 – Flood Disclosure in the Sale of Real Property by Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland) was signed into law by the Governor. The Senate companion bill was sponsored by Senator Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island).

This new law requires sellers to provide the purchaser of residential real estate with a flood disclosure. This disclosure includes a notice that homeowner’s insurance policies do not include flood insurance, encouraging buyers to purchase flood insurance to mitigate risks. The disclosure also includes whether the seller has filed a claim with an insurance provider and if they previously received federal assistance relating to flood damage on the property.

“This law is about more than just property – it’s about people,” said Representative Hunschofsky. “Transparency is pivotal to informed decision making, especially when it comes to purchasing a home. This disclosure requirement empowers people to make informed choices, safeguarding their families and investments.”

“This legislation ensures that home buyers have relevant, material information prior to the purchase of what is likely their largest individual asset. Flood history previously was not readily available to a buyer,” added Senator Bradley. “Floridians deserve transparency so they can make better risk-informed decisions for their families.”

 

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Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Preservation of Florida Family Farm Through Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2024

Contact: Communications

850-617-7737

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Preservation of Florida Family Farm Through Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

limestone creek ranch

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of a Florida family farm through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The Limestone Creek Ranch property, a more than 470-acre cattle operation in Hardee County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $2,837,000.

“We are very proud to add the folks at Limestone Creek Ranch to the growing list of generational farmers in Florida who share our commitment to maintaining the productivity and sustainability of Florida’s agricultural landscape through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By safeguarding our rural lands through protection easements, we enhance food security, maintain these protected properties within the local tax system, and ensure property owners adhere to state standards for land and natural resource conservation.”

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program purchases the development rights to the agricultural properties through voluntary rural land easements, which prevent the future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.

Limestone Creek Ranch

Limestone Creek Ranch has operated for over 70 years as a traditional cow/calf cattle ranch with an average of 300 head. Prior to its current ownership, the ranch was owned and operated by the current owner’s ancestors, Doyle Carlton, Sr., and Doyle Carlton, Jr. The ranch consists of improved pasture and native woods and is bisected by Limestone Creek which drains east to the Peace River. The property includes a mosaic of uplands and wetlands and is part of a larger landscape of habitat diversity with a total of 2,082 acres. Current ownership is in an LLC comprised of the grandchild and great grandchildren of Doyle E. Carlton Sr. Since the land was acquired by the late Mr. Carlton in 1935, it has been continuously operated as a traditional cow/calf operation. The current owner worked on the property during the summers of 1960 through 1969. The Carlton family has an extensive history in ranching in Florida, dating back to the mid-1800s.

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 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 recently recognized the families of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program at an event in Lake Placid, Florida, and celebrated the program’s 100,000th acre milestone in agricultural land preservation.

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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Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Applications Open for Aquaculture Classroom Systems for Florida Educators

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 28, 2024

Contact: Communications

850-617-7737

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Applications Open for Aquaculture Classroom Systems for Florida Educators

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Division of Aquaculture is now accepting applications from Florida educators for aquaculture classroom systems and supplementary materials.

“From ornamental fish and aquatic plants to food fish and shellfish, Florida’s aquaculture industry is diverse and ever changing to meet growing demand, but basic awareness of aquaculture and its career opportunities are still a critical need in K-12 classrooms,” said Commissioner Simpson. “By equipping Florida’s world-class educators with aquaculture knowledge, know-how, and in-classroom aquaculture systems, we can not only offer an engaging hands-on learning opportunity to our students, but we can help meet an increasing demand for skilled aquaculture professionals in Florida.”

FDACS’ Division of Aquaculture, in partnership with the Florida Aquaculture Association (FAA), is hosting this intensive 2-day, hands-on aquaculture education workshop focused on aquaculture education for K-12 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and agriculture educators in Florida. The workshop will be held June 20-21, 2024, at the University of Florida Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce, Florida. The training will provide Florida educators with all the knowledge and know-how to teach students about aquaculture and start their own aquaculture systems.

FDACS will also competitively award up to 12 full recirculating aquaculture systems, as well as several supplementary aquaponic system supplies to schools throughout the state of Florida.

The workshop is open to all K-12 science and agriculture educators in Florida. Interested teachers can learn more or complete an application for the workshop and awards by visiting the Division’s Education Page at FDACS.gov/Education/Aquaculture-Educator-Resources.

The deadline to submit applications is May 31, 2024, at 5 p.m. EST. Teachers must register in advance to attend the workshop.

Any questions related to the workshop or aquaculture education systems can be directed to [email protected].

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

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visit FDACS website

Florida Democrats Slam Sham Starbucks Investigation

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 23, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT

[email protected]

FLORIDA DEMOCRATS SLAM SHAM STARBUCKS INVESTIGATION

Tallahassee, FL — Yesterday, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody joined Ron DeSantis on his takeover of Sean Hannity’s radio show to announce an investigation into Starbucks for their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In response, the Florida Democratic Party has released the following statement:

“The Republican Party’s obsession with DEI is a sham, and so is Ashley’s investigation into Starbucks,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “The vast majority of business leaders — including 95% of conservative business leaders — know that diversity initiatives are strategically important for the economic health of their company. The fact that Republicans continue to attack businesses for making their own choices proves that the era of ‘free market Republicans’ is dead and gone.

“Florida Republicans are playing a dangerous and unconstitutional game in an effort to impress Donald Trump and stir up their base. Florida Democrats believe that the government has no business interfering with the practices of private corporations, and we plan to fight back against this extreme Republican overreach at the ballot box this November.”