Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement regarding the South Florida Water Management District’s announcement that for the Water Year 2017 monitoring period, the Everglades Water Quality Program achieved a 70-percent phosphorous reduction.
“We continue to make headway in restoring the health of the Everglades, and the Everglades Agricultural Area has, yet again, exceeded state-mandated goals with its phosphorous reduction achievement. This phosphorous reduction is a testament to the fact that Best Management Practices, which are science-based and implemented by farmers throughout Florida, are working and protect the quality and quantity of our water.”
The Everglades Agricultural Area is comprised of 470,000 acres of agricultural land south of Lake Okeechobee.
Commissioner Adam Putnam
Commissioner Adam Putnam Names Dr. Martha Rhodes Roberts as 2017 Woman of the Year in Agriculture
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that Dr. Martha Rhodes Roberts has been named the 2017 Woman of the Year in Agriculture. Dr. Roberts dedicated 35 years of service to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, where she championed policy changes for the advancement of Florida’s agriculture industry, trade and production practices. The award, now in its 33rd year, recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture.
“I’m honored to name Dr. Roberts the 2017 Woman of the Year in Agriculture,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “During her tenure with the department, Dr. Roberts advanced Florida agriculture.”
Dr. Roberts was born in Oxford, Mississippi, and later moved to Gainesville, Georgia, where she attended Blue Ridge High School and participated in the 4-H Club. Roberts graduated summa cum laude from North Georgia College, and she continued her studies at the University of Georgia, where she earned her master’s degree in bacteriology, a Ph.D. in microbiology and public health postdoctoral studies.
Dr. Roberts joined the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Food Safety in 1968 as a Microbiologist/Chemist. She was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture in 1984, and was the first woman in the United States to hold this position. From 1991 to 2003, Dr. Roberts served as the department’s Deputy Commissioner and played a pinnacle role in shaping agricultural policies to improve practices in each stage of production. Beginning in 2003, Dr. Roberts served 13 years as Director of Industry Relations and then as Special Assistant for Government Affairs for the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
Throughout her career, Dr. Roberts served in leadership capacities for numerous organizations, including: President of the Association of Food and Drug Officials, Chairman of the Conference for Food Protection, the FDA Food Advisory Committee and the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods, the University of Florida International Trade and Policy Center Board of Directors, the Farm Foundation, Food Foresight and Chair of the Feeding Tomorrow Foundation. She has served on the Board of the Center for Produce Safety since its inception in 2007, and currently serves as a consultant with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture on FSMA implementation with the FDA.
Dr. Roberts has received numerous awards from the FDA, USDA and industry associations. In recognition of her lasting contributions to the agriculture industry, Dr. Roberts was inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2003. She continues to support Florida agriculture as a scientific authority, industry counselor and advocate.
The Woman of the Year in Agriculture award is sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida State Fair Authority, and the award will be presented to the recipient during the 2018 Florida State Fair in Tampa.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam Provides Tips for Safe Fourth of July
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service encourage Floridians to use fireworks responsibly while celebrating this Fourth of July. Since January, 2,433 wildfires have burned approximately 195,157 acres throughout Florida.
“While recent rainfall has lowered wildfire risk across the state, the potential for wildfire is always heightened when fire and sparks are present outdoors,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “It’s crucial for Floridians to exercise caution when enjoying fireworks, cookouts and campfires with friends and family this weekend.”
Individuals should always check local laws before using fireworks. Local fire and police departments and the State Fire Marshal’s Office can also provide guidance. Floridians celebrating with fireworks or campfires should follow these safety tips:
- Light fireworks in a cleared area free of vegetation or dry debris.
- Clear debris from around campfires, grills and all fire sources.
- Remove debris from any location where fireworks could land.
- Always have a water source available.
- Aim fireworks away from people, homes and wooded areas.
- Never use homemade fireworks.
- Discard used fireworks in a bucket of water.
- Store unused fireworks, matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.
- Never leave a fire unattended and make sure it is completely out before leaving it.
- Report any fires immediately to 9-1-1.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than one million acres of public forest land while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. To learn more about Florida Forest Service programs, visit FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Commissioner Adam Putnam Again Lowers Fees for Concealed Weapon License Applications and Renewals
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the fee to apply for or renew a concealed weapon license will be reduced by $5 as of Saturday, July 1. Commissioner Putnam worked with the Florida Legislature to save Florida consumers $5 on application fees, down from $60 to $55, and renewal fees, down from $50 to $45. Active law enforcement officers, correctional officers and correctional probation officers can now obtain a new license for $55 and renew their licenses for $45.
“I’m a proud supporter of the Second Amendment and am dedicated to making our concealed weapon license application and renewal process as convenient as possible,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “By reducing the concealed weapon license fee yet again, we can put the savings back in the pockets of Floridians.”
This is the third time Commissioner Adam H. Putnam has lowered concealed weapon license fees within the last five years, which has saved individuals a total of $20 when applying for or renewing a Florida concealed weapon license. Concealed weapon licenses are valid for seven years.
First-time applicants are required to provide fingerprints to the department to complete a background check. Initial licenses typically cost $97, which includes the fingerprint processing fee. Tax collectors are authorized to charge a convenience fee when applying for or renewing licenses at a local tax collector’s office of $22 and $12, respectively.
In 2014, Commissioner Putnam helped develop a first-of-its-kind partnership that authorized tax collectors’ offices to take fingerprints, photographs and accept applications on behalf of the department. Applications are still processed by the department. Within the last year, the department has received nearly 450,000 concealed weapon applications, of which 120,000 have been received via tax collectors’ offices.
Additionally, in July 2015, Commissioner Putnam announced that the department is expediting concealed weapon license applications for all active military members and veterans. To date, nearly 81,000 active military members and veterans have received expedited concealed weapon licenses.
License holders can apply for or renew a concealed weapons license via mail, at 44 Tax Collectors’ Offices across the state or at one of the department’s eight regional offices in the following locations: Doral, Fort Walton, Jacksonville, North Port, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Licenses can also be renewed online.
Visit FreshFromFlorida.com to learn how to apply for or renew a Florida concealed weapon license.
Commissioner Adam Putnam One of First Individuals Awarded 2017 US Water Prize
Last night Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam was presented with the 2017 US Water Prize in acknowledgement of his leadership on water issues in Florida. The prize was award by the US Water Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the nation about the true value of water and advancing policies and programs that manage water resources to advance a better quality of life for everyone.
The US Water Alliance honored three organizations and, for the first time, two individuals for advancing innovative solutions to the nation’s water challenges. The seventh annual awards ceremony took place during the 2017 One Water Summit in New Orleans on Tuesday, June 27.
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in Florida. With a growing demand on our limited water resources, we could be California right now. But with strong, conservative leadership here in Florida, we’ve taken proactive measures to meet the needs of our state by growing our water supply and improving the health of our lakes, springs and rivers. However, there’s more work to do.
“We must protect our water quality and quantity in order to accommodate our explosive population growth, to promote prosperity, and to preserve the invaluable natural resources that make Florida so unique.
“Florida’s population is projected to reach 35 million by 2070. With additional stresses on our water supply, it’s imperative that we remain focused on comprehensive and long-term solutions to our water challenges.”
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam has long-prioritized addressing the state’s water challenges. Over the course of his career, he has:
- Helped secure funding for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan;
- Worked with the Legislature to establish long-term, comprehensive and science-based water policy that prioritizes projects that can yield the greatest measurable improvements in the areas that needed them most;
- Supported the Central Florida Water Initiative, which focuses on the area surrounding Orlando; and
- Focused on environmentally sensitive lands through his advocacy of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which has protected nearly 37,000 acres from development – a 900-percent increase in acres preserved by the program since 2011.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com
Commissioner Adam Putnam to Attend DHSMV Veterans Award Ceremony
MEDIA ADVISORY
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will attend the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ annual Veterans Award Ceremony today.
Event: Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Veterans Award Ceremony
Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: DHSMV Auditorium
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam’s Statement Regarding the Anniversary of the Pulse Attack
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding the first anniversary of the Pulse terrorist attack:
“On the anniversary of the Pulse attack, we pause to remember the 49 victims who were suddenly and senselessly taken, their loved ones who continue to mourn and heal, and the first responders who put themselves in harm’s way for their fellow Floridians without hesitation.
“We also remember how Orlando, the Central Florida community and the entire state came together amidst such tragedy. People stood in lines for hours to donate blood, generously gave their time and money to total strangers and worked together to meet the needs of all those impacted. This anniversary is not just a solemn milestone to remember those we tragically lost, but it’s also a reminder of the strength, courage and compassion of the people of Florida.”
Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Statement on the Passing of Officer Montaad
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding the passing of Officer Joshua Albert Sanchez Montaad, a law enforcement officer with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement:
“Officer Joshua Albert Sanchez Montaad tragically lost his life in a fatal crash while in the line of duty. It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of such a dedicated and vibrant man who chose to make selflessly serving others his life’s work.
“I pray for Officer Montaad’s family, loved ones and colleagues during this time of sorrow, and may God be with us all as we grieve.”
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam’s Statement on Special Session
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding Governor Scott’s call for a special session beginning June 7, 2017:
“I’m grateful to Governor Scott for his leadership in calling for a special session, for his unyielding commitment to providing our children with the best education possible, and for his continued support of economic growth in the Sunshine State.”
Commissioner Adam Putnam Encourages Floridians to Prepare for 2017 Hurricane Season
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam urges Floridians to prepare for the 2017 hurricane season, which begins June 1. Expecting weak El Nino conditions, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-average hurricane season.
“Preliminary forecasts point to an active hurricane season this year,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “It’s crucial that Floridians plan early to protect their families and homes this hurricane season.”
Floridians can take the following steps to prepare for the 2017 hurricane season:
- Have a Plan: Know what you and your family will do in an emergency. Research the locations of hurricane shelters and find out if you can take your pet. Make sure everyone in your house knows the plan and where your emergency supplies are stored.
- Prepare a Kit: Keep a kit stocked with emergency supplies. This should include a three-day supply of food and water for each family member. Plan for one gallon of water per person per day. Supplies should also include: cash, blankets and sleeping bags, first-aid kits, battery-powered radios, flashlights and extra batteries, clothing, necessary medications, pet care, a list of important phone numbers and important documents stored in waterproof containers.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest weather information. Watch local news and weather, listen for radio updates or stay informed with your computer or smartphone.
In addition to these tips, it is imperative to have an adequate supply of food and water during a disaster.
- Keep an appliance thermometer in your fridge and freezer to provide an accurate temperature reading even if the power is out. A freezer should be at or below 0°F and the fridge at 40°F.
- Store food on shelves high enough that it will not be contaminated in case of flood.
- Have coolers on hand to keep food cold if the power is out more than four hours. Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- Discard perishables, such as meat, fish, cheese, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items, if the power is out more than four hours.
- Use bottled water if you are concerned about your water supply. If you don’t have bottled water, boil water and let it cool before storing to drink.
During an emergency, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides necessary food and water to affected areas and helps protect animals and pets. The department’s Florida Forest Service is responsible for incident management and assists emergency responders in clearing debris and distributing supplies. Additionally, the department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement provides law enforcement services to police departments and county sheriff’s offices as necessary.
For more information and tips on hurricane preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
