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Commissioner Adam Putnam

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Wildfire Update for Florida

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced today that more than 2,000 wildfires have burned over 150,000 acres in Florida this year, with nearly 125 active wildfires burning as of today, May 8, 2017. Current conditions by county, burn bans, and helpful tips regarding wildfires in Florida can be found here.
“Florida is in the middle of its worst wildfire season in years – with no end in sight,” Commissioner Putnam said. “With such an active wildfire season and much of Florida experiencing significant drought conditions, residents and visitors should take every precaution to help prevent wildfire.”
Conditions are forecast to get even drier and warmer into late spring and early summer. May is traditionally one of the driest months of the year in Florida, and that is the expectation for 2017. Commissioner Putnam asked Governor Scott to issue an executive order on April 11, 2017 in order to provide full resources to combat wildfires. The last time a similar executive order was issued was in June 2011.
Forecast wildfire danger for May 8, 2017:

Active wildfires in Florida:

County Burn Bans as of May 5, 2017:

Wildfires in Florida usually start and spread quickly, leaving little time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Homeowners can complete a few simple tasks that will help to defend their home against wildfire. One of the best ways to reduce a home’s wildfire risk is to create 30 feet of defensible space around the home. When creating defensible space, begin with the area immediately surrounding the home, about 3 feet out on all sides. Make sure this space is free of tall, fire-prone plants and materials. Keep this area clean and free of dead plant material and flammable mulches. Instead, opt for low growing, fire resistant plants and materials and use mulches, such as rocks or chunky bark. Deliberately space all plants so that none are placed directly under windows or vents around the house.
To increase home survivability, Floridians can do the following:

  • Keep mulch and pine needles away from your home, fence, and deck;
  • Keep roof and gutter free of pine needles;
  • Keep flammables away from your home;
  • Store fire wood at least 30 feet from your home;
  • Remove dead vegetation and debris from under the deck and within 10 feet of your home; and
  • Make wildfire preparedness a family project.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com

Commissioner Putnam Seeks Nominations for Woman of the Year in Agriculture

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is now accepting nominations for the 2017 “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award.
Since 1985, the “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award has recognized women in all areas of the industry who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture. The deadline for submitting nominations is June 1, 2017.
Nominations may be submitted electronically by accessing the application located on the Woman of the Year in Agriculture page.  Nominations may also be sent via U.S. mail or fax to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Director of External Affairs Clay Hollis. Send completed nomination forms to the Florida Department of Agriculture of and Consumer Services, Plaza Level 10, The Capitol, 400 S Monroe St., Tallahassee, Fla. 32399-0800; Fax 850-617-7744, [email protected].
More information about the “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award and past award winners can be found here. For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Commissioner Adam H. Putnam to Host Media Availability on Florida Wildfires

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Nearly 80,000 acres within state fire jurisdiction have burned due to wildfires in 2017, a more than fourfold increase from the same timeframe in 2016. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and State Forester Jim Karels will hold a media availability on Wednesday to discuss these wildfires and forecasted wildfire conditions.
Event: Media availability on wildfires
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture
The Capitol, PL-10
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, Fla. 32399
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com or call 1-800-HELP-FLA.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Asks Floridians to Help Combat Arson

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With More than 240 Arson Wildfires in 2017, Commissioner
Adam Putnam Asks Floridians to Help Combat Arson

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced today that there have been more than 240 separate arson wildfires in 2017 and are asking the public to help by reporting suspicious wildfire activity. Arson wildfires in Florida have increased nearly 70 percent compared to this time last year.
“Wildland arsonists place lives, property and natural resources at risk, and we will not tolerate anyone who purposefully endangers Floridians and our first responders,” said Commissioner Putnam. “With the help of Floridians and visitors, we can better protect Florida’s communities and natural landscapes by stopping arsonists in their tracks.”
Residents and visitors should call 911, as well as the department’s 1-800-342-5869 arson hotline to report suspected arson or suspicious activities. Individuals who provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a wildland arsonist are eligible to receive an award up to $5,000. Arson is a felony crime, and anyone convicted of arson can be fined up to $5,000 and face up to five years in prison.
“More than 100 wildfires are burning across the state and forecasts predict heightened wildfire danger for the next few months,” said Jim Karels, Florida State Forester. “Citizens and visitors who report suspicious wildfire activity are an invaluable resource as we work together to stop arsonists and keep wildfires at bay.”
When reporting suspected wildland arson activity, callers should remember the following:

  • After calling 911, call 1-800-342-5869;
  • Do not approach the suspect;
  • Identify vehicle descriptions and license plates;
  • Identify physical descriptions of suspects; and
  • Identify the location where the suspicious behavior was observed.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Commissioner Putnam Warns of IRS Scams Targeting Seniors

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Scam artists use tax season to prey on Floridians, and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam urges residents to be wary of tax-related scams specifically targeting seniors. Some prevalent scams include fraudsters posing as IRS representatives requesting personal information over the phone and scammers offering to file consumers’ taxes for a fee. Senior citizens should be particularly wary as they are often vulnerable to these types of scams.
Consumers should be cautious of individuals posing as IRS representatives claiming they can rectify payment discrepancies over the phone once provided with personal financial information, such as Social Security numbers and banking information. Scammers can then use this information to falsify claim refunds or gain access to personal accounts.
In another popular scheme, scammers offer to file consumers’ taxes for a fee and promise to help claim deductions that were supposedly overlooked in the past. Individuals commonly try to convince seniors that they falsely qualify for lucrative deductions, such as reimbursements for education.
Seniors can help protect themselves from scams by keeping the following in mind:

  • The IRS contacts taxpayers by mail in most cases and will never ask for a credit card, prepaid debit card, money order or wire transfer immediately over the phone.
  • The IRS will never threaten to involve local law enforcement to issue an arrest or suspend a license.
  • Never give out personal information over the phone, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers or credit/debit card numbers without verifying the source. To ensure the source is legitimate, hang up and call the entity using its official number.
  • Floridians who are unsure about their tax situation can reach the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information. The call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

ICYMI: Pensacola News Journal: Guest View: Visit Florida puts Pandhandle gems on map

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Guest View: Visit Florida puts Pandhandle gems on map
Pensacola News-Journal
Op-ed: Commissioner Adam Putnam
March 22, 2017
…
Last year, more than 112 million visitors came to Florida and spent $109 billion during their time in the Sunshine State. These dollars are spent at hotels, restaurants and attractions, among other Florida businesses, where more than 1.4 million Floridians are employed. This record was, in part, achieved by the reputation of our white, sandy beaches, family-friendly attractions and warm hospitality. But many of Florida’s destinations would have remained unknown without the advertising and promotions by the state’s tourism agency, Visit Florida, under the focused leadership of Governor Rick Scott.
Visit Florida has helped put the gems of Northwest Florida on the radar of curious tourists looking for lesser known places to explore and enjoy while recharging their batteries during their annual vacation. Places like the Perdido River Paddling Trail and Pensacola Beach Boardwalk don’t always come to mind when families are brainstorming where to go. These destinations are highlighted as go-to places by Visit Florida’s promotions, along with many other special, yet lesser known parts of Florida.
….
Northwest Florida has been dealt a number of blows in recent years. Tourism took a dive during the Great Recession, and then the BP oil spill threatened to damage the natural beauty this area is so well known for. But, recently, the courts directed BP to contribute $300 million toward economic development in Northwest Florida and another $1.4 billion more over the next 14 years.
…
Tourism, agriculture and the military have long-anchored the Northwest Florida economy. We shouldn’t stop promoting the Emerald Coast – and just assume families will continue to come. We need to toot our own horn loudly and proudly about what Florida has to offer.
…
Adam Putnam is Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture.

Statement by Commissioner Adam Putnam on Today’s Historically Low Citrus Crop Forecast

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its monthly citrus crop forecast for the 2016-2017 season, which is down four-percent from the February forecast:
“Although not unexpected, today’s historically low forecast is the latest example of citrus greening’s continued devastation of Florida’s citrus industry. Until a long-term solution is discovered, which some of our state’s brightest minds are working on, we must support Florida’s multi-billion dollar citrus industry and the more than 60,000 jobs it supports.”
The USDA’s forecast today of 67 million boxes of oranges for the 2016-2017 season is down more than 17 percent from the 81.5 million boxes harvested last season. Today’s forecast represents a decline of more than 70 percent since the peak of citrus production at 244 million boxes during the 1997-98 season.
In support of Florida’s growers and industry groups seeking approval from the EPA for the use of certain antimicrobial treatments to combat greening, a bacterial disease spread by a tiny, invasive insect, Commissioner Putnam issued a crisis declaration in 2016 regarding their Section 18 application to the Environmental Protection Agency, which allowed the immediate use of these treatments.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Gov. Scott and Commissioner Putnam Urge Collier County Residents to Monitor Wildfire and Remain Vigilant

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Governor Rick Scott held a call today with Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putman, Division of Emergency Management (DEM) Director Bryan Koon, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) Executive Director Terry Rhodes, Department of Transportation (DOT) Interim Secretary Rachel Cone, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chief of Staff Jennifer Fitzwater and Collier County Fire Rescue personnel to discuss the ongoing wildfire in Collier County.
Governor Scott said, “This morning I spoke with Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putman, DEM, DHSMV, DOT, DEP, FWC and Collier County Fire Rescue personnel to discuss the ongoing wildfire in Collier County. As our state begins to experience hotter summer temperatures and dry conditions, it is critical that all Floridians remain vigilant and do their part to prevent wildfires.
“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has already deployed five fire engines to assist Collier County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forestry Service with firefighting efforts.
“The Florida Highway Patrol has deployed troopers to the area and closed I-75 between Mile Marker 80 (S.R. 29) and 105 (Golden Gate Parkway) due to the wildfire and is actively monitoring the situation to ensure motorist safety. The Florida National Guard stands ready to offer aviation resources to combat the fire and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stands ready to offer aviation and law enforcement resources if needed.
“The State Watch Office at DEM is actively monitoring the wildfires and will continue to support federal, state and local partners in ensuring the safety of residents and deployment of resources.  At this time, local officials have not reported any unmet needs to the state and we stand ready to assist.”
Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Adam H. Putnam said, “Our firefighters with the Florida Forest Service worked through the evening to continue the efforts to contain and suppress the fire in Collier County. We’ll continue to work with our partnering agencies, and may we keep these first responders in our prayers.”
As of this morning, a wildfire is burning a more than 6,500-acre area South of Alligator Alley and East of Naples in the Picayune Strand State Forest. Four homes have been lost. There are no injuries or fatalities confirmed at this time.
Collier County has issued a mandatory evacuation for the following areas: Naples Club RV Park and Panthers Walk RV Park along with all of the Forest Glenn community and horse stables in and along Neuman Road. Affected residents are to report to the Golden Gate Community Center.
Learn more about how you can protect you home and family and prevent wildfires HERE.

Commissioner Adam Putnam to Kick-Off Taste of Florida Agriculture Reception

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will kick-off this evening’s Taste of Florida Agriculture Reception in the Florida Capitol courtyard. The Taste of Florida Agriculture reception is a co-hosted event between the Florida Farm Bureau and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services highlighting the importance of Florida agriculture. The event is free and open to the public and venders will be serving dishes that feature fresh Florida Red Snapper, oysters, shrimp, honey, fruits, vegetables and much more.
Event: Taste of Florida Agriculture Reception
Date: Wed., March 8
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Capitol Courtyard

Commissioner Putnam Provides Tips to Consumers During National Consumer Protection Week

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National Consumer Protection Week is March 5-11, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is offering tips to help Florida residents and visitors protect themselves from scams. National Consumer Protection Week is a nationwide effort to educate consumers about their rights and how to make well-informed decisions. Last year, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services received more than 38,000 consumer complaints and recovered more than $3 million for Florida consumers.
“An educated consumer is the cornerstone of protection against scams, and I encourage Floridians to take advantage of the many resources we offer,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
The department provides many tools to consumers, including the following:

  • The department is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to assist consumers with gathering information about businesses, charities or other organizations. The department can also help consumers file a complaint if they feel they have been taken advantage of. Call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
  • The department’s website also has a Live Chat function available to assist consumers with information and complaints. Click “Live Chat” from the department’s home page at FreshFromFlorida.com.
  • The Little Black Book of Scams provides tips on avoiding charity scams, identity theft, tax scams, foreign lotteries and more.
  • Before contributing to charities, consumers should utilize the Check-A-Charity tool. This helps consumers see how their donation will be used.
  • Consumers who receive unwanted sales calls at home should sign up for the state’s Do Not Call list here. It’s free to sign-up and only takes a minute.
  • Consumers can use the A-Z Resource Guide to see which office, agency or division has oversight on certain issues.
  • The A-Z Resource Guide directs consumers to the most appropriate agency for assistance with a wide variety of topics.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information. The call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency. Consumers can get tips or file a complaint at FreshFromFlorida.com.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).