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Commissioner Adam Putnam

Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Statement on Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy Killed in the Line of Duty

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement regarding Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy William Gentry, who was killed in the line of duty.

“Today, with the tragic loss of Deputy William Gentry, we are painfully reminded of the tremendous sacrifices that Florida’s law enforcement officers, and their families, make on behalf of all Floridians. My thoughts and prayers are with Deputy William Gentry’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as the entire Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.

“To all of Florida’s law enforcement community, may you be safe and know that we stand with you.”

Commissioner Adam Putnam Addresses Hillsborough Community College Graduates

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Florida Commissioner Adam H. Putnam today provided the commencement address to approximately 1,000 graduates of Hillsborough Community College.

“There should be no question in your mind that those late nights, that hard work and all those sacrifices were 100 percent worth it. This degree is part of finding your piece of the American Dream.
“Here in the Tampa Bay area and throughout the state, we’re seeing an explosion of growth and opportunity yet again. If we continue down this path, we’ll see hundreds of thousands of jobs created right here in our state.

“You, the graduates of Hillsborough Community College, you’re ahead of the game. You’re at the front of the line, you have invested and it will pay off.”

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

Commissioner Adam Putnam Reminds Floridians to Report Arson During National Arson Awareness Week

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This Arson Awareness Week, May 6-12, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are reminding Floridians to help prevent wildfires by reporting suspected arson. Since the beginning of 2018, arsonists have started approximately 236 wildfires in Florida that have burned more than 4,620 acres.

“Unfortunately, man-made fires have exacerbated an already active wildfire season this year due to continuing drought conditions,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam, “With the help of Floridians, we can stop arsonists in their tracks and protect residents, property and wildlife from wildfire.”

The willful, malicious or intentional burning of forest, grass or woodlands not owned by the person burning is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, five years in prison or both.

“If you see suspicious activity, report it. The best way to stop arsonists is to let them know you’re watching,” said Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “We will not tolerate anyone who intentionally endangers Floridians and our visitors.”

To report suspicious wildfire activity, contact the Florida Forestry Arson Alert Association at 1-800-342-5869 or your local Florida Forest Service field unit. Callers can remain anonymous, and information that leads to the apprehension of an arsonist could result in a reward of up to $5,000. When reporting suspected wildland arson activity, callers should remember the following tips:

  • 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.

Commissioner Adam Putnam to Deliver Commencement Address at Hillsborough Community College

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Commissioner Adam H. Putnam will deliver the commencement address at Hillsborough Community College on Friday, May 4.

Event: Hillsborough Community College Graduation

Date: Friday, May 4, 2018

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, Expo Hall
4800 US Hwy. 301 North
Tampa, Fla.

Commissioner Adam Putnam to Speak at Florida Chamber Foundation Prosperity Summit

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Commissioner Adam H. Putnam will speak at the Florida Chamber Foundation Prosperity Summit tomorrow, May 3, on economic opportunity.

Event: Florida Chamber Foundation Prosperity Summit

Date: Thursday, May 3, 2018

Time: 9 to 10 a.m.

Location: Rosen Plaza Hotel, Ballroom A
9700 International Drive
Orlando, Fla. 32819

Commissioner Adam Putnam Warns Floridians of Increased Wildfire Activity

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are urging the public to be careful with fire and all potential heat sources due to increased wildfire danger levels in South Florida and throughout the state. Last week, 56 wildfires burned 3,780 acres, including the 600-acre Micco Shrub Fire that shut down I-95 for several hours due to smoke and low visibility.

“Our wildland firefighters will likely battle a steady increase of wildfires in the coming weeks as the dry and windy conditions continue,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Citizens can do their part by keeping preventable human-caused wildfires at bay and preparing their families and homes for wildfire.”

Since January, approximately 1,325 wildfires have burned 74,427 acres in Florida. Motorists in wildfire-affected areas should exercise extreme caution. To access real-time prescribed burn and wildfire conditions, Floridians can download the “FLBurnTools” app in Apple’s App Store or on Google Play.

“When citizens are careful with fire, they are doing more than just protecting themselves and their property,” said Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “They are helping to protect the lives of Florida’s wildland firefighters and first responders.”

The Florida Forest Service urges residents to be cautious and to remember the following:

  • Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
  • Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
  • Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
  • Never burn on windy days;
  • Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
  • Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
  • Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

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.

Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Statement on Gilchrist County Deputies Killed in Line of Duty

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement regarding the two Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office deputies, who were killed in the line of duty this afternoon.

“This heinous and senseless act of violence has claimed the lives of two of our state’s heroes. The deputies killed today will forever be remembered for their courageous and selfless dedication to protecting others. My prayers are with the family and loved ones of the fallen deputies, as well as the entire law enforcement community, during this tremendous time of grief.”

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Florida Wildfire Activity

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 21 active wildfires in Florida burning 26,958 acres.

Significant Wildfires/Updates:

  • An Incident Command Management Team of 28 wildland firefighters is joining the wildfire suppression efforts in Oklahoma.

The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:

  • Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
  • Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
  • Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
  • Never burn on windy days;
  • Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
  • Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
  • Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

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.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Florida Wildfire Activity

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 18 active wildfires in Florida burning 27,156 acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

  • DeSoto Highlands Line, DeSoto County: 200 acres and 100 percent contained.
  • Old Blade Line, Polk County: 450 acres and 100 percent contained.

The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:

  • Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
  • Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
  • Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
  • Never burn on windy days;
  • Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
  • Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
  • Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

 

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.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Florida Wildfire Activity

Posted on

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 17 active wildfires in Florida burning 27,199 acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

  • DeSoto Highlands Line, DeSoto County: 200 acres and 100 percent contained.
  • Old Blade Line, Polk County: 450 acres and 100 percent contained.

The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:

  • Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
  • Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
  • Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
  • Never burn on windy days;
  • Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
  • Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
  • Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

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.