Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today a new partnership between Subway and “Fresh From Florida” to promote the Florida-grown produce served in the restaurant’s nearly 1,500 Florida locations. Beginning this month and running through April, Subway restaurants will feature “Fresh From Florida” advertising and marketing materials highlighting Subway’s commitment to sourcing locally grown Florida cucumbers, green peppers and tomatoes during local growing seasons.
“Florida’s hard-working farmers make it easy for everyone to enjoy fresh, local produce any time of the year,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “I’m proud to partner with one of Florida’s largest restaurant chains to highlight the availability and affordability of ‘Fresh From Florida’ products across the state.”
Last year, Subway purchased more than 74 million pounds of Florida-grown tomatoes, cucumbers and green peppers.
“We are excited to partner with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the ‘Fresh From Florida’ program to highlight Subway’s commitment to locally sourced, farm fresh produce,” said Staci Clark, longstanding Panama City area franchisee. “Our customers have a high expectation of high quality ingredients that are grown right here in our local communities and this partnership ensures that we continue to meet those goals.”
The “Fresh From Florida” partnership highlights Subway’s commitment to sourcing Florida produce, and locations in the following cities will feature advertising and marketing materials: Tallahassee, Orlando, Panama City, Gainesville, Miami, Ft. Myers, Tampa, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville.
FDACS
100,000 Florida Concealed Weapon Licenses Expedited for Active Military Members and Veterans
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has expedited 100,000 Florida concealed weapon license applications for active military members and veterans since July 2015. Commissioner Putnam moved to expedite licensees for active military members and veterans in the wake of the 2015 terrorist attacks against military personnel in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
“Florida should be the most military and veteran friendly state in the country,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “I’m proud that we have expedited 100,000 concealed weapon license applications for our active military members and veterans.”
Active military personnel who want to apply for a Florida concealed weapon license should include a copy of their Common Access Card or other form of official military identification with their applications when they submit them to the department. The department will also accept a copy of service members’ current orders as proof of active duty status. Honorably discharged veterans should submit a copy of their DD 214 long form with their applications.
There are currently 1.84 million Florida concealed weapon license holders.
Visit FreshFromFlorida.com/CWL to learn more.
Tampa Man Arrested for Stealing Fuel With Counterfeit Credit Cards
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that investigators with his Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement arrested Yaders Hernandez Angel, 33, of Tampa for filling an unlawful “bladder truck” with fuel illegally purchased with counterfeit credit cards. A “bladder truck” is a vehicle that has been retrofitted with hidden tanks that hold high volumes of fuel.
Law enforcement officers were preforming surveillance at gas stations in Hillsborough County and observed Hernandez Angel pumping fuel into a vehicle equipped with an unlawful tank in plain view. Investigators recovered 10 counterfeit credit cards from Hernandez Angel’s possession, two of which were used to illegally purchase 95 gallons of fuel.
Hernandez Angel was charged with unlawful conveyance of fuel, which is a third degree felony; two counts of fraudulently obtaining fuel, which is a second degree felony; and possession of 10 counterfeit credit cards, which is a second degree felony. Hernandez Angel was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.
The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement protects Florida’s agriculture and consumers through law enforcement in support of all the regulatory aspects of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Orlando Man Charged with Over 150 Crimes in $258,000 Timeshare Scheme
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services arrested an Orlando resident for allegedly running a timeshare vacation scheme that defrauded 68 victims out of more than $258,000. Mark David Richmond, 45, allegedly targeted timeshare vacation property owners by brokering false real estate transactions.
“We will continue to pursue scam artists who prey on Floridians and visitors for their hard-earned money,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Anytime consumers receive a telemarketing call, they can help protect themselves by checking with our department to make sure the business is licensed and in good standing.”
According to the investigation, Richmond operated Ultimate Financing, Ultimate Finance, Continental Resorts, Resorts Unlimited, and Ultifin, which would require advance broker fees, closing costs, and other fees to facilitate the sale. Once the victims paid the requested costs and fees, the real estate transaction would not occur and the business would discontinue communicating with the victims.
The following tips help protect consumers from common scams:
- Before any purchase is made, research whether the telemarketer or telemarketing salesperson is registered with FDACS and if any complaints have been filed against them. This can be done by visiting FreshFromFlorida.com’s Business/Complaint Lookup or by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352).
- Do not give out bank account, credit card or personal information (date of birth, mother’s maiden name, Social Security number, etc.) over the telephone, unless it is to a known and trusted source.
- Request written information by mail about the organization itself, as well as the product, service, investment or charity.
Richmond was booked into the Orange County Jail today on the following charges:
- Aggravated White-Collar Crime in violation of §775.0844(5)(b), Florida Statutes, a felony of the first degree;
- Grand Theft in the First Degree in violation of §812.014(2)(a)1, Florida Statutes, a felony of the first degree;
- Organized Scheme to Defraud in violation of §817.034(4)(a)1, Florida Statutes, a felony of the first degree;
- Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device (68 Counts) in violation of §934.215, Florida Statutes, felonies of the third degree;
- Communications Fraud (68 Counts) in violation of §817.034(4)(b)1, Florida Statutes, felonies of the third degree;
- Commercial Telephone Solicitation Without License (68 Counts) in violation of §501.623(3), Florida Statutes, felonies of the third degree; and
- Unlicensed Real Estate Activity in violation of §475.42(1)(a), Florida Statutes, a felony of the third degree.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovers Nearly $280,000 for Floridians in July
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered nearly $280,000 for Florida consumers during the month of July. Last year, the department recovered nearly $3 million for Florida consumers from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.
During July 2017, the department:
- Recovered $279,375 on behalf of Florida consumers;
- Received 3,186 complaints;
- Initiated 241 investigations;
- Arrested 13 individuals;
- Provided assistance to 22,458 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
- Added 13,964 telephone numbers to Florida’s Do Not Call List.
As the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, the department educates the public, investigates complaints and provides mediation on behalf of consumers. The department’s 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 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). For consumer protection information and resources, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Announces Free and Reduced-Price School Meal Guidelines
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness has announced household size and income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals or free milk for students unable to pay the full price for meals or milk served under the National School Lunch, School Breakfast and Special Milk Programs. The guidelines of eligibility are in effect as of July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018.
Each local school food authority office has a copy of the guidelines that may be reviewed by any interested party. The following household size and income criteria will be used for determining eligibility:
Children from households that meet federal guidelines are eligible for free or reduced- price meals or free milk.
Application forms are being provided to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians. To apply for free or reduced-price benefits, households must complete the application as soon as possible, sign it, and return it to the school. One application should be submitted for all the students enrolled in the school food authority. Households should answer all applicable questions on the form. An application that does not contain all the required information cannot be processed and approved by the school. The required information is:
SNAP / TANF HOUSEHOLDS: If a household currently receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families” (TANF) for any child or other household member, they need only to list the child’s name and SNAP or TANF case number, and sign the application.
ALL OTHER HOUSEHOLDS: If a household’s income is at or below the level shown on the income scale, children are eligible for free or reduced price meals or free milk. Households must provide the following information: (1) the names of all household members, (2) all household income last month and source of income received by each household member (for example, EARNINGS, WELFARE, PENSION, or OTHER). Income is all money before taxes or anything else is taken out, (3) the signature of an adult household member, and (4) the last four numbers of the Social Security number of the adult signing the application.
The information on the application for free or reduced price meals may be verified by the school or other officials at any time during the school year.
The information households provide will be treated confidentially and will be used only for the eligibility determinations and verification of data.
Households may apply for benefits at any time during the school year. If a household is not eligible now, but has a decrease in household income, an increase in household size, or a household member becomes unemployed, an application should be filled out at that time.
Foster children are eligible for free meal or milk benefits regardless of the household income. If a household has foster children living with them and they wish to apply for meals or milk benefits for them, they should contact the school for help with the application.
Children enrolled in the Head Start/Even Start Program or the Migrant Education Program or who are considered homeless or runaway by the school district’s homeless liaison should contact the school for assistance in receiving benefits.
Under the provisions of the policy, a local school food authority official will review applications and determine eligibility. Households dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss it with the school.
Households also have the right to a fair hearing which may be initiated by contacting the hearing official in the local school food authority.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online HERE, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; - fax: (202) 690-7442; or
- email: [email protected].
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
For more information on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Commissioner Adam Putnam Invites Purple Heart Recipients to Participate in Special Purple Heart Day Event
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam invites Purple Heart recipients and their families to participate in a special Operation Outdoor Freedom event on Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7, at Camp Prairie in Lake Wales, Fla.
Interested Purple Heart recipients can find additional information and RSVP by Thursday, Aug. 3, by emailing [email protected]. Participants will enjoy barbecue and rides on an airboat and a swamp buggy.
“Operation Outdoor Freedom is one small way we can give back to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “I’m proud to host a Purple Heart Day event for the first time during this program to honor our nation’s Purple Heart recipients.”
Since the program was launched in 2011, Operation Outdoor Freedom has hosted more than 3,000 wounded veterans on more than 400 outdoor events, such as guided alligator hunts, deer and hog hunts, quail and turkey hunts, freshwater fishing, canoeing and more.
Wounded veterans participate in these events on state forests, private lands and along the state’s coast, and the excursions are funded through private donations. Camp Prairie, a first-of-its-kind camp, consists of a fully equipped campground with sleeping facilities, a screened kitchen, pavilion, dining area and restroom facility.
For more information, visit OperationOutdoorFreedom.com.
Commissioner Putnam Supports the Florida National Guard’s Efforts to Base F-35 Lightning II with 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville
In a continuation of Commissioner Adam H. Putnam’s efforts to make Florida the most military and veteran-friendly state in the country, Commissioner Putnam today wrote Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson a letter, supporting the Florida National Guard’s efforts to base the F-35 Lightning II with the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville.
“For 70 years, the 125th Fighter Wing has served Florida and our country well. With Jacksonville’s unparalleled airspace and infrastructure, no other place in the nation is better suited for a new squadron of F-35 fighters,” stated Commissioner Adam H. Putnam.
To view the letter, please click here.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Statement Regarding Phosphorous Reduction in Everglades Agricultural Area
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.
Media Advisory: Press Event on Skimmers
Commissioner Putnam, Orange County Sheriff Demings, and Orlando
Police Department Deputy Chief Rolon to Hold Press Event on Skimmers
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will be joined by Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and Orlando Police Department Deputy Chief Orlando Rolon on Wednesday, July 12, for a press event on skimmers.
Event: Press event regarding skimmers on gas pumps
Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Central Operations
Mel Martinez Auditorium
2500 W. Colonial Drive
Orlando, Fla. 32804
