Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today held a media availability to correct widespread misinformation regarding the concealed weapon license program.
florida department of agriculture and consumer services
Commissioner Adam Putnam Hosts Hurricane Preparedness Round Table
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today hosted a hurricane preparedness round table discussion in Fort Myers.
Among the participants were: Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto, Representative Dane Eagle, Lee County Undersheriff Carmine Marceno, Fort Myers Fire Chief John Caufield, Lee County Commission Chair Cecil Pendergrass, Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane, Lee County Emergency Management Director Lee Mayfield, Lee County Assistant Manager Christine Brady, Fort Myers Fire Department Emergency Management Specialist Judith Hartwell, and Major Glenn Kramer with the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement.
Commissioner Adam Putnam Encourages Floridians to Prepare for Active 2018 Hurricane Season
Following Subtropical Storm Alberto, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is reminding Floridians to prepare for the 2018 hurricane season, which officially begins June 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts another above-average hurricane season.
“As Floridians, we understand the threat of hurricane season all too well,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “It’s imperative that Floridians have a plan in place to protect their families, homes and businesses this hurricane season. Floridians should take advantage of the hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday that begins June 1.”
Floridians can take the following steps to prepare for the 2018 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 crucial 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.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Highlights Summer BreakSpot Program
Many students rely on school meals for the nutrition they need for academic success, so to help ensure that Florida children have access to wholesome meals when school is out for the summer, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services partners with more than 4,000 schools and organizations to provide free, nutritious meals. The Summer BreakSpot program provides nutritious meals and recreational activities at no cost from June through August to children 18 and under who are from low-income areas.
Last summer, more than 4,600 sites helped serve more than 15 million meals to Florida children. The number of Summer BreakSpot meals served during the summer has increased by 52 percent since the department assumed responsibility of school nutrition programs, including Summer BreakSpot, in 2012.
There are several ways to find a Summer BreakSpot site:
- Dial 2-1-1.
- Text “FoodFL” to 877-877.
- Visit SummerBreakSpot.org.
Summer BreakSpot sites include open sites and camps (residential and non-residential). Open sites are sites where meals are available to all children in the area on a first-come, first-served basis.
To receive free meals at camps, children may need to meet income eligibility guidelines. Foster children who are members of households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families are automatically eligible to receive free meals at eligible sites. Children not currently receiving benefits must meet the income eligibility guidelines for reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch program. Income eligibility guidelines for School Year 2017 – 2018 are available at fns.usda.gov/school-meals/fr-041017.
Summer BreakSpot is part of the National Summer Food Service Program, a federally-funded program operated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). For more information, please visit SummerBreakSpot.org.
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, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, 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 at: How to File a Complaint, 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.
Florida Forest Service Accepting Applications to Help Landowners Combat Devastating Southern Pine Beetle
Eligible counties for Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program
To help combat the invasive Southern Pine Beetle, which is currently present in 52 infestation sites throughout six Florida counties, the Florida Forest Service is accepting applications for the 2018 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program from non-industrial, private forest landowners through June 29, 2018. The program is limited to 44 northern Florida counties, the known range of the southern pine beetle.
The southern pine beetle is one of the most economically devastating forest pests of the southeast, with periodic outbreaks leading to deaths of millions of pine trees. In 2017, 260 SPB infestations were reported in Florida, killing trees on 1,768 acres. This pales in comparison to the last major outbreaks between 1999 and 2002, which caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses. Since it was first offered in 2005, the program has been implemented on more than 183,000 acres and helped thousands of landowners.
“These small infestations average less than an acre now, but they have the ability to expand rapidly this time of year,” said Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “It’s imperative that we remain vigilant to keep this invasive pest at bay.”
The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, supported through a grant by the United States Forest Service, provides incentive payments for landowners who conduct a first pulpwood thinning and offers partial cost reimbursement for activities, such as prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and the planting of longleaf or slash pine rather than the loblolly pine, the beetle’s preferred species. Qualified landowners can apply for up to two different practices per year, and funding requests may not exceed $10,000. All qualifying applications received during the submission period will be evaluated and ranked for approval.
To obtain an application or to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, click here.
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 Addresses Hillsborough Community College Graduates
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
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 Speak at Florida Chamber Foundation Prosperity Summit
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
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovered Over $208,000 for Consumers in April
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered over $208,000 for Florida consumers during the month of April. Last year, the department recovered more than $2.6 million of consumers’ money from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.
During April, the department:
- Recovered $208,539 on behalf of Florida consumers;
- Received 3,789 complaints;
- Initiated 239 investigations;
- Arrested 15 individuals;
- Provided assistance to 21,208 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
- Added 12,641 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.
Commissioner Adam Putnam Warns Floridians of Increased Wildfire Activity
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.
