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Tony Alvarez, Gianna Rivera Win “Fresh From Florida” Student Chef Cook-Off

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today announced that Tony Alvarez and Gianna Rivera of Bloomingdale High School in Hillsborough County are the 2018 “Fresh From Florida” Student Chef Cook-Off champions. Alvarez and Rivera competed against two other regional teams of two to four students from across the state. All three “Fresh From Florida” Student Chef Cook-Off teams will participate in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Taste of Florida Agriculture reception tonight in the Florida Capitol courtyard.
As the winning team, Alvarez and Rivera each earned a Florida Prepaid 529 Savings Plan and an apprenticeship with celebrity chef Art Smith, and their recipe will be made available for Florida school food service authorities to use in their cafeterias.
Alvarez and Rivera prepared their original T&G Burrito, which featured salsa made of Florida-grown vegetables. Student contestants had two hours to prepare four servings of their dishes to be judges on: taste, appearance, creativity, best and most use of local ingredients, best and most use of commodity items, school food service appropriateness and execution.
The “Fresh From Florida” Student Chef Cook-Off entry requirements include:

  • Applicants must be a Florida student in 9th through 12th grade.
  • The recipe must meet National School Lunch meal pattern and nutrition standards.
  • The recipe must incorporate at least two Florida ingredients from the approved list.
  • The recipe must incorporate at least one USDA commodity item from the approved list.
  • The recipe must be prepared in less than two hours.
  • The recipe must be replicable by school nutrition professionals.

Alvarez and Rivera and the other team finalists prepared their original dishes for a panel of judges, including: Chef Art Smith, Chef Bill Castleberry and Leon County School Food Service Procurement Supervisor Amy Hayden. Chef Art Smith has earned two James Beard awards, served as executive chef to Former governors Bob Graham and Jeb Bush, and spent 10 years as Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef. Chef Bill Castleberry has been a restauranteur, caterer and a culinary educator for the past 25 years. Amy Hayden has served in the school food service industry for 17 years.
For more information on the “Fresh From Florida” Student Chef Cook-Off, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/StudentCookOff.

Subway and “Fresh From Florida” Partner to Highlight Locally Grown Produce Served in Nearly 1,500 Florida Locations

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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.

100,000 Florida Concealed Weapon Licenses Expedited for Active Military Members and Veterans

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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.

Top Three Teams to Compete in “Fresh From Florida” Student Chef Cook-Off Final

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will host the final “Fresh From Florida” Student Chef Cook-Off in Tallahassee tomorrow, Jan. 30. The three regional champions will compete for a chance to have their original recipe served in school cafeterias and an apprenticeship with celebrity chef Art Smith.
The winning team will participate in the department’s Taste of Florida Agriculture reception tomorrow evening in the Florida Capitol courtyard.
Event: “Fresh From Florida” Student Chef Cook-Off Final
Contestants: Orlando Regional Winner- Tony Alvarez and Gigi Rivera of Bloomingdale Senior High School, T&G’s Burrito;
Jacksonville Regional Winner- Allyson Moore and Wyatt Junnila of Harmony High School, The Osceola Bowl; and
Palm Beach Regional Winner- Sheldon Riley and James Weichmann of Fort Pierce High School, Raw Kale Pasta with Strawberry Vinaigrette and Chipotle Chicken
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 30
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: FDACS Kitchen
Innovation Park
2051 E. Paul Dirac Dr.
Tallahassee, Fla.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com or call 1-800-HELP-FLA.

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 the Taste of Florida Agriculture reception in the Florida Capitol courtyard tomorrow, Jan. 30. 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, and it highlights the importance of Florida agriculture. The reception is free and open to the public.
Vendors will serve dishes that feature fresh Florida oysters, honey, fruits, vegetables and much more. The wining team from tomorrow’s final “Fresh From Florida” Student Chef Cook-Off will also participate.
Event: Taste of Florida Agriculture Reception
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 30
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Florida Capitol Courtyard
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, Fla. 32399

Commissioner Putnam Highlights Increased Wildfire Risk During Prescribed Fire Awareness Week

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service urge caution due to increased wildfire danger this spring and encourage support for prescribed fire during Florida’s Prescribed Fire Awareness Week, which is from Jan. 28 through Feb. 4. Prescribed fire is a vital tool used to reduce wildfire risk in Florida.
“Following one of the most active wildfire seasons in recent history and a devastating hurricane season, forecasts predict an extremely dry spring,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “It is more important than ever to support our wildland firefighters as they conduct prescribed burns to protect Floridians and reduce wildfire risk.”
Prescribed fire uses slow-moving, low-grade fire to reduce the brush and overgrowth that would otherwise serve as fuel for a dangerous wildfire. By using prescribed fire in an area that poses a high wildfire risk, a future wildfire in the same area will be less intense, less dangerous and easier to extinguish. Additionally, prescribed fires return nutrients to the soil, provide better forage for wildlife and livestock, and help control certain plant and tree diseases.
“As we oversee the most robust prescribed burn program in the country, our top priority is the safety of our residents, visitors and wildland firefighters,” said Jim Karels, Florida State Forester. “Smoke from a nearby prescribed fire may be inconvenient, but it is important to remember that this brief inconvenience helps keep potentially life-threatening wildfires at bay.”
The Florida Forest Service administers the most active prescribed burning program in the nation. In an average year, the Florida Forest Service issues 85,000 prescribed burning authorizations. In addition, there are currently more than 1,600 certified prescribed burn managers in Florida that manage more than 2.3 million acres of agricultural and natural lands annually with prescribed fire.
Floridians can download the Florida Forest Service’s “FLBurnTools” app to access an interactive fire map that shows prescribed burns, smoke dispersion models, drought information and wildfire conditions in real-time. Prescribed burn practitioners can also use the app to plan and submit authorization requests. The app is now available in Apple’s  App Store and on Google Play.
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.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovers More Than $148,000 for Consumers in December

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered more than $148,000 for Florida consumers during the month of December, bringing the total to more than $2.6 million for consumers in 2017. The department recovered consumers’ money from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.
During December 2017, the department:

  • Recovered $148,444 on behalf of Florida consumers;
  • Received 2,507 complaints;
  • Initiated 150 investigations;
  • Arrested 19 individuals;
  • Provided assistance to 16,882 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
  • Added 11,744 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.

Floridians’ Top 10 Consumer Complaints in 2017

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released today the top 10 consumer complaints filed with the department in 2017. Complaints about violations of the state’s Do Not Call list were the most common, followed by complaints related to landlord/ tenant issues, fuel and gasoline, and motor vehicle repair. In addition, the department recovered $2,659,000 for Florida consumers in 2017.
“We are dedicated to protecting Florida’s consumers, and I’m proud that we recovered more than $2.6 million for Floridians this year,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Anyone can call our 1-800-HELP-FLA consumer hotline or visit FreshfromFlorida.com to file a complaint, find information about businesses and professionals and learn how to protect themselves from fraud and scams.”
In 2017, the department received 40,855 complaints and responded to 215,870 calls, 16,247 emails and 11,464 online chats from consumers. The top 10 complaints were:

  1. Do Not Call –19,112
  2. Landlord/Tenant – 2,164
  3. Fuel/Petroleum – 1,555
  4. Motor Vehicle Repair – 1,386
  5. Medical Billing – 1,253
  6. Communications – 1,160
  7. Other/Miscellaneous – 1,105
  8. Travel/Vacation Plans – 1,028
  9. Motor Vehicle/Sales Accessories – 1,021
  10. Construction – 973

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

Safety Tips for Ringing in the New Year with Fireworks

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Fireworks and campfires pose wildfire risks year-round, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service is providing tips for a safe New Year.
Individuals should check with local laws before using fireworks. Local fire and police departments and the state Fire Marshal’s Office can also provide guidance. People planning to use fireworks should follow these safety tips:

  • Follow all county or city fireworks laws;
  • Light fireworks on a cleared area free of any vegetation or debris;
  • Remove any debris from roofs or decks where fireworks could land;
  • Always have a water source available in case of a fire;
  • Aim fireworks away from people, homes and wooded areas;
  • Do not allow young children to light or handle fireworks;
  • Never use homemade fireworks;
  • Discard used fireworks in a bucket of water;
  • Store unused fireworks and lighters out of the reach of children;
  • Clean up all debris from fireworks; and
  • Report any fires immediately to 911.

Since Jan. 1, 2017, 2,917 wildfires have burned more than 201,171 acres across Florida.
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.
For statewide wildfire updates and additional wildfire information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Tips for Safe Christmas Tree Disposal

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam encourages Floridians to dispose of Christmas trees safely. Dry limbs and needles from discarded Christmas trees can be an ignition source for fire if not properly cleared away from homes and natural areas.
One way to remove this potential fire hazard is by recycling Christmas trees. Many locations offer tree recycling services, such as curbside pick-up, recycling centers and mulching programs. Check with a local utilities service for more information about Christmas tree disposal and recycling programs.
However, some residents may decide to burn their Christmas trees. The Florida Forest Service offers the following tips for safe outdoor burning:

  • Check local ordinances and requirements for outdoor burning.
  • Burn only if significant rainfall has occurred in the last three or four days.
  • Never burn on dry or windy days.
  • Select a burn location that is at least 25 feet from natural areas, 25 feet from your home, 150 feet from other occupied buildings and 50 feet from any paved public roadway.
  • Remove all decorations from the tree before you burn.
  • Cut the tree into manageable sections, as necessary.
  • Clear the burn area free of other flammable materials, such as leaf litter and pine straw.
  • Keep a shovel and water hose handy in case the fire starts to escape containment.
  • Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is out before leaving.
  • Never burn a Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove.

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