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Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces Additional State Forest Closures for Hurricane Irma

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In response to the westward shift of Hurricane Irma’s projected track toward the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced the closure of three additional state forests in the to help ensure the safety of Florida residents and visitors. The grounds and all campsites, including primitive and RV, of Lake Talquin State Forest, Wakulla State Forest and Tate’s Hell State Forest are closed until further notice.
The following 30 state forests are closed and will remain closed until further notice:

  • Belmore State Forest
  • Big Shoals State Forest
  • Carl Duval Moore State Forest
  • Cary State Forest
  • Charles H. Bronson State Forest
  • Etoniah Creek State Forest
  • Four Creeks State Forest
  • Geothe State Forest
  • Indian Lake State Forest
  • Jennings State Forest
  • John M. Beathea State Forest
  • Lake George State Forest
  • Lake Talquin State Forest
  • Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
  • Little Big Econ State Forest
  • Matanzas State Forest
  • Myakka State Forest
  • Newnan’s Lake State Forest
  • Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
  • Peace River State Forest
  • Picayune Stand State Forest
  • Ralph E. Simmons State Forest
  • Ross Prairie State Forest
  • Seminole State Forest
  • Tate’s Hell State Forest
  • Tiger Bay State Forest
  • Twin Rivers State Forest
  • Wakulla State Forest
  • Welaka State Forest
  • Withlacoochee State Forest

Depending on Hurricane Irma’s tract, the Florida Forest Service may close additional state forest or campgrounds. The Florida Forest Service team is in constant communication with state and local emergency operations centers.
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 Announces Out-of-State Outreach for Post-Hurricane Debris Removal Support

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Hurricane Irma will devastate Florida, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that the Florida Forest Service has reached out to its partners in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi to identify their saw team resources and request help with post-hurricane efforts to clear roadways and remove debris.
“We’re all in this together, and we’re going to need support from other states to immediately begin recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma leaves utter destruction in its wake,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Florida Forest Service Personnel, Aircraft, Off-Road Vehicles Staging to Respond to Hurricane Irma

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that more than 100 Florida Forest Service personnel, as well as aircraft, off-road vehicles and mobile command posts, are preparing to respond to Hurricane Irma and assist in search and rescue missions, debris clearing, distributing supplies and more.
“More than 100 members of the Florida Forest Service, as well as aircraft and off-road vehicles, are preparing to immediately respond to the impacts of Hurricane Irma,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “While Florida’s emergency managers continue to prepare and plan for potential landfall of Hurricane Irma, I encourage all Floridians to complete their preparations and finalize their plans before it’s too late.”
During an emergency, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps provide 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.

FDACS Readies Millions of Food Servings in Preparation for Hurricane Irma

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has readied millions of servings of food that will be on-hand for Hurricane Irma response efforts. This effort is being conducted as part of the Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness’ Emergency Support Function 11 role.
“We are doing everything we can to support statewide disaster preparedness efforts so we can quickly address arising needs in the wake of Hurricane Irma,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
The Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness, in its role as ESF-11, has ready:

  • 6.3 million servings of meat, eggs, nut butters, and beans;
  • 3.8 million servings of canned and frozen vegetables in USDA foods on-hand;
  • 2.6 million servings of cheese;
  • 1.6 million servings of canned fruit and applesauce; and
  • ESF-11 is quoting 120,000 dehydrated meals for delivery to mass care agencies in preparation for landfall.

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.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces Suspension of Intrastate Movement Requirements for Transportation of Pets and Livestock

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam’s department today suspended intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals from the areas expected to be impacted by Hurricane Irma. Additionally, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets and livestock.
“By suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals, we can ensure that Floridians and visitors can quickly and safely move their pets and livestock out of harm’s way,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
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 Recovers Nearly $230,000 for Consumers in August

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered nearly $230,000 for Florida consumers during the month of August. 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 August 2017, the department:

  • Recovered $228,112 on behalf of Florida consumers;
  • Received 4,360 complaints;
  • Initiated 336 investigations;
  • Arrested 24 individuals;
  • Provided assistance to 22,183 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
  • Added 21,817 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.

In Wake of Hurricane Harvey, Consumers Should Research Charities Before Giving

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In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and historic flooding across southeast Texas, Commissioner Adam H. Putnam encourages Floridians to visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com to research charitable organizations before donating money to help those in need.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Texas, and I hope that Floridians can respond with the same generosity that our state has received time and time again,” Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam said. “But before giving your hard-earned money, I encourage Floridians to do their research, as fraudulent charities may be created to take advantage of people’s empathy and generosity.”
Most charitable organizations that are located in Florida or soliciting donations within Florida are required to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services prior to soliciting contributions. Charitable organizations not located in Florida or soliciting donations in Florida are not required to register with the department.
Consumers can help protect themselves from charity-related scams by:

  • Checking to see if a charitable organization is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by visiting FloridaConsumerHelp.com;
  • Asking questions, such as: “Who is the fundraiser and who will benefit from the donation?”; “How much of the contribution goes to the charity mentioned in the request”; and “How much of the donation goes toward administrative and fundraising expenses?”;
  • Researching the charitable organization at FloridaConsumerHelp.com to see how much of a donation will go toward the individuals the charity intends to help versus operating expenses;
  • Reading the Gift Giver’s Guide by clicking here; and
  • Reporting any suspicious charitable solicitations by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).

Commissioner Adam Putnam Supports 2017 National Trade Policy Agenda

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam sent a letter to the House Committee on Ways and Means, voicing his support of the 2017 National Trade Policy Agenda. This agenda will help create a more even playing field for America’s farmers, ranchers and businesses.
The following is an excerpt from the letter:
“I applaud the Trump Administration’s National Trade Policy Agenda for 2017 and its clear intention to strictly enforce U.S. trade laws and insure a fair and level playing field exists for America’s farmers, ranchers, and businesses. As the U.S. moves into the second round of NAFTA negotiations on September 1, it is imperative that the Administration’s goal to seek a provision to address the plight of the producers of perishable and seasonal commodities be included in any agreement.”
The letter can be accessed by clicking here.

Tampa Man Arrested for Stealing Fuel With Counterfeit Credit Cards

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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

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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.