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Petland Expands K9 Support

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Petland General Manager Heath Kesner standing with 6 K9 units supported by Petland. (PRNewsfoto/Petland)

Stores across the country provide assistance for more than 135 service and therapy dogs

In honor of National K9 Veterans Day on March 13, Petland and Petland Charities are proud and honored to announce their support of more than 135 service dogs across the country, up more than 35% from last year. Petland is grateful for the work these dogs do every day to help communities, children, veterans and those with special needs. In Florida alone, Petland stores support 24 K9 units across the state.

Petland’s national Community Service outreach includes offering support to local police, sheriff and fire departments as well as support for military veteran service dogs. The assistance for protective K9 units is most often a feeding program, supplies or fundraising for specific items, such as bite-suits or training gear. Support for veteran service dogs often goes towards the costs associated with raising, training and on-going care.

“Dogs play such an important role in our lives, as our pet and companion, but also as a partner or a valuable assistant. These K9 units have a tremendous impact in our local communities and seeing the unique bond between the partner and his canine officer is something special,” said Elizabeth Kunzelman, Director of Public Affairs. “Providing support for these units at a local level is just a small way to show our gratitude.”

This year, Petland became a supporter of the launch of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Law Enforcement Program K-9 units. Five dogs are being trained and are part of the new program, with supplies and food provided by Petland.

Additionally, Petland supports service and therapy dogs for children and veterans through various programs and outreach. Petland and Petland franchisees sponsor service dogs for Heartland Canines for Veterans, is a 501c3 organization that provides companion, service and therapy dogs for disabled veterans. The average cost to raise and train each service dog is $7,200. Petland, Inc. has committed to supporting the cost of one dog per year for five years. This is in additional to the funds provided by individually-owned and operated stores.

Petland has worked with Heartland Canines for Veterans for almost three years. “The difference a therapy dog can make in the life of a veteran is truly astounding. It is a life-changing relationship and we are happy to be able to play a small part in helping make those relationships possible,” said Kunzelman.

Petland, Inc. is a franchise operation with quality, full service retail pet centers across the United States, Canada, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil and El Salvador. For more than 49 years, Petland Pet Counselors have been dedicated to matching the right pet with the right person and meeting the needs of both. To its customers who already have pets, Petland is dedicated to enhancing their knowledge and enjoyment of the human-animal bond. Petland was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in south central Ohio. For more information on Petland, visit petland.com.

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.

Gov. Scott Announces $178 Million Investment for Florida’s Active Military, Veterans and Their Families

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Also supports Proposal that Gives Free Tuition to Families
of Fallen First Responders, Law Enforcement & Military

Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose $178 million in total funding to support active military, veterans and their families in Florida as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. He also announced his support for a proposal being considered by the Constitution Revision Commission to provide free tuition to the families of fallen first responders, state law enforcement officers and military members who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The proposal provides 120 credit hours per family at a Florida state college, university or participating technical school. Each family would be entitled to one four-year degree. If passed by the CRC, the proposal will be on the ballot in 2018 and would require approval of 60 percent of Florida voters. The CRC proposal, P 49, was filed by Commissioner Emery Gainey and can be found HERE.
Governor Scott said, “I am a proud Navy veteran and my father served during World War II, and this Veterans Day, I was honored to remember the courageous people I had the opportunity to serve with. There is no greater sacrifice to one’s community or country than giving your life to protect others. We will never be able to repay our fallen officers or service members who have bravely given their lives, but it is our duty to ensure that their families are supported as if they were our own.
“I am proud to announce today that I will propose a $178 million investment to help make sure Florida continues to be the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation for years to come. Our military, first responders and law enforcement members make the courageous decision to put their lives on the line every day to protect our country, families, and communities and I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session as we continue to do all we can to support these heroes. I will also fight this year to give voters the chance to approve a proposal to be included in our state’s constitution that gives free tuition to the families of our fallen law enforcement, first responders and military members.”
Governor Scott’s $178 million investment for Florida’s active military, veterans and their families includes:

  • $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment for our National Guardsmen to use during deployment;
  • Nearly $8 million to begin operations at the Lake Baldwin State Veteran Nursing Home, which will allow this facility to serve more than 110 veterans in the coming year;
  • $2 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
  • $2 million for the Florida Defense Support Task Force, which helps support our military and defense communities and the many families who rely on them; and
  • $2.7 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home, including $1 million for Veterans Florida to continue their mission of helping veterans find great jobs at Florida businesses.

Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association, said, “The Sheriffs of Florida support proposal 49, brought forward by Sheriff Gainey, that provides death benefits to surviving family members of first responders who are killed or injured in the line of duty. Our most important asset is our people, and their families who support them in their service to our communities. Securing the future of our families is a noble act, and these death benefits provide educational opportunities for the surviving spouse or children to ensure they are able to provide for their families and contribute to the economy. We thank Governor Rick Scott and are grateful to the Constitution Revision Commission for considering this proposal as it truly does the right thing for our heroes and their families.”
In 2016, Governor Rick Scott signed SB 7012 which protects the families of fallen law enforcement officers and first responders by providing the fallen individual’s monthly salary to the beneficiary for their lifetime. The expanded benefit applies to all Special Risk class members of the Florida Retirement System. Special Risk includes law enforcement officers, firefighters, correctional officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, probation officers, and other employees whose job may put them at risk.
More details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be made available in the coming weeks.

Commissioner Putnam Highlights Services Available to Veterans and Military Members

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Ahead of Veterans Day, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is highlighting the services that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides to Florida’s more than 1.6 million veterans, as well as some services for active military members. The department works to support our nation’s heroes and their families through services, such as: waiving fees for professional licenses, expediting concealed weapon license applications and providing unique outdoor opportunities to wounded veterans.
“The men and women who selflessly serve our country and defend our liberty deserve all of the support we can give them,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
The department provides enhanced services to veterans and active members of the military by:

  • Waiving the fees for honorably discharged veterans and their spouses to enter new professions or open a business that is licensed by the department so that these men and women can jumpstart their careers.
  • Expediting nearly 90,000 applications for concealed weapon licenses for veterans and active duty military since the summer of 2015. Honorably discharged veterans should submit a copy of their DD 214 long form with their applications. More information on how honorably discharged veterans can apply for a concealed weapons license can be found here.
  • Hosting wounded veterans at outdoor recreational events free of charge through Operation Outdoor Freedom. More than 3,000 wounded veterans have participated in more than 400 guided hunts, fishing trips, canoe trips and more in Florida’s state forests and designated outdoor spaces. Additional information about the program and upcoming events can be found here.
  • Dedicating two of Florida’s state forests in honor of our veterans – Peace River State Forest and Prairie Tract State Forest – and reducing forest entrance and camping rates for veterans to enjoy these great places.
  • Accepting relevant military training or education when veterans or active military members apply for private investigator and security officer licenses.

Visit FreshFromFlorida.com to learn more about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Recognizes Operation Outdoor Freedom, Honors Veterans at Florida Cabinet Meeting

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Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, CFO Jimmy Patronis
and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam with Operation Outdoor
Freedom program members and OOF State Program Coordinator David Hunt

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam recognized the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service’s Operation Outdoor Freedom program during today’s meeting of the Governor and Cabinet.
Operation Outdoor Freedom is administered by the Florida Forest Service and provides wounded veterans with recreational outdoor activities, such as guided canoe rides, hunts and fishing trips, free of charge. The program has hosted more than 3,200 veterans at more than 400 outdoor events.
Veterans can register for Operation Outdoor Freedom events here. For more information about how Operation Outdoor Freedom is working to honor Florida’s veterans and how to get involved, visit OperationOutdoorFreedom.com.

Governor Scott Recognizes Four Florida Veterans with Governor’s Medal of Merit

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During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized Florida veterans Judge T. Patt Maney, Lieutenant Colonel John Steele, Colonel John Pelleriti and Paul Martel with the Governor’s Medal of Merit.
Governor Scott said, “I’m honored to recognize these veterans with Medals of Merit today. They have courageously served our country and they continue to serve their veteran communities. I am proud to join all of Florida in recognizing them as selfless American heroes.”
About the Medal of Merit Recipients
Judge T. Patt Maney
Judge T. Patt Maney is a retired Army Reserve Brigadier General and Okaloosa County Judge and an advocate for Florida veterans. During a deployment to Afghanistan in 2005, Judge Maney sustained a traumatic brain when a roadside bomb detonated under their vehicle. After multiple surgeries and thousands of hours of physical therapy, Judge Maney regained his cognitive ability and continued on to serve as a county judge. In 2012, Governor Rick Scott signed “The T. Patt Maney Veterans’ Treatment Intervention Act” into law, which authorized the establishment of veterans’ court to  address the substance abuse and mental health needs of veterans within Florida’s criminal justice system. More than 30 Veterans Courts are now in operation in Florida. 
Lieutenant Colonel John L. Steele
Lieutenant Colonel John Steele currently serves as the Florida Air National Guard Advisor to the State Emergency Operations Center’s Air Operations Branch. During Hurricane Irrma, Lt. Col. Steele helped coordinate early integration of air mobility and rescue assets including over 800 mobility sorties that moved over 3,500 people and over 1,300 tons of equipment.  Lt Col Steele’s 27-year career of outstanding service includes two deployments involving combat flight operations over Bosnia and six deployments in support of the Global War on Terror.
Colonel John Pelleriti
Colonel Pelleriti’s exceptional 25-year distinguished career as an Active Duty Officer and Florida Guardsman have included increasingly responsible key command and staff positions, as well as three overseas deployments to safeguard our “American Way of Life.”  Recently, under the direction of the Adjutant General of Florida, Col. Pelleriti lead the military response to Hurricane Irma, which has been recognized by senior officials of the Department of Defense for their good work.
Paul Martel
Paul Martel is an Army veteran and formerly served as a national vice commander of The American Legion, the nation’s largest wartime veterans’ service organization. A life member of the American Legion, he has held every post from State Commander in 2008-2009 to national sergeant-at-arms from 2009-2010. From 2010 – 2015, Martel served as chairman of the Florida Veterans Council.

CFO Patronis Honors the Department of Financial Services’ Veterans

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During Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, veterans working for the Department of Financial Services were honored for their service and the sacrifices they have made for Florida and our nation. Governor Scott presented each of the Department’s veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal. Prior to the Cabinet meeting, CFO Patronis hosted a breakfast reception for the veterans and their families.
CFO Patronis said, “Florida’s veterans made a choice to selflessly serve, and in doing so, they willingly made countless personal sacrifices. As Americans, we owe these dedicated heroes our gratitude, and I am proud to honor those who continue to serve their fellow Floridians by now working in our Department. It was a privilege to spend time with them this morning, and I offer my unending thanks to them and all of Florida’s veterans.”
The Department of Financial Services has taken several steps to assist Florida’s service members and veterans as they transition into civilian careers, including a program called “Operation Dispatch,” which grants comparative skills-based training credit to military firefighters who wish to join Florida’s firefighting community. The Department has also refunded insurance licensing fees for veterans and their spouses and created a series of financial literacy programs aimed at helping military families navigate through unique financial challenges.
An estimated 1.5 million veterans live in Florida, many of whom now work within state and local governments. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs estimates that veterans make up nearly 12 percent of Florida’s population, the third highest population in the nation behind California and Texas.
To learn more about the Department of Financial Services, visit www.myfloridacfo.com.

Statewide Paychecks for Patriots Events Begin for Florida Veterans

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Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today are proud to announce the official start of the 2017 Paychecks for Patriots events, which connect veterans with great careers in their communities. To celebrate Veterans Day this month, DEO is partnering with the CareerSource Florida network, the Florida National Guard, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and participating Florida employers to hold job fairs for veterans and their families.
Governor Rick Scott said, “The annual Paychecks for Patriots events provide our brave veterans the opportunities they need to get great jobs in our state, and is one more way we are working to keep Florida the most military-friendly state in the nation. As a veteran myself, I urge all Florida job creators to participate in these important events, and we will continue to do all we can to recognize our military members and veterans for their service and sacrifice.”
CareerSource Florida centers across the state will be hosting Paychecks for Patriots events Nov. 6-10, 2017, to help build connections between veteran jobseekers and Florida’s job creators. The employers will include national companies, as well as many local employers. More than 1,800 military and veteran candidates and their family members who participated in prior Paychecks for Patriots events across the state have gained employment.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “The Paychecks for Patriots hiring fairs help connect the hardworking people who served our country with the jobs they deserve. Veterans and their families have unique skills, and this career fair gives employers the chance to offer life-changing employment to these specialized candidates. These important events are held throughout the state and show that our local communities are committed to making Florida the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
The CareerSource Florida network includes more than 155 workforce professionals statewide, themselves veterans, who are dedicated specifically to assisting other veterans with finding employment year-round. These professionals include specialists who provide intensive services to meet the needs of veterans with service-related disabilities. The CareerSource Florida network helped more than 54,200 veterans with employment services this past year.
CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard said, “Our military veterans and their families make significant contributions to our communities through their talents, skills and dedication. The CareerSource Florida network is honored to serve those who served our country, and is gratified to have helped thousands of veterans secure employment this year.”
Events will be held across Florida during the month of November. More details are available at www.floridajobs.org/paychecksforpatriots.
View Governor Scott’s 2017 Paychecks for Patriots proclamation by clicking here.

Commissioner Adam Putnam to Make Announcement Regarding Florida Concealed Weapon Licenses for Service Members and Veterans

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MEDIA ADVISORY

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam will make an announcement regarding Florida concealed weapon licenses for service members and veterans in Tallahassee and Panama City.
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: National Guard Armory
1225 Easterwood Dr.
Tallahassee, Fla. 32311
Date: Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Time: 2:30 p.m. (CT)
Location: National Guard Armory
3121 Lisenby Ave
Panama City, Fla. 32405

ICYMI: ABC Action News: Florida's AG launches consumer protection initiative to protect vets, military from scams

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Pam Bondi: “We want them to know they should be proud to report it, because they could be helping other people. They are not complaining, they are making a difference.”
ABC Action News
Nicole Grigg
May 17, 2017
TAMPA, Fla. – Florida’s Attorney General Pam Bondi launched a new consumer protection program on Wednesday to help protect veterans and active service members from scams.
The Military and Veterans Assistance Program (MVAP) will help stop deceptive business practices affecting military service members and veterans.
Bondi said her office feels scams within the military community are under reported.
“Florida has more than 90,000 active duty and reserve military members and more than 1.5 million veterans,” said Attorney General Bondi.
To view the story, click here.