Four Arrested By Patient Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (PANE) Teams.

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

with news from loft to the streets. I have been ill this past week. I have stayed home loading up on antibiotics, sinus and throat medications, and it is now time for me to pick myself up and rejoin life as we know it. I am just a little quirky tonight, but I have an important message to pass along. It is the latest news release from our Attorney General, Bill McCollum.

 

I am a former health care worker in long-term nursing care facilities, and I know something about the subject of patient abuse. Having worked with the mentally ill and the elderly, I see the abuse and the neglect that these patients suffer as a disturbing and a rising problem. However, one must not think that this is a problem limited to health care facilities.

 

The abuse committed against the elderly varies in its form as it varies in its perpetrators, who can be the elderly person’s aging spouse, adult children of the elderly person, uncaring neighbors, as well as neighborhood children. General McCollum task force, Patient Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (PANE) is looking to protect the elderly both in and out of the health care community.

  

General McCollum has written about several important actions that his office has taken to protect our seniors. His newsletter speaks encouraging of the dedicated members of our Patient Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (PANE) teams who made four arrests in which all four arrests involved individuals who abused and/or neglected elderly victims under their care.
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From the Office of Attorney General McCollum

Newsletter - Volume 5, Issue 8

February 23, 2007

 

A Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum

As your Attorney General, making Florida a safer place to live, work
and raise a family is my top priority. An important part of realizing
that goal lies in the protection of our senior population. Nearly one
out of every four Floridians is a senior citizen and that segment of
our population is the most rapidly growing in our state. Our seniors
are a true asset to our culture and our diversity and we in turn must
ensure that they are treated with the utmost care and respect.

This week, our office took several important actions in our fight to
protect our seniors. Dedicated members of our Patient Abuse, Neglect
and Exploitation (PANE) teams made four arrests, each involving
individuals who abused or neglected elderly victims under their care.
In one case, the defendant allegedly attacked an elderly resident of a
nursing home, beatinghim with a metal-handled mop. Another defendant
was arrested after her prolonged neglect of an elderly nursing home
facility also resulted in the patient’s death. A third individual was
arrested after it was determined that he was stealing veterans’
disability funds from an elderly resident at his assisted living facility.

Each of these cases is a sad reminder that not everyone shares our respect
for the elderly residents of our state. Our fight against elder abuse and
neglect is carried out primarily through the Attorney General’s Medicaid
Fraud Control Unit and the PANE Project, which plays a key role in
detecting abuse and neglect of elderly and disabled patients. The teams
help ensure that efficient and effective health care is being provided
throughout the state. They also work to protect the rights and dignity of
Florida's elderly and disabled adults.

Since its inception in 2004, the project has fielded more than 20,000
contacts including complaints about patient care at nursing homes, assisted
living facilities, state facilities and hospitals. The Attorney General's
Office has established dedicated PANE teams in Miami, Tallahassee, Tampa
and West Palm Beach and provides investigative services in conjunction
with other state and local authorities.

It is tragic and heartbreaking that anyone would try to take advantage of
our elderly citizens, especially when the abuse results death.

It is our responsibility to care for our elderly population, protecting them from
those who show such callous indifference. This is a responsibility we do
not take lightly, and Floridians can rest assured that the Attorney
General’s Office will not give up this fight.

Thank you

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The link below is The Florida Department of Elder Affairs' website. This site is filled with additional information about health and wellness, long-term care, community-based care, projects and publications for the elderly that you can access.

 

http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/    

 

Evelyn Out

 

 

An Attorney General Consumer Alert!

 

 

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

Below is the latest Consumer's alert from Attorney General Bill Mc Collum, which is directed toward modeling scams that lured young adults and teens with false claims of training and modeling positions after completions. Many people who are scammed have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars by investing into these scams with little of no results and in some cases having the businesses in charge disappearing with their money.

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McCollum Cautions Parents of Modeling Scams

           Attorney General Bill McCollum today cautioned parents about
model and talent search agencies which promise children fame and
fortune but may disguise significant fees often associated with the
offers. The Attorney General’s consumer advisory was issued in
anticipation of an upcoming event advertised in the Tallahassee Area.

            "Offers like these are a classic example of something that
is too good to be true," Attorney General McCollum said. "I urge
parents to thoroughly research the prospective talent agencies before
signing any contracts. A bit of effort ahead of time can often safeguard
against disappointment and loss of resources in the long run."

    Talent agencies often tempt individuals with the promise of meeting
film directors, producers, model agents, and ad agencies at various "free"
events. Unfortunately, many parents find that nothing happens at the"free
evaluation" because the actual evaluation, which is attended by casting
agents and other talent scouts, takes place in a different location,
frequently out of state. Those events come with a heavy access fees in
addition to lodging, transportation, and other additional costs.

    Attorney General McCollum offered the following tips to consider
before signing up with a talent agent or agency:

-    Research a company's background and compare it with other talent
scouting agencies before signing contracts or paying required fees.

-    Never pay large fees required up-front.  Fraudulent companies will
often charge a significant fee to place photographs on a website.

-    Be aware that most legitimate agencies do not advertise in
newspapers, solicit through the mail, or "scout" for talent in malls
and other public places.

-    Make sure to get any agreement in writing.

    Consumers who believe they may be victims of fraud may contact the
Attorney General’s fraud hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) or
file a complaint online at http://myfloridalegal.com.

Thank you.

----------

Evelyn Out.

An Attorney General Consumer Alert!

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn Here,

Beliow is a Comsumer Alerts from Attorney General, Bill MCollum.

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Date: February 08, 2007

An Attorney General Consumer Alert!

McCollum Urges Caution When Ordering “Free” Credit Reports

Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued a consumer alert warning
Floridians that many of the "free" credit report offers available
online are often far from being free of charge. Because identity theft
is a significant problem threatening Florida, many citizens seek credit
reports to monitor their personal information. According to the Federal
Trade Commission, Florida ranked fifth in the nation in 2006 for
identity theft, with more than 17,000 victims.

"The majority of the time, identity theft occurs long before victims
are aware of the crime and often by then their finances, their credit
scores and their reputations are seriously impacted," said McCollum.
"With reports of data thefts on the rise, I encourage all Floridians
to regularly review their credit reports and bank and credit card
statements carefully to detect fraudulent charges or accounts."

Numerous websites offer "free" reports or credit scores that are tied
to offers of credit monitoring and/or other services. These offers often
require payment and the consumer is usually unaware that he or she is
paying for a service. Additionally, many websites offer trial memberships
that require consumers to cancel within 30 days or they will be charged a
monthly fee. Should consumers choose to enroll in a credit monitoring
service, the Attorney General recommends documenting telephone calls when
canceling subscriptions  and follow up in writing when they choose to
cancel.

Consumers are able to request a free credit report once a year at
http://www.annualcreditreport.com. This site works in conjunction with
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, the three national credit reporting
companies, and is only official source for free annual reports. Reports
are also available by phone at 1-877-322-8228. Consumers have the option
of ordering just one report or one report from each company, although
authorities recommend spacing the reports out every four months.

Consumers with complaints about a credit reporting service may
call the Attorney General's Fraud Hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM
(1-866-966-7226). They may also visit the Attorney General's website at http://myfloridalegal.com, where information is available on obtaining
free credit reports and combating identity theft.

Thank you.
----------

Evelyn Out.

Slain Civil Rights Leader’s Personal Papers Returned to Daughter

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn Here,

Below is the news release on the return of personal documents of slain civl rights leader Harry Moore and his wife Harriette to thier daughter, Evangeline Moore. Ms Moore parents were murdered in a booming of their home in 1951.

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Bill McCollum

Attorney General

News Release

February 5, 2007       

 

Slain Civil Rights Leader’s Personal Papers Returned to Daughte

 

 

            ORLANDO - Attorney General Bill McCollum today met with Evangeline Moore, daughter of slain civil rights leader Harry Moore and his wife Harriette, to present her with personal documents belonging to her late father. McCollum’s Office of Civil Rights has been in custody of the documents since they were discovered in November 2006.

 

            “Today is an important day. We are now able to return these documents to their rightful owner, a woman whose strength and grace has stood strong in the face of tremendous personal tragedy,” said Attorney General McCollum. “I am honored to present these papers to  Evangeline as a testament to her father’s tireless work for equality and justice.”

 

            Last November, hundreds of personal papers belonging to Harry Moore were discovered in a neighboring barn and turned over to the Office of Civil Rights for review. The documents, which include personal notes, letters and newspaper clippings, are a historically significant discovery and are of great personal importance to Ms. Moore.

 

            McCollum and Ms. Moore were joined today by civil rights leaders and representatives of local historical societies, marking the significance of the discovery. The documents belonging to Florida’s first civil rights pioneer will be temporarily housed by the Brevard County Historical Commission, which originally discovered the papers and sent them to the Attorney General’s Office for review.

 

            “I am in awe today. I always knew about my father’s missing briefcase and wondered what had happened to it,” said Moore. “I am very happy to have these papers returned to me. I am sure it will fill blanks spaces in my mind about my family, especially my dad and myself.”

 

            The Attorney General’s Office conducted an extensive review into the murders of Harry and Harriette Moore, who died after their Central Florida home was bombed on Christmas night in 1951. The investigation, which began in 2004 at the request of Evangeline Moore, concluded last August. After extensive review, the Office of Civil Rights determined that the documents did not provide any additional evidentiary information regarding the investigation.

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Evelyn Out.

 

An Attorney General Consumer Alert!

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn Here,

Beliow is a Comsumer Alerts from Attorney General, Bill MCollum.

----------

Date: February 07, 2007

An Attorney General Consumer Alert!

McCollum Cautions Consumers About Online Auction Scams

TALLAHASSEE - Attorney General Bill McCollum issued a consumer alert
today, cautioning Floridians to be wary of new trends in internet
auction scams. Recently, "second chance" offers have been targeting
online shoppers, offering them another chance at purchasing an item they
may have viewed or bid upon. The victims are contacted by a con artist,
then lured to illegitimate auction sites to purchase the item, which
usually does not exist.

    "While the Internet is a valuable tool, it has unfortunately also
become a haven for con artists and those who would take advantage of our
consumers," McCollum said. "I encourage Floridians to increase their
awareness of these online scams that could otherwise appear to be
legitimate offers."

    The scams have surfaced on eBay, a well-known internet auction
company. Investigators believe that scammers are contacting losing
bidders of an auction. The scammer redirects the victim to a site
unregulated by eBay, then entices the victim to pay through anonymous
payment methods. Scammers may also obtain the email address of victims
by researching profiles and bids, matching victims with emails and
initiating contact off-eBay.

    Another method of pulling the victim into the scam is through
phishing. Phishing occurs when a scammer sends emails to spam lists.
The targeted victims are told to log-in to eBay by a provided link which
redirects victims to a fake website. The scammer then has access to vital
information enabling him or her to take over the eBay account. Phishing
can be compounded by unscrupulous eBay sellers that offer to sell lists
of prior buyers with their email addresses.

    To combat second chance scams, the Attorney General and eBay are
encouraging consumers to be aware and educate themselves about the
scams to avoid becoming victims. The company has established a Security
and Resource Center that consumers may use to educate themselves about
potential scams, to avoid to avoid falling prey. Additionally, consumers
are able to install an eBay toolbar on their web browsers. The toolbar
will then alert customers if the eBay website is legitimate or is a
phishing attempt. Many updated browsers also have built-in protection
against phishing. For this reason, eBay and the Attorney General
encourage internet users to upgrade their browsers to a newer version.

    In light of National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General
McCollum said his office will continue to issue alerts and advisories
to raise consumer awareness about common scams and new trends that may
victimize Floridians. More information is available online at http://www.consumer.gov/ncpw.

Thank you.

----------

Evelyn Out.

An Attorney General Consumer Alert!

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

Below is an Consumer Alert from Attorney Genral, Bill McCollum. 
----------

Date: February 06, 2007

An Attorney General Consumer Alert!

McCollum Issues Consumer Advisory on Florida’s Lemon Law

TALLAHASSEE - Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued a consumer
advisory related to Florida’s Lemon Law. Florida's Lemon Law applies
to
new vehicles sold or leased on a long-term basis in the state of
Florida.  The Attorney General’s Office has a process in place to
protect consumers from being victimized by purchasing a "lemon." The
office also has additional information available on consumers’ rights
under Florida’s Lemon Law.  Since the program's inception, more than
13,300 consumers have received refunds or replacement vehicles.

Florida’s Lemon Law requires automobile manufacturers to make a
reasonable number of repairs to remedy substantial defects in a motor
vehicle. If the manufacturer fails to do so, they are required to buy
back the lemon vehicle and either pay a refund to the consumer or
provide a replacement vehicle, according to provisions in Florida
statutes. Consumers are protected under the Lemon Law for 24 months
after the date of delivery of the vehicle. Anyone who experiences
problems with their new vehicle during that period should immediately
take the vehicle to the manufacturer's authorized dealer.

"Often, we view our vehicles as more than just a convenience -
to many Floridians, their vehicle is essential for work, school or
family obligations," said McCollum. "The Attorney General’s Office
wants to ensure that anyone who purchases a new car in Florida is
aware of their rights and knows they are protected under the law."

The Attorney General's office administers the New Motor Vehicle
Arbitration Board, which resolves disputes between consumers and
manufacturers under the Lemon Law. The board holds arbitration hearings
throughout the state during which consumers and manufacturer
representatives may appear and give testimony in an informal setting.
The panel must then determine whether the consumer's vehicle meets
the legal requirements to be declared alemon.

Arbitration hearings conducted by the New Motor Vehicle
Arbitration Board are open to the public. The process is free, fair
and expeditious. Consumers are not required to be represented by
attorneys to participate in the arbitration process, but may do so if
they wish. If hiring an attorney for the arbitration process, the
Attorney General’s Office recommends the following informational
tips:

- The New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board cannot order any motor
vehicle manufacturer to pay attorney's fees.

- Some law firms that advertise over the internet do not have
physical offices in Florida, nor is all of the information on the
internet applicable to Florida. Often this information is very general
in nature and is meant to apply to people throughout the country.

- Before hiring an attorney, consumers should understand exactly
how the attorney will calculate their fee and whether there will be
additional charges, such as copying, faxing or telephone calls. The
attorney should clearly explain the method by which their fee will be
alculated.

- If the law firm is not in the city where the arbitration hearing
will be held or is located outside the state of Florida, consumers
should
obtain the name and contact information of the attorney who will attend
the hearing. Floridians should also inquire about whether the attorney
has prior experience with the arbitration process. An in-person
conference or a telephone conference with the attorney is recommended
before the day of the hearing.

- When consumers hire an attorney, the attorney is required to keep
their clients informed of the progress of their case. The attorney
should
return phone calls and be accessible. The attorney should advise their
client if a settlement offer is made by a manufacturer and that it is
then
the client’s decision whether to accept any such offer.

- If an attorney advises their client to sue the manufacturer in court
instead of going to an arbitration hearing, the client should ensure
that
the attorney explains the reasons for this advice, the length of time
it
could take to pursue a court action and the risk associated.

The Florida Bar provides an attorney referral service and a
complaint resolution process for clients on its web site at
http://www.floridabar.org.

Every consumer who acquires a new or demonstrator motor vehicle in
Florida, either through purchase or long-term lease, must be given a
copy
of the "Consumer Guide to the Florida Lemon Law" by the dealer.  This
booklet, published by the Attorney General’s Office, contains
valuable
information intended to assist consumers who may have to pursue their
rights under Florida’s Lemon Law.  Information about the Lemon Law
also
can be found on the Attorney General's web site at
http://myfloridalegal.com.

Thank you.
----------

Evelyn out.

An Attorney General Consumer Alert!

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

Below is an Consumer Alert from Attorney Genral, Bill McCollum. 
----------

Date: February 05, 2007

An Attorney General Consumer Alert!

McCollum Recognizes National Consumer Protection Week
~ Attorney General encourages public awareness, warns of common scams ~

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollum today joined with
federal, state and local government agencies and national consumer
advocacy organizations to launch the ninth annual National Consumer
Protection Week (February 4-10). The awareness week will highlight
consumer education efforts across the nation and encourage everyone
involved to become better informed consumers to avoid falling prey to
schemers and con artists.

"An educated consumer is our best ammunition in the fight against
fraud," said General McCollum. "We encourage Floridians to stay
informed and to take an active role in protecting themselves, their
families and those they love."

As part of the national event, McCollum announced the top categories
of fraud complaints received by the Attorney Generals Office in 2006.
Complaints about internet-related issues topped the list, followed
closely by complaints against builders and contractors. McCollum urged
consumers to be aware of the current trends that may victimize
Floridians and to remain vigilant in their efforts to protect
themselves from the following scams:

1. Internet-related - Scams that emerged last year included an
increasing variety of check overpayment scams and phishing, a form of
identity theft. Never give out personal identification information to
a stranger over the internet, and be wary of anyone who writes a check
for more than the required amount and then asks to have the difference
wired back to them. Consumers also complained about online companies
that fail to deliver ordered merchandise.

2. Builders/Contractors - To avoid being scammed by a rogue builder or
contractor, ask to see a certified contractors license and always obtain
at least three bids and references. Ask for a written contract with an
accurate estimate. Do not pay in cash. One of the most common problems
last year was companies that required deposits or full payments and then
failed to fulfill their contract obligations.

3. Insurance - The vast majority of complaints in this area were related
to the increasing cost of homeowners insurance. Additionally, Floridians
complained about increases that occurred without documentation or written
notification. Consumers should also be wary of companies offering cheap
insurance packages with unrealistic terms.

4. Collection Agencies - Debt collectors are legally prohibited from
lying to consumers or threatening them to collect payments. They are
also prohibited from calling after 9:00 p.m.

5. Travel - Complaints against travel agencies involved supposed
"all-inclusive" vacation packages with hidden consumer fees. Beware of
a hard sales pitch or an offer that sounds too good to be true.

6. Timeshare Resale - Other travel-related complaints addressed timeshare
scams, which occur both at the time of the original purchase and at the
time of resale. To protect themselves sellers should consider reselling
their timeshare "by owner;" by placing an advertisement in a newsletter
or magazine read by potential timeshare buyers; or by listing the
timeshare with a licensed real estate broker in the area where the
resort is located.

7. Auto Dealers - Many complaints addressed the issue of used vehicles
which were in worse condition than advertised by the dealer. Other
complaints referenced contracts that included unclear or confusing
terms which consumers did not understand, including monthly payments,
fees or interest rates higher than expected.

8. Real Estate - Unfortunately, many consumers bought homes last year
only to realize that the appraisal value had been artificially increased
or, in some cases, completely fabricated. There were also a wide variety
of complaints against developers who failed to fulfill their contracts.

9. Subscriptions - In 2006 consumers often received magazines they did
not order or subscribe to and then were billed for these undesired items.
Additionally, many consumers who renewed their magazine subscription were
unaware that they were paying a 3rd party magazine billing service.
Always be cautious if you receive magazines or other products for free.
Carefully review the terms of subscription and billing.

10. Mortgages - Last year, many consumer complaints focused on mortgage
companies that were withholding much needed insurance money until
consumers met several (often unattainable) hurdles. Additionally, some
mortgage companies failed to honor preset payoff amounts or charged the
consumer prepayment penalty fees that were not part of the original
contract signed by the consumer. Be certain that all of the terms of any
loan are fully disclosed and research the brokers credentials to ensure
they are properly licensed and certified.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, well-informed consumers are
often able to recognize a rip-off or fraud scheme. Fraudulent promotions
seek to exploit peoples financial fantasies, needs and optimism. Partner
organizations provide practical tips for consumers on how to make
well-informed purchase decisions, avoid scams, protect their personal
information and file a complaint if they feel they are the victims of
fraud. Additional information about National Consumer Protection Week is
available at http://www.consumer.gov/ncpw. Those who wish to file a
complaint may do so by calling the Attorney General’s fraud hotline at
1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) or by filing a complaint online at
http://myfloridalegal.com.

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Evelyn Out.

 

Ring leader of Cocaine Trafficking Operation convicted

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

On February 1, 2007, the Office o the Attorney released a news brief on the conviction of a man who was the ring leader of a Duval County cocaine trafficking operation. The illegal drugs were sold and transported throughout Florida, Georgia, and Texas. 

I know that most ordinary citizens will not and do not like to speak out about the sale and use of illegal drugs in their neighborhood. Most people just want to live in peace and normally that would be fine. Except it is hard the live in peace with blinders on, which I think many of people who live in my area appear all too comfortable in doing. This battle for cleaner, safer, drug free streets appears too many to be "someone else’s job".

True it takes a person of strong moral integrity to stand up and say, "I do not want drugs on my street or in my neighborhood”. I mean, each time a person takes that stand he/she is risking being physically harmed, having their property damaged, insults and peer pressure from others who lack his/hers conviction and insight to see that selling illegal drugs and the crimes that comes along with it must stops. I do not lack this conviction and in my view one must hand this plague on our streets by standing up to pushers. It is the only real way to regain and keep our streets safe. It does not take much to look outside and to phone to police department, but it does take a lot out of a person to pretend the problem does not exist. It diminished the soul.

In stating of this, I must also state that those who practice this illegal trade in my area are trying to regain the corner I have tried so hard to keep safe. Not toll long ago their activity was stopped. However, they are easing back out. I guess we are not supposes to notice them or the problems they create.

The knowledge that the pushers are aware of my struggle to stop them does not trouble me. I can see through their desperation to regain control as well as the interested of some other persons, whose integrity levels I have come to see as somewhat questionable. It not that these interested parties support the pushers; it is that these interested parties act as if they would rather ignore a problem that has also filtered down to the young of this area; also it is as if they would rather see those of us who want  drugs free streets suppressed. 

All I have to say to these interested parties as well the pushers is - I WILL NOT BE SUPPRESSED!

Below is the News Released of Attorney General, Bill Mc Collum.

--------------------

McCollum: Duval <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />County Drug Trafficker Convicted

 

TALLAHASSEE - Attorney General Bill McCollum announced that the ring leader of a Duval County cocaine trafficking operation was convicted today for running cocaine throughout Florida, Georgia and Texas. A Duval County jury found Glenn Schofield guilty in a case prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Schofield, 32, was the leader of the cocaine trafficking ring which investigators believe ran approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine into Jacksonville every week for at least six months. The cocaine was distributed to dealers who then sold the drugs throughout the city. A joint investigation conducted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Jacksonville Sheriff’sOffice resulted in the seizure of more than 20 kilograms of cocaine, worth more than $200,000, as well as over $200,000 in cash. The six-month investigation involved the use of wire taps, surveillance and multiple search warrants. Schofield and two co-conspirators were arrested in December 2005.

“This massive illegal drug operation endangered countless Floridians,” said McCollum. “I am pleased the jury made the appropriate decisions regarding this man who had no regard for the laws of our society nor for the safety of our communities.”

The jury found Schofield, of Jacksonville, guilty of one count of trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more, and one count of conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, 400 grams or more, both first-degree felonies. Because of his extensive criminal record, Schofield was declared a habitual offender and could face life in prison when he is sentenced at a later date.

Co-defendants Daryl Schofield, 29, and Cedrik Alford, 41, were each charged with one count of trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more, and conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, 400 grams or more, both first-degree felonies. Both men pled guilty to the charges at an earlier date and are currently awaiting sentencing. Their cases were also prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution.

--------------------

 

Evelyn out. 

 

Attrney General, Bill MCCollum, Speaks About Black History Month and Consumer Protection Week

Hello Evelryone,

Evelyn Here,

Below is the February 2, 2007 newletter from the Office of Attrney General, Bill MCCollum, which speaks of Black History Month the beginning of  National Consumer Protection Week.

----------

 Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum

Yesterday marked the first day of Black History Month, a month that
encourages us to recognize and honor the accomplishments and
contributions countless Americans have made throughout the years to our
nation, our society, and our daily lives.

America has been blessed with a richly diverse population and culture
which has benefited greatly from the leaders, visionaries and talented
individuals Black History Month was created to honor. This weekend is
marked by the birthdays of two individuals, poet Langston Hughes and
civil rights leader Rosa Parks. Both of these distinguished Americans
gave our nation and our citizens invaluable gifts - one the gift of
poetry and rhythm, one the priceless gift of  spirit determined to see
every American treated with respect and fairness.

Tomorrow, our nation will mark the 137th anniversary of the 15th
Amendment, ratified to expand our democratic process and ensure that
every citizen, regardless of race or color, could vote. This amendment,
followed by a later amendment to outlaw poll taxes, was one of the most
significant steps towards equality and justice for all Americans.

This month, as we reflect on noteworthy achievements and successes, we
must not forget the numerous sacrifices many Americans made fighting
against discrimination.

- - -

Next week, our state will participate in another program intended to
protect our citizens from a less insidious form of corruption, but
stillprevalent in our daily lives. National Consumer Protection Week begins
on Sunday and my office is encouraging Floridians to read up and reach
out, because I believe that informed consumers are the first line of defense
against scams and con artists.

Throughout the week, my office will be participating in various
consumer educational messages. I would urge you, your family, your friends and
neighbors to participate with us. Together, we can shut scams down and
fight fraud before it victimizes our citizens. My website, http://myfloridalegal.com, will have additional information available throughout the week. Please check in throughout the week to see how you can protect yourself and those around you from individuals who might  try to take advantage of you.

Another form of consumer protection the Attorney General’s Office
provides is protection from price gouging. I would like to take a
moment to reflect on the terrible destruction our state has endured today. My
thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones or
property in the terrible storms that tore through Florida early this morning. In
the aftermath of these storms, price gouging is a significant possibility
and I want to assure you that the Attorney General’s Office will not
tolerate effort to victimize our people a second time. I encourage anyone who believes they may be a victim to contact my office at 1-866-966-7226.

Thank you

----------

Evelyn out.