News Flash! Governor Crist to Appear on Shaq's Big Challenge Tonight

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

Governor Charlie Crist will appear on the Shag's Big Challenge tonight at 9 PM on the ABC network. Check you local listing.  To learn more about more the efforts of Governor Crist and Shaquille O'Neal efforts read the notice below and remmber to tune into the show later tonight.

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Governor Crist to Appear on Shaq's Big Challenge Tonight

 

Governor Charlie Crist will appear on the prime-time television show Shaq’s Big Challenge tonight, July 31, 2007. Please tune-in to your local ABC affiliate at 9:00 p.m., to hear more about the efforts of Governor Charlie Crist and Shaquille O’Neal, NBA Miami Heat basketball star, to encourage children and young adults to adopt healthy lifestyles that include daily physical activity and healthy eating habits.  In tonight's episode they participate in a rally with students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend.

 

Shaq’s Big Challenge tells the story of six Broward County middle-school children struggling with weight problems as they meet with O’Neal’s team of experts, including a medical doctor, personal trainers, nutritionists and motivational professionals.  The team has developed the Shaquille O’Neal Wellness Wheel physical education curriculum that includes three components for overall health:  physical fitness, teen health and healthy home economics.  The curriculum has been successfully implemented by Olsen Middle School in Dania Beach and Pines Middle School in Pembroke Pines.

  

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Evelyn out.

A JOURNEY FROM IMMIGRATION TO CIIZENSHIP

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn one,

 

This entry is on a local level and very close to home. I once stated the when things go right in the office “they go right.” For several more months now, I have work alongside a remarkable woman. What is so special about her? Her name is Lyudmila Kashirina and she is from Russia. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Lyudmila and her family were among thousands of Russians who left their homeland for the United States. Her family was also one of millions who suffered financial lost with the collapses of Russia’s banking system. 

 

On Friday, July 20, 2007, Lyudmila passed the nation’s naturalization examine for citizenship. We, her co-workers, supervisors and boss, were very excited and pleased with her success. This past week in Tampa Lyudmila was among some 350 others people who attended the official ceremony that formally celebrated and announced them as our newest US citizens. This Wednesday, we at the office also had a little celebration for our newest citizen and special friend.

 

Lyudmila Kashirina is a beautiful woman who knows what it means to be have one civil liberties and rights honored, upheld, and respected after living in a country where such rights were once unthinkable and suppressed.

 

                                                      

 

Congratulation, Lyudmila!

 

 

May we who were borne here in the US need to remember that we gained these same rights at birth, and may we neither abuse these rights, the rights of other people, nor take them for grant in any way. 

 

Evelyn out.

 

GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST ANNOUNCES THE NATION’S FIRST STATE RESPONSE CENTER

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

Today’s entry is from Florida’s Honorable Governor Charlie Crist. The topic is the state’s coastal areas efforts to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. Among his other duties, Governor Crist visited one family as they purchased hurricane disaster supplies. He also visited Camp Blanding, the main training base for Florida National Guard. The base serves as the command post for operations and training of our federal, state, and local partners in disaster response. While in Orlando the governor announced the grand opening of the nation’s first State Response Center based in Florida.

 

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Dear Friends,

 

It is essential for every Florida family and business to prepare for Hurricane Season. "Get a Plan Day" was a great opportunity for the people of Florida – and for our State Emergency Response Team to evaluate our levels of preparedness.

 

Family Disaster Plan

I joined the Toller family as they purchased disaster supplies at a local Lowe's in Jacksonville. In addition to organizing a family disaster kit, families should develop a disaster plan.  Details should include how to protect your home, where to go if you are ordered to evacuate, and what items to take with you. Floridians have a personal responsibility to prepare, so the state'sresources can be focused on those most vulnerable.

 

State Response Center 

In Orlando, I announced the grand opening of Florida's State Response Center. The new facility is the first of its kind in the nation. It warehouses emergency supplies and provides a home base and safe staging area for state and federal responders.

 

Camp Blanding 

This week, I also visited Camp Blanding, the major training base of the Florida National Guard. The camp serves as the command post for operations and training of our federal, state and local partners in disaster response. This world-class facility enables Florida's Army and Air National Guard to remain the best of the best - protecting you under any circumstance.

 

The past several years have required Florida to reach new levels of preparation. Our families, our military and our state and local emergency responders have risen to the occasion. We hope and pray that the season remains quiet, but we must continue to prepare for the very real possibility of a storm or other natural disaster.

 

May God continue to bless and protect you and the great state of Florida,

  

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Evelyn out.

 

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL JOINS THE UNIQUE EFFORT TO SOLVE COLD CASES

Hello Everyone

 

Evelyn here,

 

 

In this week's Attorney General's News Briefs you will find that Attorney General Bill McCollum, Commissioner Bailey of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Secretary McDonough of the Florida Department of Corrections and the Florida Association have united to implement an idea created by the US military in its efforts to find terrorists. The idea – to employ the use of specially designed playing cards to help solve cold cases. Please read.

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July 27, 2007

A Important Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum

In 2003, our forces in Iraq developed an ingenious way to seek information from the local residents about wanted criminals. A deck of playing cards was designed, each card featuring the wanted person's name, a picture if available, and the job performed by that individual.
The decks of cards were handed out to Iraqi civilians in an effort to generate information about where these criminals might be hiding.

This week, I joined with Commissioner Bailey of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Secretary McDonough of the Florida Department of Corrections and the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers to implement this idea in an innovative way. More than 100 of Florida’s unsolved cold cases were printed on two decks of playing cards and distributed among prison inmates with the intent that the cards would generate tips from the inmates to crack these cold cases.

Each card features a photograph and factual information about an unsolved homicide or missing person case. What is important to consider, however, is that each case featured on the cards is more than just a case file. The pictures represent victims with families who have
never had the closure so necessary when a loved one disappears or a life is cut tragically short.

Joining us as we distributed the cards at one of Florida’s correctional facilities were the families of several victims whose cases were among those featured in the decks. These people are holding steadfast to the hope that information about their loved ones is just a phone call away. Approximately 100,000 decks of cards were distributed, surely reaching individuals with specific knowledge essential to solving these crimes.

This is an exceptionally unique and creative approach towards solving cold cases, one that has already proved successful in Polk County. I believe this initiative will have an enormous effect on those cases which have eluded even the finest law enforcement officers throughout the state
and I look forward to the day when we will hear of the first cold case cracked from an inmate’s tip, knowing that day will mean so much to so many people. Thanks to innovation and cooperation, reaching that day and many more like it is only a matter of time.

[The decks can be viewed on the Department of Law Enforcement’s website
at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/OSI/Unsolved. They can also be purchased
online at http:// www.EffectivePlayingCards.com.]

Thank you.

 

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Evelyn out.

CyberSafety Initiative Program To Be Integrated Into Florida's Schools Statewide

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

The Attorney General’s news release below is an additional updates to the procedures and steps taken by his office since increasing the number of agents and other employees into the CyberSafety Initiative program.  As of this writing the program is now to be phased into every school in the state of Florida.

 

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Bill McCollum

Attorney General

News Release

July 20, 2007

 

               

Florida School Resource Officers Endorse Attorney General's CyberSafety Initiative

 

 

~ Next phase of awareness campaign focuses on education ~

 

                TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced the official endorsement of the Florida Association of School Resource Officers in support of his cybersafety initiative. The next phase of the educational campaign will take the Attorney General's cybersafety  program into schools statewide.

 

                "Our goal is to empower students to recognize, avoid and report instances of predators attempting to exploit them through the Internet. The support of Florida's School Resource Officers will be instrumental in this endeavor," said Attorney General Bill McCollum. "As technology continues to evolve and has a more significant role in our children's lives, we must take every precaution to keep them safe. That process begins with education and outreach."

 

                The School Resource Officer Program is a collaborative effort by certified law enforcement officers, educators, students, parents, and the community to offer law related educational programs in the schools. The purpose of the program is to reduce crime, drug abuse, violence and provide a safe school environment. The Florida Association of School Resource Officers has committed its support to the Attorney General's Office which will begin presenting a 50-minute cybersafety program in Florida middle and high schools this fall.

 

               "I commend Attorney General McCollum for placing such a high priority on our children's safety," said Robert Tricquet, President, Florida School Resource Officers Association. "The Association is committed to supporting the Office of the Attorney General to ensure Florida students are provided with the information needed to keep them safe while online."

 

                The Association held its annual conference this week in St. Pete Beach where the Office of the Attorney General recognized Deputy Michael Cohen of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office as the 2007 School Resource Officer (SRO) of the Year.

 

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Evelyn out.

Attorney General Bill McCollun Speask About National Weather Disaster Relief

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

                                                                      

In this week's edition of the Attorney General's News Brief, General Bill McCollum speaks on the preparedness during the hurricane season, and the measures that can be taken the assist those left with damage property after a national weather disaster.

 

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Attorney General's News Briefs 

July 20, 2007

 

Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum

 

As July begins to come to a close, we have weathered one-third of the

hurricane season. While the season has been mild to this point, I want

to remind Floridians not to grow lax in your efforts to stay prepared in

the event a storm should threaten our state. Every measure we can take

to be ready in advance of a natural disaster certainly improves our

chances of successfully protecting our families and homes to the

greatest extent possible.

 

This week, the State Board of Administration took an additional step

towards early preparation by increasing cash reserves available through

the state’s catastrophic insurance fund to pay claims immediately after

a major storm. As a member of this Board, it is my responsibility to

ensure that the State of Florida is in a position to provide as much

assistance as possible to our residents in the wake of a natural

disaster.

 

While this action will certainly help protect our state in the coming

months, there are additional steps which I feel must be taken to ensure

our long-term protection against devastating storms and relief from

extremely high windstorm insurance premiums. Therefore, I proposed a

Cabinet resolution which was passed urging Congress to create a National

Catastrophic Insurance Program. The risk of catastrophic events like

hurricanes and earthquakes should be spread across all states, not

shouldered by one.

 

The federal government already provides billions of dollars in taxpayer

supported assistance to victims of national disasters. By creating a

National Catastrophic Insurance Program, we will assure that more

property losses from windstorm or earthquakes or other national

disasters are covered by private insurance, thereby reducing taxpayer

costs and the costs to the federal government when disasters strike.

It is my hope that this resolution will encourage the debate and the

passage of legislation now being discussed in Washington for a national

catastrophic plan.

 

The skyrocketing cost of insurance is one of the greatest problems

facing Floridians today, if not the most severe problem. Only by

creating such a national program can we expect to see homeowners’

insurance premiums in Florida significantly reduced and stabilized

for the future.

 

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Evelyn out.

THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION IS NOW UPGRADED FOR HYDROGEN FUEL AND SOLAR ENERGY USE

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

Below is another message from Florida’s Governor Charlie Crist. He speaks about hosting the summit that addressed plans for halting and reversing the damage made by global climate change. Also includes is his newsletter on installing a hydrogen fuel cell and a solar pool heating system at the Florida Governor’s Mansion with the hope that by doing so, more Floridains will be encouraged to upgrade to this new energy efficiency fuel.

 

 

 

New From The Capital

July 20, 2007

 

Dear Friends,

 

Last week I had the honor of hosting a historic summit to address global climate change.  More than 600 business, environmental and government leaders focused on how we can be more energy efficient – as individuals and as a state.

 

Serve to Preserve

At the summit, I signed three Executive Orders to initiate Florida's reduction of greenhouse gases.  I also signed agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom to work toward climate friendly policies and economic benefits. This week, I am taking additional steps.

 

The People's House

We installed solar and hydrogen power at the Governor's Mansion - the People's House.  By using renewable energy, we will reduce harmful emissions and be more energy and cost efficient. 

  

Farm to Fuel

I joined Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson at the Farm to Fuel Summit in St. Petersburg.  Florida's farmers and ranchers play an important role in making Florida a leader in biofuels like ethanol, which can be made from sugarcane and citrus waste. 

 

Trade Mission 

Florida must continue to open doors to new economic opportunities such as biofuels.  I announced this week I will lead a trade mission to Sao Paulo, Brazil, in November.  Brazil is a leader in biofuels and agricultural equipment.  In addition, we can share ideas for technology and innovation in telecommunications, aviation and aerospace, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.

 

Florida’s economy is connected to her natural environment.  We must do all we can to safeguard both.  

 

May God bless you and the great state of Florida,

 

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GOVERNOR CRIST UPGRADES ENERGY EFFICIENCY AT THE PEOPLE’S HOUSE

July 17, 2007

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced the installation of a hydrogen fuel cell and a solar pool heating system at the Florida Governor’s Mansion. The renewable energy sources will reduce carbon emissions and energy costs, making the mansion more energy efficient and climate friendly.

“Installing a solar power system at the People’s House is part of an ongoing effort to reduce harmful emissions and make the mansion more energy and cost efficient,” said Governor Crist. “As a public servant, I have a responsibility to lead by example and to do what is right for our environment and our economy.”

The swimming pool at the Governor’s Mansion was outfitted with a HELIOCOL Solar Pool Heating System. The solar heating system is a safe, clean and quiet form of renewable energy with low maintenance and operating costs. The system will produce no emissions, saving approximately 22,000 pounds of carbon emissions per year. The Governor’s Mansion will be evaluated to determine if the entire property can be outfitted with a solar power system.

“Solar power is the best choice for the People’s House because it protects our beautiful natural environment as well as saves taxpayer dollars,” said Governor Crist. “While the price of gas and electricity could rise over the next quarter-century, the solar system uses free energy from the sun.”

With the longest lifespan of any pool heating technology, the solar system generates a significant return on the investment for Florida taxpayers. For the average pool, energy savings from a solar heating system pays for the cost of the system in two-and-a-half to three years. The Governor’s Mansion will see a first-year energy savings of over $3,500 and a ten-year fuel savings of over $45,000. Floridians who choose to upgrade to a solar pool heating system are eligible for a state financial incentive.

“As the Sunshine State, Florida should be a leader in expanding solar technology to every home and business,” said Governor Crist. “Businesses and homeowners alike can take advantage of Florida’s solar energy rebate program.”
The 2006 Florida Energy Act, the Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection, provides rebates for purchase and installation of solar energy systems in homes and businesses. Since July 2006, more than 2,200 applicants have been awarded $2.5 million in rebates. In addition, the technology installed under the program represents an estimated nearly 26 million kilowatt hours deferred from the power grid annually – enough to power nearly 1,800 households for a year. Under the leadership of Governor Crist, the 2007 legislative budget increases funding for the solar rebate program from $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

Governor Crist also announced the installation of a five-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell that will supply power to the Governor’s Mansion. The fuel cell was manufactured by Plug Power Inc. The unit is fueled by natural gas, and contains a reformer that extracts hydrogen from the natural gas and then converts the hydrogen into electricity.

“Fuel cells represent an important tool in reducing the effects of global climate change,” said Governor Crist. “They may help pave the way toward a hydrogen-based system where electricity can be produced directly from hydrogen with no carbon emissions.”

The hydrogen fuel cell reduces the amount of power the mansion draws from the city power grid. Additionally, since the fuel cell is placed at the point where the energy is used, rather than at a central power plant, less energy is lost through transmission. Fuel cells help reduce the need for power lines, and make better use of the existing infrastructure.

Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change

Last week in Miami, Governor Crist hosted the Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change where he signed three Executive Orders as well as partnership agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom to establish Florida’s climate friendly energy policy.

The Executive Orders carry out Governor Crist’s commitment to reducing Florida’s greenhouse gases and increasing energy efficiency. As a result, Florida will pursue renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, as well as alternative energy including ethanol and hydrogen. Governor Crist committed to partnering with Germany and the United Kingdom to discuss and promote initiatives that broaden the Kyoto Protocol and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases beyond 2012

Evelyn out.

Governors Crist and Schwarzenegger to Appear on CBS Early Show Monday

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

I feel like a thounderhead.  I was unware that I had received the following news tip.  yesterday afternoon. However, I am sure many you saw the CBS early morning show, and Governors Charlie Crist and Arnold Schwarzenegger in a debate on wha tcan be done tothe end the growing threat of Global warning.

.............

The following message was sentfrom the News Room of the Honorable Governor Charlie Crist 

Governors Crist and Schwarzenegger to Appear on CBS Early Show Monday

 

Florida Governor Charlie Crist and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will appear on the CBS Early Show tomorrow Monday, July 16, 2007. Please tune-in to your local CBS affiliate at 7:00 a.m., to hear more about the Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change and what these Governors are doing to make a difference in their states, across the nation and around the world.

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Evelyn out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Governor Crist Opens Florida Summit on Global Climate Change

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

Below is a message from the honorable governor of the state of Florida, Charlie Crist on the subject of Global warning and the upcoming two-day summit here in Florida. Of those national dignitaries to be present at the conference is California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bobby Kennedy Jr., Teddy Roosevelt IV and the leading international scientists. As Florida’s coastlines are bordered by two oceans, the state is at great risk of continuous damage of global climate change.

 

Now, more from Governor Crist and New From The Capital (NFTC).

 

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July 12, 2007

 

Dear Friends,

 

I am honored that so many outstanding scientists and leaders with expertise in addressing global climate change are joining us for the climate change summit.  More than 600 participants and 200 members of the media will participate in the two-day conference. 

 

Our purpose during these two days is to hear from experts how we in Florida can address the causes and effects of climate change.  Global climate change is one of the most important issues we face this century, and we must take action.  We must make every effort to do what is right – for our environment, for our economy and for future generations.  We have a responsibility to be good stewards of Florida’s natural resources and beautiful surroundings.

 

I am grateful that several international leaders are joining us for this important discussion.  We are honored to hear from Minister Matthias Machnig of Germany and Dr. John Ashton of the United Kingdom.  They each have many years of experience in addressing the challenges of global climate change.

 

Also joining us will be world-renowned speakers California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert Kennedy Jr., Theodore Roosevelt IV, and Vinod Khosla.  In addition, expert panelists and scientists share their expertise on effective ways to reduce greenhouse gases.  We will learn how we can use more clean and renewable energy and increase our energy efficiency and conservation efforts.

 

Florida’s weather, beaches and fishing attract 85 million visitors each year, making tourism Florida’s number-one industry.  The natural beauty that draws people to Florida is vulnerable to the impact of the people drawn to it.  Florida is one of the fastest growing states, with almost 1,000 new residents arriving daily.  As the fourth most populous state, Florida ranks third in energy consumption, with 70 percent of Florida’s electricity being generated by fossil fuels.  

 

Florida is uniquely vulnerable to the impact of climate change.  Our state is bordered by bodies of water and has thousands of miles of rivers, streams and waterways.  Our waters define our state’s identity, and global climate change can threaten that identity.”

 

Scientists indicate that global climate change can threaten Florida’s economy.  South and Southwest Florida are currently experiencing long-term drought conditions, which threaten our agriculture industry.  Violent weather patterns may be connected to climate change. Rising sea levels can jeopardize Florida’s water supply.

 

Florida can become a leader in renewable and alternative energies such as ethanol and biofuels, solar and wind energy.  Florida has great potential to produce ethanol because of a year-long growing season.  Florida’s sugar cane and citrus industries can play an important role in ethanol production.

 

To help educate our citizens, businesses and policy makers about energy conservation, I am happy to announce new volunteer initiative.  Volunteer Florida will engage volunteers of all ages in projects to restore and protect Florida’s natural environment. 

 

I believe we can make a difference in Florida’s future by taking action to be more energy efficient and use more renewable energies.  I hope you will joinme in this effort.

 

May God continue to bless the great state of Florida,

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Evelyn out.

Florida and Its Efforts To Combat Gang Violence

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

in the news release below Attorney General, bill McCollum relates news development within the newly expanding CyberCrime agency and the more tangible the more "on the street" treat to communities in florid, gang violence.

 

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Bill McCollum

Attorney General

Newsletter

 

__________________________________________________________

July 6, 2007

 

                 Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum

 

During my first six months as Florida’s Attorney General, I have become

more aware of many serious issues facing our state and citizens. Coming

into office, I knew cybercrime and internet child predators were a

significant threat to the safety of our children and families and vowed

to do everything possible to increase our protection from individuals

who prey on Florida’s children.However, since the very first day I took

office, I have been receiving more and more information on another very

treacherous threat - the danger of organized gangs regularly engaging in

criminal activities throughout our state.

 

Just today, thanks to the joint efforts of several law enforcement

agencies, officials in Manatee County announced the arrests of 11

members of Sur-13, a dangerous gang with roots in California and

Mexico. Among those in custody is an individual charged with the

murder of 9-year-old Stacy Williams III. The Manatee County boy was

tragically gunned down in May when he was caught in gang members’

crossfire while riding his bike.

 

Gangs are a statewide problem. Experts tell us more than 1,000 gangs

with an estimated 65,000 members are active in our state. These gangs

are highly organized national and international criminal operations

that recruit new members on a daily basis. Gang members regularly

commit violent crimes throughout Florida, crimes which include drug

trafficking, forcing victims into prostitution and indentured servitude,

human trafficking and murder.

 

Today’s arrests demonstrate that fighting the gang violence and gang

activity spreading across Florida requires sustained coordinated efforts

by our law enforcement agencies. I also believe one of the most

effective ways to break up gangs and keep members behind bars is to

prosecute them under organized crime statutes. For example, my Office

of Statewide Prosecution is currently prosecuting members of the Manatee

County-based Brown Pride Locos under the criminal racketeering statute,

alleging that the gang members are engaged in organized criminal activity.

Charging under these laws not only enables prosecutors to seek stronger

sentences against gang members who are spreading crime and terror in our

neighborhoods and communities, it also hampers the operations that

generate the money gangs need to survive.

 

I commend Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube for his commitment to

fighting the gang violence in his county and I pledge the resources of

my Office of Statewide Prosecution to assist State Attorney Earl

Moreland in prosecuting those arrested today. I also thank the Florida

Department of Law Enforcement and other agencies who made the arrests

and who devote themselves to fighting this threat.

 

To effectively combat gang violence, Florida needs a comprehensive,

coordinated strategy, and I am hopeful the new statewide grand jury

will be instrumental in developing that strategy.  We owe it to the

countless victims who have already lost their lives and those still

living, but living in daily fear from these violent criminals. We owe

it to Stacy Williams.

 

Thank you.

 

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Evelyn out.

 

Debt Collection Agency Sued for Abusive Tactics

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

Below is a news release about a debt collector who used unlawful means to pressure citizens with difficulty meeting their financial obligations. This case sets a criterion, which lets creditors, debtors and especially debt collection agencies know that crossing the line between good business practices and brash and abusive collection's tactics shall not be tolerated in Florida.

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Bill McCollum

Attorney General

News Release

 

__________________________________________________________

July 2, 2007    

 

Debt Collection Agency Sued for Abusive Tactics

 

 

~ Jacksonville company allegedly impersonated attorneys, government officials

to threaten clients ~

 

            TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollum today filed a lawsuit against a Duval County collections agency, alleging that the company employed abusive tactics to collect debts from its targets. The complaint cited multiple incidents of improper debt collection practices used by Jacksonville-based Bass Prelitigation Services, bringing to light the egregious behavior that prompted the Attorney General’s investigation.

 

            “Debt collection agencies should never resort to threats or intimidation as the means by which funds are eventually collected,” said Attorney General McCollum. “Consumers under financial burdens deserve our protection and consideration, not the predatory nature of these allegations.”

 

            The investigation into the company’s practices was initiated when the Attorney General's Economic Crimes Division received numerous complaints from the Better Business Bureau. Consumers claimed the company used aggressive and illegal tactics to collect on its accounts, including impersonating attorneys, threatening arrests and collecting illegal fees greater than the amount originally owed. Employees even allegedly posed as investigators affiliated with state or government agencies.

 

            Company owners Frank and Evelyn Jackson and a related company, Jackson Phillips & Associates, were also named in the lawsuit which was filed today in Duval County Circuit Court. The complaint cites numerous violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act as well as concomitant violations of the Florida Consumer Collections Practices Act and the Federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. The Attorney General’s Office has requested that the company immediately cease operations and be permanently prevented from operating in the state of Florida. The complaint also seeks consumer restitution for victims who paid more to the company than they owed and more than $1.2 million in penalties.

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Evelyn out

Attorney General Bill McCollum Independence Day Message

Hello everyone,

Evelyn here

with an Independence Day Message from Florida's Attorney General, Bill McCollum.

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   "The Fourth of July has and always will have a special significance to
   me and my family. As we celebrate the 231st birthday of our great
   nation, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the importance of
   this holiday, especially at a time when many of our men and women in the
   military services are putting their lives on the line to protect the
   freedom we hold dear.

   "This Fourth of July, I will be spending the holiday with my wife and my
   family, remembering together the privilege of living in a free country.
   My youngest son serves in the United States Army and his mother and I
   could not be any more proud of him for his dedication to his country.

   "Generations of Floridians are among those who have served our country
   in the armed forces fighting to protect our county, our principles of
   freedom and democracy, and our way of life. We are proud of all veterans
   and soldiers for their service. They deserve our most sincere gratitude
   and respect. July 4th should serve as a solemn reminder of how precious
   the privilege of freedom is and how necessary it is to preserve.

   "Nothing perhaps inspires feelings of pride and patriotism more than
   recognizing our nation and our symbols of freedom which have endured
   throughout the years. Our flag is a message of national independence, of
   individual liberty and of idealism. Our national anthem, adopted as such
   by a law signed by President Wilson in 1931, unites us under a common
   sense of loyalty of the principles for which our nation stands. We
   should never forget how blessed we are to live in a country which truly
   has no equals.

   "I encourage you to spend time with your families and loved ones this
   week and contemplate how special it is to be able to do so in freedom.
   God bless our great country, the United States of America."

   Bill McCollum
   Florida Attorney General.

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Evelyn out.

On This Independence Day . . .

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

Across the national, there are ongoing Independence Day celebrations. It is my fond wish that these celebrations are done in the truest spirit as it was the on the day that our ancestors so valiantly won our rights to be a free and independence nation. A day that has lead us into to being one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, super nation in the known world. 

Our newest citizens, those who entered our country as immigrants, and who just passed the citizen exams, might have a greater sense of what this is to live in a  country where independence and individuals freedoms are cherish norm. Rather than some of us, who were borne here, and who still struggle with petty territorial grievances. I speak of those of us, who in general, take this day for grant and simply  gather to party without much reflection on the to full importance of what it has  truly meant for us as a nation when our fore fathers of 1775 signed a simple piece of parchment declaring us a free nation. That simple piece of parchment could have meant their death and our continuous servitude to another country if they had failed in their effort.

It seems to me that on this Independence Day, we should remember and thank God to those men and women in our nation’s history who had the fortitude face to the challenges it took to free a budding nation so that we today make what it into the glorious nation is today.

Now, a few words from our governor, the Honorable Charlie Crist, about the men and women who are meeting the challenges keep us a solid and free nation today

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July 4, 2007 

 

Dear Friends,

 

As we celebrate our nation’s independence we have a unique opportunity to reflect on the freedom we experience as Americans each and every day.

  

America is blessed with incredible diversity, boundless beauty and endless opportunity unlike any other nation in the history of the world. On the Fourth of July, I reflect on the courage of our forefathers, going into war as the underdogs. They had a vision of what the United States could be and that dream carried them through to victory. 

 

It’s the dream my grandfather carried with him when he came to this country nearly 100 years ago, and it’s that same dream of freedom and a better way of life that the brave men and women of our Armed Forces faithfully and skillfully defend.

 

In the words of our founding fathers, “And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.”

  

May God bless all who risk everything for the preservation of this nation and may God continue to bless the great state of Florida,

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Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day!

 

Evelyn out.