A Brief Update on The Attorney Genral Gang Violence Prevention Program

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

On Wednesday General McCollum is scheduled to meet with his Gang Violence Working Group. More news to come.

 

Evelyn Out.

INTERNET COMPANY SUED FOR DECEPTIVE ADVERTISEMENTS OF “FREE” GIFTS

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

All of us enjoy receiving gift especially when they are a part of a company’s incentive program draw a customer’s attentions to new or improved products. However, some so-called “gifts are merely traps and have hidden cost that customers do not know about until they are billed or they never received that promised gift after filling in pages on pages of web data which promises to lead you to your just “Free Gift”. Many of us catch quickly but some follow through only to feel cheated when the promised prize is not to be had. This is the topic of Attorney General Bill McCollum recent news release.

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Bill McCollum

Attorney General

News Release

 

__________________________________________________________

Date of release:           August 23, 2007        

 

 

INTERNET COMPANY SUED FOR DECEPTIVE ADVERTISEMENTS OF “FREE” GIFTS

 

 

Lawsuit alleges consumers may have been deceived about requirements

to obtain “gifts” or “prizes”

 

            TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that his office has sued a Delaware company headquartered in Boca Raton, alleging the company’s advertising may deceive consumers about offers of “free” gifts or prizes. World Avenue U.S.A., LLC, and company chief executive officer NiuNiu Ji are named in the Attorney General’s lawsuit, which cites significant problems stemming from the company’s internet marketing practices, including concerns that consumers may be misled as they attempt to claim free offers of merchandise.

 

            “My office is vigilant about anything that appears to be a deliberate attempt to misinform or mislead Floridians,” said Attorney General McCollum. “I urge all consumers to be very cautious of any “free” gift offers. Things that sound too good to be true usually are.”

 

            The Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Division has been investigating the company, which has operated under the name NIUTech and a myriad of others, since 2006. The investigation revealed that consumers typically encounter the company through e-mail solicitations, internet “pop-up” windows, or paid advertisements linked to Google and other search engines. The advertisements convey that consumers can receive “free” merchandise if certain program requirements are met. The Attorney General’s investigation focused on determining whether or not the promotional merchandise was actually “free,” and, if not, determining whether the terms and conditions for receiving the promotional items were clearly and conspicuously disclosed, in a manner which would not be likely to mislead consumers.

 

            After extensive review of the company’s promotional offers, investigators concluded that neither the “Program Details” or “Terms and Conditions” found on the websites associated with the company’s offers clearly disclosed important caveats to the promotions. Disclaimers should have stated that every “free” gift required the consumer to make one or more cash purchases, that the combined dollar amount of purchases required to receive the gift could exceed the retail value of the “free” gift. The total cost necessary to obtain the “free” gift should have also been disclosed. Additionally, the lawsuit cites concerns that consumers were misinformed about the process for obtaining the free prize, including misleading statements about when the process would conclude.

 

            Notice of the Attorney General’s lawsuit was sent to governmental authorities in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Niuniu Ji has relocated. Corporations similar to World Avenue have already been formed in the Virgin Islands, Ireland and Bermuda. The Attorney General was contacted by a government official in the Virgin Islands, who was investigating the businesses’ request for various tax incentives. Those requests are currently still under review.

 

            Below is a compilation of names under which World Avenues has been known to conduct business:

 

            The Useful, LLC, Jinius Corporation, Net Radiance, The Useful.com, Emarket Researchgroup, Netprime, Theuseful, Theuseful.com, Earn-Free-Gifts, Get a Gift Online, Online Easter Gifts, Great Gift Rewards, Funny Free Clips, America's Top Brands, Your Smart Rewards, Incentive Reward Center, Superb Rewards, Consumer Incentive Reward, Get Your Free Bracelet, Online Gift Rewards, Premiere Gift Center, Your Exclusive Rewards, Online Mother's Day Gifts, United Opinion Panel, Consumerincentivepromotion, Mychoicerewards.com, Incentivegiftcenter.com, Productopinionpanel.com, 123specialgifts.com, Topgiftincentives.com, Exprewards.com, Myselectgifts.com, Incentive gift center, My choice rewards, Product Opinion Panel, 123 Special Gifts, Top Gift Incentives, My Select Gifts, Program Reward Center, Online Reward Center, Choice Survey Group, My Premium Rewards, American Survey Panel, Online Survey Panel, EMarket Ads, National Survey Panel, Credit for 1 Year, Consumer Taste Panel, Brand Survey Panel, Shield Your PC, National Issue Panel, Smart Gift Rewards, My First Savings Bond, My Great Rewards, Premium Products Online, Consumer Gift Center, Exclusive Gift Center, Exclusive Gift Cards, My Great Incentives, Consumers Choice Rewards, Reward Gift Center, My Cool Rewards, Top Choice Incentives, My Exclusive Rewards, My Supreme Rewards, Premium Holiday Gifts, Reward Center USA, Exp Rewards, Jinius, Free Hot Gifts, I Got My Free Gift, Hot Gift Zone, Online Promo for You.

 

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 Evelyn out.

 

How could they do this with 86% against it????

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

This was sent by a friend. Some say that this is no oversight or no joke.

 

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   New $1.00 Coin

                We should have seen this was coming  !!!!!!

 

You guessed it
'IN GOD WE TRUST'
IS GONE!!!

Today I picked up at Bank of America several of the new $1.00 coins with the picture of George Washington on it. To my shock and dismay the words, "In God We Trust", are not on this coin!
 
A quick search of the other coin denominations in my collection confirmed that every one contained these faithful words. The new George Washington $1.00 coin is the first money ever issued by the USA in modern history without the words "In God We Trust". By omitting these words, our politically correct, secularist leaders made a conscientious decision that either; 1) God does not exist, or 2) that God exists, but can no longer be trusted.
 
Who originally put 'In God We Trust' onto our currency?

My bet is that it was one of the Presidents on these coins.

All our U.S. Government has done is Dishonor them.

I am personally offended and fed up with the denigration of God and Christianity in my country. I am certain George Washington would never have agreed to his picture on the coin if it any way diminished faith in God.
 
What can we do to show our displeasure? First of all, let's boycott the coin. Do not ask for it at banks. If it is given to you in change ask for dollar bills instead and tell the person why. Write your Senators stating your displeasure.
 
Finally, if you agree, pass this e-mail on to others. Collectively, we must send a strong message to those secularists who are trying to remove God from our culture. If we do this, some 300 million $1.00 coins will back up and rot in the supply chain! To God be the glory!

Together we can force them out of circulation. Please send to all on you mail list !!!

 

 

 

No need to say more. Show your support in the faith by not buying this coin.

Evelyn out.

AN ATTORNEY GENERAL CONSUMER ALERT HAS BEEN ISSUED

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

 

Florida’s Attorney General Bill McCollum along with Charles H. Bronson Have issued a consumer advisory that cautions residents of the State of Florida about Fraudulent Charities. Please read the official release below.

 

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MCCOLLUM, BRONSON CAUTION FLORIDIANS ABOUT FRAUDULENT CHARITIES

 

 

Authorities concerned that con artists may try to capitalize on

recent natural disasters

 

    TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollum and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today issued a consumer advisory, warning consumers about the potential for fraudulent charities or individuals illegally soliciting charitable donations. Attorney General McCollum and Commissioner Bronson both expressed their concern that in light of the recent widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Dean, con artists and scammers may try to take advantage of people’s good intentions by creating illegitimate charities, including internet-based "organizations." The advisory cautioned that emails and websites requesting donations may appear legitimate, but could be a ploy to gain personal information and consumers are encouraged to verify the validity of charitable organizations before making any donations.

 

    "It is absolutely reprehensible for someone to try to capitalize on a natural disaster that had already caused widespread destruction and loss of life," said Attorney General McCollum. "Floridians should know that while there are numerous reputable organizations fostering the true spirit of charity, there are those who are less than honorable and they should be avoided at all costs."

 

    Added Commissioner Bronson: "While natural disasters cry out for the need for charitable organizations, what’s critical is to make sure that your contribution is going to a legitimate charity - not in the pocket of a con artist. Consumers can - and should - check out whether a charity is registered in Florida by calling our toll free hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352)."

 

    Florida law requires charities to register with the Department of agriculture and Consumer Services and provide financial information about income and expenditures, according to the Solicitations of Contributions Act under Chapter 496, Florida Statutes. Both the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have pursued litigation in the past against unregistered charities and individuals who were improperly soliciting donations in the name of philanthropy. These lawsuits were filed under Florida’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Penalties include fines of $10,000 per violation, or $15,000 if a senior citizen or disabled individual is the victim.

 

    McCollum and Bronson also provided the following tips to consider when deciding whether to donate to an organization:

 

-   Always make sure a charity is registered before donating and check n how a charity spends its money. Consumers have the right to ask for an organization's financial report and its federal tax identification number which is necessary to claim contributions as tax deductions.

 

-   Don't judge an organization based on an impressive sounding name. Find out what it actually does. Additionally, be wary of emotional appeals and organizations that have only vague plans for spending the funds they collect.

 

-   Never give cash. Write a check payable only to an organization-not an individual. Be wary of organizations that offer to send a 'runner' to pick up donations. Reputable charities are willing to wait for contributions.

 

    Complaints about fraudulent charities can be directed to either agency’s consumer services division. The Attorney General’s Office receives consumer complaints through the agency’s fraud hotline is 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) or through the website at http://www.myfloridalegal.com.

 

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services can be reached at 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) or online at http://www.800helpfla.com. Consumers can also contact the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to determine whether or not a particular organization is registered.

 

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Evelyn out.

Harrassment

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

This past week I have experience an increase in harassment by persons that I believe are neighbors that are upset by the fact that I did not and do not want my spouse associating with because these persons have been part of the source of harassment that have created problems for my family and resulted in other in getting into trouble and/or fired. 

I extremely dislike the influence that these individuals were attempting used on my spouse. he is not a well man and I believe foul play of some kind was behind their motives. The persons I speaks do were family and personal relations with the drug pushers on the corners.  These have enjoyed their attempts at making me look the fool each time the tell my spouse of thier deceptiveness and flase friendships.

I do not like having to report to the police department each time something because someone is seeking revenge for nonsense or attempting to threaten me over more nonsense. However, they leave me with not other choice. As for the harrassers, I have made it clear that their relationship with my sppouse is over and no interference was be accepted.

In any case, the sell of drug on that corner is appears to have stopped; however, I would not swear to it.  Also, there were more youths out on those properties and there was some trouble, but school has restarted , so hopefully, the neighborhood can get back to some form of normalcy.

Evelyn

Three Florid's Duputies' Sheriffs Senselessly gun Down

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

In this week's edition of the Attorney General's “News Briefs” General McCollum delivers a solemn message about the senseless deaths of two Florida’s dedicated Deputies’ Sheriffs and hope of a speed recovery for the third dedicated Sheriff who was critically injured.     

 

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August 17, 2007

 

A Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum

 

Today, on what would have been a day to celebrate 21 years of a Deputy Sheriff’s dedicated service to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, we are instead joining Florida’s law enforcement community to mourn his tragic death. Deputy Ron Harrison was killed in a hail of bullets in what is being described as a random act of violence. With Ron’s death, Florida has lost an invaluable public servant.

 

Even more tragic, Deputy Harrison was gunned down on the very day when another fallen sheriff’s deputy was being remembered by his family, friends and colleagues. Broward County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Reyka was ambushed and killed last Friday while investigating a

stolen license plate. Chris is described by family and friends as a dedicated and exemplary Deputy Sheriff, intent upon protecting his community. He will, without question, be greatly missed by countless Floridians.

 

To add to what has been a devastating 10 days for Florida’s law enforcement family, a third deputy remains in critical condition in Broward County, fighting for his life. Maury Hernandez, a five-year

veteran, is a detective with the Broward Sheriff's Office's Selective Enforcement Team. A strong leader, Maury has also been instrumental in providing encouragement and advice to his younger brother, Josue, who just began serving with the Hallandale Beach Police Department. I know I speak on behalf of Floridians throughout the state when I say that Maury has our unconditional support as he battles for a full recovery.

 

It is difficult to express in words how much we owe to the dedicated men and women who put their lives on the line every day in the name of public safety. Florida has more than 53,000 law enforcement officers working in city, county, state and federal agencies to protect our residents and guests. Imagine what your neighborhoods and communities would be like withoutthe law enforcement watching over your family and loved ones. It is a situation in which we certainly could not survive for very long.

 

I invite you to take a moment with me to recognize the ultimate sacrifice Deputies Reyka and Harrison made for us, the people of Florida. I would also ask that the entire state remember the

Hernandez family as they endure this time of incredible trial. These men are heroes. They should be remembered and treated as such.

 

My thanks, and the thanks of our great state, goes out to our law enforcement community. We will always stand with you, but especially now in your time of tragic loss.

 

Thank you.

 

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Thank you.

 

Evelyn out.

 

Governor Crist Annouces A Prescription Drug Program

Hello Everyone,

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 

Evelyn here,

 

with a message from “Notes from the Capital”. In this newest message, Governor Crist announces that as a part of the free prescription drug program Publix will give customers holding valid prescriptions free antibiotics. The program is an incentive to promoting better health and wellness to each of Florida’s citizens.

 

“Notes from the Capital” also contain news about the back Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday, which ends at the close of the business day on Monday, August 13, 2007. The tax-free holiday applies to all books and/or clothing that is sold for $50 or less and all school supplies selling for $10 or less.

 

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Dear Friends,

Florida's Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday is a great way to save on clothing, books and school supplies. I encourage Florida's families to take advantage of this year's tax free holiday, especially students as they prepare for the new school year.

  

Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday 

The 2007 Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday runs through Monday, August 13, 2007.  The sales tax holiday applies to books or clothing that sell for $50 or less and school supplies priced at $10 or less.

  

Continuing the Tradition

I am grateful to the Florida Legislature for continuing this great tradition in our state and to businesses, community organizations and retail partners across the state who are actively promoting this opportunity. I appreciate their support and wish all Florida students success this year.

 

Free Prescription Drug Program

Health and wellness is crucial to every Floridian's quality of life and paramount to the vitality of our state. Publix launched a free prescription drug program this week.

 

Seven popular antibiotics will be available at no charge for people with valid prescriptions. The free antibiotics are available to customers regardless of their health care coverage and are provided in up to two-week supplies.

 

We appreciate great partners like Publix Supermarkets working to further provide affordability and accessibility to quality prescription drugs for working families and seniors.

  

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

  

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Evelyn out.

Governor Crist Annouces A Prescription Drug Program

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

with a message from Governor Crist and “Notes from the Capital”. In his newest message, Governor Crist announces that as a part of the free prescription drug program Publix will give customers holding valid prescriptions free antibiotics. The program is an incentive to help encourage better health and wellness for all of citizens of Florida.

 

“Notes from the Capital” also contain news about the Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday, which ends at the close of the business day on Monday, August 13, 2007. The tax-free holiday will apply to all books and/or clothing that is sold for $50 or less and all school supplies selling for $10 or less.

 

--------

Dear Friends,

Florida's Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday is a great way to save on clothing, books and school supplies. I encourage Florida's families to take advantage of this year's tax free holiday, especially students as they prepare for the new school year.

  

Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday 

The 2007 Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday runs through Monday, August 13, 2007.  The sales tax holiday applies to books or clothing that sell for $50 or less and school supplies priced at $10 or less.

  

Continuing the Tradition

I am grateful to the Florida Legislature for continuing this great tradition in our state and to businesses, community organizations and retail partners across the state who are actively promoting this opportunity. I appreciate their support and wish all Florida students success this year.

 

Free Prescription Drug Program

Health and wellness is crucial to every Floridian's quality of life and paramount to the vitality of our state. Publix launched a free prescription drug program this week.

 

Seven popular antibiotics will be available at no charge for people with valid prescriptions. The free antibiotics are available to customers regardless of their health care coverage and are provided in up to two-week supplies.

 

We appreciate great partners like Publix Supermarkets working to further provide affordability and accessibility to quality prescription drugs for working families and seniors.

  

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

  

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Evelyn out.

AN ATTORNEY GENERAL CONSUMER ALERT

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

Today the Office of the Attorney General has issue another consumer advisory about the recall of several models of tires sold by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd and later distributed by the Foreign Tire Sales, Inc. the recall affects tires for several light trucks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and vans. Some 450, 000 tires sold might not meet the minimum specifications provided to the tire manufacturer and could be unsafe.

 

The following is a link to Foreign Tires’ Consumers’ Recall Information Page. There the consumers will find a PDF file and a video that outlines how consumers can identify and register their tires for replacement or reimbursements. To learn more read Attorney General, Bill McCollum’s consumer alert below.

 

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Attorney General, Bill McCollum, Announces Florida’s Participation

in Multistate Tire Inquiry

 

 

~ Consumers are urged to check tire numbers for potentially dangerous recalled tires ~

 

                                                                 

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollum today joined  several state Attorneys General in issuing a consumer advisory about  potentially dangerous tires that were imported from China and sold from  2002 to 2006 for light trucks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and vans. More than 450,000 tires may not meet the minimum specifications provided to the tire manufacturer and therefore may be unsafe. The tires were distributed in the United States under the names Westlake, Compass and YKS.  A formal recall was announced by the distributor of the affected tires.

 

    "It is important to make the public aware of the potential danger to consumers due to the safety hazards created by inadequate tires," Attorney General McCollum said. "We want to ensure that proper safety standards are in place when Floridians are on the road."

 

    The tires were made by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd. (HZ) and distributed by Foreign Tire Sales, Inc., a small tire distributor in New Jersey. Foreign Tires Sales recently filed a non-compliance report

on certain tires with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Affected tires may lack a sufficient layer of rubber between their steel belts which could cause tire treads to separate, creating

potential safety hazards on the road.

 

Consumers should check their tires and return them as soon as possible to a retailer for free replacements. If an inspection indicates that a vehicle has unsafe tires, the consumer should immediately contact Foreign Tire Sales, Inc., and report the problem. Because of the safety concerns, a multistate working group of Attorneys General has been created to investigate the issue. Further information can be obtained from FTS’s web site at http://www.foreigntire.com.

  

 As part of general tire safety, Attorney General McCollum reminded Florida consumers to keep the following tips in mind:

 

-   At least once a month and before every long trip, inspect tires

for patterns of uneven wear that could damage tires. Check tire

inflation pressure in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

   

-   Do not overload your vehicle. Excess weight can place extra stress

on your tires. Check your tire placard or vehicle owner’s manual for the

maximum amount of weight your vehicle can safely carry.

 

-   Develop safe driving habits. Observe speed limits and avoid fast

stops, starts and turns. Avoid contact with potholes, objects and curbs

when driving or parking your vehicle.

 

-   Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Rotate tires regularly, get

wheels balanced and get a front-end alignment as necessary.

 

-   Use the proper tires for your vehicle. Check the vehicle

manufacturer’s recommendations before replacing a tire with a different

size and/or construction.

   

-   Be aware of how the outside temperature affects your tires. Hot

weather can be especially hard on tires, causing them to expand. As the

outside temperature drops 10 degrees, tire pressure drops about one or

two pounds per square inch.

 

-   Have any tire problems checked out by professionals. If you find

that one of your tires is losing pressure, take it to a tire expert for

a complete internal inspection.

 

-   Be careful of buying used tires. Check used tire numbers and do

not buy any that are specified in this inquiry.

 

Thank you.

 

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Evelyn out.

 

 

The Awakening

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

I want to share something with you that I found while researching for an article.  It is the poem written by a unknown woman who was a victim of domestic violence and struggle of self doubt and then glorious realization that she was special had the strength to face her abuser and walk away from him and the pain.

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In the beginning, I was young . . . he was handsome. He said I was beautiful, smart, worthy of love . . . made me feel that way. And so we were married, walking joyfully together down a church aisle, our union blessed by God.

Then came the angry words . . . the verbal tearing apart. . . . Now I was made to feel ugly, unintelligent, unworthy of any love, God's or man's.

Next came the beatings . . . unrelenting violence . . . unceasing pain. I shouldn't stay, but this is my husband . . . promised forever. He says I deserve it . . . maybe I do . . . if I could just be good. I feel so alone . . . doesn't God hear me when I cry out silently as I lie in bed each night?

Finally came the release, the realization. It's not me . . . it's him. . . . I am worthy of love, God's and man's. One spring morning, my heart was filled with hope and with fear now only of starting over on my own. And so again I walked . . . down the hallway of our apartment building . . . never again to be silent . . . never again to live with that kind of violence, to suffer that kind of pain.

                                                                                                          —A battered wife

 

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Evelyn out.

Office of The Attorney General Celebrates Its 15th Years In Battle Against Discrimination

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

Tonight’ entry speaks about Florida’s Office of The Attorney General celebrating its 15th years in battle against discrimination.

 

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August 3, 2007

 

Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum

 

This year, my Office of Civil Rights celebrates its 15th anniversary -

15 years of fighting to protect our citizens from being unfairly singled out or becoming victims of discrimination. I believe one of Florida’s greatest strengths is the rich diversity of our population and our culture, and it my strongest belief that no one should ever be subjected to a violation of their civil rights, which are the most important rights we enjoy.

 

The Office of Civil Rights is empowered to enforce civil rights laws on

behalf of the State of Florida. Our attorneys carry out this charge

through litigation and legislative proposals. We address a wide range of issues including disability rights, mortgage lending and other types of economic discrimination. We have also investigated and pursued action against instances of discrimination in public accommodations, racial profiling and elder exploitation.

 

Additionally, the Office has conducted hate crime training for law

enforcement officers throughout the state for nearly a decade. Additional training programs are available for presentation at the elementary, middle and high school levels and are designed to teach students how to identify hate crimes, to understand the laws that protect victims of hate crimes, and to recognize how these terrible crimes can affect their communities. I believe these educational efforts are an essential step towards sending a clear message of absolute intolerance for hate crimes of any nature.

 

The Office of Civil Rights also works closely with the Florida Commission on Human Relations and other housing advocacy groups to enforce the provisions of the Florida Fair Housing Act. This week, we sent out a series of subpoenas to a company owning multiple apartment complexes in South Florida to investigate allegations of discrimination based on familial status. It is unthinkable that a family would be turned away from housing because of a discriminatory guideline or a standard that unfairly targets a particular group of people. My office is committed to examining these allegations as well as any others that may surface during this investigation and achieving a fair resolution for the victims involved.

 

Equality and justice for our citizens is not merely something we should

strive for - it is something we will continue to fight for to the fullest extent of our capabilities. Whether we are working to ensure that a disabled Floridian has access and accommodations as required by law or protecting our senior citizens from being exploited or taken advantage of, my Office of Civil Rights will carry on with this indispensable task on behalf of Floridians throughout the state.

 

Thank you.

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Evelyn out.

Attorney General, Statewide Prosecutor and Legislative leaders join forces to combat violent gangs

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

Below is the latest action taken by the Attorney General’s Office to combat gang activities in Florida.

 

 

 

August 1, 2007

From Office of the Attorney General

Bill McCollum

Attorney General of Florida

 

A PRESS RELEASE

                               

 

McCOLLUM ANNOUNCES IMPANELMENT OF STATEWIDE GRAND JURY

~ Attorney General, Statewide Prosecutor and Legislative leaders join forces to combat violent gangs~

 

        TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced the impanelment of the Statewide Grand Jury on gangs. Joined by the Statewide Prosecutor and Legislative leaders, the Attorney General declared a joint effort in combating the dramatic increase in gang related activity across the state, and announced that the Statewide Grand Jury will be impaneled early next week.

 

        “The Statewide Grand Jury is an important first step in strengthening law enforcement action on this statewide concern,” said Attorney General Bill McCollum. “Gangs are highly organized groups of individuals who are recruiting our children into a life of crime and violence and are the primary retail outlet for illegal drugs in our communities. By ensuring necessary steps are now taken, we are proactively safeguarding against the proliferation of future gang activity in our state.”

 

        Organized by the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, the Grand Jury will investigate criminal gang activity and indict for crimes which can include narcotics or other dangerous drugs, robbery and gambling, as well as violations of the Florida Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) Act. The jurors will serve as a “citizen legislature” which will study various criminal issues and make recommendations to the legislature on needed laws to deter gang activities and punish those involved in these pursuits. Additionally, jurors will provide educational and prevention recommendations to law enforcement agencies, schools, churches and other community based organizations to assist in keeping Florida’s children safe.

 

        Attorney General Bill McCollum was joined by Senator Atwater (R-North Palm Beach), Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach), and Representative William Snyder (R-Stuart) in making today’s announcement, which included information about recently proposed legislation intended to strengthen Florida laws against gang related activity. The Attorney General thanked Leader Hasner for his efforts and collaboration on combating this serious issue and praised Senator Atwater and Representative Snyder for sponsoring the legislation.

 

        “We see the problem firsthand here in Palm Beach County,” said Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach) who was a prime cosponsor of the original gang bill last session. “These well-organized and well-equipped street gangs represent a violent form of domestic terrorism that we must confront. With the Attorney General’s support, this bill can make a real difference, which is great news for our law enforcement officers and our communities.”

 

        The gang legislation being filed by Senator Atwater and Representative Snyder will provide powerful new tools to law enforcement including: 3rd degree felony for convicted felons to possess bulletproof vests; mandatory condition of probation prohibiting association with gang members; 3rd degree felony for recruitment into a criminal street gang; and the creation of a civil gang injunction, a violation of which will constitute a misdemeanor. The legislation will be expanded to include recommendations from the Grand Jury’s interim report, expected to be issued in December.

 

        "The residents of Palm Beach County have seen the disturbing effects of criminal street gangs and the violent crimes they commit," said Senator Jeff Atwater (R-North Palm Beach). "Gangs have no regard for law abiding citizens and weneed to do everything possible to secure our streets and protect Floridians from the violence of street gangs."

 

        “As a former law enforcement officer, I have seen first hand what these street gangs can do,” said Representative Will Snyder (R-Stuart). “Gangs are becoming more organized, their crimes are becoming more violent, and they must be stopped."

 

        At the request of the Statewide Prosecutor, the Governor petitioned the Florida Supreme Court to convene a Grand Jury to investigate the increase in crimes related to gang activity. The Court issued the order convening the Grand Jury in June and determined the jury will be based in West Palm Beach but will investigate criminal activity statewide. To read the order in its entirety please visit: http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/summaries/briefs/07/07-1128/Filed_06-20-2007_OrderImpanelingJury.pdf.

 

        According to the US Department of Justice, gang related problems have been reportedfor all 50 Statesand the District of Columbia. According to a recent study, Florida experienced more growth in gang violence in 25 years than any other state in the nation. Additionally, law enforcement believes that more than 1,000 gangs with an estimated 65,000 members are active withinthe state. For more information on the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, please visit: http://www.myfloridalegal.com.

 

______________________________________________________________________

 

Evelyn out,

A COMSUMER ALERT MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn Here,

 

Below is a consumer alert message from Bill McCollum, Attorney General for the State of Florida.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Bill McCollum

Attorney General

News Release

__________________________________________________________

Date of release: August 2, 2007

 

 

 

McCollum Announces

Florida’s Participation in Multistate Tire Inquiry

 

Consumers are urged to check tire numbers for potentially dangerous recalled tires

 

 TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today joined several state Attorneys General in issuing a consumer advisory about potentially dangerous tires that were imported from China and sold from 2002 to 2006 for light trucks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and vans. More than 450,000 tires may not meet the minimum specifications provided to the tire manufacturer and therefore may be unsafe. The tires were distributed in the United States under the names Westlake, Compass and YKS.

 

 “It is important to make the public aware of the potential danger to consumers due to the safety hazardscreated by inadequate tires,” Attorney General McCollum said. “We want to ensure that proper safety standards are in place when Floridians are on the road.”

 

 The tires were made by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd. (HZ) and distributed by Foreign Tire Sales, Inc., a small tire distributor in New Jersey. Foreign Tires Sales recently filed a non-compliance report on certain tires with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Affected tires may lack a sufficient layer of rubber between their steel belts which could cause tire treads to separate, creating potential safety hazards on the road.

 

 In the interest of public safety, the Attorneys General have asked tire dealers not to charge for the safety inspections for these tire brands. Consumers of these particular tires should not drive their vehicles for long distances on hot roads until the vehicles have been checked. If an inspection indicates that a vehicle has unsafe tires, the consumer should immediately contact Foreign Tire Sales, Inc., and report the problem. Because of the safety concerns, a multistate working group of Attorneys General has been created to investigate the issue. Further information can be obtained from FTS’s web site at http://www.foreigntire.com.

 

 As part of general tire safety, Attorney General McCollum reminded Florida consumers to keep the following tips in mind:

 

- At least once a month and before every long trip, inspect tires for patterns of uneven wear that could damage tires. Check tire inflation pressure in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

 

- Do not overload your vehicle. Excess weight can place extra stress on your tires. Check your tire placard or vehicle owner’s manual for the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can safely carry.

 

- Develop safe driving habits. Observe speed limits and avoid fast stops, starts and turns. Avoid contact with potholes, objects and curbs when driving or parking your vehicle.

 

- Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Rotate tires regularly, get wheels balanced and get a front-end alignment as necessary.

 

- Use the proper tires for your vehicle. Check the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations before replacing a tire with a different size and/or construction.

 

- Be aware of how the outside temperature affects your tires. Hot weather can be especially hard on tires, causing them to expand. As the outside temperature drops 10 degrees, tire pressure drops about one or two pounds per square inch.

 

- Have any tire problems checked out by professionals. If you find that one of your tires is losing pressure, take it to a tire expert for a complete internal inspection.

 

- Be careful of buying used tires. Check used tire numbers and do not buy any that are specified in this inquiry.

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Evelyn out