Attorney General, Bill McCollum Names the 2007's Officer of the Year

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a special news release from Attorney General Bill McCollum on the selection for the 2007's Officer of the Year.

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Bill McCollum Attorney General News Release                                                                                                              __________________________________________________________ February 26, 2008         Attorney General Names 2007 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year                                                                                          Special Agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is fifth                         recipient of annual award       TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollum today named Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent Tammy Roane of Ft. Pierce as the recipient of the Attorney General's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award for 2007. Special Agent Roane was joined by nine fellow officers from around the state at a ceremony recognizing them for their dedication to law enforcement and their protection of the public. In addition to recognizing the nominees, the Attorney General also asked for a moment of recognition for the 16 men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty last year as well as the one officer who was killed in a gang shooting earlier this year.       “Every single day, our men and women in the law enforcement community put their lives on the line to protect us, our families, our communities and our state,” Attorney McCollum said at today’s ceremony honoring the nominees. “We owe these fine individuals so much more than we could ever repay them and I am proud to be able to recognize the best of the best here today.”       In naming Special Agent Roane as this year’s award recipient, Attorney McCollum praised her dedication to investigating several far-reaching criminal cases in the Treasure Coast area. In conjunction with multiple agencies, her investigative work helped dismantle a violent cocaine trafficking ring tied to a local street gang. The gang was responsible for the distribution and sale of more than 45 kilograms of cocaine per month in St. Lucie County. Forty-two individuals were arrested on various drug and weapon charges. Drugs, weapons, vehicles and almost $200,000 in cash were also seized. A second drug trafficking case in Indian River and Broward counties resulted in the arrest of 28 suspects, with 18 individuals facing federal charges. Significant amounts of crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and illicit prescription drugs were seized, as well as firearms and more than $41,000 in cash.       Special Agent Roane also played an important role in investigating the execution-style murder of a family of four by the side of the Turnpike in St. Lucie County. For two weeks, she worked almost non-stop on this case with local, state and federal authorities. She coordinated the collection and analysis of wireless phone records which provided probable cause for wire intercepts on the suspects’ cell phones. This led to the discovery of evidence tying the adult victims to illegal cocaine trafficking, which in turn identified the murder suspects. Three suspects have been arrested on federal narcotics and other charges while the homicide investigation continues.       Each nominee for the Attorney General’s award had previously been recognized as an “Officer of the Year” by a Florida law enforcement agency or organization that sponsors such a statewide award. Special Agent Roane was nominated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association. A selection committee appointed by the Attorney General considered the distinguished group of nominees from state agencies and organizations including the Florida Sheriff’s Association, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, the State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association, and the Florida Retail Federation.       Special Agent Roane is the fifth recipient of the Attorney General’s annual award. Last year’s recipient was Detective Sergeant James Contento of the Tampa Police Department. The recipient in 2005 was Detective Kevin Kuschel of the Palm Beach County School District Police Department. In 2004, Tallahassee Police Officer Chuck Perry received the award, and Marion County Deputy Sheriff Mike Rolls was honored as the first recipient of the award in 2003.       A list of the other nominees and their accomplishments follows: Nominated by the Department of Financial Services, Division of State Fire Marshal – DFS Detective Thomas Barron of Panama City Detective Barron is recognized by his agency and peers as a superior fire and arson investigator. During the last year, 56 percent of his cases were closed by arrest, well above the 18 percent national average. He is the Northwest Region’s accelerant K-9 handler and the Training Coordinator. He also serves on the agency’s Forensic Investigative Support Team, which is activated for major fires in the state. In 2007, Detective Barron went undercover and infiltrated the homeless community in Panama City to investigate a series of arsons in the area. The operation led to the arrest of a serial arsonist who admitted to setting more than 30 fires throughout the state and told investigators he would not have stopped until caught. Nominated by the Florida Retail Federation – Detective Sgt. Daniel J. Carron of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Having worked more than three decades with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Carron has developed a talent for identifying suspicious behavior. He supervises the Tactical Apprehension and Control Unit of the Property Crimes Division, which employs special investigative techniques to solve property crimes. Detective Carron is responsible for breaking up two shoplifting rings which were targeting home improvement stores. In one case, a woman asked him if he wanted to purchase a store gift card from her and his astute observation and quick thinking led to the apprehension of three suspects who admitted involvement in a multi-state shoplifting ring responsible for up to $100,000 in thefts. In another investigation, Detective Carron and his team conducted a six-month operation culminating in the arrest of more than ten suspects thought to be responsible for as much as $500,000 in thefts at home improvement stores in the state. Nominated by the Florida Department of Transportation, Office of Motor Carrier Compliance – FDOT Officer Michael Croft of Tallahassee Officer Croft enforces the state’s laws and federal regulations regarding commercial motor carrier use and safety and inspects drivers, trucks and loads to ensure compliance. In 2007, Officer Croft performed 525 inspections, resulting in the removal of 60 unfit commercial drivers and 89 unsafe vehicles from the highway. Additionally, he has issued more than 500 traffic and civil citations worth more than $58,000 in fines to operators of overloaded and unsafe trucks. He also made 45 arrests, of which seven were for DUI. Exhibiting the highest standards of professionalism, Officer Croft recently received an award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his work to make Florida’s roadways safer for its drivers. Nominated by the Florida Sheriff’s Association – Detective Brian Hester of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Detective Hester of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office is a firearms and use-of-force instructor, a verbal judo instructor and a member of the SWAT team. Recently, Detective Hester proposed a plan to target the leader and main members of the 13th Street gang, a violent street gang believed to be responsible for several homicides, robberies, narcotics trafficking and other violent crimes throughout the Fort Pierce area. Detective Hester was the lead investigator for the Sheriff’s Office, enlisting the assistance of multiple agencies. Detective Hester’s diligence, hard work and investigative expertise played an important role in the successful execution of the operation. At theconclusion of the case, 37 individuals were arrested and authorities seized nearly $200,000 in cash, vehicles worth approximately $300,000, firearms and a large amount of cocaine. Thirteen criminals were found guilty of federal charges and received prison sentences ranging from four years to life. Nominated by the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud – DFS Detective Theodore Padich of West Palm Beach Over the past several years, Detective Padich has become an expert in the field of mortgage fraud, a growing criminal trend which has severe financial impacts on citizens and communities as well as banking and lending institutions. His vision, initiative and innovation have resulted in the development of a streamlined system to investigate mortgage fraud and his ability to effectively utilize his agency’s resources and contacts within the mortgage industry recently led to the conviction of seven criminals and $2.7 million in court-ordered restitution. Detective Padich is currently investigating additional fraudulent activity which could be worth more than $27 million. Nominated by the Department of Environmental Protection – DEP Officer Donald “Scott” Peters of Crawfordville Patrolling John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park in Key Largo, one of the most visited state parks in Florida, Officer Peters exemplifies his agency’s values of fairness, commitment to excellence, honesty and teamwork. His keen investigative skills were a key factor in recovering over $100,000 in fines from lawbreakers who caused serious damage to the unique natural resources of the Florida Keys. Officer Peters’ efforts recently led to the arrests of three suspects responsible for a string of auto burglaries at the park. He also frequently assists the U.S. Coast Guard with Cuban refugees, providing first aid on several occasions, and he has been instrumental in implementing security procedures which curtailed the use of the park’s boat ramp by smugglers. Nominated by the Florida Highway Patrol – Trooper Edward P. Pope of Venice Trooper Pope has the distinction of being the only trooper ever selected as “Trooper of the Month” three times in one year for his acts of bravery and excellence in police work. While operating stationary radar in Charlotte County, Trooper Pope was informed of a suspected stolen vehicle parked on the roadside. His subsequent investigation revealed that the vehicle was stolen from Fairfield County, Ohio, and led to the discovery of a trailer and a large quantity of equipment stolen from an Ohio Home Depot as well as a case of motor vehicle insurance fraud involving the suspect and another individual. Following a “Be on the Look-out” notice on a particular vehicle, Trooper Pope’s attention to detail resulted in the arrest of the vehicle owner for felony possession of marijuana. On another occasion, Trooper Pope’s determination and quick thinking helped locate a suicidal individual and get emergency medical assistance before tragedy occurred. In yet another incident, while working a traffic accident on Interstate 75, Trooper Pope single-handedly removed two men from a sinking vehicle and brought them both to safety. Nominated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association – FWCC Officer Michael “Brad” Stanley of Crystal River Officer Stanley patrols Florida’s vast woodlands and waters to protect the state’s natural resources, as well as the users of those resources. Usually working alone in remote areas, he is presented with unique challenges on a daily basis which require quick thinking, adaptability and initiative. During the past year, Officer Stanley contacted more than 2,600 resource users, hunters and anglers and conducted 571 vessel inspections which resulted in 480 citations. In one particular incident, Officer Stanley found a pedestrian lying in a roadside ditch and although the man couldn’t speak English, Officer Stanley was able to determine he was a hit-and-run victim. Officer Stanley obtained a description of the vehicle, located the driver, and apprehended him for DUI and leaving the scene of an accident with injury. Another incident involved a major boating accident on the St. Johns River where Officer Stanley successfully coordinated manpower and equipment during search and recovery efforts. A third situation involved a fatal motor vehicle accident on Interstate 10 where Officer Stanley was the first on the scene and was able to provide life-saving first aid to several injured people until additional emergency medical assistance arrived. Nominated by the Fraternal Order of Police and the Florida Police Chiefs Association – Officer Charles Turco of the Boynton Beach Police Department As a five-year member of the Boynton Beach Police Department, Officer Turco is currently assigned as a DUI Task Force Officer in the Uniformed Services Division. In 2007, Officer Turco was the first to arrive at the scene of a residential fire. Without hesitation and at grave personal risk, he entered the burning building and rescued a disabled elderly woman from her smoke and flame-engulfed apartment, saving her life. Some months later, while on routine patrol, Officer Turco observed a man exposing himself near a city park frequented by children, and apprehended the offender, preventing the further victimization of any children. Officer Turco regularly puts himself in harm’s way to protect those around him. Recently, while responding to a report of a large fight, Officer Turco found a police officer about to be violently attacked by one of the people involved. His immediate action brought the subject under control, preventing injury to the officer and effectively ending the affray. On another occasion, Officer Turco helped apprehend an armed carjacker who was shooting at pursuing law enforcement officers, endangering them and the motorists on the highway. Officer Turco engaged the suspect in gunfire, ultimately ending the stand-off without injury to innocent civilians and officers. Officer Turco was selected as “Officer of the Month” by his peers three times in one year and has received his department’s Combat Cross for Heroism and the Lifesaving Medal. He has been recognized by Mothers Againt Drunk Driving and the State Attorney’s Office of the 15th Judicial Circuit for his work.

 

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Evelyn out.

Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Announces New Chair, Committee Leaders

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a new release from the Attorney General, Bill McCollum.

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Bill McCollum

Attorney General

News Release                                 

February 26, 2008

_____________________________________________________________ 

                                                                               

Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys

Announces New Chair, Committee Leaders

                                                                               

 

      TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that

the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys has chosen its new

Chair and set its goals for 2008. Christopher Norwood, last year’s Vice

Chair, was nominated by Secretary of Juvenile Justice Frank Peterman and

subsequently elected the new Chair for the Council. Dr. Anthony McCoy was

elected Vice Chair. In addition to its existing committees, the Council

also created a Criminal Justice committee to add to its mission.

 

      “We should strive to provide today’s youth with the resources to make

the choices that will send their lives in a positive direction,” said

Attorney General McCollum. “I am confident this dedicated group will

recommend sound strategies to achieve that goal.”

 

      Norwood is the Director of Lawyers for Children (LFCA), a child

advocacy organization protecting the rights of children who are victims of

abuse, neglect and abandonment by providing quality pro bono legal

representation and collaborating for systematic change to improve the

lives of children. He was appointed to the Council by the Speaker of the

House in 2007. Vice Chair Dr. Anthony McCoy is the Statewide Forensic

Treatment Coordinator for the Department of Children and Families, having

studied clinical psychology, psychology-law and statistics at the

University of Alabama. He serves the Council on behalf of the Department

of Children and Families.

 

      “It is an honor to be chosen as Chair, and I accept this opportunity

with a humble spirit,” said Christopher Norwood. “The statistics are

disheartening. Florida’s Black men and boys are suffering by any measure,

but there are beams of hope throughout our state. We must focus our minds

to discover the positive and promote it, while learning from the

challenges already before us.”

 

      Mr. Levi Williams, last year’s Council Chairman, will chair the

Committee on Criminal Justice, which will focus on addressing criminal

justice issues among Black men and boys, including the issue of criminal

gangs as well as prevention and intervention programs. Dr. Billy Close

will chair the Committee on Improving Educational Outcomes and will study

career academics as a secondary reform issue.  Mr. Torey Alston will chair

the Committee on Improving Economic Outcomes and will work to promote

employment for Black males with criminal backgrounds. Ms. Lillian Lima

will chair the Committee on Improving Foster Care and Family Issues and

will focus on fatherhood initiatives and removing traditional barriers for

families. Dr. Eddy Regnier will chair the Committee on Improving Health

Status and will address the issue of learned helplessness of young Black

men. The Committee on Legislative Review will be chaired by Dr. Emile

Commedore.

 

      Created by the Legislature during the 2006 Legislative Session, the

Council is charged with making a systematic study of the conditions

affecting Black men and boys including homicide rates, arrest and

incarceration rate, poverty, violence, drug abuse, death rates, disparate

annual income levels, health issues and school performance. The Council’s

mission is to constantly strive to alleviate and correct the underlying

conditions that affect Black men and boys throughout the State of Florida

to bring about an environment that promotes the values of learning,

family, prosperity, unity, and self-worth among Black men and boys. Its

goal is to be dedicated to being a leading entity that provides and

promotes an environment that is conducive to productivity, success, and

excellence for all Black men and boys in the State of Florida. More

information about the Council is available online at:

http://www.cssbmb.com.

 

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Evleyn out.

UPDATE: War To Keep Our Avenue Safe Continues

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn Here,

 

I am addressing this message to those like myself who are dedicated to keeping our avenues, corners, and neighborhood safe and crime free. As you know, there has been an increase in the number of vehicles that are either driving through the neighborhood and/or sitting in driveways blaring loud music that is filled with inappropriate lyrics, which send the wrong message the our young. 

 

Moreover, there is a nest of families on one of cornered on my street, who until recently and because of our struggle to keep their illegal drugs and other crime off our avenue, have been trying to resurface.

 

I called that corner the “L” because there are a number of houses on it and this street that are involved in the trouble that has overtaken whatever house “they decide” to harass or otherwise create problems for in the neighborhood.  It is usually residents like myself who want a peaceful and a drug free neighborhood that they target. It is our misfortune that we have such a  large concentration of crime families in this one tiny area.

 

However, we must continue to report their activities by actively patrolling the streets in our cars and on foot whenever necessary and follow up with calls the STPD when suspicious and oblivious attempts to disturb the peace occurs.

 

Beware of the fact that these families have used children (their own and other families) in the past to deflect their activities and to discredit residents who are really trying to stop the crimes out there on the street.  These crime families are attempting to do the same thing now. I have been the target of such harassment of late and it has increased to the point where  teenage boy the across the street planned and attempted to carry out an attempt follow me and push me to drive faster on a dangerous winding road as I drove to work.

 

The boy failed, and the disturbances on this avenue and other streets in the neighborhood saw an increase in cars driving by fast, blowing their horns, and playing loud music, which could heard several streets over. Therefore, I am advising every member of the crime watch to take care because not only will they using their children to try and hurt you, they will attempt to ruin your reputation in the community with the police department and elsewhere. 

 

Just remind faithful to the idea of safer, drug-free streets and continue to call police when necessary. 

 

The truth about those families has surfaced and they have exposed themselves for being criminals and liars. In addition, these attempts at harassment might be their way of trying to keep us from patrolling our streets so that they can surface with their illegal activities which includes illegal drugs. We must not let this happen.

 

Evelyn out.

 

P.S.  As I stated earlier this morning,  I wrote this in a hurry.  I was rushing and not paying much attention to how I wrote, and it looked to me like brainstorming. I should never post entries in such unedited conditions, but I do believe the major point of the message came through.  We have a problem with those families, and I believe they are activity trying to return to their illegal activities on our avenue corners again. So, they bare careful watching.  I truly believe they are trying to discourage me and others from patrolling our streets and reporting their activities. Again, we must not let this happen.

 

I am aware that we never got an additional street lamp on that corner, and those families do not always keep their porch lights lit.  This is a great concern because once in addition to their drug activities on the corner, in their meanness they parked a black in the center of road and walked away from it for some hapless driving to run into.  Luckily this did not happen and the incident was reported.  So now, the only way to be sure of what is happening up there is to go up there.  Nevertheless, I intend to call the Mayor Action Center  again  and try to get one out there.  Hopefully, I will be able impress upon the person in charge of issuing those street lamps the important of having it installed.

 

 

Evelyn out.

Governor Crist Recommends Lifting the Cap on the KidDare Program to Legislature

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn with an excerpt from Governor Charlie Cris' "Notes From the Capital".

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Dear Friends,      The quality of life for every Floridian rests on the health of our people, a strong education for our children, and a very vibrant economy.    I have recommended to the Legislature a plan to increase competition and efficiency in our health care marketplace.  By lifting the cap on the KidCare program, 23 percent of our uninsured children could receive the medical attention they deserve. By developing consumer choice benefit plans and increasing access to dental care, we can improve access and quality of care for Floridians.       I am proposing legislation that promotes transparency in school spending and reallocates unused funds from the Teacher Merit Award Program.  The unused funds will go towards increasing teacher awards through the program. I am also proposing $100 million in incentives for middle schools that enroll students in physical education.   State government is leading by example to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  I am recommending $200 million for an energy and economic development package to boost Florida's renewable and alternative energy. This includes funding for research and development opportunities for businesses and projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.     Home ownership is a cornerstone of the American dream – and our economy as well. Yet, many Floridians are losing that dream – and losing hope. This week, I announced a task force to examine the high rate of home foreclosures in our state and explore ways that we can reverse this trend. Our goal is to provide recommendations that will help us provide hope to the families and individuals facing foreclosure.     I have also proposed $10 million for new technology that will equip every child protection caseworker with a handheld device that can verify the location and time of every home visit.  This tool will help our protective investigators focus on doing casework, instead of paperwork – and revolutionize how we protect Florida's foster children.  It is time we harness the technology that is available to provide the safest environment and care for Florida's children. Thank you and may God continue to bless Florida.    Top Center: Governor Crist takes time to play basketball with a few middle school students as he champions the need for physical fitness in Florida's schools — which is reinforced in his proposed legislation.   Middle Left: Governor Crist visits with a family that was given hope by the Amendment 1 property tax bill. This HOPE task force is designed to do the same for families in danger of foreclosure.   Bottom Left: Governor Crist shows a Florida child protection caseworker the new handheld devices that will help cut down on paperwork and allow for more time in the homes of Florida's foster children.

www.FLGov.com

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Evelyn

 

 

Attorney General Meets with CSSBMB and Focuses on The Criminal Justice Issue of Gangs

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with an excerpt from the Attorney General, Bill McCollun weekly news report, "Generally Speaking".

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Publication of the Office of the Attorney General • Volume 6, Issue 8 • February 22, 2008

Weekly Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum Today, a very talented and committed group of individuals met to address a significant issue facing our state. The Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys held its 2008 organizational meeting in Panama City to determine what its goals and strategies for achieving those goals would be for this year. The Council, created by statute to make a systematic study of the conditions affecting Black men and boys, is housed within the Attorney General?s Office and I am proud to support its determination and vision for our state. Just one month ago, the Council released its first annual report which covered the topics of improving economic outcomes, addressing foster care and families issues, improving education outcomes and health status; and developing legislative recommendations. The Council will add a committee tasked with addressing the criminal justice issues which face Black men and boys within our state. As Attorney General, I am particularly focused on the criminal justice issue of gangs. I believe we need a three-pronged approach of prevention and intervention, law enforcement, and inmate rehabilitation and reentry into society. I look forward to continuing to work with the men and women on the Council who are so determined to make a difference. I also look forward to seeing all of Florida?s counties implement the Council?s recommendations for stronger community support for the communication, education and action which will be necessary as we move forward with this charge, just as I anticipate the Florida Legislature granting the Council permanent commission status. More information about the Council, its mission and its members is available online at http://www.cssbmb.com, which also includes its statutory authority, news releases and many other links to valuable resources. As we continue to recognize Black History Month, it is vitally important to bring together both the people and the resources needed to help today's youth and their communities make the choices that will send their lives in a positive direction.

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Evelyn out.

Ralph Nader Third Party Candidate for President

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with some breaking news from http://www.politico.com/ about Ralph Nader telling NBC's "Meet the Press" that he is launching a third-party campaign for president.

Click the link for more detail information.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8655.html

Evelyn out.

DISTRICT SIGNS UP ALL MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

with an update on the Attorney General Office’s plans for the education of, prevention of, and rehabilitation strategy for gang members of this state.

 

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Bill McCollum

Attorney General

News Release                                                                                                            

__________________________________________________________

January 30, 2008

  

MCCOLLUM: EDUCATION, PREVENTION, REHABILITATION

KEY TO STATE GANG STRATEGY

 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI-PRONGED

STRATEGY RELEASED FROM GANG STRATEGY SUMMIT BREAKOUT GROUPS

                                                                             

      TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today released the

 full recommendations from his December Gang Reduction Strategy Summit

 which featured speakers and presentations from members of the Attorney

 General’s Gang Reduction Strategy Executive Group. The Summit consisted of

 six breakout groups targeting community resources, infrastructure and

 implementation; intervention; suppression and deterrence; prosecution and

 criminal justice system enhancements; rehabilitation and re-entry; and

 risk-based prevention.

 

      “At the end of the day, gangs cannot continue to exist if we can keep

 our youth from joining these criminal organizations,” said Attorney

 General McCollum. “We need to reduce and eventually stop the growth of

 gangs before we can declare a victory for our state, and education and

 prevention will be key factors in that effort.”

 

      Last week, the Attorney General joined legislative leaders to

 announce tough anti-gang legislation. The proposed bill includes

 streamlined definitions for gang members and stronger sentences for

 criminal gang organizations. The Attorney General today recognized the

 importance of a heavy-handed approach for those already indoctrinated as

 active gang members, but also emphasized that slowing and eventually

 stopping the growth of gangs in Florida will depend significantly on

 preventing recruitment through education and rehabilitation for former

 members.

 

      One of the key recommendations is to establish a process for gang

 prevention and intervention that will engage multiple community sectors.

 The focus on neighborhood and community involvement will be essential in

 the cooperative anti-gang efforts as communities rally collectively

 against criminal gangs. Other important recommendations suggest the need

 for parent resources, including support groups, as well as the proposal

 for vocational or educational programs which could divert at-risk youth

 from gang recruitment.

 

      Drug trafficking and abuse remain one of the key factors in the

 growth ofgangs in Florida. Additional recommendations from the summit

 include recognition that rehabilitation and re-entry efforts aimed at

 Florida’s juvenile and adult inmates must begin much earlier in their

 incarceration and be more comprehensive if those efforts are to be

 successful. Participants in the summit also acknowledged that the

 successful effort to reduce gang and drug activity will be closely tied to

 finding ways to reduce the demand for illegal drugs.

 

      The full recommendations from the Strategy Summit are available

 online at http://www.safeflorida.net/safestreets. The Executive Group will

 now turn its attention to developing Florida’s statewide strategy, based

 on the recommendations from the Summit's breakout groups and other expert

 sources. The strategy report is expected to be released later this spring.

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Evelyn out

CYBERCRIME: DISTRICT SIGNS UP ALL MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with some belated but important news on the new Cybercirme unit.

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Bill McCollum

Attorney General

News Release                             

__________________________________________________________

Bill McCollum

Attorney General

News Release                             

__________________________________________________________

January 30, 2008

 

ATTORNEY GENERAL RECOGNIZES TAYLOR COUNTY

FOR TAKING THE CYBERSAFETY CHALLENGE

 

DISTRICT SIGNS UP ALL MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

FOR CYBERSAFETY PRESENTATIONS

                                                                              

      TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that

 the Taylor County School District is the first district in Florida to sign

 up all of its middle and high school students to receive the Attorney

 General’s CyberSafety Education presentation. Attorney General McCollum,

 together with Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith and Florida

 Association of District School Superintendents CEO Bill Montford, issued a

 CyberSafety Challenge earlier this month urging all of Florida’s school

 districts to sign up their middle and high schools to receive this

 critical safety message by the end of the school year.

 

      “We have seen too many incidents where our children have been

 victimized by online predators Florida as well as on a national scale,”

 said Attorney General McCollum. “I want to congratulate Taylor County’s

 educators for meeting the CyberSafety Challenge and recognizing the urgent

 need to ensure all our students know how to keep themselves safe online.”

 

      The CyberSafety Education program, developed by Attorney General

 McCollum, combines real-life stories and examples to help students

 identify ways they could be victimized by online predators. Members of the

 Attorney General’s Child Predator CyberCrime Unit have been bringing the

 50-minute CyberSafety program to students statewide since the beginning of

 the school year.

 

      “It's a great program and it's desperately needed,” said Taylor

 County District School Superintendent Oscar Howard. “In today's world with

 the trash that's out there, we need to all take part in giving guidance

 and direction to our young people.”

 

      The official challenge winners – the first district to sign up the

 largest total number of schools for presentations and the first district

 to sign up the highest percentage of its schools for presentations – will

 be formally announced in May. The winning districts will receive special

 CyberSafety presentations hosted in person by Attorney General McCollum

 and Commissioner Smith next fall.

 

      Principals can visit http://www.safeflorida.net/safeschools to log

 into a site developed specifically to register their schools and sign up

 to receive the Attorney General’s CyberSafety presentation. Principals can

 then schedule the presentations at their convenience.

 

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Evelyn out

Attorney General Bill McCollum and Generally Speaking

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with the latest issue of Attorney General Bill McCollum's Generally Speaking.

Publication of the Office of the Attorney General • Volume 6, Issue 7 • February 15, 2008

Weekly Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum From the Arts and Sciences to Civil Rights, Black Floridians have played a critical role in the development of our national identity. James Weldon Johnson, the first Black man to pass the Florida Bar exam, was a Jacksonville high school principal when he wrote the lyrics to ?Lift Every Voice and Sing.? Johnson, an author, politician, journalist, poet, anthropologist, educator, lawyer, songwriter, early civil rights activist, and prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, was first educated by his mother, the first female Black teacher in Florida. Another significant influence in our state, particularly in the field of education and politics, was Mary McLeod Bethune. In 1904, Bethune started the Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in Daytona with only $1.50. Bethune went on to found Bethune-Cookman University and was president of the college from 1923 to 1942 and 1946 to 1947, one of the few women in the world who served as a college president at that time. She was also instrumental in getting Franklin D. Roosevelt elected president and was a member of Roosevelt's Black Cabinet, among other leadership positions in organizations for women and African Americans. In 1925, Zora Neale Hurston became one of the leaders of the literary renaissance in Harlem, producing a literary magazine with Langston Hughes and Wallace Thurman. This literary movement eventually became the center of the Harlem Renaissance. Hurston eventually earned widespread acclaim for her stories about growing up in Eatonville, where she spent the majority of her childhood. Daniel ?Chappie? James, the first Black Four Star General in American military history, was a Pensacola native. James was a flight leader in the Korean War where he flew 101 combat missions. Later assignments included service as an operations officer and command of multiple units. James continued his exemplary service in the Vietnam War, where he flew 78 combat missions into North Vietnam and led a flight in the "Operation Bolo" Mig sweep in which seven Communist Mig-21's were destroyed, the highest total kill of any mission during the Vietnam War. While stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, the Florida State Jaycees named General James as Florida's "Outstanding American of the Year" for 1969. General James was promoted to four-star grade general in 1975 where he had operational command of all United States and Canadian strategic aerospace defense forces. Without these and countless other talented, committed and dedicated individuals, our state and our national history would not doubt be very different from what it is today. As we continue to recognize Black History Month, I invite each and every Floridian to appreciate these and other accomplishments and embrace the vibrant cultural diversity which daily shapes our state, our neighborhoods and our communities.

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Evelyn out

A Messgae from Governor Charlie Crist

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a messgae from Governor Charlie Crist on advncing florida as a leadder in clean technologies and environmental protection. 

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Dear Friends,     This week we have been advancing Florida as a leader in clean technologies and environmental protection.    As the Sunshine State – it makes sense that we would harness the sun's energy. I attended the dedication of the state's largest solar power facility.  I am grateful for the leadership of Florida Power & Light and Sarasota County for this achievement.    They are joining businesses around the state that are finding there is gold in green – and are creating a great model for the rest of Florida.  Businesses like Cott Corporation in Tampa, whose new headquarters will use green technology, help stimulate our economy and preserves our environment.   It is also important that we establish a model for our young people to be good stewards of our environment.  This week I announced the new Serve to Preserve Boy Scout and Girl Scout Award.  It will encourage young people to learn how they can protect Florida’s natural resources.       State government is leading by example. This week we announced that scorecard, a measurement that measures state government's greenhouse gas emissions, is in effect.  Our goal is to reduce our emissions by 10 percent by 2012.   I also met with Florida's Congressional Delegation to discuss our federal budget priorities, which include securing federal funding for restoring America's Everglades.  The Everglades are a national treasure, I would say an international treasure, and we must ensure their protection.     Thank you and may God bless our Florida.      Top Right: Governor Crist (left) along with Armando Olivera, President of Florida Power and Light, at the dedication of Florida's largest solar power facility in Sarasota, continues to focus on stimulating Florida's economic development in the renewable and alternative energy fields.   Top Left: Governor Crist takes a pictures with a few Girl Scouts after announcing the new Serve to Preserve Boy Scout and Girl Scout Award, which encourages young people to take a role in protecting Florida's natural resources.   Bottom Right: Governor Crist announces Florida's first comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas emissions produced by state government. The study, Florida State Government Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scorecard, identifies theamount of greenhouse gases produced by state agencies during the 2006-07 fiscal year.

www.FLGov.com

 

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Evelyn out.

 

 

 

 

Comsumer Advisory on Malacious and Dangerous Valentine Email

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a comsumer alert from the office of the Attonery General, Bill McCollum.

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McCOLLUM: VALENTINE’S DAY EMAILS COULD BE DANGEROUS HOAX
      Malicious computer viruses could be attached to Valentine emails from
               “secret admirers,” other “romantic” sources 

      TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued a
consumer advisory warning Floridians to be cautious of Valentine’s Day
emails from unknown senders. Recent reports from the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) and other computer security sources have indicated
that malicious computer programs could be attached to the emails
ostensibly sent by “secret admirers” or other supposedly romantic sources.
Once downloaded, the malicious programs could not only disable or damage
computer systems, but can also forward itself to any email contact
addresses in the recipient’s computer.

      “Unfortunately, cybercriminals attempt to take advantage of
unsuspecting citizens when they could be most vulnerable,” said Attorney
General McCollum. “On a day when we celebrate love, these emails could in
fact be very damaging.”

      Subject lines such as “Sweetest Things Aren’t Things!,” “Valentine’s
Day,” “The Love Train,” and other similar subject lines, including  "I
Love You,” “Rockin' Valentine,” “You Stay in My Heart,” “My Heart For
You,” and “Thinking of U All Day” have been identified as potentially
damaging emails. The email text may look like a romantic greeting card
with a link to a website or an attached file. Another version may direct
the recipient to click on a link to retrieve the electronic greeting card
(e-card), thus enabling the malicious program to download.

      According to the FBI, clicking on the link downloads malicious
software to the internet-connected device. This infects the computer and
could link it to a network of compromised machines under the control of a
single user which can then facilitate criminal activity such as spam
e-mail, identity theft, denial of service attacks and spreading malicious
software to other machines on the internet.

      The Attorney General advised Floridians to be wary of any e-mail
received from an unknown sender and urged them not to open any unsolicited
e-mail or click on any links provided. The Attorney General’s Office
offered the following tips to avoid the damaging emails:

-    Unexpected or unidentified emails should be suspected of spam or
viruses.
-    Look for poor grammar or misspellings in the subject line or text of
the email message.
-    Be cautious of emails you know you wouldn’t likely receive from the
supposed sender.
-    Suspicious emails received in work email accounts should be deleted
unopened or sent to your company’s Information Technology Department for
their review.

      Last year, authorities reported that viruses capitalized on various
holidays by sending millions of e-mails advertising an e-card link within
the text of the spam e-mail.

      A graphic of an example of the potentially dangerous email is
attached below. An advisory from the Office of Information Security,
Agency for Enterprise Information Technology is available at:
http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/JFAO-7BTKEC/$file/florida_computer.wmv

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Governor Crist on The passage of Amendment 1

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here

with a message from our venerable governor of the State of Florida, Charlie Crist about The passage of Amendment 1 and property owners should know and do in the coming year.

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February 14, 2008

 

 

Dear Friends,

 

 

Last month, the people of Florida voted in overwhelming numbers to save nearly $10 billion in property taxes with the approval of Amendment 1.  This tax relief is in addition to the $15 billion tax cut passed by the Florida Legislature in 2007.  Together, they add up to almost $25 billion in property-tax cuts over five years for Florida homeowners and businesses. 

 

For information about how to receive these new benefits, please read below or visit the Department of Revenue's Web site online at www.myflorida.com/dor.  You may also wish to contact your local property appraiser’s office.

 

Citizens will gain the freedom to purchase a new home without huge tax penalties. Rental home owners, second home owners and businesses will benefit from limits on future tax increases.  The amendment contains two provisions that we have long advocated: doubling the homestead exemption and the ability for Florida families to take with them their Save Our Homes tax savings.

 

Specifically, the constitutional amendment:

 

1.   Doubles the homestead exemption for almost all homeowners, providing an average savings of about $240 annually.  The new exemption applies fully to homesteads valued over $75,000, and partially for homesteads valued between $50,000 and $75,000.  This new exemption does not apply to school taxes.

                                       

2.   Allows portability:  The Governor has heard from many Floridians that they feel trapped in their homes.  Portability allows homeowners to transfer their Save Our Homes tax benefits from their current home to a newly purchased home within any Florida county.  Portability applies to homes purchased in 2007 and later, and the benefit is capped at $500,000.

 

3.   Provides an assessment cap of 10 percent for all properties not previously capped:  While homestead properties are already capped at three percent, now all other properties, including rental properties, second homes, and business properties, will be protected from huge tax increases.  This new exemption does not apply to school taxes.

 

4.   Creates a new $25,000 exemption for business property, including office furniture, computers, machinery and equipment.

 

The passage of Amendment 1 will help jump start Florida’s housing market and make Florida even more business friendly.  Again, I encourage you to please read below or visit the Department of Revenue's Web site online at www.myflorida.com/dor for information about how to receive these new benefits.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

What you should do to receive benefits of Amendment 1

 

On January 29, 2008, an overwhelming 64 percent of Florida voters helped change Florida’s property tax system.  To receive some of the benefits of the changes enacted on January 29, certain homeowners must take action by March 1, 2008.

 

The Constitutional amendment created four new opportunities for taxpayers to obtain tax

relief:

1.      Increased homestead exemption

2.      Portability of "Save our Homes" benefit

3.      $25,000 exemption for tangible personal property

4.      10 percent annual assessment cap for non-homestead property

 

What taxpayers must do to receive these new benefits:

 

1.   Increased homestead exemption – Homeowners that are currently receiving the homestead exemption will automatically receive the increased homestead exemption. No action is necessary.

 

2.   Portability of “Save our Homes” benefits – If you received the homestead exemption in 2007 on a home that you sold or otherwise abandoned during 2007 and have purchased a new home by January 1, 2008, you are eligible to take some or all of the benefit of "Save our Homes" to your new home. In order to receive this benefit, you must apply by March 1, 2008 to your property appraiser for your new homestead exemption and for the transfer of the “Save Our Homes”     benefit to your new homestead for 2008.

 

3.   $25,000 exemption for tangible personal property – Tangible personal property taxes apply only to certain taxpayers in Florida – typically businesses and certain owners of mobile homes. The tax does not apply to homesteaded property. In order to receive the $25,000 exemption for tangible personal property, taxpayers subject to the tax must file a tangible personal property return with their property appraiser by April 1, 2008.

 

4.   10 percent limit on annual assessment increases for non-homestead property – The   10 percent limitation does not apply until 2009. No application is necessary for 2008.

 

If you have any questions about what action you must take to receive these new benefits, please contact your local property appraiser. For information on how to contact Florida’s property appraisers, go to http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/appraisers.html.

 

Apply by March 1, 2008, to transfer your "Save Our Homes" benefit to your new home.

 

The Florida homestead exemption "Save Our Homes" benefit is now "portable" because of the passage of the constitutional amendment on January 29, 2008. The "Save Our Homes" benefit is the difference between the assessed value and market value of a homestead property due to the annual limit on increases in assessed value. Portability means that, from now on, you can transfer some or all of your old home's "Save Our Homes" benefit to your new home.

 

You must apply to your property appraiser to transfer your "Save Our Homes" benefit. For contact information on Florida's property appraisers, go to

http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/appraisers.html.

 

 

Portability for 2008

 

Portability first becomes available for homeowners who had a 2007 homestead exemption on their Former home and established a new homestead by January 1, 2008.

 

If you moved into a new home by January 1, 2008, you have through March 1, 2008, to apply to your property appraiser for your new homestead exemption and for the transfer of the "Save Our Homes" benefit to your new homestead for 2008.

 

If you have already applied for a homestead exemption on your new home, you must complete a separate application by March 1, 2008, to transfer the "Save Our Homes" benefit to your new homestead.

 

Portability for 2009 and after

 

If you move into a new home after January 1, 2008, and prior to January 1, 2009, and had a previous homestead exemption in either 2007 or 2008, you must apply for your 2009 homestead exemption and the transfer of your "Save Our Homes" benefit by March 1, 2009.

 

In future years, you will be able to transfer your "Save Our Homes" benefit to a new home if you had the homestead exemption on your old home in either of the two preceding years.

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Evelyn out.