Governor Crist Annouces A Prescription Drug Program

Hello Everyone,

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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,

  

---------- 

 

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.

 

----------

 

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.

----------

 

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.

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

Evelyn out