Dear Thomas,
Thanks to all your voices, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced that they are pausing the directive to remove Florida panther (FP) 260 from the wild!
FWF believes all agency actions need to be made based on sound science and research. FP 260 has never been a threat to humans and has only exhibited normal panther behavior.
Thank you to all our supporters who sent in letters opposing the decision to remove FP 260. Your advocacy played a critical role in giving FP260 a reprieve! It’s important to note that USFWS has only agreed to pause its plans to remove this individual panther. Now, they must reverse the decision completely in accordance with science and established protocols. Then we can address the larger issue of ensuring proper and effective compensation programs to ranchers who suffer monetary losses.
The rare Florida panther is the symbol of wild Florida. We must act now to keep it on the landscape for ourselves and future Floridians.
Now I have seen everything. An electric new green deal being charged by a diesel powered charging station. Think about it AOC??????Dangerously bad diesel fuel being run to charge safe green electric cars.
A work zone involves workers, vehicles, trucks, and equipment that can necessitate lane closures, detours, and moving equipment, and can last from a few days to several years. While work zone fatalities make up approximately three percent of overall fatalities and two percent of serious injuries, the safe and efficient flow of traffic through work zones is an ongoing priority for Florida’s transportation and traffic safety partners. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) reminds you to do your job when it comes to Work Zone Safety.
BE ALERT – Expect anything to occur when entering a work zone.
DON’T TAILGATE – Unexpected stops frequently occur in work zones.
DON’T SPEED IN THE WORK ZONE – Note the posted speed limits in and around the work zone.
DON’T CHANGE LANES IN THE WORK ZONE – Any time saved just isn’t worth the risk.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED – Keep an eye out for workers and equipment.
MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS – Avoid changing radio stations and using cell phones while driving in the work zone. Continue reading
On March 24, 2022, in News Releases, by Staff
MEMORANDUM
TO: Tom Berger, Director of Real Estate Management and Development
FROM: Governor Ron DeSantis
DATE: March 24, 2022
RE: Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Former United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
On Wednesday, March 23, 2022, Former United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright passed away at the age of 84 after battling cancer. In 1996, Albright became the first woman to serve as United States Secretary of State. While serving in this role, she was the highest-ranking woman in the history of American government. Previously, she served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Prior to her notable career as an American diplomat, Albright made her way to the United States as a child of Czech refugees who fled from Nazi and Soviet oppression in Eastern Europe.
Pursuant to the President’s orders and as a mark of respect, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida immediately until sunset on Sunday, March 27, 2022.
On March 16, 2022, in News Releases, by Staff
HIALEAH, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced $289 million across Florida for programs that will ensure Florida is continuing to meet the needs of its students, teachers and families while remaining a national leader in closing education achievement gaps and advancing student growth. Governor DeSantis made the announcement at Hialeah Educational Academy, a school that has dedicated STEM programs and offers certificate programs in a variety of fields including law enforcement, nursing and fire rescue. The $289 million includes funding for STEM programs, civics education and after-school and summer learning programs.
“I am proud to announce an additional $289 million for programs that will improve student achievement and close learning gaps,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This announcement builds on our accomplishments over the past three years to make Florida a national leader on education, with our focus on civics, early literacy and STEM programs. I look forward to more announcements in the coming weeks as we continue investing in education for Florida students.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Diane Spencer and Roberta Ulrich to the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners.
Diane Spencer
Spencer, of The Villages, is a retired attorney with 36 years of experience previously working as a claim attorney for State Farm Fire and Casualty Company. She is currently elected to and serves on The Villages Community Development District #5 and previously served on the North Sumter Utility Development District. Spencer earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University.
Roberta Ulrich
Ulrich, of The Villages, is a retired mathematician. She previously worked at the Goddard Space Flight Center analyzing Mars data and has experience working in the federal government and in private industry. Ulrich earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Duquesne University.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert warning Floridians about potential cyberattacks due to growing tensions in Europe. This comes on the heels of a warning from Washington, D.C. that Russia is exploring options for a potential attack. Critical infrastructure is thought to be the most likely target of such an attack; however, attacks can be more broad, meaning anyone with information online could be affected—leading to losses in money, private information and use of digital devices.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Cyberattacks are not always narrowly targeted. In fact, many hackers cast wide nets in an effort to steal as much information as possible. With the growing tensions in Europe and new warnings out of Washington, I want to encourage all Floridians to remain diligent in their efforts to protect identities and financial information online.”
Cybersecurity experts know that hackers cast wide nets, often ensnaring small businesses, nonprofits and private citizens when launching these online assaults. Attorney General Moody is warning consumers about the possibility of widespread cyberattacks. Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians about scams ahead of the 2022 tax-filing deadline. The deadline to file 2021 taxes is April 18. According to the Internal Revenue Service, millions of Americans wait until the last two weeks before the deadline to prepare tax returns. Last-minute filers are at a heightened risk of scammers fraudulently filing for a return in their name. Other less-common tax schemes also seek to exploit federal filing requirements. To avoid unnecessary hardships, Attorney General Moody is providing tips to help taxpayers spot and avoid tax scams.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The federal tax-filing deadline is just a month away and millions of Americans have not prepared their taxes. While there is still time, filing early reduces the likelihood that a scammer will steal your tax return. For more information about how to avoid common tax-filing scams, check out the tips in our latest Consumer Alert.” Continue reading
by Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM
(NAPSI)—Whether you’ve just decided to welcome a new pet to your family or you’re in the throes of early pet parenthood, like all pet parents you may experience challenges along with the joy, cuteness and many other rewarding parts of having pets. Dog, cat, bird, fish, reptile or small pet, each animal that comes into your life has unique needs, from grooming and habitat to nutrition, exercise and enrichment. Here are a few veterinarian-approved tips to help navigate every step of the way—from preparation to “Gotcha Day,” early bonding, life stage transitions and beyond—and foster long-lasting pet health and wellness.
Do Your Homework: Help start your pets’ journey off on the right paw by researching what it takes to prioritize their well-being and help them thrive.
- The process can be overwhelming at first, but a Petco pet care center and petco.com are great places to start.
- Research the pet’s breed or species to ensure that you thoroughly understand the nutrition, exercise, grooming and habitat requirements as well as any common behavioral or health issues.
- Identify a trusted veterinarian for initial exams and vaccinations, routine check-ups and in case of an emergency. In fact, enlisting a full team of pet experts, including a veterinarian, trainer and groomer you trust, such as those at Petco pet care centers, can help you feel confident throughout every milestone.
- No pet parent likes to think about a pet going missing, but it’s important to note there are resources such as Petco Love Lost, which helps reunite lost pets with their families.
COVID-19 Vaccine And Booster Myths
by the We Can Do This
COVID-19 Public Education Campaign
(NAPSI)—Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, myths and misperceptions about COVID and vaccines continue to arise and evolve on social media, online, and in daily conversation. Getting facts from a reliable source can keep myths from complicating decisions about getting vaccinated and boosted or following other prevention measures.
“Misinformation tends to spread rapidly, and it can be difficult for people to sort fact from fiction,” said Dr. Mohamed Yassin, Chief of Infectious Diseases at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Mercy. “But at this point in the fight against COVID, there is no doubt that keeping up on vaccinations gives people the strongest defense against serious illness.” Continue reading
