Florida State Wide
Attorney General Bondi’s Weekly Briefing
January 26, 2018
Great news this week in our campaign to eliminate the backlog of untested sexual assault kits. The latest progress report just issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows the state processed more than 6,000 kits. I am thrilled by the progress we have made as we approach our goal of testing 8,600 by June of 2019.
Processing these previously untested kits unlocks DNA evidence that can be used to solve crimes and bring some closure to sexual assault victims. So far testing these kits has produced 1,461 hits in key DNA databases. One of those DNA matches led to the recent arrest of a Virginia man on charges related to a 20-year-old sexual battery in Fort Myers. Our campaign to eliminate the backlog breathed new life into this cold case—and I believe more cases will be solved through our efforts. Continue reading
Unemployment Rate Remains at 10-Year Low of 3.6 Percent
NAPLES, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida businesses created nearly 14,000 private-sector jobs across the state in November. The state’s unemployment rate also remained at a 10-year low of 3.6 percent. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,465,800 jobs. Florida’s annual job growth rate of 2.5 percent continues to exceed the nation’s rate of 1.6 percent.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s unemployment rate is at a 10-year low and that nearly 14,000 jobs were created for families across the state last month. As we near the end of the year, it is important to reflect on how far our state has come and how we must continue to fight every day to build on this success. Over the past seven years, we have turned around Florida’s economy which has allowed us to make record investments in education, transportation and environmental protection. I look forward to kicking off 2018 by working to continue cutting taxes, supporting job creation and education opportunities, and doing all we can to help secure Florida’s future for every family. Florida is a national leader in job creation and the rest of the nation should follow our lead.” Continue reading
By Florida Senator Baxley
“Wreaths Across America” provided a highlight of inspiration this week as hundreds of volunteers and veterans spread out over Highland Memorial Park to place a wreath with a salute and gratitude for each fallen soldier. This is spreading all across the country at the Christmas season as we honor all those who have selflessly served, and remember them with honor and dignity.
We believe in remembering. America is strong and the world is safer when America is strong. All of these dedicated men and women, who took the oath of sacrifice for others, must be remembered. They were not policy makers. They were simply ordinary people ready to protect and serve in defense of others. Continue reading
(NewsUSA) – The aerospace industry is getting a boost in manufacturing its parts, making them safer and stronger, through a revolutionary new approach called 3D printing or “additive” manufacturing – a process which was invented at MIT in the late 1980s.In the traditional method, companies start with a hunk of metal (or other material). Using milling machines and other tools, they cut or drill away material in order to create the desired part.In contrast, 3D printing builds parts layer by layer, adding material in just the right places to create the precise shapes needed.For aerospace companies, this 3D printing or “additive” manufacturing offers the promise of making parts that are better and stronger, enabling them to build airplanes and rockets that are safer, more reliable, and better performing. GE uses 3D printing to build jet engine fuel nozzles, for instance, instead of welding together 20 small pieces. Continue reading
This week, I had the honor of thanking law enforcement officers, firefighters and their families at the Gold Shield Annual Luncheon in Tampa. Our law enforcement officers and firefighters cannot do their job without the support of their loved ones—and that is why we also honored the immense sacrifices made by the families of our first responders. We want those who serve and protect us, to know that their families will be taken care of should anything happen in the line of duty.
The Gold Shield Foundation not only provides financial assistance to ensure families of fallen heroes receive the help they need directly after their loss, but also works to ensure their children and spouses can go to college. The work of this foundation brings hope to brokenhearted families, and it is an inspiration to see the foundation serving families in Florida. Continue reading
Without a doubt, the massacre in Sutherland Springs has captured our awareness that good people trying to worship are now among those vulnerable to violence.
Churches are a safe place for the lonely and vulnerable and welcome all those who enter their doors. Yet, they have a new awareness to the responsibility they have to protect those among their congregations. We owe parishioners security and safety while they worship.
In that spirit, we intend to file the Church Protection bill which is now in drafting. This bill will allow concealed weapons permit holders to be utilized by their church officials to provide security in the event anything should happen. Many churches can’t afford elaborate professional security staff, but this bill will allow trained citizens, law enforcement officers, veterans, and sportsman to accept responsibility for the safety of themselves and others should such instances occur. Continue reading
This week, as a member of the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, I voted for a comprehensive plan to better combat drug abuse in our country and save lives. Our commission unanimously approved its final report that includes 65 strategic recommendations.
I have been honored to serve on the commission and I want to thank President Donald J. Trump for his leadership on this critical public safety issue—quickly creating this commission and declaring a national public health emergency to help address the opioid crisis. Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced four reappointments and six appointments to the Medicaid Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee.
Jennifer Lalani, 56, of Windermere, is a district pharmacy manager for CVS Pharmacy. Lalani received her bachelor of pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. She is reappointed for a term beginning October 17, 2017, and ending June 30, 2019.
Dr. Alan Smith, 67, of Tampa, is the senior medical director for WellCare Health Plans, Inc. Dr. Smith received his doctor of medicine from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He is reappointed for a term beginning October 17, 2017, and ending June 30, 2019.
Dr. James Zenel, 57, of Trinity, is a physician at the James A. Haley VA Hospital. Dr. Zenel received his doctor of medicine from the Georgetown University School of Medicine. He is reappointed for a term beginning October 17, 2017, and ending June 30, 2019. Continue reading
By Senator Baxley
Floridians are finally starting to return to life as normal after Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc in our state for almost two weeks. Irma delivered a blow to millions of people throughout the Caribbean and the southeastern United States, leaving many left to piece their lives back together in its wake. Hurricane Irma’s furious march through Florida not only darkened millions of homes, it also flooded roads and piled them with debris, blocking off access to neighborhoods. This has presented more problems for local governments to figure out the best way to clean up and begin recovery efforts. Yet Florida, undoubtedly, has proven its resilience after Irma. Tap water is drinkable. Trash has been picked up. Public transit has slowly come back online. At airports, flights are regularly taking off. We must be grateful for the careful leadership and preparation that Governor Rick Scott and all our elected officials provided before and after the storm. Florida has never seen such widespread effects from a hurricane like this before, and were it not for the tireless efforts of so many, it could have been much worse. Continue reading
I was in Washington D.C. this week as President Donald J. Trump declared a national public health emergency to bolster efforts to combat the opioid epidemic killing Americans. An estimated 142 Americans die every day from opioid use.
I have dedicated my entire career to prosecuting drug traffickers and removing dangerous drugs from our communities—first as a state prosecutor and for the past seven years as your attorney general.
During that time, I have seen the types of drugs sold on our streets become more potent and deadly. Today heroin is often mixed with fentanyl and taking this deadly drug cocktail just one time can prove fatal. Continue reading
