www.FreshFromFlorida.com / FDACS http://www.FreshFromFlorida.com Updates from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services en-us Copyright 2011, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com webmaster@freshfromflorida.com Commissioner Putnam Reminds Floridians Fire Danger Remains High Over Memorial Day Weekend /newsroom/press/2013/05242013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Offers Fire Safety Tips for Florida Residents http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/05242013.html Fri, 24 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charges Individual with Possession of Stolen Credit Cards /newsroom/press/2013/05232013_2.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com FDACS filed more charges yesterday against a man who was arrested at a Pensacola agricultural interdiction station http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/05232013_2.html Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Operation Outdoor Freedom Wraps Up Second Successful Hunting Season for Wounded Veterans /newsroom/press/2013/05232013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com More Than 300 Veterans Have Participated in 50 Events; Fishing Trips Planned for This Summer http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/05232013.html Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Arrests Individual in Connection with Fort Myers Arson Fire /newsroom/press/2013/05142013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com This Year, 13 Arson-Related Arrests Have Been Made http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/05142013.html Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Commissioner Putnam Joins Coca-Cola Company to Announce $2 Billion Investment in New Orange Groves in Florida /newsroom/press/2013/05072013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Initiative Will Add 4,100 jobs, 25,000 Acres of Trees in Central Florida http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/05072013.html Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Commissioner Putnam: Legislative Session Brings Great Changes to Florida /newsroom/press/2013/05062013_3.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com On Friday, the Florida Legislature celebrated Sine Die, the end of the 2013 legislative session http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/05062013_3.html Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Do Not Call and Telemarketers Top List of Consumer Complaints for April 2013 /newsroom/press/2013/05062013_2.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Opened 162 Investigations, Arrested 4 During Month http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/05062013_2.html Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Commissioner Putnam Urges Public to Be Vigilant for Arson During National Arson Awareness Week /newsroom/press/2013/05062013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Arson Fires Have Burned More Than 5,000 Acres This Year http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/05062013.html Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Commissioner Putnam Thanks Legislature for Funding to Support Agriculture and Protect Florida’s Land, Water and Wildlife /newsroom/press/2013/05032013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Department’s Budget Allows State to Fight Citrus Greening, Support Water Supply Planning, Protect Land from Wildfires http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/0503013.html Fri, 03 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Statement by Commissioner Putnam on Senate Unanimously Passing Department Bill Related to Agriculture /newsroom/press/2013/05022013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Legislation Will Streamline Management of Babcock Ranch, Establish Best Management Practices for Wildlife, Continue Modernizing Department Programs http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/05022013.html Thu, 02 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Statement by Commissioner Putnam on House Vote to Support Long-Term Water Planning for Florida’s Residents and Businesses /newsroom/press/2013/05012013_2.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Bill Provides Uniform Methodology for Water Planning http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/05012013_2.html Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Commissioner Putnam Responds to Washington State’s Cancellation of Concealed Weapon Reciprocity Agreement Because Florida Honors Active Military and Veterans /newsroom/press/2013/05012013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Washington State Recently Discontinued Recognizing Concealed Weapon Licenses from Florida Based on 2012 Legislative Change to Support U.S. Troops http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/05012013.html Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Commissioner Putnam Celebrates Ag Literacy Day by Teaching Schoolchildren about the Importance of Florida’s Farmers /newsroom/press/2013/04302013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Second-Graders Read “Florida’s Farm History!” at Old Capitol http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04302013.html Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Estimate Water Needs for Agriculture /newsroom/press/2013/04262013_2.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com We must continue to protect our water resources so they will be available for generations to come. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04262013_2.html Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Senate Vote to Protect Florida Consumers /newsroom/press/2013/04262013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com This bill will help spare Floridians from unwanted phone calls and will reduce unnecessary burdens on small businesses. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04262013.html Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Jacksonville School Wins National Consumer Awareness Competition /newsroom/press/2013/04252013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Paxon School For Advanced Studies Wins 2013 National LifeSmarts Title http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04252013.html Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Statement by Commissioner Putnam on House Passing Department Bill Related to Agriculture /newsroom/press/2013/04242013_2.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Legislation Will Continue Modernizing Department Programs, Streamline Management of Babcock Ranch, Establish Best Management Practices for Wildlife http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04242013_2.html Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Arbor Day Foundation Honors Florida Forest Service /newsroom/press/2013/04242013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Service Honored for its Dedication to Conservation and Commitment to Replanting Native Species http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04242013.html Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Commissioner Putnam Recognizes Two Top Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Employees /newsroom/press/2013/04232013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Resource Manager of the Year, State Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association Officer of the Year Awards Presented at Cabinet http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04232013.html Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST 400,000 Sign Up For Statewide Do Not Call List Since Fee Was Eliminated One Year Ago /newsroom/press/2013/04222013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Do Not Call List Helps Protect Consumers from Deceptive Calls, Scams http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04222013.html Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Three Years After Gulf Oil Spill, Continued Testing Shows Gulf Seafood Safe to Eat /newsroom/press/2013/04192013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com More than 3,000 Seafood Products Tested; All Tests Were Well Below Federal Level of Concern for Food Products http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04192013.html Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Statement by Commissioner Putnam on Unanimous Support from House of Representatives for Child Identity Theft Protection Legislation /newsroom/press/2013/04172013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Bill Would Allow Parents and Guardians to Lock a Child’s Credit to Prevent Fraudulent Activity http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04172013.html Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Statement by Commissioner Putnam on Unanimous House of Representatives Vote to Protect Florida Consumers /newsroom/press/2013/04122013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Bill Would Protect Consumers from Unwanted and Unsolicited Sales Calls, Reduce Unnecessary Burdens on Small Businesses http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04122013.html Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Commissioner Putnam Offers Tips to Protect Floridians from Wildfires During Wildfire Awareness Week /newsroom/press/2013/04112013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com More than 1,000 fires have burned 20,430 acres since January http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04112013.html Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Commissioner Adam Putnam Applauds Legislature, Gov. Scott for Banning Internet Casinos /newsroom/press/2013/04102013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Commissioner Adam Putnam Applauds Legislature, Gov. Scott for Banning Internet Casinos http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04102013.html Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Statement by Commissioner Putnam on Unanimous Support from House of Representatives for Child Identity Theft Protection Legislation /newsroom/press/2013/04092013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Bill Would Allow Parents and Guardians to Lock a Child’s Credit to Prevent Fraudulent Activity http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04092013.html Tue, 9 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Commissioner Putnam Cautions Public as Wildfire Activity Increases /newsroom/press/2013/04082013_2.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com More than 1,000 fires have burned 20,430 acres since January http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04082013_2.html Mon, 8 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Do Not Call and Telemarketers Top List of Consumer Complaints for March 2013 /newsroom/press/2013/04082013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Opened 340 Investigations, Arrested 14 During Month http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04082013.html Mon, 8 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Statement by Commissioner Putnam on Child Identity Theft Legislation Passing Senate Committee /newsroom/press/2013/04012013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Commerce and Tourism Committee Votes Unanimously in Support of Bill That Would Protect Children from Identity Theft http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/04012013.html Mon, 1 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Releases 2012 Office of Energy Annual Report /newsroom/press/2013/03292013_2.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Report Provides Overview of Energy Production and Usage in Florida and Outlines 2012 Accomplishments http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03292013_2.html Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Florida to Receive $6 Million for Agriculture Pest and Disease Control /newsroom/press/2013/03292013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Money Will Help Protect Florida’s Agriculture and Fragile Ecosystems http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03292013.html Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Statement by Commissioner Putnam on Child Identity Theft Legislation Passing House Committee /newsroom/press/2013/03282013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee Votes Unanimously in Support of Bill That Would Protect Children from Identity Theft http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03282013.html Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Kicks Off New Advertising Campaign Promoting "Fresh From Florida" Products /newsroom/press/2013/03252013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Television Ads Offer Recipes Featuring Grouper, Shrimp, Strawberries, Tomatoes, More http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03252013.html Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Statement by Commissioner Putnam on S.B. 566 /newsroom/press/2013/03202013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Legislation to Protect Children from Identity Theft Earns Unanimous Support at First Committee Stop. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03202013.html Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Florida Seafood Sales Total $18 Million at North America’s Largest Seafood Trade Event /newsroom/press/2013/03192013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Seven Florida companies sold more than $18 million of seafood products at the three-day International Boston Seafood Show this month. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03192013.html Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Statement by Commissioner Adam Putnam on EPA Water Quality Agreement /newsroom/press/2013/03152013_2.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Commissioner Putnam released the following statement today, after the U.S. EPA agreed to allow Florida to set standards. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03152013_2.html Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Statement by Commissioner Putnam on House Committee’s Vote to Ban Internet Casinos /newsroom/press/2013/03152013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Commissioner Putnam released the following statement today, applauding the House Select Committee on Gaming for taking a step towards banning Internet casinos in Florida. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03152013.html Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Horse Quarantine Lifted Today After Negative Tests for Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 /newsroom/press/2013/03132013_2.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com FDACS lifted the quarantine affecting more than 1,000 horses that had been exposed to Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1) at the Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) show grounds in Ocala http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03132013_2.html Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Commissioner Adam Putnam Calls for Ban on Internet Casinos /newsroom/press/2013/03132013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Case Against Allied Veterans of the World Filed by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Assisted Investigation Leading to Arrest of 57 Individuals Involved in $300 Million Conspiracy http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03132013.html Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST World’s Largest Food and Hospitality Show /newsroom/press/2013/03122013_2.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com FDACS supported five Florida companies to sell Florida products at Gulfood 2013, the world's largest annual food and hospitality show, held in Dubai last month. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03122013_2.html Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Department of Agriculture Now Accepting Specialty Crop Grant Applications /newsroom/press/2013/03122013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Funding Would Help Support Florida’s Fruit and Vegetable Industry, Provide Access to Healthy Foods in Underserved Communities. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03122013.html Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Do Not Call and Telemarketers Top List of Consumer Complaints for February 2013 /newsroom/press/2013/03112013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com The top three complaints received in February 2013 were regarding the statewide Do Not Call List, telemarketing and fuel. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03112013.html Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Florida Marijuana Growers Take Big Hit /newsroom/press/2013/03082013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com More than 37,000 marijuana plants and 771 grow sites were destroyed last year through the state’s Domestic Marijuana Eradication Program. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03082013.html Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Putnam Seeks Nominations for Award /newsroom/press/2013/03072013_2.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Commissioner Putnam Seeks Nominations for Agricultural Environmental Leadership Award. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03072013_2.html Thu, 7 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Increased Wildfire Danger /newsroom/press/2013/03072013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Commissioner Putnam Brings Attention to Increased Wildfire Danger. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03072013.html Thu, 7 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Legislation to Protect Children /newsroom/press/2013/03052013_2.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com Commissioner Putnam announced legislation that would enable parents to protect their children from the growing crime of identity theft. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03052013_2.html Tue, 5 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Crack Down on Unlicensed Telemarketers /newsroom/press/2013/03052013.html Erin.Gillespie@freshfromflorida.com FDACS made 18 arrests and issued more than $180,000 in fines while cracking down on unlicensed and unlawful telemarketers. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03052013.html Tue, 5 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Arrest of Ninth Unlicensed Telemarketer /newsroom/press/2013/03012013_2.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com FDACS announced Kevin Guice for Commercial Telephone Sales without a License and for Employing Unlicensed Salespersons. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03012013_2.html Fri, 1 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Fourth Arrest This Week /newsroom/press/2013/03012013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com FDACS announced Kevin Guice for Commercial Telephone Sales without a License and for Employing Unlicensed Salespersons. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/03012013.html Fri, 1 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Inspection of Unlicensed Telemarketers /newsroom/press/2013/02272013_2.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com FDACS announced that department investigators discovered 88 unlicensed salespersons working at an unlicensed telemarketing firm. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/02282013.html Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST Equine Herpes Virus 1 Detected /newsroom/press/2013/02272013_2.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com FDACS announced seven positive cases of Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1) confirmed in horses in Florida. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/02272013_2.html Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST Department Executes Three Arrest Warrants /newsroom/press/2013/02272013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com FDACS executes three arrest warrants in two days for crimes associated with telemarketing in Tampa Bay area. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/02272013.html Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST Department Arrests Eight Salespersons /newsroom/press/2013/02262013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com FDACS announced the arrest of eight Central Florida residents for Commercial Telephone Sales without a License. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/02262013.html Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST Department Arrests Two Salespersons /newsroom/press/2013/02192013_.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com FDACS announced the arrest of two Pinellas County residents for Commercial Telephone Sales without a License. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/02262013_02.html Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST LifeSmarts Competition /newsroom/press/2013/02192013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com FDACS named five students of the Paxon School for Advanced Studies yesterday winners of the 2013 Florida LifeSmarts Competition. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/02192013.html Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST Consumer Complaints for January 2013 /newsroom/press/2013/02132013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com In total, more than 3,690 complaints were filed by consumers in January. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/02132013.html Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST 500 Years of Agriculture at State Fair /newsroom/press/2013/02072013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com “For more than 100 years, the Florida State Fair has been a destination for thrilling rides, great food and family fun," said Commissioner Putnam. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/02072013.html Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST Exhibit Celebrating 500 Years at State Fair /newsroom/press/2013/02052013_2.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com The ‘Florida Agriculture: Then and Now’ exhibit honors growth, expansion and diversification. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/02052013_2.html Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST USDC Reach Antidumping Agreement /newsroom/press/2013/02052013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com Trade agreements are only as good as the willingness to enforce them. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/02052013.html Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST Fire Burns Protect Lands from Wildfire /newsroom/press/2013/01252013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com Prescribed fire burning, not only reduces hazardous fuel buildups, but also ensures a healthy ecosystem. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/01252013.html Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST 500 Years of Florida Agriculture /newsroom/press/2013/01222013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com Over the last 500 years, agriculture has grown to become the strongest pillar of Florida’s economy. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/01222013.html Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST Florida Forest Service Awarded $154,750 /newsroom/press/2013/01172013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com Florida Forest Service was awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/01172013.html Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST Top List of Consumer Complaints /newsroom/press/2013/01042013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com More than 2,980 complaints were filed by consumers in December. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/01042013.html Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST Hunt Opportunities for Wounded Veterans /newsroom/press/2013/01022013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com Seven upcoming opportunities for wounded veterans to enjoy hunting as part of the Florida Forest Service’s Operation Outdoor Freedom program. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/01022013.html Wed, 02 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST FDACS Executes Second Arrest /newsroom/press/2013/01012013.html Amanda.Bevis@freshfromflorida.com The warrant arrest was executed by the department’s agricultural law enforcement on Monday, December 31, 2012. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/01012013.html Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST