PLEASE BE AWARE OF THESE FOLLOWING SCAMS RELATED TO THE NEW MEDICARE CARDS THAT WILL BE SENT STARTING IN APRIL 2018 UNTIL APRIL 2019.  PLEASE SEND THIS TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO ARE ON MEDICARE OR WILL BE SOON.

Five Tips To Avoid The New Medicare Card Scams

Perhaps you haven’t heard, but starting in April 2018, Medicare will issue new cards to all Medicare recipients. The new cards will no longer use Social Security numbers. Instead, members will be identified by a unique, eleven-character ID composed of numbers and letters.

The reasoning is sound. The old cards contained social security numbers and getting rid of those numbers should help reduce fraud. According to Medicare, the new cards will be sent automatically, so there’s no need to do a thing. Unfortunately, that’s the end of the good news. [Read more…]

This week, I had the pleasure of kicking off the 2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics Florida. This year, Special Olympics is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and to mark this milestone, local, state and federal law enforcement officers, corrections officers and support staff will carry the Flame of Hope 1,500 miles throughout Florida to bring awareness to Special Olympics.

Eight thousand members of Florida’s law enforcement and corrections community will carry the torch in a relay to the opening ceremonies at the Annual Florida State Summer Games. This year’s games take place May 18-19 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista. In Florida, more than 46,000 dedicated athletes participate in Special Olympics activities to showcase inspiring strength and skill for the world to see. [Read more…]

The 2018 Legislative Session has come to an end! We have worked hard to secure good policy for our constituents and the people of Florida. During our time in Tallahassee this year, some big issues were addressed: protecting our schools and seniors, more clarity on our freedom of speech, permanent increase for bright futures funding, and increased focus on mental health and the opioid crisis.

As a result of the terrible tragedy that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14^th, the legislature was forced to take a very serious look at how our schools and students are protected. After weeks of talking with those on the front lines in education, law enforcement, our court system, and mental health experts, the Florida Legislature passed and Governor Rick Scott signed into law the Marjory Stoneman Douglas School Safety Act, a comprehensive plan to address mental health issues and implement safety measures to protect our students. This bill, SB 726, creates the Office of School Safety within in the Department of Education, permits a sheriff to establish a Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program, and creates the mental health assistance allocation to assist school districts in establishing or expanding school-based mental health care, among several other provisions. [Read more…]

March 30,0218

This week, I had the privilege of joining Governor Rick Scott and CFO Jimmy Patronis for the signing of SB 376 to help first responders receive Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment. PTSD occurs when someone experiences a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. PTSD activates a fight-or-flight response in the body meant to protect a person from harm creating a range of emotions, such as extreme stress, depression and fear.

Our state has recently faced devastating tragedies, such as the attack at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and the more recent massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. No amount of training can prepare the mind for the horrific scenes witnessed by first responding firefighters, law-enforcement, and paramedics in the wake of these unthinkable attacks. Florida’s first responders selflessly run into harm’s way to protect our communities without thinking about the emotional impact of their service. [Read more…]

Yesterday, devastating news unfolded in Miami at Florida International University where a 950-ton pedestrian bridge collapsed on unsuspecting motorists. My heart absolutely breaks for everyone involved with this tragedy. My condolences go out to all the victims and their families during this difficult time. I am also praying for the heroic first responders that rushed to the scene and worked throughout the night to search and recover victims. May God bless and comfort the whole community of FIU and the City of Sweetwater.

Earlier this week, my Office of Statewide Prosecution stood with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to announce the conclusion of a massive investigation into more than five million dollars’ worth of SNAP/EBT benefits fraud. SNAP/EBT benefits, better known as food stamps, is funded by hardworking taxpayers. These benefits are designed to help some of our most vulnerable Floridians, such as seniors, children and underprivileged families. Anyone who is willing to defraud this system—which intends to aid those who need it most—is shameful. [Read more…]

by Chip LaMarca

(NAPSI)—Florida has now sustained 117 direct hits by hurricanes in recorded history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This is almost twice as many major storms as the runner-up state of Texas.

In fact, in Florida’s annual hurricane season, which runs from June through November, residents can anticipate tropical storm and hurricane warnings for all or parts of the state.

From the effects of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, to more recent Hurricanes Maria and Irma, we’ve been here before—and, sadly, know all too well the aftermath that comes with them. [Read more…]

By Florida Senator Baxley

Session is now over halfway done!

We have been hard at work the past five weeks ensuring good public policy makes its way to the people of Florida.

So far, we have passed out of the Senate SB 192, which clarifies that elected officials are allowed to ride to functions together and participate in fact finding missions without violating Florida Sunshine Laws.

We have also worked on SB 1048 which deals with Church Protection. This bill will allow churches to authorize concealed weapons permit holders to carry on church property for the purpose of protections. We want to empower law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and others and stop violent crime. [Read more…]

Attorney General Pam Bondi issued the following statement regarding the tragic death of Brevard County Sheriff Deputy Kevin Stanton during a traffic accident Saturday Morning:

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Deputy Kevin Stanton and my heart breaks for his family, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and our entire law enforcement community. Law enforcement officers wake up every day not knowing what dangers lie ahead—yet they still choose to serve. Deputy Stanton died a hero, and our state is better because of brave men and women like him.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi issued the following statement on unanimous approval of HB 21 by the Health & Human Services Committee. This approval means HB 21 will now be heard on the floor of the Florida House of Representatives.

“The national opioid crisis is devastating our country and Florida is fighting this crisis head-on. This legislation represents our state’s continued efforts and commitment to tackling this epidemic and save lives. Thank you, Representative Boyd, for sponsoring this life-saving legislation and making this mission one of your top priorities.”