Volume 1 Number 22
May 31, 2004











TEXT-ONLY VERSION

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed in May 1868 to honor the soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War.  After World War I, it was a time to honor all American soldiers who died fighting to protect and preserve our freedoms and way of life.    

Today offers us a special opportunity to recognize and reflect on the generations of men and women who for more than two centuries have fought to protect our country and have given their lives to defend our freedoms.  Their love of country and devotion to duty is an inspiration. 

As an army veteran, I am proud to have served my country.     

To remind us of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" encourages all Americans to observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect. 

As we remember the brave patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we cherish, we must also remember our troops now serving their country at home and abroad.   

It’s amazing to know that we have soldiers serving in 120 countries around the world.   

Our troops know that we cannot take our freedoms for granted.  They know that vigilance is the price we must pay for our liberty.

 We must keep faith as we fight to keep our nation safe.

 My best,

                                               
The cityscape for May is downtown Tampa as seen from the Hillsborough River near the University of Tampa..


 

GALLAGHER TO FLORIDIANS: GET READY FOR HURRICANE SEASON

With explosive state population growth and experts predicting the formation of more than 12 named Atlantic storms, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher is issuing a warning to consumers: Prepare now.

“Hurricane season is just days away,” said Gallagher.  The official start of hurricane season is June 1.  “Review your insurance coverage and consider fortifying your home to ensure you are protected if a storm strikes our state.  The time to prepare for a hurricane is now, before the storm.”

The National Weather Service has predicted that 12-15 tropical storms will form this year, with 6-8 becoming hurricanes and 2-4 becoming major windstorms.

Gallagher also advised Floridians to take steps to secure their homes and develop an escape plan.  “Being prepared can save lives, property and a lot of heartache,” Gallagher said.
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RESTLAWN CEMETERY ORDERED TO FIND BUYER OR LOSE LICENSE

Restlawn Memorial Cemetery, Inc., has agreed to sell its operation to a state-approved buyer or face revocation of its license in response to charges that it failed to maintain gravesites and grounds, resolve long-standing consumer complaints, and deliver paid merchandise, such as tombstones and vaults, to customers.

The agreement, between Restlawn and the Florida Department of Financial Services, was signed May 20, 2004, after being approved by the Board of Funeral and Cemetery Services. The agreement also places Restlawn’s license on six months’ probation and requires the company to pay a $15,000 fine.  A cemetery management consultant also must continue on-site management until the sale or transfer of Restlawn.

“Families expect their loved ones to be treated with respect and dignity and to know that what they paid for will be delivered,” said Tom Gallagher, the state’s Chief Financial Officer and head of the Department of Financial Services.  “Blatant disregard for consumers and the law will not be tolerated.”  CONTINUED

State of Florida and AchieveGlobal Partner for Innovative Leadership Succession Training Program

GALLAGHER, CABINET MEMBERS RECOGNIZE INNOVATIVE STATE EMPLOYEE TRAINING PROGRAM

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, along with the governor and fellow members of the Florida Cabinet, recognized the first round of participants in an innovative training program designed to ensure quality leadership in state government.

The program, a nine-month course entitled Management Succession Training, was designed in anticipation of a possible leadership vacuum as a large number of the state’s upper level managers are preparing for retirement.  Initiated by CFO Gallagher and developed in conjunction with Tampa-based AchieveGlobal, the program seeks to train the next generation of state government managers.  

“This innovative program will allow for a smooth transition as our current managers retire,” Gallagher said.  “By providing this important training in advance of a leadership void, we will ensure that we continue to effectively serve the needs of our citizens.

The first twenty participants were recognized by the Cabinet with a resolution sponsored by Gallagher.  Participants attended monthly seminars, augmented by web-based training modules and online chat sessions with instructors.  A total of 700 managers will receive training in the next five years.