TEXT VERSION

This weekend, Floridians will gather in backyards and at beaches to celebrate this great nation and the freedoms we enjoy as citizens.  

One of those freedoms is the right to celebrate as you wish, but it does not mean you have the right to put the lives and property of others at risk.  In Florida, fireworks – items that launch or explode – are illegal.  That’s because thousands of Americans are killed or seriously injured by them every year.  A disproportionate number of these injuries are to children. 

Fireworks are available for sale in many locations, but are legally available only to those who have a permit from their local government to use them for specifically exempted purpose.  Do not be lulled into signing “a waiver;” this will not protect you if you are caught using fireworks illegally, especially if someone gets injured. 

Freedom does not come free.  Remember all of our troops who are serving in foreign lands and won’t be home this year to celebrate the Fourth of July with their loved ones. 

In fact, consider joining a community celebration.  Enjoy the holiday and do it safely.  

GALLAGHER BOLTS ON FIRST FIREFIGHTER SPECIALTY TAG

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher joined the Florida Professional Firefighters Association and City of Tallahassee firefighters last Thursday to officially kick off the sale of the new “Florida Salutes Firefighters” specialty license plate.  The patriotic-themed plate was inspired by the September 11th terrorist act.

“The world has changed since Sept. 11, 2001,” Gallagher told firefighters who gathered at a Tallahassee fire station to watch him bolt the first plate on to a fire truck.  “Our state’s domestic security strategy depends heavily on you -- your training and your readiness to respond to any kind of disaster.  It is our goal at the State Fire Marshal’s Office to do all that we can to support your work.”

The plate is available to all registered vehicle owners for an additional $20 plus $2 processing fee.  The extra $20 goes to Florida Firefighter Charities, the charitable, non-profit arm of the Florida Professional Firefighters Association.  Fees generated from the sale of the license plate will be distributed back to local, eligible charities chosen by firefighters in counties where it was sold. 

Visit www.firefightertag.com for more information. 

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

 Cold Hole boil in Spring Creek is just minutes by sailboat from the marina, and is a favorite swimming hole.

WATER QUALITY AND THE FLORIDAN AQUIFER CONNECTION IN WAKULLA COUNTY

The Governor and Cabinet, serving as the Administration Commission, posed the question of a connection between water quality and the Floridan Aquifer to Wakulla County in a recent decision finding a proposed land use change not in compliance.

The proposed land use change would have allowed approximately 266 acres in Wakulla County to be changed from a rural-2 and agricultural zoning to urban-1 in anticipation of residential development.

The Governor and Cabinet agreed with the recommended order of an Administrative Law Judge that found the land use change not in compliance.

Upon the motion of CFO Gallagher and unanimous consent by the Governor and Cabinet, they further directed Wakulla County to establish the extent of the wetlands on the proposed development before determining whether the site is suitable for the proposed use. CONTINUED

CONGRESS CONSIDERING STATE SALES TAX DEDUCTION REVISION

Thursday, June 17, 2004, the House of Representatives in Washington D.C. voted on H.R. 4520, legislation that includes a provision reinstating the state sales tax deduction.  By restoring this deduction that was eliminated in 1986 during revision of the federal tax code, taxpayers in states without an income tax -- like Florida -- would be allowed to deduct their state sales tax from their federal tax return. State income taxes are still deductible from federal income taxes. For 2004 and 2005 — at a cost to the U.S. Treasury of $3.6 billion — the bill would let taxpayers deduct either tax, -- whichever is the highest.  CONTINUED

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR FALSIFIED WORKERS’ COMPENSATION  COVERAGE, INVESTIGATORS SAY                          

The owner of an Indian Harbor construction company has been charged with workers’ compensation fraud after jeopardizing the coverage of at least one employee, according to investigators with the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud.

“Florida workers deserve to be protected in case they are injured on the job,” said Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, who oversees the Department of Financial Services.  “An employee without coverage who is seriously injured or disabled stands to lose not only his livelihood but also the benefits he needs for medical bills and recovery.” CONTINUED

Marcia V. Richardson

Eilean Webb

AGENTS CHARGED WITH ISSUING FAKE INSURANCE CERTIFICATES

Two Orlando agents are facing numerous felony charges for allegedly issuing fraudulent workers’ compensation certificates to employers who needed them to apply for business licenses.

Marcia V. Richardson, 40, and Eilean Webb, 45, both of Orlando, were arrested Tuesday on charges of uttering a forged instrument.  Richardson, the former owner of Hamilton Insurance Agency at 5265 Alhambra Drive, is charged with 15 counts.  Webb, who currently operates E. W. & Associates of Central Florida at 6905 W. Colonial Drive, is charged with five counts.

“These agents put injured workers at risk of having no coverage to pay for medical care,” said Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, who also oversees the Department of Financial Services. “If convicted, they deserve the maximum penalty under the law.”
CONTINUED

SPARKLER LIST

FLORIDIANS URGED TO CELEBRATE JULY 4 SAFELY, LEGALLY

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Tom Gallagher is urging Floridians to think about safety as they make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July.  He also is encouraging local law enforcement officials to enforce the state’s fireworks laws.

“Every year, thousands of Americans are killed or critically injured by fireworks, and more than half of those are typically children,” Gallagher said.  “For that reason, fireworks are illegal to use without a permit.  If it launches or explodes, it is off limits.”

Gallagher instead is encouraging Floridians to attend a professional fireworks display or enjoy any of the hundreds of legal sparklers listed on the State Fire Marshal’s web site at www.MyFloridaCFO.com/sfm.  CONTINUED