Dear Fellow Floridian:.jpg)
President Ronald Reagan said, “From our mothers, we first learn about
values and caring and the difference between right and wrong.” Each of
us has a mother, grandmother or someone who is like a mother in our
lives who guides and shapes our character. My mother instilled those
very important character-building qualities in me, just as my wife,
Carole, does with our four children. A mother’s strength lifts us up
when we feel as if we can go no further, and her love inspires us to
achieve the seemingly impossible. She encourages us to aim high, take
the right path and exemplify what it means to be a good citizen.
On Sunday, we celebrate generations of tenacious mothers who have guided our
great nation to what it is today. The history of this holiday speaks volumes
about how integral mothers have been in the shaping of our nation. Having
witnessed the destruction of the Civil War, writer and activist Julia Ward Howe
called upon the mothers of both the North and South to protest further bloodshed
between their sons. In her Mother’s Day Proclamation of 1870, she called for an
international Mother’s Day celebrating peace and motherhood. It wasn’t until
President Woodrow Wilson’s proclamation in 1914 that the second Sunday in May
was officially designated as Mother’s Day.
Although we dedicate one day to the admiration and celebration of mothers,
let us remember to show them our appreciation and love every day. To all the
mothers who fill our lives with joy and who make this world a better place, I
wish you a blessed day.
Jeff Atwater
Chief Financial Officer
State of Florida
Cabinet on the Road to the Florida Keys
This week the Florida Cabinet took its meeting on the road to the
Florida Keys to meet with citizens who may not get the chance to travel
to Tallahassee. Stanley Switlik Elementary School in Marathon opened up
its doors for the event on Tuesday and had Cabinet members visit
different classrooms to speak with students and teachers. CFO Atwater
also met with concerned
residents of the Florida Keys regarding insurance costs and thoughts on what can
be done to better serve their needs in their unique geography. The CFO
firmly believes listening to those living and working in the different
regions of this diverse state helps provide better service and
protection to its citizens.
Another exciting part of the trip was the visit to the turtle
hospital and release of a juvenile green sea turtle fondly named “S.A.S”
by the turtle’s rescuer in honor of his daughters Samantha and Sabrina,
who were present for the turtle’s release. It was also inspiring and
educational to see the incredible work of dedicated scientists'
rehabilitative efforts to save these amazing creatures.
Arson Awareness Week: Youth Fire Setting
Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff
Atwater recognized May 6-12, 2012, as Arson Awareness Week. The
theme of the week is Prevent Youth Fire Setting. Between 2005 and
2009, fires started by children accounted for an average of 56,300
fires, the loss of 110 civilian lives, 880 civilian injuries and
$286 million in direct property damage per year in the United
States.
“Arson is a serious crime that puts lives at risk.” CFO Atwater said. “It is
truly tragic when a juvenile chooses to commit arson or any other crime, forever
changing his or her life’s course. Raising awareness through initiatives like
this helps prevent these crimes, helps juveniles understand the dangers of fire
and stay on the path to becoming upstanding and productive citizens.”
In 2011, the State Fire Marshal’s Office made 316 arson-related arrests. Of
those cases, 77 were criminal arson cases involving juveniles which resulted in
126 juvenile arrests.
Arson Awareness Week is part of a nationwide initiative by the United States
Fire Administration (USFA) partnering with the International Association of
Arson Investigators; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives (ATF); USAonWatch; National Association of State Fire Marshals;
National Volunteer Fire Council and the Insurance Committee for Arson Control.
The purpose is to educate the public on the important role of community arson
awareness and how it can and does play an important role in preventing this
dangerous crime.
Shown: State Fire Marshal Division Dir. Julius Halas
For more information about Arson Awareness Week 2012,
visit the USFA website at
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/subjects/arson/arson_awareness.shtm.
A Roadmap for your Financial Future
The spring issue of Florida’s Bottom Line focuses on how Florida can attract
much-needed investors to support Florida’s entrepreneurs,
who can effectively grow health care, technology and manufacturing in our
state's burgeoning economy. Our companion website provides the most up-to-date
financial and economic statistics for Florida, serving as a roadmap for your
financial future.
Visit Florida's Bottom Line website at
http://www.myfloridacfo.com/floridasbottomline/.