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Governor Crist Honors Military and Veterans during Bill Signings Ceremony New laws continue Florida’s military and veterans friendly tradition JACKSONVILLE June 1, 2009 – Governor Charlie Crist signed four bills into law that will benefit and honor Florida’s military members and veterans during a visit to Wounded Warriors Project’s TRACK Center. The new legislation enhances educational and employment opportunities for Florida’s veterans and National Guardsmen. “The brave men and women who serve in our nation’s Armed Forces deserve our deepest appreciation and constant support,” said Governor Crist. “While we can never truly repay them for their sacrifices, we can demonstrate our gratitude through these legislative initiatives along with our prayers for their safety and for their families.” Governor Crist signed the legislation at the Wounded Warrior Project’s TRACK Center in Jacksonville. The center is the first education center in the nation designed specifically for wounded warriors. TRACK students reside in Jacksonville for a 12-month holistic training experience for the mind, body and spirit. The first half of the program is primarily classroom-based, with support services including mental health counseling, performance training, and life skills classes. Classes are provided through the Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ), and credit can be applied toward a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, or vocational certificate. The second half of the program consists of an employment internship with local employers in the areas of information technology, general business, logistics, and more .Summaries of the new legislation are as follows: Senate Bill 316, High School Diplomas/Vietnam War Veterans – This legislation recognizes the enormous commitment and sacrifice veterans of the Vietnam War made to serve their country during war time. This bill, sponsored by Senator Lee Constantine, authorizes the Commissioner of Education to award Vietnam veterans who were honorably discharged with a Florida high school diploma. This bill is similar to existing legislation that awards diplomas to veterans of World War II and the Korean War. House Bill 509, Veterans – Sponsored by Representative Juan Zapata and Senator Mike Fasano, this legislation will improve the lives of Florida’s veterans and their families for generations to come by accomplishing several important goals: Waives building and permitting fees for safety and accessibility residential renovations for Florida’s 20,000 veterans permanently and totally disabled as a result of their military service. Removes the cap on certain military and veteran license tag fees to help fund Florida’s Veterans Nursing Home Trust Fund. Incorporates Title 33 of the United States Code into Florida law, allowing the implementation of the New GI Bill, or Post 9/11 GI Bill, which goes into effect August 1, 2009. House Bill 685, Educational Dollars for Duty Program – This bill, sponsored by Representative Bill Proctor and Senator Mike Fasano, makes significant improvements to the Florida National Guard’s Education Dollars for Duty Program (EDD). The following changes to Florida law have been made to increase the program’s effectiveness and to increase its usefulness as a recruitment and retention tool: Expands eligibility to guard members seeking a master’s degree, those with more than 15 years service, and to those who have not completed basic military training. Extends the program to include Florida’s accredited nonpublic postsecondary education institutions and vocational-technical programs. Clarifies that the EDD program is available for active members and requires members to complete their enlistment or reenlistment contract, instead of serving only three years after the exemption is granted. Authorizes the program to include college-preparatory courses. The legislation also ensures fairness and equitability to the members of the Air National Guard. House Bill 635, Military Affairs – This legislation adds significant legal protections for Florida National Guard soldiers and airmen on active duty while they are serving the State of Florida. Sponsored by Representative Michael Scionti and Senator Charlie Justice, this bill enhances re-employment rights and adds protective measures against discrimination of military members by employers. It also creates a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation. Governor Crist also applauded the Legislature for passing House Joint Resolution 833, Homestead Ad Valorem Tax Credit for Deployed Military. The resolution proposes a Constitutional amendment that would exempt men and women deployed on active duty overseas from property tax on homesteaded property. It would allow an additional exemption based on the length of the overseas deployment. This initiative will go before voters in November 2010. If approved by 60 percent of voters, the tax exemption would become effective January 1, 2011. Currently, there are more than 25,000 Floridians deployed overseas on active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. This constitutional amendment would provide property tax relief to military personnel on active duty outside of our country. Joining Governor Crist for the bill signing ceremony were Representatives Jennifer Carroll and Ronald “Doc” Renuart, retired Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins Jr., executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, as well as Colonel Glenn Sutphin of the Army National Guard, U.S. Navy Captain Bob Buehn, Army National Guard Brigadier General Don Tyre, Air National Guard Brigadier General Martin. Welcome to N V Amber Alert Updater for missing children.
Code Amber News Service (CANS) issued this Missing Endangered person Alert after the girl disappeared from her bedroom some time after 3 AM Tuesday morning in Satsuma. Satsuma is approximately 75 miles east of Gainsville. Haleigh Cummings a white female, 3 feet tall, weighs 39 pounds and has blond hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt and underwear. There are no suspects in this case at this time. However, due to the circumstances of the child's disappearance an abduction is strongly suspected. There is no suspect vehicle at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Putnam County Sheriff's office at (386) 329-0808 or dial 911. Download free video of missing Florida child Haleigh Cummings AMBER Alert Issued for 13 Year Old Florida Girl
Posted: Monday May 5, 2009 2:01 PM CT The State of Florida issued the Amber Alert Tuesday afternoon (05-09) after the girl was reportedly abducted in Homestead earlier Tuesday. Krystal Borrego a white female, 13 years old, 5' 2" tall with brown hair and brown eyes and weighs 130 pounds. The suspect is an unknown black male. The suspect vehicle is a 1990's, dark red two door Saturn. Anyone with information is asked to call the Homestead Police Department at 1-305-247-1535 or dial 911. ....................... Amber Alert Issued for 12 Year Old Florida Girl Posted: Sunday, March 29, 2009 11:16 AM CT
Anyone with information is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff at 941-747-3011 or dial 911. May 25th Is National Missing Children's Day Email this alert to a friend in the area.
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