Attorney General Bondi’s Weekly Briefing
Today, marks the first day of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season and it is also a time when tourists love to visit Florida. Close to 21 million people call Florida home, and millions more visit the beauty Florida offers from the panhandle all the way to the Keys. In the past two years, Florida has been reminded of the impact of mother nature during the past hurricane seasons that have brought destruction and devastating flooding to our communities.
Everyone, whether you are a resident or a visitor, should make safety their number one priority and be prepared for this upcoming hurricane season. Hurricane experts predict this hurricane season to be an active one, and I want everyone to be prepared. My Hurricane Preparedness Guide provides a detailed checklist of items you will need in the event of a hurricane. To view my guide, click here.
In addition to your safety in the wake of the storm, Floridians should also be wary of unscrupulous businesses and individuals seeking to take advantage of vulnerable consumers during times of disaster. Following Hurricanes Matthew and Irma, my office immediately began investigating businesses who allegedly took advantage of innocent Floridians simply trying pick up the pieces. If you take advantage of Florida consumers when a State of Emergency is in place, you are breaking the law and can be fined $1000 per violation. Florida law prohibits price-gouging essential commodities, such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and necessary equipment.
Hopefully, the upcoming hurricane season will be quiet. However, it never hurts to be prepared for the wrath of mother nature. My office is here to serve and protect you and we stand ready to assist anyone who believes they are a victim of a hurricane related scam. Please do not hesitate to contact us by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visit MyFloridaLegal.com. |
Protecting Floridians
Seven Arrested in Massive Shoplifting Ring Targeting Several Retail Stores
 Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of seven individuals for operating a complex shoplifting scheme. The theft ring targeted specific items sold at several major retail stores. Antoun Arbaji, the principal codefendant and his girlfriend, oversaw two crews of large-scale shoplifters led by female counterparts responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars of stolen goods. Six of the arrestees have lengthy criminal histories rendering them eligible for prosecution as habitual offenders, facing up to life in prison. More.
Five Arrested in Massive Seizure of Methamphetamine and Thousands of Dollars
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration announced the arrest of five individuals in connection with a massive methamphetamine and cannabis ring. Combined, the five arrestees have 84 prior felony charges with 20 convictions and 67 prior misdemeanor charges with 22 convictions. More. |
