Caution with Identity Theft and PPP Loans

I recently spoke with a grower who is in the midst of trying to tackle the fallout of identity theft of his small business.  A lot of time is wasted trying to contact banking, government, and law enforcement institutions.  He was made aware of the issue when he received a notice of his loan payments being due to a loan he never took out.  After careful checking he found that a loan was indeed made in his business's name but he wasn't the recipient of the money.  Now he is trying to clear and clean up the mess.

There are reports of criminals taking advantage of the PPP loan program to either steal personal information and/or use information to take out loans.  Please be aware!  IF you get a notice of a loan payment due, don't disregard it and follow through to see if it is indeed real.

Here is an article from AARP outlining ways to protect yourself from this type of fraud.  https://www.aarp.org/work/small-business/info-2020/ppp-loans-scams-fraud.html

If you suspect a case of PPP fraud contact the SBA's Office of Inspector General online or at 800-767-0385.  You can also file a complaint with the FTC.

Covid-19 Testing in Hillsborough County

Here is an update from our local county government about testing sites that are now open.  You may wish to inform your employees about it if they or their families develop symptoms and would like to get tested.

Hillsborough County is doing limited drive-thru testing.

Drive-thru testing will ONLY be administered to symptomatic individuals who have pre-registered and have scheduled an appointment through Hillsborough County's call center at (813) 272-5900. The call center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Testing will take place at one of the County's testing sites. However, testing will not proceed without an appointment.

Testing Locations

• Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa | You must arrive in a personal vehicle.
• Lee Davis Community Resource Center, 3402 N. 22nd St., Tampa | offers drive-through testing, but a vehicle is not required.
• Plant City Community Resource Center, 307 N. Michigan Ave., Plant City | offer drive-through testing, but a vehicle is not required.
• SouthShore Community Resource Center, 201 14th Ave. SE, Ruskin | offer drive-through testing, but a vehicle is not required.

Pre-Screening and Pre-Registration Are Required:

• Residents may get tested if they have been pre-screened and meet testing guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and the Florida Department of Health.
• Residents also must be pre-registered through the Hillsborough County call center at (813) 272-5900, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• People who do not have a designated primary care physician or are uninsured are eligible for pre-screening and pre-registration through the call center.
• There is no charge for the test administered at Hillsborough County locations.
• Should a test be scheduled for you, you will be informed of time, date, and testing location during this call.

What to Bring:

• You must arrive in a personal vehicle. Due to the increased risk of contamination as well as current shortages of personal protective equipment, walk-ups are not permitted at this time.
• Each person to be tested must be seated next to a working window.
• Limit vehicle passengers to those needing a test.
• Have a photo ID with name and date of birth for all persons being tested (can be Florida driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport).
• Bring the CORRECT confirmation code provided by the call center; this can be a printed copy of the testing confirmation email received from the call center, a screen-shot of the confirmation number, or the code may be provided verbally. A printed code or screen-shot on the phone helps the process, but is not required.

You will be required to provide the following information:

1. Full name
2. Current address (where you are staying)
3. Best phone number to reach you in order to receive test results

Notification of Fraudulent 3M PPE

I think that you should be aware of this information if you are using face mask respirators.  Please be aware of your purchases from non-sanctioned 3M vendors.

Florida Constitutional Amendments

I found these non-biased UF publications useful in informing my thoughts on the upcoming vote.  I'm sure they will help you out as well.  Here is a summary and analysis on the pros/cons of each of the ballot items of proposed state constitutional amendments that Floridians will be voting on.  Now if only we could get UF to do non-biased publications on those running for office.

2012 Florida Constitutional Amendments Series

In addition to 2012 being a presidential election year, Florida voters also will be asked to vote on a number of proposed amendments to their state constitution. Many voters remain either unaware or less informed regarding the effects and impacts of the proposed constitutional amendments. This series of 6 fact sheets was written by Rodney L. Clouser, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, July 2012.
Amendment 2: Veterans Disabled Due to Combat Injury; Homestead Property Tax Discount
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe907

Amendment 3: State Government Revenue Limitation
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe908

Amendment 4: Property Tax Limitations; Property Value Decline; Reduction for Nonhomestead Assessment Increases, Delay of Scheduled Repeal
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe909

Amendment 9: Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouse of Military Veteran or First Responder
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe910

Amendment 10: Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe911

Amendment 11: Additional Homestead Exemption; Low-Income Seniors Who Maintain Long-Term Residency on Property; Equal to Assessed Value
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe912

Hillsborough Agriculture Video

Curious about the agriculture in Hillsborough County?  Want to know a few more facts for political reasons or casual dinner conversation?  Want to see some friendly, local faces in the Hillsborough agricultural community?  Well here is the video for you.  Check out the YouTube video "From the Farm to the Home:  Agriculture in Hillsborough County" from the Hillsborough County Extension. 

UF Extension Listens

Just in case you missed the listening session that was at the Extension office today in Hillsborough County  here is a simple online survey you can take to give UF Extension the input it seeks.  Below is a summary of what is going on and here is the link  https://ufaecd.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_5zsTd3yLMDDKDDC

To Our Extension Partners and Supporters:



The University of Florida IFAS is launching of a long‐range planning effort for Florida Extension. This effort is labeled Shaping Solutions for Florida’s Future.


Why are we engaging in this planning process?
1. Considering our state's budget situation, advancements in technology and emerging issues, it is time to
take a fresh look at our priorities.


2. The outcome will guide resource allocation within Extension in the future.


3. This is an opportunity to forge new partnerships in support of our programs.


What is the process?
Listening will be at the core of Extension’s long-range planning effort. Extension seeks to acquire diverse
viewpoints regarding the future of Florida and through careful analysis formulate priorities and operational
procedures to achieve a future where Extension contributes positively to Florida’s health and well‐being. And we need the input of our stakeholders, clientele, community leaders, advisory committees and faculty.
The purpose of the listening session is to develop a community vision by getting answers to the following
questions:


 What are the strengths of our community and what do we value about our community?


 What trends and issues are impacting our community?


 Which of these trends and issues represent the most significant threats to our community and what we value?


 Of these threatening trends and issues, which can/should be addressed through Florida Extension educational programs? What priority should be placed on each issue and concern?


 How do you think we should deliver these educational programs?


We truly hope you will participate in this listening session to help shape the future of Extension, not only in
Hillsborough County, but throughout the state of Florida.

Keepseagle vs. Vilsack Lawsuit

A $760 million class action settlement has been reached in a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that claimed the USDA discriminated against Native Americans who applied for farm loans or loan servicing between January 1, 1981 and November 24, 1999. The settlement will pay cash and provide loan forgiveness for USDA loans to those who qualify.

Who is included?

The settlement class includes all Native American farmers and ranchers who: farm or ranch or attempted to farm or ranch between January 1, 1981 and November 24, 1999; and tried to get a farm loan or loan servicing from the USDA during that period; and complain about discrimination to the USDA either directly or through a representative during the time period.

For more information visit: www.indianfarmclass.com

Severe weather alert

This just crossed my desk. Warning about severe weather.

Emergency Management participated in a conference call with the NWS Tampa Bay and neighboring counties this morning to discuss possible severe weather. A low pressure area in the Gulf of Mexico will move into the state early Wednesday morning. By early Wednesday afternoon this system will bring rainfall and heavy winds into West Central Florida. The risk of hail and tornado's will increase on Wednesday into Thursday. The system is forecast to stall over Central and South Florida on Thursday. Storm totals of 2" to 4" of rain are forecast between Wednesday into Sunday. Heavier amounts of rain and damaging winds will be possible as thunderstorms move through the area.

Read more about the El Nino affect this winter on my prior postings.

FL Certified Hort. Professional Training

Here is an email I received from Matt Freedman at the Institute of Florida Studies at HCC. There is a course being offered for the FNGLA CHP Training if you are interested contact Matt.



"Hi! I coordinate non-credit environmental education courses for the Institute of Florida Studies at Hillsborough Community College in Plant City. We are offering the FNGLA Florida Certified Horticulture Professional Training at the HCC Plant City Campus in Fall 2009. The course begins on September 10, 2009 and ends on November 14, 2009. The class will meet on Thursdays (6-9 PM) and Saturdays (8:30-11:30 AM) in the PEPC Educational Partnership Center. The course number is HOS 8001, Section 97544. The course fee is $260, and does not include the manual or Certification Exam fee. The FCHP manual is $75 for FNGLA members and $105 for non-members, and is required by the first day of class.

If you could please pass this information along to your associates or anyone who might be interested, I would really appreciate it! Please visit http://www.hccfl.edu/departments/ifs/fngla.aspx for registration information. For more information and questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for your help.

Matt Freedman
Continuing Education Coordinator
Institute of Florida Studies
Hillsborough Community College
1206 North Park Rd.
Plant City, FL 33563
Phone: 813-757-2186
Fax: 813-757-2148
mfreedman3@hccfl.edu
www.hccfl.edu/departments/ifs.aspx (Institute Website)"

A Clean Sweep

Ever see those commercials with the catchy phrase "Want to get away?" That is the last thing you want experience when being inspected by WPS inspectors. Especially when they are asking you, "What is that unmarked chemical in the corner with the ripped bag?"

Why not just get rid of it. Operation Clean Sweep will help. Just fill out the form and schedule a pick up. It is that easy. Here is the link to find out more and the form to fill out to get on the pickup list. Any unwanted, mislabeled, out of date, or unneeded pesticides can be removed from your operation and the environment. That will be one less thing to worry about on the WPS inspection checklist.

http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu/Ag/AgOrnProd/CalendarPubs/CleanSweep2009.pdf

Free Money for Water Conservation Projects

Act Fast! Sign up ends Monday 8/17/09. Here are the details.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jeffrey Woods, (352) 338-9515
USDA ANNOUNCES SIGNUP PERIOD FOR NEW FARM BILL PROGRAM Signup Period Closes August 17, 2009
GAINESVILLE, FL, August 11, 2009 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Dave White recently announced nearly $58 million for water conservation and water quality improvements on agricultural working lands. The funding was made available for 63 projects in 21 states through the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). Florida has two projects approved for $1,750,000. One project, with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), is approved at $1 million dollars and the second project was funded at $750,000 with the Suwannee River Partnership (SRP). If you are a producer in portions of Charlotte, Desoto, Manatee, Hardee, Polk, Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Highlands counties you may be eligible for the SWFWMD project. You may apply for the Suwannee River Partnership project if you are in portions of Jefferson, Taylor, Lafayette, Suwannee, Columbia, Union, Bradford, Alachua, Gilchrist, Levy, Dixie, Madison and Hamilton counties. Interested agriculture producers can sign up for the respective project at their local NRCS field office beginning on August 11, 2009. The sign up will end on August 17, 2009. The funds awarded under the SWFWMD’s project will be used to fund AWEP contracts with EQIP eligible producers that result in increased irrigation system efficiency by upgrading or retrofitting existing systems; development of surface water/tailwater capture and reuse; and precision irrigation systems within the Southern Water Use Caution Areas. Under the SRP project, EQIP eligible producers will be provided financial and technical assistance to improve irrigation water management and irrigation systems to conserve water. The Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) promotes ground and surface water conservation and improves water quality by helping farmers and ranchers implement agricultural water enhancement activities. With the services and resources of other conservation partners, AWEP allows the Federal Government to leverage investment in natural resources conservation. AWEP was established by the 2008 Farm Bill and funding comes from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the program for USDA. NRCS implements AWEP by entering into EQIP contracts directly with agricultural producers. All AWEP recipients must meet EQIP requirements. The sign up ends on August 17, 2009 so interested agriculture producers are encouraged to sign up for the respective project at their local NRCS field office as soon as possible. For more information about AWEP projects visit www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov/programs or contact Jeffrey Woods, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, 352-338-9515.

Swine Flu

I wanted to post some information for all production facilities to be aware of. Considering that we have a large population of employees that frequents Mexico, it might be of help in identifying possible symptoms and taking action in controlling the spread of Swine Flu.



There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy. They include:

• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze preferable into your sleeve.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective [supervise small children with sanitizer use].

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people with flu symptoms.

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people or touching contaminated objects.

• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them and spreading the illness.

• The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to avoid "non-essential" travel to Mexico.
  

I am posting two public service announcements from the Missouri University Extension. One is in English and one is in Spanish. Please take precautions for you, your employees, and your operation's health.

English - http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu/Ag/AgOrnProd/A-ZPublications/Swine%20Flu%20English.PDF

Spanish - http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu/Ag/AgOrnProd/A-ZPublications/Swine%20Flu%20Spanish.PDF

The CDC web site for swine flu is http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu//t_blank.