April 27 - House and Senate budget negotiators reached agreement Sunday on a $3.8 million, 5% pay increase for Florida troopers. The issue appeared dead going into the weekend as legislators looked to chop billions in an attempt to balance the state's budget. Representatives from FAST, the PBA and the department worked up to and throughout Sunday's budget conference to secure the increase. Florida troopers are the only state employees to receive a pay raise this year. (Developing)
March 31 - The House of Representatives included a pay raise for Florida Highway Patrol troopers in its proposed budget that could total as much as $17.6 million. House Speaker Marco Rubio (R-Miami) said the increase was necessary. "The only pay issue in the budget is for the Highway Patrol," Rubio said. "We are dangerously close to not having a highway patrol." The money would be contingent on the passage of House Bill 5067, or similar legislation, which merges the officers of Motor Carrier Compliance within the FHP.
Do you have an old cell phone laying around?
An organization called, "Help Them Call Home" will take your old cell phone and turn it into calling cards for our troops. As it gets closer to the holiday season, many families are separated because of the war and tours of duty worldwide by our service personnel. How can you help? Easy - Donate your old cell phone and turn it into precious calling card minutes.
Simply visit this web site and follow the simple instructions for donation, including a label! Turn those old phones into a special gift today!
Help Them Call Home