Dear Friends:
We know many of you are probably sick of hearing about political matters. We do not presume to be political advisors, and do not mean to be a bother. However, we are writing to strongly urge you to get out and vote for Alex Sink. This election may be the most important election to Floridians, and will directly impact our lives and the lives of our children for years to come.
Alex Sink is ready to lead Florida as governor whose priorities and values, leadership style and perspective, were shaped by decades of real-world experience as a business leader and a life lived outside of politics.
After a successful 26 year career in business in Florida and then serving as a member of the Florida Cabinet, nearly every major newspaper in Florida has endorsed Alex’s candidacy. Florida has never had a governor who comes to the job with Alex Sink’s hands-on, real-world experience in the private sector. With over one million Floridians out of work and Florida consistently ranking among the top three states in the nation for home foreclosures, the time has come for a leader with Alex’s business experience and acumen.
Alex worked her way up during a distinguished business career that culminated in her leadership of Florida’s largest bank. She managed more than $40 billion in customer deposits while supervising more than 9,000 employees in 800 branches and earning a reputation for credibility, integrity and dedication to her local customers. During her career, Alex helped thousands of Floridians get the resources they needed to start or expand their own businesses, both large and small, and helped everyday Floridians achieve dreams like sending their children to college.
While in the private sector, Alex repeatedly gave back to her state and community. Governor Lawton Chiles appointed Alex to the Florida Commission on Government Accountability to the People, charged with finding ways state government could be more responsive to the people of Florida. As vice chair of Florida TaxWatch, she became a recognized leader on fiscal responsibility. And Alex dedicated herself to Florida’s children through her service on Governor Chiles’ Commission on Education, the Hillsborough Education Foundation and as chair of Take Stock in Children.
On the other hand, Rick Scott is dangerous, crooked, and wrong for Florida. He has no political experience, has only lived in Florida for seven years, and espouses policy which is bad for small business, bad for consumers, and bad for us. He believes in economies of scale, meaning favoring large corporate interests over small business owners. He wants to completely cut state spending on essential services, not in a wise way, but in an extreme way. By this, he means privatizing the fire department, closing prisons, shutting public schools. One of the only areas where Mr. Scott wants to increase spending is in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. Not surprisingly, he still owns medical companies that would directly benefit from such government handouts.
Rick Scott is about Rick Scott. He has always been, and he will always be. In addition, he has vowed to destroy the civil court system in order to assist big insurance companies. This means that small businesses and homeowners will no longer have any mechanism to ensure that their insurance companies, to whom they pay premiums, protect them when they are in need. Rick Scott's proposal will allow insurance companies to delay investigation and payment of your insurance claims and seriously undermine your ability to recover for your losses when you are injured or your property is damaged. It also means that injured and aggrieved citizens of Florida will have no recourse for their grievances. Rick Scott would allow car manufacturers to avoid liability for producing defective, unsafe cars. This proposal would put money in the pockets of out-of-state car manufacturers, at your expense. Families and taxpayers will be burdened with paying for the needs of the injured-through Medicaid-while the car manufacturers are excused for their unfair and secretive practices. Rick Scott wants to immunize private corporations from their own wrongdoing during disaster recovery efforts. Why should a private, for-profit corporation, like BP, be excused from paying the damages caused by its wrongdoing?
Rick Scott’s own running mate called him “dangerous” during the primary, as did many members of the Republican Party, some who now support him, and some who have refused to come out for him.
This election is not about taxes, we have no State income tax. It is not about Federal Spending, it is a State election. It is about our future, and Alex Sink, a moderate with a solid track record in business and government is the right choice. She is the one candidate who will keep special interests in their place, and will work for consumers and the citizens of Florida. Rick Scott is simply too dangerous to be trusted with our future.
Alex Sink will protect our rights and keep contrary special interests in check. We encourage you to vote for Alex Sink.
Every voice matters. Every vote counts! Thank you!
BP Oil Spill Victims Respond to Kenneth Feinberg
BP Oil Spill Victims Document Damages
STEINHATCHEE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to recent statements by BP Oil Claims Administrator Kenneth Feinberg, the law firm of Freedland Russo and several of the oil spill victims have documented the reality of how lives have been affected on the Gulf Coast. On behalf of hundreds of residents in forgotten communities along the coast, it’s important to refute statements made on behalf of the oil giant that there’s been a minimum impact in the Florida Panhandle.
“Many of the news reports about the BP Oil Spill have been from larger beachfront communities showing the impact of surface oil”
.Feinberg, at a recent Washington hearing, was asked whether the $20 billion fund would pay compensation in places where no oil had washed up on the beach? Feinberg replied, "If there's no physical damage to the beaches and it's a public perception, I venture to say that it is not compensable," Feinberg said. "How we deal with that problem is something I've got to address."
Business owners in the small town of Steinhatchee Florida, the gulf scalloping capital of the world, are battling a major “public perception” crisis which is threatening the survival of this small fishing village.
Scalloping high season is supposed to kick off with significant activity and catches. Unfortunately, businesses are already feeling like they are living in a ghost town. The sad stories include:
Gary and Karen Alberts owners of Ocean Fresh Seafood, a fishing and seafood distribution company, have seen their orders dramatically reduced since the oil spill crisis began and have had to let most, if not all of their fisherman go because of the low demand for gulf seafood. Their employees have had to relocate to eastern cities like Jacksonville in search of new work. The Alberts are now faced with the decision of shutting down their business that has thrived for over a decade
Jim Hunt, who runs Fiddler’s Restaurant and motel, sees no signs that scalloping season has arrived. And Charlie Norwood, operator of Sea Hag Marina and Lodge says he’s fielding up to 50 calls a day canceling reservations for charter boats because people believe the oil is everywhere in the Panhandle.
“The damage that has already been done to small towns in the Panhandle far exceeds the initial reports of minimum impact to the region,” said Michael Freedland, a partner in the Freedland Russo firm. “The worst is not over at this point. Not only have lives been impacted, the future of cities such as Steinhatchee are in doubt.”
“ Many of the news reports about the BP Oil Spill have been from larger beachfront communities showing the impact of surface oil,” said attorney Anthony J. Russo. “It is important to document how other Florida residents have had their lives destroyed.”
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available By Clicking Here
STEINHATCHEE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to recent statements by BP Oil Claims Administrator Kenneth Feinberg, the law firm of Freedland Russo and several of the oil spill victims have documented the reality of how lives have been affected on the Gulf Coast. On behalf of hundreds of residents in forgotten communities along the coast, it’s important to refute statements made on behalf of the oil giant that there’s been a minimum impact in the Florida Panhandle.
“Many of the news reports about the BP Oil Spill have been from larger beachfront communities showing the impact of surface oil”
.Feinberg, at a recent Washington hearing, was asked whether the $20 billion fund would pay compensation in places where no oil had washed up on the beach? Feinberg replied, "If there's no physical damage to the beaches and it's a public perception, I venture to say that it is not compensable," Feinberg said. "How we deal with that problem is something I've got to address."
Business owners in the small town of Steinhatchee Florida, the gulf scalloping capital of the world, are battling a major “public perception” crisis which is threatening the survival of this small fishing village.
Scalloping high season is supposed to kick off with significant activity and catches. Unfortunately, businesses are already feeling like they are living in a ghost town. The sad stories include:
Gary and Karen Alberts owners of Ocean Fresh Seafood, a fishing and seafood distribution company, have seen their orders dramatically reduced since the oil spill crisis began and have had to let most, if not all of their fisherman go because of the low demand for gulf seafood. Their employees have had to relocate to eastern cities like Jacksonville in search of new work. The Alberts are now faced with the decision of shutting down their business that has thrived for over a decade
Jim Hunt, who runs Fiddler’s Restaurant and motel, sees no signs that scalloping season has arrived. And Charlie Norwood, operator of Sea Hag Marina and Lodge says he’s fielding up to 50 calls a day canceling reservations for charter boats because people believe the oil is everywhere in the Panhandle.
“The damage that has already been done to small towns in the Panhandle far exceeds the initial reports of minimum impact to the region,” said Michael Freedland, a partner in the Freedland Russo firm. “The worst is not over at this point. Not only have lives been impacted, the future of cities such as Steinhatchee are in doubt.”
“ Many of the news reports about the BP Oil Spill have been from larger beachfront communities showing the impact of surface oil,” said attorney Anthony J. Russo. “It is important to document how other Florida residents have had their lives destroyed.”
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available By Clicking Here
Freedland Russo Announces Partnership of Prominent South Florida Attorney Daniel Harwin
The Law Offices of Freedland Russo announced today that prominent South Florida attorney, Daniel Harwin is now a partner in the firm. Harwin comes to Freedland Russo with vast experience in the areas of medical malpractice and big pharma litigation. He has routinely garnered settlements in excess of $1 million for his clients. Currently, he is leading the charge at Freedland Russo against the mammoth pharmaceutical giant SmithKline Beecham for the damaging effects of its popular diabetes drug, Avandia.
For their part, Michael Freedland and Anthony Russo are delighted to have Harwin aboard. “He brings an additional knowledge base and a unique perspective to our firm,” said Michael Freedland. Freedland was referring to the years of experience that Harwin gained representing physicians and insurance companies in medical malpractice lawsuits. “During that time I learned how big pharma and big business thinks. I know what makes them tick. I know their weak spots,” Harwin said. Anthony Russo agrees, “Dan’s experience gives our firm a singular advantage in pursing litigation against companies like the makers of Avandia. In the end, that’s good for our clients,” said Russo.
Harwin says the firm is moving ahead with their suits against the drug maker of Avandia, SmithKline Beecham because a recent report surfaced that the company hid important test data. “If this proves true, it is appalling that SmithKline Beecham would be arrogant enough to do it and believe that they could get away with it,” Harwin said. At the center of the Avandia storm is the alleged effects from taking the drug on a patient’s heart. “We are currently looking at all the data and doing our research,” Harwin added. He also said that they are beginning to receive calls and referrals from other law firms looking for assistance in pursuing similar cases.
Daniel Harwin received his J.D. degree in 2003 from the University of Miami. Prior to coming to Miami to study law, he received his B.A. degree from Rollins College in Central Florida. He was recently voted by his peers to Florida Lawyers “Rising Stars.” He focuses his philanthropic efforts in creating awareness and raising funds for the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. In his spare time he enjoys boating, fishing, playing tennis and being a huge fan of all the South Florida sports teams.
For their part, Michael Freedland and Anthony Russo are delighted to have Harwin aboard. “He brings an additional knowledge base and a unique perspective to our firm,” said Michael Freedland. Freedland was referring to the years of experience that Harwin gained representing physicians and insurance companies in medical malpractice lawsuits. “During that time I learned how big pharma and big business thinks. I know what makes them tick. I know their weak spots,” Harwin said. Anthony Russo agrees, “Dan’s experience gives our firm a singular advantage in pursing litigation against companies like the makers of Avandia. In the end, that’s good for our clients,” said Russo.
Harwin says the firm is moving ahead with their suits against the drug maker of Avandia, SmithKline Beecham because a recent report surfaced that the company hid important test data. “If this proves true, it is appalling that SmithKline Beecham would be arrogant enough to do it and believe that they could get away with it,” Harwin said. At the center of the Avandia storm is the alleged effects from taking the drug on a patient’s heart. “We are currently looking at all the data and doing our research,” Harwin added. He also said that they are beginning to receive calls and referrals from other law firms looking for assistance in pursuing similar cases.
Daniel Harwin received his J.D. degree in 2003 from the University of Miami. Prior to coming to Miami to study law, he received his B.A. degree from Rollins College in Central Florida. He was recently voted by his peers to Florida Lawyers “Rising Stars.” He focuses his philanthropic efforts in creating awareness and raising funds for the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. In his spare time he enjoys boating, fishing, playing tennis and being a huge fan of all the South Florida sports teams.
Will The Oil from The Gulf Really Reach South Florida Waters?
With the threat of the BP Oil Spill looming dangerously close to the shores of the entire Gulf region, the media has again taken the opportunity to sensationalize the news. Instead of focusing on reporting news in a way that informs, the recent headlines have included "Oil from Gulf likely to reach South Florida waters, study says." Just another example of how the focus on headlines has become more important than the actual story.
If you read the subheading of this article, you learn that the "computer modeling shows [a]61 to 80 percent chance [that] tar balls will come within 20 miles of southeast Florida coast." An even further read informs us that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) study produced 500 different models based on wind, currents and location of the oil. It goes on to say that the Gulf Coast of Florida, from Tampa to the Panhandle, has a 1 to 20% chance of tar balls coming within 20 miles of their shores. This is a stark contrast to a June 22 news article in which an NOAA director related that the Oil from the BP blowout was not likely to reach the Florida Keys or South Florida. (http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-06-22/news/fl-florida-keys-oil-20100622_1_sector-key-west-spill-florida-keys)
Why the contradiction? So called "Experts" cite the change in currents. The truth is that no one knows. Why? Because there are too many factors. The BP Oil Spill is not a hurricane (although the forecasting of the oil path has repeatedly been compared to that of a hurricane) that meteorologists have been tracking and learning about for decades. It is an oil spill, the likes of which we have never seen before and certainly have no experience or expertise in predicting. There are just too many variables to accurately predict the path of destruction the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill will take. Let's just examine a few.
First, the wind and weather currents. Those who have lived in South Florida and the Gulf Coast region for any length of time know all too well the weather patterns in the summertime and throughout the Hurricane Season. It is simply just too difficult to predict anything. Just look at some of the more recent devastating Hurricanes in this region. Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wilma and Hurricane Katrina, just to name a few. If you follow the path of those hurricanes, and many of the others that have made landfall, it is easy to see the point. There is no easily predictable path for a hurricane, even when it is bearing down on land. So how can we predict the path of a major oil spill when we have no prior history tracking oil spills?
Next, do we know how long the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill will actually keep pumping oil uncontrollably into the Gulf of Mexico? The answer so far is NO. This is because neither BP nor our own government can answer that question. Certainly, if we cannot control the flow of oil into the Gulf for the next 9 to 12 months, or even more, there is going to potentially be enough oil for everyone to get their shores contaminated. Not just South Florida, but the entire Gulf Coast and even the eastern seaboard. Prognosticators could even predict that there may even be enough oil to litter the shores of Europe if we cannot stop the flow.
Finally, do we actually know how much oil has been dispersed beneath the surface? Has the oil sunk half way down? Has it made it all the way to the bottom? The chemical dispersants purportedly being used, Corexit 9500, is a highly powerful and toxic (nearly 4 times more toxic than oil) dispersant used to breakdown the oil. The result is that in the breakdown, oil is being dispersed to different levels of the Gulf, creating the blobs of oil you are hearing about under the surface. It is great to talk about the wind and current patterns that will drive the oil on the surface, but what about the currents on the bottom of the Gulf? Certainly, experts can agree that the currents on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico are different than that those on the top. We have has heard about the reported findings of 6-mile long or longer by 1-mile or more wide blobs of oil floating under the surface. Something of that size or larger is certainly nothing to ignore. And when, and if, these oil blobs make shore, wherever that may be, it is going to be a catastrophic event.
If you read the subheading of this article, you learn that the "computer modeling shows [a]61 to 80 percent chance [that] tar balls will come within 20 miles of southeast Florida coast." An even further read informs us that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) study produced 500 different models based on wind, currents and location of the oil. It goes on to say that the Gulf Coast of Florida, from Tampa to the Panhandle, has a 1 to 20% chance of tar balls coming within 20 miles of their shores. This is a stark contrast to a June 22 news article in which an NOAA director related that the Oil from the BP blowout was not likely to reach the Florida Keys or South Florida. (http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-06-22/news/fl-florida-keys-oil-20100622_1_sector-key-west-spill-florida-keys)
Why the contradiction? So called "Experts" cite the change in currents. The truth is that no one knows. Why? Because there are too many factors. The BP Oil Spill is not a hurricane (although the forecasting of the oil path has repeatedly been compared to that of a hurricane) that meteorologists have been tracking and learning about for decades. It is an oil spill, the likes of which we have never seen before and certainly have no experience or expertise in predicting. There are just too many variables to accurately predict the path of destruction the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill will take. Let's just examine a few.
First, the wind and weather currents. Those who have lived in South Florida and the Gulf Coast region for any length of time know all too well the weather patterns in the summertime and throughout the Hurricane Season. It is simply just too difficult to predict anything. Just look at some of the more recent devastating Hurricanes in this region. Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wilma and Hurricane Katrina, just to name a few. If you follow the path of those hurricanes, and many of the others that have made landfall, it is easy to see the point. There is no easily predictable path for a hurricane, even when it is bearing down on land. So how can we predict the path of a major oil spill when we have no prior history tracking oil spills?
Next, do we know how long the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill will actually keep pumping oil uncontrollably into the Gulf of Mexico? The answer so far is NO. This is because neither BP nor our own government can answer that question. Certainly, if we cannot control the flow of oil into the Gulf for the next 9 to 12 months, or even more, there is going to potentially be enough oil for everyone to get their shores contaminated. Not just South Florida, but the entire Gulf Coast and even the eastern seaboard. Prognosticators could even predict that there may even be enough oil to litter the shores of Europe if we cannot stop the flow.
Finally, do we actually know how much oil has been dispersed beneath the surface? Has the oil sunk half way down? Has it made it all the way to the bottom? The chemical dispersants purportedly being used, Corexit 9500, is a highly powerful and toxic (nearly 4 times more toxic than oil) dispersant used to breakdown the oil. The result is that in the breakdown, oil is being dispersed to different levels of the Gulf, creating the blobs of oil you are hearing about under the surface. It is great to talk about the wind and current patterns that will drive the oil on the surface, but what about the currents on the bottom of the Gulf? Certainly, experts can agree that the currents on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico are different than that those on the top. We have has heard about the reported findings of 6-mile long or longer by 1-mile or more wide blobs of oil floating under the surface. Something of that size or larger is certainly nothing to ignore. And when, and if, these oil blobs make shore, wherever that may be, it is going to be a catastrophic event.
One Year Later: Michael Jackson, Doctors and Desperate Measures by Anthony Russo
This past weekend we celebrated the first anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death. And, what better time to look at some of the things we have learned from his death. The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled that Michael Jackson died from an overdose of the anesthetic drug, Propofol. Because the drug cannot be administered to oneself, amongst other reasons, Michael Jackson’s death was ruled a homicide. How could this happen?
We asked the same questions in the Weston Med Spa case. For Joe Orukotan, the widower of Rohe Kah-Orukotan, the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death also serves as a painful reminder of his loss. As you may recall, last October, Ms. Kah-Orukotan was pronounced brain dead shortly after a routine liposuction procedure performed by Dr. Omar Brito at the Weston Med Spa in Weston, Florida. Ms. Orukotan’s death was also found by the Broward County Medical Examiner’s office to be caused by, amongst other things, excessive and improper administration of anesthetic drugs, including Propofol during her surgery. A wrongful death case against the Weston Med Spa and Dr. Brito has been instituted by Freedland Russo. Fortunately, Dr. Brito surrendered his license to practice medicine in March of this year and will never administer another drug to another patient.
But the Michael Jackson and Rohe Kah-Orukotan cases reveal a bigger problem. Every year, hundreds, if not thousands of patients nationwide are victimized by the excessive and improper administration of drugs. Most do not get headlines and many occur in a surgical setting. And we still ask why and how this happens?
Could it be the proliferation of plastic surgery? Bigger, better and more. The need for immediate results? You need only watch the countless reality TV shows to see housewives from New York and New Jersey to Atlanta and Los Angeles, undergoing any surgery that promises to help them look younger and better than their neighbor. There are those that will blame the patients. That is of course, until and unless of it is one of them or their loved one. Others blame the surgeons who have become like salespeople pedaling promissory surgical procedures like they were expensive handbags on sale. The only problem is that you cannot return a defective surgery, and certainly not an anesthetic overdose.
Our writers have been accused of attacking doctors on numerous occasions. Maybe that is true. But, doctors, like lawyers and other professional have an ethical obligation to those hiring them for their services. Too many times we see doctors and lawyers more concerned with lining their pockets than honoring and adhering to their ethical obligations. Doctors, remember the Hippocratic Oath…”never do harm”… Mass advertising, infomercials and reality TV shows have turned the services of professionals into fast food, profit turning, bottom-line businesses!
Blaming society is not the solution; it is part of the problem. Professionals need to stand up and act like professionals. When your vocation entails the handling of lives and not handbags, you will be held to a higher standard. If you don’t like it, go open a fast food restaurant!
We asked the same questions in the Weston Med Spa case. For Joe Orukotan, the widower of Rohe Kah-Orukotan, the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death also serves as a painful reminder of his loss. As you may recall, last October, Ms. Kah-Orukotan was pronounced brain dead shortly after a routine liposuction procedure performed by Dr. Omar Brito at the Weston Med Spa in Weston, Florida. Ms. Orukotan’s death was also found by the Broward County Medical Examiner’s office to be caused by, amongst other things, excessive and improper administration of anesthetic drugs, including Propofol during her surgery. A wrongful death case against the Weston Med Spa and Dr. Brito has been instituted by Freedland Russo. Fortunately, Dr. Brito surrendered his license to practice medicine in March of this year and will never administer another drug to another patient.
But the Michael Jackson and Rohe Kah-Orukotan cases reveal a bigger problem. Every year, hundreds, if not thousands of patients nationwide are victimized by the excessive and improper administration of drugs. Most do not get headlines and many occur in a surgical setting. And we still ask why and how this happens?
Could it be the proliferation of plastic surgery? Bigger, better and more. The need for immediate results? You need only watch the countless reality TV shows to see housewives from New York and New Jersey to Atlanta and Los Angeles, undergoing any surgery that promises to help them look younger and better than their neighbor. There are those that will blame the patients. That is of course, until and unless of it is one of them or their loved one. Others blame the surgeons who have become like salespeople pedaling promissory surgical procedures like they were expensive handbags on sale. The only problem is that you cannot return a defective surgery, and certainly not an anesthetic overdose.
Our writers have been accused of attacking doctors on numerous occasions. Maybe that is true. But, doctors, like lawyers and other professional have an ethical obligation to those hiring them for their services. Too many times we see doctors and lawyers more concerned with lining their pockets than honoring and adhering to their ethical obligations. Doctors, remember the Hippocratic Oath…”never do harm”… Mass advertising, infomercials and reality TV shows have turned the services of professionals into fast food, profit turning, bottom-line businesses!
Blaming society is not the solution; it is part of the problem. Professionals need to stand up and act like professionals. When your vocation entails the handling of lives and not handbags, you will be held to a higher standard. If you don’t like it, go open a fast food restaurant!
Freedland Russo: An Oil Spill Report You Have To See
This report is entitled Deja Vu. So true. Notice too that the company involved in this tragic spill 31 years ago - Senco - became Transocean.
*If you have experienced hardship or loss due to the Gulf Oil Spill, contact Freedland Russo
*If you have experienced hardship or loss due to the Gulf Oil Spill, contact Freedland Russo
Freedland Russo: The Wreckless Behavior of "Big Oil" and "Big Business."
Clearly we now can agree unrefutably that offshore drilling in the Gulf was not a good idea. The reckless behavior of "Big Oil" and "Big Business" that has consumed the better part of politics for the last decade has finally reared its ugly head!!!
Read this report that says it all...click here
*If you have experienced hardship or loss due to the Gulf Oil Spill, contact Freedland Russo
Read this report that says it all...click here
*If you have experienced hardship or loss due to the Gulf Oil Spill, contact Freedland Russo
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