Business

Attorney General Moody Hails Governor DeSantis’ Signing of Legislation Combating Organized Retail Theft

Published

3 years ago

June 20, 2022

FILE - Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody speaks at a domestic violence press conference in her Orlando office Thursday, August 26, 2021. (Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News, file photo).

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed legislation to help Florida prosecutors dismantle organized retail theft rings. During the 2022 Florida Legislative Session, Attorney General Ashley Moody worked with lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 1534 to provide more tools to prosecute members of organized retail theft rings. Prior to the start of session, retail theft escalated dramatically in large cities outside of Florida, with major incidents occurring during the holiday shopping season in locations like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

General Moody said, “We continue to be proactive in making sure organized retail theft rings do not have a free pass to pillage retailers in Florida. While prosecutors in other states may turn a blind eye to these massive retail crimes, in Florida we enforce the law to protect our citizens and visitors. This new law will help us continue this important work and enhance public safety. I want to thank Gov. DeSantis and state lawmakers who fought for this important legislation to help us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.”

Senator Jim Boyd said, “Law Enforcement and our State Prosecutors asked for tools to address the growing crime of organized retail theft, also known as ‘smash and grab.’ I believe Senate Bill 1534 delivers those tools. I applaud General Moody for coming out strong on felony retail theft. There must be consequences.”

Representative Chuck Clemons said, “The passage of this critical legislation sends out the strongest of messages that our state is not going to tolerate our communities’ retail establishments being terrorized. We are prepared to give law enforcement and prosecutors all the tools they need to keep this brand of crime out of Florida and let it be known, they will use them.”

Florida Retail Federation President and CEO Scott Shalley said, “Under the leadership of Attorney General Moody, Florida continues to lead the nation in the fight against organized retail crime. We thank Governor DeSantis and the Legislature for supporting and protecting Florida retailers.”

The new law, that takes effect Oct. 1, creates second-degree and third-degree felony retail theft crimes based on multiple retail thefts occurring in a limited time period in different merchant locations. Under the new law, someone who steals 20 or more items, through five or more separate thefts within a certain period, can be charged with a second-degree felony.

A person who steals 10 or more items, through at least five thefts within a certain period, can be charged with a third-degree felony.

The offense severity level ranking chart of the Criminal Punishment Code will rank felony retail theft offenses as either level five or six, depending on severity.

In December 2021, Attorney General Moody launched the Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange—a statewide task force and database to help spot trends, identify suspects and take down massive, organized retail theft rings. It also bridges the gap between law enforcement, prosecutors and retailers to work together and share information on theft incidents statewide.

For more information on FORCE, click here.

Up Next

Sloppy Joe’s Orlando at ICON Park Offers Drink Specials to Toast the Summer Solstice

Don't Miss

Remembering the Pulse Tragedy, 6 Years Later

Click to comment

Business

Florida National News Appoints Jenna Greaves as Social Media Manager

Published

2 days ago

March 13, 2025

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News (FNN) is proud to announce the appointment of Jenna Greaves as Social Media Manager, effective March 10, 2025, during Women’s History Month.

In her new role, Jenna Greaves will oversee FNN’s social media team and manage its growing social media platforms. She will also serve as a reporter, covering both political and environmental news.

Educational Background and Experience

Jenna holds a bachelor’s degree in print/digital journalism with a minor in political science/pre-law from the University of Central Florida. Her media experience includes working and interning at various local broadcast stations, a radio station, and print publications, giving her a well-rounded background in the industry.

Leadership and Vision

“Jenna is the right manager to lead our social media team, increase brand awareness, and engage our audience,” said FNN President J. Willie David III. “Her experience will play a vital role in enhancing FNN’s online presence and driving higher website traffic and content visibility for several of our platforms.”

– Florida National News Social Media Page

In her role as Social Media Manager, Jenna will develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy designed to boost brand awareness, audience engagement, and online presence. She will collaborate closely with the editorial team to align content strategies with audience interests, ensuring FNN continues to deliver impactful news coverage.

Florida National News reached 1.4 million audience members in February 2025, and Jenna’s leadership is expected to expand this reach even further.

_________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Business

Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando Honors Business Leaders at Exclusive Trustee Reception

Published

3 days ago

March 12, 2025

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando (Hispanic Chamber) hosted its exclusive Trustee Reception on Thursday, March 6, bringing together influential leaders and businesses for an evening dedicated to recognition, networking, and fostering impactful relationships.

Held at Houndsmen Lounge in Live at the Pointe Orlando, a proud member of the Hispanic Chamber, the event welcomed over 120 attendees, including trustees, business leaders, and prominent community figures.

Celebrating Leadership and Partnerships

During the reception, Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber, underscored the value of trust and collaboration in building a lasting legacy.

“Tonight, we celebrate you—our investors, our trustees, and our key partners who continuously fuel the growth and success of the Hispanic Chamber,” Turushina shared. “We grow when we trust each other, when we come together to create an impact. If you are here tonight, it’s because you want to leave a legacy. You want to make a difference.”

The evening also featured remarks from Alejandra Escobar, Vice President of the Hispanic Chamber, who highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit driving the region’s Hispanic business community.

Other Business News: FloridaNationalNews.com congratulates Ambassador Rudolph Moise on being selected as one of the “12 Good Men 2025” by Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida

“Thank you for being here this evening, where we recognize the spirit of entrepreneurship and the commitment that drives our thriving Hispanic business community,” Escobar said.

Industry Representation and Community Engagement

The Hispanic Chamber’s 55 Trustees span key industries vital to Central Florida’s economic growth, including:

13 minority-owned businesses
14 financial services institutions
6 higher education organizations
5 healthcare and wellness providers
5 construction companies
6 government and nonprofit agencies
4 major parks and hotels

FNN delivers news that matters to you. Support Florida National News

Distinguished Guests and Live Entertainment

The Hispanic Chamber welcomed prominent leaders such as City of Orlando District 2 Commissioner Tony Ortiz and City of Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinoza.

The reception’s entertainment featured a captivating tango performance by Art and Movement LLC and lively music from DJ Paulo, both Chamber members.

Acknowledging Key Supporters

The Chamber extended special thanks to Travel + Leisure, the presenting sponsor, for their invaluable support. Appreciation was also given to over 80 dedicated volunteers, including the Board of Directors, Ambassadors, Supplier Council, and the Hispanic Business Advocacy Committee for their continued efforts in advancing the Chamber’s mission.

“We are incredibly grateful for the 55 Trustees — corporations, government agencies, and regional leaders — who help power our mission forward,” Turushina stated.

He further encouraged sponsors and strategic partners to continue investing in the Chamber’s impactful programs, events, and initiatives to further strengthen Central Florida’s business community.
_________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Business

Comcast Business Unveils ‘Powering the Engine of Modern Business’ Campaign with PGA TOUR Star Billy Horschel

Published

3 days ago

March 12, 2025

FNN NEWS

PHILADELPHIA & PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – Comcast Business has unveiled a new multichannel brand campaign titled “Powering the Engine of Modern Business,” showcasing its role as a global enterprise technology partner. The campaign, which debuted ahead of THE PLAYERS® Championship 2025, features three TV spots highlighting Comcast Business’ advanced technology in real-world business scenarios.

The campaign includes cameos from Billy Horschel, golf legend Tom Watson, and Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner, with narration by Josh Brolin.

In conjunction with the campaign, Comcast Business announced a new two-year partnership with Billy Horschel, an eight-time PGA TOUR event winner and former United States President’s Cup representative. Horschel will sport the Comcast Business logo on his hat for the 2025 and 2026 PGA TOUR seasons.

“This new campaign reflects the evolution of the Comcast Business brand as a global technology solutions partner, demonstrating not just what could be possible, but what we’re actively doing for customers across industries today,” said Eileen Diskin, Chief Marketing Officer for Comcast Business.

The campaign’s three TV spots showcase Comcast Business’ innovative solutions for various industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and sports. The ads highlight Comcast Business’ ability to power businesses through seamless connectivity, cybersecurity, and networking solutions.

To celebrate its second year as a Proud Partner of THE PLAYERS Championship, the campaign includes a dedicated PGA TOUR spot featuring Rich Lerner, Tom Watson, and Billy Horschel. Comcast Business plays a crucial role in supporting the technological backbone of THE PLAYERS Championship, serving as the Official Business Internet, Voice, Wi-Fi, and SD-WAN Service Provider for the PGA TOUR.

Comcast Business’ connectivity solutions power everything from international tournament broadcasts to greenskeepers’ software for robotic mowers and automated sprinklers.

The campaign, developed by Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P), debuts March 10 and will run across TV, digital, and social media platforms.

For more information, visit business.comcast.com.