Latest news with #AWA
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
7 Gulf World Marine Park dolphins OK'd to be transferred to another facility: NOAA
The Brief Dolphins are being transferred from Gulf World Marine Park in Florida's Panhandle amid deepening welfare concerns and investigations. 7 of the 11 dolphins will be transferred to a facility in St. Augustine, Florida. Four others expected to be transferred. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, USDA, and FWC have launched investigations or are assisting with investigations. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - Seven of the 11 dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park in Florida's Panhandle have received approval to be transferred to another facility in Florida. NOAA Fisheries confirmed to FOX 35 on Monday that it issued an emergency waiver on May 30 to transfer 7 bottlenose dolphins, and that it anticipates issuing another emergency waiver for the remaining four dolphins when a new facility is found to house them. Gulf World Marine Park has been under scrutiny over the last several weeks and months following the deaths of five dolphins and concerning inspection reports from the USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service. FOX 35 reached out to the USDA on Monday for an update. What they're saying "On May 30, NOAA Fisheries issued an emergency waiver to transport 7 bottlenose dolphins to Marineland Dolphin Adventure in Florida. A separate waiver for the remaining 4 rough-toothed dolphins will be issued as soon as Gulf World makes arrangements with a facility that can receive them," NOAA said in a statement. The seven dolphins have been cleared to be transferred to Marineland Dolphin Adventure in St. Augustine, Florida. That marine park is owned by The Dolphin Company, which owns Gulf World Marine Park and three other facilities in Florida, as well as a number of facilities in Mexico and Central America. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service released a new statement on Monday. "APHIS has been in regular contact with NOAA and continues to work collaboratively with state and federal partners. Facilities are required to notify NOAA regarding the movement of marine mammals." "APHIS takes its mission to ensure the humane treatment of animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) very seriously. We continue to conduct inspections and work with facilities to ensure they are in compliance with regulations under the AWA," a spokesperson said in a previous statement. Enforcement actions by the USDA can include letters of warning, fines, animal license suspensions and/or revocations. The backstory At least five dolphins have died at Gulf World Marine Park in Palm Beach County, Florida, sparking outrage and protests about animal rights activists, and investigations by federal and state agencies, including USDA, FWC, and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. Federal inspection reports note several concerns found within the facility, including dolphin holding tanks filled with algae, broken water filters, lack of shade, and deteriorating facilities. One report notes that a dolphin died during a public show in March 2025, but trainers did not respond quickly due to not being able to see the dolphin at the bottom of the tank due to the level of algae. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has conducted 19 inspections at Gulf World Marine Park since 2014. The most recent inspections were conducted on Jan. 8 and March 4, 2025. Those inspection reports detail a facility seemingly in disrepair: "All the dolphin pools still have an excessive amount of at least 6 inches of algae bloom along all the walls and bottom of pools and clumps of algae floating in pools" - March 4 inspection "When the APHIS inspector was standing above the main pool, looking down into the water, it was difficult to see the dolphins if they are approximately three feet below the water" - March 4 inspection "At the time of the inspection, there is no working filter for dolphin east pool which went down on November 13, 2024. According to staff, the filtration for dolphin west is only functioning at 50 percent" - Jan. 8 inspection "There is an abundance of algae growth in multiple dolphin pools with the inspector scraping algae off a step that was almost 6 inches in length" - Jan. 8 inspection "The facility has lost six maintenance employees in the past three months leaving them with two maintenance employees. Additionally the facility has lost seven animal care employees in the past three months" - Jan. 8 inspection "At the time of the inspection, the penguins had been moved to an indoor room due to colder temperatures. The room where the animals are housed appears to be an storage space with carpet, old sound equipment with cords hanging down the cabinets, paint for crafts in the area, dust and debris throughout the room" - Jan. 8 inspection "The perimeter around the dolphin stadium pool is in the early stages of disrepair with paint flaking off right at the edge of the pool" - Jan. 8 inspection "The facility still has not provided shade over the far side of dolphin east pool where dry guest interactions are done, or the over the main show stage where the dolphins station for food during training sessions with the trainers or during public guest interactions after shows" - Jan. 8 inspection "Along the far wall of the sea lion stadium pool where a seal was swimming, rust is still coming through the wall and running down the wall and into the water" - Jan. 8 inspection FOX 35 Orlando reached out to The Dolphin Company and Gulf World Marine Park on Friday for comment, but did not hear back. According to its website, The Dolphin Company operates 21 dolphin experiences and marine aquariums in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Italy. There are four in Florida: Gulf World, Panama City Marineland, St. Augustine Miami Seaquarium, Miami Dolphin Connection, Duck Key It's unclear if the state's investigation includes the other Florida facilities. USA Today reported that Mexico-based The Dolphin Company filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year. The Source The information in this article comes from statements and/or social media posts from Attorney General James Uthmeier, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, public USDA inspection reports, local and national media reports, and a March 24 news release from the City of Panama Beach.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Governor Greg Abbott Welcomes First Responders to Capitol; Recognizing May 14 as Moral Injury Awareness Day Statewide
-- Texas House of Representatives and Senate Passed the Resolution; Governor Abbott Joins in Supporting Statewide Resolution Recognizing Mental Health; Struggles of Military Members, Veterans, First Responders and Frontline Professionals -- AUSTIN, Texas, May 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Texas Governor Greg Abbott invited first responders and American Warrior Association (AWA) leadership to the Capitol on May 14 to commend the group on its recent launch of R3 Respond, Restore, Resolve, and their commitment to raising awareness of moral injury. Moral injury, a condition distinct from post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs when individuals engage in, witness, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral beliefs, causing feelings of guilt, shame and loss of trust. Moral Injury Awareness Day will be recognized annually in Texas. "Texas will always support our first responders who selflessly serve on the frontlines every day to keep Texans safe," said Governor Greg Abbott. "Texas will now officially recognize Moral Injury Awareness Day to educate people about moral injuries and the impact they have on our first responders. Texas will continue to provide the heroic men and women who answered the call to serve with the resources and support they need to heal from unseen injuries. We are eternally grateful to all first responders who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of their communities and their fellow Texans across our great state." Recently, AWA launched R3 Respond. Restore. Resolve to provide first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. R3, initially launched in March 2024 in Fort Worth, provides first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. To date, R3 has implemented programming with the city of Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments, city of Dallas Fire and Police Departments and DFW International Airport. R3 offers benefits that extend across all fronts. first responders gain access to crucial tools and resources enabling them to address moral injury, ultimately fostering resilience and well-being. For departments and agencies, the program promotes a healthier workforce, leading to reduced absenteeism and improved overall performance and morale. Together, these efforts will directly benefit communities by enhancing officers' mental strength to de-escalate situations; ultimately strengthening relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. About R3/AWA Rooted in Texas, R3 is designed for scalability with the AWA at the helm to ultimately guide its expansion across the nation. The first of its kind, this program serves as a model for addressing first responder wellness, ensuring communities everywhere can benefit from its innovative approach. The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The AWA is dedicated to honoring our Nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. For more information on Moral Injury Awareness Day or the R3 initiative, visit: View source version on Contacts The Collaborative, Susan K. Medina, 817.707.1306 or Brooke Goggans, 617.680.1048
Business Wire
19-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Governor Greg Abbott Welcomes First Responders to Capitol; Recognizing May 14 as Moral Injury Awareness Day Statewide
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Texas Governor Greg Abbott invited first responders and American Warrior Association (AWA) leadership to the Capitol on May 14 to commend the group on its recent launch of R3 Respond, Restore, Resolve, and their commitment to raising awareness of moral injury. 'Texas will always support our first responders who selflessly serve on the frontlines every day to keep Texans safe,' said Governor Greg Abbott. Share Moral injury, a condition distinct from post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs when individuals engage in, witness, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral beliefs, causing feelings of guilt, shame and loss of trust. Moral Injury Awareness Day will be recognized annually in Texas. 'Texas will always support our first responders who selflessly serve on the frontlines every day to keep Texans safe,' said Governor Greg Abbott. 'Texas will now officially recognize Moral Injury Awareness Day to educate people about moral injuries and the impact they have on our first responders. Texas will continue to provide the heroic men and women who answered the call to serve with the resources and support they need to heal from unseen injuries. We are eternally grateful to all first responders who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of their communities and their fellow Texans across our great state.' Recently, AWA launched R3 Respond. Restore. Resolve to provide first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. R3, initially launched in March 2024 in Fort Worth, provides first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. To date, R3 has implemented programming with the city of Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments, city of Dallas Fire and Police Departments and DFW International Airport. R3 offers benefits that extend across all fronts. first responders gain access to crucial tools and resources enabling them to address moral injury, ultimately fostering resilience and well-being. For departments and agencies, the program promotes a healthier workforce, leading to reduced absenteeism and improved overall performance and morale. Together, these efforts will directly benefit communities by enhancing officers' mental strength to de-escalate situations; ultimately strengthening relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. About R3/AWA Rooted in Texas, R3 is designed for scalability with the AWA at the helm to ultimately guide its expansion across the nation. The first of its kind, this program serves as a model for addressing first responder wellness, ensuring communities everywhere can benefit from its innovative approach. The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The AWA is dedicated to honoring our Nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. For more information on Moral Injury Awareness Day or the R3 initiative, visit:
Business Wire
14-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Texas Lawmakers Unite to Recognize May 14 as Moral Injury Awareness Day Statewide
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a united front, both the Texas House and Senate presented official Resolutions proclaiming May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas, marking the state's commitment to raising awareness of the psychological and emotional toll faced by military members, veterans, first responders and frontline professionals. 'Recognizing Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas is a crucial step toward honoring the unseen sacrifices of our military members, veterans, and first responders,' said Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth. Share "Many veterans and first responders carry burdens that are invisible, but no less real," said Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-Fort Worth. "We're called to bear each other's burdens. I'm confident that Texans will gladly and gratefully fulfill that responsibility to the men and women who put everything on the line for the safety of our communities each day. We must ensure our hometown heroes are never left to face these challenges alone." Moral injury, a condition distinct from post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs when individuals engage in, witness, or fail to prevent actions that violate their deeply held moral beliefs, causing feelings of guilt, shame and loss of trust. 'Recognizing Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas is a crucial step toward honoring the unseen sacrifices of our military members, veterans, and first responders,' said Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth. 'By supporting programs like R3, we are not only addressing the silent wounds carried by those who serve but also building stronger, healthier communities across our state. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in bringing attention to this important issue and supporting the mental health of our frontline heroes.' 'I'm grateful for the recognition of R3's tireless work addressing moral injury in Fort Worth through mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual support,' said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. 'This Moral Injury Awareness Day, I urge the state of Texas to continue to prioritize mental health and wellness for our men and women in uniform who selflessly serve our communities every day.' This statewide proclamation aligns with initiatives in cities like Fort Worth, where Mayor Mattie Parker and Fort Worth City Council presented the American Warrior Association (AWA) with a city proclamation last summer recognizing Moral Injury Awareness Day in Fort Worth. The proclamation supports the city's ongoing partnership with the AWA and the recent launch of R3 – Respond, Restore, Resolve, a pioneering initiative addressing moral injury among first responders. Initially launched in Fort Worth, R3 provides first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. The program also aims to reduce absenteeism and increase morale across departments, ultimately improving community safety and relationships. 'We are so grateful for the support of our statewide elected officials in our work toward securing accessible mental health resources for our first responders and veteran communities,' said Anna Heil, executive director of the R3. 'Providing accessible, non-clinical mental health support for our first responders and veterans is more important now than ever and working with a body of elected officials who are willing to act swiftly underscores the need and priority of the work we're doing.' To date, R3 has implemented programming with the city of Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments, city of Dallas Fire and Police Departments and DFW International Airport. R3 offers benefits that extend across all fronts. First responders gain access to crucial tools and resources enabling them to address moral injury, ultimately fostering resilience and well-being. For departments and agencies, the program promotes a healthier workforce, leading to reduced absenteeism and improved overall performance and morale. Together, these efforts will directly benefit the community by enhancing officers' mental strength to de-escalate situations; ultimately strengthening relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. About R3/AWA Rooted in Texas, R3 is designed for scalability with the AWA at the helm to ultimately guide its expansion across the nation. The first of its kind, this program serves as a model for addressing first responder wellness, ensuring communities everywhere can benefit from its innovative approach. The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The AWA is dedicated to honoring our Nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. For more information on Moral Injury Awareness Day or the R3 initiative, visit:
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas Lawmakers Unite to Recognize May 14 as Moral Injury Awareness Day Statewide
State Joins Growing National Movement to Recognize Unseen Wounds of First Responders AUSTIN, Texas, May 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a united front, both the Texas House and Senate presented official Resolutions proclaiming May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas, marking the state's commitment to raising awareness of the psychological and emotional toll faced by military members, veterans, first responders and frontline professionals. "Many veterans and first responders carry burdens that are invisible, but no less real," said Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-Fort Worth. "We're called to bear each other's burdens. I'm confident that Texans will gladly and gratefully fulfill that responsibility to the men and women who put everything on the line for the safety of our communities each day. We must ensure our hometown heroes are never left to face these challenges alone." Moral injury, a condition distinct from post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs when individuals engage in, witness, or fail to prevent actions that violate their deeply held moral beliefs, causing feelings of guilt, shame and loss of trust. "Recognizing Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas is a crucial step toward honoring the unseen sacrifices of our military members, veterans, and first responders," said Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth. "By supporting programs like R3, we are not only addressing the silent wounds carried by those who serve but also building stronger, healthier communities across our state. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in bringing attention to this important issue and supporting the mental health of our frontline heroes." "I'm grateful for the recognition of R3's tireless work addressing moral injury in Fort Worth through mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual support," said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. "This Moral Injury Awareness Day, I urge the state of Texas to continue to prioritize mental health and wellness for our men and women in uniform who selflessly serve our communities every day." This statewide proclamation aligns with initiatives in cities like Fort Worth, where Mayor Mattie Parker and Fort Worth City Council presented the American Warrior Association (AWA) with a city proclamation last summer recognizing Moral Injury Awareness Day in Fort Worth. The proclamation supports the city's ongoing partnership with the AWA and the recent launch of R3 – Respond, Restore, Resolve, a pioneering initiative addressing moral injury among first responders. Initially launched in Fort Worth, R3 provides first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. The program also aims to reduce absenteeism and increase morale across departments, ultimately improving community safety and relationships. "We are so grateful for the support of our statewide elected officials in our work toward securing accessible mental health resources for our first responders and veteran communities," said Anna Heil, executive director of the R3. "Providing accessible, non-clinical mental health support for our first responders and veterans is more important now than ever and working with a body of elected officials who are willing to act swiftly underscores the need and priority of the work we're doing." To date, R3 has implemented programming with the city of Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments, city of Dallas Fire and Police Departments and DFW International Airport. R3 offers benefits that extend across all fronts. First responders gain access to crucial tools and resources enabling them to address moral injury, ultimately fostering resilience and well-being. For departments and agencies, the program promotes a healthier workforce, leading to reduced absenteeism and improved overall performance and morale. Together, these efforts will directly benefit the community by enhancing officers' mental strength to de-escalate situations; ultimately strengthening relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. About R3/AWA Rooted in Texas, R3 is designed for scalability with the AWA at the helm to ultimately guide its expansion across the nation. The first of its kind, this program serves as a model for addressing first responder wellness, ensuring communities everywhere can benefit from its innovative approach. The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The AWA is dedicated to honoring our Nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. For more information on Moral Injury Awareness Day or the R3 initiative, visit: View source version on Contacts The Collaborative, Susan K. Medina, 817.707.1306or Brooke Goggans, 617.680.1048 Sign in to access your portfolio
