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Global Kratom Coalition Commends Florida for Extending and Expanding Its Ban on Concentrated Synthetic 7-OH and Its Synthetic Derivatives

Washington, DCState Enforcement Now Captures a New Wave of Lab-Made Synthetics. Natural Kratom Leaf Remains Legal

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The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today commended Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier for signing an emergency rule that extends the state’s action against concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and, for the first time, expands it to capture a new generation of synthetic derivatives engineered to bypass the AG’s August 2025 emergency rule.

Effective June 22, 2026, Florida’s rule schedules concentrated synthetic 7-OH alongside its lab-made analogs — including concentrated mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15), and 9-fluoro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-16) — as Schedule I controlled substances. The action closes the door on synthetic products that bad actors have rushed to market in order to bypass the synthetic 7-OH emergency scheduling rule.

While natural 7-OH occurs in only trace amounts in the dried kratom leaf, the novel concentrated synthetic products targeted by this rule bear little resemblance to the plant. Unscrupulous manufacturers isolate and synthesize these compounds into hyper-concentrated, ultra-potent products — sold as tablets — that can be up to 13 times more potent than morphine. Florida’s rule protects access to natural kratom leaf by requiring that any legal product contain no more than 1 milligram of these substances per gram, with at least 100 times as much natural mitragynine as 7-OH — a standard that unadulterated leaf meets on its own.

“Florida is once again leading the country by going after the synthetic products fueling the fourth wave of the opioid epidemic— not the natural kratom leaf that more than 23 million Americans have relied upon for decades,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “What makes today’s action so important is that it doesn’t stop at concentrated synthetic 7-OH. By scheduling the new lab-made derivatives, Florida is shutting the door on the next wave of synthetics, staying one step ahead of these unscrupulous manufacturers.”

Florida’s action builds on the Food and Drug Administration’s July 2025 recommendation to schedule concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products under the Controlled Substances Act. Both the FDA and the Attorney General’s office have made clear that these measures do not target natural kratom leaf, which has been consumed for centuries and presents minimal health concerns.

“These are not kratom. They are concentrated, chemically engineered opioids dressed up to look like a natural supplement,” Lowe added. “We commend Attorney General Uthmeier for protecting Florida’s families and consumers, and we urge other states to follow his lead — drawing a clear line between the natural kratom leaf and the synthetic drugs being sold in its name.”

The Global Kratom Coalition applauds Florida’s leaders for using their enforcement authority to hold illicit companies accountable and urges other states to follow Florida’s lead in distinguishing natural botanicals from the dangerous synthetic products masquerading as them.

To learn more about the Global Kratom Coalition and its mission, visit www.globalkratomcoalition.org

About the Global Kratom Coalition

The Global Kratom Coalition is dedicated to ensuring that natural kratom remains safe, accessible, and responsibly regulated, while protecting consumers from the dangerous, concentrated synthetic products that distort the public’s understanding of the kratom leaf. The Coalition advocates for science-based policy that clearly distinguishes natural kratom leaf from synthetic 7-OH and its derivatives. To learn more, visit www.globalkratomcoalition.org.

Untitled design 12 1 Global Kratom Coalition Commends Florida for Extending and Expanding Its Ban on Concentrated Synthetic 7-OH and Its Synthetic Derivatives

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Guardian Fire Services Completes Acquisition of Houston Fire & Security

Nashville, TN  Guardian Fire Services, a national leader in fire and life safety services, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Houston Fire & Security, a provider of commercial fire protection and security systems and services to Houston and the surrounding area. Founded in 2000, Houston Fire & Security has forged a reputation as […]

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Guardian Fire Services, a national leader in fire and life safety services, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Houston Fire & Security, a provider of commercial fire protection and security systems and services to Houston and the surrounding area.

Founded in 2000, Houston Fire & Security has forged a reputation as a trusted provider of life safety services to local customers, founded in reliability and local expertise.

The investment marks Guardian’s expansion into Texas and strengthens its position as a leading comprehensive fire protection and life safety services nationally. The investment will complement Guardian’s existing services, by incorporating Houston Fire & Security’s suite of fire alarm, sprinkler, extinguisher, and kitchen hood services into its offering.

Ray Misfeldt, CEO of Guardian Fire Services, said:

“At Guardian, we believe the best way to serve our customers is by partnering with exceptional local companies that share our commitment to quality, safety, and service. The acquisitions of Houston Fire & Security and Midwest Protection Services expand our presence in two important markets and strengthen our ability to deliver world-class fire and life safety solutions. By combining trusted local relationships with Guardian’s investment in people, technology, and operational excellence, we are building a national platform that sets a new standard for our industry. We look forward to continuing this growth with the support of Investcorp.”

Guardian’s investment in Houston Fire & Security is its third add-on investment since Investcorp’s North America Private Equity acquisition of the business in December 2025.

Vincent Bonoan, Founder of Houston Fire & Security, also added:

“After 26 years of building this company, choosing the right partner for its next chapter was deeply important to me. Guardian Fire Services stood out through their leadership, integrity, and genuine respect for our people. I’m confident our employees, customers, and legacy are in trusted hands, and I’m excited about what the future holds as part of the Guardian Fire Services family.”

Notably, earlier in July of this year, Guardian also acquired Midwest Protection Services guardianfireholdings.com , a leading Omaha, Nebraska-based provider of fire and life safety solutions for commercial customers. That acquisition also strengthened Guardian’s presence in the Midwest and expanded its ability to deliver comprehensive fire and life safety coverage to customers throughout the greater Omaha region.

Tim Rozmajzl, Co-Founder, Midwest Protection Services also stated:

“Guardian Fire Services is the right partner for Midwest Protection Services. Their commitment to quality, customer service, employees, and long-term relationships aligns closely with the values that have guided our business for more than 20 years. Together, we can build on the trusted local service our customers expect while leveraging Guardian’s resources to support continued growth and an even stronger future.”

 

1 3 Guardian Fire Services Completes Acquisition of Houston Fire & Security

 

About Guardian Fire Services

Guardian Fire Services provides nationwide fire and life safety solutions, including system installation, inspections, testing, monitoring, maintenance, and emergency support. Guided by its philosophy of National Fire and Life Safety. Local Expertise, Guardian Fire Services operates through a growing network of local partner companies, each maintaining deep community relationships and technical proficiency while benefiting from the scale and support of a national platform. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Guardian Fire Services serves commercial, industrial, healthcare, and educational customers across the United States, 24/7.

For more information, visit guardianfireholdings.com

Media Contact Details
William Lockhart
Corporate Marketing Manager
Email: Send Email
Phone: +16159813006
Website: guardianfireholdings.com

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Puppy Playground Named “Versatile Product of the Year” in the 2026 Pet Innovation Awards

Alexandria, VirginiaThe Alexandria company’s modular dog play system earns recognition for adaptable, commercial-grade design trusted in more than 12,000 facilities worldwide

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The Alexandria company's modular dog play system earns recognition for adaptable, commercial-grade design trusted in more than 12,000 facilities worldwide

Puppy Playground, the maker of modular dog playground equipment used in more than 12,000 facilities worldwide, has been named Versatile Product of the Year in the 2026 Pet Innovation Awards.

The award, presented by the Independent Innovation Awards, recognizes products across the pet care industry for creativity, usability, safety, and real-world impact. Puppy Playground took its category for one idea it has refined since 1994. Play equipment should bend to fit the dog and the space, not the other way around.

 

Puppy Playground 2026 Pet Innovation Award Press Release 2 Puppy Playground Named "Versatile Product of the Year" in the 2026 Pet Innovation Awards

 

Every piece connects through the company’s Bone Connector system. Staff set each ramp, stair, tabletop, or platform onto hidden plastic connectors that lock them together. The pieces release in seconds. A full layout can come apart, get cleaned, and go back together as something new in minutes, which is exactly what a busy daycare floor needs when turnover and sanitation never let up.

The equipment is molded from commercial-grade polyethylene, with rounded edges, non-slip surfaces, and non-porous finishes that resist bacteria and withstand years of weather and daily use. The system is made to order in the USA and scales from the Mini Series for puppies and small dogs to the PRO Series for large breeds.

Because the Mini and PRO lines share the same connectors, a facility can start with a few pieces and expand to dozens without replacing what it already owns.

 

Puppy Playground 2026 Pet Innovation Award Press Release Puppy Playground Named "Versatile Product of the Year" in the 2026 Pet Innovation Awards

 

The company’s story goes back to 1988, when the Bessette family bought a run-down boarding kennel in Ormond Beach. Six years in, they had traced most of the behavior problems they saw to two causes: too much unspent energy and too little socialization. The group play areas they built to solve both became the foundation of the business Puppy Playground is today.

About Puppy Playground

Puppy Playground has designed and manufactured commercial-grade dog playground equipment since 1994. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, the company builds modular, made-in-USA play systems that support exercise, confidence, and socialization for dogs in daycares, boarding facilities, shelters, and homes worldwide. Learn more at Puppy Playground.

Media Contact Details
Jennifer Villa
MJI Marketing Agency
Email: Send Email
Website: mjimarketing.com

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Valtorc International is proud to offer our USA fabricated METAL SEATED 3 WAY BALL VALVES

Kennesaw, Georgia  Valtorc International : USA Manufacturing Operations Valtorc international USA manufacturing operations has announced the completion of their new High Performance 3 Way all 316     Stainless Steel METAL SEATED ball valves.S372M series. These High performance 3 way ball valve packages, are being used in various industries worldwide. Chemical plant operations, Oil and Gas […]

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Valtorc International : USA Manufacturing Operations

Valtorc international USA manufacturing operations has announced the completion of their new High Performance 3 Way all 316

 

valtorc international is proud to offer our usa fabricated metal seated 3 way ball valves Cl6F1Z Valtorc International is proud to offer our USA fabricated METAL SEATED 3 WAY BALL VALVES

 

Stainless Steel METAL SEATED ball valves.S372M series. These High performance 3 way ball valve packages, are being used in various industries worldwide. Chemical plant operations, Oil and Gas refineries, Food Processing plants, Water treatment facilities , and many other manufacturing plants worldwide. We are very proud of our engineering team, for the production and implementation, and fabrication of this high performance package. These packages are available in sizes from 1/2″” to 2″, in all stainless steel material, All packages are available with Pneumatic or Electric automation. Or can be used manually if required. We are very excited to promote these High quality packages, and are looking for qualified customers and distributors worldwide to help us promote these packages …

Valtorc International P.O. Box 1928 Kennesaw Georgia 30156

Call us. 770-423-7100

A J Bental

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.valtorc.com

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