Plasencia grows tobacco in both Honduras and Nicaragua and has makes cigars for an extremely long list of companies
after years of being a grower and contract manufacturer
the Plasencia family founded a distribution company named Plasencia 1865 that began to release Plasencia-branded cigars
the company has used the PCA Convention & Trade Shows to introduce new lines
While I did not see a band playing in the corner, there was a stage set up that was used for Plasencia’s formal unveiling of the company’s newest release at a press event that featured singer October London—who has a partnership with the company—and some nifty hydraulics that lowered the cigars from the top of the booth
Plasencia also brought back the bar—albeit located on one end of the booth instead of in the middle of the booth like it was in past years—that served coffee in the morning before switching over to draft beer in the afternoon
Plasencia showcased several new packaging options
including five-pack options for some of the company’s existing lines
the big news was a new line centered around tobacco grown in a very unusual location in Plasencia’s home country of Nicaragua
The new line’s name means “Soul of Heaven” in Spanish
and for good reason: some of the tobacco used in the blend was grown on a farm in the Condega region that is approximately 3,500 feet above sea level
That farm—which is named Finca San Julián—was owned by Melalina Torres
Nestor Andrés Plasencia’s grandmother
the combination of colder temperatures and higher elevation gives the tobacco a unique flavor profile
Plasencia Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Sixto I Tubo
One of the most distinct-looking cigars on the market is getting an equally distinctive protective tube as a new packaging option
The Plasencia Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Sixto I is a 6 x 60 that gets a hexagonal press
he blend details about the cigar remain the same as the untubed version—most notably
the wrapper that has been aged for 10 years—but the tube does add $1 to the MSRP
Plasencia Alma Fuerte and Alma del Fuerte Five-Packs
These five-packs have been available in duty-free and some international markets
smaller format designed for on-the-go cigar consumers
as well as giving retailers some additional options for their shelves
I have worn many hats in my life up to this point: I started out as a photojournalist for the Dallas Morning News and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
then transitioned to photographing weddings—both internationally and in the U.S.—for more than a decade
After realizing that there was a need for a cigar website containing better photographs and more in-depth information about each release
SmokingStogie quickly became one of the more influential cigar blogs on the internet
extremely hard-to-find and expensive cigars
and it was one of the predecessors to halfwheel
Plasencia Cigars proudly announces the debut of Alma del Cielo
meaning “Soul from the Sky,” captures the essence of tobacco grown at Finca San Julian in Condega
situated at greater than 3500 feet above sea level
spent much of her childhood on a family-owned piece of land now named Finca San Julian in Estelí
This unique mountain farmland was a cherished location where Melalina spent many holidays and summer vacations with her family
surrounded by coffee plants and golden grain fields
turning her childhood experiences into cherished but distant memories
Melalina crossed paths with Don Nestor Plasencia at a celebratory gathering in Estelí
Their marriage brought children and successes
but also challenges and difficult decisions
including relocating their operations to Honduras
Don Nestor and his family moved back to Nicaragua and discovered that the beloved farm was available for purchase
Don Nestor acquired the land and gifted it to his wife Melalina
presenting her with this special piece of her childhood as an anniversary gift
stands as a testament to time’s patience and love’s unwavering strength
every tree whispers stories of those who have walked its soil
and the high-elevation fields now flourish with tobacco plants
but the spirit remains untouched—a place where the past and present embrace
The tobacco grown in this field benefits from higher sunlight exposure and cooler climates
resulting in a unique and captivating flavor
Finca San Julian is nurtured by an untouched stream that flows through the farm
“This cigar is more than a product,” said Don Nestor’s son
a reflection of our sustainable farming practices
and of nature at its most generous.” The soil is meticulously nurtured and done so in a manner as close as possible to how Mother Nature does this when on her own
in order to create tobacco that is not only more sustainable
but which ultimately yields a memorable cigar experience like no other in the world
Housed in elegantly designed 10 count boxes
The Alma del Cielo is available in three vitolas
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Susan Plasencia has won a second term representing House District 37
The Orlando Republican kept the seat for the GOP and fended off a well-financed challenge by Democrat Nate Douglas
with all of Seminole County and Orange County precincts reporting
The 465-vote difference between the candidates represents 0.62% of the nearly 75,000 total votes cast in the race
outside the 0.5-percentage-point margin that would trigger a recount
Her lead in the race tightened Wednesday overnight
as more than 38,000 vote-by-mail ballots were counted in Orange County
But it wasn’t enough for Douglas to even force a machine recount
Plasencia’s win came despite Douglas massively outraising the incumbent
Democrats sought to claw back the University of Central Florida (UCF)-centered district from Republican control
He attacked the incumbent’s record on LGBTQ rights
dismantling of higher education and general inaccessibility to constituents as a dramatic failure
Douglas said voters know about what the incumbent stood for and why she should be rejected
“Not once during her time on the campaign trail did she talk about her views on the LGBTQ+ community
But then when she got to the state Legislature
she voted on anti LGBTQ+ legislation,” Douglas said
“Not once did she talk about her views on abortion
Then when it came to the state Legislature
Not once did she talk about bailouts for large insurance companies
She bailed out insurance companies to the tune of $1 billion
The problem is that we currently have a state legislator in Susan Plasencia that is not transparent
and she’s not communicating with voters about where her positions on issues are
took significant issue with that characterization of her record
The Orlando Republican said she has approached her work in the House with a focus on issues that impact her constituents’ lives directly
I promised the voters I would focus my time on issues that would make life better and more affordable for our citizens
“I worked on reforms that are now starting to bring down the cost of property insurance
household items and on professional equipment for tradespeople
I brought back an additional $42.5 million for local roads
schools and assistance for low income and special needs residents like autism
my greatest contributions have been a combination of those listed items that are helping families fight the hardships of inflation
That will also continue to be my priority.”
Both sides spent more than six figures reaching voters in the Orange-Seminole seat
But this is one of a handful of races in the state where the challenger has spent significantly more
Douglas raised more than $273,000 for his campaign
had raised more than $160,000 and was down to $47,000 in the bank
Meanwhile, the incumbent’s Team Plasencia political committee had about $78,000 as of Oct. 28. But Douglas’ Warriors of Change had almost $205,000
Douglas said Plasencia’s vote to dismantle UCF’s diversity
equity and inclusion programs and disrupt curricula to the point of yanking sociology classes from offerings needed to be judged especially harshly by voters
He’s a recent graduate of the University of Florida
He said he understands the needs of all residents in the district more than Plasencia
“I started realizing that a lot of folks in office just aren’t working for working families like my own,” he said
“I decided to take on a role where I became more involved in politics.”
Plasencia said she appreciates Douglas’ passion for politics
but that voters in her district two years ago made their opinion known on the same liberal rhetoric when they elected her over progressive incumbent Carlos Guillermo Smith
but he’s following the same radical playbook the voters rejected two years ago by trying to create a controversy where one doesn’t exist,” she said
Notably, Smith has already recovered from his loss, winning a Senate seat unopposed earlier this year
She also pointed at a radio interview where Douglas said he opposes many of the measures the Legislature did pass to ease consumer costs
“The questions that need to be asked are for Nate: Why does he oppose cutting property taxes for homeowners
Why does he oppose reforming property insurance to bring down the costs?” Plasencia said
The reality is that every idea Nate offers raises the cost of living for the average family
I’m running to make life more affordable for average people
We’ve had enough partisan grandstanding by my predecessor
and I don’t think the voters want to go back to that.”
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a former executive with the liquor giant Diageo
who was named interim ceo in September 2023
There will be a three-month transition period and then Young will continue to serve as an advisor and board member
most recently as the cmo of Catalyst Spirits
a Diageo incubator that is probably best known for Howler Head
he spent more than a decade at Proctor & Gamble
“We are extremely excited to welcome Ed to the Plasencia business as CEO,” said Nestor Andrés Plasencia in a press release
“Our family and partners have enormous confidence that he is the perfect fit to head our efforts to develop and grow our beloved brand to fulfill its potential and keep lighting up souls
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jim for stepping in as CEO when he did and for his ongoing commitment to Plasencia.”
Like Bello, Young once worked for Diageo. Prior to switching industries and joining Davidoff in 2011, Young had a lengthy career at Diageo. Young left Davidoff in early 2021
It’s expected to be an abnormally busy year for chief executive changes. Last month, Davidoff announced that Emanuele Uccellini would become the head of its U.S
a role that had been vacant for nearly one year
2025) — The original version of this story indicated that Glenn Wolfson was excepted to retire in 2025
I am an editor and co-founder of halfwheel.com/Rueda Media
I previously co-founded and published TheCigarFeed
I have written about the cigar industry for more than a decade
covering everything from product launches to regulation to M&A
I handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff here at halfwheel
wearing sweatshirts year-round and eating gyros
CEO of Plasencia 1865 USA stated: “We are excited to announce that our best-seller
is now available in a hexagon-shaped tube presentation
This new packaging adds elegance and convenience
making it perfect for any occasion.”
The Alma Fuerte Sixto I Hexagon was introduced in early 2021 and quickly became a favorite among consumers as it features a unique smoking experience by combining Plasencia’s innovative Hexagon shape with exceptional aged tobacco
the Plasencia team embraced biomimicry with the hexagon shape
inspired by the honeycomb’s ingenious structure which is one of nature’s most efficient and perfect shapes
It offers structural strength and stability
distributing pressure evenly and the hexagonal shape optimizes the cigar’s surface area while maintaining compactness
the Alma Fuerte Sixto I Hexagon features a refined Colorado Claro wrapper that complements its innovative shape
The 6X60 Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto I Hexagon Tubo (MSRP 26.25) is available in 10 count boxes (MSRP $262.50) and an elegantly designed 3 count pack (MSRP $78.75)
Plasencia’s Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Sixto I
which came out in December 2020 and immediately garnered attention for its hexagonal shape
a 6 x 60 Nicaraguan puro that uses a wrapper grown in Jalapa that the company says has been aged for 10 years
It’s a lighter shade than the one used on the original Alma Fuerte line
which gives the Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro a slightly lighter version compared to the original
Pricing for the tubed option is set at $26.25 each
which represents a one-dollar premium over the untubed version
It will be offered in both three-packs priced at $78.75 and 10-count boxes priced at $262.50
The Plasencia Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Sixto I Tubo will be presented at the 2025 PCA Convention & Trade Show
It is scheduled to begin shipping to stores shortly after the show
A spokesman for the company said that he was not able to provide images at this time due to an agreement with another publication but that they would be made available tomorrow
2025) — The company released a press release and images
I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories
it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it
the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together
I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training
as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League
and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League
I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball
I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com
After offering them in international and duty-free markets
Plasencia Cigars is releasing a five-pack option for its Alma Fuerte and Alma del Campo lines for the U.S
the company will be offering four sizes in the new packaging format
two each from the original blend that debuted in 2016 and two from the Colorado Claro blend that came out at the end of 2020:
Both blends are Nicaraguan puros that use a wrapper grown in the Jalapa region
but the Colorado Claro version uses a lighter-colored leaf that the company says has been aged for 10 years
Two sizes in the Alma del Campo line will be offered in the five-packs:
Alma del Campo is also a Nicaraguan puro that uses tobacco grown on the company’s farms
though the company does not indicate the growing regions or varietals of the tobacco
“This offering not only meets the needs of our on-the-go premium cigar consumer but also provides retailers with an excellent opportunity to enhance their merchandising and sales strategies,” said Victor Lilue
Plasencia will be featuring the new packaging option at the 2025 PCA Convention & Trade Show
Plasencia Cigars’ six-sided smoke is getting a six-sided tubo. The hexagonally-pressed Plasencia Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Sixto I will be available in a matching
These tubos will be on display at the PCA trade show in New Orleans and shipping to retailers shortly after
When the cigar was introduced in early 2021, the Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Sixto I was a lighter rendition of the Alma Fuerte Sixto II
which is part of the core Alma Fuerte line and more full-bodied
the Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Sixto I has become the company’s bestseller
Hexagons have long captivated brand owner and fifth-generation tobacco grower Nestor Andrés Plasencia, who called it “nature’s most perfect shape” when he launched the original Alma Fuerte line in 2016
But making a six-sided cigar wasn’t just done for novelty’s sake
giving the cigar six sides optimizes the cigar’s surface area while maintaining compactness
resulting in better combustion and airflow
The blend of the Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro consists solely of Nicaraguan tobacco grown by the Plasencia family
is lighter than that of the core Alma Fuerte line
and Plasencia says it’s been aged for 10 years
the 6-inch-by-60-ring cigar is set to retail for $26.25 each before taxes
The tubed cigars will also come in either 10-count boxes ($262.50)
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Plasencia Cigars is adding a limited-edition salomon size to its Cosecha 151 line that it has created as an exclusive for the Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA)
The cigar measures 6 x 54 and like the other sizes in the line
is a Honduran puro that the company describes as medium to full-bodied
highlighted by a creamy and earthy profile that gets accented by sweet cocoa notes
The company says that this particular vitola offers a new way to experience the blend
adding that it “starts with hints of roasted coffee and pecans
followed by layers of dark chocolate and prunes in the smoke
finishing with subtle traces of cinnamon and oak.”
Pricing is set at $19.50 per cigar and $195 for a box of 10 cigars
Only 500 boxes were produced for the release by Plasencia’s factory in Honduras
The Cosecha 151 line, which was released in November 2023, is named for the 151st crop of tobacco produced by Plasencia’s farms that was harvested in 2016. The company has used the Cosecha name—which is the Spanish word for harvest—for two other lines; the Cosecha 146 used tobacco from the 2011-2012 crop, while the Cosecha 149 used tobacco from the 2014 harvest
Plasencia has previously said that the wrapper used on the Cosecha 151 is similar to the one used on the Cosecha 149
though the 151’s is from both a different harvest and a lower priming
which is due to ship to stores later this month
the line is also offered in three regular production sizes:
Note: The following shows the various Plasencia Cosecha 151 vitolas
Some of these cigars may have been released after this post was originally published
The TAA is a membership group made up of approximately 80 retailers and roughly 40 manufacturers that gathers annually to discuss issues facing the industry and retailers
a unique event that works on a group buying format in order to secure exclusive deals for these generally high-volume merchants
20-24 in Aruba—the organization holds two selling events
where the retailers collectively order to secure larger discounts
while the other is a more traditional trade show
around a dozen manufacturers release new exclusive cigars for the retail members of the organization under the TAA Exclusive Series Program (ESP) banner
Those manufacturers agree to give a portion of the proceeds to the organization
the TAA Meeting & Convention has taken place in the spring
due to a change in dates for the 2024 PCA Convention & Trade Show—which took place in March instead of its normal summertime spot on the calendar—the TAA changed its date for 2024
2024) — The cigar has begun shipping to TAA retailers
a word that has special meaning for cigar smokers
Chinese New Year will ring in the upcoming Year of the Snake on the Chinese zodiac calendar
cigar companies are beginning to announce new releases for the Year of the Snake
Plasencia is the first to incorporate a culebra as part of its release
Each box of the Plasencia El Año de la Culebra Edición Limitada 2025 includes two types of cigars: eight of the cigars are 7 x 40 lanceros
while two of the cigars are twisted into a culebra
Most culebras are made with three cigars twisted together
though this isn’t the first to use the two-cigar concept
but two are twisted together at the factory before being packaged
the cigars are made entirely of Nicaraguan tobacco
The MSRP is set at $490 per box of 10 or $49 per cigar
“‘El Año de la Culebra Edición Limitada 2025 is a tribute to the Chinese Lunar Year
Featuring elegant Lanceros and the unique Culebra
each cigar reflects the artistry and precision of our master rollers,’ said Nestor Andrés Plasencia in a press release
A representative from Plasencia did not immediately return an email from halfwheel seeking comment on the report
This is the fifth consecutive year that Plasencia has made a cigar for the Chinese zodiac calendar
2024) — Added information and images from the press release
Plasencia Cigars has announced that it will be increasing prices across its portfolio on April 21
the company said that the price changes amounted to an increase of an average of 3 percent
“These increases are necessary due to the continuing adverse cost environment in our tobacco growing and cigar production countries but will help to ensure we continue to provide the exceptional quality our customers expect.”
Cigar companies typically adjust their prices once per year
with most companies choosing to do so in the first quarter of the year
Below is a list of companies that have informed halfwheel whether or not they will have changes during Q1 2025
The cigar is available in three vitolas (CELESTE – Robusto (4 7/8 x 52)
BOREAL – Toro (6 1/8 x 54) and AMANECER – Hexágono (6 x 60))
The new cigar was introduced on stage by Jim Young
– who in turn cleared the stage for October London
She learned her journalistic skills from scratch at a regional daily newspaper
for which she wrote articles for many years
Through working for the magazine Der Spiegel in Rome she had the opportunity to increase her professional knowledge in the field of media
Katja studied art history and Romance studies in Heidelberg
The country was her teacher in things related to pleasure and lifestyle
She has been working for Cigar Journal since 2004
Among the GOP’s most surprising legislative wins in 2022 was Susan Plasencia’s upset victory over progressive Rep
But now the Republican incumbent faces a heavily funded challenge from Democrat Nate Douglas for her House District 37 seat
The 23-year-old candidate has massively outraised Plasencia as Democrats seek to claw back the University of Central Florida (UCF)-centered district from Republican control
He sees the incumbent’s record on LGBTQ rights
Douglas said voters know about what the incumbent stands for and why it should be rejected
and she’s not communicating with voters about where her positions on issues are
takes significant issue with that characterization of her record
Both sides have spent more than six figures reaching voters in the Orange-Seminole seat
Meanwhile, the incumbent’s Team Plasencia political committee had about $78,000 as of Oct. 28. But Douglas’ Warriors of Change had almost $205,000
Douglas feels Plasencia’s vote to dismantle UCF’s diversity
equity and inclusion programs and disrupt curricula to the point of yanking sociology classes from offerings will be judged especially harshly by voters
“I started realizing that a lot of folks in office just aren’t working for working families like my own,” he said
but said the voters in her district two years ago made their opinion known on the same liberal rhetoric
Why does he oppose reforming property insurance to bring down the costs?” Plasencia said
“His response was to fix the climate
Matthew Perry's doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez allegedly exchanged text messages wondering how much they can get the "moron" to pay for ketamine
More details about Matthew Perry's death investigation are surfacing
"I wonder how much this moron will pay," Plasencia allegedly wrote in one September 2023 message to Chavez
according to the press conference from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ)
while allegedly adding in another text that he wanted to be Perry's "go to for drugs."
And other defendants in the case allegedly exchanged messages about profiting off Perry's ketamine use as well
The DOJ alleges that Erik Fleming—who pleaded guilty to two ketamine-related charges after admitting to authorities that he distributed the ketamine that killed the 54-year-old—confessed in a text
"I wouldn't do it if there wasn't chance of me making some money for doing this."
And that's not the only evidence prosecutors have shared regarding the doctors' alleged involvement in his passing, which was ruled a drug and drowning-related accident and the result of the "acute effects of ketamine" by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner
According to the DOJ, Plasencia, 42, worked with Perry's assistant Kenneth Iwamasa to distribute approximately 20 vials of ketamine to the Fools Rush In star between September and October 2023 in exchange for $55,000 cash from Perry
Plasencia allegedly sent Iwamasa home with additional vials of ketamine after injecting Perry with the drug and watching him "freeze up and his blood pressure spike."
15 and charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine
seven counts of distribution of ketamine and two counts of altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation
Chavez previously agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine
7 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death
he "admitted to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine without medical training
including performing multiple injections on Perry" on the day Perry died
Noting that Plasencia is one of the lead defendants in the case, U.S. attorney Martin Estrada reflected on Perry's longtime struggle with drug addiction and how his relapse in the fall of 2023 was extorted for the defendants' benefit
"They knew what they were doing was wrong," Estrada said in the press conference
"They knew what they were doing was risking great danger to Mr
these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr
Perry than caring for his well-being."
News has reached out to attorneys for Iwamasa
Chavez and Fleming for comment but has not heard back
You can’t turn around in a store humidor without running into a cigar that was created to commemorate something: an anniversary
However, in 2017, Plasencia released a cigar celebrating something a bit different: a specific crop of tobacco
Named Cosecha 146—Cosecha means harvest in Spanish—the cigar was made up of tobacco from the 2014 crop
The modern Plasencia family has large operations in both Honduras and Nicaragua
it used a Nicaraguan wrapper covering a binder and filler blend of tobacco grown in Honduras
Four years later, Plasencia released a second line—this time named Cosecha 149—dedicated to the company’s 149th crop of tobacco
the line debuted with three sizes and was also Plasencia’s first Honduran puro released under its company name
Earlier this year, Plasencia began shipping a fourth Cosecha 149 vitola carrying the name Cortez
a 5 3/4 x 56 figurado with an MSRP of $18.90 per cigar
It is being rolled at Plasencia’s Tabacos de Oriente factory in Honduras
Note: The following shows the various Plasencia Cosecha 149 vitolas
It seems to me that Plasencia wanted to give consumers two very different choices between the Cosecha blends: the 151 is complex
with significantly more pepper and earthiness
the amount of overt strength in the Cosecha 149 Cortez did impact the balance of the three cigars
albeit to different degrees; when the strength is kept under control—as it was in the final cigar I smoked—this is a much more enjoyable blend
Fans of strength and aggressive pepper should absolutely check this cigar out
but those looking for a more balanced experience should check out the smoother and more balanced Cosecha 151
the Cosecha 149 Cortez incorporates the same tobacco as the rest of the Cosech line: a wrapper from Olancho in San Agustín covering a binder grown in the Jamastran Valley and a filler combination of tobaccos grown in the Jamastran Valley
imposing size and a gorgeous reddish-dark brown wrapper certainly helps the Plasencia Cosecha 149 Cortez stand out from the crowd of cigars I have reviewed lately
There is an abundance of oil on all three cigars
and the black and white with bronze highlights bands contrast nicely against the wrappers
Two of the cigars have very prominent veins—the last cigar is quite a bit smoother in that regard—but all three cigars are nicely firm when squeezed
Slightly sour earth leads the aromas from the wrappers
I pick up a light ammonia scent from the feet of the cigars
nutmeg more sour earth and black pepper all following behind
I pull off the small pigtail to open a channel—more on that in the Final Notes below—and the cold draws are a bit less exciting compared to the aromas from the wrappers and feet
with a creamy oak flavor leading gritty earth
Two of the three cigars feature a fairly strong caramel sauce sweetness as soon as the foot is lit
replaced by a salty leather note combined with black pepper and some slight spice
The profile quickly shifts to include creamy oak and powdery cocoa nibs as the main flavors followed by secondary notes of espresso beans
the retrohale is full of black pepper and raisin sweetness
although the latter note is not strong enough to overcome the former
The flavor ends the first third at medium-full
and the body hits a point just over the medium mark
the draws are excellent and there is a massive amount of smoke coming from the feet
and while the burn lines on all three cigars are far from straight at any point
the final third is a carbon copy of the previous third for all three cigars: dank earthiness for the second cigar and a combination of cocoa nibs and creamy oak for the first and last cigars
while the retrohale has a bit more black pepper and a bit less raisin sweetness
The flavor does not budge—medium-full for my first and last cigars
medium-plus for the second cigar—while the body increases to land at medium-full
while the strength in the first and second cigars easily passes into the full territory
my last cigar remains firmly at medium-full
there are no more burn issues that need to be corrected for any of the cigars
and all three continue to exhibit excellent draws and copious amounts of smoke until their respective ends
Rep. Susan Plasencia will be a Vice Chair on two different committees during the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session
according to newly announced House committee assignments
She is one of several Central Florida Republicans in the House tapped for the leadership roles
Plasencia will serve as the Vice Chair on the Health and Human Services Committee
as well as the Vice Chair on the Civil Justices and Claims Subcommittee
Plasencia, an Orlando Republican, won her second term in November against a better-funded Democratic challenger
Meanwhile, Rep. Rachel Plakon
will serve as the Vice Chair on the Careers and Workforce Subcommittee
Rep. Doug Bankson
will be the Vice Chair on the Student Academic Success Subcommittee
Rep. David Smith
was named the Alternating Chair on the Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight
Carlos Guillermo Smith and Geraldine Thompson were also chosen as Vice Chairs for their committee assignments
Arrington was placed on the Commerce and Tourism Committee
Smith will be on the Criminal Justice Committee
Thompson will serve on the Appropriations Committee for Pre-K-12 education
The 2025 Legislative Session commences March 4 and runs through May 2
House Speaker Daniel Perez has said he is focused this coming Session on prioritizing Floridians’ needs over corporate
In March, Luciano Cigars announced that it was moving production of its Fiat Lux line from its factory in Nicaragua to Plasencia’s Tabacos de Oriente factory in Danlí
those Plasencia-made cigars are beginning to ship to retailers
Fiat Lux debuted at the 2021 PCA Convention & Trade Show as part of the ACE Prime portfolio, a predecessor to Luciano Cigars, which debuted in September 2022. Its blend uses an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper
Luciano Meirelles said that the blend of the cigar will not be changing as part of the move
It will also continue to be offered in four sizes:
the first of which is a Honduran habano Azuacualpa from Plasencia’s San Agustin farm in the Olancho region
while the other is an Ecuadorian Sumatra leaf that is the same leaf found on the original Fiat Lux line
both wrappers are fermented for more than five years and sit atop a Nicaraguan-grown binder and filler
“We are very pleased to welcome Luciano and his family to produce some of their brands in Honduras,” said Nestor Andrés Plasencia
via a press release when the move was announced
“This new production is in line with our strategy to put the name of Honduras on high by manufacturing brands like Luciano’s
This production links the relationship of friendship and respect between the two families who have always been known by supporting the communities where they operate.”
Plasencia Cigars announced today (March 14) that Ibis Luis would be leaving the company after six years as its sales and marketing specialist
and somewhat of a celebrity in the cigar world
“Ibis has been an incredible member of our team
profoundly shaping our brand and forging strong customer bonds,” said company vice president Jose Luis Plasencia
we are thrilled that she will remain with us as a consultant
We eagerly anticipate this new chapter in our collaboration and her journey.”
“Working with the Plasencia family has been an incredible experience
and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities
While I am stepping away from my full-time role
I am overjoyed to continue my connection with them as a consultant
The Plasencia’s have a special place in my heart
and I look forward to contributing to their legacy in this new capacity.”
©2025 Nicotine Resource Consortium
When cigar companies or the people who own them celebrate a major anniversary or a birthday
they release a cigar to commemorate the occasion
though other times it’s a regular production line
the concept is more or less the same: there’s a major milestone and a new cigar(s) for sale
For Néstor Plasencia Sr.’s 75th birthday
Plasencia’s concept is actually quite different
Plasencia Cigars—the family’s cigar brand—is releasing the Nestor 75
While the company is not disclosing blend details
it says that it’s a personal cigar of Néstor Plasencia
but there’s a major twist: they aren’t for sale
Plasencia is sending them to select retailers and others as gifts
nor is there any sort of charge for the cigars
The company says that the cigars are being sent as a gift from the elder Plasencia to those “who have walked this path with him.”
and it inspires us to look back and appreciate all that he has accomplished,” said Nestor Andrés Plasencia in a press release
“His accomplishments in the tobacco industry speak for (themselves.) My father looks forward to recognizing those close to us with these special personal blends.”
The Plasencia family grows tobacco in Honduras and Nicaragua and operates multiple cigar factories between the two countries
the elder Plasencia was born in Cuba and was the driving force in the family’s rise to become a major player in both countries’ tobacco industries
Plasencia is one of the largest growers and suppliers of tobacco for the premium cigar industry and also has its own cigar brand that is best known for the likes Alma Fuerte and Alma del Fuego
While releasing a cigar to mark a major birthday without selling it is incredibly unique
it’s not the first time this has happened
A decade and a half ago, Arturo Fuente did nearly the exact same thing. In 2010, Arturo Fuente sent retailers 10-count boxes of a special Don Carlos robusto wearing 75th bands
The cigars were sent out to celebrate the 75th birthday of Carlos Fuente Sr
and the cigar was the blend that he was smoking at the time
a cigar informally known as the Don Carlos Senior Blend
these boxes were sent to retailers free of charge
Fuente did the same a year later for Fuente Sr.’s 76th birthday but stopped after that
Democrat Nate Douglas has now outraised Republican state Rep
Susan Plasencia by more than $100,000 in House District 37
The Oviedo Democrat hopes to flip the district around the University of Central Florida blue two years after Plasencia unseated an incumbent Democrat
With donor eyes looking past a statewide Primary and toward battleground seats in November
Douglas saw an infusion of about $15,000 in new donations to his campaign between Aug
The Florida Democratic Party also provided more than $10,000 in in-kind support to his campaign
Douglas has now collected more than $238,000 in cash through Sept
not counting nearly $27,000 in support services from the state party
Plasencia saw less than $2,700 in new donations in the post-Primary fundraising period
and her cash total sits at just under $134,000
The Republican Party of Florida has offered the incumbent similar in-kind support
20 Primary passed and more than $26,000 in total
The incumbent has tallied nearly $134,000 in donations over the course of the race
no small sum but much less than her challenger
And even though Douglas’ campaign has spent nearly $52,000 more than Plasencia’s to date
he wrapped the fundraising period with more cash on hand
The Democrat had more than $95,000 in cash on hand in his campaign account as of Sept
while the Republican had just $43,000 in the bank
Plasencia’s Team Plasencia political committee had even less
It reported just $500 in new donations since the start of August
and has raised just over $41,000 the entire campaign cycle
not counting $2,500 in event beverages provided in-kind by communications consultant Randy Ross
Subtract spending and the committee’s account had less than $2,900 cash left on Sept
Meanwhile, Douglas’ Warriors of Change political committee has raised almost $41,000
That’s less than Plasencia’s committee
Through the last reporting period the committee still had more than $38,000 available to use
both candidates will likely see heavy support come from outside committees and their respective state parties
Both sides consider this a frontline district in the November General Election
Plasencia in 2022 won 52% of the vote over Democratic state Rep
a three-term incumbent left by decennial redistricting in a swing seat after developing a reputation as one of the Legislature’s more progressive members
Smith won areas of Orange County he had represented for years
but lost in Seminole County area now included in the district
Smith notably went on to win a safe Democratic Senate seat this cycle with no opposition
more than 52% of voters supported Republican Gov
Senate race between incumbent Republican U.S
Marco Rubio and Democratic challenger Val Demings
with Rubio winning a plurality by about half a percentage point
Plasencia’s victory helped Republicans secure a supermajority in the House
But in the last Presidential Election year
nearly 55% of voters living in the current HD 37 lines supported Democrat Joe Biden
while just 43% voted for Republican Donald Trump
even as Trump won the state’s electoral votes
Trump’s generation is leaving young Americans a mess
This year, Plasencia joined the $100 cigar club with its Alma del Fuego Ometepe Edición Limitada, a limited edition that the company says is the first cigar to use a wrapper grown on the volcanic island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua
The island is home to two volcanoes—Concepción and Maderas—which are connected by a small lowland area
Plasencia named the strand of tobacco Hoja del Fuego
The binder and filler also come from Nicaragua
though Plasencia disclosed neither the regions nor the varietals used
we have successfully grown a wrapper of unparalleled beauty in Ometepe
Nicaragua,” said Néstor Andres Plasencia in a press release
“The island of Ometepe is of great significance to our family as it has been to the Indigenous peoples of this region
We celebrate this achievement with the Plasencia Alma del Fuego Ometepe Edición Limitada.”
The cigar is a 6 x 54 box-pressed torpedo that comes in a glass tubo with a two-piece
Pricing is set at $100 per cigar and $2,000 per box
The company says that those boxes can be used as a humidor
though it does not appear that any humidification comes with the box
nor is there an immediately apparent place for humidification to go
There is a center spot that contains a piece of folded leather with the Plasencia logo on it; it’s a spot that looks like it was intended to be home to a cutter and lighter
it’s an empty space that is covered by a piece of thick leather that has a description of Ometepe on the back
This is not the first time the Plasencia has used tobacco from Ometepe, as the regular production sizes of its Alma del Fuego line use tobacco from the island for one of its two binders and part of the filler
while the wrapper comes from the Jalapa region
Getting to the Plasencia Alma del Fuego Ometepe Edición Limitada requires navigating the piece that is keeping the cigar in the tubo
which looks like one piece but is two held in place by magnets
The lower part—which has Edición Limitada printed on it
is held in place by magnets in the upper ring
packed just about right with minimal room for wiggle
but nothing adding friction to the slick exit from the glass
I’m inclined to think that the bands have some effect on this statement
but the wrapper leaf has an impressive reddish hue to it
though I can see some slight variance above and below the seam lines
but the larger ones tend to have a lighter color around them
something commonly seen on tobacco leaves but something that feels just a touch more prominent here
I’ve always found the box-pressed torpedo to be an interesting shape
something that looks like it was based on anything from a fence post to a church steeple or a flourish on a mid-century skyscraper
The cigars are firm and don’t quite have the pillowy density of other box-pressed cigars but are remarkably consistent from head to foot as well as from side to side and front to back
The foot has a sweet aroma that reminds me of a few things
while the second reminds me of a rosé but with pepper and the third has a subtle aroma of a bag of frozen mixed berries
The first two also have some mixed berry undertones but they never quite take the lead from the lead aroma
but I do get a very light touch of dried herbs in the first two cigars
A conservative clipping of the head offers a very smooth draw on all three cigars
and a bit of apricot puree in the very background
The most pronounced part of the cold draw is the tingle I get from the contact with the tobacco
The first puffs have a dry black pepper that is the first sensation to register on my taste buds
with a smooth creaminess right behind to envelope the pepper
There is a subtle pepper in my nose on retrohales
but it does feel a bit more intense than average and thus gives a suggestion to the Ometepe tobacco that is known for packing a punch
though it’s not distinctive enough to have me guessing where it’s from
it just slides into the conversation without contributing anything profound
entering the chat without fanfare but contributing a bit more than the earthiness
I am a bit perplexed to find that the cigar dries out my lips but not the rest of my mouth
almost as if the tobacco wanted me to find a tube of lip balm
body is medium and strength is medium-minus
and smoke production solid yet not overwhelming
Retrohales and the start of the second third are both surprisingly mellow and refined
with a touch of pepper and earth but nothing that is aggressive and certainly nothing that would suggest the flavors and aromas of a volcanic island
The flavor doesn’t have any suggestions of Ometepe either yet
staying fairly mellow with a touch of dry earth and some pepper
while the creaminess is less than a factor than before
There are some puffs where I get a combination of cocoa powder and black coffee
hitting my taste buds as separate flavors and not intertwined in any way
let alone anything that would suggest a mocha
Retrohales are a bit drier at the midpoint
a change that costs them a bit of refinement but doesn’t affect how relatively mellow they are
My lips are still drying out as this section comes to a close
while body is medium and strength is still mild
A few relights are needed in this section across the three cigars
It’s not too long into the final third of the Plasencia Alma del Fuego Ometepe Edición Limitada that I realize that this section is where the cigar is going to get down to its real business
as it is becoming abundantly clear that the first two thirds were mere entrees to this section
dare I say more Ometepe-ish with some robust earth and a bit of roughness that hasn’t been present
It’s a pronounced change in a fairly singular direction
The combustion rate really slows down in this section
including getting to points where I have to relight the cigar
I can’t tell quite how much this might be affecting the profile of the cigar
as relights don’t seem to throw the progression too much off the course it had been on
steadily adding more robust earth and pepper
The cigar continues to produce hearty amounts of peppery smoke
and it’s in the final inches that I can feel some of the effects of some nicotine
While the combustion issues are consistent across the three cigars
and there’s decent amounts of smoke produced when the cigar is burning
2024) — Added info about the number of boxes
As someone who enjoys the regular production Plasencia Alma del Fuego line
I was quite curious just what the Ometepe Edición Limitada would offer
What I found was a much more refined profile that starts off with a subtle expression of flavors
keeping the earthiness and pepper fairly mellow through the first half or maybe even two-thirds of the cigar
The final third sees the flavor really come alive
and while it's not quite as strong or lively as the regular production line
it's easier to make the connection between the two cigars in that final third
As I have had to write far too often this year
combustion issues hurt the cigar's performance
I'm also left to wonder if some time out of the tubos and in a standard humidor might have helped the cigars deliver a better performance and thus a better score
I'm certainly intrigued to see what some rest will do to these as I already have it on my calendar to revisit them down the road
It seems like this has the makings of a very good cigar showing off tobacco from one of Nicaragua's more unique growing regions
but might just need a bit more time to fully deliver on its potential
The history of the Plasencia family’s work with tobacco is fascinating and long
It starts in 1865 when Eduardo Plasencia left the Canary Islands and started growing tobacco in Vuelta Abajo
The family remained in Cuba until 1963 when their tobacco farms were confiscated during the Cuban revolution which led Sixto Plasencia Pérez and his family to flee Cuba for Mexico
the family relocated to Nicaragua and started another tobacco business
those farms and factories in Nicaragua were taken over again in 1978
this time by the Nicaraguan government as a result of the Sandinista revolution
and the family was forced to move to Honduras
the Plasencias moved back to Nicaragua and now have tobacco farms and factories in both Honduras and Nicaragua
The man who led the family to that place was Néstor Plasencia Sr
Earlier this year, Plasencia Cigars announced it would be releasing a new cigar to honor Néstor Plasencia Sr.’s 75th birthday
the cigar is a personal blend smoked by Plasencia himself
creating cigars for major milestones—for a company or for a specific person—is a time-honored tradition in the cigar industry
The vast majority of those releases follow a somewhat similar pattern: they are announced
and they are sold for whatever price the company sets for them
unlike virtually all of the past anniversary creations that have been released
That is because Plasencia sent them to select retailers and others as gifts
The company says that the cigars are being sent as a gift from the elder Plasencia to those “who have walked this path with him.”
While the company has not released any information on the blend of the Néstor 75
we do know that it is a 7 x 50 Churchill vitola and there were 750 boxes gifted
and it inspires us to look back and appreciate all that he has accomplished,” said Nestor Andrés Plasencia
“His accomplishments in the tobacco industry speak for (themselves.) My father looks forward to recognizing those close to us with these special personal blends.”
including dark brown wrappers that are silky smooth to the touch and spongy when squeezed
each cigar has a small number of protruding veins
two of the three cigars have small soft spots located in different spots: one is just under the secondary band while the other is halfway between the foot and the bands
with sweet earthiness leading creamy leather
baker’s spices and light vanilla bean sweetness
Peanuts dominate the scents coming from the feet of two cigars—my last cigar features more cedar than nuts—followed by dark chocolate
raisin sweetness and a slight note that reminds me of varnish
That varnish note is quite a bit more evident on the cold draws—albeit
not in an unpleasant way—along with sawdust
Flavors of anise and black pepper lead off the profiles of the Néstor 75 cigars
but the profile is quickly overtaken by new main flavors of creamy almonds and dry saltine crackers
cinnamon and roasted peanuts show up a various points
while the retrohale is full of rich molasses sweetness and a touch of black pepper
the first cigar features a light but noticeable flavor that reminds me of suntan lotion
although it is only present for a few puffs before disappearing for good
but the body and strength barely hit a solid medium by the end of the first third
There are no issues whatsoever with the construction of all three cigars
wavy—but not bad enough to need corrections—burn lines and smoke production all work together
the profile shifts as flavors of plain popcorn and roasted peanuts take over the profiles
followed by secondary notes of toasted bread
There is an uptick in the amounts of both black pepper and molasses sweetness on the retrohale for two of the cigars—my first cigar stays about the same in that regard—while
a new spiciness shows up on my tongue for all three cigars
but the strength increases enough to land a point just over the medium mark
There is no change in the draws or smoke production
but one of the cigars does need a bit of help with my lighter on two separate occasions to stave off further issues
The final third features main flavors of peanut butter and creamy hay
along with secondary notes of plain oatmeal
While the amount of black pepper on the retrohale remains the same compared to the second third
the sweetness on two of the cigars shifts to a honey note and the last one still features a flavor that reminds me of molasses
those same two cigars—the first and last ones—retain the spiciness on my tongue
but around the time the final third begins
the body does not budge from a solid medium and the strength ends at a medium-plus
the construction mirrors the first third instead of the second third
meaning all three cigars continue to give me no issues at all until I am finished with them
the Néstor 75 is one of the better releases I have smoked and a worthy creation for such an auspicious anniversary
The profile includes a multitude of flavors and plenty of transitions and—other than a couple of minor burn corrections on one cigar in the second third—the construction was excellent across the board
The TimesThe trial of an alleged drug dealer and a doctor accused of supplying Matthew Perry with ketamine has been delayed
were charged last year with conspiracy to distribute ketamine
Prosecutors in Los Angeles alleged that they were part of a network that supplied the Friends star with drugs before his death in October 2023
The actor, who battled addiction for much of his life, was found dead in his pool. A coroner’s report found he had died from the “acute effects of ketamine”
Jasveen Sangha is on remand until the trial
which had been due to start on March 4Three other people charged in relation to Perry’s death
SALVADOR Plasencia - who has been charged in the drug death of Friends actor Matthew Perry - is still running his clinic after renewing his medical license
Exclusive photographs of Plasencia show him leaving his Malibu Urgent Care center this month just weeks after his blockbuster trial was pushed back
who is facing a maximum of 120 years in prison
seemed to be going about life as normal as he was seen opening the back door to the clinic and heading to his car
He is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine
and two counts of altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation into Perry's death
The doctor pleaded not guilty to the charges last August and was released on a $100,000 bond
Documents filed with the Medical Board of California show he is listed as a physician and surgeon and has renewed his license since the arrest
a court order is in place and limitations have been placed on his practice
The order requires Plasencia to place a disclaimer on the clinic's door outlining the case
which was seen displayed in photographs obtained by The U.S
Patients must also sign a form acknowledging they know the case is pending
Both the notice and the form must state that Plasencia has surrendered his DEA registration and is not able to prescribe any controlled substances.
He later returned to the clinic hours after it had closed and was wearing a blue baseball cap
carried a black backpack and was seen holding a large bottle of juice and a stack of letters as he made his way back into the building
The doctor was at the clinic for most of the day and had a female receptionist working for him
Attorney's Office alleges Plasencia and four other defendants took advantage of Perry's addiction as they sold and administered ketamine
Dr. Mark Chavez, a drug-middleman Erik Fleming, and Perry's personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa
have all admitted their role in the tragedy
Chavez has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine
while Fleming has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death
Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death
The three were granted bail and will appear in court for sentencing in the coming months
Jasveen Sangha
who police claim was nicknamed "The Ketamine Queen of North Hollywood," and Plasencia have pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine
Sangha is also additionally charged with one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises
one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine
and five counts of distribution of ketamine
Sangha and Plasencia were set to appear at a joint trial beginning next month
Perry, 54, died in October 2023 from "acute effects of ketamine" and subsequent drowning, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office autopsy report
His death was ultimately ruled an accident
including other contributing factors such as drowning
and respiratory depression caused by ketamine
found him unconscious in his hot tub at his home in the Pacific Palisades
The full story of Perry's death and the five arrested is the subject of the new Peacock documentary, Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy
Attorney Martin Estrada previously revealed Plasencia allegedly write in a text message to Dr
"I wonder how much this moron will pay."
The doctor's lawyer previously spoke about his arrest and how he plans to fight the charges
"At the end of the day, Dr. Plasencia was providing medical treatment to Mr. Perry," attorney Stefan Sacks told ABC affiliate WABC-TV
"He was operating in good faith under what he believed was his duty and whether or not there was a lapse in judgment in retrospect
it doesn't negate the fact that he was pursuing this with the best of medical intentions."
Plasencia's lawyer also said the doctor may still see patients both in person and via tele-health
"depending on what the patient actually needs."
prosecutors announced a slew of charges stemming from the tragic overdose death of Friends star Matthew Perry
Here are the five individuals allegedly behind Perry's ketamine crisis
Plasencia graduated from medical school at the University of California in 2010 and has not been subject to any disciplinary actions
The Medical Board of California previously told CNN both Placencia and Chavez are under investigation by the board
Placencia is believed to be legally married
although it is not known if the couple is still together or has any children
Documents show the pair still own a home in Agoura Hills that they bought in May 2021 for $920,000
The couple also owns a $300,000 single-level four-bedroom property in Arizona which was bought in 2020 and has not been listed for sale since
EVENT TO TAKE PLACE AT THE NEW OPENED BLACK LEAF CIGAR & WINE LOUNGE IN ST
is thrilled to announce a special collaboration with Grammy award-winning R&B singer October London
This unique event will be held at the newly opened Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge located at 237 2nd Avenue South
VIP ticket holders will enjoy early access at 7:00 PM
with general admission starting at 8:00 PM.
known for its rich heritage and exceptional quality
has been a pioneer in the tobacco industry for over five generations
The brand's dedication to excellence and innovation aligns perfectly with October London's passion for music and premium cigars
This partnership brings together two iconic brands that share a commitment to craftsmanship and a love for creating memorable experiences
an avid cigar enthusiast will be the guest of honor at the event bringing his signature "Old Soul" musical style to a luxurious and soulful experience featuring cocktail sampling
and of course Plasencia's finest blends. Special Feature: Custom hat maker Daytona Mimosa will be onsite
crafting one-of-a-kind custom hats for purchase
October London expressed his excitement about the collaboration
"This partnership with Plasencia Cigars allows me to share my love of premium cigars and passion for music
I look forward to creating a wonderful evening for the St
ABOUT OCTOBER LONDONThe 2025 Grammy award winning October London captivates audiences with his blend of classic R&B and modern soul
Discovered by Snoop Dogg and signed by Death Row records
October London has quickly become a standout artist in the industry
known for his smooth vocals and timeless sound
often compared to the likes of Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield
resonates with listeners through its authentic emotion and rich melodies
the Plasencia family has been growing tobacco and making cigars for five generations
It all began with Don Eduardo Plasencia emigrating to Cuba to start growing tobacco
Plasencia is one of the world's leading growers of first-class tobacco
harvesting more than 4,000 acres in Nicaragua and Honduras
For more information, visit: www.plasenciacigars.com
and follow @PlasenciaCigars on social media
Media Contact:Gabriel Pineres7865417411[email protected]
teams up on select dates and locations with acclaimed Billboard..
Entertainment
Music
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Multimedia & Internet
Do not sell or share my personal information:
Some Florida lawmakers expressed their desires to save arts organizations that might shut their doors without an influx of state dollars
while others worried about their return on investment
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ $32 million line-item vetoes stripped away funding for local theater groups
Now, a House work group is one of several convening to review line-item vetoes from the 2024-25 budget DeSantis signed last year
The Republican-controlled Legislature has resisted the Governor following a clash over immigration policies
In a whirlwind 20-minute meeting on Tuesday, the House Combined Workgroup on Vetoed Libraries
Cultural and Historical Preservation Budget Issues did not make any decisions or give firm direction on what
Rep. Susan Plasencia
a Republican from Orlando chairing the group
said they have two more meetings to finish reviewing the vetoes by Feb
“This is an important part of our system of checks and balances,” she said as she emphasized reinstating the money is a member-driven process
and the panel debated how they should prioritize to decide whether state funding gets reinstated and what loses out
“I think we need to look at our cost-benefit
but what are we investing and what are we getting back for the citizens?” said Rep
“Are we using taxpayer money wisely?”
The Dade City Republican said he worried about money ending up in consultants’ pockets or being spent to redo a city hall
which he argued shouldn’t be paid by the state
Lindsay Cross warned that DeSantis’ funding cuts involving relatively small amounts of money could significantly impact arts organizations
“A lot of these organizations are working on a pretty shoestring budget,” the St
“Twenty thousand dollars from the state in lost funding could mean that a whole program has to go under.”
Rep. Daryl Campbell argued that the state needs to prioritize history
“It’s not just about people coming in and learning the history
but it’s also about our future,” the Democrat from Fort Lauderdale said
Plasencia Cigars announced that Edward “Ed” Bello will become its chief executive officer effective April 1
at which time he will work with current CEO Jim Young for three months to ensure a smooth transition
Young will then continue as an advisor and board member
Most recently Bello was the CMO of Catalyst Spirits
Prior to that he spent nearly 15 years with Diageo in the alcoholic beverage industry and 13 years at Procter & Gamble
“I am delighted to join Plasencia Cigars and am excited to help the company fulfill the amazing future that the Plasencia brand clearly possesses. I am humbled that the Plasencia family place their trust in me to lead this effort and the amazing team already in place
I look forward to working closely with the family
with Jim and with the team to fulfill the promise that the Plasencia brand clearly holds.”
the Plasencia family has been making cigars and growing first-class tobacco
today harvesting more than 4,000 acres in Nicaragua and Honduras
2023 from an accidental overdose of ketamine
Benett/Dave Benett/Getty; Malibu Canyon Urgent Care
FIVE people have been arrested over Matthew Perry's overdose death - including a doctor who treated me just four weeks ago
Dr. Salvador Plasencia
was among the suspects named this week by the Department of Justice after a months-long investigation
He has been charged with illegally conspiring to supply ketamine to the star who was found unresponsive in his hot tub before being pronounced dead on October 28
I have covered Perry for years as a journalist, breaking his relationship with ex-fiancee Molly Hurwitz and writing at length about his addiction issues
But it wasn't until I began to dig into Plasencia
that I made a horrifying discovery - not only had I met him before
but I'd been treated by Perry's 'killer' doc
Plasencia at an urgent care facility just last month - and he'd given me the creeps
I'd called ahead of time to see if they were open and told them I was in pain after being given the wrong antibiotics by another doctor.
We went in and were greeted by a man at reception who I remember thinking at the time seemed very stoic.
We chatted for some time about the pain I was in and I remember also mentioning I was a journalist.
and the whole interaction felt 'off.'
After filling out forms and heading into a private room the same man then appeared in a white coat and joked he was not just the receptionist
I found this incredibly odd and had never been to a medical office with only one staff member
It was honestly like a scene from a psychological thriller where the local barman is also the postman and the priest
It was odd but we just laughed it off at the time and Dr
P examined me before writing up a prescription for new antibiotics
When we went back to the reception area we chatted a little longer and asked him why he was the only staff member there
mentioning it was likely a good way to save money running the place on his own
and the whole interaction felt 'off'
We spoke with him some more and I asked about certain aspects of the decor in the office
and a little house ornament a friend had given him
Each comment was met with a blank expression
even when we joked we would return for Ozempic next time
my partner and I spoke at length about the visit and I mentioned he made me feel uncomfortable
He also told me felt the situation was very strange
I still have a record of the visit with a credit card payment of $50 on July 20
When I realized who I'd been treated by and read the sweeping indictment I felt slightly sick
it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end
After the news broke of the doctor's arrest
"Clinic will be closed for today sorry."
I spoke to local business owners along the road
P as friendly and said he'd been treated by him just 10 days ago and he seemed to be in a normal mood
All were shocked by the news that someone who runs a business just doors away could be caught up in such a big drug scandal
P lives with his wife in a modest home in nearby Agoura Hills
Nobody was home when I visited the house late Thursday and there were no cars in the drive
One neighbor said it was a "very sad story" but she wasn't aware of the doctor's arrest
Another said she saw it on the news that there'd been a development and texts were revealed from Dr
"I'm now glad we don't know him."
Law enforcement also claims he texted another suspect saying
"I wonder how much this moron will pay
Let's find out," referring to Perry
You are meant to be able to trust your doctor and those who treat you in an emergency
and it's unsettling to think what he may have been up to after hours
P would allegedly distribute ketamine to Perry
he met with the star and his live-in assistant
at a parking lot in Long Beach to inject him
P allegedly administered a “large dose” to Perry
which prompted an “adverse medical reaction.”
Perry's body is said to have frozen up while Dr
The claims emerged on Friday in documents pertaining to a plea deal taken by Perry’s former live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and obtain by Rolling Stone
The agreement claims Perry asked Iwamasa to “shoot me up with a big one” on the day he died
P still left “additional vials of ketamine” for Iwamasa to give Perry
The doctor's website states he "is a primary care physician trained in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics."
"His experience treating patients ranges from newborns to senior citizens
Having worked as an Emergency Room physician
he also has experience dealing with urgent medical issues."
"We are physician-owned and operated which is important because this means that all decisions in the management of this clinic put the patient's health first
He is accused of distributing about 20 vials of ketamine to Perry between September and October 2023 in exchange for $55,000 in cash
Plasencia is facing one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine
and two counts of altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation
Prosecutors said Plasencia saw it as an opportunity to profit off of Perry
"He [Plascenia] also stated in text messages that he wanted to be Mr. Perry's sole source of supply for drugs," Martin Estrada, the US attorney for the Central District of California said
Plasencia pleaded not guilty and was released after posting bail
CBS reported he is allowed to continue his medical practice but a judge ordered that he have all patients sign a form showing the charges he is facing
"It was nothing that rises to the level of criminal misconduct."
Other suspects named in the federal indictment were San Diego doctor Mark Chavez, Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's live-in assistant; broker Mark Fleming, and accused drug dealer Jasveen Sangha
Los Angeles investigators said they "took advantage of Perry's addiction to enrich themselves" with the doctors charging the actor $2,000 for a vial of ketamine that cost them $12
pleaded not guilty and will be held without bail at least until her next hearing on October 15
while Sangha is looking at a life sentence
all agreed to plead guilty to an array of drug charges
Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to treat depression and anxiety
It was during this time that he became addicted to ketamine, Drug Enforcement Agency administrator Anne Milgram revealed on Thursday following the investigation
"When clinic doctors refused to increase his dosage he turned to unscrupulous doctors
who saw Perry as a way to make quick money," Milgram said
"As Matthew Perry's ketamine addiction grew
who sold the ketamine that ultimately led to his death."
It's a sad outcome in the star's story and will be interesting to see how the case turns out in the coming months
Salvador Plasencia pleaded not guilty to distributing the drug that caused the Friends star’s death last year
A doctor accused of illegally supplying ketamine to the Friends star Matthew Perry before his accidental overdose death last year plans to return to his medical practice as soon as this week
Dr Salvador Plasencia’s attorney confirmed to NBC News that the physician plans to resume practicing at the urgent care clinic he operates in Calabasas, a city in the San Fernando valley in Los Angeles county.
Last week, Plasencia pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and was released on a $100,000 bond. A judge overseeing his case ruled that he must display a sign on the door of his clinic informing potential patients of his pending court case.
Read morePlasencia’s patients are also required to sign a form asserting that they understand the allegations against him and consent to treatment on every visit
Prosecutors claim that Perry was injected with ketamine at least 20 times in the days before his death from intoxication and drowning in a hot tub in October of last year
to “shoot me up with a big one” and get the hot tub ready
The assistant gave Perry the dose and left the home to run errands
Prosecutors allege that Plasencia provided ketamine to Iwamasa
He is also accused of giving injections of the drug to Perry himself and teaching the assistant how to give them
Perry had been undergoing ketamine treatments to treat depression but is believed to have sought alternative sources of the drug when the clinic involved began to restrict doses
Prosecutors said the actor had been obtaining the drug illegally outside his scheduled doses as part of an “out-of-control” addiction
The drug is popular as an alternative treatment
with users extolling a sensation of going down a rabbit hole into an egoless state
Iwamasa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing a death and of administering injections without medical training
Perry had a scheduled ketamine infusion with a doctor on 14 October
the assistant had contacted Plasencia for more of the drug and the doctor agreed to meet at Perry’s home and administered a “large dose of ketamine”
But Perry had a reaction to the additional dose and his body began to “freeze up”
Plasencia left additional vials of ketamine for the actor at his home
and instructed Iwamasa to contact another supplier
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Court-released texts appear to show that Plasencia received ketamine from another physician charged in the case
Chavez is alleged to have submitted a fraudulent prescription for ketamine for Plasencia to pass along to Perry
Iwamasa has said he bought about $55,000 worth of ketamine in the month before Perry’s death from multiple sources including
Chavez allegedly sold Plasencia at least four vials of liquid ketamine and ketamine lozenges for $2,000
In a September 2023 text to Chavez, Plasencia described his visit to Perry’s home as being “like a bad movie”. After a visit to the actor’s home a month later, Plasencia wrote to Chavez: “[If] today goes well we may have repeat business.”
“Let’s do everything we can to make it happen,” Chavez allegedly replied.
Plasencia and Chavez also discussed how much to charge Perry, according to court documents. “I wonder how much this moron will pay,” Plasencia texted Chavez. Chavez allegedly replied: “Let’s find out.”
Now facing felony charges, Dr. Salvador Plasencia is forbidden by the Drug Enforcement Administration from prescribing controlled substances, but he can, under certain conditions, continue to practice medicine, according to federal officials.
He has surrendered his DEA registration number, according to a sign posted Wednesday on the door of Malibu Canyon Urgent Care. The sign noted that he “still maintains a medical license issued by the State of California.”
Ciaran McEvoy, a spokesman for U.S. Atty. Martin Estrada’s office in Los Angeles, said Plasencia and another doctor charged in Perry’s death — Mark Chavez — have both surrendered their DEA licenses and therefore “cannot prescribe controlled substances.”
According to the state medical board, Plasencia’s medical license is active through October.
California
In announcing arrests in the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry
authorities unveiled a disturbing narrative of the weeks leading up to his final day
The 42-year-old physician, known as Dr. P., was charged last week in the October death of the “Friends” star, along with Chavez, Perry’s live-in personal assistant and two alleged drug dealers.
Plasencia is facing one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of distribution of ketamine and two counts of altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation. If convicted, he faces 10 years for each ketamine-related charge and 20 years for each falsification charge.
Despite the charges, Plasencia is allowed to continue practicing medicine, his attorney, Stefan Sacks, told The Times.
“The conditions are that he disclose in writing the existence of the pending federal case, and the fact that he cannot prescribe controlled substances. Patients are then required to sign a written consent form for treatment,” Sacks said. “So basically the requirement is disclosure and informed consent.”
On Wednesday, a woman approached the Calabasas clinic, read the notice on the door regarding the charges against Plasencia and then quickly returned to her vehicle.
Sacks said he would not comment further on the charges against Plasencia until he receives discovery from the U.S. attorney’s office detailing the allegations against his client. The physician has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released in lieu of $100,000 bail. He is due back in court in October.
Federal authorities have filed drug charges against five individuals
in connection with the death of ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry
Perry, 54, was found dead in the hot tub of his Pacific Palisades home on Oct. 28. He died from “acute effects of ketamine,” according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office
Plasencia is accused of acquiring the ketamine for Perry and acting outside the scope of professional practice
Authorities say he not only distributed the drug that killed the actor
Iwamasa is accused of giving Perry the fatal dose
Perry, who had long been open about his challenges with drug and alcohol addiction
had sought treatment for depression and anxiety before his death
going to a local clinic where he became addicted to intravenous ketamine
When clinic doctors refused to increase his dosage
In late September, about a month before Perry’s death, Plasencia learned the actor was interested in obtaining ketamine, a legal medication commonly used as an anesthetic, according to charging documents in the case. The drug can be abused recreationally, with users drawn to it for its dissociative effects.
After learning of Perry’s interest, Plasencia contacted Chavez, who previously operated a ketamine clinic, to obtain the drug to sell to the actor, authorities said. In text messages to Chavez, Plasencia discussed how much to charge Perry for the ketamine, stating, “I wonder how much this moron will pay” and “Lets find out,” according to court records.
Medical and law enforcement officials say the wealthy are financing the ketamine black market while more prescriptions and specialized clinics are emerging.
In the weeks that followed, the doctors distributed 20 vials of ketamine to Perry for $55,000 in cash, charging him $2,000 for a vial that cost Chavez $12, according to federal prosecutors and court records.
Court records show that by mid-October, Iwamasa also began obtaining ketamine for Perry from Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” and Hollywood producer Erik Fleming, who provided the drug at a lower cost than the doctors were charging. Sangha sold about 50 vials of the drug to the actor, with Fleming delivering the product, for $11,000, authorities said.
Like Plasencia, Sangha, 41, is facing charges that include conspiracy to distribute ketamine, distribution of the drug resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute and altering and falsifying records related to a federal investigation, according to the indictment.
Fleming, 54, pleaded guilty this month to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death.
Iwamasa, 59, pleaded guilty to a count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. He also admitted injecting Perry with ketamine without medical training, including performing several injections on the actor the day he died, authorities said.
Richard Winton is an investigative crime writer for the Los Angeles Times and part of the team that won the Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2011. Known as @lacrimes on Twitter, during almost 30 years at The Times he also has been part of the breaking news staff that won Pulitzers in 1998, 2004 and 2016.
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Salvador Plasencia is among five charged on drug-related offenses in connection with the 'Friends' star's death
Malibu Canyon Urgent Care; Mark Sagliocco/Getty
With its trickling fountain and cloistered courtyard
in Nicaragua seems more like a monastery than a factory
Workers holding tobacco quietly walk from one end of the covered quadrangle to the other
all the noise of Estelí outside of these four walls has been neutralized
It’s equally tranquil in the rolling gallery
where cigarmakers toil at every table as though they’ve taken a vow of silence
and then another until the rustling of tobacco stops and suddenly
everyone is banging their metal chavetas against the table tops
It’s applause and one of the most endearing sounds anyone in the cigar industry can hope to hear
Wearing a woven Panama hat and close-cropped beard
Plasencia smiles and nods in appreciation before circulating around the room to inspect some cigars
Every boss wants to be loved and respected
Plasencia seems to have all three in the perfect amounts
This isn’t just Nestor Plasencia Sr.’s kid anymore
skipping around the factory like a carefree heir apparent
so I had to wake up earlier than everyone,” Plasencia says after his inspections are over
He’s smoking a thick robusto and sipping a cafecito in a small lounge he built on the other side of the courtyard
you’ve most likely smoked tobacco grown by the Plasencia family—whether you know it or not
The company is easily the largest grower of premium tobacco leaf in Central America and sells cigar tobacco to most of the major cigarmakers in the handmade sector
In addition to its massive growing and brokerage operation
Plasencia Cigars maintains factories in both Honduras and Nicaragua
producing more than 45 million cigars a year
Most of the cigars are for third-party companies
but a good number are Plasencia’s own brands
The elder Plasencia shows little signs of slowing down
while the younger has done all he can to bring the company into the 21st century
“He’s the big boss in charge of everything
says of his father with wide-eyed emphasis
The energy that he still has—I get tired when I go with him to the farms
He’ll drive for two hours to one farm all in the same day.”
is a fifth-generation tobacco man who splits his time between Honduras and Nicaragua overseeing his family’s vast network of tobacco farms and cigar factories
which produces about seven million cigars a year
is only a small part of Plasencia’s operation
the line that transformed him from a farmer who also happens to make cigars to a legitimate producer in the premium arena
Plasencia-branded cigars have scored in the 90s repeatedly
and have made several appearances on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 list
nobody in Central America grows more tobacco for the premium cigar industry than the Plasencia family
his company supplies leaf to about 70 percent of the premium cigar industry
“All the big guys,” he says matter-of-factly
(which owns 20 percent of Plasencia’s company)
Plasencia not only has a portfolio of its own brands
but produces many third-party brands such as Alec Bradley
who has some of his Honduran cigars rolled in a Plasencia factory
Beauty is rarely a consideration when building a cigar factory
but the monastic feel of Plasencia Cigars in Estelí was by design
“We built this together with Dannemann in 1996,” Nestor Jr
a European company known for machine-made smokes
wanted to get into the premium side of the business
The two companies partnered in a short-lived venture
so we built it together and we were going to make cigars for a distribution company that they had in the United States
Then they decided to get out of premium and focus on cigarillos
so we bought their part of the factory and took it over in the early 2000s.”
Like many tobacco growers in Central America and the Caribbean
the Plasencias started producing tobacco in 1865
but they didn’t grow their first crop in Nicaragua until 100 years later
After fleeing Cuba in the 1960s when the Castro regime nationalized Cuba’s cigar and tobacco industries
Like so many disenfranchised tobacco growers in Cuba
The story is almost biblical—an exodus and a genesis
one candela and something else Cuban seed,” he says of his family’s venture
“The Sandinista government forced my father out so he started from scratch in Honduras
I love his determination and I respect that guy so much.”
When the Sandinista regime took over Nicaragua in 1979
it nationalized the agricultural industry and seized the country’s tobacco farms
Manufacturers could still produce cigars in Nicaragua but they couldn’t farm the land and were forced to purchase tobacco directly from the government
which concentrated on volume over quantity
an outbreak of blue mold laid waste to Nicaragua’s wrapper production
Familiar with revolutions and the ramifications of government takeovers
the tides turned in 1990 when the Sandinista government was voted out of office and Violeta Barrios de Chamorro was voted in
Nicaragua had amassed $12.5 billion in debt while only having a gross domestic product of $1.8 billion
a lot of people were reclaiming their land
The government was willing to give back some land in order to restart the economy
Though understandably a little suspicious of the new government
Plasencia’s father had enough incentive to start a Nicaraguan cigar factory in 1994 in Ocotál
but he still kept all the operations he’d established in Honduras
“He wanted to diversify so that all his eggs were not in one basket,” Nestor Jr
He also subsidized farmers—we’d give technical assistance and then buy the crop
knew from childhood that he’d be joining his father in the tobacco business
he graduated from the Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School in Honduras in 1998
he went to work with the family business immediately after
the Plasencias grow more than 4,000 acres of tobacco in Nicaragua and Honduras
They plant a variety of strains such as Corojo
but the majority is a Criollo hybrid they developed
“It’s a phenotype that we like,” he explains
“We crossed it with Criollo ’92 and Corojo
We look for disease resistance and a leaf that can adapt to climate
We use a slightly different type in Jalapa because the climate is different
The idea is to put the seeds where they’re most comfortable.”
This tobacco is best expressed in Plasencia’s Alma Fuerte series
It was released in 2016 and rolled with his Criollo hybrid from different areas of Nicaragua
taken from the company’s large library of leaf stock
an inventory estimated at seven million pounds
The cigars in the line got the attention of this magazine
but none were as visually striking and balanced as the Generacion V—a Salomon that tapers out at the bottom and peaks at the top with a beautiful belicoso head
Alma Fuerte translates to “strong soul” and it was more than just a high-scoring cigar for Plasencia
brokering leaf to the industry and making cigars for other companies
namely the Plasencia Reserva Organica in the early 2000s
When Plasencia decided to go into his tobacco archives for Alma Fuerte more than a decade later
he put together a masterpiece and had his first truly serious premium cigar
Then we started growing organically in Estelí
but had a clearer understanding of what the market wanted
Plasencia had taken over distribution with the formation of his own company
“Everyone was afraid to bring new things to the market because of FDA regulations
but I said we’re going to do it and invest in the brand
People in the industry discouraged it because it was very expensive and nobody knew the name.”
releasing more cigars under the Alma series: Alma del Fuego
Alma del Campo and Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro
but all the cigars have one thing in common: well-aged tobacco
all the tobacco in Alma Fuerte is at least 10 years old
Definitions of organic can vary and the term has become overused
but the Plasencia Reserva Organica (renamed Reserva Original) is made only with tobacco grown with organic fertilizers and a complete shunning of synthetic pesticides
Plasencia considers himself to be an eco-conscious agronomist
The whole operation is far from being completely organic—one plot here
another plot there—but this is the ultimate goal
His first foray into growing tobacco organically was
“I didn’t know anything,” he says with a laugh
“The tobacco grows so fast so it needs a lot of nutrition
The tobacco stayed little and yellow and full of pests
My father said I was crazy and that it wouldn’t work
When I found vermicompost is when everything changed.”
Vermicompost is essentially earthworm manure
It’s expensive and time-consuming to produce
it’s a secret ingredient of sorts and one that gives his tobacco some distinction
The yields are low and it’s more expensive to grow organically
but Plasencia believes that the resulting tobacco is of high quality
Though Nicaragua is the hot country right now—it’s the leading exporter of premium cigars to the United States—Honduras continues to quietly expand
Plasencia grows more tobacco in Honduras than he does in Nicaragua and produces more cigars in his Honduran factories than he does in Estelí
Honduras is the home of Plasencia’s Cosecha series
the most distinguished Honduran cigar brand in his portfolio
he leverages his huge inventories of aged tobacco to define the cigars
Each vintage-specific line only uses tobacco from banner years
and is made up of tobacco from the 2011-2012 crop
The La Vega size made Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 list of 2020 at 93 points
The all-Honduran Cosechas 149 and 151 followed (the La Musica size scored 92 points)
Few companies are in a position to release blends of such specificity and Nestor Jr
sees the Cosecha series as a chance to showcase Honduran leaf
“Honduras doesn’t have the recognition it deserves,” Nestor Jr
He divides each month between Nicaragua and Honduras
sometimes treacherous mountain roads of the Pan-American Highway north every other week to join his father who oversees the factory and field operations
Even the slightest veer could mean a head-on collision
a crash into a jagged mountain wall or plummeting off a cliff
He still sees things I miss and he feels things
but he thinks I spend too much money.” Nestor Jr
takes a big puff and laughs a bit before adding: “He’s from another generation.”
has gained an innate instinct for tobacco that only decades in the fields can impart
the word “retirement” is never part of the conversation and he seems to have no intention of stepping away from farm or factory life
“I never thought when we left Cuba that we were going to have a company like the one that now exists,” he says
“I feel very blessed because thanks to hard work and the help of a great team
we have been able to get to where we are right now.”
had always intended his son to be part of the business and Jr
I used to take Nestor Andrés to the farms to observe and work so that he would become interested in tobacco
just as my father did with me,” recalls Nestor Sr
we have been directly involved in tobacco and it really fascinates us
I can say that Nestor really did learn quickly because he liked it very much and then went to study agronomy
The question now is whether or not there will be a sixth generation of tobacco men working in the Plasencia family
And will they ever be able to go 100 percent organic
and most of the employees have gone home for the day
“I am very blessed with four wonderful children and I do the same thing my father did with me
I’ve taken them from a very young age to the farms and factories
The older ones also accompany me to cigar events
I would be very happy for them to get involved in the business but only if they are happy and passionate about it
They should never feel like they have to do it out of obligation
My biggest goal is for my children to be happy
But I am sure that already the sixth generation of the family has a lot of love for tobacco.”
Cigar Aficionado managing editor Greg Mottola met with Erik Espinosa at the magazine’s New York City …
Managing editor Greg Mottola went to see Foundation Cigar Co.'s Nick Melillo at his colorful office …
New owners Vandermarliere have doubled production while maintaining quality
Cigar Insider’s managing editor Greg Mottola sat down with Pedro Balgañon
Veteran cigarmaker and tobacco man Eladio Diaz and Freud Cigar Co
Cigar Insider’s Greg Mottola sat down with Arthur Berberian to talk about his distribution business …
Questions concerning obituaries should be directed to the Tracy Press advertising department at tpads@tracypress.com or 209-830-4260
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Matthew Perry's doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez surrendered their registrations to prescribe drugs after being charged for their alleged involvement in the Friends alum's death
Matthew Perry's doctors won't be able to prescribe medication anymore
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirmed to E
News reached out to Chavez's and Plasencia's attorneys for comment but has not heard back
In an Aug. 15 press conference, the Department of Justice revealed that Plasencia and Chavez were among five people who have been accused of "profiting off" Perry's longtime struggle with drug addiction and charged for their alleged involvement his passing
7 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.)
with Plasencia allegedly writing at one point
Plasencia—who has not publicly entered a plea and was released on bond on Aug
including one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine
the 42-year-old could face up to 30 years in federal prison
he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and faces up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted
“Two things come to mind [about how to celebrate him]: one of them is to donate to drug treatment centers—let’s fight the disease,” Kauffman told The Times
“And the second way is to watch Friends and remember him not as a man who died like that but as a man who was hilariously funny and brought joy to everybody.”
A San Diego physician is expected to plead guilty Friday in the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry
is scheduled to appear in a federal court in Los Angeles on charges of conspiring to distribute ketamine
The powerful anesthetic has been connected with the overdose that killed Perry in October
Earlier in August, Chavez reached a plea deal after he agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors investigating others charged in the case, such as Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, according to Newsweek
Chavez is the third person to plead guilty in the case
Perry's live-in assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, 59, pleaded guilty Aug. 7 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office
Iwamasa admitted to injecting the doses that killed Perry
Iwamasa found the “Friends” actor dead in his hot tub Oct
A medical examiner in December ruled the primary cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine
a 54-year-old director and producer from Hawthorne
8 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death
Chavez is accused of getting the ketamine from his former clinic and a wholesale distributor using fraudulent prescriptions
Chavez allegedly supplied the drug to Plasencia
who is accused of selling it to Perry for $4,500
who is accused of being the dealer who gave Perry the lethal dose
both pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial
Nicknamed the "Ketamine Queen," Sangha allegedly used her Los Angeles home to store and distribute ketamine and methamphetamine
Perry used ketamine as a legal but off-label treatment for depression
The actor sought an amount of ketamine that exceeded what his doctor would give him
who allegedly asked Chavez to obtain the drug
“I wonder how much this moron will pay,” Plasencia allegedly texted
Chavez and Plasencia took advantage of Perry’s history of addiction and provided him with “amounts they knew were dangerous,” U.S
Attorney Martin Estrada said when he announced the charges on Aug
Perry’s struggles with addiction dated back to his time on “Friends."
who played Chandler Bing on the popular 1994-2004 NBC sitcom
and the Big Terrible Thing,” that he used ketamine “to ease pain and help with depression.”
Ketamine is a powerful substance classified as a dissociative anesthetic
In the 1970s the FDA approved its usage in medical settings to induce anesthesia
It has also become a popular party drug known as "special K."
people can experience a wide array of effects
Authorities have also cited it as a commonly used “date rape” drug
Dave Mason covers East County for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at dave.mason@vcstar.com or 805-437-0232
This story features previous reporting by Steve Dorfman of the Palm Beach Post
SEMINOLE COUNTY
Susan Plasencia is up against Democrat Nate Douglas for the Florida House of Representatives’ District 37 seat
Florida House District 37 covers part of Seminole County
largely east of Oviedo and south of Geneva
as well as a modest portion of Orange County that’s north of State Road 50 and between State Road 436 and Lake Pickett
Plasencia unseated Carlos Guillermo Smith in 2022 to win her first term
Democrats see this as an important seat to win back as they try to break the Republican supermajority in the Florida House
We asked each candidate a series of questions. Review their answers below to help inform your decision in the Nov. 5 election
[RESULTS 2024: Complete Coverage | Voter Guide for the Nov. 5 election | Here are the 6 amendments that will be on the Florida ballot in November]
Website | Facebook | Instagram (X not available)
I bring both public and private experience to the office
I have two years of legislative experience and have successfully secured $42.5 million to our district for traffic relief and infrastructure improvements
veteran housing and aid for mental health and special needs individuals
I have co-owned our family business and created local jobs in the entertainment industry
I am full time employed with the Realtors Foundation to bring more attainable housing to more people in Central Florida
I have learned to navigate our healthcare system and have helped many do the same
My office makes this a priority when it comes to constituent service
Inflation and the cost of living is of utmost importance
I am doing my part to bring down the cost of homeownership by reforming property insurance laws and automobile insurance
Florida has some of the highest in the nation
Florida now has eight new insurance providers due to recent reforms I supported
More competition should start bringing down the cost of insurance
We also need to make some additional changes to Condominium Association regulations to give owners hit with sudden high special assessments by giving condo owners more time and possible access to low or no interest loans
we must invest in job training for higher paying jobs and continually improve our schools with increased teacher pay to attract the brightest and best
My vote will always be to fight for our citizens
I believe it’s essential to hold insurance companies accountable and ensure they are acting in the best interest of Floridians
I would support reforms that help rein in skyrocketing costs of health
we have adopted some reforms that have attracted more insurance providers
giving Floridians more options and competitive pricing
Prices have stabilized recently and will hopefully start to fall
A lot will of course depend on recent hurricanes
I have been advocating for higher reimbursement rates for Medicaid
That would give Medicaid recipients more doctor and health care options
This issue is now in the hands of the people
It no longer matters what elected officials think because the future direction of our state on abortion will be decided directly by the voters at the ballot box
I trust Floridians and will honor their decision at the ballot box
As the Executive Director of the Orlando Regional REALTOR Foundation
I am passionate in our efforts to attract more affordable and attainable housing options
I work in this space every day and understand the challenges Floridians face
I will continue my support of the Hometown Heroes Program
which is helping families with down payment assistance and closing costs
I will also continue to fight to protect the Sadowski Fund
which helps to increase the supply of affordable housing
I support keeping the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) allocations as they were originally intended
tourists contribute significantly to our local economy
generating sales tax revenue that benefits every citizen in our county — amounting to an estimated $7,500 per person annually
This influx of outside dollars helps fund essential projects like roads
Changing the TDT could risk harming Central Florida’s largest economic engine
We must protect the investments that benefit our community without placing additional burdens on residents
Another option that could be considered to help with infrastructure needs could be a car rental fee
Website | Facebook | X
On the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District
I fought to protect our land against overdevelopment and keep our water supply clean
This involved working with numerous other county officials and boards
My specialization in data science and policy research experience also helps me understand how to utilize data in a way that benefits the constituents of HD37
Housing affordability and property insurance
and education are some of the biggest priorities facing our district
We need to allow local governments to find the best ways to lower rent costs and expand insurance and reinsurance markets in the state
Florida’s legislature needs to fully implement Amendment 4 without undermining it and restore the rights to abortion access
there is no room for the state legislature in the doctor’s office with a pregnant woman and her doctor
Florida’s public schools are currently losing $4 billion in taxpayer funds due to irresponsible subsidies for private education
and ensure that every child gets quality education regardless of ZIP code
I would vote no on the $1 billion bailout and the bill stripping away a homeowner’s ability to hold their insurance provider accountable
We need to address the issues surrounding insurance companies’ ability to drop homeowners or raise premiums due to climate-related disasters and deal with the anti-competitive practices used by both insurance and reinsurance markets
I would vote NO on the 6-week near total abortion ban
This is a choice between a woman and her doctor
Allow local governments to pass stabilization ordinances and invest in affordable housing
Address zoning laws that make it difficult to build affordable housing
I would absolutely support allowing local communities such as Orange and Seminole counties to invest their Tourism Development Taxes on issues such as public transit
I would even suggest a pilot program for counties such as Orange where this is implemented
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after an impressive career in the Beverage Alcohol industry
Ed spent 13 years with one of the world’s most prominent FMCG companies
he led the Luxury Spirits business unit in North America for Diageo following senior roles leading the company’s global marketing efforts in both the whiskey and vodka segments
which included managing the iconic Bulleit and Ketel One brands
Following the very strong and consistent growth of the Plasencia brand since its launch in 2017
Ed will lead in the effort to take the business to the next level
Ed commented: “I am delighted to join Plasencia Cigars and am excited to help the company fulfill the amazing future that the Plasencia brand clearly possesses
I am humbled that the Plasencia family place their trust in me to lead this effort and the amazing team already in place
with Jim and with the team to fulfill the promise that the Plasencia brand clearly holds.”
Nestor Andres Plasencia commented: “We are extremely excited to welcome Ed to the Plasencia business as CEO
Our family and partners have enormous confidence that he is the perfect fit to head our efforts to develop and grow our beloved brand to fulfill its potential and keep lighting up souls
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Plasencia Cigars has triumphed over adversity to become the respected brand it is today
Few industries have maintained the commitment to quality, craftsmanship, age-old tradition and authenticity like the cigar industry
Plasencia Cigars is one of the leading lights: a five-generation family business that since 1865 has been honing not only its craft
but its resilience against cutting corners
The story of Plasencia Cigars is one that’s beset by hardship
from escaping not one but two revolutions to dealing with tobacco harvest losses that could have ended production entirely
It’s a tale of triumph over adversity that has led Plasencia Cigars to become one of the largest tobacco growers and cigar makers worldwide
One element that separates Plasencia Cigars from the competition is the way the brand works alongside nature, rather than against it. One of the company’s flagship cigars — the well-aged Alma Fuerte — takes its cues from bees and is painstakingly crafted into a hexagonal shape
and we are the only company that makes a hexagonal cigar,” said fifth-generation family member Néstor Plasencia
As well as following nature’s path in cigar construction
the brand is dedicated to the organic production of tobacco
This includes utilizing 50% less water in its farming and following tested organic methods such as planting beans
corn and sunflower to help return nitrogen to the soil without the use of chemicals
“We are the only company in the world to produce organic-certified tobacco for premium cigars,” said Néstor
“We understand how to take care of our crops; we understand the cycle; we know how to enrich the soil and how to get the best tobacco with the most flavor
Since the company was founded in 1865 by Don Eduardo Plasencia, the family has witnessed over 150 harvests across Cuba
a level of dedication that can only be found through a real passion for tobacco production
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This passion runs not only through the production of cigars and the preservation of the natural environment
but also in the nurturing of the people the company works with
By providing education for the children of its workers
Plasencia Cigars is setting up future generations for success
blending the soul of a fifth generation family business with a dedication to the natural environment and nearly 160 years of experience
plasenciacigars.com