Governor Scott Eliminates Sales Tax on Manufacturing Equipment

Contact: media@eog.myflorida.com media@eog.myflorida.com> (850) 717-9282

Governor Scott Eliminates Sales Tax on Manufacturing Equipment
-Marks Legislative Victory at Tampa Manufacturer-

TAMPA – Today, Governor Rick Scott signed HB 7007 into law, his legislative priority that eliminates the sales tax on the purchase of manufacturing equipment. The Governor signed the bill in Tampa at Heat Pipe Technology Inc., which designs and supplies energy recovery technologies to commercial air-handling equipment manufacturers.

Governor Scott said, “I am honored to sign HB 7007 today which will eliminate taxes on the purchase of equipment to encourage manufacturing companies like Heat Pipe to grow in Florida and strengthen our economy. Manufacturers in Florida have been disadvantaged and not on a level playing field because we were one of few states that taxed the purchase of manufacturing equipment. By removing the tax on manufacturing equipment, Florida businesses will now be able meet their full potential and finally be able to effectively compete against other states and countries. Today is a great victory for Florida families.”

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Governor Rick Scott’s Focus on Job Creation and Cutting Taxes for Florida Manufacturers

Contact: media@eog.myflorida.com\
(850) 717-9282

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING…
Governor Rick Scott’s Focus on Job Creation and Cutting Taxes for Florida Manufacturers

Secretary of Commerce and president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Gray Swoope said, “This is great news for the state! The unemployment rate continues to drop, private-sector jobs continue to increase and our economic development efforts continue to be successful. I commend the Governor for his diligence in helping to create the perfect climate for business in Florida.”

Nancy Stephens, Executive Director, Manufacturer’s Association of Florida said, “The Manufacturer’s Association of Florida wants to thank Governor Scott for his focus on manufacturing in Florida. Our goal is to make Florida the best state for manufacturing, and this bill will give many companies new opportunities for expanding their manufacturing potential. Manufacturing companies will now have the ability to provide more jobs in high-skilled positions. The signing of HB 7007 will not only benefit manufacturing but will lead to creating jobs in other economic sectors.”

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County by County Allocations for the Conference Report on SB 1500

Good afternoon,

Please find county by county allocations for the 2013 budget attached.

Thanks,
Ryan

County by County Allocations 2013-2014

Ryan P. Duffy
Communications Director
House Speaker Will Weatherford
Florida House of Representatives
(850) 717-5618
Ryan.Duffy@myfloridahouse.gov

I-595 Express Corridor Traffic Impact Report: May 19, 2913 – May 25, 2013

Samara Sokol, (954) 789-4731
ssokol@corradino.com

I-595 EXPRESS CORRIDOR TRAFFIC IMPACT REPORT:
May 19, 2013- May 25, 2013

Sunday, May 19- Friday, May 24
One lane of the eastbound off ramp to Nob Hill Road will be closed nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

One lane of eastbound I-595 between Hiatus Road and Nob Hill Road will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and two lanes will be closed nightly from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.

One lane of westbound SR 84 between Davie Road and Nob Hill Road will be intermittently closed nightly from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Two lanes of University Drive, in each direction, at the I-595 overpass will be closed nightly from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.

One lane of eastbound I-595 between University Drive and the Florida’s Turnpike overpass will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and two lanes will be closed nightly from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.

One lane of westbound I-595 between SR 7 / US 441 and Davie Road will be closed from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and two lanes will be closed nightly from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The ramp from westbound SR 84 to westbound I-595 and Florida’s Turnpike will be closed nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Motorists will be detoured to northbound SR 7 / US 441, make a U-turn on Riverland Road at the signalized intersection, and continue to westbound I-595 and Florida’s Turnpike.

Two lanes of Florida’s Turnpike, in each direction, between Griffin Road and Hollywood Boulevard will be intermittently closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. beginning Sunday, May 19 and ending Wednesday May 22 and two lanes of southbound Florida’s Turnpike between Griffin Road and Hollywood Boulevard will be closed from 9 p.m. Thursday, May 23 to 5:30 a.m. Friday, May 24.

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Secretary Detzner Announces Emancipation Day Celebration

CONTACT: Chris Cate, (850) 245-6522

Secretary Detzner Announces Emancipation Day Celebration
~ Celebration to take place Knott House Museum on Monday, May 20, 2013, from 11:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.~

TALLAHASSEE – Secretary of State Ken Detzner is encouraging Floridians and visitors to attend the Emancipation Day Celebration at the Knott House Museum in Tallahassee on Monday, May 20, 2013, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The annual event celebrates the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Florida, on May 20, 1865, at the Knott House, two years after the proclamation was first issued by President Abraham Lincoln.

“The Emancipation Day celebration is a great opportunity to unite our community while helping students and families learn more about Florida’s history,” said Secretary Detzner. “This year’s celebration is especially significant because it is the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation, a pivotal event in our history that should never be forgotten.”

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POWERBALL® Players Selected in Miami Heat Playoff Experience Promotion

CONTACTS: FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727
www.flalottery.com

POWERBALL® PLAYERS SELECTED IN THE MIAMI HEAT PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE PROMOTION

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Lottery held the first drawing in the POWERBALL® Miami HEAT Playoff Experience Promotion. One Grand Prize winner was selected to win a fly- away trip for two to a 2013 Miami HEAT playoff game plus airline tickets, hotel accommodations and $1,000.

Additionally, one player won a pair of 2013-14 Miami HEAT season tickets; one player won the opportunity to play a full-court basketball game with nine friends at AmericanAirlines Arena; three players won two regular season home game tickets for the 2013-14 season and a post-game meet and greet with a Miami HEAT player; three players won two regular season home game tickets for the 2013-14 season and a pre-game meet and greet with a Miami HEAT legend; three players won the opportunity to attend a HEAT basketball clinic facilitated by a HEAT legend; three players won a team ball autographed by the entire Miami HEAT team; and three players won a jersey autographed by a HEAT legend.

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Florida Department of State’s Museum of Florida History Opens New Seminole Exhibit

CONTACT: Chris Cate, (850) 245-6522

Florida Department of State’s Museum of Florida History Opens New Seminole Exhibit
~ New exhibit, Seminole People of Florida: Survival and Success, will be on display May 17 to August 18 ~

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of State’s Museum of Florida History today opened the museum’s newest temporary exhibit, Seminole People of Florida: Survival and Success. The new exhibit will be on display today through August 18, 2013 at the Museum of Florida History in downtown Tallahassee.

“We are pleased to present this exhibit, which was created in a spirit of admiration for a group of people who have not only survived and prospered but have overcome extreme adversity,” said Secretary Detzner. “The Seminole people have a long, proud history in Florida, and this new exhibit showcases their remarkable heritage and culture.”

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The Florida Department of Children and Families is Ready if Disaster Strikes

Contact: Whitney Ray, Press Secretary, (850) 717-4450

The Florida Department of Children and Families is Ready if Disaster Strikes
Emergency Disaster Drill allows DCF to test Food for Florida Program and Hone Emergency Fraud Prevention Skills

Tallahassee, Fla.— The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is prepared to meet the needs of Floridians this upcoming hurricane season. Today DCF successfully completed a two-day test of the department’s Food for Florida program. About a 100 DCF employees participated in a mock disaster exercise in Tallahassee to test equipment and processes used in the aftermath of a disaster.

The Food for Florida program offers emergency food benefits to victims of hurricanes or other types of disasters. The last time DCF activated the program was in 2005, when Hurricane Wilma struck Florida. Since then, the department has streamline the application and preregistration process using satellite and other wireless technologies.

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FWC reminds boaters to boat smart, safely

Contact: Katie Purcell, 850-459-6585

Media ride-alongs and local contacts:
Pensacola/Panama City: Stan Kirkland, 850-265-3676;
Jacksonville: Karen Parker, 386-758-0525;
Vero Beach/Titusville: Officer Lenny Salberg, 352-427-6728;
St. Augustine/Daytona/Silver Glen: Joy Hill, 352-258-3426;
Tampa/Fort Myers: Gary Morse, 863-227-3830 or Officer Baryl Martin, 813-495-1456;
West Palm Beach: Carli Segelson, 772-215-9459;
Miami: Officer Jorge Pino, 561-723-1417;
Florida Keys: Officer Bobby Dube, 305-684-8703

FWC reminds boaters to boat smart, safely

Memorial Day weekend, which kicks off summer activities, is right around the corner, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants all boaters to remember to boat safely.

“Florida is a great place to enjoy boating year-round,” said Col. Calvin Adams, director of the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “And even more people will be out on the water for the holiday weekend. Both the holiday and National Safe Boating Week (May 18-24) present an opportunity to emphasize the importance of remaining safe while boating,” Adams noted.

Each year, FWC officers rescue around 1,000 people, many of them on the water. However, not everyone is so lucky. Ten people have already lost their lives this year due to boating accidents in Florida.

“FWC officers are committed to keeping people as safe as possible, but we need your help,” Adams said. “We want to reach out to as many boaters as we can to help them understand that most boating accidents are preventable.”

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FDOT RoadWatch Advisory for Work Scheduled in Polk County

POLK COUNTY

SR 33 from Jenkins Nissan Car Dealership to north of Deeson Point Boulevard/Combee Road Intersection: Construction project: SR 33 from Lakeland Harbor Boulevard to the Jenkins Nissan Car Dealership, will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, May 18, again on Monday, May 20 and continuing through Friday, May 24, while crews remove the old asphalt and pave the roadway. Motorists entering or exiting SR 33 from side streets may have brief delays as the paver passes the entrance to the side street. Flaggers will be directing traffic. This project is managed by the City of Lakeland. Work is underway to widen the roadway from two to four lanes and add medians. Work also includes resurfacing, underground drainage improvements, sidewalk and standard street lighting on both sides of the roadway, mast arm signalization at the Deeson Point and Melody Lane intersections, and signing and pavement markings. This project is expected for completion in summer 2013. The contractor is Cone and Graham, Inc.

Statement By Tom Feeney, President and CEO, Associated Industries of Florida Regarding Gov. Scott Signing Bill Eliminating Sales Tax on Purchase of Manufacturing Equipment

CONTACT: Jennifer Fennell
(850) 222-3767
jennifer@coremessage.com

Statement By:
Tom Feeney, President and CEO, Associated Industries of Florida
Regarding Gov. Scott Signing Bill Eliminating Sales Tax on Purchase of Manufacturing Equipment

“Florida manufacturers have reason to celebrate today. A product of the Governor’s commitment to making Florida a premiere business destination, this bill signed into law today recognizes that an investment in Florida’s manufacturing industry is an investment in job creation and economic growth.

With the nation on the brink of a manufacturing resurgence, clearing away the financial burden of a sales tax few states choose to charge puts Florida on a level playing field, enabling us to better compete with other Gulf states and move Florida beyond the national average in terms of manufacturing jobs. Providing this tax relief to manufacturers will also create a domino effect, benefitting additional industries and individuals around the state as the manufacturing sector creates three indirect jobs for every direct one.

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Statement from Dan Krassner, executive director of the independent government watchdog group Integrity Florida on Governor Rick Scott signing economic development transparency law (HB 7007):

Statement from Dan Krassner, executive director of the independent government watchdog group Integrity Florida on Governor Rick Scott signing economic development transparency law (HB 7007):

“Governor Rick Scott signed into law HB 7007 creating a sales tax exemption for manufacturing equipment. The law also contains transparency and accountability improvements for taxpayer-funded economic development projects. We applaud Governor Scott and state legislators for taking action to make taxpayer-funded deals arranged by Enterprise Florida more transparent and accountable.

The public should be told about every deal paid for with taxpayer dollars, the jobs promised and the results. Floridians want to make sure public dollars are being spent effectively. The full transparency mandated by the new law should help us learn more about economic development successes and failures.

It’s encouraging to see bipartisan support for more transparency, accountability and proof of return on investment for taxpayers. Integrity Florida would like to recognize the bipartisan commitment to more transparency and accountability for the state’s economic development programs. Some of the key lawmakers advancing these good government reforms include: Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, Senate Minority Leader Chris Smith, D-Ft. Lauderdale, Senator Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, Senator Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, Representative Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami and Representative Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero.

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Florida Department of Transportation Applauds $2 million in Challenge Grant to Support Florida Logistics and Trade Industry

Contact: John O’Brien
(850)414-4573 John.O’Brien@dot.state.fl.usBrien@dot.state.fl.us>

Florida Department of Transportation Applauds $2 million in Challenge Grant to Support Florida Logistics and Trade Industry Grant,
new web portal launched at 2013 Florida Logistics & Trade Conference

MIAMI – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) today applauded the announcement by Workforce Florida Inc. President/CEO Chris Hart IV of a $2 million Quick Response Training Challenge Grant, available to employers in Florida’s logistics and trade industry to support job creation and growth. This Quick Response Training Challenge Grant is a special statewide grant aimed at meeting training needs of existing Florida companies in the state’s logistics and trade sector. A key goal of this challenge grant is to help these companies enhance competitiveness by improving the skills of existing and new employees hired over the next year. The grant will be funded through Workforce Florida’s Quick Response Training program.

Secretary Prasad said, “I applaud President Hart and Workforce Florida’s commitment to strengthen Florida’s position as a leader in trade and logistics. FDOT’s new web portal and the challenge grant are important tools that will help create employment opportunities and boost our economy.”

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Governor Scott: Florida’s April Unemployment Rate Falls to 7.2% and Remains Below the National Average for Second Consecutive Month

Contact: media@eog.myflorida.com media@eog.myflorida.com> (850) 717-9282

Governor Scott: Florida’s April Unemployment Rate Falls to 7.2% and Remains Below the National Average for Second Consecutive Month

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott today announced Florida’s statewide unemployment rate for April 2013 was 7.2 percent, the lowest rate since September 2008. Down 0.3 percentage points from March’s rate of 7.5 percent, Florida’s unemployment rate continues to fall below the national average of 7.5 percent for April. Over the month, Florida added 16,700 private sectors jobs throughout the state. Governor Scott said, “Florida’s families are getting back to work and our state’s economy is growing. With 16,700 new private sector jobs added last month and an unemployment rate that continues to decline, Florida is once again below the national average at 7.2 percent.

“Growing jobs is our top priority and this legislative session we eliminated barriers on manufacturers to ensure Florida is a top destination for manufacturing jobs. Just last week we also welcomed Hertz to Florida and are excited they have chosen to relocate their corporate headquarters to the Sunshine State. It is clear that our policies to create jobs for Florida families and attract new and expanding businesses to Florida is working.”

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Florida Celebrates Water Reuse Week May 19-25

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

FLORIDA CELEBRATES WATER REUSE WEEK MAY 19-25
~The Department encourages Floridians to help conserve the state’s freshwater sources~

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will observe May 19-25 as Water Reuse Week. Governor Rick Scott proclaimed [ http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/news/2013/05/Water_Reuse_Week.pdf ] next week Florida Water Reuse Week to highlight the importance of water reuse to the sustainability of Florida’s water supply and overall ecosystem. Water reuse is essential to ensuring safe, clean and sustainable water resources.

Florida has flourished as a national frontrunner in reclaiming water, which has transformed into a critical element of water management. Florida began celebrating Water Reuse Week in 2007, after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized the Department’s Reuse Program as a national leader in water efficiency. Since then, Water Reuse Week has gained momentum and recognition with the help of partnerships from the Florida Department of Health, Florida Public Service Commission and other state agencies.

“While Florida currently reuses more water than any other state, there is still great potential for increased reclaimed water use to be a major part of meeting our future water needs while also protecting the environment,” said DEP’s Director of Water Policy Tom Beck. 

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Space Florida Secures Bionetics as a New Tenant at Space Life Sciences Lab

Space Florida Secures Bionetics as a New Tenant at **the Space Life Sciences Laboratory

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (MAY 17, 2013)– Space Florida, the state’s aerospace development organization and spaceport authority, today announced that The Bionetics Corporation, a diversified engineering and applied sciences company, is the newest tenant of the Space Life Sciences Laboratory (SLSL) at the Kennedy Space Center.

Bionetics, headquartered in Yorktown, Va., enhances spaceflight systems through the development of unique LED lighting and enables microgravity-based life sciences research. The newest SLSL location is the sixth of its Florida sites.

Space Florida coordinated the two-year lease agreement with Bionetics to occupy lab and administrative space at the SLSL, which will create eight new jobs.

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Governor Rick Scott Appoints Two to Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council

CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 717-9282
media@eog.myflorida.com

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Two to Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of John M. Popson and the reappointment of Stephen D. Roggenbaum to the Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council.

Popson, 70, of Palm Harbor, is retired and was previously a senior attorney for Ceridian Corporation from 2001 to 2010. He succeeds Marshall Knudson and is appointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending July 1, 2015.

Roggenbaum, 56, of Lutz, is a faculty member at the University of South Florida’s Department of Child and Family Sciences, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending July 1, 2015.

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Governor Rick Scott’s Statement on PortMiami’s Deep Dredge Project

CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 717-9282
media@eog.myflorida.com

Governor Rick Scott’s Statement on PortMiami’s Deep Dredge Project

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today released the following statement on PortMiami’s Deep Dredge Project moving into construction phase.

Governor Scott said, “Florida’s ports are a vital part of the state’s growing economy. As PortMiami moves into the next phase of construction, Florida will be able to accommodate larger vessels, leading to more trade opportunities and more jobs for Florida families. As the gateway to Latin America and beyond, it is vital that Florida remains competitive with other ports along the eastern coast of the United States. I want to congratulate PortMiami on their Deep Dredge project, and their continued commitment to creating jobs for Florida families.”

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Governor Rick Scott Reappoints 42 To Boards and Commissions Throughout the State

CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 717-9282
media@eog.myflorida.com

Governor Rick Scott Reappoints 42 To Boards and Commissions Throughout the State

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced 42 reappointments to boards and commissions throughout the state.

Governor Scott said, “I am happy to reappoint 42 individuals in important positions all across the state in our collective effort to make Florida the number one place in the nation to live, work and raise a family. I look forward to their continued service to Florida families.”

Agency Heads

Dr. John Armstrong, State Surgeon General and Secretary of the Florida Department of Health, is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.

Governor Scott said, “Dr. Armstrong has done a terrific job leading the Florida Department of Health over the last year. Under his leadership, the Department has become more efficient for Florida taxpayers, and focused on its mission to keep Florida families healthy. I look forward to Dr. Armstrong continuing his work at the Department of Health.”

Michael D. Crews, Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections, is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.

Governor Scott said, “Secretary Michael Crews has worked in corrections for nearly 30 years, and has utilized that experience to keep Florida a safe state to live and visit. Secretary Crews leads a team of hard working professionals who have shown proven results, with recidivism dropping to 27.6 percent in Florida. I am happy to reappoint him to a second term.”

Jesse Panuccio, Executive Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.

Governor Scott said, “Florida’s economic success has continued under Jesse’s leadership at the Department of Economic Opportunity, our state’s chief economic agency. Jesse has worked to create an environment where Florida’s private sector can create jobs and opportunities for Florida families. Our efforts have worked. Our state’s unemployment rate continues to drop and we have created over 320,000 private-sector jobs in 2 years. It’s my pleasure to reappoint Jesse to lead the Department of Economic Opportunity.”

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Governor Rick Scott Celebrates $36 Million in Funding for APD Waiting List

Contact: media@eog.myflorida.com
(850) 717-9282

**PHOTO RELEASE**

Governor Rick Scott Celebrates $36 Million in Funding for APD Waiting List

ST. CLOUD, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today visited Bishop Grady Villas to celebrate $36 million in funding for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) waiver waiting list.