Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Caden Delisa

Caden Delisa

Traffic Advisory: Temporary Closure of I-4 Eastbound Off-Ramp to International Speedway Boulevard

Posted on

For Immediate Release
May 30, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office

386-943-5593

[email protected]

Traffic Advisory: Temporary Closure of I-4 Eastbound Off-Ramp to International Speedway Boulevard

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) advises motorists of a temporary closure of the eastbound Interstate 4 (I-4)/State Road (S.R.) 400) off ramp, at Exit 129, to International Speedway Boulevard (U.S. 92/S.R. 600), scheduled from Sunday, June 2, at 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Monday, June 3 to facilitate paving operations on the off ramp. Should the work not be completed within this timeframe, the off ramp will also be closed from Monday, June 3, at 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4. During the closure, traffic will be detoured around the work zone by electronic message boards and other signage.

DETOUR: Drivers traveling eastbound on I-4 wishing to access International Speedway Boulevard (U.S. 92/S.R. 600) via Exit 129 will be directed to continue eastbound on I-4 to the I-95 interchange, head northbound on I-95, and then take Exit 260C onto U.S. 92, as detailed in the attached detour map.

Additionally, from Sunday, June 2 through the morning of Friday, June 7, there will be overnight intermittent single lane closures between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. on eastbound and westbound International Speedway Boulevard between north of Educators Road to north of Tomoka Farms Road to pave the travel lanes. The construction schedule is subject to change pending weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Please follow posted signage, avoid distractions, and drive cautiously in construction zones. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time to reach their destinations or seek an alternative route, if possible. FDOT is committed to completing this work as quickly and safely as possible to minimize the impact on the traveling public.

This work is part of an FDOT project to resurface International Speedway Boulevard (U.S. 92/S.R. 600) from north of Educators Road to north of Tomoka Farms Road and implement additional roadway improvements.

For more information about this project, visit the FDOT’s Central Florida Roads website at https://www.cflroads.com/project/445208-1.

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT District Five Public Information Office at [email protected] or by phone at 386-943-5593.

###

Representative Hunschofsky’s Flood Disclosure Bill is Signed into Law

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 30, 2024

CONTACT

William Giliberti

Office of Representative Christine Hunschofsky

[email protected]

(954) 956-5600

Representative Hunschofsky’s Flood Disclosure Bill is Signed into Law

 

PARKLAND, Fla. – This week, House Bill 1049 – Flood Disclosure in the Sale of Real Property by Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland) was signed into law by the Governor. The Senate companion bill was sponsored by Senator Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island).

This new law requires sellers to provide the purchaser of residential real estate with a flood disclosure. This disclosure includes a notice that homeowner’s insurance policies do not include flood insurance, encouraging buyers to purchase flood insurance to mitigate risks. The disclosure also includes whether the seller has filed a claim with an insurance provider and if they previously received federal assistance relating to flood damage on the property.

“This law is about more than just property – it’s about people,” said Representative Hunschofsky. “Transparency is pivotal to informed decision making, especially when it comes to purchasing a home. This disclosure requirement empowers people to make informed choices, safeguarding their families and investments.”

“This legislation ensures that home buyers have relevant, material information prior to the purchase of what is likely their largest individual asset. Flood history previously was not readily available to a buyer,” added Senator Bradley. “Floridians deserve transparency so they can make better risk-informed decisions for their families.”

 

###

Central Florida Elementary Schools Unveil Student-Designed Bike Lane Icons

Posted on

FDOT_Logo_color_blue

Florida Department of Transportation

RON DESANTIS
GOVERNOR

719 South Woodland Boulevard

DeLand, Florida 32720

JARED W. PERDUE, P.E.
SECRETARY
For Immediate Release
May 30, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office

386-943-5593

[email protected]

 

Central Florida Elementary Schools Unveil Student-Designed Bike Lane Icons

Designs were created as part of the Mobility Week Bike Lane Design Contest

CENTRAL FLORIDA, Fla. – In celebration of National Bicycle Month, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and eight Central Florida schools unveiled the winning bike lane icon designs from Mobility Week’s Bike Lane Design Contest. The designs were created by students as part of District Five’s Mobility Week initiative, a week-long celebration that promotes safe, multimodal transportation choices.

The annual Mobility Week Bike Lane Contest invites elementary school students from across Central Florida to create their own bike lane icons, with the winning designs being painted on the streets near their schools.

Each winner was recognized with their own bike lane artwork reveal, a certificate, and a safety presentation given by FDOT and its agency partners, which was attended by their families and school representatives.

Design contest student winners in each county include:

  • Ward Highlands Elementary (Marion) – Cameryn Egan, 1st grade; Laci Stone, 3rd grade
  • Golfview Elementary (Brevard) – Carla Acosta Lanthripp, 2nd grade; Jay’Ceon Cannon, 3rd grade; Lucie Martin, 5th grade
  • Crystal Lake Elementary (Seminole) – Azalea Brujan, 2nd grade; Clark Kazee, 3rd grade
  • Grassy Lake Elementary (Lake) – Landon Abdo, kindergarten; Eva Arenas, 3rd grade
  • Pine Hills Elementary (Orange) – Loren Cardona, 2nd grade; Isabella-Rose Alfonso, 3rd grade
  • Michigan Avenue Elementary (Osceola) – Olivia Rand, 1st grade; Kiaraliz Suarez, 2nd grade
  • Ormond Beach Elementary (Volusia) – Charlie Lynne Howells, 2nd grade; Arianna Esposito, 4th grade
  • McInnis Elementary (Volusia) – Yosselin Denova, 5th grade; Sophia Truett, 5th grade

“With so many students riding their bikes to school every day in Central Florida, it is our responsibility to educate them on how to do so safely,” said Libertad Acosta-Anderson, Passenger Operations Manager for FDOT District Five. “This fun competition inspires creativity while also encouraging safe cycling practices.”

Each fall, FDOT hosts Mobility Week, a celebration promoting safe, multimodal transportation choices. During this time, partners across the state host events and offer special promotions to encourage locals to explore new transportation options.

To learn more about Mobility Week to stay up to date on this year’s upcoming initiative, visit www.MobilityWeekFL.com.

See attached photos of winning designs from Pine Hills Elementary School. Photos of all the winning designs are available upon request.

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT District Five Public Information Office at [email protected] or by phone at 386-943-5593.

###

People’s Trust Insurance Company Public Rate Hearing

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2024

People’s Trust Insurance Company Public Rate Hearing

WHO:

People’s Trust Insurance Company
WHAT:

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation will conduct a virtual rate hearing to hear testimony from the People’s Trust Insurance Company and receive public comment on their proposed rate filings. The notice and agenda are available here.

The record is open for public comment through June 13, 2024. Public comment may be submitted at the rate hearing or emailed to [email protected] with the subject line “People’s Trust Insurance Company.”

WHEN:

Thursday, May 30, 2024, 2 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual Rate Hearing
Click here to register and participate online
By Phone: 1-877-309-2074; Access Code: 800-485-083

About the OIR

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has primary responsibility for regulation, compliance, and enforcement of statutes related to the business of insurance and the monitoring of industry markets. For more information about OIR, please visit our website or follow us on X @FLOIR_comm.

ICYMI: Florida is using a fraud-hunting tool used by the right to look for voters to remove from the rolls

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT

[email protected]

ICYMI: Florida is using a fraud-hunting tool used by the right to look for voters to remove from the rolls

Tallahassee, FL — Earlier this week, NBC News reported that conservative activists sent a list of 10,000 Florida voters to state election officials, who directed Supervisors of Elections to use new laws for “list maintenance” to target voters for removal. The email came from “activists” with links to far-right groups behind EagleAI, a program built by Republicans to challenge voter registrations.

“Florida voters should be on high alert — Republicans are taking notes from a conservative AI program to wipe out voters from the rolls,” FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “This is even more proof that new election laws are being weaponized to remove voters from the rolls, masquerading as ‘list maintenance,’ to inflate their voter registration lead. Florida Democrats are actively working to educate voters about these new voter suppression tactics.”

Changes in laws surrounding list maintenance have led to more than 1 million voters being marked inactive in the last year. These purged voters are disproportionately Democrats, and even include a Democratic nominee for Congress. Concerned Floridians can visit flade.ms/checkstatus to confirm their status as an active voter.

Key excerpts from the article are below: 

NBC News: Florida is using a fraud-hunting tool used by the right to look for voters to remove from the rolls

  • “Florida wants local elections officials to use data collected by far-right activists, some of whom falsely believe the 2020 election was stolen, to potentially remove people from the state’s voter rolls, according to emails obtained by NBC News.”

  • “The network of activists has been collecting voter data in 24 states, and on May 3, one of them emailed the Florida-specific information to a top state election official. It included the names of roughly 10,000 voters from across the state the group insists should be examined for potential removal from the voter rolls, a process commonly referred to as list maintenance.”

  • “The “concerned citizen” who sent the May 3 email was Dan Heim, a longtime Florida-based activist who has made unfounded voter fraud claims across the state. He told Matthews in the email that he worked with a group that helped create a program called EagleAI (pronounced “Eagle Eye”), a database loaded with voter rolls and other records that promise to quickly churn through the data and find registrations that may be suspect based on other sources.”

  • “The left will hate this,” Mitchell said during an EagleAI demonstration to the Election Integrity Network last year. “They will hate it. But we love it.”

  • “The list was provided with no information about the source of data or methodology used to identify these voters,” read the letter, which was signed by a collection of voting rights groups. “It is a criminal offense in Florida to make frivolous challenges, which are subject to misdemeanor penalties for each voter challenged.”

  • When Matthews forwarded the email and its 10,000 voter names to local elections officials, she made no mention of the group’s partisan ties or Heim’s long history in the state of falsely pushing voter fraud claims.

###

What They’re Saying: Reason for Optimism as Property Insurance Rate Reductions on the Horizon

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               

Contact: Jennifer Fennell

May 29, 2024

[email protected]

(850) 222-3767 

What They’re Saying: Reason for Optimism as Property Insurance Rate Reductions on the Horizon

Tallahassee, Fla. – As hurricane season quickly approaches, Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation, elected officials and others are sharing reasons for optimism for the state’s property insurance market. Eight insurance companies have announced their intention to lower their rates, while an additional ten plan to keep rates the same.

While there remains much work to be done as Floridians continue to grapple with high rates, reforms enacted over the last few sessions by the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis have begun making a positive impact on the state’s property insurance market.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis: 

“We’re at 15 months right now and days like today are the good days in the process, where the legislature can look at our partners and the regulated industries like insurance and say thank you for helping us do the right thing for the policyholders of this state. Thank you to all of you that make a difference in making Florida the best place to live.” (Statement, 5/17/2024)

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Commissioner Michael Yaworsky:

“As Insurance Commissioner, my top priority has been increasing protection for Florida’s consumers and today’s announcement demonstrates Governor DeSantis’ ongoing commitment to ensuring a strengthened and reliable insurance market for policyholders. I want to thank Governor DeSantis and bill sponsors Senator Trumbull and Representative Stevenson for their continued leadership and support as we work to regulate one of the most complex insurance markets in the world.” (Statement, 5/17/2024)

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo:

“We know the cost of property insurance is posing a major affordability problem for Florida homeowners. Fortunately, the reforms passed in recent years are working. We are seeing new insurers and new private capital enter Florida, while large companies recommit to our state, citing recent reforms.” (Memorandum, 5/16/2024)

State Senator Jim Boyd:

“The property insurance reform, coupled with tort reform, is going to make a massive difference in homeowners’ premium costs over the foreseeable future.” (Florida Seeing ‘Downward Trend’ in Insurance Rate Filings, State Says Stabilization is Here, Florida Voice, Owen Girard, 5/21/2024)

State Representative Adam Anderson:

“FINALLY some good news regarding our property insurance market! Rate filings for 2024 show a slight trend downward for the first time in years! 10 companies have filed a 0% increase and at least 8 companies have filed a rate decrease to take effect in 2024.” (Tweet, 5/20/2024)

###

Stronger Safer Florida is a nonpartisan coalition comprised of businesses, consumer and environmental groups from throughout Florida. This diverse membership seeks to protect consumers before, during, and after catastrophic events impact Florida.

State Attorney Andrew Warren Launches Re-Election Bid with Extensive List of Regional Endorsements

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2024
State Attorney Andrew Warren Launches Re-Election Bid with Extensive List of Regional Endorsements
Tampa, FL – State Attorney Andrew Warren’s campaign has released its initial set of endorsements, including Tampa Bay’s most influential former and current elected officials. Since his inauguration as Hillsborough’s chief law enforcement official, State Attorney Warren has worked tirelessly with law enforcement, local officials, and community organizations to improve the public safety of this community—a leading example of effective criminal justice policy across the nation.
This initial list of endorsements includes:
  • Congresswoman Kathy Castor
  • Hon. Alex Sink
  • Hon. Betty Castor
  • Hon. Arthenia Joyner
  • House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell
  • Public Defender Julianne Holt
  • Clerk of Courts Cindy Stuart
  • County Commissioner Harry Cohen
  • County Commissioner Pat Kemp
  • County Commissioner Gwen Myers
“I’m honored to have the support of so many community leaders who recognize the success I’ve had over the last eight years making Hillsborough County much safer, fighting for victims, and improving our criminal justice system—while also standing up to the governor’s attacks on the values and freedoms of all Floridians,” said State Attorney Andrew Warren.
State Attorney Warren announced his reelection campaign in April 2024 after a crucial court victory in his lawsuit against Governor DeSantis’ unconstitutional suspension from office in August 2022. Warren is currently awaiting reinstatement to complete the term voters elected him to serve.
During his six years in office, Warren’s accomplishments include:
  • Reducing crime in Hillsborough County by more than 30%
  • Making Hillsborough the safest large county in Florida, according to state statistics
  • Investing in safety by balancing accountability and punishment with prevention and rehabilitation, including addressing mental health and addiction
  • Targeting child predators, convicting an average of one predator every four days the courthouse was open
  • Creating and expanding civil citation programs, disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline
  • Establishing a Community Council and a Racial Justice Work Group
  • Becoming a national leader in transparency, launching a groundbreaking public Data Dashboard
  • Reducing the criminalization of poverty
  • Pursuing drunk drivers with aggressive sanctions to reduce repeat offenses
  • Adopting the Disarming Domestic Abusers policy to protect victims of domestic violence
  • Creating a Conviction Review Unit that exonerated a man wrongfully convicted for murder and charged the men actually responsible for that crime and another previously unsolved cold-case murder
First elected in 2016 by defeating a 16-year incumbent, State Attorney Warren is seeking re-election to a third term as State Attorney for Hillsborough County, Florida. Warren, a Democrat, points to his proven record of reduced crime, increased public safety, and improvements to the justice system.
For more information about the campaign, please visit AndrewWarrenFL.com
###

Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Floridians to Take Advantage of Florida’s Two Disaster Sales Tax Holidays for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2024

CONTACT: FDEM Communications Team, [email protected] | (850) 815-4940

Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Floridians to Take Advantage of Florida’s Two Disaster Sales Tax Holidays for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season

~The First Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will last two weeks, beginning June 1 through June 14 ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) encourages Floridians to purchase disaster preparedness items during the first of Florida’s two, 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays beginning June 1 through June 14. A second two-week disaster sales tax holiday will take place August 24 through September 6.

“I want to thank the Governor and the Florida Legislature for continuously taking action to support Floridians and providing them with cost-effective ways to be prepared,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “I urge all residents to prioritize preparedness during these tax-free holidays and make any necessary updates to their disaster supply kit and plans.”

“Disaster can strike at any time. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and fires are frequent threats to people and property. The beginning of hurricane season is a good time for Floridians to gather supplies they would need to stay safe during and after a disaster,” said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue. “I encourage consumers to learn about the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday at FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep and save money on essentials to keep their families, homes and pets safe.”

House Bill 7073 was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis to provide much-needed financial relief for families to prepare for hurricane season, in addition to a number of other tax holidays. This year, Floridians are expected to save millions on vital disaster preparedness supplies such as pet supplies, tarps, batteries, generators and flashlights, which are all included in the list of items eligible to be purchased tax-free.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30. A full list of eligible tax-free items is available here. Floridians can find a full disaster supply kit checklist here.

For weather updates and safety tips, follow the Division on Instagram, Facebook and X.

###

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Preservation of Florida Family Farm Through Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2024

Contact: Communications

850-617-7737

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Preservation of Florida Family Farm Through Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

limestone creek ranch

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of a Florida family farm through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The Limestone Creek Ranch property, a more than 470-acre cattle operation in Hardee County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $2,837,000.

“We are very proud to add the folks at Limestone Creek Ranch to the growing list of generational farmers in Florida who share our commitment to maintaining the productivity and sustainability of Florida’s agricultural landscape through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By safeguarding our rural lands through protection easements, we enhance food security, maintain these protected properties within the local tax system, and ensure property owners adhere to state standards for land and natural resource conservation.”

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program purchases the development rights to the agricultural properties through voluntary rural land easements, which prevent the future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.

Limestone Creek Ranch

Limestone Creek Ranch has operated for over 70 years as a traditional cow/calf cattle ranch with an average of 300 head. Prior to its current ownership, the ranch was owned and operated by the current owner’s ancestors, Doyle Carlton, Sr., and Doyle Carlton, Jr. The ranch consists of improved pasture and native woods and is bisected by Limestone Creek which drains east to the Peace River. The property includes a mosaic of uplands and wetlands and is part of a larger landscape of habitat diversity with a total of 2,082 acres. Current ownership is in an LLC comprised of the grandchild and great grandchildren of Doyle E. Carlton Sr. Since the land was acquired by the late Mr. Carlton in 1935, it has been continuously operated as a traditional cow/calf operation. The current owner worked on the property during the summers of 1960 through 1969. The Carlton family has an extensive history in ranching in Florida, dating back to the mid-1800s.

About the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

Established in 2001 with the passage of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act, the program recognizes that working agricultural lands are essential to Florida’s economic future. Agricultural lands are being increasingly threatened by urban development. To counter this trend, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program partners with farmers and ranchers to ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources.

During the 2024 Legislative Session, Commissioner Simpson helped to secure from the Florida Legislature $100 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and another $100 million each fiscal year, appropriated in SB 1638, to support the Florida Wildlife Corridor, including the acquisition of conservation easements under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

Commissioner Simpson recently recognized the families of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program at an event in Lake Placid, Florida, and celebrated the program’s 100,000th acre milestone in agricultural land preservation.

Commissioner Simpson has been involved in Florida’s land conservation policy issues long before becoming Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. As Senate President, Commissioner Simpson championed the successful passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which directed the state of Florida to better protect and connect Florida’s natural areas and wildlife habitats and to preserve working agricultural lands from future development. As Senate President, Commissioner Simpson also secured $300 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

###

Upcoming Public Meeting for Eau Gallie Boulevard Maintenance Resurfacing Project

Posted on

For Immediate Release
May 28, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office
386-943-5593

[email protected]

 

Upcoming Public Meeting for Eau Gallie Boulevard Maintenance Resurfacing Project
Meeting will be offered in person and online

 

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public meeting regarding project plans on Eau Gallie Boulevard (State Road 518) from Sarno Road to west of North Apollo Boulevard in Melbourne on Tuesday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this project is to repave Eau Gallie Boulevard to extend the life of the existing roadway and improve safety for bicyclists.

The Department is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the meeting. All participants, regardless of platform they choose, will participate in the same live meeting.

FDOT encourages community involvement and is offering this public meeting in a hybrid format to provide more ways to participate. All attendees, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the same information.

In-Person Open House Option: Participants may attend in person by going Grand Manor, 1450 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32935 anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions. If attending in person, please remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the meeting virtually.

Virtual Option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet or mobile device at 5:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting https://bit.ly/4cQiqN9. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. If using a mobile device, use the GoToWebinar app to be able to view the presentation and submit comments. If joining online, please allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.

Those who cannot attend the meeting may view all meeting materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the project website at www.cflroads.com/project/445213-1. You may also contact FDOT Project Manager Randy Turner directly at 386-943-5207 or [email protected] to receive project documents.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Melissa McKinney, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at [email protected].

Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Randy Turner at 386-943-5207 or [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT District Five Public Information Office at [email protected] or by phone at 386-943-5593.

###

www.fdot.gov | Twitter: @MyFDOT_CFL | Facebook: @MyFDOTCFL