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

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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. Joseph Miller Ranch, a 490-acre cow/calf operation in St. Lucie County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $2,070,000.

“The preservation of Joseph Miller Ranch through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is yet another win for Florida agriculture and the state of Florida,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By protecting this land from future development and keeping it in the hands of working farmers, we are conserving an essential natural resource and ensuring that future Floridians will benefit from the economic and environmental advantages of our state’s agricultural legacy.”

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program purchases the development rights to the agricultural properties through voluntary rural land protection 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.

Joseph Miller Ranch

Joseph Miller Ranch is a 490-acre cow/calf operation located about 14 miles west of Port St. Lucie and 11 miles northeast of Okeechobee. The property includes uplands and wetlands, with a diverse range of Florida wildlife. About half of the property supports mature mixed wetland hardwoods and hydric hammock. Numerous depression marshes and small dome swamps are throughout the site. A portion of Cypress Creek runs through the southwestern corner of the property. The remaining acreage is a mosaic of hammocks and woodland pasture.

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.

A story map of all completed Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects can be viewed here: FDACS.gov/RFLPPMap.

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

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

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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. Lowder’s Gulf Hammock, a 691-acre working timber and wetland property in Levy County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $691,200.

“The safeguarding of Lowder’s Gulf Hammock through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program marks another significant achievement for Florida agriculture, ensuring its ongoing productivity and its tradition of environmental stewardship,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By securing this land from future development, we are not only conserving a crucial natural asset but also paying tribute to the generations who have cultivated it. This effort guarantees that future Floridians will continue to reap the economic and environmental benefits provided by our state’s agricultural heritage.”

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program purchases the development rights to the agricultural properties through voluntary rural land protection 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.

Lowder’s Gulf Hammock

Lowder’s Gulf Hammock is a timberland located west of the town of Gulf Hammock in Levy County. The tract contains 691 acres about 5.5 miles southeast of Otter Creek. The working timber operation features 306 acres in timber production and the remaining acreage supports a vibrant wetland community that protects the area’s water resources. The lower Waccasassa River passes through much of the western side of the property on its way to the Gulf, contributing to protection of the rich estuary. The Lowder family has been involved with agriculture, timber, and conservation projects since the 1990s, primarily in North Carolina. The entire property is within Florida black bear range, and a number of wading bird species forage in the wetlands.

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.

A story map of all completed Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects can be viewed here: FDACS.gov/RFLPPMap.

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

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House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell Calls for Solutions to Restore Crucial Vetoed Funds

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CONTACT

Joey Arellano

Deputy Communications Director

House Democratic Office

[email protected]

(850)717-4943

LETTER: House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell Calls for Solutions to Restore Crucial Vetoed Funds

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Earlier today, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) and House Speaker-designate Daniel Perez (R-Miami) calling for solutions, including a Special Session, to restore crucial funds that were vetoed by Governor Ron DeSantis.

In the letter, Leader Driskell asks for the restoration of the nearly $57 million cut in funding used to pay for important support services for the entire Florida Legislature, including: lobbyist registration, IT for the Legislature, legislative auditors, the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, House and Senate Joint Committees, and more. The letter also calls for funding restoration of many other needed programs, which all received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Legislature, including: statewide arts and culture funding; public health programs making feminine hygiene products available in public schools; needed civil legal aid projects; first-responder funding for firefighters and others; as well as many critical infrastructure and water projects required for the long-term viability of our communities.

“The Florida Legislature overwhelmingly supported all the vetoed projects on a bipartisan basis in both chambers because we recognize Floridians need this crucial funding now,” said Leader Driskell. “Our communities cannot wait for this assistance; many jobs are on the line now. Increasingly severe weather is producing expensive natural disasters. Let us do our jobs and do good for our constituents who sent us to Tallahassee to fight for them.”

The letter sent to the Speaker and Speaker-designate is attached.

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Senator Lori Berman Calls Out the Rejection of Federal Money to Feed Needy Children

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CONTACT

Troy Gras

Legislative Aide to Senator Lori Berman

(954)893-0083

Senator Lori Berman Calls Out the Rejection of Federal Money to Feed Needy Children

Boynton Beach, Fla. – For the second straight year, Governor DeSantis has refused to apply for $250 million in Federal “SUN Bucks,” which would provide food over the summer for children who typically receive free or reduced lunch. State Senator Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach) is disappointed and frustrated by the decision to not apply for funds, which all but 13 states are accessing.

SUN Bucks, or Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (SEBT), provide grocery-buying benefits to income-eligible families when schools are closed for the summer. SUN Bucks benefits come in the form of a pre-loaded card with a one-time $120 benefit for the summer that families can use to purchase groceries.

While 2.1 million Floridian children would have benefitted from the program, officials for Florida’s Department of Children and Families say existing programs are enough — and argue that the federal program came with “strings attached” in the form of operational costs that would be shared with the state. The cost would amount to around $12 million, only 4.8% of the amount the state would be set to receive.

“I cannot understand why our state would choose to leave so much money on the table while families are having trouble putting food on theirs,” Sen. Berman said. “Governor DeSantis spends so much time complaining about the price of food and how hard it is to raise a family, but when faced with a real opportunity to help struggling families in our state, he decides to play politics and turn down the help. This decision shows the governor is out of touch and mean spirited.”

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Mast Calls On Fort Pierce City Manager To Resign Following Corruption Arrest

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MAST CALLS ON FORT PIERCE CITY MANAGER TO RESIGN FOLLOWING CORRUPTION ARREST

Fort Pierce City Manager Nicholas Mimms was arrested on charges of official misconduct and bid tampering.

FORT PIERCE, Fla. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21) issued the following statement in light of the arrest on corruption charges of Fort Pierce City Manager Nicholas Mimms:

“A judge and jury will decide if Fort Pierce City Manager Nick Mimms is guilty or innocent. In the meantime, he should resign. If he does not resign, Mayor Hudson and City Commissioners Curtis Johnson and Arnold Gaines, who have been unwilling to vote him out previously, should vote to remove him now.

“I love Fort Pierce and its people: It is my home. But as I have said this bluntly before, we deserve a city government that addresses homelessness, crime, and the garbage everywhere, which tarnishes one of the most naturally beautiful places in Florida. Across much of our city, kids cannot walk to school or the local park without their parents having to fear for their life.

“Over the past year, I’ve sent hundreds of messages to Fort Pierce City Hall with documented proof of major decay that no resident should have to tolerate. Most of this time, this decay is not addressed.

“So, yes. Please fire him now. It is a long time coming.”

After two years of investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, City Manager Nicholas Mimms was arrested on one count of official misconduct and one count of bid tampering on August 14, 2024.

City Manager Mimms was booked into St. Lucie County Jail on $10,000 bail. Mimms has been the city manager with the city since 2015.

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FDLE arrests Wauchula man for fraud over $50,000

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FDLE arrests Wauchula man for fraud over $50,000

High school bookkeeper made unauthorized purchases and manipulated records 

For Immediate Release

August 13, 2024

WAUCHULA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) yesterday arrested Elvis Raymond Gray, 52, of Wauchula, on one count of Scheme to Defraud $50,000 or more, a felony.

FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell says, “The thorough and diligent work of our agents and analysts is the best example of service and integrity that we can give to the youth and staff who were affected by this person’s self-serving actions.”

The investigation began when Hardee County Sheriff’s Office contacted FDLE about misappropriation of funds at Hardee High School. The complaint alleged that Gray, as the sole bookkeeper for the school, was using a school credit card to make unauthorized purchases for personal gain.

Agents reviewed records including Gray’s credit card statements, the bookkeeping records for Hardee High School, and Gray’s personal accounts. Agents say he may have stolen more than $300,000 between 2016 and 2021.

The investigation also found the school’s petty cash fund was being fraudulently deposited into Gray’s personal accounts and used for personal purchases.  To cover the missing funds, he manipulated deposit slips and receipts.

Agents served a search warrant at Gray’s residence in December 2023 and seized multiple items of evidentiary value.

The case is being investigated by FDLE Tampa Bay.

On August 12, Gray was arrested and booked into the Hardee County Jail without bond pending first appearance. The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, Tenth Judicial Circuit.

 

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

(850) 410-7001

Traffic Advisory: Westbound I-4 Entrance Ramp from Sand Lake Road scheduled for Overnight Closures August 14, 15, and 18

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Traffic Advisory: Westbound I-4 Entrance Ramp from Sand Lake Road scheduled for Overnight Closures August 14, 15, and 18

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Motorists should be advised that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is implementing nightly closures of the entrance ramp to westbound Interstate 4 (I-4) from Sand Lake Road (State Road (S.R.) 482) on August 14,15, and 18. The closures will begin as early as 10 p.m. each night and are expected to reopen by 6 a.m.

These closures are necessary for crews to set beams on new bridge structures in the area as part of the improvements to the I-4 and Sand Lake Road interchange. The beams, weighing 72 to 75 tons, will be delivered to the ramp and then set in place via multiple cranes.

During the closure, motorists on Sand Lake Road who want to access westbound I-4 should turn onto northbound Turkey Lake Road, proceeding to Hollywood Way, where they will turn right. They will then turn right again onto Adventure Way and proceed to westbound I-4. See attached detour map.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) advises motorists to follow all posted signs. Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Please continue to use caution while driving through active construction zones. Remember to always be alert while riding or driving.

For more information on the planned improvements on I-4 in Orange County, visit the project website at i4Beyond.com/SLR.

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

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Florida House Democratic Legislators Join Nearly 200 Advocacy Groups Urging the State to Accept Federal Funding as 2025 Summer EBT Deadline Nears

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Florida House Democratic Legislators Join Nearly 200 Advocacy Groups Urging the State to Accept Federal Funding as 2025 Summer EBT Deadline Nears

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to reject federal food aid to help Florida’s families keep food on their tables this summer has left countless families struggling to make ends meet. Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) officials have said in multiple media reports that the State of Florida does not intend to participate in the 2025 Summer EBT program due to “federal strings attached” to the federal funding.

While DCF officials have yet to explain what “federal strings attached” to the federal funding means, Florida would only be required to contribute approximately $13 million in state funds to cover half of the costs of administering the program, which represents a minute fraction — .076 percent — of the State’s projected $17 billion budget surplus that Governor DeSantis frequently highlights.

With the 2025 Summer EBT program deadline rapidly approaching on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, Florida House Democratic legislators sent a letter to Governor DeSantis, DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris, and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Commissioner Wilton Simpson earlier today asking them to reverse course and notify the United States Department of Agriculture of Florida’s intent to participate in the 2025 Summer EBT program.

“Florida has an opportunity to correct the egregious error made by DeSantis in 2024 when he decided to politicize food insecurity,” said Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa). “Floridians have had to suffer through political stunt after political stunt by this governor while they’re trying to address their affordability crisis. Struggling families can’t eat political stunts and don’t deserve to suffer the consequences imposed by the governor’s limited view of freedom. In a state that purportedly prioritizes parental rights, Governor DeSantis must allow Floridians the freedom to access the federal benefits their tax dollars paid for.”

The letter sent to Governor DeSantis, Secretary Harris, and Commissioner Simpson is attached.

Summer EBT Caucus Letter Final

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Florida’s Insurance Commissioner Highlights Strengthening Property Insurance Market

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Florida’s Insurance Commissioner Highlights Strengthening Property Insurance Market

~ Progressive commits to investing in Florida, joining State Farm and several national carriers, and nine new domestic property insurers following 2023 reforms ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, just four days after Hurricane Debby made landfall along the Big Bend, Florida’s Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky announced several positive developments related to the state’s strengthening property insurance market. The news follows announcements by State Farm and the most recent approval of the a ninth new property insurer, Trident Reciprocal Exchange, since the state’s 2023 landmark reforms.

In addition to new Florida-based market entrants, national carriers continue to expand their business in Florida’s market despite reducing company operations elsewhere. This week, following a meeting between Commissioner Yaworsky and Progressive Insurance executives, Progressive reinforced their commitment to investing in Florida’s market.

“Today’s announcements are a further indication of the continued strengthening of Florida’s property insurance market,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky. “OIR will continue to work with Florida-based and national carriers, like Progressive, to recruit and retain business so that all Floridians may benefit from a strong market.”

Florida’s strengthening market is reinforced in recent rate filings, increased participation in the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) Depopulation Program, reduced reinsurance costs, and more carriers announcing their commitment to Florida’s insurance market.

Florida’s property insurance market is improving:

  • Rate Filings: The 180-day average request for homeowners’ rates as of August 1, 2024 is 1.2%. Twelve companies have filed a rate decrease to take effect in 2024 and 24 companies have filed a zero percent increase, covering 1.8 million policies in Florida. The current 30-day average rate request for homeowners’ rates is 0.5%. One year ago, the 30-day average rate request was 7.6%.
  • Market Snapshot: As of Q1 2024, there are approximately 7.43 million residential insurance policies in force in the Florida property insurance market. 83% of those policies are written by admitted property insurers, as opposed to Surplus Lines companies or Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.
  • Reinsurance: OIR conducts the Annual Reinsurance Data Call (ARDC) to assess insurers’ financial viability in covering catastrophic losses with respect to their catastrophic reinsurance programs. Preliminary results from the 2024 ARDC indicate that the risk-adjusted change in reinsurance cost decreased on average -1.7% from 2023, which is the first decrease in years.
  • Citizens Property Insurance Depopulation Program: OIR is seeing greater participation and interest in the Citizens Depopulation program. OIR has approved insurers to assume 768,692 policies from Citizens in 2024, an 858% increase since 2022. To date, 132,445 policies have been removed from Citizens and Citizens’ exposure has reduced $64,852,563,061. More information on how to participate in the takeout process and latest takeout approvals is available on OIR’s website here.

OIR is a national leader in identifying market trends because it collects more data about its insurance market than any other state or regulatory entity. Using data reported by insurers, OIR has created the Florida Property Insurance Market Stats, Data and Facts page to provide the latest information and facts on Florida’s property insurance market.

Florida Public Power Organizations Recognize Florida Lineworkers and Mutual Aid Efforts in Celebration of Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day

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Florida Public Power Organizations Recognize Florida Lineworkers and Mutual Aid Efforts in Celebration of Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day

 

Tallahassee, Fla. — The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) and Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) today launched a social media campaign that pays tribute to the Florida lineworkers who provide mutual aid assistance when severe weather or other events lead to power outages. During the month of August, and in advance of Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day (August 26), the public power organizations will use their social media channels to highlight different aspects of mutual aid.

The “Lineworkers: Heroes in Every Storm” campaign features images of Florida public power lineworkers in action during mutual aid events, which will be posted to FMEA’s and FMPA’s Facebook, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) accounts. Members of the public are encouraged to share these posts on their own social media platforms using the hashtag #ThankALineman.

“Florida has an incredibly strong mutual aid network that we can call on in times of need. While we will bring in crews from outside the state in anticipation of large-scale events, such as hurricanes, mutual aid often consists of sending lineworkers from other cities and towns to neighboring Florida public power communities,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA executive director. “These lineworkers are ready to answer the call day or night, and they are truly our hometown heroes.”

Mutual aid agreements enable electric utilities to call on each other for skilled emergency workers and supplies. Mutual aid can extend beyond fellow public power utilities to both rural electric cooperatives and investor-owned utilities.

“When we talk about lineworkers, one characteristic of the profession that is often mentioned is the sense of camaraderie they have with one another,” said Jacob Williams, FMPA general manager and CEO. “We see lineworkers who may not initially know each other coming together to work on a system through a mutual aid event. We are so thankful for these adaptable, dedicated professionals who work seamlessly to get the power back on in our communities.”

There are more than 6,700 lineworkers in Florida and nearly 1,000 of those are public power lineworkers who serve communities large and small throughout Florida.

Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day was created by the Florida House of Representatives in 2012 to show gratitude to the people who risk their lives daily to ensure reliable delivery of electricity throughout the state. It was designated in memory of Marc Moore, a lineworker for Lakeland Electric, who died while on the job in 2002.

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