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The Florida Lottery’s Four New Scratch-Off Games Are Bringing the Heat

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THE FLORIDA LOTTERY’S FOUR NEW

SCRATCH-OFF GAMES ARE BRINGING THE HEAT

~ August Scratch-Offs Available Now – Get ’em While They’re Hot! ~

TALLAHASSEE – This month, the Florida Lottery (Lottery) is excited to debut four exciting new Scratch-Off games! Available now, these games—FAST LOOT, DOUBLE CASH, THE CASH WHEEL, and TRIPLE JACKPOT—range in price from $1 to $10, offering over $220 million in total cash prizes! All Lottery retailers are expected to have these new tickets in stock and available for purchase within 48 hours.

For just $10, play the TRIPLE JACKPOT Scratch-Off game for a chance to instantly win up to $2 million! Featuring over 5 million winning tickets and four top prizes of $2 million, this game offers odds of winning up to 18 times per ticket, with overall odds of 1-in-3.49.

Give THE CASH WHEEL Scratch-Off game a spin for $5 and a chance to instantly win up to $1 million! With more than 4.3 million winning tickets and six top prizes of $1 million, this spin-to-win game offers over $62 million in total cash prizes and odds of 1-in-4.05.

Get ready to double your excitement with the $2 DOUBLE CASH Scratch-Off game. This game features more than 2.7 million winning tickets and offers over $19 million in total cash prizes, including six top prizes of $50,000! With overall odds of 1-in-5.02, there are multiple ways to play and win!

Try your luck with the FAST LOOT Scratch-Off game and turn $1 into $5,000 instantly! With over $7 million in total cash prizes and more than 2.4 million winning tickets available, your shot at winning big is just a scratch away, with overall odds of 1-in-4.70.

Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 72 percent of ticket sales in fiscal year 2022-2023. Since inception, Scratch-Off games have generated more than $18.95 billion for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).

ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY  

The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $46 billion to enhance education and sending more than 983,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 99 percent of its revenue into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,600 Lottery retailers, and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $97.2 billion in prizes and made more than 4,000 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.floridalottery.com.

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Play Responsibly

DATA CALL NOTICE: Hurricane Debby Catastrophe Reporting

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DATA CALL NOTICE:

Hurricane Debby Catastrophe Reporting

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) is providing notice to insurers to file a Simplified 2024 Catastrophe Reporting Form (CRF) through the Insurance Regulation Filing System (IRFS). Data must be provided in accordance with the deadline below.

OIR is instituting this data call for the purpose of collecting additional claims and other relevant information from insurers related to a natural disaster causing catastrophic damage in the state of Florida. This authority is mandated pursuant to section 624.307, Florida Statutes.

Reporting Deadlines for Hurricane Debby

OIR is requiring simplified catastrophe reporting for Hurricane Debby beginning Wednesday, August 14. Reporting deadlines for Hurricane Debby:

  • Wednesday, August 14, 2024

  • Friday, August 16, 2024

Data must be submitted by 12 p.m. ET for each reporting deadline.

OIR will notify insurers if additional reporting deadlines are required.

At this time, insurers must report using the Simplified 2024 CRF, which does not include the “Survey” tab within the CRF template.

The CRF provides valuable information to OIR and the state of Florida regarding the impact of a hurricane or other event. It is critical that data submitted is timely and accurate.

Recent claims reporting notices and other resources are available here on the OIR website.

Required Filers

All insurers currently authorized to write the following lines of business in Florida are required to report Hurricane Debby claims data:

  • FIRE;
  • ALLIED LINES;
  • FARMOWNERS MULTI-PERIL;
  • HOMEOWNERS MULTI-PERIL;
  • COMMERCIAL MULTI-PERIL;
  • PRIVATE FLOOD;
  • OCEAN MARINE;
  • INLAND MARINE;
  • PPA PHYSICAL DAMAGE;
  • COMMERCIAL AUTO PHYSICAL DAMAGE;
  • AIRCRAFT;
  • GLASS;
  • BOILER AND MACHINERY;
  • INDUSTRIAL FIRE;
  • INDUSTRIAL EXTENDED COVERAGE;
  • MOBILE HOME MULTI-PERIL;
  • MOBILE HOME PHYSICAL DAMAGE;
  • MULTI-PERIL CROP;
  • SURPLUS LINES FEDERALLY AUTHORIZED; and
  • SURPLUS LINES PROPERTY AND CASUALTY.

How to File the CRF

Insurers are to report Hurricane Debby claims data using the 2024 CRF.

The 2024 CRF template must be downloaded within your filing in IRFS here. A sample of the template is available below.

  • Each insurer must submit its CRF on an individual insurer basis only.
  • If an insurer has no policies in force in Florida for the required lines, the insurer must submit a “No Data” filing.
  • If the insurer has policies in force in Florida for the required lines of business but no claims, the insurer must submit a “No Data” filing.
  • “No Data” filings are only required for the initial reporting notice. However, a company reporting policies in force in Florida must submit “Data” filings once claims are received.
  • Reporting is cumulative and must include all claims as of the reporting date.
  • Each insurer must download a new template. Previously downloaded templates will not work.

The following resources are available to aid in completing the CRF:

Questions

If you have questions, email [email protected] or call (850) 413-3147.

Technical assistance will be available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.

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 www.floir.com or follow on X @FLOIR_comm.

Florida Poly’s new VP to champion student growth and success 

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Florida Poly’s new VP to champion student growth and success 

 

LAKELAND, Fla – Bryan Brooks is stepping into his role as Florida Polytechnic University’s new vice president of student affairs, enrollment management and strategic communications with the drive to rapidly build upon the University’s strong foundation and the experience to make it happen.

“Florida Polytechnic University stands at the threshold of possibility. This is an environment where collaboration fuels creativity, driving our progress to 3,000 students over the next several years while maintaining the highest quality of education. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?” said Brooks, who joined Florida Poly in July.

He previously was associate vice president for communications and community engagement at Northwest Florida State College.

The University expects to have an enrollment of over 1,600 students this fall.

“There’s a lot of opportunity for me to add value with slight tweaks here and there to our operations,” he said. “There is so much potential, especially in the space of public-private partnerships, which is incredibly innovative for universities and public institutions.”

Brooks, from Destin, Florida, said Florida Poly’s size and culture of responsiveness to industry needs make it well positioned to seize opportunities that may elude other universities.

“Being at the front-end of an institution’s growth allows us to have the flexibility and adaptability to change our plans and embrace technology quicker than many larger institutions,” he said.  “To me, it sounds adventurous – and that’s the environment I want to be in.”

Brooks’ frame of reference comes from a deep background in higher education that dates back to his first higher ed position as a landscaper at Nelson University, just south of Dallas, Texas.

“I’ve done just about everything in higher education that you can possibly think of,” he said.

After early higher ed positions managing a landscaping team, working in information technology, admissions and marketing, Brooks transitioned into more than 15 years of increasingly higher-level leadership. He has taught university-level economics courses and overseen departments of admissions, marketing, communications, and athletics.

At Northwest Florida State College, he spearheaded initiatives that improved significant enrollment growth, resulting in eight consecutive semesters of increased enrollment. He also supervised and managed the college’s celebrated Mattie Kelly Arts Center.

“I’m probably in my sweet spot when I’m working with my team on a strategy and a plan,” Brooks said. “I really enjoy that aspect of it.”

In his most recent position, Brooks worked closely with Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson, which allowed him to lean into one of his core strengths: writing. He assisted Stephenson in his communications efforts over the last three years, working to ensure scripts, public messages, and other pieces were polished and presentation-ready. While that won’t be a major part of his Florida Poly duties, he’ll miss it.

“I have this fascination with presidential speeches throughout history,” Brooks said. “I go back and read those biographies and identify how they wrote those speeches, and I have always been fascinated by that. Why they said what they did and when they said it.”

This experience and passion for effective communication positioned Brooks well to steer Florida Poly’s strategic direction as it navigates the rapidly changing landscape of higher education.

While he embarks on the adventure of leading three critical Florida Poly areas toward success – Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Strategic Communications – Brooks is also pursuing another.

He is working toward a doctorate in executive leadership in higher education at the University of Miami. With a focus on strategic enrollment management, Brooks hopes to leverage his education to strengthen his contributions to both Florida Poly and his ongoing career growth.

Although Brooks’ demanding position and pursuit of his doctoral degree require intensive time demands, his devotion remains to his wife, Susan, and their five children, Ellie, Evan, Ava, Aaron and Ian, who have not yet joined him from their home in Destin, Florida.

“I can’t wait for my family to join me here in Lakeland,” he said.

In the meantime, Brooks will continue to work to make Florida Poly a top choice for students pursuing STEM degrees.

“I look around and see things that haven’t been built yet and I’m excited to see what we can all do together,” he said.

 For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News.

 About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the number one public college in the Southeast Region for three years in a row and a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. Florida Poly is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson Launches Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program for Florida Farmers Impacted by Hurricane Debby

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Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson Launches Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program for Florida Farmers Impacted by Hurricane Debby

~ Florida farmers impacted by Hurricane Debby can apply for low-interest and interest-free loans ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Debby can now apply for low-interest and interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Loans can be used by eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property – including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings – or to remove vegetative debris.

“Supporting our farmers, ranchers, and growers in the aftermath of a natural disaster is not just about rebuilding and replanting – it’s about safeguarding our state and nation’s food security,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By providing immediate and efficient financing to our food producers through the Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program, we’re ensuring that Florida’s agriculture continues to thrive and sustain us all.”

Impacted producers are encouraged to take photos of any property damage sustained from Hurricane Debby and to save all receipts for recovery efforts and supplies. Specific details on the application process are available on the program’s webpage.

Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program

  • Low-interest or interest-free loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from Hurricane Debby.
  • Loans may be used to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings, or to remove vegetative debris.
  • Interested producers can learn more or apply here.

Producers that were previously awarded funds for damages sustained from Hurricane Idalia are eligible to apply for damage sustained from this disaster. The program is still accepting applications from producers impacted by Hurricane Idalia until August 29, 2024.

During a special legislative session in November of 2023, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1-C, which provided $75 million to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a revolving loan fund to support impacted agriculture and aquaculture producers recover from natural disasters.

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

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DeLand SunRail Station Opens with Celebratory Bell-Ringing

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DeLand SunRail Station Opens with Celebratory Bell-Ringing

New station completes original vision for 17 stations across Central Florida counties

DELAND, Fla. – The bold vision for a SunRail commuter rail line to connect four Central Florida counties through 17 stations, over 61 miles, was realized today, Friday, August 9, with the opening of the DeLand SunRail Station in Volusia County.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., District Five Secretary John E. Tyler, P.E., the partners of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, elected officials from Volusia County, the City of DeLand, and counties and cities across Central Florida, representatives from the railroad industry and civic organizations, and community partners from along the SunRail line held a Grand Opening Celebration with SunRail’s traditional bell-ringing, confetti cannons, and banners representing each of the three phases of SunRail’s development since the first stations opened in 2014.

“Today marks an exciting day where we can officially welcome DeLand and the surrounding community to the SunRail system,” said FDOT Secretary Perdue. “I’m extremely proud of the efforts of all our partners and FDOT team members who have made this final leg of the corridor a reality, accomplishing the original vision laid out for the SunRail system.”

The first train is scheduled to leave at 5:15 a.m. Monday, August 12, from the new station, the northernmost stop on the SunRail commuter rail system. The station is located at 2491 Old New York Avenue, DeLand.

“We are proud of how SunRail connects our communities,” said FDOT District Five Secretary Tyler. “SunRail serves thousands of commuters every week through work, education, and leisure travel opportunities. It has attracted new development and economic opportunity near the stations and empowered us to reimagine and reinvent what it means to live and work in Central Florida.”

“Each train that stops at the DeLand Station brings with it the potential for economic growth, more jobs, and more prosperity for the people of Volusia County,” said Volusia County Chair and Chairman of the SunRail commission Jeff Brower. “It also gives the residents of Volusia County another option for making their lives less stressful and more convenient. This is another path forward to a more interconnected and economically robust community.”

SunRail operates 40 trains Monday through Friday, connecting communities from DeLand to Poinciana. The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission is a partnership between Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties and the City of Orlando, and they work with FDOT to operate the SunRail system.

The new DeLand Station, constructed adjacent to the existing Amtrak Station, extends service from the DeBary Station up to DeLand, a distance of 12.2 miles. The design for the new station reflects DeLand’s historic and natural beauty and features a unique center platform.

Fares start as low as $2, with discounts available for seniors, youth, and individuals with disabilities. All trains and stations are fully accessible; station parking is free, and trains feature onboard restrooms, comfortable work-station seating, and free WiFi. Passengers can purchase tickets via the SunRail Mobile app, available in the App Store and Google Play, or at ticket vending machines located on station platforms.

Upon arrival at the new DeLand SunRail Station, passengers have multiple options for reaching their final destination, including the VoRide rideshare service, https://www.votran.org/take-a-trip/voride.stml. Through a partnership with Votran, the City of DeLand, and MainStreet DeLand, SunRail is also in the final stages of making arrangements for a free, dedicated shuttle between the station and points of interest in downtown DeLand. Bicycles are welcome on SunRail trains, and bicyclists will be able to easily travel to downtown DeLand and connect to trails near the DeLand Station.

SunRail works closely with community partners for special events, to serve new residences near the rails, for career building with employers who promote employees’ use of mass transit, for educational opportunities for students, and supports mixed-use and new business for Transit-Oriented Development.

Over the last 10 years, 41 Transit-Oriented Development projects have been completed or started near stations with a construction value of $1.8 billion. The first 16 stations have experienced $2.4 billion in cumulative property value growth. DeBary is now adding its Main Street project, and new housing plans adjacent to the DeLand Station are already moving forward.

To learn more about SunRail, including train schedules, fares, station locations, and suggestions for things to do, please visit www.SunRail.com and download the SunRail Mobile and SunRail Alerts apps. Please be careful around trains, railroad crossings, and while at station platforms. Be smart. Be safe.

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

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PSC Approves Final Storm Recovery Costs for Duke Energy Florida

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PSC Approves Final Storm Recovery Costs for Duke Energy Florida

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approved final storm restoration recovery costs of $431.4 million for Duke Energy Florida, LLC (DEF). Recovery costs are associated with charges for Hurricanes Elsa, Eta, Ian, Isaias, and Nicole, and Tropical Storm Fred.

In December 2023, the PSC approved a reduced interim storm restoration recovery charge for DEF’s customers, reflecting an overall $10.7 million reduction in recovery costs and including recovery costs for Hurricane Idalia, which struck in August 2023. The current $5.09 monthly hurricane cost recovery charge for a DEF residential customer using 1,000 kWh will continue through December 2024.

Following the recovery period, revenues collected from the storm charge will be compared to final approved recoverable costs to determine any over- or under-recovery. DEF will use the fuel energy charge to either refund or true-up storm restoration costs.

DEF supplies electricity to 2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

 

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Follow the PSC on X and LinkedIn.

Subscribe to the Commission’s YouTube channel for Consumer Tips and PSAs.

Florida PSC Approves Electric Utility Demand Side Management Plans

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Florida PSC Approves Electric Utility Demand Side Management Plans

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved numeric Demand Side Management (DSM) goals for Florida Power & Light Company; Duke Energy Florida, LLC; Tampa Electric Company; Florida Public Utilities Company; Orlando Utilities Commission; and JEA. Each utility’s DSM goals were established for the years 2025-2034 and were last approved in 2019.

Implementing a streamlined DSM procedure that establishes goals based upon projected savings from DSM programs, today the Commission approved proposed stipulations with the parties to establish annual conservation goals to reduce demand and energy consumption for both residential and commercial/industrial customers.

As required, each utility evaluated the technical potential of all DSM measures when analyzing possible residential and commercial programs. Florida Statutes require the Commission to adopt appropriate conservation goals to promote energy efficiency and the development of DSM programs. The Commission must review the goals at least once every five years for the six utilities subject to the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (FEECA).

Each utility’s new conservation goals must be set by January 1, 2025.

 

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

 

Follow the PSC on X and LinkedIn.

 

Subscribe to the Commission’s YouTube channel for Consumer Tips and PSAs.

Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen Appointed FL Caribbean Vote Director for the Harris-Walz Campaign

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Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen Appointed FL Caribbean Vote Director for the Harris-Walz Campaign

Coral Springs, FL – August 9, 2024 – Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen has been appointed as the Florida Caribbean Vote Director for the Harris-Walz Campaign. In this role, Commissioner Metayer Bowen will lead efforts to engage and mobilize Caribbean communities across Florida in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz’s re-election bid.

Commissioner Metayer Bowen, known for her strong advocacy for environmental sustainability and community empowerment, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to amplify Caribbean voices in the electoral process. “I am honored to serve as the FL Caribbean Vote Director for the Harris-Walz Campaign,” said Commissioner Metayer Bowen. “This campaign is about inclusivity and making sure that every community’s voice is heard.”

For more information about Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen’s role as FL Caribbean Vote Director Nancy Metayer Bowen at [email protected] or (703) 819-9910.

About Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen: Nancy Metayer Bowen is a dedicated public servant and Commissioner of Coral Springs, Florida. With a background in environmental science and public health, she has been a staunch advocate for sustainable development, social justice, and community empowerment. Commissioner Metayer Bowen continues to work towards creating a thriving, equitable, and resilient Coral Springs.


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PSC Reminds Residents to Practice Safe Digging on National 811 Day

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PSC Reminds Residents to Practice Safe Digging on National 811 Day

 

TALLAHASSEE — This Sunday, August 11, is National Safe Digging Day (811 Day). Before beginning weekend and fall DIY projects, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) reminds Florida residents that practicing safe digging is important.

“Breaking underground utility lines can result in steep fines, injuries, unexpected costs, and long project delays while repairs occur,” Commissioner Gabriella Passidomo warns. “To eliminate the possibility of these consequences, the PSC strongly urges Florida residents to call 8-1-1 at least two days before breaking ground on any digging site.”

Calling 811 or visiting www.call811.com, is the foremost preventive measure in excavation safety and damage prevention. The PSC recommends residents and contractors plan ahead and call 811 at least two days prior to any project that requires digging, excavation, or driving materials–like fence posts–into the ground.

Your Florida 811 call connects you to Sunshine 811. Their operators notify your local utilities that send locators to your dig site to mark the approximate location of buried lines with flags or paint.

View the PSC’s call 8-1-1 public service announcement here.

About 811 Day

811 Day is an annual initiative led by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s PHMSA to ensure the practice of safe digging in communities by calling 8-1-1, a nationwide toll-free number, before any excavation project. For more information on 811 Day, please visit www.sunshine811.com.

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Follow the PSC on X and LinkedIn.

Subscribe to the Commission’s YouTube channel for Consumer Tips and PSAs.

 

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Amy Zubaly, Executive Director, Florida Municipal Electric Association Regarding Preparations for Tropical Storm Debby

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STATEMENT BY:

Amy Zubaly, Executive Director, Florida Municipal Electric Association Regarding Preparations for Tropical Storm Debby

“As the mutual aid coordinator for Florida’s 33 public power utilities, the Florida Municipal Electric Association has been monitoring the development of now Tropical Storm Debby and has engaged our mutual aid network in advance of the landfall. On behalf of our member communities in potentially impacted areas, we called on our strong national network of public power utilities and have arranged for mutual aid to assist with restoration efforts. Mutual aid crews from other utilities are pre-positioned to assist with restoration of outages that may occur as a result of Tropical Storm Debby as soon as conditions are safe.

We remain in close communications with local, state and federal emergency response departments and are standing by to assist with power restoration to Florida public power communities that are impacted by the storm.”

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The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) represents the unified interests of 33 public power communities across the state, which provide electricity to more than 3 million of Florida’s residential and business consumers.