Capital Soup Editor

Gov. Scott Announces Danfoss to Create 120 New Jobs in Leon County

Posted on December 21, 2017

NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that manufacturer Danfoss Turbocor Compressors will be building a new facility in Tallahassee and will add 120 new jobs. The new facility will expand the company’s existing footprint within Innovation Park in Tallahassee, which includes the engineering and manufacturing operations of Danfoss and its brand-new Application Development Center that opened earlier this year.

Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to announce that Danfoss will be building a new facility and creating 120 new jobs for families in Leon County. Florida manufacturers like Danfoss help create job opportunities across our state, and we permanently eliminated the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment last year to make it easier for these businesses to continue growing in Florida.”

The new jobs will include full-time research and development positions within advanced manufacturing. Construction is expected to begin in early 2018 and is expected to be completed in 2019. Danfoss is the pioneer of oil-free, magnetic bearing, variable speed technology and manufacturer of high-efficiency electronic components, controls, compressors, and variable frequency drives for air-conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems.

Ricardo Schneider, president, Danfoss Turbocor Compressors, said, “The investment in this new facility signifies Danfoss’ commitment to bringing new, innovative technologies to the market, and to partnering with our customers to engineer high-efficiency, reliable, environmentally-responsible solutions. In Tallahassee, we have the tremendous opportunity to collaborate with world-class researchers in aerodynamics, power electronics, and magnetic technologies at Florida State University. We are excited and proud to grow our capabilities here and further build on the success and potential of our relationship with great local partners like FSU.”

Danfoss Danfoss engineers technologies that enable the world of tomorrow to do more with less. It meets the growing need for infrastructure, food supply, energy efficiency and climate-friendly solutions. Its products and services are used in areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, motor control and mobile machinery. The company is also active in the field of renewable energy as well as district heating infrastructure for cities and urban communities. Its innovative engineering dates back to 1933 and today Danfoss is a world-leader, employing more than 25,000 employees and serving customers in more than 100 countries. Read more about Danfoss at www.danfoss.com

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.

Leon County Office of Economic Vitality is an economic development model that ensures accountability, transparency, citizen engagement and professional management of economic development projects. The Office of Economic Vitality aims to develop programs and initiatives while simultaneously leveraging ideas, innovations and intellectual capital through the continuous coordination of the community’s economic development partners.

International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics Receives PSC’s Triple E Award

Posted on December 21, 2017

TALLAHASSEE—While improving the lives of veterans and their families, Tampa’s International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics also improved its energy efficiency, earning them the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) December Triple E Award for its energy efficiency efforts.

“With the important work the Institute does to treat veterans facing rehabilitation, implementing energy efficiencies makes sense by helping to reduce a variety of costs while improving the work environment for all,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.

Tampa Electric Company (TECO) performed an initial energy audit at the Institute, leading to several recommendations. After replacing 418 fluorescent lamps with LED T8 lamps, the Institute received more than $2,350 from TECO’s conditioned space—lighting rebate programs. As a result of the lighting upgrade, the Institute will save $6,330 annually from an energy usage reduction of 80,000.0837 kWh. An added benefit is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 49.32 tons of CO2, 160.09 pounds of NOx, and 257.12 pounds of SOx.

“Our collaborative approach in advancing the treatment of O&P patients is the same approach we used in working with TECO to maximize our energy efficiency,” said Arlene Gillis, the Institute’s founder. “We work hard to improve the lives of veterans and their families, and our efficiency upgrades helps us keep costs down while doing the work we love.”

“The energy experts at Tampa Electric have been helping customers to use energy wisely for nearly 40 years. It’s our pleasure to work with an institute that does so much good for the veterans and their families who live in the communities we serve,” saidNancy Tower, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “Today, we offer 36 programs to help our residential and business customers reduce their overall energy usage – and ultimately their energy costs.”

Covering the state’s five major geographic areas, each month the PSC presents its Triple E Award to a local business that has accomplished superior energy efficiency. Look for past Triple E Award recipients under Hot Topics on the PSC’s homepage. The PSC encourages cost-effective conservation and renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels and defer the need for new generating capacity through the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.

About the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics

The International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics seeks to improve the lives of veterans and their families. The Institute works with accredited O&P programs in research, innovation, education, and collaboration. The Institute offers O&P and allied health program support services, including consulting/advisory services, curriculum development, grant writing, or assistance with developing consortium partnerships to leverage funding. Located just minutes from MacDill Air Force base, the Institute also offers veterans and their families wellness programs, career training, and job placement. For more information, call 888-204-4447 or visit www.iiofoandp.org.

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics Receives PSC’s Triple E Award

Posted on December 21, 2017

About the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

RoadWatch Advisory

Posted on December 21, 2017

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

South Ridgewood Drive (SR 17Sebring)/Intersection at Pine Street and Lake Avenue (Avon Park): Construction project: Crews will be installing traffic signals and relocating existing signs beginning January 8, 2018. Motorists should anticipate daytime and nighttime single-lane closures during construction and may need to plan extra travel time in this area. Please watch for workers in the construction zone and use caution.

Sachs Media Group Names Five New Partners

Posted on December 20, 2017

Sachs Media Group Names Five New Partners

-Strong Leadership Team Set for Future-

TALLAHASSEE–Sachs Media Group (SMG) today named five key executives as new partners, deepening the firm’s ability to serve its clients now and well into the future. Ron Sachs, Founder and CEO, and partner and President Michelle Ubben, said the partner additions will ensure that the 22-year-old company — consistently ranked among Florida’s and the nation’s top independent full-service public relations agencies – has the most qualified and prepared team in place to fuel SMG’s robust growth for decades to come.

“We have curated an excellent, energetic and experienced leadership group whose hard work and wise counsel already are highly respected and strongly valued by our staff, clients, community and industry,” said Sachs. “Each of these wonderful friends and colleagues has demonstrated the values, skills, character, leadership and loyalty that deserve to be recognized and rewarded in this most meaningful way.”

The newly-named partners are:

• Ryan Cohn, Executive Vice President. Cohn serves as a strategic advisor across many accounts and special projects, and leads digital media initiatives.

• Karen Cyphers, PhD, Vice President of Research & Policy. Cyphers leads the firm’s internal research division, conducting message testing, survey research and crafting policy papers to influence issues of importance to the select clients.

• Lisa Garcia, Chief Operating Officer. An Emmy Award-winning producer and public relations campaign leader, Garcia heads up public education campaigns, internal processes and talent.

• Drew Piers, Director of Campaigns. Piers leads public affairs campaign strategy, including constitutional amendments and local referenda, and also supervises targeted media buys.

• Herbie Thiele, Director of Public Affairs. Thiele leads the firm’s core public affairs practice, influencing legislative issues, procurements and public policy at the state and local levels.

Other key members of the leadership team include Jon Peck, Vice President, Director of Messaging and Crisis Management; Mark Pankowski, Vice President, Director of Washington Operations; Jenna Sarkissian, Deputy Director of Public Relations; and Chauniqua Major, Director of Central Florida Operations.

“In the talent business, innovation depends on forward-thinking ideas that we can deploy to help our clients adapt to a rapidly changing environment,” said Ubben, a 20-year veteran of the firm whose career includes a successful 14-year stint in state government. “This dynamic team thrives on our clients’ high-stakes challenges and has the right stuff to help take the firm far into the future.”

PHOTO CAPTION (L-R) Lisa Garcia, Karen Cyphers, Ron Sachs, Herbie Thiele, Michelle Ubben, Drew Piers, Ryan Cohn

Attorneys General Reach $13.5 Million Consumer Settlement with Pharmaceutical Company

Posted on December 20, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi and 50 other attorneys general reached a $13.5 million settlement with Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. regarding alleged off-label marketing and deceptive and misleading representations to promote four prescription drugs. The drugs include Aggrenox®, Atrovent®, Combivent® and Micardis®. The settlement resolves allegations that BIPI engaged in unfair, deceptive or misleading practices by making misrepresentations about the prescription drugs and by representing that the drugs had sponsorship, approval, characteristics, ingredients, uses, benefits, quantities or qualities that they did not have.

Specifically, the states allege BIPI misrepresented that its antiplatelet drug, Aggrenox®, was effective for many conditions below the neck, such as heart attacks and congestive heart failure. Additionally, BIPI claimed Aggrenox® to be superior to Plavix® without evidence to substantiate that claim. BIPI also allegedly misrepresented that Micardis® protected patients from early morning strokes and heart attacks and treated metabolic syndrome. The settlement also resolves allegations that BIPI falsely stated that Atrovent® and Combivent® could be used at doses that exceeded the maximum dosage recommendation in the product labeling.

The consent judgment requires BIPI to ensure marketing and promotional practices do not unlawfully promote these prescription drug products. Specifically, BIPI will:
· Limit product sampling of the four drugs to health care providers whose clinical practice is consistent with the product labeling;

· Refrain from offering financial incentives for sales that may indicate off-label use of any of the four drugs;

· Ensure clinically relevant information is provided in an unbiased manner that is distinct from promotional materials; and

· Provide that requests for off-label information regarding any of the four drugs are referred to BIPI’s Medical Division.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia are participating in the settlement. The settlement is pending judicial approval.

To view a copy of the consent judgment, click here.

Gov. Rick Scott: Congress Must Pass Hurricane Disaster Relief Funding

Posted on December 20, 2017

NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott issued the below statement urging Congress to pass a disaster relief funding package which includes critical funding for local school districts enrolling students displaced from Puerto Rico, supports key infrastructure projects, and provides relief for citrus and agriculture in Florida.

Governor Scott said, “For more than three months, Floridians have been fighting to recover from the horrible destruction of Hurricane Irma, especially those in Florida’s citrus industry. Now, while we continue to recover from Hurricane Irma, we are also lending a helping hand to our neighbors from Puerto Rico who have been displaced by Hurricane Maria and are now coming to Florida.

“The much-needed disaster relief funding recently proposed by the U.S. House of Representatives is encouraging. For months, I have been urging the federal government to assist Florida’s recovery and I am glad to see that they have listened to our requests and included it in their proposal. The recovery funding would aid Florida citrus growers, help our school districts educate displaced students from Puerto Rico, and assist to repair Florida infrastructure. Now, Congress must vote and pass a bill immediately.

“Congress also needs to make it clear that the funding included in their package for infrastructure projects should go toward the needed critical repairs to the federal Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee. As Hurricane Irma was bearing down on our state, we were forced to evacuate communities surrounding the lake due to safety concerns identified by the Army Corps of Engineers. The lake reached dangerous levels, and Florida cannot go through another hurricane season without exploring all avenues of federal funding to fix the dike. For the first time, we secured $50 million in state funding to help expedite these federal repairs this year, and it is imperative that Congress acts on this federal project now.”

Action taken by Governor Scott to urge federal disaster relief:

On October 5^th, the Governor entered into a host-state agreement with FEMA – Florida is the only state willing to enter into this type of agreement to help families displaced by Hurricane Maria.
On October 6^th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.
On October 11^th, Governor Scott traveled to Washington D.C. joined by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam to meet with members of the Florida congressional delegation to discuss Hurricane Irma and Florida’s citrus industry.
On October 11^th, Governor Scott met with Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Chairman of the House Committee On Agriculture Congressman Mike Conaway, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Congressman Michael McCaul, and Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón.
On October 11^th, November 13^thand November 17^th, the Governor spoke with White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney.
On October 30^th, the Governor’s office sent a letter Office of Management and Budget. See the letter HERE.
On November 9^th, the Governor activated the State Emergency Response Team to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s press release HERE.
On November 15^th, the Governor sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Ryan urging them to support Florida’s recovery following Hurricane Irma, Florida’s efforts to support those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ongoing repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
On November 28^th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.
On December 15^th, the Governor spoke to House Speaker Paul Ryan urging immediate action to help Florida citrus growers.
On December 19^th, the Governor spoke with Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Senator John Hoeven.
On December 19^th, the Governor spoke with Congressman Vern Buchanan regarding citrus relief.
On December 20^th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.

Nelson demands answers on FDA drug seizures

Posted on December 20, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In what appears to be a major shift in policy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has started seizing individuals’ prescription drugs ordered from pharmacies outside the United States.

The agency has also reportedly raided at least nine Central Florida storefront locations that storeowners say operate simply to help older Floridians order their prescription drugs online at a much cheaper price.

While the importation of prescription drugs is illegal under most circumstances, the federal government announced in 2006 that it would stop seizing small amounts of prescription drugs from pharmacies in Canada.

The policy, which was put in place at the urging of U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and others, has allowed U.S. residents, mainly seniors, to save on the cost of their prescription drugs by ordering them online from pharmacies in Canada, instead of filling them at pharmacies in the U.S.

And now, following what appears to be a sudden change in that policy, Nelson is demanding answers.

“I appreciate that we need to keep dangerous drugs like fentanyl and counterfeit pharmaceuticals out of our country, but many of my constituents are confused about why they are suddenly receiving a seizure notice instead of their necessary medication – if there has been no change in policy,” Nelson wrote in a letter today to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. “To the best of my knowledge, no new FDA policies have been publicly announced or shared with Congress.”

Nelson first got involved in the issue in 2004, when he sent a similar letter to the heads of the FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection after the government seized an elderly Florida couple’s medication ordered from Canada.

Two years later, at Nelson’s request, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee launched an investigation into the custom department’s seizure of prescription drugs purchased for personal use from pharmacies outside the U.S.

Later that same year, Nelson, along with Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), filed legislation, which Congress passed and the president signed into law, that allowed Americans crossing the Canadian border to bring back small amounts of prescription drugs.

Shortly after Nelson’s bill was approved, Customs announced in Oct. 2006 that it would no longer seize individuals’ prescription drugs purchased from pharmacies outside the United States. That same year, Nelson received assurances from the FDA that it, too, would no longer act on small amounts of prescription drugs being imported into the U.S. for individual use.

Despite the agency’s 2006 announcement, some Floridians have reportedly received notices in the past couple of months indicating that their prescription drugs are being held at their local post office at the request of the FDA. Around that same time, the FDA reportedly raided at least nine Central Florida storefronts designed to help customers, mainly seniors, buy their prescription drugs online.

“If there has been a change in policy, I urge the FDA to announce those changes publicly,” Nelson wrote. “Americans, especially our seniors, shouldn’t be left in the dark waiting for needed medication to arrive without clear guidance from the agency.”

Following is text of the letter, a PDF copy is available here.

December 20, 2017

Dr. Scott Gottlieb

Commissioner

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

10903 New Hampshire Ave

Silver Spring, M.D. 20993-0002

Dear Commissioner Gottlieb,

It has come to my attention that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seizing prescription drugs purchased by Floridians from Canada and other countries. I have heard from constituents that the FDA is also raiding Florida storefronts that are reported to help customers order drugs from pharmacies outside the United States. I have serious concerns about the potential impact that such a shift in policy could have on the ability of Americans who choose to utilize these pharmacies to afford the prescription drugs they need.

The importation of foreign prescription drugs is illegal under most circumstances to control the safety of our supply chain. However, the FDA has always exercised enforcement discretion in cases of personal use, and I am concerned that the agency may have now changed its policy and has begun taking steps to crack down on seniors who are buying their medications from other countries because they cannot afford to purchase them in the United States. To the best of my knowledge, no new FDA policies have been publicly announced or shared with Congress.

I appreciate that we need to keep dangerous drugs like fentanyl and counterfeit pharmaceuticals out of our country, but many of my constituents are confused about why they are suddenly receiving a seizure notice instead of their necessary medication – if there has been no change in policy. I am also troubled by reports that the FDA has raided at least nine storefronts in Central Florida that storeowners say are there to help customers, many of whom are older, navigate the internet to order the drugs they need at lower prices from legitimate pharmacies in Canada and other countries.

These recent actions by the FDA raise serious questions about whether the agency has changed its policy regarding the enforcement of prescription drugs being imported into the country for individual use. If there has been a change in policy, I urge the FDA to announce those changes publicly – and make known any considerations and conditions that prompted this change in policy. Americans, especially our seniors, shouldn’t be left in the dark waiting for needed medication to arrive without clear guidance from the agency.

I appreciate your prompt attention to this request. We must work together to ensure that Americans can access their medications.

Sincerely,

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement Regarding Senator Jack Latvala

Posted on December 20, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi released the following statement about the findings of the special master report regarding Senator Jack Latvala:

“I am appalled by the findings of the special master report. How can we trust Senator Latvala as a lawmaker to create the rules by which we live when he refuses to follow them? Not only did he fail to respect the confidentiality of the accuser’s name during the course of an investigation, creating a chilling effect on other victims, but now, the special master report shows probable cause. Senator Jack Latvala should resign immediately.

“I will not let Tallahassee, Fla. stop the #MeToo movement throughout this country. It is remarkable what women can do when we all stand together. Florida must be a leader in this movement.”

FDLE provides update in Mike Williams investigation

Posted on December 20, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tallahassee Special Agent in Charge Mark Perez today provided an update to the Jerry Michael “Mike” Williams cold case.

“Today we announce that the body of Mike Williams has been recovered and we know without a doubt that Mike Williams was murdered,” said Special Agent in Charge Perez.

Williams, 31, was reported missing after he went hunting on Lake Seminole on December 16, 2000. FDLE and the State Attorney’s Office, 2^nd Judicial Circuit began investigating the case in 2004. A body was recently recovered after agents received new information in the case and DNA analysis confirmed the body was that of Mike Williams.

“Seventeen years did not hide how Mike Williams died and our focus has shifted from a missing person case to a homicide investigation. We will continue to work this case until those responsible for his death are brought to justice,” said Perez.

Investigators are unable to provide details of the homicide at this point because the case is active and additional investigative leads are being pursued.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact FDLE Tallahassee at (800) 342-0820.

Capital Soup Editor

Gov. Scott Announces Danfoss to Create 120 New Jobs in Leon County

International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics Receives PSC’s Triple E Award

International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics Receives PSC’s Triple E Award

RoadWatch Advisory

Sachs Media Group Names Five New Partners

Attorneys General Reach $13.5 Million Consumer Settlement with Pharmaceutical Company

Gov. Rick Scott: Congress Must Pass Hurricane Disaster Relief Funding

Nelson demands answers on FDA drug seizures

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement Regarding Senator Jack Latvala

FDLE provides update in Mike Williams investigation

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