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Florida PSC Reduces Pluris Wedgefield, Inc.’s Rate Request

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today reduced Pluris Wedgefield, Inc.’s (Pluris) requested rate increase. Customers will benefit from lower than requested rates to recover costs for four projects intended to improve water quality and customer service.

Pluris installed new water softening equipment to further improve the hard water pumped from the Floridan Aquifer. Three other improvement projects included: Advanced Metering Infrastructure installation, an emergency wastewater main replacement, and maintenance building construction.

“The PSC approved the utility’s four improvement projects, but rejected some of the rate request,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “We approved only those costs genuinely needed to provide better quality water and wastewater service.”

Pluris passes the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) primary and secondary water quality standards and recently completed a pilot study to address concerns about elevated Total Trihalomethanes (a disinfection byproduct) in the water. As a result of the pilot’s success, DEP issued Pluris a new permit to continue its work to improve water quality.

The Commission approved incremental revenue requirement increases of $158,403 for water and $49,057 for wastewater, as opposed to the utility’s requested increases of $194,159 for water and $57,545 for wastewater. A typical residential bill for a water customer using 3,000 gallons per month will be $53.51, and a wastewater residential bill for a customer using 3,000 gallons per month will be $43.86.

The Office of Public Counsel (OPC) contested the utility’s rate of return calculation used to establish the revenue requirement. On April 24, OPC and Pluris filed a Settlement Agreement, approved today by Commissioners, setting an 8.26 percent rate of return for this proceeding. Pluris had originally requested a 9.21 percent rate of return.

A PSC customer meeting was held November 2, 2017, in Orlando, and 55 Pluris customers attended.

Pluris provides service to approximately 1,615 water and wastewater customers in Orange County and also provides irrigation service to approximately 33 customers. Water and wastewater rates were last established for Pluris in 2013.

Nelson, others question termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians

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U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) today led a group of a dozen U.S. senators in calling on the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to explain what they call a “deeply troubling and potentially politically motivated” decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in the United States.

In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and USCIS Director Lee Francis Cissna, the senators point to an Oct. 2017 USCIS report that described current conditions in Haiti as “vulnerable to external shocks and internal fragility,” and further concluded that Haiti is “unable to adequately respond to a wide range of persistent humanitarian needs.”

Yet, despite its own assessment, one month later USCIS and Homeland Security rescinded TPS for 58,000 Haitians in the U.S and characterized the situation on the island as no longer needing the designation.

“The November 2017 decision to terminate Haiti’s TPS designation marked a stunning reversal of this assessment of the conditions in Haiti,” the senators wrote. “Moreover, in light of the president’s widely reported offensive comments about Haiti and African nations being ‘s***hole countries,’ these documents raise serious questions regarding whether the Administration’s decision to terminate Haiti’s TPS was based on the conditions in Haiti – as required by law – or whether the decision resulted from broader political concerns, including an animus towards the country and its nationals.”

The senators called for the immediate reconsideration of the administration’s decision to terminate Haiti’s TPS designation.

In addition to Nelson and Markey, the letter was signed by U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN) Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

The lawmakers’ letter can be found here.

Public Hearing on Proposed Improvements along S.R. 500/U.S. 441 in Lady Lake

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting a public hearing to update interested persons on the State Road (S.R.) 500/U.S. 441 project from Lake Ella Drive to Avenida Central (at Griffin Avenue) in Lady Lake. The hearing will begin as an open house at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation at 6:30 p.m., followed by public comments, on Thursday, May 17, at the Lady Lake Town Hall’s Commission Chambers.

The purpose of this hearing is to present information and receive public input regarding the proposed design updates, which include widening from four to six lanes, adding bicycle lanes and sidewalks, and replacing the bridges over County Road (C.R.) 25 with an intersection. Other project features include: signing and lighting, access management updates, aesthetics, and a plan for maintenance of traffic during construction. Construction is currently funded, and is estimated to begin in early spring 2020.

FDOT representatives will be available to discuss the project, answer questions and receive comments. A court reporter will also be present to record the hearing, and available to participants. Written comments may be submitted at this hearing or sent to the department via email at [email protected], or mailed to FDOT District Five, MS 2-542, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, Florida 32720-6834. All written comments must be emailed or postmarked by May 29, 2018 to become part of the project public hearing record.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or persons who require translation services (free of charge), should contact the FDOT by phone at 386-943-5551, or by email at [email protected]. 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).

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 the FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator at [email protected].

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT Communications Office at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].

FDOT advises drivers to slow down and use extra caution in construction zones.

PSC Approves Need for Two Plants to Serve Seminole Electric Customers

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today determined there is a need for two new natural gas plants in Putnam and Pasco Counties designed to meet future power demands for electric cooperative customers throughout Florida. Together, the projects are expected to save customers $363 million.

Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Seminole) will build a new 1,122 megawatt (MW) natural gas facility in Putnam County to begin service in December 2022. Shady Hills Energy Center, LLC (Shady Hills) will build a new 573 MW natural gas facility in Pasco County to begin service in December 2021, with Seminole purchasing all of the power generated at the plant. Both facilities will be built on current sites allowing the utility to save money by using existing transmission and water resource infrastructure.

“Seminole demonstrated that additional power generation will be needed to ensure reliable service, and the plan approved today to fill that need is the most cost effective alternative for customers,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “We also commend Seminole’s member utilities for using renewable resources and conservation programs to benefit customers.”

The PSC held a hearing March 21-22 for Seminole’s two determination of need requests. During the hearing, Commissioners heard testimony, reviewed evidence, and questioned parties to the case about the proposed plants.

Seminole provides wholesale power to its nine member distribution electric cooperatives throughout the state, serving 1.7 million Floridians.

Lisa Carlton Endorses Tommy Gregory for Florida House

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The former state senator says Gregory’s leadership experience
and military service make him the right choice for District 73

The Tommy Gregory Campaign today announced the endorsement of former State Senator Lisa Carlton, who also served Southwest Florida in the Florida House of Representatives. Gregory is running for the District 73 seat in the Florida House of Representatives, currently held by Joe Gruters, who is running for the Florida Senate.

“Tommy Gregory’s leadership experience and service to our country make him the clear choice for District 73,” said Carlton. “I’m confident that he will be a reliable and strong voice for low taxes and other policies that will make our community even stronger.”

Carlton, an eighth generation Floridian, was elected in 1994 to the Florida House, where she served two terms. She then served for ten years in the Florida Senate, including as Senate Pro Tempore from 2006 to 2008. Currently, she is a guest lecturer at the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida and at the Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government at the University of Central Florida.

“Lisa Carlton has a distinguished record of public service, both as an elected official and as a private citizen,” said Gregory. “I’m honored to have her support, and I look forward to working with her and other community leaders who work so hard to make Southwest Florida such a great place to call home.”

Paid by Tommy Gregory, Republican, for State Representative

Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Statement on Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy Killed in the Line of Duty

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement regarding Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy William Gentry, who was killed in the line of duty.

“Today, with the tragic loss of Deputy William Gentry, we are painfully reminded of the tremendous sacrifices that Florida’s law enforcement officers, and their families, make on behalf of all Floridians. My thoughts and prayers are with Deputy William Gentry’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as the entire Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.

“To all of Florida’s law enforcement community, may you be safe and know that we stand with you.”

POWERBALL® jackpot rises to $233 million

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More Than $16.1 Million For Education in Florida

The jackpot for Wednesday’s POWERBALL® drawing has risen to an estimated $233 million; the largest in the nation. The POWERBALL jackpot has rolled 14 times since the March 21, 2018, drawing, generating more than $16.1 million in contributions to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).

In addition to the jackpot, players have eight other ways to win non-jackpot prizes ranging from $4 to $1 million or up to $2 million if the ticket includes Power Play. The integrity of all games is of utmost importance to the Florida Lottery; players are encouraged to sign the back of their tickets at the time of purchase and keep them in a safe place.

POWERBALL jackpots start at $40 million and roll until the jackpot is won. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-69) and the red POWERBALL (1-26). The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are approximately one-in-24.87.

Purchase your tickets at any of the more than 13,000 Lottery retailers for your chance to become Florida’s newest multi-millionaire. The Florida Lottery reminds all players to play responsibly, as it only takes one ticket to win. As with all Florida Lottery products, players must be 18 years or older to play.

Gov. Rick Scott Statement on Shooting of Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy

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Governor Rick Scott made the following statement today regarding last night’s shooting in Highlands County that took the life of Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy William Gentry.

Governor Scott said, “Each day, Florida’s brave men and women in law enforcement selflessly place the safety of others above their own. Today, my wife, Ann, and I join all Floridians in mourning the loss of another Florida hero, Deputy William Gentry, whose life has now been senselessly taken. Last night, I spoke with Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman and committed all available state resources they may need. We will not stand for anyone who hurts our law enforcement. I ask for all Floridians to pray for Deputy Gentry’s family and loved ones, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and all of our courageous law enforcement who go above and beyond every day to keep us safe.”

Florida PSC Reminds Consumers to Think about Water Use

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As Drinking Water Week kicks off, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) joins water professionals across the country to encourage consumers to conserve water both to preserve water supplies and protect water resources.

“Drinking Water Week reminds us that water is essential to life. We need to appreciate it and help conserve it,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham.  “Water is so easy to take for granted; just turn the faucet and out it pours. But, water is a finite resource, and conserving water today helps save it for the future.”

To commemorate Drinking Water Week, May 6-12, the PSC is providing consumers with easy, everyday water conservation tips with our Drop by Drop brochure.  Below are some additional summer conservation reminders from the American Water Works Association (AWWA), sponsors of Drinking Water Week:

  • Don’t over water your lawn.  Only water every three to five days in the summer and 10 to 14 days in the winter.
  • To prevent water evaporation, don’t water your lawn during the hottest part of the day, or when it is windy.
  • Use a broom to clean walkways, driveways, decks and porches, rather than hosing off these areas.
  • Apply mulch around shrubs and flower beds to reduce evaporation, promote plant growth, and control weeds.
  • Repair dripping faucets, indoor and out.
  • Collect rainfall for irrigation in a screened container.

About Drinking Water Week
For more than 35 years, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week–a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Additional information about 2017 Drinking Water Week, including free materials for download and celebration ideas, is available on the Drinking Water Week website, awwa.org.

For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.

Update: I-4 and I-95 Interchange Temporary Closures Postponed

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I-4 Eastbound Ramp to I-95 Southbound,
S.R. 400/Beville Road Eastbound

Due to recent weather delays, the temporary closure of S.R. 400 (Beville Road) eastbound and I-4 exit 132B towards I-95 southbound has been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 9, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Detours will be marked. Travelers are advised to slow down, and follow the detour signs through construction. Posted detours are:

  • Eastbound I-4/Beville Road traffic: Use exit 129 towards U.S. 92 (International Speedway Boulevard), merge onto I-95 southbound and take exit 260A to Beville Road.
  • I-4 eastbound to I-95 southbound/exit 132B: Use exit 129 towards U.S. 92 (International Speedway Boulevard) east to I-95 southbound.
  • Please note that the I-4 exit 132A to I-95 northbound will remain open.

Please note construction schedules may change due to weather or other circumstances, and if this happens, the closures may be rescheduled. Updates will be available on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Central Florida website, CFLRoads.com.

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT Communications Office at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].

FDOT advises drivers to slow down and use extra caution in construction zones.