Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Contributor

Contributor

Department of Education Announces Appointment of Damien Kelly as Director of Newly Created Office of Safe Schools

Posted on

The Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today announced long-time law enforcement officer Damien Kelly as director of the newly created Office of Safe Schools. Following the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Governor Rick Scott signed into law the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. One component of the comprehensive law is the creation of the Office of Safe Schools within the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and the appointment of its director.

On March 23, Governor Rick Scott sent a letter to district superintendents and school board members that set deadlines FDOE and each school district must meet. Governor Scott directed FDOE to hire a director for the newly created Office of Safe Schools by May 1, 2018.

[Read more…] about Department of Education Announces Appointment of Damien Kelly as Director of Newly Created Office of Safe Schools

Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Posted on

Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Cape Canaveral Hospital District

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of two to the Cape Canaveral Hospital District.

Judith George, 75, of Cocoa Beach, is a retired nurse with Creative Care Center. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending August 19, 2019.

Rusty Fischer, 74, of Cocoa Beach, is the owner of Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending August 19, 2019.

 

Gov. Scott Reappoints Heather Baumwald to Board of Nursing

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Heather Baumwald to the Board of Nursing.

Heather Baumwald is reappointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending October 31, 2019.

This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

 

Gov. Scott Appoints Walid Sobh to Board of Professional Engineers

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Walid Sobh to the Board of Professional Engineers.

Walid Sobh, 55, of Orlando, is the president of ECS Florida, LLC. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending October 31, 2018.

This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

 

Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Board of Auctioneers

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Don Shearer and the appointment of Matthew Varable to the Board of Auctioneers.

Don Shearer, 71, of Kissimmee, is the owner of Auction Services of Kissimmee. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending October 31, 2021.

Matthew Varable, 40, of Tampa, is the director of labor relations for Chemtrade Logistics Corporation. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending October 31, 2021.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

CFO Jimmy Patronis: Reduction of Workers’ Comp Rates Could Save Florida Businesses More Than $79 Million

Posted on

Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today released the following statement on the Office of Insurance Regulation’s (OIR) approval of a 1.8 percent decrease in workers’ compensation insurance rates for Florida businesses. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) submitted the rate reduction request because of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

“My office estimates that the 1.8 percent decrease could be a savings of $79.5 million and is a good move that will help further reduce cost burdens on Florida businesses. The estimated $79.5 million is a significant savings for our business community who support local economies, employ our neighbors, and give back to our communities. We must continue to do all we can to support and fuel Florida businesses, the backbone of our economy.”

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovered Over $208,000 for Consumers in April

Posted on

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered over $208,000 for Florida consumers during the month of April. Last year, the department recovered more than $2.6 million of consumers’ money from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.

During April, the department:

  • Recovered $208,539 on behalf of Florida consumers;
  • Received 3,789 complaints;
  • Initiated 239 investigations;
  • Arrested 15 individuals;
  • Provided assistance to 21,208 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
  • Added 12,641 telephone numbers to Florida’s Do Not Call List.

As the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, the department educates the public, investigates complaints and provides mediation on behalf of consumers. The department’s call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.

Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832). For consumer protection information and resources, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

OIR Approves Workers’ Comp Insurance Rate Decrease

Posted on

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation announced today that it has approved a rate decrease for workers’ compensation insurance in Florida. The 1.8% decrease was filed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) in a law-only filing resulting from the effects of the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Reducing insurance costs and financial burdens is great news for our business community. Businesses in Florida support our local communities, create jobs, and help our state’s economy. This rate reduction is a much needed insurance cost savings for Florida businesses.”

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam H. Putnam said, “Reducing the cost of business spurs job growth, and this rate reduction is exactly what Florida needs to continue to create the business climate that will help our economy thrive.”

Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier said, “NCCI has demonstrated through its rate filing that this decrease is an actuarially-sound response to the savings workers’ compensation insurers have realized as a result of recent federal legislation. The data indicates that passing the savings along to businesses through a rate decrease is an appropriate response at this time.”

The overall rate level change is a 1.8% decrease due to a change in the Profit and Contingency (P&C) Factor to 0.5% from 1.85%. NCCI’s analysis to determine the revised P&C reflects provisions from the recently-passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including top corporate tax rate decreases, changes to reserve discount factors, and other factors. This applies to both new and renewal workers’ compensation insurance policies effective in Florida as of June 1, 2018.

Reps. Mast, Gabbard Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Evaluate US Military Burn Pits Exposure

Posted on

U.S. Representatives Brian Mast (FL-18) and Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today introduced bipartisan legislation to evaluate the exposure of U.S. servicemembers and veterans to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals. Over 140,000 servicemembers and veterans have reported exposure to burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals over the past three decades. Exposure can produce serious and potentially life-threatening health effects, including neurological disorders, rare forms of cancer, lung diseases, and more—triggering some to call the crisis the ‘Agent Orange’ of the post-9/11 generation.

“When I was serving in Afghanistan, trash and human waste were often burned in open air pits,” Rep. Mast said. “I think it’s quickly becoming clear that these burn pits are emerging as the Agent Orange of my generation.  Service members that were exposed in Iraq and Afghanistan are seeing terrible health effects at a very young age. These men and women risked their lives for our country, and this bipartisan legislation will go a long way toward getting them the care they have earned.”

“Whether serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, our post-9/11 veterans were exposed to open-air burn pits, often for many hours a day,” Rep. Gabbard said. “Some veterans who I deployed with are now falling sick with cancer and other illnesses. But, there is no research and data about exposure to burn pits and other toxic chemicals, and how they have impacted the health and well-being of our servicemembers and their families. Our bipartisan legislation will evaluate exposure to burn pits and other hazardous airborne chemicals to ensure our servicemembers and veterans receive the treatment and services they earned and deserve.”

The Burn Pits Accountability Act would study servicemembers’ exposure to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals while on active duty to begin the process of understanding, assessing, and treating these service-related ailments. The bill is supported by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

“Burn pits are one of the most critical issues facing our generation of veterans. IAVA members nationwide are deeply concerned and incredibly focused on this issue. Burn pits could impact millions and be our generation’s Agent Orange. Increasing accountability at the DoD for servicemembers’ toxic exposures is long overdue. The introduction of this historic legislation is welcomed news for our community of over 3 million veterans that have fought in our nation’s wars since 9/11,” IAVA Founder and CEO Paul Rieckhoff said. “We applaud the strong leadership of our fellow Post-9/11 veterans in Congress. They have stepped forward in a united, bi-partisan effort to put veterans first. Representative Gabbard and Representative Mast have both lived our wars themselves–and are the perfect leaders to drive forward this change. Just as they did on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, Reps. Gabbard and Mast are now leading for their fellow troops in Congress. Their unity, bi-partisanship and patriotism are an inspiration and an example for all members of Congress–and all Americans. IAVA members nationwide are standing by and look forward to working tirelessly alongside them to get this done.”

BACKGROUND

The Burn Pits Accountability Act would evaluate the exposure of U.S. servicemembers and veterans to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals by:

  • Requiring the Secretary of Defense to record whether servicemembers have been based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used or exposed to toxic airborne chemicals, including any information recorded as part of the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, in the Periodic Health Assessment (PHAs), Separation History and Physical Examination (SHPEs), and Post-Deployment Health Assessment (PDHAs).
  • Enrolling any servicemember who meets the above criteria in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, unless he or she opts-out.
  • Requiring the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to share information relating to exposure of burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals recorded in PHAs, SHPEs, and PDHAs.

Major solar energy project to be announced May 4 by Florida Municipal Electric Utilities

Posted on

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: At a ceremonial signing event to be held this Friday, a partnership of Florida municipal electric utilities will announce plans to build one of the largest municipal-backed solar projects in the United States.

WHO: Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA)

Florida municipal electric utilities from Alachua, Bartow, Beaches Energy Services (Jacksonville Beach), Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, Homestead, Keys Energy Services (Key West), Kissimmee Utility Authority, Lake Worth, Ocala, Orlando Utilities Commission, Wauchula and Winter Park

NextEra Florida Renewables, LLC

WHEN: 10 a.m.
Friday, May 4, 2018

WHERE: Florida Solar Energy Center
1679 Clearlake Rd
Cocoa, FL 32922

DCF Holds Steering Committee on Executive Order to Enhance Behavioral Health and Law Enforcement Collaboration

Posted on

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) today convened the first meeting of the Executive Steering Committee on Executive Order 18-81 in Tallahassee. Governor Scott signed the order on March 26, directing DCF to enhance collaboration with law enforcement in each Florida county to improve the coordination of behavioral health services for individuals in need. To view Executive Order 18-81, click HERE.

“Close coordination of services between DCF, mental health treatment providers, and law enforcement is essential for the success of Florida’s coordinated system of care,” said John N. Bryant, DCF’s Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health. “By bringing together representatives from various organizations who help address behavioral health treatment and safety across state, we can improve service delivery methods and truly make an impact for the citizens of Florida.” 

The first meeting of the steering committee was led by Mr. Bryant and the committee reviewed the objectives of the Executive Order, outlined the role of the committee members, developed an action plan for implementation, and discussed the required final report. Mr. Bryant also provided an overview of new funding allocated for crisis services in the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 budget.

The Executive Steering Committee is comprised of state agency leadership, law enforcement, and education and treatment representatives whose knowledge, insights, and experience will aid in the development of an implementation plan and recommendations on how to best meet the behavioral health and public safety needs of Florida’s citizens. Committee members will also play a vital role in supporting regional and local meetings. Members include: 

  • John N. Bryant, DCF Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health
  • Justin Senior, Secretary, Agency for Health Care Administration
  • Rick Swearingen, Commissioner, Florida Department of Law Enforcement
  • Christina Daly, Secretary, Department of Juvenile Justice
  • Rebecca Kapusta, DCF Assistant Secretary for Operations
  • Matt Dunagan, Florida Sheriffs Association
  • Natalie Kelly, Florida Association of Managing Entities
  • Amy Mercer, Florida Association of Chiefs of Police
  • Joy Frank, General Counsel, Florida Association of District School Superintendents

Lucky Sarasota man becomes $1 million richer playing $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game

Posted on

The Florida Lottery announces that Lubomir Richvalsky, 60, of Sarasota, claimed a $1 million prize in the $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $748,000.00.

Richvalsky purchased his winning ticket from Publix, located at 8409 Tamiami Trail South in Sarasota. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.

The $25 game, $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH, features more than $549 million in total cash prizes, including two top prizes of $10 million and 46 prizes of $1 million! Overall odds of winning are one-in-2.89.

Scratch-Offs are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in FY 2016-17, and comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales.

RoadWatch Advisory for SR 684 at the Cortez Drawbridge in Manatee County

Posted on

MANATEE COUNTY

SR 684 at the Cortez Drawbridge: Bridge maintenance project: Crews are working on the bridge. Expect nighttime/overnight intermittent east and westbound lane closures from 9 p.m. each night to 5 a.m. each morning Wednesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 10. Use caution and expect possible delays.