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Sen. Bill Nelson statement on meeting with Mark Zuckerberg

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, issued the following statement after his meeting today with Facebook chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg. The meeting comes just one day before Zuckerberg is scheduled to appear before a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce Committees on Tuesday:

“I just met one-on-one with Mr. Zuckerberg and in no uncertain terms reminded him that Facebook has a responsibility to its users to protect our personal data. Facebook failed us. Not only did they fail to safeguard the personal information of millions of users, they concealed it from us – and this is not the first time the company mishandled user information. Only now are they coming clean and informing those who have had their information compromised and telling us they are going to make things right.

“Meantime, we still don’t know what Cambridge Analytica and other third parties have done with the data they collected. That’s why I’ve asked Chairman Thune to haul Cambridge Analytica in to answer these questions at a separate hearing.  The chairman has given me his assurance he plans to do just that. The bottom line here is: if Facebook can’t fix its privacy problems, then how can Americans trust them to be caretakers of their sensitive information?”

Governor Rick Scott, First Lady Ann Scott and Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera’s Statement on the Passing of Jereima “Jeri” Bustamante

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Governor Rick Scott, First Lady Ann Scott and Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera made the following statement regarding the passing of Jeri Bustamante in a boating accident.

Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott said, “It is with true sadness that we learned today of the passing of our long time Press Secretary, Jeri Bustamante, who faithfully served in our administration for many years. Anyone who ever spent time with Jeri knows what a terrific and selfless person she was. Her personality filled rooms and hearts. We grieve with her family today.”

Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera said, “Jeri was a part of our team for many years. She was a joy to work with and cared tremendously about her family, her career and the Floridians she served. I met Jeri when working as Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser and witnessed her passion for media relations firsthand. My family and I are grieving with Jeri’s family and those closest to her.”

Lake Eola Goes Purple to Honor Crime Victims

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MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: In commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), Lake Eola will honor Florida crime victims and the Marsy’s Law for Florida effort by lighting the park’s signature fountains in purple for one night on Monday, April 9, at 5:59 p.m. The color represents Floridians who have been victimized by violent crime, recognizing their bravery and reminding them they are not alone. Championed by victims, families, advocates and elected officials, Marsy’s Law for Florida is a proposed constitutional amendment (CRC Proposal 96) to provide crime victims and their families with clear, enforceable rights in our state constitution.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week raises awareness of victims’ rights for one week during April. This year, NCVRW’s theme is “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims” – emphasizing the importance of ensuring all crime victims, regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation, have access to services and support. By celebrating NCVRW, Marsy’s Law for Florida hopes to educate Floridians about the gap that currently exists in our justice system, which ultimately leaves crime victims feeling voiceless and alone.

WHEN: Monday, April 9
5:59 p.m. through 11:59 p.m.

WHERE: Lake Eola
512 East Washington Street
Orlando, Florida 32801

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Florida Wildfire Activity

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 32 active wildfires in Florida burning 27,508 acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

  • Old Blade Line, Polk County: 450 acres and 75 percent contained.

The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:

  • Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
  • Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
  • Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
  • Never burn on windy days;
  • Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
  • Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
  • Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.

Marsy’s Law for Florida Lights the Florida Old Capitol Purple in Recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

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Florida’s iconic old capitol building will be set aglow in purple lighting every night this week by Marsy’s Law for Florida in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 8 through 14. The purple lights are a reminder that victims should be entitled to equal rights and protections under the law.

Floridians who have been victimized by a crime do not have rights that are equal to those already afforded the accused and convicted. Marsy’s Law for Florida has been advocating for change by placing a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights in the Florida Constitution through a proposed constitutional amendment. Proposal 96, currently under consideration by the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), would enumerate clear, enforceable rights and protections for victims in our state’s most powerful legal document.

“We’re shining a bright light on this issue because far too often victims are forgotten. Through no fault of their own, victims and their families are thrust into the criminal justice system. Once there, victims are often left without a voice, made to feel invisible, or worse, retraumatized by the process itself,” said Commissioner Tim Cerio, CRC member and sponsor of Proposal 96. “We’re lighting the old capitol purple this week to send a message: Florida victims should be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week raises awareness of victims’ rights for one week during April. This year, NCVRW’s theme is “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims” – emphasizing the importance of ensuring all crime victims, regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation, have access to services and support. By celebrating NCVRW, Marsy’s Law for Florida hopes to educate Floridians about the gap that currently exists in our justice system, which ultimately leaves crime victims feeling voiceless and alone.

If passed by the CRC, and ultimately voters, Marsy’s Law for Florida would provide victims with basic, commonsense rights and protections, such as:

  • The right to be present at any court proceedings related to their case.
  • The right to speak at their perpetrator’s plea hearing or sentencing, especially if the outcome may result in the offender’s release.
  • The right to know if the person who victimized them is about to being released from prison.

Marsy’s Law for Florida has garnered broad, bipartisan support from leaders across the state, including Governor Rick Scott, former Governor Jeb Bush, State Attorney Andrew Warren (13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County) State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle (11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County) State Attorney R.J. Larizza (7th Judicial Circuit, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia Counties) State Attorney Dave Aronberg (15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County), State Senator Lauren Book, Florida Police Chiefs Association and Florida Sheriffs Association.

The measure is co-sponsored by CRC members: Patricia Levesque, Darlene Jordan, Fred Karlinsky, State Representative Jeanette Nuñez, Brecht Heuchan, Belinda Keiser, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch and State Senator Darryl Rouson.

Last month, the full CRC voted in favor of Marsy’s Law for Florida. The measure will go before the full CRC again for a second vote and must receive a minimum of 22 votes in order to be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. The proposal must be approved by 60 percent of voters to be placed in the Florida Constitution.

About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.

Four new lottery Scratch-Off games offer millions in cash prizes

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The Florida Lottery introduces four new Scratch-Off games today that offer more than $176 million in total cash prizes. The games, 24 KARAT CASH, THE PRICE IS RIGHT, NEON 7’S, and $100 IN A FLASH, range in price from $1 to $10. All Lottery retailers are expected to have these new tickets in stock and available for purchase within 72 hours.

24 KARAT CASH offers four top prizes of $2 million! This $10 game also features more than 152,500 prizes from $100 to $10,000. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-3.57.

The $5 game, THE PRICE IS RIGHT, gives players the chance to win up to 22 times on one ticket! The game features more than $59 million in prizes, including six top prizes of $1 million! The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-4.19.

NEON 7’S offers players the chance to win up to $30,000 instantly! This $2 game features more than five million winning tickets, and overall odds of winning are one-in-4.41.

For just $1, players can win up to $3,000 with $100 IN A FLASH. This game features more than $2.4 million in $100 prizes! The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-4.97.

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

The Old Capitol Goes Purple in Recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

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MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO: Marsy’s Law for Florida, an effort to place clear, enforceable rights and protections for victims in Florida’s constitution

WHAT: In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8 through 14, Marsy’s Law for Florida will light Florida’s old capitol in purple lights all week as a reminder that victims should be entitled to equal rights and protections under the law.

WHEN: Sunday, April 8 through Saturday, April 14
sunset to sunrise each evening

WHERE: Florida Old Capitol
400 S Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399

USDA announces $2.36 billion to help Florida farmers, citrus growers

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The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture announced today that it will provide more than $2.3 billion in disaster assistance to help Florida farmers and citrus growers recover from last year’s hurricanes.

The announcement comes just days after U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and others sent a letter to Sec. Sonny Perdue urging him to provide the much-needed assistance to Florida’s farmers. Congress approved the funding as part of the disaster supplemental bill it passed in February.

“Florida’s farmers and citrus growers are a vital part of our state’s economy and we need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to help them recover from last year’s storms,” Nelson said today following the announcement.

A copy of the letter Nelson and Rubio sent to Perdue is here.

And here’s a copy of USDA’s announcement:

USDA Implements up to $2.36 Billion to Help Agricultural
Producers Recover after 2017 Hurricanes and Wildfires

2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program’ to Aid Recovery in Rural Communities

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make disaster payments of up to $2.36 billion, as provided by Congress, to help America’s farmers and ranchers recover from hurricanes and wildfires. The funds are available as part of the new 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP). Sign-up for the new program, authorized by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, will begin no later than July 16.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will make these disaster payments to agricultural producers to offset losses from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and devastating wildfires. The 2017 calendar year was a historic year for natural disasters, and this investment is part of a broader suite of programs that USDA is delivering to rural America to aid recovery. In total, the Act provided more than $3 billion in disaster relief by creating new programs, and expediting or enhancing payments for producers.

“America’s farmers feed our nation and much of the world, and throughout history they have known good years and bad years. But when significant disasters strike, we are ready to step in and provide the assistance they need,” Secretary Perdue said. “USDA is working as quickly as possible to develop procedures and a system by which affected producers can access disaster assistance. For producers new to FSA programs, we encourage you to visit your local USDA service center now to establish farm records.”

About 2017 WHIP Disaster Payments

The new 2017 WHIP will provide significant disaster assistance and be guided by the following principles:

  • Eligibility will be limited to producers in counties that experienced hurricanes or wildfires designated as presidentially-declared disasters in 2017;
  • Compensation determined by a producer’s individual losses rather than an average of losses for a particular area (where data is available);
  • Producers who purchased higher levels of risk protection, such as crop insurance and noninsured crop disaster assistance program, will receive higher payments;
  • Advance payments up to 50 percent; and
  • A requirement that payment recipients obtain future risk protection.

Other USDA Disaster Assistance

WHIP disaster payments are being issued in addition to payments through our traditional programs, some of which obtained increased funding or had amendments made by the Act to make the programs more responsive, including the Emergency Conservation Program, Emergency Watershed Protection Program, Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program, Tree Assistance Program and Livestock Indemnity Program.

During 2017, the U.S. experienced a historic year of weather-related disasters, with an economic impact totaling more than $300 billion. In total, the United States was impacted by 16 separate billion-dollar disaster events including: three tropical cyclones, eight severe storms, two inland floods, a crop freeze, drought and wildfire. More than 25 million people – almost eight percent of the population – were affected by major disasters.

More Information

FSA will distribute more information on how producers can file claims for WHIP disaster payments at a later date. For questions on how to establish farm records to be prepared when WHIP disaster signup begins, or to learn about other disaster assistance programs, producers are asked to contact their local USDA service center.

Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Statement on USDA’s Disaster Aid Implementation

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Following U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s announcement today that the USDA will begin implementing disaster payments of up to $2.36 billion in response to 2017 hurricanes and wildfires, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement:

“Florida agriculture took a direct hit from Hurricane Irma and has long-awaited this much-needed disaster relief. I thank Secretary Perdue for moving forward with the process to make disaster payments. We look forward to continuing to work with the USDA to ensure that this program is implemented quickly and in the best way possible to help Florida’s producers recover from the devastating hurricane.”

Twelve Florida College System Students Earn National Scholarships

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Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Coca-Cola reward students’ hard work

During an awards ceremony today in Tampa, Florida, College System Chancellor Madeline Pumariega honored the 134 students who were named to the Florida College System All-Florida Academic Team. Twelve of these students also earned national scholarships ranging in value from $1,000 to $5,000 for demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence, intellectual rigor and community service.

Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “The Florida College System is recognized as a national model for its outstanding institutions, so it is no surprise that 134 of our colleges’ students were selected as recipients of these distinguished scholarships and awards. I am pleased to congratulate these students and thank Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Coca-Cola for investing in our students’ continued education.”

Chancellor Madeline Pumariega said, “As Chancellor of the Florida College System, it is my privilege to commend these students on the dedication they have shown to their studies and for the contributions they have made to their communities. These are just a few examples of the many truly remarkable students in the Florida College System.”

Below are two Florida college students who are being recognized with national scholarships.

All-USA Community College Academic Team: Luis Flores Mesias, Hillsborough Community College
Luis Flores Mesias has the unique distinction of being selected as both a member of the 2018 All-USA Academic Team and the 2018 Coca-Cola New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar for Florida, a result of having the highest All-USA Academic Team application score in the State of Florida. As a member of the All-USA Academic Team he is one of only 20 others in the United States. He is one of only 100 students recognized across the United States as a Coca-Cola New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar.

A native of Guatemala, Luis has excelled since arriving at Hillsborough Community College, serving as an honors ambassador, member of Phi Beta Lambda, Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Luis has had the honor of serving as the first student trustee in the history of Hillsborough Community College. The District Board of Trustees, administration and staff have been greatly impressed by his informed advocacy for his fellow students during the academic year.  After completing his course work at Hillsborough Community College, Luis hopes to continue his studies in Electrical Engineering at a university. Luis Mesias earned a $5,000 scholarship as a member of the All-USA Community College Academic team and $2,000 as Florida’s Coca-Cola New Century Scholar

Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar Team: Shanta Bacchus, Valencia College 
The New Century Workforce Pathway Scholarship recognizes the achievements of workforce-ready students and provides scholarships to complete their associate degrees, obtain the necessary certifications and purchase the tools or other trade-specific items needed to enter the workforce. Fifty students from across the nation will be recognized. Shanta Bacchus is currently pursuing an Associate in Science in Office Administration from Valencia College and will receive a $1,250 scholarship from Phi Theta Kappa.

Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team
The Coca-Cola Community Academic Team is selected annually by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation to recognize outstanding leadership, service to the community and academic excellence. Gold scholars are awarded with a $1,500 scholarship, silver scholars receive a $1,250 scholarship and bronze scholars receive a $1,000 scholarship.

  • Gold Scholars
    • Michaylla Boring, Eastern Florida State College
    • Jennifer Smalley, Northwest Florida State College
  • Silver Scholars
    • Ann Brown, Chipola College
    • Michidael Ceard, Miami Dade College
    • Medjyna Moreau, Broward College
  • Bronze Scholars
    • Summer Chrzescian, Florida SouthWestern State College
    • Estefany Rivas Ortiz, Hillsborough Community College
    • Monique Ruiz, Miami Dade College
    • Erika Weaver-Coleman, South Florida State College
    • Felipe Zwanzger, Miami Dade College

To view the All-Florida Academic Team members, visit All-Florida.

For more information about the Florida College System, visit floridacollegesystem.org.

For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.