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Gov. Scott Directs DCF to Enhance Collaboration with Local Law Enforcement in Each Florida County

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Governor Rick Scott today signed Executive Order 18-81 directing the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to enhance collaboration with law enforcement offices in each Florida county to improve the coordination of behavioral health services for individuals in need. Following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Governor Scott convened emergency meetings with education officials, mental health experts and law enforcement to develop strategies to make our schools safer and improve mental health treatment services in Florida. Today’s Executive Order complements the provision established in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (SB 7026) which increases the sharing of information between sheriff’s offices, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), DCF, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and any community behavioral health providers to better coordinate services and provide prevention or intervention strategies.  Read more about the new law, signed by Governor Rick Scott on March 9th, HERE.

Governor Scott said, “After the horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I met with legislators, members of law enforcement, school administrators, teachers, mental health experts, and state agency leadership to find solutions which make sure our schools and communities are safe. Last month, I proposed a major action plan, and then signed into law the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act to protect our schools, bolster out state’s mental health system of care and keep guns away from dangerous people. Today, to enhance the policies I just signed into law, I am using my executive authority to make sure we are supporting those most in need while protecting Florida families.

“In issuing this executive order, I have directed DCF to closely collaborate with local sheriffs’ offices and police chiefs in each county to further increase communication between these agencies and increase access to substance abuse and mental health services in every community. My goal is to ensure DCF is integrated in every local department, so we have a person working hand-in-hand with law enforcement and dedicated solely to being a crisis welfare worker focused on repeat cases in each community. We will continue ensure that all Floridians have the opportunity to get the treatment they need.”

The Executive Order takes five major steps:

  • Directs DCF to convene quarterly meetings in each of DCF’s six regions with sheriffs and police chiefs in the region, the behavioral health managing entities and service providers, school officials, and other stakeholders to improve communication, collaboration, and the coordination of services;
  • Mandates DCF, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and sheriffs’ offices to improve cost sharing and integration of funding;
  • Allows DCF to include sheriffs’ offices and local law enforcement agencies as eligible recipients of the criminal justice reinvestment grants;
  • Directs DCF and the managing entities to ensure sheriffs or their designee have a seat on each managing entities’ board of directors; and
  • Establishes enhanced collaboration between DCF, managing entities, and sheriffs’ offices to ensure access to mental health and substance abuse treatment services for those released from county jails.

To view Executive Order 18-81, click HERE.

Consumer Alert: How to Spot the Warning Signs of Identity Theft

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Identity theft reached a record high in 2017, impacting nearly 17 million Americans. The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) encourages you to take steps to protect your identity and personal information. Identity theft can happen to anyone, anywhere, and sometimes taking the appropriate precaution just isn’t enough. As soon as thieves have your personal information, they can drain your accounts, charge your credit cards, open new accounts, get medical treatment on your health insurance, and file taxes in your name – and even steal your tax refund.<

How do you know if your identity has been stolen? Be on the lookout for these key indicators of identity theft.
  • You see suspicious transactions on your bank account that you don’t recognize.
  • You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
  • You get calls from debt collectors about debts that aren’t yours.
  • The Internal Revenue Service notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer for whom you don’t work.
  • You’ve stopped getting certain bills or other mail.
  • Medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use.
  • You’re notified that your information was compromised by a data breach.
What can I do if my identity has been stolen?
How can I protect myself? 
  • Be vigilant. 
  • Monitor your bank and credit card transactions regularly.
  • Shred unnecessary personal documents and unwanted mail.
  • Check your credit report and credit score quarterly, or at least annually.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible. Enabling two-factor authentication on sites that have that capability, where a separate action must be taken beyond providing a username and password to access an account, can make it more difficult for fraudsters to take over your accounts. 
  • If necessary, place fraud alerts or security freezes on your credit files. 
  • Sign up for account alerts. Early detection via text messages and emails can help minimize the damage of identity theft.
The OFR offers Floridians a robust online Consumer Knowledge Center, where you can find more information on several financial topics.  

PSC Reduces Gulf Power Customer Bills

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today lowered Gulf Power Company (Gulf) customers’ bills, approving a negotiated plan to apply the 2017 federal tax law to lower the rates consumers pay. As a result of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, corporate tax rates were reduced from 35 percent to 21 percent.

“Gulf customers will realize base rate, as well as environmental and fuel cost recovery savings in their monthly bills beginning in April,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “Addressing possible tax law changes was part of our approval of Gulf’s 2017 rate agreement, and this plan allows customers to benefit early.”

Combined, the Commission approved $103.2 million in tax savings for Gulf customers. The plan includes reductions of $18.2 million to Gulf’s base rates, $15.6 million to its 2018 environmental cost recovery rate, and $69.4 million to its 2018 fuel cost recovery rate. Beginning in April, these savings will reduce a 1,000 kWh monthly residential bill by $12.72.

The Office of Public Counsel, which represents customers, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy supported Gulf’s tax-savings plan.

Gulf serves 460,000 customers in Florida’s Panhandle.

For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.

Governor Scott to Sign Legislation Expanding PTSD Benefits for First Responders

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, March 27th, Governor Rick Scott will sign a bill expanding PTSD benefits for first responders at the Tampa Firefighter Museum. The Governor will be joined by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.

WHAT: Bill Signing

WHEN: 2:00 PM

WHERE: Tampa Firefighter Museum
720 Zack Street
Tampa, FL 33602

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Wildfire Activity in Collier County, Across State

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The Florida Forest Service and local first responders continue efforts to contain three large wildfires in rural Collier County and more than 45 other wildfires across the state. While Florida has received recent rainfall, drought conditions and increased wildfire danger throughout the state are expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The Florida Forest Service has battled over 700 wildfires across the state in 2018.

“Florida’s wildland firefighters are prepared to battle increasingly hazardous wildfires across the state. Today, the Florida Forest Service is doing everything in its power to suppress and contain current wildfires in anticipation of very poor weather conditions tomorrow, especially in southwest Florida. It’s imperative that Floridians are cautious with fire to help protect Florida’s residents, natural resources and wildland firefighters,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.

Large Wildfires in Collier County:

The Florida Forest Service is deploying additional aviation and heavy equipment resources to support response efforts to the following wildfires:

  • 116th Avenue Southeast Fire: 8,063 acres and 50 percent contained.
  • Greenway Fire: 7,239 acres and 25 percent contained.
  • West Boundary Fire: 2,800 acres and 50 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. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.

Governor Scott to Attend Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Tellus Products

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, March 27th, Governor Rick Scott will attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for a new operations facility for Tellus Products. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created nearly 1.5 million jobs.

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: 10:00 AM

WHERE: Tellus Products
1500 West Sugarhouse Rd.
Belle Glade, FL 33430

Board of Governors appoints Dr. Jonathan Ellen as chair of USF consolidation task force

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The Board of Governors on Monday appointed Dr. Jonathan Ellen, president and vice dean of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, to lead the “University of South Florida Consolidation Planning, Study and Implementation Task Force,” which will develop recommendations to phase out the separate accreditations of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and the University of South Florida Sarasota/Manatee.

“Dr. Ellen has an excellent track record of leadership at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and is well regarded by those who have worked with him,” said Ned Lautenbach, chair of the Board of Governors. “He will play a critical role in ensuring that USF’s transition happens smoothly and efficiently and that it further improves service to students.”

Dr. Ellen is a visionary leader at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, transforming the facility from a regional referral center to a pediatric academic health system and national leader in research, teaching and patient care. Among other initiatives, he oversaw the launch of an innovative new pediatric residency program, continues to recruit world-class physicians and scientists, will soon open a $95 million research and education building dedicated to pediatrics in the heart of St. Petersburg’s innovation district, and worked with the leaders at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine to strengthen the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital-USF affiliation. His full biography is available here.

“Consolidated accreditation will increase educational opportunities for students across all the USF campuses by reducing barriers to collaboration among graduate and undergraduate programs, enriching the faculty, and improving strategies for recruitment and retention of students from all backgrounds,” Dr. Ellen said. “The result of the enhanced integration should elevate the innovative and scholarly impact of USF on the Tampa Bay region and country.”

The task force will submit recommendations to the University of South Florida Board of Trustees by February 15, 2019. Its responsibilities include identification of specific degrees in programs of strategic significance, including healthcare, science, technology, engineering and mathematics and other program priorities to be offered at the University of South Florida – St. Petersburg and the University of South Florida Sarasota/Manatee and the timeline for development and delivery of programs on each campus. Other task force goals include engaging faculty, developing the research capacity at each campus, and ensuring a seamless transition for students.

“Having Dr. Ellen, a well-regarded business and community leader in the Tampa Bay region, chair the consolidation task force is an important step in this process,” said USF Board of Trustees Chair Brian Lamb. “His commitment to ensuring a successful outcome for USF, our students, and faculty as set forth by the Florida Legislature is valuable to the entire region.”

Governor Rick Scott announces Brad Piepenbrink as Chief of Staff

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Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Brad Piepenbrink as Chief of Staff of the Governor’s Office beginning today, March 26th. Jackie Schutz Zeckman resigned yesterday and will be pursuing other opportunities.

Governor Scott said, “Brad has done an incredible job in the many important positions he has held throughout my administration. He effectively ran our external affairs operation which has consisted of thousands of events across the state and has led the development of significant policy initiatives throughout my time in office. Brad also oversaw the appointments process of individuals to more than 600 boards and commissions. He was also a key component of my successful reelection efforts and has been critical to carrying out my agenda to make Florida the best state for families and job creators.

“Jackie has been on my team since my first year in office and has been a trusted and loyal advisor. During her time in the Governor’s Office, she led communications efforts and helped lead my legislative strategy during last year’s special legislative session and this year’s session where we secured many victories for Florida families. She also spent years as traveling press secretary where she has coordinated our communications efforts in every Florida media market, and in other states and nations during our economic development missions. She has been dedicated to implementing my agenda throughout my time as Governor and I know she will continue to do great things for our state.”

Brad Piepenbrink most recently served as deputy chief of staff in the Governor’s Office where he oversaw the Governor’s policy development over the environment, health care, transportation, law enforcement and emergency management and was also the director of the Office of External Affairs. Piepenbrink served in this role since the Governor’s reelection in 2014. Prior to this, he served as political director for Governor Scott’s reelection campaign.

During the Governor’s first term in office, Piepenbrink served as Governor Scott’s Director of External Affairs, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Education, and travel-aide to the Governor. Earlier in his career, he also served Senate President Andy Gardiner in the Senate Majority Office and was the legislative aide to Senate President Pro Tempore Garrett Richter. He began his career working for John McCain’s Presidential Campaign in 2008. Piepenbrink holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida Gulf Coast University and MBA from the University of Florida.

New Laser Technique May Help Detect Chemical Warfare in Atmosphere

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The Department of Homeland Security could benefit from a reliable, real-time instrument that could scan the atmosphere for toxic agents in order to alert communities to a biological or chemical attack. UCF optics and photonics Professor Konstantin Vodopyanov is developing just such a technology to accomplish that.

He has found a new way to use infrared lasers to detect even trace amounts of chemicals in the air. Every chemical is made up of individual molecules that vibrate at their own unique frequency. Vodopyanov has found a way to use lasers to detect these vibrations.

The technique is so accurate and sensitive that he can determine if there is a molecule of any chemical present even at concentrations as low as one part per billion. So even if someone tried to hide the toxic chemicals, his technique would be able to detect them.

His findings are published today in Nature Photonics.

“We still have much work ahead,” he said. “We are now working on broadening the range of the laser frequencies that can get the job done. If costs can be reduced and the tech made mobile, the applications could be endless.”

A similar principle is used in the medical field to detect biomarkers for different kinds of health conditions, including cancer, by taking breath samples.

It’s possible, Vodopyanov said, because of the rules of physics.

“The frequencies of molecules are very distinct, but they are invariant – here, on a different continent, on a different planet, anywhere,” Vodopyanov said. “It is universal. Think of it as a molecular fingerprint. So when we use the laser we can detect these fingerprints with great precision.”

The novel approach could open the door for developing non-invasive technology, including sensors, that could be used to detect:

  • airborne agents that could be encountered in a biological or chemical attack at home or on the battlefield
  • traces of life by space explorers on missions to other planets or asteroids

Other collaborators on the Nature Photonics paper include Andrey Muraviev at UCF’s the College of Optics & Photonics, Viktor Smolski of IPG Photonics -– Mid-Infrared Lasers in Birmingham, AL, and Zachary Loparo from UCF’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Vodopyanov obtained his doctorate from the Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow. He’s spent years teaching and conducting research in Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom and Stanford University in California before joining UCF in 2013. He’s also worked in industry, including the Silicon Valley start-up Picarro, which was developing a laser-based breath analyzer for early detection of ulcers. He’s written more than 300 papers and is funded by various organizations including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Office of Naval Research, Air Force and NASA.

Gov. Scott Signs Legislation Requiring Emergency Generators at All Florida Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

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Governor Rick Scott today signed SB 7028 and HB 7099, which makes permanent the emergency rules requiring every nursing home and ALF in Florida to have emergency generators to keep residents safe. Governor Scott directed the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DEA) to issue the emergency rules immediately following the tragedy at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills during Hurricane Irma last year. Florida is one of the first states in the nation to require emergency generators at nursing homes and ALFs.

Governor Scott said, “The tragedy at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills made it clear more needed to be done to ensure the protection of vulnerable Floridians during emergencies like Hurricane Irma. That is why I immediately ordered state agencies to issue emergency rules requiring each nursing home and ALF in Florida to have emergency generators on hand to keep residents safe. We fought aggressively to quickly implement this life-saving rule at facilities across the state and I am proud to sign legislation today that makes this rule permanent. Florida is one of the first states in the nation to require emergency generators at nursing homes and ALFs, and I appreciate the work of Senate President Joe Negron, House Speaker Richard Corcoran, and all the legislators who supported this important legislation. As we near the 2018 hurricane season, families can now know the facilities responsible for caring for their loved ones will have the resources needed to be fully prepared ahead of any potential storms.”

AHCA Secretary Justin Senior said, “Governor Scott has been clear since day one that the goal of this rule is to ensure a safe environment. With today’s bill signing, our Agency can move forward with implementing this emergency power plan rule to ensure that nursing homes and assisted living facilities are prepared for the start of the upcoming hurricane season. Florida faces an annual risk from Mother Nature, and these rules will help keep seniors safe during a possible devastating weather event or periods with prolonged power outage.”