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Florida Leaders Applaud Governor Scott’s Fight to Protect Florida’s Coastline

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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

This week, following Governor Rick Scott’s meeting with United States Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the Department of the Interior announced that Florida’s coastline has been removed from consideration for future oil drilling. Last week, Governor Scott requested to immediately meet with Secretary Zinke to discuss his concerns with the federal oil drilling plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration. Here’s what Florida leaders are saying:
Mayor of Tampa Bob Buckhorn said, “Protecting Florida’s world class beaches that help bring in millions of visitors every year is not a partisan issue. It is an issue that touches every Floridian in a uniquely personal way. I am proud to join Governor Scott and all of our elected officials who joined hands to ensure our states shoreline remains pristine and our natural environment protected.”
Mayor of Jacksonville Lenny Curry said, “I am grateful to Governor Scott for his work with federal officials to protect Florida’s beaches and natural treasures. One need only study the economic impact of our beaches and coastal communities to understand that we cannot afford to change this policy at this time.”
Mayor of Pensacola Ashton Hayward said, “Thank you to Governor Scott and the Department of the Interior for opposing oil drilling in Florida. Tourism is a driving factor for our local economy and provides hundreds of jobs to our families- this news ensures our continued economic growth and success.”
Congressman Bill Posey said, “The Trump Administration made the right call in protecting and preserving Florida’s coastline and beaches. Central Florida is home to some of the world’s greatest environmental treasures, from our beaches to the Indian River Lagoon, and so much of our economy, wildlife and livelihoods depend on our ability to maintain the natural beauty of our communities. I commend President Trump, Secretary Zinke, Governor Scott and all our state’s leaders for their efforts to ensure that all of Florida’s natural resources are protected and preserved,” said Congressman Bill Posey, lead sponsor of legislation to place a moratorium on seismic testing off of Florida’s shoreline.”
Congressman Dennis A. Ross said, “Governor Scott has taken an important step in protecting Florida’s vital tourism industry and our natural resources. I’m thankful for his constructive efforts with the administration.”
Congressman Daniel Webster said, “I thank Secretary Zinke for hearing and responding to the calls by Governor Scott and the Florida congressional delegation to protect Florida’s coast from offshore drilling. His decision to remove Florida from consideration is a positive step in the right direction. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration, Governor Scott and my colleagues in Florida Delegation to extend the Eastern Gulf of Mexico moratorium and protect Florida’s unique ecosystem.”
Congressman Ted S. Yoho said, “I applaud the decision of Secretary Ryan Zinke and President Trump to exempt the state of Florida from the expansion of any offshore drilling of oil and natural gas. Florida’s economy relies heavily on the health of the waters off our beautiful coast. I stand with Governor Rick Scott and the Florida delegation, in his efforts to keep them pristine for future generations.”
Mayor of Bonita Springs Peter Simmons said, “I applaud Governor Scott for opposing drilling along our beaches and fighting for environmental preservation across the state of Florida. Bonita Springs prides itself on our beautiful shorelines that we work to protect every day.”
Mayor of Clearwater George Cretekos said, “From the time I was a member of Congressman Bill Young’s staff, I recognized that Pinellas County residents have opposed offshore oil drilling, and families, businesses, and visitors to the sugar-sand beaches of Clearwater appreciate the efforts of Governor Scott to protect our shorelines from that environmental threat.”
Mayor of Key West Craig Cates said, “After the oil spill in 2010, we all know what damage offshore drilling can cause to our beautiful coast. Governor Scott and Florida leaders sent a clear message that we do not support offshore drilling. Thank you, Governor, for your leadership.”
Mayor of Mexico Beach City of Mexico Beach Mayor Al Cathey said, “After the oil spill in 2010, we all know what damage offshore drilling can cause to our beautiful coast. Governor Scott and Florida leaders sent a clear message that we do not support offshore drilling. Thank you, Governor, for your leadership.”
Mayor of Naples Bill Barnett said, “I want to thank Governor Scott for aggressively fighting to protect our world-class beaches by meeting with Secretary Zinke and securing Florida’s removal from consideration for future oil drilling. This decision will help protect the millions of families and businesses that depend on visitors from across the globe continuing to come to Florida.”
Mayor of New Port Richey Rob Marlowe said, “I am proud that the concerns of our state were heard and that through Governor Scott’s leadership, Florida has been removed from consideration for future offshore oil drilling. Florida’s incredible natural treasures and tourism industry are entirely unique, and I am glad that they will remain protected thanks to this announcement.”
Mayor of Panama City Greg Brudnicki said, “This announcement comes with a great relief to the families and businesses of our community. I’m grateful for the Governor’s actions to defend our coastlines and protect our environment.”
Mayor of Panama City Beach Mike Thomas said, “The impacts of oil drilling could have devastated the millions of Floridians who depend on the success of our tourism industry. Thank you to Governor Scott, Secretary Zinke and leaders across the state who fought to remove Florida from consideration of possible drilling sites.”
Mayor of Palm Coast Milissa Holland said, “Governor Scott ensured the protection of Florida’s most valuable natural resources by taking Florida out of consideration for offshore drilling projects. I want to thank Governor Scott for his steadfast leadership and commitment to the preservation of our environment.”
Mayor of the City of Sarasota Shelli Freeland Eddie said, “Drilling off the coast of Florida could have a significant impact on our economy. Thank you, Governor Scott, for your swift action to protect our beautiful coasts.”
Mayor of St. Augustine Nancy Shaver said, “I applaud Governor Scott for working with the Secretary Zinke to exclude Florida from the offshore drilling project. Our gorgeous beaches are what draws millions of tourists to our state every year and we cannot afford to let them be harmed by offshore drilling.”
Ed Kelley, Volusia County Commission Chair said, “Each year, millions of visitors flock to our state and our community to enjoy our one-of-a-kind natural treasures, including our world-class beaches and unmatched coastline. The commitment of no offshore oil drilling is a major victory for our state and our families and I am grateful to Governor Scott for his leadership on this critical issue.”
Esteban L. Bovo, Jr., Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Chairman, said, “Our beautiful beaches help bring millions of visitors from all over the world to Miami-Dade County each year, supporting our local economy and providing new opportunities for our residents and their families. We are thankful to Governor Scott for ensuring the risk of offshore oil drilling will not be a concern for Floridians throughout our great State.”
Jimmy Johns, St. Johns County Commissioner District 1, said, “Our elected officials on all levels took a stand against offshore drilling. I could not be more proud of Governor Scott’s efforts to protect our most valuable natural resources. We will continue to work with local, state and federal partners to ensure that Florida’s beaches remain untouched.”

Miami woman wins $1 million prize playing $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Anabel Porras Crespo, 48, of Miami, claimed a $1 million prize in the $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $748,000.00.
Porras Crespo purchased her winning ticket from Publix Sabor, located at 121 Southwest 22ndAvenue in Miami. 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-Off games 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.

PSC Observes Dr. King Holiday as a National Day of Utility Service

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In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is joining Commissions across the country to encourage a “Day of Utility Service” on Monday, January 15. The initiative is part of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ (NARUC) “Anybody Can Serve, So Let’s Conserve” campaign to highlight Dr. King’s public service legacy.
“In observing Dr. King’s birthday, consumers can honor his legacy in their communities by helping others to conserve energy and lower utility bills,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “We encourage Florida residents to turn down their thermostats, install LEDs, and weatherize their homes, and to inspire their neighbors to do the same, following Dr. King’s legacy of service to others.”
Efficiency, demand response, conservation, and affordability are practices that NARUC has emphasized repeatedly as it continues to advance the spirit of its 2008 resolution designating MLK Day as a Day of Utility Service.
About NARUC
NARUC is a non-profit organization founded in 1889 whose members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers in the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NARUC’s member agencies regulate telecommunications, energy, and water utilities. NARUC represents the interests of State public utility commissions before the three branches of the Federal government.

AIF Statement Regarding CRC Judicial Committee’s Vote on CRC Proposal 23

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Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs Brewster Bevis released the following statement regarding the Judicial Committee of the Constitution Revision Commission unanimously voting today to oppose CRC Proposal 23.
“AIF commends the CRC’s Judicial Committee for listening to the concerns of Florida’s business community and appropriately voting down CRC Proposal 23. This unnecessary proposal would have opened up not only Florida businesses, but private citizens as well, to endless litigation and harmful uncertainty.
“With the Judicial Committee’s vote today, Florida’s comprehensive, thoughtfully crafted environmental policy will remain intact, continuing to protect the rights of Floridians and provide much-needed regulatory certainty and stability for businesses moving forward.
“We support the decision made by the CRC Judicial Committee today and agree that proposals such as this do not belong on the Florida Constitution.”

Florida Lottery celebrates 30 years of milestone moments for families and students

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More than $32 Billion Contributed to Education

The Florida Lottery today celebrates its 30th year in operation, marking three decades of excitement, achievement and contributions to education.
Since opening its doors in 1988, the Lottery has contributed more than $32 billion to education, including more than $1 billion annually for each of the past 15 consecutive fiscal years. The Lottery is also the primary funding source for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which has enabled more than 775,000 students to attend college since the program’s inception in 1997.
“The Florida Lottery’s history of record sales has allowed us to maximize our contributions to education, creating winning moments for countless Florida families and students over the past 30 years,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “I want to thank our loyal players, hardworking retailers and dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment to education. As we look ahead, the Lottery will continue to offer exciting and innovative games to our players, providing greater chances to win and more funding for education.”
Since the Lottery made its first contribution to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund in the amount of $46.26 million in February 1988, the benefit of Lottery revenues have continued to be felt across every level of Florida’s 67 counties. Since the Lottery’s inception, Florida’s public schools have received more than $14.6 billion. State colleges and universities have also benefitted, receiving a combined total of more than $7.9 billion.
Profits from all Lottery games are transferred to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. These funds are appropriated by the Florida Legislature and are administered by the Florida Department of Education.

Senate Unanimously Passes Permanent Expansion of Bright Futures Scholarship

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SB 4 Secures Permanent Expansion of Bright
Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships

The Florida Senate today unanimously passed Senate Bill 4, the Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018, sponsored by Senate President-Designate Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton). Senate Bill 4 expands the state university and student financial aid portions of the higher education agenda advanced last session in the Senate, a top priority of Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). The bill includes approximately $124 million to fund the scholarship programs addressed in the bill for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.
“This legislation will provide the policy and budget resources our universities need to increase their ability to compete as national destination institutions, while preserving access and increasing affordability for Floridians,” said President-Designate Galvano. “From the permanent expansion of Bright Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships, to codifying key investments in faculty recruitment and improving the quality of our excellent graduate and professional schools, this bill boosts the strength and competitiveness of our state universities as our primary economic engine to drive vibrant, sustainable economic development and growth in high-paying jobs for not only this generation, but also future generations of Florida students.”
“I am pleased to see Senate Bill 4 earn the unanimous support of the Senate during the first week of Session, and I look forward to sending this critical bill to the House for their consideration,” said President Negron. “The historic increase in need-based student financial aid we passed last year is already built into our budget. However, without Senate Bill 4, the increase in Bright Futures funding for our Academic Scholars could end after this school year. Additionally, without Senate Bill 4, our Medallion Scholars may not have a chance to see their scholarship increased to cover 75 percent of tuition and fees. We have to make these changes permanent. Senate Bill 4 ensures Bright Futures scholarship funding is available for the students who earned it, so they can better plan their investment in an education at one of our excellent colleges or universities.”
Summary of Senate Bill 4 – The Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018
PRESERVE ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Senate Bill 4 expands merit-based and need-based financial aid funding and establishes flexible tuition policies available to families so every student in Florida who qualifies and earns the privilege to attend one of our state universities has the opportunity to pursue a higher education.
Expands Student Financial Assistance and Support

  • Expands need-based state aid, and university or college gift aid, for students with demonstrated financial need.
    • Expands the First Generation Matching Grant Program to include community college students and doubles the state match for private donations supporting the program (2:1 match).
    • Creates a new Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship for children of migrant families to earn technical and college credentials.
  • Expands merit-based state gift aid for high-performing students.
    • Reinstates full funding of the Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar award at 100 percent of tuition and fees, plus $300 in fall and spring semesters to cover instructional materials and other costs, beginning in this 2017-2018 academic year and guarantees funding for 2018 summer term tuition and fees for Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar awards.
    • New provisions of the legislation this year reinstate funding for the Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholar award at 75 percent of tuition and fees for fall and spring semesters, beginning in fall semester of the 2018-2019 academic year and guarantee funding for 2019 summer term tuition and fees for Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholar awards.
    • Expands Benacquisto Scholarship awards (full cost of attendance) to recruit out-of-state National Merit Scholar award winners.

Establishes Flexible Tuition and Fee Policies

  • Requires universities to implement an institutional block tuition and fee policy for full-time, in-state, undergraduate resident students.
    • Fall 2018 semester implementation for at least the entering freshman class – may be extended to include other students.
    • Must accommodate full-time student enrollment in at least 30 credits across any combination of fall, spring, or summer terms of the academic year.
    • Must maximize accelerated and transfer credit to facilitate on-time graduation and minimize excess hours.
    • Must be publicly approved by university boards of trustees and the Board of Governors, with updates and progress reports provided to the Legislature.

Increases Student Access to Internship and Job Opportunities

  • Requires each state university to use labor market projections and related degree production analyses to identify internship opportunities for students to benefit from industry experts and mentors, earn industry certifications, and become employed in high-demand fields.

RECRUIT AND RETAIN TOP FACULTY
Senate Bill 4 expands and enhances policy and funding tools state universities can leverage to recruit and retain the very best faculty, enrich professional and graduate school strength and viability, and bring aging infrastructure and research laboratories into the 21st century.
Establishes World Class Faculty Scholar Program

  • Creates the World Class Faculty Scholar Program to help universities recruit, recognize, and retain exemplary faculty, research scholars, and expert teams.

Establishes University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program

  • Creates the University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program to promote quality and excellence in university professional schools, and improve graduate study outcomes in high-impact fields of medicine, law, and business.

ELEVATE UNIVERSITY DISTINCTION AND NATIONAL PROMINENCE
Senate Bill 4 ensures universities remain accountable to Florida taxpayers by refining university performance expectations to incentivize and reward state university performance excellence and recognition in academics, instruction, research, and community accomplishments and achievements.
Incentivizes On-Time Graduation of Full-Time Students

  • Refines university performance expectations to incentivize and reward institutions for graduating full-time bachelor degree students in four years.
    • Preeminent State Research University: Upgrades the graduation metric to a 4-year graduation rate of 60 percent or higher. The current metric is a 6-year rate at 70 percent or higher. The bill provides one transitional year for any university having earned preeminent or emerging preeminent status based on the 2018 determination under current metrics to maintain that status for the 2018-19 academic year and receive 2018-19 preeminence funds accordingly.
    • University Performance Incentive Funding: Updates metrics to specify a 4-year graduation rate and require benchmarks for the “access” metric that reward institutions for performance success in serving Pell grant students.
  • Tightens state university relationships with their direct-support organizations’ leadership, use of funds, and public disclosure activities.

Promotes State University Programs of Excellence

  • Directs the Board of Governors to establish standards and measures to recognize, enhance, and promote individual degree programs in state universities across the system, which reflect national excellence, prominence, and distinction.

Gov. Scott Speaks with FEMA on Recovery for Puerto Rico

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Governor Rick Scott today spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long regarding the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of continued communication between federal, state and local partners as families continue to recover from Hurricane Maria.
Following a decision by Puerto Rican officials working with FEMA, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) was notified that enrollment in the federal TSA program will be limited to individuals whose homes in Puerto Rico have not yet been determined by FEMA to be restored to safe and livable conditions and have power.
Governor Scott said, “We have worked non-stop to ensure families from Puerto Rico coming to Florida are offered every available state resource and the assistance they need to get back on their feet following Hurricane Maria. Our top priority is to ensure that every family displaced by Hurricane Maria gets the resources they need and that federal, state and local partners continue to work together to ensure a full recovery for these individuals.
“During my call with Administrator Long, we discussed the importance of ongoing federal, state and local support in the delivery of services to Puerto Rican families. I expressed to them the importance of making sure that all families from Puerto Rico in Florida know exactly what federal resources are available to them. I also asked FEMA what federal resources were available to help families return to Puerto Rico once it has been determined it is safe for them to do so. Florida is the most welcoming state in the nation and we invite every family from Puerto Rico to visit our Disaster Recovery Centers to receive information and assistance.”

Rep. Peters files bill to prohibit legislators from working for lobby firms while in office

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Representative Kathleen Peters (R-Treasure Island) filed House Bill 1325 that would prohibit members of the Legislature and their family members from working for lobby firms during a member’s term in office. The legislation aims to create a more ethical distance between legislators and lobbyists for the time that members are serving in public office.
“In recent years, our Florida House has shown a steadfast commitment to ethics reform and closing the revolving door between lobbyists and the Legislature,” Representative Peters stated. “If the Legislature is serious about ethics reform, then this provision must be included in this year’s effort to ensure a high quality standard of conduct among our public officers. If we agree that members should be banned from working for lobby firms immediately after they leave office, it should be common sense that legislators shouldn’t be working for firms who lobby the government while holding elected office.”
House Bill 1325 will eliminate the opportunity for members to vote on legislation that directly impacts the firm for which they work, and with successful passage would become effective July 1, 2018.
The filed bill text and committee referrals can be found on the Florida House website.