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Porter Endorses Marc Vann for HD 10

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Combined with his fundraising lead, incumbent Rep. Elizabeth Porter’s support
signals continued momentum for Vann’s campaign for House District 10.

The Marc Vann Campaign today announced the endorsement of Rep. Elizabeth Porter, who currently holds the District 10 seat Vann is seeking. Elected in 2010, Porter faces term limits this year. Vann is also leading his primary opponents in actual funds raised. He banked $5,125 in December and has raised a total of $24,750 since entering the race in October.
“Marc Vann is the right leader to continue to fight for District 10,” said Porter. “I have known Marc for years, and I have no doubt that his background and integrity make him the person we need to make sure our region is well represented in Tallahassee. He’s one of us, and he has a deep understanding of our area’s needs and our opportunities. Marc will go to bat for us in the Florida House.”
During the 2018 legislative session that is currently underway, Porter is serving as Chair of the Post-Secondary Education Subcommittee. She also sits on the House Appropriations and Education Committees.
“Elizabeth Porter is a highly respected leader in the Florida House,” said Vann. “I’m honored to have her support, and I look forward to continuing the high standard of public service she set for District 10.”
Vann is a lifelong Lake City resident and the co-owner of Vann Carpet One. He is running on a conservative platform of growing the North Central Florida jobs base, reducing the size of government, and increasing local control of education. He and his wife, Sheree, have four children and eight grandchildren.
District 10 includes Baker, Columbia, Hamilton, and Suwannee Counties and part of Alachua County.

Paid by Marc Vann, Republican, for State Representative

Blacklidge Continues Solid Fundraising

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Since becoming a candidate, the Republican has banked
over $100,000 in the race for House District 69.

The Ray Blacklidge Campaign today announced that it raised $10,395 during December, bringing his total amount raised to more than $87,000. When combined with funds raised for his political committee, Friends of Ray Blacklidge, his total amount exceeds $100,000. Blacklidge is seeking the District 69 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.
“Our momentum in this campaign continues to grow,” said Blacklidge. “Our fundraising strength demonstrates that more and more people are jumping on board with our vision for more jobs and a stronger economy, and I look forward to continuing to get our message out to the voters of District 69.”
Blacklidge, a Republican, has an extensive background as an entrepreneur with a record of protecting consumers and fighting fraud. He currently works as an insurance executive and attorney in the management of a Florida-based insurance company.
Ray is a longtime Pinellas County resident who lives with his wife, Lisa, a physician’s assistant, in Madeira Beach, and they are thrilled that their five children and three grandchildren all live in the Tampa Bay area.
House District 69 covers the south Pinellas beach communities from Redington Shores to Fort DeSoto, as well as portions of St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Kenneth City, and Pinellas Park. With 36 percent of the district’s voter registration, Republicans maintain a slight lead over the Democrats’ 35 percent. Independents and minor parties make up 29 percent of the district.

Paid by Ray Blacklidge, Republican, for State Representative

Statement from Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director, on presentations about CRC Proposal 88

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“A committee of the Constitution Revision Commission will meet today to discuss a truly bad proposal, one that is bad on its face and most certainly does not belong in the Florida Constitution. I hope the information members receive during this discussion makes it clear just how much Proposal 88 deserves to be rejected. 
The measure claims to help enhance protections for nursing home residents, but it is really little more than a money grab by trial lawyers who are hoping to increase the number of lawsuits against nursing homes. Thousands of dedicated, hardworking professional caregivers are making a difference in the lives of nursing home residents, improving their health outcomes and providing resident-focused care in a way that promotes their dignity. Existing state and federal laws guarantee the rights of nursing home residents, and the Florida Health Care Association is committed to working with state leaders to implement any reasonable strategies that enhance their care and well-being. 
This proposal is wrong for the Florida Constitution, and it is wrong for the people of Florida. Increasing lawsuits against nursing homes does nothing to improve quality, having the resources to invest in caregivers is what makes the difference. Commissioners should see it for what it is and reject it.”

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

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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

Following Governor Rick Scott’s meeting yesterday 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:
Congressman Gus Bilirakis said, “I am proud of the success of the intense and coordinated efforts by leaders of Florida’s state and federal delegations, spearheaded by Governor Scott. By working together as a unified, bipartisan team committed to the protection of Florida’s environment and economy, we were able to reverse plans that called for oil drilling off our coast. I applaud the Administration for listening to the voices of those most informed about the unique needs of our state and deferring to our judgment.”
Congressman Vern Buchanan said, “The administration’s decision to cancel expanded drilling off our coasts is great news for Florida’s environment and economy. Kudos to Governor Scott and the congressional delegation for standing against this misguided policy.”
Congressman Carlos Curbelo said, “The people of Florida and elected officials at the local, state and federal levels spoke loud and clear on the Administration’s oil drilling plan: We don’t want drilling near our shores, and we don’t want to put our ecological treasures and state economy at risk. I’m grateful to all those who made this a priority, including Governor Scott, and to Secretary Zinke and the Department of Interior for listening to Florida and its leaders and removing Florida from consideration.”
Congressman Ron DeSantis said, “I applaud Secretary Ryan Zinke for heeding the calls of Governor Rick Scott and our Florida congressional delegation and taking Florida off the table for offshore oil drilling. Thank you for listening!”
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart said, “I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Zinke for removing Florida from the list of potential offshore drilling sites. This once again demonstrates Governor Scott’s absolute leadership, as he worked tirelessly with the Administration to protect Florida’s pristine beaches and the ecosystem our shores rely on. I also want to commend the Florida congressional delegation for always coming together on issues important to our state.”
Congressman Neal Dunn said, “President Trump and Secretary Zinke made the right call, and protecting the eastern Gulf for the military’s test and training range is critical for our national security. It is a unique national treasure that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the country. I am grateful to Governor Scott for his leadership, as well as the work of the Florida congressional delegation in coming to this outcome.”
Congressman Matt Gaetz said, “I am deeply pleased that Secretary Zinke will no longer pursue oil drilling off the Florida coast, which would have been disastrous to Florida’s economy, the environment, and, most importantly, to the readiness of America’s armed forces. Governor Scott’s strong leadership on this issue and President Trump’s swift response were commendable, and I am proud that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle could unite to protect the Sunshine State. In my one-on-one talks with President Trump, I brought up the dire risk that coastal oil drilling would pose to national security, and he was greatly receptive to my concerns. The guarantee that drilling off the Florida coast will not happen during President Trump’s tenure is a tremendous victory for Florida and for its people.”
Congressman Brian Mast said, “Oil drilling off the coast of Florida would put our economy, environment and marine life at risk. That’s why our state’s representatives, across the political spectrum, have been working hard together to prevent drilling. Over the last several days, Secretary Zinke heard a bipartisan chorus from Florida – from my conversation with him to meeting with Governor Scott and hearing directly from the millions of Floridians opposed to drilling. We spoke with a united voice and delivered results!”
Congressman Francis Rooney said, “I applaud the decision of President Trump and Secretary Zinke, along with the hard work of Governor Scott, to remove our state from the administration’s offshore drilling plan – my ultimate goal is still a permanent ban on offshore drilling and seismic testing in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and I firmly believe that Florida’s Congressional delegation will be successful in achieving this goal.”
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said, “I’m glad that Secretary Zinke has decided to exclude Florida from any oil drilling exploration and applaud Governor Scott’s efforts. I hope that the Secretary will follow up shortly with an announcement that seismic testing is also off the table. Our Florida Congressional delegation stands firmly against oil drilling because, as a tourist-friendly and ecologically sensitive state, we know the damage any spill can cause to our state economy in addition to its national impact. As we saw from the devastating impacts of Deepwater Horizon, Florida cannot afford a spill of any size.”
Congressman John Rutherford said, “I commend Governor Scott and Secretary Zinke for recognizing the importance of protecting Florida’s coasts from drilling. The administration’s agreement to leave Florida out of the new five-year drilling plan is a promising development and good step forward in protecting Florida’s pristine shores. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration and Governor Scott to establish long-term protections for Florida against drilling and seismic testing off of our Gulf and Atlantic Coasts.”
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Florida’s coastline not only supports our tourism industry, but also supports our military and research industries. I’m proud of Governor Scott’s leadership on this issue and applaud our federal leaders for listening to his insight.”
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said, “I stand with Governor Scott in protecting Florida’s shores and am grateful for his leadership in working with Secretary Zinke to protect what makes Florida Florida.”
Senate President Joe Negron said, “I have opposed offshore drilling from Day One and appreciate Governor Scott’s quick action in working with the Department of Interior to make sure Florida’s voice is heard. Time and time again from working with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure we successfully implement Senate Bill 10, to renovations of the Herbert Hoover Dike, to LIP funding, to securing federal resources needed for recovery from recent hurricanes, Governor Scott has demonstrated efficiency and effectiveness when working with our federal partners in Washington.”
Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran said, “Without Rick Scott, Florida’s pristine coast lines and natural beauty would be in jeopardy. His tireless effort to protect our future, as well as his standing with the President, is an unmatched asset for Floridians. From Pensacola to Punta Gorda, Floridians across the board are united behind our Governor in opposing offshore drilling.”
Senator Rob Bradley said, “Florida’s world class beaches help bring in millions of tourists every year. I’m proud of the work that Governor Scott did to secure Florida’s pristine environment by preventing offshore drilling from happening in Florida.”
Representative Holly Raschein said, “I want to thank Governor Scott for his effort to keep offshore drilling from coming to Florida. Our coral reefs and gorgeous beaches are what attract tourists to our state and we have to protect them.”
Chair of VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors Maryann Ferenc said, “Our beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, helping us attract millions of visitors each year. We now have peace of mind as we market our state that those beaches will be beautiful and safe. I appreciate the Governor taking a lead on this important issue.”
President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA Ken Lawson, said “Exempting Florida from any offshore drilling is a huge win for tourism in our state. Florida’s beaches are a global icon, attracting millions of visitors to the Sunshine State every year. By keeping offshore drilling away from Florida, we’re ensuring our world-class beaches will remain beautiful for generations to come. Governor Scott has been a champion for tourism in Florida, and I want to thank him for his strong leadership on this important issue.”
Chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Bo Rivard said, “Florida is the fishing capital of the world which helps bring tourists to our state every year. I’m proud of the work that Governor Scott did to secure Florida’s pristine environment by preventing offshore drilling from happening in Florida.”
Vice Chair of Triumph Gulf Coast Allan Bense said, “Florida is home to some of the most beautiful natural resources in the world and I’m proud that Governor Scott got Florida off the table for offshore oil drilling. We must continue to do everything we can to protect our beaches.”
President of Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association Deborah Flack said, “FSBPA applauds Governor Scott for his concern and commitment to the preservation of Florida’s beaches. His opposition to offshore drilling is further evidence of his support, as recently demonstrated by his unprecedented budget recommendation of $100 million to maintain our beaches and to sustain the economic health of our coastal communities.”
President and CEO of Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Carol Dover said, “Last week, FRLA stood in solidarity with Governor Scott who expressed his opposition and concerns with the federal oil drilling plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration. With the recent Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010, our hotels and restaurants already know all too well the devastating impacts an oil spill can wreak on a tourist destination. FRLA expresses its sincere gratitude for Governor Scott’s leadership on this issue and applauds Secretary Zinke’s decision to preserve Florida’s coastal communities whose economies are heavily reliant on tourism. Florida’s 825 miles of sandy coastline is one of the state’s most valuable resources and FRLA is proud to support any effort that restores our beaches and maintains, protects, and preserves them for the future.”
Interim Executive Director of Audubon Florida Julie Wraithmell said, “Florida is home to some of the most important habitats for birds and wildlife. Audubon Florida is grateful for Governor Scott’s clear message that Florida’s Atlantic Coast and the Eastern Gulf of Mexico are no place for dangerous offshore drilling.”

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on Passage of HB 21

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Attorney General Pam Bondi today issued the following statement on the unanimous approval of HB 21 by the House Health Quality Subcommittee:
“Our fight against the national opioid crisis claiming lives in Florida continues, and this legislation would help bolster state efforts and save lives. I want to thank Representative Jim Boyd for sponsoring this important legislation and each member of the House Health Quality Subcommittee for voting in favor of these legislative reforms.”

Armed Services Turn to UCF for Help in Disrupt New Technology

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The U.S. Army and the U.S. Office of Naval Research have turned to the University of Central Florida to help push the limits of additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3-D printing with metallic alloys.
Additive manufacturing looks to use different metallic alloys to print a variety of finished components used in everything from children’s toys to aircraft and naval ships, which is why the armed services are interested in seeing the industry advance. The UCF process, once perfected, promises to be more efficient and mobile.
Yongho Sohn, a Pegasus Professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and associate director of the Materials Characterization Facility, is leading work on overcoming the challenges associated with using metallic alloys. With the Army and Navy’s nearly $5 million in grants over the next five years, he expects to be able to accelerate breakthroughs in this area, something that’s been the focus of his 18-year career at UCF.
“Additive manufacturing technology offers unprecedented capability for agility, customization, delivery and, most importantly, design possibilities unexplored due to conventional manufacturing limitations,” Sohn said. “This is a disruptive technology that can change how we manufacture things and, equally important, how we educate and train the next generation of our technology workforce.”
Much like personal printers, toners (the alloy powders) in additive manufacturing determine the range and quality of the materials that can be printed and the resolution of the finished products.
Sohn is working with a team that is exploring the development of new alloys specifically for some of the most technically challenging applications required by Army and Navy.
UCF is positioned to make leaps in this field because of Sohn’s expertise and the resources in his laboratory. It is one of a few university labs in the nation to have the tools to investigate the complete manufacturing process for metallic alloys from powders to finished components.
“Literally we can design a new alloy composition to try by lunch time, make the new alloy into powder form and feed it into the 3-D printer before going home, and have a component printed out when we return to work the next morning so we can run a variety of characterization/testing,” he said.
He is collaborating with Ranganathan Kumar from UCF’s mechanical and aerospace engineering program, Hae-Bum Yun from civil and environmental engineering, and Kevin Coffey and Tenfie Jiang, both from materials science and engineering. External collaborators include scientists from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and Rajiv Mishra from the University of North Texas.
Students and post docs are also benefiting from this cutting-edge research. Several have been trained to use the equipment and certified to conduct research with it. They include: two research scientists, Le Zhou and Ed Dein in the Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center, one doctoral student, Holden Hyer from materials and science and engineering and one undergraduate, Sharon Park, a junior in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Governor Scott Highlights $180 Million Tax Cut Package

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Governor Rick Scott today visited W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, a Jacksonville-based company with more than 1,000 employees throughout eight Florida locations, to highlight his proposal for $180 million in tax cuts for Florida families in his Securing Florida’s Future recommended budget. The Governor’s proposal includes sales tax holidays to help families prepare for the school year and hurricane season, and reductions to many of the fees on driver’s licenses. Since 2010, the Governor has cut taxes more than 80 times, saving Floridians more than $7.5 billion. Governor Scott also highlighted his proposed amendment to Florida’s Constitution to make it harder for politicians to raise taxes by requiring a supermajority vote by future Florida legislatures to raise any taxes or fees.
Governor Scott’s $180 million tax cut package includes:

  • Sales Tax Holidays to Save Families $88 Million – The Governor’s recommended budget includes funding for four sales tax holidays which will save Floridians an estimated $88 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holidays include:
    • $73 million from a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday; and
    • $15 million from three one-week disaster preparedness sales tax holidays which would take place in May, June and July.
  • Reduction in Driver’s License Fees to Save Floridians $87 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to reduce the fees for driver’s licenses. These fees were increased in 2009, prior to Governor Scott taking office. These fee cuts include:
    • $67 million in savings from reducing the fee for a renewal of a regular driver’s license by more than 58 percent from $48 to $20; and
    • $20 million in savings from reducing the fee on an original regular driver’s license by more than 43 percent from $48 to $27 and the fee on an original Commercial Driver’s License by more than 10 percent from $75 to $67.
  • Reduction in Traffic Citation Fines to Save Floridians $4 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to reinstate the 18 percent reduction of eligible traffic citation fines, which was repealed in 2009 prior to Governor Scott taking office, for individuals who attend a basic driver improvement school.

Nelson to Zinke: What does Florida ‘off the table’ really mean?

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) sent a letter today to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke demanding specific details on any new five-year offshore drilling plan the agency may be considering.
The move comes less than 24 hours after Zinke announced in an airport in Tallahassee that he was taking Florida “off the table” as the agency looks to open up additional areas to offshore oil drilling.
Nelson, who immediately called the announcement a “political stunt,” says the public has a right to know exactly what Interior is now proposing before they should be expected to comment on it.
“The public has a right to know exactly what Interior’s plan is,” Nelson wrote to Zinke, “and it is unreasonable to expect Floridians to provide input on a plan that may or may not be the plan that your agency is actually considering.”
Nelson announced the letter in a speech he gave on the Senate floor Wednesday. “While many in Florida have seen right through this shameless political stunt,” Nelson said, “it has opened up a long list of other questions that I have now asked Secretary Zinke to answer in a letter that I have sent today.”
Nelson went on to say that Zinke should extend the public comment period to give Floridians adequate time to voice their opinion on any new plan.
“For every day that goes by without answers to these essential questions, the secretary needs to add that much more time to the public comment period,” Nelson said. “I fear this announcement of Secretary Zinke’s is going to discourage Floridians from commenting on the proposal that was published just this Monday – the one that opened up Florida’s entire coastline to drilling – because our Floridians have been given false assurances that we all are in the clear.”
In that same speech, Nelson also announced that he filed new legislation Wednesday to permanently ban drilling off of Florida’s coast.
“I have filed bills to expand the moratorium on the Gulf Coast, I have sponsored other legislation to protect Florida, and today I am filing another bill that would be a permanent ban of drilling off of Florida’s coast,” Nelson announced.
A pdf of Nelson’s letter to Zinke is available here.  A link to video of Nelson’s remarks on the floor is available here.

Roadway Transfer in Sanford and New Beginnings

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The New Year is here and drivers in the Sanford area may have noticed a subtle change in the way a couple of roadways are numbered and designated on the City’s north side. The long-term implications of this major road transfer are expected to boost ecotourism as well as spur community development possibilities for years to come.
Late last year, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) transferred ownership of U.S. Highway 17/92–also known as State Road (S.R.) 600–along Lake Monroe to the City of Sanford and Seminole County. The transfer was the culmination of many years of work involving FDOT, Seminole County and the City of Sanford.
The transfer will assist the City of Sanford in developing, expanding and maintaining its RiverWalk Phase 3 project along Lake Monroe, eventually west to the area of the Central Florida Zoo. This final phase of the RiverWalk will include 2.4 miles of trail, seawall and roadway construction from Central Florida Regional Hospital (Mangoustine Avenue) to just east of Interstate 4. It will complete the five-mile RiverWalk system and connect to the Seminole and Volusia County trail systems. The roadway construction will boast many beautification, pedestrian safety and traffic calming elements such as, scenic overlooks, roundabouts and themed landscaping, allowing for an immediate speed reduction to 45 mph.
“As we move forward with RiverWalk Phase 3, a $23 million investment to the City, this jurisdictional transfer goes hand-in-hand toward enhancing this scenic roadway along beautiful Lake Monroe for both drivers and pedestrians, providing great opportunity for our residents and visitors to continue to enjoy Sanford and all its diverse and wonderful amenities,” said Mayor Jeff Triplett.
For its part, FDOT has relocated the U.S. 17/92 – S.R. 600 designation to a portion of S.R. 46, as well as to what was formerly Monroe Road/County Road (C.R.) 15, which runs north and south between S.R. 46 and where U.S 17/92 passes under Interstate 4.
Alan Hyman, Transportation Operations Director for FDOT District 5, said, “While safety, mobility, and connectivity have always been a part of FDOT’s resume, the department also understands the importance of economic development and leveraging resources for the benefit of Florida citizens. This is a win-win.”
Drivers should be on the lookout for new signage appearing on the newly designated roads. The new designations may take some time to show up on GPS mapping and directions used by various applications. FDOT advises drivers to pay attention, drive with care and always buckle up.

Gov. Scott: Florida’s Graduation Rate Reaches 14-Year High

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida’s high school graduation rate has reached a 14-year high according to data released today by the Florida Department of Education. For the 2016-17 school year, Florida’s statewide graduation rate rose to 82.3 percent, an increase of 23.1 percentage points since 2003-04 and 1.6 percentage points over last year.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s high school graduation rate has reached a 14-year high. We want every Florida student to have access to a world-class education so they can succeed in the classroom and their future careers, and that is why my recommended Securing Florida’s Future budget includes historic funding for education for the sixth consecutive year, including significant investments for teachers and students in our K-12 system. I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session to make sure our students have the resources they need to continue to build on this accomplishment for years to come.”
Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart said, “I am thrilled to celebrate our state’s students and educators on this monumental accomplishment. Excelling in high school opens doors to opportunities that provide students long-term benefits, and Florida’s steady increase is promising for our state’s and students’ futures.”

Florida’s graduation rates vary by race/ethnicity, but all groups have increased their graduation rates over the last year. The subgroups with the highest percentage point increase over the last five years are as follows:

  • The statewide graduation rate among Black or African American students increased by 10.2 percentage points over the last five years, rising from 64.6 percent in 2012-13 to 74.8 percent in 2016-17.
  • The statewide graduation rate among Hispanic students increased by 6.4 percentage points over the last five years, rising from 74.9 percent in 2012-13 to 81.3 percent in 2016-17.
  • The statewide graduation rate among students with disabilities increased by 13.7 percentage points, rising from 52.3 percent in 2012-13 to 66.0 percent in 2016-17.
  • The statewide graduation rate among economically disadvantaged students increased by 9.8 percentage points, rising from 67.0 percent in 2012-13 to 76.8 percent in 2016-17.

For more information about the 2016-17 graduation rates, click HERE.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.