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Governor Scott Highlights Record K-12 Education Investments in Securing Florida’s Future Budget

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Governor Rick Scott today visited Mitchell Elementary School in Tampa to highlight record K-12 education investments in his Securing Florida’s Future budget. Since Governor Scott took office, state funding for Florida’s K-12 public schools has increased by $3.2 billion or 36.7 percent, from a total amount of $8.7 billion in Fiscal Year 2011-12 to nearly $12 billion in the 2018-19 Securing Florida’s Future budget.
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes:

  • More than $21.4 billion in state and local funding for Florida’s K-12 public schools. This historic funding equates to $7,497 per student – an increase of $200 per Florida student – the highest total funding, state funding and per-student funding for K-12 in Florida’s history;
  • $15 million in funding for a brand-new program to expand opportunities for middle and high school students to learn coding and computer science;
  • $10 million, for a total of $74.5 million, in funding for school safety initiatives that promote a safe learning environment;
  • $12 million in funding to establish the English Language Learners Summer Academics program. This program will be focused on reading improvements and making sure students in grades 4 – 8 displaced by Hurricane Maria have access to summer academies; and
  • Nearly $18 million, for a total of more than $63 million, in funding for the Teacher Classroom Supply Assistance Program. This proposal will increase funding by $100 per teacher from $250 to $350 annually.

Snook harvest seasonal closure in Gulf starts Dec. 1

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The recreational harvest season for snook closes Dec. 1 in Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park, and will remain closed through Feb. 28, 2018, reopening to harvest March 1, 2018. Anglers may continue to catch and release snook during the closed season.
This and other regular season closures are designed to help conserve the species during vulnerable times such as cold weather. Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, will close Dec. 15 this year through Jan. 31, 2018, reopening to harvest Feb. 1, 2018.
Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Snook” for more information on snook. Improve data and report your catch on the Snook & Gamefish Foundation’s Angler Action iAngler app at SnookFoundation.org.

Gov. Scott: More Than 1 Million Volunteer Hours Served Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria

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Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida today announced that volunteers have served more than one million hours in Florida following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. To date, more than 22,500 volunteers have donated their time to assist those affected by these storms, and disaster relief organizations have documented 1,003,394 hours of volunteer service. Volunteer Florida continues to encourage Floridians who want to volunteer to find more information about their local volunteer organizations and opportunities HERE.
Governor Scott said, “As families come together to celebrate Thanksgiving with their loved ones, we are all thankful for the hard work of the many selfless volunteers who have responded to those in need following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. I’m proud to recognize the thousands of volunteers from across the state who have dedicated more than one million hours to helping others. We will continue to work together to help families recover from these storms and I encourage all Floridians who are able to consider volunteering in their own communities.”
As the state’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters, Volunteer Florida works closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, local and state government, the private sector, and nonprofit partners to coordinate volunteers and donations during times of need. Additionally, the Volunteer Florida Foundation administers the Florida Disaster Fund, the state’s official private fund for disaster response and recovery. The Florida Disaster Fund has raised more than $14.5 million to support those impacted by Hurricane Irma.
Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus said, “Volunteers are a critical part of Florida’s emergency response efforts, serving side-by-side with emergency management personnel in the days, weeks, months, and years following major disasters. We are proud of our state’s volunteers and grateful for the strong support of Governor Scott and the Division of Emergency Management.”

Gov. Scott Announces License-Free Saltwater Fishing Day This Thanksgiving Weekend

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Saturday, November 25th will be a license-free saltwater fishing day. This Saturday is part of eight total days offered each year by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) that allows residents and visitors to enjoy Florida’s many fishing opportunities without requiring a license.
Governor Scott said, “As Floridians gather with their loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, this license-free fishing day is a great opportunity for families and visitors to enjoy our state’s great outdoors together. We are grateful to live in such a beautiful state with unique natural treasures that help attract record numbers of visitors, and I encourage all families to take advantage of the license-free saltwater fishing day this weekend.”
FWC Chairman Brian Yablonski said, “Whether at the table or on the water, Thanksgiving weekend is a perfect time to gather with friends and family. I am thankful for the opportunity to incentivize fishing in Florida and allow anglers to show friends and family, especially youth, the joys it offers.”
Saltwater license-free fishing days allow anglers to fish for saltwater species without being required to have a saltwater recreational fishing license. All bag limits, seasons and size restrictions apply on license-free fishing days. To learn more about license-free fishing days, visit MyFWC.com/License. For fishing tips, locations and other information visit MyFWC.com/Fishing.

Florida Housing Market: Sales, Median Prices Rise in Oct. 2017

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The impact of Hurricane Irma on Florida’s housing market resolved by the end of October, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Sales, median prices, new listings and new pending sales rose even as the inventory of for-sale properties remained constrained in many areas. Sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 20,543 last month, up 2 percent compared to October 2016.
“Home purchases stalled by Hurricane Irma striking Florida in September resumed – and many of those sales closed in October,” said 2017 Florida Realtors President Maria Wells, broker-owner with Lifestyle Realty Group in Stuart. “Areas hit hardest by the hurricane will still take time to recover, but in other parts of the state, real estate activity has returned. Sellers were ready to put their homes on the market in October, with new listings for single-family existing homes up 9.8 percent year-over-year; new listings for existing condo-townhouse properties rose 14.6 percent.
“Wherever you are, there is a local Realtor who can help you understand local market conditions and prepare for a successful home sale or home purchase.”
The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes last month was $235,558, up 7.1 percent from the previous year, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. The statewide median price for condo-townhouse properties in October was $170,000, up 5.2 percent over the year-ago figure. October was the 70th month-in-a-row that statewide median prices for both sectors rose year-over-year. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.
According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in September 2017 was $246,800, up 5.6 percent from the previous year; the national median existing condo price was $231,300. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in September was $555,410; in Massachusetts, it was $380,000; in Maryland, it was $277,746; and in New York, it was $257,500.
Looking at Florida’s condo-townhouse market, statewide closed sales totaled 8,116 last month, up 2.2 percent compared to October 2016. Closed sales data reflected fewer short sales and foreclosures last month: Short sales for condo-townhouse properties declined 22.5 percent and foreclosures fell 42.8 percent year-to-year; short sales for single-family homes dropped 36.7 percent and foreclosures fell 42.3 percent year-to-year. Closed sales may occur from 30- to 90-plus days after sales contracts are written.
“Last month, we talked about how it’s not uncommon for Florida to see a quick rebound in sales of existing homes the month after a hurricane,” said Florida Realtors® Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor. “And, according to the latest data, that’s exactly what happened in the Sunshine State in October. Both single-family home and condo-townhouse sales rose, boosted in part by closings that otherwise would have been completed in September if not for delays brought about by Hurricane Irma.
“Because of the length of the home-selling process, we’ll likely see some reverberations of Irma’s impact statewide for a couple more months, but October’s statistics are very encouraging.”
October’s for-sale inventory remained tight with a 3.8-months’ supply for single-family homes and a 5.6-months’ supply for condo-townhouse properties, according to Florida Realtors.
According to Freddie Mac, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.90 percent in October 2017; it averaged 3.47 percent during the same month a year earlier.
To see the full statewide housing activity reports, go to Florida Realtors Media Center at media.floridarealtors.org and look under Latest Releases, or download the October 2017 data report PDFs under Market Data at media.floridarealtors.org/market-data.

Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Tuesday, November 22, 2017

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Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Florida Keys
Community College District Board of Trustees

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Sheldon Suga and Stephanie Scuderi to the Florida Keys Community College District Board of Trustees.
Suga, 63, of Duck Key, is a VP Managing Director at Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key. He received his bachelor’s degree from Ryerson Polytechnic University. Suga is reappointed for a term beginning November 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.
Scuderi, 45, of Tavernier, is the Market President for the Upper Keys at Centennial Bank. She received her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, her master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University, and her master’s degree in business administration from the University of Virginia. Scuderi is reappointed for a term beginning November 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Jacksonville Aviation Authority

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Patrick Kilbane and Giselle Carson to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority.
Kilbane, 38, of Jacksonville, is a financial advisor with Ullmann Brown Wealth Advisors. He received his law degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 21, 2017, and ending September 30, 2021.
Carson, 49, of Jacksonville, is an attorney and shareholder with Marks Gray PA. Carson received her bachelor’s degree from McGill University and her law degree from the Florida Coastal School of Law. She is reappointed for a term beginning November 21, 2017, and ending September 30, 2021.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Pat Alley to Children’s
Services Council of Saint Lucie County

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Pat Alley to the Children’s Services Council of Saint Lucie County.
Alley, 74, of Fort Pierce, is the retired vice president of development for TD Bank. She is reappointed for a term beginning November 21, 2017, and ending November 13, 2020.

Governor Rick Scott Honors 329 Veterans with Veterans Service Medal

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Governor Rick Scott today awarded 329 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to the state and the nation.
Governor Scott said, “We can never thank our veterans enough for their courageous service to our state and country. I’m incredibly proud to recognize these American heroes who dedicated their lives to our great nation and present them with the Veterans Service Medal today. We will continue to work to make Florida the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation.”
Governor Scott also highlighted investments in Florida’s active military, veterans and their families in his Securing Florida’s Future budget, including:

  • $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment for our National Guardsmen to use during deployment;
  • Nearly $8 million to begin operations at the Lake Baldwin State Veteran Nursing Home, which will allow this facility to serve more than 110 veterans in the coming year;
  • Doubling the funding to $2 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
  • $2 million for the Florida Defense Support Task Force, which helps support our military and defense communities and the many families who rely on them; and
  • $2.7 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home, including $1 million for Veterans Florida to continue their mission of helping veterans find great jobs at Florida businesses.

The following Florida veterans were highlighted during today’s ceremony:
Second Lieutenant Richard Kappel
Second Lieutenant Richard Kappel enlisted in the United States Army in 1941 and served as a bombardier in Germany during World War II. During his last bombing mission, 2nd Lt. Kappel’s aircraft was severely damaged and had to make an emergency landing. His entire crew was captured and held as POWs at Stalag Luft #1. After 15 months of captivity, 2nd Lt. Kappel returned home as an American hero and was honorably discharged in 1945.
Specialist Phillip Lewis
Specialist Phillip Lewis was born and raised in Eustis and enlisted in the Army at the age of 17.  He attended Basic Training at Fort Benning Georgia where he earned the opportunity to attend Army Airborne School. He later went on to complete Army Ranger School and earned the Army Ranger Tab. SPC Lewis participated in three deployments to Afghanistan where he served in all areas of an Infantry fire team and eventually as a team leader. In 2014, SPC Lewis left active duty and entered the Florida Army National Guard where he has served as the Delta company supply specialist. Currently, SPC Lewis is assigned to 1st platoon as a vehicle commander.
Sergeant Christopher Adkins
Sergeant Christopher Adkins enlisted in 2007 and served as a combat medic in the 715th Military Police Company. He went on to serve as driver and medic for Bravo Company 1st Battalion 124th Infantry Regiment and in July 2011, was promoted to Sergeant and became a senior line medic in the Delta Company 2-124. In 2012, SGT Adkins earned his Associates in Emergency Medical Services. SGT Adkins also served a deployment to the Horn of Africa in 2015 and has been recognized with the Combat Medic Badge, Air Assault badge, Florida Commendation Medal and Army Service Ribbon for his service. Currently, SGT Adkins serves as the Delta Company Supply NCO.

Attorney General Bondi Releases 2017 Holiday Shopping Guide

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As Black Friday approaches, kicking off the time for Holiday shopping, Attorney General Pam Bondi is releasing the 2017 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide This helpful guide provides product safety information and tips to help consumers enjoy a safer and more satisfying holiday shopping experience.
“As Floridians prepare their holiday shopping lists, they should also take steps to protect their financial information and guard against scams,” said Attorney General Bondi. “The 2017 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide is full of tips to help shoppers avoid identity theft and scams. It also includes safety information about children’s gifts, so parents can do their research before Black Friday and Cyber Monday.”
In the guide, consumers can find online purchasing tips and advice for avoiding charity scams. Additionally, the guide includes a list of items recalled by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission in the past year, specifically focusing on children’s toys and items that pose a particular risk to kids and teens.
The holidays are a time to be especially mindful of ways purchases can cost more than expected. As online shopping is now many consumers’ preferred way to shop, here are some tips from the guide for protecting financial information when purchasing online:

  • Pay with a credit card rather than a debit card;
  • Ensure the browser is using a secure connection;
  • Contact debit and credit card account providers to see if the providers offer one-time card numbers to be used for online transactions; and
  • Keep receipts and be sure to understand retailers’ return policies and periods so consumers can return any unwanted items in a timely manner and get a full refund.

If a consumer has any questions on product recalls or any other issues discussed in this guide, contact Attorney General Bondi’s Citizens Services hotline at 866-9-NO-SCAM or visit MyFloridaLegal.com.
To read Attorney General Bondi’s 2017 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide, click here.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Tips to Avoid Black Friday, Cyber Monday Scams

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In advance of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Commissioner Adam H. Putnam is providing tips to help consumers avoid scams.
Keep the following tips in mind while shopping on Black Friday:

  • Some retailers may inflate prices ahead of Black Friday to create the illusion of a drastic price cut. Research the regular retail price of items to check how much will actually be saved.
  • Price matching policies may be suspended by some retailers between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
  • Be wary of unexpected emails that claim to contain coupons with significant discounts and ask for personal information. Don’t click on any suspicious links. These may contain malware to compromise your identity.
  • Read the fine print at the bottom of sales ads, as sales may be limited to certain time periods, brands or quantities.

Below are precautions to take on Cyber Monday:

  • Avoid websites with odd or incorrect spellings of legitimate companies. Domain names that include hyphens are often red flags.
  • Beware of bogus websites promising unbelievable deals. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Be wary of “delivery failure” or “order confirmation” emails for items you did not order. These may be used to gain a consumer’s personal information.
  • Use a credit card for online orders. It is easier to dispute and mediate fraudulent charges with a credit card than a debit card.
  • Use strong passwords for credit cards and bank accounts.

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

Clearwater woman has $2 million reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving

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The Florida Lottery announces that Talisa Roberson, 28, of Clearwater, claimed a top prize in the $2,000,000 CASHWORD Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $1,600,000.00.
Roberson purchased her winning ticket from Feather Sound Rally, located at 3400 Ulmerton Road in Clearwater. The retailer will receive a $4,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The $10 Scratch-Off game, $2,000,000 CASHWORD, launched on August 7, and features six top prizes of $2 million and over 6,000 prizes of $1,000 to $2 million! The overall odds of winning are one-in-3.38.
Scratch-Offs are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in FY 2016-17, and comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales.