Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on the president’s decision to end the DACA program:
“DREAMers are our neighbors and our friends. They are our high school valedictorians and our first responders. It’s time for us, as a country, to come together and acknowledge the many contributions that DREAMers have made to our great country, instead of trying to kick them out of the only country they’ve ever known.”
Florida Realtors: Flood Insurance Needed Now More Than Ever
Calling on Floridians to Urge U.S. House to Extend National Flood Insurance Program
Mass destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey and floodwaters in Texas and Louisiana. Severe flooding due to heavy rains in Southwest Florida. The devastating aftermath on people’s lives and livelihoods is a shocking reminder of what can happen when disaster strikes – and the critical need for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
“The National Flood Insurance Program is all that stands between families and disaster – but it’s set to expire Sept. 30, 2017, if Congress doesn’t act,” says Florida Realtors® President Maria Wells, broker-owner with Lifestyle Realty Group in Stuart. “This is of critical concern for Floridians since we represent nearly 40 percent of all NFIP policies in the U.S. Florida’s Realtors are joining with colleagues across the country to urge Congress to extend the flood insurance program. If we don’t have an extraordinary response from Realtors, we will not make a strong statement to Congress. This isn’t just an issue for waterfront homes, either. Flooding can occur due to storm surge and heavy rain – we must protect Florida’s citizens.”
Of the nearly 5 million homes and businesses covered by the NFIP around the nation, about 1.8 million are in the Sunshine State, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Florida has over 20.1 million residents, and 80 percent of them live or conduct business along or near its coastline. Many other Floridians live or do business near the state’s rivers and other inland floodplains, and are also concerned about protecting their lives and property from future flooding. In fact, 97.9 percent of all Florida communities participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Lawmakers are back in Washington, D.C., today. Hopefully, Congress will reauthorize the NFIP before Sept. 30 to avoid a disruption in flood insurance coverage.
If the program lapses, the NFIP can’t issue new policies or even renew existing ones. The last time Congress allowed that to happen, about 40,000 home sales a month were put on hold, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Wells has been active in the NFIP reauthorization effort working with NAR and directly with lawmakers.
“This is a volatile issue for our state and Florida’s voice needs to be strong,” says Wells. “Realtors in Florida and across the country are working together with property owners to urge Congress to extend the National Flood Insurance Program as quickly as possible. Without flood insurance, our communities are unprotected and at risk, with devastating consequences to people and their lives, homes and businesses.”
Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 170,000 members in 54 boards/associations
Gov. Scott Activates 100 Florida National Guard Members to Assist with Hurricane Irma Preparedness
7,000 Guard Members Will Report for Duty Friday Morning
Governor Rick Scott activated 100 members of the Florida Air and Army National Guard to support with planning, logistics and operations in preparation for potential impacts from Hurricane Irma. These 100 members will be stationed across the state, and will advise the Governor on available and needed resources to ensure communities are fully prepared for the storm. In addition, at the direction of Governor Scott, all 7,000 National Guard members will be reporting for duty Friday morning. Yesterday, Governor Scott issued Executive Order 17-235, which declared a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the State of Florida in response to Hurricane Irma and allowed for the immediate activation of National Guard members as preparedness actions continue.
Governor Scott said, “Today I am activating 100 members of the Florida Air and Army National Guard to immediately begin assisting with ongoing Hurricane Irma preparation. Per my direction, they will be stationed throughout the state. I have also directed all 7,000 guard members to report for duty this Friday, however, if resources are needed before then, I stand ready to activate as many guard members needed to support our aggressive preparedness actions. With Hurricane Irma now a category 5 storm, we must do all we can to prepare our families and communities for any potential impact from this major weather event. We do not know the exact path of this storm, but weather can change in an instant and while we hope for the best, we must prepare for the worst.”
CFO Patronis Urges Floridians to #GetAPlan Ahead of Hurricane Irma
As Hurricane Irma continues to strengthen, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is urging Floridians to prepare now for possible Florida impact. Residents should take steps immediately to ensure their family is prepared to possibly weather this major category 5 storm, the most intense on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
CFO Patronis said, “Hurricane Irma is a major and dangerous storm, and Floridians must take steps now to make sure their families are prepared. There’s no reason to wait, and families have everything to gain by taking a proactive approach. Consumers should stock up on necessary supplies, and families should discuss their disaster and evacuation plans well ahead of the storm’s landfall.”
CFO Patronis also reminds Floridians that hurricane preparedness extends beyond bottled water and batteries, and is strongly encouraging all consumers to include copies of their insurance policies and cards, insurance company contact information and financial account(s) records inside their family disaster kit.
Homeowners should take these specific steps to protect their homes and property:
- Inventory your high-dollar household items, including receipts, purchase dates, and serial numbers. Photograph or videotape your possessions. Keep copies of this information with your insurance policies and cards in a safe place. Store the originals in a safe deposit box, if possible.
- Print insurance policies and take note of hurricane deductibles. Most policies have a hurricane deductible equivalent to 2 to 5 percent of a home’s insured value. If your property is damaged, you will be responsible for a portion of the repair costs.
- Write down the name, address, and claims-reporting telephone number of your insurance company, which may differ from your agent’s contact information. Keep this information in a safe place and make sure you have access to it if you must evacuate.
- Shore up your structure. Buy materials that can secure your property and minimize your losses. Cover your windows with shutters, siding, or plywood. Move vehicles into a garage or carport. Grills and patio furniture should be taken inside.
To keep all insurance and banking information in one, easily-accessible place, consumers can download a copy of the Department’s free Emergency Financial Preparedness Toolkit. The Toolkit serves as a one-stop shop for all finance, emergency and insurance contact information. Download and complete the toolkit today.
Following the storm, if consumers sustain damage to their home or property, the Department’s toll-free Insurance Consumer Helpline staff can walk Floridians through the post-storm insurance claims filing process. The Helpline number is 1-877-693-5236.
Gov. Scott Requests Pre-Landfall Emergency Declaration from President Trump
Governor Rick Scott today requested that President Donald Trump declare a pre-landfall emergency for the State of Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma. A pre-landfall declaration will provide important resources and assistance from the federal government and would free up funding sources for emergency protective measures such as shoring up beach dunes, building emergency berms and planning for potential evacuations. To view the Governor’s request, click HERE. Governor Scott spoke with President Trump last night after the Governor issued Executive Order 17-235 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the State of Florida in response to Hurricane Irma.
Governor Scott said, “Last evening, I spoke with President Trump regarding Florida’s preparedness actions and he offered the full resources of the federal government as we get ready for this major storm. This morning, I am requesting the president declare a pre-landfall emergency for the State of Florida to help preposition necessary resources and support emergency protective measures across the state. Our state emergency management officials are working with our federal and local partners to prepare for any potential impacts from this dangerous storm, and it is crucial that we have access to every available resource to protect our families and communities.
“While we do not yet know the exact path of Irma, major impacts to Florida are potentially possible and we cannot wait to take aggressive preparedness actions. I continue to urge all Floridians to remain vigilant, stay tuned into local weather alerts and have a disaster plan in place today. We will remain focused on making sure families and visitors have timely information on Hurricane Irma and we keep issuing important updates as we monitor the storm throughout the day.”
Commissioner Adam Putnam Encourages Floridians to Prepare for Hurricane Irma
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam urges Floridians to prepare for Hurricane Irma now.
“Hurricane Irma is a Category 5 hurricane, and the time to prepare is now,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Make sure you and your loved ones have a disaster preparedness plan and all necessary supplies in case Florida is impacted. For regular updates, visit FloridaDisaster.org.”
Floridians can take the following steps to prepare for Hurricane Irma:
- Have a Plan: Know what you and your family will do in an emergency. Research the locations of hurricane shelters and find out if you can take your pet. Make sure everyone in your house knows the plan and where your emergency supplies are stored.
- Identify Pet-Friendly Shelters: Do your research ahead of time to find pet-friendly shelters. Do not stay behind when you should evacuate to remain with your pets, take them with you.
- Prepare a Kit: Keep a kit stocked with emergency supplies. This should include a three-day supply of food and water for each family member. Plan for one gallon of water per person per day. Supplies should also include: cash, blankets and sleeping bags, first-aid kits, battery-powered radios, flashlights and extra batteries, clothing, necessary medications, pet care, a list of important phone numbers and important documents stored in waterproof containers.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest weather information. Watch local news and weather, listen for radio updates or stay informed with your computer or smartphone.
In addition to these tips, it is imperative to have an adequate supply of food and water during a disaster.
- Keep an appliance thermometer in your fridge and freezer to provide an accurate temperature reading even if the power is out. A freezer should be at or below 0°F and the fridge at 40°F.
- Store food on shelves high enough that it will not be contaminated in case of flood.
- Have coolers on hand to keep food cold if the power is out more than four hours. Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- Discard perishables, such as meat, fish, cheese, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items, if the power is out more than four hours.
- Use bottled water if you are concerned about your water supply. If you don’t have bottled water, boil water and let it cool before storing to drink.
During an emergency, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides necessary food and water to affected areas and helps protect animals and pets. The department’s Florida Forest Service is responsible for incident management and assists emergency responders in clearing debris and distributing supplies. Additionally, the department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement provides law enforcement services to police departments and county sheriff’s offices as necessary.
For more information and tips on hurricane preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Florida PSC Commission Conference on Thursday
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a Commission Conference on Thursday, September 7, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. Items scheduled for consideration can be found here. Public comment may be taken on any item noticed for public participation.
The Commission Conference is scheduled for the following time and location:
Thursday, September 7, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida
The Commission Conference will be broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listings) and is available online at http://www.floridapsc.com/ (look for the “Watch Live Broadcast” icon on the left side of the web page).
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
UNF Receives 2017 Higher Education in Diversity Award
The University of North Florida received the 2017 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. This is the third time UNF has been named a HEED Award recipient.
As a recipient of the annual HEED Award—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—UNF will be featured along with 79 other recipients in the magazine’s November issue.
“UNF is honored to be acknowledged for its excellent initiatives in the areas of diversity and inclusion,” said UNF President John Delaney. “The University is dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the classroom and throughout the campus community.”
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected UNF based on its exemplary diversity and inclusion initiatives, which it continues to foster throughout all aspects of campus operations, programs, services and activities. “We take a holistic approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being accomplished every day across their campus,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
The University continues to make great strides to foster its commitment to diversity and inclusion in employment, education and business in a variety of ways. For example, supplier diversity is a thrust in the newly named Procurement Services Department. Faculty are also more engaged in research and educational awareness demonstrated by the increasing number of competitively awarded Faculty Diversity and Inclusion Research Awards.
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity regularly conducts training for individuals who serve on search and screening committees as well as regularly reviews recruitment and personnel actions to foster diversity and inclusion. UNF also regularly conducts programs representative of various faiths and beliefs, supports student veterans through its Military Veterans Resource Center and promotes student, faculty and staff accessibility in educational programs and in the workplace.
Additionally, the University hosts several events on campus for underrepresented populations, including C.A.M.P. Osprey, Role Models of Excellence, Girls Rock Symposium and Success by Design, to name a few. UNF also works to provide opportunities for all students to access scholarship monies in a fair and equitable manner.
“The HEED award is a tribute to key decisions made during challenging times in society to ensure that UNF remains a competitive higher education university, where students successfully graduate and enjoy their student life, faculty and staff view it as a great place to work and the community acknowledges its worth and contributions,” said Cheryl Gonzalez, chief diversity officer at UNF.
INSIGHT Into Diversity is known for its annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, which is the only award recognizing colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across campuses. In addition to its online job board, INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion across higher education and beyond.
Florida Supreme Court appoints Dade City attorney to Board overseeing Bar admissions
Larry Stewart Hersch of Dade City, Florida, has been appointed to membership on the Florida Board of Bar Examiners by the Supreme Court of Florida to succeed Barbara J. Pittman of Tampa, Florida. His term of office will begin November 1, 2017, and extend through October 31, 2022.
Mr. Hersch has his own law practice in Dade City, Florida. Mr. Hersch attended Oglethorpe University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Stetson University College of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate degree. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1975. Mr. Hersch is the past president of the East Pasco Bar Association.
The Florida Board of Bar Examiners is an administrative agency of the Supreme Court charged with the responsibility of enforcing the Rules of the Supreme Court Relating to Admissions to The Bar. This involves the supervision of character background investigations as well as the administration and grading of the Florida Bar Examination.
The Board’s website, located at www.floridabarexam.org, has the Board’s computerized Bar Application forms available to applicants free of charge. The website also features the full text of the Rules of the Supreme Court Relating to Admissions to the Bar, Frequently Asked Questions and links to other agencies, including The Florida Bar and the Supreme Court.
Attorney General Bondi Activates Price Gouging Hotline as Hurricane Irma Approaches
Attorney General Pam Bondi tonight activated Florida’s price gouging hotline for all consumers in Florida. The opening of the hotline comes as Governor Rick Scott declares a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties in response to threats posed by Hurricane Irma—now a Category 4 hurricane that could impact the state this week.
“Floridians need to prepare now and they should not be inhibited by unlawful price increases on supplies necessary to brace for a major hurricane strike—that is why I’ve activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline and encourage anyone who suspects price gouging to report it to my office by calling (866)-9-NO-SCAM,” said Attorney General Bondi. “By reporting suspected price gouging you can protect yourself and your fellow Floridians.”
State law prohibits extreme increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment, needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency. Anyone who suspects price gouging during this declared state of emergency should report it to the Attorney General’s Office by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.
Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period, in addition to other civil penalties that may apply. State law also criminalizes the sale of goods and services to the public without possession of an occupational license. Violators of the law can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.
Specifically, Section 501.160 Florida Statute states that during a state of emergency, it is unlawful to sell, lease, offer to sell, or offer for lease essential commodities, dwelling units, or self-storage facilities for an amount that grossly exceeds the average price for that commodity during the 30 days before the declaration of the state of emergency, unless the seller can justify the price by showing increases in its costs or market trends.
