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Bartow Leaders Endorse Albritton

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Albritton continues to receive widespread support across District 26 with newest endorsements from Bartow Mayor James Clements and Commissioner Trish Pfeiffer

The Ben Albritton for Senate Campaign today announced the endorsements of Bartow Mayor James F. Clements and Commissioner Trish Pfeiffer, immediate past mayor. They join a number of community leaders and elected officials throwing their support behind Albritton’s bid for Senate District 26. The seat is currently represented by Denise Grimsley, who is running for Commissioner of Agriculture.
“Ben Albritton has served in the Florida House with vision and integrity,” said Mayor Clements. “He’s been there for Bartow when we truly needed his support. I’m confident he’ll continue to deliver for us in the Florida Senate.”
Clements holds Seat 1 At Large on the Bartow City Commission. First elected in 2006, his current term runs through April of next year.
“In today’s world of political uncertainty, fear of escalating tensions, and self interest, it is important to put our faith in someone that has the moral and ethical heart that will represent us and not forget about our interest here at home,” said Pfeiffer. “I may not always agree with the eventual outcomes of the tough decisions that political leaders are charged with making, but a well informed, educated leader and a candidate that remembers where he came from and who he represents makes it an easy choice. That is why I am endorsing Ben Albritton for the Florida State Senate.”
Pfeiffer represents Seat 4 At Large on the Bartow City Commission and is the immediate past mayor. She took office in May of 2014, and her current term expires in April of 2020.
“I’m grateful for the support of dedicated public servants like Mayor Clements and Commissioner Pfeiffer,” said Albritton. “I look forward to working with them and other local leaders across District 26 to make sure issues of importance in their communities receive the attention they need and deserve in Tallahassee.”
In 2010, Albritton was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he has been a staunch advocate for entrepreneurs and children in Florida’s foster care system. He is also known for his strong conservative record on Second Amendment rights and protection for the unborn. He is the Chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the House Natural Resources and Public Lands Subcommittee. He also sits on the Appropriations Committee, the Agriculture and Property Rights Subcommittee, and the Government Accountability Committee, and he currently serves as the Chair of the Polk County Legislative Delegation.
A full list of those endorsing Ben Albritton may be found at www.BenAlbritton.com.

Paid by Ben Albritton, Republican, for State Senator

Florida Forest Service Sends 40 Additional Firefighters to Help Combat Western Blazes

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service deployed 40 additional firefighters this morning to assist wildfire suppression efforts in the western United States. The two hand crews of 20 firefighters each are part of the department’s ongoing effort to help combat one of the worst wildfire seasons in U.S. history.
“Our firefighters will continue to provide unwavering support to other states in need of assistance to fight wildfires,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
The Florida Forest Service’s two crews are from various districts around the state. They are joined by three other crews from Georgia and Puerto Rico, totaling 100 firefighters. The five crews will fly from Tampa to Oregon, where they will receive their fire assignments.
“The Florida Forest Service has deployed a total of 343 firefighters to the western United States this year, and we applaud their dedication to helping protect lives, property and our country’s natural resources,” said State Forester Jim Karels.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.

Florida’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coalition Urges Drivers to Stop on Red

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This week marks National Stop on Red Week, and members of Florida’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coalition will be on the street across the state reminding everyone to Stop on Red including when making a right turn. Created by the Federal Highway Administration, National Stop on Red Week aims to educate drivers about the dangers of red-light running and to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes.
“Pedestrian and bicyclist safety are our highest priorities,” said Trenda McPherson, FDOT State Bicycle Pedestrian Safety Program Manager. “By improving intersection safety, we are contributing to a better quality of life for those choosing to walk or bike as alternative modes of transportation.”
In an effort to promote the safety of our most vulnerable road users, FDOT has organized teams to conduct on-street safety. The local effort is occurring Friday, August 11, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the intersection of S. Orange Blossom Trail and W. South Street, in partnership with the National Coalition for Safer Roads, the City of Orlando, and Bike Walk Central Florida.
Tips for reducing intersection crashes include:

  • When approaching a traffic light you should ALWAYS be prepared to STOP on RED.
  • After stopping, you may turn right on red ONLY if the way is clear of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists, and there is no sign posted that prohibits right turns on red
  • Always SHARE THE ROAD safely
  • Pedestrians should always USE THE CROSSWALK, and even when you have the signal to cross, look twice for approaching motorists or bicyclists before entering the street/intersection.
  • Bicyclists have the same responsibilities as motorists. You should always obey traffic signals and ride predictably,WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC.

CRC Announces Committee Weeks Schedule

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The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Rules and Administration Committee today approved the schedule for committee weeks to be held September-December 2017. The CRC will also hold full commission meetings during that period to take up commission business.
CRC Committee Meeting Weeks

  • September 18-19
  • September 26-28
  • October 3-5
  • October 17-19
  • October 31-November 2
  • November 28-30
  • December 12-14 

CRC Full Commission Meeting Dates

  • September 19, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
  • October 17, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon 

All CRC committee meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org. Members of the public wishing to address CRC committees will be provided an opportunity to speak at the direction of the respective committee chair. Visit flcrc.gov/Committees for additional information on CRC committees and upcoming meeting dates.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION (CRC)
Once every twenty years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a thirty-seven member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research and possibly recommending changes to the Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the CRC would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. For additional information, visit flcrc.gov. Follow the CRC on Twitter (@FloridaCRC) and Instagram (@FloridaCRC). Like the CRC on Facebook (@FloridaCRC).

Sen. Bill Nelson statement on North Korea

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Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on the situation in North Korea:
“North Korea poses a serious threat to the U.S. and all options should be on the table to protect the American people. We either do nothing, go to war or negotiate a stand down, and so far we’ve seen no sign that they’re willing to negotiate.”

CRC Committee Recommends Sept. 22 as Public Proposal Filing Deadline

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The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Rules and Administration Committee today recommended Friday, September 22 as the filing deadline for public proposals to be considered by the CRC. The recommended deadline is subject to approval by a vote of the full commission. The next full commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19.
CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “The CRC encourages all interested Floridians to submit their proposed constitutional amendments as soon as possible. While the recommended September 22 deadline is more than a month away, Commissioners are already reviewing public proposals that have been shared and will be considering them during upcoming committee meetings. We want to ensure that all proposals submitted by Floridians are given the consideration and review they deserve.”
The official CRC website (flcrc.gov) allows Floridians to create and submit proposed changes to the Florida Constitution by following these simple steps:
How to Submit a Proposed Constitutional Amendment

  1. Visit flcrc.gov
  2. New users must register for a free CRC Website Account by filling in the required fields and following the activation prompts
  3. Once logged into your account, click on the “Submit a Proposal” button on the upper right-hand side of the homepage
  4. Click on “Get Started” and then click on “Create a New Proposal” to submit a proposed change to the Florida Constitution using legal language
  5. Fill in the required fields and then submit the proposed constitutional amendment
  6. Proposals may take up to three (3) business days to be posted on the CRC website in accordance with the moderation policy

NOTE: Proposals must be typed within the application. Users cannot “copy & paste” text or upload attachments. Public proposals may also be submitted to the CRC by other means, including mail and email. Visit flcrc.gov for contact information.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION (CRC)
Once every twenty years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a thirty-seven member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research and possibly recommending changes to the Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the CRC would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. For additional information, visit flcrc.gov. Follow the CRC on Twitter (@FloridaCRC) and Instagram (@FloridaCRC). Like the CRC on Facebook (@FloridaCRC).

Gov. Scott: Florida’s Consumer Confidence and Housing Market Continue to Strengthen

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida’s strong economic and job growth are continuing to fuel Florida’s consumer confidence and housing market. Florida’s consumer confidence climbed to 97.7 in July, the second-highest it has been in 15 years, and home prices rose by $20,000 across the state over year in June. In addition to rising home prices, new building permits are growing. In June, 12,365 new building permits were issued in Florida, accounting for more than 9 percent of all U.S. building permits.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s consumer confidence and housing market continues to strengthen, which is another positive outcome of our focus on making Florida the number one location for job creators and families to succeed. By cutting $7 billion in taxes, reducing burdensome regulations, and making Florida more business-friendly, we are seeing continued economic improvements across Florida. Now, with the establishment of the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we have the resources needed to grow more jobs for families across the state.”
The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in June was $245,000, up from the previous year’s median price of $225,000. The increase in home prices resulted in an additional $1 billion in home sales in the last year, up nearly 12 percent from June 2016. Among the five components measured in Florida’s Consumer Sentiment Index, expectations of U.S. economic conditions over the next year had the highest over-the-month increase, climbing 6 points.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Florida’s strong job growth and the state’s thriving economy have continued to give consumers confidence in their futures. Florida’s housing market has also directly benefitted from Governor Scott’s commitment to job creation and focus on economic growth. The increase in home prices and rising consumer confidence shows that people from all parts of the nation can have bright futures by moving to Florida and investing in our great economy.”
In June, the metro areas with the highest home sales were:

  • Sebring with 26.9 percent growth,
  • Sebastian-Vero Beach with 26.9 percent growth, and
  • Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin with 15.5 percent growth.

In June, the metro areas with the highest growth in over-the-year median sales prices were:

  • Ocala with 19.7 percent growth,
  • Sebring with 18.7 percent growth,
  • Tallahassee with 18 percent growth, and
  • Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville with 15.8 percent growth.

Settlement Reached with Nationwide Regarding Data Breach

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Attorney General Pam Bondi, 31 other state attorneys general and the District of Columbia today announced a $5.5 million settlement reached with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiary, Allied Property & Casualty Insurance Company, concerning an October 2012 data breach. The data breach resulted in the loss of personal information belonging to 1.27 million consumers, including their Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, credit scoring information and other personal data. Nationwide collected this personal information to provide insurance quotes to consumers applying for insurance. Nationwide’s alleged failure to apply a critical security patch led to the loss of the personal information.
The settlement requires Nationwide to take a number of steps to both generally update security practices and to ensure the timely application of patches and other updates to security software. Nationwide must also hire a technology officer responsible for monitoring and managing software and application security updates. The tech officer will supervise employees responsible for evaluating and coordinating the maintenance, management and application of all security patches and software and application security updates.
Nationwide agrees to take steps during the next three years to strengthen its security practices, including:

  • Updating procedures and policies relating to the maintenance and storage of consumers’ personal data;
  • Conducting regular inventories of the patches and updates applied to its systems, performing internal assessments of patch management practices and hiring an independent provider to perform annual audits; and
  • Maintaining and utilizing system tools to monitor the health and security of systems used to maintain personal information.

Many of the consumers affected by the data breach never became Nationwide insured, but the company retained these consumers’ data to more easily provide the consumers re-quotes at a later date. The settlement requires Nationwide to be more transparent about data collection practices by requiring the disclosure to consumers that Nationwide retains personal information even if the consumers do not become customers.
In addition to Florida, a lead state in the investigation, participants in the settlement include: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia.
To view a copy of the settlement, click here.

Union County man arrested for murder

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Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Union County Sheriff’s Office arrested Donnie Hugh Crawford, 42, of Lake Butler, for murder.
Crawford is accused of killing Ralph Gary Anderson, on July 3, 2017 at Anderson’s home, at 115 SE 6th Street in Lake Butler. Witnesses stated that Crawford was the last person known to be seen with Anderson and the victim’s wallet was recovered in a search by agents at a location where Crawford resided. Crawford was incarcerated in Union County in 2016 for burglary and assault of the same victim.
Crawford is currently incarcerated for a burglary charge and was arrested yesterday at the Union County Jail.
The State Attorney’s Office, 8th Judicial Circuit will prosecute this case.

Stetson University Announces Julia Nesheiwat as Convocation Keynote Speaker

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Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Acting
and Stetson Alumna to open 2017-18 academic year

Stetson University’s 2017-18 academic year will formally open at convocation on Wednesday, Aug. 23. At the ceremony, Keynote Speaker Julia Nesheiwat, Ph.D., will address the audience of faculty, staff and new and returning students in the Edmunds Center on the historic DeLand Campus. Nesheiwat, a graduate of Stetson University, is the Acting Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.

Julia Nesheiwat

In her role, Nesheiwat is strengthening diplomatic efforts to secure the safe return of Americans held hostage overseas. Working closely with the families of American hostages, foreign governments and the interagency Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, she represents the United States on hostage-related issues. Previously, Nesheiwat was appointed as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Implementation in the Bureau of Energy Resources. She also served as a Political-Military Advisor and Visiting Professor at the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School’s National Security Affairs Department. Nesheiwat has held numerous positions as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs and U.S. Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy Security.
Earlier in her career, she served as the Chief of Staff for Policy and Planning in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, where she managed the integration and collaboration of analysis and reporting with all intelligence agencies. Prior to that role, she was selected to serve on the U.S. Presidential Commission on Intelligence Capabilities Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction, leading the North Korea and Iran policy steering committee from 2004-05.
A former U.S. Army Military Intelligence officer, Nesheiwat served consecutive tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a senior operations officer, she coordinated and managed interagency assessments on terrorist networks within the Middle East and Asia, and acted as the U.S. military liaison officer with regional political parties on governance and threat reduction.
Nesheiwat was an International Affairs Fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations and on the Governing Advisory Council for the World Economic Forum. She earned a Ph.D. from Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan, an M.A. in security studies from Georgetown University, Washington D.C. and a B.A. in religious studies and sociology from Stetson University. She speaks fluent Arabic and Japanese.