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Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Tuesday, August 1, 2017

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Gov. Rick Scott Appoints Three to the Board of Governors,
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

Governor Rick Scott today announced one appointment and two reappointments to the Board of Governors, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.
Chris Gardner, of Winter Park, is the chief executive officer of Hub International Florida. Previously, Gardner has served as a member on the Board of Governors for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation as an appointee of the Speaker of the House. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. Gardner fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning August 1, 2017, and ending July 31, 2019.
Jim Holton, of Indian Shores, is the president and owner of Holton Companies. He received his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and his law degree from Boston University. Holton is reappointed for a term beginning August 1, 2017, and ending July 31, 2020.
Bette Brown, of Tavernier, is the area executive of CenterState Bank. She received her bachelor’s degree from Stetson University. Brown is reappointed for a term beginning August 1, 2017, and ending March 23, 2020.

Gov. Scott Appoints Six to Florida Faith-Based
and Community-Based Advisory Council

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of four and the appointment of two to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council.
Dr. Jerry Haag, 50, of Lakeland, is the president and chief executive officer of Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, Orphan’s Heart, and The Porch Light. He is reappointed for a term beginning August 1, 2017, and ending July 18, 2020.
Richard Albertson, 55, of Tallahassee, is the founding president of Live the Life Ministries. He is reappointed for a term beginning August 1, 2017, and ending July 18, 2020.
Dr. Gretchen Kerr, 65, of The Villages, is the executive director of the care center at Northland Church. She is reappointed for a term beginning August 1, 2017, and ending July 18, 2020.
Patricia Smith, of Tallahassee, is the community relations director for the Department of Children and Families. She is reappointed for a term beginning August 1, 2017, and ending July 18, 2020.
J. Scott George, 54, of Maitland, is development director of Orlando Hope and the founder of United Against Poverty. He succeeds Thomas Lukasik and is appointed for a term beginning August 1, 2017, and ending July 18, 2020.
Dr. Rosby Glover, 61, of Lake Worth, is the executive director of Mount Bethel Human Services. He succeeds Rabbi Sholom Ciment and is appointed for a term beginning August 1, 2017, and ending July 18, 2020.

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Mike Griffin to the Tampa Port Authority

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Mike Griffin to the Tampa Port Authority. Due to recent reports of excessive spending at Port Tampa Bay, Governor Scott is reminding all appointees to Florida’s governmental boards, commissions and advisory councils of their responsibility to be accountable to the taxpayers of Florida and ensure the organizations they oversee operate with fiscal prudence.
Governor Scott said, “Recently, I was concerned to see media reports detailing wasteful spending by the executives at Port Tampa Bay. The actions detailed in these reports should serve as a reminder of the importance of the oversight every appointee is charged with providing. I look forward to the Tampa Port Authority Governing Board reviewing policies to prevent wasteful spending by employees.
“I am confident that Mike Griffin will do a great job on the Tampa Port Authority and will work with the entire board to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Mike has committed to conduct a full analysis of prior and future expenditures by the Port and we know that the Board is focused on reviewing policies that concentrate on its core mission of serving as one of the state’s major economic and trade drivers.”
Griffin, 36, of Tampa, is the senior managing director of Savills Studley Occupier Services. Griffin is also the current chair of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. Griffin fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning August 1, 2017, and ending November 15, 2019.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Spotted seatrout: Input needed, 2 more workshops added

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Do you fish for spotted seatrout? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been hearing concerns from anglers about the spotted seatrout population and wants to know what you are seeing.
At these workshops, FWC staff will discuss current stock assessment results and whether fishers are happy with management of this species or if further restrictions are appropriate. Workshops have already been held in Carrabelle, Panama City, Pensacola and Cedar Key.
Upcoming workshops, including two additions in Steinhatchee and Tallahassee, will be from 6 to 8 p.m. local time:

  • Aug. 1: Crystal River, City Council Chambers, 123 NW Highway 19.
  • Aug. 2: St. Petersburg, FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 Eighth Ave. SE.
  • Aug. 3: Naples, South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway.
  • Aug. 7: Jacksonville, Jacksonville Public Library Southeast, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd.
  • Aug. 8: Melbourne, Brevard County Government Center, Space Coast Room, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way.
  • Aug. 9: Fort Pierce, St. Lucie Commission Chambers, Third Floor Meeting Room 303, 2300 Virginia Ave.
  • NEW: Aug. 16: Steinhatchee, Community Center, 1013 Riverside Drive.
  • NEW: Aug. 17: Tallahassee, LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library, Program Room B, 200 W. Park Ave.

Feedback from these workshops will help staff determine whether or not further management restrictions are needed to provide the public with the fishing experience they want for this species. 
If you cannot attend an in-person meeting, submit comments online by visiting MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments. Additional details and updates for these meetings will be posted at MyFWC.com/Fishing (click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Rulemaking” and “Workshops”).

FAMU Board of Trustees Chair Issues Statement Regarding the Resignation of Trustee Gary McCoy

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It is with much regret that I announce that Florida A&M University (FAMU) Trustee Major General (Ret.) Gary McCoy has decided to resign from the FAMU Board of Trustees. The decision was made for personal reasons and reached after consultation with his family and much prayer.
Trustee McCoy provided significant value and contributions to our board and his presence will be missed. The retired U.S. Air Force general was a driving force in crafting a plan for our board evaluation process and served as chairman of the Governance Committee.
During my conversation with Trustee McCoy, he stressed how honored he was to have the opportunity to serve on FAMU’s board and support the FAMU family, after being appointed in 2015. He also shared his pleasure with the direction the board is heading and voiced his regret that he cannot stay engaged and finish his appointment, which was scheduled to end in 2020.
Trustee McCoy approached his board assignments with tremendous sincerity and great humility. He made one request, and that is for us to stay in touch with him to provide key updates about the University.
Trustee McCoy has been in contact with Governor Rick Scott’s office, which accepted his resignation on July 31. The governor’s office will quickly begin the process of working to find a replacement for Trustee McCoy.
Kelvin Lawson
Chair, Florida A&M University Board of Trustees

UT Named One of the Best Colleges by The Princeton Review

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The University of Tampa has again been named by The Princeton Review as one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education.
Only about 15 percent of America’s 2,500 four-year colleges and only four colleges outside the USA are profiled in The Princeton Review’s book, “The Best 382 Colleges.”
“UT’s continued inclusion in this well-respected guide is a testament to the expertise and commitment of our faculty and staff to provide an outstanding educational experience for students,” said UT President Ronald L. Vaughn.
The colleges included are based on data The Princeton Review obtains in its annual institutional data surveys, from its 24-member National College Counselor Advisory Board, through personal visits to schools, and through the wide range of feedback gleaned from surveys of students attending these schools, as well as administrators.
“We chose The University of Tampa for this book because it offers outstanding academics,” said Robert Franek, Princeton Review’s editor-in-chief and author of “The Best 382 Colleges.”
In its profile, students praise UT as a “school rich in diversity, student engagement opportunities,” and for faculty who are “encouraging, insightful, well-versed in their fields of study, and have many connections in the Tampa area they are always willing to share.”
Students also say of campus life: “The school is always jumping with events to go to and opportunities to take advantage of.” And of the student body, they say “most people here are very friendly and easy to talk to. It is easy to find friends through the dorms, clubs, or other activities.”
In a “Survey Says” sidebar in the book’s profile on UT, The Princeton Review lists topics that UT students surveyed for the book were in most agreement about in their answers to survey questions. The list includes: “Students love Tampa, FL,” “Dorms are like palaces” and “Easy to get around campus.”
The Princeton Review’s school profiles and ranking lists in “The Best 382 Colleges” are posted at PrincetonReview.com.
Founded in 1981, The Princeton Review is a privately held education services company headquartered in Framingham, MA. The Company has long been a leader in helping students achieve their education and career goals through its test preparation services, tutoring and admissions resources, online courses, and more than 150 print and digital books published by Random House Inc. The Princeton Review delivers its programs via a network of more than 5,000 teachers and tutors in the USA, Canada and international franchises. The company also partners with schools and guidance counselors worldwide to provide students with college readiness, test preparation and career planning services.
The University of Tampa is a private, residential university located on 110 acres on the riverfront in downtown Tampa. Known for academic excellence, personal attention and real-world experience in its undergraduate and graduate programs, the University serves 8,600 students from 50 states and 140 countries. Approximately 65 percent of full-time students live on campus, and about half of UT students are from Florida.

First sexually transmitted Zika case confirmed in 2017

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FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ZIKA UPDATE

The Florida Department of Health today is announcing that the first sexually transmitted Zika case in 2017 has been confirmed in Pinellas County. There is no evidence of transmission through mosquitoes taking place anywhere in Florida.

While the individual had no travel, their partner recently traveled to Cuba and was ill with symptoms consistent with Zika. Both tested positive for Zika. The department notified mosquito control and appropriate mosquito reduction activities are taking place.

There is no evidence of ongoing transmission of Zika by mosquitoes in any area of Florida. It is important to remember Zika can also be transmitted sexually and to take precautions if you or your partner traveled to an area where Zika is active. If the department identifies an area where ongoing transmission of Zika is taking place, we will notify the public immediately.

The total number of Zika cases reported in Florida in 2017 is 118. 

Note, these categories are not mutually exclusive and cannot be added together.

It is critical for people who recently traveled overseas to an area with Zika to prevent mosquito bites for at least three weeks after they return home. It is also important to reduce the chance of sexual transmission by using condoms. CDC has issued additional guidance related to sexual transmission and prevention.

Before you travel, check to see if your destination is on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list of areas with Zika.

If you traveled to an area with Zika, you could have become infected and not know it, and you could spread the virus in your community if you do not take proper precautions to prevent mosquito bites or sexual transmission after you return home. Zika can persist in semen over extended periods of time. Pregnant couples with recent travel to areas with active Zika transmission should consider using condoms for the duration of the pregnancy.

According to CDC guidance, providers should screen all pregnant women in the US for possible Zika exposure and symptoms at each prenatal care visit. Additional CDC guidance on screening and testing can be found here. At Governor Scott’s direction, all county health departments offer free Zika risk assessment and testing to pregnant women.

The department urges Floridians to take action around their home and business to reduce the mosquito population. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water so it is critical to drain all sources of standing water to keep mosquitoes from multiplying. Residents and visitors should also use mosquito repellent day and night to prevent mosquito bites.

The department updates the full list of travel-related cases by county online each weekday. To view the list of travel-related cases by county and year, click here.

For more information on Zika virus and the status of Zika in Florida, please visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/zika.

Jacksonville man wins top prize in $2,000,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Garrett McKie, 28, of Jacksonville, claimed a top prize in the $2,000,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
McKie chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $1.6 million. He purchased his winning ticket from Publix, located at 1075 Oakleaf Plantation Parkway in Orange Park. The retailer will receive a $4,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The $10 Scratch-Off game, $2,000,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER, launched in January, and features more than $206.5 million in prizes and more than 8.2 million winning tickets. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-3.41.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2016-17.

PSC Telecom Report Shows Competition Fuels Consumer Choice

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For the sixth year in a row, total wireline business access lines exceeded total residential lines, according to the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) annual Report on the Status of Competition in the Telecommunications Industry.  The report confirmed that Florida consumers continue to shift from wireline service to wireless and VoIP services; data also indicates that residential migration may be on the decline.
“The market consolidation trend continued last year with several telecom mergers and acquisitions, as the industry displays dynamic growth and innovation,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “The number and variety of competitive choices among all types of service providers suggest that competition is positively impacting Florida’s telecommunications market.”
AT&T, CenturyLink, and Frontier Florida—Florida’s largest incumbent local exchange carriers providing traditional wireline service—continued their access line losses in the national wireline market. During 2016, CenturyLink experienced a six percent decline in residential access lines, while AT&T declined 22 percent and Frontier declined 25 percent for the same period in the Florida market.
AT&T and Frontier’s mix of residential and business wire lines are slowly shifting toward business lines, which now comprises approximately 48 percent of their access lines.  Competitors have almost 98 percent of their accounts in the business sector.
As in past years, VoIP and broadband drove the telecommunications markets in 2016.  There are an estimated 21.1 million wireless handsets in Florida and an additional 4.2 million cable VoIP subscribers. Over 73 percent of Florida households have a broadband connection with download speeds of at least 3 megabits per second.
Delivered to the Florida Legislature by August 1 each year, the PSC report compiled data from Florida telecommunications companies for a 12-month period ending December 31, 2016.  Access the entire report here.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

CFO Jimmy Patronis Appoints John McKay to Citizens Board of Governors

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced the appointment of John M. McKay to the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors.
McKay, of Bradenton, is president of The Riverside Real Estate Company, and he brings more than 35 years of real estate and property management experience to the board of governors. McKay served in the Florida Senate from 1990-2002, also serving as Senate President from 2000-2002.
McKay earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, where he also completed post-graduate studies. He has remained involved in his community, serving as board chairman for the Manatee Rural Health Foundation and the McKay Academy. He is a former board chairman for the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and Ringling Museum of Art.
McKay succeeds former board member, Juan Cocuy, for a three-year term ending July 31, 2020.

Rutherford Highlights Key Funding Provisions That Bolster National Security And Impact Northeast Florida

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Last week, Congressman John Rutherford voted for H.R. 3219, the Make America Secure Appropriations Act, which provides funding in Fiscal Year 2018 for the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Energy.  It also provides funds for water infrastructure initiatives and the construction of much needed fencing, levees and secondary barriers along vulnerable portions of our southern border.
With regard to the legislation, Congressman John Rutherford said, “With this critical legislation, we continue to deliver on the promise to Northeast Floridians to make America stronger and safer.  We increase funding for our national defense to grow our fighting force, give our troops a much-deserved pay raise, and invest in the tools they need to combat threats to the U.S. and our allies around the world.  The leaders at NAS Jacksonville, NS Mayport, and other critical military installations in our community tell me that we must remain committed to improving readiness, and this bill represents a significant investment to do just that.  The House continues to do important work to fulfill our obligations to the American people, and I urge the Senate to join us in making our nation more safe and secure.”

BILL HIGHLIGHTS

Department of Defense: The bill includes a total of $658.1 billion for the DOD, including key programs that are vital to both Northeast Florida and our entire military.  The bill fully funds a 2.4% pay increase for uniform service members, 11 Navy ships including 3 Littoral Combat Ships, 24 F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft, 7 P-8A Poseidon aircraft, and 2 DDG-51 guided missile destroyers.  Due to the increasing global threats and requests from our military leaders, the bill also increases the end strength of our armed forces.  Additionally, it makes strategic investments with our allies across the world in battling instability and terrorism.  After years of budget instability, passing this legislation is a crucial step in restoring the readiness and investment that our military requires and deserves. 
Veterans Affairs: Congress continues the important work to modernize and improve the VA to ensure that veterans receive the care they deserve, and this bill reflects those priorities.  The bill provide $182.3 billion for the VA in both discretionary and mandatory funding.  These funds are urgently needed to address issues of suicide prevention, claims processing, battling the opioid epidemic, homelessness prevention, and vital medical research.  
Energy and Water: The Army Corps of Engineers is funded at $6.16 billion, an increase of $120 million above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $1.16 billion above the President’s budget request. The Corps is instructed to prioritize funding for beach renourishment projects in areas like Northeast Florida that need it for flood and storm damage reduction and shore protection. Further, the bill authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of the Army to withdraw the Waters of the United States rule, commonly referred to as “WOTUS,” which could expand onerous and expensive federal permitting requirements for local municipalities and agriculture, if implemented. 
Homeland Security: Provides $1.6 billion dedicated to infrastructure for securing our southern border and enforcing our nation’s immigration laws.

Ocala Realtor Sherri Meadows Receives 2017 Women of Influence Award

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HousingWire Names 2014 Florida Realtors®  President to Distinguished Annual List

Ocala Realtor® Sherri Meadows handles many roles in her busy life, from wife and mother to successful businesswoman to community activist and volunteer. With a passion for real estate and her profession, the 2014 president of Florida Realtors has worked tirelessly to support her colleagues and the real estate industry through her local organization, the Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors, the state association and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) as its 2017 Region 5 vice president to Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Now, Meadows can add “woman of influence” to her extensive list of achievements. In recognition of her dedication in leading the housing and mortgage industry forward, HousingWire has named Meadows to its 2017 Women of Influence List.
This marks the seventh year for the Women of Influence list, and HousingWire officials noted that the nominations grow more competitive every year. The 50 women chosen represent a variety of occupations within the housing economy, each demonstrating leadership that inspires those in their own companies, in their communities and in the industry at large.
“It’s a great honor to be standing alongside such accomplished, successful women who are making a difference in their communities and working for a better future in the housing and mortgage industries,” said Meadows, a broker associate with Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty in Gainesville, Ocala, and Summerfield, Florida. “I love what I do – being a Realtor isn’t a job, it’s who I am. Every day, I am privileged to help people realize their dreams of a place to call home, and I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the security of having shelter and a home. Advocating for housing at all income levels in Florida and across the country continues to be a cause near and dear to my heart.”
Many of the 2017 winners mentor other women in the industry, manage internship programs for college students or work with business groups in disadvantaged areas. Others coordinate volunteer programs for their employees or serve on advisory boards that inform the industry. Investing time and effort to see others succeed is a hallmark of this group.
HousingWire Magazine Editor Sarah Wheeler said, “It’s exciting to see the talent represented in this year’s Women of Influence winners. These dynamic women represent every part of the mortgage ecosystem and their achievements are vital to the mission of expanding homeownership. HousingWire is thrilled to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments as they build better operations, solutions and companies.”
Winners were selected based on tangible accomplishments in the past 12 months. Not only did they have to excel within their companies, but they also had to show influence in the wider industry through contributions on panels, publications, mentoring and volunteering.
“As the mortgage industry continues to do the right thing – increase diversity in the workforce – the housing finance business will likewise keep moving from strength to strength,” said HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney. “The progress is undeniable; as the number of influential women in housing grows so does our recognition for the Influential Women of Housing. Our list is bigger and better than ever.”
Meadows supports numerous community organizations and charitable causes. However, as a dedicated advocate for private property rights and housing at all income levels, she has inspired action in states, territories and in Washington, D.C., speaking on behalf of Realtors, homeowners and for those experiencing homelessness throughout the nation. For example, when serving as 2016 NAR vice president, she testified before the House of Representatives Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity in Washington, D.C., and advocated for continued efforts to remove barriers to housing.
In July 2016, Meadows hosted a Housing for All symposium in Washington, D.C., that focused on housing opportunities, ideas and innovative thinking to combat homelessness.
And as president of Florida Realtors in 2014, she and the state association’s leaders traveled across Florida as part of an awareness campaign to make homelessness more visible and work with local community leaders to spotlight successful programs and possible solutions. Florida Realtors campaign was nationally recognized by Ragan Communications for Best Advocacy/Awareness Campaign and Best Community-Nonprofit Partnership.
Meadows continues to work on behalf of Realtors and her profession: She is the Florida Realtors-endorsed candidate for NAR 2019 first vice president.
Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 165,000 members in 54 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org.