The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is pleased to award its July Helping Hand recognition to the Suwanee River Economic Council’s Lafayette County Senior Service Center. The Center, located in Mayo, offers a wide variety of educational programs, support groups, and special events and recently helped the PSC provide beneficial information to their clients.
“With Florida’s population continuing to age and more individuals reaching ‘senior status,’ the need for assistance, information, and advice increases. The Lafayette County Senior Center fosters active community participation and encourages partnerships, such as ours, that can help their clients,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “During our recent program there, we discussed how to lower monthly utility bills and to help those eligible for the federal Lifeline Assistance telephone discount program.”
Each month, the PSC highlights a partner agency or organization whose clients can benefit from learning how to reduce energy and water bills, how to protect themselves against utility-related scams, and how to apply for the federal Lifeline program, if they’re eligible. Through these PSC Helping Hand partnerships, the Commission shares vital information to help consumers manage their resources to meet their monthly bills.
“We are pleased to be named a PSC Helping Hand partner,” said Janis Owen, Center Director. “The Center’s aim is to help clients receive help from a number of assistance programs that specialize in meeting their needs. We appreciate the PSC’s educational forum to assist them and look forward to continuing our partnership.”
Look for this year’s PSC Helping Hand outreach partner recognitions on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com, under Hot Topics.
About the Lafayette County Senior Center
The Suwanee River Economic Council, Inc., the area’s main community action agency, is also the Area Agency of Florida designated lead organization for seniors in the area, including the counties of Dixie, Gilchrist, and Lafayette. The Lafayette County Senior Center, located at 114 SW Community Circle in Mayo, offers a wide variety of leisure and educational programs, support groups, special events, and trips. For more information, call 386-294-2202.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Gov. Scott Declares a State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Emily
Governor Rick Scott today issued Executive Order 17-204 declaring a state of emergency in 31 counties within the State of Florida in response to Tropical Storm Emily. A state of emergency gives the state the flexibility to work with local governments to ensure they have all the resources they may need. Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect for Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee Counties. At this time, there are no evacuation orders in effect. The Florida National Guard stands ready to assist with any storm related impacts.
Governor Scott said, “Earlier this morning, Tropical Depression Six was upgraded to Tropical Storm Emily and tropical storm warnings are currently in effect along Florida’s west coast. Upon learning of this tropical system from the National Hurricane Center, the State of Florida immediately engaged to prepare for any potential storm impacts. I have declared a state of emergency across 31 counties to ensure that every community has the resources they need, and that state, regional and local agencies can easily work together to keep people prepared during Tropical Storm Emily.
“While this storm developed quickly overnight and will swiftly move across our state, storms can always develop rapidly and that is why is it so important to be prepared at the start of hurricane season. For helpful preparation resources, please visit FLGetAPlan.com. We will keep monitoring and issuing updates on Tropical Storm Emily as it moves across Florida today.”
As Tropical Storm Emily Drops Rain on Central Florida, Consumers Urged to Remain Alert
As waves of heavy rain stemming from Tropical Storm Emily cross the central corridor of Florida, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians to remain prepared for severe weather. Flash flooding is likely, and Floridians are encouraged to keep copies of their homeowners’ and auto insurance policies handy, and to take note of the state of Florida’s insurance consumer helpline in case of insurance-related questions. The toll-free helpline can be reached by calling 1-877-693-5236.
“Heavy rain can quickly cause dangerous flooding situations, and I urge everyone in the area to keep their eyes and ears on the news for updated information about Tropical Storm Emily,” said CFO Patronis. “We’ll continue to monitor the storm’s activity, and we stand ready to support residents with any insurance needs that may arise.”
By calling the helpline, Floridians gain one-on-one access to insurance experts who can help consumers better understand their specific insurance policies and answer specific claim-related questions. Even if a consumer does not have a flood insurance policy, helpline experts can aid in the review of other insurance coverage to determine if any damaged items might be covered.
The helpline is available Monday–Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm EST. Additional insurance-related information can be found on the Department’s website here.
UNF Honoring Student’s Exceptional Service at Summer Commencement
The University of North Florida will honor a student with an outstanding record of volunteerism, when it hands out nearly 750 degrees Friday, Aug. 4, during summer commencement at the UNF Arena, Building 34, on campus.
Senior Angela Inciong, who is graduating this week with a bachelor’s degree in health administration, will be recognized as the recipient of the Senior Service Award, which is presented to a graduating senior for outstanding volunteer service to the University or community by the UNF Alumni Association. Inciong will be honored during the 2 p.m. ceremony.
Her foundation for service is based on an understanding that the most important thing she could share with others was her time. Inciong, an Arlington resident, actively sought out leadership roles on campus in the Health Administration Student Association and the Women in Business Society. It was through these opportunities that she developed a passion for influencing fellow students as well as encouraging their educational and professional development.
In the Health Administration Student Association, she was successful in building stronger relationships between UNF students and leaders of local health care organizations. Inciong also assisted Brooks College of Health Advising by welcoming groups of local high school students to campus, offering advice on how to become a successful college student.
In the community, she was active in C.A.M.P. Osprey, an innovative leadership mentoring program that pairs collegiate student leaders from the University with Duval County Public School students in grades 5 through 9.
“Angela demonstrated a win-win attitude in her commitment to the program,” said Dr. Matthew Ohlson, C.A.M.P. Osprey program director and assistant professor in the Department of Leadership, School Counseling and Sport Management. “She went above and beyond to meet expectations of not only the course but in achieving the goal of desiring to create a positive impact in her mentees.”
Inciong eventually became a C.A.M.P. Osprey lead mentor and worked with eight students at the River City Science Academy on a weekly basis, focusing on public speaking, time management and leadership skills.
The ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction will take place at 10 a.m., while the ceremony for the Brooks College of Health, Coggin College of Business and the College of Education and Human Services will start at 2 p.m.
The University expects to award a total of 728 bachelor’s degrees, 185 master’s degrees and 17 doctorates this term. Including the summer 2017 graduates, UNF has issued a total of 72,934 bachelor’s degrees, 18,426 master’s degrees and 493 doctorates since first opening its doors in 1972.
Florida Health Care Association Honors Long Term Care Professionals, Legislators
Annual conference to highlight advocates of elder
More than 1,000 long term care providers from across Florida will attend the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) Annual Conference to honor long term care professionals, recognize supportive legislators and provide specialized trainings to enhance the care of elders across the state. The conference, which will be held July 31 to August 4 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, will be centered around the theme, “FHCA University.”
The conference will also honor a dozen legislators who demonstrated a deep commitment to elders and others who need the services of long term care centers by supporting key legislation. Recognized as 2017 Champions for the Elderly are Senate President Joe Negron of Palm City and Senators Rob Bradley of Orange Park, Anitere Flores of Miami, René Garcia of Hialeah and Kelli Stargel of Lakeland, as well as House Speaker Richard Corcoran of Lutz and Representatives Daisy Baez of Coral Gables, Travis Cummings of Orange Park, Shawn Harrison of Tampa, Alex Miller of Sarasota and Frank White of Pensacola.
“Florida is fortunate to have so many extraordinary supporters for our long term care residents and families, from the people who work in our care centers to the legislators who advocate on their behalf,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA executive director. “This conference is an opportunity to bring together so many people who tirelessly perform work that is challenging but so meaningful.”
Attendees will hear from inspirational speakers including Leigh Anne Tuohy, the mother at the heart of the book and film the Blind Side; former Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson, who serves as President and CEO of American Health Care Association; Kim Smoak, a bureau chief in the Division of Health Quality Assurance within the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration; and renowned international photographer Platon.
ABOUT FLORIDA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION
The Florida Health Care Association is a federation that serves almost 1,000 members and represents over 500 long term care centers that provide skilled nursing, post-acute and sub-acute care, short-term rehab, assisted living, and other services to the frail elderly and individuals with disabilities in Florida. The mission of FHCA is to advance the quality of services, image, professional development, and financial stability of its members. As Florida’s first and largest advocacy organization for long term care providers and the elderly they serve, the Association has worked diligently since 1954 to assist its members with continuously improving quality of care and quality of life for the state’s growing elder care population. For more information about Florida Health Care Association, visit www.fhca.org.
Gov. Scott Urges West Coast Residents to Monitor Weather and be Prepared for Tropical Depression
Governor Rick Scott this morning spoke with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to get an update on potential storm impacts. Governor Scott and the State of Florida are continuing to actively monitor a tropical depression off the western coast of Florida, and is urging everyone in Florida to remain vigilant. The state receives regular weather updates from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and as of 6:00 a.m. today, the NHC advised that the storm, designated Tropical Depression Six, had formed 65 miles South – Southwest of Tampa. There is currently a Tropical Storm Watch in effect from Anclote River in Pasco County southward to Englewood in Sarasota and Charlotte Counties and the depression is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 2 to 4 inches through Monday night along the west coast of Central Florida between the Tampa Bay area and Naples. At this time, the depression is forecast to move quickly across the Florida peninsula on Monday and then exit the state offshore of the east-central Florida coast around midnight. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours and the system is not forecast to become a Tropical Storm. A flood watch has been issued for Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands, Lee, Charlotte, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota and Pinellas counties.
Governor Scott said, “As we know in Florida, storms can quickly develop, bringing severe weather to our state in a moment’s notice. Last night, this storm posed no threat to Florida. Now, after rapidly intensifying overnight, a tropical depression will impact the Tampa area and Floridians must prepare for impacts to Southwest Florida. Just as with last year’s storms, I encourage Floridians to get prepared and visit FLGetAPlan.com.
“We are working closely with the National Hurricane Center and continuing to monitor the storm’s development and its potential impacts to Florida. We know that heavy rainfall is expected across Central Florida for the next few days. Our focus is on keeping Florida families safe and we will continue to release updates on this storm as it develops.”
FDEM Director Bryan Koon, said, “With Tropical Depression Six off the coast, all Floridians must be prepared. We are continuing to monitor this storm and its potential impacts, and I encourage everyone to visit FLGetAPlan.com to find storm resources and information.”
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is the state agency charged with preparing for all types of disasters in Florida. The Division is the state’s disaster liaison with federal and local agencies, and is the lead consequence management agency for the State Emergency Response Team (SERT). The Division maintains the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee and the State Warning Point, the 24-hour communications and command center for response coordination. Follow the Division on social media at facebook.com/FloridaSERT or on Twitter @FLSERT.
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Sunday July 30, 2017
Governor Scott Appoints Judge Charles Sniffen
to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Judge Charles Sniffen to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court.
Sniffen, 44, of Parrish, is currently a county judge for Manatee County. He previously worked in private practice, and as an Assistant State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. He received his bachelor’s degree from Emory University and law degree from Florida State University. Sniffen fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Janette Dunnigan.
Governor Scott Appoints James Jefferson Goodman, Jr.,
to the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of James Jefferson Goodman, Jr., to the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court.
Goodman, 38, of Bonifay, is currently a solo practitioner, with prior experience in both the public and private sectors. He previously served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, and as a litigation associate for Balch & Bingham, LLP. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and law degree from Florida State University. Goodman fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Hentz McClellan.
First 2017 Unclaimed Property Auction Earns $1.194 Million
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the first of two 2017 unclaimed property auctions, held Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, earned $1.194 million. All of the auction’s nearly 48,000 individual items sold, and the highest grossing individual auction item was a 14k gold ring with a 4.02-carat European cut diamond that sold for $11,500.
Items included in the Department of Financial Services’ unclaimed property auctions come from abandoned safe deposit boxes. Despite at least five years of exhaustive efforts, no rightful owner or entitled heir stepped forward to claim the boxes or the items contained within them. However, the proceeds earned from the sale of auction items can be claimed at any time and at no cost should an owner ever come forward.
The second 2017 unclaimed property auction will be held August 25 and August 26 in Orlando at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center, located at 1500 Sand Lake Road. Items included in the auction will be available for public preview on Friday, August 25. The auction will take place the following day, Saturday, August 26. A catalog containing descriptions of the upcoming auction items will be available in the coming days.
Roughly 1-in-5 Floridians has an unclaimed property account in their name. To search for unclaimed property or to claim an account, please visit www.FLTreasureHunt.gov.
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, July 28, 2017
Governor Rick Scott Appoints LaTasha Green-Cobb to Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of LaTasha Green-Cobb to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
LaTasha Green-Cobb, of Jacksonville, is the chief executive officer of Empowered Action Corporation. She succeeds John Hawthorne and is appointed for a term beginning July 28, 2017, and ending November 13, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Jim Murphy to the Governing
Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Jim Murphy to the Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Murphy, 57, of Lakeland, is the division president of Florida Sealing Products, Inc. He attended Ohio State University and is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning July 28, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
ICYMI: WJXT: Gov. Scott Proposes $30 Million Pay Raise for State Law Enforcement Agencies
“Gov. Scott Proposes $30 Million Pay Raise for State Law Enforcement Agencies”
WJXT-JAX – Jacksonville, FL
July 26, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
