“Gov. Scott to Host Latin American Summit in Miami”
WTVJ-MIA (NBC) – Miami, FL
July 24, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Mast to Army Corps: No Discharges to Treasure Coast
Letter Urges Army Corps to Exhaust All Possible Options Before Discharging Water
Mast Calls on Army Corps to Work with SFWMD on Southern Reservoir
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) yesterday sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to “exhaust every possible flood-prevention option prior to considering discharging water.” The letter comes on the heels of the discovery of a massive algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee. Last summer, discharges from Lake Okeechobee resulted in harmful algal blooms on the Treasure Coast that caused a massive public health crisis and incalculable economic damage.
In the letter, Mast also urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to “work with South Florida Water Management District on a long-term solution that includes implementing Florida State Senate Bill 10, which authorizes construction of a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee.”
The full text of the letter is included below:
July 24, 2017
The Honorable Jo-Ellen Darcy
Assistant Secretary of the Army
108 Army Pentagon
Washington, DC 20310
Dear Secretary Darcy:
The Treasure Coast of Florida is facing an environmental disaster. Last summer, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to discharge polluted, nutrient-rich freshwater from Lake Okeechobee had dire consequences on the Treasure Coast. As a result of these discharges, our community faced a public health crisis and incalculable economic damage.
My office has been monitoring the situation for warning signs of a repeat disaster throughout this summer, and late last week, I became aware of a massive algae bloom growing in Lake Okeechobee. If the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were to transfer this algal bloom into the St. Lucie River through a discharge, it would again cause an unacceptable crisis on the Treasure Coast.
In a column published in the Tampa Bay Times on July 20, 2017, Colonel Jason Kirk noted that heavy rain has caused water levels in the conservation area to hit record highs, preventing water from being sent south out of Lake Okeechobee for several months. Based on information provided by the U.S. Army Corps, however, it is my understanding that the water levels in Lake Okeechobee are currently several feet below the level necessitating discharges, and I also understand that on June 27, 2017, the U.S Army Corps of Engineers took additional measures to mitigate the high water levels throughout the conservation areas.
Should these water levels rise, I am writing to urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to exhaust every possible flood-prevention option prior to considering discharging water. The transfer of algae-filled water from Lake Okeechobee onto the Treasure Coast is simply unacceptable, which is why I have introduced legislation in Congress to hold the federal government responsible for the cost of damages associated with the transfer of algal blooms from Lake Okeechobee into our community.
Understanding that this is a complex problem that will not be solved over night, I also urge you to work with South Florida Water Management District on a long-term solution that includes implementing Florida State Senate Bill 10, which authorizes construction of a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. I will do everything in my power to authorize federal support for this project as well.
Thank you in advance for your immediate attention to this potentially life-threatening situation.
Sincerely,
Brian J. Mast
Member of Congress
cc:
President Donald J. Trump
Acting Secretary of the Army Robert M. Speer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District Commander Colonel Jason A. Kirk
Governor Rick Scott
South Florida Water Management District Executive Director Peter Antonacci
LeadingAge Florida Presents 8 Awards at Annual Convention
At the 54th Annual LeadingAge Florida Convention and Exposition, the association recognized outstanding members, employees, and residents in eight categories. The awards highlight the best in the aging services field and recognize outstanding members and communities that have gone far beyond to serve their communities, employers, and residents.
“The LeadingAge awards showcase the quality of LeadingAge Florida communities and the ways they are innovating to provide the best possible care for Florida seniors,” said LeadingAge Florida President & CEO Steve Bahmer. “Our award winners are the best in the field of aging and seniors services. They represent their communities and LeadingAge Florida at the local, state, and national levels. I appreciate their passion, dedication, and commitment.”
LeadingAge Florida presented awards in the following categories:
Lifetime Achievement – Peter Dys, CEO Emeritus, Shell Point Retirement Community:
This is one of LeadingAge Florida’s most prestigious awards and has not been bestowed since 2006. This award is meant to honor an individual who, through his or her body of work, has provided LeadingAge Florida and the state with significant, transformative leadership in aging services. The person selected for this award is a visionary leader and builder – someone who has made exceptional contributions over the course of a career and has positively impacted and advanced the aging services field.
Chairman’s Award – Dr. Erwin Bodo:
The Chairman’s Award is one ofLeadingAge Florida’s most prestigious awards. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a passion for aging services, a depth of commitment to LeadingAge Florida, and a lasting impact on the field of aging services that is truly peerless in our state.
Executive of the Year – Elizabeth Sholar, Administrator and Senior Director of Health Care Services, Fleet Landing:
This award is presented to the CEO, Executive Director, Administrator or Manager of a member community who has demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership, a willingness to mentor others, and innovation and significant contribution to the work of LeadingAge Florida.
Service Coordinator of the Year – Lisett Fernandez-Montero, St. Dominic Gardens:
The Service Coordinator of the Year Award recognizes one of Florida’s many committed service coordinators who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to residents through innovative programming and supportive services, creative problem-solving, and genuine concern for each resident’s well-being.
Employee of the Year – Kevin Mannix, Director of Dining Services, Cypress Cove at HealthPark Florida:
Delivering excellent care – providing an excellent resident experience – relies on excellent employees. The Employee of the Year Award recognizes employees in LeadingAge Florida member communities who demonstrate extraordinary dedication, provide consistently excellent customer service, deliver outstanding performance, and demonstrate a commitment to the enhancement of the quality of life for residents.
Trustee of the Year – Francis “Chance” Irvin, Chair of the Penney Retirement Community Board of Directors:
Good governance for sound strategy, clear vision, and strong leadership, and trustees are the at the heart of that good governance. The Trustee of the Year Award is presented to a volunteer who has served with distinction on the board of a LeadingAge Florida member home and has demonstrated a significant contribution of time and effort to the betterment of a not-for-profit community and its residents.
Best Practice – The Memory Bridge Program of Water’s Edge Extended Care at Sandhill Cove:
All across Florida, LeadingAge Florida members are innovating, challenging conventional thinking, and driving newer, better ways to deliver the highest quality of care. The Best Practice Award recognizes an individual or group of individuals from a LeadingAge Florida member community who develop programs and services that are models of excellence, innovation, and best practices at work.
Volunteer of the Year – Shirley “Bunny” Weston, Resident at Bishop’s Glen, a Retirement Housing Foundation Community:
Much of the work getting done in LeadingAge Florida communities relies on the energy, passion, and commitment of volunteers. This award recognizes a resident, resident organization or non-resident who is a volunteer who enhances the quality of life for residents, preserves the dignity, well-being and independence of residents, and demonstrates the mission of the member community in a number of ways.
For 54 years, LeadingAge Florida has served as a nonprofit statewide association of more than 250 mission-driven communities, representing the full continuum of care for seniors with members ranging from affordable housing to nursing homes and from assisted living facilities to continuing care retirement communities. LeadingAge Florida is proud to serve quality leaders who devote themselves to creating a culture of excellence that motivates and inspires others throughout the aging continuum. LeadingAge Florida’s members are trusted with providing quality care and services to Florida’s seniors. LeadingAge Florida promotes practices that support, enable and empower people to live fully as they age.
Top Prize claimed in $10,000,000 FORTUNE Scratch-Off game
The Florida Lottery announces Annefrances Holahan, of Fort Myers, claimed a top prize in the $10,000,000 FORTUNE Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
Holahan chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $7,348,000.00. She purchased her winning ticket from Buddy Boys Country Store, located at 8430 Country Road 13 North in Saint Augustine. The retailer will receive a $20,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The $25 Scratch-Off game, $10,000,000 FORTUNE, launched in February 2016, and features more than $623 million in total cash prizes, including 46 prizes of $1 million and four prizes of $10 million. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-2.88.
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.
Mast Introduces Amendments to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms
Proposals Increase Funding by More Than $2 million
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) offered four amendments to the FY2018 Energy and Water Development and the Department of Defense Appropriations bills designed to increase research and funding into harmful algal blooms. In total, the amendments would increase funding by more than $2 million.
“We must tackle the lack of clean, safe water in our area from as many different angles as possible,” Rep. Mast said. “In addition to supporting efforts to build a southern reservoir, increasing funding to research and combat harmful algal blooms will move us closer to preventing future public health crises like we lived through last summer.”
The funding increases would impact the following programs:
Department of the Navy Research Laboratory – $598,000
The Environmental Sustainability Development Project under the Naval Research Laboratory works on coastal contamination and contaminated sediments. Funding for this program is cut in the proposed Department of Defense appropriations bill by $598,000 compared to FY2017 enacted levels. The amendment offered by Rep. Mast restores the program to full funding and would fund the program at $2.04 million higher than the President’s requested level.
The Lakes Program – $750,000
The Lakes Program was authorized to “carry out a program for the removal of silt, aquatic growth, and other material,” but the proposed Energy and Water Development appropriations bill includes no funding for the program. Rep. Mast’s amendment allocates $750,000 to the Lakes Program to make grants available to states for projects to remove “toxic substances mobilized by high acidity,” such as algal blooms.
The Aquatic Nuisance Species Research Program – $500,000
Rep. Mast’s amendment increases funding by $500,000 for the Aquatic Nuisance Species Research Program, which provides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managers and operational personnel up-to-date information on aquatic nuisance species, including basic life history and ecological information, risk assessment tools, preventative strategies, and cost-effective and environmentally sound management options. The main objective of this program is to conduct interdisciplinary research on the prevention, control, and management of aquatic nuisance species that impact Corps of Engineers projects and public facilities.
The Aquatic Plant Control Research Program – $500,000
Rep. Mast’s amendment increases funding by $500,000 for the Aquatic Plant Control Research Program, which is the nation’s only federally authorized research program directed to develop technology for the management of non-indigenous aquatic plant species. The program provides effective, economical, and environmentally compatible methods for assessing and managing problem aquatic plants.
An appropriations bill containing both Energy and Water Development appropriations and Department of Defense Appropriations is scheduled to be considered later this week.
Stick on a decal to show support for Florida’s manatees, sea turtles
There are more manatees and sea turtles in Florida than in any other state. More than 6,000 manatees swim in its coastal waters, rivers and freshwater springs, and thousands of sea turtles nest and hatch on its Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches.
It’s easy to show support for these iconic Florida species by sticking on a decal.
Every July the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) introduces new manatee and sea turtle decals available with a $5 donation.
The colorful, waterproof decals are designed to look great on a vehicle’s bumper or the side of a boat. Get them when registering or re-registering a vehicle or boat at local tax collectors’ offices across the state.
“Florida is home to more manatees and sea turtles than anywhere else in the U.S.,” said Carol Knox, who leads the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Section. “Public support has been critical in helping us conserve these imperiled species. So please ‘stick on a decal’ and show support for our manatees and sea turtles.”
Decals generate funding for research, rescue and management efforts that help Florida’s manatees and sea turtles survive. For instance, when someone calls the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) to report an injured, entangled or sick manatee or sea turtle, FWC staff responds with efforts to rescue and rehabilitate the animal.
The decals also address important conservation issues:
- “Look out for manatees” is the message on the new manatee decal, which shows boaters in the distance as a manatee mother and calf swim along with only her back above water. When boating or using a personal watercraft in Florida waters, it is important to look out for manatees. Mature manatees grow to 1,000 pounds or more, but can be difficult to see when they’re swimming, grazing or resting underwater. Wear polarized sunglasses, and then watch and listen carefully to detect the signs of manatees nearby. Look for circles on the water’s surface indicating their underwater movement and snouts sticking out of the water as they surface to breathe. You may also hear huffing noises when they come up for air.
- “Helping sea turtles survive” is the message on the new sea turtle decal, which shows a green sea turtle. Green sea turtles nest on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches, and until recently were classified as endangered. Now after years of conservation efforts, the number of nesting green turtles has increased substantially. This species has been reclassified as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. That’s a major step in “green” recovery. Remember, “Hands off” is the best policy for beachgoers encountering any species of nesting or hatchling sea turtles. Watch from a distance, do not disturb them and never use a cellphone or camera to shoot flash photos.
Learn about other ways to help conserve manatees and sea turtles at MyFWC.com/Manatee and MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle, where you also can click on “Decals” to order new or past editions of decals. Go to BuyaPlate.com to purchase a “Save the Manatee” or “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” license plate that supports those species.
Mast Legislation to Enhance G.I. Bill Benefits Passes House Unanimously
Mast Bill to Ensure Purple Heart Recipients Have Access to
Post-9/11 G.I. Benefits Included in Comprehensive Package
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast’s (FL-18) bill to ensure Purple Heart recipients have access to the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program passed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously today as part of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017. The bill (H.R. 1379), which Rep. Mast introduced with Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) in March, 2017, extends benefits for the program to all honorably-discharged Purple Heart recipients regardless of duration of service.
“When my time in the Army was cut short, I was fortunate to be able to use funding from the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill to get my degree at Harvard. Without it, I may not be a Member of Congress right now,” Rep. Mast said. “Providing a high-quality education to these heroes is the least we can do, which is why I’m proud to have lead this effort to ensure that every single Purple Heart recipient who is honorably discharged can get the benefit of this great program.”
In addition to enhancing G.I. Bill benefits for Purple Heart recipients, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act also:
- Ends the 15-year limit on G.I. Bill usage for qualified veterans, allowing use of benefits for life;
- Provides G.I. Bill eligibility for reservists mobilized under selected reserve order for preplanned missions in support of the combatant commands or in response to a major disaster or emergency;
- Provides G.I. Bill eligibility for reservists undergoing medical care;
- Extends Yellow Ribbon Program benefits to Fry scholarship recipients;
- Restores used G.I. Bill benefits to students who experience permanent school closures while enrolled;
- Increases G.I. Bill payments by $2,300 per year for veterans with less than 12 months of active service;
- Creates a pilot program for high-technology and computer programming courses;
- Expands education benefits for veterans pursuing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees;
- Increases amount of fees paid to schools for certification of student veteran enrollments;
- Improves the G.I. Bill information technology system to fully automate claims;
- Increases monthly amount of educational assistance for survivors and dependents of disabled veterans;
- Increases funding for state-approving agencies to conduct oversight of schools; and
- Allows G.I. Bill use for distance courses in technical and career education institutions.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Mast followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years, receiving numerous medals, including a Purple Heart. While deployed in Afghanistan, he worked as a bomb disposal expert under the elite Joint Special Operations Command. The last improvised explosive device that he found resulted in catastrophic injuries, which included the loss of both of his legs. Using Post-9/11 G.I. Bill funding, Rep. Mast subsequently received a bachelor’s degree in extension studies, with a concentration in economics and minors in government and environmental studies, from Harvard.
Gov. Scott: Pete Antonacci Will Help Florida Compete for New Opportunities as CEO of EFI
Governor Rick Scott today released the following statement on Peter Antonacci being named the new President and CEO of Enterprise Florida beginning August 2nd.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud that the entire EFI Board voted to select Pete Antonacci as their new President and CEO. Pete has a long record of success and has demonstrated an incredible commitment to helping make our state the best place for families and job creators. I am confident that his experience as the executive director at the South Florida Water Management District and as my office’s general counsel will make him a great leader for EFI as he fights to bring more jobs to Florida every day. I commend the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors for nominating such a great leader, and I know Pete will help utilize the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to compete for new job opportunities on behalf of Florida families.”
Gulf County scallop season postponed due to naturally occurring algae bloom
As a precautionary measure due to a naturally occurring algae bloom in St. Joseph Bay that affects shellfish, the bay scallop harvest originally scheduled to begin on July 25th in Gulf County waters will be temporarily postponed. This postponement includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County through the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. This does not impact other areas currently open for a recreational harvest. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is working closely with partners on this postponement including the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which has also issued a precautionary closure for the harvest of clams, mussels and oysters in St. Joseph Bay.
FWC staff is coordinating with the Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and FDACS and they will continue to provide support and assistance as necessary. All agencies take all algal blooms seriously and will continue to respond quickly and effectively to ensure the health and safety of Floridians, visitors and our natural resources.
The scallop season is expected to be closed a minimum of two weeks. The FWC will conduct aggressive outreach efforts about the postponed season. The FWC and FDACS will continue sampling and testing scallops and other shellfish in the bay to determine when they are safe for consumption and will continue to work with the local community to determine options on the remainder of the season. More information will be issued once a season opening date has been determined and that date will be posted on the bay scallop page which can be found at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops.” Reopenings of clam, mussel or oyster harvest will be listed on the FDACS website.
In areas outside of Gulf County, the bay scallop season in state waters from the Fenholloway River in Taylor County to the Suwannee River in Dixie County is currently open to harvest and will close to harvest on Sept. 10. All other waters open to harvest (Pasco-Hernando county line to the Suwannee River and from the Fenholloway River in Taylor County through the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County) will close to harvest Sept. 25 (see map below).
This algae bloom does not harm scallops directly and shouldn’t cause scallop population declines. While scallops may appear healthy, they should not be consumed until FWC has issued a new statement opening the season. This algae bloom should not impact other recreational activities on St. Joseph bay.
ABOUT PSEUDO-NITZSCHIA:
Pseudo-nitzschia is a naturally occurring microscopic alga that in some cases can produce domoic acid, which can negatively impact marine mammals and seabirds and can cause Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) in humans if contaminated shellfish are consumed. Domoic acid has been confirmed in seawater and scallop samples from St. Joseph Bay. Domoic acid does not impact finfish, but they should be carefully cleaned prior to being eaten. The best way to protect yourself is to heed closure warnings and not consume shellfish in the closed areas.
If you are experiencing symptoms of ASP, contact your primary care provider. You may also want to contact the Florida Poison Control Hotline – 1-800-222-1222. For Department of Health questions, please call 850-245-4250.
Enterprise Florida Board of Directors select Pete Antonacci as CEO
The Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) Board of Directors today voted unanimously to approve Peter Antonacci as the new President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. Antonacci will also serve as Florida’s Secretary of Commerce. He will begin his new role with EFI on August 2.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud that the entire EFI Board voted to select Pete Antonacci as their new President and CEO. Pete has a long record of success and has demonstrated an incredible commitment to helping make our state the best place for families and job creators. I am confident that his experience as the executive director at the South Florida Water Management District and as my office’s general counsel will make him a great leader for EFI as he fights to bring more jobs to Florida every day. I commend the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors for nominating such a great leader, and I know Pete will help utilize the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to compete for new job opportunities on behalf of Florida families.”
Antonacci will be leaving his current role of Executive Director at the South Florida Water Management District where he spent the last two years leading the District in carrying out its mission to balance and improve flood control, water supply, water quality and natural systems across the region. The SFWMD is one of the largest water management systems in the world.
“I am privileged to lead Enterprise Florida forward in its mission of job creation,” said Pete Antonacci, President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. “As a 60-year Floridian and having served Florida for much of my professional career, I am enthusiastic to begin competing with other states and nations to ensure that when companies create jobs, they do so right here in Florida.”
In addition to serving as Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District, Antonacci previously served as General Counsel to Governor Scott from 2013 to 2015 and in 2012 served as State Attorney in Palm Beach County. He also served as a Governing Board member at the Northwest Florida Water Management District, as Statewide Prosecutor of Florida and Deputy Attorney General. Raised in Hialeah, he attended Hialeah High School and Miami Dade College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University as well as his Juris Doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law.
Stan Connally, EFI Board Vice-Chair said, “We are fortunate to have Pete leading the team at EFI. His reputation and track record speak for themselves, and I look forward to seeing the impact of his leadership as he works with the team to continue bringing good, high-paying jobs to Florida.”
SFWMD Governing Board Chairman Dan O’Keefe said, “Pete Antonacci has been a tremendous leader who worked tirelessly every day to advance our restoration goals and protect all 8.1 million South Florida residents. The Governing Board would like to thank him for all that was accomplished and we look forward to what he will be able to do for Florida in his new role.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Pete Antonacci is a great leader and will bring the best of public service and private sector experience to Enterprise Florida. I am looking forward to continuing our partnership with Enterprise Florida under his leadership as we promote Florida’s incredible business climate, including the new Job Growth Grant Fund, to grow jobs and opportunities for Floridians.”
