Leading Florida-based government affairs firm, Ballard Partners, proudly announces the addition of Rebecca Benn as a partner at the firm’s office in Washington, D.C. Benn brings two decades of experience advising Congressional and corporate decision makers on various aspects of public policy.
“We are pleased to welcome Rebecca to our growing team in the nation’s Capital,” said Brian Ballard, president of Ballard Partners. “From negotiating billion-dollar budget bills in the Senate to advancing Congressional legislative priorities for the largest Eastern freight railroad, Rebecca’s extensive expertise in both the public and private sector ensure our diverse client portfolio will continue to receive the best guidance and advocacy for their issues.”
Ballard Partners welcomes Benn from her position as director of federal affairs for CSX Transportation. During her five-year tenure, she directed all government relations initiatives impacting automation, safety, environmental regulation and security while overseeing federal constituent relations for seven states.
Previously, the seasoned policy strategist guided the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations as a professional staff member for the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies as well as the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies. In both positions, Benn served as the lead Republican negotiator for bicameral and bipartisan billion-dollar federal appropriations bills, in addition to drafting legislative materials and analyzing budget requests.
Benn launched her career in the office of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran as a legislative assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Dartmouth College.
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Announces 2017 Florida’s 11 to Save at Florida Preservation Conference
New Executive Committee, Trustee Emeritus and three new Trustees
approved at the organization’s Annual Membership Meeting in St. Petersburg
Friederike Mittner, AICP, was tapped as the new Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Board of Trustees President during the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Meeting on May 18 in St. Petersburg.
Mittner is a proven and dedicated preservationist. She serves as the City Historic Preservation Planner and CLG coordinator for the City of West Palm Beach, where she oversees more than 5,000 cultural resources, sits on the Palm Beach County Historic Resources Review Board and is a certified trainer with the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions. She has served on the Florida Trust Board for nine years, most recently as Vice President. Her term follows past President Clay Henderson, DeLand, who served as Florida Trust Board President for two years.
Mittner’s leadership will continue the organization’s growth, broaden its impact and strengthen its commitment to sharing diverse stories that represent the full breadth of Florida’s history and heritage.
“During my term as Florida Trust Board President I will work to cultivate our preservation programs and outreach so they are relevant and meaningful to all of the people of our state,” Mittner said. “I look forward to the work ahead, preserving and protecting Florida’s extraordinary history and heritage.”
A new roster of Florida Trust officers were voted in by the membership at the meeting including Vice President Ryan Malloy, St. Petersburg; Treasurer Mark Tarmey, Tallahassee and Secretary Jenny Wolfe, St. Augustine. The Executive Committee is rounded out by at large members Adrienne Burke, Jacksonville, and Becky Matkov, Miami, as well as Henderson as past president.
Florida Trust membership approved a recommendation from the Board to appoint Dr. Leslee Keys as a Trustee Emeritus. Emeritus status was granted in recognition of Keys invaluable support of the Florida Trust over her 15 years serving on the Board representing St. Augustine, and for her commitment to historic preservation in Florida. Keys, who is a past president of the Florida Trust, is the Director of Historic Preservation and Special Initiatives and professor of history at Flagler College. She is the first Trustee to receive this honor in five years.
During the meeting Florida Trust membership voted in three new board members: Amanda Skier, Palm Beach; Ennis Davis, Jacksonville and Christine Dalton, Sanford.
“We are privileged to work with a group of professionals truly committed to historic preservation in Florida,”Mittner said. “I thank all of our Board members and our new Trustee Emeritus for their service, their thoughtful leadership and the sharing of their time and talents. Working together, we will protect Florida’s historic places for generations to come.”
Oasis launches campaign training for women
The Oasis Center for Women & Girls is hosting a
conference for women who want to run for elected office.
The Oasis Center for Women & Girls has announced the 2017 Women Can Run! conference. Women can Run! is a nonpartisan program which encourages and trains women to run for public office.
On September 1-3, 2017, The Oasis Center will host the Women Can Run! conference in downtown Tallahassee.
This event is an opportunity for Florida’s women to learn more about elected leadership and get prepared to launch campaigns in the future. Speakers and trainers will include currently and formerly elected women, campaign strategists, and political scientists.
Women are dramatically underrepresented in elected leadership nationwide. According to the Center for American Women and Politics, women hold only 19% of the 535 seats in the U.S. Congress, less than 25% of state legislators in the U.S. are women, and only 21% of mayors of U.S. cities with populations of 30,000 and above are women. Women of color are represented in public office at even lower rates than women overall.
The Oasis Center for Women & Girls is committed to addressing this issue.
“The research demonstrates that when women run, we win at rates comparable to men. Therefore, each and every one of us can help increase women’s representation in elected leadership by encouraging more women to throw their hat in the ring,” said Haley Cutler-Seeber, Executive Director.
Registration for the event is now open and will close August 15th.
- Women should register before July 15th for the $175 early bird special rate
- Regular registration is $225 and will close August 15th
- Reduced-fee registration scholarships are available
The conference will also have a Children’s Program for kids ages 0-13 to help make participation in the event more accessible to mothers.
“Choosing to run for office is a life-changing decision and one that can contribute to positive social change locally, statewide and nationally. The Women Can Run! program helps women from all walks of life prepare to launch successful campaigns in the future,” said Cutler-Seeber.
The Women Can Run! conference will have two tracks with breakout sessions to help participants reach their goals:
- Track 1 – I’m Not Ready to Run Yet, But… for women who want to learn more about positioning themselves for public leadership in the more distant future.
- Track 2 – I’m Ready to Run, Now What? for women planning to run for office in the immediate future.
The Women Can Run! program is a member of the Ready to Run® National Network, a project of the Center for American Women and Politics.
The Oasis Center for Women & Girls is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to “improve the lives of women and girls through celebration and support.” More information about the Women Can Run! conference and a link to register is available at www.WomenCanRun.org.
Six Arrested and One at Large for Card Skimming at Multiple Florida Gas Stations
Attorney General Pam Bondi, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen today announced six arrests in connection to a credit card skimming scheme. According to the investigation, the defendants installed multiple skimming devices at various gas stations in Pinellas and Hillsborough County. In just a three-week period, the defendants allegedly stole more than 40 credit card numbers, using skimming devices at more than a dozen gas stations. Card skimmers are devices that can be inserted or attached to payment terminals. Once in place, these skimmers are able to copy the payment information of cards that are swiped or inserted.
“Skimming devices installed at gas pumps can go undetected for weeks—giving criminals access to credit and debit card information of unsuspecting consumers,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Partnering with the Florida Department of Agriculture, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local law enforcement agencies, arrests have been made and skimmers have been seized.”
“One skimmer can result in $1,000 per victim. When we first discovered these illegal skimmers on gas pumps, we worked with the Legislature to crack down on the criminals responsible. I’m grateful to Attorney General Bondi and the other agencies that partnered with us in this investigation,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Putnam.
“This was a devious scheme designed to take advantage of hard-working citizens legitimately using their credit cards. This type of fraud severely harms our economy and I am glad FDLE joined our law enforcement partners to help put an end to this illegal venture,” said FDLE Commissioner Swearingen.
The defendants, all Hillsborough County residents, allegedly used the skimmers to steal multiple credit card numbers, manufacture new cards and make fraudulent purchases—mostly fuel to fill retrofitted bladders on trucks. Criminals will often illegally modify vehicles to carry hidden containers that can store large amounts of fuel that is then resold on the black market.
Authorities arrested the following six defendants in connection to this criminal activity:
- Yosmanis Alfonso Cruz, 34;
- Elisio Omar Arbolaez Felipe, 47;
- Yunierlys Gonzalez, 31;
- Maykel Medina, 40;
- Dasiel Parrado, 34; and
- Dania Roig, 32.
An additional suspect, Jose A. Piniero, 48, remains at large in connection to this case.
The defendants face a range of charges including fraudulent use of personal identification information, fraudulent use of a credit card, fraudulent use of personal identification of another, forgery of credit card, use of a scanning device to defraud, organized scheme to defraud using electronic device and possession of counterfeit credit card. If convicted, Cruz, Felipe, Gonzalez and Medina all face up to 10 years minimum mandatory in prison.
Attorney General Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is prosecuting this case. In addition to FDLE, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Homeland Security Investigations assisted in the investigation.
Gov. Scott: Floridians Need to be Ready for Hurricane Season
Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Begins Tomorrow
Governor Rick Scott joined Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly along with federal, state and local emergency response officials at the National Hurricane Center in Miami to kick off the 2017 hurricane season. Governor Scott also highlighted Florida’s disaster preparedness sales tax holiday which begins tomorrow June 2 and runs through June 4. The disaster preparedness tax cut holiday, signed into law by Governor Scott on May 25, 2017, will help Floridians save money as they purchase potentially lifesaving supplies. Hurricane season extends from June 1 through November 30, and represents the period when hurricanes are most likely to form in the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Scott said, “Last year our state was impacted by two hurricanes for the first time in over a decade and luckily, we did not see damage like many of our neighboring states. Last week, I was proud to sign a tax cut package that includes a disaster preparedness sales tax holiday so families and businesses have additional opportunities to get the supplies they need to be prepared. With the 2017 hurricane season beginning today, I encourage all Floridians to take advantage of this weekend’s disaster preparedness sales tax holiday and ensure your family is safe.”
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said, “It only takes one hurricane to change your life. If you – or a close family member – live in an area prone to hurricanes or inland flooding, now is the time to prepare. Know your risk and get prepared by downloading the FEMA App, making sure your flood insurance policy is up to date, and checking out ready.gov for tips on what to do before, during, or after a storm.”
Below outlines qualifying items for the disaster preparedness sales tax holiday:
Batteries (AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries)
for $30 or less
Nonelectric coolers for $30 or less for $20 or less
Reusable ice $10 or less
Portable self-powered radio, two-way radio, or weather band radio for $50 or less
Tarpaulin or flexible waterproof sheeting for $50 or less
First-aid kits (always exempt)
Ground anchor systems or tie-down kits for $50 or less
Gas or diesel fuel tanks for $25 or less
Portable generators for $750 or less
For more information, please visit floridarevenue.com.
Florida residents and visitors should develop a plan centered on self-sufficiency for the first 72 hours following a disaster so emergency responders can focus on restoring essential services and helping vulnerable populations. Families, businesses and individuals with special needs can design a personalized emergency plan at FLGetAPlan.com to prepare for or other disasters. The Florida Division of Emergency’s Management’s website, www.FloridaDisaster.org, also provides critical tips for disaster preparedness, such as local evacuation zones and basic information to ensure you are fully prepared for the 2017 hurricane season.
Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan W. Koon said, “The 2017 Hurricane Season is upon us and Division staff has been working hard to make sure Floridians are ready. It’s never too early to begin preparing your business or family for a potential hurricane impact. Now is the right time, and the Governor’s tax holiday gives folks the opportunity to stock up on any helpful items still missing from their disaster supply kits.”
Major General Michael Calhoun, Adjutant General of Florida, said, “This past year, your Florida National Guard gained valuable experience responding to Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, the first hurricanes to make landfall in this state since Wilma. And I can assure you, and all the citizens of our great state, that we have only continued to build on the mission-focused teamwork that our state agencies and first responders demonstrated last year.”
Will Weatherford Endorses Jose Mallea
The former House Speaker praises Mallea as a principled conservative
who will work hard for District 116 in the Florida House.
The Jose Mallea Campaign today announced the endorsement of Will Weatherford, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. Mallea, a Republican, is running in the special election in District 116 to replace Jose Felix Diaz, who resigned to run for the Florida Senate. Weatherford joins a growing list of leading Florida Republicans supporting Mallea, including former Governor Jeb Bush, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Congressman Carlos Curbelo.
“Jose Mallea is a principled conservative, committed to limited government and lower taxes,” said Weatherford. “I’ve known Jose for many years. He’s a strong leader with a solid work ethic who will promote policies to create jobs and safer communities. District 116 will be well served by his fresh, conservative voice in Tallahassee.”
Weatherford served eight years in the Florida House, where from 2012 to 2014 he was the youngest Speaker in America. He led the Florida House to work with the Senate to pass significant reforms, including historic improvements to Florida’s ethics and campaign finance laws. He also championed a Florida GI Bill, a significant expansion of school choice, and a $500 million tax cut.
“Speaker Weatherford is one of Florida’s most effective conservative leaders, and I am honored to have his support,” said Mallea. “I look forward to following his model of servant leadership and commitment to increasing opportunity for everyone by keeping taxes low and supporting pro-growth policies.”
Weatherford was named a “Rising Star” by the Conservative Political Action Conference, a “Champion of Economic Freedom” by Americans for Prosperity, and “Legislator of the Year” by the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Bankers Association. The Washington Post named him one of their “40 under 40” people in politics outside Washington.
The special primary election will be Tuesday, July 25, with the general election following on Tuesday, September 26.
Paid by Jose Mallea, Republican, for State Representative
Two Seminole State automotive professors named GM World Class Technicians
Seminole State College of Florida professors (L-R) Jim Cokos and Carlos Vasquez
bring industry expertise to the Seminole State College automotive program.
Seminole State College of Florida now has two General Motors (GM) World Class Technicians (WCT) as part of its faculty. Automotive professors Jim Cokos and Carlos Vasquez recently achieved this elite status, joining the ranks of only 1,256 other technicians in the nation and only 27 technicians in Florida.
To achieve GM World Class status, a technician must be Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master certified and GM Master certified in eight technician areas. At a GM regional training center, each technician is required to perform a hands-on assessment in each of the eight areas. Each assessment takes one full day with a multitude of stations. In each area being assessed, the technician is given problematic vehicles, systems, sub-systems and components that they must diagnose or perform specific tasks on, in a timed environment.
This accomplishment shows the industry expertise that Seminole State faculty, including Cokos and Vasquez, contribute to their respective programs at the College.
“The automotive industry is in dire need of highly trained technicians,” says Cokos. “The technology is cutting edge and moving ahead quickly. To provide the best training possible, we, as instructors, must constantly train to keep up.”
Vasquez agrees, saying: “We must confront the rapidly developing technologies not only on vehicles, but also in the diagnostic equipment and training necessary to meet the growing demand in this profession. Today’s successful automotive technicians’ challenge is to stay ahead of the power curve in their respective manufacturers’ training path.”
In recognition of their elite status, Cokos and Vasquez will each receive a letter of recognition, a certificate signed by the presidents of ASE and the Auto Care Association, a statue and an embroidered shoulder insignia patch.
Seminole State College’s Automotive Program offers training in automotive repair, alternative fuels, automotive management and more. The program, which includes degree and certificate options, is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and meets the requirements for Master Accreditation, the highest level of achievement recognized by NATEF. To learn more, visit seminolestate.edu/automotive, or call 407.708.2230.
Two-thirds of defective Takata airbags still not repaired
Two thirds of the roughly 2.3 million vehicles in Florida with potentially deadly Takata airbags have not yet been repaired, according to new figures released today by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL).
The numbers provided to Nelson by the independent monitor appointed to oversee Takata’s handling of the recall show that approximately 30.4 million of the 46.2 million recalled inflators nationwide have not yet been repaired as of mid-May.
“It’s been two years since the first nationwide recall and we still can’t get these potentially deadly vehicles repaired fast enough,” said Nelson, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee. “We’ve got to pick up the pace on boosting production of replacement inflators and assisting consumers who need to get their vehicles fixed.”
The new numbers come just two weeks after four of the nation’s top automakers – Toyota, BMW, Subaru and Mazda – agreed to provide $533 million to owners of vehicles equipped with the faulty airbags.
A portion of that money will reportedly be used to encourage owners to bring their recalled vehicles in for repair.
To date, defective Takata airbags have been linked to as many as 16 deaths and more than 180 injuries worldwide.
In Florida, where heat and high humidity are thought to be contributing factors in the airbag failures, the new figures show automakers have repaired only 1 million of the roughly 3.1 million defective inflators believed to be in the state, which means there are still approximately 1.5 million vehicles in Florida with one or more unrepaired – and potentially deadly – airbag.
Nelson says the fact that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been without a leader since the new administration took office in January is only compounding the problem.
“We’re in desperate need of a leader who will commit to resolving this Takata mess,” Nelson said. “At the rate we’re going, we might land humans on Mars before all of these deadly inflators are off the road.”
Florida PSC Commission Conference set for Monday
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a Commission Conference on Monday, June 5, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. Items scheduled for consideration can be found here. Public comment may be taken on any item noticed for public participation.
The Commission Conference is scheduled for the following time and location:
Monday, June 5, 2017
1:30 p.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida
The Commission Conference will be broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listing) and is available online at htpp://www.floridapsc.com/ (Look for the Watch Live Broadcast” icon on the left side of the webpage).
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Gov. Scott Statement on Orlando International Airport Incident
Governor Rick Scott today released the following statement regarding the incident at the Orlando International Airport this evening.
Governor Scott said, “I have remained in constant communication with City of Orlando Police Chief John Mina, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen, and FDLE Special Agent in Charge Danny Banks regarding the incident tonight at Orlando International Airport. I want to thank law enforcement for their quick response and efforts to put the suspect in custody and keep families safe. The people of Orlando are lucky to have such dedicated officers protecting them each day.”
