The City of Jacksonville has agreed to settle lawsuits alleging violations of federal housing and disability regulations stemming from its determination that a proposed housing redevelopment project in the city’s historic Springfield neighborhood amounted to a prohibited special use under relevant zoning laws. The project at the center of these lawsuits was the proposed renovation of a Jacksonville apartment complex to be funded under a grant obtained by Ability Housing of Northeast Florida for the purpose of providing permanent supportive housing to individuals with disabilities experiencing chronic homelessness. City officials initially nixed the project amidst public concern regarding the possible increase of social service housing projects within the one-square mile historic district.
Under terms of the city’s settlement with Ability Housing, Disability Rights Florida, and the U.S. Department of Justice – approved by the Jacksonville City Council at its May 23rd council meeting – the city has agreed to rescind its original determination relating to the project, and to revise relevant portions of its zoning code.
The revisions would require code interpretations consistent with the federal Fair Housing and Americans with Disabilities Acts, while also specifying that the permanent supportive housing at issue is properly characterized as a multiple-dwelling use that is therefore allowed wherever the city permits multiple-family dwellings. The city’s zoning code will be further amended to authorize residential treatment facilities and group homes for persons with disabilities as allowable exceptions. The amended zoning code will also include a specific procedure for individuals with disabilities to request reasonable accommodations or modifications on the basis of disability from the city’s code requirements as required by federal law.
The city has also agreed to establish and award a grant totaling $1.5 million to a qualified developer for development of permanent supportive housing units for persons with disabilities within city limits in the next year. As defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “permanent supportive housing” is intended to provide long-term, community-based housing incorporating supportive services for homeless individuals with disabilities to enable “special needs populations to live as independently as possible in a permanent setting.”
The dispute began in 2014, following the award of a $1.3 million grant to Ability Housing by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to redevelop a 12-unit apartment complex in the Springfield historic district as permanent supportive housing. Under the proposal submitted by the nonprofit, the renovated units were to be offered on a permanent basis for rent to individuals with disabilities and a history of experiencing chronic homelessness. No staff would reside on premises, and residents would coordinate with outside providers for all treatment services and needs.
Although city officials initially acknowledged the project’s proposed zoning, before permits had been obtained for the project mounting pressure from concerned residents in the community led to a ruling by the city’s Director of Planning and Development that the project violated provisions in Springfield’s zoning overlay by authorizing the residency of individuals receiving treatment and related services for mental illness. Such determination was upheld across a series of appeals and related attempts by Ability Housing to obtain a Certificate of Use, during which time the nonprofit lost the grant funding it had originally secured for the project.
Both Ability Housing and Disability Rights Florida filed suit against the city in November, 2015 alleging violations of the federal Fair Housing and Americans with Disabilities Acts. In its suit, Disability Rights Florida noted that the “effect of these actions by the City of Jacksonville is that persons with disabilities are unlawfully restricted from enjoying dwellings in the Springfield neighborhood and this unnecessarily deteriorates the possibility of these individuals from fully integrating into the community.”
As a part of the city’s approved settlement of the nonprofits’ lawsuits, Ability Housing and Disability Rights Florida will each receive the reasonable fees and costs of their actions against the city, and Ability Housing will be compensated for additional out-of-pocket expenses in pursuing review of the city’s determination. Ability Housing was represented by the law firm Akerman, LLP.
David Boyer, lead counsel for Disability Rights Florida, noted, “While this is obviously a big victory for Ability Housing, it is an even bigger victory for individuals with disabilities in the City of Jacksonville. This settlement will help to ensure that discrimination doesn’t affect our clients’ and constituents’ choice to live in the community.”
In a related enforcement action brought by the U.S. Department of Justice last year, the city has further agreed to designate a compliance officer to receive complaints of alleged housing and disability discrimination against the city, and to ensure the city’s compliance with the decree. Additionally, the city has agreed to provide training on the Fair Housing and Americans with Disabilities Acts to all city officers, elected and appointed officials, and employees who have duties related to the planning, zoning, permitting, construction, code enforcement, or occupancy of residential housing. Finally, the decree also directs the city to pay a $25,000 civil penalty to “vindicate the public interest” pursuant to federal law.
“We hope that this result will show other communities that discrimination against persons with disabilities will not be tolerated,” said Curtis Filaroski, staff attorney at Disability Rights Florida. “There are individuals and organizations that will stand firm against any action that erodes these important rights under federal law.”
Florida consumer sentiment continues downward slide
Consumer sentiment among Floridians dropped in May for the second month in a row, falling 2.4 points to 93.3 from a revised April reading of 95.7.
Among the five components that make up the index, one increased and four decreased.
“Most of the pessimism in May stems from perceptions about the current economic conditions,” said Hector H. Sandoval, director of the Economic Analysis Program at UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
Perceptions of one’s personal financial situation now compared with a year ago showed the biggest drop, falling 5.9 points from 91 to 85.1. May’s less-positive outlook was shared by all Floridians across age, gender and income groups.
Opinions as to whether now is a good time to buy a major household item such as an appliance declined two points, from 101.7 to 99.7. However, there were increases among those 60 and older and those with income under $50,000.
Expectations of personal finances a year from now dropped 5.2 points from 105.1 to 99.9. Expectations for the U.S. economy were mixed: Anticipated conditions over the next year decreased one-tenth of a point, from 92.8 to 92.7 while expectations of U.S. economic conditions over the next five years increased nine-tenths of a point, from 88.1 to 89.
These three components represent expectations about what lies ahead economically speaking.
“Readings about future economic conditions have shown important signs of deterioration for the past two months. However, in contrast to April, this month’s unfavorable expectations are accompanied by a significant decline in perceptions of present conditions. It seems unlikely that consumers are delaying the purchase of big household items, as they hold unfavorable future expectations as well,” Sandoval said.
According to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Florida’s gross domestic product growth rate ranked fifth of all states in 2016, with an annual growth rate of 3 percent. The sector contributing the most to the Florida economy in 2016 was the professional, scientific and technical services sector, followed by the construction and information sectors.
Florida’s unemployment rate declined again in April by three-tenths of a percentage point to 4.5 percent. Compared with April of last year, the number of jobs added statewide was 215,400, a 2.6 percent increase. The industries gaining the most jobs were professional and business services, followed by trade, transportation and utilities.
“Florida’s economy keeps growing, and the labor market conditions continue to be favorable in general, with more jobs added every month for the past six years. However, consumer sentiment seems to be slowly decreasing after surging in March to its highest level in the last 15 years. If this pessimism persists in the following months, this might indicate a significant change in the trend of consumer sentiment,” Sandoval said.
Conducted May 1-24, the UF study reflects the responses of 415 individuals who were reached on cellphones, representing a demographic cross section of Florida.
The index used by UF researchers is benchmarked to 1966, which means a value of 100 represents the same level of confidence for that year. The lowest index possible is a 2, the highest is 150.
Details of this month’s survey can be found at http://www.bebr.ufl.edu/csi-data.
Writer: Colleen Porter, [email protected]
ICYMI: Post-Session Reflection on Tourism Marketing
By Gil Langley, Chairman, Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations
Last week, Governor Scott announced record-breaking tourism numbers in the Sunshine State. It may be the last time for a while. Ignoring extensive research, case studies and pleas from travel industry constituents across the state, the Florida Legislature slashed funding for Visit Florida by a crippling 67 percent – recklessly jeopardizing the tourism industry’s leading role as a generator of jobs and government revenues.
A $25 million budget to market Florida, one of the world’s top travel destinations, is not conducive to success on any front – job creation, revenue increases or lower taxes for Florida residents. By cutting off funds for advertising, marketing and promotion, Florida will essentially surrender the gains made over the past several years while global competitors steal market share.
Contrary to assertions made by some elected officials, vacation destinations do not sell themselves. Every great product needs to make potential customers aware of the benefits their product offers – and why it is a better choice than the alternative. That is why California spends more than $100 million every year to market their state, even with well-known major attractions such as Disneyland, Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge and great beaches.
Tourism is an incredibly competitive industry. Not only are we competing against 49 other states (some with eight-figure marketing budgets), we are battling destinations across the globe to get the attention of potential visitors. Mexico, the Bahamas and Cuba are thrilled Florida’s travel marketing budget has been reduced, allowing them to gain market share while Visit Florida goes silent in the marketplace.
These cuts were approved despite warnings from experts in government and the private sector. Detailed case studies about states like Colorado and Washington (who cut tourism marketing, only to lose jobs, revenues and market share) provided a cautionary tale ignored. Prestigious organizations such as Florida TaxWatch conducted economic studies demonstrating Visit Florida’s return on investment, proving investing in tourism is good public policy.
Our elected officials have demonstrated they know the importance of consistent messaging. Legislators raised $73 million for election campaigns in 2016 – even though 57 seats were uncontested. They spent money to keep the voters informed of the job they do, and explained why they should continue to serve. Reminding vacationers of why Florida is a great choice for their family follows the same principle.
The decision to slash tourism marketing funding and create barriers to Visit Florida’s success negatively impacts every single Floridian. Less marketing means fewer visitors and fewer visitors means less tax revenue to fund necessary public projects such as schools, beaches, parks, roads and other infrastructure.
Even if the entire $61 million cut were dedicated to other programs, the impact would be minimal. For example, according to FDOT, $61 million would construct only four miles of urban interstate – in a state with nearly 1,500 miles of interstate. On a larger scale, the $61 million cut from Visit Florida’s budget would fund state government operations for just five hours out of the year. Invested in marketing the state, however, those same funds would generate over $160 million in new state and local tax revenue that could support transportation, education and senior services. It is also important to note Visit Florida represents a miniscule portion of the state’s budget, yet any decrease in funding will result in significant ramifications. Even if Visit Florida was funded at Governor Scott’s recommendation of $100 million, 98.7 percent of the state’s budget would be left for other priorities.
I live and work in the small coastal community of Amelia Island, a community that is twice as dependent on tourism as the average Florida county. We are especially concerned about the budget cuts’ impact to rural communities. To a degree, large urban destinations, mega resorts and world-famous theme parks can rely on global brand recognition, but many of Florida’s hidden gems will be left without the resources to market themselves. For Nassau County, the potential impacts are frightening.
Tourist spending generates 37 percent of the sales taxes generated here. Over 25 percent of the work force have jobs in the hospitality business. Tourist spending provides a net gain of $40 million to County government, saving every household in the County $2,748 in state and local taxes. If tourism declines, it means fewer jobs, fewer services and potentially increased taxes on residents.
Just as in Nassau County, other hardworking Floridian families will suffer, too. A TaxWatch study analyzed the economic impact of the new tourism promotion budget, and found that reducing funding to $25 million means a loss of at least five million tourists. With a five percent tourism downturn, every household in Florida would have to be taxed an additional $1,535 a year to replace the lost state and local taxes generated from visitor activity. Perhaps even more disheartening are the 70,000 jobs that will be lost due to fewer visitors.
Our hope is that before tourism losses mount in 2018, legislators will reverse course and fully fund a marketing effort that maintains our status as the Earth’s most popular family destination. If not, jobs will be lost, small businesses will be harmed and tax revenue will be diminished. Objectively evaluating the return on investment clearly proves tourism works for Florida – and supporting it financially is a wise move for all our citizens.
Gil Langley is chairman of the Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, the statewide association representing county tourism promotion agencies.
Sachs Media Group Positions Key Leadership for Future
Founder/CEO Sachs names Michelle Ubben president
(L to R) Sachs Media Group President Michelle Ubben, CEO Ron Sachs,
Executive Vice President Ryan Cohn, Chief Operating Officer Lisa Garcia
Preparing for future growth following a record year in 2016, industry-leading strategic communications firm Sachs Media Group today announced major new roles for key company leaders, Michelle Ubben, Ryan Cohn, and Lisa Garcia.
“The real strength of our firm is the depth of our excellent team of stellar professionals – the best in our field,” said Ron Sachs, founder and CEO. “We are going to maximize the advantage that our diverse talent can provide for every client and project as the essential strategic communications partner for organizations looking to leverage a major opportunity, overcome a significant threat, consistently excel and win.”
Sachs named Michelle Ubben the firm’s President, following her longtime service as senior partner and Chief Operating Officer, managing a diverse staff and client roster. Sachs, as the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, will focus on top-level strategy, targeted client priorities, business development, and crisis management.
“Michelle’s super power is her ability to listen to any client’s challenge or problem, to synthesize a flood of seemingly disconnected information, and distill it all into a compelling narrative that solves the problem or breaks through any barriers,” Sachs said. “She sets the bar for laser-effective messaging, combining it with brilliant strategies to connect with the audiences our clients need to reach. She inspires our clients, staff, and collaborators.”
Ubben is a 20-year veteran of the firm, who previously had a successful 14-year career in state government, with stints as Communication Director for the Florida Senate, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Insurance.
Under her leadership, Sachs Media Group earned national Bulldog Awards for Small Agency of the Year, Best PR Agency for Non-Profit Communications, and was honored as one of Florida Trend’s Best Companies to Work For. The work she directed to rebrand the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs earned the All-Florida Grand Golden Image Award for the top public relations campaign of the year in 2012. Her work has also earned multiple Emmy Awards and a national Gracie Award.
Ryan Cohn, the firm’s Vice President of Digital, was named Executive Vice President and is part of the core leadership team setting a course for the firm’s future direction and growth. Sachs Media Group acquired Cohn’s firm, What’s Next Marketing, in 2012. Since then, he has grown the firm’s social media and digital practice and has played a pivotal role in forecasting and navigating the changing communications landscape for the firm and its clients.
“Ryan’s ascent into top leadership ensures our firm’s continued growth and success now and down the road,” Sachs said. “Ryan has shown an outstanding ability to forecast where our fast-changing industry is going and to leverage those trends to actively benefit our clients.”
Lisa Garcia was named Chief Operating Officer, taking on responsibility for the firm’s working processes and daily operations. Garcia also will head up the firm’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
“Lisa is a veteran public relations strategist with excellent management capabilities,” said Sachs. “She is a terrific mentor to the staff and she ensures client priorities are met and exceeded.”
Other key members of the leadership team include Vicki Johnson, Senior Vice President of Central Florida Operations; Herbie Thiele, Vice President and Director of Public Affairs; Drew Piers, Deputy Director of Public Affairs; Jon Peck, Vice President of Public Relations; Karen Cyphers, Vice President of Research; and Mark Pankowski, Vice President, Director of Washington Operations.
Mast: Have Strength To Mourn On Memorial Day
Rep. Mast speaks on the House Floor about Memorial Day on May 25, 2017.
The following originally appeared on FoxNews.com:
September 19, 2010 began like many others but changed my life forever. I was serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan. As the lone bomb technician, it was my job to clear the way.
I was almost certain that there were bombs buried in the area. On the near side of a river bank, I got down on my hands and knees. I started to look for batteries and wires or other signs of disturbed earth. I got to the far side of the bank, and I didn’t find or see anything. As I stood up to give our two snipers the signal that I was going to move ahead, a bomb ripped through my legs and the left side of my torso.
When I woke up in Walter Reed Army Medical Center about a week later missing both of my legs and a finger, I didn’t know what the future would hold. I had to confront the reality that I’d never be an asset on the battlefield again.
But then my dad gave me the most important piece of advice I’ve ever received:
“Brian, I love you. I’m glad you’re OK. I’m glad you’re alive,” he told me. Then, with his eyes still welled up, he said very seriously, “You can’t let this keep you down. You’ve got to find a way to get out there.”
With that advice in mind, slowly, I was able to get out of bed. I learned to walk. I learned to run. Over time, I was able to play around with my kids again.
I’ve always tried to show my kids that it’s possible to overcome adversity. I’ve tried to teach them that they can achieve anything to which they truly dedicate themselves. I’ve tried to exemplify strength, even when I did not feel strong inside.
I do not regret one moment that I spent in combat. Every second was spent working toward the worthiest possible cause: service to my brothers and service to the United States of America.
But, I do have regrets. Every year, I attend Memorial Day ceremonies back home in Florida. On Memorial Day in 2013, I made a request of my wife Brianna that I have come to deeply regret. That year, I asked that she stay home with our two little boys so that I could attend the ceremonies by myself.
I made this selfish request because I didn’t want my boys to see me in pain, and I didn’t want my wife to have to answer the question, “why is Daddy crying?”
I regret this moment, because at the time, I mistook those tears for weakness. I now realize that those tears represent strength.
My boys and my new baby girl need to see my emotion for each person who gave the last beat of their heart to defend our freedom. I want them to know why I sometimes can’t even say the word Taps and why my eyes might start welling up when I see a military funeral on the news.
They need to see this emotion because they need to know that there were brave men and women who showed strength, courage and patriotism with every bit of life they had so that my children may live free. They need to see this emotion so they know that they are blessed beyond words to be citizens of the greatest country on Earth.
I want them to know that there has been a high cost paid for all that makes this country great. The limitless opportunity that my children will enjoy in life was paid for with the blood and spirit of men and women who traded their own lives to fulfill an oath to the United States of America.
Every single veteran has carried a burden for our country. We have carried the burden of missing births, birthdays and ball games. We have held the lives of our friends and the lives of our enemies in our hands. And because we are the lucky ones—the ones who came home—we get to watch our families grow and pass these lessons on to our children.
As of today, I have lost more brothers than I can count in our theaters of war, some of them in my arms. I remember them all like it was yesterday: their smiles, the jokes we would play on each other, the pictures of their family that they would carry with them and the letters that those of us who were fortunate enough to survive delivered to those families when they were killed.
In their memory, I need my family to see and never forget why I have tears every Memorial Day. I want my kids to grow up honoring these men and women who will never be able to give their child a hug again. And I want them to know that it is strong and honorable to have the courage to mourn.
We have been given the gift of life, so please join me in memory of the absolute best men and women that each of us has ever known and in celebration of the freedom they sacrificed to protect.
This op-ed was originally published on FoxNews.com on May 26, 2017.
Entertainer K. Michelle Among FAMU’s Distinguished Alumni Honored in Baltimore
Left to right standing: Kelvin Lawson, Rufus R. Little, III, Teddy B. Taylor,
Col. Marion C. Carrington, Artie Polk, D. Min., and Wendell Duggins.
Seated: Angela Adams Suggs, Larry Robinson, Ph.D., Lt. Col. Gregory L. Clark,
Doris Hicks (Distinguished Alumni Awards chair) and Lynette P. Wims.
(Photo Credit: Victor Gaines)
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Distinguished Alumni Award celebrates the extraordinary contributions and achievements of select FAMU graduates. On May 26, nine FAMU alumni received the prestigious award during a black-tie gala at the FAMU National Alumni Association’s (FAMU NAA) National Convention in Baltimore.
Hundreds of alumni, FAMU trustees, Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and guests gathered to recognize the following honorees:
- Col. Cedric Carrington (Military Honoree), director of Strategic Wargaming, U.S. Army War College
- Wendell Duggins (Technology Honoree), retired senior manager, IBM
- Kelvin Lawson (Business Honoree), FAMU Board of Trustees chair and Acosta Sales and Marketing service director
- Rufus R. Little, III (Community Service Honoree), compliance and risk management professional, Infosys Ltd.
- Kimberly Michelle “K. Michelle” Pate (Entertainment Honoree), singer, songwriter and television personality
- Artie L. Polk, D. Min. (Community Service Honoree), executive pastor of Mount Gilead Baptist Church and project manager, EBA Engineering, Inc.
- Angela Adams Suggs (Athletics Honoree), senior associate athletics director, FAMU
- Ambassador Teddy Taylor (Government Honoree), U.S. Consul General, Cape Town, South Africa
- Lynette P. Wims (Education Honoree), retired educator, Broward County Public Schools
K. Michelle, entertainment honoree (Photo Credit: Victor Gaines)
The honorees represent the 27th class to receive the award. The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a graduate of the University.
“It was heartwarming to hear about the accomplishments of the individuals honored,” said Robinson. “They were well deserving. Their individual and collective achievements after leaving FAMU help one to appreciate the value of a FAMU educational experience.”
FAMU NAA President Lt. Col. Gregory L. Clark said the honorees have left a unique mark in the U.S. and abroad.
“They have carved out a niche in their respective fields, and they have a genuine interest in changing the lives of others,” Clark said.
About FAMU Graduates
Founded in 1887, FAMU has educated some of the best and brightest students, even enrolling more Black National Achievement Scholars than Harvard University in past years. Many FAMUans have nationally-recognized careers including film producers and engineering graduates Will Packer and Rob Hardy; actress Kelsey Scott; rapper, actor and activist Common; Tony award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose; Jami Valentine, Ph.D., the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Johns Hopkins University and many others.
Attorney General Bondi to Host 32nd Conference on Preventing Crime in Black Community
MEDIA ADVISORY
Attorney General Pam Bondi will be kicking off the 32nd National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community in Orlando. The two-day event, from June 1 – 2, 2017, aims to promote positive solutions to overcome and eliminate crime-related issues affecting the black community.
WHO: Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Julie L. Jones, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Christina K. Daly, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, Derrick Brooks Charities, the Florida Consortium of Urban League Affiliates and many more.
WHAT: 32nd National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community
WHEN: June 1 – 2, 2017
WHERE: Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive
Orlando, Fla. 32819
For more information about the conference, visit PreventBlackCrime.com.
Governor Scott Directs Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Memorial Day
Governor Rick Scott today proclaimed Monday, May 29, 2017 as Memorial Day in Florida and directed all National and State flags in Florida to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 29, 2017, in memory of the fallen heroes of our Armed Forces. To view the proclamation, click HERE.
Attorney General Bondi’s Memorial Day Statement
Attorney General Pam Bondi released the following statement ahead of Memorial Day weekend:
“Memorial Day is a time to remember the sacrifices of our lost service members who, hearing the call of duty and knowing the risk, chose to serve. We also remember their families—still mourning the loss of their loved ones. So many gave so much for this country that we love and they are all American heroes. This Memorial Day weekend, take time to honor our fallen heroes and thank their families for their sacrifice. It is because of them, we are free.”
Governor Scott Appoints Judge Norma S. Lindsey to Third District Court of Appeal
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Judge Norma S. Lindsey to the Third District Court of Appeal.
Lindsey, 52, of Miami, is currently a Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, and previously served as a County Judge for Miami-Dade County. She received a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and a law degree from the University of Miami. Lindsey fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Linda Ann Wells.
