For National Safe Boating Week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is releasing compelling life jacket testimonials from three north Florida families whose lives have been changed by wearing – or not wearing – a life jacket when things went wrong on the water. These dramatic accounts provide vital information and a call to action for every boater to enjoy Florida’s beautiful waters safely while wearing a life jacket. In conjunction with the release of the 2016 Boating Accident Statistical Report, these videos present strong arguments for boating safety and life jacket use.
The three testimonials recount events that happened to Tony Spivey and his son, Honor; PJ Wheetly, whose beloved stepfather tragically died while boating without wearing a life jacket; and Larry “Doc” Cox, whose life was saved by the life jacket he purchased that same morning.
“The stories of these families really bring home the message that it doesn’t matter who you are, you should always wear a life jacket while enjoying Florida’s waterways,” said Capt. Tom Shipp of FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section. “The videos are dramatic accounts given by the people themselves, and are reminders of just how important it is to make sure we all come home after a great day on the water.”
Tony and Honor were on their way back to a boat ramp after participating in a fishing tournament in the Gulf of Mexico off St. Marks, when their boat took an unexpected sharp turn, and father and son ended up in the water. Honor was able to swim to a buoy, but an exhausted Tony feared his son would watch him drown. If not for FWC officers arriving at the right moment, their story might be different.
“I look back and there’s just so many things that could have happened differently. And it all could have been avoided by simply having a life jacket on,” Spivey said in the video.
PJ Wheetly’s stepdad, Curtis, was a lifelong boater and angler. One Sunday morning, he set out for a quick trip on the Apalachicola River, and fell overboard and drowned.
“He didn’t put his life jacket on that day, for some reason, I don’t know why,” said Wheetly. “He was the best dad. We always thought he was the invincible man. It can happen to anybody. You just don’t know how important it is until you lose somebody.”
On a brisk spring day in March, Larry “Doc” Cox, who had spent a considerable amount of time on the water throughout his life, was anxious to go fishing after a recently broken leg had, for some time, prevented him. He went out on the Shoal River, but not before stopping at a local store to pick up a life jacket, which he had forgotten to pack on the boat that morning. At a bend in the river, he noticed his boat taking on water, and before he knew it, he was in the water, holding on to a log in the river. He had his life jacket on, however, which saved his life.
“It’s with the fate of my God and that life vest. I had no idea that life vest was going to save my life, and it did,” said Cox.
The FWC encourages boaters to find a comfortable life jacket and always wear it while boating. According to the recently released FWC 2016 Boating Accident Statistical Report, 60 percent of the boating deaths were due to drowning. Events can cause a boater to end up in the water unexpectedly, and a person will not have time to grab their life jacket before they find themselves in the water.
The testimonial videos can be viewed on FWC’s YouTube channel, or downloaded in high-resolution on Vimeo.
Gov. Scott: Florida’s GDP Outpaces All Other Large States
Florida Leads Large States in Private-Sector Job Growth
Governor Scott announced today that Florida’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 3.0 percent in 2016, faster than the national rate of 1.5 percent and outpacing all other large states, including Texas and California. Governor Scott also announced today that Florida added jobs at a faster rate than the 10 largest states in the nation in the last year. Florida had the third-fastest annual private-sector job growth rate out of all the states in the nation, behind Nevada and Utah. For 61 consecutive months, Florida’s private-sector job growth rate of 2.9 percent has outpaced the nation’s.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida is out performing all other large states in both private sector job growth rate and GDP growth. This great news is further proof that our economy is booming and we must stay focused on continuing this growth so Florida can out compete other locations for jobs wins. While it is disappointing that the Legislature did not fully fund Florida’s economic development programs, we will keep fighting to make sure Florida businesses keep growing.”
Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,355,700 private-sector jobs. In the last year, Florida added 36,600 new jobs in the trade, transportation, and utilities industry, the most of any state. The state had the second-highest over-the-year job gains among all states in the construction, manufacturing, financial activities and professional and business services industries. Florida’s 2016 real GDP was $815.1 billion, the fourth-largest in the nation. In the fourth quarter of 2016, Florida’s GDP grew 0.8 percent (3.1 percent annualized).
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Florida’s focus on business-friendly policies has allowed the state to soar past our competitor states’ job growth rates. Our state’s increase in GDP is another positive indicator of the success we are seeing all across Florida. Businesses are growing, jobs are being created, and this would not have happened without the Scott Administration’s focus on our economy.”
Florida’s gross domestic product is the measure of the market value of all final goods and services produced within the state in a given time period. A final product is one that is produced and sold for consumption or investment. GDP excludes intermediate goods, which are goods that are used to produce other goods. GDP is presented in both nominal and real dollars. Real GDP removes the influence of changing price or inflation. GDP is important because it is the most closely watched measure of output. It is a measure of overall economic activity.
Niceville’s Twin Cities Hospital Receives PSC’s Triple E Award
Hit by rising costs and increased energy use, Niceville’s Twin Cities Hospital opted to become more energy efficient, earning them the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) May Triple E Award for Energy Efficiency Efforts.
“Hospitals are large energy consumers operating 24 hours a day and patient care often depends on electricity,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “We especially recognize Twin Cities Hospital management who contacted their utility to find ways to reduce energy costs, so they can redirect their energy savings to patient care.”
Gulf Power Company (Gulf Power) advised the hospital’s engineers to install a Heat Recovery Chiller (HRC), which was completed last month. The HRC preheats the water going to the natural gas boiler, reducing or even eliminating the boiler’s work,because it can heat water more efficiently. HRCs are ideal for use in buildings with simultaneous cooling and heating loads such as hospitals, hotels, and higher education buildings.
“Gulf Power worked with us to realize energy and cost savings,” said Hugo Garza, Twin Cities Hospital Director of Engineering. “With the new HRC now operational, the hospital saved 110 therms in just one day. We are pleased with this early energy savings and look forward to continued savings that will help with patient care and customer service.”
“Although hospitals use a lot of energy, they have a great opportunity for energy savings, as do many of our business customers,” said Natalie Smith, Gulf Power spokesperson. “We applaud Twin Cities Hospital’s commitment to save energy and return the cost savings to its core commitment of helping people get well.”
About Twin Cities Hospital
Twin Cities Hospital is a 65-bed facility with a medical staff of over 130 physicians. It offers all private rooms and the areas first Certified Orthopedic Joint Replacement Program and first Certified Spine Surgery Program, in addition to a state-of-the-art surgery center. Twin Cities Hospital also has 24-hour emergency services, a critical care unit, Certified Diabetes Education Program, and a variety of inpatient and outpatient diagnostic imaging and laboratory services. Located at Highway 85 North and College Boulevard in Niceville, Twin Cities Hospital also has the areas only hospital based Wellness Center, offering numerous health related seminars throughout the year. For more information, please visit TCHospital.com or call (850) 678-4131. Extraordinary People—Extraordinary Care
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Gag season starts June 1 in Gulf federal and most state waters
Gag grouper will open for recreational harvest in most state and all federal Gulf of Mexico waters June 1, and will remain open through Dec. 31.
Monroe County is excluded from this season because it follows the Atlantic state season. Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor and Jefferson counties are also excluded from this opening because they have their own season from April 1-June 30. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will be discussing extending this shorter four-county season at the July Commission meeting in Orlando. Learn more or comment on these changes at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.
Gulf state waters are from shore to 9 nautical miles. Federal waters begin where state waters end and extend to 200 nautical miles.
The minimum size limit for gag grouper in Gulf waters is 24 inches total length, and the daily bag limit is two fish per person within the four-grouper-per-person aggregate limit.
If you plan to fish for gag grouper in Gulf state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a Gulf Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required). To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Reef Fish Survey” under “Reef Fish.” Sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Learn more about grouper at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Groupers.”
Mast, Gottheimer, Royce, Engel Introduce Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act
Bipartisan Bill Sanctions Financial Backers of Hamas
U.S. Congressmen Brian Mast (FL-18), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (CA-39) and Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (NY-16) introduced the Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act. The bipartisan bill imposes sanctions on foreign persons, agencies and governments that assist Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad or their affiliates. The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Congressmen Brad Sherman (CA-30), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Ted Poe (TX-2), Ted Lieu (CA-33), Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Thomas Suozzi (NY-3).
“Following my service in the U.S. Army, I chose to volunteer alongside the Israeli Defense Forces because our countries share the common ideals of freedom, democracy and mutual respect for all people. Hamas preaches destruction to Israel and death to the values we hold dear in the United States. They have murdered more than 400 Israelis and at least 25 American citizens.” Rep. Mast said. “This bipartisan bill is proof that confronting hate – and supporting our ally Israel – is not an issue of left versus right; it is always will be an issue of right versus wrong.”
“I’m proud to lead on this effort to weaken Hamas, a heinous terrorist network responsible for the death of far too many innocent civilians, both Israeli and American,” Rep. Gottheimer said. “Our bipartisan bill will ensure that anyone who provides assistance to this enemy of the United States and our vital ally Israel will face the strength and determination of our country.”
“Hamas is a deadly terrorist organization that uses civilians as human shields,” Chairman Royce said. “It is an Iranian proxy that has attacked Israel and the United States. Today’s important legislation further isolates Hamas and its backer Iran – the world’s leading state sponsor of terror. It is very simple: Anyone who funds or supports Hamas should face U.S. sanctions.”
“Palestinian terrorism represents a grave threat to Israeli security and the prospects for a two-state solution,” Ranking Member Engel said. “Congress must work to stop international support for Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and foreign supporters of these organizations must understand the risks associated with perpetuating this perverse violence. I welcome the work of Congressman Mast and Congressman Gottheimer in addressing the threats posed by Palestinian terrorism to Israel and to American interests in the Middle East, and I look forward to seeing this bill move forward.”
Hamas is a foreign terrorist organization and specially designated by the United States government as a global terrorist. The organization is responsible for the death of more than 400 Israelis and at least 25 United States citizens.
The Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act requires the President to submit to Congress an annual report for the next three years identifying foreign persons, agencies or instrumentalities of a foreign state who knowingly and materially assist Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or an affiliate or successor of one of those organizations. After identifying the organizations, the President must impose two or more sanctions, including denying a) Export-Import guarantees, b) defense support under the Arms Export Control Act, c) export of munitions to any agreement to which a person identified is a part, d) export of goods or technology controlled for national security reasons, e) loans more than $10 million, or f) seizure of property held within the United States.
The bill also requires the President to report to Congress on each government that provides support for acts of terrorism and provides material support to Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor organization, or the President determines to have engaged in a significant transaction to knowingly and materially provide support to Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad or any affiliate or successor organization. After identifying the governments, the President must suspend U.S. assistance to that government for one year, instruct the executive directors of each international finance institution to vote against any loan or technical assistance to that government and prohibit any munitions export to that government for one year. Additionally, the President must prohibit that government’s transactions in foreign exchanges that are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and prevent that government’s transfers of credits or payments between financial institutions subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
“It’s time we get serious about Palestinian terrorism,” Rep. Poe said. “Groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have spent decades murdering Israelis, targeting innocent civilians with suicide bombings, rocket attacks, stabbings, and any other method by which they could spill blood. Time and again, Americans have also been killed at the hands of these murderous terrorists. But we have done little to urge the Qataris to stop their support for these terrorists. Over the years, our allies in Doha have provided official support, funding, and safe haven to Hamas with impunity. The number one state sponsor of terrorism in the world, Iran, has also spared no effort to arm Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad so that they could maximize their killing sprees. I am proud to support the Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act that will make countries like Qatar, Iran, and others pay a price for their support for terrorism. In the fight against terrorist there is no middle ground. If you support terrorism, justice will eventually be served.”
Tips to Avoid Gas Pump Skimmers This Memorial Day Weekend
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is providing simple tips this Memorial Day weekend to help Floridians and visitors avoid skimmers, devices that are placed on gas pumps to steal consumers’ debit and credit card information. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has found and removed 185 skimmers so far this year.
The number of consumers victimized by each skimmer is estimated to be about 100 per device, with an average of $1,000 stolen from each victim.
Travelers can take the following steps to avoid skimmers at gas stations:
- Pay in cash inside the store to ensure credit card information stays safe.
- Check to make sure the gas pump dispenser cabinet is closed and has not been tampered with.
- Use a gas pump closer to the front of the store. Thieves often place skimmers at the gas pumps farther away from the store.
- Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have better fraud protection, and the money is not deducted immediately from an account.
- If using a debit card at the pump, choose to run it as a credit card instead of putting a PIN number in. That way, the PIN number is safe.
- Monitor bank accounts regularly to spot any unauthorized charges.
- Consumers who suspect their credit card number has been compromised should report it immediately to authorities and their credit card company.
Commissioner Putnam worked with the Florida Legislature last year to change Florida law to better protect consumers from identity theft at gas station pumps by:
- Requiring self-service fuel dispensers to use certain security measures to prevent theft of consumer financial information;
- Increasing enforcement authority against those who possess or traffic fraudulent credit cards;
- Reclassifying the crime of unlawful conveyance of fuel, which increases the maximum sentence; and
- Increasing the offense level of the crime, which affects sentencing guidelines.
Consumers who suspect that a gas pump has been tampered with should contact the gas station manager, local law enforcement or the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
The department regularly inspects gas stations and analyzes samples of petroleum products to ensure consumers are being offered quality products at a fair measure. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Complete Florida’s webinar helps adults return to college, finish degree
Complete Florida is hosting a monthly webinar, Finish-Up Friday, beginning June 2 from noon to 12:30 p.m. EDT. The free, live webinars will focus on preparing the busy adult learner to return to college and complete their degree. Complete Florida is managed by the UWF Innovation Institute.
“Our live event will give adults the opportunity to speak with Complete Florida coaches about all that Complete Florida has to offer,” said Michelle Horton, Complete Florida enrollment and retention director. “Complete Florida is Florida’s gateway for adult learners to go back to college and complete their degree.”
The webinars will serve as informational and Q&A sessions, where adult learners can hear from Complete Florida staff to learn how to return to college to finish their degree. The value of a college education, financial aid help and pathways to a new career are just a few of the items that will be covered in these webinars.
The Finish-Up Friday Webinar is a free, online event funded by the state of Florida. To register or for more information, visit www.completeflorida.org.
About Complete Florida
Complete Florida is a state of Florida initiative to recruit and retain the state’s 3 million adults who have some college but no degree. Partnering with public and private higher education institutions in Florida, Complete Florida provides one-on-one planning, support and coaching for students with adult responsibilities. Dedicated coaches work alongside students as personal advocates, counselors and advisors while participants complete college courses 100% online. For more information, visit www.completeflorida.org.
Complete Florida is a state of Florida initiative to recruit and retain the state’s 3 million adults who have some college but no degree. Partnering with public and private higher education institutions in Florida, Complete Florida provides one-on-one planning, support and coaching for students with adult responsibilities. Dedicated coaches work alongside students as personal advocates, counselors and advisors while participants complete college courses 100% online. For more information, visit www.completeflorida.org.
About the UWF Innovation Institute
The Innovation Institute is a division of the University of West Florida. The Innovation team, founded around the principles of extreme collaboration, high energy, deep research and innovative thinking are focused on solving significant educational challenges. One of the cornerstones of the Institute is its focus on being a “Thought Leader” in education – creating and implementing innovative tools, programs and resources to the advancement of education and learning.
The Innovation Institute is a division of the University of West Florida. The Innovation team, founded around the principles of extreme collaboration, high energy, deep research and innovative thinking are focused on solving significant educational challenges. One of the cornerstones of the Institute is its focus on being a “Thought Leader” in education – creating and implementing innovative tools, programs and resources to the advancement of education and learning.
ICYMI: WPBF: Gov. Scott Signs $180 Million Tax Cut Package in Boca Raton
“Gov. Scott Signs $180 Million Tax Cut Package in Boca Raton”
WPBF (ABC) – West Palm Beach, FL
May 25, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Appointments by Gov. Rick Scott for Thursday, May 25, 2017
Governor Rick Scott Reappoints 11
Governor Rick Scott today announced 11 reappointments to various boards and commissions throughout the state following the Florida Senate’s failure to consider them for confirmation by adjournment sine die of the 2017 regular legislative session:
Florida Prepaid College Board
Ambassador John Rood, 62, of Jacksonville, is the chairman of the Vestcor Companies, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending June 30, 2017.
Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District
Samuel “Bo” Spring, 41, of Port Saint Joe, is the managing member of Big Fish Construction LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Jonathan Costello, 36, of Tallahassee, is a governmental consultant with Rutledge Ecenia P.A. and an adjunct professor at Florida State University. Costello is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District
Daniel O’Keefe, 49, of Windermere, is an attorney with Shutts and Bowan LLP. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Federico Fernandez, 41, of Coral Gables, is an attorney with DiFalco and Fernandez LLLP. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District
Michelle Williamson, 54, of Dover, is a manager at G & F Farms. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Bryan Beswick, 50, of Arcadia, is a grove manager with Premier Citrus Management LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Mark C. Taylor, 58, of Brooksville, is the president of TTG Properties Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District
Douglas Bournique, 65, of Indian River, is the executive vice president of the Indian River Citrus League. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
State Retirement Commission
Thomas Napier, 82, of Tallahassee, was a former special projects manager for the Clerk of Circuit Court of Leon County. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending December 31, 2020.
Board of Orthotists and Prosthetists
Paul Weott, 56, of Bradenton, is the owner of Orthotic and Prosthetic Centers, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County
Governor Rick Scott today announced two appointments to the Children’s Services Council of Saint Lucie County.
Richard Del Toro, Jr, 40, of Port St. Lucie, currently serves as the Assistant Chief of Police at the City of Port St. Lucie Police Department. He received his bachelor’s degree from Barry University and his master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. Del Toro fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending November 13, 2017.
Carmine Izzo, Jr, 46, of Port St. Lucie, currently serves as a Lieutenant at the City of Port St. Lucie Police Department. He received his bachelor’s degree from Warner University and his master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University. Izzo succeeds Candice Loupe and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending November 13, 2019.
Gov. Scott Appoints Randolph Cash to Collier County Housing Authority
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Randolph Cash to the Collier County Housing Authority.
Cash, 62, of Naples, is the president of Flamingo Air Management, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami. Cash fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending October 17, 2018.
Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Board of Professional Engineers
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Babu Varghese and the appointment of Pankaj Shah to the Board of Professional Engineers.
Varghese, 58, of Davie, is the president of Abtech Engineering, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
Shah, 72, of Clearwater, is the former chief executive officer of Cumbey and Fair, Inc. He succeeds John Pepper and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
Gov. Scott Appoints Representative Rene Plasencia
to Board of Control for Southern Regional Education
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Representative Rene Plasencia to the Board of Control for Southern Regional Education.
Rep. Plasencia, 44, of Orlando, is a district relations manager with Florida Virtual School and previously served as a classroom instructor for 17 years. He currently represents district 49 in the Florida House of Representatives. Plasencia succeeds Nancy Detert and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018.
Florida Realtors Commends Gov. Scott for Signing HB 7109
Bill Includes Reduction in Florida’s Business Rent Tax
Maria Wells, 2017 president of Florida Realtors® and broker-owner with Lifestyle Realty Group in Stuart, issued the following statement regarding Governor Rick Scott’s signing of HB 7109 today.
“Florida Realtors® applauds Governor Scott and members of the Legislature for making these tax cuts possible for Florida families. From a Realtor® perspective, I am particularly excited about the first-ever cut to the business rent tax that is included in this bill. The business community has been working to advance this tax cut for several years.
“The most significant steps are often the first ones we take on an issue and this cut opens the door for future reductions of this burdensome tax. More importantly, it puts $61 million back in the hands of businesses to grow and hire more people, and when businesses grow, communities prosper.”
Currently, Florida charges a six percent sales tax on business rent, creating a financial burden for any business that leases space. It is the only state that charges this tax on business rent. Once HB 7109 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2018, the new state tax rate on commercial leases will be 5.8 percent. Lowering the business rent tax will provide Florida businesses with more capital to expand, hire more employees, improve benefits and raise salaries.
Florida Realtors and other members of the Business Rent Tax Coalition have long advocated for a reduction in the state’s business rent tax. Gov. Scott signed HB 7109, which includes other tax cut provisions, during a morning press conference at 3Cinteractive Corp., a mobile marketing service provider in Boca Raton.
