Jim Kallinger, President of the Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition, made the following statement regarding Governor Scott’s decision to veto Senate Bill 106:
“Governor Scott’s decision to veto SB 106 was the right one for Florida’s economy and Florida’s families. As the Governor said in his statement, removing the wall of separation between hard liquor and other items for sale would be bad for small businesses and job creation. But beyond that, it would have sent the wrong message to young people and opened the door a little wider to the tragic impact of alcohol abuse on families and public safety in Florida. We thank Governor Scott for his careful consideration and wise leadership on this important issue.”
Flagler College honors Abare with tribute to ‘46 years of Making an Impact’
Flagler College President Dr. William T. Abare Jr. at tribute ceremony Wednesday night
More than 450 people paid tribute to retiring Flagler College President Dr. William T. Abare Jr. on Wednesday night, with a sendoff that included the announcement that a new student residential complex will be named Abare Hall and the presentation of a presidential medal.
The event celebrated Abare’s career at Flagler, which has spanned 46 years, including 16 as president of the college. He will step down from the presidency at the end of June.
Flagler Board of Trustees Chairman Frank D. Upchurch III made it official that the $23 million student housing complex under construction on King and Malaga Streets along the banks of the San Sebastian River will be named for the president. It will open this fall, and will house 148 upperclassmen. He also presented Abare with the Flagler College Presidential Medal, which has only been given to one other person: former President and Chancellor William L. Proctor.
Speakers heaped praise on Abare for his years of service. “His legacy is evident when you look across this campus, and even the town,” said Flagler alumna Diane Evia-Lanevi, ’87. “However, I believe his greatest legacy lies in the relationships that he has forged with the students and the alumni throughout his 46 years here at Flagler College.”
Assistant Professor of Humanities Steve Voguit said he was always drawn to Abare’s sincerity and passion for what he was doing. “Bill Abare cares deeply about this place,” he said. “But most importantly, he cares so much about the students who choose to come here, and about those of us who are fortunate enough to teach here.”
Other speakers included former St. Augustine Mayor Greg Baker, former Flagler Board of Trustees member Delores Lastinger and Chancellor Proctor, who gave a tribute to Abare’s wife, Susan.
Abare has been president of Flagler College since 2001, and has worked at Flagler College since 1971 when he was hired as director and dean of Admissions. Prior to serving as president, Abare was executive vice president and dean of Academic Affairs at Flagler for 12 years.
He announced his retirement in spring of 2016 saying, “The more I thought about it, I realized there was never going to be a perfect time. There will always be another initiative to begin, another program to get underway, another project to start and finish, another fundraising effort to mount. There isn’t a perfect time. I just felt like this was the right time.”
Dr. Joseph G. Joyner, former superintendent of schools for the St. Johns County District in St. Augustine, was named president of Flagler in November and will officially begin July 1.
Gov. Scott Signs Business Rent Tax Cut
Statement on Gov. Scott’s signing of the tax package HB 7109 today by Bill Herrle, National Federation of Independent Business/Florida’s Executive Director:
“Today’s signing of HB 7109 shows that small business comes first.
“The business rent tax reduction accounts for two-thirds of the overall cut in the package – that’s a significant show of support for small business and an indication that the Florida Legislature is serious about working toward fully repealing this burdensome tax.
“Gov. Scott has long been a proponent of reducing the unfair business rent tax, and we applaud him for his work to push this over the finish line and put money back into the hands of business owners and their employees.”
Florida Realtors Statement Regarding Signing of HB 7109
Please see the following statement from Maria Wells, 2017 President, Florida Realtors, regarding Governor Rick Scott’s signing of HB 7109.
“I applaud 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. This is a tremendous success for Florida Realtors and the entire Business Rent Tax Coalition.
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.”
Gov. Scott Signs Legislation to Cut $180 Million in Taxes for Floridians
Governor Rick Scott signed HB 7109, which cuts taxes by $180 million for Florida families and businesses. This brings the total amount of taxes cut since Governor Scott has been in office to more than $6.7 billion.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to sign this legislation today that cuts more than $180 million in taxes for Florida families and businesses. Since I’ve been in office, I’ve fought to cut taxes and reduce burdensome regulations to help boost Florida’s economy and ensure our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to succeed in our great state. Every time we cut taxes, we are encouraging businesses of all sizes to create opportunities for families across the state and more money is put back in taxpayers’ pockets.”
The $180 million tax cut package includes:
Decreasing the Tax on Business Rents by $61 Million – Florida is the only state that has a tax on commercial leases which unfairly targets small businesses. This legislation reduces the tax on commercial leases by 0.2 percent in 2018, savingFlorida businesses $61 million a year.
- Sales Tax Holidays to Save Families $37.9 Million – The tax cut package includes two sales tax holidays, which will save Florida families an estimated $37.9 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holiday savings include:
- $33.4 million from a 3-day back-to-school sales tax holiday (August 4-6, 2017).
- $4.5 million from a 3-day disaster preparedness sales tax holiday (June 2-4, 2017). For more information visit www.floridarevenue.com.
- Cutting Taxes for Low-Income Floridians and Florida Seniors: $32.7 million.
- $6.9 million by expanding the property tax exemption for Assisted Living Facilities beginning in 2017.
- $25.8 million by providing a 50 percent discount in property taxes to certain multifamily, low-income housing projects.
To view a copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.
To see the full bill, which includes the additional tax cuts, click HERE.
Rutherford announces Army Corps funding for JAXPORT
The Army Corps of Engineers today awarded $17.5 million for the Jacksonville Port deepening project in its FY 2017 Work Plan. This funding will begin construction of the deep draft navigation improvements at JAXPORT. Congressman Rutherford has urged the Army Corps for funding to deepen the Jacksonville harbor, which would bring larger ships, economic growth, and jobs to Northeast Florida.
Congressman Rutherford said, “This funding is a great start to the needed dredging at JAXPORT which will allow economic growth and trade to prosper in Northeast Florida. As one of 17 U.S. commercial Ports critical to the nation’s security, the Jacksonville Harbor plays a significant role in the deployment of cargo overseas. It is important that the Port be brought to its fully authorized level, and I look forward to working with the administration so our port can remain the epicenter for national security and job creation.”
See the letter to OMB Director Mick Mulvaney and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Douglas Lamont requesting new start funding for JAXPORT.
Florida Council for Safe Communities Applauds Veto of SB 106
John Giotis, Chairman of the Florida Council for Safe Communities, today released the following statement following Governor Scott’s veto of SB 106 yesterday:
“We thank Governor Rick Scott for his veto of SB 106, the so-called “Whiskey and Wheaties” bill. This decision will not only preserve jobs and small businesses, but will also keep our state a safer place for everyone, including young people and tourists. Since the Legislature passed this contentious bill with only the slimmest of margins, Governor Scott’s veto not only reflects his commitment to good policy, but also sound process, and we applaud his leadership.”
Gov. Scott Appoints John Tupps as Communications Director
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of John Tupps as Communications Director in the Governor’s Office beginning June 5th.
Governor Scott said, “John has demonstrated an incredible commitment to supporting our mission of making Florida the top destination for businesses, families and visitors. He has been a part of my administration since my first year in office and over the past six years, he has worked tirelessly to serve our state. I know John will use this experience and dedication each day to lead my communications efforts as we continue to fight for Florida jobs.”
Tupps is currently the Vice President of Government Relations for VISIT FLORIDA and previously served as deputy chief of staff at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission where he focused on conveying those organizations’ priorities to both the public and news media. Tupps previously worked in various roles in the Governor’s Press Office from 2011 to 2016, including deputy press secretary, press secretary and then deputy director of communications. Tupps also previously worked as a radio producer for South Central Radio Group in Knoxville, Tennessee. He received his bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Tennessee.
Atlantic snook to close in state and federal waters
The recreational harvest of snook in Atlantic state and federal waters will close on June 1.
Snook is also currently closed for harvest in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters, and will reopen for harvest in Atlantic and Gulf state and federal waters Sept. 1.
Unique to the region, snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World. Seasonal harvest closures help conserve Florida’s valuable snook populations and improve the fishery for the future.
Snook can be caught and released during the closed season, but anglers should use proper handling methods to ensure the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more and see a video about catch-and-release fishing and the best way to handle a fish, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” then “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”
Anglers can report their catch on the Snook & Gamefish Foundation’s website at SnookFoundation.org by clicking on the “Angler Action Program” link in the bar at the top of the page.
Learn more about recreational fishing at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing” and “Recreational Regulations.”
FDLE recognizes National Missing Children's Day
Winner of this year’s National “Bring Our Missing Children Home”
poster contest. The contest among fifth-grade students included
entries from 34 states and the Aviano U.S. Air Force Base in Italy.
FDLE recognizes National Missing Children’s Day on Thursday, May 25, 2017.
“As we head into the summer months, I urge parents and caregivers to remind children about staying safe,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen. “I encourage you to take advantage of the online safety tools and resources available. When a child does go missing, the timely awareness of concerned citizens is often vital to law enforcement in recovering that child quickly and safely. Please sign up to be notified when there is an AMBER or Missing Child Alert in Florida.”
During 2016, Florida law enforcement agencies received 33,366 reports of missing children and FDLE’s Missing Persons and Offender Registration unit provided direct assistance in the recovery of 57 missing children last year.
Citizens can sign up to receive free AMBER and Missing Child Alerts by following FDLE on Facebook or Twitter or signing up to receive email or text message at www.missingchildrenalert.com. The KidSmartz and NetSmartz sites are interactive, educational programs that provide age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on and offline. The programs are designed for children ages K-5 and 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement.
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25 as National Missing Children’s Day in 1983 and the nation observes this day each year to mark the anniversary of the disappearance of Etan Patz from a New York City street on his way to school in 1979.
To view safety tips on how to keep your children safe, click here. To learn more about Florida’s AMBER Plan, visit www.missingchildrenalert.com.
