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Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Wildfire Update for Florida

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced today that 2,273 wildfires have burned over 171,000 acres in Florida this year, with 125 active wildfires burning as of today, May 22, 2017. Current conditions by county, burn bans and helpful tips regarding wildfires in Florida can be found here.
“Even with rain across parts of Florida over the weekend, much of the state is experiencing drought conditions and elevated wildfire danger,” Commissioner Adam H. Putnam said. “Residents and visitors need to pay attention to and comply with local burn bans and should take every precaution to help prevent wildfire.”
Conditions are forecast to get even drier and warmer into late spring and early summer. May is traditionally one of the driest months of the year in Florida, and that is the expectation for 2017. Commissioner Putnam asked Governor Scott to issue an executive order on April 11, 2017 in order to provide full resources to combat wildfires. The last time a similar executive order was issued was in June 2011.
Forecast wildfire danger for May 22, 2017:

Active wildfires in Florida:

County burn bans:

Wildfires in Florida usually start and spread quickly, leaving little time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Homeowners can complete a few simple tasks that will help to defend their home against wildfire. One of the best ways to reduce a home’s wildfire risk is to create 30 feet of defensible space around the home. When creating defensible space, begin with the area immediately surrounding the home, about 3 feet out on all sides. Make sure this space is free of tall, fire-prone plants and materials. Keep this area clean and free of dead plant material and flammable mulches. Instead, opt for low growing, fire resistant plants and materials and use mulches, such as rocks or chunky bark. Deliberately space all plants so that none are placed directly under windows or vents around the house.
To increase home survivability, Floridians can do the following:

  • Keep mulch and pine needles away from your home, fence, and deck;
  • Keep roof and gutter free of pine needles;
  • Keep flammables away from your home;
  • Store fire wood at least 30 feet from your home;
  • Remove dead vegetation and debris from under the deck and within 10 feet of your home; and
  • Make wildfire preparedness a family project.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Stetson University Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center Selected to Participate in Preservation Program

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Assessment will survey collections, buildings at site


Stetson University’s Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center is one of 75 institutions chosen to participate in the inaugural year of the Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program. It is home to the largest collection of art by modernist painter Oscar Bluemner, with more than 1,000 pieces bequeathed to the university by the artist’s daughter, Vera Bluemner Kouba. Hand Art Center on the Stetson University campus is at 139 East Michigan Avenue, DeLand, Florida, 32723, and is open to the public free of charge.
Administered by the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artist Works, CAP assists museums in improving the care of their collections by providing support for a conservation assessment of the museum’s collections and buildings. A team of two preservation professionals will spend two days surveying the site and meeting with staff before preparing a comprehensive report that will identify preventive conservation priorities. The assessment report will help the museum prioritize its collections care efforts in the coming years. Hand Art Center expects this program to be a first step in the pursuit of accreditation through the American Alliance of Museums.
“We are honored that Hand Art Center has been selected to participate in the CAP program,” said Tonya Curran, director of the center. “As we move toward the goal of accreditation, this program is critical to assisting us in perfecting our policies and ensuring the center is a premier venue for visiting exhibitions.”
The CAP program is administered by FAIC through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal grant-making agency that supports museums and libraries. 
In addition to Oscar Bluemner collection, the Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center also has a broad collection of artwork by Stetson University students, art faculty and alumni. The 5,000-square-foot building includes multiple galleries: The Oscar Bluemner Gallery exhibits rotating selections of the artist’s work from the Vera Bluemner Kouba Collection and the Gary Libby Gallery hosts exhibits from the university’s permanent art collection or special shows. Except for holidays and school vacations, Hand Art Center is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday, noon-4 p.m. All exhibits are open to the public free of charge.

Argentina Trade Mission Led by Governor Scott Yields $24 Million in Expected Sales

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that the nearly 40 businesses that participated in the recent economic development mission to Argentina have reported more than $24 million in expected sales. Additionally, these businesses generated $1.85 million in actual sales during the mission. This was the first trade mission by any governor from the U.S. under Argentina’s new administration and Governor Scott was the first U.S. governor to meet with Argentine President Mauricio Macri.
Governor Scott said, “It was an honor to lead an economic development mission to Argentina last month to meet with Argentine business leaders and share why Florida is the best location for their companies to grow. It is exciting to see all of the opportunities that were created from our trip and I am proud to announce today that the many companies that participated in this mission have reported more than $24 million in expected sales. Enterprise Florida led this mission and they do important work to connect Florida small business with opportunities in international markets. We are competing in a global economy, and many of these businesses would not have the resources or opportunities to market themselves across the world if not for Enterprise Florida. It is disappointing that the Legislature chose to disregard the impact not fully funding EFI could have on our job creators and families.”  
Argentina is Florida’s 10th largest trade partner with more than $4.2 billion in bilateral trade. Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) partnered with the U.S. Commercial Service, the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, the American Chamber of Commerce in Argentina and the Florida Ports Council to ensure a successful mission for the companies in attendance. As a result of strong partnerships, the Florida Ports Council and the Argentine Coordination of Ports signed an MOU to develop direct sea routes between Argentina and Florida.
Manny Mencia, Senior Vice President of International Trade & Development, Enterprise Florida, Inc. said, “Argentina is a great trade partner for our state and thanks to Governor Scott our mission attracted a tremendous amount of media coverage and allowed us to access the highest levels of the Argentine business and government leadership, to effectively promote Florida as the ideal destination for Argentine companies seeking to do business with the U.S.”
Doug Wheeler, President & CEO, Florida Ports Council, said, “Waterborne trade with Argentina already totals more than $1 billion and we value our long-standing relationship. With the signing of the MOU we further strengthened and renewed efforts to explore mutually beneficial technical, cultural and social resources. We look forward to continuing to develop and grow our partnership to increase trade and economic impacts for both countries.”
While the mission was focused on promoting Florida exports to the Argentinean marketplace, EFI and the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services (CAC) also collaborated to organize a seminar on business and investment opportunities in Florida. Presenters at the seminar included Governor Scott, Bob Grammig of Holland and Knight, Doug Wheeler of the Florida Ports Council, and Manny Mencia of EFI.  More than 120 Argentine business leaders attended.
Susan Amat, CEO/Founder of Venture Hive in Miami, said, “I know the impact that this mission has had on Venture Hive, and our businesses and partners will yield several direct and indirect jobs in the state in the next quarter and a huge return on my investment. I thank Governor Scott and the EFI team for the work they do for job creators every day.”
Alexander Azcurra of Critical Power Solutions in Miami, said, “We look forward to participating in more trade missions. This mission allowed us to connect with other Florida entrepreneurs which will possibly lead to business locally in Florida too. Special thanks to the staff at Enterprise Florida and everyone that put this trade mission together. It was great to meet and speak with Gov. Rick Scott at the U.S. Embassy. Thanks for all you do.”
Arley Bedillion, industrial sales manager, Mastry Engine Center in St. Petersburg, said, “This was a successful mission. I believe we will built some great business relationships here in Buenos Aires. We received a trade grant which lifted some of the financial requirements for joining the mission. Our success is a direct reflection of the efforts and hard work of Enterprise Florida.”

The Enterprise Florida Trade Mission to Argentina Included:

America Energy, Inc. Miami International Airport
American Traction Systems, Inc. Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems
Argentine American Chamber of Commerce of Florida Natural Vitamins Laboratory LLC
Aviation Registry Group, Ltd. Octopi
Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. Pasco Economic Development Council
Bermello, Ajamil and Partners, Inc. Perry Baromedical Corporation
Broward County Office of Economic & Small Business Development Pinellas County Economic Development
Cooltech Holding Corp. Point Blank Enterprises, Inc.
Critical Power Solutions Group Inc. Port Everglades
CZA Inc. Port Tampa Bay
Duo Global Real Estate Group, LLC PortMiami
Express Travel Royal Consulting Services, Inc.
Florida Ports Council Scientific Control Instruments Holdings, LLC
Florida Power & Light Co. Tampa Hillsborough EDC
Florida Realtors Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation
Geo Global Partners Venture Hive
Holland & Knight VISIT FLORIDA
Innova Eco Building System, LLC XDS Marketing Corp.
Kravitz & Guerra ZTZ Services
Mastry Engine Center

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.

Port Charlotte man wins $1 million playing $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Gary McClelland, 56, of Port Charlotte, claimed a $1 million prize in the $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $748,000.00.
McClelland purchased his winning ticket from Publix, located at 24051 Peachland Boulevard in Port Charlotte. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
While McClelland is a frequent FLORIDA LOTTO® player, he said he rarely buys Scratch-Off tickets. “I just decided to buy one while waiting at Publix, and when I got home and scratched it, I couldn’t believe I had actually won!”
The new $25 game, $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH, launched in February and features more than $549 million in total cash prizes, including two top prizes of $10 million and 46 prizes of $1 million! Overall odds of winning are one-in-2.89.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 65 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $734 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2015-16.

Sec. Detzner Kicks Off Year-Long Celebration of Museum of Florida History’s 40th Anniversary

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Secretary of State Ken Detzner kicked off the year-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Museum of Florida History last night during a special reception with more than 200 museum guests and supporters. Throughout the year, the Museum will feature an exciting lineup of educational programs, exhibits and special events to celebrate the 40th anniversary, all culminating in the grand opening of the Museum’s Living the Dream: Twentieth-Century Florida exhibit on October 28.
The Museum of Florida History is one of Florida’s most prominent cultural treasures and the only statewide institution encompassing a comprehensive overview of Florida history.
“I am thrilled to celebrate this milestone anniversary of the Museum of Florida History, which has upheld its important mission to preserve and showcase Florida’s rich and diverse past,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “The Museum highlights more than 12,000 years of Florida history through interactive and engaging displays and it has welcomed generations of Floridians through its doors. I look forward to their continued success over the next forty years and beyond.”
Established in statute by the Florida Legislature in 1967 and opened to the public on May 20, 1977, the Museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret human culture in Florida and to promote and encourage knowledge and appreciation of Florida history throughout the state. The Museum welcomes approximately 60,000 visitors annually, holds more than 45,000 historical objects in its collections and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
The Museum hosted more than 200 guests and supporters at a special reception on May 18 to kick-off the year-long celebration of the 40th anniversary. Guests toured the temporary exhibit Beaches, Creatures, and Cowboys: Florida Movie Posters, viewed a slideshow and photos of past exhibits, participated in a history hunt through the Museum gallery and enjoyed live music, hors d’oeuvres and a special anniversary cake. TheBeaches, Creatures, and Cowboys: Florida Movie Posters exhibit continues through July 23, 2017.
The Museum has several exciting educational programs planned for the summer, which include the Summer Reading Program and Second Saturday Family Program. The theme of this year’s Summer Reading Program is Building a Better Florida. A children’s book and activities on architecture, historic preservation and communities will be featured every Wednesday morning from June 28 to July 26. The Second Saturday Family Programs continue through the summer with hands-on activities on film-making, quilts and other historical topics.
The Sunday Matinee at the Museum series begins in July and offers a taste of film in Florida. The Florida-related films to be shown include Beneath the 12-Mile Reef on July 9, Dolphin Tale on July 16, and The Yearling on July 23. Films begin at 2:00 p.m. and family friendly hands-on activities will be available at 1:30 p.m.
The History at High Noon series, which takes place the fourth Tuesday of the month, begins on June 27 from noon to 1:00 p.m. with Stories from Behind the Scenes, featuring former Museum exhibit designers and fabricators who will talk about creating both permanent and temporary exhibits.
On October 28, the Museum will host a grand opening party for the Living the Dream: Twentieth-Century Florida exhibit, which will feature activities for adults and kids, live entertainment and much more.
All events are free and open to the public. Please see the Museum’s website museumoffloridahistory.com for more information.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF FLORIDA HISTORY
The Museum of Florida History is part of the Florida Department of State is located in the R. A. Gray Building at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon to 4:30 p.m.  Free parking is available in the garage next to the R. A. Gray Building.

PSC’s May Helping Hand is Winter Park Community Center

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In conjunction with May’s Older Americans Month, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is presenting its monthly Helping Hand recognition to the Winter Park Community Center whose programs assist seniors year-round.
“Helping seniors stay active and engaged with their community is invaluable,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.  “The PSC applauds the Winter Park Community Center for their continued learning programs and their efforts to help keep seniors informed.”
Each month, the PSC highlights a partner agency or organization whose clients is eligible for the federal Lifeline telephone discount program and/or need help reducing energy and water bills. Through these PSC Helping Hand partnerships, the Commission shares information to help consumers stretch their resources to meet their monthly bills.
“The PSC’s assistance and education helps our Center’s participants and supports our ongoing programs,” said Stephanie Kunz, Assistant Recreation Chief, Winter Park Community Center. “Our seniors benefit from the information on Lifeline, scams, energy and water conservation, and utility bill payment assistance, and we look forward to more visits from the PSC.”
Look for this year’s PSC Helping Hand outreach partner recognitions on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com, under Hot Topics.
About Winter Park Community Center
Located in Winter Park, the Community Center opened in October 2011 and offers recreation for all ages.  Amenities include state-of-the-art fitness centers, two regulation basketball courts, media center, and banquet space.  In addition, the Community Center has an outdoor amphitheater overlooking Shady Park and a multipurpose pool. For more information, call 407/599-3275.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

Floridians For Fair Business Practices Presents Letters of Support to Governor Rick Scott

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Diverse group of businesses and community
organizations call on Governor Scott to sign SB 106

Floridians For Fair Business Practices, whose members represent over 150,000 jobs in Florida, is proud to have the support of numerous key businesses and community organizations who have sent letters and voiced their support to Governor Rick Scott urging him to sign SB 106 into law. By signing SB 106 into law, Governor Scott can send a message that Florida is open for business for companies big and small and that free market principles are alive and well in the Sunshine State.
Those groups who support the repeal of this antiquated law include, Americans for Tax Reform, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Distilled Spirits Council, Costco, Target, Whole Foods, the Independent Women’s Voice, The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Sam’s Club, The Big Bend Minority Chamber, and Wal-Mart.
Over the past several months, nearly 25,000 Floridians have contacted the Governor’s office or the Legislature to voice their support for bringing Florida in line with the 29 other states and Washington, D.C. who allow grocery stores and other retailers to sell spirits alongside the beer and wine they already sell.

Gov. Scott: Florida Achieves Lowest Unemployment Rate in Almost a Decade

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15,000 private sector jobs created in April

Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.5 percent in April, the lowest since September 2007. Florida businesses also created 15,000 private-sector jobs in April, bringing the total number of new jobs added since December 2010 to 1,355,700. For more than five consecutive years, Florida’s annual private-sector job growth rate, which is 2.9 percent, has exceeded the nation’s rate, which is 1.7 percent. Governor Scott will make the announcement at the Miami International Airport and recognize LATAM Airlines, which has created more than 1,000 jobs for Florida families.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida has achieved the lowest unemployment rate in almost a decade at 4.5 percent. Florida businesses also created 15,000 new jobs during the month of April, which is further proof of our state’s continued economic growth. While Florida’s economy is on a roll, now is not the time to slow down our unrelenting efforts to bring more jobs and opportunities to our state.
“Businesses and site selectors have taken notice of the Florida Legislature’s decision to turn their backs on the incredible return on investment economic development programs like Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA have brought to our state. This is not only disappointing, but could put our future job creation efforts at risk. Even though our private sector job growth rate is exceeding the nation’s, it is currently lower than it has been over the past year. This is something we cannot ignore. We cannot allow Florida to fall behind after our years of successful growth. We will continue to work each day to fight for jobs so our state can become the number one place for families and businesses to succeed.”
As of April, Florida’s unemployment rate has dropped 6.2 percentage points since December 2010, while the national rate has declined by only 4.9 percentage points in the same time period. In the last year, 371,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 3.8 percent, while the national labor force growth is only 0.8 percent.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Florida businesses have excelled over the past six years thanks to the policies of Gov. Scott and his administration. Unemployment continues to drop, private sector jobs are on the rise and Florida families are flourishing. We must not give up on our efforts to make Florida the best place to start and grow a business.”
Other positive economic indicators include:

  • Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year were:
    • Professional and business services with 39,500 new jobs;
    • Trade, transportation, and utilities with 36,600 new jobs; and
    • Construction with 34,400 new jobs.
  • Florida job postings showed 244,758 openings in April 2017.
  • In April, Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards reported 19,033 Floridians, including 1,069 veterans, were placed in jobs.

To view the April 2017 employment data, click here.

Nelson, Rubio invite Zinke to tour Everglades

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U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) and a bipartisan group of Florida congressional delegation members sent a letter today to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke inviting him to visit Florida’s Everglades to get a firsthand look at ongoing efforts to restore the River of Grass.
“As the newest secretary of the interior, we welcome you to visit a unique treasure, America’s Everglades,” the lawmakers wrote. “As secretary, you serve as chairman of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force and play a vital role in the effort to restore the balance of water flow and management.”
Nelson, a long-time supporter of restoring the Everglades, brought then-Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) down to Florida in 2007 to give her a tour of the Everglades. He also brought Sen. John Thune (R-SD), the Senate’s third-ranking Republican, down in February to give him a firsthand look at the River of Grass.
Joining Nelson and Rubio in inviting Zinke are Reps. Kathy Castor, Charlie Crist, Carlos Curbelo, Val Demings, Ron DeSantis, Ted Deutch, Mario Diaz-Balart, Lois Frankel, Matt Gaetz, Alcee Hastings, Al Lawson, Brian Mast, Stephanie Murphy, Bill Posey, Francis Rooney, Tom Rooney, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, John Rutherford, Darren Soto, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Daniel Webster, Frederica Wilson and Ted Yoho.
Following is the full text of the lawmakers’ letter, and a PDF copy can be found here:

May 18, 2017

The Honorable Ryan Zinke
Secretary
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20240
Dear Secretary Zinke:
As you continue to travel our great nation as the newest secretary of the interior, we welcome you to visit a unique treasure, America’s Everglades. The only subtropical ecosystem in the continental U.S., the Everglades is home to dozens of endangered and threatened species as well as a diverse array of native wildlife.
The U.S. Department of the Interior plays a critical role in our efforts to restore the balance of this ecosystem. As secretary, you serve as chairman of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force and play a vital role in the effort to restore the balance of water flow and management. The Everglades faces numerous challenges, but with a successful state and federal partnership, we are committed to ensuring future generations are able to enjoy this treasured ecosystem.
We realize your schedule is incredibly busy but would be honored to personally show you the River of Grass. Thank you for your consideration as you carry on with the important task of protecting and managing our nation’s natural resources.

Respectfully,

Kallinger Statement on Gambling Decision

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Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition President Jim Kallinger made the statement below following the Florida Supreme Court ruling on slot machines today:
“The Florida Supreme Court delivered a win for Florida families today with their ruling to reject the expansion of slot machines in Florida. While the promise of job creation and increased tax revenue can be alluring, the truth is that gambling hurts businesses, communities, and individuals. We are glad this sound legal ruling will spare families and communities around the state the pain that accompanies making gambling the centerpiece of a local economy.”