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Nelson, Rubio introduce bill to reform VA

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U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced legislation today aimed at reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs by making it easier for the VA Secretary to fire poorly-preforming employees.
The legislation aimed at holding VA employees more accountable would also create new protections for VA whistleblowers and ensure that employees who are terminated have an adequate opportunity to appeal their dismissal.
“This bill will help the VA provide better care to our veterans by removing the bad actors and protecting the good ones,” Nelson said. “The brave men and women who have served our country deserve nothing but the best, and this bill is another small step in ensuring that they receive the care they deserve.”
For years, the VA has been plagued by reports of inefficiency and long wait times. VA Secretary David Shulkin has repeatedly expressed support for legislation to hold VA employees more accountable.
The legislation filed today is the third bill Nelson has sponsored in as many years to hold VA employees more accountable. Nelson says that while he believes it’s important to hold poorly-performing employees accountable, he also believes it’s important to protect the rights of those employees who may have been wrongly terminated, especially at the lower levels, by giving theman opportunity to appeal a supervisor’s decision to fire them.
Specifically, the legislation filed today would:

  • Authorize the secretary to reprimand, suspend, involuntarily reassign, demote, or remove a covered individual from a senior executive service position, including removal from civil service, if the secretary determines that their misconduct or performance warrants such an action, subject to a VA-internal grievance process established by the secretary that must be completed within 21 days.

 

  • Authorize the secretary to remove, demote, or suspend for longer than 14 days without pay, subject to an appeal of their removal or demotion to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) for most non-senior executive service (SES) employees. The MSBP would then have 180 days to complete an expedited appeal and render a final decision, subject to judicial review by the U.S. Federal Circuit.

 

  • Protect whistleblowers from retaliation by not allowing the secretary to use this authority to fire employees who have filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). The proposal would also establish an Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection for employees to bring to light major problems at the VA without losing their job or facing retaliation.

 

  • Streamline authority for the secretary to rescind an employee’s bonus or relocation expense reimbursement if the secretary deems it appropriate, and allow reduction to an SES employee’s retirement pension upon their conviction of a felony related to work performance.

 

  • Require the VA to provide periodic training to each supervisor on the rights of whistleblowers; how to address a report by an employee of a hostile work environment, reprisal, or harassment; how to effectively motivate, manage, and reward employees; and how to effectively manage employees who are performing at an unacceptable level.

 

  • Authorize the secretary to directly appoint individuals to the positions of Medical Center Director and Director of Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) if they have demonstrated ability in the medical profession, health care administration, or health care fiscal management.

 

  • Require the VA to provide reports to Congress on employee morale and the types of administrative action taken against employees and their effectiveness in disciplining employees.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

CFO Atwater Announces Staggering $275 Million in Annual Unclaimed Property Returns

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With nearly two months remaining in the fiscal year, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced that the Florida Division of Unclaimed Property has broken its annual fiscal year return record. More than 425,000 individual claims worth a combined value of $275 million have already been processed, surpassing the previous annual record of $271.8 million reached during the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
“Month after month and year after year, our unclaimed property team has continued to raise the bar,” said CFO Atwater. “Their dedication and commitment to putting these forgotten-about funds back into the hands of Floridians is unmatched, and I am proud to announce their latest feat. Millions more lays waiting to be claimed and I hope that all Floridians will take two minutes to look on our website for an unclaimed property account in their name.”
More than half of the money returned during the program’s 56-year existence has been returned during CFO Atwater’s seven-year tenure. Since 2011, more than $1.57 billion has been returned to Floridians, with more than $3.1 billion returned in total since 1961.
Currently, the Department holds unclaimed property from dormant accounts in financial institutions, insurance and utility companies, securities and trust holdings. In addition to money and securities, unclaimed property includes tangible property such as watches, jewelry, coins, currency, stamps, historical items and other miscellaneous articles from abandoned safe deposit boxes.
To search for unclaimed property or to claim an account, visit www.FLTreasureHunt.org, or call 1-88-VALUABLE (888) 258-2253 or (850) 413-5555.
Click here for a county-by-county breakdown of unclaimed accounts.

Flagler’s Giving Day exceeds goal for raising money to honor President Abare and benefit students

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Flagler College’s third annual Giving Day saw 233 donors (191 of those alumni) raise $67,844 at the college by the close of the day on May 9 — $19,900 more than last year’s Giving Day.
The majority of the money raised for the annual day-long campaign provides undergraduate research opportunities, keeps esteemed faculty members at Flagler and helps the college continue to offer a number of academic programs designed to challenge its students.
This year’s goal was $25,000 — the lead gift amount the college’s Board of Trustees will be donating, and the amount the Board challenged alumni, donors and friends to match, in honor of retiring President William T. Abare, Jr.
“Giving Day was a huge success, thanks to donors from around the globe,” said Beverly Copeland Carmichael, Ed.D., ’72, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “Alumni and friends had the opportunity to fund noteworthy projects and make a real, immediate impact.”
Providing quality education while keeping Flagler affordable is one of the institution’s top priorities. Ninety percent of students rely on some form of financial aid. To meet this need, the college has increased funding for need-based Flagler grants by nearly $700,000 in the last six years. Fundraising efforts have contributed to the increase in funding: More than 1,000 students receive financial aid through the Flagler Fund each year.

FWC highlights Chipola River in new video

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“FLOW” celebrates the charm of the Chipola
and the partnerships forged to protect it.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announces the release of its new video, “FLOW: the Chipola River Story.” “FLOW” features International Game Fish Association’s Top Female Angler of 2015, Meredith McCord, and tells the conservation story of the Chipola River. This video recognizes the dedicated efforts of individuals and organizations such as the FWC, Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (part of the National Fish Habitat Partnership), Trout Unlimited and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Chipola River is a spring-fed system in north Florida that features the only naturally reproducing population of shoal bass in the state. These bass are genetically unique and have a limited geographic range. Meredith McCord set world records for shoal bass and black crappie while filming “FLOW,” inspiring future conservation efforts.
View two trailers for the video and the full-length video at Youtube.com/TrophyCatchFlorida.
For more information about these videos, email Amber Nabors at [email protected]. For more information about the Chipola River, visit: MyFWC.com/Fishing, click on “Freshwater Fishing,” “Sites & Forecasts,” “Northwest Region” and “Chipola River.”
For more information about the National Fish Habitat Partnership, visit FishHabitat.org. For more information about the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership, visit SoutheastAquatics.net. For more information about Trout Unlimited, visit TU.org. For more information about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, visit FWS.gov.

RoadWatch Advisory for US 41 in Sarasota County

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SARASOTA COUNTY
US 41 from Browning Street to 11th Street: Construction project: Crews are resurfacing the roadway; installing new drainage; installing highway lighting, curb and gutter; constructing new sidewalk, and installing new signing and pavement markings. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures on US 41; US 301; Fruitville Road, and Orange Avenue while crews are working. Beginning the week of Sunday, May 14 crews will construct a new right turn-lane from northbound US 41 to Fruitville Road. Once constructed, the existing right turn-lane will be closed to traffic. Crews will then construct a pedestrian island and improve drainage. Nighttime/overnight northbound outside lane closures are also expected from 9 p.m. each night to 6 a.m. each morning while crews are working. Preferred Materials, Inc. is the contractor. Expected completion is fall 2017.

Blood Pressure: What do those numbers mean, anyway?

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110/90. 130/80. 140/90. Blood Pressure:
What do those numbers mean, anyway?

Dr. Kristi Reese, Family Medicine Physician with Capital Health Plan
We’ve all been there: sitting on the chair, arm propped out with blood pressure cuff around your bicep, when the nurse states two numbers that sound like a giant fraction.
Turns out, those numbers are very important to understand. But first thing’s first: what is blood pressure? Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body.

Dr. Kristi Reese

It’s normal for your blood pressure to change throughout the day. The problem is if your blood pressure stays up, rather than going back down. When this happens, you’re said to have “high blood pressure.” Sustained high blood pressure damages the blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Unlike many other serious health conditions, high blood pressure doesn’t show noticeable symptoms. Most people don’t know they have high blood pressure until they go to the doctor for a routine check-up or an unrelated health concern. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less serious.
What about the numbers?
The first number your nurse or doctor reads, the top number of the fraction, refers to “systolic pressure” – how hard the blood pushes when the heart is pumping. The second or bottom number is your “diastolic pressure” – how hard the blood pushes between heartbeats, when the heart is relaxed and filling with blood.
Ideal blood pressure for an adult is 120/80 or lower. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. You may be wondering, “If my blood pressure is 130/90, I’m good, right?”
Not quite. If your numbers fall anywhere above 120/80 but below 140/90, you have “prehypertension” – meaning you’re headed for high blood pressure soon. Good news: people with prehypertension have the ability to reverse, or at least delay, high blood pressure by making lifestyle changes such as eating heart-healthy foods, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption.
But if you really want to reduce the chances of developing high blood pressure, don’t wait until you have prehypertension. Start now by limiting salt intake, avoiding saturated fats, and eating more fruits, vegetables, and fish.
About one out of three adults in the United States has high blood pressure, which is a startling statistic. May is High Blood Pressure Education Month, so the next time you go to the doctor, take the opportunity to talk to him or her about your blood pressure number.
For heart-healthy tips and to learn more about blood pressure, visit our Healthwise® Knowledgebase at www.capitalhealth.com.
Dr. Reese is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Capital Health Plan.

ICYMI: 300 Floridians Attend CRC Public Hearing in Fort Myers

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Approximately 300 Floridians attended a public hearing held by the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) on May 10 in Fort Myers at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) as part of its, “Floridians Speak, We Listen” statewide tour. At FSW, more than 100 individual Floridians requested to speak before the CRC. All Floridians who attended the public hearing and wanted to speak were given an opportunity to be heard.
To watch the public hearing held in Fort Myers, visit the Florida Channel’s website which has a page dedicated to all CRC public hearings and meetings. A complete transcript of the public hearing and appearance forms will be available online at flcrc.gov as soon as possible. The next public hearing held by the CRC will be on Wednesday, May 17, at Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry Campus in Tampa beginning at 5:00 PM. Visit flcrc.gov/Meetings/PublicHearings for the schedule of confirmed public hearings and full event details.

Floridians make their voices heard at Florida SouthWestern
State College’s (FSW) Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers.

Public hearing for PD&E study in Polk County

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Public Hearing for US 98/John Singletary Bridge Project Development and Environment
(PD&E) From west of Edgewood Drive to east of the Fort Meade Recreation Area Entrance

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a public hearing for the US 98/John Singletary Bridge Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study from west of Edgewood Drive to east of the Fort Meade Recreation Area Entrance in Polk County, Florida.
The proposed improvements consist of replacing the existing bridge with a new bridge that meets current FDOT design standards and accommodates pedestrian and bicycle facilities. This public hearing is being conducted to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.
The existing bridge (Bridge No. 160064) has been determined to be a significant historic bridge according to the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 (36 CFR Part 800); however, based on an evaluation of all PD&E Study alternatives, it is not feasible to keep the historic bridge in place. Several mitigation options are being evaluated. The proposed improvements require the replacement of the National Register of Historic Places eligible US 98/John Singletary Bridge. As part of the project development process and in accordance with Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 and Section 106 of the NHPA, FDOT is seeking comments and input from the public, interested parties, and governmental agencies concerning the effects of the project on the activities, features, and attributes of this resource and the mitigation options under consideration for the proposed impacts. FDOT intends to make a programmatic Section 4(f) impact determination on this resource.
The public hearing will be:
Date: Thursday, May 18, 2017
Time: 5 p.m. Open house
6 p.m. Formal presentation and public comment period
Location: Fort Meade Mobile Home Park Activity Center
1046 S.E. 2nd Street Fort Meade, FL 33841
Draft project documents will be available for public review from April 27, 2017 to May 29, 2017 at the following locations: Fort Meade Public Library, 75 East Broadway Street, Fort Meade, FL 33841 and FDOT District One, 801 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830.
The hearing is developed in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.
Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jamie Schley, District One Title VI Coordinator, at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting at (863) 519-2573, or by email at [email protected].  If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (voice).
If you have questions about the project or scheduled public hearing, please contact the Project Manager, Bill Hartmann, P.E. at (863) 519-2293 or by e-mail to [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. You can also visit the project website at: www.swflroads.com/us98/johnsingletarybridge.

DBS wraps up year-long 75th anniversary celebration with expo in Pensacola

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Vernon Stewart (R), representing the City of Pensacola Mayor’s Office, presents a
proclamation in recognition of DBS’ 75 years of serving the blind and visually
impaired community, to Robert L. Doyle, III, Director of Division of Blind Services.

The Department of Education’s Division of Blind Services (DBS) commemorated its commitment to fostering independence for individuals who are blind and visually impaired during its final 75th Anniversary Regional Ceremony and Expo in Pensacola.
 
“Since 1941, DBS has made vast strides in attacking the barriers that have hindered persons with visual disabilities from fully participating in our society and our workforce,” DBS Director Robert L. Doyle, III, said. “This year, we provided services to 562 individuals in Escambia and nearby counties, which included 317 jobseekers who were preparing for or looking to retain employment. As we look to the future, we continue to charge toward our goal of Florida being a barrier-free environment for residents with visual disabilities.”
Through DBS, blind and visually impaired Floridians have access to many educational, vocational, medical, social and recreational services beginning at birth. In addition to helping younger clients learn to navigate the many aspects of life that may be more difficult for persons with visual impairments, the agency works with adults to attain independent living solutions and career and vocational education skills so they can accomplish their life goals.

Rep. Frank White (L) with Division of Blind Services Director Robert L.
Doyle, III, during the DBS 75th Anniversary Ceremony in Pensacola.

The 75th Anniversary Regional Ceremony and Expo featured informational sessions, networking opportunities, a community and technology showcase and inspirational testimonials from former DBS clients.
Pamela Wirick, who was born with only 10 percent of her vision due to macular degeneration, shared her story with the audience during the ceremony.
“I am very grateful for the Division of Blind Services and its resources that came to my rescue,” said Wirick, a child care resource and referral specialist for the Early Learning Coalition. “I am meeting goals and completing tasks that I never thought I could do. Thank you to the DBS staff who go beyond their job expectations to assist, teach, support and listen.”
As part of the celebration, DBS inducted new members into the “Successful 75,” an award program that recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses who have remained steadfast in the advancement of independence for persons who are blind and visually impaired.
For more information about the Division of Blind Services and its programs, visit dbs.fldoe.org.

AHCA Secretary Recognizes National Nurses Week

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Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) Secretary Justin M. Senior released the following statement today recognizing National Nurses Week (May 6th– 12th):
“As we recognize National Nurses Week, I would like to thank all nurses who work throughout our state to provide passionate care for Floridians. The American Nurses Association has designated 2017 as the ‘Year of the Healthy Nurse,’ and this year’s National Nursing Week celebrates those nurses who are leading advocates for health and wellness. I also want to recognize all of the nurses who work for AHCA and help our Agency achieve its goal of Better Health Care for All Floridians. Nurses are on the frontline of caring for our vulnerable citizens, and I ask that you will please join me in celebrating all that they do for our state.”
To learn more about National Nurses Week please visit: http://www.nursingworld.org/nationalnursesweek.