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Mast Amendment Passes Foreign Affairs Committee

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Mast Amendment To Ensure Administration Reports To
Congress on Syrian Conflict Passes Foreign Affairs Committee

U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) introduced an amendment to the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2017, H.R. 1677, to ensure that the Administration reports to Congress on important aspects of military strategy.  The Amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was passed by the Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday.
“While the President is evaluating the benefits of further military action in Syria, it is critical that Congress has the information needed to uphold our constitutional responsibility,” Rep. Mast said. “My amendment directs the Administration to report on the goals and benefits of specific military strategies.”
H.R. 1677 directs the Administration to report to Congress on the potential protection to the Syrian people of establishing a no-fly zone.
With the adoption of this amendment, the Administration is directed to include in a report to Congress:

Identifying who the ground forces are in Syria we are partnering with;

The center of gravity for both partners and adversaries;

Their capabilities, requirements and vulnerabilities;

What the Administration’s strategy does to mitigate the vulnerabilities of our partners;

And how success should be measured.

Eastbound I-4 Traffic Shift in Downtown Orlando Set for May 6-7

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A traffic shift of eastbound Interstate 4 (I-4) between South Street and Colonial Drive (State Road 50) is scheduled to take place overnight on Saturday, May 6.
The traffic shift is a major milestone for the I-4 Ultimate project as it shifts I-4 to newly constructed bridges in downtown Orlando. The eastbound I-4 traffic shift will move three lanes onto newly constructed, temporary bridges between eastbound and westbound I-4. An illustration of the eastbound I-4 traffic shift is available online at http://fdot.tips/EBI4shift.
During the traffic shift operation, motorists should expect multiple lane and ramp closures. The eastbound I-4 entrance ramps from westbound State Road 408 and Anderson Street will be closed from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. The eastbound I-4 exit ramp to Amelia Street will be closed from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. View the detour routes at http://fdot.tips/shiftdetours.
The new temporary bridges were constructed because of the lack of right-of-way space in the tight quarters of downtown Orlando. By moving I-4 traffic onto the temporary bridges, it gives I-4 Ultimate construction crews the opportunity to begin demolishing the existing eastbound I-4 bridges and constructing new bridges.
Modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving through the work zone.

Nelson, Rubio call on feds to extend red snapper season

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U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) are urging the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to extend this year’s red snapper season for recreational fishermen. In a letter sent today to NOAA Acting Administrator Benjamin Friedman, the lawmakers cite concerns for angler’s safety and the economic impact such a short season will have on local communities.
“We are writing regarding this week’s announcement that the 2017 Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishing season will be nearly a week shorter than last year’s season,” the senators wrote. “For the anglers, boat captains, and related industries dependent on access to this fishery, this is deeply concerning.”
The lawmakers’ letter comes after NOAA’s recent announcement that the 2017 red snapper recreational fishing season would be just three days long, nearly a full week shorter than last year’s season.
“We ask that you consider incorporating all available reliable data to ensure anglers can safely fish for an appropriate season, which contributes valuable tourism revenue to coastal economies and ensures access to this public resource,” the senators wrote.
Below is the text of the senators’ letter, and here is a signed PDF copy.

May 4, 2017

Mr. Benjamin Friedman
Acting Administrator
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 5128
Washington, DC 20230
Dear Acting Administrator Friedman ,
We are writing regarding this week’s announcement that the 2017 Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishing season will be nearly a week shorter than last year’s season. For the anglers, boat captains, and related industries dependent on access to this fishery, this is deeply concerning.
According to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the 2017 Gulf of Mexico red snapper federal season will be limited to just three days for recreational fishermen and 49 days for charter fishermen. We also understand that NMFS is likely to keep the South Atlantic closed for another season as well.
In years past, we have raised concern that setting a rigid fishing season of consecutive days may put anglers in harm’s way due to Florida’s unpredictable and frequent summer storms. We continue to believe that allowing more flexibility in the season to accommodate dangerous weather would help fishermen avoid hazardous conditions.
Once again, we ask that you consider incorporating all available reliable data to ensure anglers can safely fish for an appropriate season, which contributes valuable tourism revenue to coastal economies and ensures access to this public resource.

Sincerely,

Gov. Scott Visits Boston Whaler During “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tour

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Governor Rick Scott today visited Boston Whaler in Edgewater during his “Fighting for Florida’s Future” tour. Boston Whaler has been manufacturing boats in Florida for over 20 years for customers all over the globe. Two years ago, Enterprise Florida helped the company complete a $10 million expansion that led to the creation of 120 jobs. Boston Whaler has more than tripled in jobs at their Edgewater facility since the end of 2010 and now employs nearly 780 Floridians.

High Profile Business Groups, Solar Advocates Applaud Overwhelming Legislative Vote for Solar Bills

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SB 90 solar implementing bill passed today; onto Governor

The Florida legislature today passed SB 90, legislation that implements Amendment 4, the solar ballot initiative that 73% of voters supported last August. Amendment 4 provides Florida homeowners and businesses an exemption from burdensome property taxes on solar and renewable energy devices. Bills to implement Amendment 4 passed unanimously in both the Senate and House chambers, with support from a broad coalition of business groups, the solar industry, and clean energy advocates. Below are statements from statewide associations and Vote Solar in response to the passage of the legislation.
“Last August, Florida voters called for solar progress in one of the most popular amendments in the Sunshine State’s history,” said Scott Thomasson, Southeast Director at Vote Solar. “We applaud Senator Jeff Brandes and House Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues for their leadership in working with all sides to pass a balanced bill that respects the will of the voters they serve while also protecting customers. Now, it’s up to Governor Rick Scott to honor the voters’ overwhelming support for solar development and deliver on the promise of more jobs and energy choices across Florida.”
“With technological advances, energy opportunities for Floridians are increasing, and now families and job creators will benefit from a targeted tax break on solar panels,” said David Hart, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The Florida Chamber commends Senator Jeff Brandes and lawmakers for helping Florida achieve energy independence while also strengthening Florida’s economy.”
“The Florida Retail Federation commends the legislature for answering the will of the voters and passing SB 90 which implements solar Amendment 4,” said Scott Shalley, President of the Florida Retail Federation. “Thanks to bill sponsors Senator Jeff Brandes and House Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues retailers throughout the Sunshine State will be able to take advantage of this great solar energy policy.”
“A victory lap to the finish line on solar energy today. The Florida legislature passed a bill to implement what 2 million voters called for last election cycle in Amendment 4,” said Julio Fuentes,President of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Our members include more than 604,000 Hispanic owned small businesses who support energy diversity and thank the legislature for their excellent work.”
“Tourism is Florida’s leading industry. Visitors and residents alike, will benefit from the energy savings resulting from the passage of this legislation,” said Richard Turner, General Counsel and Vice President of Government Relations for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “The hospitality industry is excited to support our lawmakers’ smart policies that promote sustainability and diversify our energy grid.”
Republican lawmakers worked closely with clean energy and jobs advocates, including Vote Solar, the Solar Energy Industries Association, Advanced Energy Economy, and The Alliance for Solar Choice, to craft a bill that best serves Florida businesses and residents. The final bill has earned praise from a range of business, consumer and environmental organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, Florida Conservation Voters, and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

House Republicans turn their backs on Floridians

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Below is a statement from Progress Florida Executive Director Mark Ferrulo on today’s U.S. House vote to repeal large portions of the Affordable Care Act:
“Florida’s U.S. Representatives who voted to repeal critical patient and consumer protections in the Affordable Care Act and replace it with Trumpcare have ignored condemnation by health professionals and turned their backs on Florida families. In doing so, they’re shamelessly doling out $600 billion in tax cuts for the very wealthy and big insurance and drug companies.
“Trumpcare will increase health care costs, reduce quality of care, strip coverage from an estimated 24 million Americans and gut protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Adding insult to injury, Trumpcare would exempt Members of Congress from the law.
“Trumpcare is a disaster in the making and literally a death sentence for some Floridians.”

Sen. Bill Nelson statement on House-passed health care bill

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Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on the health care bill that passed in the House earlier today:
“This Republican health care plan will increase costs for older Americans, cut Medicaid and take us back to the days when it was nearly impossible for anyone with a pre-existing condition to get health insurance. This bill takes health care coverage away from tens of millions of people, and I’m not going to support it.”

Florida earns prestigious national recognition by American Council of Trustees and Alumni

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Leading independent nonprofit calls Florida a “Blueprint for
Reform” in new volume focused on higher education efficiency

The American Council of Trustees and Alumni today released its second guide on university best practices, praising the State University System’s success in boosting accountability and efficiency through performance funding and its rigorous program review process.
The guide, Bold Leadership, Real Reform 2.0: Improving Efficiency, Cutting Costs, and Expanding College Opportunity, is a follow-up to the 2015 report, Bold Leadership, Real Reform: Best Practices in University Governance, which also highlights Florida as a national leader for its commitment to performance funding, program efficiency, and distance learning. The new volume follows up on initiatives—some launched at the height of the financial crisis—described in the earlier guide. This series offer suggestions to university trustees on innovative approaches to advance efficiency, accountability, access and quality in higher education.
“The State University System of Florida and its Board of Governors have shown visionary management and leadership as they have navigated a challenging period of rapid changes in higher education,” said Michael B. Poliakoff, president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. “ACTA applauds their efforts to expand educational opportunities while holding the line on costs. These efforts will ensure more deserving students access to a high-quality college education at an affordable price.”
“Florida’s commitment to accountability and efficiency has produced results on everything from graduation and retention to affordability,” said Tom Kuntz, Board of Governors Chair. “It’s wonderful that our state is receiving the national recognition that it deserves.”
The report calls Florida a “blueprint” for other states, praising the Board of Governors for maintaining its commitment to efficiency and reform even after the funding lost during the Great Recession was replenished. The model has resulted in improvements in university graduation and retention rates and more employment success for recent graduates. In fact, performance funding bolstered Florida to the second highest graduation rate out of the 10 largest states.
Additionally, the number of undergraduate degrees in STEM fields has increased by 31 percent and health degrees have grown 52 percent in the past five years. At the university level, several institutions have made demonstrable year-over-year progress. Specifically, the report recognizes Florida Atlantic University for jumping from one of Florida’s lowest-performing universities to a top performer in only one year.
Florida also had a rigorous process for prioritizing academic programs and redirecting funds to areas that better play to each institution’s strengths. Universities terminated 34 degree programs during the 2015-16 academic year, and 46 more have been suspended to assess their future viability.
“The State University System is committed to aligning higher education with the needs of our students and our state, and I’m glad to see that progress recognized,” said Marshall Criser III, State University System chancellor. “This is all about making the best possible choices on how to support our students and provide a return on investment for our taxpayers.”
The recognition comes at the heels of another recent highlight for the State University System. In March, Florida was named the best state for higher education by U.S. News & World Report.

2017 Gulf recreational red snapper state season opens weekends starting May 6

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The 78-day 2017 recreational red snapper season in Gulf of Mexico state waters opens Saturdays and Sundays in May starting May 6. On May 27, the season will open daily through July 9. The season will also reopen for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October, and on Labor Day.
This season will maintain fishing opportunities for recreational anglers in state waters and provide spring, summer and fall fishing options.
The Gulf federal season was recently announced by NOAA Fisheries and will be June 1-3 for private recreational anglers and June 1 through July 19 for federally-permitted charter boats and head boats.
If you plan to fish for red snapper 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 red snapper at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Snappers.”

FDOT Public Hearing for PD&E Study in Polk County

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Polk County: 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.