The University of North Florida was awarded the platinum-level Skin Smart Campus designation by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention and will implement a campus-wide skin cancer prevention initiative this month as part of National Skin Cancer Awareness month.
The Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart Campus Initiative was started in response to the 2014 U.S. Surgeon General’s call to action to prevent skin cancer, which emphasized indoor tanning and unprotected sun exposure as significant health hazards that increase the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the country, with 20 percent of the population likely to develop skin cancer in their lifetime and an annual treatment cost well over $8 million. Even more tragic is that skin cancer is mostly preventable by avoiding indoor tanning and reducing sun exposure,” said Dr. Julie Merten, assistant professor of public health in the Brooks College of Health at UNF.
An Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart Campus demonstrates a commitment to skin cancer prevention and the ongoing health of its students. UNF is committed to keeping indoor tanning machines off campus, educating students, faculty and staff on the dangers of indoor tanning as well as providing sunscreen samples in common University areas.
The universities recognized by this award have demonstrated a commitment to skin cancer prevention and the ongoing health of its students. Platinum-level universities don’t list any off-campus housing that includes indoor tanning as an amenity on the university’s off-campus housing listings website, doesn’t permit any indoor tanning salon to be included as a university-affiliated debit card merchant and provides access to educational programming focusing on the risks of UV exposure and skin cancer prevention practices to students, faculty and staff.
“Many colleges just don’t seem to realize the importance of this issue,” said Dr. Sherry Pagoto, Skin Smart Campus Initiative co-chair. “They don’t view the health hazards for indoor tanning and unprotected sun exposure as significant like they do tobacco.”
Despite the known risks, indoor tanning is common among adolescents and young adults, with 37 percent of white adolescent females and 11 percent of adolescent white males having used indoor tanning facilities at least once in their lifetime. Additionally, early research suggests that indoor tanning has addictive properties, and that the risk of addiction is higher for individuals who begin tanning at an earlier age.
Gov. Scott Kicks Off “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tour at Power Grid Engineering
Governor Rick Scott kicked off his “Fighting for Florida’s Future” tour at Power Grid Engineering, a company specializing in engineering design and consultation for the power systems industry. Power Grid Engineering has added more than 80 new jobs since January 2016 and is headquartered in Lake Mary.
Plan to Reduce Harmful Discharges from Lake Okeechobee Heads to Governor Scott
Legislation Authorizes Major Expansion of Southern Storage
Senate Bill 10, Water Resources, by Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) saw final passage in both the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives today. The legislation will now be sent to Florida Governor Rick Scott. Senate Bill 10 authorizes a significant increase in southern water storage to further the goal of reducing and eventually eliminating harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee, a priority of Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart).
“I promised my constituents that we would dramatically expand southern storage by leveraging existing water infrastructure, and utilizing a combination of state, local, and private land. After twenty years of talking about southern storage, this legislation establishes and fully funds a concrete plan to achieve this critical component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan in a reasonable amount of time,” said President Negron.
Senate Bill 10 expressly prohibits the use of eminent domain, leveraging land already owned by the State of Florida and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), land swaps, and purchases, to minimize impacts on agricultural workers while achieving 240,000 to 360,000 acre feet of storage. The legislation also provides grants to establish training programs for agricultural workers.
“The legislation now advancing to Governor Scott provides a solution to the plague of harmful, polluted discharges and toxic blue-green algae, while making key investments in meaningful economic development to expand workforce training and job opportunities in communities south of the Lake Okeechobee,” said Senator Bradley. “This bill also implements the Constitution by using Amendment 1 funds, funds Florida voters dedicated to improving our environment, to address a critical and ongoing problem that impacts our residents, visitors, business, economy and quality of life.”
“I greatly appreciate the support my colleagues in the Legislature have provided over the last several years as my home community and others across our state have been flooded with billions of gallons of polluted water that destroys our estuaries and harms our local economies. This legislation provides a clear plan to address this plague on our communities in a manner that respects the interests of the agricultural community and private land owners,” continued President Negron.
Senate Bill 10, Water Resources
- Requires the SFWMD to develop a plan to provide a minimum of 240,000 acre-feet of storage through a deep storage reservoir and water quality treatment features, using the A-2 parcel, land swaps, and purchases. The district may consider alternate configurations using the A-1 parcel if a minimum of 360,000 acre-feet of additional storage can be achieved (60,000 acre-feet currently provided by A-1 FEB).
- Requires the SFWMD to use DMSTA2 modeling to determine the amount of acreage needed in order to meet water quality standards.
- Directs the SFWMD to negotiate modifications of lease terms on state and district owned lands to make land available for the reservoir project.
- Directs SFWMD to negotiate for the acquisition of privately-owned property, if needed for the reservoir project, through purchase or land swap.
- The bill terminates the current PRIDE work programs, on state owned land using inmate labor for agricultural work, in light of the high unemployment rate in the EAA for these types of jobs. This land would then be available to swap for any privately-owned land needed for the reservoir project, further minimizing any impact on agricultural workers in the EAA.
- Establishes a number of timelines for achieving milestones for approval of the post?authorization change report and requires reporting to the Legislature.
- Moves up the date for the EAA reservoir project planning study to commence if the post-authorization report is not submitted for Congressional approval, or Congressional approval is not obtained in accordance with the time frames in the bill.
- Clarifies that ongoing Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects will continue to receive funding.
- Authorizes the district to begin planning and discussion with the owners of the C-51 Reservoir project to determine if the state should acquire or enter into a public private partnership for this water storage facility that will add approximately 60,000 acre?feet of storage south of the Lake.
- Establishes the Everglades Restoration Agricultural Community Training Program in DEO for the purpose of stimulating and supporting training and employment programs, to match state and local training programs with identified job skills associated with non-agricultural employment opportunities in areas of high agricultural unemployment. The bill expresses the Legislature’s intent to promote the implementation of the Airglades Airport in Hendry County and an inland port in Palm Beach County to create job opportunities in areas of high agricultural unemployment.
- Establishes a revolving loan fund to provide funding assistance to local governments and water supply entities for the development and construction of water storage facilities.
- Revises the uses of the Water Protection and Sustainability Program Trust Fund to include the water storage facility revolving loan program.
- Provides funding for the reservoir projects, including an authorization to bond funds from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund (LATF). The total cost is approximately $1.5 billion, half of which could be paid by the federal government. The bill includes an appropriation of $64 million from the LATF for the 2017-18 Fiscal Year.
- Allows for funds not spent on the reservoir projects to be used for other Everglades Restoration projects as provided in Legacy Florida.
Background:
Record rainfall this past year resulted in unseasonably high water levels in Lake Okeechobee, which threatened the integrity of the Herbert Hoover Dike. To maintain safe water levels, the Army Corps of Engineers authorized the release of billions of gallons of water from the Lake to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers. Such freshwater discharges cause significant environmental damage by lowering the salinity levels of the estuaries and introducing pollutants into coastal waters. Due to the discharges this summer, massive amounts of toxic algae that originated in Lake Okeechobee were sent to the estuaries and coastal waterways.
As a result of the high volume discharges, coastal communities experienced enormous harmful algal blooms with devastating impacts not only to the ecology of local waterways, but also to residents, fishermen, and local businesses. The extent and severity of the blooms resulted in Governor Scott declaring a state of emergency in four Florida counties.
Nelson calls for second passport agency in Florida
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) is calling on the State Department to open a second passport agency in Florida.
The move comes after extensive water damage forced the Miami Passport Agency to close suddenly last week. As a result, travelers looking to obtain or renew their passports at the Miami office are now being told to visit offices in Atlanta or New Orleans instead.
“The sudden closure of the Miami Passport Agency remains an inconvenience to Floridians and further underscores the need for a second passport agency in the state,” Nelson wrote in a letter today to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
Nelson went on to point out that while states like California and Texas each have three passport offices, Florida – the third most populous state in the nation – has only one.
“To better serve the people of Florida and the millions of travelers who come to our state each year, I strongly urge you to open a second passport agency in Florida as soon as possible,” Nelson concluded.
Following is the full text of Nelson’s letter, and a PDF is available here:
May 2, 2017
The Honorable Rex W. Tillerson
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Tillerson:
I appreciate your department’s efforts to assist travelers affected by the unexpected closure of the Miami Passport Agency. I understand that limited passport services are now available at three temporary locations in the Miami area while the State Department works to fully re-open the Miami agency.
The sudden closure of the Miami Passport Agency remains an inconvenience to Floridians and further underscores the need for a second passport agency in the state.
At the time of the accident, there were more than 7,000 applications in process and 177 passports printed and ready to be picked up at the Miami Passport Agency. And now, because Florida has only one passport agency in the state, Floridians are forced to travel – on short notice and at their own personal expense – to the next nearest agencies in Atlanta and New Orleans.
Even before the Miami agency closed, there was considerable demand for passport services in Florida. Travelers often have to wait two to three weeks for an appointments at their local post office or county clerks’ office just to apply for a passport.
While states like California and Texas have three passport offices and New York has two, Florida – the third most populous state in the nation – has only one. To better serve the people of Florida and the millions of travelers who come to our state each year, I strongly urge you to open a second passport agency in Florida as soon as possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mast Statement on Passage of S.B. 10
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) released the following statement after final passage of S.B. 10 in the Florida Senate and House:
“As I talk to people in our community, the one issue that keeps them up at night more than any other is the lack of clean, safe water in our area. Our waterways are irreplaceable treasures, central to the economy and quality of life in our region. The water being discharged by Lake Okeechobee into the Treasure Coast is destroying our community, putting people out of business, killing sea life and even making people sick. The Florida legislature’s commitment to building a reservoir south of the lake is a critical step forward in our work to restore our lagoon and beaches. I urge Governor Scott to sign this bill, and in my role as Vice Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, I will do everything in my power to ensure the federal government matches Florida’s commitment to clean water.”
BACKGROUND
Rep. Mast has been a strong supporter of efforts to build a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Army Corps of Engineers.
ICYMI: Fox-13 Tampa Bay: “WATCH: Workers' comp fraud caught on tape”
“WATCH: Workers’ comp fraud caught on tape”
Fox-13 Tampa Bay
Story by Sorboni Banerjee
For full story and video, click HERE.
People faking an injury to get a big payout from workers’ compensation: It’s a problem you could be paying for.
Several bills addressing changes to Florida’s workers’ compensation system were filed this legislative session as businesses here face a nearly 15-percent rate increase, and fraud could play a role in rates rising over time.
…
Florida Education Foundation and Blue Man Group Partner to Offer Special Ticket Prices for Fla Teachers
To thank Florida teachers for their hard work and dedication to Florida’s students, the Florida Education Foundation and Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando have again joined forces to offer Florida teachers discounted tickets for Blue Man Group performances. Additionally, for every adult ticket purchased, Blue Man Group will donate $2 to the Florida Education Foundation.
“The Florida Education Foundation supports the department’s efforts to help ensure Florida’s 2.7 million students have the greatest chance at lifelong success. We are thrilled that this collaboration will reward our state’s teachers for their invaluable contributions while enabling us to continue our student-focused work.” said Florida Education Foundation Chair Connie Smith.
Beginning April 17, Florida public school teachers can purchase Blue Man Group adult tickets at a discounted rate for performances between June 26 and August 13, 2017.
“Florida’s teachers work hard every day to make sure students have every opportunity for academic success and become the leaders of tomorrow,” said Ola Wawryn, Resident General Manager, Blue Man Group. “We are honored to partner with the Florida Education Foundation in support of our teachers while giving back to education in our great state.”
“As the 2017 Florida Teacher of the Year, I am very excited to work with Blue Man Group and help promote this great cause for our state’s educators,” said Jessica Solano. “The Blue Man show is an inspirational and entertaining convergence of science, technology and the arts. Florida’s teachers work tirelessly in our community and this is a great way to give back to them by offering a discount to attend a great show put on by Blue Man Group.”
To take advantage of this opportunity, educators should visit the Just For Teachers Community for the link to purchase tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office with a pay stub or school name badge proving employment. For questions about this offer, call 407-BLUEMAN (407-258-3626).
Blue Man Group engages audiences with their unique combination of animated comedy, energetic music and stunning theatrics performed live in a playful atmosphere. After enjoying the Blue Man Group performance, educators can also visit select Universal CityWalk venues for free with the presentation of their Blue Man Group ticket stub.
About the Florida Education Foundation
The Florida Education Foundation promotes and supports academic excellence for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in Florida. The Foundation recognizes outstanding teachers and educational contributors, develops strategic alliances with business organizations and advances statewide educational initiatives. For more information, visit www.floridaeducationfoundation.org.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
ICYMI: Trumbull Applauds Final Passage of Triumph Gulf Coast Bill
House Bill 7077, which ensures the Panhandle receives 75 percent of
the BP settlement money, now heads to Governor Scott for his signature.
State Representative Jay Trumbull today released the statement below following passage of the Triumph Gulf Coast legislation, House Bill 7077:
“I am very pleased the Senate moved in the right direction and the good people of the Panhandle will finally get what they deserve for the damage done by the devastating Deepwater Horizon spill seven years ago. This bill ensures the lion’s share of the BP settlement money will go directly to the eight counties most impacted by the disaster, and it includes important provisions to make sure the funds are distributed equitably and transparently.
“It has been an honor to work with my colleagues across the Panhandle as Chair of the Select Committee on Triumph Gulf Coast, and I appreciate their hard work on this issue. I look forward to Governor Scott signing this important bill into law, and I look forward to continuing to work with the stakeholders in our community to put these dollars to work for the hardworking men and women of the entire Panhandle.”
About Jay Trumbull for State Representative
Born and raised in Panama City, Florida, Jay Trumbull Jr. graduated from Bay High School and then from Auburn University with a degree in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship. The Trumbull family has been in the bottled water and water conditioning business for over 4 generations and owns 6 Culligan dealerships in Panama City; Ft. Walton; Dothan, Alabama; Mobile, Alabama; Tifton, Georgia; and Americus, Georgia. Jay started out driving a truck for the first 2 years and then later became a part of the dealer management team. Jay is active in local business community organizations, including the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. Jay married his high school sweetheart, Brittany Fishel. They are members of the First United Methodist Church of Panama City and are both active in the community.
ON THE WEB: www.jaytrumbull.com
Paid by Jay Trumbull, Republican, for State Representative
CRC Announces Public Hearing at Hillsborough Community College
MEDIA ADVISORY
The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) invites all interested Floridians to participate in a public hearing at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) on Wednesday, May 17 beginning at 5:00 PM.
Members of the media wishing to attend are asked to bring their press credentials. The event will also be live-streamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org.
WHAT: Public hearing of the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC)
WHEN: Wednesday, May 17, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 4:00 PM)
*End time is tentative depending upon attendance and public interest in speaking before the CRC. All Floridians wishing to speak before the CRC will be given an opportunity to be heard.
WHERE: Hillsborough Community College
Dale Mabry Campus
DSTU Auditorium, Room 111 (Student Services Building)
4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33614-7820
GOOGLE MAP LINK
Individuals requiring an accommodation to participate in this public hearing (such as a sign language interpreter) are requested to notify the Constitution Revision Commission five days prior to the scheduled meeting date at [email protected] or 850.717.9550.
Legislation to Keep BP Oil Funds in Northwest Florida Passes Unanimously
Legislation passed by Senate and House now heads to Governor Scott
The Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives have unanimously passed House Bill 7077, Gulf Coast Economic Corridor. The legislation, sponsored by Senator George Gainer (R-Panama City), Senator Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola), and Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee), will ensure funds received in the settlement of the state’s economic damage claims caused by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill remain in Northwest Florida’s eight disproportionately affected counties.
“Settlement funds represent a historic opportunity for our communities. We need to make certain that not only the currently-held settlement payments, but also all future settlement payments are transferred directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, where we know they will be used to ensure the ongoing economy recovery of Northwest Florida,” said Senator Gainer. “I am pleased to see this legislation advance to Governor Scott with provisions that ensure we take into account feedback from local governments in the eight disproportionately affected counties.”
The eight Florida counties disproportionately affected by the Deepwater Horizon Spill include: Bay, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Wakulla Counties.
The initial settlement payment was received by the state in July of 2016, and future payments are scheduled to be paid annually from 2019 through 2033. Under current law, the eight counties are to receive 75 percent of all economic damage settlement funds received by the state. House Bill 7077 immediately appropriates the initial settlement payment to Triumph Gulf Coast, and releases future settlement payments, received on or after July 1, 2017, directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, no later than 30 days after they are received by the state.
“Triumph Gulf Coast will develop a comprehensive economic improvement plan for Northwest Florida to ensure that our communities benefit from these funds now and in the future. In keeping with the initial Senate position on this critical legislation, the bill makes it clear that settlement funds should be transferred directly to Triumph Gulf Coast,” said Senator Broxson. “We have waited for far too long, and now is the time to transfer these funds back to Florida’s Panhandle.”
“This legislation is very important to our constituents. Families and businesses across Northwest Florida have been counting on us to get this right. They expect current and future settlement funds to benefit our disproportionately affected counties, and they want to see progress as soon as possible,” said Senator Montford. “For the better part of the last decade, our communities have been feeling the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. This legislation affirms our longstanding commitment to keep these critical funds in Northwest Florida, and I am pleased to see it unanimously pass the Senate today.”
The legislation requires each board of county commissioners in the eight counties to solicit proposed projects and programs from other elected local governing boards within the county and provide Triumph Gulf Coast with a list of proposed projects and programs located within its county. The submitted list must include projects and programs submitted by other elected local governing boards and recommendations by the board of county commissioners. Triumph Gulf Coast must allocate at least five percent of the initial $300 million to projects and programs in each county, and must allocate at least four percent of future settlement funds to projects and programs in each county. Remaining funds are unrestricted can be appropriated at the discretion of Triumph Gulf Coast, provided they meet other legal requirements.
Currently, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Chief Financial Officer, each appoint one board member. House Bill 7077 expands the number of board members from five to seven. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives will each appoint an additional private sector member from one of the four least populous disproportionately affected counties, so that two such counties are represented on the board. All employees and board members appointed after July 1, 2017, are subject to a six-year lobbying ban.
Background
In 2013, the Legislature created Triumph Gulf Coast to ensure economic damage settlement funds coming to the state would both benefit the eight disproportionately affected counties and be properly accounted for. The Triumph Gulf Coast Board is tasked to make awards to programs and projects that meet the priorities for economic recovery, diversification, and enhancement of the disproportionately affected counties. The corporation is required to abide by the state’s public record laws and public meeting notice requirements.
