Carlos Beruff, the chairman of the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), announced that Will Spicola, who currently serves as Governor Rick Scott’s General Counsel, will serve as the General Counsel for the CRC beginning on April 17. The General Counsel is responsible for serving the legal needs of the Commission.
CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “Will Spicola brings tremendous value to this historic process. Will has had an extensive career serving Florida families in various positions in state government and as the General Counsel for Governor Rick Scott. His expertise and guidance will help ensure the CRC proposes meaningful amendments to our state’s constitution that reflect the issues that matter most to Florida families and businesses.”
Will Spicola, said, “Joining the CRC team is an honor and a tremendous opportunity. I look forward to working with Chairman Beruff and the Commission on this historic journey to review and revise Florida’s Constitution.”
Spicola has served in the Governor’s Office as General Counsel since April 2016. Previously, he served as the General Counsel at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) from January 2015 to April 2016. He has also served in other roles throughout DPBR including Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco and the Chief Attorney in the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering. From 2012 to 2013, Spicola worked as a Senior Attorney at the Office of Insurance Regulation. Spicola also served as an Assistant State Attorney in the 2nd Judicial Circuit of Florida. He earned his bachelor’s and law degree from the University of Florida.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION
Once every twenty years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a thirty-seven member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Commission meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research, and possibly recommending changes to the Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the Commission would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. For additional information, visit FLCRC.GOV. Follow the CRC on Twitter @FloridaCRC and like the CRC on Facebook @FloridaCRC.
Two more arrested in Medicaid fraud scheme
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrests of Danielle Richardson, 42, and Vickram Thakur, 50, in connection to a Medicaid fraud scheme. Richardson and Thakur are former employees of DS Connections, Inc., a targeted case management company headquartered in Winter Park, with offices in Clermont and Tallahassee. These two arrests are the ninth and tenth arrests of former DS Connections employees since January 2015 for Medicaid fraud.
According to the MFCU investigation, Richardson and Thakur caused thousands of dollars in unauthorized targeted case management services to be billed to the state’s Medicaid program.
Thakur is charged with one count of scheme to defraud less than $20,000. If convicted, Thakur faces up to five years in prison and $15,000 in fines and restitution. Richardson is charged with 10 counts of grand theft. If convicted, Richardson faces up to a hundred years in prison and $75,000 in fines and restitution.
The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute this case through an agreement with the State Attorney’s Office for the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida. The MFCU investigation is ongoing and more arrests are probable.
For more information about the previous arrests, click here, here and here.
The Florida Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates and prosecutes providers that intentionally defraud the state’s Medicaid program through fraudulent billing practices. Medicaid fraud essentially steals from Florida’s taxpayers. From Jan. 2011 to the present, Attorney General Bondi’s MFCU has obtained more than $689 million in settlements and judgments. Additionally, the MFCU investigates allegations of patient abuse, neglect, and exploitation in facilities receiving payments under the Medicaid program.
Governor Rick Scott honors more than 100 veterans with Governor’s Veterans Service Medal
Governor Rick Scott today awarded 108 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to Florida and the nation.
Governor Scott said, “It’s an honor to recognize these brave men and women for their service to our state and country. We must take every opportunity to express our gratitude and thank our service members for their courage and sacrifice.”
The Governor highlighted the following Florida veterans at today’s ceremony:
Tech 4 Thomas Nelson Fagon
Thomas Fagon joined the United States Army in 1942 and deployed to the Philippines in 1945. While serving in the 573rd Field Artillery Battalion, Tom monitored the repair of vehicles and battle equipment. His service has been recognized with the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Victory Medal.
Shipfitter 1st Class William Logan
William Logan joined the United States Navy in 1942 and served during World War II. He participated in two North Africa invasions leading to the severing of German Officer Erwin Rommel’s supply lines, which is considered a turning point in the war. William traveled with his battalion to support invasions in Italy and Normandy. During his three years of active service, William was honored with five meritorious accommodations.
Staff Sergeant Leon Hesser
Leon Hesser began his service to the country in 1942 as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. During World War II, Leon supported efforts in the Philippines and the Pacific, and was discharged from Japan in 1946, shortly after the war ended. His honors include the Combat Infantry Badge and the Combat Medics Badge.
UWF named by NSA as National Center of Academic Excellence Cybersecurity Regional Resource Center for Southeast region
Students gain hands-on experience in the UWF Cybersecurity Battle Lab
The University of West Florida has been named by the National Security Agency as the National Center Academic of Excellence Cybersecurity Regional Resource Center for the Southeastern region. In this role, the UWF Center for Cybersecurity will provide leadership to advance cyber defense education among colleges and universities in the region and support new and existing CAE institutions.
UWF will serve as the CAE Regional Resource Center for all institutions of higher education in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. The University will receive a nearly $200,000 grant and will work with the NSA CAE Program Office and other regional and national hubs across the country to enhance cybersecurity education and expand the CAE Program across the nation.
“This prestigious designation recognizes the excellent and innovative programs offered by the UWF Center for Cybersecurity,” UWF President Martha D. Saunders said. “Our selection as a regional resource center recognizes the leadership role that Dr. Eman El-Sheikh and her team have taken in this vital area. UWF has developed a number of partnerships with key players in the field of cybersecurity that prepare our students for successful careers.”
The CAE-Cyber Defense Program Office named six CAE institutions to serve as CAE Regional Resource Centers, as well as four CAE National Resource Centers and four CAE Consultation Resource Centers across the nation.
In May 2016, the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security designated UWF as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. The National Centers of Academic Excellence program seeks to reduce vulnerability in the nation’s information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and increasing the number of professionals with cyber defense expertise.
“We are honored to serve as the CAE Regional Resource Center for the Southeast,” said Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, UWF Center for Cybersecurity director. “Building on our successes and partnerships, UWF will lead efforts to advanced cybersecurity education and expand the cybersecurity workforce. We will work to increase the number of CAE designated institutions in the Southeast and also provide support and resources to existing CAE institutions.
“This will include cybersecurity program development support, faculty professional development activities, and enhancing research and education collaborations among Southeast institutions. Our mission is highly rewarding: build a strong cybersecurity community to advance education, workforce development and innovation in the Southeast and nationally.”
For more information about the National Centers of Academic Excellence Program, jointly sponsored by the NSA and DHS, please visit https://niccs.us-cert.gov/formal-education/national-centers-academic-excellence-cae.
The UWF Center for Cybersecurity is the regional hub for cybersecurity education and research, including multidisciplinary programs and certificates, research opportunities, outreach activities, and industry partnerships. To learn more about the UWF Center for Cybersecurity, visit uwf.edu/cybersecurity.
Sanders and Perez Announce "Come Together and Fight Back" Tour
Senator Bernie Sanders, DNC Chair Tom Perez and other Democratic Party leaders will be traveling to nine “red” and “purple” states starting on April 17th. Along with local activists they are tentatively scheduled to hold rallies in Maine, Kentucky, Florida, Nebraska, Utah, Montana, Arizona and Nevada. More information will be released in the coming days. The purpose of their trip is to begin the process of creating a Democratic Party which is strong and active in all 50 states, and a party which focuses on grassroots activism and the needs of working families.
Sanders and Perez stated: “At a time of massive income and wealth inequality and a shrinking middle class, we need a government which represents all Americans, not just Wall Street, multi-national corporations and the top 1 percent. Regardless of where they live or their political affiliations, most people understand that it is absurd for Republicans in Congress to support huge tax breaks for billionaires while pushing for cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. They understand that the recent Republican health care proposal which would have thrown 24 million Americans off of their health insurance, substantially raised premiums for older workers and defunded Planned Parenthood while, at the same time, providing almost $300 billion in tax breaks to the top 2 percent is a disgraceful idea.”
Sanders and Perez will speak out for raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, pay equity for women, rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, combatting climate change, making public colleges and universities tuition-free, criminal justice reform, comprehensive immigration reform and tax reform which demands that the wealthy and large corporations start paying their fair share of taxes.
Three weeks left to win more with Florida Lottery's EZMATCH promotion
With just three weeks remaining in the Florida Lottery’s limited-time EZmatch™ promotion, time is running out for players to enjoy higher prize payouts, including a top prize of $1,000 – double the regular top prize of $500! Since the promotion began on Monday, March 20, more than 274,000 EZmatch players have won more than $1.8 million in instant cash prizes.
In addition to the EZmatch top prize being doubled, this promotion increases the second prize from $250 to $500, and the minimum prize is increased to $5, up from $2 throughout the entire promotion. The Lottery’s EZmatchpromotion will end at midnight on Sunday, April 30, 2017.
EZmatch is an add-on feature that gives FANTASY 5 and LUCKY MONEY players the opportunity to win cash prizes instantly, for an additional $1 per play. When a player adds EZmatch to his or her FANTASY 5 or LUCKY MONEY purchase, five EZmatch numbers and instant prize amounts will be printed on the ticket. If any of the EZmatch numbers match any of the FANTASY 5 or LUCKY MONEY numbers on the ticket, the player instantly wins the prize amount shown. Players can win up to five times on a single ticket. More than 72 million EZmatch winners have won over $255 million in cash prizes, since the feature was first introduced in 2006.
All EZmatch prizes of less than $600 may be redeemed at any Florida Lottery retailer. Prizes of $600 or more must be claimed at a Florida Lottery district office. If an EZmatch prize is paid by a retailer before the applicable FANTASY 5 or LUCKY MONEY drawing on the ticket has occurred, a continuation ticket will be provided to the player. EZmatch prizes may be claimed up to 180 days after the first draw date on the ticket. More information about this promotion, or any Florida Lottery game, is available at www.flalottery.com.
FANTASY 5 drawings are held seven days a week, at 11:15 p.m., ET and LUCKY MONEY drawings are held Tuesday and Friday nights at 11:15 p.m., ET. Florida Lottery drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state and are available for viewing on the Florida Lottery website. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery website, at retailers statewide and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater to Host Annual Fire Service Awards
MEDIA ADVISORY
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater will present the annual Florida Fire Service Awards during a reception hosted Monday, April 10, at 5:30 p.m. on the 22nd floor of the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee. This annual ceremony rewards and honors those in the fire services community who have shown excellence in their profession.
On Tuesday April 11, the CFO will host a traditional “Ringing of the Bell” ceremony before the Cabinet meeting. The ceremony honors firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Award recipients will be recognized during the Cabinet meeting.
Monday, April 10
WHO: CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater
WHAT: Annual Fire Service Awards Reception
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: 22nd Floor of the Florida Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida
Tuesday, April 11
WHAT: “Ringing of the Bell” Ceremony
WHEN: 8:35 a.m. EST
WHERE: Florida Capitol Courtyard
This year’s award recipients represent fire service organizations across Florida. The winners are:
- Darrel Donatto, Fire Chief of the Year – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
- Ryan Gallik, Career Firefighter of the Year & Fire Service Instructor of the Year – St. Cloud Fire Rescue
- James “David” Dietz, Forestry Firefighter of the Year – Florida Forest Service; Chipola Forestry Center
- Ted Ross, Fire Marshal of the Year – Tice Fire District
- Jackie de la Osa, Fire Inspector of the Year – North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District
- Keith Tyson, Professional Firefighter of the Year – Vice President of Education Research and Outreach for Florida Cancer Support Network
- Brock Dietz, Fire Investigator of the Year – Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office, Tallahassee Field Office
- Earl Gray, Volunteer Firefighter of the Year – Highland Lakes Fire Department
- Robert Lemons, Fire and Life Safety Public Educator of the Year – Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services
- Fire Academy of the South, Training Center of the Year – Florida State College at Jacksonville
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater, a statewide elected official, oversees the Department of Financial Services, serves as Florida’s State Fire Marshal, and is a member of the Florida Cabinet. CFO Atwater’s priorities include fighting financial fraud, abuse and waste in government; reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses; and providing transparency and accountability in spending.
“Compromise” Workers’ Comp Proposal Is Nothing But a Handout to Insurance Industry
Florida Justice Association Criticizes Amended HB 7085
The so-called “compromise” workers’ compensation proposal embraced by a House committee last week is no compromise at all, but instead is a handout to the insurance industry and its big-business allies – one that does little to benefit injured workers or most employers. The Florida Justice Association says the plan wipes out countless injured workers’ ability to afford legal help when insurance companies wrongfully deny benefits, without providing other new benefits to offset this added burden.
“We’re extremely disappointed in the workers’ compensation proposal passed by the Florida House Commerce Committee. The revised HB 7085 severely limits an injured worker’s ability to achieve the real goal of the Florida’s worker’s compensation system: To help them get well quickly and return to their job,” said Richard Chait, Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Florida Justice Association.
Chait said any workers’ compensation reform should include some opportunity for injured workers to select their doctors; a mid-level tier for benefits; transparency and competition in the rate-making process; and reasonable attorney fees so injured workers can have access to the courts.
“The eventual outcome of the current approach will be that more injured workers will receive inadequate health care treatment to help them recover. Injured workers will be hard-pressed to return to work with their employer, and this will put an additional drain on government social programs,” added Chait. “In the end, the burden for those costs will be shouldered by Florida taxpayers.”
Current workers’ compensation law has been roundly criticized for being tilted in favor of insurance interests over injured workers, and key components of the law have been ruled unconstitutional. The law forbids injured workers from bringing liability suits against their employers. The “grand bargain” between workers and their employers is intended to provide medical and other benefits to make those injured well and return them to work with minimal involvement from other interests.
The proposed legislation allows insurers to continue choosing injured workers’ doctors and to determine whether to grant or deny benefits recommended by those doctors. It also limits attorneys’ fees when those benefits are wrongfully denied. Attorneys representing insurance companies have no limitations on their own fees or the number of hours they can charge, win or lose, while the injured person’s attorney can be paid only if they successfully prove the benefits were wrongfully denied.
“The bill in its current form misses an opportunity to enact true, balanced, and comprehensive reform to make the system better for injured workers,” Chait added. “The only people smiling about this proposal are the corporate and insurance special interests who received a windfall at the expense of workers.”
ICYMI: 500 Floridians Attend CRC Public Hearings in South Florida
The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) held public hearings in South Florida on April 6 in Miami at Florida International University (FIU) and on April 7 in Boca Raton at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) as part of its, “Floridians Speak, We Listen” statewide tour. Approximately 500 Floridians attended the hearings. At FIU, more than 85 individual Floridians requested to speak before the CRC and more than 200 attended the hearing. At FAU, more than 100 individual Floridians requested to speak before the CRC and more than 300 attended the hearing. Both hearings lasted longer than three hours and extended past the noticed end times. All Floridians who attended the public hearings and wanted to speak were given an opportunity to be heard by the CRC.
To watch both public hearings, visit The Florida Channel’s website which has a page dedicated to all CRC public hearings and meetings. A complete transcript of the public hearings 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, April 12, at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee beginning at 5:00 PM. Visit FLCRC.GOV for the schedule of confirmed public hearings. Floridians can also receive updates by following the CRC on Twitter (@FloridaCRC) and on Facebook (@FloridaCRC).
Floridians make their voices heard at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami.
(Photo by CRC.)
Floridians make their voices heard at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton.
(Photo by CRC.)
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION
Once every twenty years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a thirty-seven member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Commission meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research, and possibly recommending changes to the Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the Commission would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. For additional information, visit FLCRC.GOV. Follow the CRC on Twitter @FloridaCRC and like the CRC on Facebook @FloridaCRC.
Sachs Media Group Named No. 1 Public Affairs and Environmental PR Firm in Florida
Among Top 100 in U.S.
Sachs Media Group deepened its status as Florida’s dominant public affairs communications firm by earning from O’Dwyer’s the prestigious No. 1 ranking in Florida and the Southeast for Public Affairs and Environmental PR. The rankings by the nationally respected organization also place Sachs Media Group among the top 10 firms in the nation for that same category, reflecting record-breaking earnings in the firm’s 21st year.
Other highlights of 2017 O’Dwyer’s rankings for Sachs Media Group include:
- No. 3 in Florida in Travel and Economic Development, the firm’s highest ranking yet for this category
- No. 3 in Florida for Professional Services
- No. 4 in Florida and among the top 100 in the nation overall
Headquartered blocks away from Florida’s state Capitol, Sachs Media Group has enjoyed unprecedented success on behalf of public affairs clients across the political spectrum, producing exceptional outcomes on statewide, regional, and national issues. The firm’s public affairs work has been widely recognized, most recently with a coveted Gold Pollie Award from the American Association of Political Consultants, the industry’s highest public affairs honor at the national and international levels.
“The communications industry is in a constant state of rapid change – and to be most effective today, tactics need to pivot to develop, deliver, and define the best path for optimal results,” said Ron Sachs, founder and CEO of Sachs Media Group. “With a broad spectrum of talent and skills under one roof, we have made a passionate commitment to meeting and exceeding the expectations of our clients, and are proud that our efforts have been recognized in this way.”
These honors for Sachs Media Group follow a 25.6 percent growth in the agency’s revenues from 2015 to 2016. This was a year of record-breaking revenue, with public affairs work accounting for one-third of all billings by the firm.
Sachs Media Group is the go-to strategic communications partner for mid- to large- sized corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations with high-stakes challenges. Based in Florida with national reach, we’ve perfected the art and science of promoting issues, brands, and services. We believe in insight-informed strategy – doing the right things to reach the right audiences and achieve the right outcomes, measuring success the way our clients do. Headquartered in Tallahassee, with offices in Orlando, Boca Raton, and Washington, D.C., our award-winning team has the experience, specialized skills, and bandwidth to treat your issue as a top priority. For more information, visit www.sachsmedia.com.
