Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Contributor

Contributor

LeadingAge Florida, FLiCRA, and Nursing Home Advocates to Gather to Urge Caution with Proposed PPS Plan

Posted on

MEDIA ADVISORY:

WHO: Steve Bahmer, President & CEO of LeadingAge Florida
Kip Corriveau, Director of Mission at Bon Secours
St. Petersburg Health System
Rob Goldstein, Chief Executive Officer of Menorah Manor
Ramsey Geyer, Westminster Woods resident,
FLiCRA Executive Committee member
WHAT: LeadingAge Florida, FLiCRA, & Nursing Home Advocates to Gather to Urge Caution with Proposed PPS Plan
WHERE: Room 333, The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
WHEN: Wednesday, April 5, 2017
8:30 a.m. EDT
WHY: LeadingAge Florida, FLiCRA, and nursing home advocates oppose the Prospective Payment System model that was included in the budget recommendation adopted by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, which will be taken up by the full Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, April 5, 2017.
This would negatively affect high-quality nursing homes, threatening the quality of care that is currently delivered by Florida’s nursing homes and devastating many of the state’s four- and five-star providers. This proposal directly impacts Florida’s seniors and could adversely affect the quality of life of residents. The funding in the Senate budget shifts resources from high-quality nursing home communities to primarily lower-quality facilities; under the plan 152 four and five star nursing homes take drastic funding hits while 97 one and two star facilities receive additional funding. This proposal would shift $44 million from care to property.
ABOUT LEADINGAGE FLORIDA
For 54 years, LeadingAge Florida has served as an association of more than 250 mission-driven communities, including many of the highest rated nursing homes affected by the plan inserted into the Senate budget. LeadingAge Florida is proud to serve quality leaders who devote themselves to creating a culture of excellence that motivates and inspires others throughout the aging continuum. LeadingAge Florida’s members are trusted with providing quality care and services to Florida’s seniors. LeadingAge Florida promotes practices that support, enable and empower people to live fully as they age.
ABOUT FLiCRA
Florida Life Care Residents Association (FLiCRA) is a statewide non-profit association of residents living in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). Under the leadership of volunteer residents and a dedicated staff in Tallahassee, FLiCRA is a recognized voice before the legislature and state regulatory agencies. The mission of FLiCRA is to promote and protect the rights of the 30,000 residents who live in CCRC’s. FLiCRA accomplishes its mission through its relationship with legislators and state agencies.

Students to Make Safety Pledge for Work Zone Awareness

Posted on

4.3.2017 work zone awareness
A group of young students at Volusia Pines Elementary School in Lake Helen will be the first students in Central Florida to take the safety pledge as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) staff members will visit the school on Tuesday, April 4, at 9 a.m., to offer a special program promoting safety around road construction.
The students will hear some safety tips from the FDOT Project Manager for the I-95 Major Interchange project and have an opportunity to draw what’s most important to them as a reminder that we all have something that drives us to arrive home safely. The students will receive a special Safety Pledge sticker and other items as part of the activity.
Media will have an opportunity to interview with students of Volusia Pines Elementary, FDOT Project Manager Brad Bauknecht, and FDOT Public Information Officer Jessica Ottaviano. The school is located at 500 East Kicklighter Road, Lake Helen, FL 32744. Please check in at the front office.
“With so much road construction going on throughout Central Florida, we want everyone to be aware of how important it is to be safe in those areas,” said Brad Bauknecht, FDOT I-95 Major Interchange Project Manager. “These students are future drivers and current passengers who can help remind us to slow down and pay attention so that everyone arrives home safely.”
The FDOT expects to offer the safety program in schools in Osceola and Brevard counties later in the school year.
The 2017 National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 3-7 and aims to remind all drivers that “Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands.” In Central Florida, FDOT is urging drivers to also consider what’s at stake by asking, ‘What Drives You?”
The National Safety Council reports in its 2017 edition of “Injury Facts” that there were 35,500 injuries from work zone crashes in 2015.
The FDOT urges all drivers to slow down, stay alert to changing conditions and warning signs, obey the posted speed limit, and keep a safe distance between vehicles. Drivers may participate in the safety campaign via social media by sharing what drives them to stay safe using the hashtag #WhatDrivesYou.

St. Petersburg woman claims $13 million FLORIDA LOTTO jackpot

Posted on

The Florida Lottery announces that Joanne Powell, of St. Petersburg, claimed the $13 million FLORIDA LOTTO® jackpot from the drawing held on March 15, 2017.

“My husband and I have been buying our FLORIDA LOTTO tickets at the same Publix since 2002,” Powell said. “We heard they had recently sold a winning ticket, and checked the numbers in the newspaper while out to breakfast. We couldn’t believe our luck when we discovered the winning numbers matched our ticket!”

Powell chose to receive the winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $8,675,247.98. The jackpot-winning FLORIDA LOTTO Quick Pick ticket was purchased from Publix, located at 5577 Park Street North in St. Petersburg. The retailer received a bonus commission of $65,000 for selling the jackpot-winning FLORIDA LOTTO ticket. Total ticket sales for this jackpot generated more than $11 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).

The next FLORIDA LOTTO drawing will be held Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at 11:15 p.m. ET, with a $7 million jackpot. FLORIDA LOTTO drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Drawings are also 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.

ICYMI: USA TODAY: Republicans cannot give up on health care: Rick Scott

Posted on

Republicans cannot give up on health care: Rick Scott
USA TODAY
Governor Rick Scott
April 3, 2017
…
While efforts like tax reform are important to strengthening our national economy, our country will never see the kind of growth we need as long as Obamacare is in place. Our businesses and entrepreneurs will never fully thrive as long as they are burdened by the costs of Obamacare. Washington needs to stop worrying about getting a grand bargain done, and start delivering on their promise to help American families by repealing Obamacare
…
Read full Op-Ed on USA TODAY HERE.

Chairman Beruff Announces Updates to CRC Public Hearing Schedule in South Florida

Posted on

Public hearings will be held in larger spaces on FIU
and FAU campuses to accommodate high participation

Chairman Carlos Beruff today announced updates to the confirmed public hearing schedule in South Florida to maximize public participation. The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) will be at the Florida International University (FIU) Student Academic Success Center in Miami on Thursday, April 6 beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Acura Club (located in the FAU Stadium) in Boca Raton on Friday, April 7 beginning at 9:00 a.m. 

Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “We were pleased to see 400 Floridians attend our first public hearing in Orlando. Given the public interest in speaking before the CRC, we have found new spaces on the FIU and FAU campuses that can hold even more participants. I encourage all interested Floridians in the greater Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County areas to come make their voices heard on April 6 at FIU in Miami and on April 7 at FAU in Boca Raton.” 

Updates to the South Florida public hearing schedule are outlined below. Additional public hearings will be announced as soon as possible. All upcoming public hearings will be live-streamed by The Florida Channel. To watch previous public hearings and meetings held by the CRC, visit the Florida Channel’s website which has a page dedicated to the CRC. 

Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Updated Public Hearing Schedule
NOTE: End times are tentative depending upon attendance
and public interest in speaking before the CRC.

Miami-Dade County
Thursday, April 6 beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Florida International University (FIU)
Student Academic Success Center, Room 160
11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, Fla. 33199
*Complimentary parking will be available. Doors open to the public beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Palm Beach County
Friday, April 7 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
FAU Stadium, Acura Club (third floor)
777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Fla. 33431
*Complimentary parking will be available. Doors open to the public beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Individuals requiring an accommodation to participate in public hearings (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.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION (CRC)
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 Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) 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 CRC 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.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovers More Than $274,000 for Floridians in March

Posted on

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered more than $274,000 for Florida consumers during the month of March. Last year, the department recovered nearly $3 million for Florida consumers from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.
During March 2017, the department:

  • Recovered $274,174 on behalf of Florida consumers;
  • Received 3,560 complaints;
  • Initiated 231 investigations;
  • Arrested 12 individuals;
  • Provided assistance to 23,478 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
  • Added 18,187 telephone numbers to Florida’s Do Not Call List.

As the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, the department educates the public, investigates complaints and provides mediation on behalf of consumers. The department’s call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832). For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Secretary Detzner Designates Quincy Main Street as Florida Main Street Program of the Month

Posted on

Florida Department of State
Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that Quincy Main Street has been designated the April 2017 Florida Main Street Program of the Month. Communities are selected based on their developmental achievements and participation in the Florida Main Street Program. Quincy has been part of the Florida Main Street Program since 1987. The program has attracted millions of dollars towards rehabilitating its downtown business district, created hundreds of jobs and helped facilitate over 2,000 hours of volunteer service to make Quincy a better place to live, work, and play.
“Quincy has one of the most charming, Main Streets in Florida,” said Secretary Detzner. “Quincy’s commitment to the arts and its bi-yearly festivals bring the city together and set an example of community involvement for the rest of Florida.”
4.3.2017 Quincy Main Street

Historic Quincy Courthouse

Quincy, Florida, could once claim to be the richest town in America per capita. Its fortunes were built around Coca-Cola, even though no one who founded the company lived in Quincy. The town’s banker, Mr. Mark Welch Munroe, encouraged everyone in town to buy Coca-Cola shares after he saw people, even in the midst of the depression, shilling out a nickel or two for a Coke. These investments paid off, and one share, valued at $40 in 1919, is now worth millions of dollars. This wealth protected the town from economic loss and uncertainty and built quite a few mansions in Quincy. Many of these magnificent houses are now on the National Register of Historic Places and can be toured.
Quincy is the county seat of Gadsden County. After losing the town’s main agricultural industries, tobacco and tomatoes, Quincy has focused on its Main Street, businesses and arts community. The Quincy Main Street Program is helping to retrofit building facades, improve streetscapes and purchase street furniture and planters to create a Main Street that feels historic but still relevant and unique. Quincy boasts a historic courthouse, commercial district and one of the few surviving courthouse squares in Florida.
Quincy Main Street puts on both Quincyfest and Quincy Porchfest, two community events that bring together the historic downtown Main Street areas and the surrounding historic residential areas. These events bring in local and regional artists, musicians, craftspeople and chefs to unite the community of Quincy, as well as bring in visitors to tour the historic town.
For more information about Quincy Main Street or the Florida Main Street programs visit http://www.quincymainstreet.org/  or floridamainstreet.com or facebook.com/FloridaMainStreet.
About Florida Main Street
Florida Main Street is a program administered by the Division of Historical Resources under the Florida Department of State, which currently oversees 47 communities throughout the state. By implementing the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach®, Florida Main Street encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation through the revitalization of Florida’s downtowns – the community’s heart and soul. Since the program’s inception in 1985, the Florida Main Street programs have cumulatively created 25,304 jobs, 8,180 new businesses and produced $2.5 billion in reinvestment.

Gov. Scott reassigns 21 first degree murder cases in Ninth Judicial Circuit to State Attorney Brad King

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott issued executive orders today, reassigning 21 first degree murder cases in the Ninth Judicial Circuit to State Attorney Brad King. State Attorney Aramis Ayala has been removed from these cases in the interest of justice following her recent decision and public announcement to not consider capital punishment during her time in office, regardless of the individual facts and circumstances in any case. To view the executive orders, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Each of these cases I am reassigning represents a horrific loss of life. The families who tragically lost someone deserve a state attorney who will take the time to review every individual fact and circumstance before making such an impactful decision. Some of the victims include a teenager whose life was taken before he could bravely testify as a witness to a dangerous crime, a single mother who was abducted and killed as she called for help, and a young child whose life was brutally cut short. I cannot imagine the pain their families endure each day and we will do all we can to aggressively fight for justice.
“State Attorney Ayala’s complete refusal to consider capital punishment for the entirety of her term sends an unacceptable message that she is not interested in considering every available option in the fight for justice. In the interest of justice, I am using my executive authority today to reassign these cases to State Attorney Brad King. State Attorney King has accepted the duty of reviewing each case in accordance with the law.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “I would like to commend Governor Rick Scott for his swift action for not only protecting citizens of Orlando but standing up for all crime victims and their families.”

Commissioner Stewart names five finalists for 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year

Posted on

Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart announced the five finalists for the 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year. This program recognizes outstanding education support personnel for the significant contributions they make to the students and families in their schools and districts. The statewide winner will be presented with a $5,000 cash prize at the annual awards breakfast on April 21 in Orlando.
“I am thrilled to celebrate the 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year finalists,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “These individuals play an invaluable role in Florida students’ education journey by working alongside our teachers, school leaders and administrators and going above and beyond for our state’s families every day.”
The five finalists for the 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year are listed below.
Alachua County – Eunice Johnson, Irby Elementary School
Eunice Johnson has been serving Alachua County students for nearly three decades. She currently works as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Classroom Paraprofessional. In that role, she develops individualized reading and math activities designed to meet specific needs of each student. Eunice volunteers extensively at her church and throughout the community, and she has been praised for ongoing generosity.
Pinellas County – David Melnick, Lake St. George Elementary School 
David Melnick is a Food Service Manager at Lake St. George Elementary School. During his tenure, he has changed the culture of Lake St. George with his leadership and concern for the students. Melnick created the Food Patrol Program, which enables students to assist with the cafeteria food preparation. According to the Pinellas County Superintendent, his principal and the school’s teachers, the program has helped motivate students to do better in school. 
Highlands County – Donna Peavy, Avon Park High School
Donna Peavy is the Media Paraprofessional at Avon Park High School. In this role, she manages the media center circulation desk, maintains the library and oversees the computer lab. Avon Park High School’s principal praised Peavy for “going above and beyond the call of duty” and making a difference in lives of her colleagues and students, adding that “everyone needs a ‘Mrs. Peavy’” in their lives.
Brevard County – Jamie Skinner, Ralph Williams Elementary School
As the Cafeteria Manager at Ralph Williams Elementary School, Skinner is an integral member of the school community. During Hurricane Matthew, Ralph Williams Elementary opened its doors as a special needs shelter. For three days, she slept at the school and volunteered her time, cooking for those in need.
Palm Beach County – Jane Winters, Beacon Cove Intermediate School
Jane Winters is the After School Site Director at Beacon Cove Intermediate School, where she has worked for the last 16 years. In addition to coordinating the after school care program, Winters initiated the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math program, she helped the school earn a grant to create the school garden and volunteers with the school’s student and parent organizations.
More information about the School-Related Employee of the Year Program is available here.

$57,000 FANTASY 5 ticket set to expire

Posted on

The Florida Lottery today announced that a FANTASY 5® top prize-winning ticket worth $57,997.90 remains unclaimed. The 180-day deadline to claim the top prize is Thursday, April 13, 2017, at midnight ET.
The winning FANTASY 5 numbers for the October 15, 2016, drawing were:

 08 – 12 – 16 – 24 – 25

The winning Quick Pick ticket was sold at Beverage Station, located at 4101 Okeechobee Road in Fort Pierce. Players who may have purchased a FANTASY 5 ticket at this retail location are encouraged to check their tickets for the October 15 drawing. 
While any Florida Lottery retailer can validate the winning ticket, the FANTASY 5 top prize must be claimed at a Florida Lottery district office or at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. Players can obtain additional information by calling the Lottery’s Customer Service Department at (850) 487-7787 or visiting the Florida Lottery’s website at www.flalottery.com.
FANTASY 5 is a pari-mutuel game in which players win the top prize by matching 5-of-5 winning numbers drawn in any order. Additionally, players win cash prizes or a free Quick Pick ticket by matching two, three or four of the numbers drawn in the official drawing for the date played. If there is no top prize winner, the money in the top prize pool rolls down and is shared among players who match 4-of-5 or 3-of-5 winning numbers.
Since the game’s inception, more than 708 million FANTASY 5 winners have won more than $4 billion in prizes. Of these, more than 51,000 players have won top prizes totaling more than $2.3 billion.