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Floridians for Ridesharing Coalition Launches in Support of Statewide Ridesharing Legislation

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The Florida Chamber of Commerce and other organizations today launched Floridians for Ridesharing, a coalition advocating a uniform set of statewide regulations governing ridesharing services across Florida. The coalition includes business groups, nonprofit organizations, and safety organizations all interested in advancing ridesharing in Florida. 

Floridians for Ridesharing will promote the economic and practical benefits of ridesharing in support of SB 340 and HB 221, identical bills to establish a consistent statewide framework for ridesharing in the state. Coalition members range from the Chamber and Associated Industries of Florida to the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Orlando Tech Association, as well as other business and safety groups. 

“Florida’s future depends on diversifying our state’s economy by attracting and supporting innovations like ridesharing,” said Frank Walker, Vice President of Governmental Affairs at the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Florida wins when we streamline regulations and work toward remaining globally competitive. Whether giving business travelers an easier way to get around or providing earning opportunities to more Floridians, ridesharing offers a tangible economic benefit to our state.”

Several ridesharing companies operate in Florida, including Uber and Lyft. Their internet-based applications enable passengers to contact nearby drivers, who then use their own vehicles to transport the passengers to their destinations. Ridesharing providers currently must operate under a patchwork of local laws that can vary widely from community to community, a problem that would be resolved by the statewide framework envisioned in the legislation. New Jersey passed similar legislation earlier this month, becoming the 38th state to enact statewide ridesharing regulations.

“Convenient transportation options are an absolute necessity for people with vision loss – and ridesharing introduces a simple, affordable means to get around,” said Kim Galban-Countryman, executive director of the Lighthouse of the Big Bend. “Ridesharing truly is an eye-opening experience for people who have traditionally had to rely on other people taking them places. That’s why we are proud to support these innovative services.” 

Ridesharing services have been shown to provide a significant boost to local economies, allowing people to stay out later while still having the option for a safe ride home. Together, Uber and Lyft have provided Florida’s residents and visitors with tens of millions of rides, resulting in millions of dollars in additional passenger spending.

“Ridesharing services help countless Floridians have access to an innovative, convenient, and affordable method of transportation while providing drivers with the opportunity to generate extra income,” said Julio Fuentes, president and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Companies like Lyft and Uber are helping create the transportation options of tomorrow, and the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to support statewide legislation that brings clarity and consistency to our state’s ridesharing regulations.” 

SB 340 and HB 221 set standards for ridesharing operations that would provide uniformity in the services across Florida. These standards include criteria for background checks, insurance, and consumer protections. 

“The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce has supported legislation establishing statewide regulation of ridesharing for the past four years, and we will continue to support it until the bill becomes law,” said Bob Rohrlack, president and CEO of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. “Our members and their employees look forward to the passage of HB 221 and SB 340 during the 2017 Legislative Session.”

The House bill, HB 221 sponsored by Reps. Chris Sprowls and James Grant, was overwhelmingly approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee and the House Government Accountability Committee, while Sen. Brandes’ SB 340 is awaiting review by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.

Here is a full list of organizations that support Floridians for Ridesharing:

·       Florida Chamber of Commerce

·       Associated Industries of Florida

·       Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

·       Internet Association

·       Floridians for Better Transportation

·       National Down Syndrome Society

·       Floridians for Government Accountability

·       Florida Council for Safe Communities

·       Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition

·       Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce

·       South Tampa Chamber of Commerce

·       Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce

·       Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce

·       Orlando Tech Association

·       Lighthouse of the Big Bend

·       Elevate

·       Generation Opportunity

·       J. J. Taylor Distributing Florida

·       Jacksonville Armada Football Club

·       SAVE

·       Beaver Street Fisheries, Inc.

·       Dalton Agency

·       The New Tropic

·       Whereby.us 

Individuals, organizations, and businesses interested in learning more information about ridesharing or joining the Floridians for Ridesharing coalition can visit www.ridesharingfl.com.

Attorney General Bondi Announces the 2016 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

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Attorney General Pam Bondi today named Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Channing Taylor the 2016 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Attorney General Bondi recognized Lieutenant Taylor and nine other officers from across the state for their dedication to protecting Floridians.
“I am eternally grateful for these nominees and all our brave law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily to keep us safe,” said Attorney General Bondi. “We cannot thank these officers enough for the sacrifices they and their families make to protect our communities.”
On June 14, 2015, while on patrol, Lieutenant Taylor noticed a truck being operated without headlights, approached the vehicle and asked the driver for her license. Suddenly, a male passenger produced a revolver and fired at Lieutenant Taylor, striking him once in the shoulder. Lieutenant Taylor took cover and drew his firearm. When the suspects attempted to flee the scene, Lieutenant Taylor left his covered position to gain a clear line of sight of the vehicle and its occupants and fired his service firearm, striking the male passenger and causing the vehicle to stop.
Lieutenant Taylor not only ended a life-threatening situation to himself, but his quick and decisive actions ensured the safety of the individuals around him. Lieutenant Taylor’s actions demonstrated that the safety and welfare of the public and the prevention of further injury was his main concern.

Each of today’s honorees had been previously selected as the Officer of the Year by a Florida law enforcement agency or association. The Florida Highway Patrol nominated Lieutenant Taylor, a 22-year veteran of FHP. A selection committee appointed by Attorney General Bondi considered the distinguished group of nominees from state agencies and organizations.
The following law enforcement officers are the additional nominees:

  • Officer Christopher Ayala, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services;
  • Officer David Brady, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission;
  • Deputy Emanuel Gonzalez, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office;
  • Officer Jason Hutchinson, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission;
  • Officer Niel Johnson, North Miami Police Department;
  • Special Agent Travis Lawson, Florida Department of Law Enforcement;
  • Investigator Jason Newlin, the State Attorney’s Office for the Second Judicial Circuit;
  • Investigator Jayson Paul, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office; and
  • Deputy Nicholas Worthy, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information on the nominees’ accomplishments, click here.
 

2017 United Way ALICE Report shows that working families continue to struggle in Florida

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United Way FL

Florida’s United Ways announce consensus legislative agenda to
advocate for working families during the 2017 Florida Legislature

During the United Way Capital Days, United Way of Florida released the findings of the updated United Way ALICE Report. It states that 29.5 percent of Florida’s working households are struggling to make ends meet, and another 14.5 percent earn less than the Federal Poverty Level. Combined, 44 percent or 3.3 million households out of the total 7.5 million households continue to struggle. Drawing from research in the ALICE Report and from work being conducted by local United Ways, Florida’s 32 United Ways developed a consensus legislative agenda to advocate during the 2017 Florida Legislature to help working families.

Two years ago, United Ways introduced ALICE®, which stands for – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – to place a spotlight on a large population of residents who are working, earning more than the Federal Poverty Level, but still have difficulty affording the basic necessities of housing, food, child care, health care and transportation. Back then, the Report stated that 2.6 million households in Florida were ALICE.

The updated Report uses data from a variety of sources, including the American Community Survey and Bureau of Labor Statistics to quantify the number of households in Florida’s workforce that are not consistently and independently affording the basics in each county. The 2017 United Way ALICE Report reveals:

  • The cost of basic household expenses increased steadily in every county in Florida between 2007 and 2015.
  • The rise in the Household Survival Budget in Florida was driven primarily by a 20 percent increase in housing costs since 2007.
  • Wages have improved, however, when adjusted for inflation the percent of low-wage jobs is the same as in 2007.
  • ALICE represents every demographic: men and women, young and old, all races and in every county in Florida.
  • Households with children are more likely to struggle, particularly those with a single parent, with 79 percent of female-headed households and 65 percent of male-headed households not being able to consistently afford the basics in Florida.
  • The Florida population is shifting significantly and quickly. The number of households headed by people under 25 fell by 29 percent since 2007, while households over 65 increased by 24 percent. Surprisingly, the more vulnerable of both populations are often vying for the same housing and jobs; nearly half of those over 65 are now in the workforce.
  • Technology plays a critical role in the changing job landscape and ALICE is uniquely vulnerable. In 2015 Florida ranked as the 4th highest state for technology jobs, yet research indicates a significant percent of Florida’s jobs will be replaced or significantly impacted by technology in the next two decades.
  • The ‘Gig Economy’ is continuing to move more jobs from full-time jobs with benefits to part-time, on-demand or contingent employment. This creates opportunities for ALICE to fill short-term gaps in standard employment, but also transfers many costs and risks from employers onto individuals.

Florida United Ways have joined United Ways in fourteen other states, covering 40 percent of the US Population, to provide statewide ALICE Reports. The methodology for the updated report was improved by using county-level average household sizes for households above and below age 65, instead of statewide averages and incorporating the costs associated with the Affordable Care Act.

The updated ALICE Report recommends both short-term and long-term strategies to help ALICE families and strengthen communities. Florida United Ways work with a myriad of partners and invest more than $100 million every year to empower ALICE families through education, financial stability and health programs. Funds are raised and invested locally to help those in crisis and prevent families, seniors, veterans and other important but vulnerable members of the community from falling into poverty. In 2016, IRS-certified volunteers in Florida, working at 733 tax preparation sites, coordinated by United Way and dozens of its partners, filed 225,000 tax returns that helped ALICE families, the elderly and disabled claim over $232 million in tax refunds, including important tax credits. Despite these tremendous efforts, each year, tens of thousands of Florida ALICE households do not have the safe free help to maximize their tax refunds, and fail to claim more than $1.1 billion in Earned Income Tax Credit and $193 million in higher-education tax credits.

For the first time, an online simulator is also available to experience the financial challenges that ALICE households in Florida face at WalkWithALICE.com, powered by United Way Suncoast.

About United Way of Florida
The United Way of Florida is a statewide association representing Florida’s 32 United Ways on legislative and administrative issues, training, and disaster preparation, response and recovery issues, among others. The mission of the United Way of Florida is to enhance Florida United Ways’ efforts to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another.

CFO Jeff Atwater Enters Final Session Fighting for Floridians

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As lawmakers progress through the final committee week ahead of the 2017 Legislative Session, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater is readying to enter his final Session the same way he began his first nearly two decades ago—fighting for Floridians. Focusing on legacy enhancements to the Department of Financial Services and several measures that will protect policyholders against insurance fraud and during times when insurance companies fail, CFO Atwater looks forward to robust conversations with the Florida House and Senate.
“Since day one, I’ve set out to protect Floridians from fraud, waste and abuse, and this legislative session, I’ve put forward a set of priorities that I believe continue that commitment,” said CFO Atwater. “In addition to enhancing current programs and building in consumer protections, we’re looking at ways to address the growing problems associated with the misuse and abuse of the assignment of benefits tool.”
Several of CFO Atwater’s key legislative initiatives include:
Unclaimed Property
Designed to further streamline Florida’s nationally-recognized unclaimed property program, bills filled by Senator Jeff Brandes (SB 536) and Representative Chuck Clemons (HB 681) offer changes to current unclaimed property processes that allow individuals known as surplus trustees to return funds remaining following foreclosure proceedings—for a fee of up to 12 percent. The bill eliminates the Surplus Trustee Program and allows Division of Unclaimed Property staff to process those unclaimed property claims as all others, in-house and without cost to the consumer.
Insurance Fraud 
Aimed at improving processes and honing investigative techniques, bills filed by Senator Jeff Brandes (SB 1012)  and Representative Holly Raschein (bill number forthcoming) require insurance companies to develop anti-fraud plans that will be submitted to the Department of Financial Services annually; requires in-house fraud-fighting units within insurance companies be trained by the Department’s insurance fraud investigators; and allows the Chief Financial Officer to assign and re-assign dedicated prosecutors as fraud trends change in scope and location.
Insurance Rehabilitation and Liquidation
Bills filed by Senator Kathleen Passidomo (SB 730) and Representative Jake Raburn (HB 837) are designed to streamline Florida’s insurance receivership process. When an insurance company fails financially, the Department of Financial Services steps in to help. The process is called receivership, and the Department works to determine if the company can be saved through rehabilitation or if it must be liquidated. There are many debtors and typically insufficient funds to pay all outstanding debts. This common sense legislation clarifies the deadlines for debtors to submit claims, streamlines payment processes and timelines, and outlines the obligations of the insurance company to cooperate with Department staff.
In addition to these Departmental priorities, CFO Atwater and the Department of Financial Services will play an active role in ongoing legislative discussions involving assignment of benefits (AOB), an insurance tool in which a consumer assigns their rights to the company they’ve hired to make repairs. A sharp rise in the number of claims involving AOBs has led to rising insurance company costs and resulted in several companies starting to raise rates to recoup losses.
To learn more about the Department of Financial Services, click HERE.
Chief Financial Officer 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. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).

Jacksonville Civic Council Leader Featured Speaker at UNF Leadership Speakers Bureau

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The University of North Florida’s Taylor Leadership Institute will host its spring Leadership Speakers Bureau event, “Leading through Consensus Building,” featuring Jacksonville Civic Council (JCC) leader Jeanne Miller 6 p.m. Thursday, March 2, at Osprey Commons, Building 16, Talon Room, Fourth Floor.

Jeanne Miller
Jeanne Miller

An experienced executive and attorney, Miller has more than 20 years’ experience leading organizations and moving big ideas and projects forward. Since 2013, she has been exercising those skills as JCC president and CEO, a business advocacy organization that works with leaders of Northeast Florida’s largest companies to promote solutions to the region’s most complex business and public policy challenges.
In her presentation, Miller will engage participants on the challenging practice of consensus building, providing unique insight into this collaborative process. Sharing valuable advice on what is needed to facilitate this dynamic and cooperative approach to problem solving, she will inevitably draw upon her unique experience leading the JCC, an organization that has had great success in harnessing the collective knowledge, experience and influence of a wide range of local business and civic leaders to positively shape First Coast public policy.
“As the issues of our society become more complex and controversial, developing the ability to bridge that gap between different groups and ideas becomes all the more essential for today’s emerging leaders,” said Alison Noonan, outreach coordinator for UNF’s Taylor Leadership Institute. “When working among diverse groups with often conflicting interests, the ability to find common ground and identify mutually beneficial solutions is a valuable skill that, when developed, has the potential to benefit UNF students in countless ways.”
Participants are invited to attend a reception, catered by Chartwells, immediately following the presentation. This event is free and open to the public. Parking will be available in Parking Lot 9, in front of the UNF Annex, Building 6.
To register, visit the website. For more information, contact Korie Hilliard, Taylor Leadership Institute events planning coordinator, at [email protected].
The Leadership Speakers Bureau offers attendees a unique, face-to-face experience with leadership-centric speakers with esteemed backgrounds, motivating stories and illuminating question-and-answer segments about leadership.
UNF, a nationally ranked university located on an environmentally beautiful campus, offers students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others the opportunity to build their own futures through a well-rounded education.

Snook to reopen in Gulf waters

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The recreational harvest season for one of Florida’s premier fish, snook, reopens March 1 in Florida’s Gulf of Mexico state and adjacent federal waters, including Everglades National Park and Monroe County. The season will remain open through April 30.
In the Gulf, anglers may keep one snook per day that is not less than 28 inches or more than 33 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side. A snook permit is required to keep snook, along with a saltwater fishing license unless exempt from the license requirements. Only hook-and-line gear is allowed when targeting or harvesting snook.
Anglers can report their catch on the Snook & Gamefish Foundation’s website at Snookfoundation.org by clicking on the “Angler Action Program” link in the bar at the top of the page.
It is illegal to buy or sell snook.
Snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages anglers to use moderation when determining whether or not to take a snook home during the open season. When choosing to release a fish, the FWC encourages anglers to handle it carefully to help the fish survive upon release. Proper handling methods can help ensure the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more about fish handling, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”
Researchers ask anglers who harvest the fish to save their filleted carcasses and provide them to the FWC by dropping them off at a participating bait and tackle store. For the county-by-county list, go to MyFWC.com/Research and click on “Saltwater,” then “Snook” (under “Saltwater Fish”) and “Snook Anglers Asked to Help with Research.”
These carcasses provide biological data, including the size, age, maturity and sex of the catch. This information is important to the FWC in completing stock assessments. If you see a snook fishery violation, call the Wildlife Alert Program at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
In Atlantic state and federal waters (including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River) the season is open through May 31, and one snook may be kept per person, per day. The size limit in Atlantic waters is no less than 28 inches total length and no more than 32 inches total length.
For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Snook.”
 

Caribbean Isles Receives PSC’s Triple E Award

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Caribbean Isles does energy efficiency in style, which is why the 55+ community earned this month’s Triple E Award—for Energy Efficiency Efforts— from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC).
“These active residents have taken an extremely proactive approach to saving energy,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.  “Caribbean Isles is resident-owned and its residents are dedicated to finding novel ways to becoming more energy efficient.”
“We’re on a roll and excited to work with Duke Energy to see how we can make further improvements to our facilities to realize even more savings,” said Dick Foos and Richard Bovin, Directors.  “As a forward-thinking community, we have banded together and feel very positive, knowing that we are making a difference in our residents’ energy bills.”
In 2012, Caribbean Isle residents began working with their local utility, Duke Energy Florida, LLC (DEF), to improve the efficiency of their clubhouse, which also doubles as their banquet hall, and upgrade their lighting.  Since then, they have implemented the following energy saving measures: duct test and repair, window film installation, improved ceiling insulation, and even more lighting upgrades. More recently, they also consulted with DEF to upgrade their 5 HVAC units.
“It was a pleasure working with Caribbean Isle residents,” said Harry Sideris, Duke Energy state president–Florida. “By continuing to invest in energy efficiency improvements, residents have been able to save greater than 16,000 kWh annually.”
About Caribbean Isles
Caribbean Isles is a 55+ resident-owned community located just minutes from Gulf Beaches. As its website says, “It’s the perfect place to retire or to be your ‘home away from home’ each year.” Located in Largo, it is within walking distance of shopping malls, restaurants, market shopping, beaches, medical facilities and public transportation. For more information, call 727-584-6400 or visit:  http://www.caribbeanislesmhp.com.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

Statement on House Health Quality Subcommittee Vote on HB 19 from Florida Planned Parenthood

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Statement on the House Health Quality Subcommittee’s Vote on HB 19 from Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates Executive Director, Laura Goodhue:
“This bill is yet another attack on access to safe, legal abortion care. This dangerous bill is a blatant attempt to intimidate and shutter safe and law-abiding abortion providers.
“House Bill 19 attempts to intimidate physicians who perform legal abortions, a procedure with an incredibly high safety record, by increasing their exposure to frivolous lawsuits. It would significantly increase the risk physicians face in providing safe and legal abortion care.
“The real motivation behind this flawed bill is political, not because it is what’s best for women. The fact is, this bill would give organizations whose sole mission is to stop abortion providers one more vehicle to go after doctors and tie up the court system, without the constraints of the established medical malpractice legal system in Florida.
Testimony and bio of Dr. Rachel Russell
My name is Dr. Rachel Russell. I am a Florida licensed psychologist who has worked in college counseling centers for more than 10 years. I am here today in opposition of HB 19.
This bill is predicated on the myth that having an abortion will result in pathological regret or “emotional distress.” My clinical experience does not support this, and more importantly, the research does not support this. An extensive study conducted by the American Psychological Association taskforce on Mental Health and Abortion concluded that “among women who have an unplanned pregnancy the relative risk of mental health problems is no greater if they have a single elective first-trimester abortion than if they deliver that pregnancy.” Further the study found “women in the US who had a legal first trimester abortion show no greater prevalence of mental health problems than women in the general population.”
As a licensed psychologist, I work with women daily who have been victims of sexual assault, some facing the added trauma of an unwanted pregnancy. I also work with young women and inexperienced couples who are faced with the uncertainty of an unwanted pregnancy. They deserve to know all of their options without manufactured stigma.
This bill suggests that women will be irreparably emotionally distressed and that is simply untrue. This further promotes the myth that abortion is harmful to women’s mental health. In my ten years of practice I have never worked with a woman who regretted or felt pathologically distressed by having an abortion.
Let’s keep abortion safe and legal and not mislead the public, further stigmatize vulnerable women, and alienate our esteemed physicians.
Please vote no on HB 19.
Rachel Russell, Psy.D.
Staff Psychologist, Florida Tech Counseling and Psychological Services
Dr. Rachel E. Russell graduated from the University of Mississippi with her B.A. in Psychology. She earned her Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Florida Tech. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Southern Mississippi Psychology Internship Consortium, including rotations at the University of Southern Mississippi Counseling Center, Pine Grove Professional Enhancement Program, Pine Belt Services for Children and Families, and Gentle Path Treatment Center for Sexual Addiction.
Shortly after earning her Doctoral Degree, Dr. Russell moved to England and worked for two years as a Counsellor at the University of Reading Counselling Center conducting therapy and psychoeducational assessments. She also taught upper level undergraduate psychology courses at Richmond American International University of London.  Dr. Russell was accredited by the British Association for Counselors and Psychotherapists. She then relocated to the United Arab Emirates and worked as a School Counselor at the British International School of Abu Dhabi for approximately two years.
Dr. Russell is a Florida licensed psychologist and she has been working at Florida Tech Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for nearly five years. She engages in individual, couples, and group therapy and she supervises doctoral level practicum students. She is the Assessment Coordinator and supervises all psychoeducational assessments completed at CAPS. She also conducts triage services at the center. Her practice is largely informed by Cognitive Behavioral Theory with some influences from positive psychology, mindfulness, and family systems. She taught the graduate level course Assessment of Intelligence at Florida Tech as well. Dr. Russell’s interests lie in working with a variety of issues related to depression, anxiety, cultural adjustment, women’s issues, relationship problems, and substance abuse, as well as psychological assessment and training.

Florida Continues to Lead Nation in Advanced Placement Exams and Narrow the Achievement Gap

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Performance potentially saves students as much as $122 million in college costs

According to the Advanced Placement (AP) Data Report issued today by the College Board, Florida ranks first in participation in the AP exams during high school and third in the nation for improvement over the last decade.
Governor Rick Scott said, “These results are proof that the investments we are making in education are preparing students to begin college and enter the workforce prepared to succeed. With the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ education budget, we once again increase funding at all levels to ensure Florida remains the best state in the world to live, work and receive an education.”
Commissioner of Education said, “We are thrilled that Florida’s students have once again demonstrated a strong commitment to academic success, and I am confident this is just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ for the graduating Class of 2016. Support from teachers and school administrators is integral to students on their education journey, and I thank them for the ongoing guidance and support they provide to help their students reach their full potential.”
There are significant financial benefits to students who perform well on AP exams. According to the College Board, in May 2016, Florida public and private high school students took a total of 191,987 AP® Exams that resulted in scores of 3, 4, or 5. Based on students’ opportunity to earn at least 3 college credits for each AP Exam score of 3 or higher, this represents an estimated 575,961 college credits. At an average rate of $211.87 per credit hour, the total potential cost savings for the state’s students and families was $122,028,857.
Florida highlights of the AP Report include:

  • At 53 percent, Florida jumped from second to first in the nation for the percentage of 2016 graduates who took an AP exam during high school and eliminated the AP participation gap for its Hispanic students.
  • Hispanic students made up 22.1 percent of the 2016 graduating class in Florida, yet they accounted for 22.6 percent of AP Exam takers. Hispanic students made up 21.2% percent of the graduates scoring 3 or higher on an AP exam during high school.
  • African American students made up 14.6 percent of the 2016 graduating class in Florida and accounted for 9.0 percent of AP Exam takers. Black/African American students made up 4.4 percent of the graduates scoring 3 or higher on an AP exam during high school.
  • Over the last decade, the number of Florida graduates participating in AP more than doubled, increasing from 44,893 students in 2006 to 84,986 students in 2016, an increase of 89 percent.
  • At 29.5 percent, Florida’s percentage of 2016 graduates who potentially earned college credit with a score of 3 or higher exceeded the national average (21.9 percent).
  • Florida is third in the nation for improvement over the past 10 years in the percentage of graduates scoring 3 or higher during high school. Between 2006 and 2016, Florida improved by 11.0 percentage points, from 18.5 percent in 2006 to 29.5 percent in 2016.

For more information, visit AP Cohort Data Report.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

Martin County and Indian River Officials to Participate in House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee Workshop on High Speed Rail

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Florida House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee will be hosting a workshop Today, Wednesday, February 22 at 1:15 p.m. to discuss high speed rail in Florida. The panel discussion will include representatives from Martin and Indian River Counties.
Also attending the committee meeting will be Brent Hanlon, Chairman of Citizens Against Rail Expansion in FL. Hanlon will be available to media immediately following the conclusion of the committee.
Who: Kate Pingolt Cotner, Assistant County Attorney, Indian River County
George Gavalla, rail safety consultant for Martin and Indian River Counties
Daniel Wouters, Martin County Division Chief, Emergency Management
Brent Hanlon, Chairman CARE FL
What: House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee
When: Wednesday, February 22, 2017 1:15 p.m.
Where: Room 116, The Knott Building