The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) invites customers of Utilities Inc. of Florida (Utilities, Inc.) to participate in customer service hearings in New Port Richey and Zephyrhills on the utility’s petition for a water and wastewater rate increase. The hearings will allow customers to provide public comment on Utilities Inc.’s rate request. Customer input will be taken into consideration when the Commission considers this request.
The service hearings are scheduled for the following times and locations:
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Summertree Recreation Facility
12005 Paradise Point Way
New Port Richey, FL 34654
6:00 p.m.
Alice Hall Community Center
38116 5th Avenue
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
In August 2016, Utilities Inc. filed a petition with the PSC to increase its water and wastewater rates. Utilities Inc. provides service to 27 systems in Charlotte, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Seminole Counties.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Attorney General Bondi Announces Human Trafficking Awareness Efforts
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and today, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced efforts to spread awareness of the modern-day form of slavery and call Floridians and travelers to action. In an effort to encourage people to learn how to identify the signs of human trafficking, Attorney General Bondi is launching a new website, YouCanStopHT.com. Starting this month, digital signs will be displayed throughout the Tampa International Airport encouraging travelers to visit the Attorney General’s new site for tools to spot human trafficking and report suspicious activity.
“Many people will be traveling to Florida this weekend, especially to the Tampa Bay area. Having a high volume of visitors can attract traffickers and that is why I am calling on you to know the signs,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Thousands pass through the Tampa International Airport every day, and ensuring these travelers know how to identify a human trafficking victim and how to report the crime could save a life and free someone from abuse.”
Human trafficking is a form of slavery that encompasses both commercial sex trafficking and labor trafficking. According to the International Labor Organization, there are more than 20 million victims of human trafficking worldwide and the global human trafficking market is a $150 billion-a-year industry.
To continue efforts to inform the public on the global issue of human trafficking, Attorney General Bondi will be reaching out on twitter throughout the month with tips and more on how You Can Stop HT. Follow @AGPamBondi on Twitter and take an active role in the fight against human trafficking by visiting YouCanStopHT.com.
Victims of human trafficking include children, women and men who are subjected to sexual exploitation or labor through force, fraud or coercion. Attorney General Bondi is dedicated to making Florida a zero-tolerance state for human trafficking. In 2012, Attorney General Bondi worked with the legislature to strengthen Florida’s existing laws against human trafficking and curtail the industry. It is now easier for all prosecutors in the state to pursue human trafficking cases. The legislation also gave the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution jurisdiction over multi-judicial circuit human trafficking cases allowing the office to pursue some of the largest human trafficking cases in state court history.
St. Johns River and the Keystone Heights Region
Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) filed legislation today to protect the St. Johns River and the lakes of the Keystone Heights region for future generations. Senate Bill 234 requires the state to spend a minimum of $35 million annually from Amendment One funds on projects that preserve or provide public access to the River and the Keystone lakes.
“I grew up on the banks of the St. Johns River and visited the lakes of Keystone Heights as a child, and my family enjoys these incredible gifts from God today,” said Senator Bradley. “This is very personal for me. These natural resources define the character of the northeast Florida region of our state.”
In 2014, Floridians overwhelmingly adopted Amendment One, a constitutional amendment mandating that the Legislature spend one-third of documentary stamp tax revenues on environmental preservation efforts. The bill directs a portion of those dollars to the River and Lake Region.
“As a conservative, I believe in absolute fidelity to the State Constitution,” Bradley continued. “The Constitution requires us to protect these natural resources, as we should, and this bill helps fulfill that constitutional obligation to the people of the northeast Florida.”
Senate President Joe Negron recently appointed Senator Bradley as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and Natural Resources. “President Negron and I share a passion for implementing real solutions to the environmental challenges facing our state in the 21st century, from Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades to our springs to the St. Johns River. Not only do we need to insure that our water is clean, but we need to insure the public has reasonable access to these wonderful natural assets for all time.”
Governor Scott Proclaims January 9-13 as Florida First Responder Appreciation Week
Governor Rick Scott issued a proclamation today recognizing January 9-13 as Florida First Responder Appreciation Week. To read Governor Scott’s proclamation, click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott said, “The bravery displayed by Florida’s first responders in 2016 was inspiring. From placing their lives in the line of danger when a terrorist killed 49 innocent people at Pulse Night Club, to helping Florida families stay safe during hurricanes, we are so proud of all first responders throughout our state. I am thankful Florida citizens have them as their guardians and protectors and encourage all Florida students and families to recognize and thank a first responder throughout this year and especially during First Responders Appreciation Week.”
Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “First responders are integral to keeping our K-12 school and college communities safe. I am proud to join Governor Rick Scott in recognizing the heroic men and women who risk their lives daily to protect all Floridians, especially our state’s students and educators.”
Background – Florida First Responder Appreciation Week
This is the third year that Governor Scott proclaimed First Responder Appreciation Week in Florida. Governor Scott sent letters to Florida’s college presidents and superintendents encouraging students to thank first responders and their families. To learn more, visit the Florida Department of Education’s website HERE.
PSC Customer Service Hearings for Punta Gorda and Lake Placid
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) invites customers of Utilities Inc. of Florida (Utilities, Inc.) to participate in customer service hearings in Punta Gorda and Lake Placid on the utility’s petition for a water and wastewater rate increase. The hearings will allow customers to provide public comment on Utilities Inc.’s rate request. Customer input will be taken into consideration when the Commission considers this request.
The service hearings are scheduled for the following times and locations:
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event Center
75 Taylor Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
6:00 p.m.
Deeann Lakefront Estates Clubhouse
409 Stephen Drive
Lake Placid, FL 33852
In August 2016, Utilities Inc. filed a petition with the PSC to increase its water and wastewater rates. Utilities Inc. provides service to 27 systems in Charlotte, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Seminole Counties.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Overnight Ramp Closure for Collector/Distributer Ramp to I-4 East / 417 North
Motorists will encounter a full closure of the Collector/Distributer Ramp to I-4 East/ 417 North from World Drive, beginning on Sunday, January 8 at 7 p.m. overnight until 5 a.m. Monday morning, January 9.
Construction crews will work on the removal and replacement of guardrails as part of the I-4 Ramps Resurfacing and Guardrail Resetting project, for the ramps connecting I-4 with World Drive, in Osceola County.
Motorists traveling on World Drive toward the I-4 East ramp will be directed toward the I-4 West Exit, then proceed to make a U-turn on World Drive, leading motorists back onto the I-4 East/ 417 North Exit. Please see attached detour map.
Project updates will be posted to the Florida Department of Transportation’s Central Florida website at www.cflroads.com. Schedule is weather permitting.
For media-related questions, please contact the Public Information Office at 386-943-5473 or [email protected].
To ensure your safety and the safety of others, please exercise extra caution when driving through construction work zones.
Mast Votes to Disapprove of Anti-Israel UN Resolution
Mast Served Alongside Israeli Defense Forces Following 12 Years in U.S. Army
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today voted to object to the anti-Israel UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which the Administration refused to veto. H. Res. 11 passed the House of Representatives 342 to 80. Rep. Mast was a co-sponsor of the resolution.
Following his 12 years of service in the United States Army, Rep. Mast volunteered to serve alongside the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to show support for their struggle for freedom, democracy and peace in the Middle East. He is the only Member of Congress to have served with the IDF.
“While I was serving alongside the IDF, I learned at the Shabbat tables of my hosts how much each family in Israel truly desires peace. Sadly, the current Administration has seriously undermined peace efforts in the region with this shameful stunt at the United Nations,” Rep. Mast said. “The overwhelmingly bipartisan condemnation of the actions of the United Nations and the Administration today proves that supporting Israel will never be an issue of right versus left. Standing with Israel – for democracy and human rights – will always be an issue of right versus wrong.”
Following the passage of UN Security Council Resolution 2334, Rep. Mast wrote an op-ed for the Times of Israel about his experience serving in Israel and the importance of supporting Israel’s quest for peace. Earlier today, he spoke on the House Floor in support of H. Res. 11.
Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know
The Survive & Thrive Advocacy Center presents a continuing education training opportunity for healthcare professionals, social workers and counselors on the topic of “Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know.”
The seminar will be on Thursday, January 12, 2017 from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at TCC’s Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education in Tallahassee, FL. The program compares and contrasts the issues of human trafficking and domestic violence, giving attendees a practical understanding about these two issues and the knowledge and skills to recognize and treat survivors in the healthcare setting. Presenters include Shannon Hughes, BS, Florida Department of Health; Suzanne Harrison, MD, Florida State University College of Medicine; and Robin Hassler Thompson, JD, MA, STAC. The cost to attend is $25, $10 for students, with scholarships available. To register, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2729594. Student discounts and a limited number of scholarships may be available; contact [email protected] for more information.
AMA Category 1 credits are approved for MDs, DOs, PAs, and ARNPs. CEs are approved for nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, social workers and licensed counselors. Certificates will be provided electronically if requested. This program fulfills healthcare professional domestic violence licensure accreditation requirements.
About Survive & Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC)
Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center is a coordinator and service provider for victims of human trafficking. Local, state and federal law enforcement representatives, as well as social service providers, know it can be extremely challenging to identify and assist victims of human trafficking because of their diverse needs and because human trafficking is a hidden reality. STAC was created to fill these needs and meet this challenge. To learn more visit www.surviveandthriveadvocacy.org or call us at 850-597-2080.
Governor Rick Scott to Highlight Major Counterterrorism Budget Proposal
Tomorrow, January 6, Governor Rick Scott will highlight his proposal for $5.8 million in funding for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to add 46 counterterrorism agents as part of his 2017-2018 recommended budget.
WHAT: Counterterrorism Budget Highlight
WHEN: 12:00pm
WHERE: Fort Myers Regional Operations Center
4700 Terminal Drive, Suite 1
Fort Myers, Florida 33907
Jacksonville man begins the new year $500,000 richer
Wayne Gaulding (left) poses with his son and oversized check after
claiming a top prize in the $500,000 HOLIDAY MILLIONS Scratch-Off game.
The Florida Lottery announces that Wayne Gaulding, 65, of Jacksonville, claimed a top prize in the $500,000 HOLIDAY MILLIONS Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He purchased his winning ticket from Welcome Food Store, located at 11531 San Jose Boulevard, Suite 15 in Jacksonville.
The $5 Scratch-Off game, $500,000 HOLIDAY MILLIONS, launched in October, and features more than 2.9 million prizes, including eight top prizes of $500,000! The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-4.06.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 65 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $734 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2015-16.
