The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a public information meeting regarding improvements to Interstate 75 at State Road 70 in Manatee County. The public meeting is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at the Manatee Technical College, 6305 State Road 70 East Bradenton, Florida 34203. [Read more…] about Interstate 75 at State Road 70 Interchange Construction Public Meeting
Items to watch for the upcoming Board of Governors’ meeting
Drugs, Alcohol & Mental Health Task Force: The Board will continue its focus on student safety and well-being, hearing updates on the implementation of various Board initiatives to address student mental health and substance abuse issues. Additionally the Board will hear presentations about the strategies the universities have enacted to address mental health concerns and about best practices regarding education, prevention, and treatment relative to student drug and alcohol use. [Read more…] about Items to watch for the upcoming Board of Governors’ meeting
St. Johns River’s Dissolved Oxygen Levels Show Improvement for First Time in Years
The eleventh annual State of the River Report, an analysis of the health of the Lower St. Johns River Basin, reveals several areas of improvement, some the first time in years, but shows trends that some indicators have worsened, suggesting that continued monitoring and research of the river are needed. [Read more…] about St. Johns River’s Dissolved Oxygen Levels Show Improvement for First Time in Years
PSC Highlights National Lifeline Awareness Week with an Event in Pasco County
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will host an information session on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, in Pasco County for residents to learn about the Lifeline Assistance (Lifeline) discounted telephone and/or broadband service program. [Read more…] about PSC Highlights National Lifeline Awareness Week with an Event in Pasco County
Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on Patriot Day
Attorney General Bondi today released the following statement in remembrance of those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks: [Read more…] about Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on Patriot Day
Seminole, Brevard SO win awards at Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony
First Lady Ann Scott, along with Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen, joined hundreds of law enforcement personnel, public officials and citizens today for the 2018 Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony in Tallahassee. The annual event is held to remember Florida’s missing children, recognize the state’s efforts in child protection and educate Floridians on child safety and abduction prevention. [Read more…] about Seminole, Brevard SO win awards at Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony
Gov. Scott: Florida Universities Continue to Climb National Rankings
Following the release of the U.S. News & World Report rankings showing the University of Florida ranking 8th in the nation among public universities, Governor Rick Scott today made the following statement.
Governor Scott said, “When I took office, the University of Florida ranked 17th among public universities in the nation, and I challenged them in 2014 to become a top-10 university. For the second year in a row, UF has surpassed that goal. The hard work of our students, faculty and university leadership statewide has led to many of Florida’s universities making incredible gains in national rankings. I’m proud that this past legislative session we secured a historic $2.5 billion for the university system and that we’ve been able to hold the line on tuition for the last five years – a tremendous accomplishment that has kept higher education affordable in Florida. I look forward to seeing this momentum continue.”
U.S. News & World Report Rankings for Public Universities:
- University of Florida – 8th, up from 9th last year;
- Florida State University – 26th, up from 33rd last year;
- University of South Florida – 58th, up from 68th last year;
- University of Central Florida – 87th, up from 90th last year; and
- Florida International University – 100th, up from 122nd last year.
Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier: AOB Abuse Continues to Threaten Floridians
Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier today issued the following statement in response to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis calling for reforms to curb property insurance fraud.
Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier stated: “I applaud CFO Patronis’ initiative in the fight against AOB abuse. Now, more than ever, is the time for a solution to the abuse and fraud that continues to threaten the affordability of insurance in Florida.
“Not only have AOB-related lawsuits skyrocketed, but the claims associated with an AOB are 85 percent more expensive than claims without an AOB. The excessive litigation fueled by bad actors who abuse AOBs will only result in higher premiums for our consumers.
“AOB reform has remained a top priority for my office and we look forward to joining CFO Patronis in our fight to hold consumers harmless.”
For more information about this issue, visit the Office of Insurance Regulation’s (OIR) “Assignment of Benefits Resources” webpage.
[Read more…] about Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier: AOB Abuse Continues to Threaten Floridians
Carlos Curbelo Endorses Javier Enriquez
The Congressman is the latest Florida leader
to back Enriquez’s bid for House District 114
The Javier Enriquez Campaign today announced the endorsement of Congressman Carlos Curbelo. Enriquez, a Republican, is running for the Florida House in District 114. Curbelo’s support follows recent endorsements for Enriquez from Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera State Representative Manny Diaz, and former Congressman Lincoln Dîaz-Balart. [Read more…] about Carlos Curbelo Endorses Javier Enriquez
Gov. Scott: While Families Remember Irma and Prepare for Florence, Florida Offers Support
Waives weight requirements for emergency vehicles, positions state assets
As Hurricane Florence grows and threatens the southeastern U.S. coast, Governor Scott today spoke with Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to offer resources and assistance. Florence strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane this afternoon and is forecast to impact the southeastern U.S. coast later this week. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott: While Families Remember Irma and Prepare for Florence, Florida Offers Support