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Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, August 17, 2018

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Governor Scott Appoints Hope Pattey to the Polk County Court

Governor Rick Scott today announced an appointment to the Polk County Court.

Hope Pattey, 47, of Lakeland, is an Assistant State Attorney in the Tenth Judicial Circuit. She received her bachelor’s degree from The University of South Florida and her law degree from Florida State University College of Law. Pattey fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Gerald P. Hill II.

Governor Scott Appoints Judge James R. Baxley to the Fifth Circuit Court

Governor Rick Scott today announced an appointment to the Fifth Circuit Court.

James R. Baxley, 49, of Eustis, is a County Judge in Lake County and previously was a partner at Hatfield and Baxley P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from The University of Florida and his law degree from The University of Florida College of Law. Baxley fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mark A. Nacke.

Governor Scott Appoints Two to the Seventeenth Circuit Court

Governor Rick Scott today announced two appointments to the Seventeenth Circuit Court.

Nickolas Hunter Davis, 37, of Fort Lauderdale, is an Assistant State-wide Prosecutor for the Office of the Attorney General and previously served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. He received his bachelor’s degree from The University of South Carolina and his law degree from Washington and Lee University. Davis fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Merrilee Ehrlich.

Peter Holden, 57, of Fort Lauderdale, has served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit since 1989. He received his bachelor’s degree from Nichols College and his law degree from Nova Law School. Holden fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Lisa M. Porter.

Governor Scott Appoints Dana Moss to the Sarasota County Court

Governor Rick Scott today announced an appointment to the Sarasota County Court.

Dana Moss, 47, of Lakewood Ranch, is a felony division chief for the Twelfth Circuit Public Defender’s Office. She previously served as a Police Officer. She received her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and her law degree from Florida Coastal Law School. Moss fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Judy Goldman.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Florida Public Service Commission

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Gary Clark and Julie Brown to the Florida Public Service Commission.

Clark, 50, of Chipley, is a commissioner of the Florida Public Service Commission. He was previously the Deputy Secretary of Land and Recreation of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Clark received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix. He is reappointed for a term beginning January 2, 2019, and ending January 1, 2023.

Brown, 43, of Tampa, has served as a commissioner of the Florida Public Service Commission since 2011. She was previously Associate Legal Counsel for First American Title Insurance Company, and an Assistant Attorney for the City of Tampa Attorney’s Office. Brown received her bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Florida. She is reappointed for a term beginning January 2, 2019, and ending January 1, 2023.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

League Asks College & University Presidents for Early Voting

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On Friday the League of Women Voters of Florida sent the following letter to Florida college and university presidents, asking them to work quickly with their county’s Supervisor of Elections to establish an early voting location in time for the November general election. [Read more…] about League Asks College & University Presidents for Early Voting

Gov. Scott: Florida’s Unemployment Rate Lowest in Over a Decade

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Nearly 1.6 million jobs created since Dec. 2010

Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.7 percent – the lowest since April 2007 as Florida business have now created 1,595,000 jobs since December 2010. In July, business created 26,300 private-sector jobs. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott: Florida’s Unemployment Rate Lowest in Over a Decade

Trump Campaign Leader Karen Giorno Endorses Overdorf

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Toby Overdorf Campaign

Giorno, senior Trump campaign adviser, praises Overdorf’s
early and strong support for President Trump’s agenda

The Toby Overdorf Campaign today announced the endorsement of Karen Giorno, Senior Advisor and Florida Chief Strategist for the Donald J. Trump for President 2016 Campaign. Overdorf is running for the District 83 seat in the Florida House of Representatives, currently held by Gayle Harrell, who faces term limits this year.

“Toby Overdorf is the only leader in this race who truly stands with President Trump,” said Giorno. “Despite his opponent’s claims to the contrary, Toby has always been 100 percent on board with the President’s plan to secure our borders and protect our constitutional rights. We can count on Toby to promote new jobs, strengthen our economy, and continue supporting President Trump’s Make-America-Great-Again agenda.”

Giorno has spent three decades as a political consultant and operative working with presidential candidates and campaigns, four American presidents, and the governor of Florida. She was the first female state director for the Trump Campaign. Following her leadership in President Trump’s historic Florida Primary win, she worked to secure delegates in eleven southern states for Delegate Operations and joined the National Team at Trump Tower, where she was in charge of National Voter And Women’s Engagement during the general election.

“I’m proud to have Karen’s support, just like I’m proud to support President Trump,” said Overdorf. “I will never back down from fighting my opponent’s lies with the truth that I have been standing with President Trump since before it was popular. In the year and a half since he took office, his leadership has set a conservative course for the nation, and I intend to continue supporting him wholeheartedly.”

Paid by Toby Overdorf, Republican, for State Representative

Secretary of State Ken Detzner Launches Resources to Help Floridians Get Ready. Get Set. Vote!

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YourVoteFlorida.com and 2018 Voter Education Toolkits
help voters prepare to exercise their right to vote

Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced the launch of YourVoteFlorida.com and the 2018 Voter Education Toolkits to help Floridians Get Ready. Get Set. Vote! in the 2018 elections. YourVoteFlorida.com contains key election-related information including important dates to remember, information on registering to vote, ways to vote and other helpful resources. [Read more…] about Secretary of State Ken Detzner Launches Resources to Help Floridians Get Ready. Get Set. Vote!

Wakulla County SO arrests woman for exploiting the elderly

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On January 8, 2018, a complainant reported to the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office that Laurie Faircloth had functioned as a caretaker for a 71 year old female, and financially exploited the elderly adult. The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) began conducting the investigation which involved financial complexities and crimes committed in both Wakulla and Leon Counties. [Read more…] about Wakulla County SO arrests woman for exploiting the elderly

Gov. Scott: Florida Continues Making Record Investments in Springs Protection

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that more than $450 million has been invested in Florida’s springs since 2011 – the highest amount of funding for springs under any Governor in Florida history. Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) submitted a plan to the Florida Legislature to invest $50 million in springs restoration from this year’s budget. When leveraged with funding from local partners, this plan proposes a total investment of nearly $86 million in 35 springs projects during the 2018-2019 fiscal year. DEP’s proposed plan focuses on projects critical for springs restoration, including investing $32 million in sewer and septic projects.

Governor Scott said, “Florida’s springs are one of our state’s most pristine natural treasures, which is why I’ve fought for record funding. Every dollar that we’re investing in these projects preserves our iconic springs and helps ensure that we are protecting Florida’s entire environment. I will never stop fighting for our springs and waterways.”

Under Governor Scott’s leadership, Florida has made historic progress protecting springs, including:

  • Since 2011, the total investment in Florida’s springs is more than $450 million, the highest amount of funding under any Governor in Florida’s history;
  • In 2016, Governor Scott signed the Legacy Florida bill, securing a dedicated source of funding for springs protection;
  • Since 2011 and including this year’s plan, the projects implemented thanks to this historic funding will make a direct impact to protect springs and are expected to:
  • Reduce more than 11 million pounds of nitrogen from Florida’s springs;
  • Save 339 million gallons per day of water to improve spring flow;
  • Protect more than 10,000 acres of land surrounding springs through strategic acquisitions.

DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein said, “The health of Florida’s springs is critical to our state’s environment, economy and communities. Thanks to Governor Scott and the Legislature, we continue to make record investments in projects to protect these amazing natural resources. We look forward to the Legislative Budget Commission approving this restoration plan that will allow us to continue to partner with Florida’s water management districts and local communities to protect our springs.”

DEP’s project plan is available HERE. Learn more about Florida’s springs and the work to restore them at myhomemysprings.org.

Mast, Army Corps to Host Working Group Meeting on Dry Season Water Management Strategies to Reduce Discharges

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Fulfilling a commitment made at the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Meeting in July, U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the South Florida Water Management District and others will hold a working group meeting on dry season water management strategies to reduce discharges on Friday, August 17, 2018 in Stuart, Fla. The meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

WHO:
Rep. Mast
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
South Florida Water Management District
Department of the Interior
Other Federal, State and Local Officials
Environmental Experts

WHEN:
Friday, August 17, 2018
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

*Media availability with Rep. Mast and Col. Jason Kirk to follow at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Stuart City Hall
121 Southwest Flagler Avenue
Stuart, FL 34994

WHAT:
At the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force meeting on July 25, 2018, Rep. Mast testified about the need to alter dry season water management strategies to prevent the need for discharges during the wet season. Lowering water levels during the dry season would mitigate the need for discharges immediately and without needing to spend a single additional dollar of taxpayer money.

“Water is being held on Lake Okeechobee not just as it relates to risk management but as it relates to the benefit of a number of other entities to the detriment of an epicenter of population.  This issue absolutely needs to be addressed in the short term.  This is an emergency situation of health and welfare,” Rep. Mast testified.

At the meeting, Task Force Chairwoman Susan Combs committed to creating a sub-working group to examine dry season water management strategies, resulting in this meeting between Rep. Mast and federal, state and local officials.  At the meeting, Rep. Mast will advocate for changes in dry season water management to prevent the need for devastating discharges that have been destroying the Treasure Coast.  Since that meeting, Governor Rick Scott has also directed the South Florida Water Management District to analyze “actions that can be taken during dry season to reduce damaging discharges in the future.”

The meeting is open to the public and all residents concerned about the impact of discharges on our environment, economy and health are encouraged to attend.