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President’s Office – Memorandum Regarding Hurricane Helene Closures

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TO: Senators and Senate Staff

FROM: Kathleen Passidomo

SUBJECT: Hurricane Helene Closures

DATE: September 24, 2024

MEMORANDUM

The storm that is anticipated to become Hurricane Helene is strengthening as she approaches Florida, and the exact path remains uncertain. It is important that everyone take the time to make preparations for your home and family.

Taking into account storm preparations and anticipated school closures, out of an abundance of caution, Senate Offices in Tallahassee will be closed on Wednesday, September 25 – Friday, September 27.

Senators maintain discretion regarding the closure of any district office in the impacted areas. As we all know, wireless service can be limited in storm-impacted areas, making cell phone and email communications difficult. To the extent possible, please notify your immediate supervisor of any severe impacts following the storm. Please stay safe and cautious during this uncertain time.

Florida Democratic Party Launches “Defend Our Dems” Program

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Tallahassee, FL — Today, the Florida Democratic Party is proud to launch the “Defend Our Dems” program, an initiative to protect incumbent Democrats in close races and running for re-election.

These six elected officials will receive grassroots organizing and fundraising support from the party ahead of the November elections:

  • Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09)

  • Rep. Jared Mozkowitz (FL-23)

  • State Rep. Allison Tant (HD-09)

  • State Rep. Tom Keen (HD-35)

  • State Rep. Lindsay Cross (HD-60)

  • State Rep. Katherine Waldron (HD-93)

 

In addition to the legislative candidates listed above, the Defend Our Dems slate also includes State Attorney candidates Monique Worrell (Circuit 9) and Andrew Warren (Circuit 13), both of whom were wrongfully removed from office as an act of political retaliation by Ron DeSantis. Ron has refused to rule out another attempt to remove them if re-elected — a move that a federal judge ruled a violation of the First Amendment.

“The Defend Our Dems slate features some of the best public servants the Florida Democratic Party has to offer, and we’re proud to give our support to them,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “This November, we have a chance to break the Republican supermajority in the Florida legislature and make Hakeem Jeffries Speaker of the House — but to do that, we first have to protect these seats.

“We also have a chance to right the wrongs of the DeSantis administration by re-electing the duly-elected State Attorneys Ron threw out in a fit of political retaliation. Monique Worrell and Andrew Warren represented their constituents faithfully and were wrongly removed from office, and Florida Democrats will do everything in our power to re-elect them on November 5.”

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House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, Representatives Kelly Skidmore and Allison Tant Request FLDOE to Release Critical Data

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Earlier today, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell (D–Tampa), Representative Kelly Skidmore (D–Boca Raton), and Representative Allison Tant (D–Tallahassee) sent a letter to Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. requesting the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) to publicly release critical data relating to its scholarship funding organizations (SFOs) and to detail how public schools will be impacted should school voucher costs surpass district budgets.

In the letter, Leader Driskell, Representative Skidmore and Representative Tant ask FLDOE to include in its response: how many new private schools applied to accept vouchers; student demographics and family income information for recipients; the type of voucher received by students; the future impact of these vouchers on the state budget; and the effect of the voucher program on public schools. The Representatives also call for the data to be released regularly and on a quarterly basis for public awareness to ensure taxpayer dollars are responsibly spent.

“Parents have the right to decide what’s best for their children’s education, but they should have all the necessary information as they do so,” said Leader Driskell. “Public transparency is integral to accountability. The state owes Floridians a responsibility to invest our hard-earned tax money wisely, and it’s impossible to know whether that’s happening with the limited information we have about spending within the voucher program.”

 The letter sent to Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. is attached. 

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Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and Pinellas Technical College Host Signing Day Event for Students

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St. Petersburg, Fla. – The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) joined together with Pinellas Technical College (PTC) and its partners to host a signing day event for students served through the Florida Youth College, DJJ’s workforce education and credentialing program formerly known as Project Anchor. Through the Florida Youth College, DJJ students at Britt Technical Youth Academy, a career and technical education-focused residential commitment program, can attend classes through Pinellas Technical College with the goal of earning a high-value workforce credential that places them on a direct pathway into a great career.

“DJJ is proud to partner with Pinellas Technical College in providing transformative opportunities for Britt Technical Youth Academy students to pursue a college education,” said DJJ Secretary Eric Hall. “This partnership underscores DJJ’s commitment to accelerating academic achievement for the students we serve and helping them create lasting and meaningful change in their lives.”

“The educational opportunities at Pinellas Technical College that will be made available to these youth who have completed their secondary education will cultivate a foundation for their successful futures,” said State Representative Berny Jacques. “I applaud the partnership between the Department of Juvenile Justice and Pinellas Technical College to find innovative ways to best serve the youth in the department’s care.”

“The partnership between Pinellas Technical College and DJJ will result in success not only for the students but for our community,” said Pinellas Technical College St. Petersburg Campus Director Sylester “Boe” Norwood. “Our partnership will help students gain a competitive edge and give them a second chance at a better life and to make their families proud.”

“This program will benefit me in the future by helping me to provide for myself and my family,” said a Britt Technical Youth Academy student. “It will help me make better decisions and become a positive role model.”

“My son was doing stuff he shouldn’t have been doing, but he’s witty and wise. When he came to the program, I could see that he was learning and changing,” said a parent of a Britt Technical Youth Academy student. “I know he’s in good hands. I’m thankful he’s getting another chance, and I hope he continues doing the same when he comes back home.”

DJJ launched Project Anchor in August 2022 as a partnership with Tallahassee State College to enhance workforce education and career readiness for youth in residential commitment programs and those returning to their home communities. Project Anchor was renamed Florida Youth College and to date, the program has admitted nearly 500 youth.

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Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff to Campaign in Florida for the New Way Forward Tour

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This week, after the first presidential debate between Vice President Harris and Donald Trump, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will travel to Henderson, Nevada; Tucson, Arizona; and Central Florida as part of the Harris-Walz campaign’s New Way Forward battleground tour to mobilize support, drive enthusiasm, and reach the voters who will decide this election as we approach the closing weeks of the campaign.

With fewer than 60 days until Election Day, the Second Gentleman will underscore the contrast between Vice President Harris and Governor Walz’s vision for a brighter, more hopeful future versus Donald Trump and JD Vance’s Project 2025 that will give Trump unprecedented, unchecked power to enact his extreme and dangerous agenda.

CENTRAL FLORIDA

WHAT: Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff to campaign in Central Florida for the New Way Forward battleground tour.

WHEN: Friday, September 13, 2024. RSVP for more details.

WHERE: Central Florida.

RSVP: Credentialed members of the press interested in attending any of the stops must RSVP here by 5 PM ET on Wednesday, September 11, to request a credential and receive more details.

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute celebrates new graduates of Executive Leadership Seminar

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For Immediate Release

August 30, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute proudly announces the graduation of 15 distinguished criminal justice executives from its prestigious Executive Leadership Seminar. These accomplished professionals, who occupy leadership positions across various criminal justice agencies in Florida, have successfully completed the program.

The Executive Leadership Seminar, a key component of ongoing education for senior managers in Florida’s criminal justice sector, convened its participants for three intensive sessions at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The seminar’s curriculum emphasized crucial areas such as crisis communication, critical thinking, proactive leadership, organizational management, resilience, emotional intelligence, and servant leadership.

Founded in 1990 by the Florida Legislature and operating under the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in association with the State University System of Florida, the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute was created to meet the evolving needs for advanced training and education within the criminal justice field.

We extend our congratulations to the new graduates of Class 11 of the Executive Leadership Seminar, whose names are listed below:

 

Major Cedric Battle

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Director Minnora Bishop

Department of Juvenile Justice

Captain Mathew Campion

Cape Coral Police Department

Commander Michael Castaing

St. Augustine Police Department

Major Adrian Cummings

Miami-Dade Police Department

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Charles Dickson

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Captain Joseph Fulghum

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office

Colonel Michael Hannaford

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Major Jenny McCook

Broward Sheriff’s Office

Captain Justin Minser

Winter Haven Police Department

Captain Shannon Peterson

Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office

Major Joseph Prato

Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Captain Bobby Russell

Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Captain Jason Sayre

Clermont Police Department

Captain LaKisha Snow

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

(850) 410-7001

Mast, Florida Elected Officials Object to Rushed Jonathan Dickinson State Park Development Proposal

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
DATE: August 23, 2024
CONTACT: Savanah Bustin
HOBE SOUND, Fla. – Today, Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21), Florida Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, and state and local elected officials from Martin and Palm Beach Counties sent a letter to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and its Acquisition and Restoration Council objecting to the rushed push to develop Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
“The communities around Jonathan Dickinson State Park are owed a public comment meeting in good faith with members of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC). It is the ARC that will actually vote on whether golf courses and hotels will be built in our park and the public deserves the ability to make their voice heard,” they wrote. “Currently, FDEP is proposing to hold an hour-long public comment period between 3 pm and 4 pm on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. This is absolutely ridiculous, especially as not one of the seven voting ARC members will be in attendance to engage with the public. We believe every voting member of ARC must attend a public comment meeting before taking any action regarding the proposal.”
“It is also imperative that FDEP give the citizens of Palm Beach and Martin counties every opportunity to have their voices heard on the topic. An hour-long meeting on a weekday afternoon when most people are at work will not suffice. Instead, the communities of Martin and Palm Beach counties are prepared to offer ARC and FDEP venues that can accommodate significantly more people. It is the expectation of the community, and the government officials signed onto this letter that all comments are heard, and questions be answered. We propose one meeting in Stuart and one in Jupiter, both for as long as it takes to hear all concerns.”
The lawmakers also encouraged FDEP and ARC to “postpone any public comment or vote to move forward with the project until after Thanksgiving” to give every member of the community the proper opportunity to make their voices heard.
The full text of the letter is available here.
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Fla.’s Housing Market: New Listings Up, Prices Easing in July

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ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 22, 2024 – Florida’s housing market reported easing median sales prices, more new listings and improved inventory levels (active listings) in July 2024 compared to a year ago, according to Florida Realtors®’ latest housing data.

“For-sale inventory continued to improve in July, which is helping to moderate prices – and hopefully will also ease housing affordability issues over time,” said 2024 Florida Realtors® President Gia Arvin, broker-owner with Matchmaker Realty in Gainesville. “Mortgage interest rates also seem to be trending down off the near 7% highs, which boosts potential homebuyers’ purchase power and helps spark demand.”

Closed sales of existing single-family homes statewide totaled 23,353, up 5.2% year-over-year, while existing condo-townhouse sales totaled 8,364, down 1.2% over July 2023, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. Closed sales may occur from 30- to 90-plus days after sales contracts are written.

Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor pointed out that, at the end of June, there was a sizeable amount of pending inventory, especially in the single-family home category, which could indicate that closed sales of existing single-family homes would rebound this month.

“And yes, that’s what happened,” he said. “The increase wasn’t enough to offset the decline in single-family closed sales in June, but it was still positive. And, while we came up a little bit short in the townhouse and condo category, July’s 1.2% year-over-year decline in closed sales there is far more preferable that what we saw the previous month.

The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in July was $416,990, basically the same (up 0.5%) as a year ago, while the statewide median price for condo-townhouse units was $315,000, down 1.3% from July 2023. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

O’Connor pointed out, “Over on the supply side of things, new listings of single-family homes remained in line with what we would have expected in the pre-pandemic market, but there were 10.7% more new listings this July compared to last year’s unusually low count. Meanwhile, 13.8% more townhouses and condos came onto the market in July compared to a year ago.

“The inventory of single-family homes continues to rise, but over the last three months, this growth has slowed as each month has passed. I’d caution, however, that this slowdown may be in part just a seasonal effect. Townhouse and condo inventory levels are now above where they were during the 2014 to 2019 pre-pandemic, post-Great Recession period. However, month-over-month inventory growth has flattened out over the past two to three months.”

On the supply side of the market, single-family existing homes were at a 4.6-months’ supply in July 2024, while condo-townhouse properties were at a 7.4-months’ supply.

To see the full statewide housing activity reports, go to the Florida Realtors Newsroom and look under Latest Releases or download the July 2024 data report PDFs under Market Data.

Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to 238,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Newsroom website is available at http://floridarealtors.org/newsroom.

 

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DATA CALL NOTICE: Hurricane Debby Catastrophe Reporting

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The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) is providing notice to insurers to file a Simplified 2024 Catastrophe Reporting Form (CRF) through the Insurance Regulation Filing System (IRFS). Data must be provided in accordance with the deadline below.

OIR is instituting this data call for the purpose of collecting additional claims and other relevant information from insurers related to a natural disaster causing catastrophic damage in the state of Florida. This authority is mandated pursuant to section 624.307, Florida Statutes.

Reporting Deadlines for Hurricane Debby

OIR is requiring simplified catastrophe reporting for Hurricane Debby beginning Friday, August 23. Reporting deadlines for Hurricane Debby:

  • Friday, August 23, 2024

  • Friday, August 30, 2024

Data must be submitted by 12 p.m. ET for each reporting deadline.

OIR will notify insurers if additional reporting deadlines are required.

At this time, insurers must report using the Simplified 2024 CRF, which does not include the “Survey” tab within the CRF template.

The CRF provides valuable information to OIR and the state of Florida regarding the impact of a hurricane or other event. It is critical that data submitted is timely and accurate.

Recent claims reporting notices and other resources are available here on the OIR website.

Required Filers

All insurers currently authorized to write the following lines of business in Florida are required to report Hurricane Debby claims data:

  • FIRE;
  • ALLIED LINES;
  • FARMOWNERS MULTI-PERIL;
  • HOMEOWNERS MULTI-PERIL;
  • COMMERCIAL MULTI-PERIL;
  • PRIVATE FLOOD;
  • OCEAN MARINE;
  • INLAND MARINE;
  • PPA PHYSICAL DAMAGE;
  • COMMERCIAL AUTO PHYSICAL DAMAGE;
  • AIRCRAFT;
  • GLASS;
  • BOILER AND MACHINERY;
  • INDUSTRIAL FIRE;
  • INDUSTRIAL EXTENDED COVERAGE;
  • MOBILE HOME MULTI-PERIL;
  • MOBILE HOME PHYSICAL DAMAGE;
  • MULTI-PERIL CROP;
  • SURPLUS LINES FEDERALLY AUTHORIZED; and
  • SURPLUS LINES PROPERTY AND CASUALTY.

How to File the CRF

Insurers are to report Hurricane Debby claims data using the 2024 CRF.

The 2024 CRF template must be downloaded within your filing in IRFS here. A sample of the template is available below.

  • Each insurer must submit its CRF on an individual insurer basis only.
  • If an insurer has no policies in force in Florida for the required lines, the insurer must submit a “No Data” filing.
  • If the insurer has policies in force in Florida for the required lines of business but no claims, the insurer must submit a “No Data” filing.
  • “No Data” filings are only required for the initial reporting notice. However, a company reporting policies in force in Florida must submit “Data” filings once claims are received.
  • Reporting is cumulative and must include all claims as of the reporting date.
  • Each insurer must download a new template. Previously downloaded templates will not work.

The following resources are available to aid in completing the CRF:

Questions

If you have questions, email [email protected] or call (850) 413-3147.

Technical assistance will be available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.

About the OIR

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has primary responsibility for regulation, compliance, and enforcement of statutes related to the business of insurance and the monitoring of industry markets. For more information about OIR, please visit www.floir.com or follow on X @FLOIR_comm.

Senator Lori Berman Calls Out the Rejection of Federal Money to Feed Needy Children

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Boynton Beach, Fla. – For the second straight year, Governor DeSantis has refused to apply for $250 million in Federal “SUN Bucks,” which would provide food over the summer for children who typically receive free or reduced lunch. State Senator Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach) is disappointed and frustrated by the decision to not apply for funds, which all but 13 states are accessing.

SUN Bucks, or Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (SEBT), provide grocery-buying benefits to income-eligible families when schools are closed for the summer. SUN Bucks benefits come in the form of a pre-loaded card with a one-time $120 benefit for the summer that families can use to purchase groceries.

While 2.1 million Floridian children would have benefitted from the program, officials for Florida’s Department of Children and Families say existing programs are enough — and argue that the federal program came with “strings attached” in the form of operational costs that would be shared with the state. The cost would amount to around $12 million, only 4.8% of the amount the state would be set to receive.

“I cannot understand why our state would choose to leave so much money on the table while families are having trouble putting food on theirs,” Sen. Berman said. “Governor DeSantis spends so much time complaining about the price of food and how hard it is to raise a family, but when faced with a real opportunity to help struggling families in our state, he decides to play politics and turn down the help. This decision shows the governor is out of touch and mean spirited.”

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