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Florida Sends 25 FHP Vehicles to Puerto Rico to Aid in Recovery

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida has donated 25 Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) vehicles to the Puerto Rico Police Department to support law enforcement needs and Hurricane Maria recovery.

Governor Scott said, “Since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico last year, I have visited the island six times to offer guidance, assistance and support. We’ve made it a priority in Florida to aid Puerto Rico in their recovery from this devastating storm. I’m glad that the Florida Highway Patrol, on behalf of Floridians, has stepped up and honored a request to provide additional surplus police cruisers to the island. These 25 vehicles will assist law enforcement efforts as they work to rebuild. We will continue to do all we can to support Puerto Rico’s recovery.”

This announcement is part of a continued commitment from the state of Florida to assist Puerto Rico as they recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Maria. The vehicles had been out of circulation and were ready for surplus before they were donated. Per the state’s replacement criteria, FHP law enforcement vehicles may be taken out of circulation when they reach 80,000 miles or are eight years old. In November, 50 FHP troopers were deployed to Puerto Rico for one month to assist the Puerto Rico Police Department with security operations and traffic control needs.

“The Florida Highway Patrol is proud to continue assisting the Puerto Rico Police Department following Hurricane Maria,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “These donated vehicles are another way Florida is supporting the people of Puerto Rico in their recovery.”

Actions taken by Governor Scott following Hurricane Maria:

  • On September 28th, at the request of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Governor Scott traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico to help coordinate response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria.
  • On October 5th, the Governor entered into a host-state agreement with FEMA – Florida is the only state willing to enter into this type of agreement to help families displaced by Hurricane Maria.
  • On October 11th, Governor Scott met with Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture Congressman Mike Conaway, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Congressman Michael McCaul, and Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón.
  • On October 30th, the Governor’s office sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget. See the letter HERE.
  • On November 3rd, Governor Scott led a delegation of Florida utility providers to Puerto Rico at the invitation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló.
  • On November 9th, the Governor activated the State Emergency Response Team to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s press release HERE.
  • On November 15th, the Governor sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan urging them to support Florida’s efforts to support those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
  • On December 21st, Governor Scott spoke with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón regarding Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Maria.
  • On December 22nd, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen regarding recovery efforts for Florida and Puerto Rico.
  • On January 3rd, Governor Scott sent a letter to the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations urging the Senate to immediately pass a significant Hurricane Irma and Maria disaster relief package. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
  • On January 11th, Governor Scott spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long regarding the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of continued communication between federal, state and local partners as families continue to recover from Hurricane Maria.
  • On January 12th, Governor Scott met with Governor Ricardo Rosselló and joined him for a Puerto Rico recovery town hall meeting to discuss ongoing relief efforts.
  • On January 24th, Governor Scott, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, California Governor Jerry Brown and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló issued a joint letter urging the U.S. Senate to improve and expeditiously pass supplemental disaster funding, and for Congress to send the bill to the President. See the letter HERE.
  • On February 5th, Governor Scott visited Puerto Rico with Governor Ricardo Rosselló to assist with ongoing Hurricane Maria recovery efforts.
  • On February 7th, Governor Scott spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long regarding Governor Scott’s recent trip to Puerto Rico.
  • On February 7th, Governor Scott announced a new partnership to connect families displaced by Hurricane Maria with jobs in Florida. See the announcement HERE.
  • On March 5th, Governor Scott traveled to Puerto Rico to meet with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón and attend the Puerto Rico State of the State Address.
  • On April 18th, Governor Scott met with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón in Washington D.C. to discuss how Florida is working to help Puerto Rican evacuees in the state.
  • On April 18th, Governor Scott also spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long to discuss the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of keeping the FEMA case managers the Governor previously requested on the ground across the state.
  • On May 18th, Governor Scott announced that Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart would travel to Puerto Rico on May 20th to meet with Puerto Rico Department of Education Secretary Dr. Julie Keleher and offer continued guidance and support. See the Governor’s announcement HERE.
  • On May 31st, Governor Scott traveled to Puerto Rico at the invitation of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló to continue to offer guidance, advice and assistance regarding ongoing Hurricane Maria recovery efforts. During his visit, Governor Scott met with Governor Rosselló, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Luis G. Rivera-Marin, and Speaker of the House Carlos Johnny Méndez.

API Announces New “Explore Offshore” Coalition In Florida

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Supporting Expanded Access To Eastern Gulf of Mexico’s Offshore Oil and
Natural Gas Resources; Part of Larger Effort Backing Expanded Access

API today announced the launch of “Explore Offshore”, a new coalition of more than 100 community organizations, associations, businesses and local leaders in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida who support increased access to offshore U.S. oil and natural gas resources. The Florida effort will be led by Dr. Miriam Ramirez, Former Puerto Rico State Senator, Jeff Kottkamp, Former Lieutenant Governor of Florida, and Wayne Harris, former Okaloosa County Commissioner. Jim Nicholson, who served as Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the George W. Bush Administration, and former Virginia Senator Jim Webb will serve as bipartisan national co-chairs of the coalition.

Dr. Miriam Ramirez, Former Puerto Rico State Senator, Explore Offshore Florida Co-Chairman: “As a native Puerto Rican and a volunteer to rebuild Puerto Rico from the devastation of Hurricane Maria, I know firsthand that we should not take for granted access to reliable energy. The Department of the Interior took a step in the right direction by proposing to open up additional areas of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico to new exploration for oil and natural gas. Our neighbors in the Gulf of Mexico support thriving tourism industries all while developing offshore energy resources that create high-paying jobs to those states, provide much needed state revenue and economic investment, and deliver greater energy security to America.” 

Jeff Kottkamp, Former Florida Lieutenant Governor, Explore Offshore Florida Co-Chairman: “With over 20 million residents and 110 million annual visitors—the availability of affordable energy is critical to our quality of life in Florida.  Access to new sources of domestic oil and natural gas is important to maintain or quality of life in the Sunshine State.  As we consider exploration for new energy sources we must also be mindful Florida’s environment.  We look forward to working with our local leaders to discuss ways to maintain our state’s natural beauty while at the same time expanding opportunities to keep our nation energy independent.”

Wayne Harris, Former Okaloosa County Commissioner, Explore Florida Offshore Co-Chairman: “I’ve had the great honor of serving our country in the military for 27 years, and serving my county as a Commissioner. My focus is on ensuring that future generations get to enjoy the same opportunities that I have, in a nation that is safe and secure. A key to making that possible is putting in place energy policies that support the constant, reliable and affordable supply of energy our families and businesses will always need to grow and thrive. The more of that energy that comes from our own borders the better. It’s time we used recent advances in technology and science to find out exactly what energy resources lay in our waters, and how we can produce that energy in a responsible manner in the years ahead. That’s how we will make Florida and America more energy secure.”

Florida Petroleum Council Director David Mica: “As we plan for our future in Florida, we should keep all options on the table as it relates to accessing domestic oil and natural gas resources and Explore Offshore will be a united voice of Floridians working to do just that.”

The importance of oil and natural gas to Florida:

  • Oil and natural gas will continue to make up over 60 percent of America’s electricity use for at least the next thirty years according to federal government projections, even with the use of renewables on the rise.
  • 67 percent of net electricity generation in Florida in 2017 came from natural gas.
  • By 2035, the oil and natural gas industry could create over 56,000 new high-paying jobs in Florida.
  • Offshore development could result in $2.6 billion in private investment into Florida and $1 billion per year in state revenues.
  • The average salary for oil and natural gas exploration and development jobs is $116,000, including for positions that do not all require a four-year degree.

Explore Offshore is a bipartisan coalition dedicated to safe and environmentally responsible access to our offshore energy resources to help supply affordable and reliable energy for American consumers, small businesses, and manufacturers. This broad coalition of community organizations, businesses, and local associations across the Southeast has come together to voice support for reliable, safe, and affordable energy.

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, as well as service and supply firms. API member companies provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 45 million Americans.

For the national press release click here.

Neighbors Banding Together With Solar to Control Power Bills

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Florida has taken the lead in both residential and utility solar. All across the state neighbors are banding together to bundle their buying power and use their roofs to save money and reduce their utility bills.
Solar co-ops have helped propel the state into a leading position for rooftop solar, with the state leading the nation with a 110% growth rate in residential rooftop solar permits. The co-ops help by bundling consumer buying power and bringing discounts, as well as easy to understand information about how solar can help homeowners save money.
Solar United Neighbors, a non-profit based in Washington D.C., working with their partner the League of Women Voters of Florida, has launched 34 solar co-ops around the state, with many more planned or in process for 2018. Currently there are active co-ops in Orange County, St. Petersburg, Miami-Dade, Highland, Citrus, Franklin, Bay, and Sarasota counties,as well as the Upper Keys. In the past two years, the co-ops have accounted for 10% of all new residential solar in the state.
The co-ops are installing their 1,000th home this summer, using local solar installers from around the state. In just over two years the co-ops have invested almost $10 million in rooftop solar, added 267 jobs, and helped Florida consumers save millions.
Now growing by $1 million a month for rooftop solar, co-op participants all across Florida are jumping on board. “The best part was that by working with the co-op, it was really easy,” said Charlie Behrens, a co-op participant from Orlando. “The last time I went solar, I had to do all of the legwork myself. This meant vetting the installers, researching different hardware, figuring out endless financial permutations and lots of cold-feet second-guessing. This year when we wanted to add panels via the co-op, we had a good clear decision within a day, and at a lower price than we could ever get as just one rooftop.”
Co-op participants work together and with the support of Solar United Neighbors to learn about solar. They form a bulk purchase group that selects one installer through an open bidding process. Participants select the installer whose proposal best serves the needs of the group. The selected installer then develops personalized proposals for each homeowner. Participants then decide if going solar is right for them. The co-ops are free to join and there is no obligation to proceed or purchase a solar system.
Experts say Florida should be one of the top three states in the country for rooftop solar due to days of sunshine and high electric bills stemming from almost year-round use of air conditioning.
“Rooftop solar is one of the very best investments a homeowner in Florida can make,” said Dr. Jim Fenton, Director of the Florida Solar Energy Center at University of Central Florida. “Depending on some variables such as roof orientation, utility, etc., homeowners can expect almost a 14% return per year.”
To help spread the word, the League has released a Sun$ense video campaign to help educate the Florida public. The videos are free to use in their entirety or for b-roll and sound bites.
“Standing room only at our public meetings around the state from cities to small towns showed us that the time was right to use this fun social media device to expand awareness,” said League president Patricia Brigham.
The results speak for themselves. Angela DeMonbreun, state director of Solar United Neighbors, says the neighborhood co-ops contributed nearly 10% of all new residential rooftop solar in Florida in 2017, and is the largest and fastest growing marketplace for Solar United Neighbors, which introduces solar co-ops in nine states.
Videos can be viewed on the League’s YouTube channel. For local interviews of volunteers or solar owners, contact Deirdre Macnab, Chair, League of Women Voters Campaign for Solar (407) 415-4559.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on the 74th Anniversary of D-Day

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Attorney General Pam Bondi released the following statement regarding the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy:

“Seventy-four years ago today, brave Americans and allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy—my Uncle Raymond, an 18 year-old Army private, was one of them. Days after the battle, he was critically wounded and later died from his injuries. Although I never knew my Uncle Raymond, I am immensely proud to call him my uncle and eternally grateful for his sacrifice and the sacrifices of all our veterans and service members who put their lives on the line so we can live free.”

Statewide Career Fair Prioritizes Hiring Floridians and Puerto Rico Evacuees

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Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Teams Up with CareerSource Florida, The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Homebuilders, Uber and Lennar to Hire for Construction Jobs

Nineteen local workforce boards will host a statewide, construction industry-focused job fair beginning June 12 in cities and towns across Florida. In partnership with the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, CareerSource Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Homebuilders, Uber and Lennar – the largest homebuilder in America and Florida, the events bring together construction and related companies seeking to hire Floridians and individuals displaced by Hurricane Maria for a variety of high-paying jobs.

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Law Enforcement Leadership Continue to Endorse Amendment 6/Marsy’s Law for Florida

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Law enforcement leadership from across the state continue to endorse Amendment 6/Marsy’s Law for Florida, which would place equal rights and protections for victims in the state constitution if supported by voters. Endorsing Amendment 6/Marsy’s Law for Florida are:

  • Retired Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti
  • Dixie County Sheriff Dewey Hatcher
  • Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan
  • Glades County Sheriff David Hardin
  • Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar
  • Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams
  • Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell
  • Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods
  • Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper
  • Okeechobee County Sheriff Noel Stephen
  • Osceola County Sheriff Russell Gibson
  • Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
  • Putnam County Sheriff Gator DeLoach
  • Miami-Dade Police Department Director Juan J. Perez

Previously endorsed by sheriffs from 24 counties, the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Florida Sheriffs Association, Amendment 6/Marsy’s Law for Florida now has the support of more than half of the state’s sheriffs.

A proposed constitutional amendment, Amendment 6/Marsy’s Law for Florida will be on the November 2018 General Election ballot. If passed by a margin of 60 percent or more of Florida voters, Amendment 6 would place a Crime Victims Bill of Rights in the state constitution. Enshrining a Crime Victims Bill of Rights in the state constitution would ensure crime victims have clear, enforceable rights that are equal to, not greater than, the rights of the accused and convicted.

Amendment 6/Marsy’s for Florida was approved and placed on the ballot by the Florida Constitution Revision Commission in April.

The measure has also received the support of Governor Rick Scott, former Governor Jeb Bush, U.S. Congressman Ron DeSantis, State Senator Lauren Book, State Senator Darryl Rouson, Florida Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran, former Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Wansley Walters, Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca, Retired Florida Judge Frank Shepherd, Indian River County Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan, State Attorney Andrew Warren (13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County) State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle (11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County) State Attorney R.J. Larizza (7th Judicial Circuit, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia Counties), State Attorney Brad King (5th Judicial Circuit, Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter, Hernando Counties), State Attorney Dave Aronberg (15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County), and former State Attorneys Rod Smith of Gainesville and Willie Meggs of Tallahassee.

For more information on Amendment 6/Marsy’s Law for Florida, visit marsyslawforfl.com.

About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail.  In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.

New Website Will Help Florida Businesses Prepare for Natural Disasters

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The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today announced the launch of a new website, FloridaDisaster.biz, to help Florida businesses prepare for and recover from hurricanes and other disasters. By providing critical information before, during and after a disaster, the website will help businesses recover and get Floridians back to work following emergencies.

Features of the new website include:

  • A disaster planning toolkit to help businesses prepare for hurricanes and other disasters;
  • Critical disaster updates from the State Emergency Operations Center to keep businesses informed during emergencies; and
  • A Business Damage Assessment Survey to help businesses get back up and running after an emergency.

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Lakeland Woman Turns $5 Into $500,000 After Playing Gold Rush Doubler Scratch-Off Game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Terri Carter, 56, of Lakeland, claimed a $500,000 top prize in the $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She purchased her winning ticket from Publix, located at 5375 North Socrum Loop Road in Lakeland.

The $5 Scratch-Off game, $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER, features more than $182.8 million in prizes, including 44 top prizes of $500,000. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-4.23. 

Scratch-Offs are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in FY 2016-17, and comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales.

 

Plantation Man Claims $1 Million Prize In The Florida 100X The Cash Scratch-Off Game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Gary Wall, 52, of Plantation, claimed a $1 million prize in the new FLORIDA 100X THE CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $770,000.00.

Wall purchased his winning ticket from Publix, located at 6921 West Broward Boulevard in Plantation. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.

The new $30 game, FLORIDA 100X THE CASH, launched on February 26, and features eight top prizes of $15 million – the largest Scratch-Off top prize ever offered by the Florida Lottery. The game also offers 20 prizes of $1 million. Overall odds of winning are one-in-2.59.

Scratch-Offs are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in FY 2016-17, and comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales.

PSC Transfers Vero Beach Electric Utility Customers, Rates Will Be Lower

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Customers who currently are served by the City of Vero Beach’s municipal electric utility may see a 21 percent decrease in their bills after the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today decided Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) should serve them.

The Commission directed FPL to charge customers in the added territory the same rates it charges its existing customers, which would result in an approximately $27 decrease on a typical 1,000 kWh monthly residential bill.

The decisions would go into effect only if the utilities close on their Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) in which FPL would acquire Vero Beach’s electric utility assets and operations.

“Vero Beach customers will see many benefits from this acquisition, including lower rates, access to energy efficiency programs, and increased service reliability,” said Commissioner Gary F. Clark, adding “This Commission has always used the public interest as the measuring stick for its decisions, and today’s decision will have no adverse impact to existing FPL customers.”

The Vero Beach utility has approximately 35,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the City of Vero Beach, a portion of the Town of Indian River Shores, and part of unincorporated Indian River County.  In today’s PSC meeting, several of those consumers and their elected officials asked the Commission to make them FPL customers.

The PSC does not have direct authority over changes in electric utility ownership, but changes in service territories and the rates that are charged require Commission approval.

FPL requested recognition for future ratemaking purposes of its investment of $116.2 million above the value of the assets it will acquire, and a majority of the Commission agreed.  

Under the PSA terms, FPL will purchase the Vero Beach utility system for $185 million by December 31, 2018.  FPL serves 4.9 million customer accounts across Florida.

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.