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Javier Enriquez Calls on Fernandez to Refuse Salary

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With Fernandez’s election to House District 114 well after the close of the 2018 legislative session, Enriquez says Fernandez has done nothing to earn a taxpayer-funded salary

Javier Enriquez called on Javier Fernandez to refuse his legislative salary until after the November election. Fernandez was elected to the District 114 seat in the Florida House on May 1 in a special election, nearly two months after the end of the 2018 legislative session. Enriquez, a Republican, announced his campaign for the seat earlier this month.

“Quite simply, Javier Fernandez may be technically eligible for a legislative salary, but he should do the right thing and refuse to take it,” said Enriquez. “He has not cast a single vote on behalf of the people of District 114, and there is little likelihood that he will between now and November 6. While we both work in this campaign to earn the trust of the residents of this district, he should demonstrate his respect for their hard-earned tax dollars by refusing to take a salary he hasn’t earned.

“Fiscal discipline should be the priority of every public official. Holding elected office is a sacred trust, it comes with the obligation to practice wise stewardship of the people’s money, and officials should be held accountable. Mr. Fernandez has an opportunity to show taxpayers how he handles their money, and we are watching.”

Currently, Florida legislators earn $29,697 a year, or $571 per week.

Paid by Javier Enriquez, Republican, for State Representative

Reed Canal Road Near U.S. 1 Closure and Detour

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Drivers are alerted to a weekend road closure of Reed Canal Road approaching U.S. 1/South Ridgewood Avenue in South Daytona. Reed Canal Road will be closed between Carmen Drive and U.S. 1 from about 9 p.m. Friday, May 18, through 6 a.m. Monday, May 21, to allow crews to replace a storm pipe under the road.

Residents and visitors of the Bristol Bay Condominiums will be able to access the Banana Cay Drive entrance coming east on Reed Canal Road from Carmen Drive.

During the closure, the posted detour will use Carmen Drive, Ridge Boulevard and U.S. 1. A map is attached for more information.

The drainage work is part of a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) intersection improvement project at the U.S. 1 intersection with Reed Canal Road. The work includes widening and lengthening the left turn lane from southbound U.S. 1 to Sandy Circle and adding a right turn lane from southbound U.S. 1 to westbound Reed Canal Road. There also will be dedicated turn lanes created from Reed Canal Road into Bristol Bay Condominiums, as well as a new left turn lane from Reed Canal Road to northbound U.S. 1.

Electronic message boards and other signage will be used to direct motorists. Please note schedules may change. Construction updates are available on FDOT’s Central Florida website, cflroads.com. Media inquiries should be directed to the District Five Public Information Office at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].

Nelson files bill to force FEMA to continue providing housing assistance to storm victims

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Thousands of displaced Puerto Rican families could be kicked out of hotels on June 30
Nelson’s bill would provide housing assistance through Feb. 2019

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) filed legislation today to require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to activate its Disaster Housing Assistance Program to continue providing housing assistance to thousands of families still displaced after last year’s hurricanes – including thousands of Puerto Rican families forced to flee the island in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

The move comes just two days after FEMA denied the governor of Puerto Rico’s request to activate the program. And just weeks after the agency announced that it will end a separate temporary housing assistance program that’s currently providing hotel rooms to hundreds of displaced Puerto Rican families living in Florida on June 30 – leaving many of them with no assistance and nowhere to go after the program ends.

“This administration has failed the people of Puerto Rico,” Nelson said. “If they’re not going to act, then Congress must. These displaced families are American citizens who desperately need our help. We have a responsibility to help them, just as we would want to be helped if we were in their shoes.”

If approved, Nelson’s legislation would require FEMA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to immediately activate a joint interagency housing program, known as the Disaster Housing Assistance Program, or DHAP, to continue providing housing assistance to the victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria – including hundreds of displaced Puerto Rican families living in Florida – through February 2019.

The DHAP program was first activated in 2007, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to help relocate storm victims out of defective FEMA trailers and into more traditional housing. It was used again in 2008 to provide housing assistance to victims of Hurricane Ike and Gustav.

Once activated, DHAP provides monthly rent subsidies to eligible families displaced by a storm to help them pay for temporary housing in the wake of a disaster. The program can provide eligible families with housing assistance for up to 18 months after a disaster is declared, which means it could provide victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria with housing assistance through February 2019.

The program is initiated through an interagency agreement between FEMA and HUD, where FEMA funds the program and establishes the eligibility criteria for displaced families, while HUD uses its existing processes to administer the program and provide displaced families with the assistance they need.

On Tuesday, FEMA rejected a formal request made by the governor of Puerto Rico in December to activate the program. If approved, Nelson’s legislation would require the agencies to immediately activate DHAP for anyone still displaced by last year’s storms – including hundreds of displaced Puerto Rican families in Florida who could soon be forced out of their hotel rooms on June 30.

In addition to Nelson, the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

A copy of the legislation is available here.

POWERBALL® jackpot climbs to $306 million

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More Than $21 Million Generated For Education in Florida

The jackpot for Saturday’s POWERBALL® drawing has climbed to an estimated $306 million; the largest in the nation. The POWERBALL jackpot has rolled 17 times since the March 21, 2018, drawing, generating more than $21.1 million in contributions to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).

POWERBALL jackpots start at $40 million and roll until the jackpot is won. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-69) and the red POWERBALL (1-26). The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are approximately one-in-24.87.

In addition to the jackpot, players have eight other ways to win non-jackpot prizes ranging from $4 to $1 million or up to $2 million if the ticket includes Power Play. The integrity of all games is of utmost importance to the Florida Lottery; players are encouraged to sign the back of their tickets at the time of purchase and keep them in a safe place.

Purchase your tickets at any of the more than 13,000 Lottery retailers for your chance to become Florida’s newest multi-millionaire. The Florida Lottery reminds all players to play responsibly, as it only takes one ticket to win. As with all Florida Lottery products, players must be 18 years or older to play.

ABOUT POWERBALL IN FLORIDA
Since joining POWERBALL in 2009, the game has generated $1.82 billion in contributions to education statewide. Florida is among the top-selling POWERBALL states in the country, with more than 82.7 million winning tickets totaling more than $2.3 billion in prizes, including 12 jackpot winners. Florida was also one of the three states nationally to have a winner share in the world record-setting $1.586 billion POWERBALL jackpot in January 2016.

The next POWERBALL drawing will be held Saturday, May 19, at 10:59 p.m. ET, tickets must be purchased by 10:00 p.m. ET to be eligible for this drawing. National POWERBALL drawings are broadcast live, in high-definition, from the Florida Lottery’s state of the art draw studio in Tallahassee. Florida Lottery game drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY
The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $33 billion to education and sending more than 775,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its revenue back into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Florida retailers and contributions to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $56.3 billion in prizes and made more than 2,000 people millionaires. For more information, please visit flalottery.com.

Former Sheriff Brad Steube Endorses Tommy Gregory

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The former Manatee County sheriff says Gregory has demonstrated
the leadership and service needed to be an effective legislator

The Tommy Gregory Campaign today announced the endorsement of former Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube. Gregory is running for the District 73 seat in the Florida House of Representatives, currently held by Joe Gruters, who is running for the Florida Senate. Steube’s endorsement follows the announcement earlier this week that Sarasota Sheriff Tom Knight is also supporting Gregory.

“Tommy Gregory’s character and values will make him a very effective legislator,” said Steube. “His military career demonstrates his commitment to public service, and I believe he will bring the same determination and skill to the Florida House. I am pleased to endorse him and urge all District 73 voters to support him.”

In 1978, Steube joined the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, where he held various leadership positions throughout his career, including Commander of the Narcotics and Vice Unit as well as the Special Weapons and Tactics Team. Former Governor Charlie Crist appointed him Sheriff in 2007, and he won re-election in 2008 and 2012. Steube is a graduate of Leadership Manatee and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. In 2015, he announced that he planned to retire and would not seek re-election in 2016.

“Sheriff Steube really modeled community leadership during his time in office,” said Gregory. “I appreciate the example he set, and I’m honored to have his support. I look forward to working with him and other local leaders to find policy solutions that will help us overcome our area’s challenges and make the most of our opportunities.”

Paid by Tommy Gregory, Republican, for State Representative

Florida lawmakers’ letter to Scott

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) joined with 11 other members of Florida’s Congressional delegation in sending a letter to Gov. Rick Scott today urging him to work with them to protect Florida families from escalating health insurance costs.

In addition to Nelson, the letter – which outlined six specific actions Scott should take at the state level to help mitigate rising healthcare costs – was signed by Reps. Kathy Castor (D-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Charlie Crist (D-FL), Val Demings (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Al Lawson, Jr. (D-FL), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

[Read more…] about Florida lawmakers’ letter to Scott

Mayor Manny Cid Endorses Diaz

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The Miami Lakes Mayor is the latest area mayor on a growing list
of endorsements for Manny Diaz’s bid for Florida Senate District 36

The Manny Diaz Campaign today announced the endorsement of Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid. Diaz has represented District 103 in the Florida House of Representatives since 2012 and is seeking the District 36 seat in the state senate. Cid’s endorsement comes on the heels of endorsements by Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez, Hialeah Gardens Mayor Yioset De La Cruz, and Doral Mayor JC Bermudez.

“Manny was an effective state representative, and there’s no question that he will be an outstanding state senator, ” stated Mayor Cid. “When residents in West Lakes and Royal Oaks needed help with flooding, Manny delivered much needed funds to revamp their drainage system. When dozens of Miami Lakers saw their property lines being eroded into the public canal system, Manny responded by funding the stabilization project that saved millions of dollars worth of homeowners’ private properties. He delivered for Miami Lakes, and that’s why I am proud to endorse him.”

Cid was first elected to the Miami Lakes Town Council in 2012 and as Mayor in 2016. He is an advocate for increased openness and transparency in government, with live webcasting of town meetings coming online under his leadership. He serves on the Educational Excellence School Advisory Council for Bob Graham Educational Center and is Chairman of the Mother of Our Redeemer Catholic School Board. Cid was awarded the Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award in 2015 and 2016.

“Mayor Manny Cid is a great public servant, and I’m proud to have his support,” said Diaz. “He works hard for the people of Miami Lakes, and I look forward to working with him to maintain the high quality of life we enjoy in our community.”

ON THE WEB: votemannydiazjr.com

Paid by Manny Diaz Jr., Republican, for State Senator

Gov. Scott to Visit Gulf Coast State College

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Today, May 17th, Governor Rick Scott will attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the Gulf Coast State College Military and Veterans Resource Center. Following the groundbreaking, he will attend the annual foundation dinner at the Edgewater Beach Conference Center.

WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony

WHEN: 5:00 PM CST

WHERE: Gulf Coast State College- WKGC Radio Building
5230 West Highway 98
Panama City, FL 32401

Senator Aaron Bean Presents $400,000 Check in State Funding to ElderSource

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On behalf of the State of Florida, State Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) yesterday presented a $400,000 check to Linda Levin, CEO of ElderSource, and ElderSource’s Board of Directors. During the 2018 Legislative Session, Senator Bean and State Representative Travis Cummings (R-Fleming Island) worked together to secure $400,000 in state funding for ElderSource, so they can provide home-delivered meals to elderly residents in seven Northeast Florida counties.

“We often take for granted our ability to simply prepare a meal when we’re hungry,” said Senator Bean. “However, many seniors in Northeast Florida are unable to perform these everyday tasks without assistance. This funding will allow ElderSource to deliver more meals to seniors in need, and ensure they live out their golden years in good health and with dignity.”

“It was a pleasure to work with Senator Bean and ElderSource to support our seniors,” said Representative Cummings. “I appreciate all ElderSource does for our community – their service, advocacy and support are invaluable.”

According to the Department of Elder Affairs’ 2015 Profile of Older Floridians, 40,135 adults age 60 and over face food insecurity every day in Northeast Florida. To combat this issue, ElderSource will use this state funding to deliver 60,000 meals to 1,000 elderly adults, all of whom are on the home-delivered meal waitlist. By providing this service, ElderSource will give vital, daily nutrition to homebound seniors, reduce isolation, provide a safety check and link them to additional services if needed.

“Home-delivered meals play a critical role in the health and independence of our seniors,” said Levin. “We continue to be grateful for the support and attention both Senator Bean and Representative Cummings have given to the issues facing our elderly. Due to their consideration and kindness, many seniors will be fed in Northeast Florida.”

Senator Bean represents Senate District 4, which includes parts of Nassau and Duval Counties. He can be contacted in Tallahassee at (850) 487-5004 or in his District Office at (904) 757-5039.

Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Awards $198,400 in Scholarships

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As high school seniors across Florida graduate this month and look ahead to college, costs are top-of-mind. But there’s good news from Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Inc., which has awarded scholarships to 132 well-deserving young people living in communities throughout the state. [Read more…] about Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Awards $198,400 in Scholarships