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Gov. Scott: Floridians Should Pay Attention to Potential Severe Weather
Governor Rick Scott today made the following statement regarding the National Hurricane Center’s monitoring of a weather system that could potentially develop into a tropical or sub-tropical depression. Governor Scott was briefed this afternoon by FDEM while traveling back to Florida. The Governor also directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to be in constant communication with counties regarding the weather system. FDEM has also been in contact with local emergency management professionals in Palm Beach County regarding reports of a small tornado touching down in The Acreage, FL.
Governor Scott said, “In Florida, we know how to prepare for storms, and even though hurricane season hasn’t begun, we should never let our guard down. It’s encouraging to know that the National Hurricane Center doesn’t expect this system to become a tropical storm, but we should never underestimate the potential impact of severe weather. I urge every Floridian to take this opportunity to revisit their emergency plans. Also, Floridians should stay tuned to local news reports as this weather system moves north. As with any storm, our main concern is safety, and Floridians across the state should take the proper steps to keep themselves and each other safe.”
For additional updates, follow the Florida State Emergency Response Team on Facebook at Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLSERT.
Florida’s Housing Market: New Listings, Median Prices Up in 1Q 2018
Florida’s housing market reported slightly more new listings and higher median prices during the first quarter of 2018, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. A shortfall of for-sale inventory continued to impact sales even as the number of owners listing their properties for sale inched up over the quarter; closed sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 60,204 in 1Q 2018, down slightly, 0.9 percent, from the 1Q 2017 figure.
“During the first three months of 2018, median sales prices for both existing single-family homes and for condo-townhouse properties rose in Florida, continuing a trend that we’ve been seeing for quite a while,” said 2018 Florida Realtors President Christine Hansen, broker-owner with Century 21 Hansen Realty in Fort Lauderdale. “Despite tight inventory levels, new listings for single-family homes over the three-month-period rose 1.1 percent year-over-year, while new condo-townhouse listings rose 2.9 percent.
“The state’s population continues to increase, our jobs outlook is strong and the economy is growing. In fact, Florida continues to be ranked as the second-best state in the U.S. to do business, according to the 2018 survey of CEOs from Chief Executive magazine.”
The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in 1Q 2018 was $248,000, up 9.7 percent from the same time a year ago, according to data from Florida Realtors Research department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. The statewide median price for condo-townhouse properties during the quarter was $180,000, up 7.8 percent over the year-ago figure. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.
Looking at Florida’s condo-townhouse market, statewide closed sales totaled 27,088 during 1Q 2018, up 2.8 percent compared to 1Q 2017. The closed sales data reflected fewer short sales – and rising traditional sales – over the three-month period: Short sales for condo-townhouse properties declined 37.8 percent while short sales for single-family homes dropped 46.3 percent. Meanwhile, traditional sales for condo-townhouse units rose 5.6 percent and traditional sales for single-family homes increased 3.8 percent year-over-year. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.
“At the more affordable end of the pricing spectrum, Florida’s strong employment growth and the long-awaited emergence of the millennial buyer have increasingly driven demand – but there also remains a sizeable contingent of investors in this segment who are looking to capitalize on high rents,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor. “It’s the lack of both existing and new inventory in these price ranges that is really limiting this segment’s potential and keeping sales growth down. In many cities around the state, we’re starting to see pretty strong evidence that buyers who would have preferred single-family homes are giving up and opting to buy condos or townhouses instead.
“Buyers in the market for mid- to upper-tier single-family homes are having a much easier time of it, as they’re facing less competition, and there’s a relative abundance of both new construction and resale inventory available.”
In 1Q 2018, the median time to a contract (the midpoint of the number of days it took for a property to receive a sales contract during that time) was 45 days for single-family homes and 48 days for condo-townhouse properties.
Inventory was at a 3.8-months’ supply in the first quarter for single-family homes and at a 5.9-months’ supply for condo-townhouse properties, according to Florida Realtors.
According to Freddie Mac, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.27 percent for 1Q 2017, up from the 4.17 percent average recorded during the same quarter a year earlier.
To see the full statewide housing activity reports, go to Florida Realtors Media Center at media.floridarealtors.org and look under Latest Releases, or download the 1Q 2018 data report PDFs under Market Data at: media.floridarealtors.org/market-data.
Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 180,000 members in 54 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at media.floridarealtors.org.
Mast Statement On Opening of U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today released the following statement as the United States opened a new embassy in the capital of Israel, Jerusalem:
“Like every other sovereign nation, Israel has the right to determine its own capital. The United States is finally recognizing the truth by moving our embassy to the center of freedom in the Middle East and the capital of Israel, Jerusalem.
“I chose to volunteer alongside the IDF in Israel after serving in the Army because the United States and Israel share the common values of freedom and democracy. The Hamas-led terrorism erupting around the Middle East reaffirms that those who oppose Israel’s sovereignty are fueled by a murderous and hate-driven ideology in stark opposition to these values. Today’s move sends the clear message that the United States will support our allies and won’t tolerate affronts to human dignity.”
Panama City Beach woman claims $4 million MEGA MILLIONS® prize
The Florida Lottery announces that Waleska Fernandez, 55, of Panama City Beach, claimed a $4 million MEGA MILLIONS® prize from the drawing held on Friday, May 4, 2018. The winning ticket matched all five of the white ball numbers, but did not match the Mega Ball.
Fernandez purchased her winning ticket at Publix, located at 11240 Panama Beach Parkway in Panama City. The retailer will receive a $5,000 bonus commission for selling the jackpot-winning ticket. Total ticket sales for this series of MEGA MILLIONS® rollovers generated more than $7.5 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).
Since joining MEGA MILLIONS in 2013, the game has generated more than $294 million for education, and has awarded more than $296 million in prizes to 38.6 million players. The next MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be held Tuesday, May 15, at 11:00 p.m. ET with an estimated $50 million jackpot.
FDLE Members recognized for exceptional performance
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen honored FDLE’s top performers today at the department’s Annual Awards Ceremony. Members were recognized for their outstanding performances during 2017. In total, more than 200 members were nominated.
“It is always gratifying to look back on our FDLE members’ accomplishments, and last year was no exception,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen. “While each nomination was unique, there was a common denominator – outstanding performance. It is a pleasure to recognize the winners of this year’s awards.”
Award winners are as follows:
Special Agent of the Year – Daniel Mehler, Special Agent, Fort Myers Regional Operations Center
This award recognizes commendable investigative or intelligence activity by a sworn member. The culmination of an investigation, coordinated by Special Agent Mehler and assisted by dozens of investigators and support personnel, resulted in the dismantling of a long standing statewide criminal organization which previously operated with impunity in southwest Florida. Seventeen defendants have been arrested and $763,000 in U.S. currency, a vehicle and two buildings have been seized. This organization is no longer in the business of prostitution and trafficking of women to work in the illegal commercial sex trade.
Capitol Police Officer of the Year – Marcus Spradley, Corporal, Capitol Police
This award recognizes an officer for a significant contribution or series of contributions in support of the goals of the Capitol Police. In 2017, Corporal Spradley was selected to be the training coordinator. In addition to this new position and his previous responsibilities of being a field training officer, he was selected as a new member of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. Corporal Spradley has taken his new assignments in stride and with gusto and has spent many hours this past year teaching and assisting officers in and out of the classroom.
Commissioner’s Award Winner – Media Center Team, Bureau of Professional Development, FDLE Headquarters
- Eric Bouquio
- Saeedeh Posey
- Chris Kenworthy
The recipients of this award are chosen by the Commissioner and it gives special recognition to the “unsung” heroes whose performance is outstanding yet low profile within the Department. Whether videography, photography, audio engineering, graphic design or any media-related product is needed, this team is always responsive and provides a first-rate product that showcases who FDLE is and what we do. Examples of their work include creation of videos that show the development and growth of the Florida Fusion Center and the fusion center network and helping overhaul the Sexual Offender/Predator Registry website.
Forensic Scientist of the Year – Kesha White, Crime Laboratory Analyst, Pensacola Regional Operations Center
This award is given to a laboratory member who advances forensic science by implementing new or improved technology, methods development or professional expertise. Ms. White has worked tirelessly both on a national level developing standards, and as an active, productive member of her professional organizations for many years. Her duties have increased over the years which included both principal instructor and technical leader duties during 2017. She has a nationally recognized reputation as a leader in her field and has been asked to serve as a member on many outstanding national and international committees.
Distinguished Member of the Year – Michelle Faircloth, Senior Management Analyst Supervisor, Business Support Services, FDLE Headquarters
This award is given to a member who demonstrates superior performance or who accomplishes a significant achievement. This member consistently performs above and beyond to provide exceptional service to internal or external customers. Last year, Ms. Faircloth provided improvement to the timeliness of the purchase order issuance process. She was also instrumental in arranging the purchase of Naloxone, a medication used to block the effects of opioids, for FDLE sworn and crime lab members.
Distinguished Support Member of the Year –Tina Horne, Administrative Assistant II, Jacksonville Regional Operations Center
This award goes to a member who has demonstrated consistent, superior results with accuracy, timeliness, enthusiasm, dedication, pride and initiative. Ms. Horne’s efforts allowed the Jacksonville Regional Operations Center to use building space more efficiently, have more useable member work space, improved access to supplies for emergency and normal response for both sworn and non-sworn members, and avoided a costly laboratory equipment repair. All of these demanding projects were accomplished in addition to her normal responsibilities as property coordinator which includes managing the regional office’s fleet of vehicles.
Excellence in Leadership – Jason Hitt, Crime Laboratory Analyst Supervisor, Jacksonville Regional Operations Center
This award recognizes a member who exemplifies excellence in leadership by paving the way for other members to shine. Under Mr. Hitt’s leadership, the productivity of the crime laboratory’s chemistry section increased and the turnaround time of the members also improved. The quality of the work performed never deviated from FDLE’s high standards while the section fulfilled the equivalent of 7,165 service requests. He is engaged and available, offering consistency and leadership. He encourages and promotes high performance standards and a quality work product.
Distinguished Team of the Year – Business Support Emergency Response Team, FDLE Headquarters
- Charlotte Fraser
- Mike Moore
- David Henderson
- Brandon Perry
- Stephanie Hendry
- Terri Speed
- Annamarie Whatley
- Susan Rich
- Joy Brady
- Terri Brusca
- Shaneka George
- Stephanie Young
- Jim Foster
This award recognizes a team that has demonstrated superior performance or accomplished a significant achievement. The Business Support Emergency Response Team (BSERT) has a critical role when FDLE responds to natural or man-made disasters. While they may not be the actual boots on the ground, they spend many hours working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that agents, analysts and other responders are able to get the emergency supplies they need and are ready to deploy throughout the state when needed. In 2017, emergency orders were issued for Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Tropical Storm Nate and the Opioid Epidemic. BSERT members were prepared and quickly responded to each emergency with devotion to FDLE members.
Innovation of the Year – New Firearm Eligibility System Implementation Team, Criminal Justice Information Services, FDLE Headquarters
- Mike Courtemanche
- Jameson Schnetzler
- Nelson Ocampo
- Antonio Emata
- Robin Sparkman
This recognition is awarded to a member or group who successfully implements a cutting-edge and creative service, program or product that provides new benefits to FDLE, the criminal justice community or the public. The Firearm Eligibility System, an application that processes firearm related background checks, was originally rolled out in March of 2012. While considered state-of-the-art at the time, FES had been tweaked and modified to the maximum extent possible. In order to gain additional efficiency a complete re-write was necessary. A team was assembled and began work on a technology refresh and retooling and in July 2017, the upgraded version was placed into production. On Friday, November 24, 2017, the busiest shopping day of the year, the Firearms Purchase Program processed a record breaking 10,976 transactions while maintaining an average processing time under two minutes.
Contribution to Criminal Justice – eWarrants Implementation Team, Criminal Justice Information Services, FDLE Headquarters
- Lee Herring
- Jeremy Burns
- Amanda Taylor
- Susie Murphy
- Isis Crespo
This award is presented to a member or team that has made a single significant contribution or a series of contributions in support of the goals of the criminal justice community. In January of 2017, the first eWarrant was served. The eWarrants system is a web-based application designed to establish a standardized electronic process for requesting, approving, and entering arrest warrants into the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) /National Crime Information Center (NCIC). The work of this team has improved public safety by increasing the number of warrants entered into the systems, reducing the possibility of data entry errors and providing public safety information sooner. The criminal justice community can work more efficiently, with fewer errors and public safety is enhanced. These benefits could not be realized without the dedicated work of the eWarrants deployment team.
Recent University of North Florida Graduate Receives Fulbright Scholarship
University of North Florida Hicks Honors College graduate Amanda Wind, who earned her bachelor’s degree in education last month, was selected as a recipient of the esteemed 2018-19 Fulbright Scholarship.
Wind’s award comes in the form of an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) grant to Thailand. The Fulbright ETA program places grantees in schools or universities around the world to supplement local English language instruction. The program aims to increase mutual understanding between the United States and the global community.
“Amanda is an amazing student who is passionate about helping others, especially those less fortunate, said Richard Tryon, UNF scholarship/fellowship advisor who assisted Wind with the application process. “She’s the kind of person who is unafraid to undertake the types of challenges that would give others reason to pause.”
A Southside resident, Wind has a concentration in exceptional student education and is committed to teaching as well as serving youth with disabilities. While she was at the University, she worked with The Arc Jacksonville On Campus Transition (OTC) Program and Best Buddies, serving as a mentor to UNF students with intellectual disabilities and developmental delays.
Through friendship and compassion, Wind helped these students navigate post-secondary life, foster independent living skills and meet social as well as academic obligations. She was awarded the Osprey Community Engagement Medallion April 19 by UNF’s Center for Community-Based Learning for her engagement with the OTC and Best Buddies programs as well as tutoring in the Duval Country Public Schools.
Additionally, Wind has also served Jacksonville’s refugee youth population through volunteering with Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida’s after-school programs. Her experiences in local service inspired her to embark on three international study abroad trips while at the University, focused on service learning and cross-cultural exchange.
Wind learned about meaningful volunteerism abroad in Peru, Cambodia, Vietnam and Belize as well as how to best use her skillset to help others in developing nations. Recently, she taught in Belize with a University-partnered school in Belmopan.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a competitive, merit-based program that offers one-year opportunities abroad to graduating college seniors, graduate students and young professionals.
St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar Endorses Dick Williams for County Commission, District 4
Dick’s commitment to public safety and supporting our law enforcement
officials are among the reasons he supports his candidacy
St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar announced his endorsement of Dick Williams for the St. Johns County Commission District 4 seat. His commitment to public safety and ensuring that our law enforcement receive the respect and resources they need are among the reasons why he supports his candidacy.
“Dick understands that in order for quality of life to be sustained, we have to uphold a commitment to the people of St. Johns County and those who visit to ensure their public safety. Whether it is school safety or providing the resources that our law enforcement officers and team need, Dick is the most qualified candidate and he will work to ensure we meet the level of public safety our citizens deserve,” said St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar.
“Public safety is one of the most important issues that we need to address as a Member of the St. Johns County Commission. Ensuring that our law enforcement has the resources they need to keep our county safe will be one of my top priorities,” said Dick Williams.
A Republican candidate for the St Johns County Commission District 4, Dick Williams is committed to promoting policies that maintain the excellent quality of life that we all enjoy while protecting our hard-earned tax dollars and ensuring that we continue to grow our economy. For more information, please visit his website at: Williams4Commission.com
Paid by Dick Williams, Republican, for St Johns County Commission, District 4
Mayor JC Bermudez Endorses Diaz
Doral Mayor Bermudez says Diaz’s record of outstanding public service in the
Florida House makes him well positioned for effective leadership in the Senate
The Manny Diaz Campaign today announced the endorsement of Doral Mayor Juan Carlos “JC” Bermudez. Diaz has represented District 103 in the Florida House of Representatives since 2012 and is seeking the District 36 seat in the state senate. Bermudez’s support follows endorsements from Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez and Hialeah Gardens Mayor Yioset De La Cruz last week.
“Manny Diaz is very well positioned to be an effective state senator,” said Bermudez. “He knows our area well and has served us with vision, integrity, and tenacity during his time in the Florida House. I look forward to sending him back to Tallahassee as our Senator and continuing to work with him for the good of all of our mutual constituents.”
Bermudez was the founding Mayor of Doral, serving in that capacity for the city’s first nine and a half years of existence, and was re-elected in 2016. During his time as Mayor, Doral has received numerous national accolades, including being named Best City for Business Start-Ups by Business Week and third best place in the United States to retire by U.S. News and World Report. Bermudez currently serves on the United States Conference of Mayors Advisory Board and the Miami-Dade County Transportation Planning Organization.
“Mayor Bermudez is an outstanding public servant, and I’m proud to add him to our team,” said Diaz. “Throughout his career, he has always demonstrated a commitment to hard work and excellence, and I look forward to working with him in continuing service to our community.”
ON THE WEB: votemannydiazjr.com
Paid by Manny Diaz Jr., Republican, for State Senator
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, May 11, 2018
Gov. Scott Appoints Ray Berry to North Broward
Hospital District Board of Commissioners
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Ray Berry to the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners.
Ray Berry, 54, of Davie, is the founder and chief executive officer of Health Business Solutions. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending June 29, 2021.
Gov. Scott Appoints Dr. Michele Heston to
Florida Center for Nursing Board of Directors
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Dr. Michele Heston to the Florida Center for Nursing Board of Directors.
Dr. Michele Heston, 58, of Avon Park, is the dean of health sciences for South Florida State College. Dr. Heston was recommended by the State Board of Education pursuant to s. 464.0196, Florida Statutes. She succeeds Dr. Louise Pitts and is appointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending June 30, 2020.
Gov. Scott Appoints Dr. Mark McKenney to
Florida Trauma System Advisory Council
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Dr. Mark McKenney to the Florida Trauma System Advisory Council.
Dr. Mark McKenney, 59, of Miami Beach, is a professor of surgery at the University of South Florida. He is appointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending April 30, 2021.
Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Dorothy Groover-Skipper and John Van Delinder to the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council.
Dotti Groover-Skipper, of Tampa, is the anti-trafficking director for The Salvation Army Florida Division. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending September 6, 2021.
John Van Delinder, of Callahan, is the executive director of the Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending September 6, 2021.
Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Polk State College District Board of Trustees
Governor Rick Scott today announced two reappointments to the Polk State College District Board of Trustees.
Mark Turner, 55, of Winter Haven, is a partner at Straughn & Turner, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctorate from Stetson University College of Law. Turner is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.
Teresa Martinez, 63, of Lakeland, is the president and founder of the Institute of Spanish Communication Inc. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. Martinez is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
