New material has been posted to the Supreme Court website in:
- Chris Jones v. Portofino Tower One Association (reply brief in order to show cause on jurisdiction in beach leasehold taxation case)
Follow the links at: floridasupremecourt.org.
Featured
Statewide Poll Shows 74 Percent of Floridians Back Amendment 4
A new bipartisan poll conducted jointly by North Star Opinion Research and EMC Research shows that nearly three-quarters of Florida voters support Amendment 4—the Voting Restoration Amendment—on the ballot this November. Amendment 4 gives Floridians who have made past mistakes the eligibility to vote after they have paid their full debt to society. An amendment to Florida’s constitution requires 60 percent of the vote to become law.
“This amendment has the strong bipartisan support needed to pass with Florida’s 60 percent threshold,” said, Dan Judy of North Star Opinion Research, the pollster for Senator Marco Rubio. “Regardless of party, gender, race, or region of the Sunshine State, Floridians strongly support Amendment 4.”
The poll shows that a supermajority of Floridians from each political party support the amendment. According to the survey, 61 percent of Republicans, 78 percent of Independents, and 88 percent of Democrats are in support. In terms of ideology, 92 percent of those who call themselves liberal support the amendment as do 59 percent who identify as conservative.
“In an added indication of the measure’s strength, there are very few undecided voters on the amendment,” said Dave Beattie of EMC Research. “Only 3 percent of voters surveyed said they didn’t know about or had no opinion about the issue.”
EMC Research and North Star Opinion Research conducted a live telephone survey of 1,303 likely November 2018 general election voters in the state of Florida from March 22 – April 2, 2018. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish, and both landlines and mobile phones were included. The margin of error for overall results is ±2.7 percentage points.
Amendment 4 restores the eligibility to vote of Floridians with felony convictions only after they complete all terms of their sentence and pay their full debt to society – including parole, probation, and restitution, if imposed by a judge. Those convicted of murder or felony sexual offenses will not be eligible under Amendment 4.
“These poll results reflect what our grassroots movement has found after literally hundreds of thousands of conversations,” said campaign manager Jackie Lee. “Floridians believe in second chances and support the ability of people who have made a mistake to earn back their eligibility to vote. They strongly support Amendment 4 because it impacts people and families from every community and all walks of life. Vote YES for Second Chances and vote YES on Amendment 4 in November.”
To learn more about the Second Chances Campaign, please visit SecondChancesFL.org.
About North Star Opinion Research
North Star Opinion Research provides strategic guidance to Republican candidates, trade associations, non-profit organizations, and corporations. Located in Washington, D.C., North Star is a full-service research firm offering a broad range of capabilities and expertise. For more information about North Star Opinion Research, visit northstaropinion.com.
About EMC Research
EMC Research is a national public opinion and data analytics firm with offices in Columbus, OH, Irving, TX, Oakland, CA, Orlando, FL, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA and Washington, D.C. EMC Research tailors unique research solutions to complex problems for government agencies, private companies, non-profit organizations, ballot measure campaigns and candidates for public office. For more information about EMC Research, visit emcresearch.com.
Pd. pol. adv. paid for by Floridians for a Fair Democracy, Inc.
CFO Jimmy Patronis: Lobby Registration Requirement Should Apply to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis sent the below letter to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation President and CEO Barry Gilway today regarding the lack of a requirement for those lobbying the Corporation. The letter can also be found here.
May 2, 2018
Mr. Barry Gilway, President, CEO and Executive Director
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
301 W. Bay Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Dear Mr. Gilway:
As Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Financial Services Commission, I believe that transparency should be a key component to any organization. Currently, lobbyists are not statutorily required to disclose their efforts on behalf of clients and private interests they represent before Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. Florida’s state-backed insurer should be subject to the same rules as state agencies and organizations such as water management districts.
Transparency is one of the best ways we can ensure accountability. It should be crystal clear who is interested in influencing Citizens policy changes or securing contracts with the Corporation. The Citizens internal Code of Ethics should address lobbying activities. Considering the lack of a statutory requirement, I am requesting Citizens attend the next meeting of the Governor and Cabinet to discuss the Corporation’s plan of action and timeline to correct this shortcoming.
Citizens should examine its internal Code of Ethics and consider options such as publicly documenting entities that lobby Citizens. These options would be a proactive approach while awaiting the next legislative session to address this statutorily.
A public entity that provides insurance to more than 444,000 policyholders in Florida, and the potential financial impact that Citizens has for all Floridians’ insurance policies, should ensure all lobbying activities are conducted in the sunshine.
Regards,
Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer
c: Christopher B. Gardner, Chairman
DSC to honor graduates at 58th commencement
More than 3,400 students will join the ranks of Daytona State College alumni during commencement ceremonies on Monday, May 14, at the Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.
In keeping with tradition, DSC’s 58thcommencement will take place in two parts; however, ceremonies have been moved to earlier in the day to allow graduates more time to celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends. The first ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. for associate of science, certificate and adult education candidates. The second ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. for all bachelor’s and associate of arts degree candidates.
DSC’s commencement exercises will honor over 400 bachelor’s degree recipients. Among them are 239 graduates of Daytona State’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management degree, which the college began offering over a decade ago, and 80 graduates of the college’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which DSC launched in 2014. The college offers 11 baccalaureate degrees in business, nursing, education, engineering and information technology, and has conferred nearly 3,500 bachelor’s degrees since it transitioned in 2006 from a community college to a four-year-degree-granting state college.
Many of Daytona State’s baccalaureate recipients are working parents or have responsibilities that prohibit them from commuting long distances to go to class. Many went back to school to improve their chances of promotion to higher positions. Some chose Daytona State to prepare for change in their careers. Others weighed the substantial cost savings gained by choosing a bachelor’s degree from DSC.
The Class of 2018 also features over 1,500 associate of arts graduates. Many will continue their studies in a DSC baccalaureate degree program or smoothly transition as juniors to the University of Central Florida through DSC’s Direct Connect to UCF partnership, or to other universities.
Over 600 students will have earned their associate of science or associate of applied science degree, while another 800-plus will have taken the first step on their educational and career pathway by earning a certificate credential.
This year, over 2,000 are graduating with honors, including 539 with high honors, and 49 have been inducted into the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa, based on their leadership skills, scholarship and community service. An additional 24 graduates were inducted this year into Sigma Beta Delta, the highest international recognition a business student can receive at a college or university. Sixty Associate Degree Nursing graduates this year were inducted into the Alpha Delta Nu national honor society, and 25 students were inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi international honor society for education graduates. Fifteen students were inducted into the Daytona State College Hall of Fame, the highest honor that faculty can bestow upon a student.
More than 200 veterans earned their academic credentials this year.
And, 208 graduates are earning their associate of arts degree, associate of science or program certificate days before they receive their high school diploma through Daytona State’s popular dual enrollment program, which provides opportunity for high school students to earn college credits free of charge and get a head start on their college education.
Nearly 350 grads will have earned their adult high school diploma or GED as part of the Class of 2018.
Since its founding in 1957 as Florida’s first comprehensive community college, Daytona State has awarded over 100,000 degrees and certificates.
Out-of-Calendar Opinion Release from the Florida Supreme Court
Commissioner Adam Putnam to Speak at Florida Chamber Foundation Prosperity Summit
MEDIA ADVISORY
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam will speak at the Florida Chamber Foundation Prosperity Summit tomorrow, May 3, on economic opportunity.
Event: Florida Chamber Foundation Prosperity Summit
Date: Thursday, May 3, 2018
Time: 9 to 10 a.m.
Location: Rosen Plaza Hotel, Ballroom A
9700 International Drive
Orlando, Fla. 32819
Florida Polytechnic University to graduate its 1st four-year class
More than 200 Florida Polytechnic University undergraduate and graduate students will be receiving degrees, as Florida’s newest public university graduates its inaugural class.
Florida Poly’s Spring 2018 Commencement will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4 at the RP Funding Center (Youkey Theater), located at 701 W Lime St., Lakeland.
Established in 2012 as an innovative university dedicated entirely to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), Florida Poly is focused on graduating students who are lifetime employable and ready to be the leaders of high-tech industries. Classes began in fall 2014 with hundreds of students taking a chance on a brand-new institution with a hands-on approach to teaching, and a learning environment that encourages them to think big and challenge the status quo.
“These students believed in Florida Poly’s mission before the doors even opened,” said Florida Poly President, Dr. Randy K. Avent. “They have come a long way since, and the university has grown with them. We are proud of their journey with Florida Poly and know they’re prepared to make an impact on the world.”
The commencement speaker will be Dr. Jeffrey Wadsworth, who will be awarded anhonorary degree by Avent.
Wadsworth recently retired as president and CEO of Battelle Memorial Institute, the world’s largest nonprofit research and development organization, executing about $6 billion of work annually and employing about 22,500 people. He has previously overseen the management or co-management of seven national laboratories of the U.S. Departments of Energy and Homeland Security.
The ceremony will also feature an address by the State University System Chancellor Marshall Criser and student speaker Chris Dowdy. Dowdy, who is from Lakeland, is graduating summa cum laude with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Dowdy says he’s humbled to be representing his class and the university at commencement and says he’s thankful for the many opportunities made available to him.
“Florida Poly has given me tremendous opportunities,” said Dowdy. “From the faculty to staff and administration, I’m excited about honoring everyone who made it all possible. There’s no doubt the hands-on experience we have gained at Florida Poly has positioned us well to be future leaders in our fields.”
Davie man wins $2 million top prize playing FLORIDA 50X THE CASH Scratch-Off game
Gem Osceola poses with his oversized check after claiming a $2
million prize in the FLORIDA 50X THE CASH Scratch-Off game.
The Florida Lottery announces that Gem Osceola, 50, of Davie, claimed a $2 million top prize in the new FLORIDA 50X THE CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his prize in a one-time, lump-sum of $1,600,000.
Osceola purchased his winning ticket from Winn Dixie, located at 11290 State Road 84 in Davie. The retailer will receive a $4,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The $10 game, FLORIDA 50X THE CASH, launched on January 15, and gives players the opportunity to multiply their winnings by up to 50 times! The game also offers over $162 million in cash prizes, plus eight $2 million top prizes! Overall odds of winning are one-in-3.46.
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.
DLCC Holds Critical Seat in FL House
Representative-elect Javier Fernandez tonight won the special election for Florida House District 114.
Fernandez is a first-time candidate who was featured as one of the DLCC’s Spotlight Races. With experience working as a land-use lawyer and serving as the Chief of Staff to former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, Fernandez spearheaded initiatives to combat poverty and fought for community block grants to help improve housing options in South Florida.
“Congratulations to Representative-elect Javier Fernandez on this incredible win tonight,” said DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post. “South Florida voters made their voices heard – they are ready to send someone to Tallahassee who will stand up for them and fight for greater access to health care, stronger gun safety reforms, and smarter investment in our public schools. The DLCC looks forward to continuing our work with Florida state Democrats to win more seats in November.”
The DLCC invested in this special election and worked with the campaign to create a strategic field outreach program that included knocking on 14,000 doors in the final few days. Former Vice President Joe Biden endorsed Fernandez in this special election for House District 114, which includes Flagami, Coral Gables, West Miami and parts of Pinecrest and Cutler Bay. Tonight’s win comes on the heels of the DLCC flipping 40 seats from red to blue since Trump was elected in 2016.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is the only organization exclusively committed to electing Democrats to state legislatures all over the country and winning Democratic control of chambers. For over two decades, the DLCC has been working with state legislative leaders to invest strategically in state programs, which has led to Democrats flipping 40 seats since Trump’s inauguration. The DLCC is building on Democrats’ winning momentum and continues to lay the groundwork for substantial gains in 2018 in statehouses nationwide. State Democrats recently scored critical victories in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, and elsewhere, while also leading the resistance against the Trump administration’s extremist policies. You can learn more about critical upcoming elections and follow DLCC’s Spotlight Races at races.dlcc.org.
Florida’s Public Power Communities Shine at National Lineworkers Rodeo
Lineworkers from Florida public power communities had a standout year at the American Public Power Association’s 17th annual Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo, which took place April 27-28 in Wake Forest, N.C. Florida public power lineworkers took home awards in every event category except one. In three of the apprentice event categories, Florida public power linewokers swept the awards. The total number of awards bestowed on Florida apprentices and journeyman teams was 18 – more than any other state.
“The annual Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo is an opportunity for our linewokers to show off their skills in the trade and their commitment to safety. They were on the national stage and they really shone – showing everybody what Florida public power can do. We could not be more proud of them,” said Amy Zubaly, Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) Executive Director. “Our congratulations to all the winners. It is well-deserved recognition.”
2018 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo winners from Florida include:
Apprentice – Overall
3rd – Austin Gunther, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida
Apprentice – Double Dead-End Bell Change Out
1st – Daniel Kelly, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida
2nd – Jack Battle, City of Tallahassee Electric Utility, Florida
3rd – Austin Gunther, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida
Apprentice – Hurtman Rescue
1st – Kort Key, Gainesville Regional Utilities, Florida
Apprentice – Rope Toss
1st – Josh Helton, City of Tallahassee Electric Utility, Florida
2nd – Jeremy Starr, JEA, Florida
3rd – Jack Battle, City of Tallahassee Electric Utility, Florida
Apprentice – Sidewalk Guy
1st – Jack Battle, City of Tallahassee Electric Utility, Florida
2nd – Josh Helton, City of Tallahassee Electric Utility, Florida
3rd –Tyler Homan, City of Ocala Utility Services, Florida
Apprentice – Written Test
3rd – Austin Gunther, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida
Journeyman – Overall
3rd – Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida: Austin Franey, Shane Paras, Billy White, and David Wolfe
Journeyman – 4kV Crossarm Change Out
3rd – Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida: Austin Franey, Shane Paras, Billy White, and David Wolfe
Journeyman – 4kV 600 Amp Switch Replacement
3rd – Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida: Austin Franey, Shane Paras, Billy White, and David Wolfe
Journeyman – Hurtman Rescue
2nd – Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida: Austin Franey, Shane Paras, Billy White, and David Wolfe
3rd – City of Tallahassee Electric Utility, Florida: Blake Burns, Keith Kirkpatrick, and James Sanders
Journeyman – 4kV Jumper Replacement
3rd – Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida: Austin Franey, Shane Paras, Billy White, and David Wolfe
Similar to the Florida Lineman Competition, the rodeo is a series of competitive events demonstrating lineworker skills and safe work practices. Events are judged based upon safety, work practices, neatness, ability, equipment handling, and timely event completion. There are two levels of competition within the rodeo – journeyman and apprentice. The journeyman teams consist of three members – two climbers and a ground person – and can include an optional alternate. A qualified journeyman has more than four years of experience within the electric utility trade. An apprentice lineworker has four or fewer years of experience.
Florida public power lineworkers were among 66 teams and 145 apprentices from community-owned electric utilities across the nation that participated.
During the rodeo, Joe Young, a former journeyman lineman with Gainesville Regional Utilities, was posthumously inducted into the International Lineman’s Hall of Fame. Young served the Gainesville community for 22 years, was an active member of FMEA and was highly involved in numerous state and national lineman competitions, both as a competitor and as Florida Lineman Competition Host Utility Field Coordinator.
“Florida lineworkers live by the motto: Safety-Excellence-Honor. Joe exemplified all these traits as a lineworker. While he is no longer with us, his legacy and memory will live on forever in our hearts and in the International Lineman’s Hall of Fame,” said Zubaly.
