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Reps. Mast, Gabbard Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Evaluate US Military Burn Pits Exposure

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U.S. Representatives Brian Mast (FL-18) and Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today introduced bipartisan legislation to evaluate the exposure of U.S. servicemembers and veterans to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals. Over 140,000 servicemembers and veterans have reported exposure to burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals over the past three decades. Exposure can produce serious and potentially life-threatening health effects, including neurological disorders, rare forms of cancer, lung diseases, and more—triggering some to call the crisis the ‘Agent Orange’ of the post-9/11 generation.

“When I was serving in Afghanistan, trash and human waste were often burned in open air pits,” Rep. Mast said. “I think it’s quickly becoming clear that these burn pits are emerging as the Agent Orange of my generation.  Service members that were exposed in Iraq and Afghanistan are seeing terrible health effects at a very young age. These men and women risked their lives for our country, and this bipartisan legislation will go a long way toward getting them the care they have earned.”

“Whether serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, our post-9/11 veterans were exposed to open-air burn pits, often for many hours a day,” Rep. Gabbard said. “Some veterans who I deployed with are now falling sick with cancer and other illnesses. But, there is no research and data about exposure to burn pits and other toxic chemicals, and how they have impacted the health and well-being of our servicemembers and their families. Our bipartisan legislation will evaluate exposure to burn pits and other hazardous airborne chemicals to ensure our servicemembers and veterans receive the treatment and services they earned and deserve.”

The Burn Pits Accountability Act would study servicemembers’ exposure to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals while on active duty to begin the process of understanding, assessing, and treating these service-related ailments. The bill is supported by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

“Burn pits are one of the most critical issues facing our generation of veterans. IAVA members nationwide are deeply concerned and incredibly focused on this issue. Burn pits could impact millions and be our generation’s Agent Orange. Increasing accountability at the DoD for servicemembers’ toxic exposures is long overdue. The introduction of this historic legislation is welcomed news for our community of over 3 million veterans that have fought in our nation’s wars since 9/11,” IAVA Founder and CEO Paul Rieckhoff said. “We applaud the strong leadership of our fellow Post-9/11 veterans in Congress. They have stepped forward in a united, bi-partisan effort to put veterans first. Representative Gabbard and Representative Mast have both lived our wars themselves–and are the perfect leaders to drive forward this change. Just as they did on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, Reps. Gabbard and Mast are now leading for their fellow troops in Congress. Their unity, bi-partisanship and patriotism are an inspiration and an example for all members of Congress–and all Americans. IAVA members nationwide are standing by and look forward to working tirelessly alongside them to get this done.”

BACKGROUND

The Burn Pits Accountability Act would evaluate the exposure of U.S. servicemembers and veterans to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals by:

  • Requiring the Secretary of Defense to record whether servicemembers have been based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used or exposed to toxic airborne chemicals, including any information recorded as part of the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, in the Periodic Health Assessment (PHAs), Separation History and Physical Examination (SHPEs), and Post-Deployment Health Assessment (PDHAs).
  • Enrolling any servicemember who meets the above criteria in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, unless he or she opts-out.
  • Requiring the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to share information relating to exposure of burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals recorded in PHAs, SHPEs, and PDHAs.

Major solar energy project to be announced May 4 by Florida Municipal Electric Utilities

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MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: At a ceremonial signing event to be held this Friday, a partnership of Florida municipal electric utilities will announce plans to build one of the largest municipal-backed solar projects in the United States.

WHO: Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA)

Florida municipal electric utilities from Alachua, Bartow, Beaches Energy Services (Jacksonville Beach), Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, Homestead, Keys Energy Services (Key West), Kissimmee Utility Authority, Lake Worth, Ocala, Orlando Utilities Commission, Wauchula and Winter Park

NextEra Florida Renewables, LLC

WHEN: 10 a.m.
Friday, May 4, 2018

WHERE: Florida Solar Energy Center
1679 Clearlake Rd
Cocoa, FL 32922

DCF Holds Steering Committee on Executive Order to Enhance Behavioral Health and Law Enforcement Collaboration

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The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) today convened the first meeting of the Executive Steering Committee on Executive Order 18-81 in Tallahassee. Governor Scott signed the order on March 26, directing DCF to enhance collaboration with law enforcement in each Florida county to improve the coordination of behavioral health services for individuals in need. To view Executive Order 18-81, click HERE.

“Close coordination of services between DCF, mental health treatment providers, and law enforcement is essential for the success of Florida’s coordinated system of care,” said John N. Bryant, DCF’s Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health. “By bringing together representatives from various organizations who help address behavioral health treatment and safety across state, we can improve service delivery methods and truly make an impact for the citizens of Florida.” 

The first meeting of the steering committee was led by Mr. Bryant and the committee reviewed the objectives of the Executive Order, outlined the role of the committee members, developed an action plan for implementation, and discussed the required final report. Mr. Bryant also provided an overview of new funding allocated for crisis services in the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 budget.

The Executive Steering Committee is comprised of state agency leadership, law enforcement, and education and treatment representatives whose knowledge, insights, and experience will aid in the development of an implementation plan and recommendations on how to best meet the behavioral health and public safety needs of Florida’s citizens. Committee members will also play a vital role in supporting regional and local meetings. Members include: 

  • John N. Bryant, DCF Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health
  • Justin Senior, Secretary, Agency for Health Care Administration
  • Rick Swearingen, Commissioner, Florida Department of Law Enforcement
  • Christina Daly, Secretary, Department of Juvenile Justice
  • Rebecca Kapusta, DCF Assistant Secretary for Operations
  • Matt Dunagan, Florida Sheriffs Association
  • Natalie Kelly, Florida Association of Managing Entities
  • Amy Mercer, Florida Association of Chiefs of Police
  • Joy Frank, General Counsel, Florida Association of District School Superintendents

Lucky Sarasota man becomes $1 million richer playing $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Lubomir Richvalsky, 60, of Sarasota, claimed a $1 million prize in the $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $748,000.00.

Richvalsky purchased his winning ticket from Publix, located at 8409 Tamiami Trail South in Sarasota. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.

The $25 game, $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH, features more than $549 million in total cash prizes, including two top prizes of $10 million and 46 prizes of $1 million! Overall odds of winning are one-in-2.89.

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.

RoadWatch Advisory for SR 684 at the Cortez Drawbridge in Manatee County

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MANATEE COUNTY

SR 684 at the Cortez Drawbridge: Bridge maintenance project: Crews are working on the bridge. Expect nighttime/overnight intermittent east and westbound lane closures from 9 p.m. each night to 5 a.m. each morning Wednesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 10. Use caution and expect possible delays.

OFR Issues Administrative Complaint in Woodbridge Case

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Woodbridge Investors Encouraged to Come Forward

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation today announced that an administrative complaint has been filed against 10 unregistered firms and individuals, who offered and sold unregistered securities of Woodbridge Capital Investments, Inc., and other associated companies, while not registered as required by Chapter 517, Florida Statutes.

Commissioner Drew J. Breakspear said, “The Florida Office of Financial Regulation is committed to protecting Floridians from financial crime. Illegal financial activity will not be tolerated, and we will continue fighting for victims. Thank you to our investigators and our state and federal partners who are working to move this case forward.”

In its first wave of actions, the agency’s administrative complaint alleges that the named sales agents and companies violated the Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act by unlawfully offering unregistered securities for sale to Floridians. The agency further alleges that more than 3,300 violations took place. The sales agents are accused of having sold investments offered by Woodbridge to more than 800 Florida victims, who collectively invested more than $100 million.

Investments in Woodbridge First Position Commercial Mortgages were touted as very safe and promised interest rates as high as six percent to investors. However, in a separate civil complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission in December 2017, they alleged that most of the investors’ money was used to pay commissions to sales agents, to pay interest to already existing investors and to pay the personal expenses of the company’s president.

This investigation is ongoing. The Florida Office of Financial Regulation sent a questionnaire in November 2017 to more than 800 Floridians believed to be Woodbridge investors. Investors are encouraged to return the completed questionnaire as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. Additionally, any Woodbridge investor who has not received a questionnaire should contact the Florida Office of Financial Regulation at (850) 487-9687.

The administrative complaint has been issued against:

  • Barry Kornfeld and Ferne Kornfeld, of Parkland, FEK Enterprises, Inc., dba First Financial Tax Group operating in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach;
  • Lynnette Robbins and Knowles Systems Inc., of The Villages;
  • Albert Klager and Atlantic Insurance & Financial Services, Inc., of Vero Beach;
  • Andrew Costa and Costa Financial Insurance, Inc., of Fort Lauderdale; and
  • James Gilchrist of Fort Pierce.
Read the administrative complaint here. 

Commissioner Adam Putnam Warns Floridians of Increased Wildfire Activity

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are urging the public to be careful with fire and all potential heat sources due to increased wildfire danger levels in South Florida and throughout the state. Last week, 56 wildfires burned 3,780 acres, including the 600-acre Micco Shrub Fire that shut down I-95 for several hours due to smoke and low visibility.

“Our wildland firefighters will likely battle a steady increase of wildfires in the coming weeks as the dry and windy conditions continue,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Citizens can do their part by keeping preventable human-caused wildfires at bay and preparing their families and homes for wildfire.”

Since January, approximately 1,325 wildfires have burned 74,427 acres in Florida. Motorists in wildfire-affected areas should exercise extreme caution. To access real-time prescribed burn and wildfire conditions, Floridians can download the “FLBurnTools” app in Apple’s App Store or on Google Play.

“When citizens are careful with fire, they are doing more than just protecting themselves and their property,” said Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “They are helping to protect the lives of Florida’s wildland firefighters and first responders.”

The Florida Forest Service urges residents to be cautious and to remember the following:

  • Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
  • Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
  • Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
  • Never burn on windy days;
  • Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
  • Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
  • Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.

Miami man turns $5 into $500,000 playing GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Armando Acuña, 26, of Miami, claimed a $500,000 top prize in the $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He purchased his winning ticket from Downtown Market Store, located at 241 East Flagler Street in Miami.

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.

RoadWatch Advisory for US 441 N over Taylor Creek Bridge in Okeechobee County

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OKEECHOBEE COUNTY

North Parrott Avenue (US 441 North) Over Taylor Creek:  Construction project: Work is underway to remove and replace a portion of the bridge over Taylor Creek. Additional improvements include removal and replacement of guardrail, pavement markings, and installation of pile jackets, which are stay-in-place forms that are installed around the bridge supports and filled with concrete. During construction, we ask motorists and pedestrians to use caution in this area and watch for crews working close to the roadway. Motorists should expect periodic lane closures as part of the construction process. Estimated project completion is summer 2018. The contractor is Cone & Graham, Inc.

  • Parrott Avenue (US 441) full bridge closure – from 7 p.m., Friday,   May 11, to 7 a.m., Monday, May 14. The bridge over Taylor Creek will be closed at this time so please follow posted detour signs.
  • Upon completion of the detour, lane closures on US 441 will occur overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. throughout the duration of the project, weather permitting. Please drive safely and watch for construction crews in the work zone.

UT Education Program Receives Accreditation Renewal, Strong Marks on Teacher Preparation

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Under a new and more rigorous teacher preparation evaluation system, The University of Tampa recently renewed its accreditation from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE).

The FDOE recently began the new accreditation system in conjunction with Teacher Prep Inspection-US (TPI-US), which reviews teacher preparation programs to determine how the programs can expand their promising practices and address areas of improvement.

In March, UT’s Department of Education underwent a weeklong inspection that included observation of faculty and students teaching, interviews with stakeholders, analysis of all documentations, and evaluations of work samples and students’ work.

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