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Lawmakers file bill authorizing military force against terrorists abroad

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U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL), Bob Corker (R-TN) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) have filed legislation to give the president clear authority to use military force against al-Qaida, the Taliban and ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

The measure would replace similar legislation Congress approved in 2001 and 2002 that gives the president clear authority to use military force against al Qaeda and Iraq, and would put to rest any questions as to whether the administration has the authority to target terrorists wherever they are today.

“Terrorists groups such as ISIS pose a serious threat to our national security,” Nelson said. “This bill will give the president the clear legal authority he needs to target these groups in Iraq, Syria or anywhere else they may be hiding.”

Debate over the president’s authority to use military force in a foreign country without first going to Congress resurfaced this week after President Trump launched a barrage of missiles against several chemical weapons facilities in Syria. While Nelson has said publicly that he supported the president’s decision to strike the facilities in Syria, he also said that the president should have sought Congressional approval before launching the strike.

The legislation, which Nelson and others filed late Monday, would end debate over the president’s authority to launch strikes against al-Qaida, the Taliban and ISIS anywhere in the world without Congressional approval. It would not, however, provide the president with the same blanket authority to conduct strikes against non-terrorists targets, such as the strikes this past weekend in Syria.

Nelson, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, filed similar legislation in 2014 after ISIS beheaded American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

The newly-filed bill, known as the “Authorization for Use of Military Force of 2018,” contains the following key provisions:

  • Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF): Authorizes the executive to use all necessary and appropriate force against al-Qaida, the Taliban, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and designated associated forces. The legislation does not provide authority for military action against any nation state.
  • Quadrennial Congressional Review: Establishes a process for Congress to review the AUMF every four years without risking a lapse in authorization. On January 20, 2022, and again every four years thereafter, the president must submit to Congress a proposal to repeal, modify, or leave in place the AUMF. For a 60-day period beginning on that same date, legislation to repeal or modify the AUMF will qualify for expedited consideration, guaranteeing the opportunity for both debate and a vote. If Congress fails to enact new legislation, the existing authorities remain in place.
  • Congressional Oversight and Transparency: 
    • Associated Forces and Foreign Countries: Requires the president to report to Congress on all new designated associated forces, the basis for those designations, and each new country in which the United States is using military force pursuant to the AUMF.
    • Congressional Review: The president may immediately use force against a new associated force or in a new country pursuant to the new AUMF, but within 48 hours, must notify Congress. Such a notification triggers a 60-day period during which legislation to remove the authority to use military force against the new associated force or in the new foreign country will qualify for expedited consideration. If Congress takes no action, the existing authorities remain in place.
  • Repeal of the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs: Repeals the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs after the new AUMF has been in place for 120 days.

A copy of the legislation is available here.

Senator Aaron Bean Presents $975,000 Check to Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub

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On behalf of the State of Florida, State Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) last week presented a $975,000 check on Monday, April 9, 2018, to Kathleen Schofield, executive director of STEM2 Hub; Gary Chartrand, chair of STEM2 Hub Corporate Board; and, aspiring Northeast Florida STEM students. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and it includes some of the fastest-growing, most in-demand career fields in today’s workforce. During the 2018 Legislative Session, Senator Bean worked with the Florida Legislature to secure the crucial $975,000 in funding for STEM2 Hub’s Northeast Florida 21st Century Workforce Development project, which will increase the availability of STEM-related educational programs in Northeast Florida’s schools.

“STEM education is vital to the future workforce of our state,” said Senator Bean. “I envision a Florida where all children have the chance to learn these critical skills, so they can realize their truly unlimited potential. This funding moves us closer to fulfilling this vision and provides Northeast Florida’s students with the opportunities needed to compete and excel in the 21st Century.”

The goal of STEM2 Hub’s project is to expand access to schools and organizations so that they may consistently offer 21st Century Skills Development programs to students in the Northeast Florida region. This will assure broader exposure to programs with a focus on robotics, coding and workforce-aligned after-school programs, taking place in both formal and informal learning spaces, and high-quality instruction in mathematics. Schools targeted by STEM2 Hub will be able to participate in math programs that will deepen content knowledge and increase student growth in math, leading to STEM capable graduates.

“As a leader in both the education and the business communities, I recognize the critical importance of accelerating the opportunities for all students to have meaningful engagement with the skills they will need to prepare them for the unknown challenges of tomorrow’s workforce,” said Chartrand. “These funds will allow us to reach deep into the community to strengthen opportunities for children that will open doors to their future and put them on a pathway to the most in-demand careers. We are thankful to our state leaders for valuing the importance of this work.”

“It is so important that we give all students the opportunity to grow competent in the skills of problem solving and critical thinking,” said Schofield. “We must make students feel connected to community and business leaders, as well as to their schools, so that they see a pathway to their own success. I am honored to have the opportunity to advance this work, accelerating the growth and development of programs that will allow Northeast Florida students to be tomorrow’s leaders of the new and exciting world that lies ahead.”

For more information about STEM2 Hub, please visit: stem2hub.org.

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.

Gov. Scott: Greenway Health Expands Tampa Headquarters Adding More than 100 Jobs

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Governor Rick Scott announced today that health information technology and services provider Greenway Health is expanding its headquarters in Tampa. The company will add another 104 new high-wage jobs to its Westshore district location and invest $1.8 million in the project. New positions to be hired through December 2018 include software development and training, legal, cybersecurity and marketing roles that will pay an average annual wage of more than $57,000.

Governor Scott said, “Florida’s economy is booming. Since 2011, nearly 1.5 million private-sector jobs have been created in our state, and more and more companies are choosing to grow in Florida. Today’s announcement means more than 100 families will have the opportunity to get a good job and live in the Tampa Bay area. We will not stop working until Florida is the number one destination to live and work.”

Scott Zimmerman, CEO of Greenway Health said, “By providing physicians and their staffs with technology that more effectively operates as an extension of their work and amplifies intelligence at the point of care, we can support them for greater patient impact and also bring more joy back into their work. We feel fortunate to be able to advance that mission and help transform practices for the future by growing our Tampa headquarters and attracting top talent in the Tampa Bay area.”

Mayor Bob Buckhorn, City of Tampa said, “Tampa is gaining greater national recognition for its excellent supply of information technology industry talent each year, and Greenway Health’s decision to expand here is yet another vote of confidence in this city’s workforce. We look forward to supporting Greenway Health as it plants deeper roots in Tampa.”

Sandy Murman, chair of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners said, “Companies like Greenway Health continue to invest in Hillsborough County because this community offers the business climate, talent, and quality of life that their business needs to thrive. We deeply appreciate their investment here and the jobs they are creating for local families.”

Alan F. List, MD, chairman of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and president and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center said, “We are proud of Greenway Health’s success in Tampa and Hillsborough County. We competed hard against Georgia to win this expansion for our community, and are excited to assist Greenway Health as they build an even greater future for their company here.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity said, “Greenway Health LLC’s expansion is another sign that employers are benefiting from Florida’s pro-business policies and finding the talent they need to succeed. Each of these new jobs represent an opportunity for a family in the Tampa area to live the American dream.”

The Greenway Health expansion project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Greenway Health LLC is a privately owned vendor of health information technology that provides integrated electronic health records and practice management solutions, and tools such as revenue cycle management solutions that help improve care coordination, profitability, and efficiency for ambulatory healthcare practices across the nation. The company’s history reaches back to 1978.

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit greenwayhealth.com/careers for more information about available positions.

Florida is an information technology industry powerhouse and home to more than 27,000 technology companies. More than 237,000 residents work in the state’s technology industry, and Florida’s universities are among the nation’s top producers of STEM graduates.

Gov. Scott and FWC announce 40-day recreational red snapper season in Gulf state and federal waters

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Gov. Rick Scott are excited to announce a 40-day recreational red snapper season for both Gulf state and federal waters. A 24-day season was originally proposed.

Gov. Scott said, “Florida is a premier fishing destination and saltwater fishing in the Gulf of Mexico has a $7.6 billion economic impact in our state every year. Adding additional opportunities for anglers to enjoy Florida’s world-class fishing not only benefits our visitors but also our Gulf Coast communities. I am pleased to announce this extension today, and encourage visitors and residents to start planning their summer fishing trips.”

“Florida is an important access point throughout the nation and world for recreational red snapper fishing,” said FWC Chairman Bo Rivard. “With other Gulf states setting longer seasons than what Florida had initially proposed, it was important for us to find a fair resolution that would provide equal access to red snapper in Florida. FWC worked collaboratively with NOAA Fisheries to come up with a season that would provide access to all of those that choose Florida as their fishing destination. We appreciate the leadership from Gov. Rick Scott and U.S. Congressman Neal Dunn and we are excited to announce that extension today.”  

Florida will be setting the season in 2018 and 2019 in both state and federal waters through a fishery-management pilot program (also referred to as an Exempted Fishing Permit). The 2018 proposed season would open June 11 and close July 21.

This recreational season will include those fishing for red snapper from private recreational vessels. For-hire operations that do not have a federal reef fish permit are also included but are limited to targeting reef fish in Gulf state waters only.

This Exempted Fishing Permit will not apply to commercial fishermen or for-hire operations with a valid federal reef fish permit.

To share your comments or input on Gulf red snapper, visit MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.

Learn more about snapper at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Snappers” and don’t forget to sign up for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey via GoOutdoorsFlorida.com if you plan to target snapper or other reef fish from a private vessel.

Gov. Scott: United Technologies Creates 480 Jobs in Palm Beach County

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Opens New UTC Center for Intelligent Buildings

Governor Rick Scott today attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for United Technologies’ new UTC Center for Intelligent Buildings in Palm Beach County. This world-class facility showcases industry-leading building products, serves as a connected work space for employees, and is designed to be an environmentally sustainable building. The UTC Center for Intelligent Buildings has already created 380 jobs and, at the ceremony, Gov. Scott announced that UTC has committed to creating 100 additional jobs for a total of 480 jobs at this facility.

Governor Scott said, “I was proud to join UTC today to officially open its new Center for Intelligent Buildings, which has already created 380 jobs. I was also proud to announce that UTC will be adding to its many accomplishments in Florida and creating an additional 100 jobs for families in Palm Beach County. With Florida’s beautiful weather, low taxes and business-friendly policies, it’s easy to understand why UTC picked Florida over other locations in the Southeast for its new facility. In Florida, we’ll never stop fighting for jobs for families in our state. I look forward to seeing UTC’s continued success in the Sunshine State.”

UTC Climate, Controls & Security is a leading provider of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, building controls and automation, and fire and security systems leading to safer, smarter, sustainable and high-performance buildings. The new 224,000 square-foot facility features innovative products, integrated systems and interactive displays from UTC brands such as Carrier, Otis, Automated Logic, Chubb, Edwards, Kidde and Lenel.

“The UTC Center for Intelligent Buildings is more than a world headquarters for our business – it’s the embodiment of our commitment to our customers,” said Bob McDonough, president, UTC Climate, Controls & Security. “This building was designed specifically to show our global customers exactly what is possible in the building technology space. That’s why we’ve chosen to openly display critical building technologies that are typically hidden in basements, closets and on rooftops. These solutions are vital to productive, safe and secure indoor environments, and our new building is a celebration of the modern life they enable.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity said, “Congratulations to United Technologies on the opening of your Center for Intelligent Buildings. Your commitment to the state of Florida illustrates that our business-friendly policies are working and is a significant win for the families of Palm Beach County.”

Peter Antonacci, CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc. said, “UTC has chosen the best place in the country to grow their business. This expansion wouldn’t be possible without Governor Scott’s dedication to make Florida the jobs destination for America’s businesses.”

City of Palm Beach Gardens Mayor Maria Marino said, “The City of Palm Beach Gardens is honored the Carrier Corporation, an affiliate of UTC has made our City their home. Palm Beach Gardens strives to have industries bring knowledge, innovation and technology to our community. Carrier/UTC fits our goal of delivering economic development especially with the promise of 450 high quality jobs to our residents. The 5 year local economic impact is $660 million. Taking advantage of the City’s tools for economic development, Carrier/UTC received their building permits in a record 58 days using our expedited permitting process. It is every City’s dream to have this caliber of a corporation. We look forward to the success of Carrier Corporations Center for Intelligent Buildings.”

Rep. Rick Roth endorses Matt Spritz for State House

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Looks Forward To Working with Spritz in
the Palm Beach County Delegation Next Year

Matt Spritz announced today that Republican State Representative Rick Roth has endorsed his campaign for the State House. Notably, Roth is one of only two non-term limited Republican State Representatives from Palm Beach County currently serving in the Florida House.

“I proudly endorse Matt Spritz for State Representative,” said Roth. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Matt in Tallahassee for some time, and I’ve seen firsthand his dedication to our community and his tireless work ethic. The people of House District 89 will be well served having Matt represent them in Tallahassee, and I’m looking forward to working closely with him as part of our legislative delegation for the benefit of all Palm Beach County next year.”

“I’m honored to have the support of Representative Roth,” said Spritz. “He’s a local small business owner who understands our community, and why it’s so important to promote policies that shrink government, grow our economy, and create jobs. I’m really looking forward to continuing to work closely with him in the Florida House.”

Roth joins a growing number of current and former state and local elected officials who have endorsed Spritz, including former U.S. Senator George LeMieux, former State Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff, State Representatives Byron Donalds, Randy Fine, Jason Fischer, Joe Gruters, Tom Leek, Bobby Payne, and Bob Rommel, former State Representative Alex Miller, former Town of Palm Beach Councilman Bill Diamond, and former Town of Manalapan Mayor David Cheifetz.

Representative Rick Roth is a native of Palm Beach County, a husband, father and grandfather, a 3rd generation farmer, and a 32-year small business owner. He is currently serving his first term in the Florida House, as the Representative from District 85, which includes large portions of northern Palm Beach County.

Born and raised in South Florida, Matt Spritz graduated Phi Beta Kappa with high honors from Emory University and from New York University School of Law in New York. He practiced corporate and business law in New York and later in South Florida before committing himself to public service in the Florida House.

House District 89 covers coastal portions of Palm Beach County spanning from Singer Island to Boca Raton, which has the largest concentration of voters. Thirty-six percent of registered voters in the district are Republicans, while Democrats make up 33 percent, and voters with minor or no party affiliation, 31 percent.

Paid by Matt Spritz, Republican, for State Representative.

FWC to meet April 25-26 in Fort Lauderdale

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet April 25-26 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott North, 6650 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Both days are open to the public.

The FWC is committed to providing opportunities for public input at each Commission meeting. As standard practice, the Commission welcomes public input regarding agenda items using the approved speaker registration process and time limits. To accommodate as much input as possible from those attending, the Chairman reserves the right to designate the amount of time given to each speaker, including time donation to other speakers.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m., and the public will be provided opportunities to speak on agenda items each day. The Commission will also provide time for public comment on subjects not on the agenda at the end the first day, April 25. Those who wish to offer comments during this period will be asked to make sure their comments are not related to any agenda item.

For the full April 25-26 agenda and links to background reports, go to MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings.” Those who cannot attend may follow coverage at Twitter.com/MyFWC (@MyFWC) and join in the conversation by using the #FWC2018 hashtag. Check the Florida Channel for possible live video coverage at TheFloridaChannel.org.

Additionally, the Commission will be meeting separately for a marine fisheries management presentation at the same location on April 24 at 10 a.m. This session is open for public attendance, but there will not be time allotted for public comment. No regulatory decisions will be made.

ICYMI: Sunshine State News: Matt Caldwell Wins Straw Poll in Jacksonville

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Adam Putnam, Ashley Moody, Matt Caldwell Win Straw Poll in Jacksonville
Kevin Derby, Sunshine State News
April 14, 2018
To read the full article, click HERE.

Voters and candidates from across the Sunshine State gathered in Jacksonville on Saturday afternoon for a straw poll held by WBOB.
…
Several statewide candidates, including … state Rep. Matt Caldwell, who is running in the Republican primary to be agriculture commissioner, spoke before the straw poll.
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Supporters for other candidates, including … state Sen. Denise Grimsley and former state Rep. Baxter Troutman, who are both running in the Republican primary to be Florida’s next agricultural commissioner, were also out in full force.
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Caldwell easily won the GOP agriculture commissioner straw poll with 81 votes followed by Grimsley with 33 votes and Troutman with 21 votes.
…
The Duval County Supervisor of Elections team, which included former state Rep. Dick Kravitz, managed the straw poll.

Florida Poly students making Winter Haven a ‘smart city’

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A group of Florida Polytechnic University students have taken on the mission of making the City of Winter Haven a “smart community” to better prepare it for the challenges of the future.

The Winter Haven Economic Development Council (WHEDC) partnered with the city of Winter Haven and Florida Polytechnic University to take the first steps into making that objective a reality.

“Our goal is to build on Winter Haven’s rich fiber optic network and the rapidly expanding business and residential markets with high-value, innovative, smart communities ideas that have been proven elsewhere and can be customized to meet our local needs,” said Bruce Lyon, president of the WHEDC.

Throughout this semester, six Florida Poly students have taken part in an internship with the WHEDC to conduct a comprehensive assessment aimed at developing high-tech ideas and recommendations from projects that have been implemented and proven valuable in other communities worldwide. The effort includes interviews with residents, businesses and government leaders.

The information collected will be used to determine how various sectors – government, environment, health, infrastructure, public safety, transportation, business and innovation, and housing and commercial development – can benefit from smart community initiatives.

“This assessment will enable decision-making on strategic and tactical guideposts towards community improvements that will make our lives healthier, easier, and more productive while expanding our economic base through innovative deployment of new technologies,” said Lyon.

Kyle Cook is one of the Florida Poly students taking part in the assessment. The senior from Lake Mary, Florida, is majoring in computer engineering with a focus in embedded system design. He says the concept of making a community “smart” is much more than throwing a bunch of technology at cities and using sensors.

“In addition to cutting-edge technology, it’s a matter of using existing technologies in ways that aren’t implemented in the general Winter Haven community yet,” said Cook.

The internship, he says, has provided him and his peers an invaluable out-of-class experience.

“It’s almost vital if you’re looking to go toward industry because having this practical experience puts you ahead of your competition and also confirms whether you’re in the right field or not,” he said. “If you like what you’re doing, then you know you’re in the right place.”

The students will present their research to the WHEDC board of directors later this spring. Lyon expects the organization to continue working with Florida Poly students as the smart community initiatives move closer to implementation.

CRC Approves Eight Revisions for the 2018 General Election Ballot

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Pursuant to Article XI, Section 2 of the Florida Constitution, the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) today voted to approve eight revisions to be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot for voter consideration.

CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “For more than a year, Commissioners have traveled across the state to speak directly with citizens about the changes they want to see in the Florida Constitution. After months of in-depth research and debate, the CRC has narrowed down thousands of comments and ideas into eight final revisions for voter consideration. From protecting our state and territorial waters from oil drilling to strengthening our ethics laws, I commend my fellow Commissioners for their hard work and leadership representing the people of Florida. We are grateful to the thousands of Floridians who participated in this historic process and look forward to letting voters have the final say in November.”

Proposed constitutional revisions on the ballot must secure at least 60 percent voter approval to become law. A formal report will be submitted to the Florida Secretary of State as soon as possible. A list of the final revisions approved by the CRC are provided below; the full text of each revision is available onflcrc.gov: