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FDLE Agents arrest Tampa man on more than 100 counts related to child pornography

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Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Jesus Riol, 45, of 8619 Cottonway Lane, Tampa, on 100 counts of child pornography and 5 counts of transmission of child pornography.

During an investigation launched in the Fall of 2017, agents identified a residence in Tampa suspected of distributing child pornography. A subpoena was issued for the account and further investigation showed several file names consistent with child pornography. Upon executing a search warrant at the home, investigators conducted a forensic analysis of several electronic devices and found more than 1,100 files containing images or videos with child pornography. Most of the files were of infants and toddlers being sexually abused by adults.

Riol was taken to the Hillsborough County Jail on a $787,500 bond. He will be prosecuted by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

CFO Jimmy Patronis: President Trump’s Tax Cuts Make it Possible to Phase Out State Business Tax & Attract More Companies to Florida

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Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today released the following statement on his office’s continued analysis of President Trump’s tax cuts and how they will make it possible to phase out Florida’s corporate income tax because of expected increased revenue to the state through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “An analysis of President Trump’s tax cut shows that because of the way Florida’s tax code is written, businesses are expected to pay an estimated 13 percent more to the state in taxes over the next 10 years. Some of that increase is because the federal tax law got rid of corporate deductions and expanded the tax base while lowering the overall rate, which means Florida businesses will have higher ‘federal taxable income’ subject to state taxation. That 13 percent equates to an estimated $313 million increase in tax base for the state over 10 years, which paves the way for us to begin phasing out our business tax in Florida.

“One public study on the effects of the Trump tax cut shows that while Florida businesses would pay 13 percent more, our number one competitor for jobs – Texas – would have no similar increase in business taxes. This could put our state at a competitive disadvantage as we try to build off of Governor Scott’s success in making our state a top choice for businesses looking to relocate. We know many businesses are examining the tax climate in Florida and other states right now, as they plan to take advantage of President Trump’s new policy of a one-time tax assessment for companies who return off-shore revenue back to America.

“As businesses pay the state more in taxes, Florida is able to lower our tax rate accordingly. I have asked my staff to develop a plan that would strategically roll back our business tax over the next several years so it can eventually be eliminated, while finding a way to continue to support charter schools that are currently funded from corporate tax scholarships. We must work quickly to cut our business tax and make Florida the most competitive state in the nation for business growth and job creation.”

A copy of the study can be found here.

Destin man wins $3 million on Friday the 13th playing the $600,000,000 GOLD RUSH Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Glenn Matthews, 32, of Destin, claimed a $3 million top prize in the $600,000,000 GOLD RUSH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $2,157,504.35.

Matthews purchased his winning ticket from Tom Thumb, located at 3871 East County Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach. The retailer will receive a $6,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.

The $20 Scratch-Off game, $600,000,000 GOLD RUSH launched in September 2014. The overall odds of winning are 1-in-2.95.

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.

Florida Forest Service to Send 20 Additional Firefighters to Battle Oklahoma Wildfire

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service will deploy an additional 20 wildland firefighters as an Initial Attack Hand Crew to help battle a 247,000-acre wildfire in Northwest Oklahoma. The Incident Management Team of 28 wildland firefighters that deployed to Oklahoma last week has been reassigned to assist with this fire as well.

“Our wildland firefighters are part of the national firefighting community and integral to the wildfire suppression efforts in Oklahoma,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “We are committed to protecting lives, homes and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire both at home and across the country.”

The Initial Attack Hand Crew will assist with front-line firefighting for Oklahoma’s Rhea Fire burning 247,000 acres. They will use specialized hand tools to manually create a fire break or fire line around wildfire perimeter to contain the boundaries of the wildfire.

“Thanks to Florida’s currently lowered wildfire danger levels, we are able to continue to provide resources for our Oklahoma partners in need,” said Florida Forest Service Director and State Forester Jim Karels.

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.

Nelson urges state to use disaster money to help low-to moderate-income families

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) sent a letter today to the head of Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity urging her to prioritize the needs of Florida’s low-to moderate-income individuals and families as her department decides how to allocate more than $600 million in federal disaster assistance it’s about to receive.

The state of Florida has until May 15 to submit to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development its plan for allocating $616 million in Community Development Block Grants that Congress approved to help the state recover in the wake of Hurricane Irma. The funds, which Congress approved in September as part of a broader $7.8 billion disaster assistance bill, can be used for a wide range of recovery efforts, including to fund repairs to homes and buildings damaged in the storm.

Nelson, who had pushed hard for the CDBG funds to be included in the broader bill, now wants to ensure the state uses those funds to help low- to moderate-income families in Florida who are still unable to find affordable housing in the wake of last year’s storm.

“It’s no secret that Florida’s availability of and standards for adequate affordable housing are severely deficient,” Nelson wrote. “It’s critical that there also be a long-term plan to safeguard against future storms further limiting affordable housing options in Florida.”

“The law requires that no less than 70 percent of CDBG-DR funds should be allocated to eligible activities that principally benefit low- and moderate-income individuals,” Nelson continued. “While the state can request waivers to alter this threshold, I strongly encourage you to preserve current CDBG-DR thresholds at 70 percent, which will help target assistance for those most in need.”

By law, a majority – at least 80 percent – of the $616 million in CDBG funds the state receives must be used to fund projects in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Duval, Lee, Polk, Collier, Brevard, Broward, Orange and Volusia counties.

A .pdf copy of the letter is available here

Constitution Revision Commission Approves Marsy’s Law for the 2018 General Election Ballot

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Amendment Would Create Crime Victims’
Bill of Rights for the Florida Constitution

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) today voted in favor of placing a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights on the 2018 General Election ballot in November. The measure, sponsored by Commissioner Tim Cerio, passed with a final vote of 34 to 3. This will be the first CRC proposed constitutional amendment placed on the ballot.

Criminals and those accused of crimes have 20 distinct rights outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Victims, survivors, and their families are provided no rights under the U.S. Constitution. Most states have addressed this disparity by adding victims’ rights and protections into their state constitutions. Florida is one of only 15 states that does not provide clear, enforceable rights for victims of crimes in its constitution.

Governor Rick Scott said, “I applaud the Constitution Revision Commission on their decision to include Marsy’s Law on the ballot this fall. We have taken important steps in Florida to protect those who need it most, and we must continue to make it absolutely clear that our state stands strongly with victims.”

“As a survivor of sexual assault and an advocate for other survivors, I am heartened by today’s Constitution Revision Commission vote in favor of Marsy’s Law for Florida. Florida voters will now have the chance to decide if they, too, stand with victims and their families when they cast their ballots in November. We as survivors came before this body many times to share our stories, and I want to thank them for listening,” said Senator Lauren Book.

“I want to thank my fellow commissioners for voting in favor of this proposal,” said Commissioner Cerio. “For too long, victims in Florida have been made vulnerable by weak constitutional language that does not ensure their rights. With Marsy’s Law on the ballot this fall, the voters will have the chance to give victims the constitutional rights they deserve.”

“I am thankful for the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and their support for crime victims and our families,” said Michael Liles, executive director of the Justice Coalition. “My wife was brutally murdered in our home last year. This was a blow not just to our family but to our entire community. Currently, her killer has more rights in the criminal justice system than myself or even my children. I’m grateful to Commissioner Cerio and all the members of the CRC who worked tirelessly to make sure surviving victims have a voice. We have paid the dearest price for the impact of crime. It is only fair and reasonable that we receive equal consideration.”

“Lawmakers, public officials, sheriffs, victims’ advocates and community leaders have all come together to stand with crime victims and their families, and as the mother of a murdered child, I am deeply grateful for their support as well as the support of the Constitution Revision Commission,” said Pat Tuthill, founder of the Peyton Tuthill Foundation. “Providing clear, enforceable rights in the state constitution will mean a world of a difference to crime victims and will help them heal after a tremendous loss. I encourage all Floridians to vote yes on Amendment 6.”

Marsy’s Law Rights
Marsy’s Law will guarantee that victims receive certain rights in a number of important ways including:

  • informing victims and their families about their rights and the services available to them,
  • giving them the right to receive notification of proceedings and major developments in a criminal case,
  • protecting their safety by notifying them in a timely manner regarding changes to the offender’s custodial status,
  • allowing victims and their families to exercise their right to be present – and heard – at court proceedings,
  • providing input to the prosecutor before a plea agreement is finalized; and
  • establishing the right to restitution from the convicted.

About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail.  In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights.  He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.

For more information on the Marsy’s Law initiative, please visit marsyslaw.us.

Fort Myers man claims $1 million prize in FLORIDA 100X THE CASH Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Adam Janowski, 67, of Fort Myers, claimed a $1 million prize in the new FLORIDA 100X THE CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $770,000.00.

An avid Florida Lottery player, Janowski was still surprised when he saw that he won. “I thought I was going to have a heart attack! I couldn’t believe it!”

Janowski purchased his winning ticket from Publix, located at 7950 Dani Drive in Fort Myers. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.

The new $30 game, FLORIDA 100X THE CASH, launched on February 26, and features eight top prizes of $15 million – the largest Scratch-Off top prize ever offered by the Florida Lottery! The game also offers 20 prizes of $1 million. Overall odds of winning are one-in-2.59.

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.

Nelson, others call for funding for CDC to study gun violence

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) joined 33 other Democratic senators Friday in urging leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee to include $50 million in next year’s Department of Health and Human Services spending bill for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to study the causes and prevention of gun violence.

“Every year, we lose more than 33,000 lives due to gun violence, and more than 81,000 people suffer injuries from firearms,” the lawmakers wrote. “It has become increasingly clear that gun violence in America is going to continue unabated until Congress takes meaningful action.”

The senators said the $50 million would be used to fund “approximately 10 to 20 studies on the topic of gun violence.”

A PDF copy is available here.

Florida Realtors®, Canadian Real Estate Association Sign MoU

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Memorandum of Understanding to Encourage
Collaboration and Mutual Opportunities

Florida Realtors and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 2018. The MoU establishes the cooperation of the two Realtor organizations in developing a mutually beneficial relationship for their respective association members.

“As professionals in the real estate industry, we take pride in providing our knowledge and expertise to clients in Florida, Canada and throughout the world,” said 2018 Florida Realtors President-Elect Eric Sain. “Florida Realtors and CREA share common goals – we look forward to continuing our partnership and building more connections that increase business opportunities for all of our Realtor members.”

As part of the agreement, Florida Realtors and CREA “affirm the value of international collaboration and agree to exchange information in the general field of real estate, promote professionalism in the real estate industry and engage in other activities that provide mutual benefits.”

“The value of international collaboration cannot be overstated. This partnership will help Realtors in Canada and Florida who are interested in growing their cross-border referrals,” said CREA’s CEO Michael Bourque.

Added CREA President Barb Sukkau, “Our Realtors will have the ability to share relevant research and statistics with one another, making it much easier to respond to inquiries in each other’s respective markets.”

The MoU announcement took place this morning at The International Economic Forum of the Americas’ World Strategic Forum at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Along with Sain, speakers at the event included Nicholas Rémillard, president and CEO, International Economic Forum of the Americas, and Susan Harper, Consul General of Canada in Miami. Realtors from across Florida and other forum participants also observed the ceremony.

The Florida Lottery invites players to set sail with POWERBALL®

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Enter the Limited-time Power Cruise Promotion Now

The Florida Lottery announces the launch of the POWERBALL® Power Cruise promotion. All POWERBALL tickets purchased through Wednesday, May 30, 2018, may be entered in the promotion for a chance to win cash prizes and a private chartered 5-night Royal Caribbean cruise prize!

Players may enter their tickets by scanning the barcode using the Power Cruise Collect ‘N Win App, or by entering the ticket number via the Lottery’s website at flalottery.com. Each ticket will randomly generate 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 symbols. When five symbols, plus the free symbol, have been collected on a game card, the player will earn an entry into the next drawing. Five drawings will be held every Thursday in May, with 25 cruises being awarded each week. A total of 125 cruises will be won.

The 5-night vacation for two onboard the Royal Caribbean® Majesty of the Seas® cruise ship sets sail January 19, 2019, from the Port of Fort Lauderdale, with more than 725 POWERBALL winners from more than 20 states. Passengers will have the chance to enjoy a live VIP concert at sea by a nationally-recognized musical act, and a chance to win $250,000 in onboard prizes, including two $50,000 prizes awarded during the cruise. To learn more about this promotion, or any Florida Lottery games, please visit flalottery.com.