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UNF Brotman Lecture Series Speaker Discusses “The True Story Behind ‘Dolphin Tale’” Movie

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Abigale Stone, stranding coordinator at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, will discuss “Rescuing Winter, Hope and More: The True Story Behind ‘Dolphin Tale’” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, in the Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theater, Building 14A, on the UNF campus. Doors open at 6 p.m. Displays about local dolphin research at UNF as well as the Fish and Wildlife Commission will also be available between 6 and 7 p.m.

Stone has been at CMA since 1996 and is highly experienced in the behavioral assessments, observations, animal handling, medical procedures and treatment of various cetacean species, which includes dolphins, whales and porpoises. Over the past 20 years, she has played an integral role in the growth of the aquarium, especially regarding the facility’s most famous resident, Winter the dolphin, the lead character in the 2011 movie “Dolphin Tale.”

Winter arrived at CMA in December 2005 after she was found off Florida’s east coast entangled in a crab trap, cutting off all circulation to her tail, which CMA tried to save. As a result, the bottlenose dolphin developed a modified swimming pattern that put her at risk of developing degenerative changes in her spine.

As a primary caregiver to Winter, Stone was part of the team that developed her prosthetic tail and taught her how to use it. During the period that she managed the resident dolphins, Stone focused on behavior conditioning for husbandry or medical management and cognitive research initiatives.

In addition to resident dolphin care, her talents have majorly contributed to the hundreds of responses the Stranding Team conducts each year for marine animals in distress. In 2009, Stone became the Stranding Coordinator for CMA. In this role, she has provided rehabilitative care to several species of cetaceans and is responsible for the collection and management of data used for marine mammal research as well as conservation initiatives. Most recently, in collaboration with CMA’s Education Team, Stone expanded her scope of work to include the role of principle investigator for CMA’s Dolphin Photo ID program.

This Distinguished Voices Lecture is sponsored by The Brotman Family Coastal Biology Lecture Series and the UNF Coastal and Marine Biology Flagship Program. All Distinguished Voices lectures are free and open to the public and require an e-ticket, however, seating is limited. To get an e-ticket, visit the UNF E-ticketing webpage. For more information, contact Michelle Davis, UNF Coastal and Marine Biology Flagship Program, at (904) 620-2830 or at [email protected].

The Coastal and Marine Biology Flagship Program is one of only six UNF academic programs selected for Flagship status because of the research accomplishments of its faculty, educational opportunities for its students and its contributions to public education and science-based policymaking about the ocean. The program’s mission is to discover and educate others about coastal and marine life with the goal of preserving it for future generations.

Mast Pushes Plan To Expedite Southern Storage Reservoir Federal Approval

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SFWMD Submits Plan to Army Corps For Approval

U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18), who has been a longtime proponent of the S.B. 10-authorized EAA Storage Reservoir, is pushing a plan to expedite federal authorization and construction of the reservoir.  South Florida Water Management District submitted its plan to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for approval today.

“The water being discharged from Lake Okeechobee onto the Treasure Coast is destroying our community, putting people out of business, killing sea life and even making people sick.  This reservoir is a critical step forward to restore our lagoon and beaches, and we cannot afford to wait another two years as it drowns in federal bureaucracy.  This exact moment is why I fought so hard to be named Vice Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, and I will do everything in my power to ensure we get this project started without any further delays.”

The Army Corps must review, approve and submit the project to Congress prior to Congressional authorization and construction work beginning, but there is a substantial timing issue that could delay the project by another two years.  Federal authorization of projects like the reservoir occur as part of the Water Resources and Development Act, which Congress considers only every other year.  Congress is expected to consider the 2018 Water Resources and Development Act this spring, but the Army Corps is not expected to approve the project prior to the bill’s consideration.  S.B. 10 set a deadline of October 1, 2018 for this to occur.

To avoid a 2-year bureaucratic delay, Rep. Mast has been pushing a plan to conditionally authorize the project as part of the 2018 Water Resources and Development Act contingent on the Army Corps’ approval.  Under Rep. Mast’s plan, the EAA Storage Reservoir would be automatically authorized as soon as the Army Corps signs off on the plan, expediting the overall completion timeline by more than two years.  Rep. Mast’s letter to Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster pushing this plan is attached.

Rep. Mast also joined a bipartisan group of his Florida Congressional colleagues on a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (who oversees the Army Corps) supporting the EAA Storage Reservoir proposal and urging expedited review.

South Florida Water Management District’s press release announcing submission of the project to the Army Corps can be found here.

PSC Cuts Back Rate Increase Requested by Florida City Gas

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Florida City Gas (FCG) customer rates and system reliability will benefit from the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) approval today of a negotiated Settlement Agreement (Settlement) in the company’s pending rate case.

FCG’s Settlement term runs for four years, from June 2018 to May 2022, and includes an annual revenue increase of $11.5 million, instead of the $15.8 million FCG requested in its original October 23, 2017 petition. The Settlement also saves customers $4.5 million in projected tax reductions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

“We require FCG to provide reliable service and keep rates reasonable,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “By providing additional revenues for an LNG facility, the PSC increased service reliability for FCG customers, and we are also providing stable rates for four years that are lower than those originally proposed.”

When completed, FCG’s new LNG facility will add 10,000 dekatherms of capacity per day. This increased reliability will be financed through two revenue increases: $2.5 million in June 2019 and $1.3 million in December 2019. In total, FCG’s allowed revenue increase per the Settlement is $15.3 million.

The Settlement sets a return on equity of 10.19 percent, instead of the 11.25 percent FCG requested. It also authorizes FCG to establish a storm reserve with an annual accrual of $57,500 and a target reserve level of $800,000.

Beginning in June, FCG’s typical residential customer using 14 therms will see a monthly bill increase of $1.34, from the present $26.97 (includes the cost of gas) to $28.32. Signatories to the Settlement Agreement include the Office of Public Counsel—representing consumers—and the Federal Executive Agencies.

The PSC held customer service hearings on FCG’s rate request on January 23 in Coral Gables and on January 24 in Port St. Lucie and Melbourne.

FCG currently provides service to more than 108,000 customers throughout south and central Florida.

For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.

Gov. Scott Directs DCF to Enhance Collaboration with Local Law Enforcement in Each Florida County

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Governor Rick Scott today signed Executive Order 18-81 directing the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to enhance collaboration with law enforcement offices in each Florida county to improve the coordination of behavioral health services for individuals in need. Following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Governor Scott convened emergency meetings with education officials, mental health experts and law enforcement to develop strategies to make our schools safer and improve mental health treatment services in Florida. Today’s Executive Order complements the provision established in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (SB 7026) which increases the sharing of information between sheriff’s offices, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), DCF, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and any community behavioral health providers to better coordinate services and provide prevention or intervention strategies.  Read more about the new law, signed by Governor Rick Scott on March 9th, HERE.

Governor Scott said, “After the horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I met with legislators, members of law enforcement, school administrators, teachers, mental health experts, and state agency leadership to find solutions which make sure our schools and communities are safe. Last month, I proposed a major action plan, and then signed into law the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act to protect our schools, bolster out state’s mental health system of care and keep guns away from dangerous people. Today, to enhance the policies I just signed into law, I am using my executive authority to make sure we are supporting those most in need while protecting Florida families.

“In issuing this executive order, I have directed DCF to closely collaborate with local sheriffs’ offices and police chiefs in each county to further increase communication between these agencies and increase access to substance abuse and mental health services in every community. My goal is to ensure DCF is integrated in every local department, so we have a person working hand-in-hand with law enforcement and dedicated solely to being a crisis welfare worker focused on repeat cases in each community. We will continue ensure that all Floridians have the opportunity to get the treatment they need.”

The Executive Order takes five major steps:

  • Directs DCF to convene quarterly meetings in each of DCF’s six regions with sheriffs and police chiefs in the region, the behavioral health managing entities and service providers, school officials, and other stakeholders to improve communication, collaboration, and the coordination of services;
  • Mandates DCF, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and sheriffs’ offices to improve cost sharing and integration of funding;
  • Allows DCF to include sheriffs’ offices and local law enforcement agencies as eligible recipients of the criminal justice reinvestment grants;
  • Directs DCF and the managing entities to ensure sheriffs or their designee have a seat on each managing entities’ board of directors; and
  • Establishes enhanced collaboration between DCF, managing entities, and sheriffs’ offices to ensure access to mental health and substance abuse treatment services for those released from county jails.

To view Executive Order 18-81, click HERE.

Consumer Alert: How to Spot the Warning Signs of Identity Theft

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Identity theft reached a record high in 2017, impacting nearly 17 million Americans. The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) encourages you to take steps to protect your identity and personal information. Identity theft can happen to anyone, anywhere, and sometimes taking the appropriate precaution just isn’t enough. As soon as thieves have your personal information, they can drain your accounts, charge your credit cards, open new accounts, get medical treatment on your health insurance, and file taxes in your name – and even steal your tax refund.<

How do you know if your identity has been stolen? Be on the lookout for these key indicators of identity theft.
  • You see suspicious transactions on your bank account that you don’t recognize.
  • You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
  • You get calls from debt collectors about debts that aren’t yours.
  • The Internal Revenue Service notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer for whom you don’t work.
  • You’ve stopped getting certain bills or other mail.
  • Medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use.
  • You’re notified that your information was compromised by a data breach.
What can I do if my identity has been stolen?
How can I protect myself? 
  • Be vigilant. 
  • Monitor your bank and credit card transactions regularly.
  • Shred unnecessary personal documents and unwanted mail.
  • Check your credit report and credit score quarterly, or at least annually.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible. Enabling two-factor authentication on sites that have that capability, where a separate action must be taken beyond providing a username and password to access an account, can make it more difficult for fraudsters to take over your accounts. 
  • If necessary, place fraud alerts or security freezes on your credit files. 
  • Sign up for account alerts. Early detection via text messages and emails can help minimize the damage of identity theft.
The OFR offers Floridians a robust online Consumer Knowledge Center, where you can find more information on several financial topics.  

PSC Reduces Gulf Power Customer Bills

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today lowered Gulf Power Company (Gulf) customers’ bills, approving a negotiated plan to apply the 2017 federal tax law to lower the rates consumers pay. As a result of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, corporate tax rates were reduced from 35 percent to 21 percent.

“Gulf customers will realize base rate, as well as environmental and fuel cost recovery savings in their monthly bills beginning in April,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “Addressing possible tax law changes was part of our approval of Gulf’s 2017 rate agreement, and this plan allows customers to benefit early.”

Combined, the Commission approved $103.2 million in tax savings for Gulf customers. The plan includes reductions of $18.2 million to Gulf’s base rates, $15.6 million to its 2018 environmental cost recovery rate, and $69.4 million to its 2018 fuel cost recovery rate. Beginning in April, these savings will reduce a 1,000 kWh monthly residential bill by $12.72.

The Office of Public Counsel, which represents customers, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy supported Gulf’s tax-savings plan.

Gulf serves 460,000 customers in Florida’s Panhandle.

For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.

Governor Scott to Sign Legislation Expanding PTSD Benefits for First Responders

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, March 27th, Governor Rick Scott will sign a bill expanding PTSD benefits for first responders at the Tampa Firefighter Museum. The Governor will be joined by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.

WHAT: Bill Signing

WHEN: 2:00 PM

WHERE: Tampa Firefighter Museum
720 Zack Street
Tampa, FL 33602

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Wildfire Activity in Collier County, Across State

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The Florida Forest Service and local first responders continue efforts to contain three large wildfires in rural Collier County and more than 45 other wildfires across the state. While Florida has received recent rainfall, drought conditions and increased wildfire danger throughout the state are expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The Florida Forest Service has battled over 700 wildfires across the state in 2018.

“Florida’s wildland firefighters are prepared to battle increasingly hazardous wildfires across the state. Today, the Florida Forest Service is doing everything in its power to suppress and contain current wildfires in anticipation of very poor weather conditions tomorrow, especially in southwest Florida. It’s imperative that Floridians are cautious with fire to help protect Florida’s residents, natural resources and wildland firefighters,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.

Large Wildfires in Collier County:

The Florida Forest Service is deploying additional aviation and heavy equipment resources to support response efforts to the following wildfires:

  • 116th Avenue Southeast Fire: 8,063 acres and 50 percent contained.
  • Greenway Fire: 7,239 acres and 25 percent contained.
  • West Boundary Fire: 2,800 acres and 50 percent contained.

The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources 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.

Governor Scott to Attend Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Tellus Products

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, March 27th, Governor Rick Scott will attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for a new operations facility for Tellus Products. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created nearly 1.5 million jobs.

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: 10:00 AM

WHERE: Tellus Products
1500 West Sugarhouse Rd.
Belle Glade, FL 33430

Board of Governors appoints Dr. Jonathan Ellen as chair of USF consolidation task force

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The Board of Governors on Monday appointed Dr. Jonathan Ellen, president and vice dean of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, to lead the “University of South Florida Consolidation Planning, Study and Implementation Task Force,” which will develop recommendations to phase out the separate accreditations of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and the University of South Florida Sarasota/Manatee.

“Dr. Ellen has an excellent track record of leadership at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and is well regarded by those who have worked with him,” said Ned Lautenbach, chair of the Board of Governors. “He will play a critical role in ensuring that USF’s transition happens smoothly and efficiently and that it further improves service to students.”

Dr. Ellen is a visionary leader at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, transforming the facility from a regional referral center to a pediatric academic health system and national leader in research, teaching and patient care. Among other initiatives, he oversaw the launch of an innovative new pediatric residency program, continues to recruit world-class physicians and scientists, will soon open a $95 million research and education building dedicated to pediatrics in the heart of St. Petersburg’s innovation district, and worked with the leaders at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine to strengthen the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital-USF affiliation. His full biography is available here.

“Consolidated accreditation will increase educational opportunities for students across all the USF campuses by reducing barriers to collaboration among graduate and undergraduate programs, enriching the faculty, and improving strategies for recruitment and retention of students from all backgrounds,” Dr. Ellen said. “The result of the enhanced integration should elevate the innovative and scholarly impact of USF on the Tampa Bay region and country.”

The task force will submit recommendations to the University of South Florida Board of Trustees by February 15, 2019. Its responsibilities include identification of specific degrees in programs of strategic significance, including healthcare, science, technology, engineering and mathematics and other program priorities to be offered at the University of South Florida – St. Petersburg and the University of South Florida Sarasota/Manatee and the timeline for development and delivery of programs on each campus. Other task force goals include engaging faculty, developing the research capacity at each campus, and ensuring a seamless transition for students.

“Having Dr. Ellen, a well-regarded business and community leader in the Tampa Bay region, chair the consolidation task force is an important step in this process,” said USF Board of Trustees Chair Brian Lamb. “His commitment to ensuring a successful outcome for USF, our students, and faculty as set forth by the Florida Legislature is valuable to the entire region.”