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Governor Rick Scott announces Brad Piepenbrink as Chief of Staff

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Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Brad Piepenbrink as Chief of Staff of the Governor’s Office beginning today, March 26th. Jackie Schutz Zeckman resigned yesterday and will be pursuing other opportunities.

Governor Scott said, “Brad has done an incredible job in the many important positions he has held throughout my administration. He effectively ran our external affairs operation which has consisted of thousands of events across the state and has led the development of significant policy initiatives throughout my time in office. Brad also oversaw the appointments process of individuals to more than 600 boards and commissions. He was also a key component of my successful reelection efforts and has been critical to carrying out my agenda to make Florida the best state for families and job creators.

“Jackie has been on my team since my first year in office and has been a trusted and loyal advisor. During her time in the Governor’s Office, she led communications efforts and helped lead my legislative strategy during last year’s special legislative session and this year’s session where we secured many victories for Florida families. She also spent years as traveling press secretary where she has coordinated our communications efforts in every Florida media market, and in other states and nations during our economic development missions. She has been dedicated to implementing my agenda throughout my time as Governor and I know she will continue to do great things for our state.”

Brad Piepenbrink most recently served as deputy chief of staff in the Governor’s Office where he oversaw the Governor’s policy development over the environment, health care, transportation, law enforcement and emergency management and was also the director of the Office of External Affairs. Piepenbrink served in this role since the Governor’s reelection in 2014. Prior to this, he served as political director for Governor Scott’s reelection campaign.

During the Governor’s first term in office, Piepenbrink served as Governor Scott’s Director of External Affairs, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Education, and travel-aide to the Governor. Earlier in his career, he also served Senate President Andy Gardiner in the Senate Majority Office and was the legislative aide to Senate President Pro Tempore Garrett Richter. He began his career working for John McCain’s Presidential Campaign in 2008. Piepenbrink holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida Gulf Coast University and MBA from the University of Florida.

Gov. Scott Signs Legislation Requiring Emergency Generators at All Florida Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

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Governor Rick Scott today signed SB 7028 and HB 7099, which makes permanent the emergency rules requiring every nursing home and ALF in Florida to have emergency generators to keep residents safe. Governor Scott directed the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DEA) to issue the emergency rules immediately following the tragedy at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills during Hurricane Irma last year. Florida is one of the first states in the nation to require emergency generators at nursing homes and ALFs.

Governor Scott said, “The tragedy at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills made it clear more needed to be done to ensure the protection of vulnerable Floridians during emergencies like Hurricane Irma. That is why I immediately ordered state agencies to issue emergency rules requiring each nursing home and ALF in Florida to have emergency generators on hand to keep residents safe. We fought aggressively to quickly implement this life-saving rule at facilities across the state and I am proud to sign legislation today that makes this rule permanent. Florida is one of the first states in the nation to require emergency generators at nursing homes and ALFs, and I appreciate the work of Senate President Joe Negron, House Speaker Richard Corcoran, and all the legislators who supported this important legislation. As we near the 2018 hurricane season, families can now know the facilities responsible for caring for their loved ones will have the resources needed to be fully prepared ahead of any potential storms.”

AHCA Secretary Justin Senior said, “Governor Scott has been clear since day one that the goal of this rule is to ensure a safe environment. With today’s bill signing, our Agency can move forward with implementing this emergency power plan rule to ensure that nursing homes and assisted living facilities are prepared for the start of the upcoming hurricane season. Florida faces an annual risk from Mother Nature, and these rules will help keep seniors safe during a possible devastating weather event or periods with prolonged power outage.”

MEGA MILLIONS® jackpot surges to $458 million

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Fourth-Largest Jackpot in the Game’s History

The MEGA MILLIONS® jackpot has continued to roll since January 5, resulting in an estimated $458 million jackpot for the Tuesday, March 27, drawing. Florida players have a chance to become the state’s third MEGA MILLIONS jackpot winner by purchasing a $2 ticket at any of the more than 13,000 Lottery retailers statewide.

Since joining the multi-state MEGA MILLIONS game in 2013, Florida has had more than 39.8 million winning tickets totaling more than $586.6 million in prizes. Additionally, the game has generated more than $359 million for Florida students and schools.

In addition to the jackpot prize, players can win lower-tier prizes ranging from $2 to $5 million by matching any of the non-jackpot-winning combinations. There have been more than 974,000 Florida MEGA MILLIONS winners in this series of rollovers, winning more than $8 million in prizes.

Jackpot prize winners have the option to receive their winnings in 30 annual installments or as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $274 million. Jackpot prizes must be claimed within 60 days of the winning jackpot draw to receive the cash option. Winners have 180 days from the applicable drawing to claim their prize.

Tickets must be purchased by 10:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday to be eligible for the 11:00 p.m. ET drawing. MEGA MILLIONS drawings are broadcast on 17 Lottery carrier stations throughout the state. Drawings are also available for viewing on the Florida Lottery website, flalottery.com. Winning numbers can be found at retailers statewide, on the Lottery’s website and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.

FWC provides tips for living with alligators

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The American alligator is a conservation success story. Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size. They are an important part of Florida’s wetlands, but should be regarded with caution and respect.

Alligators become more active and visible during spring when temperatures rise and their metabolism increases. Although serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recommends taking precautions when having fun in and around the water. Alligators inhabit all 67 counties in Florida and can be found anywhere there is standing water. Reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators by swimming only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. Also keep pets on a leash and away from the water.

Because alligators control their body temperature by basking in the sun, they may be easily observed. However, the FWC urges people to keep their distance if they see one. And never feed alligators because it is dangerous and illegal.

The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program to address complaints concerning specific alligators. People concerned about an alligator should call the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286). SNAP uses contracted nuisance alligator trappers throughout the state to remove alligators 4 feet in length or greater that are believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property. The FWC also works diligently to keep Floridians and visitors informed, including providing advice about Living with Alligators.

Learn more about alligators at MyFWC.com/Alligator.

Gov. Rick Scott to Highlight $4 Billion for Florida’s Environment

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Today, March 26th, Governor Rick Scott will highlight investments of more than $4 billion in the Securing Florida’s Future budget at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Since Governor Scott took office in 2011, investments to preserve Florida’s environment and protect the state’s iconic beaches, pristine springs and the Florida Everglades have increased by nearly $1 billion.

WHAT: Environment Budget Highlight

WHEN: 3:00 PM

WHERE: Ranger Academy at Wekiwa Springs State Park
1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka, Florida 32712

Monin donates $70,000 to Step Up For Students Scholarship Program

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Monin, Inc., producer of premium syrups, gourmet sauces, fruit purées and fruit smoothie mixes for coffees, iced teas, lemonades, cocktails and more, announced Wednesday a contribution of $70,000 to the Step Up For Students Scholarship Program, which serves lower-income children in Florida. The donation will fund 11 scholarships for the 2017-18 school year.

Bill Lombardo, CEO of Monin, announced the donation at a scholarship celebration event at Guardian Angels Catholic School in Clearwater, where 57 students use the tax-credit scholarship.

Following the scholarship donation announcement, the fifth-grade students at Guardian Angels participated in an activity making a school-themed lemonade and handcrafted soda with flavors provided by Monin.

This is the second consecutive year Monin has partnered with Step Up For Students, bringing the company’s total contribution to $130,000.

“Monin embraces the meaning of generosity and giving back to our community. Our partnership with Step Up For Students allows us to support and improve the lives of people in our Tampa Bay community through K-12 educational scholarships,” said Lombardo. “We are proud of our support of helping develop future leaders.”

Step Up helps administer the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program allowing recipients to choose between a scholarship to help with private school tuition and fees, or a transportation scholarship to attend an out-of-district public school.

“Providing access to educational options and finding the right learning environment for all students is vitally important today. We’re grateful that Monin joins us in our mission to provide these opportunities to families that otherwise would not be able to access them,” said Doug Tuthill, Step Up For Students president. “On behalf of Step Up and the families we serve, we thank Monin for your continued support.”

For the 2017-18 school year, Step Up For Students is serving about 100,000 students throughout Florida with tuition scholarships valued at up to $6,343 per student for kindergarten through fifth grade, $6,631 for sixth through eighth grade, and $6,920 for ninth through 12th grade. More than 1,700 private schools participate in the scholarship program statewide.

Florida Ahead of National Average in Reducing Antipsychotic Drug Use in Nursing Homes

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The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) today announced continued improvements in nursing homes, specifically in reducing the use of antipsychotic drugs for long-stay nursing home residents. Since the end of 2011, the use of antipsychotic drugs in Florida has fallen by nearly 10 percent. According to federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Florida has not only moved ahead of the national average overall, but also experienced one of the biggest declines in the use of these medications in the country. CMS has launched a national partnership to improve dementia care in nursing homes and lessen the prevalence of antipsychotic medications. The overall mission of the partnership is to increase the use of person-centered practices rather than using pharmaceuticals.

Agency Secretary Justin Senior said, “We are proud of the efforts of nursing homes in Florida to ensure that senior citizens are receiving the best possible care. We work closely with the nursing homes we regulate and industry partners to make continuous improvements to the level of care and customer service that residents receive. Florida continues to outpace the country in the quality of our nursing homes, and I want to thank all of our partners for their commitment to quality health care for some of our most vulnerable patients.”

To learn more about this initiative, click here.

Cooper City man gets birthday surprise playing $1,000 A WEEK FOR LIFE Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Luis Taborda, of Cooper City, claimed a top prize in the $1,000 A WEEK FOR LIFE Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee three days after celebrating his 57th birthday. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $815,000.00.

Taborda purchased his winning ticket from Marigil Corporation, located at 2315 West 52nd Street in Hialeah. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.

The $2 Scratch-Off game, $1,000 A WEEK FOR LIFE, launched in July and features more than 10 million winning tickets, including eight top prizes of $1,000 a week for life. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-4.43.

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.

FAMU Launches Search for Candidates for Five Key Academic Leadership Posts

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Florida A&M University (FAMU) is seeking exemplary candidates for several deans’ positions as well as the superintendent of the FAMU Developmental Research School.

A national search is underway for the deans of the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication; College of Education; College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; and College of Science and Technology.

Interim Provost Rodner Wright encourages FAMU alumni and stakeholders to recommend candidates who will help FAMU achieve its strategic goals. Attracting and retaining world-class faculty is one of the six priorities in the University’s new five-year strategic plan, “FAMU Rising.”

“We are in search of candidates with visionary leadership,” said Wright. “We want executives who are highly qualified and academically respected in their fields. We are seeking individuals who are student-centered and driven to ensure their success.”

The journalism, pharmacy and education deanships were filled with interims in May 2017 and the science and technology deanship with an interim in February 2017. The superintendent of FAMU DRS position has had an interim since June 2016.

Wright said the goal is to have permanent leadership in place before the start of the fall 2018 semester. The deadline to apply is April 20, 2018, but candidates are encouraged to apply early.

In each of the deans’ positions, a terminal degree in the disciplines represented by the college is required as well as fundraising experience, strong interpersonal and communication skills and a focus on best educational practices.

Information about the search process for all positions, qualifications, and other details are available on FAMU’s Human Resources portal by clicking here.

FAMU has partnered with the Greenwood/Asher & Associates firm to conduct the searches.

Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Announce 2018 Black History Month Student and Teacher Contest Winners

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Student Essay Winners Receive a Four-Year Florida
College Plan from Florida Prepaid College Foundation

Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today announced the 2018 Black History Month student contest winners and Excellence in Education award recipients. This year’s theme was “A Celebration of Innovative African-American Leaders”and the winners were honored last night during the annual Black History Month awards ceremony at the Florida Governor’s Mansion. Black History Month is celebrated every year in Florida during the month of February.

Governor Scott said, “My wife, Ann, and I are honored to celebrate the 2018 Black History Month student and educator contest winners.  It’s great to recognize the hard work of these Florida students and educators and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African-Americans throughout our history.”

First Lady Ann Scott said, “It’s an honor to recognize this year’s Black History Month contest winners and thank all of the outstanding students who participated across the state. It is wonderful to see students taking advantage of this opportunity to earn a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship while learning about Florida’s innovative African-American leaders.”

Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus said, “It was a pleasure joining the Governor and First Lady tonight to recognize and celebrate the outstanding work of Florida students and teachers. We are so thankful to all our sponsors who made this important event possible—especially the Florida Prepaid College Foundation which provided three, four-year college scholarships to our essay contest winners.”

Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “It is an honor to join Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott in celebrating Black History Month. I applaud these students and educators for the exceptional way in which they recognized the countless African-Americans who have and continue to contribute greatly to our state and nation.”

The 2018 Florida Black History Month theme was “A Celebration of Innovative African American Leaders.”

Award recipients are as follows:

Governor Scott and First Lady Ann Scott honored three outstanding educators with the Excellence in Education Award. These individuals were nominated by students and peers.

Excellence in Education Award winners:

  • Hubert Emile, Wicklow Elementary School in Seminole County.
  • Billy White, Cornerstone Charter Academy in Orange County.
  • Khalifa Stanford, I-Tech Thomas Edison Educational Center in Miami-Dade County.

The following student essay contest winners – one elementary, one middle, and one high school student – earned a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.  

Essay winners:

  • Maiya Bowers, 5th Grade, Florida Virtual Schools in Walton County.
  • Bianca Casher, 8th Grade, Miami Lakes Middle School in Miami-Dade County.
  • Raphael Brosula, 11th Grade, Strawberry Crest High School in Hillsborough County.

Student art contest winners:

  • Kana Reynolds, 1st Grade, Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School in Broward County, for artwork entitled “Mary McLeod Bethune Opens Doors for Learning.”
  • Raheed Garner, 2nd Grade, JD Parker Elementary in Martin County for artwork entitled “Martin’s Big Words.”
  • Honorable mentions:
    • Julian Bowie, 1st Grade, Central Riverside Elementary School in Duval County, for artwork entitled “A Celebration of Innovative African American Leaders.”
    • Kevin Guo, 3rd Grade, Equestrian Trails Elementary School in Broward County, for artwork entitled “Peace on Earth.”

Volunteer Florida also recognized Champion of Service award winner Jordan Griffin, a Tallahassee Community College student who currently serves as president of the Black Male Achievers Program at TCC.

The Black History Month reception and awards are supported by Volunteer Florida, Florida Prepaid College Foundation, and more.