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CRC Meeting Schedule Week of March 19-23

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) noticed the following meeting schedule for the week of March 19-23, 2018. CRC meetings will be held in the Capitol Complex and livestreamed by The Florida Channel on TheFloridaChannel.org.

Daily calendars are available on the CRC Calendars Page at flcrc.gov/Meetings/Calendars.

Monday, March 19

  • Full Commission, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Senate Chamber) 

Tuesday, March 20

  • Full Commission, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Senate Chamber)
  • Style and Drafting Committee, 15 minutes after the completion of full Commission – 6:00 PM (412 Knott Building)

Wednesday, March 21

  • Full Commission, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Senate Chamber)
  • Style and Drafting Committee, 15 minutes after the completion of full Commission – 6:00 PM (412 Knott Building)

Thursday, March 22

  • Full Commission, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Senate Chamber)
  • Style and Drafting Committee, 15 minutes after the completion of full Commission – 6:00 PM (412 Knott Building)

Friday, March 23

  • Full Commission, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Senate Chamber)

Catherine Price Enters Race for Florida Senate District 26

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Lake Wales activist, Catherine Price, today proudly announces her candidacy for Florida Senate District 26.

“Tallahassee seems to be broken and our state is in desperate need of better political leadership. We need legislators who are educated, experienced, and committed to working for the people, rather than puppeting for powerful special interests,” Price declared.

Catherine price is a native Floridian from Lake Wales where she and her husband, David Price, have raised their son Stefan. Price is running for elected office for the first time because she is concerned that Tallahassee legislators have abandoned the principles of good democracy.

“I cannot sit this one out in good conscious,” Price stated. “We are at a critical juncture in Florida and in the world where we can choose to work together to solve the issues we face, or we can continue down the path of increased chaos and infighting.”

Catherine Price has spent the bulk of her professional life helping people get access to affordable healthcare. In 2004, she successfully organized a half-cent ballot initiative which currently generates $36M annually for indigent health care in Polk County. Price also served as Chairwoman of the Polk County Healthcare Alliance from 2007 to 2010.

“Too many hardworking people in Florida don’t have healthcare because they either don’t have access or it’s just too expensive. I’ve spent a lot of time advocating for affordable healthcare in Tallahassee and DC, and I can tell you that too many of these politicians just don’t get it.”

Catherine also has a passion for the environment. She plans to make increasing utilization of solar energy in Florida a priority and her campaign theme is, “For the future – Let’s put the sun back in the Sunshine State.”

Republicans have edged out Democrats in each of the last four general elections in this district. But in 2018, a year where Democrats are hopeful that national momentum will help them win in unlikely districts, Senate District 26 is absolutely in play.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by
Catherine Price, Democrat, for Florida Senate District 26

Commissioner Adam Putnam Thanks Governor Scott for Supporting Budget Priorities

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement today thanking Governor Rick Scott for supporting the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ priorities in the state budget:

“I thank Governor Scott for continuing to cut taxes for Florida’s families and businesses and for supporting our budget priorities, including increasing pay for our first responders. The department’s first responders are the best of the best and keep Floridians and visitors safe when lives and property are on the line. They’ve earned this.

“With the Governor’s support, this budget also helps our department protect Florida from wildfire, promote Florida’s agricultural products, support our citrus industry, preserve our natural resources, and much more.”

Secretary Detzner Announces Launch of Florida History in 3D Online Artifacts Exhibit

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Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced the launch of the new online artifacts exhibit, Florida History in 3D. The website combines archaeology, history, and innovation to present artifacts in a fun, interactive and educational format.

“‘Florida History in 3D’ allows worldwide access to some of the most significant and interesting artifacts in Florida’s Archaeology collection. Using state of the art three-dimensional photogrammetry techniques, users can discover and examine artifacts from their computers or mobile devices normally only seen in museums,” said Secretary Detzner. “The artifacts in the State of Florida’s archaeological collection belong to the citizens of our state. FloridaHistoryin3D.com allows us to share these unique, historical artifacts and their stories to students, educators, the public and interested individuals around the world.”

The inaugural collection, Spanish Plate Fleet Wrecks, is the first in what will be a growing online exhibit highlighting artifacts from the State of Florida’s collection. The Spanish Plate Fleets lost off the coast of Florida in 1715 and 1733 have long evoked awe and fascination. Named the “Plate Fleets” for the plata (silver) coins they carried, the remains of these fleets weave an archaeological tale of international trade, colonialism, piracy, high seas adventure and tragedy. Beyond the gold and silver that was scattered on the sea floor, the wrecks of the Plate Fleets provide insight into the economy of the Spanish empire and maritime culture of the 18th century.

The Spanish Plate Fleet artifacts are presented within three themes: arms and armor, daily life, and trade. While the Department of State is currently sharing these artifacts with museums across Florida, visitors to the website can experience these objects from anywhere.

This exciting site will be launched in conjunction with a talk by Dr. James Delgado on Shipwreck Archaeology at the Museum of Florida History tonight from 5:30–7:30 p.m. to celebrate Florida Archaeology Month and March of Museums.  To see the artifacts in person, visit any of the Florida museums that currently display artifacts from the collection on loan from the Florida Department of State. The museums are identified on an interactive map on the site.

To learn more or to experience the collection, visit FloridaHistoryIn3D.com.

About Florida’s Archaeological Collection
The Florida Division of Historical Research, Bureau of Archaeological Research is responsible for curating archaeological objects collected on state-owned and state-managed lands. The collection originated in 1965 with the appointment of Florida’s first State Archaeologist. Through the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century, Florida’s archaeological collection has continued to grow. Today the collection contains over 1 million artifacts, and over 85,000 artifacts are on loan to more than 100 institutions within Florida and the United States. 

About The Bureau of Archaeological Research
The Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Archaeological Research (BAR) is entrusted with the maintenance, preservation and protection of more than 12,000 years of Florida heritage. Archaeological and historical resources on state-owned and state-controlled lands, including sovereignty submerged lands, are the direct responsibility of the bureau. State archaeologists carry out archaeological surveys and excavations throughout Florida, primarily on state-owned lands. They maintain records on historical resources that have been recorded, and assist consultants and planners in protecting sites. The state’s underwater archaeology program includes historic shipwreck and pre-Columbian underwater sites, some of which are among the oldest human sites in the New World. For more information, visit flheritage.com/archaeology.

About The Division of Historical Resources
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, archaeological, and folk culture resources. The Division Director’s office oversees a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites; coordinates outreach programs such as the State Historic Markers program and the Florida Folklife program which identifies and promotes the state’s traditional culture. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The Division director serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of two Bureaus, archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information, visit flheritage.com

Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission (CFCRC) Meeting March 29

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The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission (CFCRC), the SunRail advisory board comprised of elected leaders from the five local funding partners, will meet Thursday, March 29, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Metroplan Orlando offices, located at 250 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 200, Orlando, Florida 32801.

This meeting site is conveniently located near the Church Street Station platforms. Please check SunRail arrival and departure times at sunrail.com.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Roger Masten, c/o SunRail, 801 SunRail Drive, Sanford, FL  32771; or by phone at (321) 257-7161; or by email [email protected].

Questions? Please contact Steve Olson of the Florida Department of Transportation at [email protected]/386-943-5479.

Please be careful around trains, railroad crossings, and while at station platforms. Be smart. Be safe. For more information about SunRail, including fares, schedule and station locations, please visit sunrail.com.

Gov. Scott Statement on Deaths of Floridians and Naval Aviators Lt. Cmdr. James Brice Johnson and Lt. Caleb Nathaniel King

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Governor Rick Scott today issued the below statement regarding the deaths of Floridians and Naval Aviators Lt. Cmdr. James Brice Johnson and Lt. Caleb Nathaniel King following the crash of their aircraft during a training flight near Naval Air Station, Key West, earlier this week. Governor Scott will honor the memory and sacrifices of Lt. Cmdr. Johnson and Lt. King by ordering the lowering of flags. The details on the lowering of flags will be announced in the coming days.

Governor Scott said, “Florida is proud to be the home of so many brave military members who choose to risk their own lives in defense of our country and our freedom, and we are heartbroken by the loss of these two heroes. Ann and I send our deepest condolences to the loved ones and fellow service members of Naval Aviators Lt. Cmdr. James Brice Johnson and Lt. Caleb Nathaniel King.”

Sebring Man Arrested for Igniting 300-Acre Wildfire

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that investigators with his Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement arrested Douglas Glenn Smith, 58, of Sebring for igniting a fire that escaped and burned more than 300 acres, damaged a residence’s vinyl siding and caused thousands of dollars’ worth of damages to fence posts.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, responded to the wildfire in Highlands County. Smith admitted to intentionally igniting a tree stump with a blow torch, which caused the wildfire. Smith had previously submitted a request for a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service, which had been denied.

Smith is in the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Jail on one count of Intentional or Reckless Burning of Lands, a third-degree felony.

The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement protects Florida’s agriculture and consumers through law enforcement in support of all the regulatory aspects of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Gov. Scott Highlights More Than $10 Billion in Tax Cuts Across Florida

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Governor Rick Scott today visited Paradise Exteriors, a family owned, window services company in Boynton Beach, to highlight the more than $10 billion in taxes cut for Florida families and job creators during the governor’s time in office. This includes cutting taxes nearly 100 times, including nearly $550 million in tax cuts during the most recent legislative session. Governor Scott also recognized the overwhelming, bipartisan passage of HJR 7001, which will place an amendment to the Florida Constitution on the November 2018 ballot that will give Floridians the opportunity to vote on making it harder for politicians to raise taxes and fees.

The nearly $550 million in tax cuts passed during the 2018 legislative session include:

  • Sales Tax Holidays to Save Families $38.5 Million – The tax cut package includes funding for two sales tax holidays which will save Floridians an estimated $38.5 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holidays include:
    • $32.7 million from a 3-day back-to-school sales tax holiday; and
    • $5.8 million from a one-week disaster preparedness sales tax.
  • Sales Tax Exemptions in Agricultural Materials to Save Farmers $11.6 Million – The tax cut package includes tax relief for Florida’s farmers to help in their continued recovery Hurricane Irma.
    • $8.8 million from a sales tax exemption on nonresidential farm building materials; and
    • $2.8 million from a sales tax exemption on agricultural fencing.
  • Property Tax Hurricane Relief of $10.5 Million for Florida´s Farmers – The bill reduces the 2018 property tax assessment on citrus processing and packing plants, and processing equipment slowed due to citrus greening or Hurricane Irma.
  • Sales Tax on Commercial Rent to Save Florida Small Businesses $31 Million – The tax cut package reduces the rate on business rent tax by 0.1%, from 5.8% to 5.7%.
  • Increase in Corporate Income Tax Credits to Save Businesses $13.5 Million
    • $8.5 million for voluntary brownfields clean-up; and
    • $5 million for community contribution credits.
  • Reduction in Traffic Citation Fines to Save Floridians $1.8 Million – The bill reduces many traffic citation fines for individuals who attend a driver improvement school.
  • Reduction in Local Business Taxes of $19.1 Million – The bill creates an exemption from applicable local business taxes for businesses owned by veterans and their spouses, non-remarried surviving spouses of such veterans, spouses of certain active duty military servicemembers, and low-income persons who engage in or manage a business, profession, or occupation.
  • Reduction in Property Taxes to Save Florida Families $377 Million – The budget cuts the required local effort property tax rate to save Florida homeowners and business property owners more than $377 million in property taxes.

Amendment to the Florida Constitution:
This year, the Florida Legislature overwhelmingly passed a resolution proposed by Governor Scott that will make it harder for politicians to raise taxes and fees. Amendment 5, if approved by 60 percent of Florida voters this year, will require a 2/3 majority of future legislatures to raise any tax or fee.

Look out for manatees when boating

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Chances of close encounters between Florida manatees and boaters increase in the spring.

For manatees, it is the season when they leave their winter refuges and travel along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and through inland waters. For boaters, it is a critical time to be on the lookout for manatees to avoid colliding with these large aquatic mammals.

“Spring is a great time to go boating in Florida, but manatees are out there too. Please watch out for them,” said Ron Mezich, who heads the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manatee management program.

From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being struck by motorboats or personal watercrafts. FWC law enforcement officers are on patrol in state waters to remind boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take enforcement actions when appropriate.

Since manatees are difficult to detect when underwater, operators of boats and personal watercrafts can help by:

  • Wearing polarized sunglasses to help spot manatees.
  • Looking for large circles on the water, also known as manatee footprints, indicating the presence of a manatee below.
  • Looking for a snout sticking up out of the water.
  • Following posted manatee zones while boating.
  • Reporting an injured, distressed, sick or dead manatee to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or dialing #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone.

FWC biologists, managers and law enforcement staff work closely with partners to evaluate current data and identify necessary actions to protect this iconic animal. Florida has invested over $2 million annually for manatee conservation, and the FWC works toward continued success for manatees in our state.

Manatee zones and maps are available at MyFWC.com/Manatee, where you can select “Protection Zones” for links to county maps. Boaters can get tips from “A boater’s guide to living with Florida Manatees.” And if you want to see manatees in the wild or captivity, go to “Where are Florida’s Manatees?”

To support the FWC’s manatee research, rescue and management efforts, purchase a “Save the Manatee” Florida license plate at BuyaPlate.com, or donate $5 to receive an FWC manatee decal by going to MyFWC.com/Manatee and clicking on “Decals.”

Zinke: “Florida did not get an exemption” on offshore drilling

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Interior Secretary Zinke doubled down on confusing lawmakers in Congress when he admitted in the House Natural Resources Committee this morning that, “Florida did not get an exemption,” referencing the agency’s five-year offshore drilling plan and his announcement in January with Gov. Scott saying Florida was “off the table” for oil drilling.

Zinke’s statement comes just two days after he made a similar statement at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where he claimed, “Florida is still in the process.”

Asked by Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) why California wasn’t considered for the same exemption Florida received, Zinke responded sharply, “Florida did not get an exemption.”

Both statements from Zinke this week contradict his announcement in January with Gov. Scott, where he claimed he took Florida, “off the table,” which many agreed at the time, was nothing more than a political stunt.

“It’s becoming clear that no one really knows what offshore drilling deal Secretary Zinke cut with the governor of Florida, including Zinke himself,” Nelson said after learning of his remarks.  “More and more, it’s beginning to sound like no deal really exists and, as feared, it’s all one big political sleight of hand.”

Here’s a link to Sec. Zinke’s exchange with Rep. Torres: