Florida News Straight From the Source
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Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) in response to the governor’s announcement today:
“This is a first step, and if we really want to do something to combat gun violence, like what we saw in Parkland, we must require universal background checks on the purchase of a gun and get these assault rifles off our streets. Until we’ve done that, we still have a lot of work to do.”
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The Florida Lottery announces that Jasmine Patel, 35, of Jacksonville, claimed a $1 million prize in the $5,000,000 MONOPOLY™ FLORIDA EDITION Scratch-Off game at the Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $770,000.00.
Patel purchased his winning ticket from Dunn Food Store, located at 10696 Biscayne Boulevard in Jacksonville. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The $20 Scratch-Off game, $5,000,000 MONOPOLY FLORIDA EDITION, launched in July 2016, and features more than $346 million in prizes, including six top prizes of $5,000,000 and 20 prizes of $1 million! The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-2.97.
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.
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The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Rules and Administration Committee will hold a meeting on Tuesday, March 13 from 12:00-1:00 PM at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Please note that this meeting is scheduled to take place immediately before the CRC public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, March 13 from 1:00-7:00 PM at the same location.
WHAT: Public meeting of the CRC Rules and Administration Committee
WHEN: Tuesday, March 13 from 12:00-1:00 PM
WHERE: University of South Florida St. Petersburg, University Student Center, 200 6th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
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The University of North Florida School of Music Choral Department presents a benefit concert, “Seeking Refuge,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 6, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, 38 Cathedral Place in downtown St. Augustine.
The UNF Choral Department has created an ensemble comprised of refugees from various countries, including Burma, Congo and Eritrea, who have resettled in Jacksonville and will perform alongside the UNF Chorale as well as The Osprey TREBLE.
“The goal of the benefit concert is to create awareness about the large population of refugees that are in Jacksonville and to spread awareness about their needs as well as to raise funds to support the efforts of the infrastructures in place to help them,” said Dr. Cara Tasher, director of Choral Studies at UNF.
The concert is free; however, donations are encouraged. Proceeds will benefit the three main organizations in Jacksonville that assist refugees: Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services and World Relief.
For more information about this event, contact Kolanda Douglas, UNF School of Music marketing coordinator, at (904) 620-2864.
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In recognition of Sunshine Week (March 11-17, 2018), Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers today launched a directory of public records information for each Court Clerk’s office in the state. The directory on flclerks.com helps citizens connect with the appropriate Clerk’s office department or search records online.
Florida’s Sunshine Laws are among the strongest in the country, giving everyone access to important public information. These laws protect a citizen’s right to remain informed and engaged, making data such as financial reports, Board of County Commission meeting minutes and court records available to all.
“We are fortunate to live in a state that promotes open government and encourages citizens to be engaged members of their communities,” stated Marcia M. Johnson, Franklin County Clerk and Comptroller and president of Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers. “During Sunshine Week this year, I hope we can inspire more people to learn about what is available to them.”
Sunshine Week is once a year, but for Clerks, upholding government transparency with accurate record keeping and efficient reporting is a priority every day. Last year, Florida’s First Amendment Foundation honored Brevard County Clerk and Comptroller Scott Ellis with the Pete Weitzel/Friend of the First Amendment Award recognizing his commitment to open government and ensuring compliance with Florida’s public records laws.
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers encourages constituents to take full advantage of the information they have at their disposal year-round. For more information about public records in your county, contact your county Clerk’s office. For more information about Sunshine Week, visit sunshineweek.org.
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Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) today announced the winners of the Florida Legislature’s Annual Biggest Loser Weight Loss Competition. The eight week contest is open to members of the legislature and Capitol employees who compete to lose the most weight during the legislative session.
“Session is a stressful time for everyone at the Capitol, and it is easy to put on a few pounds if you’re not careful,” said Senator Bean. “The Annual Biggest Loser Competition serves as a great way to promote weight loss and motivate legislators and staff to make positive, healthy changes in their lives.”
The 2018 Biggest Loser Weight Loss Competition winners are:
Men
1. Rep. Clovis Watson – 27.5 lbs
2. Gary Austin (Sergeant’s Office) – 22 lbs.
3. Kurt Schrader (Bill Drafting) – 16.5 lbs.
Women
1. Mary Cowart (Aide to Rep. Stafford) – 17.5 lbs.
2. Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen – 16 lbs.
3. Heather Bishop (House Policy Chief) – 12 lbs.
Honorable mentions for legislative losers include Representative Larry Ahern, Representative Tracie Davis, Representative Bob Cortes, Senator Aaron Bean, Senator Kevin Rader and Senator Daphne Campbell. Representative Bobby Payne won the “Steady Eddy” award by weighing in and out at the same weight.
Participants weighed in with a registered nurse at the Capitol Clinic during the first week of the 2018 legislative session in early January and weighed out by March 7. 48 participants lost a total of 173 pounds with 27 men losing 82.75 pounds and 21 women losing 90.75 pounds. The proceeds from the contest were awarded as a $1,000 charitable donation to the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation.
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.
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Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today arrested Donald Edward Boyd, 77, of 201 Spruce Avenue, for three counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, two counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of battery. Boyd is a town councilman in Lake Placid.
An investigation conducted by FDLE agents and the city of Lake Placid Police Department revealed that Boyd was providing a variety of prescription pills, including hydrocodone, Zenzedi and Alprazolam to an individual on multiple occasions over the past several years.
Boyd was booked into the Highlands County Jail. He will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 10th Judicial Circuit.
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In partnership with Ascend at the Aspen Institute, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is hosting the 2018 2Gen Summit on March 13 & 14, the second of its kind in our region. The conference takes place at the Lee Wetherington Club of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. Over two days, more than 250 local leaders from nonprofit organizations, civic groups, county school systems, the private sector, and city and county commissions will convene to determine ways Sarasota County, Manatee County, and our greater community can strategize how to honor, respect and support vulnerable families as they take steps to break the multi-generational cycle of poverty. Attendees will hear from national thought leaders from around the country, program directors, social workers, and parents and families.
Inspired by Ascend at the Aspen Institute, the summit revolves around the subject of the two-generation, or “2Gen,” approach which focuses on creating opportunities and addressing needs of both children and the adults in their lives together. The 2Gen approach incorporates four core components: educational opportunities, economic supports, social capital, and health and well-being.
Since 2011, the Community Foundation has been partnering with local organizations and county schools to integrate 2Gen philosophy into local programs directed at lifting vulnerable families out of poverty. The summit aims to benefit 2Gen novices and experts by providing the latest research and innovative practices that support families on their journey to economic security and educational success.
Agenda topics cover: Mental Health, Affordable Housing, Racial Equity, Parent Education and Workforce Training, Engaging and Listening to Families, Building Successful Partnerships, and Effectively Measuring Program Outcomes.
Speakers include:
For more details about the 2Gen Summit or to schedule separate interviews with speakers, please contact Murray Devine at 941.556.7122 or [email protected].
About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County
The Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of over $333 million in more than 1,400 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling more than $33 million dollars this past year in the areas of education, health and human services, the arts, animal welfare, and the environment. Since our founding, more than $217 million has been invested back into the community through grants and scholarships. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org.
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Below is a statement from Bill Herrle, National Federation of Independent Business/Florida Executive Director, on the passage of HB 37 on Direct Primary Care:
“NFIB applauds the passage of House Bill 37, which will dramatically lower healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes across Florida.
“HB 37 opens the door for small business owners to contract directly with primary care doctors and pay a manageable monthly fee that would give their employees access to primary care. It will save small business owners in healthcare costs while allowing them to increase their benefits and connect their employees and their families with primary care services.
“Direct primary care is a disruptive innovation. It breaks the mold of the conventional healthcare delivery system and streamlines primary care delivery, allowing doctors to spend more time with patients and patients to spend less money for quality care. It makes primary care about the doctor-patient relationship.
“We thank the leadership of the Florida Legislature, Senator Tom Lee and Representative Danny Burgess for seizing this opportunity to embrace this innovative healthcare model and deliver real healthcare reform to Floridians.”
NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 states. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at NFIB.com/FL.
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Governor Rick Scott today issued the following statement following the Florida Senate unanimously voting in support of HB 359. HB 359 was also passed unanimously in the Florida House of Representatives in January and advances Governor Scott’s proposal to strictly prohibit the State of Florida, including all state agencies, from investing in any company that is doing business with Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro’s oppressive government. See Governor Scott’s announcement of this proposal HERE.
Governor Scott said, “With the passage of this landmark legislation, Florida continues its commitment to the people of Venezuela who are fighting for freedom and democracy. This legislation will prohibit all state agencies from investing in the Venezuelan government and puts even more financial pressure on the Maduro regime by stopping any future state investment with them. I want to thank Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, as well as sponsors Senator Rene Garcia and Speaker Pro Tempore Jeanette Nunez, for their great work on this important bill. Together, we will continue to shine a light on the unacceptable political tyranny and violence that is inflicted by Maduro and his ruthless thugs. We need to do everything we can to help stop these injustices and Florida stands with the people of Venezuela.”
Senator Rene Garcia said, “It was an honor to sponsor this important piece of legislation. HB 359 shows that Florida continues to stand strong against the brutal Maduro regime and any business that supports their oppressive leadership. We will continue fighting for human rights and democracy for our friends in Venezuela.”
Florida House Speaker Pro Tempore Jeanette Nunez said, “This legislation strengthens Florida’s opposition to Maduro’s brutal and oppressive regime. I want to thank Governor Scott on his leadership and commitment to the Venezuelan people. Together, we will keep fighting to bring democracy to the people of Venezuela.”
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