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CFO Jimmy Patronis: Freezing Credit Should NOT Cost Consumers

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Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding the unanimous approval of Senate Bill 1302 by the Florida Senate Committee on Rules.

“In 2017, 16.7 million people in the United States were affected by identity fraud, criminals stole more than $16 billion from accounts, and new-account fraud increased by 70 percent. It has even been reported that the Equifax data breach was worse than originally thought.

“As criminals become more creative, it’s important for consumers to use the best tool to protect themselves from fraud: freezing their credit. Considering this alarming data, there should be no question as to the value of Floridians easily freezing their credit without added costs. I look forward to seeing this measure become law this year.”

The next stop for SB 1302, sponsored by Sen. Jeffrey Brandes, is the Senate floor.

Secretary of State Announces Second Annual “March of Museums” Initiative

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Florida Department of State and museums statewide
partner to share variety and versatility of museums

Secretary of State Ken Detzner and the Florida Department of State today announced the second annual “March of Museums” celebrating the variety and versatility of museums in Florida’s communities. In 2017, the department piloted March of Museums with partner museums in Tallahassee. Building on this successful launch, the 2018 March of Museums has expanded statewide to include the vast and diverse array of museums that populate the Sunshine State.

“As Florida’s Chief Cultural Officer, I am proud of the success of last year’s ‘March of Museums’ and I am excited to expand this initiative statewide,” said Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “From art to animals, from sports to science, and from history to horticulture, Florida has an incredible array of museums that encourage exploration and learning. March of Museums celebrates the important services museums provide to our communities.”

Museums statewide have partnered with the Florida Department of State to encourage Floridians and visitors to Florida to experience the many ways that museums serve their communities.  The department is hosting MarchofMuseums.com, which offers a listing of museums by region and highlights the mission, collections, and/or events of each institution during the month of March.

The department encourages visitors and Floridians to take advantage of this initiative to visit one of the partner museums for a new experience, to spend some time at one of their favorite museums and to share their pictures on their favorite social media platform using #MarchOfMuseums.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovered Nearly $174,000 for Consumers in February

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered nearly $174,000 for Florida consumers during the month of February. Last year, the department recovered more than $2.6 million of consumers’ money from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.

During February 2018, the department:

  • Recovered $173,940 on behalf of Florida consumers;
  • Received 3,635 complaints;
  • Initiated 275 investigations;
  • Arrested 15 individuals;
  • Provided assistance to 20,296 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
  • Added 14,090 telephone numbers to Florida’s Do Not Call List.

As the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, the department educates the public, investigates complaints and provides mediation on behalf of consumers. The department’s call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.

Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832). For consumer protection information and resources, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

PSC Finds Need for New FPL Dania Beach Plant

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today determined there is a need for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to replace its power plant in Broward County with a more efficient clean energy center. Expected to begin service in 2022, the new plant will increase system reliability at a reduced cost for FPL customers.

“The Dania Beach Clean Energy Center will save FPL customers from $299 to $364 million, as well as generate additional tax revenues for local governments and new jobs during the plant’s construction,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “The new plant will also reduce harmful air emissions, helping environmental quality.”

Commissioners agreed that retiring FPL’s existing Lauderdale plant this year, and reusing its infrastructure for the new facility is the most cost effective way to meet customers’ increasing power needs. Dania Beach will be a modernized 1,163 megawatt plant and will not require any new transmission lines, substation facilities, gas pipelines, or water supply. The project is expected to cost $888 million.

The existing Lauderdale plant has been upgraded or re-powered three times since its construction in 1925 as FPL’s first power plant. In contrast to Lauderdale, the new Dania Beach facility’s emission rates will be reduced by 95 percent for nitrogen oxide and by 22 percent for carbon dioxide, and its water allocation for power generation will be reduced by 1.0 to 1.69 million gallons per day.

FPL serves 4.9 million customer accounts across the state.

Pahokee woman claims $2 million top prize playing FLORIDA 50X THE CASH Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Bertha Hunter, of Pahokee, claimed a $2 million top prize in the new FLORIDA 50X THE CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She chose to receive her prize in annual payments of $80,000 for 25 years.

Hunter purchased her winning ticket from Pahokee Pure, located at 760 East Main Street in Pahokee. The retailer will receive a $4,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.

The $10 game, FLORIDA 50X THE CASH, launched on January 15, and gives players the opportunity to multiply their winnings by up to 50 times! The game also offers over $162 million in cash prizes, plus eight $2 million top prizes! Overall odds of winning are one-in-3.46.

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.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: We Can’t Hesitate to Pass Mental Health Benefits for Our First Responders

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Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding the unanimous approval of Senate Bill 376 today by the Florida Senate Committee on Rules.

“Last year, four states, including Texas, passed measures that give first responders the needed access to mental health benefits for first responders, with three of those states doing it through the workers’ compensation system. This year we MUST add Florida to this list.

“Our first responders serve us every day without hesitation. There should never be a hesitation to help them. I urge the House and Senate to QUICKLY pass this needed legislation this year.”

The next stop for SB 376, sponsored by Sen. Lauren Book, is the Senate floor.

New campaign highlights benefits of Escambia County tourism

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Website educates residents about tourism’s lesser-known
impacts on education, infrastructure, public safety and more

Did you know: Tourism-related tax revenue and visitor spending helps fund various components of K-12 public schools, road and highway maintenance and beach beautification, as well as other programs developments which enhance citizens’ way of life. The tourism industry provides the county with nearly $800 million in direct visitor spending and employs more than 22,300 Escambia County citizens, supplying a wide range of benefits to residents and the community.

Jason Nicholson, a veteran of the tourism industry with over 30 years of experience, Chairman of Visit Pensacola and Vice President of Operations of Innisfree Hotels expressed just how vital the tourism industry is to our community.

“Forty-six percent of all ad valorem taxes (property taxes) paid in Escambia County are paid by accommodation providers which include hotels, condominiums, bed and breakfasts or home rental,” Nicholson explained. “Because of those guests coming into our accommodations, we get to employ 17 percent of Escambia County’s workforce which equates to over $380 million in payroll. In a beautiful cycle, that revenue is seen in the smiles of our employees when they provide for their family, in the city’s infrastructure and so much more.”

These revenues, generated by visitor spending, provide critical revenue for programs on which all Escambia County residents rely and enjoy.  The return on investment is clear: as the Pensacola Bay Area continues to welcome record numbers of guests, everyone benefits.

“For every $1 spent marketing the Pensacola Bay Area, the hospitality industry returns $3 in taxes and local businesses gain $107,” President of Visit Pensacola Steve Hayes said. “The restaurants, shops, nightlife and attractions we love are here for our enjoyment because of our guests. They are the ones who cause multiple new businesses to open every year, ultimately making Pensacola a better place to live, work and play.”

To further enhance residents’ understanding of tourism’s impact on their day-to-day lives, the Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (FADMO), the voice for Florida’s county tourism promotion agencies, in partnership with Visit Pensacola, the destination marketing organization for the Pensacola Bay Area, today announced the launch of a new education campaign, “Pensacola Tourism Works for Me.”

The campaign, created and paid for by FADMO, helps promote awareness of tourism’s positive impact on Floridians, and details the work county tourism promotion agencies must do to attract visitors to their communities rather than competing destinations worldwide.

To learn more, visit pensacolatourismworks.com.

CRC Rules and Administration Committee Meeting

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Rules and Administration Committee will hold a meeting on Monday, March 5 from 12:30-1:00 PM in Cape Coral. Please note that this meeting is scheduled to take place immediately before the CRC public hearing scheduled for Monday, March 5 from 1:00-7:00 PM at the same location.

WHAT: Public meeting of the CRC Rules and Administration Committee

WHEN: Monday, March 5 from 12:30-1:00 PM

WHERE: The Westin, Tarpon Point Ballroom, 5951 Silver King Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 33914

NOTICE: flcrc.gov/Committees/RU/MeetingNotice/178

Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Florida Southwestern State College District Board of Trustees

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Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Julia du Plooy and Jonathan Martin to the Florida Southwestern State College District Board of Trustees.

du Plooy, 34, of Clewiston, is an independent contractor and owner of Julia du Plooy, LLC, and serves as the president of the Lake Okeechobee Business Alliance. She received her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. du Plooy succeeds Tristan Chapman and is appointed for a term beginning February 28, 2018 and ending May 31, 2020.

Martin, 36, of Fort Myers, is an attorney with Parvey & Frankel Attorneys, P.A. He received is bachelor’s degree from Stetson University and his juris doctorate degree from Liberty University School of Law. Martin succeeds Brian Chapman and is appointed for a term beginning February 28, 2018 and ending May 31, 2018.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Black Legislators Oppose Bills to Arm Schoolteachers

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, members of The Florida Legislative Black Caucus will hold a press conference to announce their opposition to legislation moving through the Florida House and Senate that would provide incentives to arm schoolteachers in Florida.

“Putting firearms in the hands of our educators is absurd,” said Sen. Perry Thurston Jr., the Caucus Chair and a Senator representing Broward County where the Parkland shooting occurred. “That’s clearly a job for law enforcement. What lawmakers should be doing is finding ways to keep guns out of our schools, something the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have told us repeatedly.”

The lawmakers will also discuss strategies to amend legislation on the floor of the Florida House and Senate respectively to ban semi-automatic weapons, like the AR 15 that was used to kill 14 students and three adults at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school.

Thursday, March 1, 2018
11:30 AM
4th Floor Rotunda by Senate Chambers
Florida Capitol, 400 South Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL