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New FWC rule prohibits feeding of wild monkeys

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At its December 2017 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to prohibit the feeding of wild monkeys in order to promote greater public safety and decrease health concerns associated with these animals. This amendment to the General Prohibition Rule went into effect Feb. 11. Free-roaming, non-human primates join coyotes, foxes, raccoons, bears, pelicans and sandhill cranes as species included in this rule.

“The health and safety of the public is the Commission’s number one priority. Feeding wild monkeys creates an elevated risk to human health because it brings them into closer contact with people,” said Dr. Thomas Eason, Assistant Executive Director of the FWC. “This amended rule provides our staff the tools we need to effectively address a situation that can have serious consequences.”

As the population of wild monkeys has increased across the state, public health and safety concerns have also increased due to public contact with the animals. In an effort to reduce the risk of public contact, the FWC adopted an amendment to the General Prohibition Rule to include the prohibition of feeding these animals.

Currently, there are three established species of wild monkeys in Florida: squirrel monkeys, vervet monkeys and rhesus macaques. When these animals are fed by humans, they often develop a dependency on humans as a source of food and become territorial over the area where feeding occurs. This dependency can lead to increased aggression, which may result in injuries and spread of disease to humans.

Wild monkeys are documented carriers for various diseases. Rhesus macaques can carry herpes B, a potentially fatal disease in humans if not treated immediately. While there are no documented cases of free-roaming macaques transmitting herpes B to humans in the wild in Florida, the risk for exposure will continue to grow as public contact with these animals increases.

“The implementation of this amendment allows FWC officers to better educate, inform and encourage the public to refrain from feeding these animals,” said Col. Curtis Brown, Division Director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/wildlifehabitats and click on “Nonnative Species.”

Gov. Scott: Lockheed Martin to Expand and Create 500 New Jobs in Orlando

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Governor Scott today announced Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company, will be expanding in Orlando and creating 500 new jobs. The average wage of the 500 new jobs will be $87,064. The company will also invest more than $50 million in their Orlando facility. Lockheed Martin currently employs over 14,000 Floridians at 73 locations.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce Lockheed Martin is continuing to invest in Florida by creating 500 new jobs as part of their expansion in Orlando. Lockheed Martin is already a major job creator for our state, and our commitment to cutting taxes and making Florida business-friendly is making it easier for this global business to continue to create thousands of opportunities for Florida families.”

Lockheed Martin employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced, technology systems, products and services.

Frank St. John, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control executive vice president, said, “With this expansion, Lockheed Martin is further solidifying its already robust presence in Florida and supporting our business growth. The Research & Development II building underscores our customer commitments to provide the most modern facilities for our talented workforce to produce critical capabilities for the U.S. and allies for years to come.”

Peter Antonacci, CEO of EFI, said, “Lockheed Martin’s continued investment in Florida sends a strong message to aerospace and aviation business leaders that Florida is the most business-friendly state in the United States for aerospace and aviation companies.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Lockheed Martin is globally recognized and attracts a diverse group of talent to our state. This expansion is an outstanding contribution to our state’s thriving economy and is a significant win for the families in the Orlando area.”

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said, “More than 60 years ago, Lockheed Martin opened its first location in Central Florida, planting the roots that have transformed Orlando into the innovative city it is today and solidifying Central Florida as the world’s epicenter for modeling, simulation and training. We welcome the company’s continued investment in Orlando which is an example of our success in creating long-term partnerships that bring high quality jobs to residents, and is a testament to our dynamic business environment and our high quality of life.”

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said, “I’m delighted to join in today’s groundbreaking ceremony. Already we’re a global leader in the modeling, simulation and training industries, and as the world’s number one defense contractor, Lockheed Martin is a huge part of that success. Today’s announcement tells the world that we have a skilled workforce and an economic climate in which high-tech manufacturing and development can succeed. And it tells our local community that we’re building an economy with depth, diversification, and opportunity.”

Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, said, “Lockheed Martin has been an important part of Orlando’s economic growth for more than 50 years not only because of the company’s innovations in technology but because of its commitment to supporting our community’s STEM education initiatives. The Partnership is honored that Lockheed has chosen to expand in Orlando. Our region’s high-tech industry, strong engineering programs and talent pipeline highlight why this remains the ideal location for Lockheed’s continued success.”

Boca Raton man wins $1 million prize playing $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Mohamed Elhaloui, 47, of Boca Raton, claimed a $1 million prize in the $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $748,000.00.

Elhaloui purchased his winning ticket from Top Market, located at 162 Northwest 51st Street in Boca Raton. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.

The $25 game, $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH, features more than $549 million in total cash prizes, including two top prizes of $10 million and 46 prizes of $1 million! Overall odds of winning are one-in-2.89.

Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2016-17.

Eastbound I-4 On-Ramp from Universal Boulevard to Close for Five Months

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The eastbound Interstate 4 (I-4) on-ramp from Universal Boulevard will close for five months, beginning around 2 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19.

A detour map is available to view or download online at: fdot.tips/universal. The detour for this on-going closure is to use the eastbound I-4 on-ramp from Kirkman Road (State Road 435).

The closure of the eastbound I-4 on-ramp from Universal Boulevard allows construction crews to continue building the new I-4 and Kirkman Road interchange. A lot of work already has been completed on the west side of the interchange, including new westbound I-4 exit ramps to southbound and northbound Kirkman Road. Crews are focusing on improvements planned for the east side of the interchange. Closing the Universal Boulevard on-ramp will help crew members work safely and allow the work to move ahead efficiently.

Modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving through the work zone.

For questions, please contact Steve Olson, communications manager, at (386) 943-5479 / [email protected] or David Parks, I-4 ultimate public information officer, at [email protected].

APD Participates in Developmental Disabilities Day

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Disability Stakeholders Praise Governor’s Support

Governor Rick Scott today issued a proclamation recognizing today, February 14, as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Florida. Hundreds of disability advocates came to the Capitol in Tallahassee today to talk with legislators. To read Governor Scott’s proclamation, click here.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to proclaim today as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Florida. We want every person in our state to have the opportunity to live the American Dream. We will keep working to ensure every Floridian has the resources they need to be successful.”

Governor Scott ‘s Securing Florida’s Future Budget proposes $1.4 billion to serve Floridians with developmental disabilities. Some of the proposed investments include:

  • $18.1 million to offer enrollment to approximately 900 individuals with developmental disabilities who are in crisis into the APD waiver program. This funding will serve individuals who are in a crisis situation, in extended foster care, or those in foster care who are adopted or reunified with their families.
  • $1 million to provide employment services for approximately 800 individuals with developmental disabilities who are ready to work.

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “Governor Scott is a fabulous advocate for people with developmental disabilities. The Governor’s budget recommendations support $34 million in General Revenue funding for the increased needs of individuals on the waiver. I appreciate his continued support of individuals with special abilities. We want all Floridians with developmental disabilities to receive the resources they need to succeed.”

Family Care Council Florida Chairperson Mary Smith said, “We are happy to see Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget will move 900 people from the waiting list to being served by APD. We appreciate his understanding of the growing needs of people already on the waiver too.”

Payday Lending Bill Sponsor Makes Faulty Arguments At Florida Committee Hearing

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Testimony Clouds Debt Trap Nature of Payday Loans

Contending that a federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule makes legalization of a new 200% interest payday lending product necessary, Rep. James Grant pushed HB 857 through the House Appropriations committee in the Florida legislature today. But the rule is under heavy attack at the federal level which puts its future in doubt, and it is not scheduled to take effect until August 2019.

Rep. Grant also claimed that Florida families are already protected from predatory payday lending, but the reforms passed in 2001 have not been effective in stopping the debt trap. An analysis of payday lending in Florida found that payday lenders still collect over $300 million per year from customers largely trapped in long-term cycles at annual interest rates over 200%.

The payday lenders depend on this long-term cycle, with over 83% of Florida payday loans going to people stuck in a cycle of 7 or more loans per year. Because these loans are so expensive, being unable to break free of that cycle leads families into financial devastation, causing them to get behind on other bills, lose bank accounts and be more likely to have to file bankruptcy.

Rep. Grant questioned the validity of using the APR, or annual interest rate, in evaluating payday loans, an argument the industry lobbyists have long used to hide the true costs of their products.

“Lenders are required to disclose the APR of their loans to prevent just such hidden costs, so that people can compare the true cost of one financial product to another,” said Alice Vickers, director of Florida Alliance for Consumer Protection. “Of course, APR matters in payday lending, and the fact that many borrowers are stuck in one loan after another after another for weeks, months, or years makes that true cost measure all the more relevant.”

The squabble over interest rates and the harms of payday lending came at a hearing where members praised Amscot and supported legalizing a new 200% interest loan in Florida, one that legislative staff and Office of Financial Regulation point out will cost borrowers considerably more than what is currently allowed. Rep. Bruce Antone pointed out the “if you get a $1000 loan, you’re going to pay back $345 (in fees) ninety days later. That is a huge amount of money!”

“This simply adds another 200% interest tool to the toolkit of a predatory business,” said Rev. Rachel Gunter Shapard. Shapard testified at the hearing on behalf of over 50 faith leaders who signed an open letter opposing the bill.

Calls to kill the bill also came last week from the Florida AARP, the Florida NAACP, more than 50 faith leaders from across the state, and the Archbishop of Miami.  The Florida Catholic Conference, National Association of Latino Community Asset Builders, Florida Prosperity Partnership, Florida Veterans for Common Sense, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida, UnidosUS, Florida Hispanic Unity, Florida Legal Services, League of Southeastern Credit Unions and many others have also voiced their opposition.

HB 857 and its companion in the Senate, SB 920, would allow loans twice as large as the current limit, up to $1,000, with 60- to 90-day terms and annual interest rates over 200%. According to an analysis from the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, a borrower in debt for 60 days currently pays $110 in fees for $1,000, but would pay $214.68 under SB 920. And payday loans financially devastate borrowers because they are structured to keep them paying the triple-digit fees over months or years, whether they are short or longer-term loans.

Faith leaders and a former payday borrower spoke out in a press conference last Thursday

“On behalf of the millions of people that have actually been involved in this type of predatory lending, you start off as a customer but you eventually become a victim…I quickly found one $425 payday loan put me in a spiral to where when the next payday came the money that I had to pay to the loan would make me short somewhere else…It is just a treacherous trap and a juggling game. You are not borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, you’re borrowing from the devil to pay the devil.” — Elder Wayne Wright, Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist in Jacksonville.

“I serve in a community in one of the toughest hit areas of … I represent 236 churches throughout Florida where we have looked in our communities and found that payday lending is set up in communities least able to afford opposition to those lenders… This bill would not reform payday lending even though it is badly needed, but instead…it would add another type of high-cost debt trap payday loans to the toolkit of payday lenders.” — Pastor Lee Harris, Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist in Jacksonville.

“It is an injustice to punish those or to box persons in who find themselves needing assistance.” — Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, 5th District of the CME Church, Florida.

“I consider it an economic justice issue, it is a consumer protection issue for the poor and often the not-so-poor, who need a quick loan to cover some unexpected expense, but they’re invited to their own financial funeral and interment.” — Bishop Adam J. Richardson, 11th District of the AME Church, Florida.

“Why are Florida lawmakers listening to payday lenders and not to those of us who have our fingers on the pulse of the communities that are hardest hit by predatory lending?” — Rev. Rachel Gunter Shapard, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida.

“It seems it’s open season for vultures to take advantage of the most vulnerable members of our society…The payday lending industry raked in more than $300 million last year and we need to think of that $300 million as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for our poorest children.” — Rev. Dr. Russel Meyer, Florida Council of Churches.

In a letter, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump expressed opposition to the bill:

“Payday lending puts the burden of extremely high interest rates on people of extremely low means. And these loans offer no value but instead serve to systematically redistribute wealth from low-wealth communities to large, corporatized predatory lenders. And as with so many other issues, this is one that has a devastating impact to the fabric of Black and Latino communities… We cannot in good conscience let a sophisticated means of exploitation, especially one that can be resolved with such a simple solution, continue to destroy good and decent people. Florida lawmakers should reject this new product and instead pass a usury cap on payday loans – just as people across this state are asking them to do.”

Rev. James T. Golden, social action director of the AME Church in Florida, gave committee members an impassioned plea:

“The reality is that on a per annum basis, all of the products that have been produced for consideration by the legislature in Florida have triple-digit interest rates. While we debate this in the two hours that have been granted, there are people who have to live with this for six months, or for a year. And the reason we complain is that they live with this much longer than that because these products keep them in debt, keep them from being able to move beyond the sad state that they find themselves in….

…I find it very difficult to be sympathetic to multi-millionaires sitting in here saying to you, we need help, when you all know that the resources this preacher and I bring to bear on this situation doesn’t come with one campaign contribution. But it comes with a heartfelt plea to you to do the right thing by the people who couldn’t come here today. Do the right thing by the people who couldn’t lift their voices because they’ve been too busy paying off these loans they’ve gotten from the industry.

Caldwell Campaign Outraises the Field in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture

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Representative Matt Caldwell continues to outraise the field and build momentum in his bid for Commissioner of Agriculture. In January, Caldwell’s campaign and Political Committee raised a combined $106,100. After tallying another strong month of fundraising, the campaign and Political Committee has raised more than $1.71 million in his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and has over $1.11 million cash-on-hand.

Caldwell is running against Senator Denise Grimsley and former Representative Baxter Troutman in the Republican Primary. Senator Denise Grimsley, on the other hand, didn’t break the six-figure mark with her fundraising this month. In January, Grimsley’s campaign and Political Committee raised a combined $86,440 and has $909,459.75 cash-on-hand. Troutman also missed the six-figure threshold and, in January, his campaign and Political Committee raised a combined $79,500.

Brian Swensen, spokesperson for Caldwell’s campaign said, “Matt continues to demonstrate he is the hardest working candidate in the race for Commissioner of Agriculture. As he continues to build momentum, he has outraised his opponents month-to-month, has traveled more than 46,000 miles across the State since May, and has continued to prove he is the principled conservative in the race.”

The Commissioner of Agriculture serves as a member of the Florida Cabinet and is critical to the foundation of Florida’s economy. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps the agricultural industry with its daily challenges, promotes Florida’s agricultural commodities, manages state forests, safeguards consumers, implements the school lunch program, and oversees the concealed-weapon license system.

The campaign has announced the endorsements of: Republican House members from the Panhandle, Northeast Florida, Tampa Bay Region, Central Florida, Southwest Florida, and South Florida delegations. This is in addition to endorsements from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, former candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture Paul Paulson, and numerous county constitutional officers; including the statewide association Presidents of the Sheriff, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, and Clerks for all 67 counties.

The campaign continues to travel across the Sunshine State as a part of Caldwell’s statewide #2LaneTravels Work Days Tour that highlights and showcases industries overseen as Commissioner of Agriculture. WATCH: Highlights from our #2LaneTravels Work Days, including oysters, timber, cattle, and more!

Paid by Matt Caldwell, Republican, for Commissioner of Agriculture

RoadWatch Advisory for I-75 in Charlotte County

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CHARLOTTE COUNTY

I-75 from N. Jones Loop Road (exit 161) to US 17 (exit 164): Construction project: Work continues to widen approximately four miles of the interstate from four to six lanes and widen the bridges over N. Jones Loop Road (exit #161) and Marion Avenue/Riverside Drive/Seminole Gulf Railway.  The project also includes roadway safety improvements and bridge work under I-75 on N. Jones Loop Road, US 17, and Marion Avenue/Riverside Drive.

  • Motorists should expect northbound I-75 traffic to be slowed at the North Jones Loop Road interchange (exit 161) for approximately 15-20 minutes between the nighttime/overnight hours of 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14 for crews to move a crane.  Exit and entrance ramps will remain open.  Law enforcement officers will be onsite to assist. 
  • Motorists should expect Marion Avenue/Riverside Drive fully CLOSED under I-75 for crews to complete bridgework, safety improvements, and roadway work.  This closure is scheduled to remain in place until late spring 2018, weather permitting.  The closure applies to all vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.  
    • Motorists on Marion Avenue, west of the interstate may use Marion Avenue to Marlympia Way to reach US 17.
    • Motorists on Riverside Drive, east of the interstate may use Riverside Drive to Regent Road to reach US 17.
  • Motorists should expect one lane closed in each direction on I-75 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday night through Saturday morning for crews to work in the median. 
  • Motorists should expect lane closures on North Jones Loop Road during daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday for crews to complete bridgework. 
  • Motorists should expect I-75 travel lanes from N. Jones Loop Road to south of the bridge over the Peace River shifted to the outside of the roadway.

Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Drivers should use caution while traveling in this area and be alert to trucks entering and exiting roadways in the work zone. Estimated completion is early 2019, weather permitting. The contractor is Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC.

CRC Announces Northeast Florida Public Hearing in Jacksonville

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) invites all interested Floridians to participate in a public hearing at the University of North Florida’s Adam W. Herbert University Center on Tuesday, February 20 from 1:00-7:00 PM. This will be the third public hearing held on the CRC’s 2018 “Road to the Ballot” public hearing tour.

Public hearings are free events open to all Floridians who would like to attend. No tickets or RSVPs are required. Free public parking will be provided. Floridians planning to attend the public hearing are respectfully requested to observe the CRC Public Hearing Participation Guidelines.

WHAT: Northeast Florida Public Hearing of the Constitution Revision Commission

WHEN: Tuesday, February 20, 1:00 – 7:00 PM (Doors open at Noon)

WHERE: University of North Florida
Adam W. Herbert University Center
12000 Alumni Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224

PARKING: Free parking is available to the public in Lot 16 adjacent to the University Center.
PARKING MAP LINK (PDF)
GOOGLE MAP LINK

SIGN-UP TO SPEAK: To speak at a CRC public hearing, Floridians must fill out an appearance form and hand it in to CRC staff at the Citizen Services Desk. The appearance form is available online at flcrc.gov and printed copies are available at public hearings. Appearance forms will not be accepted in advance of the public hearing.

Public speakers will be called in the order in which appearance forms are received by CRC staff at the Citizen Services Desk at the public hearing. The Citizen Services Desk will be open to accept appearance forms starting at 12:00 PM (Noon). Appearance forms received by 7:00 PM will be accepted.

Additional information for the February 20 public hearing is available online at flcrc.gov/Meetings/PublicHearings.

FWC Biologist Kipp Frohlich Receives Rodney Barreto Employee of the Year Award for Imperiled Species Work

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The nonprofit Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida has announced Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologist Kipp Frohlich as its 2017 – 2018 Rodney Barreto FWC Employee of the Year.

The award was presented to Frohlich at the FWC’s public meeting on Feb. 7. 

“We are honoring Kipp Frohlich today for many reasons, including his effective work over the past year bringing forward for Commission approval a plan to create 13 new Critical Wildlife Areas for protection, and improve five existing areas,” said Foundation Board Chair Richard A. Corbett. “These fragile nesting and roosting colonies for pelicans, herons, egrets, terns, plovers and other colonial shorebirds are located around the state and have been stressed by nearby human activity. Kipp and his FWC colleagues held 14 public workshops, working with federal agencies and many local stakeholders to strike a balance between conservation and nearby recreation. Formal designation and management improvements for all 18 were approved unanimously by the Commission.” 

During his 30-year career, Frohlich has worked to resolve potential conflicts regarding the management of imperiled species. This includes representing FWC on Manatee Recovery Teams, working to improve stakeholder and partner participation in sea turtle conservation, and representing FWC on the Panther Recovery Implementation Team. While working to achieve consensus on these often-contentious conservation issues, Frohlich has earned the respect and trust of stakeholders and partners.      

As deputy director of the FWC’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, Frohlich played a key role in developing FWC’s scientifically robust Imperiled Species Management Plan for 57 priority rare and endangered species in Florida. Development of the ISMP required involvement of diverse stakeholders and wide-ranging partner engagement. He was intricately involved in the legal and policy elements of the plan, and continues to support implementation of the plan. 

“I’m very honored to receive this award,” Frohlich said. “FWC is a family and everything cited by the Foundation required the teamwork of many passionate people with whom I’m honored to work.”

The Rodney Barreto FWC Employee of the Year Award is named for its first recipient, Miami native and entrepreneur Rodney Barreto, who served as chair of the FWC for seven of his 10 years as Commissioner. Mr. Barreto currently serves on the Board of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida and other conservation organizations.

The nonprofit Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida supports the work of the FWC and other public and private conservation organizations, with offices in Tallahassee and St. Petersburg. The Foundation has raised and given away more than $26 million for conservation and outdoor programs for youth since its founding in 1994. For more information about the Foundation, visit wildlifeflorida.org and our social media sites.