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Sen. Bill Nelson on Sec. Zinke’s meeting in Tallahassee

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Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on the Secretary of Interior’s meeting with the governor in Tallahassee this evening:

“I have spent my entire life fighting to keep oil rigs away from our coasts. But now, suddenly, Secretary Zinke announces plans to drill off Florida’s coast and four days later agrees to “take Florida off the table”?  I don’t believe it. This is a political stunt orchestrated by the Trump administration to help Rick Scott, who has wanted to drill off Florida’s coast his entire career. We shouldn’t be playing politics with the future of Florida.”

Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Invite K-12 Students to Participate in 2018 Black History Month Contests

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Three students will earn a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship

Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today invited Florida K-12 students to participate in the 2018 Black History Month art and essay contests based on this year’s theme, “A Celebration of Innovative African-American Leaders.” Students, parents, teachers and principals are also invited to nominate full-time educators in elementary, middle and high schools for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award.
Governor Scott said, “Ann and I are proud to join Florida families in celebrating Black History Month this February and encourage every Florida student to participate in the 2018 Black History Month contests and nominate one of our state’s great educators for the Excellence in Education Award.”
First Lady Ann Scott said, “Governor Scott and I are so honored to announce this year’s Black History Month contests in celebration of Florida’s many innovative leaders. I hope every student takes advantage of this opportunity to learn about our state’s history and potentially earn a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship. We are also honored to recognize this year’s featured artist, Thomas H. Lewis, whose beautiful one-of-a-kind stained glass art is displayed around the country.”
About the Student Contests
Art Contest for Grades K-3: The Black History Month art contest is open to all Florida students in grades K-3. Two winners will be selected.
Essay Contest for Grades 4-12: The Black History Month essay contest is open to all Florida students in grades 4 through 12. Three winners will be selected: one elementary student (grades 4-5), one middle-school student (grades 6-8), and one high school student (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
About the Excellence in Education Award
Governor Scott’s annual Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8) and one high school teacher (grades 9-12).
Contest Entries and Nomination Forms and Guidelines
Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at FloridaBlackHistory.com.
Volunteer Florida
Black History Month Committee
3800 Esplanade Way, Suite 180
Tallahassee, Florida 32311
All entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, March 2, 2018. 
More information about the contests and Florida’s Black History Month is available at FloridaBlackHistory.com.

Nelson, others voice 'strong opposition' to Trump's offshore drilling plan

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) today led a group of 37 Senate Democrats in voicing their “strong opposition” to the Trump administration’s plan to open up nearly all federal waters to offshore oil drilling.
“This draft is an ill-advised effort to circumvent public and scientific input,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. “We are deeply troubled by your decision to open more than 90% of the outer continental shelf to fossil fuel development and needlessly put our coastal residents, businesses, oceans, and climate at grave risk.”
Nelson, a long-time opponent of allowing oil rigs too close to Florida’s coasts, filed legislation in April 2017 that would block the Trump administration from opening up any additional areas to offshore oil drilling until at least 2022.
He’s also filed legislation to extend the current moratorium in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico for an additional five years, to 2027.
Following is text of the senators’ letter to Zinke, a PDF is available here.

January 9, 2018

The Honorable Ryan Zinke
Secretary
United States Department of the Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240
Dear Secretary Zinke:
We write in strong opposition to your agency’s misuse of taxpayer funds and agency resources to issue a draft 2019-2024 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program in the middle of the current 2017-2022 Five-Year Plan. This draft proposal is an ill-advised effort to circumvent public and scientific input, and we object to sacrificing public trust, community safety, and economic security for the interests of the oil industry. We urge you to abandon this effort and maintain the protections outlined in the current 2017-2022 plan.
During your confirmation hearings, you pledged to incorporate local input into the management of our nation’s public lands. Our constituents, scientific bodies, businesses, and local elected officials have already decidedly rejected efforts to expand offshore drilling that could compromise ecosystems, tourism and recreation, public safety, and marine industries. The governors of New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Oregon, Washington, and the Attorney General of Rhode Island, all are formally opposed to new leasing off their respective shores. Additionally, more than 150 municipalities on the East Coast, West Coast, and Gulf of Mexico have passed resolutions opposing offshore oil and gas drilling and exploration. The New England, Mid-Atlantic, and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, the Department of Defense, Air Force, and NASA have all weighed in expressing serious concerns or opposition to offshore exploration and drilling. More than 41,000 businesses and 500,000 fishing families have also expressed opposition to drilling in their communities.
The current 2017-2022 plan already allows leasing for more than 45 billion barrels of oil, and guarantees protections for vital resources in the Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic. As the nation’s coasts are already bearing the consequences of climate change through rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and increased storm surges and flooding, we should not open all previously closed outer continental shelf areas to fossil fuel extraction and further endanger our climate, coastlines, communities, and economies. Especially in the harsh and fragile Arctic, where your agency has predicted a 75 percent chance of a major oil spill, proposing 19 new leases is the height of irresponsibility.
We are deeply troubled by your decision to open more than 90% of the outer continental shelf to fossil fuel development and needlessly put our coastal residents, businesses, oceans, and climate at grave risk. Offering 47 leases by expanding drilling into the Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic and Eastern Gulf of Mexico waters would lock us into decades of carbon pollution, and endanger future generations and livelihood simply for short-term gain of major oil companies.
We strongly object to this draft proposal, and urge you to maintain protection for the Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic and Eastern Gulf of Mexico and for our communities.

Sincerely,

Nelson, others voice ‘strong opposition’ to Trump’s offshore drilling plan

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) today led a group of 37 Senate Democrats in voicing their “strong opposition” to the Trump administration’s plan to open up nearly all federal waters to offshore oil drilling.

“This draft is an ill-advised effort to circumvent public and scientific input,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. “We are deeply troubled by your decision to open more than 90% of the outer continental shelf to fossil fuel development and needlessly put our coastal residents, businesses, oceans, and climate at grave risk.”

Nelson, a long-time opponent of allowing oil rigs too close to Florida’s coasts, filed legislation in April 2017 that would block the Trump administration from opening up any additional areas to offshore oil drilling until at least 2022.

He’s also filed legislation to extend the current moratorium in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico for an additional five years, to 2027.

Following is text of the senators’ letter to Zinke, a PDF is available here.

January 9, 2018

The Honorable Ryan Zinke
Secretary
United States Department of the Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240

Dear Secretary Zinke:

We write in strong opposition to your agency’s misuse of taxpayer funds and agency resources to issue a draft 2019-2024 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program in the middle of the current 2017-2022 Five-Year Plan. This draft proposal is an ill-advised effort to circumvent public and scientific input, and we object to sacrificing public trust, community safety, and economic security for the interests of the oil industry. We urge you to abandon this effort and maintain the protections outlined in the current 2017-2022 plan.

During your confirmation hearings, you pledged to incorporate local input into the management of our nation’s public lands. Our constituents, scientific bodies, businesses, and local elected officials have already decidedly rejected efforts to expand offshore drilling that could compromise ecosystems, tourism and recreation, public safety, and marine industries. The governors of New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Oregon, Washington, and the Attorney General of Rhode Island, all are formally opposed to new leasing off their respective shores. Additionally, more than 150 municipalities on the East Coast, West Coast, and Gulf of Mexico have passed resolutions opposing offshore oil and gas drilling and exploration. The New England, Mid-Atlantic, and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, the Department of Defense, Air Force, and NASA have all weighed in expressing serious concerns or opposition to offshore exploration and drilling. More than 41,000 businesses and 500,000 fishing families have also expressed opposition to drilling in their communities.

The current 2017-2022 plan already allows leasing for more than 45 billion barrels of oil, and guarantees protections for vital resources in the Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic. As the nation’s coasts are already bearing the consequences of climate change through rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and increased storm surges and flooding, we should not open all previously closed outer continental shelf areas to fossil fuel extraction and further endanger our climate, coastlines, communities, and economies. Especially in the harsh and fragile Arctic, where your agency has predicted a 75 percent chance of a major oil spill, proposing 19 new leases is the height of irresponsibility.

We are deeply troubled by your decision to open more than 90% of the outer continental shelf to fossil fuel development and needlessly put our coastal residents, businesses, oceans, and climate at grave risk. Offering 47 leases by expanding drilling into the Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic and Eastern Gulf of Mexico waters would lock us into decades of carbon pollution, and endanger future generations and livelihood simply for short-term gain of major oil companies.

We strongly object to this draft proposal, and urge you to maintain protection for the Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic and Eastern Gulf of Mexico and for our communities.

Sincerely,

PIFF supports efforts to decrease distracted driving

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Personal Insurance Federation of Florida Remarks on Texting While Driving Policy

The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF) today applauded the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee for passing House Bill 33, Texting While Driving, filed by Representatives Jackie Toledo and Emily Slosberg. The bill amends the Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law to make the enforcement of the ban primary.
Samantha Sexton, Vice President of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs for PIFF, shared the following remarks:
“Our members understand that texting while driving is a complicated distraction to reduce, but drivers must change their behavior for the benefit of all.
“PIFF hopes that by making texting while driving a primary offense, drivers will think twice before picking up their phones. Floridians are not only putting themselves at risk, but their passengers and other drivers when they text and drive.
“PIFF represents roughly half of the auto market in Florida, and like the Speaker, sponsors and co-sponsors, we want to see motorists arrive safely at their destinations.”

Statement by the Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations regarding HB 3

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Statement by Robert Skrob, Executive Director, Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations regarding HB 3, which was passed today out of the House Ways & Means Committee
“Local tourism marketing organizations are already fully transparent in their operations, but if state lawmakers would like to impose additional requirements they believe will further strengthen local tourism marketing transparency, we welcome that.
However, there are several provisions in HB 3 that have nothing to do with transparency, which will drastically impair local communities’ ability to attracts visitors to their areas.
We will no longer be able to host marketing events for event planners, sports teams, media and other prospective customers because these events typically involve food, beverages, lodging, tickets and entertainment, which would not be permitted under HB 3. This is how we draw visitors, conventions and conferences, sporting events and other functions to our areas.
As it is currently written, this bill would not allow any of our local tourism marketing activities to benefit one entity. That hurts counties with only one hotel or counties where it is important to drive business to the hotel connected to the convention center because those revenues directly support the convention center – a facility that benefits all of the community. These are just a couple of examples of how this provision would hamstring our ability to bring visitors and revenue to our counties.
Another provision would require that any contract over $5,000 be posted within five business days after execution. We recognize the need for transparency in all contracts that spend tax dollars and agree this information should be available to the public, but would like to have a longer window of time for posting this information to avoid having our deals undercut by other destinations in this highly competitive industry.
We have been working with House staff on this bill and appreciate the opportunity to have input. We hope these serious concerns that still remain can be addressed and we look forward to continuing to work with the House on this bill as it makes its way through the process.”

State of the State Featured Floridians Working to Secure Florida’s Future by Helping Others

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Governor Rick Scott today highlighted the following Floridians in his annual State of the State address.
Lauren and Michael Davis, Jacksonville 
Lauren and Michael both serve in the Florida National Guard, and were deployed along with thousands of our brave National Guard members during Hurricane Irma. However, their wedding in Jacksonville Beach was planned for the same week. Lauren and Michael exchanged vows in full uniform in front of their fellow guardsmen at the Orange County Convention Center as they prepared for post-storm response.

Governor Rick Scott with Lauren and Michael Davis

 
Sarah Sheppard, Daytona Beach 
Sarah is a Parent Partner at Healthy Start, a non-profit organization in Daytona Beach and state partner in the fight against the opioid epidemic. After overcoming her own addiction seven years ago, Sarah now helps parents during the recovery process so that they can be reunited with their children.

 
Erica Ford, Tallahassee 
Erica is a Child Protective Investigator with the Department of Children and Families and foster parent. In 2015, she began fostering a baby boy named Adam, and in 2016, began fostering his newborn brother Avery before ultimately deciding to officially adopt the two young brothers as a proud single mother. Erica’s children are two of the 20,000 children in foster care have been adopted since 2011.

 
Paul Huszar, Tampa 
Paul is a small business owner at VetCor, a restoration company in Tampa that has created more than 20 new jobs in just five years. As a veteran with more than 20 years of military service, Paul has received both the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award and the Governor’s Veterans Service Award for his service to Florida families. Since 2013, Governor Scott has awarded nearly 13,000 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award.

Governor Rick Scott and Paul Huszar

 
Sebastian Ghiragossian and Mariana Cortez, Miami 
In 2011, Sebastian escaped the crisis in Venezuela by moving to Miami, where he met his wife Mariana. Together, they opened Bunnie Cakes, a vegan bakery that employs more than 20 Floridians. Bunnie Cakes has been recognized by the Governor with a Business Ambassador Award for their efforts creating new opportunities in South Florida. Sebastian is one of the many people who have had to flee their home in Venezuela for freedom and opportunity, and Governor Scott has committed to continuing to stand with the people of Venezuela against the Maduro dictatorship.

Governor Rick Scott with Mariana Cortez and Sebastian Ghiragossian

FDLE arrests Santa Rosa Detention Deputy for theft of intellectual property

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Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today arrested Russel Edmund Scott, 49, for theft of intellectual property. Scott is a Detention Deputy at Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office (SRCSO).
The Sheriff’s Office requested that FDLE investigate Scott for unauthorized possession of SMARTCOP proprietary files on his personal share drive located on the SRCSO computer network system.
SMARTCOP provides system development, implementation and support services for public safety products including Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management System (RMS), Mobile Computing with Field Based Reporting, and Jail Management System (JMS).
During the investigation, FDLE agents discovered Scott, a former SMARTCOP employee, was in possession of numerous files that were determined to be SMARTCOP proprietary information and Scott was not authorized to possess them.
Scott was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 1st Judicial Circuit.

Coalition Calls for “Electric Choice” Amendment to Let Floridians Choose Their Source of Electricity

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A coalition dedicated to bringing true free-market competition to Florida’s energy marketplace today called on the Constitution Revision Commission to embrace a proposal that would allow consumers to choose where they receive electricity.
In a news conference call, Florida Energy Freedom – including leaders from the energy sector, conservationists, and corporations such as Walmart – said a competitive market for electricity in the state would reduce prices by approximately 25 percent, saving Florida consumers and businesses up to $7.5 billion annually by 2030. Had a competitive electrical market already existed in Florida in 2016, annual savings would have been up to $6 billion, representing the steep cost of inaction.  
A measure to create “Electric Choice,” known as Proposal 51, will come before a committee of the Constitution Revision Commission this Friday. If approved by the committee and later by the full commission, the measure will go before Florida voters on the November general election ballot. An independent consumer opinion survey for the American Coalition of Competitive Energy Suppliers showed that 78 percent of Floridians want energy choice.
“In other states’ experience, giving consumers energy choice has led to efficiency, jobs, and innovation,” said Florida Energy Freedom President Rich Blaser. “The once in 20 year Constitution revision process provides a rare opportunity for action that will benefit consumers and move Florida to the forefront of innovation.”
Florida is the only one among the nation’s seven most populous states to deny consumers any choice in how they access electricity. A competitive electricity market in Florida would deliver three main benefits for all Floridians:

  • Lower prices: choice would lower prices by approximately 25 percent, according to a new analysis by the Texas-based Perryman Group, producing annual savings up to $7.5 billion by 2030, energizing economic growth, job creation, and a lower cost of living.
  • Innovation: Energy freedom for Floridians would inspire creativity in everything from off-peak scheduling for businesses to new ‘smart house’ innovations. It would also make renewable resources more accessible.
  • Improved quality: When consumers have the freedom to change providers, companies are motivated to earn their business through better customer service.

Chris Hendrix, Director of Markets & Compliance for Walmart Stores, Inc., estimated that Proposal 51 would save the retail giant about $15 million per year. “From 2007 to 2016, our costs in competitive electricity markets decreased by about 7 percent on average,” he said. “These savings would not only lower costs for stores, but for consumers as well.”
Blaser pointed to the experience in Texas, which has enjoyed an open electricity market for more than a decade after energy generation was uncoupled from energy distribution. This change has resulted in over $5 billion in annual savings, the creation of more than 100,000 jobs, annual sales revenues of $761 billion, and $338 million in resources to local governments throughout Texas. In Florida, a competitive electric market would fuel the creation of an estimated 90,000 – 105,000 permanent jobs.
Dr. Ray Perryman, president and CEO of the Perryman Group in Waco, Texas, said his analysis shows the steep cost of inaction for Florida. “Some opponents of this proposal would lead consumers to believe that residential customers do not benefit from electricity choice. However the exact opposite is true,” Dr. Perryman said. “Residential customers in particular would benefit from this initiative. With numbers like these, supporting electric freedom isn’t only a good choice, it’s the right thing to do.”
An additional benefit was shared by Jim Presswood of the Earth Stewardship Alliance. “Consumer freedom in Florida’s electricity market would reduce energy bills, enhance customer value, and benefit the environment. This would include access to more clean energy services providers, which can help Floridians reduce pollution,” he said.
Florida Energy Freedom is an inclusive organization of diverse electricity users who are dedicated to inspiring sustainable change in Florida’s electricity market. Its mission is to allow Floridians to take advantage of the same competitive forces they use in purchasing all other services. Learn more at FloridaEnergyFreedom.org.

Statement from Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Regarding Proposal to Move Florida's Capitol from Tallahassee HB1335

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The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement regarding a proposal to move Florida’s Capitol from Tallahassee HB1335
“A deeply flawed proposal by state Representative Bill Hager (R-Delray Beach) to move Florida’s capitol and many functions of state government from Tallahassee to someplace else should be quickly disposed of by the Legislature this week. No study is necessary to determine that this bad idea would have a damaging, disruptive, and dangerous impact on countless families, businesses, institutions and an entire community. It also would taint Florida’s proud history of Tallahassee serving as the state’s capital city for nearly 200 years.
“It’s unfortunate that Representative Hager is trying to repeat some bad history by resurrecting this idea that was similarly and properly rejected 50 years ago, when former Miami state Representative Lee Weissenborn sought to move the capitol to Orlando. Now, as then, lawmakers should quickly recognize that Tallahassee is and always should be home to Florida’s capitol. Moving the capital of state government would be unwise, unnecessary, costly, inconvenient and just plain wrong. With all of the important work that state lawmakers need to do, giving this non-issue a timely and deserved death clears the agenda for the issues that really matter.”