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America's Dueling Jackpots Compete for Player Excitement

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Multi-state Jackpots offer $420 Million Combined

Excitement is buzzing among Lottery players across the nation as jackpots for both multi-state games, POWERBALL® and MEGA MILLIONS®, have continued to rise to a combined total of $420 million! The POWERBALL jackpot rolled to $229 million after Saturday night’s draw, and the MEGA MILLIONS jackpot rolled to $191 million after Friday night’s draw.
Even if players don’t win the jackpot, they can still claim cash prizes of up to $2 million with POWERBALL and up to $5 million with MEGA MILLIONS. The integrity of all games is of utmost importance to the Florida Lottery. Players are reminded to sign the back of their tickets at the time of purchase and keep them in a safe place.
POWERBALL jackpots start at $40 million and roll until the jackpot is won. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-69) and the red POWERBALL (1-26). There are eight other ways to win non-jackpot prizes ranging from $4 to $1 million or up to $2 million if the ticket includes Power Play. The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are approximately one-in-24.87.
MEGA MILLIONS jackpots start at $40 million and roll until the jackpot is won. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-70) and the golden Mega Ball number (1-25). There are eight other ways to win non-jackpot prizes ranging from $2 to $1 million or up to $5 million if the ticket includes Megaplier. The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are approximately one-in-24.
Purchase your tickets at any of the more than 13,000 Lottery retailers for your chance to become Florida’s newest multi-millionaire. The Florida Lottery reminds all players to play responsibly, as it only takes one ticket to win. As with all Florida Lottery products, players must be 18 years or older to play.
ABOUT POWERBALL IN FLORIDA
Since joining POWERBALL in 2009, the game has generated $1.75 billion in contributions to education statewide. Florida is among the top-selling POWERBALL states in the country, with more than 78 million winning tickets totaling more than $2.2 billion in prizes, including 12 jackpot winners. Florida was also one of the three states nationally to have a winner share in the world record-setting $1.586 billion POWERBALL jackpot in January 2016.
The next POWERBALL drawing will be held tomorrow, December 13, at 10:59 p.m. ET, tickets must be purchased by 10:00 p.m. ET to be eligible for this drawing. National POWERBALL drawings are broadcast live, in high-definition, from the Florida Lottery’s state of the art draw studio in Tallahassee.
ABOUT MEGA MILLIONS IN FLORIDA 
Since joining MEGA MILLIONS in 2013, the game has generated more than $284 million for education, and has awarded more than $297 million in prizes to 38.2 million players.
The next MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be held tonight, December 12, at 11:00 p.m. ET, tickets must be purchased by 10:00 p.m. ET to be eligible for this drawing. MEGA MILLIONS drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Drawings are also available for viewing on the Florida Lottery website and our official YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/floridalottery. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery website, at retailers statewide and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY
The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $32 billion to education and sending more than 775,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its revenue back into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Florida retailers and contributions to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $53.6 billion in prizes and made more than 2,000 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.

America’s Dueling Jackpots Compete for Player Excitement

Posted on

Multi-state Jackpots offer $420 Million Combined

Excitement is buzzing among Lottery players across the nation as jackpots for both multi-state games, POWERBALL® and MEGA MILLIONS®, have continued to rise to a combined total of $420 million! The POWERBALL jackpot rolled to $229 million after Saturday night’s draw, and the MEGA MILLIONS jackpot rolled to $191 million after Friday night’s draw.

Even if players don’t win the jackpot, they can still claim cash prizes of up to $2 million with POWERBALL and up to $5 million with MEGA MILLIONS. The integrity of all games is of utmost importance to the Florida Lottery. Players are reminded to sign the back of their tickets at the time of purchase and keep them in a safe place.

POWERBALL jackpots start at $40 million and roll until the jackpot is won. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-69) and the red POWERBALL (1-26). There are eight other ways to win non-jackpot prizes ranging from $4 to $1 million or up to $2 million if the ticket includes Power Play. The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are approximately one-in-24.87.

MEGA MILLIONS jackpots start at $40 million and roll until the jackpot is won. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-70) and the golden Mega Ball number (1-25). There are eight other ways to win non-jackpot prizes ranging from $2 to $1 million or up to $5 million if the ticket includes Megaplier. The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are approximately one-in-24.

Purchase your tickets at any of the more than 13,000 Lottery retailers for your chance to become Florida’s newest multi-millionaire. The Florida Lottery reminds all players to play responsibly, as it only takes one ticket to win. As with all Florida Lottery products, players must be 18 years or older to play.

ABOUT POWERBALL IN FLORIDA
Since joining POWERBALL in 2009, the game has generated $1.75 billion in contributions to education statewide. Florida is among the top-selling POWERBALL states in the country, with more than 78 million winning tickets totaling more than $2.2 billion in prizes, including 12 jackpot winners. Florida was also one of the three states nationally to have a winner share in the world record-setting $1.586 billion POWERBALL jackpot in January 2016.

The next POWERBALL drawing will be held tomorrow, December 13, at 10:59 p.m. ET, tickets must be purchased by 10:00 p.m. ET to be eligible for this drawing. National POWERBALL drawings are broadcast live, in high-definition, from the Florida Lottery’s state of the art draw studio in Tallahassee.

ABOUT MEGA MILLIONS IN FLORIDA 
Since joining MEGA MILLIONS in 2013, the game has generated more than $284 million for education, and has awarded more than $297 million in prizes to 38.2 million players.

The next MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be held tonight, December 12, at 11:00 p.m. ET, tickets must be purchased by 10:00 p.m. ET to be eligible for this drawing. MEGA MILLIONS drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Drawings are also available for viewing on the Florida Lottery website and our official YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/floridalottery. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery website, at retailers statewide and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY
The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $32 billion to education and sending more than 775,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its revenue back into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Florida retailers and contributions to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $53.6 billion in prizes and made more than 2,000 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.

Blacklidge Posts Strong Fundraising Numbers

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Since entering the race for House District 69 in June, the Republican
has raised almost three times as much as his primary opponent. 

The Ray Blacklidge Campaign today announced that it is leading his Republican primary opponent in fundraising by three to one. Blacklidge raised $5,364 in November and has banked just shy of $77,000 since entering the race in June. In addition, he has raised $20,000 for his political committee, Friends of Ray Blacklidge. He is seeking the District 69 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.
“This community is rallying around our positive message,” said Blacklidge. “I’m grateful for the friends who are joining our team because they believe in our campaign to create jobs and grow our economy. We are going strong, and I look forward to continuing to connect with as many District 69 residents as possible.”

Paid by Ray Blacklidge, Republican, for State Representative

Florida PSC Decides on FPL’s Environmental Recovery and Solar Project Costs

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today found that Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) acted prudently in complying with environmental regulatory agencies’ requirements for its Turkey Point Cooling Canal Monitoring Plan. FPL asked to recover the plan’s costs through the PSC’s Environmental Cost Recovery Clause (ECRC).
The Commission found that while under the oversight of three different government agencies, and their respective monitoring requirements, none of the agencies found that FPL withheld or submitted false data. After a thorough review of the record, the PSC concluded that FPL was prudent in its actions and expenditures for the historic operation of Turkey Point’s Cooling Canal Monitoring Plan. As required for ECRC recovery, FPL’s monitoring plan is prudent and part of a government mandated regulation and, therefore, the plan’s costs are appropriate for recovery.
While finding that FPL acted prudently, the PSC disallowed recovery of the utility’s $1.5 million escrow payment required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. FPL did not meet its burden of proof that the funds would be used to benefit FPL’s ratepayers. FPL’s 2017 and 2018 monitoring project costs and escrow payment removal are subject to true-up in future ECRC proceedings.
The PSC held an evidentiary hearing on October 25-27, 2017, which included parties from FPL, the Office of Public Counsel, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
Solar Projects
Today, the PSC also approved FPL’s petition to recover its solar project costs through an increase in base rates, under the terms of its 2016 settlement.  The PSC determined that FPL’s 2017 and 2018 solar projects are cost effective and are projected to save customers $96 million.
In its petition, FPL is proposing to build eight solar facilities to be located in Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto Counties. The projected in-service date for the 2017 solar projects is December 31, 2017, and the projected in-service date for the 2018 projects is March 1, 2018.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: Prevent a Holiday Fire with These Top Five Safety Tips

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Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is reminding Floridians to take steps to prevent a fire during the holidays. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an annual average of 200 home structure fires start with a Christmas tree resulting in an average of six deaths, 16 injuries and nearly $15 million in damages. In addition, 58 percent of Christmas tree fires occur in January and February when a tree is often neglected and becomes dry.
“In the midst of our holiday traditions, we tend to forget the dangers that a dry and improperly placed Christmas tree can pose to the safety of our families and neighbors,” said CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. “It only takes a matter of seconds for a dry Christmas tree and its surrounding furnishings to catch fire. Keep your trees watered, placed in a safe area and have them immediately removed from the home following your holiday festivities.”  
Be sure to remember these top five fire safety tips to help prevent a Christmas tree fire from ruining your holiday:
1. Make sure your tree is healthy. Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
2. Keep the tree away from sources of heat within the home. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any fireplaces, radiators, candles or heat sources.
3. Keep your tree hydrated. After your tree is up, add water to the tree stand and be sure to add water daily.
4. Decorate the tree with the proper lighting. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree and inspect your lights and accessories to make sure there aren’t any broken bulbs or damaged wiring. 
5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t exceed the recommended number of light strands that can be connected to one another and make sure you are using indoor and outdoor lights when appropriate.

Gov. Scott: Wayfair to Create 100 New Jobs at Three New Distributions Centers Across the State

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Governor Scott announced that Wayfair Inc., one of the world’s largest online retailers for home goods, is opening three new distribution centers in Tampa, Orlando and Miami. This expansion will create 100 new jobs and allow Wayfair to continue to expand delivery to millions of consumers from these Florida locations.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Wayfair has chosen to expand in Florida with three new locations in Tampa, Orlando and Miami. This expansion will also create 100 new jobs across our state, which is further proof that our work to make Florida the most business-friendly location is helping encourage global companies to invest in our state. I look forward to seeing Wayfair’s continued success in Florida.”
James Savarese, Chief Operating Officer of Wayfair, said, “We are excited to expand our presence in Florida, where we will benefit from the region’s strong talent pool as we expand our logistics network to support the incredible growth of our business. The expansion of our operations in Tampa, Orlando and Miami will ensure that we continue to provide exceptional service every step of the way as we transform the shopping experience for home all the way through to delivery. We are pleased to open three new state-of-the-art facilities in Florida and contribute to the creation of new job opportunities across the state. We have worked very closely with Enterprise Florida, the state’s principal economic development organization, Governor Rick Scott’s Office, the City of Pompano Beach, as well as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, all of which have been great partners throughout the entire process.”
To accommodate its expanding logistics operations, Wayfair has opened a 45,004-square-foot facility in Tampa, a 43,120-square-foot facility in Orlando and a 47,320 square-foot facility in Miami’s Pompano Beach. Wayfair is continuing to search for new talent across the state, and the new jobs include positions in management, warehouse, concierge and customer service functions.
Harry Sideris, Enterprise Florida board member and Duke Energy’s state president in Florida, said, “We are excited that Wayfair has selected Florida for its three, new warehouse locations as it expands its distribution network. This expansion showcases that our state has the diverse workforce and business friendly climate needed for any company wishing to expand its operations. Economic development is integral to building stronger communities and, ultimately, a stronger Florida and we look forward to assisting more companies like Wayfair in the future. We appreciate the dedication of Governor Scott to make Florida the best place to work and raise a family.”
For more information on hiring and career opportunities in Florida, visit wayfair.com/careers.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.

CRC Committee Holds Workshop on Victims’ Rights; Marsy’s Law for Florida Discussed

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Supporters from across the state demonstrate support for Marsy’s Law for Florida

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Declaration of Rights Committee today held a workshop focusing on victims’ rights, where a proposal to create a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights in the state constitution, known as Marsy’s Law for Florida, was discussed. Members of the committee heard victims’ rights presentations and testimony on Marsy’s Law for Florida, which would provide victims of crimes with rights and protections equal to those of the accused and convicted.
Immediately following the committee meeting, a group including CRC members, victims and victim advocates gathered at a press conference to support Marsy’s Law for Florida.
“Marsy’s Law for Florida is about bringing equity to the criminal justice process. I believe victims should have the same rights and protections as those accused or convicted of a crime – nothing more and nothing less. By placing clear, enforceable rights and protections in our state’s most powerful legal document, we ensure victims and their families have a voice,” said CRC Commissioner Timothy Cerio who put forth a proposal to amend Florida’s Constitution to include the victims’ right and protections outlined in Marsy’s Law (Proposal 96).
Florida is one of only 15 states that does not provide constitutional-level protections for victims of crimes. Criminals and those accused of crimes have 20 distinct rights outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
“As a survivor of sexual violence, I understand the fear and isolation victims go through. In Florida, the scales of justice are far from balanced. Victims and their families should not fear that they will go unheard or that the criminal justice process will cause them additional trauma or revictimization. They should never feel like an object in an investigation or worse,” said Sen. Lauren Book. “That’s why we need Marsy’s Law for Florida – so victims and their families will finally be given the equal rights, dignity and respect they deserve.”
Marsy’s Law for Florida would provide victims and their families with basic rights, including the right to be notified of major developments in the criminal case, the right to be informed if any changes to the offender’s custodial status, the right to restitution and the right to have a voice in court proceedings, plea bargains or parole hearings.
“On March 23, 2017, I found my beautiful wife of more than 41 years beaten to death on the floor of our kitchen. While grieving this tragic loss of life, my family has endured 10 court hearings that were strategically derailed while the murderer challenged his own competence. Nothing else has occurred while Debbie’s murderer held us all in limbo as he pretended to become mute. There are no sanctions for this delay. There is no cost to him. He can play these games because at his rights are enumerated and all but sacrosanct. If he was to have been uninformed of his rights, charges against him could be dismissed,” said Michael Liles. “Sadly, my family and I must await justice while there are no set procedures for victims and their families to even know what rights if any might exist. We need Marcy’s Law for Florida.”
“A rapist should never have more rights than his or her victim. Too often, victims of sexual violence do not report the crimes committed against them and even fewer pursue prosecution of their attacker. They fear the additional trauma of reliving the crime over and over again through the criminal justice system’s proceedings,” said Jennifer Dritt, executive director of the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence. “Should they decide to seek justice through the courts, they should have guarantees that they will be afforded the same levels of rights and protections as their attacker. The Florida Council Against Sexual Violence stands fully behind this measure.”
Marsy’s Law has been enacted in six other states: California, Illinois, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Montana. The bill recently passed in Ohio in November with 83 percent of voters voting in favor of Marsy’s Law. A survey commissioned by Marsy’s Law for Florida in October showed 87 percent of likely Florida voters believe victims should have, at the very least, the same protections in the state constitution as those given to those accused of committing crimes. When read specific ballot language and informed of the background behind Marsy’s Law, 85 percent of those surveyed said they would vote for a constitutional amendment that guarantees victims’ rights in the Florida Constitution.
“The real-world experience with Marsy’s Law shows what an important difference it can make for crime victims. California passed its version in 2008 and many victims and criminal justice professionals have reported a dramatic improvement in the way victims are treated. Contrary to the predictions of critics, fiscal impacts have been minimal to non-existent with extending right to victims in the criminal justice process. Florida can expect significant improvements in its treatment of victims if it adopts a similar measure,” said University of Utah law professor Paul Cassell, a former federal judge and federal prosecutor.
If passed by the CRC, Marsy’s Law for Florida would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot as a constitutional amendment. The proposal must receive 60 percent of the vote to be placed in the Florida Constitution.
About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail.  In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.

PSC Approves Florida’s First Renewable Natural Gas Program

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) program for Peoples Gas System (Peoples), marking the first time a Florida natural gas utility will offer biogas producers the option of delivering RNG into its distribution system.
RNG—biogas that has been processed to meet pipeline quality standards–is produced from materials such as wastewater treatment plants, landfills, municipal solid waste, livestock manure, and agricultural waste. Peoples has been approached by landfill operators and wastewater treatment plant owners who want to deliver RNG into its distribution system.
According to Peoples, the biogas producer could use the RNG onsite or contract with a customer who will purchase the RNG from the biogas producer.  Potential customers may include compressed natural gas (CNG) fill stations and industrial customers, or Peoples could purchase the RNG, thus displacing a portion of traditional (geologic) natural gas with RNG.
Potential RNG projects include waste-to-energy requests for proposals issued by local governments, including Hillsborough, Polk, and Volusia Counties, and the City of St. Petersburg to reuse gas that now escapes into the atmosphere or is flared (burned off).

FDOT to Hold Public Meeting on State Road 436/South Semoran Boulevard Safety Improvements

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will conduct a public hearing Tuesday, December 19, from 5-7 p.m. regarding proposed safety improvements on State Road (S.R.) 436/South Semoran Boulevard just south of S.R. 552/Curry Ford Road. The meeting will start as an open house at 5 p.m. with a presentation at 6 p.m. followed by public comments, and will be held at the FDOT Urban Office located at 133 South Semoran Boulevard, Orlando, FL, 32807.
The proposed safety project addresses operational and safety concerns in the area by converting the full median opening at the Ross entrance driveway to a bi-directional median opening with a new traffic signal providing a protected left turn from S.R. 436. This modification reduces traffic conflict points at the intersection, improving safety. Southbound and northbound left turns into the shopping centers will still be permitted, but left turns out will be prohibited. As part of the improvements, the left turn lanes to the south of this driveway intersection will also be lengthened, allowing for more queue space.
This public hearing is being conducted to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements. Draft project documents are available for public review until January 2, 2018 at the FDOT Urban Office, 133 South Semoran Boulevard, Orlando, FL, 32807, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5p.m.
Persons wishing to submit statements, in place of or in addition to oral statements, may do so at the hearing, or by sending them to: Dave Mixon, FDOT, District Five Roadway Design, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard, M.S. No. 562, DeLand, FL 32720 or [email protected].
Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Kelly Hiden, Public Involvement Coordinator, 407-508-0839, or [email protected]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).
Public participation is sought without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator at [email protected].
Media inquiries can be directed to Communications Manager Steve Olson, 386-943-5479, [email protected].

ACA Enrollment Group Releases New Radio PSA

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The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, the state’s second largest provider of free, in-person ACA enrollment assistance, has released a new radio PSA to promote Florida’s extended December 31 enrollment deadline.
Floridians have until December 31 to enroll in coverage through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, due to impacts from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced on September 28 a special enrollment period allowing Florida consumers extra time to enroll. More on the extension from NPR affiliate WUSF.
EFOF produced the 30-second PSA to promote both their free enrollment assistance and the extended enrollment deadline. The spot is currently running on more than 27 radio stations across the state, in the West Palm Beach, Miami, Naples, and Pensacola markets.
The PSA can be listened to and linked to here.
“While we’re seeing continued enthusiasm for this life-saving health coverage, there’s also persistent misinformation among consumers,” said Karen Basha Egozi, CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. “With a 90 percent cut to ACA advertising this enrollment period, we had to get creative and think outside the box to ensure Floridians knew where to turn for help getting covered.”
After December 15, Florida consumers can shop for health plans with EFOF Navigators, who will connect them with the Health Insurance Marketplace to complete the enrollment process. Consumers can find locations and make an appointment by visiting EFOF.org/ACAnavigation or calling toll-free 1-877-553-7453.
EFOF has discussed ACA enrollment in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, and in statewide and local media. EFOF has educated and assisted more than 250,000 Floridians at thousands of events in 35 counties.