As part of his ongoing trade mission in Israel, Governor Rick Scott recognized the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday between Florida Atlantic University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. This agreement will expand scholarly partnerships, support collaborative research projects, and offer unique academic opportunities to medical students, medical residents, graduate students, and post-doctoral students in both Florida and Israel. To view the agreement, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Florida is proud to be home to world class education institutions and by continuing to build on relationships with our international education partners, we are ensuring that Florida’s students have even more opportunities to succeed in the classroom and beyond. I look forward to seeing the continued educational accomplishments between Florida Atlantic University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.”
Governor Scott is currently leading a delegation of nearly 70 Florida business and education leaders on a trade mission in Israel to continue to build on Florida and Israel’s strong relationship. Florida’s economic development and trading partnership with Israel exceeds $286 million a year.
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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovers Nearly $179,000 for Consumers in November
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered nearly $179,000 for Florida consumers during the month of November. Last year, the department recovered nearly $3 million for Florida consumers from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.
During November 2017, the department:
- Recovered $178,881 on behalf of Florida consumers;
- Received 3,464 complaints;
- Initiated 287 investigations;
- Arrested 21 individuals;
- Provided assistance to 19,550 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
- Added 12,675 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.
Nelson files bill to expand solar industry in Florida
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) filed legislation today designed to drastically boost investment in renewable sources of energy, such as solar.
If approved, Nelson’s legislation would make it easier for banks to invest in renewable energy companies by allowing them to own a larger share of such companies. It would also make it easier for banks to provide financing to homeowners looking to install solar panels on residential rooftops.
Under current law, banks are prohibited from owning more than five percent of a non-financial company – including those that produce renewable energy. Nelson’s bill would encourage banks to invest more in renewable energy companies by allowing them to own up to 20 percent of a company that’s engaged solely in producing or storing renewable energy.
“Florida is the nation’s Sunshine State but ranks twelfth when it comes to solar production,” Nelson said. “That needs to change. This bill will make it easier for homeowners to invest in their own solar installations while, at the same time, making it easier for larger renewable energy companies to access the capital they need to expand and create more jobs in Florida.”
Proponents of the plan argue that by allowing banks to invest more in renewable energy companies, Nelson’s bill makes more capital available to renewable energy companies, which will make it easier for them to expand and create more jobs.
In addition to increasing investment in renewable energy companies, Nelson’s bill would also make it easier for banks to provide financing to homeowners looking to install solar panels on their own residential rooftops.
One of the greatest barriers currently preventing homeowners from installing solar panels on their own rooftops is the initial, upfront cost. A 2016 Pew Research Center study found that 40 percent of homeowners have given serious thought to adding solar panels to their own roofs.
Despite the potential demand, very few banks offer financing to homeowners seeking to add solar panels to their own roofs because they either don’t know how to underwrite such a loan, or they are afraid of penalties if they get it wrong.
Nelson’s bill would make it easier for banks to offer consumers the financing they need for such projects by directing the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to create uniform underwriting standards that banks can use to offer such loans to consumers.
The renewable energy industry employs more American workers than both the coal and natural gas industries combined. According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, 547,000 Americans work in the renewable energy sector compared to 160,000 in the coal industry, and 362,000 in the natural gas industry.
Of the more than half a million people who work in the renewable energy industry, fewer than 15,000 work in Florida. In fact, Florida currently ranks twelfth in the nation for solar energy production – trailing behind states such as California, Texas and North Carolina.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average household in Florida spends $132.16 per month on electricity, almost 16 percent more than the national average. By helping to make financing more available, Nelson’s legislation would make it easier for consumers to install their own solar rooftop installations to reduce their annual energy costs.
Pompano Beach man claims share of $550,000 LUCKY MONEY™ jackpot
The Florida Lottery announces that Antonio Llampay, 61, of Pompano Beach, claimed his $275,000 share of the $550,000 LUCKY MONEY™ jackpot from the November 21, 2017, drawing at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. The other jackpot-winning ticket, purchased in Pembroke Pines, has not yet been claimed.
Llampay chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $204,551. 71. He purchased his winning LUCKY MONEY Quick Pick ticket from First Coast Energy, located at 1400 North Federal Highway in Pompano Beach. The retailer received a bonus commission of $1,000 for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.
The next LUCKY MONEY drawing will be held tomorrow, December 5, 2017, at 11:15 p.m. ET, with a $600,000 jackpot. The LUCKY MONEY drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery website, at retailers statewide and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.
Commissioner Adam Putnam to Address Clewiston Chamber of Commerce
MEDIA ADVISORY
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam tomorrow will address the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce.
Event: Commissioner Adam H. Putnam to address the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: 1200 S W C Owen Ave., Clewiston, Fla. 33440
Important Foraging Hotspots for Loggerhead Turtle Rookery Identified
UCF alumna Simona Ceriani today published a new study that finds sea turtles are what they eat – but where they eat may be even more important.
Ceriani, who is a tenured research scientist with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, collaborated with three UCF Department of Biology researchers on the study, published here in Scientific Reports.
“Where you eat and what you eat matters for humans and we found that it does, in fact, matter for turtles,” Ceriani said. “We found that females who eat in southern areas tend to have more offspring.”
During a nine-year period, the scientists examined chemical signatures of more than 700 loggerhead turtles, which nest at the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge south of Melbourne. Coupled with GPS tracking, the team was able to map the signatures across the western Atlantic Ocean from the waters off Nova Scotia to the Yucatán.
Florida is one of the major nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles in the United States. The Carr refuge accounts for 14 percent of the loggerhead nests in the northwest Atlantic, which is the largest subpopulation in the world.
The study showed that most Carr female loggerheads do not leave the coastal waters that fall under the U.S. jurisdiction. However, the foraging areas where the refuge nesters migrate from vary from year to year. Turtles spend 99 percent of their time in the water, so tracking their whereabouts can prove difficult. The chemical analysis costs $10 per turtle compared to $2,000 to $5,000 required for individual GPS tracking.
“We need to know where they go so that we can protect them, if they need to be protected,” Ceriani said.
As a result of the study, conservation biologists such as Ceriani, will look at two key locations to protect sea turtles: the waters off eastern Central Florida and the waters of Andros Island in the Great Bahama Bank. The turtles that forage in the Bahamas produce more hatchlings than those who forage in the waters near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
“This is a cool new tool that could help focus conservation and manage efforts,” she said. “Since most turtles remain in the United States, what we can do can have a really positive or a detrimental impact. We are the steward for this species.”
For Ceriani, this research had special meaning. She graduated in 2014 with her Ph.D. in conservation biology from UCF, and now three years later she has significantly extended her doctoral research as the coordinator for Florida’s sea turtle nesting program. A position she took just two months after graduating.
It was also an opportunity to work once again with researchers from UCF. The study was a result of a collaboration with biologists John Weishampel and Kate Mansfield and retired biologist Llewellyn Ehrhart. Michael Wunder of the University of Colorado, a specialist in the analysis of stable isotopes, was also a key member of the team.
“It was amazing working with John and Llew who were both of my committee co-chairs and I owe a lot to them both professionally and personally,” Ceriani said.
Next on her to-do list: a trip to the Great Bahama Bank to investigate the results in the field. She will apply the techniques used in this study to her next one, to continue to unravel the complexity of Florida sea turtle migratory patterns.
Gov. Rick Scott Recognizes EL AL Airlines for Investments in State of Florida
As part of his ongoing trade mission in Israel, Governor Rick Scott today recognized EL AL Airlines, the national air carrier of Israel, with a Governor’s Business Ambassador Award for their investments in the State of Florida. EL AL recently relaunched the only nonstop flights from Miami to Tel Aviv, which halted flights from Florida in 2008, however, due to the increased economic activity in Florida, the nonstop flight was relaunched. The nonstop flight from Miami International Airport is now one of only six nonstop routes offered by the airline to North America from Israel. The Governor presented the award during an event with the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Israel Chambers of Commerce.
Governor Scott said, “I was proud to recognize EL AL with a Governor’s Business Ambassador Award today and share Florida’s success story with business and economic development leaders in Israel. EL AL’s decision to invest in our state is proof that our work to turn around Florida’s economy over the past seven years has sent a clear message across the globe – the State of Florida is the best place for businesses to succeed. We will continue to work with international partners and job creators to help bring more important investments and opportunities to our state.”
EL AL President David Maimon said, “It was an honor to accept the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award and celebrate EL AL’s commitment to the State of Florida with Governor Scott today. Florida has proven to be an excellent partner and direct flight location. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with Florida as we ensure EL AL remains the leading airline.”
Miami International Airport Director Emilio T. González said, “We greatly appreciate EL AL Israel Airlines choosing to invest in Florida. We have been working to bring EL AL back to Miami-Dade County for many years, and this accomplishment would not have been possible without Florida’s strong economy and appeal as a world-class destination for travel and business. We look forward to seeing continued growth and success with EL AL at Miami International Airport.”
Governor Scott is currently leading a delegation of nearly 70 Florida business and education leaders on a trade mission in Israel to continue to build on Florida and Israel’s strong relationship. Florida’s economic development and trading partnership with Israel exceeds $286 million a year.
Consumer Alert: Financial Abuse by Guardians
If no designated beneficiary or advance directive exists or either is contested, a guardian may be assigned by the court to oversee financial matters in cases where an individual is no longer able to do so for themselves. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous guardians looking to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. The Florida Office of Financial Regulation encourages Floridians to be aware of the red flags indicating potential guardian financial abuse.
The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) recently unveiled a new publication, “Guarding the Guardians,” aimed at helping consumers identify signs of guardian financial abuse. Signs of potential financial abuse by a guardian may include:
- Using guardianship authority to transfer property for the guardian’s benefit.
- Receiving personal payments from a protected individual without court permission.
- Authorizing frequent cash withdrawals from the protected individual’s accounts without explanation.
- Using or borrowing property for personal benefit without court authorization.
- Making unexplained decisions that are not in the protected individual’s best interest.
Even though a family member may not want to take on the role and responsibilities associated with guardianship, it’s still important for a family member or trusted contact to monitor the activities of the guardian. If you suspect abuse, contact appropriate authorities, such as law enforcement, Adult Protective Services, or your legal representative. “Guarding the Guardians” can be downloaded from NASAA’s Serve Our Seniors website here.
The Florida Office of Financial Regulation offers Floridians a robust online Consumer Knowledge Center, where you can find more information on several financial topics.
To report suspected guardian financial abuse, please contact Adult Protective Services and local law enforcement.
League Introduces Stephanie Owens as Lobbyist
The League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVFL) announced today that Stephanie Owens has been selected as its lobbyist for the 2018 legislative session.
Ms. Owens brings to the League years of seasoned advocacy, policy and leadership experience, a passion for civic engagement, and a life-long commitment to advancing public policy that improves the lives of citizens and their communities. She is nationally recognized for creating powerful cross-sector alliances and coalitions to impact public policy and legislation.
LWV Florida president Pamela Goodman stated, “The League is fortunate to have the professional background and skills of Stephanie representing us as our lobbyist this session. My work with her on our state board has shown me her ability to be able to work across multiple issues and communicate effective advocacy with the highest degree of professionalism, wisdom, and strength. We are proud to have her leading our already well-established advocacy team in Tallahassee and throughout the state.
Ms. Owens stated, “My life’s work is the definition of the League’s mission. It is extremely gratifying to use my talents to advance the League’s legislative priorities for the benefit of all Floridians.”
Stephanie has resigned from her state board position, effective immediately. Michele Levy will be assuming the leadership role of Voter Advocacy Chair.
Ms. Owens has spent over 20 years in public service, as an appointee of both President Barack Obama and President Bill Clinton. She held senior official positions in the White House, and the Departments of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Commerce, and the Environmental Protection Agency. During her tenure, she created the strategy and policies for implementation of the Affordable Care Act; citizen participation in the community restoration process after the Deep Horizon oil disaster; and improving federal procurement policy for small and disadvantaged businesses.
Stephanie — a native of Detroit, Michigan — has called Florida home for the past 18 years. In 1996, she was appointed by President Clinton and HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros to lead a Presidential Task Force formed in response to civil unrest in St. Petersburg, Florida. She directed the collaborative efforts of nine federal agencies providing $46 million in federal assistance programs. Ms. Owens also engaged state and local elected officials and business leaders in creating an economic development plan for community revitalization.
Owens is the principle of Dolphin Strategies LLC, a community engagement and strategic partnerships firm specializing in creating corporate social responsibility and public participation strategies that create impactful civic engagement and foster healthy communities.
Ms. Owens is an active member of many professional organizations and boards. She served as the 2nd Vice President and Chair of Voter Protection for LWV of the St. Pete Area; Member of the LWV Florida Board and Chair of Voter Advocacy and Election law, Board Member of the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida; and Board Member of the ACLU of Pinellas.
Ms. Owens earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.
Gov. Rick Scott Recognizes Florida Israel Business Accelerator
As part of his ongoing trade mission in Israel, today Governor Rick Scott recognized the first class of graduates from the Florida Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA). FIBA is a Florida-based technology accelerator launched in 2016 to establish and grow Israeli and Florida tech ventures in the Tampa Bay Area. As a result of participating in the Florida Israel Business Accelerator program, Israeli company StemRad recently established their U.S. operations in Tampa. Under Governor Scott, the State of Florida has invested $1.4 million in this program.
Governor Scott said, “Innovative partnerships like the Florida Israel Business Accelerator are helping bring global businesses to Florida, which ultimately leads to more job opportunities for Florida families. I was proud to recognize the first class of participants today and look forward to seeing StemRad’s success in the Tampa Bay area.”
Rachel Feinman, Executive Director of FIBA, said, “We are working with our Israeli partners to market Tampa Bay as a global landing pad for business so we can welcome more high-tech, high-paying jobs for Tampa Bay families. I am proud of the success of our first class of graduates and look forward to seeing their continued growth and commitment in Florida.”
Governor Scott is currently leading a delegation of nearly 70 Florida business and education leaders on a trade mission in Israel to continue to build on Florida and Israel’s strong relationship. Florida’s economic development and trading partnership with Israel exceeds $286 million a year.
For more information on the Florida Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA), click HERE.
