Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Alfred “Mac” McNeill as interim Sheriff of Jefferson County upon the passing of Sheriff Hobbs for a term beginning November 30, 2017, and ending November 13, 2018.
Governor Scott said, “Sheriff David Hobbs dedicated his life to serving our country in the military and the families of Jefferson County as Sheriff. We are grateful for his service and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with his loved ones during this difficult time. Today, I am proud to appoint Mac McNeill, a military veteran with 20 years of law enforcement experience, to serve as Jefferson County Sheriff. I am confident that Mac will serve and protect the families of Jefferson County exceptionally and with the utmost integrity.”
Mac McNeill, 46, served with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as supervisor of protection detail for Governor Scott, Governor Crist, and Governor Bush. Prior to this role, McNeill served in the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office from 1997 to 2004 in various roles, including on the office’s SWAT team. McNeill received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
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Wakulla Senior Citizens Center Named PSC Helping Hand
Florida’s Public Service Commission (PSC) is recognizing Wakulla Senior Citizens Center in Crawfordville as a PSC Helping Hand for helping raise public awareness about the Lifeline Assistance telephone and broadband discount program, energy and water conservation, and scams affecting seniors.
“Wakulla Senior Citizens Center connects seniors to services that can help them remain independent—and we are glad that they use PSC materials to assist their clients,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “I also want to commend Courtney Fletcher, site manager, for inviting us to present our information to those who can most benefit from it.”
Each month, the PSC highlights a partner agency or organization whose clients are eligible for the federal Lifeline Program and/or need help reducing energy and water bills. Through these PSC Helping Hand partnerships, the Commission shares vital information to help consumers better manage their resources to meet their monthly bills and avoid falling for utility-related scams.
“We’re happy to be named a PSC Helping Hand,” said Ms. Fletcher. “Our Center provides many programs to meet the needs of Wakulla County’s senior population, and the PSC’s programs help our clients better manage their monthly utility bills.”
Look for all the PSC Helping Hand outreach partner recognitions on the PSC’s homepage, floridapsc.com, under Hot Topics.
About the Wakulla Senior Citizens Center
The primary mission of the Wakulla Senior Citizens Center is to enable seniors to age in a friendly and secure environment to help prevent premature admission to nursing homes or other institutions. The Center is located at 33 Michael Drive, Crawfordville, and the hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 850-926-7145, or visit wakullaseniorcitizens.com.
Larry Robinson Named FAMU’s 12th President by Board of Trustees
Today, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees (BOT) unanimously voted to name Larry Robinson, Ph.D., the 12th university president, subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
“I am humbled and overjoyed to have this opportunity to help move this University forward. I understand the awesomeness of this responsibility,” Robinson said, accepting the nomination. “I feel very, very fortunate to be a part of your team. I want to emphasize that our No. 1 priority will be student success – fully understanding that a key element of our student success is the great work of our faculty and staff.”
Board Chair Kelvin Lawson underscored the collective support from the BOT and FAMU community to name Robinson FAMU’s next permanent leader.
“We based our decision on data and followed our process thoroughly,” Lawson said. “We all, collectively, feel good about where we are, and we feel extremely well about our new leader – President Robinson.”
Robinson has served as the University’s interim president since September 2016. He also serves as a distinguished professor and principal investigator in the School of the Environment. He previously served as interim president from July 2012 to April 2014, director of FAMU’s Environmental Sciences Institute from 1997 to 2003, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs from 2003 to 2005, interim president in 2007, and vice president for Research in 2009.
Mast Introduces Bill to Accelerate Investment in Water Infrastructure
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today introduced the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2017 to extend and double the funding authorization for a critical credit assistance program designed to accelerate investment in our nation’s water infrastructure. The bipartisan bill—co-sponsored by Representatives Bob Gibbs (OH-7), Sean Maloney (NY-12) and Julia Brownley (CA-26)—extends the authorization for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) until 2024 and doubles the authorization to $90 million.
“The water issues in our community have been devastating, and it’s clear that we need to do more to make every possible tool available to fix the problem,” Rep. Mast said. “Strengthening this bipartisan program will make more resources available for ecosystem restoration, non-point source pollution management projects, estuary conservation projects and more.”
Established as part of the 2014 Water Resources Reform and Development Act, the WIFIA program is a federal loan and guarantee pilot program that aims to accelerate investment in our nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. WIFIA offers greater financial flexibility to utilities, municipalities, nonprofits and other eligible entities who may lack the capacity to fund water infrastructure upgrades by helping cover up to 49% of the project costs. The pilot program is currently set to expire in 2019.
“Improving public water systems can be costly, and EPA consent decrees put considerable pressure on the budgets of cities and municipalities,” Rep. Gibbs said. “Rather than putting the squeeze on local officials, EPA can utilize WIFIA and help supplement state revolving funds to assist local governments in providing safe and affordable water utilities and make necessary repairs to their aging water infrastructure. Clean drinking water is an important issue for all Americans, and I am proud to have helped craft this bill.”
The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act reauthorizes WIFIA for an additional five years (FY2020 to FY2024). The authorization of appropriations is doubled (from $45 million in FY2018 to $90 million in FY2019) and the annual incremental increase of authorized appropriations for the successive five years is also doubled (from $5 million to $10 million). Annual authorization of administrative costs is increased from $2.2 million to $3 million.
In response to its Notice of Funding Availability, the WIFIA program received 43 letters of interest from prospective borrowers totaling more than $6 billion in requested loans. These letters, including for three projects in Florida, demonstrate the demand for increased investment capacity. The increased funding authorization provided by this bill would increase the amount available for loans from approximately $1.5 billion to more than $5 billion.
“Water systems are falling apart all over the country and we can’t afford to wait or cheap out on fixing them – all Americans deserve access to clean water and our bill would provide it,” Rep. Maloney said. “This legislation is the product of a months-long, bipartisan effort and we’re going to keep working together to get this thing passed into law.”
“From ecosystem restoration, to navigation and flood risk mitigation, Army Corps of Engineers projects are critical for many local communities across the country. Ensuring these public works can be financed through the WIFIA program will give states and local communities an additional tool to develop important projects,” Rep. Brownley said. “Working with a bipartisan group, including Congressmen Brian Mast, Sean Patrick Maloney, and Bob Gibbs, I am hopeful that we can move this legislation quickly so that the Corps and the Environmental Protection Agency can work together to advance critical infrastructure projects.”
The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Reauthorization Act makes the following additional changes to the WIFIA Program:
- Amends current law to grant the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrative authority to allocate WIFIA funds to applicants that are selected. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) shall issue guidance on information that will be necessary for selection of applications under their jurisdiction and will have approval authority of those applications.
- Directs all applications for WIFIA funds be submitted to the EPA Administrator, with concurrent applications for any project under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps be submitted to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
- EPA shall run all applications through the financial services process already established to determine credit worthiness of the proposals. Army Corps will provide subject matter expertise on an application’s operations and maintenance plan. Both the EPA and Army Corps will jointly establish criteria for final selection of all applications.
- EPA shall coordinate with OMB and rating agencies to determine the appropriate capital requirements for each selected application, set the terms and conditions of the loan, and collect fees.
- EPA will administer the WIFIA office and receive administration appropriations from Congress to do so.
- EPA shall be responsible for publishing information on WIFIA applications for public disclosure. Two years after enactment of this reauthorization, GAO will issue a report summarizing the proposals received under WIFIA.
Additional information about WIFIA program eligibility is available here. Interested potential applicants can attend an in-person or digital information session. Answers from the EPA to frequently asked questions about WIFIA are available here.
Florida A&M University Announces Football Coach Search Committee
Florida A&M University (FAMU) Athletic Director Milton Overton, Jr., announced Wednesday the formation of a committee that will help identify candidates for FAMU’s next head football coach. The committee will review candidates’ applications, conduct interviews and recommend finalists. Tallahassee physician and former University Trustee Spurgeon McWilliams, MD, will serve as chair of the search committee.
Other committee members include: Emmitt Alexander, Sr., FAMU Boosters member; Lt. Col. Gregory L. Clark, president of the FAMU National Alumni Association; Keith Clinkscales, FAMU Foundation Board member; Selven Cobb, Rattler Boosters treasurer; John Eason, incoming interim director of Athletics; Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business and Industry; Eddie Jackson, president of the 220 Quarterback Club (a group that supports FAMU Athletics programs); Darlene Moore, Ed.D., director of Track and Field; Ebenezer Oriaku, Ph.D., Athletics faculty representative; and Elijah Richardson, FAMU football player.
FAMU has a rich football history and faithful fans. Among historically Black colleges and universities, FAMU finished first in average home attendance in the Football Championship Subdivision, formerly Division 1-AA. The 2016 home attendance was 19,710. The football team also led the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in both total and average home attendance.
Governor Scott Highlights Record K-12 Education Investments in Securing Florida’s Future Budget
Governor Rick Scott visited Englewood Elementary School in Jacksonville to highlight record K-12 education investments in his Securing Florida’s Future budget. Since Governor Scott took office, state funding for Florida’s K-12 public schools has increased by $3.2 billion or 36.7 percent, from a total amount of $8.7 billion in Fiscal Year 2011-12 to nearly $12 billion in the 2018-19 Securing Florida’s Future budget.
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes:
- More than $21.4 billion in state and local funding for Florida’s K-12 public schools. This historic funding equates to $7,497 per student – an increase of $200 per Florida student – the highest total funding, state funding and per-student funding for K-12 in Florida’s history;
- $15 million in funding for a brand-new program to expand opportunities for middle and high school students to learn coding and computer science;
- $10 million, for a total of $74.5 million, in funding for school safety initiatives that promote a safe learning environment;
- $12 million in funding to establish the English Language Learners Summer Academics program. This program will be focused on reading improvements and making sure students in grades 4 – 8 displaced by Hurricane Maria have access to summer academies; and
- Nearly $18 million, for a total of more than $63 million, in funding for the Teacher Classroom Supply Assistance Program. This proposal will increase funding by $100 per teacher from $250 to $350 annually.
American Senior Alliance files ethics complaint against CRC Commissioner
American Senior Alliance’s Executive Director, Conwell Hooper issued this statement regarding an ethics complaint filed against Constitution Revision Commissioner, Brecht Heuchan:
“There is legitimate room for discussion about what belongs in the Constitution and what
doesn’t, and which regulations are right for nursing homes and which aren’t. But there is no
place in the constitutional review process for special interest proposals designed to boost the
bottom line of one law firm. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what Brecht Heuchan, an appointed
member of the Constitution Revision Commission, is trying to foist on the people of Florida. It’s
a clear conflict of interest, and that is why today I filed a formal ethics complaint against him.
As Executive Director of the American Senior Alliance, my “special” interest in this matter is the
thousands of Florida seniors living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Our not-for-
profit organization has just one mission, advocating on behalf of America’s greatest generation.
It is regrettably obvious that Mr. Heuchan and his client are working toward a very different
interest.
The basis for my conflict of interest complaint is straightforward: Mr. Heuchan is a paid,
registered lobbyist for Wilkes & McHugh, a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases
against nursing homes. In his capacity as a member of the Constitution Revision Commission,
Mr. Heuchan has filed a proposal that would make it far easier for law firms to sue nursing
homes, revoking provisions of a law enacted in 2014 over Mr. Heuchan’s objections on behalf
of his client Wilkes & McHugh. Several provisions of Mr. Heuchan’s proposal mirrors policy
positions advocated by Wilkes McHugh.
In other words, Mr. Heuchan is using his official governmental position to advance the material
interests of his client, in violation of sections 112.312 and 112.313 of Florida Statutes. This is as
clear-cut a conflict of interest as one is likely to find.
Worse still, Mr. Heuchan advanced the policy interests of his paid principal even though he had
not registered to lobby before the Constitution Revision Commission. This violates Section
112.3215 of Florida Statutes.
Appointment to the Constitution Revision Commission is a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity for
three dozen Floridians to help shape the broad policy direction of Florida’s government and its
citizens for the next two decades. They owe all of us a duty to conduct themselves in a way that
reflects the true spirit of public service, for the benefit of all. Mr. Heuchan has instead chosen
to use his special position to serve the interests of his employer, to the detriment of countless
Florida seniors. This must not be allowed to stand, and I look to the Commission on Ethics to
put a halt to this improper action.”
Caldwell Announces Another Key Endorsement Block in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture
Announces Support from Republican House Members from Central Florida
Representative Matt Caldwell today announced the endorsements of Republican House Members from Central Florida, in the sixth wave of endorsements announced by the campaign, which follows the unanimous support of Republican House members from South Florida, the Panhandle, Southwest Florida, and Northeast Florida delegations, as well as constitutional officers from across the state. Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Representative Caldwell continues to travel the Sunshine State talking to voters, sharing his conservative message and building support for his grassroots campaign, which has raised $1.37 million to date and amassed nearly one million dollars cash-on-hand.
Representative Caldwell said, “I am proud to receive the endorsements from my colleagues from Central Florida. I hope to have the opportunity to serve the people of the great State of Florida as the next Commissioner of Agriculture and will continue to work hard in order to keep earning support from Floridians across the Sunshine State.”
The sixth wave of endorsements includes:
- Rep. Tom Leek (R-Daytona Beach)
- Rep. David Santiago (R-Deltona)
- Rep. Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford)
- Rep. Scott Plakon (R-Longwood)
- Rep. Bob Cortes (R-Altamonte Springs)
- Rep. Mike La Rosa (R-St. Cloud)
- Rep. Rene Plasencia (R-Orlando)
Representative Brodeur said, “Matt’s in-depth grasp of the past and current state of Florida’s economy, along with his conservative principles make him the ideal candidate to guide our Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.”
Representative La Rosa said, “I am proud to endorse Matt Caldwell. Matt’s expertise in water and agriculture policies uniquely qualifies him as the best candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture.”
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 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.
Gov. Scott: The U.S. Embassy Belongs in Jerusalem
Also Leading Trade Mission to Israel Beginning This Weekend
Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will lead a delegation of nearly 70 Florida business and education leaders on a trade mission to Israel to continue to build on Florida and Israel’s strong relationship. In advance of the trip, Governor Scott today expressed his support for moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The Governor’s upcoming trade mission follows the successful trade mission led by Governor Scott to Israel in 2011.
Governor Scott said, “Florida has proudly stood with our friend and ally Israel for many generations, and I am proud to be leading a delegation of Florida business and education leaders on a trade mission to Israel. As we prepare for this important trade mission, it is clear that our entire nation must also continue to strengthen this partnership with Israel. I strongly believe that the U.S. Embassy belongs in Jerusalem and I am hopeful that a decision will be made to finally move the embassy to the its rightful destination in Israel’s capital city.
“Working with international partners like Israel is critical to strengthening Florida as a global destination for trade and to ensuring that our economy will continue to grow for years to come. Our previous trade mission to Israel was an astonishing success, and I look forward to sharing how far Florida has come in just seven years. We have fought relentlessly to make Florida the best place for businesses to grow and families to find opportunity, and we must make sure we are doing all we can to share our state’s success story across the world.”
The Governor’s trade mission to Israel will include:
- Economic development meetings with Israeli economic leaders and business owners to encourage continued investment and job creation in the State of Florida;
- Recognition of Israeli airline El Al’s recently launched direct flights from Miami to Tel Aviv, which is now one of only six direct flights offered by the airline to North America from Israel. This will support continued tourism and economic development in Florida;
- The signings of multiple agreements between Florida and Israeli universities and economic development organizations to support continued partnerships, research opportunities and job creation; and
- Honoring of the successful Florida-Israel Memorandum of Understanding Agreement between Space Florida and Israel, which was ultimately established following the Governor’s 2011 trade mission to Israel to support research, development, and aerospace and technology projects; and
- Additional opportunities to continue to build on Florida’s economic development and trading partnership with Israel, which exceeds $286 million a year.
Additional details on the trade mission, including a comprehensive list of attendees will be finalized and released within the coming days.
Kissimmee man charged with 10 counts of child pornography
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Orlando Cyber Crime Task Force arrested Rajiv Israel Kevin Gobin, 20, of 3488 Forest Ridge Lane, Kissimmee, today and charged him with 10 counts of possession of child pornography.
FDLE agents went to Gobin’s home after a preliminary investigation determined child pornography files were being downloaded and shared on the Internet from a specific IP address. Agents obtained a search warrant and executed the warrant. During a forensic preview of a digital device, agents located several files with images depicting child pornography.
Gobin was transported to the Osceola County Jail with a $50,000 bond status until his initial appearance. The Office of the State Attorney, 9th Circuit, will prosecute.
