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State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Releases Top 7 Fire Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

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According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the number one day for home cooking fires. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis released the following seven safety tips to avoid a holiday disaster.
“While holidays are filled with laughter and family memories, any firefighter can tell you how quickly they can become a disaster,” said CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. “Although you can’t completely eliminate your fire risk, there are simple steps to take to avoid a tragedy.” 
  1. If you fry a turkey, do it away from the home. Put the turkey fryer the farthest you can from your home and keep it on a level surface. The smallest spark can ignite a fire.
  2. Thaw the bird completely when frying. Ice or water mixed with hot oil is a major fire hazard.
  3. Don’t overfill the fryer. Filling the fryer to the top with oil can cause oil to spill over and ignite.
  4. Monitor the oil temperature. When cooking oil is heated beyond its smoke point it can catch fire.
  5. Get a fire extinguisher. A Class K (kitchen type) or grease-rated extinguisher is the best option. Never leave the fryer unattended.
  6. Pay attention to the stove. Turn in handles of pots on the stove to avoid scalding hot food from spilling.
  7. Check the kitchen floors. Keep the kitchen free from toys and pets to avoid accidents.

Florida Public Power Communities Sending Mutual Aid to U.S. Virgin Islands to Assist with Power Restoration Efforts

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The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) announced public power personnel from four Florida municipal electric utilities will be headed to the U.S. Virgin Islands today and tomorrow to assist with power restoration efforts there following destructive Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Headed first to St. Croix, which was devastated by Hurricane Maria, are 31 public power personnel from the City of Tallahassee electric utility, Ocala Electric Utility, City of Homestead electric utility and Fort Pierce Utilities Authority. They are bringing with them more than 30 bucket trucks, pickup trucks, trailers and other pieces of equipment, which will float to St. Croix via barge from Palm Beach. The public power crews will fly to St. Croix to meet the trucks.
With only 25 percent of the island’s power restored, St. Croix is the first priority. If able, Florida public power personnel may also assist with restoration efforts on St. Johns and St. Thomas, which were significantly damaged by Hurricane Irma.
“After Hurricane Irma tore through nearly the whole state, Florida utilities were the grateful beneficiaries of mutual aid from utilities all across the country. We are honored to have this chance to return the favor and help our neighbors in the U.S. Virgin Islands get their lights and their lives back to normal,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “And, we deeply appreciate the service and dedication of these public power lineworkers who are leaving their families behind during Thanksgiving to assist.”
The mutual aid to the U.S. Virgin Islands has been coordinated by FMEA, in conjunction with the American Public Power Association (APPA) and U.S. Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (USVI-WAPA).
Mutual Aid Agreements enable municipal utilities to call on each other for emergency workers and supplies. Florida’s public power utilities benefit from this strong network of partners within Florida and across the country through the APPA. Florida’s municipal electric utilities also have forged mutual aid arrangements with Florida’s investor-owned utilities. These dependable connections have created a reliable system where member utilities both request and offer assistance.

State Board of Education to Meet in Leesburg

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The State Board of Education will meet next week in Leesburg.
The agenda is available at State Board Meeting.
WHAT: State Board of Education Meeting
WHEN: 9:00 am
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
WHERE: Lake-Sumter State College
Everett A. Kelly Convocation Center
Magnolia Room
9501 U.S. Highway 441
Leesburg, FL 34788
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

Governor Rick Scott Honors Over 100 Veterans with Veterans Service Medal

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Governor Rick Scott today awarded 114 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to the state and the nation.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize some of Florida’s outstanding veterans for their service and personally thank each of them for the countless sacrifices they’ve made for our nation. It is so important to continue investing in Florida’s military and veteran community and support those who serve and protect.”
Governor Scott also highlighted investments in Florida’s active military, veterans and their families in his Securing Florida’s Future budget, including:

  • $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment for our National Guardsmen to use during deployment;
  • Nearly $8 million to begin operations at the Lake Baldwin State Veteran Nursing Home, which will allow this facility to serve more than 110 veterans in the coming year;
  • Doubling the funding to $2 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
  • $2 million for the Florida Defense Support Task Force, which helps support our military and defense communities and the many families who rely on them; and
  • $2.7 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home, including $1 million for Veterans Florida to continue their mission of helping veterans find great jobs at Florida businesses.

The following Florida veterans were highlighted during today’s ceremony:
Dave Bushnell
Dave Bushnell served in the United States Coast Guard from 1981 to 1988 and then continued his service in the United States Army for 18 years before ending his military career as Chief Warrant Officer 4 in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. In November 2016, Bushnell became a pilot for the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and earlier this year, became the Special Ops Aviation/ Marine Supervisor.
Sergeant Jason Strickland
Sergeant Jason Strickland served in the United States Army from 2001 to 2007, and was promoted to Sergeant E5 in 2004. During his military career, Sgt. Strickland deployed to Bosnia on a peacekeeping mission and later deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving a year in Ramadi, Iraq. Following his active duty, Sgt. Strickland joined the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy and was promoted to Sergeant this past February. His service in the Sheriff’s Office has been recognized with the Medal of Valor and a Ribbon of Commendation.
Staff Sergeant Andres Moreira
Staff Sergeant Andres Moreira enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard in 1998 and has served in support of Operation Noble Eagle and deployed twice to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout his 19 years of service, he has also supported Florida families during serval hurricane relief missions, including Hurricane Irma. Staff Sergeant Moreira’s actions have been recognized Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

AIF Retains Top Legal Team to Stop Dangerously Vague CRC Proposal that Threatens to Upend Decades of Florida Environmental Policy

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In response to the filing and advancement of CRC Proposal 23, the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) has retained top environmental and regulatory attorneys with the Gunster law firm to stop the dangerously vague amendment. The proposed amendment would provide any person, not just Floridians, the ability to litigate “against any party, public or private” if they feel their right to a “clean and healthful” environment is threatened.
The language is extremely vague and would be open to a wide interpretation from Florida’s legal system, creating mass uncertainty and threatening to upend the work of manufacturers, small businesses, governments and many others across the state. Challenges could be brought against any government entity, business or private citizen, even if they are in full compliance with existing laws or the terms and conditions of existing, valid permits. This amendment circumvents existing avenues to address concerns over air and water quality and instead encourages frivolous lawsuits, which would inevitably drive up business costs and threaten future economic development and expansion in Florida.
“CRC Proposal 23 would no doubt cause more harm than good to our state. This vague amendment would effectively replace the comprehensive and well thought out regulatory system we have in place today with a piecemeal approach that is decided on a case-by-case basis by the courts,” said AIF President and CEO Tom Feeney. “Decades of Florida statute already exists to protect our citizens and their right to clean air and water. This amendment would do nothing more than create harmful uncertainty and open thousands of Florida businesses and private citizens up to endless litigation.”
The legal team assisting AIF’s effort to stop CRC Proposal 23 includes:

  • Kenneth B. Bell, Former Justice, Florida Supreme Court; Former Circuit Judge, First Judicial Circuit
  • Lila A. Jaber, Former Chair, Florida Public Service Commission
  • Simone Marstiller, Former Judge, First District Court of Appeal; Former Secretary, Department of Business and Professional Regulation
  • Gregory M. Munson, Former General Counsel, Former Deputy Secretary, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

A provision relating to the protection of natural resources and scenic beauty is already included within the current Florida Constitution in Article II, Section 7(a). That section was heavily debated and carefully thought out prior to passage. It has served the state for three decades of evolving environmental regulation, protection and restoration and is sufficient for Florida’s future.

Florida crime down in the first half of 2017

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Crime continues to fall across Florida according to the 2017 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report. The report shows Florida’s crime volume dropped two percent or roughly 6,300 fewer reported index crimes compared to the first six months of 2016.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Each and every day, the brave men and women of Florida’s law enforcement community selflessly work to keep our neighborhoods safe and as Florida’s crime rate continues to drop, we’re reminded of their important and life-saving work. Today, Floridians and visitors are the safest they’ve been in nearly a half -century and we will continue to fully support our law enforcement members as they work to make the Sunshine State the safest place to raise a family.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Throughout my career I have worked closely with our brave law enforcement officers, and the continued decline in Florida’s crime rate is a testament to their hard work, dedication and sacrifice. I want to thank all of our law enforcement officers and our state prosecutors for their continued success fighting crime and protecting Floridians.”
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Our declining crime rate is a true testament of our law enforcement community’s commitment to keeping our state safe. I offer my deepest appreciation for the sacrifices that the men and women in blue have made for the well-being of Florida’s families, friends and neighbors.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam said, “Florida’s crime rate continues to fall, and I credit the hard work of the thin blue line, the men and women in uniform who selflessly and courageously pursue their mission to keep Florida safe. We must continue to provide our law enforcement community with all the support we can so they can continue to help keep Floridians and visitors safe.”
The crimes of murder, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and larceny were down in this report while the crimes of rape and motor vehicle theft increased. Domestic violence fell one percent, with domestic violence murder and aggravated assault down while rape and stalking were up.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “Every day across Florida law enforcement officers at the state, local and federal levels work together to keep Florida citizens safe. Because of our partnerships Florida’s citizens and visitors are the safest they’ve been in more than 46 years.”
Florida Sheriffs Association President and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said, “The continued reduction in crime, throughout the state of Florida, is a direct result of the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, from the highest-ranking leadership to our patrol officers and deputies. From innovative task force operations to dedicated education and enforcement, we stay committed to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.”
President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and Miami Shores Police Chief Kevin Lystad said, “As Florida’s crime continues to drop, I commend law enforcement leaders and officers across the state! Their unwavering dedication coupled with the laws we have in place to deter those bent on committing crime are clearly working. The Florida Police Chiefs throughout the state remain committed to working with our state and federal partners to keep Floridians safe.”
The Semi-Annual UCR calculates crime volume, the number of index crimes known to law enforcement.  The report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found on FDLE’s website.
FDLE began tracking crime statistics in 1971.

Broward Health Announces Pricing and Sale of $317 Million of Tax-Exempt Bonds

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Broward Health this morning announced the successful pricing and sale of $317 million of tax-exempt Revenue Bonds, Series 2017B (the “Bonds”).  The Bonds were fully subscribed within five hours of being made available yesterday to retail and institutional investors.

At the conclusion of the order period, there were total orders of $514 million, well in excess of the amount offered, and indicative of investor sentiment towards the credit-worthiness of the North Broward Hospital District, which operates as Broward Health.  As a result of the significant investor demand for the Bonds, Broward Health was able to secure long-term fixed rate borrowing at a very low true interest cost of 4.24 percent.

The proceeds of the Series 2017B Bonds are being utilized to fulfill multiple Broward Health objectives, including funding for capital investments into signature projects such as expansion of the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital at Broward Health.  Bond proceeds will also mitigate the risk to Broward Health’s balance sheet by refinancing variable debt with long-term fixed rate borrowing.  They will also enhance Broward Health’s unrestricted cash balances.

“Achieving an appropriate level of permanence to the capital structure of Broward Health is vital to its financial stability and ability to fulfill its mission,” said Christopher T. Ure, North Broward Hospital District Board Vice Chair.  Ure, who has more than 25 years of experience in the investment banking and financial services industries, said he was pleased with the results of the bond issuance.  “The overwhelming interest the market has shown in this offering is recognition of the strength of Broward Health, the critical role it plays in our community, and the level of confidence the market has in our management team and board.”

Broward Health interim CEO Beverly Capasso said, “The bond sale is a significant milestone in our turnaround and transformation.  It means a positive prognosis for the future of Broward Health.”

Broward Health Chief Financial Officer Alan Goldsmith said, “This excellent pricing and sale result is the culmination of several months of careful planning and strategic decision-making and is another step in ensuring the financial stability of Broward Health for the foreseeable future.”

CRC Meeting Schedule Week of November 27-December 1

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) noticed the following meeting schedule for the week of November 27-December 1, 2017. CRC meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed by The Florida Channel on TheFloridaChannel.org. Members of the public wishing to address CRC committees will be provided an opportunity to speak at the direction of the respective committee chair. Visit flcrc.gov/Committees for additional information on CRC committees.
The Interim Calendar is available on the CRC Calendars Page.
Monday, November 27

Tuesday, November 28

Wednesday, November 29

Thursday, November 30

Friday, December 1

  • No meetings scheduled.

Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Monday, November 20, 2017

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Gov. Scott Appoints Danny Nix to Florida
Southwestern State College District Board of Trustees

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Danny Nix to the Florida Southwestern State College District Board of Trustees.
Nix, 40, of Punta Gorda, is the owner of Nix & Associates Real Estate, LLC. He received his bachelor’s degree from Western Governor’s University. Nix succeeds Eric Loche, and is appointed for a term beginning November 20, 2017, and ending May 31, 2018.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Three to Board of
Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of three to the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services.
Keenan Knopke, 67, of Temple Terrace, is the president of Curlew Hills Memory Gardens, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 20, 2017, and ending September 30, 2021.
Jody Brandenburg, 74, of Jacksonville, is the president of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Homes and Cemeteries. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 20, 2017, and ending September 30, 2021.
Lewis Hall, 54, of Lakeland, is the president of Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes in Serenity Gardens. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 20, 2017, and ending September 30, 2021.
These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Gov. Scott Appoints Linda Dudley to Holmes County Hospital Corporation

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Linda Dudley to the Holmes County Hospital Corporation.
Linda Dudley, 70, of Bonifay, is a former loan officer for the United States Department of Agriculture. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning November 20, 2017, and ending August 15, 2019.

Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission Meeting December 1, 2017

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The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission meets Friday, December 1, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at LYNX Central Station, in the LYNX Boardroom, located at 455 N. Garland Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801. This is a change from the customary meeting location for this board. This SunRail advisory board comprised of elected leaders from the five local funding partners.
This meeting site is conveniently located near the LYNX Station platforms. Please check SunRail arrival and departure times at www.sunrail.com.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Roger Masten, c/o SunRail, 801 SunRail Drive, Sanford, FL  32771; or by phone at (321) 257-7161; or by email [email protected]. Questions? Please contact Steve Olson of the Florida Department of Transportation at [email protected] /386-943-5479.
Please be careful around trains, railroad crossings, and while at station platforms. Be smart. Be safe. For more information about SunRail, including fares, schedule and station locations, please visit www.sunrail.com.