Attorney General Pam Bondi today announced that Floridians deceived into sending payments to scammers using Western Union’s wire transfer service may now apply for compensation from a $586 million national settlement fund. This fund is related to a multistate settlement reached by Attorney General Pam Bondi, 49 other states and the District of Columbia with Western Union in January this year.
Consumers who fell victim to a fraud-induced transfer using Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004 and Jan. 19, 2017, may be eligible to receive compensation. More than 500,000 potential victims nationwide have been identified.
Eligible Floridians who reported falling victim to a scam that involved a money transfer through Western Union will receive a claim form in the mail from the settlement administrator in the next two weeks. The form will contain instructions explaining how consumers may file claims to receive compensation. The Department of Justice’s Victim Asset Recovery Program is administering the fund through a third-party claims administrator.
If a consumer does not receive a claim form in the mail, but believes they are eligible for a claim, the consumer should visit WesternUnionRemission.com or call 1-844-319-2124 for more information. All completed claims forms must be mailed back to the settlement administrator by Feb. 12, 2018.
To view the assurance of voluntary compliance, click here. For more information about the multistate settlement, click here.
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Sen. Bill Nelson's opening remarks on tax reform
Circa 5:00 p.m., U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) will deliver opening remarks at today’s Senate Finance Committee meeting as the panel begins consideration of the Republican’s tax plan. Below is an advance copy of Nelson’s remarks as prepared for delivery. You can watch a live stream of the committee’s hearing here.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson
Opening Remarks on Tax Reform (as prepared for delivery)
Senate Finance Committee
Nov. 13, 2017
I want to talk about bipartisanship. It’s the best way to ensure a good outcome for ordinary Americans – and it’s what the American people want.
Is anyone proud of the way this process has been playing out?
Here we are, working on a major tax bill – a bill that will inevitably touch every single American in some way, shape, or form – and in some cases, in ways that even the drafters of the bill don’t know.
We are completely rewriting our tax code. Yet, we haven’t had any hearings on the bill. Or any time to seriously debate the slew of policy changes that will affect people’s everyday lives.
For example, we got word the other day that the Joint Committee on Taxation didn’t know if the new pass-through deduction in the Chairman’s mark includes business income made in Puerto Rico.
To me, that would seem like an important point we probably should get an answer on before we move forward.
My point is: this isn’t the way we ought to be operating. Everyone here knows it.
We should be working together to negotiate a truly bipartisan tax plan, instead of throwing this all together on the fly.
We have a duty to serve the American people to the best of our ability – and Mr. Chairman, I would suggest: we are better than this.
Working together in a bipartisan way is not a radical idea – at least, it shouldn’t be. We’ve done it before.
Mr. Chairman, how many times have we come together to find common ground and get something good done for the American people?
Just last year, we passed the Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act out of committee with a bipartisan vote of 26 to 0. It started with you and the Ranking Member hashing out differences to find a workable middle. Why can’t we do that again?
And let’s not forget the work we did in the Puerto Rico Task Force and on the identity theft-related tax fraud bill. It took months of bipartisan talks before we had a package that everyone could agree on – not just one party.
Is it too much to ask for this – a total rewrite of the tax code – to go through the same amount of rigor?
Senator Grassley, we worked together on the ACE Kids Act, which would create a national network of children’s hospitals and other providers to better serve kids needing specialized care.
Senator Cornyn, we’ve worked together to increase accountability at the VA, to honor helicopter air ambulance crews that served in Vietnam, and to help citrus growers struggling to deal with a plant disease known as citrus greening.
Senator Thune, you and I have partnered on so many issues in the Commerce Committee it’s hard to keep count. If anyone wants a good example of how we should be conducting ourselves, just look to how Senator Thune and I work together in the Commerce Committee.
Senator Burr, we partnered on a bill to help those affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune – not to mention the work we’ve done to stop the spread of the Zika virus. An issue I’ve also worked with Senator Cassidy on.
Senator Isakson, we worked together on several veterans’ issues, including a bill to improve VA opioid treatment practices.
You all get the picture. I could go all the way down the line citing examples of times when each of us crossed the partisan divide to do the people’s work. It doesn’t happen as much as I’d like. But it is possible.
We all want tax cuts for the middle class. We all want to help local small businesses. We all want to make the tax code simpler, fairer, more competitive, and more efficient.
But we should have a more deliberative process than this. One that is inclusive, and brings members from both parties into the process.
I am hopeful that this markup isn’t just for show and that some of our amendments will be given serious consideration. Because at the end of the day what we need is balance. That’s the focus of my amendments. And that should be the focus of this Committee.
I appreciate the work the Chairman and his staff have put into this.
All I’m asking is to give bipartisanship a chance.
Palm Harbor man claims top prize in new $500,000 HOLIDAY CASH Scratch-Off game
The Florida Lottery announces that James Fannin, 65, of Palm Harbor, claimed a top prize in the $500,000 HOLIDAY CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He purchased his winning ticket from Publix, located at 33343 U.S. 19 North in Palm Harbor.
The new $5 Scratch-Off game, $500,000 HOLIDAY CASH, launched on October 23, and offers more than three million winning tickets, with 118 prizes from $10,000 to $500,000! Overall odds of winning are one-in-4.07.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2016-17.
FDLE arrests couple for crimes in health care practice
FDLE agents today arrested Asok Roy, 74, and his wife, Manjula Roy, 72, at 9183 Old A1A, St. Augustine, Florida, after a comprehensive investigation spanning more than a year.
Asok Roy was arrested for five counts of solicitation to commit prostitution, two counts of writing a prescription for monetary benefit, two counts of falsely omitting information on a document or report, and one count of being principle to practicing a health care profession without a license. Manjula Roy was arrested for practicing a health care profession without a license.
The arrests were the result of evidence collected during multiple undercover operations, interviews and search warrants at both the Roys’ residence and the Medical Clinic of St. Augustine. Asok Roy was also served with an Emergency Suspension Order by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) which prevented him from practicing medicine in the state and he has since voluntarily relinquished his license.
The North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, DEA Diversion and FDOH partnered with FDLE on the investigation.
The Roys were booked into the St. Johns County Jail and the case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, Seventh Judicial Circuit.
Consumer Alert: Estate Planning
Estate planning is not fun to think about and can be difficult, but it is important to have an estate plan for many reasons. An estate plan gives your loved ones a strategy to implement your exact wishes, avoids having a probate judge decide how to distribute your estate, and it keeps your heirs from having a large tax burden. The Florida Office of Financial Regulation encourages Floridians spend time getting their affairs in order to ease the burden on their loved ones.
Keep these tips in mind to help you create an estate plan:
- Create a will and a living will. A will establishes your desired distribution of assets that are not already designated with a beneficiary or that are outside of a trust. Clearly describe your wishes and beneficiaries in the will, so that there are no questions about your desires. A living will, or advance directive, will provide guidance to your loved ones on any medical decisions they will be required to make in the event you are incapacitated.
- Make a list of your debts. Create a detailed list of your debts, including credit cards, auto loans and mortgages. Include the amount you owe and contact information for each company. This will allow your loved ones to make arrangements to pay the debts without incurring additional penalties or fees.
- Develop a catalog of electronic accounts and current login information. Keep all usernames and passwords for every online account you have in one place, so that your loved ones can access necessary accounts. Make sure this information is kept in a secure location.
- Keep copies of retirement accounts and insurance policies in a central location. Be sure to note any designated beneficiary on each of your accounts, including alternate beneficiaries, as this will supersede what is noted in your will. Note any transfer on death (TOD) designations on any bank or brokerage accounts, as well, for the same reason.
Once you have your estate plan in place, regularly review and update all information, including beneficiaries. Aim to review your estate plan, including your will, every few years and after every major life event, such as marriage, divorce, relocation to another state, etc.
The Florida Office of Financial Regulation offers Floridians a robust online Consumer Knowledge Center, where you can find more information on several financial topics.
Sen. Bill Nelson amendments to tax bill
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, today filed several amendments to the Senate Republican tax bill, which begins its markup in committee today.
The amendments, aimed at a broad range of issues, would, among other things, make it easier for seniors and small business owners to file their taxes without a paid tax professional by providing access to simplified filing forms, allow citrus growers to deduct the cost of replanting trees lost to citrus-greening and lower income-tax rates for anyone making less than $170,000 per year.
Nelson plans to offer the amendments during the Finance Committee’s markup of the tax bill this week.
Following is a complete list of the amendments Nelson filed with more information on each:
- Nelson Amendment #1: Encourage small business job growth. Nelson’s amendment would encourage small businesses to hire more workers by allowing small business owners to deduct the employer’s portion of payroll taxes for new hires for the first 12 months. New hires must be employed for at least nine months of the year to qualify for the deduction.
- Nelson Amendment #2: Lower tax rates for middle-class and low-income Americans. Nelson’s amendment would cut income tax rates for anyone making less than $170,000 per year. The current GOP plan would establish four income tax brackets for individuals making less than $170,000. Nelson’s amendment would consolidate those four brackets to three and lower the tax rates for each by roughly five percent. For example, individuals making less than $9,525 would see their tax rates cut from 10% to 5% under Nelson’s amendment, while individuals making $60,000 – $170,000 would see their rates go from 25% to 20%. Nelson’s amendment would consolidate the two brackets being proposed for individuals making between $9,525 and $60,000 and create just one bracket with a rate of 10%. [See chart below]
- Nelson Amendment #3: Emergency Citrus Disease Response. Nelson’s amendment would help Florida’s citrus growers start the process of replanting tens of millions of trees lost to citrus-greening. Citrus greening has killed more than 160,000 acres of citrus trees in Florida since 2005, and is threatening to wipeout Florida’s $11 billion citrus industry. Nelson’s amendment would allow growers to immediately deduct the full cost of planting new trees, instead of having to spread that cost out over a 14-year period.
- Nelson Amendment #4: Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Prevention. Nelson’s amendment is identical to the stand alone bill he filed earlier this year to combat tax-related identity theft by increasing penalties for both identity thieves and professional tax preparers who fail to keep taxpayers’ personal information secure. It also directs the IRS to create and implement a more streamlined process for handling ID theft cases to get victims their refunds faster. If approved, the amendment would increase the maximum fine for filing a fraudulent tax return with someone else’s identity from $100,000 to $250,000. It also increases the penalty for tax preparers who fail to protect their clients’ information from $250 per incident to $1,000.
- Nelson Amendment #5: Increase deductions for small businesses. The amendment increases a new pass-through deduction for small businesses from 17.4 percent, as proposed in the current GOP plan, to 25 percent of qualified business income. The deduction would be capped at $50,000.
- Nelson Amendment #6: Provide free online tool for small business owners to file taxes online.The amendment directs the IRS to work with the private sector to create a free online tool to help small businesses fill out their tax forms and file returns electronically – without the need of expensive tax professionals. The tool would guide small business owners through the tax filing process, and provide a user-friendly interface to help them determine their tax liability and eligibility for certain tax breaks. The amendment seeks to help small businesses save money by reducing the administrative burden and cost of tax compliance.
- Nelson Amendment #7: Reinstate personal exemptions. The current GOP plan eliminates personal exemptions for taxpayers, currently worth $4,050 per person. Nelson’s amendment would reinstate personal exemptions.
- Nelson Amendment #8: Increase taxes on corporate profits stashed overseas. Nelson’s amendment would impose a 20 percent minimum tax on the foreign earnings of a corporation made through a foreign affiliate located in a tax haven country. A tax haven country is defined as any foreign country if the effective foreign tax rate of the foreign affiliate is equal to or less than 12.5 percent.
- Nelson Amendment #9: Seniors’ Tax Simplification. Nelson’s amendment would allow seniors to file a 1040EZ to make it easier for them to complete their taxes. Currently, seniors over the age of 65 may not file their income taxes on the simplified Form 1040EZ and must use the more complicated Form 1040 or Form 1040A instead. This is because most seniors earn income through Social Security and other retirement benefits, as well as interest and capital gains on investments, and likely qualify for a special tax credit for the elderly and disabled.
The following chart shows the tax brackets and rates being proposed under Nelson’s Amendment #2, compared to the current tax rates (column 1) and those being proposed in the current version of the GOP tax bill (column 2):
Gov. Scott Announces $178 Million Investment for Florida’s Active Military, Veterans and Their Families
Also supports Proposal that Gives Free Tuition to Families
of Fallen First Responders, Law Enforcement & Military
Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose $178 million in total funding to support active military, veterans and their families in Florida as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. He also announced his support for a proposal being considered by the Constitution Revision Commission to provide free tuition to the families of fallen first responders, state law enforcement officers and military members who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The proposal provides 120 credit hours per family at a Florida state college, university or participating technical school. Each family would be entitled to one four-year degree. If passed by the CRC, the proposal will be on the ballot in 2018 and would require approval of 60 percent of Florida voters. The CRC proposal, P 49, was filed by Commissioner Emery Gainey and can be found HERE.
Governor Scott said, “I am a proud Navy veteran and my father served during World War II, and this Veterans Day, I was honored to remember the courageous people I had the opportunity to serve with. There is no greater sacrifice to one’s community or country than giving your life to protect others. We will never be able to repay our fallen officers or service members who have bravely given their lives, but it is our duty to ensure that their families are supported as if they were our own.
“I am proud to announce today that I will propose a $178 million investment to help make sure Florida continues to be the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation for years to come. Our military, first responders and law enforcement members make the courageous decision to put their lives on the line every day to protect our country, families, and communities and I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session as we continue to do all we can to support these heroes. I will also fight this year to give voters the chance to approve a proposal to be included in our state’s constitution that gives free tuition to the families of our fallen law enforcement, first responders and military members.”
Governor Scott’s $178 million investment for Florida’s active military, veterans and their families includes:
- $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;
- $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.
Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association, said, “The Sheriffs of Florida support proposal 49, brought forward by Sheriff Gainey, that provides death benefits to surviving family members of first responders who are killed or injured in the line of duty. Our most important asset is our people, and their families who support them in their service to our communities. Securing the future of our families is a noble act, and these death benefits provide educational opportunities for the surviving spouse or children to ensure they are able to provide for their families and contribute to the economy. We thank Governor Rick Scott and are grateful to the Constitution Revision Commission for considering this proposal as it truly does the right thing for our heroes and their families.”
In 2016, Governor Rick Scott signed SB 7012 which protects the families of fallen law enforcement officers and first responders by providing the fallen individual’s monthly salary to the beneficiary for their lifetime. The expanded benefit applies to all Special Risk class members of the Florida Retirement System. Special Risk includes law enforcement officers, firefighters, correctional officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, probation officers, and other employees whose job may put them at risk.
More details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be made available in the coming weeks.
The Florida Lottery is celebrating 25 years of POWERBALL's winning moments
Limited-time Instant Win Promotion On Sale Now
Beginning today, every 25th POWERBALL® with Power Play® purchase of $12 or more, sold statewide, will be an instant winner of $25! A Prize Alert symbol will print on the POWERBALL with Power Play ticket and the $25 Cash Prize Coupon will automatically print following the ticket. The Cash Prize Coupon can be redeemed at any Florida Lottery retailer or District Office. The promotion will end after all 23,120 instant win prizes are awarded.
“The Florida Lottery is proud to join in the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of POWERBALL,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “This promotion will add more winning moments for players and retailers, while giving us the opportunity to generate additional contributions for education.”
The next POWERBALL drawing will be held Wednesday, November 15, at 10:59 p.m. ET, with an estimated $103 million jackpot. National POWERBALL drawings are broadcast live, in high-definition, from the Florida Lottery’s state of the art draw studio in Tallahassee. Florida Lottery game drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state.
Affordable Care Act Enrollment Events in Florida: November 13 – 19, 2017
November 1 marked the start of the Affordable Care Act’s fifth health insurance open enrollment period, which runs through December 15. To assist Floridians with getting covered, the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF) will once again host enrollment sites throughout the state.
EFOF is Florida’s second largest provider of free in-person ACA enrollment assistance, and has been a federal Navigation grant recipient in every ACA open enrollment period. 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.
The below events this week are free and open to the public. Floridians can also call toll-free to schedule an appointment, at 1-877-553-7453.
BROWARD COUNTY
MONDAY November 13, 2017
8:30AM – 12:00PM and 12:30PM – 5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Broward Office – 512 NE 3rd Avenue, 3rd Floor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (ENGLISH/SPANISH/CREOLE)
8:30AM – 1:30PM Plantation General Hospital, 401 NW 42nd Avenue, Plantation, FL (Main entrance (must sign-in please). Private office next to Administrative offices located on the right hallway). (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
TUESDAY November 14, 2017
8:30AM – 12:00PM and 12:30PM – 5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Broward Office – 512 NE 3rd Avenue, 3rd Floor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (ENGLISH/SPANISH/CREOLE)
WEDNESDAY November 15, 2017
8:30AM – 12:00PM and 12:30PM – 5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Broward Office – 512 NE 3rd Avenue, 3rd Floor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (ENGLISH/SPANISH/CREOLE)
8:30AM – 1:30PM Westside Regional Medical Center, 8201 West Broward Blvd., Suite 200, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
THURSDAY November 16, 2017
8:30AM – 12:00PM and 12:30PM – 5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Broward Office – 512 NE 3rd Avenue, 3rd Floor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (ENGLISH/SPANISH/CREOLE)
8:30AM – 1:30PM University Hospital and Medical Center, 7201 North University Drive., Tamarac, FL 33321 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
FRIDAY November 17, 2017
8:30AM – 12:00PM and 12:30PM – 5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Broward Office – 512 NE 3rd Avenue, 3rd Floor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (ENGLISH/SPANISH/CREOLE)
COLLIER COUNTY
MONDAY November 13, 2017
9:30AM- 4:00PM Collier County Public Library South Regional Branch, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples, FL 34113 (ENGLISH ONLY)
TUESDAY November 14, 2017
9:30AM – 4:00PM Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Road, Naples, FL 34109 (ENGLISH ONLY)
WEDNESDAY November 15, 2017
9:30AM- 4:00PM Collier County Public Library South Regional Branch, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples, FL 34113 (ENGLISH ONLY)
THURSDAY November 16, 2017
9:30AM – 4:00PM Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Road, Naples, FL 34109 (ENGLISH ONLY)
DUVAL COUNTY
MONDAY November 13, 2017
9:00AM -5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Jacksonville Office, 5209 San Jose Blvd., Suite 101, Jacksonville, FL 32207 – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1-877-553-7453. (ENGLISH ONLY)
9:00AM – 4:30PM UF Health Jacksonville AKA Shands Hospital, Admissions and Financial Assistance, 2000 Boulevard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. (ENGLISH)
9:00AM – 2:00PM EMed Specialty Group, 2624 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
TUESDAY November 14, 2017
9:00AM -5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Jacksonville Office, 5209 San Jose Blvd., Suite 101, Jacksonville, FL 32207 – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1-877-553-7453. (ENGLISH ONLY)
9:00AM – 4:30PM UF Health Jacksonville AKA Shands Hospital, Admissions and Financial Assistance, 2000 Boulevard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. (ENGLISH)
9:00AM – 2:00PM EMed Specialty Group, 2624 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
4:00PM – 8:00PM Orange Park Library, 2054 Plainfield Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073. (ENGLISH ONLY)
WEDNESDAY November 15, 2017
9:00AM -5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Jacksonville Office, 5209 San Jose Blvd., Suite 101, Jacksonville, FL 32207 – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1-877-553-7453. (ENGLISH ONLY)
9:00AM – 4:30PM UF Health Jacksonville AKA Shands Hospital, Admissions and Financial Assistance, 2000 Boulevard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. (ENGLISH)
9:00AM – 2:00PM EMed Specialty Group, 2624 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
6:30PM – 9:00PM Iglesia Adventista la Esperanza, 2014 Kenneth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
THURSDAY November 16, 2017
9:00AM -5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Jacksonville Office, 5209 San Jose Blvd., Suite 101, Jacksonville, FL 32207 – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1-877-553-7453. (ENGLISH ONLY)
9:00AM – 2:00PM UF Health Jacksonville AKA Shands Hospital, Admissions and Financial Assistance, 2000 Boulevard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. (ENGLISH)
9:00AM – 2:00PM EMed Specialty Group, 2624 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
FRIDAY November 17, 2017
9:00AM -5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Jacksonville Office, 5209 San Jose Blvd., Suite 101, Jacksonville, FL 32207 – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1-877-553-7453. (ENGLISH ONLY)
9:00AM – 2:00PM EMed Specialty Group, 2624 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
SATURDAY November 18, 2017
8:00AM – 11:00AM EMed Specialty Group, 2624 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
ESCAMBIA COUNTY (All Times CST)
MONDAY November 13, 2017
10:00AM – 3:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Pensacola Office, 2401 Executive Plaza Road, Suite 3A, Pensacola, FL 32504. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY – Call 1-877-553-7453. (ENGLISH ONLY)
12:00PM – 6:00PM Walton County Coastal Branch Library, 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. (ENGISH ONLY)
TUESDAY November 14, 2017
12:00PM – 6:00PM Niceville Public Library, 206 North Partin Drive, Niceville, FL 32578. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1877-553-7453. (ENGLISH ONLY)
10:00AM – 3:00PM Downtown Branch – West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring Street, Pensacola, FL 32502. (ENGLISH ONLY)
12:00PM – 6:00PM Fort Walton Beach Public Library, 185 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
WEDNESDAY November 15, 2017
9:00AM – 2:00PM Freeport Public Library, 75 US Highway 20 West, Freeport, FL 32439. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1877-553-7453. (ENGLISH ONLY)
THURSDAY November 16, 2017
10:00AM – 2:00PM Robert F. Sikes – Crestview Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Tutor Room, Crestview, FL 32539. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
FRIDAY November 17, 2017
10:00AM – 3:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Pensacola Office, 2401 Executive Plaza Road, Suite 3A, Pensacola, FL 32504. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY – Call 1-877-553-7453. (ENGLISH ONLY)
SATURDAY November 18, 2017
10:00AM – 4:00PM Downtown Branch – West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring Street, Pensacola, FL 32502. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
MIAMI DADE COUNTY
MONDAY November 13, 2017
9:30AM – 4:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Miami Office, 7300 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 760, Miami, FL 33156 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
9:00AM – 5:00PM Branches – CFS North Lakeview, 11500 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33168 (ENGLISH/SPANISH/CREOLE)
2:00PM – 8:00PM Kendall Regional Medical Center, Admitting/Receiving, 11750 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33175 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
TUESDAY November 14, 2017
9:30AM – 4:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Miami Office, 7300 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 760, Miami, FL 33156 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
4:30PM – 8:00PM Aventura Hospital & Medical Center, Admitting Area, Office 1, 20900 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, FL 33180 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
2:00PM – 8:00PM Kendall Regional Medical Center, Admitting/Receiving, 11750 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33175 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
3:00PM – 9:00PPM Miami Dade College North Campus, New Student Center Room 1173-06, 11380 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33167 (ENGLISH ONLY)
11:00AM – 3:00PM Nanay Community Center, 659 NE 125th Street, North Miami, FL 33161 (ENGLISH/SPANISH). TRANSLATION SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR MANDARIN)
9:00AM – 6:00PM Sant La Haitian Community Neighborhood Center, Inc., 13390 West Dixie Highway. FL 33161 (ENGLISH/CREOLE)
WEDNESDAY, November 15, 2017
9:30AM – 4:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Miami Office, 7300 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 760, Miami, FL 33156 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
9:00AM – 5:00PM Branches – CFS North Lakeview, 11500 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33168 (ENGLISH/SPANISH/CREOLE)
2:00PM – 8:00PM Kendall Regional Medical Center, Admitting/Receiving, 11750 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33175 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
1:00PM – 8:00PM West Kendall Regional Baptist Hospital, First Impressions, 9555 SW 162nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33196 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
THURSDAY November 16, 2017
9:30AM – 4:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Miami Office, 7300 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 760, Miami, FL 33156 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
4:30PM – 8:00PM Aventura Hospital & Medical Center, Admitting Area, Office 1, 20900 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, FL 33180 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
2:00PM – 8:00PM Kendall Regional Medical Center, Admitting/Receiving, 11750 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33175 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
10:00AM – 3:00PM Miami Dade College North Campus, New Student Center Room 1173-06, 11380 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33167 (ENGLISH/CREOLE)
3:00PM – 8:00PM West Kendall Regional Baptist Hospital, First Impressions, 9555 SW 162nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33196 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
FRIDAY November 17, 2017
2:00PM – 8:00PM Kendall Regional Medical Center, Admitting/Receiving, 11750 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33175 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
SATURDAY November 18, 2017
9:00AM – 4:00PM Kendall Regional Medical Center, Admitting/Receiving, 11750 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33175 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
9:00AM – 4:00PM West Kendall Regional Baptist Hospital, First Impressions, 9555 SW 162nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33196 (ENGILSH/SPANISH)
3:00PM – 7:00PM P.I.G. 8 Pork is Good. 212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137 EDUCATION ONLY – NO ENROLLMENTS (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
PALM BEACH COUNTY
MONDAY November 13, 2017
6:00PM – 9:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, West Palm Beach Office, 3222 Commerce Place, Suite B, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
10:00AM – 4:00PM Palm Beach County Library, Belle Glade Branch, 725 NW 4th Street, Belle Glade, FL 33430 (ENGLISH ONLY)
9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 5:00PM Jamroc, 256 SW Avenue B Place, Belle Glade, FL 33430 (ENGLISH/CREOLE)
WEDNESDAY November 15, 2017
6:00PM – 9:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, West Palm Beach Office, 3222 Commerce Place, Suite B, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
THURSDAY November 16, 2017
10:00AM – 5:00PM Pompey Park Community Center, 1101 NW 2nd Street, Delray Beach, FL 33444 (ENGLISH ONLY)
5:00PM – 8:00PM Compass OPEN ENROLLMENT EVENT. 201 N. Dixie Highway, Lake Worth, FL 33460 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
FRIDAY November 17, 2017
6:00PM – 9:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, West Palm Beach Office, 3222 Commerce Place, Suite B, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
10:00AM – 4:00PM City of Lake Worth City Hall Annex Building, 414 Lake Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444 (ENGLISH ONLY)
SATURDAY November 18, 2017
9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, West Palm Beach Office, 3222 Commerce Place, Suite B, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 5:00PM Jamroc, 256 SW Avenue B Place, Belle Glade, FL 33430. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1-877-553-7453 (ENGLISH/CREOLE)
9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 5:00PM Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital at the Delray Beach Medical Center, 5352 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33484 (follow signs to Navigator; office to the left of the desk). (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
10:00AM – 5:00PM Pompey Park Community Center, 1101 NW 2nd Street, Delray Beach, FL 33444 (ENGLISH ONLY)
10:00AM – 4:00PM Palm Beach County Library Belle Glade Branch OPEN ENROLLMENT EVENT. 725 NW 4th Street, Belle Glade, FL 33430. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1-877-553-7453 (ENGLISH/CREOLE)
10:00AM – 4:00PM Representative Lori Berman OPEN ENROLLMENT EVENT. TBA
As a combat-injured veteran, I ask all Americans to help address invisible injuries of war
The following op-ed calling for passage of U.S. Congressman Brian Mast’s Oath of Exit originally ran on FoxNews.com in recognition of Veterans Day:
In September 2010, I was at the top of my field, working as an Army explosive ordnance disposal expert in Afghanistan. And then a bomb exploded beneath me.
When I awoke days later in Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, I had to grapple with the realization that my legs, along with my usefulness on the battlefield, were likely gone. I would never be an asset to a mission again. If anything, I would be a detriment.
This Veterans Day, however, I now know that I was one of the lucky ones. My injuries were visible – plain for all to see. I was the beneficiary of endless support from doctors, people in our community and veterans organizations that helped me through recovery and helped me to realize I was still only limited by my own drive, grit and determination.
When people see my two legs are missing, they know immediately the assistance I need – help down a step, a cane, or a friendly shoulder to lean on. The kindness of everyone – even complete strangers – brings me feelings of immense gratitude.
But many scars of our nation’s wounded warriors are not visible. The recurring memories of an intense moment of combat, the damp feeling of a friend’s blood soaking your own uniform, and the sound of a brother’s last gasp of air will stay with me and my fellow warriors all our lives.
For many, these memories will be a part of a haunting labeled to most as post-traumatic stress. Far too often, my peers are haunted in silence without the same support of a grateful nation encouraging them through their struggle.
Rarely a week goes by that I don’t get a call from a veteran who is struggling with suicidal thoughts. As a society, and especially as a military family, we must do more to support these men and women who return home with the injuries we cannot see.
I’m now a member of Congress from Florida, waging a different kind of battle: to give America’s military veterans the help they have earned for defending our country.
One way we can support these men and women is by passing a bill that I introduced earlier this year called the Oath of Exit. Working with those who have experienced the weight of post-traumatic stress firsthand, I and others wrote the Oath of Exit to be a strong step forward in doing all we can to prevent even one more veteran from harming himself or herself.
The Oath of Exit creates a voluntary pledge for members of the armed forces to ask their brothers and sisters in arms for help – and to provide help when called upon.
That help is badly needed. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an average of 20 veterans commit suicide every day and a veteran’s risk of suicide is 21 percent higher compared to an adult who has not served in the armed forces.
Coupled with increased awareness and resources to help these veterans, the Oath of Exit will provide an even stronger culture of support within our military family to combat these awful trends.
The Trump administration and Congress have already made supporting veterans a top priority. Just this week, the House passed more than a dozen bills to support veterans and improve the Department of Veterans Affairs.
But there is much more work that needs to be done. The Oath of Exit passed the House earlier this year as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act, but wasn’t included in the Senate version of the bill. We need another strong push to get the Oath of Exit across the finish line.
This should not be a partisan issue. On deployments around the world and at military bases in our own country, there are no Democrats or Republicans – only American patriots, proudly wearing the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard.
Our military culture is one where the most important commitments are consistently spoken. The Soldier’s Creed, Ranger Creed, Special Forces Creed, Warrior Ethos, Army Values and Pledge of Allegiance are all examples of statements we put into heartfelt words.
These are the pledges that are important for us to uphold, so we repeat them nearly each day. This is because honor is more than just a word to members of the military and veterans. When we commit to something, we follow through.
This Veterans Day, my request of all my fellow Americans – beyond celebrating the amazing patriots who have defended America in an unbroken line since 1775 – is to remember that not all injuries of war look the same. Many don’t look like anything.
Take a moment to thank the veterans in your life this Veterans Day, but more importantly, speak with them, really connect with them and let them know you’ve got their six.
