The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) congratulates Chairman Brian Yablonski on his new position as Executive Director of the Property and Environment Research Center, a national conservation research institute in Bozeman, Montana, focused on environmental entrepreneurship and market-based conservation. He will begin his new role in January 2018.
“On behalf of the state of Florida, we truly appreciate Brian’s service. His focus has helped make this a great place for families to live, work and enjoy the outdoors,” said Gov. Rick Scott. “I am confident Brian will continue to work to conserve our nation’s natural treasures. I wish him and his family all the best in this next endeavor.”
Yablonski began his service to the FWC in January 2004 and has held positions as vice chairman and chairman. He will continue to serve in his current role through the end of this year.
“I can think of no one better-suited for this important role with PERC,” said Nick Wiley, FWC Executive Director. “We know more great things are on the horizon for America’s fish and wildlife resources and habitats, and we cannot thank Chairman Yablonski enough for his leadership and conservation legacy with the FWC.”
Yablonski’s leadership on the Commission has been grounded in his attention to Florida’s diverse wildlife and unique habitats. In a state with over 20 million residents and 100 million visitors, he understood the importance of engaging landowners, anglers, hunters, sportsmen, wildlife and bird watchers, hikers, paddlers and recreational boaters while focusing on common ground.
During his 14 years at FWC, Yablonski worked to create new critical wildlife areas, provide landowners and citizens with more conservation incentives – including a constitutional amendment providing tax relief for conservation – and support freedoms and opportunities for current and future generations to enjoy Florida’s natural resources. In 2009, Yablonski was named Florida’s Wildlife Conservationist of the Year by the Florida Wildlife Federation, and in 2016 he was the recipient of Audubon Florida’s Theodore Roosevelt Award.
“It has been a true lifetime honor and privilege to work with my fellow Commissioners and FWC staff, the best in the nation, as we’ve engaged with stakeholders, partners and residents on the important issues impacting wild Florida,” Yablonski said. “Florida has been my home for more than 25 years. Its great beauty, bountiful fish and wildlife resources, and good friends working in the stewardship arena, will always have a special place in my heart. To serve on behalf of our fish and wildlife in a state that served as an inspiration for Theodore Roosevelt has made all the difference. I will reflect fondly on our efforts and successes here in Florida as I engage in new and exciting ways to advance the cause of conservation.”
You can view the announcement from PERC at PERC.org.
Featured
Enterprise Florida to Lead Export Trade Mission to Costa Rica
Registration is open for EFI-led mission to San Jose, Costa Rica in February 2018
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) will lead a delegation of small and mid-sized businesses on an export sales mission to San Jose, Costa Rica from February 26-March 1, 2018. Registration to attend is now open.
“Costa Rica’s market represents vast opportunity for Florida companies interested in increasing their footprint in the Central American market,” said Stan Connally, Chairman, President and CEO of Gulf Power and Vice Chairman of Enterprise Florida. “Facilitated by the U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement, the U.S. has become the chief trading partner for Costa Rica and exporters benefit from reduced tariffs and barriers. Florida is the hub of this vigorous bilateral trade.”
Trade between the U.S. and Costa Rica totaled $10.2 billion in 2016, where Florida was the leading state in two-way trade. Costa Rica ranks as Florida’s 12th largest merchandise trading partner with nearly $3.6 billion in total trade and nearly $2.5 billion in exports alone in 2016.
Florida companies are well-positioned to benefit from these opportunities. The Enterprise Florida export sales mission will provide an excellent vehicle to initiate or expand trade opportunities in Costa Rica.
The industry sectors listed below provide the best opportunities for exports from the U.S. to Costa Rica. Given the recent easing of import restrictions, there are many promising prospects and the list below is not exclusive. If your industry is not mentioned below, please contact us for a no-obligation assessment. Leading sectors for Florida exports to Costa Rica include:
- Medical Device Manufacturers
- Civilian Aircraft, Engines, and Parts
- Building and Construction Equipment
- Automotive Parts/Service Equipment
- Renewable Energy
- Food Packaging
- Hotel and Restaurant Equipment
- Beauty Products Manufacturer
The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) will schedule one-on-one Gold Key appointments with pre-screened Costa Rican companies that have expressed an interest in the products or services of Florida companies attending.
The USCS Gold Key program allows small and midsized enterprise (SME) manufacturers, high tech companies and service providers to reduce the time and money they invest in locating and screening prospective trade partners by finding potential overseas agents, distributors, sales representatives and business partners. The USCS arranges business meetings with pre-screened representatives, distributors, professional associations, government contacts, and/or licensing or joint venture partners.
Gold Key participation will be limited to Florida manufacturers, distributors and service companies that best meet the participation criteria. Selection of these firms will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Final selection will be determined by the U.S. Commercial Officer to ensure market suitability.
The price of this service is $1,250. Small and mid-sized Florida manufacturers, eligible high tech companies and professional service providers may qualify for a Gold Key Grant, which will offset the matchmaking registration fee for the first company representative. A separate application process will be required for this grant. Additional company representatives will be charged a $500 delegate fee.
The Gold Key registration deadline is December 15, 2017 and the delegate registration deadline is January 26, 2018.
To register or apply for a Gold Key grant, please contact Enterprise Florida representative, Jorge Riano at [email protected].
Florida Forest Service Offers Military Veterans Free One-Night Stay at All State Forest Campgrounds
This Veterans Day, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service is honoring active duty and honorably discharged military veterans with a free, one-night stay at any of Florida’s 64 state forest campgrounds when booking a three-night stay. Veterans, active duty and reserve unit members can book their stay between Wednesday, Nov. 8 and Sunday, Nov. 13, to receive a third night free of charge.
To take advantage of this promotion, veterans must use the code FFSVET17 and book a three-night, consecutive campground stay through the Florida State Forests reservations website or call center at 877-879-3859 or TDD 800-373-3851. Upon check-in at the campground, veterans must provide proof of military service.
Additionally, the Florida Forest Service offers reduced rates for campsite reservations and the Florida State Forests Annual Day-Use Entrance Pass to active military and honorably discharged veterans. Honorably discharged United States veterans with service-connected disabilities also qualify for a free Lifetime Military Entrance Pass.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
Bryan Beswick Endorses Albritton
Albritton’s support in DeSoto County grows with endorsement of Bryan Beswick,
Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board member.
The Ben Albritton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Bryan Beswick, Secretary of the Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Beswick is the grove manager of Premier Citrus Management LLC. Albritton is seeking the District 26 seat in the Florida Senate, currently held by Denise Grimsley, who is running for Commissioner of Agriculture.
“Ben Albritton is clearly the best choice to represent us in the Florida Senate,” said Beswick. “He understands our agricultural community and how important it is to make sure Florida has a regulatory framework that supports growers and all entrepreneurs. He has proven himself as an effective and conservative legislator with integrity, and I’m proud to support him.”
A Polk County native, Beswick has more than 20 years of experience in the citrus industry. He has held leadership roles in the DeSoto County Farm Bureau and Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association. He was appointed to the SWFWMD’s Governing Board in 2013 and was reappointed in 2016 and 2017, with his current term expiring in 2020. He was previously a member of the board from 2008 to 2012.
“I’m honored to have Bryan Beswick on our team,” said Albritton. “I really appreciate his endorsement of our campaign, and I look forward to working with him and other DeSoto County leaders to make sure our area has the kind of strong leadership we need in Tallahassee.”
In 2010, Albritton was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he has been a staunch advocate for entrepreneurs and children in Florida’s foster care system. He is also known for his strong conservative record on Second Amendment rights and protection for the unborn.
Albritton is the Chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and also serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Government Accountability Committee. House Speaker Richard Corcoran recently appointed him to the Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness. He also currently serves as the Chair of the Polk County Legislative Delegation.
A full list of those endorsing Albritton may be found at BenAlbritton.com.
Paid by Ben Albritton, Republican, for State Senator
Gov. Scott Proposes $180 Million in Tax Cuts for Florida Families
Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose $180 million in tax cuts for Florida families as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. The Governor’s proposal includes sales tax holidays to help families prepare for the school year and hurricane season, and reductions to many of the fees on driver’s licenses. Since 2010, the Governor has cut taxes more than 75 times, saving Floridians more than $7.5 billion. In August, Governor Scott also announced that he will propose an amendment to Florida’s Constitution to make it harder for politicians to raise taxes by requiring a supermajority vote by future Florida legislatures to raise any taxes or fees. Read more HERE.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce today that during the upcoming legislative session, I will fight to cut $180 million in taxes for families. This includes sales tax holidays to help families get prepared for the school year and for hurricane season, which is especially important following the devastation we saw from Hurricane Irma. I am also proposing to roll back many driver’s license fees, which will put money back into pockets of virtually every Florida family. These fees were raised in 2009 before I came into office, and I am proud to cut them by more than 58 percent to help every Floridian when they renew their license.
“Over the past seven years, we have worked relentlessly to turn around Florida’s economy and the results are clear – our unemployment rate has dropped to a more than ten year low of 3.8 percent, business have created more than 1.3 million private sector jobs and we have been able to make historic investments in education, transportation and our environment. All of this was accomplished while cutting taxes more than 75 times, saving more than $7.5 billion for Florida families and job creators. Cutting taxes works and the rest of the nation needs to follow Florida’s lead. I am also fighting to make it harder for politicians to raise taxes in the future and I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session on these proposals.”
Governor Scott’s $180 million tax cut package includes:
- Sales Tax Holidays to Save Families $88 Million – The Governor’s recommended budget includes funding for four sales tax holidays which will save Floridians an estimated $88 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holidays include:
- $73 million from a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday; and
- $15 million from three one-week disaster preparedness sales tax holidays which would take place in May, June and July.
- Reduction in Driver’s License Fees to Save Floridians $87 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to reduce the fees for driver’s licenses. These fees were increased in 2009, prior to Governor Scott taking office. These fee cuts include:
- $67 million in savings from reducing the fee for a renewal of a regular driver’s license by more than 58 percent from $48 to $20; and
- $20 million in savings from reducing the fee on an original regular driver’s license by more than 43 percent from $48 to $27 and the fee on an original Commercial Driver’s License by more than 10 percent from $75 to $67.
- Reduction in Traffic Citation Fines to Save Floridians $4 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to reinstate the 18 percent reduction of eligible traffic citation fines, which was repealed in 2009 prior to Governor Scott taking office, for individuals who attend a basic driver improvement school.
More details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be made available in the coming weeks.
FDLE investigation leads to arrest in Vermont, child pornography charges
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Orlando Cyber Crime Task Force executed two search warrants at a residence for Donald Noble, 80, that led to charges of child pornography and his arrest in Vermont.
Noble resides at 7119 Honeycomb Street, Orlando, and travels seasonally to Vermont. He was arrested by Vermont law enforcement on Thursday on 10 counts of possession of child pornography. The search warrants were in support of a child pornography investigation launched by Vermont authorities. Vermont State police arrested Noble on similar charges on October 9, 2017.
During one search warrant, FDLE agents found evidence of child pornography on videotapes and digital media. A subsequent warrant led to the seizure of thousands of photos of young boys who were clothed but unaware, possibly, that their images were taken. All of the materials were seized for further investigation and possible identification of the subjects.
While some of the photographs seized have already led to the identification of at least 14 subjects, authorities believe more are possible in both Florida and Vermont. Noble may have had a background in photography that gave him access to children. The photographs seized appear to span from the 1970s to early 2000s.
If anyone has information about this investigation, they are asked to call FDLE Orlando at 407.245.0888.
Noble is being held on a $50,000 bail in Vermont. He will face charges in Florida upon extradition.
Statewide Paychecks for Patriots Events Begin for Florida Veterans
Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today are proud to announce the official start of the 2017 Paychecks for Patriots events, which connect veterans with great careers in their communities. To celebrate Veterans Day this month, DEO is partnering with the CareerSource Florida network, the Florida National Guard, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and participating Florida employers to hold job fairs for veterans and their families.
Governor Rick Scott said, “The annual Paychecks for Patriots events provide our brave veterans the opportunities they need to get great jobs in our state, and is one more way we are working to keep Florida the most military-friendly state in the nation. As a veteran myself, I urge all Florida job creators to participate in these important events, and we will continue to do all we can to recognize our military members and veterans for their service and sacrifice.”
CareerSource Florida centers across the state will be hosting Paychecks for Patriots events Nov. 6-10, 2017, to help build connections between veteran jobseekers and Florida’s job creators. The employers will include national companies, as well as many local employers. More than 1,800 military and veteran candidates and their family members who participated in prior Paychecks for Patriots events across the state have gained employment.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “The Paychecks for Patriots hiring fairs help connect the hardworking people who served our country with the jobs they deserve. Veterans and their families have unique skills, and this career fair gives employers the chance to offer life-changing employment to these specialized candidates. These important events are held throughout the state and show that our local communities are committed to making Florida the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
The CareerSource Florida network includes more than 155 workforce professionals statewide, themselves veterans, who are dedicated specifically to assisting other veterans with finding employment year-round. These professionals include specialists who provide intensive services to meet the needs of veterans with service-related disabilities. The CareerSource Florida network helped more than 54,200 veterans with employment services this past year.
CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard said, “Our military veterans and their families make significant contributions to our communities through their talents, skills and dedication. The CareerSource Florida network is honored to serve those who served our country, and is gratified to have helped thousands of veterans secure employment this year.”
Events will be held across Florida during the month of November. More details are available at www.floridajobs.org/paychecksforpatriots.
View Governor Scott’s 2017 Paychecks for Patriots proclamation by clicking here.
Nelson calls on Senate committee to expand investigation into nursing home deaths
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) today asked the U.S. Senate Finance Committee to broaden its ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 14 seniors who were at a nursing home in Hollywood, Florida during Hurricane Irma, to consider additional concerns raised this week over the state’s treatment of people with disabilities during and after the storm.
Florida emergency management officials came under fire this week over the state’s alleged discrimination against people with disabilities during and after the disaster.
In a letter sent to state officials Wednesday, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security’s Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties outlined several concerns recently brought to the agency’s attention, including:
- The use of unqualified sign language interpreters
- Lack of discharge planning for people leaving emergency shelters
- The evacuation of persons with disabilities
- Planning for evacuation of elderly/individuals with disabilities living in high rise buildings
DHS went on to “remind” the state of Florida that it has a legal obligation not to discriminate on the basis of disability.
“[We] would like to remind the State of Florida of its obligations to carry out its federally assisted activities in a manner that is consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 … [which] prohibits discrimination based on disability,” the agency wrote.
The agency put the state on notice that it plans to continue to monitor the situation, saying, “[DHS] will likely to make arrangements in coming months to get feedback from residents regarding challenges faced by those with access and functional needs during the recent hurricane.”
The text of Nelson’s letter to the committee is below, and a pdf copy is available here.
A copy of DHS’s letter to the state is available here.
November 3, 2017
The Honorable Orrin Hatch
Chairman
Senate Committee on Finance
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Ron Wyden
Ranking Member
Senate Committee on Finance
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Wyden:
I’m writing in regards to the committee’s ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 14 seniors who were at a nursing home in Hollywood, Florida during Hurricane Irma.
Enclosed you will find a letter that the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security’s Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties sent to the Florida Department of Emergency Management Wednesday outlining several concerns brought to the agency’s attention regarding the state’s treatment of people with disabilities during and after the storm.
The concerns outlined in this letter are extremely disturbing, and I ask that they be included in the committee’s ongoing investigation.
Sincerely,
DCF, DJJ, Partners to Host Ninth Annual Florida Faith Symposium
“Our Children, Our Future: Strengthening Families and Communities through Faith”
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), in partnership with the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council, will host the ninth annual Florida Faith Symposium in Orlando on November 7 and 8, 2017. The symposium is one of the largest gatherings of faith leaders in the state to discuss and identify ways to strengthen programs for vulnerable children and families, as well as at-risk youth.
The symposium will offer more than 30 workshops, along with numerous networking opportunities focused on enhancing faith- and community-based collaboration and coordination to build stronger communities and families. The opening sessions, guests, and keynote speakers will feature:
- Remarks from DCF Secretary Mike Carroll and DJJ Secretary Christina K. Daly
- Guest Speaker Les Brown, bestselling author, community leader, motivational speaker, and former radio personality
- Ben Tankard, former NBA player, Grammy-nominated gospel keyboard player, bestselling author, motivational speaker, and star of Bravo’s Thicker Than Water
- Guest Speaker Ms. Tonier Cain, survivor of unspeakable abuse, violence, and homelessness
- Melissa Walsh, an inspiring storyteller who was paralyzed from the neck down at age 18
The event will also feature special performances by the Camp Anderson Band and Camp Anderson’s inspirational dance team.
Registration of $125 is still available for a limited time. To register and for more information, visit faithsymposium.com.
What: 2017 Florida Faith Symposium
When: Tuesday, November 7, 2017, and Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Where: Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819
Nelson files bill to make more affordable housing available for storm evacuees
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) has filed legislation aimed at making more affordable housing available for evacuees of Hurricane Maria.
The legislation Nelson filed Thursday would, among other things, provide additional funding for HUD’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. The voucher program makes market-rate housing more affordable for low-income evacuees by capping rental rates at no more than 30 percent of an individual’s income.
“We have tens of thousands of evacuees here in Florida who are struggling to find an affordable place to live,” Nelson said. “This bill will help make more affordable housing available in the communities that need it the most.”
To qualify, evacuees must earn less than 50 percent of the area’s median income. Evacuees in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford area, for example, who earn less than $29,200 per year would be eligible for the program.
Once approved, voucher holders are able to select a unit from the private market. But instead of having to pay that units full market price, which many cannot afford, voucher holders pay only 30 percent of their adjusted income towards rent and utilities, and the federal government pays any remaining balance directly to the property owner.
The bill has already received endorsements from several local officials, including: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Osceola County Commissioner Fred Hawkins and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava.
The measure now heads to the Senate Finance committee for consideration.
A copy of the bill is available here.
