State Senators Denise Grimsley (R-Lake Placid) and Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) today announced that they have filed Senate Bill 748 for the 2018 Legislative Session creating the “Back-the-Blue Law Enforcement Assistance Program” to provide state grant assistance to benefit local law enforcement agencies in Florida.
“We have a compelling statewide interest in public safety,” said Grimsley. “Sheriffs, police chiefs and law enforcement continue to communicate their needs for training, facilities and a range of equipment to help them accomplish their missions and protect Floridians.”
The Back-the-Blue Law Enforcement Assistance Program provides a mechanism for the legislature to offer a broad-based supplemental funding method, to be administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in a comprehensive, transparent process.
“I am honored to support our law enforcement this with ‘Back-the-Blue’ legislation. Our law enforcement officers provide valuable services to our community, all while keeping us safe,” said Senator Stargel. “This proposal will give them the resources they need to continue their good work.”
“Our law enforcement officers need all of the support we can provide them,” said Senator Grimsley. “I can’t think of a better way to ‘Back the Blue’ than by giving them the resources they need to keep us safe.”
The 2018 Legislative Session begins Tuesday, January 9, 2018. Senator Grimsley represents Senate District 26, which consists of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, and parts of Charlotte, Lee, and Polk counties. She also served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2004-2012 and was elected to the Florida Senate in 2012.
Senator Stargel represents Senate District 22, which consists of parts of Polk and Lake Counties. She served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2008-2012 and was elected to the Florida Senate in 2012.
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$1 Million Work Comp Scam Leads to Arrest of Construction Company Owner
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) today announced the recent arrest of Carlos Contreras, owner of DJC Builders & Construction. Contreras allegedly obtained a fraudulent workers’ compensation policy by underreporting the number of staff he employed, the company’s annual payroll amount and the company’s scope of work. By providing false information on the application, Contreras illegally avoided paying more than $1,000,000 in premium payments for an adequate policy.
CFO Patronis said, “When companies lie to obtain cheaper, inadequate workers’ compensation policies, staff or property owners are left vulnerable to covering sky-high medical costs if a worker gets injured on the job, and free markets are disrupted by scammers who can underbid their legitimate competitors. It’s a lose-lose situation for Florida, and I won’t stand for it.”
Contreras claimed his company’s annual payroll was $273,786, and thus was quoted an annual workers’ compensation policy premium of $25,311. However, between January and August 2017, DFS investigators determined that Contreras cashed at least 620 payroll checks for DJC Builders & Construction. In total, nearly $6,500,000 in payroll was cashed using various money service businesses located across the state. If Contreras had accurately reported the company’s total payroll, number of employees and correct work description, the company’s proper workers’ compensation premium would have been $1,217,161.
As a result of the scam, Contreras’ insurance company was defrauded of more than $1,000,000.
Contreras was arrested on October 19 and transported to the Duval County jail. He has been charged with one count of knowingly concealing payroll and one count of scheme to defraud.
The case will be prosecuted by the Duval County State Attorney’s Office and if convicted, Contreras could face up to 60 years in prison.
FAMU Community Mourns the Loss of Founding Allied Health Dean Jacqueline Beck
The founding dean of Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Allied Health Sciences Jacqueline Beck, Ph.D., is being remembered as a strong, kind and steadfast leader and national trailblazer. Beck passed on October 31. Her funeral is scheduled for Friday, November 10 at 11 a.m., at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church located at 224 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., in Tallahassee.
To commemorate her many contributions and dedication to the University, in 2007, the building that houses FAMU’s Allied Health Sciences programs (Lewis-Beck Building) was named in her honor along with the late nursing school dean Margaret Lewis, Ph.D.
FAMU’s Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., recalled Beck’s unique qualities that led to the establishment of Allied Health programs at FAMU.
“Dean Beck’s keen intellect and administrative skills established her as a national leader in higher education and propelled our Allied Health Sciences program to be among the best in the nation,” said Robinson. “Her dedication and commitment to her students, faculty and staff were exceeded only by her love of her family, FAMU, and the Tallahassee community.”
Beck began her career at FAMU in 1958 as a nursing instructor and eventually became an associate professor and acting dean of the School of Nursing. In 1978, FAMU’s former president, Walter L. Smith, Ph.D., entrusted Beck with developing the proposal that led to the creation of the School of Allied Health Sciences in 1982. Beck served as dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences until 2000.
The school evolved from two divisions, the Division of Medical Records Administration and Physical Therapy to five divisions, offering bachelor’s degrees in cardiopulmonary science, healthcare management, health information management, occupational therapy and physical therapy and a master’s in physical therapy by 2000.
An article chronicling the 2007 Allied Health building naming ceremony captured Beck’s passion for her profession in this quote: “If you see Webster’s dictionary, it tells you that a citadel holds precious commodities. That is just perfect for what we are doing today. We are not naming a building but a citadel.”
Dean Cynthia Hughes Harris, Ph.D., succeeded Beck and described her as a savvy and sophisticated leader.
“I’ve stood on her shoulders,” Harris said. “She laid the groundwork and foundation, and all we had to do was build on it.”
As she built her team, physical therapist and FAMU assistant professor Bernard Smothers said Beck was meticulous, personable and accessible.
“She got to know if you were a caring person, and that’s how she got the right people in the right positions. She will be sorely missed,” said Smothers.
Harris said Beck filled a void as a co-founder of the National Society of Allied Health Professions, an organization for historically Black colleges and universities with schools or programs of allied health.
Beck was a native of Gulfport, Mississippi. She lived in Tallahassee for more than 50 years and earned her Doctorate of Education from the University of Florida in 1976. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Dillard University and a master’s degree in nursing from Indiana University.
National Experts Discuss First Amendment in a New Media Environment
MEDIA ADVISORY
The recent dawn of technology and the subsequent rise of new media could not have been foreseen by the drafters of the First Amendment when they included freedom of speech and press as a fundamental right. However, with technology at society’s fingertips, the information that is now shared has blurred the lines between fact and fiction. Popular platforms, which millions of users log on to everyday, have drastically altered the way we communicate and share news. This year, the Poucher Lecture’s distinguished experts will discuss the implications of the first amendment in this new media environment.
“First Amendment in a New Media Environment” will be held Thursday, November 9, at 6:00 p.m. at the University of Florida Levin College of Law in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom (Room 180), located at 309 Village Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611. The lecture is free and open to the public.
The Allen L. Poucher Legal Education Series was endowed by Betty K. Poucher, Elizabeth Poucher Reynolds, and Allen L. Poucher, Jr. in honor of Allen L. Poucher Senior. A humanitarian who lived a life dedicated to service, Allen L. Poucher Sr. graduated from UF Law in 1942 and practiced law for more than 60 years. The Poucher Legal Education Series seeks to provide a venue for prominent legal, political, and business leaders to discuss important issues facing our nation and world today. It has featured distinguished panelists such as former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, five former Florida governors, a former CIA spy, a four-star general, and numerous legal scholars.
Distinguished Speakers
Mary Anne Franks, Professor at the University of Miami School of Law, is recognized as a leading thinker on the intersection between privacy, civil rights, technology, and constitutional law. Professor Franks is the Vice-President and Legislative & Tech Policy Director of the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating online abuse and discrimination.
Amy Gajda, a former journalist, is a professor at Tulane University Law School and is recognized internationally for her expertise in media law and privacy law. Professor Gajda is the author of The First Amendment Bubble: How Privacy and Paparazzi Threaten a Free Press.
Gregg Thomas, an attorney at Thomas & LoCicero in Tampa, is one of the country’s leading media and First Amendment lawyers. Thomas has argued and won numerous high-profile cases on behalf of newspapers, television stations, movie producers, and other media entities.
Moderator
Jon Mills is Dean Emeritus, Professor of Law, and Director of Center for Governmental Responsibility at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Professor Mills is a globally recognized expert in privacy and cyber security issues.
For more details or to submit a question to the panelists, please visit the Florida Law Review’s website or contact the office at 352-273-0670.
Senator Denise Grimsley Announces November Mobile Office Hours
Senator Denise Grimsley’s (R-Sebring) staff will hold “mobile office hours” during the month of November to assist constituents with state agency concerns and to gather public input on legislative issues.
“Our office is traveling to provide help. This is an opportunity to meet and discuss your concerns with my professional staff,” said Senator Grimsley.
The following are November mobile office hours for Senate District 26:
DeSoto County Mobile Office Hours:
Tuesday, November 7th, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
County Administration Building
2nd Floor, Conference Room
201 East Oak Street
Arcadia, FL 34266
Okeechobee County Mobile Office Hours:
Monday, November 20th, 2017
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce
55 South Parrott Avenue
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Polk County Mobile Office Hours:
Wednesday, November 15th, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Mulberry Library
1st Floor, Civic Center
905 NE 5th Street
Mulberry, FL 33860
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Bartow Public Library
2150 S. Broadway Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Fort Meade Community Center
10 SW 3rd Street
Fort Meade, FL 33841
Senator Denise Grimsley represents Senate District 26, which consists of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, and parts of Charlotte, Lee, and Polk counties. Senator Grimsley served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2004-2012 and elected to the Florida Senate in 2012.
Florida PSC Commission Conference on Tuesday
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a Commission Conference on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. Items scheduled for consideration can be found here. Public comment may be taken on any item noticed for public participation.
The Commission Conference is scheduled for the following time and location:
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida
The Commission Conference will be broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listing) and is available online at floridapsc.com (look for the Watch Live Broadcast” icon on the left side of the webpage).
Governor Scott Proclaims November as Florida Adoption Month
Announces $200 Million Investment for Adopted Children and Families
Governor Rick Scott proclaimed the month of November as Florida Adoption Month to educate Floridians about the process of adoption and to share stories of amazing children available for adoption. Last year, FY 2016-2017, 3,692 children in Florida found forever families, the highest in eight years. Today, Governor Rick Scott also announced he will propose nearly $200 million for families who adopt children from foster care. This funding will continue critical post adoption services for more than 37,000 children. Since taking office, Governor Scott has championed investments for the adoption of more than 20,000 children from Florida’s child welfare and foster care systems.
Governor Scott said, “Every November, we take time to recognize the many families across the state who have opened their hearts and homes to adopt children in need. This Florida Adoption Month, I am proud to propose a nearly $200 million investment as part of my 2018-2019 recommended budget to support children adopted from foster care. Every child deserves a loving family and adoptive parents have a unique opportunity to help change a child’s life for the better. We are grateful to the families who have provided homes for the more than 20,000 children adopted from Florida’s child welfare and foster care systems over the past seven years and will continue to do all we can to encourage families to consider adoption.”
“November is a special time for us to come together to celebrate adoptions, thank those who have already opened their hearts and homes, and spread the message about the joys of adoption. In recognition of National Adoption Month in Florida, I want to personally thank all those who have adopted and congratulate all those who will finalize adoptions this month,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “These children deserve to be loved unconditionally and nurtured as they grow into the people they are meant to be. As an adoptive father, I know firsthand what an impact adoption has on a child, and even how much more adoption impacts you and your family, making you whole.”
November 18, 2017 is National Adoption Day, and families and children across the nation and the great State of Florida will celebrate the joy of adoption on this day and throughout the month, while remembering children who are still hoping for a loving, permanent family of their own.
During the month of November, the Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Welfare and DCF will feature “30 Days of Amazing Children,” a joint effort created to focus on amazing children available for adoption.
Approximately 800 children are currently available for adoption, including teenagers, sibling groups, and children with special needs. To learn more about Florida Adoption Month and to view children available for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptflorida.org.
Senator Farmer Files Bill to Allow Smoking Marijuana for Medical Use
Senator Farmer this morning filed SB 726, a bill to legalize the smoking of marijuana for medical use. While Floridians successfully amended the State’s constitution (Amendment 2) in November of 2016 to allow for the use of medical marijuana, the Governor and the legislature specifically excluded the smoking of marijuana as a valid medical use in statutes written to implement the Amendment. This decision has been widely criticized as a violation of the Amendment’s intent. The text of Amendment 2 made it clear to the 71% of Floridians who voted for it that the smoking of marijuana in private for medical purposes would be constitutionally guaranteed.
SB 726 would attempt to reconcile the State’s statutes with the mandate established by the voters, and enshrined in the Florida Constitution.
“Each and every legislator including myself swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the State of Florida. An overwhelming majority of voters ratified Amendment 2, and its intent could not be more clear: to allow for the use of medical marijuana, including smoking. The fact that the text of the Amendment specifically disallowed the smoking of marijuana in public places indicates that a patient should be allowed to do so elsewhere. With the passage of the implementation language last session, we as a legislature failed to uphold our oath to defend the State’s Constitution. We owe it to the people of Florida to fix this mistake,” said Senator Farmer about allowing the smoking of medical marijuana.
Senator Farmer believes that this bill is especially necessary in the face of the growing opioid crisis. “The passage of this bill (SB 726) is required now more than ever,” Senator Farmer said. “Right now when a patient is faced with chronic pain and other pain inducing ailments, doctors have limited options available to them as to how to help provide relief for their patients. We need to make sure that our medical professionals are equipped with a full range of options to care for their patients’ needs, while not subjecting them to the horrifying possibilities that can result from the prescription of opioid-based medications. We know that the best delivery method for medical marijuana can vary depending on the patient and the circumstances involved. It makes sense for us to allow doctors and patients to find the best treatment plans on an individual basis. It is not for the legislature to determine treatment the proper plans for our citizens.”
Senator Farmer hopes to see bipartisan support for SB 726, as it will both adequately reflect the mandate of Florida’s Constitution and provide Floridians with the best possible healthcare.
Nelson introduces bill to modernize nation’s 911 systems
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced legislation today to accelerate federal efforts to modernize the nation’s aging 911 systems.
Specifically, the bill calls for an expansion of an existing federal grant program designed to help state and local governments deploy next generation 911 systems. Nelson says upgrades – such as allowing callers to text their local 911 center for help, or send audio, video and photos during an emergency – are needed to help move the country’s largely analog 911 call centers into the digital age that’s now dominated by the use of smartphones, tablets and other devices.
“Upgrading the nation’s 911 system is literally a life and death matter that must become more of a national priority,” Nelson said. “In this digital world, Americans must have more than one way to access the 911 assistance they need and expect when emergencies occur. No plea for help should go unanswered because a call center doesn’t have the technology to receive a text, video or picture.”
In addition to increasing federal support for next generation 911 deployment, the legislation also requires studies on how to better protect 911 systems from cyberattacks, and make them more resilient to natural disasters or other catastrophes.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, 29 of Florida’s emergency 911 call centers suffered from impaired service in the days following Hurricane Irma. In fact, the FCC reported that at one point, 14 Florida call centers were completely offline in the wake of the storm.
Click here for a copy of the legislation.
Gov. Scott Proposes Nearly $200 Million Investment for Adopted Children and Families
Governor Rick Scott today announced he will propose nearly $200 million for families who adopt children from foster care. This funding will continue critical post adoption services for more than 37,000 children. Since taking office, Governor Scott has championed investments for the adoption of more than 20,000 children from Florida’s child welfare and foster care systems. Over the past year, more than 3,600 children were adopted in Florida, the highest year for adoptions in eight years. This week, Governor Scott also proclaimed November as Florida Adoption Month. To view the proclamation, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Every November, we take time to recognize the many families across the state who have opened their hearts and homes to adopt children in need. This Florida Adoption Month, I am proud to propose a nearly $200 million investment as part of my 2018-2019 recommended budget to support children adopted from foster care. Every child deserves a loving family and adoptive parents have a unique opportunity to help change a child’s life for the better. We are grateful to the families who have provided homes for the more than 20,000 children adopted from Florida’s child welfare and foster care systems over the past seven years and will continue to do all we can to encourage families to consider adoption.”
DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said, “Being adopted into safe homes with loving families changes the lives of children and also transforms the forever families they join. Continued support after adoption enables more families to open their hearts and homes to children who are available for adoption.”
More details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be made available in the coming weeks.
