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Commissioner Adam Putnam to Present Agricultural Environmental Leadership Awards

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will present the Commissioner’s Agricultural Environmental Leadership Award to three Florida agriculture operations tomorrow during the Florida Farm Bureau’s annual convention. Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture has presented this award annually since 1994 to recognize the environmentally innovative farming practices of the state’s growers and ranchers.
Event: 2017 Commissioner’s Agricultural Environmental Leadership Award ceremony
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Sawgrass Marriott – Champions Ballroom
1000 PGA Tour Blvd
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. 32082

Senator Grimsley Receives Florida Farm Bureau Legislator Of The Year Award

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Florida State Senator Denise Grimsley (R-Lake Placid) today received the 2017 Florida Farm Bureau Legislator of the Year award at the association’s annual meeting.
“I am truly honored to receive the ‘2017 Legislator of the Year’ award from Florida Farm Bureau,” said Senator Grimsley. “The Florida Farm Bureau is an incredible advocate for the agricultural community and I was proud to work with them during the 2017 Legislative Session to advance legislation to support Florida farmers.”
“As chair of the Senate Agriculture Community, I look forward to working this coming session with the Florida Farm Bureau to help our farming community recover the terrible damage wrought by Hurricane Irma,” continued Senator Grimsley. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and it is my hope the Legislature will come together to support Florida farmers.”
Senator Grimsley was named the 2017 Florida Farm Bureau ‘Legislator of the Year’ for championing a variety of agriculture-related bills and appropriations during the 2017 Legislative Session, including funding for the University of Florida’s Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, support for the pollution notification law, support for overturning vetoes of funding for IFAS and 4-H, and her sponsorship of Senate Bill 600, which promotes economic opportunity in rural communities.
Senator Grimsley is the chair of the Senate Agriculture Community. Elected in 2012, she represents District 26 in the Florida Senate, which includes DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands and Okeechobee Counties and portions of Charlotte, Lee and Polk Counties.

Plan Safe Trick or Treating Routes this Halloween

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Attorney General Pam Bondi is asking parents to plan a safe route for children to trick or treat this Halloween. Parents and guardians can visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators website at FLSexOffender.net to see a list of all registered sex offenders and predators living within a five-mile radius.
Attorney General Bondi also encourages Floridians to alert authorities of any known sex offenders or predators giving out candy to children today. Florida law prohibits sex offenders from distributing candy or other items to children on Halloween.
In addition to knowing where sex offenders are before sending children out to trick or treat, there are other steps parents can take to protect children tonight. Here are some simple ways to ensure a safer Halloween:

  • Make sure children are not trick or treating alone. They should go with a group or with a trusted adult;
  • Remind trick or treaters about road safety—look both ways before crossing the street and use the side walk and crosswalks when possible;
  • Equip children with a light source such as a flashlight or glow stick; and
  • Tell children to never go into the home of a stranger and do not approach a house without any lights on.  

Attorney General Bondi wishes everyone a happy and safe Halloween tonight.

Nelson, Rubio raise concerns over FEMA wait times

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U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter today to FEMA Administrator Brock Long raising concerns over the amount of time Floridians are being forced to wait for housing assistance.
“Individuals calling FEMA’s help line have waited up to four hours before speaking with a representative,” the senators wrote. “Additionally, FEMA’s current estimates are approximately 45 days for a home inspection, a required step for Individual Assistance claims to be paid out.”
The lawmakers cited a March 2006 report by the Dept. of Homeland Security’s Inspector General that found victims of Hurricane Katrina experienced an average wait time of 10 minutes before speaking with an agent by phone, and approximately 10 days for a home inspection.
“We recognize and appreciate the 4,000 inspectors in the field working tirelessly to help people in need of housing assistance,” the senators said. “However, the current wait times must be improved.”
Following is text of the senators’ letter sent to FEMA Administrator Brock Long, a pdf copy is available here.

October 31, 2017

The Honorable Brock Long
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Administrator Long:
We write to express our concern about the lack of available housing options in Florida following Hurricane Irma. It is critical that displaced Floridians in affected counties are provided with the ability to access rental housing.
Tens of thousands of homes in Florida were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Irma. Reports have indicated thousands of Floridians are waiting for housing units to arrive and be filled, and many are living in uninhabitable circumstances with collapsed ceilings and mold. These are not sustainable living conditions, and could lead to negative health consequences or personal injury. While we recognize manufactured housing may not be appropriate for every situation, it seems there are serious delays in direct leasing options as well. Thus, we urge you to work expeditiously with Florida communities to ensure that Floridians have safe and sustainable housing options in the coming months.
It is also our understanding that Florida residents have had issues with the FEMA help line in obtaining assistance. Some reports state individuals calling FEMA’s help line have waited up to four hours before speaking with a representative. Additionally, FEMA’s current estimates are approximately 45 days for a home inspection, a required step for Individual Assistance claims to be paid out. This means families face a long wait before receiving funding for housing needs, such as housing repair, replacement or construction. The wait times for FEMA phone assistance and home inspections appear to be longer than those experienced by individuals during past major disasters. A March 2006 report conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General found Hurricane Katrina applicants experienced an average wait time of ten minutes before speaking with an agent. The report also stated FEMA has historically completed home inspections within 10 days.
We recognize and appreciate the 4,000 inspectors in the field working tirelessly to help people in need of housing assistance. However, the current wait times must be improved. Therefore, we ask that you work with Florida communities to ensure that displaced storm victims have adequate housing options available to them while they rebuild and repair their homes, and address any outstanding issues with FEMA’s help line that have led to delays with assistance.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Senator Campbell Filing Bill to Boost Florida's Physician Ranks

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Concerned that Florida ranks first in the country for the number of residents age 65 or older, and with an eye to a looming shortage of physicians available to treat them, state Senator Daphne Campbell (D-Miami) is filing legislation which would dramatically reduce the looming shortfall.
“By 2025, the shortage of physicians in Florida is expected to grow to 7,000, according to the Teaching Hospital Council of Florida and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida,” said Senator Campbell. “We can either bury our heads in the sand, or tap into the rich availability of internationally trained physicians to shore up medical care for Florida’s growing number of senior residents.”
Under Senator Campbell’s measure, internationally trained physicians would be able to acquire a restricted license to practice in Florida, provided they met certain built-in criteria and safeguards. Those standards would include an individual who trained in a medical school listed in World Director of Medical Schools published by the World Health Organization, has legally practiced medicine for at least 3 years in their countries of residency, and is not subject to any discipline or prosecution for any acts that threaten public health, safety or welfare.
“This legislation would broaden the pool of trained physicians available to dispense medical aid for the growing number of people who need their help,” said Senator Campbell. “By tapping internationally-trained doctors, we not only stop the shortage of medical doctors from occurring, but we provide a pathway for these individuals to join our communities and contribute to Florida’s prosperity.”
The bill has been filed for the upcoming 2018 legislative session, and will be carried in the House by state Representative Manny Diaz, Jr. (R-Hialeah).
Should it win passage, the legislation would take effect July 1st.

Governor Rick Scott Highlights $1.7 Billion Proposal for Florida’s Environment

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose a $50 million investment to expedite repairs for the federally operated Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee in his 2018-19 recommended budget. This $50 million is part of the Governor’s historic $1.7 billion investment in Florida’s environment announced last week. See more HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Last week, the State of Florida was proud to secure President Donald Trump’s commitment to accelerating critical repairs needed to the federal Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee. While this partnership is game-changing, we cannot stop there. These repairs are a priority and that’s why I’m proposing $50 million in state funding to help expedite the project. I look forward to working with the Florida Legislature on this important project so we can protect our pristine environment for our future generations.”
Florida Senate President Joe Negron said, “I appreciate Governor Scott’s leadership in ensuring that we make the best use of both state and federal tax dollars as we work to repair the Herbert Hoover Dike and build additional southern storage through the implementation of Senate Bill 10. I look forward to working with him again this session on these important issues to ensure we have an effective state and federal partnership that leads to the elimination of harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee.”
Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “None of what we announced today would’ve been possible without the heavy lifting and tireless effort of Governor Scott.  The fruits of this investment will mean safety and security for the community surrounding the Lake, as well as averting potential environmental dangers. And I’m proud to stand with the governor today and will do all I can to help him hold Washington’s feet to the fire.”
This funding will build on the $50 million in this year’s state budget to kick-start critical repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike. Governor Scott is the first governor in Florida history to invest state money into this critical federal project. This April, Governor Scott met with President Donald Trump regarding the importance of fixing the federally operated Herbert Hoover Dike and received his commitment to fixing the dike. Last week, President Trump instructed White House Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney to accelerate the completion of repairs to Florida’s Herbert Hoover Dike. See more HERE.
Full details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be announced in the coming weeks.

Senator Aaron Bean Receives Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center's 2017 Legislator of the Year Award

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Sen. Bean was recognized for supporting the Policy Center and Florida’s girls

Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) has received the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center’s 2017 See the Girl Legislator of the Year Award. The See the Girl Legislator of the Year Award recognizes a public official from each chamber whose leadership has brought about systemic changes to positively impact girls and young women affected by the justice system. The Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center presented the award to Senator Bean for championing the policy center’s programs and Florida’s girls during the 2017 legislative session.
“I am truly honored to receive the 2017 See the Girl Legislator of the Year Award from the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center,” said Senator Bean. “Far too often in our society, the unique needs of girls are overlooked and a one-size-fits-all approach is applied in our justice system. Our young women want and deserve better, which is why I am honored to advocate for Florida’s girls and the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center.”
Senator Bean represents Senate District 4, which includes parts of Nassau and Duval Counties. He can be contacted in Tallahassee at (850) 487-5004 or in his District Office at (904) 757-5039.

CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff in the Tampa Bay Times: “Commission Listens to Citizens”

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Letter to the Editor: Commission Listens to Citizens
Re Tampa Bay Times Editorial, “Key Panel Devolves into Farce”
By Carlos Beruff, Chairman, 2017-2018 Constitution Revision Commission
October 30, 2017
“This Times editorial misrepresents how the Constitution Revision Commission is actively incorporating ideas and proposed constitutional amendments submitted by Floridians. Direct sponsorship of a public proposal is only one of several ways public input is incorporated in the CRC process. To assert that only six public proposal submissions were advanced by the CRC is an intellectually dishonest statement.
“… As we reviewed these public proposals, comments and ideas, it became clear that hundreds of citizens were proposing similar changes to the Florida Constitution.
“For example, nearly 600 public proposals submitted to the CRC were related to the issue of E-Verify. In response, one CRC commissioner recently filed a proposal on the same topic so it can be more thoroughly vetted and considered in the committee process.
“At CRC public hearings held across the state, many Floridians came before the CRC to present their ideas to commissioners. Two of the most popular topics were the restoration of felon rights and repeal of the alien land law. Both issues have been picked up by commissioners who have created proposals reflecting those ideas in the appropriate legal language. …” 
CLICK HERE to read the entire Letter to the Editor by CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff.
 

ICYMI: Panama City News Herald: “Patronis helps state weather the storms”

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“Patronis helps state weather the storms”
Panama City News Herald
Story by John Henderson
October 29, 2017
Click HERE to read the full story.
Jimmy Patronis has been a traveling man since he began his job as the state’s chief financial officer on July 1. In fact, at the rate he’s going, his on-the-job mileage by November will match the earth’s circumference.
…
Since starting the job, Patronis has driven to all corners of the state, urging people to get their insurance information in order before hurricanes Irma and Nate and helping them avoid contractor fraud after them.
…
Florida’s CFO oversees the state’s accounting and auditing functions and unclaimed property, monitors the investment of state funds and manages the risk management program for the state. The CFO also handles licensing and oversight of insurance agents and agencies, as well as funeral homes and cemeteries.
The CFO also oversees insurance fraud investigations, workers’ compensation coverage and serves as state fire marshal and a member of the Florida Cabinet.
As CFO, Patronis is in charge of the state’s checkbooks while overseeing an agency with about 2,000 employees and a budget of $298 million.
…
After the storms, he traveled to areas hit by the storm, advising residents on how to expedite their economic recovery. He said before the storm left the state line, he and his team in a 24-hour period made stops in Tampa and the counties of Charlotte, Manatee, Lee, Hendry, Orange and Duval.
“We were helping people understand how to respond,” he said. “But more importantly, warning them of the fraud that follows a storm.”
Patronis said he’s learned a lot about the job in the four months in office, including the excellent condition of the state’s finances.
“Because of the credit worthiness of the state and what we have in keeping cash reserves, it has allowed the state to borrow money really almost cheaper than any other state in the union,” he said. “In the time since Gov. Scott has taken office, there have been billions of dollars in savings just in interest payments, and that’s real money that goes to education, health care, roads, infrastructure.”
 

Industry Alert: Cyber Security Resources for Businesses

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The month of October is recognized as Cyber Security Awareness Month, designed to raise awareness about cyber security and staying safe online. The Florida Office of Financial Regulation reminds all Florida businesses to engage in smart cyber security practices and to take steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a cyber incident.
Typically, the purpose of a cyber breach is to steal or exploit information. As we have seen in recent months, large companies are targets of cyber attacks. But small businesses are not immune, potentially because they may have less security than a large company and they likely hold more digital information than an individual. Ensuring compliance with best practices for cyber security and reducing your risk is the best way to ward off a cyber threat.
If your organization is impacted by a cyber breach, make sure you understand your obligations to consumers under Florida’s Information Protection Act. The Florida Information Protection Act of 2014 was passed to better protect Floridians’ personal information by ensuring that businesses and government entities take reasonable measures to protect personal information and report data breaches to affected consumers.
Below are some resources to assist businesses in creating a cyber security policy and action plan.

  • The Federal Communications Commission offers helpful cyber security tips to protect your business, including training employees and creating back-up copies of important data.
  • The Federal Communications Commission also offers an online tool to help create a customized cyber security plan.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a free web-based course about securing information in a small business.
  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers downloadable resources about protecting your privacy and staying safe online.
  • The National Cyber Security Alliance offers a framework for identifying and prioritizing online risk.