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Miami-Dade Judge: Proceedings for $800 Million I-395 Signature Bridge Must Take Place in Miami

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Legal victory brings challenge closer to giving local community the final
say in a bridge design, upholding terms of the FDOT settlement agreement

In a significant victory for the citizens of Miami, a Miami-Dade judge has denied the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) motion to move legal proceedings for the I-395 Signature Bridge project to Tallahassee. This important ruling helps ensure that the voice and vision of the local community will be heard and that the terms of the FDOT settlement will be adhered to.
“The intentional misrepresentations of the truth in this case are staggering, and the FDOT’s continued rejection of the terms – and even existence – of the 2013 negotiated settlement agreement between the City of Miami and the Department cast a cloud of doubt over the Department’s entire process and leadership,” said former Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff. “This legal development is a triumph for the people of Miami who fought to have the design of this signature bridge decided by local citizens – not Tallahassee bureaucrats. We will continue to advocate for local choice to be embraced within this historic bridge for our community.”
In an apparent attempt to distance itself from the terms negotiated during the settlement agreement, FDOT – at multiple times in its motion to dismiss – attempted to question the existence of a settlement agreement by using the term “so-called ‘settlement agreement’” or by referring to it as a “misleading designation.” This is in stark contrast to multiple other communications in which the Department acknowledged both the existence of the agreement and its agreed-upon terms.
For instance, in a May 2017 letter from FDOT District 6 Secretary James Wolfe to Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Secretary Wolfe stated that “the Department actually afforded the advisory committee greater participation in the procurement process than was strictly required under the terms of its agreement with the City.” The letter goes on to state that the “Department’s procurement process fully complied with both the letter and the spirit of its agreement with the City and with applicable state law.”
Sarnoff said FDOT should honor its commitment to allow Miami-Dade residents to decide the design of the signature bridge, which will become an enduring icon of Miami for decades to come. Currently, FDOT is seeking to award the $800 million contract for a design that received “poor” and “fair” marks from the local review committee during the final scoring phase.
“As we move forward with the discovery process, it is our hope that the FDOT will uphold its end of the bargain and embrace the design chosen by the local aesthetic review committee,” Sarnoff said. “That is the satisfactory outcome, and it’s what this community deserves.”
The judge’s order denying FDOT’s motion to dismiss can be found HERE.

Florida Senator Dana Young Re-introduces Bipartisan Legislation Banning Steroids in Dog Racing

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Republican and democrat lawmakers are joining forces to protect racing greyhounds from the use of harmful anabolic steroids. Senator Dana Young (R-Tampa) and Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) announced the filing of  SB 674 and HB 463 which bans the use of the drugs. The legislation also enacts penalties against dog trainers who continue using them. An identical measure, also sponsored by Rep. Smith, overwhelmingly passed the full Florida House of Representatives during the 2017 session.
Senator Young said, “Greyhounds are gentle dogs, and deserve to be protected. I’m proud to fight for this good bill, and am confident we can pass it this year.” Rep. Smith added, “I will not give up on our bipartisan work to protect racing greyhounds from harmful anabolic steroids. We passed the bill in the House last session and are ready to do it again in 2018. These beautiful dogs are depending on us!”
Female racing greyhounds are routinely administered anabolic steroids to disrupt the process of estrus. This abusive practice prevents the loss of race days and increases profitability for the industry by ensuring females can continue to race alongside male greyhounds. Anabolic steroids push greyhounds beyond their natural limits, cause severe bodily harm, and can also have the effect of improperly doping greyhounds before races.
Currently, twelve of the eighteen greyhound tracks still operating in the United States are located in Florida. Our state’s dog racing industry faced renewed scrutiny in July, after twenty-two greyhounds tested positive for cocaine in Florida. The use of anabolic steroids in dog racing has been outlawed in many other jurisdictions, including Australia, Great Britain and New Zealand.
To read the bills Senator Young has filed in full, please visit FLSenate.gov/Senators/S18.

Attorney General Bondi Encourages Floridians to Participate in Drug Take Back Day Tomorrow

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Attorney General Pam Bondi is urging Floridians to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Drug Take-Backs allow the public to take expired or no longer needed prescription drugs to local drop-off points for proper disposal.
“Responsibly disposing of unnecessary prescriptions is an easy way to help us combat the national opioid epidemic,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Keeping expired drugs around the house can pose a danger to children and may tempt a friend or relative struggling with addiction. Prevention is the best way to stop drug abuse, and by participating in Drug Take Back Day, Floridians can do their part to help fight this crisis and save lives.”
Prescription drugs should be disposed of responsibly and never flushed down the toilet—as some medications cannot be completely removed by treatment systems and may end up in drinking water, lakes and streams.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducts Drug Take-Backs in conjunction with state and local law enforcement. Floridians can find nearby participating locations by clicking here.

Senator Torres echoes calls from United Way for FEMA housing assistance in Central Florida

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As the rising number of Hurricane Maria refugees from Puerto Rico continues to pour into central Florida, state Senator Victor Torres (D-Orlando) echoed calls for FEMA to immediately dispatch emergency housing to temporarily shelter these families as they search for ways to rebuild their lives.
“The impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria are placing huge demands on our public services,” said Senator Torres, who gave impassioned testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday when he called on state Senate members to increase funds for state education, healthcare and housing needs. “We need to focus on building and expanding more housing options for Floridians and evacuees from the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico who are seeking refuge in our great state.”
Earlier this week, Central Florida Heart of Florida United Way Executive Director Jeff Hayward called on the Federal government, through FEMA, to engage in providing support for additional housing options in central Florida. Prior to Hurricane Irma and Maria, central Florida was already dealing with a shortage of available workforce housing. Based on the market value of rental properties in central Florida, workers would need to make $20.00 per hour in order to afford rent in the area.
Senator Torres’ district includes both Orange and Osceola counties which contain the highest concentration of Puerto Ricans living in Florida. FEMA has designated Florida as a Host-State for evacuees from the islands and approved costs could be eligible for 100 percent reimbursement by the federal government. Senator Torres is working with local and state officials for FEMA approval of both the deployment of mobile housing units and authorization of TSA (Temporary Sheltering Assistance) for evacuees to receive rental housing funds.
For more information please contact Al Yorston at (407) 846-5187

ICYMI: Insurance Journal: Florida Reports More Than $9 Million Recovered for Insurance Consumers in Q3

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Insurance Journal
October 27, 2017
Click HERE to read the full story.
Assistance provided to Floridians by from Florida’s insurance consumer helpline led to the recovery of nearly $9.3 million in the third quarter of 2017, according to a statement from Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. Recoveries included insurance claim payments and premium refunds that consumers sought the Department of Financial Services’ help collecting.
The helpline assists Floridians with financial and insurance-related matters, including disaster preparation and insurance fraud, as well as questions and complaints regarding auto, home, health, life and small business insurance. Between July 1, 2017 and Sept. 30, 2017, the helpline’s insurance specialists answered 70,454 calls and opened nearly 4,500 assistance requests. Nearly $9.3 million was recovered on behalf of 1,307 consumers.
Since January, the helpline has answered more than 211,000 calls, opening nearly 14,000 assistance requested and helping return a total of $25.9 million back to Floridians.
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“As many families continue to navigate the post-storm claims process, I encourage them to call us if they reach a roadblock of any kind. Our experts will advocate on their behalf, and quite possibly, secure a positive outcome to a problem that seemed otherwise unsolvable. We’re only one call away, and we’re always ready to help,” Patronis said.
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Floridians can contact the insurance consumer helpline toll-free by calling 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).
 

PSC Encourages Conservation at Home for Energy Awareness Month

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According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the United States consumes 18% of the world’s energy. October is National Energy Awareness Month, and the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is encouraging Florida consumers to lower their energy usage.
“Energy conservation begins at home,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.  “The energy savings impact from even small habit changes, such as turning off lights and ceiling fans, is surprising. Having a do-it-yourself home energy audit will show you problems that, when corrected, can really have an impact on reducing heating and cooling costs.”
Call your local utility for how-to information, or use some of our tips to get started.
Inspect cooling and heating equipment – Heating and cooling is the largest energy expense for most homes, accounting for about 48 percent of energy use.  Make sure the systems’ filters are clean. Install a programmable thermostat to maximize efficiency, and if your system is old, consider investing in a new, more efficient system.
Locate air leaks – Inspect doors and windows and any openings that connect to outdoor or unheated and uncooled spaces.  Fill leaks with caulking or weather-stripping.
Check insulation – Upgrade insulation if you live in an older home.  The attic, walls, and floor may need new insulation to meet current standards.
Consider lighting needs – Install lower wattage lights and use LEDs where possible.
Examine appliance age – Consider replacing older appliances, since newer appliances are much more efficient.
More tips on cutting energy consumption can be found on the PSC website.  Look for Publications at the top of the home page, and then click on Brochures. Consumer tips from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website can be found at here.

Nelson files bill to avert Medicaid crisis in Puerto Rico

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In wake of one of the most devastating disasters to hit Puerto Rico, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) filed legislation Thursday to prevent Puerto Rico’s Medicaid program from running out of money.
As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico receives only a fraction of the money states get for its Medicaid program. Instead of providing the island with an open-ended amount of funding as states get, Congress provided Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories with a set amount of money, which could soon run out if lawmakers fail to act.
With nearly half of Puerto Rico’s 3.5 million residents on Medicaid, allowing the island’s Medicaid funding to run dry would result in hundreds of thousands of people losing access to much-needed health care.
To prevent the looming Medicaid-funding crisis, also known as the Medicaid-funding cliff, Nelson filed legislation today along with U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) that would eliminate the current cap on Medicaid funding and instead provide Puerto Rico access to the same open-ended funding system the states get.
“The people of Puerto Rico need our help,” Nelson said. “As we work to help them recover and rebuild in the aftermath of this devastating disaster, we also have to look toward the future and help them avert what could be a serious health care crisis if nothing is done.”
In addition to helping Puerto Rico avert a potential health care crisis, Nelson’s legislation would also make some of Puerto Rico’s low-income seniors eligible for federal subsidies to help them cover the cost of their prescription drug costs.
The legislation now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.
A copy of the bill is available here.

Zone C deer season opener provides a connection to the outdoors

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New hunters invited to learn about hunting
and conservation through FWC programs

On Saturday, Nov. 4, Florida’s Zone C general gun deer season begins, providing hunters the opportunity to slow down and immerse themselves in the splendor of the outdoors. For many, the predawn melody of songbirds while the first rays of sunlight filter through the trees is a chance to escape the daily stressors of life. And when knowledge, skill and luck come together for a successful hunt, there’s also a delicious and organic wild game feast to enjoy.
Zone C is Florida’s largest hunting zone, encompassing the central and northern part of the state. The general gun deer season runs Nov. 4 – Jan. 21, giving private land hunters the chance to carve out time from their busy schedules to go afield. It’s also a good opportunity to introduce someone to deer hunting. Sharing the hunt with a friend or family member new to hunting makes the experience even more special. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has developed online resources to make it easier for mentors and new hunters to get started deer hunting, including a list of wildlife management areas that allow public land hunting without a quota permit.
Those new to hunting can learn how to be safe, responsible hunters by taking a free FWC hunter safety course. Hunting is a safe activity, and hunter safety courses help make it even safer by teaching students about firearms safety, hunting laws and regulations, outdoor skills, knowledge about wildlife and habitats, and the importance of being a conservationist. Details about Florida’s hunter safety requirement are available online.
Another resource for youth who want to experience hunting is the FWC’s Youth Hunting Program, which offers safe, educational, mentored youth hunts. Youth accompanied by a parent or guardian can learn about conservation and gain new outdoor skills during these organized hunts. Program volunteers provide places to hunt, meals and mentors at these family-oriented events. Those interested can check out the Youth Hunting Program event calendar and sign up for a hunt.
Youth throughout the state also are learning a variety of outdoors skills through the FWC’s Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network. Through this program, staff work with more than 350 partners to introduce kids throughout Florida to archery, hunting, boating, fishing, wildlife discovery and more. The FYCCN’s partners engage youth in outdoor adventure while igniting their interest in conservation.
All of the FWC’s programs are designed to inspire people to become good stewards of our natural resources. Florida’s healthy game populations, along with a wide variety of other wildlife species, are proof of this commitment to conservation by Florida hunters and the FWC. The agency’s wildlife professionals use scientific data to conserve game populations and provide sustainable hunting opportunities. Hunters and target shooters are important partners in this conservation effort. They provide wildlife management funding through the purchase of hunting licenses that bring more dollars back to Florida through the Wildlife Restoration program. This program provides grant funds to state wildlife management agencies, such as the FWC, from the sporting arms and archery industries and the people of Florida who participate in these outdoor activities. This funding supports research, education, access to public lands, and habitat management and conservation to benefit many wildlife species.
To take part in the Zone C general gun season for deer, hunters need a Florida hunting license and a deer permit. In addition, those planning to hunt one of Florida’s many wildlife management areas will need a management area permit. Get more information about Florida hunting licenses and permits, hunting season dates and information about deer management units.

Front Line's Frank Terraferma To Lead Idaho GOP

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Brett Doster, President of Front Line Strategies, today announced that Senior Strategist Frank Terraferma will leave the firm to become the Executive Director of the Republican Party of Idaho. Terraferma has played a significant role in Florida Republican politics for more than two decades and has been with Front Line for almost three years.
“Frank Terraferma helped lead the Republican revolution in Florida and will forever leave his mark on the successes of a string of House Speakers,” said Doster. “It has been a pleasure to have Frank as a part of our team, and we will miss him. The Idaho GOP is dealing with an open gubernatorial and congressional seat this cycle, and they could find no finer leader to ensure success than Frank Terraferma. We are gratified that members of the Front Line family have been repeatedly identified as leaders for both political and corporate organizations nationwide, and we always see their opportunity as ours. We look forward to working with Frank on other projects in the future.”
 

New MEGA MILLIONS enhancements feature increased starting jackpots and more millionaires

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Enhancements begin on October 28, 2017

The MEGA MILLIONS® Draw game is undergoing a redesign that will bring more value to itsplayers with larger starting jackpots and more $1 million winners! The new enhancements include a starting jackpot that will increase from $15 million to $40 million, and will grow fasteroverall; better odds to win the second-tier prize of $1 million; and larger lower-tier prizes. The ticket price will also change, increasing from $1 to $2 per play; Megaplier® will remain at $1 more per play.
The MEGA MILLIONS number matrix will also change; players will now select five numbers from 1 to 70, and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Overall odds of winning a prize will be one-in-24. The new MEGA MILLIONS enhancements will go into effect on Saturday, October 28, 2017; the first drawing to include the enhancements will be Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
“Since joining MEGA MILLIONS four years ago, this multi-state game has become a player favorite; generating millions in contributions to education,” said Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell. “We look forward to these new enhancements creating even more enthusiasm among our players and retailers, with an additional $9 million in education contributions expected during the first year.”
ABOUT MEGA MILLIONS IN FLORIDA
MEGA MILLIONS drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 p.m. ET and are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Drawings are also available for viewing on the Florida Lottery’s website and official YouTube channel. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery’s website, at retailers statewide, and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY. Since joining MEGA MILLIONS in 2013, the game has generated approximately $274 million for education, and has awarded more than $290 million in prizes to 37.8 million players.