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Nelson asks USDA for assistance to address D-SNAP problems in Florida

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson today sent the following letter to Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Perdue requesting additional assistance and resources from the USDA to address the long lines and other problems associated with the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) registration process in Florida.
Following is the text of the letter sent to Secretary Perdue, a pdf copy is available here.

October 17, 2017

The Honorable Sonny Perdue
Secretary
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
Dear Secretary Perdue,
I’m writing to request additional assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as families in Florida try to recover in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Specifically, I urge you to provide resources to address the long lines and other problems associated with the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program registration process.
Last month, I wrote to you to urge USDA to approve a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) in Florida. While I am grateful that D-SNAP was approved, I am deeply concerned by news reports of how poorly it is being executed by the State of Florida. For example, the Miami Herald reported that 50,000 people came to one assistance center in South Florida—and many were turned away even after waiting in the heat for hours. Earlier today, the Palm Beach Post reported that thousands of people—including families with small children—were forced to wait outside for hours to apply for the program in Delray Beach. Some arrived as early as two o’clock in the morning just to get in line. This is unacceptable.
Given USDA’s experience with D-SNAP in other states, I encourage you to provide technical assistance, personnel, and other resources that could help Florida’s D-SNAP more effectively reach the individuals and families who need it most. Additionally, if certain requirements, such as the in-person interview, are adding to delays in the approval process, USDA should assist staff at the application centers to expedite interviews so that people can return to work and their families more quickly.
In the weeks since Hurricane Irma struck, Floridians continue to take steps to return to normal life. For a lot of folks, that means going to the grocery store. But for thousands of Floridians who lost food due to flooding or power outages, replacing that food isn’t easy: many also lost wages, spent money evacuating, or experienced unexpected costs like fixing a storm-damaged roof. D-SNAP is an important step in the recovery process after a major natural disaster like Hurricane Irma. I appreciate your efforts to ensure that Floridians can access this much-needed assistance as quickly as possible.

Sincerely,

Florida PSC Holds Electric Vehicle Charging Roundtable

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Impacts surrounding the growing market for electric vehicles were discussed today during a Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) roundtable, featuring utility, manufacturer, and industry development representatives.
A myriad of topics covered the necessary infrastructure for both public and private electric vehicle charging and the potential effects on energy consumption and the state’s electric grid.  Sales forecasts, market development, and consumer preferences were also discussed, as well as future regulatory considerations.
“As electric vehicle popularity and demand continues to grow, we want to make sure Florida can adapt to the evolving technology and associated infrastructure requirements,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.  “The good news we heard today is that EVs can reduce Florida’s fossil fuel consumption, and they will play an important role in our state’s overall transportation plans.
“We’ll continue to study EV charging stations, the required infrastructure needs, and the role of Florida’s utilities in this rapidly expanding industry,” she added.
Roundtable participants included: Edison Electric Institute, Drive Electric Florida, General Motors, Tesla, ChargePoint, EVgo, Florida Power & Light Company, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Company, Gulf Power Company, Florida Public Utilities Company, Orlando Utilities Commission, the City of Tallahassee, and the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association.
PSC staff conducted a workshop in 2012 to provide a discussion forum about electric vehicle charging and its future growth.  The report is available on the PSC’s website.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

CRC Commissioners Continue Sponsorship of Public Proposals and Ideas Regarding the Florida Constitution

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The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) today held its second and final full Commission meeting in which Commissioners could directly sponsor public proposals through the CRC process. Direct sponsorship of public proposals is one of several ways public input is considered through the CRC process. CRC Commissioners have also created their own proposals inspired by ideas submitted by Floridians.
CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “The CRC has received historic public input. More than 2,000 proposed revisions and thousands of comments were submitted by Floridians. As we review this public input, it clear that Floridians share many similar ideas and interests. In addition to Commissioners who chose to directly sponsor a public proposal, several Commissioners have created their own proposals inspired by public input. Floridians are encouraged to continue reaching out to Commissioners with ideas before October 31, which is the deadline for Commissioners to file proposals to be taken up during the CRC process.”
A summary of public proposals directly sponsored by Commissioners, and proposals created by Commissioners that were inspired by public input, is provided below. Nineteen proposals have been filed by CRC Commissioners to date and are available for review on flcrc.gov/Proposals/Commissioner:
Public Proposals Directly Sponsored by CRC Commissioners (6 Total)

Commissioner-Filed Proposals Inspired by Public Input (8 To-date)

Additional Commissioner-Filed Proposals

How to Review Proposals and Public Input

CFO Jimmy Patronis Recognizes Fort Myers Fraud Investigator Glen Clasen for Outstanding Service

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During Tuesday’s meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis honored Department of Financial Services Lieutenant Glen Clasen as a recent recipient of the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida’s Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. Lt. Clasen was honored for his work on a high-profile personal injury protection (PIP) case that led to a successful 14-year mail fraud conviction in federal court.
CFO Patronis said, “PIP fraud has driven up the cost of car insurance in our state, and it’s a crime that our Department had dedicated significant resources to fighting in Florida. We’re making great strides, and Lt. Clasen’s dedication to this case reiterates our collective commitment to breaking down these fraud rings at the highest levels. His award and recognition are well-deserved for a job well done.”
Prior to joining the Department of Financial Services, Lt. Clasen served the Fort Myers Police Department, as well as in the United States Navy as a search and rescue swimmer aboard the USS John F. Kennedy. Lt. Clasen joined the Department in 2006 as a detective assigned to the Bureau of Insurance Fraud’s Fort Myers Field Office. He was promoted to lead detective in 2013 and lieutenant in June 2015.
The PIP case that led to Lt. Clasen’s award involved a large-scale criminal network that spanned from Kentucky to Fort Myers, Florida. Lt. Clasen partnered with the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service and the National Insurance Crime Bureau to unravel the fraud ring that involved staged vehicle accidents, straw clinic ownership, fraudulent insurance claims, money laundering and mail fraud. Throughout the duration of the investigation, Lt. Clasen conducted hours of surveillance and secured a confidential source who provided information critical to the case.
The lieutenant contacted each of the involved insurance companies and assisted them in identifying fraudulently-billed claims. The evidence gathered throughout the course of the investigation led law enforcement to the ringleader of the network, who was tried, convicted and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison last September.
The Department of Financial Services is the state of Florida’s lead investigative agency for insurance and workers’ compensation fraud, fire and arson investigations and the theft or misuse of state funds. To report suspected fraud, call the Department’s toll-free Fraud Tip Hotline at 1-800-378-0445.

Nelson seeks answers after FEMA denies 90% of Florida flood claims in wake of Irma

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson sent the following letter today to the head of FEMA raising concerns that one of the agency’s top administrators in charge of overseeing the National Flood Insurance Program was previously a senior executive at a company accused of lowballing claims for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Nelson’s letter comes on the heels of reports today in the Palm Beach Post that nine out of ten of flood claims resolved by the National Flood Insurance Program in the wake of Hurricane Irma have been denied.
“NFIP policyholders must have confidence in the claims process,” Nelson wrote. “Unfortunately, this could be seen by some as a case of the fox guarding the hen house.”
Below is the text of Nelson’s letter to FEMA Administrator Brock Long.
A copy of today’s Palm Beach Post report is available here.
A 60 Minutes report on the companies accused of lowballing flood insurance claims following Superstorm Sandy is here.  
A Washington Examiner report on the FEMA executive’s previous ties to one of the companies accused of lowballing Sandy claims is here.

October 17, 2017

The Honorable William B. Long
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C St., SW
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Administrator Long:
I am writing you to express my concern over recent reporting that approximately 90 percent of resolved claims administered though the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in Florida have so far been denied.
In reviewing the very high level of claims denied to date, I am reminded of serious charges brought against the NFIP by whistleblowers and Superstorm Sandy victims that accused the program of fraudulently reducing and denying claims.  These allegations were detailed in a March 2015 investigation by CBS’ “60 Minutes”.
These concerns are reinforced by the fact that a top NFIP administrator was once an executive for a FEMA subcontractor accused of lowballing Sandy claims.  Unfortunately, this could be seen by some as a case of the fox guarding the hen house.  NFIP policyholders must have confidence in the claims process.
Given these developments, I ask that you immediately:

  • Ensure that all claims are treated fairly and handled expeditiously.
  • Detail what safeguards FEMA has put in place post-Sandy to prevent Hurricane Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate victims’ flood insurance claims from being fraudulently denied or reduced.
  • Certify that appeals be handled through an open, transparent and independent process.

Families forced out of their homes by these storms deserve prompt and just assistance.  I look forward to your response and reassurance that all claimants will be treated fairly by FEMA.

Sincerely,

Catch a Florida Memory celebrates 1-year anniversary with new partnerships, monthly raffles

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October is a big month for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Catch a Florida Memory Saltwater Angler Recognition programs. As we celebrate one year since the official launch of the Saltwater Reel Big Fish and Saltwater Fish Life List programs, Catch a Florida Memory is excited to kick off new monthly raffles conducted by the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. We are also excited to announce our new partnership with McLean Angling.
McLean Angling, a specialist landing net manufacturer out of New Zealand, will provide high quality landing nets (valued at $125) to some of Catch a Florida Memory’s successful anglers. These unique landing nets allow anglers to both accurately weigh and measure a fish while it is still in the net, minimizing handling and time out of the water to help increase the fish’s chance of survival upon release. Additionally, the nets are knotless and rubber-coated to protect the fish’s skin, scales and slime coat, making them a great option for the conservation-minded angler.
Several of these landing nets will be given away in the new monthly raffle, providing bonus prizes to anglers who have successfully achieved a Grand Slam, Life List Fish Club, or Saltwater Reel Big Fish. The monthly raffles take place on the third Thursday of each month, and at least two winners are drawn at a time. Prizes may include landing nets from McLean Angling, fillet knives from Smith’s Consumer Products, Bluefin rods and reels from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, fishing gear from Live to Fish, fish ink prints from the Fish Print Shop and more. Each winning angler will be awarded a single prize. Winners are drawn at random from a list of all successful Catch a Florida Memory Saltwater Angler Recognition program participants since June 2013. Anglers may only win the raffle once per calendar year.
The first monthly raffle winners were announced in August and September with Gavin W. Brock (successful Shoreline Grand Slam angler) winning a McLean landing net, Sean McElmurray (Life List 10-Fish Club alum) winning a Bluefin rod and reel combo, and Jonathan Allaire (successful Inshore Grand Slam angler) and Chris Perry (Life List 10-Fish Club alum) each receiving a Smith’s fillet knife. Winners are announced via Facebook at Facebook.com/CatchaFLMemory, and displayed the following day on CatchaFloridaMemory.com. The next monthly drawing is slated for Oct. 19; entries must be approved by Wednesday, Oct. 18 to qualify.
For more information, visit CatchaFloridaMemory.com or like and follow Facebook.com/CatchaFLMemory. To learn more about McLean Angling’s conservation-minded landing nets, visit McleanAngling.co.nz. To learn more about the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, visit FishWildlifeFlorida.org.

Florida PSC Decides Nuclear Cost Recovery for FPL

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today agreed that there was insufficient evidence to decide on Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) request to defer recovery costs for its Turkey Point Units 6 & 7 Project (TP Project).
In July 2016, the PSC approved FPL’s request to defer consideration of recovery for its nuclear plant project costs until 2017.  However, FPL did not file a TP Project feasibility analysis for 2017, as required under Florida’s Nuclear Cost Recovery Clause (NCRC) rules. Therefore, the PSC determined that 2017 project costs are not eligible for recovery through the NCRC.
The Commission approved recovery of the utility’s costs for 2015 and 2016 that included $46,978,739 for the TP Project. Customers will be receiving a credit next year of $7,305,202.

Florida Veterans Encourage Responsible Energy Development

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Vets4Energy, a group of volunteer veterans who advocate for pro-energy policies to sustain our national security, will be attending the Florida Energy Summit in Fort Lauderdale on October 18-20, 2017, to encourage Florida to embrace all forms of safe, responsible energy development in efforts to enhance both the economy as well as national security. One form in particular includes hydraulic fracturing, a proven and highly-regulated technique to extract energy from a well.
Hydraulic fracturing uses a fluid comprised of 99.5 percent water and sand and less than one percent of chemicals frequently found in common household products. Countless steps are taken to protect groundwater before the process begins, and to date there have been NO confirmed cases of groundwater contamination due to hydraulic fracturing.
“As a retired member of the U.S. Army, I have experienced first-hand the direct relationship energy security has on our country’s national security, which is why I continue to serve America by educating and informing others about the crucial need to increase our domestic energy supply,” said Lt. Col. Dennis Freytes, Florida Vets4Energy co-chair and member of the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. “Hydraulic fracturing has provided our country with a reliable oil supply for more than seventy years, and we urge Florida policymakers to reconsider any bill that would prohibit its use in our state without conducting additional research.”
“Many studies have demonstrated the significant benefits processes such as hydraulic fracturing have on our everyday lives. Not only are we able to achieve energy independence and reduce our reliance on foreign countries for oil, but hydraulic fracturing also provides economic security and jobs for hardworking Floridians,” said Mark Alvarez, a retired U.S. Army member and Florida Vets4Energy member. “It does not make sense to eliminate a scientific technique based on emotion rather than scientific facts, and we hope Florida will consider the positive impact hydraulic fracturing has had in suppling energy to our state.”
To learn more, please visit www.vets4energy.com or www.flaenergyforum.com, or follow @FLAENERGY on Twitter.

Governor Scott and Volunteer Florida Present Champion of Service Awards

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During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus awarded Maggie Barnick, Stephen Rocca, and Scott Lewis with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to recognize these dedicated volunteers with the Champion of Service Award today. These individuals represent the thousands of people who volunteered their time to help families following the recent hurricanes, and I’m grateful for their service.”
Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “It is an honor to recognize these volunteers who have demonstrated a true commitment to volunteerism and service. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize them and the countless hours they’ve spent serving all over the State of Florida, as well as in other parts of the country following the recent hurricanes.”
About the Champions of Service:
Maggie Barnick
Maggie Barnick serves as Branch Director of AmeriCorps-Disaster Response Teams operations in Southwest Florida and deployed to Lee County on September 19, 2017 in response to Hurricane Irma. Under Maggie’s leadership, the Southwest Florida Forward Operating Base has completed 232 damage assessments, cleared 5,009 cubic yards of debris, removed 129 hazard trees, provided temporary roof repair to 129 homes and conducted 424 wellness checks.
Stephen Rocca
Stephen Rocca serves as a Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Volunteer and previously served as the Chair of the Orlando Area Command Advisory Board for the Salvation Army following the 2016 tragedy of the Pulse Shooting. He also worked alongside volunteers from Orlando in Houston for Hurricane Harvey response. During Hurricane Irma, Steve served communities in Orange County and Naples distributing hot meals and supplies.
Scott Lewis
Scott Lewis founded the Eagles Wings Foundation, a Florida-based non-profit post-disaster relief organization, in 1999. EWF has responded to devastating natural disasters worldwide, including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. In response to Hurricane Irma, Scott and the EWF team deployed to the Florida Keys and worked with the American Aid Logistics Network to deliver three flatbed trucks of supplies to the community. The Eagles Wings Foundation also aided Hurricane Maria response in Puerto Rico to evacuate homebound survivors.
Volunteer Florida is the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida, administering more than $32 million in federal, state, and local funding to deliver high-impact national service and volunteer programs in Florida. Volunteer Florida promotes and encourages volunteerism to meet critical needs across the state. Volunteer Florida also serves as Florida’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters. For more information, visit: www.volunteerflorida.org.

More than 2,500 Acres of Environmentally Sensitive Okeechobee Ranch Preserved

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The Governor and Cabinet today approved the preservation of 2,523 acres of environmentally sensitive land within Corona Ranch in Okeechobee County through cost-effective conservation easements, which prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. The purchase is part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, where the state partners with Florida’s farmers and ranchers to preserve active agricultural operations and their immense economic and environmental benefits.
“With more than 1,000 people moving to Florida every day, we must continue to prioritize the conservation of our agricultural lands and world-renowned natural spaces,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, we’re partnering with farmers and ranchers to preserve these invaluable pieces of our rural economy and environment for future generations in a cost-effective way.”
The $5.7 million purchase will preserve 2,523 acres of the Corona Ranch in Okeechobee County. The Corona family began ranching in Florida after they moved from Cuba in 1961. Corona Ranch drains to the Kissimmee River which flows into Lake Okeechobee and is within the Lake Okeechobee Watershed and the recharge range for the Kissimmee River Basin. The ranch is located within the Lake Okeechobee Protection Area and the Northern Everglades Watershed. The ranch is within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Everglades Headwaters Conservation Area. It is home to many native plants and animals, some of which are listed as threatened and endangered species, and include: gopher tortoise, fox squirrels, and burrowing owls. The owners report three recent sightings of Florida panthers.
Today’s partnership increases the total land preserved by the program to 39,229 acres over 38 conservation easements. Since 2011, the current Governor and Cabinet have approved the acquisition of 31 projects totaling 35,644 acres, a nearly 1,000 percent increase in acres preserved by the program. Additional details on today’s purchases can be found here.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services created the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program in 2001 to protect working agricultural lands threatened by other uses, such as development.
The goals of the program include:

  • Protecting valuable agricultural lands;
  • Creating conservation easements that ensure sustainable agricultural practices;
  • Preventing conversion to non-agricultural land uses in the rural base of Florida; and
  • Helping to protect natural resources in conjunction with these agricultural operations.

Florida agriculture has an overall economic impact estimated at more than $120 billion annually, making it the state’s second largest industry. The agriculture industry supports more than 2 million jobs in Florida.
More information on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is available here.