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Governor Rick Scott appointments for Monday, October 16, 2017

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Governor Rick Scott Appoints Two to Florida
Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Rabbi Yosef Weinstock and Rabbi Pinchas Taylor to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council.
Weinstock, 38, of Hollywood, is Senior Rabbi at Young Israel of Hollywood-Fort Lauderdale. He succeeds Alan Dimmitt and is appointed for a term beginning October 16, 2017 and ending July 18, 2021.
Taylor, 33, of Plantation, is a Rabbi at the Chabad of Plantation and a Chaplain for hospice organizations. He succeeds Leonel Mesa and is appointed for a term beginning October 16, 2017 and ending July 18, 2020.

Gov. Scott Appoints Three to Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council

Governor Rick Scott today announced one reappointment and two appointments to the Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council.
William Snyder, 65, of Stuart, currently serves as the Sheriff of Martin County and received his bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University. Sheriff Snyder is reappointed for a term beginning October 16, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2019.
A.J. “Tony” Smith, 58, of Apalachicola, currently serves as the Sheriff of Franklin County and received his bachelor’s degree from Barry University. Sheriff Smith succeeds retired Sheriff Ben Johnson and is appointed for a term beginning October 16, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2019.
Robert Hicks, 47, of Leesburg, is the Chief of Police at the City of Leesburg Police Department. He received his bachelor’s degree from Warner University and his master’s degree from Columbia Southern University. Chief Hicks succeeds Chief Jeffrey Chudnow and is appointed for a term beginning October 16, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2019.

CRC Full Commission Meeting October 17 in Tallahassee

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) will hold a meeting of the full Commission tomorrow, Tuesday, October 17 beginning at 2:00 PM in Tallahassee. The meeting will be livestreamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org.
During the meeting, CRC Commissioners will have the opportunity to directly sponsor public proposals. According to the Rules of the Commission, a public proposal must receive at least 10 Commissioner votes in order for it to become a Commissioner-filed proposal. Votes on public proposals are procedural votes and do not represent a vote on the substance or merit of any individual proposal. If a public proposal receives the required 10 votes, it will be filed by the sponsoring Commissioner and referred to the appropriate CRC committee for further consideration.
Direct sponsorship of a public proposal is one of several ways public input is incorporated in the CRC process. Commissioners may also create their own proposals inspired by comments heard during CRC public hearings or multiple public proposals regarding the same subject area. To learn more about how public input moves through the CRC process, download the CRC’s “How a CRC Proposal Becomes Law” infographic.
WHAT:           Meeting of the full Constitution Revision Commission
WHEN:           Tuesday, October 17 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
WHERE:         Florida Senate Chamber, Tallahassee, Florida
AGENDA:       Meeting Notice (page 4): http://bit.ly/2gzvDQ8

Commissioner Putnam Recognizes Florida’s 17 Million Acres of Forests During Working Forests Week

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are celebrating the benefits of Florida’s more than 17 million acres of forests during Florida’s third annual Working Forests Week, which is Oct. 15 through Oct. 21.
A working forest includes publicly or privately owned lands where sustainable production of timber is balanced with promoting healthy populations of native forest plants and animals. Some familiar products that come from working forests include: paper, lumber, cosmetics, medicines and fabrics.
“Florida’s forests provide the resources to make more than 5,000 types of products,” said State Forester Jim Karels. “Each year, more than 70 million trees are planted to help sustain Florida’s working forests.”
Florida’s Working Forests Week was developed in partnership with the Florida Forestry Association and is held each year alongside National Forest Products Week. Working Forest Week workshops and events can be found on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ events calendar.
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 FreshFromFlorida.com.

Elizabeth Boyd Promoted to Deputy Chief Financial Officer

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the Department of Financial Services’ long-time Legislative Affairs Director Elizabeth Boyd has been promoted to Deputy Chief Financial Officer. In this new role, Elizabeth will oversee the Department’s legislative affairs, research and planning, cabinet and communications offices, as well as the Division of Consumer Services and Division of Unclaimed Property.
CFO Patronis said, “For six years, Elizabeth has advanced the Department’s legislative priorities and secured great success on initiatives important to enhancing the lives of all Floridians. Her expansive knowledge on insurance, finance and regulatory matters, as well as a broad understanding of the legislative process, makes her well-suited to lead our Department in this capacity.”
Elizabeth joined the Department of Financial Services in September 2011 as Deputy Legislative Affairs Director. As deputy director, she aided in the development of the Department’s legislative agenda and advocated for the Department’s initiatives in front of the Florida Legislature and other stakeholders. In this capacity, she assisted in the successful passing of legislation that included the creation of a homeowner claims bill of rights and the implementation of sweeping transparency reforms to Florida’s state contracting laws.
Elizabeth’s legislative accomplishments led to her promotion to Legislative Affairs Director in December 2014, where she’s since served as the Chief Financial Officer’s principal legislative advisor and lead lobbyist. As director, Elizabeth has been instrumental in securing several legislative victories, including a ban on a medical billing practice known as “balance billing” in which health care providers bill patients for out-of-pockets costs not covered by health insurance and securing the end of a pervasive insurance business practice that derailed the proper payment of life insurance policies to beneficiaries.
Prior to joining the Department, Elizabeth held legislative roles with the Department of Management Services, within the Executive Office of Governor Jeb Bush, and for the Florida Lottery. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida State University.
The Department’s current Deputy Legislative Affairs Director, BG Murphy, has been promoted to Legislative Affairs Director. Murphy joined the Department in February 2015, following his service as legislative assistant to Representative Halsey Beshears. In 2014, Murphy led the successful campaign of Representative Brad Drake. Murphy has also worked in management and corporate relations in the private sector. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University.
Both promotions became effective Monday, October 16. To learn more about the Department of Financial Services, visit www.myfloridacfo.com.

All Aboard Florida Less Than Transparent About “Brightline” Derailment

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FRA confirms Feb. 2017 derailment which was hidden from the public

Earlier this year, Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida (CARE FL) received information from knowledgeable railroad insiders that one of All Aboard Florida’s “Brightline” passenger trains had derailed during a test run, sustaining major damage.
That information has now been confirmed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The derailment resulted in equipment damage of $408,000 and occurred on February 11, 2017, just days before AAF officials testified before state legislators, where they continued to emphasize their commitment to safety.
“Soon after this incident, AAF officials attended not one but two state legislative hearings about rail safety and never once disclosed facts about the derailment, while they sought to table the safety legislation under consideration,” said Brent Hanlon, Chairman of CARE FL.
Since CARE FL’s inception it has served as a watchdog in the Treasure Coast region, shining a light on AAF’s less-than-transparent approach to building this ill-conceived and dangerous rail project.
A May 30, 2017 letter from CARE FL’s legal team notified the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FRA about the incident, inquiring whether AAF filed the proper notifications within the appropriate time frame, and requesting that DOT/FRA publicly address whether the derailment occurred, so that our community would know the facts.
“It is unfortunate that Martin County is forced to spend taxpayer money to make sure our safety concerns are addressed at the state and federal levels. A simple confirmation of a derailment took three months to get from DOT, but six months after the derailment itself.  We would have never known about this significant public safety issue had we not demanded to know the facts,” said Ruth Holmes, Senior Assistant Martin County Attorney.
According to the FRA’s response letter dated August 21, 2017, “a Brightline locomotive derailed its trailing truck while negotiating a switch at four miles per hour within the Brightline yard facility.” The letter also states that Brightline and FEC “promptly” notified FRA officials of the February 11, 2017 incident.
Hanlon commented, “All you have to do is look at numerous opportunities they had to share this important and relevant information.”

  • February 11, 2017 – date of derailment according to FRA letter
  • February 22, 2017 – Florida House Workshop on High Speed Passenger Rail.  Myles Tobin, General Counsel of AAF testifies but fails to mention the derailment of train.
  • March 2017 – CARE FL receives information from knowledgeable rail source that derailment occurred. CARE FL searches for but is unable to find a derailment report.  FRA safety staff is unaware of the incident.
  • March 12, 2017 – Florida Senate Transportation Committee hearing on High Speed Passenger Rail Safety legislation.  AAF Vice President Rusty Roberts testifies and, again, fails to mention derailment.
  • April 4, 2017 – Michael Reininger, then President of Brightline, authors opinion editorial, “All Aboard Florida goes extra mile to address rail safety,” touting AAF going the extra mile to address rail safety.  Again, no discussion of the incident.

CARE FL, Martin County and Indian River County have repeatedly expressed their public safety concerns and have worked diligently to address ways to keep the residents of the Treasure Coast community out of harm’s way.
“The disconnect between the derailment and AAF’s failure to make it public is disturbing,” said Dylan Reingold, Indian River County Attorney. “The safety and well- being of our communities require greater transparency.”
The FRA also pledged to “continue to provide oversight of this railroad, as it has from its inception, to ensure that the operation meets or exceeds the safety requirements set by Federal regulations.”
We will hold the FRA to that commitment.
For more information please visit www.ircgov.com, www.martin.fl.us, and CARE FL’s site at www.saveourfl.com.

Lake County Property Appraiser Carey Baker Endorses Elswick for Florida House

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The former state legislator says Shannon Elswick’s leadership skills and conservative values will make him an effective state representative.

The Shannon Elswick Campaign today announced the endorsement of Lake County Property Appraiser Carey Baker. Elswick is running to succeed Larry Metz, who faces term limits, in the District 32 seat of the Florida House of Representatives.
“Shannon Elswick will be an excellent state representative,” said Baker. “He is a true servant leader whose conservative values and understanding of the toughest issues facing Florida will make him a strong voice in Tallahassee. I look forward to working with him to strengthen the communities of Lake County.”
Baker was elected to his current post of Lake County Property Appraiser in 2012. In 2000, he was elected to the Florida House, was re-elected in 2002, and was elected to the Florida Senate in a special election in 2004. He was re-elected to that office twice. After serving for 31 years, Baker retired from the Army National Guard in 2013. In 2003, he was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the first state or federal elected official to serve while in office. At 18, he began work in his family business, the A.W. Peterson Gun Shop in Mount Dora, the oldest gun shop in the United States.
“I am honored to have Carey Baker’s support,” said Elswick. “He is a true patriot, and, as a fellow veteran, I appreciate his distinguished service to our country in the military as well as the outstanding public service he provides to our community. He understands what it takes to get things done in Tallahassee, and I welcome his insight and look forward to working with him on behalf of the residents of Lake County.”
District 32 covers the south and central portions of Lake County, including the cities of Clermont and portions of Leesburg. Republicans dominate the district with 41 percent of registered voters while Democrats make up 33 percent.  

Paid by Shannon Elswick, Republican, for State Representative

Cabinet to Declare Disability Employment Awareness Month

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Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi will introduce a resolution at the Tuesday, October 17, Cabinet meeting declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Florida. The Cabinet meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Cabinet meeting room on the lower level of the Capitol Building.
Longtime Pensacola Walmart employee Rachel Caylor Long will address Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet on the importance of including people with disabilities in the workforce. Along with Caylor Long, leaders from Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Economic Opportunity, Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, Veterans’ Affairs, Able Trust, Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, and Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities will be there to accept the resolution.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities.  The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with severe autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).

Governor Rick Scott Directs Resources Following Request from Alachua County Sheriff

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Following a request from Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell, Governor Rick Scott today signed Executive Order 17-264 to assist local law enforcement’s response to rallies planned on the University of Florida campus this Thursday. EO 17-264 activates Florida’s Mutual Aid Plan which allows the state and Sheriff Darnell to quickly coordinate resources from other state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies. See the Executive Order HERE.
Governor Scott remains in constant communication with state and local law enforcement and University leadership to ensure that every request to the state is quickly granted to keep the public safe.
Governor Rick Scott said, “We live in a country where everyone has the right to voice their opinion, however, we have zero tolerance for violence and public safety is always our number one priority. I have been in constant contact with Sheriff Darnell who has requested this Executive Order to ensure that county and local law enforcement have every needed resource. This executive order is an additional step to ensure that the University of Florida and the entire community is prepared so everyone can stay safe.”

Florida Joins Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network

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Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts to
host Creative Forces Summit October 23 and 24

Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital has joined Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network. Creative Forces is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, plus state and local arts agencies. The network places creative arts therapies at the core of patient-centered care at 11 military medical facilities across the country, as well as a telehealth program to reach patients in rural and remote areas, and increases access to therapeutic arts activities for military personnel and their families in local communities
In addition to James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, the NEA is working with the Center for Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida, in partnership with the Rural Veterans TeleRehabilitation Initiative, on creating the telehealth program. The Rural Veterans TeleRehabilitation Initiative is a program of the VA Office of Rural Health at the Malcom Randall Veterans Administration Medical Center in Gainesville.
“It is a great honor for the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs to join with the National Endowment for the Arts to provide art-based services to our veterans and current service members at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital,” said Secretary Detzner. “Creative arts therapies have been shown to be of great benefit to those who have served our country so bravely. We look forward to bringing the community together in Tampa to discuss the Creative Forces initiative.”
“Our Creative Forces expansion in Florida marks two major milestones—our first official collaboration with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the establishment of a telehealth program to reach patients in rural and remote areas,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “We are excited to come together with the community in Florida to create a network that will further support our military, veterans, and their families.”
As a state partner in Creative Forces, the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs will convene an arts and military summit at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa on October 23-24, 2017 featuring national and state military and health professionals engaged in this important work. Attendees will learn and discuss strategies to increase access to therapeutic arts activities for military personnel and their families. The event is open to the public. For more information on the summit, please click here.
Through Creative Forces, the NEA funds creative arts therapists and writing instructors, equipment, and supplies. The creative arts therapists are credentialed health professionals that provide art therapy and music therapy to military patients. At some sites, patients may also receive creative writing instruction. Americans for the Arts is working with the NEA to provide administrative support for Creative Forces.
For more information on the Creative Forces initiative, please click here.
About the Division of Cultural Affairs
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs is Florida’s legislatively designated state arts agency. The Division promotes the arts and culture as essential to quality of life for all Floridians. To achieve its mission, the Division funds and supports cultural programs that provide artistic excellence, diversity, education, access and economic vitality for Florida’s communities. For more information, visit dos.myflorida.com/cultural.
About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the NEA supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more about NEA.
About Americans for the Arts
Americans for the Arts is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education, dedicated to representing and serving local communities and to creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of more than 55 years of service. Since 2011, Americans for the Arts has led the National Initiative for Arts & Health in the Military (NIAHM), a collaborative effort that seeks to advance the policy, practice, and quality use of the arts and creativity as tools for health in the military; raise visibility, understanding, and support of arts and health in the military; and make the arts as tools for health available to active duty military, military families, and veterans. NIAHM’s partners include the American Legion Auxiliary, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Veterans Health Administration, and NIH’s National Center of Complementary & Integrative Health alongside arts, humanities, and veterans service nonprofits; state and local cultural agencies; and universities around the country. Additional information is available at www.artsacrossthemilitary.org.

Governor Scott Proposes $1 Million in Security Funding for Jewish Day Schools

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Governor Rick Scott today visited Katz Hillel Day School of Boca Raton to announce his proposal for $1 million in security funding for Jewish Day Schools in his 2018-2019 recommended budget. This funding would be available to all Florida Jewish Day Schools to help provide security and counter-terrorism upgrades such as video cameras, fences, bullet-proof glass, alarm systems and other safety equipment.
Governor Scott said, “Every Florida student deserves to have the opportunity to learn in a safe and comfortable setting. After Florida’s Jewish community received hateful threats last year, we saw the need to provide additional security so the children that attend Jewish Day Schools can learn without having to worry about feeling threatened. While last year’s investment will make a huge difference, we must continue to do more. I look forward to working with the Legislature to provide this important funding and will continue to work with our federal partners and members of Florida’s Jewish community to ensure the safety of families and students.”
Currently, thousands of Florida students attend Jewish Day Schools. Earlier this year the Governor signed the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget, which provided more than $654,000 in security funding for Jewish Day Schools.