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Retired DeSoto Sheriff Will Wise Endorses Albritton

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Wise says Albritton is a hardworking conservative leader
who backs law enforcement and stays true to his roots.

The Ben Albritton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Will Wise, retired Sheriff of DeSoto County. Wise was elected Sheriff in 2008 and served two terms. Albritton is seeking the District 26 seat in the Florida Senate, currently held by Denise Grimsley, who is running for Commissioner of Agriculture.
“Ben Albritton’s time in the Florida House has cemented his reputation as a fine public servant,” said Wise. “I spent my entire career working to keep our communities safe, and I know Ben understands how important it is to put resources behind law enforcement. I’m proud to support Ben because I know he will keep working hard in Tallahassee, but he won’t forget where he came from. He is a true conservative and a true servant leader.”
Wise’s law enforcement career began in 1974 in the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, where he started as a patrol deputy and was later promoted to sergeant. After joining the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office in 1987, he served as lieutenant, captain, and major chief deputy before his election as Sheriff. A native of Avon Park, he has been active in numerous law enforcement and community organizations, including the Florida Sheriffs Association and Florida Farm Bureau.
“I’m honored to have the support of a respected leader like Sheriff Wise,” said Albritton. “He worked hard for the citizens of DeSoto County, and that’s exactly what I intend to do in the Florida Senate. It means a lot to have folks like him on our team.”
In 2010, Albritton was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he has been a staunch advocate for entrepreneurs and children in Florida’s foster care system. He is also known for his strong conservative record on Second Amendment rights and protection for the unborn.
Albritton is the Chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and also serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Government Accountability Committee. House Speaker Richard Corcoran recently appointed him to the Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness. He also currently serves as the Chair of the Polk County Legislative Delegation.
A full list of those endorsing Albritton may be found at www.BenAlbritton.com. 

Paid by Ben Albritton, Republican, for State Senator

GFOA Awards Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

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The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has recognized the Florida Municipal Investment Trust (FMIvT), the Florida Municipal Loan Council (FMLC), the Florida Municipal Pension Trust Fund (FMPTF) and the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT) 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFRs) with Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management
This is the eighth consecutive submission for the FMIvT, the sixth consecutive submissions for FMLC and FMPTF and the fourth consecutive submission for the FMIT to the GFOA’s award program.
The Florida Municipal Loan Council (FMLC) offers local governments of all sizes a variety of funding options to finance capital projects, renovations, fixed assets additions and land purchases or to refinance existing debt. The FMLC works with a team of professionals and advisors to provide greater market access and lower financing costs for its borrowers. For more information, visit http://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/financial-services.  
The Florida Municipal Pension Trust Fund (FMPTF) was established in 1983 for the purpose of collectively managing employee retirement plans of participating Florida governments. The Fund operates as a non-profit, tax-exempt entity that provides professional and cost-effective investment and administrative services for all types of retirement plans. For more information, visit http://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/financial-services. 
The Florida Municipal Investment Trust (FMIvT) is a local government investment pool administered by the Florida League of Cities, Inc. The FMIVT is an inter-local governmental entity created under the laws of the State of Florida and an Authorized Investment under Sec. 163.01 Florida Statutes. For more information, visit http://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/financial-services. 
The Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT) offers workers’ compensation, liability, property and health insurance to Florida’s local governments. The Florida League of Cities Insurance and Financial Services Department is the administrator of the FMIT. The League established its first insurance program in 1977 to address the concerns of Florida’s municipal governments for affordable insurance and continues to tailor insurance coverage to the unique needs of public entities. For more information, visit http://insurance.flcities.com/default.aspx.

Gov. Scott's Opioid Proposal Moving Forward in the Legislature

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Governor Rick Scott today thanked Florida Senate President Joe Negron, Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran, Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto and Representative Jim Boyd for filing legislation to combat the opioid epidemic and help Florida families. The legislation filed today, HB 21, follows Governor Scott’s legislative proposal made on September 26, 2017 to limit the chance of drug addiction, reduce the ability for dangerous drugs to spread in Florida’s communities, give vulnerable Floridians the support they need, and ensure law enforcement officers have resources to protect Floridians impacted by opioids. A companion Senate bill will be filed in the coming days.
Governor Scott will also be including $50 million in his recommended budget to combat opioid abuse in Florida. More details on this significant investment will be announced in the coming weeks. More information on Governor Scott’s proposed legislation and $50 million budget proposal is available HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Families across our state are struggling with the pain and loss inflicted by the national opioid epidemic and today, I am proud that Senator Benacquisto and Representative Boyd are filing important legislation to help combat this terrible crisis. Last month, I announced proposed legislation and $50 million in funding to limit the chance of drug addiction, reduce the ability for dangerous drugs to spread in Florida’s communities, give vulnerable Floridians the support they need, and ensure law enforcement officers have resources to protect Floridians impacted by opioids. I know how painful substance abuse is for a family and no family in our state should experience the anguish and heartbreak that opioid abuse brings.
“We cannot be too cautious when it comes to helping families. Whether it’s recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Irma, fighting against the Zika virus or combatting the opioid epidemic – we will not stop providing Floridians every resource when they need it the most.”
Florida Senate President Joe Negron said, “Opioid abuse is a critical public safety issue plaguing communities across our state. I commend Senator Benacquisto for working with Governor Scott on this important issue, and am grateful to Governor Scott and all of our Senators, House Members, and other local elected officials and advocates who have worked tirelessly to explore meaningful solutions. In the Senate, we have begun a robust and ongoing public discussion regarding providing treatment and resources for those suffering from addiction and instituting measured steps to prevent future addiction, while still respecting the rights of patients seeking medical treatment and the knowledge and skill of their physicians. I am confident that during the 2018 Legislative Session we can work together to pass comprehensive legislation that will help our state tackle this epidemic.”
Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “Opioids are tearing families and lives apart throughout our state. It is all the more insidious because many of these addictions are preventable. Under the leadership of Governor Scott, Florida will address this public health crisis at its core and do all we can to prevent new addictions and treat those who are suffering. I commend the Governor and look forward to working with him and our counterparts in the Senate to address this scourge.”
Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto said, “The opioid epidemic continues to cause pain and death in our communities each and every day, and we must act now. I’m proud to work with Governor Scott and Representative Boyd as part of the solution to this tragic problem that plagues so many individuals and families across the State of Florida. I’m hopeful that we can pass legislation that truly helps stem the tide of addiction to opiates and help folks move toward a successful recovery.”
Representative Jim Boyd said, “The opioid crisis is one of the most horrific issues I’ve ever witnessed. It’s destroying our families and destroying our communities, but together we will prevail. I’m honored to continue this fight against opioid abuse and thankful for such strong leadership from our Governor and Speaker in combating this epidemic.”
This year, Governor Scott has taken the following action to combat the opioid epidemic in Florida:

  • Directed the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Health (DOH) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to meet with communities in Palm Beach, Manatee, Duval and Orange Counties to identify additional strategies to fight the rising opioid usage cases in Florida.
  • Signed Executive Order 17-146 allowing the state to immediately draw down more than $27 million in federal grant funding through the Opioid State Targeted Response Grant. This funding is distributed to communities across the state to deal with the opioid epidemic.
  • Directed State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip to declare a Public Health Emergency and issue a standing order for Naloxone in response to the opioid epidemic in Florida.
  • Signed HB 477 which combats synthetic opioid drug abuse by enhancing penalties for the abuse of fentanyl and its derivatives. To view the transmittal letter, click HERE.
  • Propose major legislation and more than $50 million as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget to combat opioid abuse in Florida. More information HERE.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces Extension of Free School Meals for All Students in Three Florida Counties

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has accepted the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ request to extend access to free school meals through November 30 for all students in Monroe, Collier and Lee counties, which are still recovering from Hurricane Irma and subject to a FEMA Major Disaster Declaration. Collier, Lee and Monroe counties have 191 schools and 138,000 students.
Parents or guardians looking for additional info can contact the department at 1-800-504-6609 or [email protected].
 

National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) Public Rate Hearing

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MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO: National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI)
WHAT: The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) will conduct a public hearing to discuss NCCI’s proposed overall statewide average workers’ compensation premium decrease of 9.6%. This includes a statewide average rate decrease of 9.3% and a reduction of the fixed expense cost applicable to every workers’ compensation policy in Florida from $200 to $160. The general public is welcome to submit comments about NCCI’s proposed rate filing by sending an email to: [email protected] with “NCCI” in the subject line of the email. Comments will be accepted for consideration until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on October 25, 2017. Under Florida law, written communications to the Office are public record and subject to disclosure, including being available to the public and media. To learn more, visit the Office’s Internet Privacy Policy.
A copy of the hearing agenda can be viewed here. The Florida Channel will stream the hearing live online via its website and a link to the video recording will be available at a later date. For additional information, visit the Office’s “NCCI Public Rate Hearing” webpage.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: The public hearing will be held at 412 Knott Building, 404 South Monroe Street, Florida Capitol Complex, Tallahassee, Florida 32399

CFO Patronis Honors Fallen Firefighters During Annual Ceremony in Ocala

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CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today honored Florida firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty during the annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala. CFO Patronis was joined by family members of the fallen and fire service personnel from across Florida to memorialize Joseph T. DeMarinis with the Clermont Fire Department and James F. Dorminy with the Reedy Creek Fire Department. Seven historical line of duty deaths were also recognized as part of today’s ceremony.
CFO Patronis said, “Firefighters are deserving of our unending gratitude for laying their lives on the line each time they report to work. Today, we honored those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others and lost their lives far too soon. By adding their names to Florida’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial, they will forever be remembered as the heroes that they are.”
Joseph T. DeMarinis tragically passed away on July 14, 2016, following a cardiac event that happened after a shift. Firefighter DeMarinis joined the Clermont Fire Department in August 2014. DeMarinis was also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps who served two tours in Iraq. He is survived by his parents, and his wife Brandi, and their five children, ages 1 to 17.
James F. Dorminy, a 23-year veteran of the fire service, tragically passed away on May 18, 2017. Following his May 9 shift, Lieutenant Dorminy went to the gym where he was later found in the pool in need of urgent medical attention. Days later, he was removed from life support and passed away. He is survived by his wife Lesly and their four children.
In addition to Firefighter DeMarinis and Lieutenant Dorminy, the following individuals were also added to Florida’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial, representing historical line of duty deaths:
James Russell with the Miami Fire Department who passed away on January 11, 1925, Sidney Houpt with the Miami Fire Department who passed away on March 7, 1926, Robert Knight with the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department who passed away on December 27, 1940, Sam Frazer with the Miami Fire Department who passed away on February 15, 1953, Norman Hasting with the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department who passed away on November 28, 1961, Joel D. Wooldridge with the Miami Fire Department who passed away on December 4, 1974 and Vern Gransden with the Miami Fire Department who passed away on October 29, 1977.
In total, 193 names are represented on Florida’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial.

Attorney General Bondi Announces Actions Against Student Loan Debt Relief Scammers as Part of National Crackdown

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Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office is participating in the first coordinated federal-state civil enforcement crackdown involving student loan debt relief scams. These scams unlawfully took a combined total of more than $95 million in upfront fees from students nationwide. The crackdown involves a total of 36 state or federal actions against student debt relief companies, with Attorney General Bondi’s Office filing two of these lawsuits, as well as a third action to compel compliance with an investigative subpoena. The Attorney General’s Office also reached a settlement with a student loan debt relief company in a fourth matter that ensures the company will no longer operate in Florida.
The two lawsuits allege that certain companies misled consumers into believing they would be enrolled in loan forgiveness or other relief programs through false promises. Instead of helping, the companies allegedly took hundreds or thousands of dollars from these consumers who could have used the money to pay their student loans. One complaint is against Strategic Student Solutions, LLC and its owner Dave Green in Palm Beach County, and the other is jointly filed with the Federal Trade Commission against Student Aid Center Inc., and owners Damien Alvarez and Ramino Fernandez-Moris in Miami. For more information about the complaint against Strategic Student Solutions, click here. For more information about the joint action with the FTC, click here.<  The Attorney General’s Office also filed an action against Wesley Chapel-based The Student Loan Help Center for failure to comply with an investigative subpoena. This subpoena relates to the company’s alleged misrepresentations of the amount of student loan reductions available and the company’s failure to provide the student loan debt relief services promised. To view this filed action, click here.
Lastly, the Attorney General’s Office reached a settlement with Boynton Beach-based Debt Relief Pros, Inc. d/b/a Student Debt Relief, and its owner, Christopher Wordell. This settlement resolves allegations that the company charged a fee for services otherwise free through the Federal Direct Loan Program, misrepresented the company’s ability to lower monthly student loan payments and failed to perform the services for which consumers paid advance fees. The settlement permanently enjoins the company and its owner from operating in Florida or involving Florida businesses or residents in any manner related to student loan debt relief services. To view a copy of the settlement, click font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;”> here.
In addition to these four actions, the Federal Trade Commission and 10 other attorneys general filed or settled 32 other actions as part of this initiative. For more information about the nationwide crackdown, click here.

CRC Meeting Schedule Week of October 16-20

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) noticed the following meeting schedule for the week of October 16-20, 2017. CRC meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org. Members of the public wishing to address CRC committees will be provided an opportunity to speak at the direction of the respective committee chair. Visit flcrc.gov/Committees for additional information on CRC committees.
The Interim Calendar is available on the CRC Calendars Page at flcrc.gov/Meetings/Calendars/2017.
Monday, October 16
No meetings scheduled.
Tuesday, October 17
Rules and Administration Committee

  • Time: 11:00 AM – Noon
  • Location: 401 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2g8FLhX

Meeting of the Full Commission

  • Time: 2:00-5:00 PM
  • Location: Florida Senate Chamber, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice (page 4): http://bit.ly/2gzvDQ8 

Wednesday, October 18
General Provisions Committee

  • Time: 1:00-4:00 PM
  • Location: 401 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2hFe8h3 

Thursday, October 19 
No meetings scheduled.
Friday, October 20
No meetings scheduled.

Nelson asks HHS for additional assistance in Puerto Rico

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson today sent the following letter to the head of the Dept. of Health and Human Services asking for additional support and assistance in Puerto Rico following reports this week of the island’s most vulnerable residents who remain in “mortal peril.
Read more from the New York Times report here.
Following is the text of the letter sent to HHS Acting Secretary Hargan, a pdf copy is available here.

October 13, 2017

Eric Hargan
Acting Secretary
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington DC 20201
Dear Acting Secretary Hargan,
I write today regarding the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico. As recently detailed in The New York Times, in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria many of the island’s most vulnerable residents remain “in mortal peril.”
Three weeks after Hurricane Maria made landfall, only 10 percent of the island has power. At least 40 percent of the island doesn’t have access to clean drinking water. Contaminated floodwaters are placing thousands of residents at-risk of infection, and even death.
Access to oxygen supplies, medicines and diesel to power generators are limited. Sixty-seven of the nearly 70 hospitals are operational with 29 running off temporary generators. Forty-three of the island’s 48 dialysis centers are operational, and yet dialysis patients are receiving reduced treatments. While these numbers sound encouraging, I’m concerned they’re painting a much rosier picture than reality.
According to the article, individuals who depend on oxygen tanks, ventilators, and dialysis are dying or are at risk because of limited access to medically necessary services and fuel supplies to power generators. Generator power is intended to be a temporary solution and it will be months before power is fully restored. At a minimum, these facilities need sufficient diesel—or an alternative power source, like solar-powered generators— to keep their patients alive and healthy.
While I understand the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is sending personnel and resources to Puerto Rico, this article made clear that it is not enough. The situation is not improving, and Americans are dying. I have raised this issue with your agency before, and I urge you now to take immediate steps to prevent further loss of life.
I implore you to partner with the island to ensure that priority locations like dialysis centers and hospitals have access to an adequate supplies of diesel, personnel, and medication, and have power restored as soon as possible. In addition, I have heard from dialysis providers who are struggling to get fresh water and diesel into Puerto Rico because an inconsistent flight schedule is making it difficult to time the delivery of its shipments. To that end, I ask you to coordinate with other federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration, to help these supplies get to where they are most needed.
The actions mentioned above only scratch the surface of what needs to be done. I urge the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to act before more people die and this becomes a full-blown crisis.

Sincerely,

PSC Special Commission Conference on Nuclear Cost Recovery Set for Tuesday

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a Special Commission Conference at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, to address nuclear cost recovery clause petitions filed by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and Duke Energy Florida, LLC (DEF).
FPL is requesting recovery for continued development of new nuclear units Turkey Point 6 and 7.  DEF’s requested nuclear cost recovery will be addressed when the PSC considers the utility’s proposed Settlement Agreement on Wednesday, October 25, 2017.
The Special Commission Conference is set for the following time and location:

Tuesday, October 17, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida

The Special Commission Conference will be broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listings) and is available online at www.floridapsc.com (look for the “Watch Live Broadcast” icon on the left side of the web page).