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CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Hosts Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony in Ocala

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MEDIA ADVISORY

On Friday, October 13, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis will join firefighters from across Florida to honor members of the fire service community who have lost their lives in the line of duty during the annual Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala.
Joseph T. DeMarinis of the Clermont Fire Department and James F. Dorminy of the Reedy Creek Fire Department will be memorialized during this year’s ceremony. Seven additional historical names will also be added to Florida’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial.
WHAT: Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony
WHEN: Friday, October 13
9:30 a.m. EST
WHERE: Florida State Fire College
11655 NW Gainesville Road
Ocala, Fla. 34482
Media are asked to confirm their attendance by calling the CFO’s Press Office at (850) 413-2842 or emailing [email protected].

Gov. Scott Meets with Florida Congressional Delegation Members to Urge Action for Citrus Industry

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Governor Rick Scott, joined by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, today met with members of the Florida congressional delegation to discuss Hurricane Irma and Florida’s citrus industry. It’s estimated that Hurricane Irma caused more than $2.5 billion in losses for Florida’s agriculture industry, including more than $760 million in losses for Florida citrus.
Last week, Governor Scott activated a $25 million Florida Citrus Emergency Loan Program to support citrus growers impacted by Hurricane Irma. Learn more about the program HERE.
Below is an excerpt of the Governor’s remarks as prepared for delivery from today in Washington:

  • With Floridians ready to get back to their normal lives, it is time for Florida to rebuild.
  • Today, I’m here to urge you to work together and pass legislation to facilitate the rebuilding process. As you know, Florida prides itself in our incredible and iconic citrus industry. Florida’s world famous citrus industry has been negatively affected by the impacts of Irma – with an estimated more than $760 million in losses alone in citrus, and more than $2.5 billion in losses in total for the Florida agricultural industry.
  • Floridians deserve to be made whole again after this catastrophic storm, and I urge you to work with your colleagues to help Florida with the losses accrued in our citrus and agriculture industries. Florida farmers are a tough, hardworking group not looking for a government handout.
  • This industry was already struggling from the impacts of citrus greening and we cannot let Irma decimate our industry long-term.

Office Introduces New Resource to Help Public Stay Informed About Insurance Activities in State

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The Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) is pleased to introduce a new subscription service that allows consumers and other interested parties an opportunity to sign up and receive their choice of several Office-issued communications. This includes notifications about important press announcements, informational memoranda/bulletins, emergency orders, rulemaking, and public hearing notices.
“This enables us to communicate more closely with Florida’s consumers and other interested parties,” stated Commissioner David Altmaier. “I encourage anyone who has an interest in learning more about the insurance issues affecting our state to sign up today and take advantage of this new service.”
This new resource will keep subscribers informed about insurance-related information shared by the Office, such as updates on hurricane claims data and related preparedness information; important legislative developments; and, public hearings where participation and feedback by the general public is requested to assist the Office in its regulatory decision-making responsibilities.
To sign up, visit www.floir.com and select the blue envelope icon at the bottom of the homepage.

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam to Discuss Agricultural Damage with Senate Agriculture Committee

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, Oct. 12, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam will discuss agricultural damage caused by Hurricane Irma with the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Event: Commissioner Adam Putnam discusses agricultural damage with Senate Agriculture Committee
Date: Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017
Time: Approx. 10 a.m.
Location: 301 Senate Office Building, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Fla. 32399

Miami Insurance Agent Charged with Creating Fake Insurance Policies to Steal $276,000 in Insurance Premiums

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced the arrest of Jose Manuel Caballero-Morlesin (Caballero), an insurance agent and owner of Axis Underwriters, Inc., a Miami-based insurance agency. An extensive investigation led by the Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Insurance Fraud unraveled a complex scam in which Caballero enlisted a finance company to pay annual premiums tied to fake insurance applications. In total, Caballero submitted 38 fake applications and stole $276,000 in premium payments. Caballero confessed to investigators and now faces up to 157 years in prison, if convicted.
Many residential and commercial insurance policyholders are required to pay annual premiums up front. Insurance agencies partner with finance companies to front the cost of the annual premium, allowing the policyholders to make monthly installments to the finance company if they cannot afford to pay the full premium amount at one time.
During a six-month timeframe in mid-2016, Caballero submitted 38 applications for financing using made up consumer information. The unsuspecting finance company approved the applications and issued annual premium payments to Caballero’s insurance agency, Axis Underwriters, Inc. In time, the finance company grew suspicious when no policyholders came forward to pay their monthly installments.
The finance company reported their suspicions to the Department’s Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services, which referred the case to fraud investigators as a suspected scam. The Department plans to seek the immediate suspension of Caballero’s insurance license once formal charges are filed.
Caballero turned himself in to authorities October 9, 2017, and has been charged with one count of organized scheme to defraud and 38 counts of forgery, uttering forged instruments, grand theft and the misappropriation of insurance funds.
This case is being prosecuted by the Office of Katherine Fernandez Rundle of the Miami State Attorney’s Office.

Poll Shows Floridians Overwhelmingly Support Adding Victims’ Rights to Florida Constitution

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If Vote Were Held Today, a Victims’ Bill of
Rights Would Pass With 85 Percent Approval

A new poll released today shows an overwhelming number of Floridians support enumerating victims’ rights in the Florida Constitution, the basis of a proposal known as Marsy’s Law. The survey, commissioned by Marsy’s Law for Florida, found 87 percent of likely voters believe victims should have, at the very least, the same protections in the state constitution as those given to those accused of committing crimes. Support for the measure crosses party lines with 83 percent of Democrats, 86 percent of Independents and 92 percent of Republicans in favor of including victims’ rights in the state constitution.
When asked if crime victims should have the constitutional right to speak at the bail or sentencing hearing of the accused or convicted, support rises to 89 percent. Seventy-seven (77) percent believe that victims of crimes should have the constitutional right to be consulted by the state attorney before plea bargain negotiations can begin. When asked if we should change the current system so victims of crime have their rights protected in the state constitution versus the opposing view that victims’ rights are already protected by local state attorneys, Florida voters favor changing the system by a 70 percent to 20 percent margin.
Finally, when read proposed ballot language and informed of the background behind Marsy’s Law, 85 percent of those surveyed said they would vote for a constitutional amendment that guarantees victims’ rights in the Florida Constitution. A constitutional amendment shows strong support, regardless of political affiliation, with 83 percent of Democrats, 87 percent of Independents and 88 percent of Republicans saying they would vote for the measure.
In the coming weeks, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) will consider Proposal 5, filed by Commissioner Chris Nocco, creating the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights. If approved by the CRC, it will appear on the 2018 General Election ballot.
“The Victims’ Bill of Rights empowers victims within the state of Florida,” said Commissioner Nocco. “We had no doubt that citizens would be very supportive of this proposal to give these once voiceless victims the ability to be heard.”
“This poll shows Floridians are of the same mindset as voters in other states who have shown support for Marsy’s Law,” said Marsy’s Law for Florida State Director Greg Ungru. “The Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights is a true bipartisan effort that brings together law enforcement, civic leaders, elected officials and citizens from every walk of life. I believe, if approved by the CRC and placed on the ballot, victims’ will finally have their constitutional rights established in Florida.”
Conducted by OnMessage, Inc., the survey interviewed 700 likely voters in Florida from October 1 to October 3. The survey has a +/- 3.7 percent margin of error.
Background on Marsy’s Law for Florida
While most states provide crime victims with clear and enforceable constitutional-level protections, Florida remains one of only 15 that does not. Once adopted by the voters, Marsy’s Law will grant constitutional rights to crime victims on par with those provided to the accused and convicted, including:
Marsy’s Law Rights
Marsy’s Law will guarantee that victims receive certain rights in a number of important ways including:

  • informing victims and their families about their rights and the services available to them,
  • giving them the right to receive notification of proceedings and major developments in a criminal case,
  • protecting their safety by notifying them in a timely manner regarding changes to the offender’s custodial status,
  • allowing victims and their families to exercise their right to be present – and heard – at court proceedings,
  • providing input to the prosecutor before a plea agreement is finalized; and
  • establishing the right to restitution from the convicted.

About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail.  In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights.  He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.
Since California’s passage of the Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008, Marsy’s Law legislation has also succeeded in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Illinois.

Rep. Matt Caldwell Announces Tax Relief Plan for Florida Agriculture Post Irma

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Representative Matt Caldwell today announced his proposed tax relief plan to help Florida farmers recover from the damage left in the wake of Hurricane Irma. The plan includes proposed cuts to Florida’s Tangible Personal Property Tax and Motor Fuel Tax, which are taxes that nearly every farmer, ag-related business, and small business pays.

Representative Matt Caldwell said, “After touring the state and observing the losses and damages incurred by the agricultural community, it is clear that we need to help Florida farmers get back to business. This legislative session we should pursue temporary tax cuts, which is a principled way to help farmers recover from the challenges they are facing post Irma. We should specifically consider reductions of the Tangible Personal Property Tax and the Motor Fuel Tax. These taxes affect nearly every farmer and temporary relief of these burdens would be a broad based way to provide relief without picking winners and losers.”

The Tangible Personal Property Tax levies annual property taxes against equipment, such as tractors, tools and production facilities, totaling more than $25,000. The Motor Fuel Tax levies taxes against the sale of motor fuel and agricultural businesses can currently receive a rebate of fuel taxes for off-road/farm use. The proposed plan would offer a rebate of the Tangible Personal Property Tax for the time the equipment couldn’t be used or was damaged from the storm and would extend the rebate of the Motor Fuel Tax to include on-road use related to storm recovery as well.

FHCA Pledges Support for Nursing Home Plans, Urges Reasonable Approach

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Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today affirmed their commitment to working with Governor Scott and the Legislature to take appropriate steps to protect frail residents of skilled nursing centers from the impacts of natural disasters.
In a statement FHCA Executive Director Emmett Reed said, “Governor Scott has taken the right course by asking state agencies to begin a rulemaking process so each skilled nursing center and assisted living facility has the means to maintain essential power in the aftermath of a disaster. FHCA, its members, and its partners look forward to providing meaningful input in this process as we work to ensure that our residents can be kept cool and safe in a disaster.”
In separate legislative testimony today, FHCA leaders detailed the challenges faced by long term care providers in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and the solutions FHCA is proposing going forward.
Bob Asztalos, FHCA’s lead lobbyist, told the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services that the association fully supports the goal behind Governor Rick Scott’s call for emergency generators at all long-term care and assisted living facilities. However, he said, implementation must allow for achievable timelines that give centers sufficient opportunity to acquire and properly install the backup generators. “Experts have made it clear that the timeline that’s been put forth is simply not achievable. We have drafted changes to the rule and other recommendations that would give nursing homes and ALFs time and flexibility to meet the objective of keeping residents in a cool and safe environment during a disaster,” Asztalos said. “We share the same goal as the Governor and the Legislature – to ensure that our centers are as safe as possible, as soon as possible – so let’s work together to get this right.”
In remarks to the House Energy & Utilities Subcommittee, Reed noted that long-term care facilities face greater challenges than they did a decade ago because skilled nursing centers care for residents who until recently would have been in hospitals with powerful emergency backup generators – individuals who depend on ventilators, oxygen, dialysis, and other life-sustaining mechanical support. “We saw over 400 nursing centers across Florida lose power during Hurricane Irma,” Reed testified. Prioritizing nursing centers as critical facilities – similar to how hospitals are prioritized – will ensure that our residents receive assistance in a manner that is consistent with their medical needs.”

Thonotosassa woman claims $1 million prize in $10,000,000 FORTUNE Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Charlene Simmons, 45, of Thonotosassa, claimed a $1 million prize in the $10,000,000 FORTUNE Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $792,000.00.
Simmons purchased her winning ticket from Publix, located at 2424 Sand Mine Road in Davenport. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The $25 Scratch-Off game, $10,000,000 FORTUNE, launched in February 2016, and features more than $623 million in total cash prizes, including 46 prizes of $1 million and four prizes of $10 million. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-2.88.
Scratch-Offs are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in FY 2016-17, and comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales.

Joe Garcia Joins Leading Global Strategy Firm Mercury

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Former Congressman to Expand Mercury’s Florida Presence as Co-Chairman

Mercury, a leading global, bipartisan public strategy firm, announced today the addition of former U.S. Congressman Joe Garcia, who will expand their Miami team and capabilities both in Florida and across the firm’s national offices. Garcia, who served Florida’s 26th district in the U.S. House of Representatives, joins the team at Mercury as Co-Chairman, and will be based in the Miami office.
“We are excited to welcome Joe Garcia to the Mercury family. His extensive policy experience will be invaluable as we expand our footprint in Miami, and across the Sunshine State,” said Mercury Partner Ashley Walker.
“I am thrilled to join Mercury, known across the country for their exceptional work across the public affairs, policy and political arenas,” Garcia said. “I look forward to growing the Mercury brand in Miami, and bringing my expertise to help clients achieve success.”
During his time in Congress, Rep. Garcia served on the Committee on the Judiciary, including the Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Border Security, and the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law. Garcia was also an integral member of the Committee on Natural Resources, including its Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources; Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs; and Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation.
Prior to his time on Capitol Hill, Garcia served in the executive branch. In 2009, President Barack Obama appointed – and the United States Senate unanimously confirmed – Garcia to the Department of Energy as Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity. Garcia is also former Chairman and member of the Florida Public Service Commission, where he served on the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC,) and vice chair of the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (SEARUC.)
Throughout his career, Garcia held positions on a wide variety of state and federal projects, including: an advisor on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; member of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Joint Board; and advisor for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC.) Garcia also served as board member and Executive Director of the Cuban American National Foundation, an advocacy voice for human rights issues, and as Director of the Cuban Exodus Relief Fund, a refugee resettlement group organization.
Garcia is a member of the Florida Bar, and holds both his BA and JD from the University of Miami.
“We are pleased to welcome Congressman Garcia to the Mercury team. His extensive policy experience in the energy and utility sectors, as well as his deep relationships in Washington, will be a tremendous asset to our clients,” said Mercury Co-founder and CEO, Kieran Mahoney.
About Mercury
Mercury is a high-stakes, bipartisan public strategy firm. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services that includes federal government relations, international affairs, digital influence, public opinion research, media strategy and a bipartisan grassroots mobilization network in all 50 states. Our firm is not just led by top talent — we distinguish ourselves by having senior talent deeply engaged in each project from start to finish, a promise we keep to clients. The firm has an established global presence, with U.S. offices in Washington, DC, New York, California, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and Tennessee, as well as international offices in London and Mexico City.  Mercury is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.
About Omnicom Public Relations Group
Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, fashion, public health and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,000 public relations professionals in more than 330 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group delivers for clients through a relentless focus on talent, continuous pursuit of innovation and a culture steeped in collaboration. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.