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Nelson files bill to give Maria evacuees quicker access to federal benefits

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Bill would waive requirement that prevents evacuees from
immediately accessing Supplemental Security Income benefits

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) filed legislation today to give evacuees from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands immediate access to a federal income supplemental program designed to help U.S. residents pay for basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter in the wake of a disaster.
The legislation would give the Social Security Administration emergency authority to waive a rule requiring U.S. residents be “present” in the mainland U.S. for 30 consecutive days before they are eligible for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. This 30-day rule means evacuees arriving in the mainland from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are not eligible for assistance under this program for at least 30 days.
“U.S. residents living in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are just that: U.S. residents,” Nelson said. “They deserve the same help and assistance as any other U.S. resident would get in the wake of a disaster and this bill will help provide them the assistance they need to pay for basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter.”
By law, SSI is not available to U.S. residents in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. To qualify, U.S. residents must be “present” in one of the 50 states, District of Columbia or Northern Mariana Islands for 30 consecutive days.
If approved, Nelson’s bill would give the Social Security Administration emergency authority to waive the 30-day requirement for otherwise eligible persons who evacuate from the U.S. territories due to emergencies or natural disasters.
The legislation now heads to the Senate Finance Committee.
A copy of the bill is available here.

Gov. Scott: Florida Enters New Host-State Agreement to Help Displaced Puerto Ricans

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that the Trump Administration has approved his request to enter into Host-State agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This agreement approves 100 percent federal reimbursement for costs incurred by the State of Florida related to the accommodation of those displaced by Hurricane Maria. In Florida, this includes sheltering operations and other support for those who are currently in Florida and for those who are still arriving from Puerto Rico. Click HERE to see the agreement.
Governor Scott said, “The number one concern that I’ve heard from families displaced by Hurricane Maria is that they need a safe place to stay so they can begin rebuilding their lives. This agreement with the federal government that I asked for will allow Florida to continue helping displaced families while they are in Florida. Since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico last week, we have been engaged in relief and response and we will continue to make sure that Florida is providing as much support and hospitality as possible.”
This week, the Governor announced the opening of three disaster relief centers in Port of Miami, Orlando International Airport and Miami International Director Airport. For a complete list of assistance that Florida has provided to Puerto Rico, click HERE.

CFPB puts the breaks on payday lenders

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued its final rule today that places much needed limitations on payday loans and other predatory loan products. The rules do not address the rates, leaving that up to the states. The proposal filed by Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr. with the Constitutional Revision Commission to place a 30 percent rate cap on payday loans is still crucial to protecting borrowers in Florida.
The most important protection provided by the CFPB is the ability to repay the loan requirement. Lenders must verify borrower’s income and expenses to be sure the borrower has the financial ability to repay the loan.   The ability to repay requirement applies to loans that are 45 days or less, so that would include payday loans made here in Florida, which are by law limited to 31 day terms. The rules provide exceptions but overall the rules should address the ongoing debt trap these predatory loans create for consumers.
“Payday loans trap vulnerable Floridians in a cycle of never-ending debt causing damage to family financial stability,” cautioned Rachel Gunter Shapard, Associate Coordinator for Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida. “The CFPB’s new rules are a step in the right direction.”
“Payday loans are extremely high-costs loan for which the lender holds the borrower’s bank account captive. These loans tend to trap borrowers in a never-ending cycle of debt,” explained Lynn Drysdale, Division Chief, Consumer Advocacy and Litigation Unit, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. “The CFPB’s regulations will go far in ensuring, for the benefit of the lender and borrower, that the loan can be repaid. The regulations will also help stabilize borrowers’ access to their depository accounts held by banks, credit unions and other financial institutions, which is good for the borrower and the institution. Studies from a number of sources consistently show these loans have a disproportionate impact on borrowers who live in communities of color, the military and elderly populations. I applaud the CFPB for taking aim at reining in the worst practices.”
For more information about payday loans in Florida visit www.stopthedebttrapflorida.org.

Nelson files bill to create Florida fuel-supply reserve

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As parts of Northwest Florida find themselves in the potential path of yet another major storm forming in the Gulf, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) is taking steps to ensure that Florida’s residents and first responders have access to the gasoline they need before and after a storm.
Nelson filed legislation today to create a Florida gas supply reserve to prevent future gas shortages like those seen throughout the state before Hurricane Irma. Specifically, the legislation requires the secretary of energy to create a “Florida Gasoline Supply Reserve” that would hold a minimum of one million barrels of refined petroleum products in two locations: one on Florida’s west coast and one on the east coast.
“When a major storm is heading towards our state, we have to make sure people have access to the gas they need to get out of harm’s way,” Nelson said. “ A Florida gas reserve would not only help prevent some of the gas shortages we saw ahead of Hurricane Irma, but would also help ensure that our first responders have the fuel they need to help people during and after the storm.”
Gas shortages became widespread throughout Florida as residents were ordered to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Irma. Those gas shortages affected not only residents and visitors trying to flee the storm’s path, but also hampered first responders’ and local governments’ efforts to prepare for the storm.
Last month, Nelson sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Rick Perry urging him to use his authority to create a gasoline reserve supply for Florida, similar to the one the Department of Energy set up in the Northeast following Superstorm Sandy.
“DOE created a Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve (NGSR) in 2014 to ensure an emergency gasoline supply for future natural or man-made disasters in that region,” Nelson wrote. “In the wake of Hurricane Irma, I urge you to consider using your authority to create a similar gasoline supply reserve for the State of Florida.”
While Nelson has not yet received a response from Sec. Perry, the legislation he filed today would require the secretary to set up a reserve for Florida.
The text of Nelson’s legislation is available here.
A copy of Nelson’s Sept. 11 letter to Perry is available here.
 

Senator Tom Lee Files Bill to Increase Financial Protections for Florida's Seniors

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Senator Tom Lee announced today the filing of Senate Bill 438, a piece of legislation aimed at increasing financial protections for Floridians in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs).
There are 71 licensed CCRCs in Florida serving approximately 30,000 residents. When a senior decides to join a CCRC, it is a significant decision and a huge investment of their assets – usually their life’s savings.
“In the last five years, three CCRCs have filed for bankruptcy in our state, leaving some of our most vulnerable citizens with a lot of uncertainty about what is going to happen in the final stages of their lives,” Senator Lee said. “While the majority of these facilities are operating in good faith, these incidents have highlighted the need to reexamine our laws to ensure we’re adequately protecting residents and the assets they’ve worked so hard to accumulate.”
Senate Bill 438 provides a regulatory framework designed to give the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) the necessary authority to intervene earlier to prevent a CCRC’s financial challenge from becoming a crisis.
“Most recently, a CCRC in my community allowed unqualified and unapproved individuals to take over, bleed the facility of all liquidity, and use bankruptcy as a shield to evade regulatory action,” Senator Lee added. “These kind of activities cause an inordinate amount of stress on employees, residents, and their families. This legislation gives OIR the necessary tools and oversight to aid struggling CCRCs and ensure they can fulfill their promises to seniors.”
Senate Bill 438 increases transparency and communication with CCRC residents, creates a new early warning intervention system to allow the OIR and CCRCs to work together to resolve any potential issues, and improves regulatory efficiencies by promoting financial stability and prohibiting hazardous transactions.

DSC to host one of Florida’s largest public safety job fairs

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Daytona State College’s School of Emergency Services will host one of Florida’s largest Public Safety Job Fairs on Friday, Nov. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at DSC’s Advanced Technology College.
The event will feature recruiters representing over 50 agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement, corrections, firefighting, emergency medical services, EVAC units and more.
Current students, graduates and anyone interested in pursuing a career in public safety are welcome to attend. Job seekers should come prepared with their resumes in hand, dressed for success and ready to talk about their work history, education or military service.
Participating organizations include dozens of police and sheriff’s departments from across the state, as well as the Volusia County corrections, animal services, beach safety, communications, emergency management and human resources departments. In addition, recruiters from the state’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Highway Patrol, Sunstar Paramedics, the Stewart Marchman Act-Rape Crisis Center, and the U.S. Army and Navy are expected to attend.
DSC’s Career Services Department also will be on hand to help students and graduates with their career exploration and job placement. Additionally, DSC admissions staff will be able to answer questions regarding the college’s School of Emergency Services programs.
Daytona State’s ATC Campus is located at 1770 Technology Blvd. in Daytona Beach, 1/2-mile north of LPGA Blvd. off Williamson Blvd.
For information regarding how to reserve free vendor space, contact Robin Davis at (386) 506-4141. Other inquiries should be directed to Patty Lane, (386) 506-4202.

Gov. Scott Announces Siemens and Chromalloy to Create 350 New Jobs in Tampa

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Siemens and Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corporation have chosen Hillsborough County as the headquarters location for their new joint venture, Advanced Airfoil Components. The Advanced Airfoil Components manufacturing facility will lead to the creation of 350 new jobs with a capital investment of approximately $139 million. Siemens and Chromalloy evaluated multiple states before ultimately choosing Florida as the best destination for this new headquarters.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to announce that Siemens and Chromalloy chose Florida as the best place to start their new joint venture that will create 350 new jobs for families in the Tampa area. We have fought to make Florida more business-friendly by permanently eliminating the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, so Florida manufacturers like Siemens and Chromalloy can invest more in our state. With the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we can ensure our economy will continue to grow so families can succeed in Florida.”
Siemens, a global engineering and technology leader, and Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corporation, a global engine manufacturer, have formed Advanced Airfoil Components to support manufacturing and producing components that will maximize gas turbine performance. Advanced Airfoil Components will hire workers for a range of skilled positions, including technical engineers, manufacturing technicians and production workers. This facility will be leasing 210,000 square feet at Tampa Regional Industrial Park and is scheduled to open in late 2018. Siemens already has approximately 5,200 employees in Florida.
Siemens USA CEO Judy Marks said, “Siemens is very pleased to make additional investments in the I-4 corridor, where we already have more than 5,000 employees. We’re a global company that is proud to be ‘U.S. local,’ with over 60 manufacturing sites across the country. This joint venture with Chromalloy streamlines our supply chain and ensures we have the most advanced technologies as we pursue performance gains for our gas turbines.”
Chromalloy President Carlo Luzzatto said, “With two existing manufacturing facilities in the Tampa area, Chromalloy is excited to continue our investment in the community and to support technical and professional job growth in Florida. This is a strong market for technical candidates, and we are looking forward to identifying highly skilled individuals to support this new, innovative energy business.”
Florida is one of the nation’s top 10 states for manufacturing. Home to over 19,000 companies that employ more than 331,000 people, Florida’s diverse manufacturing industry produces everything from aerospace products, batteries, food and beverages, communications equipment, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, boats, and more. In 2016, Governor Scott championed the permanent elimination of the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment so Florida manufactures can invest more money in growing their businesses and creating new jobs.
The project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough County, and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “This announcement is exciting news for Tampa-area families. We are proud that Advanced Airfoil chose Florida and is planning to create hundreds of high-wage, high-tech manufacturing jobs in Florida’s I-4 Tech Corridor.”
Chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Stacy White, said, “We are excited to welcome Advanced Airfoil Components to Hillsborough County and thank them for their investment in our community. The addition of hundreds of skilled manufacturing jobs is great news for local families. We are confident that the quality of our workforce and the responsiveness of our colleges and universities to the industry’s evolving training needs will help Advanced Airfoil Components thrive here for decades to come.”
Chairman of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and President of Hillsborough Community College Dr. Ken Atwater said, “The strength and diversity of our manufacturing sector is encouraging more globally renowned corporations like Siemens and Chromalloy to choose Tampa and Hillsborough County. Advanced Airfoil Components’ success in our market will have a positive impact on our region and help shape our economic future. We look forward to assisting them as they establish roots in our community.”
Enterprise Florida board member and President and CEO and Voltair Consulting Engineers Julius Davis said, “Florida attracts high-tech companies from around the world, and with a qualified workforce and robust infrastructure, it is clear why Siemens and Chromalloy chose Hillsborough County as the location for Advanced Airfoil Components. The 350 new jobs and investment into our community are a direct result of business-friendly policies championed by Governor Rick Scott.”
Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global powerhouse focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of systems for power generation and transmission as well as medical diagnosis. With approximately 351,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of $88.1 billion in fiscal 2016. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $23.7 billion, including $5.4 billion in exports, and employs approximately 50,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Chromalloy has expanded from a gas turbine parts repair business into an OEM supplier of production parts and advanced repairs and services for gas turbines used in aviation and land-based applications. Chromalloy serves the airline, military, marine and energy segments with a broad range of services at locations around the globe. Chromalloy is authorized by the FAA and EASA and many other NAAs, and is qualified under ISO and NADCAP. Chromalloy is a subsidiary of Sequa Corporation.
Sequa Corporation is a diversified industrial company with operations in the aerospace, energy and metal coatings industries. Sequa is a Carlyle Group company. For additional information, visit www.sequa.com
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors. The EDC exists because of the generous support of more than 100 corporations, the Board of County Commissioners of Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace.
Hillsborough County, Florida is the commercial and industrial heart of Tampa Bay. The fourth largest county in the state of Florida, Hillsborough is home to nearly 1.3 million residents, with thousands more arriving each year. Its strength is drawn from being one of the most advanced economies and having one of the most educated workforces in the state. Hillsborough County and its three municipalities –Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace – offer a competitive business environment and an abundance of regional assets including Port Tampa Bay, Tampa International Airport, and MacDill Air Force Base. County government is focused on creating economic prosperity for residents and businesses throughout the area.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Sues Dade City’s Wild Things

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today announced it has filed suit against Dade City’s Wild Things, a zoo in Dade City, and three of its corporate officers. The department seeks to shutdown fundraising efforts by Dade City’s Wild Things based on the department’s investigation involving illicit fundraising and financial issues.
Based on the department’s investigation, Stearns Zoological Rescue and Rehab Center Inc. and Dade City’s Wild Things Inc. solicited contributions, purportedly for the purpose of caring for animals at the zoo and for broader, in-field conservation efforts.  However, non-profit funds were routinely transferred to the for-profit entity, Stearns Peat C Inc. A financial analysis of one year showed over $200,000 of non-profit funds were transferred to the for-profit entity.  Randall Stearns, Kathryn Stearns and Kenneth Stearns are corporate officers and/or directors of the listed entities and acted in concert to solicit contributions.
Based on the department’s investigation, the defendants allegedly violated Chapter 496, Florida Statutes, by:

  • Transferring large amounts of non-profit funds to a for-profit entity to be used for for-profit and personal expenses;
  • Compensating corporate officers and directors after disclosing that such persons were uncompensated in their official filings with the department;
  • Soliciting contributions without being registered with the department (even after receiving a cease and desist order);
  • Falsely stating that contributions were tax deductible when their 501(c) status had been revoked years before;
  • Failing to apply contributions in a manner consistent with that indicated in solicitations;
  • Failing to provide documents requested by the department; submitting false information in response to an investigation; and
  • Allowing a disqualified individual to be involved in solicitation efforts and to handle contributions.

Truck Parking Availability System Coming to Central Florida

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East-Central Florida sites are chosen for the first permanent installation, as commercial drivers traveling Interstate 4 (I-4) and I-95 will soon have extra help locating available parking spots. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is installing a Truck Parking Availability System (TPAS), which detects available spaces at rest areas and weigh stations and alerts commercial drivers via message boards.
The first seven locations to have this technology permanently installed in Florida are in Brevard, Flagler and Seminole counties in Central Florida. The specific locations are:
Brevard County:

  • I-95 northbound rest area located about 5 miles south of State Road (S.R.) 514 (Exit 173)
  • I-95 southbound rest area located about 4 miles south of S.R. 514 (Exit 173)
  • I-95 northbound rest area located about 2 miles north of Exit S.R. 46 (Exit 223)
  • I-95 southbound rest area located about 3 miles north of S.R. 46 (Exit 223)

Flagler County:

  • I-95 northbound Truck Comfort Station (Weigh-in-Motion station) located about 2 miles north of S.R. 100 (Exit 284)
  • I-95 southbound Truck Comfort Station (Weigh-in-Motion station) located about 3 miles south of Palm Coast Parkway (Exit 289)

Seminole County:

  • I-4  eastbound rest area about 2 miles east of S.R. 434 (Exit 94)

The TPAS will use in-ground sensors in the truck spaces at weigh stations and rest areas, as well as detection devices at the entrances and exits to monitor the number of available truck parking spaces. The system will interface with the state’s SunGuide system, which will allow the information to also be available to drivers through the state’s FL511.com website and mobile apps.
Construction on the $1.8-million project is scheduled to begin mid-October, and be completed by spring 2018. Initial work will involve placement of conduit off of the main roadways, requiring only occasional shoulder closures. The contractor is expected to perform this work at multiple locations simultaneously.
Installation of the in-ground sensors will require about half of the truck parking spaces to be closed at a time. Electronic message boards will be used to alert drivers when spaces are closed, and updates will be available on FDOT’s Central Florida website www.cflroads.com.
The schedule is weather permitting and may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Motorists need to use caution, abide by posted speed limits and stay alert for trucks entering and exiting the roadway, while driving through active construction zones.
Motorists are encouraged to check www.cflroads.com for updates about this and other Central Florida projects.

Gov. Scott Declares State of Emergency to Prepare Florida for Tropical Storm Nate

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Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order 17-262 declaring a state of emergency in 29 counties within the State of Florida in response to Tropical Storm Nate. The counties under the state of emergency areEscambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Dixie, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Baker, Union, Bradford, and Alachua counties. Governor Scott is ensuring that local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this storm and are not hindered, delayed or prevented from taking all necessary actions to keep communities safe.
Governor Scott said, “Tropical Storm Nate is headed north toward our state and Florida must be prepared. I have continued to be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Tropical Storm Nate and while current forecast models have the storm’s center west of Florida, we must be vigilant and get prepared. Today, given these forecasts, I have declared a state of emergency for 29 counties in Florida to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and ensure resources are dispersed to local communities. By declaring an emergency in these counties, we can also ensure that there is no hindrance in the transportation of supplies and assets. I urge all Floridians to remain vigilant and stay alert to local weather and news and visit FLGetAPlan.com today as we all prepare for Tropical Storm Nate. We will keep monitoring and issuing updates on Tropical Storm Nate as it approaches the Gulf Coast.”
See below for more information on what the State of Florida is doing to support Tropical Storm Nate preparedness efforts:
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM 
MILITARY SUPPORT

  • The Florida National Guard has 7,000 guard members available for deployment if needed.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) continues to monitor traffic and is coordinating with FDOT and local emergency operations centers regarding any potential evacuations.
  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is monitoring the storm and ready to respond as needed.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

  • The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is monitoring the storm and holding teleconferences with the regional FDOT district offices to ensure local communities are prepared.
  • FDOT district offices are reaching out to construction vendors to have them remove any materials that block roads to facilitate potential evacuations and checking on fuel supplies. FDOT is also actively monitoring for roadway flooding in areas already impacted by Hurricane Irma and stands ready to respond as needed.
  • FDOT asset maintenance contractors have been contacted to support potential activities.
  • FDOT will continue to reach out to county emergency operations centers directly to coordinate any necessary response actions including activating traffic counters, providing local evacuation support and providing maintenance of traffic and other assistance.
  • Florida’s seaports are monitoring conditions.

POWER AND UTILITIES

  • The state has contacted utilities to put them on notice to start reporting outage and restoration information if needed.
  • Utilities are contacting their mutual aid partners to determine availability if external resources are needed to restore services. 

FUEL

  • The state is contacting fuel industry partners, such as the Florida Petroleum Council, Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, to prepare for potential storm impacts. At this time, there are no reported supply, distribution or retail fuel shortages or issues.
  • The state has also contacted emergency fuel and equipment provider for status of emergency fuel supply and equipment. 

SHELTERS

  • The state is preparing to support potential sheltering operations in the Florida Panhandle.
  • More information on shelters will be made available as decisions on potential evacuations are made. 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL

  • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will join Governor Scott on tropical storm preparedness calls with Florida hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes later today.
  • DOH is standing by to assist with potential needs of healthcare facilities and special needs shelters.  

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

  • Water Management Districts are monitoring waterways and are prepared to adjust flows as necessary.
  • Lake Okeechobee is currently at 16.67 feet and is being continuously monitored by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which manages Lake Okeechobee water levels. The Army Corps will continue releases from Lake Okeechobee until further notice.

CONTACTS

  • The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) contact number is 1-800-342-3557.
  • The State Emergency Operations Center Media Line: 850-921-0217.
  • Follow @FLSert or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Tropical Storm Nate.
  • Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.