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City of Altamonte Springs explores ways to combat future water shortages with its new pureALTA water project

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pureALTA uses groundbreaking technology in a potable reuse pilot project that has the
potential to expand the City’s water supply by hundreds of thousands of gallons per day

The City of Altamonte Springs is conducting a pilot project aimed at meeting its future water needs and the challenges brought on by continued growth, shrinking groundwater supplies and the potential of drought.
The project, called pureALTA, is taking reclaimed water and treating it to meet or exceed all drinking water quality standards without using expensive, energy-consuming reverse osmosis. The project is being done in partnership with the St. Johns River Water Management District, and is currently in the testing phase through October 2018.
“This past year is a prime example of the impact that drought can have on Florida’s groundwater supply,” said Ed Torres, Director of Public Works and Utilities. “We’re embarking on this project now to explore ways to create additional water supplies in the future, if and when they are needed.”
For pureALTA, the City built a network of advanced water treatment processes: ozonation and biological activated carbon filtration (O3/BAF), ultrafiltration (UF), granular activated carbon filtration (GAC) and ultraviolet light with advanced oxidation process (UV AOP). This system of water purification has produced outstanding results during the testing phase.
A handful of other U.S. cities have potable water reuse projects, but most rely on high pressure filtration as the core treatment process of purification, rather than pureALTA’s unique combination of systems which includes biological treatment processes. pureALTA is proving to be less expensive, more energy efficient and doesn’t create the harmful byproducts that some other systems produce.
“We’ve had several experts and engineers from cities and water agencies around the country come and look at pureALTA already,” said Frank Martz, Altamonte Springs City Manager. “They’re interested in how they could adapt this technology to augment their own water supplies. We see the project as not only something that can benefit our residents, but as a model that can be adapted by other utilities throughout Florida as well as the rest of the country.”
The pureALTA project is currently treating approximately 28,000 gallons of water each day. During the study-phase, the purified water is returned to the City’s reclaimed water system where it is used for irrigation. Based on the final results of the pilot project, the City could build a full-scale system with the potential to create 300,000 to 500,000 gallons of purified water daily; that’s about 5 percent of the City’s future daily water demand – without drawing it from the aquifer.
Altamonte also built a S.T.E.M. education program named the Altamonte Springs Science Incubator, or AS2I. The City created AS2I to help prepare the next generation of engineering and conservational innovators. Through this program, students will learn about pureALTA, water treatment processes, the impact of drought and the need for diversified water alternatives. Thousands of middle and high school students get hands-on education on how this potable reuse project works and how it can be an important component of Florida’s water supply in the future.
The City of Altamonte Springs has a long history of implementing innovative projects to expand its water portfolio, save water and money and protect the environment. A-FIRST is a stormwater management initiative that generates as much as 4.5 million gallons of reclaimed water daily which is approximately 1.6 billion gallons of alternative water supply each year. The project utilizes runoff as a water resource instead of just filling up retention ponds without using its water. The City also developed Project APRICOT which delivers reclaimed water to almost every property in the city for lawn, landscape and other non-drinking purposes, rather than using drinking water. The project, which began in the 1980s, was one of the first projects of its kind and it’s still in use today.
For more on the pureALTA project, please click here.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Offers Full Florida Support to Texas Counterparts

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Tuesday evening, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis spoke to Texas State Fire Marshal Chris Connealy with Texas’ Department of Insurance and offered the full support and resources of Florida’s fire service community to assist with Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts.
“Even in the heart of a devastating situation, Fire Marshal Connealy remains optimistic about recovery efforts thus far, and was grateful for the support of Florida and other states as Texas begins to pick up the pieces following the worst storm in recent memory,” said CFO Patronis. “We know recovery is measured not in days or weeks, but in months and even years, and we’re prepared to support Texas recovery efforts for the long haul.”
As waters slowly start to recede in Texas, CFO Patronis is also offering the full resources of Florida’s experienced insurance fraud investigators, who are trained to combat scams that are common following natural disasters, such as rampant unlicensed contracting and fake FEMA representatives who attempt to charge for assistance with the filing of federal flood insurance claims.
“After disaster, families should be free to focus on their health and safety, without worrying about the possibility of scammers wanting to take even more away from them than what they’ve already lost,” said CFO Patronis. “Our investigators have years of experience dealing with these types of opportunistic scammers, and we know how to track them and take them down. As the next phases of recovery come into focus, we stand ready to put more boots on the ground.”
Additionally, CFO Patronis and Fire Marshal Connealy forged a partnership to allow Florida officials to participate in Texas’ future after-action activities. This partnership will offer Florida a unique opportunity to learn valuable information about successful disaster recovery strategies and strategies that could be improved upon for future storms.
“Hurricane Harvey could easily have hit Florida’s shores, and I believe there’s much that can be learned from our Texas counterparts. I thank Texas officials for offering Florida a seat at the table to learn, to share best practices, and to improve upon our own Florida strategies ahead of the next storm.”

Senator Galvano Files Legislation to Expand Bright Futures Scholarship

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SB 4 Secures Permanent Expansion of Bright
Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships

Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) today filed Senate Bill 4, the Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018. The legislation expands the state university and student financial aid portions of the higher education agenda the Senate advanced last session, a top priority of Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart), including a permanent expansion of the Bright Futures Academic Scholar award at 100 percent of tuition and fees and the Bright Futures Medallion Scholar award at 75 percent of tuition and fees.
“In addition to securing full funding for the Bright Futures Academic Scholar award starting this academic year, Senate Bill 4 also reinstates funding for the Bright Futures Medallion Scholar award at 75 percent of tuition and fees for fall and spring semesters, beginning in the 2018-19 academic year,” said President Negron. “These two changes ensure the permanent expansion of the Bright Futures Scholarship for approximately 94,000 students expected to qualify for new or renewed Bright Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships.”
“A college or university education is a significant investment of both time and money. The permanent expansion of Bright Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships, along with flexible tuition policies for full-time students will incentivize on-time graduation.   Providing an opportunity for advanced planning will help reduce the financial burden on students and families and improve both student retention and on-time graduation,” said Senator Galvano. “In addition, Senate Bill 4 provides an opportunity for advanced planning for our universities by instituting a transition period for universities seeking preeminence status to adjust to the new 4-year graduation rate for full-time students.”
Summary of Senate Bill 4 – The Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018
PRESERVE ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Senate Bill 4 expands merit-based and need-based financial aid funding and establishes flexible tuition policies available to families so every student in Florida who qualifies and earns the privilege to attend one of our state universities has the opportunity to pursue a higher education.
Expands Student Financial Assistance and Support

  • Expands need-based state aid, and university or college gift aid, for students with demonstrated financial need.
    • Expands the First Generation Matching Grant Program to include community college students and doubles the state match for private donations supporting the program (2:1 match).
    • Creates a new Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship for children of migrant families to earn technical and college credentials.
  • Expands merit-based state gift aid for high-performing students.
    • Reinstates full funding of the Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar award at 100 percent of tuition and fees, plus $300 in fall and spring semesters to cover instructional materials and other costs, beginning in this 2017-2018 academic year.
    • Guarantees funding for 2018 summer term tuition and fees for Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar awards.
    • Reinstates funding for the Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholar award at 75 percent of tuition and fees for fall and spring semesters, beginning in fall semester of the 2018-2019 academic year.
    • Expands Benacquisto Scholarship awards (full cost of attendance) to recruit out-of-state National Merit Scholar award winners.

Establishes Flexible Tuition and Fee Policies

  • Requires universities to implement an institutional block tuition and fee policy for full-time, in-state, undergraduate resident students.
    • Fall 2018 semester implementation for at least the entering freshman class – may be extended to include other students.
    • Must accommodate full-time student enrollment in at least 30 credits across any combination of fall, spring, or summer terms of the academic year.
    • Must maximize accelerated and transfer credit to facilitate on-time graduation and minimize excess hours.
    • Must be publicly approved by university boards of trustees and the Board of Governors, with updates and progress reports provided to the Legislature.

Increases Student Access to Internship and Job Opportunities

  • Requires each state university to use labor market projections and related degree production analyses to identify internship opportunities for students to benefit from industry experts and mentors, earn industry certifications, and become employed in high-demand fields.

RECRUIT AND RETAIN TOP FACULTY
Senate Bill 4 expands and enhances policy and funding tools state universities can leverage to recruit and retain the very best faculty, enrich professional and graduate school strength and viability, and bring aging infrastructure and research laboratories into the 21st century.
Establishes World Class Faculty Scholar Program

  • Creates the World Class Faculty Scholar Program to help universities recruit, recognize, and retain exemplary faculty, research scholars, and expert teams, as funded in the GAA.

Establishes University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program

  • Creates the University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program to promote quality and excellence in university professional schools, and improve graduate study outcomes in high-impact fields of medicine, law, and business, as funded in the GAA.

ELEVATE UNIVERSITY DISTINCTION AND NATIONAL PROMINENCE
Senate Bill 4 ensures universities remain accountable to Florida taxpayers by refining university performance expectations to incentivize and reward state university performance excellence and recognition in academics, instruction, research, and community accomplishments and achievements.
Incentivizes On-Time Graduation of Full-Time Students

  • Refines university performance expectations to incentivize and reward institutions for graduating full-time bachelor degree students in four years.
    • Preeminent State Research University: Upgrades the graduation metric to a 4-year graduation rate of 60 percent or higher. The current metric is a 6-year rate at 70 percent or higher. The bill provides one transitional year for any university having earned preeminent or emerging preeminent status based on the 2018 determination under current metrics to maintain that status for the 2018-19 academic year and receive 2018-19 preeminence funds accordingly.
    • University Performance Incentive Funding: Updates metrics to specify a 4-year graduation rate and require benchmarks for the “access” metric that reward institutions for performance success in serving Pell grant students.
  • Tightens state university relationships with their direct-support organizations’ leadership, use of funds, and public disclosure activities.

Promotes State University Programs of Excellence

  • Directs the Board of Governors to establish standards and measures to recognize, enhance, and promote individual degree programs in state universities across the system, which reflect national excellence, prominence, and distinction.

Governor Scott Announces Belcan to Add 200 New Jobs in Palm Beach County

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Governor Rick Scott announced that Belcan, LLC, a global supplier of engineering, technical recruiting and IT services, will expand operations in Palm Beach County, creating 200 new jobs. The company currently employs approximately 600 Floridians throughout the state. This expansion will be an investment of over $3 million in the Palm Beach County community.
Governor Scott said, “It was great to join the team at Belcan to announce 200 new jobs for families in Palm Beach County. Companies like Belcan continue to grow and create jobs in our state thanks to our efforts to cut taxes and reduce burdensome regulations. By investing in public infrastructure projects and job training with the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we can ensure Florida remains competitive and create opportunities for generations to come.”
Belcan has over 8,000 employees in more than 55 locations around the world and provides engineering, technical recruiting, scientific and IT services to some of the world’s largest organizations in the aerospace, defense, industrial, and government sectors. Belcan’s office in Florida was launched in 2001 and has experienced 300 percent employment growth in the past 5 years.
Belcan Chief Executive Officer Lance Kwasniewski said, “Belcan is extremely pleased to be expanding our regional presence and extending our long-term commitment to the great state of Florida. The thriving business climate created by the state and local governments, along with the outstanding universities and excellent infrastructure, are among the key factors contributing to the success of this area. We look forward to continuing Belcan’s rapid growth while creating an enjoyable environment for our employees and further enhancing the region’s economic development.”
This expansion project was made possible by partnerships with Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “I am proud that Belcan is expanding in the Sunshine State. This international company could choose to grow jobs in any other state or country around the world. Florida’s competitive business environment and low tax structure help support expansions like Belcan’s, and this growth will help families across Palm Beach County continue to prosper.”
Business Development Board of Palm Beach County President and CEO Kelly Smallridge said, “Belcan’s expansion is proof that Palm Beach County is a great place to grow businesses and jobs. Our county is home to 1300 aviation/aerospace companies that employ 17,000 at an average salary of $90,000. We appreciate the support of Palm Beach County’s Board of County Commissioners and the City of West Palm Beach in bringing this project to fruition.”
Director of Economic Development for Florida Power & Light Company and Enterprise Florida board member Crystal Stiles said, “Belcan is a great example of job creation in Florida. Florida has one of the best economic development systems in the country comprised of dedicated individuals who work hard every day to make Florida one of the best places for business. The 200 new jobs being created by Belcan are another example of growth that is happening all around our state.”
City of West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio said, “The City of West Palm Beach is proud to welcome Belcan to our community. Job creation continues to be a priority for the City and we value the growth that Belcan will bring to our community. This is another example of our solid economic partnerships with the Business Development Board, Palm Beach County and State of Florida to bring opportunity to our residents.”
Palm Beach County Mayor Paulette Burdick said, “This was a very competitive project as the company was considering moving to another state. The State, County, City of West Palm Beach, and the BDB worked closely together to ensure that Belcan stayed in our area. With our combined efforts we hit a homerun.”
About Belcan
Belcan is a global supplier of engineering, technical recruiting, and IT services to customers in the aerospace, defense, industrial, and government sectors. Belcan engineers better outcomes through adaptive and integrated services. From jet engines, airframe, and avionics to heavy vehicles, chemical processing, and cybersecurity, Belcan takes a partnering approach to provide customer-driven solutions that are flexible, scalable, and cost-effective. Belcan’s unique capabilities have led to continuous growth and success for nearly 60 years. For more information, please visit www.belcan.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.

Nelson urges administration to keep Florida panther on endangered species list

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is urging the Trump administration to keep the Florida panther on the federal endangered species list.
The move comes as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced recently that it is conducting a review of whether to maintain the Florida panther’s current listing under the Endangered Species Act.
“As the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts its review of the Florida panther’s Endangered Species Act listing, I strongly urge you to maintain the endangered classification and intensify efforts to preserve the Florida panther,” Nelson wrote in a letter today to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.
“Some good progress has been made,” Nelson continued. “Unfortunately, many of the original threats to the panther’s survival continue to pose a threat today.”
In his letter, Nelson noted that more than 140 Florida panthers were killed by cars in the last decade. He says additional measures such as wildlife crossings and roadway fencing will be needed to further protect panthers from vehicle collisions.
The Endangered Species Act requires the Fish and Wildlife Service to review the status of each species on the federal endangered list at least once every five years to determine whether any species should be removed from the list, reclassified or maintained at its current classification.
On June 29, FWS announced that it was reviewing the classifications of 22 endangered species, including the Florida panther.
Following is the text of Nelson’s letter to Zinke. 

August 29, 2017

The Honorable Ryan Zinke
Secretary
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240
Dear Secretary Zinke,
I’m writing to update you on the current threats facing the endangered Florida panther, particularly habitat loss and vehicle collisions. As the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts its review of the Florida panther’s Endangered Species Act listing, I strongly urge you to maintain the endangered classification and intensify efforts to preserve the Florida panther.
Four decades ago, there were only about twenty panthers left in existence. Conservationists, federal researchers, and community leaders came together to develop a recovery plan that determines the panther population will be considered recovered when there are three established populations each consisting of at least 240 individuals.
Some good progress has been made. In March of this year, we celebrated a new milestone in the panther’s recovery when a female panther and her kittens were spotted north of the Caloosahatchee River for the first time since the species was listed in 1973.
Unfortunately, many of the original threats to the panther’s survival continue to pose a threat today.
In the last decade, at least 140 panthers were killed by cars. That’s about the same number of panthers as the size of the entire adult population today. Clearly, there is a need for additional resources to protect the panther from vehicle collisions. Wildlife crossings and roadway fencing are a tried and true way to do this while also preventing habitat fragmentation. I encourage you to work with the U.S. Department of Transportation and state and local governments to recommend and pursue new crossings.
Additionally, the panther—like many endangered species in Florida—faces habitat loss from encroaching development. It is critical that future development effectively balances the panther’s needs.
I look forward to discussing the panther’s recovery with the nominee to be U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director. In the meantime, I hope you will continue to dedicate resources to ensuring the survival and further recovery of the Florida panther.
Thank you for consideration of these comments.

Sincerely,

Office Statement on Annual Workers’ Compensation Rate Filing

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The Office of Insurance Regulation has received the 2018 Florida workers’ compensation rate filing by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), which proposes a statewide average 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 new rates would become effective January 1, 2018.
As always, the Office will review the filing to ensure the proposed changes are not excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory and evaluate its potential effects on the insurance marketplace and employers, who are required by law to carry this insurance on their employees. A public rate hearing will be conducted in October.
NCCI is a licensed rating organization authorized to make rate filings on behalf of workers’ compensation insurance companies in Florida. For more information about the filing, read the NCCI press statement.

FWC Officers Rescue More Than 200 Texans

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers are continuing to actively assist with disaster response efforts in the Houston area today. FWC officers have rescued more than 200 Texans since arriving in the area after being deployed by Governor Scott in response to Texas’ request for emergency assistance. Nearly 125 FWC officers, more than 40 boats, 17 high water vehicles, two Mobile Command Centers, and eight shallow draft vessels are currently in Texas to support ongoing search and rescue and disaster response efforts.

Ahead of UF-Michigan game in Dallas, UF president urges Gator family to help Hurricane Harvey victims

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As residents of coastal Texas continued to grapple with widespread catastrophic flooding and other impacts from Hurricane Harvey, University of Florida President Kent Fuchs today urged the UF community to offer storm victims much-needed assistance.
Fuchs made the appeal as the Gators football team prepares to play its season opener in Dallas on Saturday against the University of Michigan.
Harvey, now a tropical storm, made landfall Friday near Corpus Christi as a Category 4 storm and has inundated Houston with unprecedented rainfall. Some predictions call for the area to receive up to 50 inches by the time the storm leaves the area later this week.
Among those affected are 27 UF Online students, including eight in the counties declared federal disaster areas, and potentially the families of nearly 500 UF students who call Texas home.
In keeping with the wishes of governmental and emergency officials in the areas hit hardest, Fuchs encouraged Gators to make financial contributions to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
“It is so important to remember during difficult times that while we embrace competition on the field, we all become one team whose goal is to help one another,” Fuchs said. “Today, we are all Texans. That’s truly what the Gator Good is all about.”

Attorney General Bondi Warns of Disaster-Relief Charity Scams Following Harvey

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As Texas continues to feel the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, Attorney General Pam Bondi is asking Floridians who want to help to use caution when donating. Scammers will often use natural disasters to prey on the good intentions of others, but there are steps consumers can take to protect against charity-related scams.
“As Floridians, we know all too well the destruction a massive hurricane can cause and how vital charitable donations are in helping communities recover—but before you give, please take steps to ensure your donation will be used to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey, not a scammer exploiting the goodwill of Floridians,” said Attorney General Bondi.  
Anyone wishing to donate can follow these tips to make sure gifts are used to help victims and Texas communities recover from Harvey:

  • Be proactive and donate to a reputable charity, rather than wait to be solicited;
  • When giving, consider donating to an established disaster-relief charity, such as RedCross.org;
  • Research a charity by using Charity Navigator and by contacting the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to determine whether the charity is registered to solicit donations in Florida;
  • Avoid solicitors using high-pressure tactics or hesitant to provide more information about a charitable organization;
  • If donating online at a fundraising site, be sure to confirm the identity of the recipient and be careful when providing any personal contact information; and
  • Contact the Attorney General’s Office at (866) 9-NO-SCAM or call the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at (703) 276-0100 to determine if there are any complaints against a charity.

For more information about charity scams and tips to avoid such scams, Attorney General Bondi urges consumers to review the Attorney General’s Hurricane Preparedness Guide.
Consumers who believe they have been a victim of a scam or other fraudulent activity may file a complaint by calling (866) 9-NO-SCAM or by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com. 

Snook season starts Sept. 1

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The recreational harvest season for snook starts Sept. 1 statewide. Unique to the region, snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages anglers to use moderation when determining whether or not to take a snook home. When releasing a snook, proper handling methods can help ensure your fish’s survival and the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more about catch-and-release and the best way to handle a fish, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” then “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”
During the open season, the daily bag limit is one fish per person. In the Atlantic, snook must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 32 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side. In the Gulf, they must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 33 inches total length.
A snook permit, as well as a recreational saltwater license, is required unless the angler is exempt from the recreational license requirements. Snook may be targeted or harvested with hook-and-line gear only. Snagging is prohibited.
Snook are closed to harvest Dec. 1 through the end of February and May 1 through Aug. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park. In Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, snook are closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 and June 1 through Aug. 31.
Researchers ask anglers who harvest the fish to save their filleted carcasses and provide them to the FWC by dropping them off at a participating bait and tackle store. For the county-by-county list, go to MyFWC.com/Research and click on “Saltwater,” then “Snook” (under “Saltwater Fish”) and “Snook Anglers Asked to Help with Research.”
These carcasses provide biological data, including the size, age, maturity and sex of the catch. This information is important to the FWC in completing stock assessments. If you see a snook fishery violation, call the Wildlife Alert Program at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Anglers can report their catch on the Snook & Gamefish Foundation’s website at SnookFoundation.org by clicking on the “Angler Action Program” link in the bar at the top of the page.
Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing” and “Recreational Regulations” for more information on snook.