Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam sent a letter to the House Committee on Ways and Means, voicing his support of the 2017 National Trade Policy Agenda. This agenda will help create a more even playing field for America’s farmers, ranchers and businesses.
The following is an excerpt from the letter:
“I applaud the Trump Administration’s National Trade Policy Agenda for 2017 and its clear intention to strictly enforce U.S. trade laws and insure a fair and level playing field exists for America’s farmers, ranchers, and businesses. As the U.S. moves into the second round of NAFTA negotiations on September 1, it is imperative that the Administration’s goal to seek a provision to address the plight of the producers of perishable and seasonal commodities be included in any agreement.”
The letter can be accessed by clicking here.
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Marsy’s Law for All Announces Florida Campaign to Provide Equal Rights for Crime Victims
Victims’ Rights Advocates Introduce Ballot Initiative for
Consideration by the Florida Constitution Revision Commission
Marsy’s Law for Florida, a crime victims’ group working to amend the state constitution to provide equal rights for crime victims, announced they will bring language before the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) to place equal rights for crime victims on the 2018 ballot. The proposed amendment, once passed by the CRC and approved by the voters, brings assurance that victims of crime and their families are provided with enforceable constitutional protections, the same level that is afforded to those accused and convicted, nothing more and nothing less.
Pasco County Sheriff and CRC Commissioner Chris Nocco, along with Florida State Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) announced their support for Marsy’s Law through a video announcement that will be seen on social media and digital advertising. Sheriff Nocco and Senator Book will introduce the language to the CRC.
“My first priority as Sheriff of Pasco County is to prevent crime and keep our citizens safe,” said Sheriff Nocco. “When a crime is committed, the rights of the victim should be equal to the rights of the accused. This seems like common sense, but in Florida today, victims’ rights are not guaranteed. I’m bringing this language before the CRC because I believe my fellow commissioners and the citizens of Florida agree that victims of crimes should be treated fairly, with dignity, and the same Constitutional rights as the accused.”
Senator Book, a victim of sexual abuse as a child, founded Lauren’s Kids, a nonprofit whose mission is to prevent sexual abuse through education and awareness and to support survivors as they heal.
“I’ve spent my life advocating for victims’ rights and I’m proud to support Marsy’s Law,” said Senator Book. “The pain a victim suffers in the aftermath of a crime is hard enough without being revictimized by the criminal justice system. Whether or not the system honors and protects the rights of a victim can be the difference between that victim achieving justice, healing, and survivorship, or feeling lost and let down – or even worse, completely ignored. Marsy’s Law will give each victim the promise of having their voice heard.”
Background on the Constitution Revision Commission
Florida’s Constitution is unique in that it allows a 37-member revision commission to meet every 20 years for the purpose of holding public hearings, reviewing the current constitution and proposing changes to the constitution for voters’ consideration. Its make-up consists of the Attorney General, 15 appointees from the Governor, nine appointees from the Florida Senate President, nine appointees from the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and three appointees from the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court. Any amendments approved by the CRC will be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot and will require 60 percent approval by the voters for passage. Any amendment passed will be added to the Florida Constitution.
Background on Marsy’s Law for Florida
While most states provide crime victims with 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.
For more information on the Marsy’s Law initiative, please visit https://marsyslaw.us, and follow on Facebook and Twitter.
Additional Information
More information is available online at https://marsyslaw.us/marsys-law-state-efforts/florida/.
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Monday, August 28, 2017
Gov. Scott Appoints Three to Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority
Governor Rick Scott today announced two reappointments and one appointment to the Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority
Danny Alvarez, 43, of Seffner, is a managing member at The Alvarez Legal Group. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, his master’s degree from Troy State University, and his juris doctorate from Stetson University College of Law. He is reappointed for a term beginning August 28, 2017 and ending July 1, 2020.
Vincent J. Cassidy, 58, of Tampa, is the Chief Executive Officer of Majesty Title Services, LLC. He received his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and graduated from the University of Virginia’s Graduate School of Banking with honors. He is reappointed for a term beginning August 28, 2017 and ending July 1, 2021.
Shaun Oxtal, 30, of Tampa, is the director of Capright. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Oxtal is appointed to a vacant seat for a term beginning August 28, 2017, and ending July 1, 2018.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Appoints Four to Clay County Development Authority
Governor Rick Scott today announced four appointments to the Clay County Development Authority.
Keith R. Ward, 56, of Orange Park, is the president of Thomas May Construction Company. He succeeds Matthew Carlton for a term beginning August 28, 2017 and ending July 1, 2021.
Bruce Butler, Jr., 37, of Green Cove Springs, is a Federal Law Enforcement Officer. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida A & M University. He succeeds Ernest Dobson for a term beginning August 28, 2017 and ending July 1, 2021.
Tom Morris, 62, of Middleburg, is the executive director of Clay County Utility Authority. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and his master’s degree from the University of North Florida. He succeeds William Randall for a term beginning August 28, 2017 and ending July 1, 2021.
Amy Pope Wells, 46, of Green Cove Springs, is the owner of Link Staffing Services and president of Tire Diva, Inc. She received her associate’s degree from the ACC school of nursing. She fills a vacant seat for a term beginning August 28, 2017 and ending July 1, 2019.
Step Up For Students, Insurers to Hold Media Conference Call to Announce Record-Setting Contributions for Scholarships
MEDIA ADVISORY
Speakers from Step Up For Students, Tower Hill Insurance Group, and UnitedHealthcare will host a media conference call this Tuesday, August 29, at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the insurance industry’s record-setting contributions to the Tax-Credit Scholarship that are supporting students across the state. Following a discussion of each speaker’s involvement with Step Up For Students, the speakers will respond to questions from members of the media.
What: Media Conference Call
Who: Step Up For Students – President Doug Tuthill
Florida Insurance Industry Scholarship Program – Chairman Peter Corrigan
Tower Hill Insurance – President Don Matz
UnitedHealthcare – CEO Nicholas Zaffiris
Step Up For Students – Graduate Maricela Flores
When: Tuesday, August 29, 2017
9:30 am (ET)
Where: Conference Line Number: (888) 392-4560
Access Code: 4590009
Dick Williams Announces Candidacy for St Johns County Commission District 4 Seat
He Pledges to Bring Efficient and Effective Governance to the County Commission while Focusing on Pro-Business Policies and Job Creation Initiatives all while Promoting a Strong Quality of Life for All who Live in St. Johns County
Dick Williams, long-time St. Johns County resident, has officially announced his candidacy for the St. Johns County Commission, District 4 seat.
“It is with great excitement that I announce the official launch of my candidacy for St Johns County Commission, District 4. Like most families relocating to Florida with school age children, our family chose to live in St Johns County for its “A” rated public schools, low crime rate and the great quality of life. I believe that the best government is the one closest to the people. I am committed to the continued representation of an open and pragmatic business approach necessary to maintain the excellent quality of life that we all enjoy while protecting our hard-earned tax dollars and ensuring that we continue to grow our economy,” said Williams.
Williams is a a strong conservative whose business career spans thirty years of successful top management of multi-million dollar budgets of commercial radio stations throughout the U.S. In 2006, he retired from the corporate world following six years as VP / General Manager of five Northeast Florida radio stations including conservative news talk WOKV 690.
In 2008, Williams came out of retirement and accepted the challenge of turning around a financially stressed local non-profit. Putting his business experience to work, he successfully guided the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach through the “great recession” and assured its financial future. Williams knows first-hand the difficulties small business owners face meeting a payroll and making every dollar count.
A first-time candidate for elected office, Williams has been very active in community service; as a current member of the United Way of St. Johns County Campaign Cabinet, board member of the Cultural Center and Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach. Dick was honored to be appointed by the St Johns County School Board to serve on the Citizens Advisory Committee to assist in selecting a new Superintendent. Having twice served as an appointed volunteer on the county’s Planning and Zoning Agency, Williams dealt openly with the challenges of balancing private property rights while managing the need for responsible county growth.
A Republican candidate for the St Johns County Commission District 4, Dick Williams is committed to the continued representation of an open and pragmatic business approach necessary to insure we can maintain the excellent quality of life that we all enjoy while protecting our hard-earned tax dollars and ensuring that we continue to grow our economy.
Growing up in Janesville, Wisconsin, he and his wife, Linda, were high school sweethearts. Following graduation from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, they married and today have two grown sons and two grandchildren.. For more information, please visit his website at: http://Williams4Commission.com/.
Paid by Dick Williams, Republican, for St Johns County Commission, District 4
UNF School of Nursing Among 50 Schools Nationwide Awarded White Coat Ceremony Funding
The University of North Florida’s School of Nursing is one of 50 schools across the country selected by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to receive funding to host White Coat Ceremonies, which underscore the importance of humanistic patient care.
UNF was one of two universities in Florida selected to receive a $1,000 grant for White Coat Ceremonies this year. Launched in 2013, a groundbreaking collaboration between APGF and AACN has enabled 260 schools of nursing in 48 states to offer ceremonies designed to instill a commitment to providing compassionate care among the next generation of registered nurses.
“We’re honored that the School of Nursing was selected to receive funding to support the White Coat Ceremony, which symbolizes the commitment to providing compassionate care to the patients which we serve,” said Dr. Li Loriz, director of UNF’s School of Nursing. “We’re excited to have the students cite the oath to prepare competent, caring professionals.”
Though White Coat Ceremonies have been conducted by medical schools for more than 20 years, the APGF-AACN initiative marks the first time a coordinated effort has been developed to offer similar events at nursing schools. In nursing, a White Coat Ceremony typically consists of the recitation of an oath, an address by an eminent role model, and a reception for students and invited guests. Students also are given a specially designed pin that serves as a visual reminder of their oath and commitment to providing high quality care.
The School of Nursing not only prepares its graduates to be compassionate caregivers but also to provide a high level of excellent care. UNF nursing graduates exceed the pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination both at the state and national levels, scoring a 94.4. The national pass rate is 84.57, while the state exam pass rate is 76.68.
“At the UNF School of Nursing, we strive to excel in the education and preparation of our nursing students in order to assure the consistent passing of the graduate licensure exam and excellence in the care they provide to patients,” Loriz said.
The School of Nursing was selected as the first flagship program at the University and offers a wide variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The program has a community-based, population-focused curriculum corresponding to changes in health care delivery trends.
AHCA Announces Call for Nominations to Pediatric Cardiology Technical Advisory Panel
The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) is issuing a call for nominations for cardiology specialists and cardiac surgeons to serve on a new Pediatric Cardiology Technical Advisory Panel (Panel). The Panel will fulfill the responsibilities outlined in a new law, Chapter 2017-151, Laws of Florida, signed by Governor Rick Scott earlier this year. The Panel is charged to develop procedures and standards for measuring the quality and outcomes of pediatric cardiac surgery programs in the state. The panel will make recommendations to the Agency on specific regulatory guidelines.
Panel members will include representatives from each of the state’s ten existing pediatric cardiology surgery programs, as nominated by the Chief Executive Officers of those hospitals and three additional at-large members to be appointed by the Agency’s Secretary Justin Senior. Additional eligibility information is outlined in the legislation. The Agency will accept nominations through the end of August and appointees will be announced in September.
The Panel will convene in the fall and meet as needed to form their recommendations. The Agency has launched a dedicated webpage at: www.AHCA.myflorida.com/PCTAP to make available information about the Panel’s work, member appointments, and meeting information. Under Florida’s Sunshine Laws, all Panel meetings will be open to the public. Members of the public may also send questions and information to the Panel through the website.
Sen. Bill Nelson statement on Venezuela sanctions
Following is a comment from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on the president’s executive order imposing new sanctions on Venezuela:
“These new sanctions are a step in the right direction, but they don’t go far enough. The administration needs to ban at least some of the Venezuelan oil being imported into the U.S., until constitutional democracy has been restored in Venezuela.”
Orlando Sentinel article on FDLE’s Pulse Nightclub After-Action Report mischaracterized the findings of the report
Setting the Record Straight
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) sets high goals and demands the best of its members. The goal of the After-Action Report was to analyze FDLE response efforts, identify strengths to be maintained and built upon, identify potential areas for improvement, and support development of corrective actions. These types of reports have become a best practice following mass casualty events.
This article indicated FDLE’s role quickly expanded to include helping the FBI with the investigation, identifying the victims and notifying families who lost a loved one and that led to chaos and miscommunication at times.
Fact: FDLE members responded to the incident in an officer-involved shooting capacity. However, due to the scope of this event, the department soon transitioned to provide other assistance including the role of identifying victims and notifying their next of kin. And while the department does not have protocols in place for this type of process, FDLE command staff accepted this role to assist its partner agencies. Nowhere in the report does it state helping notify victim families led to chaos and miscommunication. Instead the report specifies “When FDLE members arrived at the hotel for next of kin notification, they encountered chaos and no plan of action for the operational processes.” Additionally, it goes on to state “Despite these challenges, SASs (supervisors), intelligence analysts and special agents displayed exceptional team work in these roles. FDLE SASs (supervisors) took leadership roles, provided direction and coordinated the various agency representatives working at the sites.” Encountering chaos is not the same as causing chaos. In fact, FDLE members were able to positively identify 48 of the 49 victims by 7 a.m. Monday.
Further, the Sentinel wrote the report also detailed problems that led to a statewide intelligence agency not immediately sharing information about the shooting, which led to a significant delay in getting details to law enforcement.
Fact: There were no delays in providing information to law enforcement. Notifications began around 4 a.m. Due to the type of intelligence being gathered and the level of the investigation being conducted immediately following the event, the Florida Fusion Center was directed by FDLE command staff not to disseminate specific pieces of information. This was a terrorist event and whether there were other potential targets or impacts had yet to be determined. Until the information and intelligence had been vetted, it could not be distributed to non-law enforcement FFC partners. Similar steps are taken following any event of this type.
Many of Orlando’s Regional Domestic Security Task Force resources were deployed to the Pulse incident immediately. Task Force chairs (FDLE Special Agent in Charge Danny Banks and Osceola County Sheriff Robert Hansell) were on scene communicating with other regional task forces ensuring deployment of additional resources from law enforcement to medical personnel to bomb squads.
It is unfortunate the Sentinel chose to sensationalize the report by providing inaccurate information.
By overstating the recommendations for improvement, while failing to mention the strengths noted in the report, the article is unbalanced and unfair to those law enforcement members who put their lives on the line the night of the Pulse attack and tirelessly worked the days following to ensure a safer Florida.
Stuart Commissioner Krauskopf Honored with E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award
Stuart Commissioner Jeffrey “Jeff” A. Krauskopf has been honored by the Florida League of Cities as recipient of the E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented to Commissioner Krauskopf last Friday during the League’s 91st Annual Conference in Orlando.
The League’s most prestigious award was named for former Supreme Court Justice E. Harris Drew, who coined the League’s motto: “Local self-government, keystone to American democracy.” Appointed to Florida’s Supreme Court in 1952 while serving as the League’s first vice president, Drew remained an advocate of local government throughout his career.
“The Florida League of Cities emphasizes membership education. Take advantage of every opportunity they offer to better yourself and your service to your community – I did,” said Commissioner Krauskopf. “Thank you, FLC!”
Known as a passionate and persistent public servant, Commissioner Krauskopf is tireless in his pursuit of “smart growth” for the City of Stuart. He defines smart growth as the type of development that implements the city’s Comprehensive Plan and creates job growth while preserving Stuart’s historic charm and environmental heritage.
Whether he’s forging beneficial relationships with local partners, negotiating deals on environmental projects, or thinking about creative ways to generate additional revenue for the city, he consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of Stuart’s residents.
Thanks to Commissioner Krauskopf’s leadership, the city has developed a strong working relationship with Martin County officials. This mutually beneficial relationship led to the adoption of an inter-local agreement for the purchase of 53 acres within the city, known as the ‘”Haney Creek Preserve,” which dedicated environmentally sensitive land for preservation and water quality improvements to the St. Lucie River Estuary. He also played a significant role in nearly a dozen other environmental and redevelopment projects within the City of Stuart.
Commissioner Krauskopf is a financial innovator, constantly searching for ways to generate additional revenue without increasing taxes for residents and local businesses. He has long been a proponent of long-term leases on city-owned property as a revenue source. Today, the city’s leased Property Management Fund generates $1.3 million per year, which amounts to a 1 mill decrease in the ad valorem property tax.
In addition to being a dedicated public servant, Commissioner Krauskopf is also active in numerous civic organizations. He serves as a board member for the Environmental Studies Council, the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the Council of 100, the Martin County Republican Club, the Sunrise Rotary Club, and the Martin County High School Interact Club, and he is co-founder of the Martin County High School Career Day.
Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities. Florida’s cities are formed by their citizens and governed by their citizens. The League is founded on the belief that local self-government is the keystone of American democracy. For more information, visit www.floridaleagueofcities.com.
