The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) will join the state tomorrow, August 26, to celebrate Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day in honor of the men and women who risk their lives daily to ensure reliable delivery of electricity throughout Florida. FMEA encourages people to recognize Florida’s lineworkers through social media by using the hashtags #ThankALineman and #LineworkerAppreciationDay.
“Lineworkers literally put their lives on the line every single day to make sure the lights go on when we flip that switch,” said Chip Merriam, FMEA President and Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) Vice President of Legislative, Regulatory & Compliance. “I commend and thank all of Florida’s lineworkers for their service to our communities.”
In 2012, the Florida House of Representatives created the annual appreciation day to be observed every August 26. The date was selected in remembrance of Marc Moore, a lineworker for Lakeland Electric, who was tragically killed while serving his community in 2002. In 2015 – the most recent data available – the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics listed utility line work as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.
Lineworkers not only serve their own communities, but others across the state and country. When disasters strike, such as last year’s Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, lineworkers leave their families and homes to travel to neighboring cities and states working long hours under dangerous conditions to help restore power.
“After 11 years without a hurricane hitting the state, Hermine and Matthew really reminded us of the important role of lineworkers,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “They truly are our hometown heroes.”
FMEA also supports lineworkers through its FMEA Lineman Assistance Fund. The fund provides aid to lineworkers and their families when an on-the-job injury or loss of life creates a special need for aid and to help ease the burden of unexpected medical emergencies. Contributions to the fund can be made online at https://fs6.formsite.com/fmea/form152/secure_index.html.
For more information on FMEA and Florida’s public power communities, please visit www.publicpower.com.
Featured
PSC Recognizes Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day
Electric lineworkers have a dangerous and very important job. All hours of the day, 365 days a year, they risk a lot to make sure our lights stay on. Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day is August 26, and the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) honors the brave men and women who work tirelessly to construct, operate, and maintain the electric system that keeps Florida running.
“When the power goes out, we rely on utility lineworkers to quickly get things back to normal,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “They are among the first responders when storms and natural disasters strike, working to make our communities safe for other public safety heroes.”
Florida’s lineworkers are highly skilled professionals, trained to work safely and efficiently during high winds, rain, and even ice storms. They are prepared when Florida utilities send lineworkers to other parts of the country, when needed, to help restore power to families and businesses struggling after a storm.
“Even when there is no storm or hurricane, lineworkers work daily with high voltage electric lines atop tall utility poles, risking their lives on our behalf. We owe them a huge gratitude,” Chairman Brown added.
In 2012, the Florida House of Representatives created Lineworker Appreciation Day, honoring the thousands of workers risking their lives daily to ensure reliable electric delivery throughout the state. Collectively, lineworkers maintain the nation’s more than 5 million miles of power lines, in all weather and other hazardous conditions.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Commissioner Adam Putnam to Give Keynote Address at Florida State University Convocation on Sunday
MEDIA ADVISORY
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will provide the keynote address and join President John Thrasher to welcome nearly 6,500 freshmen to Florida State University.
Event: Florida State University New Student Convocation and President’s Welcome
Date: Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Donald J. Tucker Civic Center
505 W. Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, Fla. 32301
Rep. Caldwell: I will not take public finance dollars in bid for Commissioner of Agriculture
Rep. Caldwell: I will not take public finance dollars in bid for
Commissioner of Agriculture and call on others to pledge the same
Representative Matt Caldwell was the first statewide candidate to announce he would not take public finance dollars for his campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture. Additionally, he called on his opponents to make the same commitment.
Representative Caldwell said, “It is one thing to say you’re a conservative and another to lead as a conservative. As I campaign to serve as Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture, I will not take any public finance dollars.
“Furthermore, I challenge the other candidates for Commissioner of Agriculture – Democrat and Republican – to make the same pledge. Public financing of statewide political campaigns is a waste of taxpayer dollars and a disservice to Florida’s hardworking families.
“As I continue to travel across the Sunshine State, it is clear that Floridians are looking to elect a leader who not only runs as a conservative but lives by conservative principles. I have always been guided by those values and that is why, when I was elected into office in 2010, I rejected the pension program offered to legislators. I believe holding office is a sacrifice and a public service, not an entitlement.
“It may put a bullseye on my back but I have always defended conservative values, not big government and the status quo. It is a difficult fight and one that requires the right character, judgement, and values — but it’s worth it.”
FDLE arrests two Pensacola women for dealing heroin
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Paola Sotolongo, 46, and Krystel Theologis, 27, for drug trafficking and possession following a heroin distribution investigation. The investigation began in July and yesterday a search warrant was conducted at a home shared by the women, 7155 Mobile Highway in Pensacola, where both were arrested. The State Attorney’s Office, ATF and FBI assisted in the investigation and search warrant.
During the search, investigators found prepackaged heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine along with fentanyl, marijuana and alprazolam. Sotolongo was charged with trafficking in heroin and methamphetamine and possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a place of worship. Theologis has been charged with possession of alprazolam with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a place of worship, and possession of marijuana.
Both women were booked into the Escambia County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, First Judicial Circuit.
Spotted seatrout workshop can now be attended online/on-demand
Missed the recent in-person spotted seatrout workshops? Attend online by participating in an on-demand virtual workshop. Learn more about the current stock assessment of this species and tell the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) how you’d like to see this fishery managed in the future.
This newly-added online feature can be found on the public workshops page at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Public Comments/Workshops” and “Workshops.” Once you’ve viewed the workshop, submit your comments online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.
FWC staff hosted a total of 12 in-person workshops throughout the state in July and August to gather public input.
Staff will be discussing input and potential future changes to the management of this species at the Sept. 28 Commission meeting in Okeechobee.
A goliath grouper virtual workshop and survey is also online on the public workshops page link above.
Supreme Court Justice Discusses ‘American Law and New Global Realities’ at UNF
The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville and the University of North Florida will co-host an evening with The Honorable Stephen G. Breyer, associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, at the UNF Arena, Building 34. He will discuss “The Court and the World: American Law and the New Global Realities.” This event is part of the Presidential Lecture Series, supported by the UNF Foundation and co-hosted by the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville’s Global Issues Evenings.
Justice Breyer was nominated by President Bill Clinton as associate justice of the Supreme Court and took his seat in 1994. Between 1980 and 1990, he served as a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and as its chief judge from 1990 to 1994. He also served as a member of the Judicial Conference of the United States and of the United States Sentencing Commission.
In 1973, Justice Breyer served as an assistant special prosecutor of the Watergate Special Prosecution Force and as special counsel of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee between 1974 and 1975, serving as chief counsel of the committee from 1979 to 1980. In the mid-60s, he served as a law clerk to Justice Arthur Goldberg of the Supreme Court of the United States and as a special assistant to the Assistant U.S. Attorney General for Antitrust.
Prior to serving in the Supreme Court, Justice Breyer was an assistant professor/professor of law and lecturer at Harvard Law School for 27 years as well as a professor at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government for three years. Additionally, he was a visiting professor at the College of Law in Sydney, Australia, and at the University of Rome. He received undergraduate degrees from Harvard Law School, Stanford University and Magdalen College, Oxford.
Complimentary tickets are required for this Presidential Lecture. E-tickets will be available Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, at www.unf.edu/lectures or at (904) 620-2117. For those with a disability that require an accommodation, such as disability parking for this occasion, call (904) 620-2117 five days before the event to provide a reasonable accommodation for the event.
For more information, visit the World Affairs Council’s website at www.worldaffairscounciljax.org or UNF’s Distinguished Voices Lecture Series webpage at www.unf.edu/lectures.
This event is sponsored by the University of North Florida, Water Street Capital, Fleet Landing, The Haskell Company, Coastal Construction Products, Inc., William and Barbara Harrell, Association of Corporate Counsel North Florida Chapter, Corinne C. Hodak, P.A., Robert and Sallie Ann Hart and W. Radford Lovett II.
The UNF Presidential Lecture Series was established 20 years ago to bring speakers of national and global significance to the metro Jacksonville community. Past Presidential Lecturers include Nobel Peace laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Oscar Aria, poet Maya Angelou, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, wildlife researcher Jane Goodall, Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, authors Frank McCourt, John Updike and Carl Hiaasen as well as presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, to name a few.
The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization devoted to promoting understanding of world affairs by sponsoring public programs for all ages, fostering discussion of international issues and opportunities, and providing a venue for people to meet others with similar interests. Our mission is to promote an understanding of the world and its people and to engage citizens of Northeast Florida in becoming better informed participants in the global community.
Tampa’s Hakeem Investments Receives PSC’s Triple E Award
Specializing in real estate investments, Hakeem Investments Florida, Lllp., is also investing in energy efficiency. The commercial property management company in Tampa is a good energy steward, and its energy efficiency efforts are being recognized with the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) August Triple E Award.
“Hakeem Investments took the initiative to implement energy conservation measures across its 150,000 square foot office and commercial lease complex,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “The company is also incorporating energy efficiencies as an integral part of its future business plan, and we are pleased to recognize these efforts.”
Company partner and CEO Asif Hakeem recently participated in Tampa Electric Company’s Commercial Cool Roof Rebate and Duct Repair Programs and received a rebate of more than $21,000. As a result of the programs, the firm is projected to save 133,943 kWh annually, a bill savings of $14,733, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 81.7 tons of Co2, 265.2 lbs. of NOx, and 425.9 lbs. of SOx.
“After a recent Tampa Electric energy audit, we are also planning to retrofit our lighting and install occupancy sensors. With the upgrades, we will be able to eliminate 150 fixtures, and the lights will only burn when necessary,” said Hakeem. “This additional Tampa Electric rebate will provide a good return on our energy efficiency investment—a smart energy and money saving strategy.”
“Helping our customers use energy wisely is one of our top priorities,” said Gordon Gillette, president of Tampa Electric. “Through July of this year, Tampa Electric’s energy experts have performed nearly 750 free commercial and industrial Energy Audits. Hakeem Investments proactively implemented several of Tampa Electric’s efficiency programs in its three office complex buildings, and we were happy to work with Mr. Hakeem to help achieve immediate and long-term energy savings.”
Covering the state’s five major geographic areas, each month the PSC presents its Triple E Award to a local business that has accomplished superior energy efficiency. Look for past Triple E Award recipients under Hot Topics on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com. The PSC encourages cost-effective conservation and renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels and defer the need for new generating capacity through the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.
About Hakeem Investments Florida, Lllp.
With a history spanning half a century, Hakeem Investments is a Tampa-based firm specializing in commercial and multi-use residential developments. Headed by Asif Hakeem, the company owns, leases, and manages commercial office plazas, multifamily apartments, and homes. Asif’s father, Dr. M.K. Hakeem, founded Hakeem Investments Florida, Lllp. in 1967. Dr. Hakeem was a cardiovascular thoracic surgeon and Chief of South Florida Baptist Hospital for over forty years. For more information, visit http://www.hakeeminvestments.com/about.html.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Statement from Sen. Maria Sachs
Former state Senator Maria Sachs issued the following statement today after her former aide, Matthew Damsky, filed a motion requesting a federal court judge to drop his lawsuit against the Florida Senate. With this action, Damsky is dropping his unwarranted assertion of improper conduct by the Senator, and a separate criminal case against him remain in place.
“The Court has rightly been asked to dismiss this bogus lawsuit against the Florida Senate that was a flimsy smokescreen created by Damsky to distract attention from his thieving criminal acts against Florida taxpayers and my family. Nothing will eclipse the truth about those illegal acts as he faces justice, accountability, and deserved consequences.”
Mast Unveils Bill to Create First Federal Action Plan to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms in Greater Everglades Region
South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act
Mandates Everglades-Specific Action Plan
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today announced the introduction of the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act. The bill will amend existing federal law aimed at combatting harmful algal blooms to require the first-ever specific federal assessment and action plan to reduce harmful algal blooms in the Greater Everglades region.
“Considering the massive damage algal blooms have caused in our community, it’s ridiculous that a federal program specifically designed to combat algal blooms has never done an Everglades-specific analysis,” Rep. Mast said. “This bill is a critical first step to developing a comprehensive plan that forces the state and federal government to work together to keep our water clean.”
The bill amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act to require an assessment and action plan for reducing harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in the Greater Everglades region. Under the direction of this existing federal law, the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science have developed numerous reports over the last two decades researching harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River and nationally. However, there has never been an Everglades-specific report.
The South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act directs the task force to complete an assessment that examines the causes, consequences and potential approaches to reduce harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in the Greater Everglades region, including how ongoing South Florida ecosystem restoration efforts are impacting the distribution of algal blooms. Based on the assessment, the task force is then directed to submit a plan to Congress for reducing, mitigating and controlling harmful algal blooms in the Greater Everglades region.
