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How to Submit a Proposed Constitutional Amendment Through FLCRC.GOV

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) released a new infographic showing the simple steps Floridians can take to submit a proposed constitutional amendment through flcrc.gov.
CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “The recommended September 22nd deadline to submit a proposed constitutional amendment to the CRC is a month away and we encourage all interested Floridians to submit their proposals as soon as possible. The submission tool on flcrc.gov offers a simple, streamlined process to create and share proposed constitutional amendments with the CRC. Just follow the steps in our new infographic and make sure your voice is heard during this historic process!”
 

The CRC is considering Friday, September 22 as the filing deadline for public proposals. The recommended deadline is subject to approval by a vote of the full commission. The next full commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19. For more information on upcoming CRC meetings, visit flcrc.gov/Meetings.
Download CRC Guides and Handouts:

ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION (CRC)
Once every twenty years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a thirty-seven member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research and possibly recommending changes to the Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the CRC would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. For additional information, visit flcrc.gov. Follow the CRC on Twitter (@FloridaCRC) and Instagram (@FloridaCRC). Like the CRC on Facebook (@FloridaCRC).
 

Help hatchlings home by leaving them alone

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Help hatchlings home by leaving them alone. That’s what beachgoers should remember if they encounter sea turtle hatchlings emerging from nests and clambering toward the water.
From now through the end of October, sea turtle hatchlings are breaking out of their eggs, digging out of nests and making their way across beaches to begin their lives in the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. They usually emerge from their nests at night.
“Sea turtle hatchlings are small and appear helpless, so people may make the mistake of thinking they need assistance getting to the water. But you can help hatchlings home by leaving them alone,” said Robbin Trindell, who heads the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sea turtle management program.
“Sea turtle hatchlings are biologically programmed to look for the brightest horizon and walk toward the water,” said Trindell. “Any interference or disturbance by people, such as getting too close or taking flash photos, increases the chances the hatchlings will get confused, go in the wrong direction and not reach the ocean quickly. That makes them vulnerable to dehydration, exhaustion and predators. Remember, you need a special permit from the FWC to interact with sea turtle hatchlings. Beachgoers should never handle or interact with hatchlings on their own.”
Important things that people can do to help sea turtle hatchlings survive:

  • Do not try to help hatchlings crawling toward the water. Young sea turtles need to continue their migration to the sea without assistance.
  • Leave hatchlings undisturbed and watch them from a distance. Remember, it is illegal to pick up a hatchling, enter a posted nesting area or dig into a nest.
  • Remove chairs, canopies and boats and other obstacles from the beach at night, and fill up holes in the sand so hatchlings can make their way unobstructed to the water.
  • Refrain from taking flash photos of hatchlings, whether with a cellphone or camera. Do not shine flashlights on hatchlings or their nests.
  • Minimize artificial lighting on the beach at night, or at least keep lights shielded. Bright lights on buildings or parking lots along the beach are harmful to hatchlings. The hatchlings head for the bright lights, thinking they are the sparkling sea, and end up walking landward where they may become prey for raccoons, coyotes and other animals or get run over on roads.
  • Report any hatchlings that are stranded, wandering in a road or parking lot, heading away from the water or dead to the FWC’s 24-hour Wildlife Alert Hotline, 888-404-FWCC (3922) or *FWC or #FWC on a cellphone.

You can help support conservation of sea turtles and their hatchlings by purchasing a “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” Florida license tag from local tax collectors’ offices, where you also can get the new sea turtle decal with a $5 donation.
For more on sea turtle nesting and hatchlings, go to MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle, and click on “Educational Information,” where you will find the “Share the beach: Helpful information for beach visitors during nesting season” brochure.
Media contact: Diane Hirth, 850-410-5291

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2017

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GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2017
9:15am                        STAFF AND CALL TIME
Location:         Fort Lauderdale, FL
9:30am                        ENTERPRISE FLORIDA BOARD MEETING
Location:         The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Address:          321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
2:50pm                       NUJAK COMPANIES JOB GROWTH HIGHLIGHT
Location:         NuJak Companies, Inc.
Address:          714 North Massachusetts Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33801
4:00-4:50pm               STAFF AND CALL TIME
Location:         Lakeland, FL
 
GOVERNOR LOPEZ-CANTERA’S SCHEDULE FOR
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2017
9:00am                        ENTERPRISE FLORIDA BOARD MEETING
Location:         Fort Lauderdale, FL
2:00pm                       MEETING WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY MAYOR CARLOS GIMENEZ
Location:         Miami, FL

POWERBALL® JACKPOT REACHES $650 MILLION, SECOND LARGEST IN THE GAME’S HISTORY

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TALLAHASSEE – The POWERBALL® jackpot for Wednesday’s drawing is an estimated $650 million; the largest in the nation and second largest in the game’s history. In addition to the jackpot, players have the opportunity to win a variety of lower-tier prizes ranging from $4.00 to $2 million by matching any of the non-jackpot-winning combinations.
“Last week the Florida Lottery reached another epic milestone of $32 billion in total contributions to education,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell. “POWERBALL jackpots like this one are an exciting way for Floridians to have a chance to win a life-changing prize while also helping to benefit Florida’s students and schools.”
While there was no jackpot winner in Saturday night’s drawing, Florida POWERBALL players still won big, with more than 388,000 winning tickets totaling more than $5.1 million in prizes, including two $1 million winners in Ocoee and Orlando. During this jackpot series, more than 1.8 million Florida players have won more than $18.4 million in prizes.
Jackpot prizes are paid in 30 annual installments or as a one-time, lump-sum payment. Winners have 180 days from the applicable drawing to claim their prize. To receive the cash option of an estimated $411.7 million, jackpot prizes must be claimed within 60 days of the drawing.
The integrity of all games is of utmost importance to the Florida Lottery. Players are encouraged to sign the back of their ticket at the time of purchase and keep them in a safe place. Players are reminded to check their tickets carefully; even if they don’t win the jackpot, they can still win cash prizes of up to $2 million.
Players who want the chance to become Florida’s 13th POWERBALL jackpot winner can purchase tickets at any of the more than 13,000 authorized Florida Lottery retailers across the state. The Florida Lottery would like to remind all players to play responsibly; it only takes one ticket to win. Like all Florida Lottery products, players must be 18 or older to play.
Wednesday night’s POWERBALL drawing will be held at 10:59 p.m. ET. Tickets must be purchased by 10:00 p.m. ET to be eligible for this drawing. National POWERBALL drawings are broadcast live, in high-definition, from the Florida Lottery’s state of the art draw studio in Tallahassee. Florida Lottery game drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state.
ABOUT POWERBALL IN FLORIDA
Since joining POWERBALL in 2009, the game has generated $1.68 billion in contributions to education statewide. Florida is among the top-selling POWERBALL states in the country, with more than 76.3 million winning tickets totaling more than $2.2 billion in prizes, including 12 jackpot winners. Florida was also one of the three states nationally to have a winner share in the world record-setting $1.586 billion POWERBALL jackpot in January 2016.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY
The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $32 billion to education and sending more than 750,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its revenue back into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Florida retailers and contributions to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $52.4 billion in prizes and made more than 1,900 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.

CONTACT:

FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727
www.flalottery.com

Mast Unveils Bill to Support Local Marine Manufacturing Jobs

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West Palm Beach, Fla. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today announced the introduction of the Maritime Industries Relief Act.  As Congress begins to consider comprehensive tax reform, this tax relief bill will help support 18th District jobs and the local maritime economy.
“This is a jobs bill, plain and simple,” Rep. Mast said. “We have a thriving maritime industry, and it’s absolutely critical that, as Congress considers comprehensive tax reform, we do everything we can to help American businesses compete.  This is a perfect example of a win-win for consumers and local businesses.”
The bill repeals the duty payment imposed on pre-owned dutiable foreign-flagged boats offered for sale to U.S. residents while in U.S. waters, including motorboats, sail boats, canoes and rowboats.  The repeal of this duty payment will make it more affordable to bring used boats into the United States, which will then rely on service and support in U.S. ports by U.S.-based companies and workers.
“Representative Mast has proven to be a huge supporter of the South Florida marine industry and the jobs this legislation will bring to not only South Florida, but to the industry nationwide,” IYBA Public Affairs Committee Chairman Staley Weidman said.  “Ultimately, passage of this bill means those vessels will rely on service and support in U.S. ports by U.S.-based companies and workers. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
The current tax structure disadvantages U.S.-based marine businesses by making it more likely that used boats will go to foreign-based ports to be repaired.  The marine manufacturing industry in the 18th District supports more than 3,000 jobs and more than 400 local businesses.  The local economic impact of the industry is more than $600 million.
The bill also makes it more affordable for U.S.-based consumers to purchase used boats. There are more than 41,000 recreational boats owned by 18th District residents, more than 70% of whom have an annual household income below $100,000.
CONTACT: Brad Stewart, 202-306-3149
[email protected]

MORE FLORIDA HOUSE MEMBERS ENDORSE SPRITZ

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Boca Raton, Fla. — Today, the Matt Spritz Campaign announced the endorsements of Republican State Representatives Bobby Payne and Tom Leek. Payne represents District 19 and Leek District 25, both in Northeast Florida. They join Representatives Byron Donalds, Alex Miller, and Bob Rommel, who endorsed Spritz last month. Spritz is seeking the District 89 seat in the Florida House.
“Matt Spritz embodies all that makes a great public servant,” said Payne. “His background, leadership skills, and conservative convictions will serve the people of District 89 very well, and I look forward to having him as a colleague.”
“I have no doubt that Matt Spritz will be an outstanding member of the Florida House,” said Leek. “His strong work ethic, values, and concern for others make him exactly the kind of person we need more of in Tallahassee.”
Both Payne and Leek are serving their first term in the Legislature. Payne has had a decades-long career at Seminole Electric Cooperative in Palatka and serves as Vice Chair of the Energy and Utilities Subcommittee as well as on the Commerce Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. An Ormond Beach resident, Leek is an attorney who is Vice Chair of the Public Integrity and Ethics Committee. He also serves on the Ways and Means Committee, Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, and the Local, Federal, and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee.
“I’m honored to have the support of Representatives Payne and Leek,” said Spritz. “Both of them set a great example for how to serve the people of Florida with vision and excellence, and I look forward to working with them to preserve our freedoms and create more opportunity in our great state.”
Born and raised in South Florida, Spritz graduated Phi Beta Kappa with high honors from Emory University and from New York University School of Law in New York City. He practiced corporate and business law in New York City and later in South Florida before committing himself to public service in the Florida House.
House District 89 covers coastal portions of Palm Beach County spanning from Singer Island to Boca Raton, which has the largest concentration of voters. Thirty-six percent of registered voters in the district are Republicans, while Democrats make up 33 percent, and voters with minor or no party affiliation, 31 percent.

Flagler College begins new academic year, opens Abare Hall

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St. Augustine, Fla. — New and returning students have arrived to Flagler College’s campus for the 2017-2018 academic year. Approximately 760 first-year students moved into residence halls this past weekend, and upperclassmen are returning early this week.
New to the campus and now open to roughly 150 upperclassmen is residence facility Abare Hall, the college’s largest-ever construction project to-date. The complex, named after retired President Dr. William T. Abare Jr., sits on the west side of the college’s existing FEC Residence Halls on the banks of St. Augustine’s San Sebastian River. The residence hall is part of a $23-million complex that features a 551-space parking garage and an 18,900-square-foot, two-story Commons building that connects the existing FEC Residence Halls to Abare Hall.
On Wednesday, Aug. 23, classes will begin for new and returning students, including 184 transfer students.
International students represent countries including Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Paraguay, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Venezuela, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.
Top declared majors are Business Administration, Education, Psychology, Communication, Coastal Environmental Science and Criminology.
 
Flagler College is a private, four-year comprehensive college located in St. Augustine, Fla. The college offers 32 majors, 38 minors and two pre-professional programs. Flagler College has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, as well as a satellite campus in Tallahassee, Fla. U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review regularly feature Flagler as a college that offers quality education at a relatively low cost. A Flagler education is less than half the cost of similar private colleges, and competitive with many state universities. A relatively young institution (founded in 1968), Flagler College is also noted for its historic beauty. The centerpiece of the campus is the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, a National Historic Landmark opened in 1888 by railroad pioneer and Standard Oil co-founder Henry M. Flagler. For more on Flagler College, visit www.flagler.edu.

Calhoun County Senior Citizens Association, Inc. Named PSC Helping Hand

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TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is recognizing the Calhoun County Senior Citizens Association, Inc. (SCA) as August’s Helping Hand for helping raise public awareness about the Lifeline Assistance telephone and broadband discount program, energy and water conservation, and scams affecting seniors.
“We appreciate the Senior Citizens Association’s willingness to share the PSC’s beneficial information with Calhoun County residents,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Through our ongoing outreach partnership, we are able to distribute our Lifeline, scam protection, and conservation materials to those individuals who will find the information most useful.”
Each month, the PSC highlights a partner agency or organization whose clients are eligible for the federal Lifeline Program and/or need help reducing energy and water bills. Through these PSC Helping Hand partnerships, the Commission shares vital information to help consumers better manage their resources to meet their monthly bills and avoid falling for utility-related scams.
“We are pleased to be named a PSC Helping Hand partner,” said Marilyn Russell, SCA Director. “The Association’s aim is to help residents achieve and maintain an independent, healthy lifestyle. We appreciate the PSC’s educational forum to assist our clients and look forward to continuing our partnership.”
Look for all the PSC Helping Hand outreach partner recognitions on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com, under Hot Topics.
About Calhoun County Senior Citizens Association, Inc.
Calhoun County provides a vast array of services for local senior citizens, the elderly, and those who may be disadvantaged due to illness. Assisting Florida seniors since 1977, the Senior Citizens Association, Inc. also provides transportation services and a specialized senior travel agency. For more information, call 850-674-4163.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

Gov. Scott Highlights Job Growth at Stevens Construction in Fort Myers

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FORT MYERS, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott highlighted job growth at Stevens Construction, a healthcare and commercial construction management firm founded and headquartered in Fort Myers. The company has grown from 18 employees in 2011 to nearly 50 employees today. For five consecutive years, Stevens Construction has been featured on Inc. 5000’ s annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize Stevens Construction today as one of the many great small businesses that are growing and creating new opportunities for families all across our state. Our commitment to cutting taxes and reducing burdensome regulations has helped businesses like Stevens Construction create more than 1.4 million jobs in Florida over the past six and a half years. We will continue to fight to keep taxes low and find ways to use the newly established $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to ensure Florida continues to be the leading destination for job growth.”
Mark Stevens, President of Stevens Construction said, “It was an honor to welcome Governor Scott today and to accept the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award on behalf of the entire hard-working Stevens Construction team. Our devotion to exceeding the expectations of our clients has allowed Stevens Construction to expand in Fort Myers, Tampa and Orlando, and we appreciate the Governor’s commitment to cutting taxes and making it easier for businesses like ours to succeed here in Florida.”
With offices in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers, Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds commercial, healthcare and hospitality facilities.
CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 717-9282
[email protected]

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on the Loss of Officer Baxter and the Wounding of Other Florida Police Officers

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi released the following statement regarding last night’s police shootings:

“Late last night, I spoke to Kissimmee Police Chief O’Dell after learning of the murder of Officer Matt Baxter and the shooting of Sergeant Sam Howard, who was gravely injured. We ask everyone to continue praying for the families of the Kissimmee officers as well as Officers Michael Fox and Kevin Jarrell of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office who were also shot in the line of duty last night. 
“This horrific violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated, and as Attorney General I will continue to ensure those who commit violence against our law enforcement officers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with the two Pennsylvania Highway Patrol Troopers who were shot Friday night. Brave men and women throughout our country risk their lives each day to protect us and keep our children safe, and as a country we must do everything we can to support them.”