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Citizen groups host telepress conference

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Citizen groups host telepress conference to discuss FPL’s motion to
dismiss Clean Water Act lawsuit on Turkey Point’s polluting of Biscayne Bay

Tomorrow, on Wednesday, August 2 at 2:00 p.m. ET, advocates will hold a telepress conference to discuss their strong rejection of Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) motion to dismiss a Clean Water Act lawsuit filed last summer. Since this federal case, FPL has attempted to thwart citizens’ efforts to hold the utility accountable for their Turkey Point facility’s ongoing pollution of Biscayne Bay.
At 10 a.m. ET on August 3, 2017, FPL’s motion to dismiss will be heard in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida before Magistrate Judge Alicia M. Otazo-Reyes at the C. Clyde Atkins Courthouse, 301 North Miami Avenue. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE), Tropical Audubon Society (TAS) and Friends of the Everglades (FOE) view FPL’s motion to dismiss as another example of the utility’s ongoing efforts to delay addressing the underlying causes of the failing cooling canal system at the Turkey Point facility, which is unlawfully polluting Biscayne Bay.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. ET
WHERE: Dial 727-258-5789 and enter PIN: 97609
SPEAKERS: Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Laura Reynolds, Consultant to the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Erin Clancy, Conservation Director, Tropical Audubon Society
Alan Farago, Conservation Chair, Friends of the Everglades
If you are unable to attend this telepresser, SACE staff will be available for media interviews outside of the C. Clyde Atkins Courthouse at 9:15 a.m. ET on Thursday, August 3, 2017.
About Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Founded in 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that work to address the impacts of global climate change and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org.

CARE FL Requests U.S. DOT to Prepare Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement of AAF Passenger Rail Project

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Martin and Indian River Counties, CARE FL Request U.S. DOT to Prepare
a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement of AAF Passenger Rail Project

County officials, local leaders call 2015 EIS stale and aged

Treasure Coast officials and concerned residents are calling a 2015 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) regarding the All Aboard Florida (AAF) passenger rail and freight project stale and aged.  In a 24-page letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Martin and Indian River Counties along with Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida (CARE FL) give more than 15 reasons why a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) is necessary before the issuance of a Record of Decision (ROD).  The letter reviews deficiencies in the August 2015 FEIS and sets forth significant new circumstances and information since the issuance of the FEIS that merit careful examination in a SEIS.
“The Draft Environmental Impact Statement was completed in 2014 and the FEIS was released on August 4, 2015—nearly two years ago,” said Ruth Holmes, Senior Assistant Martin County Attorney. “In those two years, the document has grown stale and there have been a number of new circumstances that warrant DOT’s careful reconsideration by way of a SEIS.”
Those circumstances include some of the following:

  • The project’s constructed and newly constructed bridges that will cause flooding;
  • Concerns about public safety not being addressed by the original FEIS;
  • The proximity of the rail to the U.S. President’s property in Palm Beach County;
  • The FEIS’ failure to consider the potential for an additional station in Brevard County;
  • The failure by AAF to launch as projected in 2016;
  • Change in ownership of Fortress and Florida East Coast Industries that creates significant environmental uncertainties based on environmental accidents by the new owners; and
  • Grave concerns about the use and transportation of LNG across the state.

“Adding LNG to the list of dangerous and hazardous substances on existing FECR freight trains is an additional public safety factor that has evolved since the publication of the FEIS,” said Brent Hanlon, Chairman of CARE FL. “The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires consideration of such new commodities and their impact on public safety and the environment.”
Local governments have a fundamental interest in ensuring that projects within their boundaries are designed, constructed and operated to be as safe as possible.  However, their ability to protect such interests through the imposition of safety requirements is limited by principles of federal preemption with respect to railroad projects, since under federal law the power to regulate railroad safety is wielded primarily by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
The FEIS dismisses valid public safety concerns stating that the AAF project ‘…would comply with all relevant health and safety regulations and would not adversely impact the public’s health and safety.’  The counties and residents of the Treasure Coast region strongly disagree with that argument.
“These unsupported generalities are no substitute for the careful analysis and public airing of potential impacts that NEPA demands, and such deficiencies may only be cured by a SEIS that is subject to the public review procedures of NEPA,” said Dylan Reingold, Indian River County Attorney. “Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our residents and motorists.”
For more information please visit www.martin.fl.us, www.ircgov.com, and CARE FL’s site at www.saveourfl.com.

Policy Brief Calls for Universal Scholarships to Honor Mary McLeod Bethune

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JMI says educator’s legacy points the way for expanded opportunities for every child

With her commitment to universal access to education, diversity, and resourcefulness, legendary educator Mary McLeod Bethune is the right choice to honor with a universal K-12 scholarship program expanding opportunities for every Florida student, finds a new policy brief issued today by The James Madison Institute (JMI). The policy brief is entitled, “Let’s Honor Bethune with a New K-12 Scholarship Program.”
The policy brief calls for the creation of a universal K-12 scholarship program named after the historic Florida educator. The study brings to light the educational principles articulated by Bethune and how they underscore the need for a scholarship program that allows every Florida parent, regardless of race or family income, to individually help their children receive the education best suited to their learning abilities and needs.
“Adopting a Bethune Scholarship would give every Florida child a K-12 education tailored to meet his or her unique needs. It would pay tribute to a courageous Florida educator and carry forward her faith-informed belief in each child’s unique worth and dignity. More than anything, adopting a Bethune Scholarship would ensure that every child in the state of Florida – every child – has the opportunity to receive a K-12 education tailored to his or her unique needs, interests, aptitudes, and learning style,” concludes the policy brief, authored by William Mattox, director of JMI’s J. Stanley Marshall Center for Educational Options.
JMI has long supported choice in education. Bethune, a renowned educator and civil rights activist who founded what is now Bethune-Cookman University, was a leading advocate for universal access to education at a time when separate educational institutions prevented minority students from receiving equal opportunity.
“Rather than perpetuating uniformity in K-12 schooling, policymakers should give all parents access to a Bethune Scholarship that allows them to find the learning option – or combination of options – that most closely meets their child’s needs and their family’s preferences,” said Dr. Bob McClure, CEO and president of The James Madison Institute.
Citing Bethune’s commitment to rewarding resourcefulness, the policy brief argues that the American public education system is doing a poor job of maximizing value. This disparity does not come from inefficient public school officials, it argues, but rather from the fact that a one-size-fits-all approach wastes funds on students who do not thrive in a traditional public school environment. The proposed Bethune Scholarship would help remedy this by allowing parents to utilize scholarship funds in a way tailored to the needs of their individual learners.
The policy brief is available here.
The James Madison Institute is Florida’s premier free-market think tank. JMI conducts research on such issues as health care, taxes, and regulatory environments. Founded in 1987, JMI is one of the nation’s oldest and largest 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational organizations.

The Florida Lottery's GROUPER PACKAGE PLAY is back and here to stay

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Beginning today, the Florida Lottery is bringing back GROUPER®, but this time as a permanent offering, which gives players the opportunity to sample a variety of Draw games in one easy purchase! GROUPER players receive a $1 PICK 4™, $1 FANTASY 5®, $1 FLORIDA LOTTO®, and $2 CASH4LIFE® ticket plus; one free $1 LUCKY MONEY™ ticket. That’s a $6 value for $5!
“With the purchase of every Lottery ticket, players are investing in the future of our children and grandchildren,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell. “Offering a player favorite like GROUPER as a permanent fixture will allow us continue to generate revenue to benefit education in Florida.”
GROUPER is now available for purchase at more than 13,000 Lottery retail locations statewide. Players can simply ask their retailer for GROUPER and the terminal will print five individual Quick Pick tickets for the next available draw.
For detailed information on draw schedules and times, visit the Lottery’s website at www.flalottery.com.  Florida Lottery drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state and are also available for viewing on the Florida Lottery website, along with winning numbers information.  You can also get winning numbers information at Lottery retailers statewide or by phone at (850) 921-PLAY. Also, you may register here to receive winning numbers and other Lottery information by email or text message.

Florida PSC Commission Conference, Special Conference on Thursday

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a Commission Conference on Thursday, August 3, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. Items scheduled for consideration can be found here. Public comment may be taken on any item noticed for public participation.
A Special Commission Conference for Utilities, Inc. of Florida’s (UIF) proposal to change its water and wastewater rates in 10 counties will commencefollowing the Commission Conference.
The Commission Conference is scheduled for the following time and location:

Thursday, August 3, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida

Both Conferences will be broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listing) and are available online at htpp://www.floridapsc.com (look for the Watch Live Broadcast” icon on the left side of the webpage).
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Invites Purple Heart Recipients to Participate in Special Purple Heart Day Event

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam invites Purple Heart recipients and their families to participate in a special Operation Outdoor Freedom event on Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7, at Camp Prairie in Lake Wales, Fla.
Interested Purple Heart recipients can find additional information and RSVP by Thursday, Aug. 3, by emailing [email protected]. Participants will enjoy barbecue and rides on an airboat and a swamp buggy.
“Operation Outdoor Freedom is one small way we can give back to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “I’m proud to host a Purple Heart Day event for the first time during this program to honor our nation’s Purple Heart recipients.”
Since the program was launched in 2011, Operation Outdoor Freedom has hosted more than 3,000 wounded veterans on more than 400 outdoor events, such as guided alligator hunts, deer and hog hunts, quail and turkey hunts, freshwater fishing, canoeing and more.
Wounded veterans participate in these events on state forests, private lands and along the state’s coast, and the excursions are funded through private donations. Camp Prairie, a first-of-its-kind camp, consists of a fully equipped campground with sleeping facilities, a screened kitchen, pavilion, dining area and restroom facility.
For more information, visit OperationOutdoorFreedom.com.

Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Tropical Depression Emily

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Governor Rick Scott continues to receive updates on Tropical Depression Emily at the State Emergency Operations Center. The Governor remains in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials and state agency leaders who are also working to ensure the state is prepared to respond to any potential impacts from Tropical Depression Emily. This morning, Governor Scott issued Executive Order 17-204 declaring a state of emergency in 31 counties within the state of Florida in response to Tropical Depression Emily. There are currently no evacuation orders in effect.
Governor Scott said, “I just spoke to state and county emergency management officials on the impacts of Tropical Depression Emily and there are no unmet needs or evacuation orders at this time. While it is positive news that this tropical storm has been downgraded to a tropical depression, we must remain vigilant. I will continue to receive briefings on the impacts of this storm tonight and will deploy state resources to assist local efforts if needed.
“Families in central and eastern Florida should remain alert and expect significant rainfall and the possibility of flooding and damaging wind gusts. As many Floridians head home from work, I urge everyone to drive cautiously and avoid driving through any standing water. All Floridians should continue to stay tuned to local weather alerts throughout the evening.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
MILITARY SUPPORT

  • The Florida National Guard stands ready to support hurricane preparedness and response with guardsmen ready to be deployed if needed.

POWER OUTAGES AND UTILITIES

  • As of 5:00 p.m., there were approximately 7,800 homes and businesses without power, predominately in Manatee and Hillsborough counties. See the county power outage breakdown HERE.
  • Utilities are continuously reporting outage and restoral information to the State Emergency Response Team.
  • Utilities are contacting their mutual aid partners to determine availability if external resources are needed to restore services.
  • Monitoring the power grid for sufficient power in the state and the natural gas infrastructure for any damages that can cause a loss of service to power plants.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has a 250-person response team ready to deploy as needed to assist with road closures, directing traffic in the event of power outages and respond to any call for service as needed by local law enforcement agencies.
  • FHP has reopened all lanes of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other partnering agencies are identifying resources for deployment if necessary to respond to the storm.

SHELTERS & VOLUNTEER SERVICES

  • The American Red Cross is on standby to conduct shelter operations in Pinellas and Indian River counties.
  • Volunteer Florida has eight Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) comprised of 265 specially-trained individuals ready to deploy as needed to assist disaster relief agencies and emergency management personnel.

INFRASTRUCTURE: TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

  • The state is monitoring the storm and holding teleconferences with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) districts and agency partners – Army Corps of Engineers, Water Management Districts, Civil Air Patrol and Federal Highway Administration to ensure all infrastructure needs are met.
  • Army Corps of Engineers and Water Management Districts are monitoring waterways and are prepared to adjust flows as necessary.
  • FDOT is actively monitoring for roadway flooding and stands ready to respond as needed.
  • FDOT has prepared maintenance yards, construction zones, equipment and staff; testing and inventorying equipment; placing emergency crews on standby; reviewing emergency plans; preparing construction zones; and monitoring flood prone areas.
  • FDOT will continue to reach out to county emergency operations centers directly to coordinate any necessary response actions including activating traffic counters and providing maintenance of traffic and other assistance.

BUSINESS, INDUSTRY, & ECONOMIC STABILIZATION

  • The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) created an event in Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center (FLVBEOC) for Tropical Depression Emily and it is currently up to date with storm info, including press releases/situation reports. DEO and DEM continue to provide situation awareness to private sector partners.
  • VISIT FLORIDA has activated the Weather Alert ribbon on the VISITFLORIDA.com homepage and the Florida Now resource landing page

FUELS

  • The state has contacted fuel industry partners (e.g., Florida Petroleum Council, Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association); there are no reported supply, distribution or retail fuel shortages or issues.
  • The state is monitoring fuel assistance requests; currently there are no requests for assistance.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

  • At this point, there are no out of ordinary reports of any major outages.
  • The state is monitoring fuel assistance requests; currently there are no requests for assistance.

SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

  • Field Station readiness actions include the following:
    • Lake Okeechobee water levels indicate that no discharges should be necessary. Lake levels will continue to be monitored.
    • Inspecting key parts of the flood control system and critical flood control structures.
    • Ensuring adequate fuel supplies for pump stations and other equipment.
    • Securing items vulnerable to high wind at pump stations and laydown yards in Homestead, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection surveyed beaches throughout entire Florida west coast and is reaching out to state parks to assess needs.
  • No state parks are closed at this time.

CONTACTS:

  • State Emergency Operations Center Media Line: 850-921-0217.
  • Follow @FLSert or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Tropical Depression Emily.
  • Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters and road closures.

Attorney General Bondi Activates Price Gouging Hotline

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Attorney General Pam Bondi today activated Florida’s price gouging hotline for consumers in multiple Florida counties. The opening of the hotline comes as Governor Rick Scott declares a state of emergency in 31 counties in preparation for Tropical Storm Emily. Florida’s price gouging law only applies within the area of the declared state of emergency.
State law prohibits extreme increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment, needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency. Anyone who suspects price gouging during this declared state of emergency should report it to the Attorney General’s Office by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.
Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period. In addition to the civil penalties for price gouging, state law criminalizes the sale of goods and services to the public without possession of an occupational license. Violators of the law can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.
Specifically, Florida Statute 501.160 states that during a state of emergency, it is unlawful to sell, lease, offer to sell, or offer for lease essential commodities, dwelling units, or self-storage facilities for an amount that grossly exceeds the average price for that commodity during the 30 days before the declaration of the state of emergency, unless the seller can justify the price by showing increases in its prices or market trends.
For more information on price gouging, please click here.

PSC’s July Helping Hand is Lafayette County Senior Center in Mayo

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is pleased to award its July Helping Hand recognition to the Suwanee River Economic Council’s Lafayette County Senior Service Center. The Center, located in Mayo, offers a wide variety of educational programs, support groups, and special events and recently helped the PSC provide beneficial information to their clients.
“With Florida’s population continuing to age and more individuals reaching ‘senior status,’ the need for assistance, information, and advice increases. The Lafayette County Senior Center fosters active community participation and encourages partnerships, such as ours, that can help their clients,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.  “During our recent program there, we discussed how to lower monthly utility bills and to help those eligible for the federal Lifeline Assistance telephone discount program.”
Each month, the PSC highlights a partner agency or organization whose clients can benefit from learning how to reduce energy and water bills, how to protect themselves against utility-related scams, and how to apply for the federal Lifeline program, if they’re eligible.  Through these PSC Helping Hand partnerships, the Commission shares vital information to help consumers manage their resources to meet their monthly bills.
“We are pleased to be named a PSC Helping Hand partner,” said Janis Owen, Center Director.  “The Center’s aim is to help clients receive help from a number of assistance programs that specialize in meeting their needs. We appreciate the PSC’s educational forum to assist them and look forward to continuing our partnership.”
Look for this year’s PSC Helping Hand outreach partner recognitions on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com, under Hot Topics.
About the Lafayette County Senior Center
The Suwanee River Economic Council, Inc., the area’s main community action agency, is also the Area Agency of Florida designated lead organization for seniors in the area, including the counties of Dixie, Gilchrist, and Lafayette.  The Lafayette County Senior Center, located at 114 SW Community Circle in Mayo, offers a wide variety of leisure and educational programs, support groups, special events, and trips. For more information, call 386-294-2202.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

Gov. Scott Declares a State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Emily

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Governor Rick Scott today issued Executive Order 17-204 declaring a state of emergency in 31 counties within the State of Florida in response to Tropical Storm Emily. A state of emergency gives the state the flexibility to work with local governments to ensure they have all the resources they may need. Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect for Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee Counties. At this time, there are no evacuation orders in effect. The Florida National Guard stands ready to assist with any storm related impacts.
Governor Scott said, “Earlier this morning, Tropical Depression Six was upgraded to Tropical Storm Emily and tropical storm warnings are currently in effect along Florida’s west coast. Upon learning of this tropical system from the National Hurricane Center, the State of Florida immediately engaged to prepare for any potential storm impacts. I have declared a state of emergency across 31 counties to ensure that every community has the resources they need, and that state, regional and local agencies can easily work together to keep people prepared during Tropical Storm Emily.
“While this storm developed quickly overnight and will swiftly move across our state, storms can always develop rapidly and that is why is it so important to be prepared at the start of hurricane season. For helpful preparation resources, please visit FLGetAPlan.com. We will keep monitoring and issuing updates on Tropical Storm Emily as it moves across Florida today.”