As waves of heavy rain stemming from Tropical Storm Emily cross the central corridor of Florida, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians to remain prepared for severe weather. Flash flooding is likely, and Floridians are encouraged to keep copies of their homeowners’ and auto insurance policies handy, and to take note of the state of Florida’s insurance consumer helpline in case of insurance-related questions. The toll-free helpline can be reached by calling 1-877-693-5236.
“Heavy rain can quickly cause dangerous flooding situations, and I urge everyone in the area to keep their eyes and ears on the news for updated information about Tropical Storm Emily,” said CFO Patronis. “We’ll continue to monitor the storm’s activity, and we stand ready to support residents with any insurance needs that may arise.”
By calling the helpline, Floridians gain one-on-one access to insurance experts who can help consumers better understand their specific insurance policies and answer specific claim-related questions. Even if a consumer does not have a flood insurance policy, helpline experts can aid in the review of other insurance coverage to determine if any damaged items might be covered.
The helpline is available Monday–Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm EST. Additional insurance-related information can be found on the Department’s website here.
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UNF Honoring Student’s Exceptional Service at Summer Commencement
The University of North Florida will honor a student with an outstanding record of volunteerism, when it hands out nearly 750 degrees Friday, Aug. 4, during summer commencement at the UNF Arena, Building 34, on campus.
Senior Angela Inciong, who is graduating this week with a bachelor’s degree in health administration, will be recognized as the recipient of the Senior Service Award, which is presented to a graduating senior for outstanding volunteer service to the University or community by the UNF Alumni Association. Inciong will be honored during the 2 p.m. ceremony.
Her foundation for service is based on an understanding that the most important thing she could share with others was her time. Inciong, an Arlington resident, actively sought out leadership roles on campus in the Health Administration Student Association and the Women in Business Society. It was through these opportunities that she developed a passion for influencing fellow students as well as encouraging their educational and professional development.
In the Health Administration Student Association, she was successful in building stronger relationships between UNF students and leaders of local health care organizations. Inciong also assisted Brooks College of Health Advising by welcoming groups of local high school students to campus, offering advice on how to become a successful college student.
In the community, she was active in C.A.M.P. Osprey, an innovative leadership mentoring program that pairs collegiate student leaders from the University with Duval County Public School students in grades 5 through 9.
“Angela demonstrated a win-win attitude in her commitment to the program,” said Dr. Matthew Ohlson, C.A.M.P. Osprey program director and assistant professor in the Department of Leadership, School Counseling and Sport Management. “She went above and beyond to meet expectations of not only the course but in achieving the goal of desiring to create a positive impact in her mentees.”
Inciong eventually became a C.A.M.P. Osprey lead mentor and worked with eight students at the River City Science Academy on a weekly basis, focusing on public speaking, time management and leadership skills.
The ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction will take place at 10 a.m., while the ceremony for the Brooks College of Health, Coggin College of Business and the College of Education and Human Services will start at 2 p.m.
The University expects to award a total of 728 bachelor’s degrees, 185 master’s degrees and 17 doctorates this term. Including the summer 2017 graduates, UNF has issued a total of 72,934 bachelor’s degrees, 18,426 master’s degrees and 493 doctorates since first opening its doors in 1972.
Florida Health Care Association Honors Long Term Care Professionals, Legislators
Annual conference to highlight advocates of elder
More than 1,000 long term care providers from across Florida will attend the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) Annual Conference to honor long term care professionals, recognize supportive legislators and provide specialized trainings to enhance the care of elders across the state. The conference, which will be held July 31 to August 4 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, will be centered around the theme, “FHCA University.”
The conference will also honor a dozen legislators who demonstrated a deep commitment to elders and others who need the services of long term care centers by supporting key legislation. Recognized as 2017 Champions for the Elderly are Senate President Joe Negron of Palm City and Senators Rob Bradley of Orange Park, Anitere Flores of Miami, René Garcia of Hialeah and Kelli Stargel of Lakeland, as well as House Speaker Richard Corcoran of Lutz and Representatives Daisy Baez of Coral Gables, Travis Cummings of Orange Park, Shawn Harrison of Tampa, Alex Miller of Sarasota and Frank White of Pensacola.
“Florida is fortunate to have so many extraordinary supporters for our long term care residents and families, from the people who work in our care centers to the legislators who advocate on their behalf,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA executive director. “This conference is an opportunity to bring together so many people who tirelessly perform work that is challenging but so meaningful.”
Attendees will hear from inspirational speakers including Leigh Anne Tuohy, the mother at the heart of the book and film the Blind Side; former Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson, who serves as President and CEO of American Health Care Association; Kim Smoak, a bureau chief in the Division of Health Quality Assurance within the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration; and renowned international photographer Platon.
ABOUT FLORIDA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION
The Florida Health Care Association is a federation that serves almost 1,000 members and represents over 500 long term care centers that provide skilled nursing, post-acute and sub-acute care, short-term rehab, assisted living, and other services to the frail elderly and individuals with disabilities in Florida. The mission of FHCA is to advance the quality of services, image, professional development, and financial stability of its members. As Florida’s first and largest advocacy organization for long term care providers and the elderly they serve, the Association has worked diligently since 1954 to assist its members with continuously improving quality of care and quality of life for the state’s growing elder care population. For more information about Florida Health Care Association, visit www.fhca.org.
Gov. Scott Urges West Coast Residents to Monitor Weather and be Prepared for Tropical Depression
Governor Rick Scott this morning spoke with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to get an update on potential storm impacts. Governor Scott and the State of Florida are continuing to actively monitor a tropical depression off the western coast of Florida, and is urging everyone in Florida to remain vigilant. The state receives regular weather updates from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and as of 6:00 a.m. today, the NHC advised that the storm, designated Tropical Depression Six, had formed 65 miles South – Southwest of Tampa. There is currently a Tropical Storm Watch in effect from Anclote River in Pasco County southward to Englewood in Sarasota and Charlotte Counties and the depression is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 2 to 4 inches through Monday night along the west coast of Central Florida between the Tampa Bay area and Naples. At this time, the depression is forecast to move quickly across the Florida peninsula on Monday and then exit the state offshore of the east-central Florida coast around midnight. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours and the system is not forecast to become a Tropical Storm. A flood watch has been issued for Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands, Lee, Charlotte, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota and Pinellas counties.
Governor Scott said, “As we know in Florida, storms can quickly develop, bringing severe weather to our state in a moment’s notice. Last night, this storm posed no threat to Florida. Now, after rapidly intensifying overnight, a tropical depression will impact the Tampa area and Floridians must prepare for impacts to Southwest Florida. Just as with last year’s storms, I encourage Floridians to get prepared and visit FLGetAPlan.com.
“We are working closely with the National Hurricane Center and continuing to monitor the storm’s development and its potential impacts to Florida. We know that heavy rainfall is expected across Central Florida for the next few days. Our focus is on keeping Florida families safe and we will continue to release updates on this storm as it develops.”
FDEM Director Bryan Koon, said, “With Tropical Depression Six off the coast, all Floridians must be prepared. We are continuing to monitor this storm and its potential impacts, and I encourage everyone to visit FLGetAPlan.com to find storm resources and information.”
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is the state agency charged with preparing for all types of disasters in Florida. The Division is the state’s disaster liaison with federal and local agencies, and is the lead consequence management agency for the State Emergency Response Team (SERT). The Division maintains the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee and the State Warning Point, the 24-hour communications and command center for response coordination. Follow the Division on social media at facebook.com/FloridaSERT or on Twitter @FLSERT.
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Sunday July 30, 2017
Governor Scott Appoints Judge Charles Sniffen
to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Judge Charles Sniffen to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court.
Sniffen, 44, of Parrish, is currently a county judge for Manatee County. He previously worked in private practice, and as an Assistant State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. He received his bachelor’s degree from Emory University and law degree from Florida State University. Sniffen fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Janette Dunnigan.
Governor Scott Appoints James Jefferson Goodman, Jr.,
to the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of James Jefferson Goodman, Jr., to the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court.
Goodman, 38, of Bonifay, is currently a solo practitioner, with prior experience in both the public and private sectors. He previously served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, and as a litigation associate for Balch & Bingham, LLP. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and law degree from Florida State University. Goodman fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Hentz McClellan.
First 2017 Unclaimed Property Auction Earns $1.194 Million
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that the first of two 2017 unclaimed property auctions, held Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, earned $1.194 million. All of the auction’s nearly 48,000 individual items sold, and the highest grossing individual auction item was a 14k gold ring with a 4.02-carat European cut diamond that sold for $11,500.
Items included in the Department of Financial Services’ unclaimed property auctions come from abandoned safe deposit boxes. Despite at least five years of exhaustive efforts, no rightful owner or entitled heir stepped forward to claim the boxes or the items contained within them. However, the proceeds earned from the sale of auction items can be claimed at any time and at no cost should an owner ever come forward.
The second 2017 unclaimed property auction will be held August 25 and August 26 in Orlando at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center, located at 1500 Sand Lake Road. Items included in the auction will be available for public preview on Friday, August 25. The auction will take place the following day, Saturday, August 26. A catalog containing descriptions of the upcoming auction items will be available in the coming days.
Roughly 1-in-5 Floridians has an unclaimed property account in their name. To search for unclaimed property or to claim an account, please visit www.FLTreasureHunt.gov.
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, July 28, 2017
Governor Rick Scott Appoints LaTasha Green-Cobb to Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of LaTasha Green-Cobb to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
LaTasha Green-Cobb, of Jacksonville, is the chief executive officer of Empowered Action Corporation. She succeeds John Hawthorne and is appointed for a term beginning July 28, 2017, and ending November 13, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Jim Murphy to the Governing
Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Jim Murphy to the Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Murphy, 57, of Lakeland, is the division president of Florida Sealing Products, Inc. He attended Ohio State University and is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning July 28, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Martin County Clerk Carolyn Timmann Named CJJIS Council Chair
Martin County Clerk and Comptroller Carolyn Timmann was named chair of the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information Systems (CJJIS) Council last week in Jacksonville. Clerk Timmann was nominated for the position by fellow council members representing agencies from across the Florida judicial system.
Created by Florida Statutes within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the CJJIS Council provides statewide oversight of justice information systems and data while developing plans and policies to facilitate the coordination of information sharing and interoperability, and ensuring appropriate access and security.
Clerk Timmann has served as the Clerks’ representative on the council since first being appointed by Gov. Rick Scott in March 2014. She also serves as chair of the council’s Resource Committee.
Established in 1969, Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) is a statewide nonprofit member association composed of the Florida Clerks of the Circuit Court and Comptrollers. FCCC provides local government support services, technical assistance and accreditation opportunities for all members of the association. For more information, visit www.flclerks.com.
Mast Secures Funding to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms, Restore Everglades
More Than $150 Million Allocated to Everglades Restoration
Mast Amendments Provide Money to Prevent Harmful Algal Blooms
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today successfully secured more than $150 million in federal funding to combat harmful algal blooms and restore the Everglades. In addition to millions of dollars in funding for new and ongoing Everglades restoration projects, the Make America Secure Appropriations Act included two amendments authored by Rep. Mast to research and develop technology to prevent harmful algal blooms.
“After last summer, our community knows far too well what environmental disaster looks like. The great news is that this bill includes over $150 million that will directly help the Everglades and our coastal environment, including my amendments to combat harmful algal blooms,” Rep. Mast said. “But our work is far from done, which is why I will continue my fight in Congress to build a southern reservoir and take every possible step to clean up our water.”
The bill includes $82 million for Herbert Hoover Dike rehabilitation and $76.5 million for South Florida ecosystem restoration. Additionally, the bill includes two amendments authored by Rep. Mast to research and develop new technology to combat harmful algal blooms:
Department of the Navy Research Laboratory – $598,000
The Environmental Sustainability Development Project under the Naval Research Laboratory works on coastal contamination and contaminated sediments. Funding for this program was originally cut in the proposed Department of Defense appropriations bill by $598,000 compared to FY2017 enacted levels. Rep. Mast’s amendment successfully restored the program to full funding.
The Aquatic Plant Control Research Program – $500,000
Rep. Mast’s amendment increased funding by $500,000 for the Aquatic Plant Control Research Program, which is the nation’s only federally authorized research program directed to develop technology for the management of non-indigenous aquatic plant species, such as harmful algal blooms.
ACA Repeal Will Result in Massive Losses in Health Care Coverage, Job Losses in Florida
No matter which version of the bill Senate Republicans, including Senator Rubio, are scheming to pass, the end product will strip health care from millions of Floridians. Instead of answering to the people who elected him, Senator Rubio is expected to vote on repeal bill that would cause millions of Americans to lose their health insurance and cause premiums to skyrocket.
“Senator Rubio’s and his Republican colleagues’ commitment to repeal the Affordable Care Act is dangerous. It would throw millions of Americans off their health care coverage and fracture local economies. In Florida alone, as many as 181,000 people could lose their jobs and 2,230,000 Floridians could lose healthcare coverage by repealing the Affordable Care Act. Any kind of repeal will be devastating to Florida’s families,” said DNC spokesperson Francisco Pelayo.
BACKGROUND
If the ACA is repealed, 2,230,000 Floridians could lose coverage. According to the Joint Economic Committee, if Senate Republicans vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without a replacement plan 2,230,000 Floridians would lose their health care. [Joint Economic Committee. 7/26/17]
If the ACA is repealed, 181,000 Floridians could lose their jobs. State economies will shed jobs and take a hit to economic growth, 181,000 Floridians could lose their jobs across the health care, construction, retail, and financial industries. [Joint Economic Committee. 7/26/17]
