In a continuation of Commissioner Adam H. Putnam’s efforts to make Florida the most military and veteran-friendly state in the country, Commissioner Putnam today wrote Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson a letter, supporting the Florida National Guard’s efforts to base the F-35 Lightning II with the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville.
“For 70 years, the 125th Fighter Wing has served Florida and our country well. With Jacksonville’s unparalleled airspace and infrastructure, no other place in the nation is better suited for a new squadron of F-35 fighters,” stated Commissioner Adam H. Putnam.
To view the letter, please click here.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Featured
Gov. Scott Announces Modernizing Medicine to Create More Than 800 Jobs in Palm Beach County
Governor Rick Scott today announced that Modernizing Medicine plans to expand operations in the historic Boca Raton Innovation Center (BRIC) in Palm Beach County and will add a total of 838 jobs by 2022. Modernizing Medicine is a Florida based company that specializes in healthcare information technology. In addition to the more than 800 new jobs being created, Modernizing Medicine anticipates making a capital investment of more than $15 million in the Boca Raton community.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud that Modernizing Medicine will be expanding in Palm Beach County to create more than 800 new jobs which will provide even more families a great career. Companies like Modernizing Medicine are helping Florida become the best state in the nation for job creation while helping our unemployment rate continue to drop. Now, with the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we will ensure that even more job creators can grow and succeed in Florida.”
Headquartered in Boca Raton, Modernizing Medicine was founded in 2010 by chief executive officer Daniel Cane and chief medical and strategy officer Dr. Michael Sherling and has quickly grown to more than 550 employees. The company empowers physicians with suites of mobile, specialty-specific solutions designed to transform how healthcare information is created, consumed and utilized to increase efficiency and improve outcomes.
Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Cissy Proctor said, “Modernizing Medicine is growing and expanding its medical software company in Florida, which benefits Florida’s families. With more than 800 new jobs created, this company will provide opportunities for hardworking Floridians. We are proud that they chose Florida for its pro-business climate and talented workforce.”
CEO and Co-Founder of Modernizing Medicine Daniel Cane said, “We are extremely excited to expand our presence and create more jobs across a wide range of fields in South Florida. As a Florida-based technology company, it’s not lost on us that we’re in the backyard of where the modern day era of technology was born. We’re proud to work with Enterprise Florida, the City of Boca Raton and the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County to continue to enhance the already stellar reputation as an area of innovation and growth. I look forward to seeing the company’s long-term impact on the community as well as the modernization of medicine.”
Executive Vice President of Enterprise Florida Mike Grissom said, “Florida-grown companies like Modernizing Medicine create the kind of jobs that open new doors for families across the state. I commend our Governor for focusing on business-friendly policies that make companies like Modernizing Medicine want to grow in Florida.”
President and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County Kelly Smallridge said, “Modernizing Medicine is an IT powerhouse and a great Palm Beach County success story. It provides hundreds of jobs and its success demonstrates that the county is an ideal location for technology companies to flourish.”
Mayor of Boca Raton Susan Haynie said, “Modernizing Medicine has been a part of the City of Boca Raton’s corporate community since 2012. With their recent acquisitions, and impressive and continued growth, we’re proud that the Modernizing Medicine team has decided to remain headquartered in Boca Raton and create over 800 jobs in our City.”
About Modernizing Medicine
Modernizing Medicine® and its affiliated companies empower physicians with a suite of mobile, specialty-specific solutions that transform how healthcare information is created, consumed and utilized to increase efficiency and improve outcomes. Built for value-based healthcare, Modernizing Medicine’s data-driven, touch- and cloud-based products and services are programmed by a team that includes practicing physicians to meet the unique needs of dermatology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pain management, plastic surgery, rheumatology and urology practices, as well as ambulatory surgery centers. For more information, please visit www.modmed.com.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
About the BDB
The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County is the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County and Enterprise Florida. Founded in 1982 as a not-for-profit corporation, our primary purpose is to attract and retain new industry, business investment, high quality jobs and workforce development through corporate relocations, expansions and international trade. During the past five years, the BDB has assisted companies that have created more than 13,000 direct jobs with average salaries greater than $68,000, resulting in more than $627 million in capital investment to Palm Beach County and an economic impact that exceeds $6.95 billion.
Additional information can be found at the BDB’s web site, BDB.org.
WINGS initiative aims to improve guardianship through collaboration
Groups and individuals with a stake in the protection of Floridians who may need or who are currently under legal guardianship are coming together to seek common solutions and better serve the needs of the state’s most vulnerable.
A grant from the American Bar Association’s Commission on Law and Aging and the National Center for State Courts made a Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders, or WINGS, possible in Florida, led by Florida’s courts.
There are 3.5 million Floridians aged 65 or older. A quarter of the state’s population is projected to be aged 65 or older by 2030. Increasingly, Floridians seek help from the State Courts System when they or their loved ones need their interests protected. Guardianship cases for adults have increased steadily, with more than 7,000 cases to establish guardianship filed in the 2015-16 fiscal year. At the same time, these cases have become increasingly complex.
Many state agencies and private organizations target policy and practice issues related to guardianship from their own perspectives and work to advance solutions for specific issues. The WINGS effort aims, instead, to collaboratively map a comprehensive strategy for improved processes and increased effectiveness.
Circuit Judge Jose R. Rodriguez, who works in the Orange County Probate Division on Guardianships and Mental Health cases in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, spoke to those who gathered for an initial WINGS event. He used the Declaration of Independence to encourage attendees.
“Out of the many, we are one. That’s what we have here, the many,” Judge Rodriguez said. “But we come together as one … to brainstorm ideas on how to manage the issues we have both with the aging population, called the Silver Tsunami, as well as with the disabled; intellectually, developmentally and acquired.”
An initial meeting of stakeholders brought together representatives from Florida courts, state executive agencies, private organizations, and advocacy groups. Representatives from the Department of Elder Affairs, the Department of Children and Families, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Disability Rights Florida, the judiciary, and the state court administrator’s office, among others, gathered for the initial meeting in Tallahassee.
Among key issues WINGS sets out to address are insuring adequate protections from exploitation, data collection, education about alternatives to guardianship and restoration of rights, and a review of guardianship statutes. The WINGS effort is complementary to the Supreme Court’s guardianship workgroup, established in 2016 to improve judicial procedures and better protect vulnerable people – children, adults with developmental and mental health disabilities, and the elderly.
“Florida will be positioned to embrace systems change within the guardianship process, avoid unnecessary guardianships, and better identify ways to address financial exploitation,” said Florida State Courts Administrator PK Jameson of the advantages and aims of the WINGS initiative.
CFO Patronis: Florida Will Not Support Maduro’s Brutal Rule
Next week, following the election of a newly-formed National Constituent Assembly, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro may extend his brutal reach with the ability to rewrite Venezuela’s constitution, making it even more important for Florida leaders to stand up and speak out against his oppressive actions.
In response to Governor Rick Scott’s proposal to the Trustees of the Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) that will prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the Maduro regime, SBA trustee and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement:
“The Maduro regime is known for inflicting gross human rights abuses against the people of Venezuela, and under no circumstances should Florida’s investment funds be tied to such tyranny.
‘I have confirmed that the Florida Treasury conducts no business with Venezuelan companies that have ties to Maduro’s regime, and I commit my vote as a trustee to reviewing all measures to remove every last investment penny from companies that provide support, in violation of federal law, to the Maduro regime. As we review the Governor’s proposal, I look forward to an open discussion during the upcoming August Cabinet meeting.”
Port Tampa Bay Names Director of Special Projects
Port Tampa Bay announced this week that Jamal Sowell has been named director of special projects. Sowell, a former member of the United States Marine Corps, will support internal, external and special projects. He will also assist the executive team with management oversight and serve as a liaison on a wide variety of port business matters.
He brings a variety of experience from the local, state and federal levels.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jamal to Port Tampa Bay,” said Paul Anderson, president and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. “His diverse background will not only benefit the Port, but the entire Tampa Bay region.”
Sowell, a 6th generation Floridian from Orlando, was most recently involved with the Indiana Journal of Constitutional Design and Center for Constitutional Democracy. During this time, he also worked in Israel for Shurat HaDin and was appointed to the Indiana Board of Health Facility Administrators by Vice President Michael Pence (then Governor Pence).
“Port Tampa Bay’s accomplishments and reputation reverberate across this country,” said Sowell. “I am honored to return home to Florida and work with an outstanding organization like the Port.”
Sowell has previously served as a contributing writer to the Orlando Sentinel, Tallahassee Democrat, Gainesville Sun, and named the 2013 Impact Washington, D.C. Leader of the Year; named to the 2016 Jeb Bush National Veterans Coalition and listed as a 2017 Maverick PAC 40 under 40.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in religion from the University of Florida, master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and law degree from the Indiana University Bloomington Maurer School of Law.
About Port Tampa Bay
Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port and the largest economic engine in west central Florida, supporting nearly 85,000 jobs and generating over $17 billion in annual economic impact. In addition to being a top 10 U.S. cruise port, the port handles a wide array of bulk, break bulk, containers and roll-on/roll-off cargoes, and is a major shipbuilding and repair center. Port Tampa Bay was honored as 2016 Best Port Operator by Lloyd’s List. For more information, visit www.portTB.com.
Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites Receives PSC’s Triple E Award
Leading the way in innovative salon business models, Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites (Salonz) is also setting an example in saving energy and expenses. With locations in three Florida counties, Salonz’s energy efficiency efforts have earned them the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) July Triple E Award.
“As a salon suite rental chain in Florida, Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites is triple the size of a standard salon and, therefore, has unique energy demands,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Salonz is making energy savings a priority by maximizing efficiencies when constructing new salons and renovating existing locations. We’re pleased to recognize these efforts.”
During four construction and renovation projects, Salonz successfully utilized Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) Business HVAC program, which encourages installation of high efficiency electric heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. Salonz purchased and installed highly efficient HVAC units and A/C and ERV units with high energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings for these locations. Together, the upgrades qualified for rebates of more than $2,300.
“With rising energy costs, energy efficiency makes more sense than ever, so we’re trying to do our share to increase efficiencies at both existing salons and new construction,” said Marc Finer with Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites. “Our salon/spa suite rental concept includes 250 independent salon specialists at eight locations in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, and we hope to work with FPL on future efficiency upgrades at our other locations.”
“At FPL, we believe all businesses, regardless of size, can improve their bottom line through investments in energy efficiency,” said Brad Gunter, Manager of FPL DSM Energy Efficiency Programs. “We were happy to work with Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites to help them make a smart investment that will help them reduce their energy use and provide immediate and long-term 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 PSC 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 Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites
Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites is a unique salon concept–an elegant beauty mall–made up of over 250 independent hair, nail, skin, massage, tanning, and other specialists. We offer what no other salon is able to offer–unparalleled privacy and the most personalized salon experience you can receive. Our health and beauty professionals operate from their very own, private salon suite, setting their own prices and hours and making their own appointments to ensure that you’ll always have a direct connection. The SALONZ environment allows you to satisfy all of your health and beauty needs under one roof for a total salon/spa experience. For more information, visit http://salonzbeautysuites.com/clients.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
First Lady Ann Scott Concludes Summer Literacy Adventure at Jonathan Dickinson State Park
First Lady Ann Scott today shared her passion for reading with students from the Tree Top Academy of Palm Beach at the Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound and encouraged them to take the Summer Literacy Adventure pledge to read every day. At the start of the 2017-2018 school year, First Lady Ann Scott will visit the school whose students successfully completed the most pledges during the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “I had an extraordinary time visiting students around the state and sharing my love of reading during the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure. I truly believe that a strong foundation of literacy is important for students to achieve their dreams and career goals. I’m so excited to celebrate with the winning school this fall and meet even more of Florida’s outstanding students and educators!”
The First Lady was joined by representatives from the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Lottery. DEP generously provided state park passes, Junior Ranger Activity Folders, pencils and sunglasses for the student participants, and a Florida Lottery sponsorship made it possible for students to leave with a goody bag containing books.
“It is critical that Florida’s students continue to read during the summer months to ensure they are prepared to succeed during the school year,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “I am grateful that First Lady Ann Scott has dedicated her time to inspiring Florida students to share her love of reading.”
“At the Lottery, we remain committed to ensuring Florida’s students become the leaders of tomorrow,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “It is our hope that as a new school year begins, students continue to develop an appreciation of reading that will stay with them throughout their lifetime.”
The 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure helps keep Florida students excited about reading and literacy. Research shows that children who do not continue reading through the summer can lose a month or more of progress made during the school year. By encouraging their children to read, parents play an important role in ensuring every child reads at or above grade level.
“The Loxahatchee River that runs through Jonathan Dickinson State Park is one of two federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Florida,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “I can think of no better setting to learn about the natural beauty of wild Florida.”
Students can fill out their Summer Literacy Adventure Pledge form at 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
FDLE arrests Santa Rosa County man for child pornography
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Aaron William Timm, 31, of 5310 Overbrook Drive in Milton, Florida, for 28 counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
FDLE agents executed a search warrant at the residence on July 26, 2017, and the investigation determined that Timm had uploaded multiple child pornography images. The Search Warrant stemmed from two cyber tips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding multiple child pornography images which were uploaded to Timm’s e-mail account.
Timm was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail. Additional charges are pending a full forensic review of the items seized at the residence. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 1st Judicial Circuit.
Please visit the Secure Florida website to review tips for keeping your children safe online,
Following Delay on S.B. 10, Mast Requests Information From Army Corps
Army Corps Requested 30-Day Extension to August 1 Deadline
to Begin Working with South Florida Water Management District
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requesting an “immediate meeting with you to discuss the options the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are considering” to implement Florida State Senate Bill 10 (S.B. 10). He also requested monthly status updates on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ involvement in the project.
The letter follows a request by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a 30-day extension to respond to South Florida Water Management District’s June 24, 2017 invitation to participate in the development of a post authorization change report for the southern water storage reservoir authorized in S.B. 10. The legislation set a deadline for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and South Florida Water Management District to start working together by August 1, 2017.
The text of the letter is below.
July 27, 2017
Colonel Jason A. Kirk
District Commander
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
701 San Marco Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Dear Colonel Kirk:
Last summer the Treasure Coast experienced environmental disaster firsthand. As a result of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ discharges from Lake Okeechobee, guacamole-thick algae plagued our community, threatened public health, decimated local businesses and killed wildlife.
Since the moment I was sworn into Congress, I have been working to ensure this does not happen again. In addition to my work in Congress, I advocated passionately for the passage of Florida State Senate Bill 10 (S.B. 10) to construct a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. The passage of S.B. 10 was a landmark achievement for our community. You can understand, therefore, why I was disappointed to learn of your request for a 30-day extension in responding to South Florida Water Management District’s request to work together on the project.
I respect the importance of exploring all possible options before reaching a decision, and I appreciate your desire to be thorough. From my time in the Army, however, I also understand the importance of meeting deadlines. The bottom line is our community has waited long enough.
In your July 24, 2017 letter, you stated that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is “working through multiple options for the next steps.” Therefore, I am requesting an immediate meeting with you to discuss the options the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are considering and the issues you are working through. Furthermore, I request a monthly status update on the progress of this project for the duration of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ involvement.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this issue. I look forward to working together on this supremely important project.
Respectfully,
Brian J. Mast
Member of Congress
Gov. Scott: New Proposal Will Prohibit Florida from Doing Business with Maduro Regime
Florida Stands with the Venezuelan People Against
Upcoming Maduro Controlled Constituent Assembly
Governor Rick Scott released details regarding his proposal to the Trustees of the Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) that will prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the Maduro regime. The Governor reiterated that he stands against Nicolas Maduro’s upcoming plans to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution to further empower his dictatorship through a Constituent Assembly on July 30th.
Governor Scott said, “The atrocities happening at the hands of the brutal and oppressive Maduro regime are unspeakable. I have heard firsthand from Floridians about the need for change in Venezuela. Prohibiting the Florida State Board of Administration from making investments that support Nicolas Maduro is a big step in the right direction, and we must continue to find ways to bring freedom and democracy to Venezuela. I am encouraged by the Trump administration’s sanctions against the Maduro regime this week. President Trump’s swift actions on this issue are welcomed and I look forward to working with our federal and state partners to support democracy in Venezuela.
“Nicolas Maduro’s attempt to rewrite Venezuela’s constitution and take power away from his citizens is reprehensible. This brash attempt, which completely disregards the will of the people, will not be tolerated. Floridians stand with our fellow Americans for freedom and democracy in Venezuela and all Latin America.
“I look forward to working with the SBA on this important proposal and I will work with the Florida Legislature during the next legislative session to take more action against Maduro and his gang of thugs.”
Governor Scott’s proposal that will be considered by the trustees of the State Board of Administration on August 16th prohibits the SBA from doing business with Venezuela in the following ways:
- The SBA will be prohibited from investing in any securities issued by the Government of Venezuela.
- The SBA will be prohibited from investing in any company that is majority owned by the Government of Venezuela.
- The SBA will be completely prohibited from participating in any vote or resolution that advocates or supports the Maduro regime.
- The SBA will be completely prohibited from doing business with any financial institution or U.S. company which directly, or through a subsidiary, and in violation of federal law, makes any loan, extends credit of any kind or character, advances funds in any manner, or purchases or trades any goods or services in or with the Government of Venezuela.
