Venezuelans this week voted on a national plebiscite referendum to oppose changes by President Nicolas Maduro to rewrite the nation’s Constitution. Nearly 7.5 million Venezuelan citizens worldwide participated in the vote, including 150,000 living in Florida, and by an overwhelming ninety-eight percent rejected the proposed Constitutional reforms.
“The voices of the Venezuelan people spoke with unanimity in their desire to preserve their national freedom and an open society,” stated Senator Victor Torres (D-Orlando). “We should all stand with the citizens and demand the current leadership abide by the will of the people.”
Senator Torres supports efforts by the United States and other nations to impose economic sanctions on Venezuela to discourage the unpopular Constitutional changes and restore stability and economic prosperity for the South American country. Venezuela has been in a downward economic spiral under Maduro’s leadership, with rising food shortages, high unemployment, and sky-high inflation. Since April, almost 100 Venezuelans have died in anti-Maduro protests.
For additional information, please contact Senator Torres’ office at 407-846-5187.
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Gadsden County man claims first top prize in the new $500 A WEEK FOR LIFE Scratch-Off game
The Florida Lottery announces that Ynesia Chandler, 47, of Midway, claimed a top prize in the $500 A WEEK FOR LIFE Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $410,000.00. Chandler purchased her winning ticket from Sun Valley Market & Deli, located at 1458 Capital Circle Northwest in Tallahassee.
The new $1 Scratch-Off game, $500 A WEEK FOR LIFE, launched on July 3, and features more than $19 million in total cash prizes, including six top prizes of $500 a week for life! The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-4.97.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2016-17.
Meenan Firm Soars in Florida Trend’s Ranking of “Best Companies to Work For in Florida”
Adding to its list of accolades, prominent regulatory and legislative law firm Meenan P.A. today was announced as one of the “Best Companies to Work For in Florida” in Florida Trend’s annual rankings. This prestigious distinction recognizes excellence in areas such as leadership, work environment, role satisfaction, and overall engagement, reflecting the fact that Meenan P.A. works just as hard for its employees as it does for its clients.
“So much of what makes our firm stand out is the people who work here,” said firm Managing Shareholder Tim Meenan. “We embrace all they have to offer, and this recognition tells the next generation of legal professionals that they can look to Meenan P.A. as one of the best places to work.”
In developing its listing, Florida Trend reviews businesses throughout Florida based on their company policies, practices, and demographics. Meenan P.A. was among the leading small businesses in the state, boasting a coveted spot in the top 8.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for the community and culture we have built here,” Meenan added. “We are dedicated to fostering an environment of professionalism and efficiency, and from that comes the outstanding work we produce for our clients.”
Each of the firm’s 25 team members, from attorneys to administrative staff, contributes to Meenan P.A.’s success every day. The firm’s appreciation for all contributors is reflected, for example, in its practice of calculating bonuses to take care of administrative staff first, followed by associates, and only then to partners.
Meenan P.A. is a leading regulatory and legislative law firm based in Tallahassee. The firm’s attorneys have extensive experience dealing with state executive agencies and courts and uses that experience to serve its many clients, including various trade associations. The firm specializes in a wide range of areas, including insurance regulation, legislative lobbying, litigation, and service contract regulation.
The firm’s impact is seen nationwide through the numerous national regulatory and legislative programs it has implemented in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These programs serve as the creative solutions to problems the firm’s clients face with regulatory agencies.
Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida Recognize Presidential Honor Roll for Extraordinary Work
Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida Recognize Presidential
Honor Roll for Extraordinary Work During the 2017 Legislative Session
The Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) today recognized the recipients of the Presidential Honor Roll Award. Members of the Honor Roll showed a deep commitment and support for independent higher education during the 2017 Legislative Session.
“I’m confident this past session set an all-time record for increases in student financial assistance for Florida resident students attending our universities,” said ICUF President, Ed Moore. “None of it would have been possible without those selected for our 2017 Presidential Honor Roll.”
The following ICUF members who made the 2017 Honor Roll deserve praise and a heart-felt thanks for their hard work to improve the quality and affordability of higher education for Florida college students. The ICUF members selected for the Presidential Honor Roll for the 2017 Session include:
SENATE:
- President Joe Negron
- Senator Jack Latvala
- Senator Keith Perry
- Senator Dorothy Hukill
- Senator Wilton Simpson
- Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto
- Senator Oscar Braynon
- Senator Kelli Stargel
- Senator Aaron Bean
- Senator Audrey Gibson
- Senator Bill Galvano
- Senator Bill Montford
- Senator Tom Lee
- Senator JJ Rodriguez
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
- Speaker Richard Corcoran
- Representative Bob Cortes
- Representative Jake Raburn
- Representative Mel Ponder
- Representative Amber Mariano
- Representative Manny Diaz
- Representative Alexandra Miller
- Representative W. Travis Cummings
- Representative Paul Renner
- Representative Shevrin Jones
- Representative Larry Lee
- Representative Tom Leek
- Representative Elizabeth Porter
- Representative Ramon Alexander
- Representative Larry Ahern
- Representative Michael Bileca
- Representative James Grant
- Representative Carlos Trujillo
ICUF is an association of 30 private, non-profit educational institutions based in Florida and accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Serving more than 150,000 students at nearly 150 sites throughout the state, ICUF institutions offer programs at main campuses, branch campuses and state colleges, as well as more than 300 fully online degree programs. For more information, please visit www.icuf.org.
Commissioner Altmaier Welcomes New Chief of Staff to the Office of Insurance Regulation
Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Yaworsky as the new Chief of Staff for the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) effective Monday, July 24, 2017.
“Mr. Yaworsky has a wide range of experience serving in state government positions both in Florida and Georgia. This public service background combined with his exceptional leadership abilities will be a tremendous asset to the Office. I look forward to his counsel and on working with him to implement strategies to bolster the administrative and operational functions of the Office,” stated Commissioner Altmaier.
Since 2015, Mr. Yaworsky served as Legal Counsel for the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, where he was responsible for advising the Commissioner and senior staff on policy decisions and performing administrative, regulatory and litigation duties associated with the legal unit. He also served as General Counsel for the Office of President Pro Tempore in the Georgia Senate from 2013 – 2015.
Mr. Yaworsky has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Florida State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. He has been a member of the Georgia Bar since 2014.
Florida Supreme Court: New Posting, 7/19/2017, 9:15 p.m. ET
New material has been posted to the Supreme Court website in:
- League of Women Voters v. Rick Scott (Governor’s response in petition on his judicial appointment powers, filed late today)
Follow the links at: http://www.floridasupremecourt.org.
Fort Lauderdale man wins $1 million in the $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game
The Florida Lottery announces that Marc Goldman, 69, of Fort Lauderdale, claimed a $1 million prize in the $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $748,000.00.
Goldman purchased his winning ticket from Publix, located at 2633 North Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The new $25 game, $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH, launched in February and features more than $549 million in total cash prizes, including two top prizes of $10 million and 46 prizes of $1 million! Overall odds of winning are one-in-2.89.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2016-17.
First Lady Ann Scott to Continue Summer Literacy Adventure
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, July 20, First Lady Ann Scott will make her second stop on the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure in Ocala. During her visit, the First Lady will read to students from the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County.
WHAT: Summer Literacy Adventure
WHEN: Thursday, July 20, 2017
10:00 – 11:00 am
WHERE: Marion County Public Library
2720 East Silver Springs Blvd.
Ocala, FL 34470
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
Florida’s Insurance Consumer Helpline Recovers $16.6M During First Half of 2017
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that assistance provided by insurance experts working Florida’s Insurance Consumer Helpline led to the recovery of more than $16.6 million during the first half of 2017. Helpline experts answered more than 141,000 calls from Floridians and aided in the recovery of funds that included insurance claim payments and premium refunds that consumers sought the Department of Financial Services’ help collecting.
The Insurance Consumer Helpline is a free service offered to all Floridians that assists callers with financial and insurance-related matters including disaster preparation and insurance fraud, as well as questions and complaints regarding auto, home, health, life, and small business insurance.
“The claims-filing process can be a stressful affair, especially during times of serious illness or after a disastrous event,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis. “I applaud the efforts of our experts who work tirelessly to provide Floridians with the tools and resources they need to easily navigate through their insurance-related issues.”
Recent examples of how consumers were helped by helpline experts include:
- A Leon County consumer contacted the Helpline after insurance claims related to her son’s month-long stay in intensive care were denied. The company denied the claims on the basis of a pre-existing condition, yet the consumer felt the policy did cover her son’s pre-existing illness. Helpline experts contacted the company on her behalf and learned that the insurance agent who sold the policy may have misrepresented what the policy would cover. Helpline staff questioned the pre-existing condition determination, the claims were reprocessed, and a maximum benefit payout of $100,000 was made to the consumer.
- After filing a homeowner’s claim and receiving payment following Hurricane Matthew, a Pinellas County consumer contacted the Helpline when her insurance company denied coverage for additional damage that had been discovered. Even after sending in additional documentation, she was unable to resolve the issue. Upon calling the company, Helpline experts were told that a simple processing error was to blame, not a denial. The company promptly processed the claim, paying out an additional $4,700 to the consumer.
- A Brevard County consumer contacted the Helpline when medical claims payments related to treatment for her son never arrived. The company explained to Helpline experts that the payments had been processed but the company could not explain why they had not been received. A widespread system error was discovered and the company realized that payment checks for 53 consumers had never been mailed. In total, more than $24,000 in unmailed payments went out to the 53 consumers, including the original caller.
Floridians can contact the Insurance Consumer Helpline toll-free by calling 1-877-693-5236.
Florida Municipal Electric Association Elects New Officers
New leadership will guide the statewide association’s board of directors
During their annual meeting in Orlando, members of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) today elected new officers to preside over the organization’s board of directors. Chip Merriam, vice president of legislative, regulatory & compliance for the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), will serve as the FMEA’s new president. Also elected were President-Elect Joel Ivy, general manager for Lakeland Electric; Vice President Mike Poucher, utility director for Ocala Electric Utility; and Secretary-Treasurer Allen Putnam, managing director of Beaches Energy Services in Jacksonville Beach.
“This year, FMEA proudly celebrates our 75th anniversary. As we look toward the future and the next 75 years, we have assembled a strong board of directors and officers who will help shape that path forward,” said Merriam. “I am grateful to each of the officers and board members for their service and commitment to Florida’s public power communities.”
Originally called the Florida Municipal Utilities Association, FMEA was established in 1942 in response to World War II fuel shortages. Today, the association actively represents and advocates for member cities’ interests on a wide variety of state and federal issues, provides education and training for members and serves as a clearinghouse for industry news and information.
Municipal electric utilities provide affordable, reliable electric service, and have been doing so for more than a century. As community-owned and locally managed organizations, these utilities are focused on serving local needs and interests while reinvesting back into the community for services, such as police and fire protection.
For more information on FMEA and Florida’s public power communities, please visit www.publicpower.com.
