For the second, consecutive fiscal year, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) reduced the monthly Florida Relay System (FRS) surcharge for telephone customers by one cent. Applied to landline customer bills, the reduced surcharge–from its current 11 cents to 10 cents–takes effect on September 1, 2017.
Today, the PSC also reduced Florida Telecommunications Relay Inc.’s (FTRI) proposed budget by more than $115,000, adjusting its legal and Regional Distribution Center expenses. The Commission ordered FTRI to supply further budget analyses on its legal billing and employee benefit expenses, with the results due by January 31, 2018.
“FRS provides a vital service to keep Florida’s deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired consumers connected to family, friends, and businesses,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Today’s budget reductions reflect customers’ continuing transition from landline to other technologies, but keeps FTRI well positioned to maintain reliable services for those depending on them.”
Florida law requires the PSC to approve an annual FTRI budget. FTRI administers the statewide FRS that provides access to basic telecommunications services for more than 2.5 million Florida citizens who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired. Sprint Communications Company, L.P., is the current FRS provider.
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, FRS facilitates telephone calls between people with hearing loss or speech disabilities and other individuals by using specialized equipment and a communications assistance operator to relay information.
FTRI is a non-profit organization which contracts with 24 Florida regional distribution centers to assist consumers with specialized phone needs. For information on how to obtain the special equipment, call FTRI at 1-800-222-3448 (Voice) or 1-888-447-5620 (Text Telephone/TTY) or visit www.ftri.org.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
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Renner and Yarborough Endorse Fant
With the backing of two more Northeast Florida colleagues, Jay Fant
continues to consolidate support in the House for his Attorney General bid.
The Jay Fant for Attorney General Campaign today announced the endorsements of Representatives Paul Renner and Clay Yarborough. They join a growing list of House members from Northeast Florida and around the state who are rallying around Fant’s candidacy.
“I’m honored to have the support of strong conservatives like Paul Renner and Clay Yarborough,” said Fant. “Their effective leadership in Tallahassee serves their constituents and our entire state well. I look forward to continuing to work with them to limit government and increase opportunity for hardworking Floridians.”
Renner, who was recently elected Republican leader of the House freshman class, represents a district that includes Flagler and parts of St. Johns and Volusia Counties. Yarborough represents part of Duval County.
Last month, Representatives Chuck Clemons, Jason Fischer, and Bobby Payne joined several Central Florida legislators who had previously endorsed Fant. They include Representatives Colleen Burton, Bob Cortes, Julio Gonzalez, Joe Gruters, Mike Miller, Stan McClain, and Rene Plasencia.
Fant has represented District 15 in the Florida House since 2014.
ON THE WEB: www.JayFant.com
Paid by Jay Fant, Republican, for Attorney General
Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott to Announce Florida’s 2018 Teacher of the Year
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, July 13, Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott will announce Florida’s 2018 Teacher of the Year in Orlando.
WHAT: Awards Ceremony
WHEN: 6:30 PM
WHERE: Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando
6050 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL
HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson to Speak at LeadingAge Florida Annual Convention
MEDIA ADVISORY
On Monday, July 17th, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson will serve as the Lunch Keynote Speaker at the LeadingAge Florida 54th Annual Convention and Exposition.
WHERE: 1500 Masters Blvd
Championsgate, FL 33896
WHEN: Monday, July 17, 2017
Lunch Program Begins 11:45 a.m. EDT, International Ballroom
Media Availability: 1:15 p.m. EDT, Wentworth
For questions, to confirm attendance, or to reserve credential for the event please contact:
Greg Ungru
Director of Communications
LeadingAge Florida
[email protected]
(850)339-8271
For 54 years, LeadingAge Florida has served as a nonprofit statewide association of more than 250 mission-driven communities, representing the full continuum of care for seniors with members ranging from affordable housing to nursing homes and from assisted living facilities to continuing care retirement communities. LeadingAge Florida is proud to serve quality leaders who devote themselves to creating a culture of excellence that motivates and inspires others throughout the aging continuum. LeadingAge Florida’s members are trusted with providing quality care and services to Florida’s seniors. LeadingAge Florida promotes practices that support, enable and empower people to live fully as they age.
Charlotte Officials Endorse Albritton
A cross-section of Charlotte County elected officials are the latest area leaders
to coalesce around Albritton as the right choice for the Florida Senate.
The Ben Albritton Campaign today announced the support of several Charlotte County elected officials. State Representative Mike Grant; County Commissioners Ken Doherty, Joe Tiseo, and Bill Truex; former State Representative Ken Roberson; and Punta Gorda Mayor Rachel Keesling are all lining up behind Albritton’s bid for the District 26 seat in the Florida Senate.
The Charlotte officials are part of a growing list of local leaders at all levels of government who are backing Albritton. They join U.S. Representatives Dennis Ross and Tom Rooney as well as State Attorney Brian Haas, who have also recently endorsed Albritton.
“Ben Albritton’s proven track record of thoughtful, conservative leadership makes him the clear choice for District 26 in the Florida Senate,” said Commissioner Truex. “We know we can count on him to continue to treat his constituents with respect and make decisions that will benefit the people of Charlotte County.”
Truex and Doherty were both elected to the County Commission in 2012 and re-elected in 2016, with Truex elected as Chair three years in a row. Tiseo was elected for the first time last year.
“I have worked with Ben and know his integrity and commitment to doing public service the right way,” said Grant. “With Ben in the Florida Senate, his constituents can be confident they have someone in Tallahassee who will always put their best interest first.”
Grant was elected last year to represent Charlotte County in the District 75 seat in the Florida House after having previously served in the House from 2004 to 2008. Roberson served in the Florida House from 2008 to 2016.
“After having watched Ben Albritton’s career in the House, I’m convinced we can count on him in the Florida Senate,” said Roberson.
“I look forward to working with him to keep Punta Gorda and all of our communities strong,” said Keesling.
Keesling was elected to the Punta Gorda City Council in 2011 and as mayor in 2013. She and her husband have lived in Punta Gorda for almost 25 years.
“Charlotte County is fortunate to have such fine men and women in public service,” said Albritton. “I am honored to have their support, and I look forward to working with them on policies that will strengthen families and our economy.”
In 2010, Albritton was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he has been a staunch advocate for entrepreneurs and children in Florida’s foster care system. He is also known for his strong conservative record on Second Amendment rights and protection for the unborn. He is the Chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the House Natural Resources and Public Lands Subcommittee. He also sits on the Appropriations Committee, the Agriculture and Property Rights Subcommittee, and the Government Accountability Committee, and he currently serves as the Chair of the Polk County Legislative Delegation.
With Grimsley’s decision to not seek re-election, District 26, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 43 to 34 percent, is an open seat. Centered in Florida’s Heartland, the district covers parts of Charlotte, Lee, and Polk Counties, as well as all of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties.
Paid by Ben Albritton, Republican, for State Representative
Senator Mayfield Announces Date Change for Brevard Delegation Meeting
Senator Debbie Mayfield today announced that the Brevard Delegation Meeting, originally scheduled for Thursday, September 21, 2017, will now be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. The meeting will take place in the Brevard County Commission Chambers located at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way (Building C) in Viera from 1:00-5:30 PM.
“The original date conflicted with a Jewish High Holiday, Rosh Hashanah,” said Senator Mayfield. “Therefore the date change is to accommodate our friends of the Jewish faith who would like to participate in the delegation meeting.”
The purpose of our annual delegation meeting is for local government entities, businesses, organizations, and citizens to have the opportunity to share with the delegation issues that are of the most importance to them. Please note that this is the only scheduled meeting of the delegation prior to the 2018 Legislative Session, which begins on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. The first portion of the meeting will be limited to presentations by local government entities and those requesting local bill submissions. The second portion of the meeting is for organization and citizen presentations.
To obtain an Appearance Request Form, please contact Kayla Bailey, whose contact information is below. Completed Appearance Request Forms are due no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, September 11, 2017, to ensure inclusion in and timely completion of meeting agendas for members and the public. Please send completed forms to Kayla Bailey in Senator Mayfield’s Office at 900 E. Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne, FL 32901 by mail; [email protected] by email; or 888-263-3815 by fax. Telephone inquiries may be directed to Senator Mayfield’s office at (321) 409-2025.
Senator Mayfield was elected to the Senate in 2016 to represent Senate District 17, which consists of Indian River and Brevard Counties. Prior to the Senate, Mayfield served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2008-2016.
CFO Patronis Launches Firefighter Grant Program with Check Delivery to Monticello Volunteer Fire Department
On Tuesday evening, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis launched Florida’s Firefighter Grant Assistance Program with a check delivered to the Monticello Volunteer Fire Department. The first of its kind, the grant program will benefit volunteer fire departments across Florida by making funding available to purchase costly fire safety equipment. During its initial year, nine fire departments will receive a total of $150,000. Recognizing its life-saving importance, the Florida Legislature increased second-year funding to $1 million.
CFO Patronis said, “Florida’s firefighters lay their lives on the line every day to protect our friends and family, and I’m proud to lead a program that will help them purchase better protective gear. As this new program grows, we’ll keep working until every fire department across Florida has the resources they need to keep themselves and our citizens safe.”
An estimated 12 million Floridians depend on the services and protection provided by volunteer firefighters, yet a wide variety of fire departments lack the financial resources needed to supply firefighters with current safety equipment and training.
Monticello Volunteer Fire Chief Lester Lawrence said, “Volunteer fire departments are often underfunded, and this program answers a call for help from the fire service community. The Florida Fire Chiefs Association (FFCA) values a close working relationship with the State Fire Marshal, and we appreciate the efforts made by CFO Patronis and the entire State Fire Marshal team to address this issue.”
Representative Halsey Beshears, who co-sponsored the 2016 legislation (HB 651) that created the program, joined CFO Patronis to deliver the check.
Representative Halsey Beshears said, “I’ve seen the needs of volunteer fire departments first hand, and I know this program will save lives by offering better protection to the first responders who run straight into dangerous situations. I thank Chief Patronis for offering me the opportunity to join him in delivering the very first grant funds.”
The application process for 2017-2018 grant funding is open now. All fire departments open for more than five years can apply. To qualify, all applicants must complete a needs assessment survey to outline their need and intended use of grant funds. A committee of fire service leaders review and approve all applications. The application is available here.
Gov. Scott Highlights Law Enforcement and State Employee Pay Raise in Miami
Governor Rick Scott today highlighted pay raises in the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget for Florida’s sworn state law enforcement officers, correctional officers and state employees.
Governor Scott said, “Florida’s state law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect the families who call this state home. I’m incredibly proud that this year’s Fighting for Florida’s Future budget provides a five percent pay raise for these hard working men and women. On behalf of all Floridians, I thank them for their service.”
Secretary Detzner Designates Venice MainStreet as Florida Main Street Program of the Month
Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today the Venice MainStreet program has been designated the July 2017 Florida Main Street Community of the Month. Communities are selected based on their developmental achievements and participation in the Florida Main Street Program. Venice MainStreet, which started in 1988, has resulted in the development of nearly 1,000 jobs, 300 businesses and 31,000 hours of volunteer support. Remodeling and rehabilitation of the historic downtown buildings resulted in $133.7 million of investment and construction of new compatible structures led to $76.7 million in investment.
“Venice is one of our oldest Main Street organizations and its impact on the community is reflected in all of its great successes,” said Secretary Detzner. “Venice is home to many community events, concerts and fairs, and has become a model for Main Street programs in Florida.”
Venice, Florida
The area that today is Venice was settled more than 12,000 years ago by Native Americans. The historic district of Venice is significant for closely following John Nolen’s 1924-1929 plan that incorporated emerging city planning and zoning concepts of the early 20th century. Nolan was a pioneer in the American City Movement. His plan for Venice was influenced by many different ideas from the City Beautiful, Progressive and Garden City Movements. Venice still adheres to Nolan’s plan in making development decisions today.
Along with the neighboring city of Sarasota, Venice became the winter headquarters of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus in the 1960s, which boosted the population and brought international visitors in search of warm weather and some carnival fun.
As a vacation destination, Venice MainStreet boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, breweries and shops, many set in historic buildings. Venice boasts architecture common to the rest of Florida and has numerous historic homes and buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Oscar Scherer State Park is nearby for those who enjoy the outdoors and want to bird watch, hike or kayak. The Venetian Waterway Park runs between Venice’s downtown and the Caspersen Beach nearby and is popular with walkers, joggers, bikers and Segway tours. The city is also known as the “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World” and hosts a yearly festival to celebrate the thousands of shark’s teeth that wash up on shore every year.
Venice MainStreet organizes a cornucopia of arts, community and music festivals. These include two juried art shows, three craft festivals, events for all major holidays, free Friday night concerts, two blues festivals and many more events. The Venice MainStreet calendar is bursting with ways to get involved in the community almost every day of the year.
For more information about Venice MainStreet, visit http://www.visitvenicefl.org. To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, visit floridamainstreet.com or facebook.com/FloridaMainStreet.
About Florida Main Street
Florida Main Street is a program administered by the Division of Historical Resources under the Florida Department of State, which currently oversees 45 communities throughout the state. By implementing the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach®, Florida Main Street encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation through the revitalization of Florida’s downtowns – the community’s heart and soul. Since the program’s inception in 1985, the Florida Main Street programs have cumulatively created 24,604 jobs, 7,337 new businesses and produced $2.5 billion in reinvestment.
State Board of Education to Meet in Tallahassee
The State Board of Education will hold a workshop and meeting next week in Tallahassee.
The workshop agenda can be found at Workshop Agenda.
The meeting agenda can be found at State Board Meeting.
WHAT: State Board of Education Workshop and Meeting
WHEN: Monday, July 17, 2017
Workshop: 9:00 am
Meeting: 2:00 pm
WHERE: Room LL03, The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
