Governor Rick Scott attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Florida veteran Master Sergeant George Vera’s new home. Master Sergeant George Vera and his family were previously recognized by Governor Scott during the annual State of the State address, and they will be receiving a mortgage-free home from the not-for-profit organization Building Homes for Heroes. Governor Scott’s Fighting for Florida’s Future budget invested $1 million in Building Homes for Heroes.
Governor Scott said, “Like so many of our brave veterans, Master Sergeant Vera and his family have made incredible sacrifices in order to protect our nation and defend our freedom. While we can never thank them enough for their service, this upcoming Independence Day is a important reminder that we must take every opportunity to recognize these heroes. I was proud to present Master Sergeant Vera with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award today and celebrate the groundbreaking for their future home here in Florida. We want Florida to be the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation, which is why we will continue to make investments in organizations like Building Homes for Heroes.”
Building Homes for Heroes is a not-for-profit organization that builds or modifies homes, and gifts them, mortgage-free, to veterans and their families. Last year, Building Homes for Heroes built or modified 19 homes in Florida, which had a projected value of more than $4 million. The organization partners with more than 300 licensed Florida contractors to build or modify these homes, supporting economic development and the local construction industry. The State of Florida has invested more than $5 million into Building Homes for Heroes since Governor Scott took office.
Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “As the son of two World War II veterans, it was an honor to join Governor Rick Scott today to recognize one of the many brave heroes who has sacrificed to keep our country safe. I am proud that Master Sergeant George Vera and his family have chosen the beautiful Land O’Lakes as the site of their new home and I look forward to celebrating the home’s completion. We will continue to support organizations like Building Homes for Heroes that help our military members as they protect our families and our freedom.”
Master Sergeant Vera joined the Army in 1995. In 2015, his 20th year of service, Sergeant Vera’s base was attacked by suicide bombers using an improvised explosive device (IED). Master Sergeant Vera fought to pull his fellow wounded soldiers away from enemy fire and was shot during his efforts to secure the perimeter. Master Sergeant Vera has been awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and multiple other heroic commendations.
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Commissioner Adam Putnam Again Lowers Fees for Concealed Weapon License Applications and Renewals
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the fee to apply for or renew a concealed weapon license will be reduced by $5 as of Saturday, July 1. Commissioner Putnam worked with the Florida Legislature to save Florida consumers $5 on application fees, down from $60 to $55, and renewal fees, down from $50 to $45. Active law enforcement officers, correctional officers and correctional probation officers can now obtain a new license for $55 and renew their licenses for $45.
“I’m a proud supporter of the Second Amendment and am dedicated to making our concealed weapon license application and renewal process as convenient as possible,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “By reducing the concealed weapon license fee yet again, we can put the savings back in the pockets of Floridians.”
This is the third time Commissioner Adam H. Putnam has lowered concealed weapon license fees within the last five years, which has saved individuals a total of $20 when applying for or renewing a Florida concealed weapon license. Concealed weapon licenses are valid for seven years.
First-time applicants are required to provide fingerprints to the department to complete a background check. Initial licenses typically cost $97, which includes the fingerprint processing fee. Tax collectors are authorized to charge a convenience fee when applying for or renewing licenses at a local tax collector’s office of $22 and $12, respectively.
In 2014, Commissioner Putnam helped develop a first-of-its-kind partnership that authorized tax collectors’ offices to take fingerprints, photographs and accept applications on behalf of the department. Applications are still processed by the department. Within the last year, the department has received nearly 450,000 concealed weapon applications, of which 120,000 have been received via tax collectors’ offices.
Additionally, in July 2015, Commissioner Putnam announced that the department is expediting concealed weapon license applications for all active military members and veterans. To date, nearly 81,000 active military members and veterans have received expedited concealed weapon licenses.
License holders can apply for or renew a concealed weapons license via mail, at 44 Tax Collectors’ Offices across the state or at one of the department’s eight regional offices in the following locations: Doral, Fort Walton, Jacksonville, North Port, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Licenses can also be renewed online.
Visit FreshFromFlorida.com to learn how to apply for or renew a Florida concealed weapon license.
Gov. Scott Announces Appointment of Jim Poppell as Secretary of the Florida Lottery
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Jim Poppell as secretary of the Florida Lottery. Poppell will assume the role of secretary beginning July 10th. Secretary Tom Delacenserie left the Florida Lottery on June 2nd to pursue a new position in Kentucky. David Mica, who has served as chief of staff since 2016, has been the interim secretary at Florida Lottery.
Governor Scott said, “During his time at DEO, Jim has helped provide Florida families and businesses with the support they need to succeed. I am confident that Jim will continue the Lottery’s focus on fighting for students and achieving record sales to invest in our education system. I look forward to working with him to further support Florida students.”
Jim Poppell currently serves as Chief of Staff at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and previously served as DEO’s General Counsel. He has also held leadership positions at NextEra Energy, Inc. from 2008-2010 and Florida Power & Light Company from 2006-2008. Poppell also previously served as a minister for 21 years. Poppell received his bachelor’s degree from Eckerd College, his master’s degree from Spring Arbor University and his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.
Danfoss opens customer Application Development Center in Florida
Grand opening celebration marked the official unveiling and launch of the
new laboratory, R&D facility that will help manufacturers test
air-conditioning systems for compliance with regulations and standards
Danfoss, a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency electronic and mechanical components, controls, compressors, and variable frequency drives for air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration, industrial, and water systems, this week celebrated the grand opening of its “Engineering Tomorrow” Application Development Center in Tallahassee, Florida.
A state-of-the-art laboratory, Danfoss’ new customer Application Development Center features three fully-automated test facilities capable of accommodating residential and commercial air-conditioning and heat pump equipment, including rooftop units, from 1.2 to 50 tons and air-cooled chillers up to 150 tons. Additionally, the lab will be able to test mildly flammable refrigerants at global nameplate voltages, with real-time data acquisition and performance analysis.
“Danfoss has a long tradition of innovation,” remarked John Galyen, president, Danfoss North America, during the grand opening celebration. “This new Application Development Center affirms our commitment to helping our customers Engineer Tomorrow and advance energy efficiency and climate-friendly solutions.”
“One of the major drivers behind this significant investment is the increasing federal regulations and testing requirements impacting the HVACR industry, including aggressive energy-efficiency standards from U.S. Department of Energy and new targets for environmentally-friendly, low-GWP refrigerants from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” Galyen explained. “This Application Development Center will enable us to help our industry prepare for the transition by providing much-needed lab capacity to ensure compliance with evolving and future requirements.”
Globally, Danfoss has a network of Application Development Centers to provide industry partners with a collaborative laboratory environment and the application expertise necessary to meet challenges.
“Our objective is to make each of our Application Development Centers a place where local Danfoss application experts work with our customers in a collaborative, innovative environment that accelerates technology and propels business,” said Stefan Pietrek, senior director – global applications, Danfoss. “This ADC is designed to support testing specifically for the North American air-conditioning market.”
Gregory Handzel, manager of the Application Development Center, further explained that the collaboration facilitated by the ADC will help customers improve performance through system-level testing. “This lab enables engineering teams to validate new concepts and develop products and solutions that solve key challenges in today’s market.”
The Tallahassee Application Development Center will also serve as a competence center for Danfoss research and development activities.
Danfoss receives key to Tallahassee city
During the ceremony, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum provided Danfoss with a key to the city to signify the company’s investment in the city to drive innovation and efficiency. “The team at Danfoss has made and continues to make tremendous investments in our community, that not only bring good paying jobs and economic growth, but a level of engagement that is helping Tallahassee define itself as a 21st century city,” said Mayor Gillum. “We are grateful for their partnership and collaboration, and look forward to our continued work together.”
Danfoss receives key to the city from Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. Pictured left to right: Kim Fausing, Executive Vice President and COO, Danfoss; John Galyen, President, Danfoss North America; Ricardo Schneider, President, Danfoss Turbocor Compressors; Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum; Jorgen M. Clausen, Chairman of the Board, Danfoss.
Following a tour of the Application Development Center, attendees joined Danfoss and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)/Florida State University (FSU) for an innovation demonstration. ”The Application Development Center will provide the multidisciplinary infrastructure needed for HVAC, where together with our customers and research institutions like FAMU/FSU, we can accelerate innovation and create greater value for all stakeholders,” commented Ricardo Schneider, president of Danfoss Turbocor Compressors.
The grand opening celebration was held on Tuesday, June 27, and was attended by Danfoss’ Executive Committee, regional management, customers, and local officials. Jorgen M. Clausen, Chairman of the Board, and Kim Fausing, who has served as Executive Vice President and COO and takes over as CEO on July 1, inaugurated the facility with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
James Madison Institute praises Gov. Scott, legislative leaders for passing policies that position Florida for continued growth
Floridians have a brighter future thanks to tireless work from Governor Rick Scott, Senate President Joe Negron, House Speaker Richard Corcoran, and other legislative leaders. Over the 2017 legislative session, a wide range of policy priorities of The James Madison Institute (JMI) were passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor in the key areas of education, economic prosperity, and private property rights.
“The 2017 Florida Legislative Session was an important session for Florida’s future,” said JMI President and CEO Dr. Bob McClure. “The entire team at JMI worked hard to educate and inform state legislators on policies that significantly advance limited government, personal liberty, and economic freedom.”
One of the policy areas most positively influenced by legislation enacted during the 2017 legislative sessions is school choice. JMI’s J. Stanley Marshall Center for Educational Options weighed in on a number of education proposals that were adopted into law, including:
- Expansion of the Gardiner Scholarship for students with unique abilities
- Expansion of the Tax Credit Scholarship
- Digital education access
- Schools of Hope
- Summer use of Bright Futures Scholarships
JMI’s Centers for Economic Prosperity and Property Rights were also active during the legislative session promoting the principles of limited government and advocating for an environment that encourages growth and innovation. Significant victories in those areas included:
- Ridesharing legislation
- Cottage food expansion
- Economic development
- Everglades restoration
“Protecting property rights in the Everglades, allowing free markets to flourish in the transportation industry, and increasing educational opportunities for Florida’s children are just a few of the ways the Florida Legislature stepped forward and showed the nation that freedom and liberty work,” added Dr. McClure.
While there were still a number of important issues left undone during the legislative session, JMI will continue to advocate for the tried and tested principles of free markets and limited government as we look toward the 2018 legislative session and beyond.
To review the James Madison Institute’s complete 2017 Legislative Summary report, click here.
The James Madison Institute
Founded in 1987, The James Madison Institute (JMI) is Florida’s oldest and largest nonpartisan, nonprofit research and educational organization. JMI is dedicated to advancing such ideals as economic freedom, limited government, federalism, traditional values, the rule of law, and individual liberty coupled with individual responsibility. All JMI publications are available online at www.jamesmadison.org.
On July 4 give space to nesting shorebirds, sea turtles
As people make plans to go to the beach for the Independence Day holiday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding the public to help protect beach-nesting shorebirds and sea turtles by giving them space and keeping personal fireworks off the beach. Please respect shorebird and sea turtle areas that are posted to protect these vulnerable species, but remember not all nests are posted.
Shorebirds on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts are nesting now, with many of them watching over flightless chicks. Threatened species, such as the snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer and American oystercatcher, are among the shorebirds facing conservation challenges and needing help from people to survive. Loud noises can cause adults to flush off their nests and tiny chicks to become separated from parents, leaving them vulnerable to predators, the elements and getting stepped on by beachgoers.
July is also a busy time for sea turtle nesting on Florida beaches, and female sea turtles can become disoriented and fail to lay their eggs if disturbed by bright lights, loud noises and people getting too close to them. Sea turtle hatchlings, also vulnerable to disturbance, are beginning to emerge this month.
“It’s great to celebrate the Fourth of July, but please help our nesting shorebirds and sea turtles by giving them space and keeping personal fireworks off Florida beaches,” said Brad Gruver, who leads the FWC’s Species Conservation Planning Section. “Attending an official fireworks display is a better choice when it comes to helping Florida’s wildlife.”
During the July Fourth holiday, boaters also can help protect nesting birds by not getting close to or making loud noises near Critical Wildlife Areas, expanded by the FWC in 2016 to protect birds and other species during nesting and other critical life stages. The FWC wants boaters and beachgoers to be aware of the 13 newly designated CWAs, most of them small islands, and not all of them have yet been posted.
Boaters also can help conserve wildlife by looking out for and avoiding manatees and sea turtles in coastal waters.
How to be a Fourth of July beach hero:
- Leave personal fireworks at home and attend an official display instead. The loud sounds and bright lights of impromptu fireworks on Florida’s beaches and waterways can have catastrophic effects on nesting birds and their chicks, as well as nesting sea turtles.
- Stay out of posted areas, including Critical Wildlife Areas, and keep your distance from nesting sea turtles.
- If you walk your dog on the beach, keep it on a leash and at a distance from birds, sea turtles and their nests.
- Do not feed birds or leave trash, picnic leftovers or fish scraps on the beach. These scraps attract predators that will eat the eggs and hatchlings of birds and sea turtles.
- Wear polarized sunglasses when boating to make it easier to spot manatees and sea turtles. With manatees, look for the circles on the water’s surface indicating their underwater movement or a nose sticking out of the water. Also listen for huffing noises that manatees make when coming up for air. Most of all, slow down and comply with the posted manatee zones.
- Learn more from the Be a Beach Hero! and Share the Beach with Beach-nesting Birds brochures.
- Report people disturbing nesting birds and sea turtles and their young by calling the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone, or by texting [email protected].
Additional information on Critical Wildlife Areas is at MyFWC.com/CWA.
Sen. Nelson's remarks on the Senate floor this evening
A group of Democratic senators took to the Senate floor this evening to offer a series of bills aimed at fixing our nation’s health care system and to urge their Republican colleagues to work with them on a bipartisan approach to health care.
“Why can’t we work together?” U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) asked his colleagues. “We do in our committees … Why can’t we do it with health care?”
Nelson introduced legislation earlier this month that would lower health insurance premiums for some Floridians by as much as 13 percent. That bill would create a permanent reinsurance fund to cover larger-than-expected insurance claims and help stabilize the market. The additional stability created by the bill would, according to one Florida insurer, lower premiums in Florida by up to 13 percent.
“Every one of us has a suggestion out here,” Nelson said. “You put all of these suggestions together and you’re talking about really fixing the current law.”
Following is a rush transcript and here’s a link to video of Nelson’s remarks:
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson
Remarks on the Senate Floor
June 28, 2017
Sen. Nelson: Mr. President, all over Florida people walk up to me and say, “Bill, what’s going on? Why can’t congress get together? Why can’t we work together?” We do in our committees. We usually work together. We certainly do with Senator Thune who is the chairman of the Finance — of the Commerce Committee. This senator is the ranking member. We get a lot of things out. We’re going to mark up the FAA bill tomorrow. There are a lot of controversial issues. We’re going to get that out. Why can’t we do it with health care?
So last night I had a telephone town hall meeting in my state of Florida, 6,000 people joined. And they asked questions for an hour. And often they would get through asking their question, and they’d say, “I wish you guys could work together.” So that’s what you’ve been hearing in all of these speeches. Well, let me give you one suggestion that would lower premiums on the existing bill of the — not the existing bill, the existing law, the Affordable Care Act, 13%. I had it costed out in Florida.
Okay. You know, every now and then you’re going to have a catastrophic loss. It’s kind of like when I was the elected insurance commissioner of Florida and I inherited the mess after the monster hurricane. It was — Hurricane Andrew was such a monster hurricane that it took down a number of insurance companies because the losses were so big. So we had to try to get insurance companies to come back into Florida. We created a reinsurance fund. We called it the Florida Hurricane Catastrophic Fund that would reinsure or insure the insurance companies against catastrophic loss.
That’s what you can do right here. You could be like my poor constituent Megan who fought cancer for two years with two transplants and ultimately lost the battle, but the bill was $8 million. That’s hard for any insurance company to swallow, but those are going to be limited, isolated cases. So why don’t we create a reinsurance fund for the marketplace in the Affordable Care Act to help the insurance companies in catastrophic loss? I ask them, if we did that in Florida, with the Florida marketplace, what would it mean? It would reduce the insurance premiums under the marketplace Florida 13%.
Now, that’s just one suggestion. Every one of us has a suggestion out here. You put all of these suggestions together and you’re talking about really fixing the current law, instead of this roadway that we see our friends on the other side of the aisle going down, a solution that’s going to take coverage away from 22 million people, and it’s going to cut $800 billion out of Medicaid and eviscerate Medicaid, or it’s going to charge older Americans over younger Americans five times as much as the younger? We don’t have to do that. Let’s come up with the creative ideas to fix the existing law.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
Governor Scott to Attend Groundbreaking for Florida Veteran’s New Home
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, June 29th, Governor Rick Scott will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Florida veteran Master Sergeant George Vera’s new home. Master Sergeant George Vera and his family will be receiving the mortgage-free home from the not-for-profit organization Building Homes for Heroes. Governor Scott’s Fighting for Florida’s Future budget invested $1 million in Building Homes for Heroes.
WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony
WHEN: 10:30 AM
WHERE: 4858 Lago Vista Circle
Land O’ Lakes, Florida 34639
Mallea Endorsed by Florida Chamber of Commerce
The Jose Mallea Campaign today announced the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Mallea is running in the special election to fill House District 116.
“After thoroughly interviewing the candidates, it is clear Jose Mallea has the background and experience to be a quality representative for the citizens of HD 116 from day one,” said Marian Johnson, Senior Vice President of Political Strategy. “It is evident he understands what is needed to move Florida forward to create jobs and opportunities for everyone. As a small business owner, Jose Mallea has a strong understanding of the importance of free enterprise to Florida’s economic prosperity. He is committed to making Florida more competitive through pro-jobs, pro-business legislation that will help secure Florida’s future. The Florida Chamber is proud to endorse Jose Mallea for the Florida House.”
“The Florida Chamber has long been one of Florida’s most important champions of our free enterprise system,” said Mallea. “I am truly honored to have earned their support, and I look forward to working with them to make sure Florida continues to be the best place in the nation for businesses to create more jobs and opportunity.”
Paid by Jose Mallea, Republican, for State Representative
Jacksonville man claims top prize in MONOPOLY $5,000,000 FLORIDA EDITION Scratch-Off game
James Flowers poses with his oversized check after claiming a top prize
in the MONOPOLY™ 5,000,000 FLORIDA EDITION Scratch-Off Game.
The Florida Lottery announces that James Flowers, 59, of Jacksonville, claimed a top prize in the MONOPOLY™ $5,000,000 FLORIDA EDITION Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
Flowers chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $3.84 million. The winning ticket was purchased from King Food Mart, located at 10771 Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville. The retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The $20 Scratch-Off game, MONOPOLY $5,000,000 FLORIDA EDITION, launched in July 2016, and features more than $346 million in prizes, including six top prizes of $5,000,000 and 20 prizes of $1 million! The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-2.97.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 65 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $734 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2015-16.
