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ICYMI: Stronger Safer Florida Coalition Urges Congress To Exempt Reinsurance From Border Adjustment Tax Legislation

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Florida Homeowners Property Insurance Could Rise by 30 Percent Per Year

In March, Florida Taxwatch, the state’s independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute & government watchdog, released a study called The Effects of a Border-Adjusted Tax on Florida’s Property Insurance Market. The study takes a close look at what Floridians could expect if potential federal legislation that creates a border-adjusted corporate income tax is implemented. Since property insurers rely heavily on foreign reinsurance to diversify low-frequency-high-severity natural catastrophes, such as hurricanes, states most vulnerable to catastrophic losses—such as Florida—would be most impacted by applying a border-adjusted tax to reinsurance.
The proposed 20 percent border-adjusted tax would have a significant negative impact on Florida’s home insurance premiums, raising the cost of commercial and residential property insurance by $2.6 billion annually. Florida homeowners’ premiums, on average, would increase by $910 per year.
“While other countries around the world use tax schemes like the border-adjustment proposal, no developed market trading partner of the U.S. applies it to reinsurance transactions. Applying this proposed border-adjusted tax to reinsurance transactions would have a disproportionate and negative effect on Florida,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro. “Application of the tax would dramatically increase costs for insurance companies and consumers, hurt our state’s economic competitiveness, and kill tens of thousands of jobs.”
“The long-term damage to the state economy by the application of such a tax on reinsurance would put Florida behind for years,” said Stronger Safer Florida Coalition member, Associated Industries of Florida President and CEO Tom Feeney. “A decrease in earnings would propel the cost of living higher, while increased costs for hurricane-risk insurance would hamper Florida’s economic growth through declines in business investment in the state. Due to Florida’s susceptibility to major storms, it is crucial that insurance is affordable for businesses and residents.”
Read the full report here.
For more information, visit StrongerSaferFlorida.com.

Goliath grouper workshops scheduled August through October; FWC needs your input

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) needs your input on goliath grouper management, including the possibility of a limited harvest in Florida state waters.
The FWC is hosting several goliath grouper public workshops throughout the state in August and October. Share your input and learn more about the current status of goliath grouper by attending one of these workshops. 
Workshops will be from 5 to 8 p.m. local time:

  • Aug. 1: Key West, Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel, 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd.
  • Aug. 2: Marathon, Hyatt Place Marathon/Florida Keys, 1996 Overseas Highway.
  • Aug. 3: Key Largo, Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway.
  • Aug. 8: Crystal River, Plantation on Crystal River, 9301 W. Fort Island Trail.
  • Aug. 9: Carrabelle, Franklin County Senior Citizens Center, 201 NW Ave. F.
  • Aug 16: Pensacola, Sanders Beach – Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 S. I St.
  • Aug. 17: Panama City, Bland Conference Center, 4750 Collegiate Drive.
  • Oct. 9: Jacksonville, Pablo Creek Regional Library, 13295 Beach Blvd.
  • Oct. 10: Titusville, American Police Hall of Fame & Museum, 6350 Horizon Drive.
  • Oct. 11: Stuart, Flagler Place, 201 SW Flagler Ave.
  • Oct. 12: Davie, Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Road.
  • Oct. 16: Pinellas Park, Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure, 9501 U.S. Highway 19 N.
  • Oct. 17: Port Charlotte, The Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St.
  • Oct. 18: Naples, Collier County Public Library – South Regional, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway.

If you cannot attend an in-person meeting, submit comments online by visiting MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments. Staff is working on a virtual workshop that should be available online in the near future. Additional details and updates to these meetings will be posted at MyFWC.com/Fishing (click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Rulemaking” and “Workshops.”).

Board of Governors Hosts Safety and Security Summit

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The Board of Governors and State University System brought together leaders from all 12 of Florida’s public universities on Monday and Tuesday to share best practices for avoiding, preparing for and dealing with crisis situations on campus, from student mental health challenges to cybersecurity.
Hosted by the University of South Florida in Tampa, the Summit included roughly 100 university leaders, including presidents, administrators, police chiefs, government relations, and communications staff. Speakers included Dr. Larry Barton, one of the world’s leading experts in crisis management and threat assessment, and retired Vice Admiral Mike McConnell, who is chair of the Board of Advisors at the Florida Center for CyberSecurity. Stakeholders also heard from FBI Supervisory Special Agent Cari Robins, who is at the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, Behavioral Threat Assessment Center, and assesses stalking cases.
“Students come to universities to learn and prepare for their careers, but they can only do that if they are in a safe and healthy environment,” said Norm Tripp, chair of the Board of Governors’ Academic and Student Affairs Committee. “That means we need to stay focused on the mental health issues that are facing so many of our students in addition to other security threats.”
The Board of Governors and State University System regularly convene stakeholders to discuss strategies for facing security threats. This year’s Summit is especially important because of the Board of Governors’ work over the past year to raise awareness about student mental health issues and the growing need for counselors. In fact, the Board of Governors is asking each university to develop a plan for how to address mental health needs on their campuses, which have skyrocketed in recent years, in line with national trends. Florida’s counselor-to-student ratio is lower than national recommendations.
The Summit also included panel discussions on cybersecurity, protests on campus, and crisis management. Toward the event’s end, participants had the chance to debrief and discuss next steps, including best practices to take home to their campuses.
“The purpose of this Summit is to hear from the people who have their boots on the ground every day and have concerns about our students’ mental health, their security, and how to deal with a crisis should one arise,” said Tom Kuntz, Board of Governors’ Chair. “We hope every participant goes back to his or her home campus with new inspiration and ideas, and we look forward to continuing to receive feedback on how the Board of Governors can help advocate for critical safety and security needs at the state level.”

Capital Regional Medical Center to Open Two Full-Service ER’s in Tallahassee

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Capital Regional Medical Center will expand access to emergency care in southeast & northwest Leon County with the opening of two freestanding emergency departments in 2018.
In northwest Leon County, the freestanding ER will be located on North Monroe, just north of I-10. The 6-acre site will include a 10,800-square-foot, one-story facility. In southeast Leon County, the freestanding ER will be located on Capital Circle SE & Orange Avenue, near Southwood. This 5-acre site will also include a 10,800-square-foot, one-story facility.
Both emergency departments will offer 24/7 ER care and are expected to serve more than 25,000 patients per year. The nearly 25 million-dollar project will feature 24 emergency room beds and will employ approximately 62 full-time healthcare professionals. Both freestanding ER’s will offer a full-range of capabilities – from pediatric to adult care. Features include a full-service lab, CT, trauma room, ultrasound and x-ray.
“The new ER facilities represent our latest step to expand health care into the community,” said Mark Robinson, CEO, of Capital Regional Medical Center. The hospital’s main campus emergency room and the ER in Gadsden County saw more than 100,000 visits in 2016.” There is a need for additional ER services in south and northwest Leon County. Our goal is to provide quality care for our patients with little to no wait time. The new freestanding ER’s will allow us to provide critical healthcare services in convenient locations for our patients.”
About Capital Regional Medical Center
Capital Regional Medical Center is a fully-accredited healthcare facility with more than 1,100 employees and 500 physicians. It is a 266-bed, acute-care hospital that offers 24/7 Emergency Services in Leon and Gadsden Counties including; a Pediatric ER, Senior Care ER and an Express Care ER. Offerings also include a Bariatric Center, Behavioral Health Center, Cancer Center, Chest Pain Center w/PCI, Comprehensive Breast Center, Family Center, Heart & Vascular Center, Orthopedic Center, Physical Therapy Services, Stroke Center, Surgical Services, Wound Healing Center, Network-of-Care Affiliated Physician Practices, and more.

Special Olympics Florida Earns Highest Rating from Charity Navigator for Fourth Consecutive Year

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Special Olympics Florida today announced that is has received its fourth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.
“This rating demonstrates the organization’s integrity and dedication to stewarding our supporters’ donations in an efficient and responsible manner,” said Sherry Wheelock, president and CEO of Special Olympics Florida. “Each year, we strive to bring the best quality programs to as many athletes as possible with the utmost transparency and accountability. We thank all our sponsors and volunteers for trusting Special Olympics Florida with their support.”
Founded in 2001, Charity Navigator uses objective, data-driven analysis to rate thousands of charity organizations. Charity Navigator examines a charity’s performance in two areas, financial health and accountability/transparency. The 4-star rating is only given to the most fiscally responsible organizations who are evaluated by 24 metrics.
Special Olympics Florida’s sound fiscal management, high standard of governance and ethics, and commitment to transparency have earned it a 4-star rating, the highest rating attainable, for the past four years. Only 11 percent of U.S. charities have achieved a 4-star rating for four consecutive years.
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition, and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected, and contributing members of their communities. As an organization with more than 40,000 athletes and 27,000 volunteers that provides more than $2 million in free health services annually, programmatic quality and fiscal responsibility are viewed as the key to expanding access to services across the state. Learn more at www.specialolympicsflorida.org.
Special Olympics Florida’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.

Statement from Governor Scott on Expected Severe Weather in Florida Panhandle

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Governor Rick Scott today released the following statement regarding severe weather expected to impact the Florida Panhandle this week.
Governor Scott said, “With severe weather including heavy rain and flooding expected across the Florida Panhandle this week, families in Northwest Florida should remain alert to local news and weather updates and make sure they have a plan. I have been monitoring the storm system in the Gulf of Mexico and will continue to receive briefings on possible impacts to our state. Tonight, I will be reaching out to emergency management officials in counties across Northwest Florida to ensure they have everything they need in anticipation of this severe weather system. This is a reminder to all Floridians of the dangerous weather our state faces during hurricane season and the importance of getting a plan to keep your family safe. Visit FloridaDisaster.org today to get a plan and be prepared.”

UCF Student Paddles 800 Miles Down Gulf Coast to Raise Money for Environment

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A UCF student is making waves as he paddles nearly 800 miles down Florida’s Gulf Coast this summer.
Cole Kolasa, an environmental engineering major, is documenting his summertime adventure in his blog Kayaking for Conservation. Kolasa started a Go Fund Me page in hopes of raising $10,000 to support artificial reefs in his hometown of Hernando County.
The funds raised will be directly donated to Hernando County for the construction of reef balls to aid the county’s shallow reefs and living shorelines. The money will also support the sinking of a 50-foot concrete sailboat to serve as the county’s first “wreck reef” to attract divers to the coast and raise awareness for the region.
“The Gulf Coast is a beautiful area that needs to be preserved. The money raised will help bolster coastal resilience and shoreline stability,” he said during a phone interview as he paddled through the waters near Homosassa, Florida. “I want to spend my summer raising money to help fund research for local restoration projects.”
Kolasa, born and raised in Brooksville, Florida, spent three months planning his solo voyage before embarking on May 8 from Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola. The 19-year-old is averaging about 22 miles a day — give or take a few miles depending on Mother Nature —  in his 18-and-a-half-foot sea kayak built in the 1980s.
“My kayak is meant for a trip like this,” Kolasa said. “I got stuck in three-to-five foot seas offshore, near Destin. The waves submerged my kayak underwater but I was fine.”
Kolasa’s kayak carries all of the essentials: a tent, bug suit and spray, small stove for cooking easy-to-make meals, Marine radio, flashlights, navigational system, emergency signaling devices, as well as water filtration systems and up to 25 liters of water incase there is no resupply nearby. He charges his phone with portable solar panels.
He carries nearly two weeks worth of food at a time such as trail mix and ramen noodles, and meets up with friends or family to restock along the way. After he’s paddled as far as he can for the day, he stops sleep at primitive campsites along nearby islands or beaches, and sometimes at state parks.
Kolasa has made a few friends throughout his solo-excursion. He’s paddled with the Florida Circumnavigation Saltwater Paddling Trail, as well as friends and family who’ve come out to spend the day with him.
“There’s a lot of support for a trip like this,” Kolassa said. “There’s a network of people that have helped and supported me along the way.”
Several sponsors donated supplies to help Kolasa along his journey. Those companies include Sun Bum, a sunscreen manufacturer based in Cocoa Beach, Travel Country Outfitters, who donated nearly $700 worth of outdoor gear, and Wagan Tech, a company which produces high-end outdoor electronic gear.
“This is an exciting trip for me because I’ve spent so much time outdoors hiking different trails, but this is neat because I get to do those types of activities and live simply all to aid in conservation and restoration of our ecosystems,” Kolasa said. “I’ve finally found a way I can tie two of my favorite things together.”
Kolasa plans to end his journey this June somewhere in the Florida Keys between Islamorada and Marathon. You can keep up with his adventures by following his Facebook page.

Statement from Governor Scott on the Death of FHP Sgt. William Trampas Bishop

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Governor Rick Scott today released the below statement following the heartbreaking death of Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Sergeant William Trampas Bishop last night.
Governor Scott said, “We are heartbroken to learn of the death of 30-year veteran FHP Trooper Sergeant William Trampas Bishop while on duty in Alachua County. Ann and I are praying for Sergeant Bishop’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time. Our thoughts are also with the entire Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida Highway Patrol family as they grieve the loss of Sergeant Bishop. Every day, Florida’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and serve Florida families. This terrible loss is a somber reminder of the work our brave law enforcement officers do to keep us safe.”

Florida Department of State Highlights $4.68 Billion Economic Impact of Arts and Culture in Florida

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Arts & Economic Prosperity Report shows nonprofit arts
and culture is a significant industry in the state of Florida

Americans for the Arts, a national nonprofit organization for advancing arts in America, released the Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 report, which highlights the significant impact of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and their audiences in the state of Florida. According to the report, the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Florida generates $4.68 billion in total economic activity, supports 132,366 full-time jobs and delivers $492.3 million in local and state government revenue.
“At the Florida Department of State, we believe that Culture Builds Florida, and this report sends a strong signal that supporting the arts and culture industry helps to build Florida’s economy and strengthen our state’s identity as the best place to live, work and play in the United States,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “Thanks to the support of Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature, the department provides funding, programs and resources, including grants, to help promote and grow Florida’s arts and cultural industry at the local and state level, and we encourage arts and cultural organizations to reach out to us so we can be of service.”
Other highlights of the report include:

  • Spending by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations totaled $2.29 billion in Florida during fiscal year 2015. This spending supports jobs, generates household income for families and supports local businesses.
  • During 2015, a total of 121,264 volunteers donated a total of 6,522,918 hours to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Florida. This represents an estimated value of $153,679,948 in donated time.
  • Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Florida reported receiving in-kind contributions worth an estimated $71,073,471 in 2015.
  • The nonprofit arts and culture industry leverages a significant amount of event-related spending by its audiences. To measure this impact, 35,967 event attendees were surveyed and they reported a total of $2.39 billion in event-related spending, such as eating at a restaurant, shopping in near-by stores or staying in a hotel.
  • In Florida, researchers estimate that 84.8 percent of the 70 million nonprofit arts attendees were residents and 15.2 percent were nonresidents. Nonresident attendees spent an average of 93 percent more per person than local attendees, which highlights the importance of attracting cultural tourists to reap significant economic rewards.

The last study of this depth on the economic impact of arts and culture in Florida was completed in 2009. In 2009, arts and culture generated $3.1 billion in economic activity compared to a $4.68 billion economic impact in 2015 – an increase of $1.58 billion in just six years.
The most recent study gathered data from fiscal year 2015 and was conducted by surveying 1,688 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations as well as 35,967 arts and cultural audience members in Florida. The Division of Cultural Affairs gathered data from participating organizations statewide. Funding for the Florida-specific study was provided by Citizens for Florida Arts.
To view the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences in the State of Florida report, please click here.
About the Division of Cultural Affairs
The Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs is Florida’s legislatively designated state arts agency. The Division promotes the arts and culture as essential to quality of life for all Floridians. To achieve its mission, the Division funds and supports cultural programs that provide artistic excellence, diversity, education, access and economic vitality for Florida’s communities. For more information, visit dos.myflorida.com/cultural.

Vote Solar & Business Groups Commend Governor Rick Scott for Signing onto Solar

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SB 90 – Solar Implementing Bill Signed Today

Florida Governor Rick Scott today signed solar energy legislation, Senate Bill 90 (SB 90), to increase clean energy, solar production and job creation for Florida. SB 90 enacts Amendment 4, a ballot measure receiving an overwhelming 73 percent voter support during last August 30 primary election. The Republican-backed bill also received tremendous lawmaker approval and passed unanimously in both the Florida Senate and House.
Below are statements from the bill sponsors, Vote Solar and many statewide associations in response to Governor Scott’s approval of SB 90.
“Governor Scott’s approval comes on the heels of overwhelming support for solar progress over the last year. In August, nearly 3 of every 4 voters embraced the opportunity to move solar forward in the Sunshine State. During the legislative session, every lawmaker, on both sides of the aisle, delivered on that promise,” said Scott Thomasson, Southeast Director for Vote Solar. “Governor Scott’s approval signals that Florida is open for businesses, jobs and private investments. We thank Senator Jeff Brandes and House Leader Ray Rodrigues for working tirelessly on behalf of Floridians to increase energy choices, create local jobs, and promote healthier communities with solar.”
“Governor Scott answered the will of the voters today by signing Senate Bill 90, the sunshine state solar initiative allowing tax exemptions for business to install solar panels as an energy resource. This legislation implemented Amendment 4 from the August 30 primary, which passed by an overwhelming 73 percent vote,” said Senator Jeff Brandes (R, St. Petersburg). “I look forward to continuing our work to diversify Florida’s energy economy, so we can live up to our title as the Sunshine State and lead in renewable energy.”
“I commend Governor Scott for signing Senate Bill 90 and I am proud this legislation will move Florida closer to being a leading state for new solar jobs,” said House Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues (R, Estero). “We were able to pass a balanced bill that will boost solar in Florida while ensuring customers are protected, thanks to constructive input from groups like the Solar Energy Industries Association and Vote Solar, who helped get this important legislation over this finish line.”
“The Florida Chamber of Commerce applauds Governor Scott for leveling the playing field between commercial and residential solar by signing this bill into law,” said Christopher Emmanuel, Director of Infrastructure and Governance Policy at the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
“The Florida Retail Federation commends Governor Rick Scott for answering the will of the voters and signing SB 90 which implements solar Amendment 4,” said R. Scott Shalley, President of the Florida Retail Federation. “This law will help retailers throughout the sunshine state take advantage of needed incentives for solar energy.”
“A victory lap to the finish line on solar energy today. The Governor signed what 2 million voters called for last election cycle in Amendment 4,” said Julio Fuentes, President of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Our members include more than 604,000 Hispanic owned small businesses who support energy diversity and thank the Governor for signing and allowing this implementing bill to become law.”
“Tourism is Florida’s leading industry. Visitors and residents alike, will benefit from the energy savings resulting from the Governor allowing Amendment 4 to be implemented,” said Richard Turner, General Counsel and Vice President of Government Relations for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “The hospitality industry is excited to support our lawmakers’ smart policies that promote sustainability and diversify our energy grid.”
All Florida lawmakers worked closely with clean energy and jobs advocates, including Vote Solar, the Solar Energy Industries Association, Advanced Energy Economy, and The Alliance for Solar Choice, to pass legislation that best serves Florida businesses and residents. The final bill has earned praise from a range of business, consumer and environmental organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, Florida Conservation Voters, and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.