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Tips to Avoid Gas Pump Skimmers This Memorial Day Weekend

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is providing simple tips this Memorial Day weekend to help Floridians and visitors avoid skimmers, devices that are placed on gas pumps to steal consumers’ debit and credit card information. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has found and removed 185 skimmers so far this year.
The number of consumers victimized by each skimmer is estimated to be about 100 per device, with an average of $1,000 stolen from each victim.
Travelers can take the following steps to avoid skimmers at gas stations:

  • Pay in cash inside the store to ensure credit card information stays safe.
  • Check to make sure the gas pump dispenser cabinet is closed and has not been tampered with.
  • Use a gas pump closer to the front of the store. Thieves often place skimmers at the gas pumps farther away from the store.
  • Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have better fraud protection, and the money is not deducted immediately from an account.
  • If using a debit card at the pump, choose to run it as a credit card instead of putting a PIN number in. That way, the PIN number is safe.
  • Monitor bank accounts regularly to spot any unauthorized charges.
  • Consumers who suspect their credit card number has been compromised should report it immediately to authorities and their credit card company.

Commissioner Putnam worked with the Florida Legislature last year to change Florida law to better protect consumers from identity theft at gas station pumps by:

  • Requiring self-service fuel dispensers to use certain security measures to prevent theft of consumer financial information;
  • Increasing enforcement authority against those who possess or traffic fraudulent credit cards;
  • Reclassifying the crime of unlawful conveyance of fuel, which increases the maximum sentence; and
  • Increasing the offense level of the crime, which affects sentencing guidelines.

Consumers who suspect that a gas pump has been tampered with should contact the gas station manager, local law enforcement or the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
The department regularly inspects gas stations and analyzes samples of petroleum products to ensure consumers are being offered quality products at a fair measure. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Complete Florida’s webinar helps adults return to college, finish degree

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Complete Florida is hosting a monthly webinar, Finish-Up Friday, beginning June 2 from noon to 12:30 p.m. EDT. The free, live webinars will focus on preparing the busy adult learner to return to college and complete their degree. Complete Florida is managed by the UWF Innovation Institute.
“Our live event will give adults the opportunity to speak with Complete Florida coaches about all that Complete Florida has to offer,” said Michelle Horton, Complete Florida enrollment and retention director. “Complete Florida is Florida’s gateway for adult learners to go back to college and complete their degree.”
The webinars will serve as informational and Q&A sessions, where adult learners can hear from Complete Florida staff to learn how to return to college to finish their degree. The value of a college education, financial aid help and pathways to a new career are just a few of the items that will be covered in these webinars.
The Finish-Up Friday Webinar is a free, online event funded by the state of Florida. To register or for more information, visit www.completeflorida.org.
About Complete Florida
 Complete Florida is a state of Florida initiative to recruit and retain the state’s 3 million adults who have some college but no degree. Partnering with public and private higher education institutions in Florida, Complete Florida provides one-on-one planning, support and coaching for students with adult responsibilities. Dedicated coaches work alongside students as personal advocates, counselors and advisors while participants complete college courses 100% online. For more information, visit www.completeflorida.org.
About the UWF Innovation Institute
The Innovation Institute is a division of the University of West Florida. The Innovation team, founded around the principles of extreme collaboration, high energy, deep research and innovative thinking are focused on solving significant educational challenges. One of the cornerstones of the Institute is its focus on being a “Thought Leader” in education – creating and implementing innovative tools, programs and resources to the advancement of education and learning.

Appointments by Gov. Rick Scott for Thursday, May 25, 2017

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Governor Rick Scott Reappoints 11

Governor Rick Scott today announced 11 reappointments to various boards and commissions throughout the state following the Florida Senate’s failure to consider them for confirmation by adjournment sine die of the 2017 regular legislative session:
Florida Prepaid College Board
Ambassador John Rood, 62, of Jacksonville, is the chairman of the Vestcor Companies, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending June 30, 2017.
Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District
Samuel “Bo” Spring, 41, of Port Saint Joe, is the managing member of Big Fish Construction LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Jonathan Costello, 36, of Tallahassee, is a governmental consultant with Rutledge Ecenia P.A. and an adjunct professor at Florida State University. Costello is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District
Daniel O’Keefe, 49, of Windermere, is an attorney with Shutts and Bowan LLP. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Federico Fernandez, 41, of Coral Gables, is an attorney with DiFalco and Fernandez LLLP. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District
Michelle Williamson, 54, of Dover, is a manager at G & F Farms. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Bryan Beswick, 50, of Arcadia, is a grove manager with Premier Citrus Management LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Mark C. Taylor, 58, of Brooksville, is the president of TTG Properties Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District
Douglas Bournique, 65, of Indian River, is the executive vice president of the Indian River Citrus League. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
State Retirement Commission
Thomas Napier, 82, of Tallahassee, was a former special projects manager for the Clerk of Circuit Court of Leon County. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending December 31, 2020.
Board of Orthotists and Prosthetists
Paul Weott, 56, of Bradenton, is the owner of Orthotic and Prosthetic Centers, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
 

Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County

Governor Rick Scott today announced two appointments to the Children’s Services Council of Saint Lucie County.
Richard Del Toro, Jr, 40, of Port St. Lucie, currently serves as the Assistant Chief of Police at the City of Port St. Lucie Police Department. He received his bachelor’s degree from Barry University and his master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. Del Toro fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending November 13, 2017.
Carmine Izzo, Jr, 46, of Port St. Lucie, currently serves as a Lieutenant at the City of Port St. Lucie Police Department. He received his bachelor’s degree from Warner University and his master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University. Izzo succeeds Candice Loupe and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending November 13, 2019.
 

Gov. Scott Appoints Randolph Cash to Collier County Housing Authority

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Randolph Cash to the Collier County Housing Authority.
Cash, 62, of Naples, is the president of Flamingo Air Management, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami. Cash fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending October 17, 2018.
 

Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Board of Professional Engineers

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Babu Varghese and the appointment of Pankaj Shah to the Board of Professional Engineers.
Varghese, 58, of Davie, is the president of Abtech Engineering, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
Shah, 72, of Clearwater, is the former chief executive officer of Cumbey and Fair, Inc. He succeeds John Pepper and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
 

Gov. Scott Appoints Representative Rene Plasencia
to Board of Control for Southern Regional Education

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Representative Rene Plasencia to the Board of Control for Southern Regional Education.
Rep. Plasencia, 44, of Orlando, is a district relations manager with Florida Virtual School and previously served as a classroom instructor for 17 years. He currently represents district 49 in the Florida House of Representatives. Plasencia succeeds Nancy Detert and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018.

Florida Realtors Commends Gov. Scott for Signing HB 7109

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Bill Includes Reduction in Florida’s Business Rent Tax

Maria Wells, 2017 president of Florida Realtors® and broker-owner with Lifestyle Realty Group in Stuart, issued the following statement regarding Governor Rick Scott’s signing of HB 7109 today.
“Florida Realtors® applauds Governor Scott and members of the Legislature for making these tax cuts possible for Florida families. From a Realtor® perspective, I am particularly excited about the first-ever cut to the business rent tax that is included in this bill. The business community has been working to advance this tax cut for several years.
“The most significant steps are often the first ones we take on an issue and this cut opens the door for future reductions of this burdensome tax. More importantly, it puts $61 million back in the hands of businesses to grow and hire more people, and when businesses grow, communities prosper.”
Currently, Florida charges a six percent sales tax on business rent, creating a financial burden for any business that leases space. It is the only state that charges this tax on business rent. Once HB 7109 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2018, the new state tax rate on commercial leases will be 5.8 percent. Lowering the business rent tax will provide Florida businesses with more capital to expand, hire more employees, improve benefits and raise salaries.
Florida Realtors and other members of the Business Rent Tax Coalition have long advocated for a reduction in the state’s business rent tax. Gov. Scott signed HB 7109, which includes other tax cut provisions, during a morning press conference at 3Cinteractive Corp., a mobile marketing service provider in Boca Raton.

Gov. Scott Applauds Trump Administration for Federal Investment in Florida Seaports

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Governor Rick Scott today released the below statement following the release of the Army Corps of Engineers spending plan, which includes $29,300,000 in investments in Port Tampa Bay, JAXPORT and Port Everglades. The funds made available were included in the Fiscal Year 2017 Omnibus Appropriations Bill signed into law earlier this month by President Trump.
Governor Scott said, “It is great news that the Trump Administration is making major investments in Florida ports, including Port Tampa Bay, JAXPORT and Port Everglades. Since 2011, we have invested over $1 billion in state funding in our 15 world-class seaports and we appreciate the Trump Administration understanding the important role our ports have in supporting our economy and creating jobs. We will continue to work closely with our state and federal partners to make Florida a global hub for trade.”
The $29,300,000 federal investments includes $9,000,000 for Port Tampa Bay, $17,500,000 for JAXPORT and $2,800,000 for Port Everglades.

UCF Captures National Computer Programming Title, Places 13th in World

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A team of three University of Central Florida students earned the title of national champions Wednesday and finished 13th in the world in an elite computer programming contest known as the “Battle of the Brains.”
In the competition at the Association of Computing Machinery’s International Collegiate Programming Contest in Rapid City, SD, the UCF trio beat teams such as the University of California at Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton, Cornell and the University of Texas at Austin.
The UCF team is made up of: Alex Coleman of Oxford, PA, a sophomore studying computer science; Timothy Buzzelli of Palm Bay, FL, a sophomore studying computer science; and Josh Linge of Jacksonville, FL, who earned a master’s degree in computer science in December.
ITMO University in St. Petersburg, Russia, won the world contest. Last year’s UCF team placed third in the nation and 28th in the world.
Last fall, more than 12,000 teams from 103 countries vied regionally for a chance to be one of only 133 teams to compete in the world contest. UCF earned its spot by winning the U.S. Southeast Regional competition in November. Other UCF teams also placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th out of 65 teams that competed in the regional contest. That contest also represented UCF’s fifth consecutive regional win.
The secret to UCF’s success is devoted practice, which is usually up to 20 hours a week, including a seven- to eight-hour practice session every Saturday, said computer science Professor Ali Orooji and faculty advisor for the team.
“Using a sports analogy, imagine how hard a football team has to work to win a national championship. This is the same thing. You have to work very hard to put yourself above the others,” he said. “It takes talented, devoted students who are willing to work hard, and coaches who volunteer so much of their time to coach these team members. It also takes the support from the university, which motivates us to keep going.” The team’s next practice is Saturday to prepare for next year’s competitions.
The contest challenges teams with complex, real-world problems under a grueling five-hour deadline. Huddled around a single computer, competitors race in a battle of logic, strategy and mental endurance. Teammates collaborate to rank the difficulty of the problems, deduce the requirements, design tests, and build software systems that solve the problems under the scrutiny of judges. The team that solves the most problems in the fewest attempts in the least cumulative time is declared the winner.
For 35 consecutive years, UCF has placed in the top three in the region, a record unmatched by any team in the nation.
“UCF is a powerhouse at the ICPC,” said contest director Jeff Donahoo, a computer science professor at Baylor University. “Virtually every year UCF has very competitive teams, and their region is extremely competitive. So just to make it to the world finals each year is amazing but to make it with the regularity that they do demonstrates the support of the university. I applaud UCF for getting behind their students and enabling them to be the best problem solvers by fostering competition.”
UCF’s remarkable record of competing at the world finals was noted at the opening ceremony Tuesday, when Orooji and UCF coach Glenn Martin received lifetime coaching awards.
Orooji was lauded for 24 world finals appearances and Martin for 20.
“I was definitely nervous going into the world finals for the first time, but I was happy that we were able to represent UCF well,” said Coleman, at age 18 the youngest competitor UCF has sent to the world finals.
Buzzelli added: “We not only exceeded our coaches’ expectations, we also exceeded those we had for ourselves.”
With world-level competition experience, the sophomores are well positioned to succeed next year, said Arup Guha, a lecturer in the UCF Department of Computer Science and a team coach.
Linge, who graduated in December, will head to Seattle to begin his job at Facebook after delaying his January start date to compete in the competition.
“This was my last year to participate in the ICPC and I’m glad I had Timothy and Alex as my teammates,” he said.

Gov. Scott Signs Counterterrorism Legislation

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Governor Rick Scott today signed HB 457 which creates criminal offenses for people who engage in illegal activities in connection with terrorist organizations or commit acts of terrorism.
Governor Scott said, “Last year, Florida came under attack when an ISIS-inspired terrorist stormed into Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and killed 49 innocent people. Today, while we continue to mourn this tragic loss of life, we are doing everything in our power to make sure that no family or community experiences that pain again. This important legislation will help ensure that those responsible for acts of terror like this are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and continue our efforts to prevent future attacks. I’d like to thank the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for their hard work on this bill. I’m proud to sign it into law today.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “I thank Governor Scott, the Florida Cabinet and the Legislature for their leadership and dedication to keeping Florida safe. Florida’s crime rate continues to drop thanks to the hard work and dedication of our brave law enforcement officers. It is imperative that law enforcement has the tools and resources it needs to investigate crimes related to terrorism.”
To view the transmittal letter, click HERE.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recognizes School Gardens with “Golden Shovel” Awards

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Tallahassee School of Math and Science in Leon
County Best New Garden, Secondary Division

Tallahassee School of Math and Science in Leon County
Best New Garden, Secondary Division

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today announced the winners of the third annual Florida Farm to School “Golden Shovel” Awards, which recognize Florida students, educators and community members for their extraordinary school garden efforts. The five award categories include: Best New Garden, Best Revitalized Garden, Best Use of Produce, Most Community Involvement and Most Creative Learning Environment.
Applicants to the “Golden Shovel” Awards implemented numerous innovative gardening methods, including: irrigated raised beds, hoop houses, hydroponic towers, fruit tree orchards and aquaponics systems. Produce from the school gardens was featured in student and teacher meals, donated to the community and taken home for the weekend. The program received applications from 20 counties.
Numerous schools showcased fully integrated school garden programs that featured outdoor classrooms with decorative pergolas and arbors, butterfly gardens and atriums, as well as native wetlands and shoreline restoration projects.
The recipients of the 2017 “Golden Shovel” Awards are:

  • Best New Garden
    • Primary Division: Loughman Oaks Elementary, Polk County
    • Secondary Division: Tallahassee School of Math and Science, Leon County
  • Best Revitalized Garden
    • Primary Division: Palmetto Elementary, Miami-Dade County
    • Secondary Division: Santa Fe High School, Alachua County
  • Best Use of Produce
    • Primary Division: West Melbourne School for Science, Brevard County
    • Secondary Division: Osceola Middle School, Marion County
  • Most Community Involvement
    • Primary Division: Dommerich Elementary, Orange County
    • Secondary Division: Osceola Middle School, Marion County
  • Most Creative Learning Environment
    • Primary Division: Lawton Elementary, Seminole County
    • Secondary Division: Sickles High School, Hillsborough County

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services operates the state’s school nutrition program, including school breakfast, lunch, Summer BreakSpot and the HealthierUS School Challenge certification program, in all 67 counties. In the past four years, the department has worked with dozens of schools across the state to implement and support school gardens. In addition, the department began its own garden in Tallahassee that helps educate students, teachers and parents about how to start and maintain a school garden.
For more information about the school garden program at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, please visit FreshFromFlorida.com/FarmtoSchool.

Florida Leaders Applaud Gov. Scott’s Signing of $180 Million Tax Cut Package

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Governor Rick Scott today signed HB 7109, the “Tax Cut Package” which will cut $180 million in taxes for Florida families and businesses. This brings the total of taxes cut since Governor Scott has been in office to $6.7 billion. Here’s what Florida leaders are saying:
Senate President Joe Negron said, “I am pleased to see this comprehensive tax relief package become law. Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature have worked together for the last several years to reduce the tax burden facing Florida families and businesses in a broad-based and meaningful way. This good bill furthers that commitment.”
House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “I’m grateful to all the members of the Florida House for their hard work on HB 7109 and to Governor Scott for signing it into law today. This tax cut package is a big win for every Floridian. It means real money back into the hands of families and businesses.”
Bryan Koon, Director of Florida Division of Emergency Management, said, “This tax cut will ensure that folks can obtain everything they need in order to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. I encourage all Floridians to take advantage of this great opportunity and save money while building their disaster supply kits.”
Tom Feeney, President and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida, said, “I’d like to thank Governor Scott for his commitment to keeping Florida competitive and making it easier for businesses to thrive in our state. The reduction in the business rent tax will help Florida job creators continue to grow so they create even more opportunities for families across the Sunshine State.”
Bill Herrle, Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business said, “I applaud Governor Scott for signing this important bill to help Florida businesses thrive in our state. Every tax cut allows our job creators to reinvest more of their hard-earned money into growing their businesses and creating more jobs for our families, which is great news for our entire state.”
Frank Walker, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Florida Chamber of Commerce, said, “The signing of this year’s tax package marks the first step in what we hope will be the eventual complete elimination of the business rent tax. With his signature today, Governor Rick Scott once again demonstrated his commitment to reducing the tax burden on Florida families and local businesses.”
Florida Retail Federation President & CEO R. Scott Shalley said, “We are grateful to Governor Scott for signing these important tax measures that will allow retailers, consumers, and other businesses to see their money stretch farther and help grow this economy. The .2 percent reduction in the business rent tax will allow small businesses to keep more of their own revenue, allowing them to reinvest those funds and create jobs. The 3-day sales tax holiday for disaster preparedness will encourage both consumers and retailers to properly prepare for and purchase the supplies they need in the event of a hurricane, or other natural disaster. Lastly, the 3-day sales tax holiday for back-to-school is always incredibly successful as families are able to purchase more of the supplies their children need for the upcoming school year including expensive technology such as computers and tablets. All three of these tax relief measures will provide significant economic benefits to Florida families and business owners, and we thank Governor Scott for signing this important legislation into law.”
Maria Wells, 2017 President of the Florida Realtors, said, “I applaud Governor Scott for signing this bill and making these tax cuts a reality for Florida families. From a Realtor perspective, I am particularly excited about the first-ever cut to the business rent tax. The business community has been working to advance this tax cut for several years and this is a tremendous success for Florida Realtors and the entire Business Rent Tax Coalition. When businesses grow, communities prosper.”
Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said, “I’d like to thank Governor Scott for signing HB 7109 into law today. This tax package is a win for state taxpayers, reducing their tax burden and allowing them to make their own decisions on how their hard-earned money is spent. The package addresses the onerous business rent tax, a long-standing TaxWatch recommendation, which is the only statewide sales tax on commercial leases in the nation and establishes beneficial sales tax holidays for back-to-school and disaster preparedness.”
3Cinteractive Founder and CEO John Duffy said, “We as a Florida based business are thankful that Governor Scott signed this bill today. We are glad that the Governor is cutting taxes for commercial leases, as this will help our business invest money back into our community”.

Senator Denise Grimsley Announces June Mobile Office Hours

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Senator Denise Grimsley’s staff will hold “mobile office hours” during the month of June to assist constituents with state agency concerns and to gather public input on legislative issues.
“In an effort to reach out to constituents in their community, our office is traveling to provide constituent services for those that need help.  This is an opportunity to speak with my professional staff in person,” said Senator Grimsley.
The following are the mobile office hours for Senate District 26:
DeSoto County Mobile Office hours:
Tuesday, June 13th, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
County Administration Building
2nd Floor, Conference Room
201 East Oak Street
Arcadia, FL 34266
Okeechobee County Mobile Office hours:
Tuesday, June 13th, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce
55 South Parrott Avenue
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Glades County Mobile Office hours:
Tuesday, June 13th, 2017
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Glades County Courthouse
1st Floor, Conference Room
55 Avenue J, SW
Moore Haven, FL 33471
Polk County Mobile Office hours:
Wednesday, June 21st, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Mulberry Library
1st Floor, Civic Center
905 NE 5th Street
Mulberry, FL 33860
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Bartow Public Library
2150 S. Broadway Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Fort Meade Community Center
10 SW 3rd Street
Fort Meade, FL 33841
Hardee County Mobile Office hours:
Wednesday, June 21st, 2017
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Hardee County Chamber of Commerce
135 E. Main Street
Wauchula, FL 33873
Senator Denise Grimsley represents Senate District 26, which consists of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, and parts of Charlotte, Lee, and Polk counties. Senator Grimsley served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2004-2012 and elected to the Florida Senate in 2012.