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Nelson, Rubio invite Zinke to tour Everglades

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U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) and a bipartisan group of Florida congressional delegation members sent a letter today to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke inviting him to visit Florida’s Everglades to get a firsthand look at ongoing efforts to restore the River of Grass.
“As the newest secretary of the interior, we welcome you to visit a unique treasure, America’s Everglades,” the lawmakers wrote. “As secretary, you serve as chairman of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force and play a vital role in the effort to restore the balance of water flow and management.”
Nelson, a long-time supporter of restoring the Everglades, brought then-Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) down to Florida in 2007 to give her a tour of the Everglades. He also brought Sen. John Thune (R-SD), the Senate’s third-ranking Republican, down in February to give him a firsthand look at the River of Grass.
Joining Nelson and Rubio in inviting Zinke are Reps. Kathy Castor, Charlie Crist, Carlos Curbelo, Val Demings, Ron DeSantis, Ted Deutch, Mario Diaz-Balart, Lois Frankel, Matt Gaetz, Alcee Hastings, Al Lawson, Brian Mast, Stephanie Murphy, Bill Posey, Francis Rooney, Tom Rooney, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, John Rutherford, Darren Soto, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Daniel Webster, Frederica Wilson and Ted Yoho.
Following is the full text of the lawmakers’ letter, and a PDF copy can be found here:

May 18, 2017

The Honorable Ryan Zinke
Secretary
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20240
Dear Secretary Zinke:
As you continue to travel our great nation as the newest secretary of the interior, we welcome you to visit a unique treasure, America’s Everglades. The only subtropical ecosystem in the continental U.S., the Everglades is home to dozens of endangered and threatened species as well as a diverse array of native wildlife.
The U.S. Department of the Interior plays a critical role in our efforts to restore the balance of this ecosystem. As secretary, you serve as chairman of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force and play a vital role in the effort to restore the balance of water flow and management. The Everglades faces numerous challenges, but with a successful state and federal partnership, we are committed to ensuring future generations are able to enjoy this treasured ecosystem.
We realize your schedule is incredibly busy but would be honored to personally show you the River of Grass. Thank you for your consideration as you carry on with the important task of protecting and managing our nation’s natural resources.

Respectfully,

Kallinger Statement on Gambling Decision

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Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition President Jim Kallinger made the statement below following the Florida Supreme Court ruling on slot machines today:
“The Florida Supreme Court delivered a win for Florida families today with their ruling to reject the expansion of slot machines in Florida. While the promise of job creation and increased tax revenue can be alluring, the truth is that gambling hurts businesses, communities, and individuals. We are glad this sound legal ruling will spare families and communities around the state the pain that accompanies making gambling the centerpiece of a local economy.” 

Florida Council for Safe Communities Applauds Supreme Court Ruling on Slot Machines

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John Giotis, Chair of the Florida Council for Safe Communities, released the following statement today regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on slot machines:
“We applaud the Florida Supreme Court ruling today that rejects the expansion of gambling in our state. This unanimous decision is good news for Florida families and Florida’s economy. Tourists from all over the world can continue to enjoy our world-class and family-friendly attractions, and Florida residents will not be saddled with the dangerous by-products of gambling in their communities. The Court and Attorney General Pam Bondi got this issue exactly right, and we are grateful for their leadership.” 
 

FDLE arrests Casselberry man for possession of child pornography

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Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested 45-year-old Daniel Canup, of 4404 Fox Hollow Cir, Casselberry, FL, on 10 counts of possession of child pornography.
FDLE Agents served a search warrant at Canup’s residence on May 18, 2017 as part of an investigation into digital computer files depicting child pornography being downloaded.  A computer under Canup’s control was found to be actively downloading child pornography while the agents were present.  Further investigation revealed as many as 10 images and videos of child pornography, with many of the victims younger than 12 years old.
Canup was transported to the Seminole County Jail for booking. The Office of the State Attorney, 18th Circuit, will prosecute.

Statements from President Negron and Senator Galvano Regarding the Florida Supreme Court Decision in Gretna vs. DBPR

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Florida Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) and Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) today released the following statements regarding the Florida Supreme Court decision in Gretna Racing, LLC vs. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, in which the Court upheld the authority of the Legislature to determine the future of gaming in Florida.
“Today the Supreme Court unanimously confirmed that the responsibility to determine the future of gaming in Florida lies with the elected members of the Legislature,” said President Negron. “With current law upheld, the Legislature now has every opportunity to shape gaming policy for our state in a manner that respects both the authority of local referendums and the ongoing relationship with the Seminole Tribe, without the underlying concern that a court ruling could suddenly upend productive negotiations.”
“In confirming the constitutional authority of the Legislature to set gaming policy, the Supreme Court ruled that current law clearly states the conditions for issuing a slot machine license, and Gretna did not meet those requirements,” said Senator Galvano. “This confirmation of legislative authority removes a significant obstacle in our negotiations with the Seminole Tribe, providing clarity that as we move forward the Legislature, rather than the Courts, will determine what expansion looks like and where it takes place. We look forward to continuing this important discussion with Governor Scott, our colleagues in the Florida House, the Seminole Tribe, industry stakeholders and constituents across the state as we head towards the 2018 Regular Session.”

Commissioner Putnam Seeks Nominations for Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the class of 2018. The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame honors men and women who have made lasting contributions to Florida agriculture. More information, nomination forms and a list of past inductees are available at FloridaAgHallofFame.org. Nominations must be submitted by September 1, 2017.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services partners with the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation each year to recognize outstanding individuals nominated by Florida’s agricultural community. Inductees will be honored at the annual banquet during the Florida State Fair in February.
Nominations should be mailed to the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame at 100 South Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, Fla. 33594; Phone 813-230-1918.

Florida League of Cities Urges Governor to Veto Bad Telecom Bill That Strips Local Authority

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Writing on behalf of Florida’s 412 municipalities, Florida League of Cities Executive Director Michael Sittig urged Governor Rick Scott to veto a bill that would deprive cities of their authority to regulate the use of public rights of way. The bill may leave local governments minimal ability to control the aesthetics of their public rights of way, but it effectively hands significant control to the wireless industry, Sittig said.
“Florida cities embrace the deployment of 5G technology in their communities; however, this bill offers deep discounts to multibillion dollar telecommunications companies at the taxpayers’ expense,” Sittig wrote in urging the governor to veto CS/CS/HB 687.
The bill preempts city control of taxpayer-owned rights of way for the placement of supposedly “small” or “micro” wireless antennas and equipment, which can actually be the size of a small refrigerator, and sets a maximum fee of $150 per year for each attachment. By setting this arbitrary and artificially low cap on the fee, Sittig wrote, cities could lose $50 million to $100 million a year in revenues they would otherwise receive if free-market rates were allowed to apply.
Sittig also criticized the reasoning behind a handful of exemptions written into the bill, including ones for the Florida Department of Transportation and for The Villages, a provision he called “both illogical and ultimately indefensible.” He wrote, “Why should the FDOT be allowed to monetize the infrastructure in its rights of way but cities not be able to receive fair market value for city-owned infrastructure that the taxpayers have invested in?”
Sittig noted that the apparent rationale for the exemption for The Villages was the community’s planned layout and culture, but said that describes each city in Florida. “All municipalities have a distinct personality and look, which are important to the quality of life of their residents. By their very nature, each city is unique and special,” he wrote.
Finally, Sittig noted that the telecommunications industry has acknowledged that the technology to enable 5G communications will not be ready to be deployed until 2022, and asked, “Why rush and pass legislation that creates and undercuts city police powers? Rather, Florida should protect the free market.”
A copy of Sittig’s letter asking the governor to veto the bill is available here.

Senate Panel OKs Bill Allowing Federal Assistance For Toxic Algae Outbreaks

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A key senate panel today approved legislation that, for the first time, could open the door to federal assistance for states and local communities hard hit by toxic algae blooms.
The measure, sponsored by Florida U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, unanimously cleared the Senate Commerce Committee on a voice vote.
“Floridians have borne the brunt of recent toxic algae outbreaks, but by law have been unable to qualify for federal help,” said Nelson, the top Democrat on the panel.  “Algae blooms are more than just a nuisance — it can be an environmental, economic, and public health nightmare that warrants emergency relief.”
Last summer, a massive, toxic bloom began in Lake Okeechobee, spreading to the Indian River Lagoon, Caloosahatchee River and the coastline causing widespread and severe environmental and economic damage.
Under Nelson’s measure, the heads of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would have the authority to declare a severe harmful algal bloom or hypoxic event as nationally significant, triggering access to federal resources.
The legislation also authorizes the use of $11o million over a five year period for research into the causes and control of large algae blooms and hypoxia.
Nelson has long championed efforts in the Senate aimed at curbing the impacts of toxic algae blooms.   In 2014, he successfully shepherded a law through Congress that authorized $82 million for research to help battle toxic algae outbreaks.
The legislation now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Full text of Nelson’s measure is available here.

ICYMI: ABC Action News: Florida's AG launches consumer protection initiative to protect vets, military from scams

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Pam Bondi: “We want them to know they should be proud to report it, because they could be helping other people. They are not complaining, they are making a difference.”
ABC Action News
Nicole Grigg
May 17, 2017
TAMPA, Fla. – Florida’s Attorney General Pam Bondi launched a new consumer protection program on Wednesday to help protect veterans and active service members from scams.
The Military and Veterans Assistance Program (MVAP) will help stop deceptive business practices affecting military service members and veterans.
Bondi said her office feels scams within the military community are under reported.
“Florida has more than 90,000 active duty and reserve military members and more than 1.5 million veterans,” said Attorney General Bondi.
To view the story, click here.

Springtime spurs activity for Florida black bears, cubs

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds the public to be aware that bears are becoming more active this time of year. There are important things people can do over the next few months to reduce negative interactions with Florida’s largest land mammal.
“Now is the time to expect bears to show up looking for food,” said Dave Telesco, who directs the FWC’s Bear Management Program. “If they can’t find food in your neighborhood, they’ll move on.”
With temperatures increasing, bears are out of their winter dens and are moving around in search of food. June also marks the beginning of black bear mating season in Florida. This causes bears to be more active as they search for potential mates.
Female bears that gave birth to cubs that were only 12 ounces at the end of January are beginning to move around more with their young, which may now be 5 to 10 pounds. As the cubs continue to grow, the family unit will roam and can be more visible to people.
While black bears generally are not aggressive, they have injured people in Florida. Never intentionally approach any bear. When walking dogs in bear country, keep them close to you – preferably on a non-retractable leash – and be aware of your surroundings. Dogs can trigger defensive behaviors from bears, especially females with cubs. 
To keep bears away from your home and neighborhood, follow these simple tips:

  • Secure household garbage in a sturdy shed, garage or a wildlife-resistant container.
  • Put household garbage out on morning of pickup rather than the night before.
  • Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters.
  • Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with electric fencing.
  • Encourage your homeowners association or local government to institute bylaws or ordinances to require trash be kept secure from bears.
  • Feed pets indoors or bring in dishes after feeding.
  • Clean grills and store them in a secure place.
  • Remove wildlife feeders or make them bear-resistant.
  • Pick ripe fruit from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground.

It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause human-bear conflicts.
As bears increase their movements this time of year, they also increase the number of roads they cross. For the safety of yourself and bears, remember to slow down when driving, particularly on rural highways at dawn or dusk. Watch for road signs identifying bear crossing areas. Each year in Florida, an average of 240 Florida bears are killed after being hit by vehicles.
Having conflicts with bears? Call one of the FWC’s five regional offices. Go to MyFWC.com/Contact, and click on “Contact Regional offices” to find the phone number for your region. If you feel threatened by a bear or want to report someone who is either harming bears or intentionally feeding them, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
More information is available at MyFWC.com/Bear, where you can access the “Guide to Living in Bear Country” brochure.
Help us help bears and other wildlife by purchasing the “Conserve Wildlife” tag at BuyaPlate.com.