The commercial and recreational harvest of stone crab claws in Florida closes on May 16, with the last day of harvest on May 15. Stone crab season will reopen on Oct. 15. This five-month closure occurs each year during the peak spawning season to help conserve and sustain Florida’s valuable stone crab resource.
Commercially harvested stone crab claws may be possessed and sold during the closed season, but only if they have been placed in inventory prior to May 16 by a licensed wholesale or retail dealer.
Stone crab traps must be removed from the water within five days after the close of the stone crab season unless a special extension is granted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Stone crab claws cannot be harvested from traps pulled after the season closes.
Learn more about the stone crab harvest season by visiting MyFWC.com/Fishing and clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” and then either “Recreational Regulations” or “Commercial.”
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ICYMI: Sun-Sentinel: Cheers to Promoting Free-Market Principles in Liquor Sales
As the 2017 Legislative Session wrapped up on Monday, you may have missed a timely op-ed authored by Christian Camara, the Southeast region director and co-founder of R Street Institute. His piece ran in the Sun Sentinel and is entitled “Cheers to Promoting Free-Market Principles in Liquor Sales.”
In his column, Mr. Camara disputes many misconceptions about SB 106, which was passed by the Florida Legislature and would repeal a Prohibition-era law restricting alcohol sales. Camara urges Governor Scott to sign the pro-consumer bill and signal that Florida believes in a level playing field for businesses big and small.
Cheers to Promoting Free-Market Principles in Liquor Sales
By: Christian Camara
The Florida Legislature last week acted to join the majority of states in modernizing its alcohol sales laws. Senate Bill 106, which currently awaits Gov. Rick Scott‘s signature, repeals an unnecessary and costly regulation that prevented grocery stores and other businesses who hold liquor licenses and already sell beer and wine inside of their stores from being able to sell distilled spirits inside their stores also.
This commonsense legislation removes government from decisions businesses make about how they operate, while granting brick-and-mortar establishments the freedom to find innovative ways to compete with the convenience of a growing online marketplace.
Many who read about the legislation — often referred to in the press as the “Whiskey and Wheaties” bill — never make it past the headline to understand the bill was less about liquor sales and more about allowing the free market into an industry that long has been dominated by government protectionism. Simply put, in keeping with Prohibition-era restrictions, the government has kept its thumb on the scale to assist one business model over another — a practice that is inherently unfair to both businesses and consumers.
Businesses should have the flexibility to stock their stores and safely sell products that meet their customers’ demands. The legislation passed last week by the Legislature would allow grocery stores to sell liquor inside of one store instead of having to have a separate store for those sales and allow liquor stores to sell groceries if they choose to do so. It would not require any entity to change their business model; instead, it grants freedoms not allotted under current law. The legislation lets business owners decide which model works best for them and their customers.
A convenient fact about the free market is that, when it is left uninhibited, businesses compete on a level playing field and the consumer is the ultimate benefactor. Legislation similar to Florida’s has passed in 29 other states and the District of Columbia. These places still enjoy a robust independent liquor-store marketplace that coexists with grocery stores selling liquor.
Additionally, they have not experienced an increase in underage drinking or other societal ills, which is why no state has ever reverted back to the old “alcohol separation” system.
In Florida, we take pride in our business-friendly climate. This bill allows businesses to innovate, compete and capture additional revenue opportunities safely and fairly. If the governor signs this legislation into law, he will signal that Florida believes in a level playing field for businesses big and small and that free-market principles are alive and well in the Sunshine State.
Christian Camara is the Southeast Region director and co-founder of the R Street Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based free market think tank confronting public policy problems. Learn more at rstreet.org.
Floridians for Fair Business Practices is a coalition of retailers and business groups whose purpose is to identify rules and regulations, which prohibit the growth and expansion of Florida business. For additional information, please visit to www.FairBizinFlorida.com.
State Board of Education to meet in Miami
MEDIA ADVISORY
The State Board of Education will meet next week in Miami.
The agenda is posted at State Board Meeting.
WHAT: State Board of Education Meeting
WHEN: 9:00 am
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
WHERE: Miami Senior High School
2450 SW 1st Street
Miami, FL 33135
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
Major Expansion of Southern Water Storage Becomes Law
Governor Scott Signs Plan to Reduce Harmful Discharges from Lake Okeechobee
Florida Governor Rick Scott today signed Senate Bill 10, Water Resources, by Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island). The legislation authorizes a significant increase in southern water storage to further the goal of reducing and eventually eliminating harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee, a priority of Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart).
“After twenty years of talking, southern storage is finally becoming a reality,” said President Negron. “We are well on our way to putting the harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee into the pages of history, instead of the front pages of daily newspapers.”
“I am grateful to Governor Scott for signing this bill into law today, and to my colleagues in the House and Senate for their support. I am particularly thankful for Senator Rob Bradley who tirelessly moved the bill through the legislative process, and to all of my constituents and concerned citizens from around the state who participated in community events and traveled to Tallahassee time and time again to make their voices heard. I would also like to thank Appropriations Chair Jack Latvala for shepherding the bill through the Appropriations Committee and for his longtime commitment to protecting Florida’s environment,” continued President Negron.
“I look forward to the work ahead as we continue to work with Governor Scott and our federal partners to expedite the planning and construction of this critical project,” said President Negron. “Together, we will end the plague of toxic blue-green algae that harms the health of our citizens and destroys our environment and our economy, once and for all.”
Senate Bill 10 expressly prohibits the use of eminent domain, leveraging land already owned by the State of Florida and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), land swaps, and purchases, to minimize impacts on agricultural workers while achieving 240,000 to 360,000 acre feet of storage. The legislation also provides grants to establish training programs for agricultural workers.
Senate Bill 10, Water Resources
- Requires the SFWMD to develop a plan to provide a minimum of 240,000 acre-feet of storage through a deep storage reservoir and water quality treatment features, using the A-2 parcel, land swaps, and purchases. The district may consider alternate configurations using the A-1 parcel if a minimum of 360,000 acre-feet of additional storage can be achieved (60,000 acre-feet currently provided by A-1 FEB).
- Requires the SFWMD to use DMSTA2 modeling to determine the amount of acreage needed in order to meet water quality standards.
- Directs the SFWMD to negotiate modifications of lease terms on state and district owned lands to make land available for the reservoir project.
- Directs SFWMD to negotiate for the acquisition of privately-owned property, if needed for the reservoir project, through purchase or land swap.
- The bill terminates the current PRIDE work programs, on state owned land using inmate labor for agricultural work, in light of the high unemployment rate in the EAA for these types of jobs. This land would then be available to swap for any privately-owned land needed for the reservoir project, further minimizing any impact on agricultural workers in the EAA.
- Establishes a number of timelines for achieving milestones for approval of the post?authorization change report and requires reporting to the Legislature.
- Moves up the date for the EAA reservoir project planning study to commence if the post-authorization report is not submitted for Congressional approval, or Congressional approval is not obtained in accordance with the time frames in the bill.
- Clarifies that ongoing Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects will continue to receive funding.
- Authorizes the district to begin planning and discussion with the owners of the C-51 Reservoir project to determine if the state should acquire or enter into a public private partnership for this water storage facility that will add approximately 60,000 acre?feet of storage south of the Lake.
- Establishes the Everglades Restoration Agricultural Community Training Program in DEO for the purpose of stimulating and supporting training and employment programs, to match state and local training programs with identified job skills associated with non-agricultural employment opportunities in areas of high agricultural unemployment. The bill expresses the Legislature’s intent to promote the implementation of the Airglades Airport in Hendry County and an inland port in Palm Beach County to create job opportunities in areas of high agricultural unemployment.
- Establishes a revolving loan fund to provide funding assistance to local governments and water supply entities for the development and construction of water storage facilities.
- Revises the uses of the Water Protection and Sustainability Program Trust Fund to include the water storage facility revolving loan program.
- Provides funding for the reservoir projects, including an authorization to bond funds from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund (LATF). The total cost is approximately $1.5 billion, half of which could be paid by the federal government. The bill includes an appropriation of $64 million for the 2017-18 Fiscal Year.
- Allows for funds not spent on the reservoir projects to be used for other Everglades Restoration projects as provided in Legacy Florida.
Background:
Record rainfall this past year resulted in unseasonably high water levels in Lake Okeechobee, which threatened the integrity of the Herbert Hoover Dike. To maintain safe water levels, the Army Corps of Engineers authorized the release of billions of gallons of water from the Lake to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers. Such freshwater discharges cause significant environmental damage by lowering the salinity levels of the estuaries and introducing pollutants into coastal waters. Due to the discharges this summer, massive amounts of toxic algae that originated in Lake Okeechobee were sent to the estuaries and coastal waterways.
As a result of the high volume discharges, coastal communities experienced enormous harmful algal blooms with devastating impacts not only to the ecology of local waterways, but also to residents, fishermen, and local businesses. The extent and severity of the blooms resulted in Governor Scott declaring a state of emergency in four Florida counties.
Governor Scott Signs Legislation to Expand Use of Therapy Dogs in Court
Governor Rick Scott today signed HB 151 which allows children, victims, and individuals with intellectual disabilities to use therapy animals and facility dogs in legal proceedings involving child abuse, abandonment and neglect.
Governor Scott said, “This legislation will help children and individuals with unique abilities in our state as they face some of the most challenging times in their life. I cannot imagine the emotional toll these terrible circumstances place on our state’s most vulnerable populations. The comfort and support provided by therapy animals can make a profound difference in someone’s life and I’m proud to sign HB 151 today.”
To view a copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.
Nelson puts airlines on notice
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson took to the Senate floor today to put the airline industry on notice that “if they can’t get their act together and start treating the flying public with respect,” then Congress will be forced to act.
Nelson’s comments came after Spirit airlines canceled hundreds of flights over the past week, causing tempers to flare among passengers at Fort Lauderdale International airport yesterday.
Nelson, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee which oversees the nation’s airline industry, said he spoke about the incident today with the CEO of Spirit Airlines and the head of the Air Line Pilots Association.
“I have just gotten off the phone with the CEO of Spirit Airlines as well as the head of the Air Line Pilots Association and basically have told them that they should get this thing fixed and get it fixed quick,” Nelson said.
“What happened just last night in Fort Lauderdale is just another example of passengers becoming sick and tired of what they perceive as mistreatment by airlines,” Nelson continued. “I have no trouble in putting the airlines on notice if they can’t get their act together and start treating the flying public with respect rather than making them think that they are self-loading cargo then this Congress is going to be forced to act.”
Following is a rush transcript of Nelson’s remarks, and here’s a link to watch excerpts of his speech: https://youtu.be/3069qsHLdaA
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson
Remarks on the Senate Floor
May 9, 2017
Sen. Nelson: Mr. President, most everybody has seen the news of another disturbance with regard to an airline and an airline terminal. And, indeed, what has happened at the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Airport just in the last day has been a disturbance that they had to call in the Broward County Sheriff’s Department to put down the disturbance because there were some upset people.
I have just gotten off the phone with the CEO of Spirit Airlines as well as the head of the Airline Pilots Association and basically have told them that they should get this thing fixed and get it fixed quick.
There is not so much a labor dispute because they are in negotiations and, I think, are reaching final conclusions, but as a result of some things with the schedule it caused a number of flights to be canceled, and unfortunately, canceled right at the last before you could let the people know, the passengers ahead of time, before they ever came to the airport. Even much more so of an irritant, they load them on the airplane as if they are ready to go and then tell them they don’t have a crew of pilots and, therefore, the flight has to be canceled. And those problems will go through today and tomorrow, I am given to believe, by having talked to the head of the pilots union as well as the CEO of the airline, that they will have this straightened out over the next several days and it’s been costly and it’s certainly been an irritant and an inconvenience to the passengers because 300 flights have been canceled already in the past several days and we’re going to see some more canceled in the next couple of days.
Now, this all culminated in what the American television viewer has seen, a chaotic scene at Spirit’s front ticket counter at the Fort Lauderdale airport after the passengers had to get off of the airplane and the canceled flight. As many people have seen this video. It’s now circulating online. Obviously these passengers were very frustrated and it took, unfortunately, the deputies coming in to put down the disturbance.
Now, having said that, this is just the latest, doesn’t that recall something else that has happened in the last few weeks? A passenger being dragged off of an airplane, beaten and bloodied, and then who has to come and get him but an element of the airport authority of Chicago. Haven’t we also seen on another TV episode, and isn’t this telling us something, that passengers are now recording evidence of how passengers are being treated because they have cellphones and cellphones have video cameras and so we saw an airline employee kind of go off on passengers in the case of another airline.
Well, airlines, you better start fixing this because the passengers are not going to tolerate it.
On the instant circumstance having talked with the CEO and the head of the union, they are in these discussions. I think they are going to get it fixed, but they need to fix it fast because the traveling public only has so much patience.
What happened at Fort Lauderdale was unacceptable and deeply unfair to the affected passengers, the overwhelmed airline employees, and local law enforcement. It was unfair.
So let’s don’t forget also in dealing with the Fort Lauderdale airport the memories are still fresh of the shooting that took place in January at baggage claim.
Now, what happened just last night in Fort Lauderdale is just another example of passengers becoming sick and tired of what they perceive as mistreatment by airlines, be it that circumstance in Chicago, the forcible removal of a passenger or be it failing airline IT systems and airline fees run amok.
And so the airlines better start paying attention to this. It appears that airlines are giving the impression that they have forgotten that their customers must come first. So what is it? I know the airlines, the companies don’t intend to do this, but it’s happening, it’s being recorded on video, and it is all the more causing people to express their frustrations.
So, Mr. President, I have no trouble in putting the airlines on notice if they can’t get their act together and start treating the flying public with respect rather than making them think that they are self-loading cargo, then this congress is going to be forced to act, and that time is going to come soon as the Senate begins work this year on what will be a bipartisan, long-term bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. That bill is coming later this year.
So, Mr. President, I just want to say in conclusion we’ve had a hearing in our Commerce Committee on this and I thought that would be enough and this senator wouldn’t have to speak out anymore, but here again we have another incident.
My heart goes out, for example, to some of the CEOs, that they are trying to change a culture of treating with disrespect or ignorance of passengers. It’s important they change that culture because we will continue to see these kind of circumstances arise if passengers do not feel like that they are getting the proper respect that they deserve. After all, they are customers. They are paying customers of the airlines.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
Florida DBS to Host 75th Anniversary Regional Expo and Ceremony in Pensacola
Tomorrow, the Florida Division of Blind Services (DBS) will host its final 75th Anniversary Regional Ceremony and Expo in Pensacola. The event will feature educational sessions, networking opportunities and a community and technology showcase.
During the ceremony, DBS administrators will also induct new members into the “Successful 75,” an award program that recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses who have remained steadfast in the advancement of independence for persons who are blind and visually impaired.
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
WHAT: Division of Blind Services 75th Anniversary Regional Ceremony and Expo
WHEN: Wednesday, May 10
12:30 – 4:30 p.m. (75th Anniversary Ceremony begins at 3 p.m.)
WHO: Director Robert L. Doyle III, Florida Division of Blind Services
Paul Edwards, Florida Council for the Blind
Pamela Wirick, DBS Client, Early Learning Coalition of Escambia
Representative Frank White, District 2, Florida House of Representatives
WHERE: Hyatt Place Pensacola Airport
161 Airport Lane
Meeting Place 1 & 2
Pensacola, Florida 32504
For 75 years, the Division of Blind Services has fostered independence for the blind and visually impaired community through its educational, vocational, medical, social and recreational services and programs. The Division’s mission is to ensure blind and visually-impaired Floridians have the tools, support and opportunity to achieve success. To find out more, visit dbs.fldoe.org.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
Governor Scott Appoints Twelve to Judicial Nominating Commissions
Governor Rick Scott today announced six reappointments and six appointments to eight Judicial Nominating Commissions.
First Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Robert “Alex” Andrade, 27, of Gulf Breeze, is an attorney with Moore, Hill & Westmoreland, P.A. He succeeds A. Benjamin Gordon and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2019.
Pamela Langham, 52, of Gulf Breeze, is a sole practitioner with Pamela E. Langham, P.A. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Wanda Morgan, 51, of Baker, is a sole practitioner. She succeeds R. Todd Harris and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Third Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
James Willingham, Jr., 64, of Jasper, is a sole practitioner. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Seventh Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Katherine Miller, 35, of Daytona Beach, is an attorney with Wright & Casey, P.A. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Tenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Richard Straughn, 58, of Winter Haven, is an attorney with Straughn & Turner, P.A. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Thirteenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Elba Martin, 44, of Tampa, is an Assistant Attorney General with the office of the Attorney General. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2019.
Fourteenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Gregory Wilson, 45, of Panama City, is the owner of Greg Wilson Law, LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Seventeenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Kenneth Joyce, 50, of Coral Springs, is a partner with Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP. He succeeds Belinda Keiser and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Christina McKinnon, 42, of Pembroke Pines, is a sole practitioner with the Law Office of Christina A. McKinnon. She succeeds Terrence O’Connor and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Twentieth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Carlo Zampogna, 38, of Naples, is a sole practitioner at Zampogna Law. He succeeds Lisa Musial and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020
Kathleen Fitzgeorge, 56, of Fort Myers, is an Assistant Public Defender with the Office of the Public Defender for the Twentieth Circuit. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Sen. Nelson statement on firing of FBI Dir. Comey
Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on the firing of FBI Director James Comey:
“Now it is more clear than ever that we need an independent commission to get to the truth of Russia’s interference with our election.”
Governor Scott Signs 11 Bills Into Law
Governor Rick Scott today signed the following bills into law.
CS/SB 10: “Lake Okeechobee Bill” – This bill allocates funds for a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee and provides a loan for the construction of the C-51 reservoir. Click HERE to see Governor Scott’s statement on this bill.
CS/CS/HB 111: Public Records/Identity of Witness to a Murder – This bill creates a public records exemption for criminal intelligence or criminal investigative information that reveals personal identifying information of a witness to a murder.
CS/CS/HB 151: “Therapy Dog for Children Bill” – This bill allows children, victims, and individuals with intellectual disabilities to use therapy animals and facility dogs in legal proceedings.
CS/HB 221: “Uber/ Lyft Bill” – This bill sets consistent operating standards throughout Florida for ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft, including requirements for insurance coverage and driver background checks.
CS/HB 239: Public Records/Protective Injunction Petitions – This bill creates a public records exemption for petitions for protection against domestic violence, stalking or cyberstalking if it is dismissed.
CS/HB 305: Law Enforcement Body Cameras – This bill allows a law enforcement officer using a body camera to review the recorded footage before writing a report or providing a statement.
CS/HB 399: Guardianship – This bill revises procedures relating to incapacity hearings and the circumstances under which the court may approve divorce for persons under the protection of a guardianship.
CS/HB 401: Notaries Public – This bill allows public notaries to accept a veteran health information card issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a valid form of I.D.
HB 671: Reemployment Assistance Fraud – This bill authorizes the Department of Economic Opportunity to access digital records maintained by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to prevent reemployment assistance claims fraud.
CS/CS/HB 805: Relating to Insurance Policy Transfers – This bill allows an insurer to transfer a residential or commercial residential property insurance policy to an authorized insurer of the same group or owned by the same holding company.
CS/HB 6533: Relief/Jennifer Wohlgemuth/Pasco County Sheriff’s Office – This bill directs Pasco County and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to compensate the family of Jennifer Wohlgemuth for injuries sustained in an incident involving the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
To view a copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.
