Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier is encouraging consumers to have flood insurance protection in place for their homes and businesses prior to the start of this year’s hurricane season. A basic homeowners insurance policy does not provide coverage for flooding. This coverage must be purchased separately through either the federally-administered National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurance company.
“Many residents of our state experienced substantial property damage and losses last year from flooding caused by Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew,” stated Altmaier. “Even a small amount of rising water can cause serious flooding, so it is important to evaluate your insurance coverage now and plan ahead for the upcoming hurricane season.”
In Florida, the vast majority of flood insurance is administered through the NFIP, which oftentimes can be purchased directly from a consumer’s existing insurance agent or company. Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period before an NFIP policy takes effect, so to have coverage in place for the June 1 start of hurricane season, the ideal purchase date would be May 1. Federal legislative reforms addressing the NFIP were instituted in 2012 and 2014. As a result of these changes, additional price and fee increases took effect on April 1, 2017 for all NFIP policies. To learn more about this coverage, and for more information about the recent federal reforms, visit the NFIP’s website.
Florida’s private flood insurance market is growing and there are now several insurance companies offering primary or excess flood insurance coverage to consumers. This coverage is usually offered at prices similar to or lower than those of the NFIP. For a list of flood insurance writers in Florida, visit the Office’s “Flood Insurance” webpage.
For more information about ways to prepare for hurricane season and resources to a variety of fact sheets and tips, visit the Office’s “Hurricane Season Resources” webpage.
Featured
Florida Gopher Tortoise Day is all about community awareness!
Florida Gopher Tortoise Day is being celebrated on April 10, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encouraging communities, organizations and individuals to help conserve this threatened species.
This year, seven counties – Alachua, Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Indian River and Sarasota – and the cities of Cape Coral, Flagler Beach, Melbourne, North Port and Venice are adopting Florida Gopher Tortoise Day resolutions. But anyone can get involved in helping Florida’s gopher tortoises.
Looking for ways to celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day and conserve the tortoise? Go to GopherTortoiseDayFL.com for information and activities for April 10 and all year long.
During April and May, you may spot one of these gentle, slow-moving reptiles which become more active in spring. They exit their deep burrows in search of a meal of spring greenery and often to look for a mate. Look for tortoises and their half-moon shaped burrow entrances in yards, neighborhoods, along roadways and on many of the state’s private and public lands.
“If you’re a fan of the gopher tortoise, help us spread the word on conserving this threatened species, whose burrows are home to hundreds of animals, including the eastern indigo snake, gopher frog and Florida mouse,” said Deborah Burr, who heads the FWC’s Gopher Tortoise Management Program.
“If you see a gopher tortoise crossing a road, pick it up and place it on the roadside in the direction it was heading, but only if it is safe for you to do so,” Burr said. “Remember, the gopher tortoise is a land animal, so never put it into water. And don’t forget it is illegal to harm a gopher tortoise, its eggs or its burrow.”
You also can help by using the Florida Gopher Tortoise app to report gopher tortoise sightings and learn about the species.
Gopher tortoises are found in all 67 Florida counties, but need plenty of sandy, sunny habitats with an open tree canopy to thrive and survive. The FWC’s Wildlife Management Area system, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, provides habitat for gopher tortoises. Local governments and private landowners, including farmers, foresters and ranchers, also work with the FWC to help conserve and restore gopher tortoise habitat.
On the Gopher Tortoise Day website, you can access many resources, including a resolution template for your community to adopt Gopher Tortoise Day, a guide to living with gopher tortoises, gopher tortoises and road safety and ideas for kids’ activities, such as build a burrow instructions and the Gopher Tortoise Field Trip Guide.
More information on gopher tortoises is at MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise. Go to MyFWC.com/WMA75 to find a wildlife management area near you and find out how you can participate in WMA anniversary events across the state.
Department of Education hosts pinwheel planting ceremony in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month
Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today hosted the agency’s annual pinwheel planting ceremony at the Turlington Building in Tallahassee. The pinwheels will remain on the lawn through the month of April to symbolize the promise of the happy childhoods all children deserve.
“We each have a role in preventing child abuse and neglect in our communities, and Pinwheels for Prevention is a wonderful way to raise awareness about this very important issue,” said Commissioner Stewart. “I was proud to be joined by fellow state leaders and child advocates who share my belief that every child has the right to grow up in a safe and loving environment. I hope that the pinwheels we planted today serve as an ongoing reminder to our staff and visitors that we all have a great responsibility to Florida’s children.”
“It only takes one person to be a hero for a child. Anyone can open their home, volunteer in their community or advocate on behalf of vulnerable children,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Mike Carroll. “To end the cycle of abuse we see far too often in families in crisis, we must all work together to build supportive communities that provide opportunities for every child to succeed.”
“Ensuring the health and well-being of every child is essential to Florida’s future,” said Zackary Gibson, Chief Child Advocate and Director of the Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Protection. “With the support from the Department of Education, we will continue to work to enable each child to get a great education and achieve their full potential.”
“Children whose needs are met in the first five years are more likely to thrive. Those who are abused or neglected face a lifetime of challenges. The Pinwheels for Prevention campaign reminds us that everyone can take action to help ensure children live happy, healthy childhoods,” said Douglas Sessions Jr., president and CEO of the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida.
“As a teacher, I know how important it is to recognize the signs of child abuse,” said Jessica Solano. “Pinwheels for Prevention highlights the need for educators to be aware that their responsibilities extend beyond the classroom walls. As mandatory reporters, teachers need to be mindful of the children they interact with every day.”
Florida law requires everyone to report known or suspected child abuse to the Florida Department of Children and Families, online here, by phone at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) or via fax at 1-800-914-0004.
Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign that engages communities in a coordinated effort to prevent child abuse and neglect by promoting the awareness of healthy child development, positive parenting practices and the types of support families need within their communities. For more information, visit Pinwheels for Prevention.
Florida cities ranked for solar power in new report
Even as President Trump signs executive orders rolling back climate progress and the Florida Legislature considers bills that would further wed Floridians to dirty energy sources, states and cities continue to advance renewable energy. On Tuesday, April 4, Environment Florida Research & Policy Center will release new data ranking Florida and other American cities for installed solar power.
WHAT: Release of “Shining Cities” report ranking cities for solar power.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 4, 2017, 8:00 AM. Report will be online at EnvironmentFloridaCenter.org
Now "Close Enough" is Good Enough to Win with PICK 2 and PICK 5 1-OFF
250 Additional Ways to Win!
The Florida Lottery’s exciting play type, 1-OFF®, is available on PICK 2™ and PICK 5™purchases beginning today! With 1-OFF now available on all Florida PICK games, players have 356 more ways to win! The 1-OFF play type allows you to win by matching the winning numbers exactly or by being “1-OFF” any or all winning numbers.
PICK 2 1-OFF players have nine chances to win. Players who match their two numbers in exact order, or Straight order, win $25. Or, they have eight other ways to win $3, if their numbers are off by one higher or lower from the winning number.
PICK 5 1-OFF players have 243 chances to win. Players, who match their five PICK 5 numbers in exact order, or Straight order, win $25,000. Or have 242 other ways to win if their numbers are off by one higher or lower on any or all of the five digits. The 1-OFF prizes range from $75 – $500 depending on if they are off by one, two, three, four or five digits.
New PICK 2 and PICK 5 playslips are now available at retail locations statewide. All 1-OFF plays cost $1. PICK 2 and PICK 5 drawings will continue to be held twice daily, seven days per week, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:57 p.m. Eastern Time. PICK 2 and PICK 5 winning numbers, for both midday and evening draws, are available on the Florida Lottery website, at retail locations statewide, and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.
North Florida residents and visitors advised to prepare for potentially severe weather
State and local emergency management officials are recommending residents and visitors in North Florida stay alert as a cold front moves into the area today. This weather system will have the potential to produce damaging wind gusts and tornadoes. Have a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio in your home of office to receive warnings from the National Weather and follow all instructions from local officials.
Governor Scott said, “In Florida, we know how quickly weather can change and the damage it can cause if we are not prepared. As this storm system enters our state, it is incredibly important that families and visitors across North Florida monitor local media outlets and be ready to take immediate action in case of tornadoes or flash flooding. I also encourage Floridians to look out for their neighbors and lend a helping hand to those who may need it. The Florida Division of Emergency Management is working closely with local partners in North Florida and we will continue to closely monitor weather throughout the day and issue important updates to keep Floridians informed.”
“The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of North Florida at high risk of severe weather through this afternoon,” said State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “Residents, visitors and businesses should monitor this weather and be ready to act if warnings are issued.”
Tornado watches may be issued throughout the day. Residents and visitors to the state should monitor local media outlets and ensure that their NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio alert settings are turned on. A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been reported as sighted, or has appeared on radar in the area.
If severe weather threatens your area, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
- Ensure your NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio is on and programmed for your area or stay tuned to a trusted local media outlet for the most current weather situation.
- Ensure your disaster supply kit is prepared and heed all instructions from local officials.
- Know what you would do in the event of a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch or warning.
- If a tornado warning is issued for your area seek shelter immediately in an interior room, away from windows.
- If thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning and should seek shelter immediately.
- Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
- Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
- NEVER drive through flooded roadways as road beds may be washed out under flood waters, and just one foot of fast-moving flood water can move most cars off the road.
For more information about the Florida Division of Emergency Management, visit www.Floridadisaster.org or follow the Division on Twitter at @FLSERT and Facebook at Facebook.com/FloridaDivisionofEmergencyManagement.
Purple Heart space dedication Monday to feature Wounded Warrior, JU student veteran Sean Karpf
To pay tribute to its active-duty and veteran students who are recipients of the Purple Heart medal and who made great sacrifices to ensure U.S. citizens’ freedoms, Jacksonville University is dedicating two parking spots on campus in collaboration with the local Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 524.
The ceremony takes place at 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 3, on the campus at 2800 University Blvd. N. and will include remarks from JU representatives, local Purple Heart chapter veterans and Purple Heart student veterans.
JU student Sean Karpf, who spent 17 months in recovery after an IED explosion in Afghanistan resulted in a left below-the-knee amputation and a traumatic brain injury, will make remarks. Karpf, who received his Purple Heart in 2013, is a frequent speaker and former member of the U.S. Army’s Warrior Games Team.
One of the dedicated JU parking spots is in front of the Council building across from Historic Swisher Gymnasium, and a special Purple Heart parking sign will be placed there for Monday’s event. The other sign will be placed in the parking lot in front of the Gooding building near the front of campus. The signs are being donated by the local Purple Heart chapter.
There are an estimated 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients nationwide. More than 10 JU students are medal recipients.
For more information, contact JU News Director Phillip J. Milano at (904) 256-7042, [email protected].
ICYMI: Sunshine State News: Tear Down the Wall and Let the Free Market In
With the business of the legislative session last week, you may have missed a timely opinion editorial authored by Christian Cámara, Southeast Regional Director of R Street Institute. His piece ran on Sunshine State News and is entitled, “Tear Down the Wall and Let the Free Market In.”
In the column, Cámara advocates for a repeal of the costly, outdated Alcohol Separation Law, which would embrace free market principles and reduce governmental overregulation. He touches on the ironic liquor innovation by opponents of the legislation, stating other companies should have the same flexibility.
Tear Down the Wall and Let the Free Market In
By: Christian Cámara, R Street Institute
ABC Fine Wine & Liquors, Florida’s largest alcohol retail chain, struck a deal last year with a mobile app service to start offering one-hour alcohol delivery with the click of a smartphone.
Announcing the new partnership, ABC CEO Charles Bailes III declared: “Convenience is everything … we are providing our guests multiple options for delivery. Everyone has different needs and preferences, and we want to ensure our guests will have an option that is compatible with their lifestyle.”
I agree with him wholeheartedly. So long as this innovative method to sell alcohol to willing consumers is done legally, responsibly and includes safeguards against sales to minors, then I say “cheers!”
Ironically, however, ABC is among the loudest voices opposing a sensible, bipartisan bill in Tallahassee that would allow grocers and other big-box retailers to sell liquor in the same store as food, beer, wine and other goods.
Currently, if a grocery-store chain or other retailer wants to expand their alcohol selection from beer and wine to other kinds of liquor, Florida law requires it be sold in an entirely separate retail location. This Prohibition Era red tape foists needless expense on businesses, as well as inconveniences shoppers.
I salute ABC for its innovation. They understand their customers are growing more accustomed to the benefits of online shopping, and want to maximize their convenience. ABC and other retailers need to adapt to market realities in new ways and I would be the first to defend them should any nanny-state, big government politicians attempt to undermine their efforts to do so.
Unfortunately, in the current debate before the Legislature, ABC and a few others are the ones fighting giving other retailers the flexibility to sell other kinds of alcohol. This practice is legal in 29 other states, making Florida the outlier.
I’ve always believed in a free market approach, and this issue is no different. HB 81 and SB 106 are not mandates. Retailers who prefer to stick with their current business models — whether that’s a separate store for liquor or one-hour mobile delivery — can do so. But the time has come to replace outdated, expensive regulations and give consumers more options.
ABC has been able to innovate without government interference, and other companies should be able to do the same.
Christian Camara is the Southeast Region director and co-founder of the R Street Institute.
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.
SunRail parking lot expansion construction will affect entry into the DeBary Station Parking Lot
Motorists need to be alert for changes as early as Monday
Beginning next week, and perhaps as early as Monday, April 3, the northernmost entrance along U.S. 17/92 to the DeBary SunRail parking lot is closing for approximately two-to-three weeks for reconstruction. The entrance is currently a right turn lane (only) into the lot from southbound U.S. 17/92, just south of Fort Smith Road. When the project is completed, the lane will offer access both in and out of the lot.
SunRail customers will still have a couple options during this closure:
- Use the second entrance to the SunRail lot, just to the south along U.S. 17/92
- Make a right turn onto Fort Smith Road, and then turn left into the entrance of the SunRail lot.
In addition, intermittent closures of the outside lane on southbound U.S. 17/92 are scheduled daily from 9 a.m.-to-3 p.m. to allow for construction. The sidewalk along the southbound side of the roadway is also closing while work occurs. The work is part of $1.7 million project to nearly double the size of the DeBary SunRail lot, adding 212 parking spaces, as well as increasing access to-and-from parking areas. The project is nearing completion and is expected to wrap up in May.
Please note bad weather or other unexpected conditions may affect the schedule. Construction concerns/questions? Please contact Steve Olson, Regional Communications Manager, Florida Department of Transportation; [email protected] or 386-943-5479.
For more information about SunRail routes, schedules, and fares, please visit us at www.sunrail.com. SunRail urges motorists to be careful around trains, railroad crossings and construction. Be smart. Be safe.
CSWG tells area women and girls to "Ignite the Power Within" at 2017 summit
The Tallahassee/Leon County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CSWG) is gearing up for its 2017 Women and Girls Summit, themed “Ignite the Power Within,” with dynamic panelists and speakers, and insightful discussion on topics important to women and girl in the local area. In its second year, the Summit is designed to help participants harness their inner power to become impactful and successful contributors on the local, state and national level, and-in fact-the world.
“The Summit is a unique opportunity for women and girls in this community to find their inner strength and power to effectuate change in their lives and the lives of everyone they touch,” said Paul DeBoles-Johnson, chair of the Commission. ” ‘Ignite the Power Within’ isn’t just the them, it is a mantra that communicates that all our strength, fortitude, perseverance and stamina as women and girls begins inside of us and is sparked by support from our family, friends and those in the community who are committed to empowering women and girls.”
Tallahassee Community College (TCC) Workforce Development Center has graciously partnered with the CSWG to host the event on Friday, April 14, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This year, a women’s track has been added to the event; both women and girls will have focused, targeted sessions, as well as coming together for general sessions, to discuss issues surrounding topics such as public safety, academic excellence, diversity and advocacy, just to name a few.
Featured speakers and presenters will include many dynamic and powerful women, such as Dr. Joedreka Brown Speights; Elizabeth Ricci, Esq.; Dr. Susan Fiorito; Chief Audrey Smith; Robin Hassler-Thompson, Esq.; Julie Montanaro; Heidi Otway, APR, CPRC; Dana Brooks Cooper, Esq.; and many more! Also, we are so honored to have Judge Nina Ashenafi-Richardson deliver the keynote address for the Summit.
The event is free-of-charge to girls enrolled in Leon County Schools (public and private), with absences for students attending Leon County Schools excused with the completion of an “Excused Absence” form. For private or other schools, the student should check with the school’s administration. The cost for adults is only $20 and lunch will be provided for all workshop attendees. Registration is limited and some scholarships are available. For additional information, please email us at [email protected].
To register for the event, click here.
Click here for highlights from last year’s Summit!
About the Tallahassee/Leon County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CSWG)
Established by Leon County in 2011 and joined by the City of Tallahassee in 2013, the CSWG’s primary purposes to promote awareness of issues pertaining to women and girls in Tallahassee and Leon County, and to serve in an advisory role, providing input to the City and County Commissions as needed. To learn more, visit this link: http://TallahasseeLeonCSWG.com/about-us/.
