Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the recent arrest of Orange County resident Michael Abrams on charges of arson, insurance fraud and grand theft after he was accused of devising a plan to have his 2016 Toyota Camry stolen and destroyed so that he could collect an insurance payout.
“More often than not, acts of arson are committed in order to collect insurance payouts or to cover up a larger crime,” said CFO Jeff Atwater. “To concoct the plan that he did is an elaborate act of fraud—one that undoubtedly drives up the cost of insurance for every Floridian. I’m proud of our investigative team for getting to the truth and putting this man behind bars where he belongs.”
In early December 2016, Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR) responded to a fire scene involving a vehicle that had reportedly been stolen in the state of New York. When OCFR requested the assistance of the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office to determine the cause and origin of the fire, investigators began to unravel Abrams’ story.
During interviews with investigators, Abrams admitted to paying an unknown male $300 to take and destroy his car. After reporting it stolen, Abrams filed an insurance claim totaling $10,000. The plan to destroy the car by setting it on fire; however, was interrupted when the fire department was called to the scene of the crime.
Upon confessing to an active role in the burning of his car and the filing of an unlawful insurance claim, Michael Abrams was arrested and charged with several felonies. Abrams was booked into the Orange County Jail, bail was set at $50,000, and he faces 20 years in prison if convicted.
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater, a statewide elected official, oversees the Department of Financial Services, serves as Florida’s State Fire Marshal, and is a member of the Florida Cabinet. CFO Atwater’s priorities include fighting financial fraud, abuse and waste in government; reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses; and providing transparency and accountability in spending.
Featured
Keep a lookout for manatees in motion this spring
In balmy spring weather, both manatees and boaters are cruising through Florida’s waterways.
For manatees, it is a seasonal ritual when they abandon winter retreats and head north along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and through inland waters. For boaters, it is a critical time to be on the lookout for manatees to avoid colliding with these large, slow-moving aquatic mammals.
From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being struck by motorboats or personal watercraft.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement officers will be on patrol in state waters to remind boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take enforcement actions when necessary.
Because manatees are difficult to detect when underwater, operators of boats, including personal watercraft, need to take basic steps to avoid causing injury to manatees:
- Wear polarized sunglasses to help spot manatees.
- Look for large circles on the water, also known as manatee footprints, indicating the presence of a manatee below.
- Look for a snout sticking up out of the water.
- Follow posted manatee zones while boating.
FWC biologists, managers and law enforcement staff work closely with partners to evaluate current data and identify necessary actions to protect this iconic animal. Florida has invested over $2 million annually for manatee conservation, and the FWC will work toward continued success for manatees in our state.
Manatee zones and maps are available at MyFWC.com/Manatee, where you can select “Protection Zones” for links to county maps.
The FWC also asks anyone who sees an injured, distressed, sick or dead manatee to call the agency’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or dial #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone.
You can watch manatees without disturbing them by following “Guidelines for protecting native wildlife – Florida Manatees,” a brochure with tips for canoers, kayakers, paddle boarders, snorkelers and scuba divers. It’s available at MyFWC.com/Manatee, click on “Boat, PWC, & Paddle-sport Operators” and then on “Paddle-sport Operators.” Also on MyFWC.com/Manatee is “Where are Florida’s Manatees?” with information about where to go to see manatees in the wild or in captivity.
Support the FWC’s manatee research, rescue and management efforts by purchasing a “Save the Manatee” Florida license plate at BuyaPlate.com, or by donating $5 to receive an FWC manatee decal by going to MyFWC.com/Manatee and clicking on “Decals.”
Governor Scott to Lead Trade and Development Mission to Argentina Next Month
Governor Rick Scott will lead a delegation of many small and mid-sized businesses on an export trade mission to Buenos Aires, Argentina from April 23-27, 2017. The mission is coordinated by the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires with support from key business organizations and government entities in Argentina.
Governor Scott said, “Florida is the gateway to Latin America and with more than 60,000 exporting businesses, Enterprise Florida provides the platform for growing Florida companies to take their products to expanding markets worldwide. We look forward to expanding our trade relationship with Argentina and growing Florida’s business presence in Latin America.”
Argentina is the 21st largest economy in the world and the 3rd largest in Latin America. The country is Florida’s fourth-largest export destination with an estimated $3.3 billion worth of exports last year.
“This mission will increase opportunities for the small businesses traveling with us,” said Manny Mencia, Senior Vice President of International Trade & Development for Enterprise Florida. “Since the election of President Mauricio Macri, Argentina has rebuilt its relationship with the U.S. The Argentina market will offer excellent opportunities for Florida companies in the years to come, and this mission will allow them to connect with new partners and clients looking to purchase U.S. products and services.”
Florida companies seeking to participate can still register and access all mission networking events, airport transfers in country when traveling on official mission flights, and ground transportation to mission events.
The deadline for Delegate registration is April 1st.
To register, please contact Jorge Riano at [email protected].
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
Developmental Disabilities Advocates Gather at State Capitol for Annual DD Day
Hundreds of Floridians concerned about funding and services for people with developmental disabilities gathered at the state Capitol today for the annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day (DD Day).
Hosted by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) and The Arc of Florida, representatives from each group presented their concerns during the event’s press conference, which included numerous speakers and was attended by hundreds of people with developmental disabilities, advocates, self-advocates legislators, policy makers and others.
Their primary message focused on the current iBudget Provide Rate Crisis, a trend that is severely impacting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and care providers throughout the state. FDDC and The Arc of Florida urged legislators to correct the iBudget Provider Rate Crisis by increasing the rates paid to care providers so they are closer to the 2003 levels as well as to make a long-term commitment to eliminate the iBudget waiver waitlist, which approximately 20,000 Floridians are currently on.
In addition, the 2017 FDDC Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy Award, named in honor of the late former Council member and self-advocate, was presented to Tampa resident Sarah Goldman for her numerous community activities and personal achievements.
The Arc of Florida, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities. Working with local, state and national partners, The Arc of Florida advocates for local chapters, public policies and high quality supports for people with developmental and other disabilities to be fully included in all aspects of their community. Find out how to get involved by visiting www.arcflorida.org.
The mission of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) is to advocate and promote meaningful participation in all aspects of life for Floridians with developmental disabilities. To learn more about FDDC, visit www.fddc.org or call toll-free at 1-888-488-8633.
FHCA Executive Director Emmett Reed Statement In Response To AHCA's Bill Analysis on SB 682
Florida Health Care Association Executive Director Emmett Reed Issued The Following Statement In Response To AHCA’s Bill Analysis on SB 682
“While we respect the Agency, it has completely missed the point by failing to recognize that our proposal would apply only to those Floridians whose frail condition prevents them from using less costly home- and community-based care options. AHCA’s figures are based on an assumption of what it would cost the state IF individuals who received home- and community-based services during certain times had instead been cared for in a nursing center. But that’s not how the system works, and it’s not what Senator Stargel’s bill does.
Senate Bill 682 focuses solely on exempting long-stay nursing center residents. There are no savings to be realized in a home- and community-based setting for these individuals. Their health and medical needs can be addressed only in a nursing center, and they cannot be safely cared for in a home or a community setting. The state will save almost $68 million when these long-stay residents are exempted from the managed care system, because it will eliminate the redundancy of the managed care administrative and case management fees – which duplicate services and support that is already provided by the nursing center’s interdisciplinary team of social workers, nurses, and other clinical staff.”
UT Announces New Academic Building for Graduate and Health Studies
Six-story structure will house UT’s renowned nursing program, graduate
program offices, classrooms, labs and faculty offices; Phase II will
house technology programs in twin building, joined by sky bridge
To support academic needs in its expanding health sciences and graduate programs, The University of Tampa has announced it will build a new, six-story academic building in the heart of campus.
The nursing program, recently named Florida’s best, will be housed in the new building, as well as the program in physician assistant studies under development, UT’s Office of Graduate Studies, classrooms, health sciences labs, study spaces and faculty offices.
The Graduate and Health Studies Building will be constructed on what is currently the intramural field in the center of UT’s campus, just east of Pepin Stadium. The building will blend with the architecture of UT’s campus, with red brick, precast concrete, metal and glass. It will offer panoramic views of campus and downtown Tampa, and will include typical Florida landscaping.
At 90,000 square feet, the building will be UT’s largest academic building.
“With this facility we hope to strengthen UT’s health sciences programs with state-of-the-art spaces, including simulation labs, an anatomy lab and all the latest health technology and equipment,” UT President Ron Vaughn said. “Plus, this building will enhance our graduate programs.”
The building will also have a state-of-the-art audiovisual system, the same as used in health care facilities, that is designed to capture clinical and learning events for future review and assessment by students from anywhere. This will help to facilitate a unique connectivity to other health care facilities, enhancing the student clinical experience.
The building is expected to be completed in Fall 2018.
Construction of future academic buildings on campus will focus on sciences and the arts. A second phase of the Graduate and Health Studies Building, which includes a twin, 90,000-square-foot adjoining academic building, will also be built in the future, but the timetable has not yet been set. This building will be UT’s Technology Building, housing the many academic programs related to technology and much of UT’s administrative technology support systems. The two buildings are planned to be joined by a three-story sky bridge to allow for additional functional space with superb campus views amidst the pedestrian corridor between the two buildings.
While it will be the biggest, the Graduate and Health Studies Building follows a number of new or completely renovated spaces built on campus since 2000 that function for primarily academic purposes. It follows the Sykes College of Business (2000), Marine Science Field Station (2002), R.K. Bailey Art Studios (2003), Edison Building (2003), Ferman Music Center (2005), Falk Theatre (2005), Scarfone/Hartley Gallery (2007), Cass Science and Communication Building (2008), Science Annex (2010), Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values (2010), Nursing Skills Lab (2011), MacKechnie Academic Building (2011), Health Sciences and Human Performance Building (2012), Schoomaker ROTC and Athletics Building (2013), North Walker Hall (2013), East Walker Hall (2013), West Walker Hall (2014), Daly Innovation and Collaboration Building (2015), and Kennedy/Boulevard Academic Building (2016).
Construction of the Graduate and Health Studies Building will be paid for through a combination of individual gifts and University funds. An official name of the new facility will be announced at a later date.
In alignment with UT’s commitment to create a responsible, efficient, healthy and sustainable campus, the building was designed to be a candidate for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
The team of Beck Architecture and KWJ Architects designed the building, which will be constructed by Beck.
Floor-by-Floor Details:
FIRST FLOOR — General classroom space along with student gathering areas and study spaces. “Smart” classrooms will incorporate tiered seating.
SECOND AND THIRD FLOORS — 30,000 square feet designed for UT’s program in physician assistant studies under development. This facility includes a clinical skills lab, patient simulation labs, assessment rooms, digital anatomy lab, classrooms, study spaces, offices, a conference room and a unique moulage room, which is a specialized room for applying mock injuries for student training.
FOURTH AND FIFTH FLOORS — Dedicated home of UT’s nursing program. This 30,000 square feet of nursing space includes a reception area, a large patient care center, ICU simulation rooms, health assessment clinical spaces, a student lounge and study spaces, faculty and staff offices, a large conference room and classrooms. “It will be a top-notch facility for our top-notch program,” said Vaughn.
SIXTH FLOOR — The sixth floor will include a reception area, a student study area, a conference room, classrooms, approximately 25 faculty and staff offices and other workspaces to provide support to UT’s Office of Graduate Studies. Additionally, until a new science building is built, this floor will temporarily house two physics labs, a physics classroom and a physics research lab.
First Rep. Rutherford Bill Unanimously Passes U.S. House
Bill Would Stop Wasteful Spending at DHS
The United States House of Representatives voted unanimously (408-0) to pass H.R.1294, the Reducing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acquisition Cost Growth Act. This bill, introduced by Congressman John Rutherford earlier this month, would prevent wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars by agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), by holding DHS agencies more accountable in administering their major acquisition programs and granting Congress greater oversight over troubled programs.
Congressman Rutherford said, ““The passing of H.R.1294 is great news for preventing wasteful spending at the Department of Homeland Security. Department of Homeland Security’s acquisition programs represent hundreds of billions of dollars in spending, but they repeatedly face cost overruns and schedule delays. This will help provide necessary tools for FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection to do their jobs – keeping Americans safe. It will also ensure Congress can provide greater oversight of major acquisition programs and can implement solutions to quickly address any setbacks. I thank the House of Representatives for voting to stop wasteful spending.”
H.R. 1294 is the first bill Congressman Rutherford introduced as a member of the House of Representatives. It now advances to the Senate for further consideration.
House Committee Votes to Protect Florida’s Reemployment Program From Criminal Fraud
The House Transportation & Infrastructure committee today unanimously approved HB 671, which strengthens the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s efforts to fight fraud in the state’s Reemployment Assistance program. The legislation provides DEO access to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ DAVID System, which includes the state photo identification database.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Today the House Transportation & Infrastructure committee overwhelmingly supported DEO’s efforts to protect Florida’s Reemployment Assistance program from theft and fraud. I appreciate Rep. LaRosa for his leadership as the bill sponsor and Chairman Drake and the committee for voting unanimously to help DEO stop criminals from stealing benefits from job seekers who need them.”
The legislation includes the tools and legal authorizations that are critical to prevent and fight public benefits fraud by providing DEO access to the driver’s license database to confirm claimant-provided IDs are not fraudulent.
About DEO
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce, and community development efforts. This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.
Florida League of Mayors to Discuss Legislative Priorities Emphasizing Local Control
The Florida League of Mayors will host a press conference on Wednesday, March 22, to discuss the League’s priorities for the 2017 legislative session, including measures that would undermine the authority of local governments to make appropriate decisions regarding the future of their communities. Featured speaker will be Florida League of Mayors President Carol McCormack, mayor of Palm Shores. She will be joined by other mayors from around the state.
What: Press Conference on 2017 Legislative Priorities
Who: Carol McCormack, President of the Florida League of Mayors and Mayor of Palm Shores
Other members of the League of Mayors
When: Wednesday, March 22, at 8:30 a.m.
Where: 4th Floor of Capitol Building
The Florida League of Mayors is an organization for mayors, founded and developed by mayors. Only mayors are eligible for membership. The organization provides the mayors of Florida with the ability to explore, in great depth, areas of mutual concern and opportunity. Governed by a 21-member Board of Directors and staffed by the Florida League of Cities, the Florida League of Mayors forges a powerful voice that serves Florida’s cities well. For more information, visit www.floridamayors.org.
Governor Scott Issues Proclamation for National Guard Day
Also Awarded Florida Veterans with the Veterans Service Medal
Governor Rick Scott today proclaimed March 21, 2017 as National Guard Day in Florida. He also awarded more than 50 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal during Florida National Guard Day at the State Capitol. To view the proclamation, see below or click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to dedicate today to the brave members of Florida’s National Guard. These men and women stand ready to serve our country and respond to the needs of our communities during natural disasters and emergencies. The State of Florida is forever grateful to these heroes and their families who make countless sacrifices in defense of our freedom.”
FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD DAY
WHEREAS, as the military arm of the Governor and the people of the State of Florida in times of crisis or emergency, the Florida National Guard stands ready to immediately respond to a call from the Governor; and
WHEREAS, the Florida National Guard traces its lineage back 450 years to 1565 when the first muster of a civilian militia took place in St. Augustine, making Florida’s Militia the oldest in the nation; and
WHEREAS, today’s Florida National Guard stands strong with approximately 12,000 highly trained and skilled men and women who serve as Soldiers and Airmen in today’s modern Guard; and
WHEREAS, the men and women of the Florida National Guard and their families willingly make sacrifices during times of hurricanes, fires, floods, and other natural disasters, serving domestically and around the world in contingency operations; and
WHEREAS, more than 20,000 men and women of the Florida National Guard have answered the call to federal active duty, without reservation, following the attack on our nation September 11, 2001, and have served with distinction and honor during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and continue to serve in Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Observant Compass, which continue to take these dedicated Guardsmen far from their families and friends while they ensure we are safe at home; and
WHEREAS, the employers of our Guardsmen and their families have made significant sacrifices to conduct their businesses during the absence of our Guardsmen, while still providing jobs for the members of the Guard when they return home; and
WHEREAS, the men and women of the Florida National Guard remain involved in hundreds of community service projects across our state each day and contribute to local programs that add value to our nation and our state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing March 21, 2017, as Florida National Guard Day and call on all Floridians to honor the significant contributions and consistent readiness of the Florida National Guard and to gratefully acknowledge the faithful service of its dedicated soldiers and airmen.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capital, this 15th day of March, in the year two thousand seventeen.
