Florida News Straight From the Source
Governor Scott is meeting with House Speaker Paul Ryan and members of Congress today and tomorrow in Washington, D.C. on healthcare. Tomorrow morning, March 9th, he will be available to media to discuss his trip to D.C.
WHEN: 9:00 am
WHERE: Russell Senate Office Building Rotunda – 3rd floor
Washington, D.C.
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on The Environment and Natural Resources, chaired by Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island), today passed Senate Bill 10, Water Resources, by Senator Bradley. The bill addresses the critical need for water storage south of Lake Okeechobee, a priority of Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart), and was expanded today to include a Coast-to-Coast Comprehensive Water Resource Program to provide funding tools to implement water resource protection and development programs across Florida.
Statement by President Negron:
“Harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee have flooded communities on the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers with massive amounts of toxic algae that destroyed estuaries and harmed the local and state economies. Unfortunately, incidences like these are not unique in our state and are a symptom of the lack of attention to water resource development. The lost summer must be a wakeup call for all Floridians.
“After listening to citizens from around the state, we are expanding this critical legislation to address an immediate response to the Lake Okeechobee crisis, along with other pressing water issues facing our state as a whole. In 2016, we made an impressive start by passing Legacy Florida and a comprehensive water bill. Through Senate Bill 10 we are backing up those commitments with funding investments to improve water resources throughout our state.
“The voters spoke about the urgency of this issue when they approved the Water and Land Conservation Initiative in 2014 by overwhelming margins. Senate Bill 10 ensures fidelity to the Constitution by utilizing resources set aside by that amendment to make the financial investments we need to meet the water infrastructure needs of families, businesses, agriculture and the environment.
Statement by Senator Bradley:
“As we developed this legislation, we have heard from thousands of Floridians, and they have been clear that we must have clean water for our families and businesses, sufficient water for our agriculture industry, and we must preserve our unique rivers, springs and natural systems for the enjoyment of future generations. We cannot fail in this effort.
“In addition to the environmental disaster around Lake Okeechobee, we recently experienced the massive sewage discharge in Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, each session Senate policy and budget committees review issues relating to water quality and quantity concerns with the St. John’s River, the Florida Keys, and a vast majority of our springs and rivers.
“For over a generation, Florida has focused on land acquisition for conservation with historic programs like Florida Forever and P2000. Senate Bill 10 recognizes that with approximately 30 percent of all land in the Florida already managed for conservation purposes, it is clearly time to meet the directive Florida voters gave the Legislature through the Water and Land Conservation Amendment by focusing land acquisition and conservation priorities on specific improvements related to water resources.
“These critical investments in water infrastructure will create jobs across our state and save a valuable resource to serve our state’s growing demand.”
The Coast-to-Coast Comprehensive Water Resource Program includes the following:
Governor Rick Scott held a call today with Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putman, Division of Emergency Management (DEM) Director Bryan Koon, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) Executive Director Terry Rhodes, Department of Transportation (DOT) Interim Secretary Rachel Cone, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chief of Staff Jennifer Fitzwater and Collier County Fire Rescue personnel to discuss the ongoing wildfire in Collier County.
Governor Scott said, “This morning I spoke with Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putman, DEM, DHSMV, DOT, DEP, FWC and Collier County Fire Rescue personnel to discuss the ongoing wildfire in Collier County. As our state begins to experience hotter summer temperatures and dry conditions, it is critical that all Floridians remain vigilant and do their part to prevent wildfires.
“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has already deployed five fire engines to assist Collier County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forestry Service with firefighting efforts.
“The Florida Highway Patrol has deployed troopers to the area and closed I-75 between Mile Marker 80 (S.R. 29) and 105 (Golden Gate Parkway) due to the wildfire and is actively monitoring the situation to ensure motorist safety. The Florida National Guard stands ready to offer aviation resources to combat the fire and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stands ready to offer aviation and law enforcement resources if needed.
“The State Watch Office at DEM is actively monitoring the wildfires and will continue to support federal, state and local partners in ensuring the safety of residents and deployment of resources. At this time, local officials have not reported any unmet needs to the state and we stand ready to assist.”
Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Adam H. Putnam said, “Our firefighters with the Florida Forest Service worked through the evening to continue the efforts to contain and suppress the fire in Collier County. We’ll continue to work with our partnering agencies, and may we keep these first responders in our prayers.”
As of this morning, a wildfire is burning a more than 6,500-acre area South of Alligator Alley and East of Naples in the Picayune Strand State Forest. Four homes have been lost. There are no injuries or fatalities confirmed at this time.
Collier County has issued a mandatory evacuation for the following areas: Naples Club RV Park and Panthers Walk RV Park along with all of the Forest Glenn community and horse stables in and along Neuman Road. Affected residents are to report to the Golden Gate Community Center.
Learn more about how you can protect you home and family and prevent wildfires HERE.
Congressman Rutherford released the following statement today after his legislation, H.R. 1294 was considered at the meeting of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Congressman Rutherford said, “Today, the House Committee on Homeland Security unanimously passed my bill H.R. 1294, the Reducing Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Cost Growth Act, which prevents wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars by holding DHS agencies more accountable in administering their major acquisitions programs and by giving Congress greater oversight of troubled programs. Passing this bill will stop the waste of resources and help Congress implement solutions to quickly address any setbacks or cost overruns. I thank the members of the Committee for their bipartisan support of this bill and I look forward to it advancing to the full House.”
The Reducing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acquisition Cost Growth Act would hold DHS agencies more accountable in administering their major acquisition programs and would give Congress greater oversight of troubled programs to 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).
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the DHS Office of the Inspector General have reported on the longstanding challenge DHS faces in managing major acquisition programs. In 2015, the GAO found that 20 out of 22 major acquisition programs experienced cost growth, schedule slips, or both. Since 2005, DHS’s management of acquisitions has been on the GAO’s “High-Risk List,” showing these programs are highly susceptible to waste and mismanagement.
To view the April 2015 GAO report, click HERE. To view the most recent report, click HERE.
SARASOTA/MANATEE
I-75 (SR 93) / University Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) Sarasota/Bradenton: Construction Project:
Detour – University Parkway CLOSED under I-75 at the I-75/University Parkway Interchange:
Friday, March 10. Details below:
The closure of University Parkway originally scheduled for Thursday, March 9 is rescheduled for Friday, March 10 between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. while crews pour span 1 of the deck on the northbound I-75 bridge over University Parkway. All ramps will remain open.
Motorists traveling west on University Parkway (east of I-75) wishing to travel west through the interchange are directed to travel north on I-75, exit at westbound SR 70/Exit 217B, enter southbound I-75, and exit at University Parkway/Exit 213.
Motorists traveling east on University Parkway (west of I-75) wishing to travel east through the interchange are directed to travel south on I-75, exit at Fruitville Road/Exit 210, enter northbound I-75, and exit at University Parkway/Exit 213.
Motorists traveling south on I-75 wishing to travel east on University Parkway are directed to exit at Fruitville Road/Exit 210 (south of the closure), enter northbound I-75, and exit at University Parkway/Exit 213.
Motorists traveling north on I-75 wishing to travel west on University Parkway are directed to exit at westbound SR 70/Exit 217B (north of the closure), enter southbound I-75, and exit at University Parkway/Exit 213.
Improvements being made as part of this project consist of constructing a diverging diamond interchange, adding an auxiliary lane on northbound and southbound I-75, constructing new bridges on I-75 over University Parkway, widening of University Parkway, widening of I-75 bridges over Errie Creek and Foley Creek, realignment of on-ramps and off-ramps at I-75/University Parkway, addition of ponds, drainage improvements, new lighting and signalization, construction of a noise wall on the west side of I-75, sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways. Expected completion is fall 2017. The contractor is Prince Contracting, LLC. For additional information, please visit the project website at http://www.swflroads.com/i75/university/.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will kick-off this evening’s Taste of Florida Agriculture Reception in the Florida Capitol courtyard. The Taste of Florida Agriculture reception is a co-hosted event between the Florida Farm Bureau and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services highlighting the importance of Florida agriculture. The event is free and open to the public and venders will be serving dishes that feature fresh Florida Red Snapper, oysters, shrimp, honey, fruits, vegetables and much more.
Event: Taste of Florida Agriculture Reception
Date: Wed., March 8
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Capitol Courtyard
The University of North Florida’s Student Union has been recognized by College Rank as one of “The Best 25 Student Union Centers” in the nation and is one of only two Florida institutions to make the list.
In this ranking, UNF is included among several powerhouse institutions, such as Brigham Young University, Cornell University, University of Michigan, The Ohio State University and University of Wisconsin, to name a few.
The criteria used by College Rank includes aesthetic design and architecture, student offerings in campus life, events and traditions as well as proximity to other campus features.
In 2012, the Student Union, which hosts approximately 6,500 events annually, was named by the Florida Chapter of The American Institute of Architects as the best educational building and voted the top building in the state by architects’ votes. It was also voted by the public as the No. 4 building overall in the state.
Designed by Rink Design Partnership Inc., the 150,000-square-foot Student Union was completed in 2009. The $40.1 million facility was programmed to be the focal points for student activities and programs, dining facilities and offices for Student Government as well as the Division of Student and International Affairs.
The Student Union is in two parts, separated by a student plaza, called Osprey Plaza, with a sunshade feature, which along with the curvature of the building, creates a most distinctive visual effect. Both buildings are three stories and are comprised of a steel structure with brick and metal cladding.
The east building is mostly administrative and houses all Student Government functions, Student and International Affairs offices, a bank, Outtakes snack store, the game room and Spinnaker Media. The west building contains a food court with three fast-food outlets on the main floor, the UNF Bookstore (two stories), the Boathouse restaurant and various meeting rooms on the second level, four ballrooms on the third level, along with numerous student lounges and meeting rooms of various capacities.
One of the most unique elements of the Student Union is a 108,000-square-foot grass amphitheater with a permanent stage. Located behind the west building, the Coxwell Amphitheater, which can seat 6,000 spectators, is constructed with a nine-degree elevation for optimum viewing by crowds attending concerts, performances, fairs and other events.
The Student Union follows the University’s other new buildings on campus as a certified “green” building, meaning it uses energy-saving measures, recycled materials and natural light to improve the work environment.
UNF, a nationally ranked university located on an environmentally beautiful campus, offers students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others the opportunity to build their own futures through a well-rounded education.
Three years ago, organist Carol Williams thrilled audiences with her wide-ranging program, including works of the classical repertoire, her own compositions and transcriptions, and pop.
On Sunday, March 19, Williams will return to The University of Tampa to perform as part of the 2016-2017 PNC Bank Concert Artist Series at the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values. The concert begins at 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
The performance will include a diverse program characteristic of her many musical interests, including works by Tylman Susato, Max Reger, Louis Verne, David Bowie, her own compositions and a little jazz.
A British-born composer and international concert solo organist, Williams is artistic director of the Spreckles Organ Society and of the Lynchburg International Organ Festival, as well as organist-in-residence at the Court Street United Methodist Church in Lynchburg, VA.
Seating is limited and doors open 30 minutes before the concert. Parking is available on campus, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd.
The 2016-2017 PNC Bank Concert Artist Series is underwritten by PNC Bank and the UT College of Arts and Letters. For more information, contact [email protected] or go to www.ut.edu/sykeschapel.
The University of Tampa is a private, residential university located on 110 acres on the riverfront in downtown Tampa. Known for academic excellence, personal attention and real-world experience in its undergraduate and graduate programs, the University serves 8,310 students from 50 states and 140 countries. Approximately 65 percent of full-time students live on campus, and more than half of UT students are from Florida.
The Florida Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Civil and Criminal Justice today passed Senate Bill 196, Juvenile Civil Citation and Similar Diversion Programs, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Anitere Flores (R-Miami, Monroe).
“In too many cases, we have become a society where law enforcement officers are brought in to referee the day-to-day challenges of raising children,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart), who has made juvenile justice reform a top priority of his two-year term. “This legislation strikes an appropriate balance between public safety and decriminalizing the mistakes of adolescents.”
Senate Bill 196 requires a law enforcement officer to issue a civil citation or require the juvenile’s participation in a diversion program when the juvenile admits to committing certain first-time misdemeanor offenses including: possession of alcoholic beverages, criminal mischief, trespass, and disorderly conduct, among others.
“When young people commit serious crimes, there needs to be an appropriate legal penalty. However, there are many situations where youth are displaying lack of judgment and maturity, rather than serious criminal behavior,” said President Pro Tempore Flores. “This legislation ensures that we utilize other avenues that correct inappropriate behavior without stigmatizing our youth with a criminal record that could impact their future education and career opportunities.”
Under Senate Bill 196, a law enforcement officer must provide written documentation articulating why an arrest is warranted when he or she has the discretion to issue a civil citation, but instead chooses to arrest the juvenile.
The legislation also specifies that the option of the issuance of a civil citation or referral to a similar diversion program does not apply to a juvenile who is alleged to have committed, currently charged with, has plead guilty to, or has been convicted of a felony, or a misdemeanor offense arising out of an episode in which the juvenile is also alleged to have committed a felony.
The Florida Forest Service continues to battle the Lee Williams Road Fire in Collier County. The fire is approximately 6,500 acres and is 30 percent contained.
“Our firefighters worked through the evening to continue the efforts to contain and suppress the fire in Collier County. We’ll continue to work with our partnering agencies, and may we keep these first responders in our prayers,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Lee Williams Road Fire March 8, 2017 Morning Update
Location: Picayune Strand State Forest in Naples, Florida
Acreage: 6,500 approximately
Fire Started: Sunday 3/5/17: 2 pm
Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 30%
Weather: Winds are coming out of the East and forecasted to shift out of the South
Night Operations:
Winds died down and relative humidity increased allowing firefighters an opportunity to gain access closer to the wildfire as fire activity decreased. State firefighting bulldozers constructed containment lines up to fifty feet in width paralleling and anchored into I-75.
Long range spotting, up to one-half mile, were anticipated and mitigated by firefighters stationed on the Northside of I-75. One spot fire was detected at the Naples Landfill and quickly contained at one acre. Florida Forest Service’s firefighting bulldozers quickly encircling the wildfire with a dirt containment line which allows the wildfire to burn itself out. State Firefighting bulldozers established firebreaks behind the RV Parks and horse stables while structure firefighters patrolled the perimeter while also protecting structures.
The fire is holding at County Road 951 which allowed for the road closures to be lifted this morning, although intermittent closures may take place throughout the day.
Today:
Tactics today include structural defense and keeping the wildfire south of I-75 and east of County Road 951.
Mandatory Evacuations:
Evacuations were lifted for the Forest Glen community and the Aventine at Naples Apartments.
There are mandatory evacuations for the Club Naples RV Park, Panther Walk RV Park and Horse Stables in the Picayune Strand State Forest including Triple V and M & H Stables. If asked to evacuate your home, be sure to bring your important family documents (birth certificates, wills, insurance policies), valuables and your family disaster supply kit. Your disaster supply kit should contain enough food, water and supplies to sustain your family for at least three days. Do not forget any medications or special items such as a first aid kit.
Shelter:
A shelter has been established at the Golden Gate Community Center at 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, FL.
Road Closures (Due to smoke and poor visibility)
Resources on Scene
The Florida Forest Service Interagency Management Red Team has arrived this morning to transition command from local resources to allow local responders the ability to focus suppress efforts on new wildfires.
Agencies on Scene:
Florida Forest Service, Collier County Bureau of Emergency Services, West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department, Immokalee Fire Control District, City of Naples Fire-Rescue, Greater Naples Fire District, Marco Island Fire Department, North Collier Fire District, Collier County Emergency Medical Services, Collier County Sheriff, Punta Gorda Fire Department, Big Cypress National Park, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Florida Highway Patrol, Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Rukaree Bay National Wildlife Research.
More information and updates are available on the Collier County website, www.colliergov.net. A call center has been established (239) 252-8444.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
