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PSC Helps Consumers in Winter Park and Orlando During National Consumer Protection Week

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will be educating consumers about scams targeting utility customers during the 19th Annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), which takes place March 5–11, 2017.
On Wednesday, March 8, 2017, as part of NCPW, PSC staff will be speaking with customers in Winter Park and Orlando about how to avoid these scams while also providing tips on energy and water conservation and information about the Lifeline Assistance telephone discount program.
For more information about NCPW and to see a nationwide calendar of events, please visit www.ncpw.gov. For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
The PSC events are scheduled below:

Wednesday, March 8, 2017
10 – 11 a.m.
Winter Park Community Center
721 W. New England Avenue
Winter Park, Florida 32789

And 

Wednesday, March 8, 2017
12 – 1 p.m.
Renaissance Senior Center at South Econlockhatchee Trail
3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail
Orlando, Florida 32829

Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

Environmental Groups Announce Lawsuit Against World’s Second Largest Chicken Producer for Illegal Pollution of Suwannee River

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MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: Members of the citizen-based environmental groups Environment Florida and the Sierra Club (Suwannee-St Johns Group) will be joined by their attorneys to announce the filing of the groups’ federal lawsuit to stop violations of the Clean Water Act that are polluting one of Florida’s Outstanding Waters, the Suwannee River. The groups will describe the poultry processing facility’s alleged violations and speak about the pollution’s effect on the Suwannee River.
WHO: 
Jennifer Rubiello, Environment Florida Director
Whitey Markle, Chair of the Sierra Club Suwannee-St Johns Group
Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson, Sierra Club Organizing Representative
Heather Govern, Attorney, National Environmental Law Center
Andrew Bonderud, Attorney
WHEN: Thursday, March 9, 2017 – 10:00 am
WHERE: In front of the Hogan Street entrance of the Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse (Jacksonville’s Federal Courthouse)
300 N Hogan St, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Galvano Files Senate Bill 1472 for Medical Cannabis Coalition

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Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) filed Senate Bill 1472 “an act relating to medicinal cannabis research and education.” A companion to SB 1472, was filed last week, by Representative Jackie Toledo (R-Tampa) in the House.
“Florida is a leader in developing innovative health care solutions, and creating opportunities for researchers in our state to responsibly inform new medicines and treatment options is a top priority,” said Sen. Galvano. “Right now, there is anecdotal evidence suggesting the positive benefits medicinal cannabis can have on patients in certain circumstances, but this legislation will help the State of Florida advance the science and research around cannabis as a treatment option for a variety of medical conditions.”
The research concerning the use of cannabis to alleviate pain and treat illnesses is limited because permission to perform clinical studies on cannabis is difficult to obtain, with access to research-grade cannabis so restricted that little or no unbiased studies have been performed.
This legislation would establish the Coalition for Medicinal Cannabis Research and Education within the Moffitt Cancer Center. This Coalition would enable Moffitt to organize rigorous scientific research, provide education and information, disseminate research performed, and inform statewide policy on medicinal cannabis.
“We are excited to partner with Sen. Galvano in support of this important legislation that will expand the research opportunities available to medical experts in the state to provide empirical evidence on the potential benefits and harms of medical cannabis,” said Thomas A Sellers, Ph.D., MPH, Center Director at Moffitt Cancer Center.
In November, the voters approved Amendment 2 to allow for medical use of cannabis in the state of Florida. Amendment 2, passed with 71% of voter approval.

Florida League of Cities to Host Media Roundtable on 2017 Legislative Priorities

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Florida League of Cities will host a media roundtable event with members of the Capitol Press Corps to discuss the League’s priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The League is Florida’s foremost advocacy organization on behalf of home rule powers and has served as the united voice for the state’s municipalities since 1922.

What: Media roundtable on 2017 legislative priorities
When: Monday, March 6
10:30 am
Where: Raymond C. Sittig Hall
301 S. Bronough Street (Kleman Plaza)
Tallahassee

Ride in Style with Florida 511 to Daytona Bike Week

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fdot-511

Download the free mobile app, visit FL511.com or follow #FL511 on Twitter

Traveling to one of the world’s largest motorcycle events can be a breeze with the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Florida 511 Traveler Information System. The real-time traffic information provided by Florida 511 can help bikers arrive safely and with fewer delays while cruising to Daytona Bike Week events, which begin Friday, March 10 and end Sunday, March 19. 

Riders can plan their route to Daytona Beach by visiting the interactive road map on the user-friendly FL511.com website for up-to-the-minute traffic information in English or Spanish about congestion, crashes, construction, closures and more. Riders can also view roadway cameras showing current driving conditions at several key intersections in Daytona and on nearby highways, such as I-95, I-4 and U.S. 92.

Bikers can check the free Florida 511 mobile app, available on Google Play or the Apple App Store, to find out if congestion or traffic incidents will delay their commute. The app can also be used to select an alternate route. 

Riders can register on the website or mobile app for a free My Florida 511 personalized services account to create door-to-door routes to Daytona Beach and other favorite destinations. Each route includes travel time estimates, traffic incident information and the ability to set up custom email or text alerts.

Additional ways to receive traffic information from the Florida 511 system include calling 511 toll-free from any phone in the state and following one or more of the statewide, regional or roadway-specific Twitter feeds (#FL511), such as @FL511_Central, @FL511_I95 and @FL_511_I4. 

FDOT encourages all drivers to check Florida 511 to travel safely and experience fewer delays. Check Florida 511 before leaving or have a passenger check during your commute to avoid using a phone while driving.

Legislative Leaders Announce Joint Budget Rule

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Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) and Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Land O’ Lakes) today introduced an amendment to Joint Rule Two of the 2016-2018 Joint Rules of the Florida Legislature. The proposed rule details procedures for the Legislature’s annual budget conference.
Statement from President Negron
“Establishing a joint rule to govern the budget conference process assures fidelity to the Constitution and preserves the autonomy of both Chambers.  I appreciate the efforts of Speaker Corcoran in working with me to agree before Session to joint rules that will enhance accountability and transparency in our budget process.  Both the House and Senate will be able to represent our constituents throughout Session as we construct a budget that reflects our values and priorities.  I look forward to a vibrant budget process in both the House and Senate as we make tough choices on how to allocate the revenue entrusted to us by the citizens of Florida.”
Statement from Speaker Corcoran
“Today’s announcement that the House and the Senate achieved an agreement on the strongest, most transformational joint budget rules in Florida history, demonstrates that people of good will, negotiating in good faith, can make government better. The joint rules, agreed to by President Negron and I, are unprecedented in both accountability and transparency. I commend my friend, President Negron, for his commitment to dialogue and collegiality. I believe deeply that we’ve produced a paradigm shift in how budgets are made and it should become a model for other legislatures.”
In its present form, Joint Rule Two outlines the procedure for the Legislature to comply with constitutional requirements concerning the General Appropriations Act. The Senate President and House Speaker are proposing an amendment to Joint Rule Two that dramatically exceeds the minimal requirements outlined in Florida’s Constitution and implements a historic level of clarity and transparency in Florida’s annual budget process. The President and Speaker will ask their respective chambers to adopt the new rule on March 7, 2017, Opening Day of the 2017 Legislative Session.
For more information, please visit www.FLSenate.gov and www.MyFloridaHouse.gov.

FJA Chair Statement in Response to Today’s Filing of Senate Bill 1582

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Richard Chait, Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Florida Justice Association, issued the following statement in response to today’s filing of SB 1582:

“While our team is still carefully reviewing the legislation, early indications are that Senator Bradley’s bill which was filed earlier today is a step in the right direction for Florida’s workers and businesses. Our priorities continue to focus on ratemaking reform which provides for competition in the market and promotes transparency, some element of choice in medical treatment for injured workers, a meaningful post-MMI benefit for those who are unable to return to their former employment and the responsibility for insurance carriers to pay reasonable attorney’s fees when benefits are wrongfully denied.”

“As we anticipate that workers’ compensation will be a top priority this session, we look forward to working with the Legislature and the business community to enact meaningful reforms which will impact the well being of employers and those workers who have the misfortune of suffering work-related injuries.“

Gov. Rick Scott Appoints Megan Fay as Director of Policy

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Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Megan Fay as Director of Policy. Fay fills the position left vacant by Jeff Woodburn becoming the Executive Director of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission.

Governor Scott said, “Each and every day we have to fight to ensure a strong future for Florida so that our state is the best place for families for generations to come. Since joining my team in 2013, Megan has displayed the outstanding leadership needed to strategically guide policy in our state. I look forward to her continuing to serve the families of Florida in this new role.”

Megan has worked in the Office of Governor Rick Scott since 2013 serving as a Chief Analyst in the Office of Policy and Budget, Deputy Director of Cabinet Affairs and most recently as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. Megan received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law. 

To view the Executive Office of the Governor organizational chart, click HERE.

Art in the Capitol Competition recognizes Florida's talented students

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The first Art in the Capitol Competition recognizes Florida’s talented students by exhibiting winning pieces of artwork throughout the Capitol during the 2017 Legislative Session. Administered jointly by the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) and Florida Department of Education and sponsored by members of the Florida Legislature, the statewide visual arts competition seeks to encourage students’ passion for the arts.

“As the leaders across Florida’s government convene during legislative session to craft policy for the state, it is my hope that this artwork serves as a reminder of the communities they represent and Florida’s future leaders,” said Representative Larry Lee, Jr. (D-Port St. Lucie). “I am proud to have sponsored House Bill 701 and thankful for the support of the Governor and my colleagues in the House and Senate in passing this great bill.”

“Showcasing students’ artistic abilities in the historic location of our state’s Capitol provides an opportunity for more than 67,000 visitors, employees and legislators to admire Florida’s exceptional talent while reinforcing the state’s commitment to students’ creative expression,” said DMS Secretary Chad Poppell. “We are proud to partner with the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Legislature to provide this meaningful opportunity to students across the state.”

“There are many talented students throughout the state of Florida, and the Art in the Capitol Competition is a wonderful way to recognize their creativity and artistic ability,” said Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. “I look forward to admiring the students’ work, and I am pleased that visitors to the State Capitol will have the opportunity to enjoy student artwork.”  

DMS received 30 submissions from school districts statewide. As directed by House Bill 701, the Art in the Capitol Competition required each school district to annually hold an art competition for all students in grades 6 through 8, and winners from each district were selected by a committee consisting of high school art teachers. Once the winning artwork was selected, each student paired up with a legislative member to sponsor the artwork to be displayed during the upcoming legislative session.

To view the list of submissions and locations where the artwork is featured in the Capitol, go to the Art in the Capitol webpage.