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Statement following today’s Senate Appropriations Committee meeting

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Statement By: Gil Langley, Chairman, Florida
Association of Destination Marketing Organizations

“On behalf of Florida’s destination marketing organizations, we support and endorse U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow’s presentation on tourism marketing given at today’s Senate Appropriations committee meeting. We are thankful to have an expert who has witnessed the power of travel promotion first-hand represent our industry and address Senator Latvala and his committee. Roger Dow has seen the positive results of a strong tourism marketing campaign, and he has seen immediate repercussions for states who slash tourism budgets. In the increasingly competitive travel industry, it’s more important than ever to promote the state’s and local communities’ tourism offerings to potential travelers across the globe.
Maintaining our status as a premier travel destination is critical to our local communities, which rely on tax revenue resulting from visitor spending and the jobs created for 1.4 million of our fellow Floridians.
Over the past five years alone, we have seen incredible growth in Florida’s tourism. This is a direct result of state and local tourism marketing programs and the strategic investment made in those efforts. It is imperative that we continue to attract new visitors to our great state. Visitors spend money, and that money allows Florida to reinvest into programs that benefit all citizens. We applaud Roger Dow for advocating on behalf of Florida citizens, families and businesses who are all impacted by our tourism promotion programs.”

Gulf Power customers face unprecedented fee increase

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Advocates urge Florida’s PSC to reject proposed rate hike

Gulf Power, the power utility for Northwest Florida, is requesting that the Florida Public Utilities Commission approve a $107 million rate hike.

As part of the rate hike request, Gulf Power wants to increase its fixed charge on residential customers from $18 a month to $48 a month, meaning that customers will owe the utility a hefty sum before consuming any electricity. Such a large spike in the fixed charge would severely limit customer options to reduce their own energy use and save money on their bills. 

Gulf Power’s fixed charge is already higher than any other investor owned utilities’ in Florida. The attempt by Gulf Power to restructure rates and increase the fixed charge by 155 percent on families in its service territory is unprecedented in Florida. 

“Gulf Power’s proposed increase to its monthly fixed charge is unprecedented in Florida and a regressive energy tax that unfairly targets lower income and fixed income customers,” said Dr. Stephen A. Smith, executive director of Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. “By charging customers nearly $50 before they even flip a light switch, this increase would mean that customers who are thrifty with how much power they use, or even investing in renewable energy for their homes are penalized, while the monopoly utility is allowed to increase its own profits on the backs of their customers.”   

“Gulf Power’s utility rate proposal is unfair to consumers.  It’s especially unfair to families that are making efforts to be more energy efficient, and to low-income households. Consumers should not be penalized for being conscientious with their energy use or by choosing to invest in energy efficient appliances,” said Shannon Baker-Branstetter, energy policy counsel for Consumers Union, the policy and mobilization arm of Consumer Reports. “This proposal takes away control from consumers to reduce their energy bill by reducing energy use. We strongly oppose this proposal to dramatically increase fixed electricity charges for customers.  It is inequitable, inefficient and unfair.”  

“It appears Gulf Power is attempting to create a new class system for utility users in their territory,” stated Tory Perfetti, chair of Floridians for Solar Choice and Florida Director of Conservatives for Energy Freedom. “Requesting a monthly increase resulting in a $48 per customer charge, whether you use any power or not, while specifically asking for food stamp users to be given a discount, though no other discounts for struggling citizens are being proposed, signals a ridiculous first in the World of Energy for Florida.”  

“This change will discourage solar because it raises fixed costs and disincentivizes solar investment,” said Ellen Roston, co-president of the Pensacola Bay Area League of Women Voters. “It makes it harder and slower for solar to show a return.”

“The proposed increase to Gulf Power’s monthly fixed charge is poor rate design, designed to penalize customers who use less electricity, including solar customers,” said Patrick Altier, president of Florida Solar Energy Industries Association. “As proven by numerous studies, solar energy provides many benefits to utilities and consumers alike, and those who chose to invest their hard earned money into renewable energy for their own homes should not be unfairly punished by outrageous monthly fees. In addition to providing a net benefit to both Gulf Power and its consumers, solar also creates local economic investment and jobs. Jobs that will not be there if solar customers are penalized as this proposal would do.” 

Gulf Power customers will have an opportunity to speak directly to the Florida Public Service Commission during two public hearings. Hearing locations and times:

Thursday, January 26, 2017, 6:00 pm CST
Pensacola State College
Hagler Auditorium
1000 College Blvd.
Pensacola, FL 32504 (Auditorium is at the corner of Underwood Ave. and 9th Ave.)

Friday, January 27, 2017, 10:00 am CST
FSU Panama City Campus
Holley Lecture Hall
4750 Collegiate Drive
Panama City, FL 32405

RoadWatch Advisory: Eastbound University Parkway CLOSED Friday, January 27

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FDOT Header
SARASOTA/MANATEE
I-75 (SR 93) / University Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) Sarasota/Bradenton:  Construction Project:
Detour – Eastbound University Parkway CLOSED under I-75 at the I-75/University Parkway Interchange:  
Friday, January 27. Details below:
The contractor anticipates a temporary detour route at the I-75/University Parkway interchange at night/overnight Friday, January 27 between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. while crews prepare to set beams over University Parkway. All ramps will remain open.
Motorists traveling eastbound on University Parkway (west of I-75) wishing to travel east through the interchange are directed to travel southbound on I-75, exit at Fruitville Road/Exit 210, enter northbound I-75, and exit at University Parkway/Exit 213.
Motorists traveling southbound 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.
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/.

Commissioner Putnam Announces Director of External Affairs, Deputy Legislative Affairs Director

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that Clay Hollis will serve as the Director of External Affairs and Andrew Liebert will serve as Deputy Legislative Affairs Director for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“Clay and Andrew are both great additions to our team and their professional experience will make them tremendous assets as we fulfill our mission and serve Floridians,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Hollis served in Congressman Tom Rooney’s office since 2012, and he was promoted to senior legislative assistant in 2014 where he focused on agriculture, transportation and energy policy. In 2011, Hollis interned for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and later in the Highways and Transit Subcommittee of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Hollis graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Liebert served as a legislative aide in the Florida House for the past four legislative sessions, most recently for Rep. Ben Albritton, chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee. Liebert has worked in the legislative process since graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Central Florida, and he is currently working toward a master’s degree from Florida State University.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

SunRail offering service Saturday, February 4

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The Florida Department of Transportation is pleased to announce that SunRail will offer Saturday service on February 4, 2017. This special service is part of a pilot project and is a privately funded initiative.
On Saturday, February 4, SunRail service begins with the first train leaving southbound from the DeBary station at 8 a.m. Please visit www.sunrail.com to see the entire Saturday schedule. The major venue February 4th is Arts for All Day at Loch Haven Park in Orlando, sponsored by United Arts of Central Florida.
SunRail urges riders to get to the stations at least 30 minutes early, especially if you are purchasing tickets at the vending machines located on the platforms. If you are making LYNX bus connections, please be advised LYNX Saturday service may differ from regular weekday service. Please check the Saturday LYNX schedule at: www.golynx.com. 
The last northbound train leaves the Sand Lake Road station at 6:15 p.m. and arrives in DeBary at 7:18 p.m. Regular fares apply.
For more information about SunRail, including pricing, station locations, as well as the regular weekday schedule, please visit www.sunrail.com.
SunRail on Saturday Tips

  • SunRail will be collecting fares on Saturday, February 4, 2017
  • Arrive at the station platforms at least 30 minutes in advance of your train
  • Remember to tap on and tap off with your ticket, so your trip will register
  • Please check the SunRail schedule at www.sunrail.com to make sure you don’t miss your train
  • If you are using LYNX to make downtown or other connections, please check LYNX bus schedules to see what time buses run: www.golynx.com
  • No food is allowed on the train, nor is smoking allowed on the train and platforms. Non-alcoholic beverages must be in secure, spill-proof containers
  • Please be courteous to others, fold up strollers, store bikes properly as the trains may be crowded
  • Please be careful around trains, railroad crossings, and while at station platforms. Be smart. Be safe.

Galvano Files “Spill Bill” Strengthening Notification Requirements

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Important legislation to tighten Florida’s notification requirements for potential environmental spills was filed today by Sen. Bill Galvano. Senate Bill 532, will require companies to notify the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) about the release of any dangerous substance within 24 hours of discovery, and DEP must then publish a public notice within 24 hours. 

“The people of Florida deserve to know if our state’s drinking water has been threatened by potentially dangerous pollutants,” said Sen. Bill Galvano. “Requiring the public to be notified quickly about potential contaminants will give them peace of mind that they won’t unwittingly be drinking water that isn’t safe. SB 532, is designed to protect Floridians from this not-so-clear but very present danger.” 

This legislation comes in the aftermath of multiple high-profile incidents over the past year that resulted in chemical contaminants possibly being leaked into local drinking water supplies – without the public being made aware of the situation.

Sen. Galvano has a track record of championing legislation that brings a greater level of awareness about potential contamination incidents. In 2005, Sen. Galvano sponsored HB 937, which was ultimately signed into law by the governor and requires notice when contamination is discovered as a result of site rehabilitation activities. The current legislation being proposed builds off this legislation to further strengthen and expand the state’s notification requirements. 

The legislation also requires DEP to develop and publish a list of substances that “pose a substantial risk to public health, safety or welfare.” If any company fails to notify DEP about an incident regarding one of the published substances, it could face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day.

For more information about the legislation, visit  www.FLSenate.gov.

Highlights from Board of Governors' Meeting, January 26

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Board Chair Tom Kuntz’s State of the System Address, a workshop on how to
strengthen Florida’s 2+2 Articulation Program, and a presentation on the
impact of student counseling services are among the highlights of the
January Board of Governors’ meeting at Florida Polytechnic University.

Joined by new Board member Sydney Kitson, the Board of Governors this week advanced a number of strategic initiatives designed to enhance accountability, make higher education more affordable, and ensure students have every opportunity to be successful.
Chair Tom Kuntz outlined the Board’s progress on those initiatives during his annual State of the System Address. In the past year, Florida has made strides toward aligning degrees with jobs, raising the State University System’s research profile and enhancing Florida’s 2+2 Program. Chair Kuntz also discussed the need for more mental health counselors on campuses due to the soaring demand.
“Florida universities consistently win awards for their quality and affordability, but there are also opportunities to spark meaningful improvements,” said Board of Governors’ Chair Tom Kuntz. “By focusing on enhancing the profile of our universities and helping our students succeed, we’re raising the value of a college degree from Florida despite remaining the lowest in the country on price.”
The Board also heard a presentation on the impact of campus mental health services, including increased academic success, improved mental and behavioral health, and reduced risk to self and others. Counseling centers also appear to have a positive impact on student retention and graduation.
“The need for mental health services around the country has simply outpaced the ability of our campuses to keep up,” said Norm Tripp, chair of the Board’s Academic and Student Affairs Committee. “Many of our students are coming to our counseling centers with very serious issues, and we want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to help them address those problems, graduate, and live productive lives.”
Other meeting highlights include:

  • The Board’s Select Committee on 2+2 Articulation discussed how to further strengthen Florida’s 2+2 Program for students who are transferring from state colleges to universities. Among other topics, the committee considered how to streamline the admissions processes between colleges and universities and ensure that credits transfer smoothly.
  • The Board approved a list of facilities to be included in its 2017 Legislative Budget Request, primarily focusing on maintenance and repair.
  • Vice Chancellor Jan Ignash presented on the work of the Strategic Planning Committee, which plays an enormous role in steering the State University System toward the state’s highest needs. The Committee’s work, which includes the 2025 Strategic Plan, the Annual Accountability Report, and University Work Plans, has been nationally recognized for its rigor.
  • As part of its Think Florida: A Higher Degree for Business campaign, the Board of Governors heard from John Townsend, vice president of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. & T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. about his company’s many partnerships with USF.

For more information, consult the meeting’s official minutes at http://www.flbog.edu/. The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for March 29-30 at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.
Facts about the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The system has 12 universities and more than 400,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the system’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a chancellor who serves as the system’s chief executive. For more, visit www.flbog.edu, visit Think-Florida.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

First Lady Ann Scott and state leaders award K-12 students in the Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! Service Project Contest

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First Lady Ann Scott recognized the winners of the Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! Service Project Contest. First Lady Scott was joined by K-12 Public Schools Chancellor Hershel Lyons and Lottery Secretary Tom Delasencerie. The award ceremony concludes the week-long celebration of reading and literacy in Florida’s schools.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “Congratulations to all of the contest winners! It is never too early for children to start contributing to their communities, and it is evident that these students put a great deal of time and effort into their projects. I am honored to recognize them for their hard work, and I encourage them and all students in Florida to continue reading and helping others develop a deeper appreciation for literacy.”
K-12 Public Schools Chancellor Hershel Lyons said, “I have been an educator for more than 30 years and while many things have changed, one fact has remained true – literacy is essential to success student achievement in K-12 schools, college and career. The Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! Service Project Contest serves as a great reminder that everyone can play an important role in promoting reading and literacy in their homes, schools and communities.”
“On behalf of the Florida Lottery, I want to congratulate the winners of the 2017 Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! Service Project Contest,” said Secretary Tom Delacenserie. “At the Lottery, we are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to receive a good education, and we are proud to once again join First Lady Scott and the Department of Education in support of their mission to highlight the importance of reading and literacy in Florida’s schools.”
The winners of the 2017 Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! statewide contest are below.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
First Place:                  Prairie Lake Elementary School, Orange County – “Light the Path to Literacy”
Second Place:             Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School, Glades County – “Reaching Out Across the Globe Through Literacy”
Third Place:                 Eustis Heights Elementary School, Lake County – “Stuff the Bus”
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
First Place:                  Central School, Santa Rosa County – “Harvesting Literacy: How Country Kids and Corn Mazes Change our World”
Second Place:             Swift Creek Middle School, Leon County – “Literacy Changes our World: Literacy Creates Good Citizens”
Third Place:                Lyndon B. Johnson Middle School, Brevard County – “Leaders are Readers”
HIGH SCHOOLS
First Place:                  Ft. Myers High School, Lee County – “The Ft. Myers High School Shared Reading Program”
Second Place:             Marathon High School, Monroe County – “Literacy Night and Book Exchange”
To compete in the contest, students organized a literacy-based project with teachers and community partners, and provided evidence that their project had a positive impact on their school, neighborhood and/or community. The prizes were sponsored by the Florida Education Foundation: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. The winning projects will be featured on the Just Read, Florida! website and the Department of Education’s social media pages. Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! is sponsored by the Florida Lottery, Florida Education Foundation, and LEGOLAND®  Florida Resort.
For more information about Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!, visit Just Read, Florida!
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

Jan. 27 UT Honors Symposium explores "Pirates, Sailors and Coastal Identities in Early America"

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Before watching the annual pirate invasion of Tampa at the Gasparilla Pirate Festival on Saturday, come by The University of Tampa on Friday, Jan. 27, to learn more about those who lived and worked on the sea during the “Golden Age of Sailing.” Beginning at 4 p.m., Dan Walden, an associate professor of English at Baylor University, will speak on “A Hell of Our Own — Pirates, Sailors and Coastal Identities in Early America.” The event, which is part of the Honors Program symposia series, will be held in the Trustees Board Room on the ninth floor of the Vaughn Center and is free and open to the public.
During the “Golden Age of Sailing,” from the late-1500s to the mid-1800s, those who lived and worked on the sea often were men without country. Though sailing on English, French, Spanish, Dutch and, later, American ships, the men who sailed the ocean developed unique language, music and traditions — a culture of the sea. And when those “sea men” came to shore, they quite often found themselves at odds with the larger terrestrial national cultures that sought to control them. In response, there rose a small intermediate space between land and sea — the coast — that offered sailors, privateers and pirates a place to “make a Hell of their own.”
At Baylor, Walden teaches classes on early American literature and culture. His research, which focuses on the intersection of maritime and terrestrial culture in America during the Golden Age of Sailing, has been published in Early American Literature, Atlantic Studies, Studies in American Fiction, The Nautilus and Southern Literary Journal, among others. His current book project, Between Two Worlds: The Coast in Early American Literature, examines the representation and significance of coastal environments in American literature from the 17th to the mid-19th centuries.
For more information, contact the Honors Program at (813) 257-3545 or [email protected].
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.
 

Statement: Following the passage of Senate Bill 106 in the Regulated Industries committee

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Statement by Richard Turner, General Counsel and Vice President of
Government Relations, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association,
and Floridians for Fair Business Practices Coalition Member

Following the passage of Senate Bill 106 in the Regulated Industries committee

“Today members of the Senate Regulated Industries Committee demonstrated their support for common sense, pro-business policies by passing Senate Bill 106, which repeals the Prohibition era Alcohol Separation Law which requires distilled spirits to be sold separately from beer, wine and groceries. On behalf of Floridians for Fair Business Practices, we applaud their decision.
We commend bill sponsors Senate President Pro Tempore Anitere Flores and Representative Bryan Avila for their diligent efforts to tear down barriers to business growth and expansion. This antiquated law does not demonstrate any benefits to Florida consumers and retailers, and its repeal would mirror society’s desire for convenience in a changing marketplace.  Our coalition is pleased to continue discussing the benefits of passing a repeal to the outdated law with additional committees as this bill is considered in the legislature.”
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 businesses. For additional information, please visit www.FairBizinFlorida.com.