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Final Days of 2017 Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment

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January 31 marks the end of the Affordable Care Act’s fourth and current health insurance open enrollment period.EFOF Nav 2016

The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF), a state licensed and federally certified provider of in-person assistance for those wishing to shop for coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace, is continuing to offer free help to consumers with enrollment.
EFOF has been an assistance provider in every Affordable Care Act enrollment period, and has educated and assisted more than 250,000 Floridians at thousands of events in 35 counties. More than 15,000 consumers have received in-person enrollment assistance, including more than 7,500 consumers speaking languages other than English.
Navigators are available at the below locations to speak with media, about the impact of the Affordable Care Act and the importance of getting covered.
Consumers can schedule no-cost appointments for enrollment assistance by visiting www.efof.org or calling 1-877-553-7453.
Alachua County
Navigator: Jeannette Hamersmith
Location: Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (Gainesville office)
Broward County
Navigator: Ron Sarraf-Berrios
Location: Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (Broward office), 512 NE 3rd Avenue, third floor, Fort Lauderdale
Escambia County
Navigator: Cecily Chundrlek
Location: Epilepsy Resource Center, 2401 Executive Plaza Road, Suite 3A, Pensacola
Miami Dade County
Navigator: Islara Souto
Location: Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (Miami office), 1200 NW 78th Avenue, Suite 400, Miami
Navigator: Blanca Mesa
Location: Frankie Shannon Rolle Resource Center, 3750 South Dixie Highway, Miami
Palm Beach County
Navigator: Mike Rizzo
Location: Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (Palm Beach office), 3222 Commerce Place, Suite B, West Palm Beach

Fort Myers woman claims first top prize in new $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Dorothy Thomas-Cobb, 36, of Fort Myers, claimed the first of 44 top prizes in the $500,000 HOLIDAY MILLIONS Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She purchased her winning ticket from Racetrac, located at 2335 Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers.
The new $5 Scratch-Off game, $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER, launched on January 17, and features more than $182.8 million in prizes, including 44 top prizes of $500,000. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-3.98.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 65 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $734 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2015-16.

Business Leaders Applaud Gov. Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” $618 Million Tax Cut Package

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Governor Rick Scott announced today that he is proposing $618 million in tax cuts to help Florida families and small businesses, and ensure taxes are cut for Florida’s future generations. These tax cuts will encourage job creators to add more jobs and build opportunities now and in the future. Here’s what Florida business leaders are saying:
Erin Meagher, Founder of Beneficial Blends, said, “Beneficial Blends is proud of our commitment to the Tampa Bay area and we are constantly working to add more Floridians to our dynamic team. With two locations currently under a commercial lease, Governor Scott’s proposed tax cut would allow us to invest more in growing our company and creating new opportunities. Reducing the tax on commercial leases would certainly help our business and many others that may consider setting up manufacturing facilities in Florida, and I look forward to seeing it passed this year.”
Richard Scherzer, Co-Owner of About Floors N More, “Governor Scott truly understands small business and is dedicated to fighting on behalf of the many small businesses and the families they employ across the state. About Floors N More pays commercial lease taxes on all three of our properties, and the Governor’s proposed tax cut would help our business invest more money in growing and creating opportunities in Jacksonville. We were excited to welcome Governor Scott to our business today and look forward to seeing these tax cuts passed.”
Gerry Angeli, President & General Manager of ACR Electronics, Inc. a Drew Marine Company, said, “For five decades ACR Electronics has believed there is no better place than Florida, the boating capital of the world, to build emergency beacons for boaters designed and manufactured to make sure they come home safely every time. As a proud Florida manufacturer and job creator, we appreciate Governor Scott’s ongoing commitment to cutting taxes and making it easier for businesses, like ours, to invest more in growing our company. Governor Scott’s proposed $618 million tax cut package is great news for our company and our many employees and we are excited to support it.”
Bill Herrle, Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said, “We know from talking to job creators across the state and the nation that the tax on commercial leases puts Florida at a competitive disadvantage. Governor Scott has demonstrated an incredible commitment to doing everything possible to make it easier for businesses to succeed, and these recommended tax cuts are critical to ensuring continued economic growth. NFIB is proud to fully support this proposal and we look forward to the Legislature cutting $618 million in taxes this year.”
Randy Miller, Florida Retail Federation President and CEO, said, “Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ tax cut package includes a number of cuts which will significantly support Florida’s retailers, including a reduction in the business rent tax, cutting the business tax and an expanded back-to-school sales tax holiday, among others. FRF is excited about what the Governor’s tax cut package will mean for growing Sunshine State businesses, creating new jobs for Florida families and ensuring our state remains competitive.”
David Hart, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, said, “Every step we take to make Florida more business-friendly means more job creators choosing to move to and reinvest in our state. Governor Scott’s recommended $618 million tax cut package will help businesses large and small invest more in creating jobs for our families and will help ensure Florida’s economy will continue to grow well into the future. We are fighting to make our state the best place for job creators and families to succeed and the Florida Chamber of Commerce will continue to work with Governor Scott and the Legislature this year to support this tax cut package.”
Tom Feeney, President and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida, said, “Governor Scott’s proposed $618 million tax cut package truly fights for both job creators and families across the state. Over the past few years, we have seen the exciting impact tax cuts have had on helping businesses move to and grow in our state, as well as the importance of helping Floridians keep more of their hard-earned money. In order to continue to help our economy grow, we must remain committed to lowering the cost of doing business, and reducing the business rent tax will surely help us meet that goal. AIF is proud to join Governor Scott in fighting for Florida’s future by supporting the passage of $618 million in tax cuts.”
2017 Florida Realtors® President Maria Wells, broker-owner with Lifestyle Realty Group in Stuart, said, “Reducing the tax businesses pay for commercial leases will make an incredible difference for job creators across the state. For small businesses especially, this tax can prevent companies from being able to invest more, which in turn creates new opportunities for families in their communities. Florida’s Realtors stand ready to work with Gov. Scott to advocate for his $618 million tax cut package during the 2017 legislative session.”
Madeline Pumariega, Chancellor of the Florida College System, said, “The Governor’s proposal to cut $618 million in taxes, especially exempting college textbooks from the sales tax, is great news for Florida families and students. This is incredibly important to ensuring our students have all the resources they need to exceed in college and beyond.”
Tom Kuntz, Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, said, “As Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, I am thrilled that Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ tax cut package includes providing a one-year sales tax exemption on college textbooks. This will help students across the state save millions of dollars and allow them to focus more on getting a great education. I join Governor Scott in fighting for the future of our students and we are proud to support these proposed tax cuts”
Bobby Carbonell, Executive Director of Florida is for Veterans, Inc., said, “A veteran himself, Governor Scott has been committed to making Florida the most military-friendly state in the nation. The proposed sales tax holidays, especially the three-day veteran’s sales tax holiday, is great news for the many military members, and their families, who call Florida their home. Florida is for Veterans Inc. is honored to support Governor Scott’s $618 million tax cut package, and we will continue to work with the Governor and the Legislature to ensure Florida remains the most military-friendly state for years to come.”

Snook reopens in Atlantic state waters

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The recreational harvest season for snook reopens on Feb. 1 in Florida’s Atlantic coastal and inland waters (from the Miami-Dade/Monroe county line north), including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River. The season will remain open through May 31.
In the Atlantic, anglers may keep one snook per day that is not less than 28 or more than 32 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side. A snook permit is required to keep snook, along with a saltwater fishing license, unless the angler is exempt from the license requirements. Only hook-and-line gear is allowed when targeting or harvesting snook.
It is illegal to buy or sell snook.
Snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World. As a result, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages anglers to use moderation when determining whether or not to take a snook home, even during the open season.
Researchers ask anglers who harvest the fish to save their filleted carcasses and provide them to the FWC by dropping them off at a participating bait and tackle store. This program allows anglers to participate in the collection of data, such as the size, age, maturity and sex, of Florida’s premier inshore game fish – snook. For a county-by-county list, go to MyFWC.com/Research and click on “Saltwater,” “Snook” under the heading “Saltwater Fish,” and “Snook Anglers Asked to Help with Research.”
The harvest of snook in all of Florida’s Gulf of Mexico state waters, including Everglades National Park and all of Monroe County, remains closed until March 1. Snook harvested from the open waters of the Atlantic may not be transported through closed waters or landed in the closed area. Anglers may catch and release snook during the closed season, but the FWC encourages anglers to handle and release these fish carefully to help ensure their survival upon release. Proper handling methods can help ensure the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more about fish handling, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”
For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Snook.”

PSC Customer Service Hearing for Panama City

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) invites customers of Gulf Power Company (Gulf) to participate in a customer service hearing in Panama City on the utility’s petition for an electric service base rate increase.  The hearing will allow customers to provide public comment on Gulf’s rate request. Customer input will be taken into consideration when the Commission considers this request.
The service hearing is scheduled for the following time and location:

Friday, January 27, 2017
10:00 a.m. (Central Time)
FSU Panama City Campus
Holley Center
4750 Collegiate Drive
Panama City, FL 32405

In October 2016, Gulf filed a petition with the PSC to increase its electric service rates. Gulf provides service to 450,000 retail customers spanning Northwest Florida.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

Antao Brac Corporation claims $500,000 LUCKY MONEY jackpot

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The Florida Lottery announces that the president of Antao Brac Corporation, Georgina Finalet, 43, of Miami, claimed the $500,000 LUCKY MONEY™ jackpot from the January 10, 2017, drawing at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
Antao Brac Corporation chose to receive the winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $367,945.60. The winning LUCKY MONEY Quick Pick ticket was purchased from Publix, located at 23300 Southwest 112th Avenue in Homestead.
Total ticket sales for this LUCKY MONEY jackpot generated more than $258,000 for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.
The next LUCKY MONEY drawing will be Friday, January 27, 2017, at 11:15 p.m. ET, with a $700,000 jackpot. The LUCKY MONEY drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery website, at retailers statewide and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.

Overnight Ramp Closure for I-4 West Ramp from World Drive

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FDOT Header
Motorists will encounter a full closure of the ramp to westbound Interstate 4 (I-4) from World Drive, beginning at 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 26 until 12 p.m. and on Friday, January 27 from 1 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Construction crews will work on milling and resurfacing the ramp as part of the resurfacing project, for the ramps connecting I-4 with World Drive, in Osceola County.
Motorists traveling north on World Drive toward the I-4 west ramp will continue north on World Drive, take the U.S. 192 East / Kissimmee exit, and head east on U.S. 192 to the I-4 West/ Tampa Exit.
Motorists traveling south on World Drive toward the I-4 west ramp will be directed to u-turn and head north on World Drive, take the U.S 192 East / Kissimmee exit, and head east on U.S. 192 to the I-4 West/ Tampa Exit.
Click here for detour map.
Project updates will be posted to the Florida Department of Transportation’s Central Florida website at www.cflroads.com. Schedule is weather permitting.
For media-related questions, please contact the Public Information Office at 386-943-5473 or [email protected].
To ensure your safety and the safety of others, please exercise extra caution when driving through construction work zones.

Legislators and Business Leaders Voice Support for Common Sense, Pro-Business Bill

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Members of the Floridians for Fair Business Practices coalition
and state legislators encourage the passage of SB 106 and
HB 81 to repeal the Prohibition era Alcohol Separation Law

Senator Anitere Flores (R-Miami) and Representative Bryan Avila (R-Hialeah) today joined members of the Floridians for Fair Business Practices coalition to voice support for and educate the public about a bill that would repeal a Prohibition era Alcohol Separation Law which hinders competition, discourages free-market principles and inconveniences consumers.
“This legislation puts Florida in step with 28 other states that allow distilled spirits to be sold alongside other adult beverages. Repealing this law will bring Florida into a more modern era, enabling our great state to flourish in a fair marketplace,” said Florida Senate President Pro Tempore Anitere Flores. “I am proud to sponsor this legislation and encourage my fellow members to see the benefits of this bill in allowing retailers to compete on a level playing field.”
“I am pleased to sponsor this pro-consumer, common sense bill which advances and encourages competition in the marketplace,” said Representative Bryan Avila. “We must provide our Florida retailers with the necessary tools to be both productive and profitable while catering to consumers’ desire for a convenient shopping experience. This legislation does exactly that.”
Sponsored by Senator Flores and Representative Avila, the legislation will reduce barriers to competition, decrease costs for business owners and ultimately enhance the consumer shopping experience. The following will happen if the repeal is passed:

  • Businesses will have the tools to meet the demands of a changing marketplace, where traditional retailers must compete against a new era in society where online sales surpass brick and mortar stores.
  • Retailers would no longer be burdened by the cost of building, staffing and maintaining two separate locations.
  • Stores with the proper licenses will be able to sell beer, wine, distilled spirits and groceries under the same roof. Businesses who already have a separate liquor store could continue to use the previous business model if they wish.
  • The level playing field works both ways – liquor stores previously prohibited from selling products other than “party supplies” could expand their business by selling groceries and other goods.
  • An improved shopping experience where customers will not need to stop at two separate locations when grocery shopping.

“Retailers around the state are being burdened by archaic regulations that stifle their growth,” said Julio Fuentes, President and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “All this bill does is promote competition and fair business practices while reducing business costs.”
“Simply put, this law makes no sense and leaves Florida retailers with a reduced ability to invest in their workers, their business, and their state,” said Richard Turner, Vice President of Government Relations and General Counsel for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We need a common sense approach, and it would only make sense that Legislators who want to create an environment where businesses can compete, create jobs and grow, support this bill.”
“I commend Senator Flores and Representative Avila for protecting the American dream by championing regulatory reform,” said Skyler Zander, Deputy State Director of Americans for Prosperity-Florida. “Florida entrepreneurs should be free to expand their businesses without the restriction of Prohibition-era red tape.”
“Full repeal of this law would get the government out of the way and let businesses meet the demands of a modern marketplace,” said Gina Kinchlow, Board Member of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce. “The only reason to oppose repealing this unnecessary law is to keep certain players out of the marketplace.”
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.

New report highlights impact of high textbook costs on college affordability, completion

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The UWF Innovation Institute’s Florida Virtual Campus released the results of the “2016 Student Textbook and Course Materials Survey Report.” The survey is the third in a series from 2010 through 2016 that shows the impact high textbook costs have on college affordability, as well as college success and completion.
“The findings of this survey report are extremely significant, as the financial impact of textbook and instructional material costs on student academic success is a mounting concern for higher education,” said Dr. Robin Donaldson, director of member research and services for the Florida Virtual Campus. “We could not have completed the report without the assistance and support of the Florida Board of Governors and the Florida College System, as well as the participation from Florida’s public institutions.”
In 2016 alone, more than 22,000 students from all of Florida’s public colleges and universities voluntarily participated in the anonymous online survey. The steady increase in student participation from more than 14,000 participants in 2010 and 22,000 in 2012, to more than 22,000 in 2016, suggest the effect that the high cost of textbooks is having on academic careers and that financial burden continues to be a topic of concern for Florida students.
An overview of general findings show that:
  • The high cost of textbooks is negatively impacting student access, success and completion;
  • Required textbooks are purchased, but not always used in course instruction;
  • Students in undergraduate degree programs spend more on textbooks than students in graduate degree programs; and
  • Financial aid covers less textbooks now than in 2012.
For additional information a full copy of the report, textbook affordability infographic and executive summary can be found online at the Distance Learning and Student Services Staff Resources website.
About the UWF Innovation Institute: We are re-imaging how millions of people experience learning by exploring, designing, prototyping and delivering innovation for education. We collaborate with and serve the University of West Florida, partner organizations, and institutions across the state of Florida to improve learning for the entire Florida education system. We are a trusted partner that provides research-driven, customer-centric, systems-thinking approaches to sustainable innovation.
About the Florida Virtual Campus: The Florida Virtual Campus, a Complete Florida Plus program, is made up of several divisions focused on statewide innovative educational services for Florida’s K-20 students. Working collaboratively with Florida’s 12 public universities, 28 public colleges, K-12 school districts, and other partners, FLVC provides free services to help students go to college, succeed in school, and in life after graduation.

 

Construction Career Days Draws Thousands of High School Students

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FL Construction Career Days 1.25.2017
Nearly 3,000 Central Florida junior and senior high school students are building their careers at the 17thannual Central Florida Construction Career Days. The event, hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its industry partners, helps teenagers explore and build a strong foundation for a successful future in transportation construction.
“Construction Career Days is a wonderful way to introduce the builders of tomorrow to our industry today,” said Dee Zinck, FDOT’s District Construction Administrative Manager and co-chair of the event.
Junior and senior high school students from more than 50 Central Florida high schools are attending Construction Career Days to learn about many opportunities available and experience some skilled trades firsthand. Engineers and skilled trade workers from local firms, technical schools and FDOT will hold 38 interactive learning labs. Students will even get a chance to try their hand at operating heavy equipment and simulators.
Construction opportunities represented through the program are not minimum wage jobs. “Those in the field earn an average of $18 an hour,” said Geoff Scales, Senior Project Manager with Cardno, an environmental engineering firm, and co-chair of the event. “These are careers that you can grow with. If you have the drive and the ambition, a career in construction can take you far.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics project the number of jobs in the construction field will grow by nearly 21 percent over the next few years, but the current labor pool is shrinking with the average skilled worker retiring at close to 50 years old. That’s why Construction Career Days encourages Central Florida teens to explore the transportation construction industries.
Construction Career Days takes place at the Central Florida Fairgrounds Jan. 26-27 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Students from nine Central Florida counties will attend. For more information, visit www.ccdfl.com.