Senator Tom Lee (R–Thonotosassa) announced today he intends to repeal Florida Statute 288.11625, known as the Sports Development Program, which use sales tax dollars to pay for the construction, renovation or improvement of sports facilities.
“The Sports Development Program was ill-conceived and based on the false premise that these capital improvements are a boon for economic development,” Senator Lee said. “Professional teams are vying for taxpayer funds to pay for largely superficial facility upgrades, many of which are already in progress or completed. History has shown that team owners will make these investments without hardworking families having to foot the bill.”
Under the Sports Development Program, sporting projects and complexes seeking Florida tax revenue must submit proposals to be evaluated by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Then the disbursement of funds must pass approval by the Florida Legislative Budget Commission. The state can award up to $13 million annually for all certified applicants. The maximum annual distribution for a single sports franchise facility is $3 million, and distributions can be made for up to 30 years.
Featured
Senator Bradley to Attend Legislative Delegation Hearings
State Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) will be attending legislative delegation hearings this week in six of the eleven counties in Senate District 5. The hearings are held annually to afford local citizens and elected officials an opportunity to make legislative and budget requests to their elected state representatives. “These meetings are critical to our understanding of the needs of the communities we represent,” said Senator Bradley. “It helps us as we prepare to go to Tallahassee to advocate for the people and communities we represent.”
The delegation hearings being held this week include:
Wednesday, January 4th
Suwannee County – 9:00am-10:30am – Live Oak City Hall, Commission Room, Live Oak
Columbia County – 1:30pm-3:00pm – Trustees Bd Room, FL Gateway College, Lake City
Baker County – 4:00pm-5:00pm – Macclenny City Hall, Council Chamber, Macclenny
Thursday, January 5th
Lafayette County– 10:00am-Noon – County Commission Chamber, Courthouse, Mayo
Gilchrist County – 1:30pm-3:00pm – County Commission Room, Trenton
Dixie County – 4:00pm-5:30pm – County Commission Chamber, Courthouse, Cross City
All meetings are open to the public. For additional information, please contact the Senator’s office at (904)278-2085 or email [email protected].
Delray Beach Golf Club Featured as Florida Historic Golf Trail Course of the Month
Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that the Delray Beach Golf Club, located in the City of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County, has been chosen as the featured course on the Florida Historic Golf Trail for the month of January.
“We are pleased to feature the Delray Beach Golf Club as a partner on the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Secretary Detzner. “For over 90 years, this course has been providing a challenging round of golf for both professional and amateur golfers.”
Image Courtesy of Delray Beach Golf Club
In 1923, the City purchased land for a municipal golf course and two years later, legendary golf course architect Donald Ross designed an 18-hole golf course for the property. In 1926, the golf course officially opened but only nine holes were built. The 9-hole course continued in operation until it was closed during World War II. After reopening in 1945, city leaders voted to add a second nine holes that opened in 1950. Red Lawrence and Robert Bruce Harris made course additions and redesigns during the 1960s.
Today, the 18-hole, par-72 golf course at the Delray Beach Golf Club features four sets of tees playing from 5,100 to 6,800 yards. The course is open and well-bunkered with elevated greens. Water comes into play on seven holes.
“Delray Beach Golf Club is thrilled to be chosen as January’s featured course for the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Director of Golf Tommi Ylijoki. “Since our founding in 1923 by Donald Ross, we have proudly provided fun and affordable golf, and an experience that will last a lifetime. We look forward to continuing our rich tradition and serving the south Florida community in the years to come.”
For more information about the Delray Beach Golf Club or the Florida Historic Golf Trail program visit Delray Beach Golf Club , Florida Historic Golf Trail or Facebook.com/FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.
About The Florida Historic Golf Trail
Florida’s golf history, recognized as one of the oldest in the nation, dates back to the late 1800s when a number of early courses were created along with the development of railroads and hotels in the state. The Florida Historic Golf Trail is a collection of more than 50 historic, publicly accessible golf courses throughout the state that can still be played on today. Through the Florida Historic Golf Trail, golfers can play on courses designed by world-class architects and played by famous golfers such as Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Babe Zaharias, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Information about the history and current day contact information for each partner course can be found at FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.com. Find the historic course near you and Come Play on History!
About The Division of Historical Resources
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, archaeological, and folk culture resources. The Division Director’s office oversees a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites; coordinates outreach programs such as the State Historic Markers program and the Florida Folklife program which identifies and promotes the state’s traditional culture. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The Division Director serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of two Bureaus, archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information visit flheritage.com.
PSC Commissioner Brisé Named to FCC’s IAC Committee
Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Ronald A. Brisé has been reappointed to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) for 2017-2019. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler appointed Commissioner Brisé, who will serve another term as the public utility commission member on the Committee. He was nominated for the position by National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) President Robert Powelson.
“I’m honored to have been nominated by President Powelson and appointed by Chairman Wheeler,” Commissioner Brisé said, “and I look forward to continuing our Committee’s work with the FCC on facilitating programs that best serve the public interest in today’s communications sector.”
The 2017-2019 IAC will focus on the role of state, local and Tribal governments in facilitating broadband deployment and adoption, initiatives related to wireless infrastructure deployment, Universal Service programs, consumer complaints processes, and public safety issues.
Commissioner Brisé was first nominated to the FCC’s IAC in May 2011 and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Advisory Committee. He is a member of NARUC and has served as NARUC’s representative to the Federal State Joint Board on Universal Service and the Board of Directors of the Universal Service Administrative Company. He also serves as Chair of an internal NARUC Presidential Task Force on federal communications policy.
For more information, click here.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Florida Lotto™ Gas for Life on Sale Today
~ Win Free Gas, Cash Prizes and VIP Access to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola at Daytona® ~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The FLORIDA LOTTO™ Gas for Life Promotion begins today, giving FLORIDA LOTTO™ players the chance to win cash prizes or Gas for a Month, Gas for a Year or the grand prize of Gas for Life.
For a limited time, beginning May 23 through July 11, 2012, all players who purchase at least $5 in FLORIDA LOTTO or FLORIDA LOTTO with XTRA® tickets will have a chance to win additional prizes. Some lucky players will instantly win $50; all others will receive a voucher they can enter in the Gas for Life Promotion on the Florida Lottery’s website.
Throughout the course of the promotion, the Florida Lottery will conduct seven weekly drawings with 50 players winning Gas for a Month ($300) and five players winning Gas for a Year ($3,600) during each drawing. All entries will be eligible for the grand prize drawing, Gas for Life, in which the winner will receive $3,600 a year in gas cards for life or a cash option of $72,000, less applicable taxes.
[Read more…] about Florida Lotto™ Gas for Life on Sale Today
Florida Legislature Unanimously Passes Adverse Possession Reform Bill
Tallahassee, Fla. – This morning, by a unanimous vote, the Florida House of Representatives passed SB 1142/HB 927 Adverse Possession sponsored by Rep. Ken Roberson (R-Port Charlotte). This bill, which substantially reforms the law relating to adverse possession, was filed as a result of the ongoing abuse of the current adverse possession statute to the detriment of landowners throughout Florida. [Read more…] about Florida Legislature Unanimously Passes Adverse Possession Reform Bill
Have You Heard? PCB BCAS 11-01 Has Been Noticed
Today, the Business & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee of the Florida House noticed a proposed committee bill (PCB) proposing to repeal licensing and examination requirements and penalties for specified professions, occupations, and businesses currently regulated by the state. PCB BCAS 11-01 applies to the following professions and businesses:
[Read more…] about Have You Heard? PCB BCAS 11-01 Has Been Noticed
Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda Requests Governor Crist Consider Additional Paid Leave for State Workers this Holiday Season
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Recognizing it has been another year without raises for state employees’ salaries, Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda (D-Tallahassee) has requested Governor Charlie Crist to consider issuing an executive order allowing state employees to take one week of paid leave during this holiday season. [Read more…] about Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda Requests Governor Crist Consider Additional Paid Leave for State Workers this Holiday Season
Attorney General Files Injunction, Freezes Assets in Alleged Ponzi Scheme
~ First lawsuit filed under new Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act ~
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General today announced his office has obtained
an injunction against and frozen the assets of a company and two
individuals who have allegedly been developing a $23 million investment
Ponzi scheme. According to the Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed yesterday
in Pasco County Circuit Court, Botfly LLC and principals David R.
Lewalski, and Jon J. Hammill targeted victims with promises of high
investment returns, but in reality spent millions on expensive personal
items. [Read more…] about Attorney General Files Injunction, Freezes Assets in Alleged Ponzi Scheme
