After 2015’s record-busting 98 shark attacks, calmer waters prevailed in 2016. The University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File reported 81 unprovoked attacks worldwide, in line with the five-year average of about 82 incidents annually.
Four of the attacks were fatal, a drop from six total fatalities the previous year. While the U.S. had no fatal attacks in 2016, it topped the leaderboard for the most attacks globally, with 53.
Global attacks remain on a slow upward trend as the human population grows and aquatic sports become more popular, said George Burgess, curator of the file, housed at the Florida Museum of Natural History on the UF campus
“A shark attack is a human phenomenon,” said Burgess, who explained that 2015’s spike in attacks was influenced by warmer waters produced by El Niño. “Sharks are a natural part of the ecosystem. The ocean is a foreign environment to humans, and when we enter the sea, we’re entering a wilderness.”
South Africa had fewer incidents than normal, with only a single, non-fatal attack. Australia, another shark attack hotspot, had 15, including two fatalities. In the South Pacific, the French territory of New Caledonia has emerged as “an area of concern” with four attacks in 2016, including two fatalities, Burgess said.
In the U.S., Florida had the greatest number of attacks—32—accounting for about 60 percent of attacks in North America and about 40 percent of the global total. With 15 incidents, Volusia County accounted for nearly half of Florida’s total attacks. Hawaii had 10 attacks, followed by California with four, North Carolina with three, South Carolina with two and single attacks in Texas and Oregon.
The database, which tracks shark attacks globally, defines unprovoked shark attacks as those initiated by a shark in its natural habitat. Burgess said that many of these incidents might be more accurately called “human-shark interactions,” as not all attacks cause injury, and they can include a rough bump from a shark or a bite on a surfboard.
Fifty-eight percent of the attacks worldwide involved board sports. Surfing, boogie boarding and paddle boarding produce kicking and splashing—the kind of water disturbance that can draw a shark, Burgess said.
“Sharks are attracted to irregular activity, especially with the inevitable wipeout and the big splash that follows,” he said. “If you have a shark trailing, that’s often when it will strike.”
Although shark attacks have gradually increased, the number of fatal attacks has consistently fallen over the past century, said Lindsay French, database manager for the Florida Program for Shark Research and the attack file. She and Burgess attribute this decline to improved safety practices on beaches, better medical treatment and growing public awareness of how to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
While the chances of being injured or killed by a shark are “infinitesimal,” Burgess said, the ISAF offers recommendations for how to lower the risk of a shark attack or fend off an attacking shark.
He and French noted that while the human population is skyrocketing, many shark species are on the decline. Threatened by overfishing and loss of habitat, sharks’ complex life history makes it difficult for them to rebound quickly, Burgess said. As major predators, their numbers are inherently low compared with other smaller marine species, and their slow sexual maturation process, year-long pregnancies and long lifespans compound the obstacles to rebuilding populations.
“Once shark populations are down, recovery takes a long, long time,” he said. “They hold a special place in their ecosystem, and a loss at one node in the web of marine life is going to have an effect on the overall system.”
Sources: George Burgess, [email protected], 352-392-2360
Lindsay French, [email protected]
Writer: Natalie van Hoose, [email protected]
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Orlando man turns $5 into $500,000 playing MONOPOLY FLORIDA EDITION Scratch-Off game
The Florida Lottery announces that Ernst Laborde, 28, of Orlando, claimed a top prize in the $500,000 MONOPOLY™ FLORIDA EDITION Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He purchased his winning ticket from Racetrac, located at 3508 South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando.
The $5 Scratch-Off game, $500,000 MONOPOLY FLORIDA EDITION, launched in July 2016, and features more than $84 million in prizes, including 12 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.
FDOT Alternatives Public Meeting for SR 60 from CR 630 to east of Kissimmee River Bridge in Polk and Osceola Counties
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding an alternatives public meeting for the SR 60 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study from CR 630 to east of the Kissimmee River Bridge in Polk and Osceola Counties.
FDOT is studying the proposed widening of SR 60 from two to four lanes to accommodate increased traffic demand, especially truck traffic, generated by projected economic growth in Polk County. Additional right-of-way, or property that FDOT already owns, is needed to accommodate widening SR 60 and for stormwater management ponds. Existing access to properties along SR 60 will change due to the addition of a median, a result of widening the road.
The public meeting will be:
Date: Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. open house
Location: Westgate River Ranch, Main Hall
3200 River Ranch Boulevard
River Ranch, FL 33867
The meeting will be an open house format with a continuous video presentation. Project staff will display plans and answer questions about proposed widening alternatives for SR 60. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.
Senate Criminal Justice Committee Passes Legislation to Reduce Criminalization of Adolescents
The Florida Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, chaired by Senator Randolph Bracy (D-Ocoee) today passed Senate Bill 196, Juvenile Civil Citation and Similar Diversion Programs, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Anitere Flores (R-Miami, Monroe) and Senator Bracy.
“All too often, youth today are being arrested and charged for criminal acts that were once considered childhood mistakes and lack of judgement and maturity,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart), who has made juvenile justice reform a top priority of his two-year term. “Instead of helping our youth to learn positively from their mistakes like we once did, they may be put in the juvenile justice system, which then creates a criminal record that could potentially follow them for their rest of their lives.”
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.
“There is a delicate balance here. We should not and will not tolerate serious wrongdoing and violent crimes committed by young people. At the same time, we need workable solutions that move away from the over-criminalization of adolescents. I am grateful to Pro Tempore Flores, Senator Bracy and many other Senators who have taken a leadership role in addressing this important issue.”
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.
North Florida leaders come together to protect water resources
Led by former congressman Steve Southerland, Stand Up for North Florida
is making the case for equitable spending of state conservation dollars.
State and local leaders gathered at the state capitol today to announce the formation of Stand Up for North Florida, a coalition focused on the water and conservation needs of North and North Central Florida. Former congressman Steve Southerland, the Coalition’s chair, was joined by State Representatives Brad Drake (R-5), Jay Fant (R-15), Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Schellenberg, and members of the volunteer steering committee of Stand Up for North Florida to discuss the needs of North Florida and voice concern over Senate President Joe Negron’s plan to buy more than 60,000 acres of farmland in south Florida to build a another reservoir for water filtration. State Reps. Liz Porter (R- 10) and Stan McClain (R-23) could not be in attendance but are supportive of the effort.
“Water is one of our most precious resources, and it is vital that North and Central Florida are treated equitably when it comes to state dollars spent to protect our water,” said Southerland. “Certainly there are very real issues regarding Lake Okeechobee that need to be addressed, but we plan to work hard to make sure that taxpayer money is not spent on a plan that is scientifically questionable and that unfairly benefits South Florida over the rest of the state.”
Despite the fact that North and Central Florida are home to seventy percent of the state’s river watersheds and the vast majority of the state’s springs, which provide nearly all of the recharge to the Floridan Aquifer, 75 percent of all specific water conservation budget funds went to South Florida last year. Counties across North Florida are considering resolutions calling on the Florida Legislature to equitably provide funding for Florida water projects and not send a majority of funding to one region. The resolution has already been adopted by eight cities and counties.
“Any spending decision we make must be wise and with the taxpayers’ interests fully in mind,” said Rep. Jay Fant. “Florida is facing a tight budget over the next two to three years, and it is important that we not unfairly penalize one part of the state over another.”
“Rep. Brad Drake added: “Those of us from the Panhandle and all across North Florida are united in our belief that making sure water resources in our part of the state is not just good for us, but for the entire state. We look forward to working together to make sure Amendment 1 resources are spent in a way that protects all of us, not just South Florida.”
In 2014, Florida voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 1 to fund conservation projects. However, last year South Florida received 94 percent of the Amendment 1 dollars appropriated to specific water projects. The newly proposed land buy and reservoir are estimated to cost $2.4 billion. However, questions have been raised regarding whether that figure would be the true cost of the project as well as how effective the plan would be in actually addressing the issues surrounding Lake Okeechobee.
“As I’ve talked with legislators and local leaders from across North Florida, I have not found anyone eager to spend billions of dollars on a project we are not sure will work and that favors one region over another,” said Southerland. “It’s just common sense, and I believe we can count on our state leaders to come together to make sure our water resources are properly stewarded. We’re here to make sure that North Florida is part of both the conversation and the solution.”
Other volunteer steering committee members of the coalition include the following:
- Mr. David Biddle, Gilchrist County, small businessman, volunteer springs advocate, and GOP State Committeeman
- The Honorable Christine Dobkowski, Marion County, Mayor of Belleview, FL
- The Honorable Wayne Harris, Okaloosa County, former Okalooosa County Commissioner
- Mr. Rick Joyce, Lake County, CEO of Central Florida Mediators, former Co-CEO of Dixon-Ticonderoga, and former board member of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission
- Mr. Maurice Langston, Wakulla County, former undersheriff and Vice Chair of the Florida Council for Safe Communities
- The Honorable Matt Schellenberg, Duval County, Jacksonville City Council
- Mr. Jake Godbold, former Jacksonville Mayor and City Council
- The Honorable Jeb Smith, St. Johns County, St. Johns County Commission
- Mr. Mike Williams, Madison County, local businessman, former President of the Madison County Cattleman’s Association, and GOP State Committeeman
First Lady Ann Scott kicks off Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! with Broward County elementary, middle and high school students
First Lady Ann Scott kicks off Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! at Ft. Lauderdale High School
First Lady Ann Scott kicked off 2017 Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! today at Fort Lauderdale High School with Florida’s 2017 Teacher of the Year, Department of Education and Florida Lottery officials, author and prize-winning Novelist Brad Meltzer and students from neighboring schools. The ninth annual event focuses on the theme, “Literacy Changes Our World.”
First Lady Ann Scott said, “CELEBRATE LITERACY WEEK, FLORIDA! is one of my favorite events because it brings together Florida students of many ages to recognize the invaluable role that literacy plays in every aspect of our lives. I was impressed by Broward County’s talented students and their participation in today’s activities while we kicked off Celebrate Literary Week, Florida! I’m very excited to share my passion for reading as I travel to schools throughout the state.”
Following the kick-off event, First Lady Ann Scott will visit seven schools on her literacy tour:
- Eagle Point Elementary School
- Grandview Preparatory School
- Pine Grove Elementary School
- Forest Park Elementary School
- Heritage Elementary School
- Lake Alfred Elementary School
- Karen M. Siegel Academy
Ft. Lauderdale High School Students Perform at Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! kickoff
Since Governor Rick Scott took office in 2011, First Lady Scott has prioritized reading and literacy, and she has visited all of Florida’s 67 counties sharing her passion for reading with Floridians. During the school year, First Lady Scott visits schools throughout the state, where she reads to Florida’s students and thanks their hardworking educators for helping to prepare them for lifelong success. Over the summer months, she partners with the Departments of Education and Environmental Protection to encourage students to remain focused on reading all year.
“Literacy is a fundamental skill that students must continually develop to accomplish their academic and career goals,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “We are fortunate that First Lady Ann Scott uses her platform to motivate Florida’s students to love reading as much as she does, and I hope that all of our state’s parents and educators will echo this powerful message.”
Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! is a week-long celebration each January designed to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and to inspire Florida’s students and families to make reading a part of their daily routines. The week’s events are made possible by participating sponsors: Florida Lottery; LEGOLAND Florida Resort; and the Florida Education Foundation.
For more information about Celebrate Literacy Week, visit Just Read, Florida!
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
Gov. Scott Announces Resignation of FDOT Secretary Jim Boxold; Rachel Cone as Interim Secretary
Governor Rick Scott announced today Secretary Jim Boxold’s resignation from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which will be effective on February 3, 2017. He has served in this role since 2015. Rachel Cone, who currently serves as Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration, will serve as Interim Secretary beginning on February 4th.
Governor Scott said, “Jim Boxold has done a great job leading FDOT and I want to thank him for his hard work as we have continued to make critical investments in Florida’s transportation infrastructure. Under his leadership, Florida has been a leader in transportation and made great improvements in our seaports, bridges and airports. His dedication to our state has helped ensure we have a world-class transportation system that supports continued economic growth and job creation. I am truly proud of all the good work Jim has done and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Rachel Cone has served in her current position as Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration since 2015. Prior to this role at FDOT, Rachel served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Scott from 2012 to 2014. She also was the Communications Director at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection from 2011 to 2012. Rachel received her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University.
Governor Scott continued, “Rachel has been part of my team since 2011 and has done an incredible job working hard for Florida families. I am confident she will continue to do great work and build upon the successes of FDOT by ensuring we have the best transportation infrastructure for our residents, businesses and visitors.”
FDOT hosts meeting to discuss turn lanes at I-75 interchange
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will have a public meeting to talk about adding turn lanes along State Road 200 (SW College Road) in the Interstate 75 (I-75) interchange area, from SW 38th Court to SW 36th Avenue in Marion County, 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Hilton Ocala, located at 3600 SW 36th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34474
These improvements will take place within existing right-of-way, so no additional right-of-way is needed. Construction is funded for this project for Fiscal Year 2018.
The meeting will be an open house format. Project information will be available for review and a project presentation will run on a continuous loop. FDOT representatives will be available to discuss the project, answer questions, and receive comments.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Laura Turner, AICP, Project Public Involvement Coordinator, by phone at 407-620-5095 or by email at [email protected] at least seven days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact FDOT by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).
Media questions should be directed to the public information office, Jennifer Horton, 386-943-5497, [email protected].
FMEA assists with resources necessary to restore power to public power customers
FMEA Assists with Resources Necessary to Restore Power to
Public Power Customers Affected by Severe Storms in Florida
As severe thunderstorms brought high winds, hail and significant rainfall to parts of Florida Saturday and Sunday, the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) assembled mutual aid crews from across the state to assist with power restoration in impacted areas.
Hardest hit was the City of Tallahassee, which experienced a peak outage of 30,000 municipal electric utility customers. Crews and service trucks from public power partners Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA), Ocala Electric Utility, Beaches Energy Services (Jacksonville Beach) and JEA were immediately sent to Tallahassee to assist with power restoration efforts. As of 1 p.m. today, approximately 6,300 City of Tallahassee electric utility consumers remain without power and power restoration efforts continue.
Other Florida municipal electric utilities affected by the weekend’s severe weather include:
- Ocala Electric Utility
- Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU)
- City of Leesburg
- City of New Smyrna Beach
- Town of Havana
- Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC)
- JEA
- Lakeland Electric
- City of Starke
- Keys Energy Services
- City of Blountstown
- City of Lake Worth
Overall, approximately 50,600 municipal electric utility customers experienced a power outage at some point over the weekend. All have been restored with the exception of the remaining 6,300 City of Tallahassee electric utility customers (as of 1 p.m. on Monday, January 23).
As crews continue to quickly and safely restore power, it is important for residents to remember that there is still danger even after a storm has moved out of the area. Downed power lines and trees pose the most significant threats. The FMEA reminds residents of these important safety precautions:
- Never, ever touch a downed power line or go near one. Always assume the power line is live.
- Do not touch anything or anyone in contact with a fallen power line or other equipment.
- If a power line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle and call for help.
- Do not pull tree limbs off power lines. Leave those for utility crews to safely handle.
- Avoid areas with debris and downed trees. There could be live power lines hidden inside.
- Also avoid chain link fences and puddles that could have become electrified by downed power lines.
During emergency situations, members of FMEA partner through a Mutual Aid Agreement that enables member utilities to call on each other for emergency workers and supplies. Florida’s public power utilities benefit from this strong network of partners within Florida and across the country through the American Public Power Association. These dependable connections have created a reliable system where member utilities both request and offer assistance.
The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) represents the unified interests of 34 public power communities across the state, which provide electricity to more than 3 million of Florida’s residential and business consumers.
Mast Joins Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today released the following statement after joining the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus:
“Our community has felt the social and economic consequences of environmental disaster firsthand. The water issues stemming from Lake Okeechobee exemplify why it’s absolutely critical that we work together to strengthen conservation programs, promote public health, defend our environment, keep our air clean and protect our waterways. I’m dedicated to supporting bipartisan initiatives and ensuring a continued dialogue in Congress on ways to protect our air, water and other natural resources. Together, we can find a path forward to protect our planet for future generations.”
The mission of the Climate Solutions Caucus, which is composed of an equal number of Republicans and Democrats, is to educate Members on economically-viable options to reduce climate risk and to explore bipartisan policy options that address the impacts, causes and challenges of our changing climate. The caucus has 20 members and is co-chaired by Congressmen Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) and Ted Deutch (FL-22).
Rep. Mast received a minor in Environmental Studies from the Harvard Extension School.
