Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen joined Florida’s local, state, federal and private partners to commemorate National AMBER Alert Awareness Day held annually on January 13.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “The more these alerts are shared among concerned citizens, the better chance a child has of being recovered quickly and safely. Please sign up to be notified when there is an AMBER or Missing Child Alert in Florida.”
More than 20,000 citizens have signed up at www.missingchildrenalert.com to receive Florida AMBER Alerts via e-mail. You can also follow FDLE on Facebook and Twitter, allowing you to quickly share alerts with others on social media.
Last year, FDLE’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse issued 12 AMBER Alerts and 36 Missing Child Alerts. Six children were located as a direct result of the AMBER Alert and five children were located as a direct result of a Missing Child Alert.
Citizen awareness is vital to the success of the AMBER Alert plan. On January 28, 2016, two children, ages 4 and 5, were abducted by their mother in St. Petersburg. Law enforcement determined that they were in danger and an AMBER Alert was activated. Citizens at a motel in Madison County received the wireless emergency AMBER alert on their phones and recognized the vehicle in the parking lot. Because of an alerted public, the children were safely rescued.
FDLE, in conjunction with the Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Association of Broadcasters, Inc., established the Florida AMBER Plan in 2000. Florida was the second state in the nation to take the partnership for AMBER Alerts statewide. Since that time, the AMBER Plan has expanded to include billboards, dynamic highway message signs, wireless emergency alerts, social media, and lottery machines. Since the program’s inception, FDLE has issued 208 AMBER Alerts and 68 children have been located as a direct result of the AMBER Plan. Each year, approximately 35,000 children are reported missing in Florida, with the majority of those being reported as runaways.
AMBER stands for “America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response,” and on January 13 each year, the U.S. Department of Justice remembers the abduction and brutal murder of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman that occurred 21 years ago in Texas.
To view safety tips on how to keep your children safe, visit http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/MCICSearch/SafetyTips.asp To learn more about Florida’s AMBER Plan or to sign up to receive alerts, visits www.missingchildrenalert.com.
Featured
Statement by CARE FL Steering Committee Chairman Brent Hanlon
Statement by CARE FL Steering Committee Chairman Brent Hanlon RE: Congressman
Brian Mast’s Appointment to the U.S. House Transportation Committee
“Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida (CARE) today congratulates U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) for being appointed to the House Transportation Committee.
“The committee will be tackling many important issues that will impact people across the nation, but most importantly members of the committee are also charged with developing legislation to address strong oversight of federal infrastructure programs.
“Cong. Mast has publicly indicated that he is concerned about the rail expansion program and he now serves on a committee that will be scrutinizing public subsidies to private rail projects like All Aboard Florida’s efforts in the state.
“For almost three years, our organization has served as a strong, consistent voice against rail expansion for likeminded citizens in the Treasure Coast and North Palm Beach County regions who oppose the proposed AAF project.
“Its negative impact is vast—from public safety, to the environment, to maritime traffic and commerce, to decreased property values and more. This project threatens to destroy our quality of life.
“We look forward to working with Cong. Mast on these issues.”
FDOT District Seven Non-Interstate Construction Lane Closures for Jan. 15 – 21, 2017
Hillsborough County
Sun City Center Boulevard (SR 674) at Cypress Village Boulevard
Intersection improvements – lane closures Tuesday – Friday from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm.
US 41 between Symmes Road and Lewis Avenue
Lighting maintenance – lane closures Tuesday – Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between Parsons Avenue and Lakeview Avenue
Widening – nightly lane closures Tuesday – Thursday from 8:00 pm 6:30 am.
Adamo Drive (SR 60) at 19th Street
Traffic signal improvements – nightly lane closures Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Guy N. Verger Boulevard at Maritime Boulevard
Intelligent Transportation Systems maintenance – lane closures Tuesday – Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
40th Street (US 41) between 15th Avenue East and Conover Street
Repaving and restriping – lane closures Sunday – Saturday 24 hours per day.
Courtney Campbell Causeway (SR 60) at Bay Harbour Drive
Repaving – lane closures Tuesday – Thursday from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Henderson Boulevard (SR 685) between Dale Mabry Highway and Kennedy Boulevard
Repaving – lane closures Tuesday – Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Nightly lane closures Tuesday – Friday from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am.
Florida Avenue (US 41/SR 685) between Sligh Avenue and River Shore Drive
Repaving – lane closures Wednesday – Friday from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Nightly lane closures Wednesday – Friday from 7:00 pm to 7:30 am.
Pinellas County
Gulf to Bay Boulevard (SR 60) between Highlands Avenue and US 19
Repaving – intermittent nightly lane closures Tuesday – Friday from 9:00 pm to 5:30 am.
Gandy Boulevard between I-275 and 4th Street North
Widening – intermittent nightly lane closures Tuesday – Thursday from 10:30 pm to 6:00 am.
Ulmerton Road (SR 688) between 49th Street North and 38th Street North
Widening – nightly lane closures Sunday – Saturday from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Curlew Road (SR 586) at Gull Aire Boulevard
Traffic signal maintenance – lane closures Tuesday – Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Nightly lane closures Tuesday – Thursday from 6:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Corey Causeway Bridge (South Pasadena Avenue) over Intercostal Waterway
Maintenance – lane closures Sunday – Saturday 24 hours per day.
Pasco County
US 301 (SR 39) between Geiger Road and Kossik Road
Repaving – nightly lane closures Sunday – Thursday from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Citrus County
US 19 (Suncoast Boulevard) between Green Acres Street and Jump Court
Widening – lane closures Sunday – Thursday from 8:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Halls River Road (CR 490A) at Bridge
Bridge Replacement – intermittent lane closures Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Office Issues 2016 Workers’ Compensation Annual Report
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has released the 2016 Workers’ Compensation Annual Report to the Florida Legislature. The Office is required by law to annually evaluate competition in the workers’ compensation market and to investigate and use data in its review of associated rate filings.
For more information on this subject, please visit the Office’s Workers’ Compensation webpage.
About the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has primary responsibility for regulation, compliance and enforcement of statutes related to the business of insurance and the monitoring of industry markets. For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com or follow us on Twitter @FLOIR_comm and Facebook.
FDOT’s I-4 Ultimate P3 Improvement Project Earns Envision® Platinum Sustainable Infrastructure Rating
The I-4 Ultimate Improvement Project in central Florida earned the prestigious Envision Platinum recognition from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) for its sustainability efforts of environmental, social and economic impact on the community and the 21-mile I-4 reconstruction project. This is the first project in Florida to receive recognition from ISI’s Envision sustainable infrastructure rating system.
“We are so excited to receive the Envision Platinum recognition for the efforts of the entire I-4 Ultimate Improvement team to protect the environment from water to wildlife to air quality, while creating a signature corridor for the entire region,” said I-4 Ultimate Construction Program Manager for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Loreen Bobo, P.E. “The Envision award shows that sustainability goals are achievable alongside other primary missions of our agency to enhance the economic prosperity and preserve the quality of our environment and communities.”
The I-4 Mobility Partners (I-4MP), the public-private partnership (P3) rebuilding Interstate 4 through Central Florida, earned the Envision Platinum award for its ongoing programs to minimize environmental impacts, including relocating protected wildlife, using efficient machinery, controlling stormwater runoff, planting non-invasive vegetation, and recycling 99 percent of the concrete and steel removed from roads and bridges. The project also facilitates the use of alternative transportation by integrating rail projects and improving pedestrian crossings and connections with bike trails.
The I-4 Ultimate Project involves the reconstruction of 21 miles of roadway infrastructure from west of Kirkman Road in Orange County through Downtown Orlando, extending to the east of State Road 434 in Seminole County. The project is expected to transform the region by better connecting communities, improving the local economy and enhancing livability for residents. One of the most important benefits will be the improvement of traffic flow by easing congestion with the addition of four new variable toll express lanes and the reconstruction of 15 major interchanges, which includes widening 13 bridges, replacing 74 bridges and adding 53 new bridges, along with a pedestrian overpass on Kirkman Road and a signature pedestrian bridge at Maitland interchange. When complete, the project will provide a visually appealing signature corridor with bold landscaping, accent lighting, enhanced bridge architecture and other aesthetic features.
Several industry leaders formed the I-4MP team to design, build, finance and operate the project through a 40-year P3 concession agreement with a total design and construction cost of $2.32 billion dollars.
The members of the I-4MP team include:
- Skanska Infrastructure Development (Equity Member)
- John Laing Investments Limited (Equity Member)
- SGL Constructors (SGL) – Construction Joint Venture – Skanska (Lead Joint Venture Partner) Granite Construction Company and the Lane Construction Corporation
- Design Joint Venture – HDR and Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.
- Infrastructure Corporation of America (Lead Operations and Maintenance Firm)
“Since day one, our entire team has been committed to achieving the highest standards for sustainable infrastructure under Envision,” said Sal Taddeo, Chief Operating Officer East, Skanska USA Civil. “Our goal is to deliver one of the country’s most complex roadway projects, while reaching a top level of sustainable infrastructure performance that can serve as a role model for other projects of its kind.”
With this recognition, I-4 Ultimate stands to be one of the largest Envision-verified projects. “I-4 Ultimate’s successful implementation of the Envision system proves that building sustainable roadway projects can create significant benefits for the environment and our communities, while serving as a step forward for future infrastructure projects in the nation and beyond,” CEO of I4MP, Wim De Smet added.
Created in 2012 through collaboration between ISI and the Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, the Envision system rates the impact of sustainable infrastructure projects as a whole. The system measures sustainability in five categories: Quality of Life, Leadership, Natural World, Resource Allocation, and Climate and Risk. These key areas contribute to the positive social, economic and environmental impacts on a community.
“Designing sustainable infrastructure is not achieved by accident. It cannot be an afterthought, especially on a project as complex and far-reaching as I-4 Ultimate,” said Charles O’Reilly, HDR transportation group president. “Florida DOT’s commitment to sustainably connected communities, improved economies and enhanced livability has been there since the beginning. This Envision Platinum rating is the result. We are proud to be a part of the team that made it possible and to add a sixth Envision-verified project to our portfolio.”
The I-4 Ultimate Project received high scores in the Quality of Life, Leadership, and Natural World categories. Key accomplishments include:
Quality of Life (QL)
The I-4 Ultimate is designed to add public gathering spaces in a way that significantly enhances community livability. The goal of I-4 Ultimate is to create a signature corridor that connects communities divided by the original I-4 project, improves economies and enhances livability throughout the region, and is designed to reflect the best of Central Florida’s local context, history, unique community character, and landscaping.
Although primarily a highway project, the I-4 Ultimate encourages alternative modes of transportation. The project is designed to enhance public transportation facilities and to implement programs to encourage the use of public transportation, as well as non-motorized transportation. It will also rehabilitate pathways, bikeways, trails and pedestrian bridges, and will integrate well with local transit, such as the SunRail commuter rail system and LYNX, Orlando’s local bus service. A $750,000 fund is being established to promote alternative modes of transportation during construction.
The project team has further demonstrated its commitment to connecting communities and providing for safe, non-vehicular traffic by including an Alternative Technical Concept (ATC) to build an extra pedestrian overpass bridge over Kirkman Road at the major intersection entrance to Universal Studios.
Leadership (LD)
Sustainability is an important factor to FDOT and is a core value of the consortium of partners who are working collaboratively to design and deliver this project, including HDR and SGL Constructors, as well as Skanska, the lead contractor. A sustainability agenda created early in the process provided the foundation on which the project is being built to meet FDOT’s sustainability goals. This sustainability agenda includes social priorities such as health and safety, community involvement and business ethics; environmental priorities, including energy, carbon, materials, water and local impacts; and economic priorities such as project selection criteria, supply chain management and value added to society.
The project management plan developed to guide the design, construction, financing, maintenance and operation of the I-4 Ultimate led to effective coordination and collaboration between the owner and project team, which will help to spur innovation, mitigate risk, enhance teamwork and promote open communications throughout the life of the project.
Natural World (NW)
The project team developed a comprehensive Contamination Management Plan and Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan to prevent pollutants from the project from contaminating soils, surface water, and groundwater. The project team is also remediating areas of contamination within the project’s right-of-way to prevent future contamination. Four underground storage tanks and 145 tons of petroleum impacted soils and debris have been removed from the project site.
The project team is committed to controlling invasive species by removing existing invasive species along the project’s right-of-way and selecting locally appropriate, non-invasive plants for landscaping along the project corridor. The project team is also committed to maintaining wetland and surface water functions by enhancing hydrologic connections and water quality, improving riparian habitats and maintaining sediment transport.
“ISI is pleased to present FDOT with the Envision Platinum award for sustainable infrastructure,” said ISI President and CEO John Stanton. “The I-4 Ultimate project is an exemplary sustainable transportation project that will help shape the identity of the Central Florida region for decades to come.”
To learn more about the I-4 Ultimate Improvement Project, please visit http://i4ultimate.com.
About Florida Department of Transportation
The mission of the Florida Department of Transportation is to provide a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity and preserves the quality of our environment and communities.
About John Laing
John Laing is an international originator, active investor and manager of infrastructure projects. Its business is focused on major transport, social and environmental infrastructure projects awarded under governmental public-private partnership (PPP) programs, and renewable energy projects, across Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. John Laing is one of the world’s most trusted brands in the field of infrastructure thanks to its expertise and credentials, with more than 120 projects in the last 30 years. John Laing is headquartered in London, UK and Listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Learn more about the John Laing Group at www.laing.com
About HDR
HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible since 1917. We specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. With nearly 10,000 employees in more than 225 locations around the world, we think global and act local. Sustainability is a core component of project delivery at HDR. We partner with clients to devise integrated, sustainable solutions – always striving to provide more value on our projects. Our firm is consistently ranked among the top green design firms, and we have a history of delivering award-winning work. Learn more about HDR at www.hdrinc.com and get details about our sustainability program at www.hdrinc.com/about-hdr/sustainability.
About Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
Established in 1947, Jacobs is one of the world’s largest and most diverse providers of technical, professional, and construction services, including all aspects of architecture, engineering and construction, operations and maintenance, as well as scientific and specialty consulting. The company employs 50,000 people and operates in more than 30 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.jacobs.com.
About Skanska
Skanska USA is one of the largest, most financially sound construction and development companies in the U.S., serving a broad range of clients including those in transportation, power, industrial, water/wastewater, healthcare, education, sports, data centers, life sciences, aviation and commercial. Headquartered in New York with offices in 31 metro areas, we have nearly 11,000 employees committed to being leaders in safety, project execution, sustainability, ethics and people development. In 2015, our work in building construction, civil and power/industrial construction, commercial development and infrastructure development (public-private partnerships) generated $7.1 billion in revenue. Global revenue of parent company Skanska AB, headquartered in Stockholm and listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, totaled $18.4 billion in 2015. Skanska shares are publicly traded in the U.S. on the OTC market under the symbol SKBSY through a Level I American Depository Receipt program.
About ISI Envision
Envision is the product of a joint collaboration between ISI, which was founded by three national engineering associations: American Society of Civil Engineers, American Council of Engineering Companies and American Public Works Association, and the Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure at Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Information on ISI and Envision can be found on the ISI website, http://www.sustainableinfrastructure.org/.
FWC names Jason Hutchinson 2017 Officer of the Year
He’s rescued a first-time hunter lost at night in the treacherous Escambia River swamp, caught people illegally night hunting and trespassing, discovered a hidden alligator snapping turtle and even apprehended one of his area’s most wanted methamphetamine distributors. He’s also developed an officer mentoring program and performed countless outreach hours to area youth and civic organizations. And all of that was just in 2016.
For his exceptional performance, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has named Officer Jason Hutchinson its 2017 Officer of the Year. Throughout 2017, Hutchinson will represent the FWC at various events.
“I’m truly humbled by this honor. It’s a real blessing to be able to do what I love with the FWC and my fellow officers,” said Hutchinson.
“Officer Hutchinson’s dedication to resource issues and public safety make him an ideal FWC officer,” said Col. Curtis Brown, the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement director. “He has made a difference in his patrol area and we’re proud to have him representing the FWC.”
Originally from Santa Rosa County, where he now patrols, Hutchinson uses his local knowledge to protect the resources and people in his community. He makes a positive impact both on- and off-duty, and his actions set an example that reaches statewide.
Hutchinson began his career at the Florida Department of Corrections with the ultimate goal of eventually becoming a sworn officer for the FWC, which he achieved in 2012. Hutchinson’s varied work experience provides him with a wide-ranging experience set to draw from, and affords him the unique ability to identify with a number of officers from other agencies with different backgrounds. He has used that ability to the benefit of Floridians multiple times, including when he was instrumental in the apprehension of one of Santa Rosa County’s most notorious methamphetamine cooks. While working a night-hunting detail, he apprehended a subject in the Blackwater Wildlife Management Area who resisted arrest. Experience and instinct led him to contact the Santa Rosa County Narcotics Unit, which obtained a warrant and found seven active meth labs, meth and other paraphernalia in the suspect’s vehicle. Trafficking and manufacturing charges took the subject off the streets and placed him in prison.
Public outreach is another category in which Officer Hutchinson excels. During the past year, he has taught hunter education classes, conducted outreach events at schools and festivals, and has participated in the Blackwater Family Hunt and the Hutton Unit Mobility-impaired Hunts. During these events, Hutchinson has been an integral part of the effort to provide participants with the assistance and support they need to ensure a memorable experience in the outdoors.
Hutchinson created a program in conjunction with the local courts in which juvenile violators speak to their peers during hunter education classes. This counts toward their community service hours, has an impact on youth and keeps the focus of their community service on resource conservation.
“We’re fortunate to have Officer Hutchinson on our team,” Brown said. “The whole state of Florida is fortunate to have him. He not only provides exceptional service on a daily basis, but he sets an example for others as well.”
Hutchinson and his wife Heather, along with their son Jake and daughter Haylee, live in northern Santa Rosa County. Community members know that if they call his phone number with information or a violation to report, they have the ear of a dedicated, hardworking and engaged FWC officer who cares about them and their community.
To learn more about becoming an FWC officer, visit JoinFWC.com.
Gov. Scott Announces BlueLine Associates to Relocate to Tampa
Relocation From North Carolina Will Create 150 New Jobs
Governor Rick Scott announced BlueLine Associates (BLA), a professional services firm, will relocate its global headquarters from Cary, North Carolina to Tampa. The relocation will create 150 new jobs and invest more than $2 million in the local community. BlueLine Associates, which currently has offices in Tampa, will move their headquarters including its financial, legal, and human resources groups.
Governor Scott said, “It is great news that BlueLine Associates chose to move their international headquarters to Florida from North Carolina, which will create more than 150 new jobs for Tampa families. We were competing with North Carolina and Louisiana, but ultimately BlueLine Associates chose Florida for their new headquarters. I look forward to BlueLine Associates continued success in our state.”
BlueLine Associates provides consulting, managed services, and staffing solutions to small, mid and large companies in a variety of industries. In 2015 and 2016, BlueLine was recognized on the “Best Places to Work” lists of both Consulting Magazine and the Triangle Business Journal. New jobs are expected to pay an average annual wage of $71,909.
Rocky Silvestri, President of BlueLine, said, “This move gives us access to Florida’s strong talent pool and allows us to continue the strategic expansion of our business. Our company culture is at the core of our business success, our client’s satisfaction, and the happiness of our people. We are excited to bring those guiding principles to Tampa.”
BlueLine Associates joins a growing list of companies that have chosen Hillsborough County for their new corporate and regional headquarters, including North American Roofing Services, Inc., Velocity Resource Group, Fay Servicing, Ashley Furniture Industries’ Ashcomm, Johnson & Johnson, and Cohesion. Florida is already home to nearly 3,000 headquarters offices, and is the 4th largest economy in the U.S. and the 19th largest economy in the world.
The project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Chris Hart IV, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc., said, “Blueline Associates has chosen Florida because it is the best place to do business. The talent and the strong, business-friendly climate in Florida continue to attract growing businesses. Hard-working Floridians are getting jobs that could have gone to other states, but they ended up right here in Florida.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “BlueLine Associates’ relocation to the Tampa area is yet another example of a business recognizing the unique opportunities for growth in Florida. Our state boasts a strong and talented workforce, a business-friendly, low tax environment and fewer regulations that enable companies to grow and succeed.”
Stacy White, chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, said, “Hillsborough County offers BlueLine Associates a deep bench of information technology consulting, staffing, and management consulting talent, as well as the amenities that will make it easy for them to recruit exceptional candidates to the area. We thank BlueLine for their investment in our community and look forward to supporting them as they thrive in Hillsborough County.”
Mayor Bob Buckhorn, City of Tampa, said, “Tampa’s star continues to rise as more companies like BlueLine Associates discover the advantages our city offers as a corporate headquarters home. As millennial talent flocks here and our downtown undergoes an historic and exciting transformation, Tampa is gaining a national reputation as the place to be for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 corporations. We wish BlueLine Associates a prosperous future here.”
Ken Atwater, PhD, chair of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and president of Hillsborough Community College, said, “Other cities fought hard to have BlueLine Associates relocate to their communities. But those competing metros couldn’t touch Tampa’s pro-business climate, incredible quality of life, and the convenient air access Tampa International Airport affords to BlueLine’s customers across America and in Europe. We’re excited to welcome Rocky and his team and wish them great success in Tampa.”
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the Careers page of BlueLine Associates’ web site, http://www.blueline-associates.com/services/staffing/job-seekers/,for more information on available positions.
About BlueLine Associates
BlueLine Associates is a process-driven Professional Services firm that transforms business challenges into growth, operational agility, and competitive advantage. Our foundation in process gives us the vision to develop holistic forward thinking strategies across our consulting, managed services, and staffing service lines. We leverage our experience, agility, and partnership model to seamlessly implement and execute solutions to elevate customer experience, increase profits, and propel organizations toward new opportunities.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
About the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. A partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high-wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors, including Corporate Headquarters, Financial and Shared Services, Life Sciences, Defense and Security, and Manufacturing.
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation exists because of the generous support of over 100 corporations, Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. For more information, visit www.tampaedc.com.
About Hillsborough County, Florida
Hillsborough County is the commercial and industrial heart of Tampa Bay. The fourth largest county in the state of Florida, Hillsborough is home to nearly 1.3 million residents, with thousands more arriving each year. Its strength is drawn from being one of the most advanced economies and having one of the most educated workforces in the state. Hillsborough County and its three municipalities –Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace — offer a competitive business environment and an abundance of regional assets including Port Tampa Bay, Tampa International Airport, and MacDill Air Force Base. County government is focused on creating economic prosperity for residents and businesses throughout the area. To learn more, visit hillsboroughcounty.org.
Women’s March on Tallahassee to coincide with national effort
Other marches to take place across Florida and U.S.
On January 21st, as the Women’s March on Washington is happening, Floridians will March for women’s rights at the State Capitol.
The marches will send a clear message to leaders in Tallahassee and in Washington that women’s rights are human rights. The grassroots effort will culminate in a rally with speakers including civic leaders, advocates, and others at the Florida Capitol.
What: Women’s March on Tallahassee
When: Saturday January 21, 2017. Pre-Rally Community Gathering starts at 12:30 PM. March starts at 2:00 PM. Rally at the Capitol starts at 3:00 PM.
Where: The march begins at Railroad Square, 623 McDonnell Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32310. It concludes at The Old Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399.
Note: Sister marches will be held in other Florida cities including Miami, Orlando, St. Petersburg and Sarasota. Details on those marches may be found here and on Facebook event pages.
Who: Rally speakers will include:
- Kate Cartagena, Youth Organizing, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
- Barbara Zdravecky, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida
- Lillian Tamayo, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida
- Jennifer Proffitt, President, United Faculty of Florida
- Joanne McCall, President, Florida Education Association
- Meg Baldwin, Executive Director, Refuge House
- Judi Marraccini, Legislative Director, FL NOW
- Dr. Petra Doan, Equality Florida
- University students (Aaveri Davis from FAMU and Haley Gentile and Lola Periwinkle from FSU)
The march has been endorsed by the following organizations:
- Brevard NOW
- Florida National Organization for Women
- Equality Florida Institute
- National Council of Jewish Women Florida
- Pro-Choice Coalition of Broward County
- 1199 SEIU, SEIU
- Progress Florida
- Democratic Women’s Club of Florida
- League of Women Voters of Florida
- American Civil Liberties Union of Florida
- Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates
Why: To send a clear message to leaders in Tallahassee and in Washington that women’s rights are human rights.
Please visit www.fappa.org for more information.
Map of march route:
SunRail Closed Monday, January 16
SunRail will be closed Monday, January 16 in observance of the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Train service will resume Tuesday, January 17 with 36 regularly scheduled train trips per day. For more information about SunRail, including fares, schedule and station locations, please visit www.sunrail.com. Please be careful around trains, railroad crossings, and while at station platforms. Be smart. Be safe.
Attorney General Bondi Announces Multimillion Dollar Settlement with Irish Pharmaceutical Company
Attorney General Pam Bondi is joining the federal government in a multistate settlement with Shire Pharmaceuticals LLC and other subsidiaries of Shire plc. Shire plc is a multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Ireland, with United States operations headquartered in Lexington, Mass. The agreement in principle settles allegations that Shire and the company it acquired in 2011, Advanced BioHealing, employed kickbacks and other unlawful methods to improperly promote a medical device called Dermagraft. Dermagraft is a bioengineered human skin substitute approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
The agreement resolves allegations that from 2007 to 2014, Dermagraft salespersons unlawfully induced clinics and physicians to use Dermagraft with payment of remuneration. These payments included lavish dinners, drinks, entertainment and travel; medical equipment and supplies; unwarranted payments for purported speaking engagements and bogus case studies; and cash, credits and rebates. According to the federal government, the U.S. settlement with Shire represents the largest False Claims Act recovery by the U.S. in a kickback case involving a medical device.
The federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits the payment of remuneration to induce the use of medical devices covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other federally-funded health care programs. Under the False Claims Act, claims filed in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute are considered false or fraudulent. Additionally, the settlement resolves allegations that Shire and ABH unlawfully marketed Dermagraft for uses not approved by the FDA, made false statements to inflate the price of Dermagraft and caused improper coding, verification or certification of Dermagraft claims and related services.
As part of the settlement, Shire will pay the federal government $350 million. More than $14 million of this payment is going to the Medicaid program to resolve allegations that Shire’s improper promotion and marketing of Dermagraft caused false claims to be submitted to government health care programs. The states will receive more than $6 million for their share of the Medicaid program.
The settlement also resolves allegations asserted in six qui tam actions brought by whistleblowers in, or transferred to, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Two of the qui tam actions named various states and included allegations that Shire submitted or caused to be submitted false claims to the Medicaid program under the federal False Claims Act and various state false claims statutes.
A National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units Team participated in the investigation and conducted the settlement negotiations with Shire on behalf of the states. The team included representatives of Florida, Illinois, Ohio and New York Medicaid Fraud Control Units. The states coordinated their investigation in conjunction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Florida, the District of Columbia and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
