Governor Rick Scott issued a proclamation today recognizing January 9-13 as Florida First Responder Appreciation Week. To read Governor Scott’s proclamation, click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott said, “The bravery displayed by Florida’s first responders in 2016 was inspiring. From placing their lives in the line of danger when a terrorist killed 49 innocent people at Pulse Night Club, to helping Florida families stay safe during hurricanes, we are so proud of all first responders throughout our state. I am thankful Florida citizens have them as their guardians and protectors and encourage all Florida students and families to recognize and thank a first responder throughout this year and especially during First Responders Appreciation Week.”
Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “First responders are integral to keeping our K-12 school and college communities safe. I am proud to join Governor Rick Scott in recognizing the heroic men and women who risk their lives daily to protect all Floridians, especially our state’s students and educators.”
Background – Florida First Responder Appreciation Week
This is the third year that Governor Scott proclaimed First Responder Appreciation Week in Florida. Governor Scott sent letters to Florida’s college presidents and superintendents encouraging students to thank first responders and their families. To learn more, visit the Florida Department of Education’s website HERE.
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PSC Customer Service Hearings for Punta Gorda and Lake Placid
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) invites customers of Utilities Inc. of Florida (Utilities, Inc.) to participate in customer service hearings in Punta Gorda and Lake Placid on the utility’s petition for a water and wastewater rate increase. The hearings will allow customers to provide public comment on Utilities Inc.’s rate request. Customer input will be taken into consideration when the Commission considers this request.
The service hearings are scheduled for the following times and locations:
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event Center
75 Taylor Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
6:00 p.m.
Deeann Lakefront Estates Clubhouse
409 Stephen Drive
Lake Placid, FL 33852
In August 2016, Utilities Inc. filed a petition with the PSC to increase its water and wastewater rates. Utilities Inc. provides service to 27 systems in Charlotte, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Seminole Counties.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Overnight Ramp Closure for Collector/Distributer Ramp to I-4 East / 417 North
Motorists will encounter a full closure of the Collector/Distributer Ramp to I-4 East/ 417 North from World Drive, beginning on Sunday, January 8 at 7 p.m. overnight until 5 a.m. Monday morning, January 9.
Construction crews will work on the removal and replacement of guardrails as part of the I-4 Ramps Resurfacing and Guardrail Resetting project, for the ramps connecting I-4 with World Drive, in Osceola County.
Motorists traveling on World Drive toward the I-4 East ramp will be directed toward the I-4 West Exit, then proceed to make a U-turn on World Drive, leading motorists back onto the I-4 East/ 417 North Exit. Please see attached 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.
Mast Votes to Disapprove of Anti-Israel UN Resolution
Mast Served Alongside Israeli Defense Forces Following 12 Years in U.S. Army
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today voted to object to the anti-Israel UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which the Administration refused to veto. H. Res. 11 passed the House of Representatives 342 to 80. Rep. Mast was a co-sponsor of the resolution.
Following his 12 years of service in the United States Army, Rep. Mast volunteered to serve alongside the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to show support for their struggle for freedom, democracy and peace in the Middle East. He is the only Member of Congress to have served with the IDF.
“While I was serving alongside the IDF, I learned at the Shabbat tables of my hosts how much each family in Israel truly desires peace. Sadly, the current Administration has seriously undermined peace efforts in the region with this shameful stunt at the United Nations,” Rep. Mast said. “The overwhelmingly bipartisan condemnation of the actions of the United Nations and the Administration today proves that supporting Israel will never be an issue of right versus left. Standing with Israel – for democracy and human rights – will always be an issue of right versus wrong.”
Following the passage of UN Security Council Resolution 2334, Rep. Mast wrote an op-ed for the Times of Israel about his experience serving in Israel and the importance of supporting Israel’s quest for peace. Earlier today, he spoke on the House Floor in support of H. Res. 11.
Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know
The Survive & Thrive Advocacy Center presents a continuing education training opportunity for healthcare professionals, social workers and counselors on the topic of “Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know.”
The seminar will be on Thursday, January 12, 2017 from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at TCC’s Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education in Tallahassee, FL. The program compares and contrasts the issues of human trafficking and domestic violence, giving attendees a practical understanding about these two issues and the knowledge and skills to recognize and treat survivors in the healthcare setting. Presenters include Shannon Hughes, BS, Florida Department of Health; Suzanne Harrison, MD, Florida State University College of Medicine; and Robin Hassler Thompson, JD, MA, STAC. The cost to attend is $25, $10 for students, with scholarships available. To register, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2729594. Student discounts and a limited number of scholarships may be available; contact [email protected] for more information.
AMA Category 1 credits are approved for MDs, DOs, PAs, and ARNPs. CEs are approved for nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, social workers and licensed counselors. Certificates will be provided electronically if requested. This program fulfills healthcare professional domestic violence licensure accreditation requirements.
About Survive & Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC)
Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center is a coordinator and service provider for victims of human trafficking. Local, state and federal law enforcement representatives, as well as social service providers, know it can be extremely challenging to identify and assist victims of human trafficking because of their diverse needs and because human trafficking is a hidden reality. STAC was created to fill these needs and meet this challenge. To learn more visit www.surviveandthriveadvocacy.org or call us at 850-597-2080.
Governor Rick Scott to Highlight Major Counterterrorism Budget Proposal
Tomorrow, January 6, Governor Rick Scott will highlight his proposal for $5.8 million in funding for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to add 46 counterterrorism agents as part of his 2017-2018 recommended budget.
WHAT: Counterterrorism Budget Highlight
WHEN: 12:00pm
WHERE: Fort Myers Regional Operations Center
4700 Terminal Drive, Suite 1
Fort Myers, Florida 33907
Jacksonville man begins the new year $500,000 richer
Wayne Gaulding (left) poses with his son and oversized check after
claiming a top prize in the $500,000 HOLIDAY MILLIONS Scratch-Off game.
The Florida Lottery announces that Wayne Gaulding, 65, of Jacksonville, claimed a top prize in the $500,000 HOLIDAY MILLIONS Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He purchased his winning ticket from Welcome Food Store, located at 11531 San Jose Boulevard, Suite 15 in Jacksonville.
The $5 Scratch-Off game, $500,000 HOLIDAY MILLIONS, launched in October, and features more than 2.9 million prizes, including eight top prizes of $500,000! The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-4.06.
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.
Florida Supreme Court: New Posting, 1/5/2017, 11:25 a.m. ET
New material has been posted to the Supreme Court website in:
- Leon Davis, Jr. v. State of Florida (denial of rehearing in post-Hurst death case)
Follow the links at: http://www.floridasupremecourt.org.
Florida PSC Commissioner Donald Polmann Begins Term
Commissioner Donald Polmann today began serving on the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates the state’s investor-owned electric, gas, and water and wastewater companies. He was appointed by Governor Rick Scott for a four-year term ending in January 2021.
“With my technical background, I look forward to working with the Commission to achieve the balance needed for sound regulatory decisions,” said Commissioner Polmann. “I have a keen awareness of serving the public interest and will be thorough in my approach to ensure that Florida’s residents and businesses receive reliable, affordable utility service at fair and reasonable costs.”
Prior to his appointment to the PSC, Commissioner Polmann served as Director of Science and Engineering for Tampa Bay Water, the largest wholesale drinking water supplier in the Southeastern United States. Commissioner Polmann also served as a consulting engineer in private practice for a decade, most recently at ATKINS as Senior Project Director for public sector clients concerning water and environment. Before this, he was at AMEC in environmental and water resource engineering, serving a broad set of public and private clients.
Commissioner Polmann received his undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Minor in Economics. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering Sciences from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
First HOLIDAY MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE grand prize winner comes forward
The Florida Lottery announces that one of the seven Holiday MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE™ grand prize winners claimed their $1 million prize at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
Patrick Foster, 59, of Leesburg, claimed his $1 million grand prize from the Holiday MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE drawing held on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Foster purchased his winning Holiday MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE ticket at Ocala Stopping Center, located at 7401 West Highway 318 in Reddick. The retailer will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling a $1 million-winning ticket.
Along with the seven $1 million prizes, 527 other prizes ranging from $500 to $50,000 were awarded in the Holiday MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE Grand Prize drawing held on January 3. Additionally, this year’s Raffle offered five weekly drawings, in which a total of ten $10,000 prizes, 250 $1,000 prizes, and 1,000 $500 prizes were won. The Holiday MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE game generated more than $1.7 million in revenue for education.
