Florida News Straight From the Source
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Jill Danigel to the Southeast Volusia Hospital District.
Jill Danigel, 53, of Edgewater, is the former captain of the Edgewater Fire Department. She succeeds Ferdinand Heeb and is appointed for a term beginning June 8, 2018, and ending March 21, 2022.
[Read more…] about Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, June 8, 2018
The American Democracy Legal Fund today called for Gov. Rick Scott to immediately open an independent investigation following a report in the Tampa Bay Times that the state of Florida approved tens of thousands of applications for concealed weapons permits without performing a rigorous background check, allowing people with dangerous intentions or mental health problems to carry a gun in public.
Governor Rick Scott today announced the five reappointments and six appointments to the Florida Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers.
Dr. Sara Evans, 35, of Pensacola, is an assistant professor at the University of West Florida. She is reappointed for a term beginning June 5, 2018, and ending January 1, 2020.
Cheryl Miller, 40, of Sarasota, is a therapist with Manatee Children’s Services. She succeeds Arwyn Holmes and is appointed for a term beginning June 5, 2018, and ending January 1, 2020.
[Read more…] about Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Ramiro Christen Areces and Elijah A. Levitt to the Miami-Dade County Court.
Areces, 35, of Coral Gables, is a solo practitioner, and previously practiced with Jorden Burt, LLP. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and his law degree from the University of Miami. Areces fills the vacancy created by the death of Judge Shelley J. Kravitz.
[Read more…] about Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Monday, May 21, 2018
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) joined with 11 other members of Florida’s Congressional delegation in sending a letter to Gov. Rick Scott today urging him to work with them to protect Florida families from escalating health insurance costs.
In addition to Nelson, the letter – which outlined six specific actions Scott should take at the state level to help mitigate rising healthcare costs – was signed by Reps. Kathy Castor (D-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Charlie Crist (D-FL), Val Demings (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Al Lawson, Jr. (D-FL), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Ray Berry to the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners.
Ray Berry, 54, of Davie, is the founder and chief executive officer of Health Business Solutions. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending June 29, 2021.
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Dr. Michele Heston to the Florida Center for Nursing Board of Directors.
Dr. Michele Heston, 58, of Avon Park, is the dean of health sciences for South Florida State College. Dr. Heston was recommended by the State Board of Education pursuant to s. 464.0196, Florida Statutes. She succeeds Dr. Louise Pitts and is appointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending June 30, 2020.
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Dr. Mark McKenney to the Florida Trauma System Advisory Council.
Dr. Mark McKenney, 59, of Miami Beach, is a professor of surgery at the University of South Florida. He is appointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending April 30, 2021.
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Dorothy Groover-Skipper and John Van Delinder to the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council.
Dotti Groover-Skipper, of Tampa, is the anti-trafficking director for The Salvation Army Florida Division. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending September 6, 2021.
John Van Delinder, of Callahan, is the executive director of the Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending September 6, 2021.
Governor Rick Scott today announced two reappointments to the Polk State College District Board of Trustees.
Mark Turner, 55, of Winter Haven, is a partner at Straughn & Turner, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctorate from Stetson University College of Law. Turner is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.
Teresa Martinez, 63, of Lakeland, is the president and founder of the Institute of Spanish Communication Inc. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. Martinez is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
The House Judiciary Committee today approved by voice vote the Protect and Serve Act of 2018 (H.R. 5698). This bill, authored by Congressman John Rutherford (R-Fla.), provides a significant deterrent for those seeking to attack police officers.
Attacks against police officers continue to rise across the country. For instance, in July 2016, police officers in Dallas, Texas were ambushed and fired upon, resulting in the death of five police officers and injuring another nine. Ten days later, six police officers were shot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Three officers died and three were hospitalized. And just last month, two sheriffs’ deputies were gunned down eating at a Chinese food restaurant in a suspected ambush in Gainesville, Florida. In 2016 alone, 64 police officers died in action and 21 in ambush style attacks – police ambush deaths were up 250%.
To combat attacks against police officers, the Protect and Serve Act allows for the federal prosecution of those who knowingly cause or attempt to cause significant bodily injury to any law enforcement officer. In order to qualify for federal prosecution, the victim must either be a federal law enforcement officer, or, if a state or local officer, there must be a nexus to interstate commerce.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Congressman Rutherford praised today’s approval of the bill in the statements below.
Chairman Goodlatte: “Every day, police officers across the country put their lives at risk to keep Americans safe. From routine duties to emergency responses, danger is always lurking for the men and women who wear the badge. Sadly, our nation has witnessed an increase in attacks against law enforcement officers in recent years and these attacks show no signs of stopping. We must do more to prevent attacks against our nation’s heroes. TheProtect and Serve Act provides a new tool to deter attacks on police officers by allowing for the federal prosecution of those who attack or seek to harm them. I applaud Representative John Rutherford for introducing the Protect and Serve Act and am pleased the House Judiciary Committee today approved this bill. I also want to thank Representative Ken Buck for his work on this issue, and his dedication to protecting and serving the men and women of law enforcement.”
Congressman Rutherford: “As a career law enforcement officer and sheriff of Jacksonville for 12 years, I know what officers go through every day when they put on their uniform, say goodbye to their families, and go out on the streets doing the important work of protecting our communities. With an uptick in ambush attacks on law enforcement, like we saw last month in Trenton, Florida, we must ensure that there are steep consequences for anyone who targets our law enforcement officers. The Protect and Serve Act will serve as a significant deterrent for anyone who deliberately targets officers with violence. I want to thank my friend, Congresswoman Val Demings for her leadership on this bill and for her support of law enforcement officers across the country.”
The Protect and Serve Act is supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs Association, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of two to the Cape Canaveral Hospital District.
Judith George, 75, of Cocoa Beach, is a retired nurse with Creative Care Center. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending August 19, 2019.
Rusty Fischer, 74, of Cocoa Beach, is the owner of Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending August 19, 2019.
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Heather Baumwald to the Board of Nursing.
Heather Baumwald is reappointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending October 31, 2019.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Walid Sobh to the Board of Professional Engineers.
Walid Sobh, 55, of Orlando, is the president of ECS Florida, LLC. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending October 31, 2018.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Don Shearer and the appointment of Matthew Varable to the Board of Auctioneers.
Don Shearer, 71, of Kissimmee, is the owner of Auction Services of Kissimmee. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending October 31, 2021.
Matthew Varable, 40, of Tampa, is the director of labor relations for Chemtrade Logistics Corporation. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 1, 2018, and ending October 31, 2021.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Florida lawmakers today called on Congress to provide the funding needed to hire an additional 500 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers next year to help address staffing shortages at many of Florida’s airports and seaports.
The lawmakers’ request came in a letter – led by U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) – and sent to the top Democrat and Republican members of the House and Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittees.
“The Joint Economic Committee has found that while the volume of commerce crossing our borders has more than tripled in the past 25 years, CBP staffing has not kept pace with demand,” the lawmakers wrote. “Long wait times and delayed processing of goods discourage travel and create unnecessary barriers to trade, undermining economic activity in the United States. CBP estimates show that hiring an additional 500 CBP officers at ports of entry would increase annual economic activity by $1 billion and result in an additional 16,600 jobs per year.”
CBP officers are charged with enforcing U.S. customs, immigration and agriculture laws at air, land and sea ports across the country. They are separate from CBP Border Patrol agents who patrol the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to prevent illegal entry into the country.
Officials at many of Florida’s airports and seaports have, for years, raised concerns over the shortage of CBP officers in Florida, which they say often causes frustratingly long wait times for international travelers arriving in the state – discouraging some from ever returning.
CBP, itself, admits it needs to hire an additional 2,516 CBP officers to operate at full capacity. Congress approved $7.6 million for the agency to hire an additional 328 CBP officers earlier this year. Florida lawmakers want the agency to hire another 500 officers next year.
In addition to Nelson and Rubio, the letter was signed by U.S. Reps. Reps. Charlie Christ (D-FL), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Val Demings (D-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Al Lawson (D-FL), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Tom Rooney (R-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Dennis Ross (R-FL), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).
A PDF copy of the letter is available here.
The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) today voted in favor of placing a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights on the 2018 General Election ballot in November. The measure, sponsored by Commissioner Tim Cerio, passed with a final vote of 34 to 3. This will be the first CRC proposed constitutional amendment placed on the ballot.
Criminals and those accused of crimes have 20 distinct rights outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Victims, survivors, and their families are provided no rights under the U.S. Constitution. Most states have addressed this disparity by adding victims’ rights and protections into their state constitutions. Florida is one of only 15 states that does not provide clear, enforceable rights for victims of crimes in its constitution.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I applaud the Constitution Revision Commission on their decision to include Marsy’s Law on the ballot this fall. We have taken important steps in Florida to protect those who need it most, and we must continue to make it absolutely clear that our state stands strongly with victims.”
“As a survivor of sexual assault and an advocate for other survivors, I am heartened by today’s Constitution Revision Commission vote in favor of Marsy’s Law for Florida. Florida voters will now have the chance to decide if they, too, stand with victims and their families when they cast their ballots in November. We as survivors came before this body many times to share our stories, and I want to thank them for listening,” said Senator Lauren Book.
“I want to thank my fellow commissioners for voting in favor of this proposal,” said Commissioner Cerio. “For too long, victims in Florida have been made vulnerable by weak constitutional language that does not ensure their rights. With Marsy’s Law on the ballot this fall, the voters will have the chance to give victims the constitutional rights they deserve.”
“I am thankful for the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and their support for crime victims and our families,” said Michael Liles, executive director of the Justice Coalition. “My wife was brutally murdered in our home last year. This was a blow not just to our family but to our entire community. Currently, her killer has more rights in the criminal justice system than myself or even my children. I’m grateful to Commissioner Cerio and all the members of the CRC who worked tirelessly to make sure surviving victims have a voice. We have paid the dearest price for the impact of crime. It is only fair and reasonable that we receive equal consideration.”
“Lawmakers, public officials, sheriffs, victims’ advocates and community leaders have all come together to stand with crime victims and their families, and as the mother of a murdered child, I am deeply grateful for their support as well as the support of the Constitution Revision Commission,” said Pat Tuthill, founder of the Peyton Tuthill Foundation. “Providing clear, enforceable rights in the state constitution will mean a world of a difference to crime victims and will help them heal after a tremendous loss. I encourage all Floridians to vote yes on Amendment 6.”
Marsy’s Law Rights
Marsy’s Law will guarantee that victims receive certain rights in a number of important ways including:
About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.
For more information on the Marsy’s Law initiative, please visit marsyslaw.us.
