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2017

Governor Rick Scott to Host 2017 Jobs Summit in Orlando Next Week

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Business, Education, Community and Government Leaders
Gathering to Discuss Economic Development and Job Creation

Governor Rick Scott announced today that he will host the 2017 Jobs Summit next week to bring together Florida business, education, economic development and community leaders to discuss how to keep bringing new jobs to Florida and ensure positive economic development across the state for generations to come. Governor Rick Scott’s 2017 Jobs Summit will be held at the Caribe Royale in Orlando on February 2nd and 3rd.
Governor Scott said, “The 2017 Jobs Summit will connect business, education, economic development and community leaders to discuss the best ways to bring more jobs to our state. A job is the most important thing to a family, and we must fight to make sure our children and grandchildren have every opportunity to succeed in the Sunshine State.”
Some of the speakers include:

  • Travis Brown, Author: How Money Walks
  • Stan Connally, President & CEO of Gulf Power Company
  • Eric Silagy, President & CEO of Florida Power and Light
  • Gary Spulak, President of Embraer Aircraft Holding
  • Al Stimac, President of Manufacturers Association of Florida
  • Syd Kitson, Chairman of the Florida Chamber of Commerce
  • Harry Sidaris, President of Duke Energy Florida
  • Belinda Keiser, Vice Chancellor of Keiser University
  • Jesse Biter, Founder & CEO of Biter Enterprises
  • Susan Amat, Founder and CEO of Venture Hive
  • John Duffy, CEO of 3C Interactive
  • Steve Calle, Co-Founder & CEO of Snow Lizard Products
  • Trey Lauderdale, Founder & President of Voalte
  • Matthew Levenson, Founder & CEO of Moocho
  • Chris Hart, President & CEO of Enterprise Florida
  • Ken Lawson, President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA
  • Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)

Final Days of 2017 Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment

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January 31 marks the end of the Affordable Care Act’s fourth and current health insurance open enrollment period.EFOF Nav 2016

The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF), a state licensed and federally certified provider of in-person assistance for those wishing to shop for coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace, is continuing to offer free help to consumers with enrollment.
EFOF has been an assistance provider in every Affordable Care Act enrollment period, and has educated and assisted more than 250,000 Floridians at thousands of events in 35 counties. More than 15,000 consumers have received in-person enrollment assistance, including more than 7,500 consumers speaking languages other than English.
Navigators are available at the below locations to speak with media, about the impact of the Affordable Care Act and the importance of getting covered.
Consumers can schedule no-cost appointments for enrollment assistance by visiting www.efof.org or calling 1-877-553-7453.
Alachua County
Navigator: Jeannette Hamersmith
Location: Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (Gainesville office)
Broward County
Navigator: Ron Sarraf-Berrios
Location: Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (Broward office), 512 NE 3rd Avenue, third floor, Fort Lauderdale
Escambia County
Navigator: Cecily Chundrlek
Location: Epilepsy Resource Center, 2401 Executive Plaza Road, Suite 3A, Pensacola
Miami Dade County
Navigator: Islara Souto
Location: Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (Miami office), 1200 NW 78th Avenue, Suite 400, Miami
Navigator: Blanca Mesa
Location: Frankie Shannon Rolle Resource Center, 3750 South Dixie Highway, Miami
Palm Beach County
Navigator: Mike Rizzo
Location: Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (Palm Beach office), 3222 Commerce Place, Suite B, West Palm Beach

Boom or Bust: What Lies Ahead for Florida’s Economy in 2017?

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Get the experts’ take in the latest edition of Florida’s Bottom Line

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the release of the 2017 winter edition of Florida’s Bottom Line, his award-winning, quarterly online economic magazine focused on providing the latest news and insightful analysis on Florida’s economic and financial health. The winter edition highlights Florida’s future economic environment, the stripping of federal regulatory burdens, and what the expansion of Florida’s residential and visiting population mean for the state. In addition, an inside look into Florida’s business rent tax is offered in this edition of Florida’s Bottom Line. Florida’s Bottom Line 1:19.2017
“Florida’s economy is on the right track, and we’re entering 2017 well-positioned to continue making positive strides,” said CFO Atwater. “As we embark on this new year, it’s important to recognize that Florida’s economic future will continue to be shaped by the perseverance of Florida’s hardworking business leaders and workforce.”
In addition to CFO Atwater, this edition of Florida’s Bottom Line features guest articles from economic leaders who have offered their insight and opinion on the future of Florida’s economy. Here’s what they have to say about Florida’s 2017 economic outlook:
“Since November of 2010 Florida has created 1.27 million jobs and in 2017 the state is well poised to add to this total,” said Sean Snaith, PhD, Director of University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness. “Florida has managed this economic performance in the midst of a historically weak U.S. economic expansion.”
“Regulations were a central theme of the 2016 election,” said Patrick McLaughlin, PhD, Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center. “While the new administration’s timeline for implementing regulatory changes remains unclear, the likelihood of any changes occurring in the administration’s first year largely depend on the legal mechanisms at its disposal. Many regulatory policies may be quickly abandoned with a stroke of the pen.”
“Florida is a national leader in quality roads and bridges, is home to some of the world’s busiest airports, an expanding rail system, 15 seaports, and the best space port on earth—all of which support international trade,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “By 2030, Florida is projected to grow by six million residents, and welcome 150 million visitors every year. Now is the time to focus on the future—not only to avoid the headaches and costs that come with roadway congestion, but also to increase market share and job opportunities.”
“Florida can boast about a lot of things. We are a premier tourist destination with an improving education system and an attractive economic climate that creates thousands of jobs every year,” said Dominic Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. “However, the state can do more to improve the business climate to benefit both businesses and workers. One critical improvement is to reduce or eliminate the Business Rent Tax (BRT).”
To view the latest edition of Florida’s Bottom Line, and to subscribe to the publication, visit http://www.MyFloridaCFO.com/FloridasBottomLine/.

FWC names Jason Hutchinson 2017 Officer of the Year

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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.

OneJax Announces 2017 Humanitarian Award Honorees

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OneJax
OneJax, an institute of the University of North Florida, has announced recipients of its 2017 Humanitarian Awards, which will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, located at 1000 Water St., downtown Jacksonville. A reception will take place at 6 p.m.
The OneJax Humanitarian Awards honor those who have demonstrated the highest level of personal and professional integrity, have given generously and extensively to our community and have been dedicated to the improvement of human relations among diverse groups in our community.
“We’re thrilled with the strong and diversified 2017 class of Humanitarian Award honorees,” said Nancy Broner, OneJax executive director. “They truly represent a cross-section of people doing meaningful work in our community in a wide variety of ways. These are people who have made—and continue to make—an important difference in the lives of so many in Northeast Florida.”
The 2017 awards honorees are as follows:

  • 2017 Gold Medallion for Lifetime Achievement: David Stein, King Provision chair and CEO. This award recognizes those who have had an extraordinary impact on and have given back generously to their communities over their lifetime through exceptional commitment to the OneJax mission of promoting the dignity and respect of all people.
  • 2017 President’s Citation: Jean Ludlow, retired insurance executive and community volunteer. This award is bestowed periodically on a leader whose efforts and vision have resulted in substantial, positive, local and national changes in one or more areas.
  • 2017 Silver Medallions: Dr. James Crooks, UNF professor emeritus of history, author and community volunteer; Rodney Hurst Sr., civil rights activist and author; and Faisal Sayed, Muslim American Social Services executive director. This award is given to individuals in recognition of their outstanding dedication and community service.
  • 2017 Acosta-Rua Young Professionals Award: Sabeen Perwaiz Syed, Florida Nonprofit Alliance executive director. This award is given periodically to young professionals under the age of 40, already making a significant impact in their community for promoting understanding and awareness, furthering the cause of social justice issues and for providing leadership that encourages responsible action by others throughout the community.

“OneJax has been doing such important work for such a long time in our community,” said Jan Lipsky, OneJax board chair. “This year’s honorees reflect our efforts to educate, advocate and build community to promote the respect and understanding that will overcome bias, bigotry and oppression.”
Sponsorships for the Humanitarian Awards Dinner may be obtained by contacting OneJax at (904) 620-1529 or at [email protected]. Tickets for the event are available online at http://tiny.cc/wzp8hy.
Since 2012, OneJax has been an institute at UNF. Through education, community building and advocacy, OneJax works to make Northeast Florida a better place for everyone by celebrating differences and identifying all we have in common.
UNF, a nationally ranked university located on an environmentally beautiful campus, offers students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others the opportunity to build their own futures through a well-rounded education.

Secretary of State Recognizes Recipients of the 2017 Florida Folk Heritage Awards

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Florida Department of State
Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced the 2017 Florida Folk Heritage Award recipients. The 2017 awardees are David Peñaflor and Marilia Carrasquillo of Ocoee, Folk Advocates of Latin American culture; Haiqiong Deng of Tallahassee, traditional Chinese musician; Pastor William Emerson of Tarpon Springs, performing artist and composer of Rhythm and Blues and sacred music; and Willie Green of McIntosh, blues artist.
“The contributions of these gifted individuals illustrate the extraordinary depth and diversity of Florida’s traditional culture,” said Secretary Detzner. “They are recognized for their remarkable achievements and their dedicated role in preserving Florida’s folk cultural resources.”
florida-folk-heritage-awards

The 2017 Florida Folk Heritage Award recipients (l-r) David Peñaflor and Marilia Carrasquillo
(photo courtesy of Carrasquillo); Haiqiong Deng (photo courtesy of Deng); William Emerson
(photo courtesy of Tina Bucuvalas); and Willie Green (photo by Robert Stone).

The Florida Department of State presents Florida Folk Heritage Awards annually to citizens who have made long-standing contributions to Florida’s cultural heritage by perpetuating community traditions. Like the National Heritage Awards, the Florida Folk Heritage Awards honor the state’s most influential tradition bearers for excellence, significance, and authenticity.
Additional information, including photos and bios about each award winner, is available on the Florida Folklife Program’s Facebook page.
The Florida Folklife Program is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts’ Folk and Traditional Arts Program. For more information about the Florida Folklife Program or how to make a nomination for the Folk Heritage Awards, contact State Folklorist Amanda Hardeman, Florida Folklife Program, Division of Historical Resources, at 850.245.6427.
About the Florida Department of State’s Florida Folklife Program
The Florida Folklife Program, a component of the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources, documents and presents Florida’s folklife, folklore and folk arts. The program coordinates a wide range of activities and projects designed to increase the awareness of Floridians and visitors alike about Florida’s traditional culture. Established in 1979 by the legislature to document and present Florida folklife, the program is one of the oldest state folk arts programs in the nation. For more information, click here.