Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida added jobs at a faster rate than the 10 largest states in the nation over the last year. Florida had the second-fastest annual private-sector job growth rate out of all the states in the nation, behind Utah. For 62 consecutive months, Florida’s private-sector job growth rate, which is 3 percent, has outpaced the nation’s rate, which is 1.8 percent. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,377,100 private-sector jobs.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce today that Florida led the nation’s largest states in job creation over the past year. We have spent the past six and a half years working to make it easier for businesses to grow in our state, including recently establishing the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to attract more companies to Florida. It is clear that this work has helped Florida’s economy outperform our top competitors and create new opportunities for our families. I took this message on an economic development mission this week, and met with Connecticut and New York business leaders to tell them why they should relocate their operations to Florida. We will continue to do all we can to send a message across the country that Florida is the best place for job creators and families to succeed.”
In the last year, Florida businesses created more jobs in the professional and business services industry, with 52,900 new jobs, and more jobs in the trade, transportation and utilities industry, with 30,900 new jobs, than any other state. The state also had the second-highest over-the-year job gains among all states in both the construction and the manufacturing industries.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Florida’s astounding job growth across multiple industries proves that our business-friendly focus is working. We have fostered an environment that sets hardworking Floridians up for success. Our state continues to beat the nation so that Florida families can flourish.”
Florida
Florida AMBER Alert Activation for Alanda McCoy out of Santa Rosa County
A Florida AMBER Alert has been issued for Alanda McCoy, a white female, 4 years old, 3 feet tall, 41 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, last seen in the area of the 6000 block of Berry Hill Road in Milton, who was last seen wearing a yellow spaghetti strapped tank top, a light colored skirt and blue flip flops.
The child may be in the company of William Kavchak, a white male, 27 years old, 6 feet 2 inches tall, unknown weight, black hair, brown eyes. William goes by Billy. They may be traveling in a 2007, green Mercury Montego, Florida tag number Y53UNW. The vehicle may look light blue in color. There is a dent on the right front passenger bumper. The tail lights have plastic covers with silver lines on them. If you have any information on the whereabouts of this child please contact the Milton Police Department at 1-850-983-5420 or 911. #FLAMBER.
Study: Florida graduates fare well in employment, wages
Florida graduates are highly likely to find jobs, with 92 percent of those in the Board of Governors’ latest study employed within one year of completing their bachelor’s degrees. One out of four graduates who worked also continued their education at the same time. Additionally, the overall median wage for recent graduates is up $2,800, from $36,300 to $39,100 between 2014 and 2015.
Those are just a few of the useful data points identified in the Board of Governors’ Annual Baccalaureate Follow-Up Study, which is designed to answer the following four research questions: 1) Do graduates get jobs? 2) Do graduates pursue further education? 3) Do graduates work while pursuing additional education? 4) What are the starting salaries of graduates?
“The Board of Governors’ top focus is student outcomes, and this study offers a comprehensive look at what our students’ experiences are one year out,” said Tom Kuntz, Board of Governors’ Chair. “Overall, the takeaway is very positive: Students are employed, furthering their educations, or doing both at the same time.”
The report identifies the most popular undergraduate majors in 2015 as well as the average starting salary for various fields. The two most common majors were Business and Marketing (19 percent) and the Health Professions (12 percent). When it comes to salaries, Engineering graduates fared best, at a median of $58,600. On the other end of the spectrum, graduates in the Biological Sciences — many of whom go on to graduate school — were likely to earn $29,500 the year after graduation.
Many graduates also chose to continue their educations, with 30 percent pursuing additional degrees. Of those students, 74 percent were enrolled and working at the same time. The fields with the highest number of graduates pursuing further education were Health Professions, Biological Sciences, Business and Marketing, Psychology, and Social Sciences.
The report’s data has various practical uses, including helping students choose majors that lead to the career outcomes they desire. And, later, helping students negotiate their first salaries. The data also notes a gap between the average starting wages of women and men and between minority and all students. In the hands of career centers, this data could help students negotiate more appropriate salaries and know their value in the marketplace.
“This study is one of the Board of Governors’ most important initiatives because it helps us know whether our universities are successful at preparing students for employment,” said State University System Chancellor Marshall Criser III. “The resounding answer is ‘yes.’ So the next question is, ‘what can we take away from this data to help us build on our success?’”
Facts about the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The system has 12 universities and more than 341,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the system’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the system’s chief executive. For more, visit flbog.edu, think-florida.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
City Officials from Across the State Honored with 2017 Home Rule Hero Awards
More than 70 municipal officials from around the state were honored by the Florida League of Cities as recipients of 2017 Home Rule Hero Awards. These local government officials earned this prestigious recognition for their tireless efforts to advance the League’s legislative agenda and help protect the home rule authority of Florida’s cities during the 2017 regular legislative session.
“Our Home Rule Heroes are shining examples of local advocacy in action,” said Boca Raton Mayor and Florida League of Cities President Susan Haynie. “These dedicated municipal officials take time out of their busy schedules to cultivate relationships with their legislators and help them understand the issues that are most important to their constituents back home. The Florida League of Cities is proud to recognize them and say thank you for all they do to help protect home rule and preserve the quality of life in their cities.”
Home rule is the authority for a city to establish its own form of government and enact ordinances, codes, plans, and resolutions without prior state approval. Recipients of the Home Rule Hero Award are local government officials – both elected and non-elected – who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective to an issue.
The 2017 Home Rule Hero Award recipients are:
Mayor Mitchell Reeves, City of Atlantic Beach
Vice Mayor Leo Longworth, City of Bartow
Commissioner Trish Pfeiffer, City of Bartow
Mayor Jordan Leonard, Town of Bay Harbor Islands
Commissioner Thomas Shelly, Town of Belleair
Debra Sullivan, City Clerk, City of Belleair Bluffs
Mayor Susan Haynie, City of Boca Raton
Mayor Peter Simmons, City of Bonita Springs
Mayor Wayne Poston, City of Bradenton
Councilmember Jim Burch, City of Cape Coral
Councilmember Bill Jonson, City of Clearwater
John Titkanich, City Manager, City of Cocoa
Mayor Greg Ross, City of Cooper City
Vice Mayor Dan Daley, City of Coral Springs
Commissioner Scott Black, City of Dade City
Mayor Robert F. Apgar, City of DeLand
Mayor Scott Fischer, City of Destin
Carisse LeJeune, City Manager, City of Destin
Bea L. Meeks, City Clerk, City of Edgewood
Lee Feldman, City Manager, City of Fort Lauderdale
Mayor Jack Seiler, City of Fort Lauderdale
Councilman Forrest Banks, City of Fort Myers
Mayor Randy Henderson, City of Fort Myers
Councilwoman Teresa Watkins Brown, City of Fort Myers
Mayor Linda Hudson, City of Fort Pierce
Michael Beedie, City Manager, City of Fort Walton Beach
Mayor Matthew Surrency, City of Hawthorne
Mark Ryan, City Manager, City of Indian Harbour Beach
Mayor Drinda Merritt, Town of Inglis
Councilmember Matthew Schellenberg, City of Jacksonville
George Forbes, City Manager, City of Jacksonville Beach
Mayor Charlie Latham, City of Jacksonville Beach
Vice Mayor Kimberly Glas-Castro, Town of Lake Park
Commissioner Phillip Walker, City of Lakeland
Mayor R. Howard Wiggs, City of Lakeland
Vice Mayor Jamie Robinson, City of Largo
Mayor Joe Durso, City of Longwood
Mayor Kathy Meehan, City of Melbourne
Councilmember Cal Rolfson, City of Mount Dora
Mayor Bill Barnett, City of Naples
William Moss, City Manager, City of Naples
Councilman William Schaetzle, City of Niceville
Councilman Anthony DeFillipo, City of North Miami Beach
Mayor George Vallejo, City of North Miami Beach
Mayor Linda Yates, City of North Port
Jim Hanson, Town Manager, Town of Orange Park
Mayor William Partington, City of Ormond Beach
Mayor William Capote, City of Palm Bay
Mayor Carol McCormack, Town of Palm Shores
Douglas J. Sale, Attorney, City of Panama City Beach
Councilmember P.C. Wu, City of Pensacola
Kenneth Buchman, Attorney, City of Plant City
Councilperson Dawn Pardo, City of Riviera Beach
Council Vice Chair T. Patrick O’Neill, City of Rockledge
Mayor Kevin Ruane, City of Sanibel
Commissioner Willie Shaw, City of Sarasota
Councilman Dominick Montanaro, City of Satellite Beach
Mayor Leslie Waters, City of Seminole
Commissioner Vincent Barile, Town of Sewall’s Point
Commissioner Tom Campenni, City of Stuart
Mayor Troy McDonald, City of Stuart
Commissioner Scott Maddox, City of Tallahassee
Kent Olson, Deputy Treasurer/Clerk, City of Tallahassee
Commissioner Gil Ziffer, City of Tallahassee
Council Chairman Michael Suarez, City of Tampa
Mayor Heyward H. Strong, Jr., City of Valparaiso
Terry Atchley, City Manager, City of Wauchula
Chevelle Nubin, Village Clerk, Village of Wellington
Mayor Daniel Stermer, City of Weston
Darrel Thomas, Assistant City Manager/CFO, City of Weston
Mayor Gary Resnick, City of Wilton Manors
Mayor Gary Bruhn, Town of Windermere
Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities. Florida’s cities are formed by their citizens and governed by their citizens. The League is founded on the belief that local self-government is the keystone of American democracy. For more information, visit www.floridaleagueofcities.com.
Senator Farmer Urges Governor to Veto HB 7069
Senator Gary M Farmer Jr. sent the following letter today to Governor Rick Scott urging him to veto HB 7069, a bill that would deal a devastating blow to Florida’s public school system.
June 13, 2017
Governor Rick Scott,
As you are well aware on Monday May 8, the State Legislature passed HB 7069. This bill, which faced bipartisan opposition in the State Senate, has the potential to devastate Florida’s public education system.
This dreadful piece of legislation, if signed into law, would dramatically reduce the ability of school districts across the state to devote resources towards improving our public education. HB 7069 would force school districts to give an even split of locally derived capital outlay funds to charter schools. This would cut $13 million a year from Broward County’s budget alone. In Palm Beach County, officials have predicted that this piece of legislation could impact districts so harshly that districts may see their credit ratings decrease, as mandated spending rises. This funding would be on top of PECO dollars that charters have regularly been receiving from general revenue.
What is further troubling about the proposed new capital outlay mandate is that it would allocate funds for charter schools to construct privately owned buildings. This will allow private management companies to build facilities for charter schools, which will then revert to private ownership in the event that the charter school either closes down or relocates. While we had language in the Senate education bill which would have prohibited the use of capital outlay funds for individual or corporate enrichment, this language was not included in HB 7069.
This bill would also mandate that traditional public schools allow charter schools to use their facilities at a deeply discounted rate, which does not reflect the fair market value of the property. It would allow charter schools to use vacant space in existing district facilities. This poses a major potential problem, as it would severely limit a school district’s ability to adequately plan for future growth.
HB 7069 also creates potentially harmful exemptions for charter schools with regard to zoning laws. This bill would allow charter schools to bypass land use or zoning requirements of local jurisdictions. This could harm both communities and students, by placing students in locations that are not suited for schools, and causing local complications such as negatively altering traffic patterns. There is a reason zoning laws are localized, and no industry should be exempt from this oversight designed to preserve and protect neighborhoods.
In addition to the negative policy effects of HB 7069, the process through which this bill was passed also raises some serious transparency issues. One of the highlights of your time as governor of this great state has been your commitment to making Florida one of the most transparent states in the nation. While there are many issues which you and I fundamentally disagree upon, making sure that the people have a clear view of our government during every step in the process, is something on which we see eye to eye. Unfortunately, the process by which HB 7069 was passed through both the House and the Senate was anything but transparent.
Until May 5, HB 7069 was a bill which dealt entirely with the Best and Brightest Scholarship Program. However, that afternoon the bill was fundamentally changed into a 278-page amendment that slashes funding for struggling schools and requires school districts to pay for charter school projects that they cannot afford. This amendment also included provisions that were the subject of some 55 other bills, the vast majority of which either had been voted down in committee or had stalled. The amendment also hijacked unrelated issues, such as recess and Gardiner Scholarships for students with special abilities, in a blatant attempt to borrow support. That may be the most offensive part of this process, as these issues enjoyed broad, bipartisan support – unlike the other controversial provisions of the bill.
This massive amendment was not released to the public until it was proposed during the appropriations conference committee meeting, leaving no time for public review or comment before it was agreed upon. This bill is a textbook example of a failure in government transparency.
Governor Scott, on behalf of my constituents in Broward County as well as parents and students across the state I implore you to please exercise your authority to veto HB 7069. While there are small pockets of good policy hidden within this bill, it is a monstrosity when coupled with the multitude of bad policies that have been included. Understanding the bad policy that is contained in this bill and the lack of transparency employed in its passage I urge you to please veto HB 7069.
Sincerely,
Senator Gary M. Farmer
District 34
Small Business: Include Workers’ Comp in Special Session
Statement from Bill Herrle, NFIB/Florida Executive Director, on the need to address workers’ compensation reform during special session:
“We’ve asked Governor Scott, President Negron and Speaker Corcoran to include workers’ compensation reform in the special session.
“Jobs are at stake. The Senate and House were very close to an agreement that could have delivered significant savings to the job creators of Florida during session – we owe it to business owners to finish the job now that we have the chance.”
NFIB’s Letter on Special Session
Gov. Scott calls special session to fight for students and jobs
Governor Rick Scott today signed the budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year and vetoed $410 million in legislative projects that do not provide a great return for Florida families. Additionally, Governor Scott vetoed the Florida Educational Finance Program (FEFP) funding portions of the budget. Governor Scott is also vetoing HB 5501 which decreased funding to VISIT FLORIDA by over 60 percent. The Governor’s full budget veto list will be released later today.
Governor Scott is calling a special session to discuss the following measures beginning on June 7, 2017 and ending on June 9, 2017 (click here to view the proclamation):
Funding for Florida’s K-12 students through the FEFP: Governor Scott is calling on the Legislature to provide an additional $215 million to K-12 education than previously authorized. This would increase the per student funding by $100.
Florida Job Growth Grant Fund: Governor Scott is proposing to establish the new Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to promote public infrastructure and individual job training which will encourage more businesses to choose Florida as a destination to grow jobs. Governor Scott is calling on the Florida Legislature to fund it at $85 million.
Increase VISIT FLORIDA Funding: Governor Scott has been focused on funding VISIT FLORIDA at $76 million in order to bring more tourists and support for Florida small businesses. The Governor is calling on the legislature to pass legislation that funds VISIT FLORIDA at a total of $76 million and includes comprehensive transparency and accountability measures at the organization.
Governor Scott said, “Florida’s students deserve the very best and we must always do everything possible to provide them with the resources they need to get a great education. It is my goal that a total of $215 million more is allocated to the FEFP which is a $100 per student increase over current year funding during the upcoming legislative session. Our students are the future of our great state and I know Speaker Corcoran is committed to our students, parents and teachers and ensuring Florida offers a world-class education to students at all levels.
“In addition to our common focus on ensuring a world-class education for Florida’s students, Speaker Corcoran understands the importance of ensuring future economic growth for Florida’s economy. Today, I am announcing that I intend to veto HB 5501 relating to Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA. While I believe very strongly in these programs and their ability to help bring more jobs to Florida, there needs to be a new bill relating to these organizations and how they operate.
“During the special session, I am calling on the Florida Legislature to consider new legislation that funds Visit Florida at $76 million. Additionally, I am proposing to establish the new Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to be funded at $85 million to promote public infrastructure and individual job training which will encourage more businesses to choose Florida as a destination to grow jobs. I have fought for jobs since my very first day in office and I do not intend to stop and this new fund will give our state the tools we need to compete with other states and nations for jobs. Like the Legislature, I strongly believe in transparency, accountability and a strong return on investment for any taxpayer dollars used. There needs to be legislation that allows us to market our state for tourism and grow jobs while maintaining these important principals. I look forward to working with the legislature during the upcoming special session to achieve these important goals for Florida families.”
Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “I am proud to stand with Governor Scott as we fight for continued strong job creation, giving every child a competitive and world class education, ensuring Florida competes as a tourist destination, and faithfully stewarding taxpayer dollars — goals that unify us.
“The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will create both public infrastructure and job training and put taxpayers in the driver’s seat. All Floridians know that Governor Scott is committed to jobs. His willingness to work with us on this new model for economic development demonstrates that commitment and is greatly appreciated in the House. It’s truly a model for the rest of the nation wrestling with ending corporate welfare. In addition, this special session will secure Florida’s place as the premier tourist destination in America while ensuring that VISIT Florida is completely open, accountable and transparent to the taxpayer.
“The people of Florida should be proud today that you can have leaders with competing opinions and still compromise to meet common goals — government in Florida is working and the biggest winners are all Floridians.”
Six Arrested and One at Large for Card Skimming at Multiple Florida Gas Stations
Attorney General Pam Bondi, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen today announced six arrests in connection to a credit card skimming scheme. According to the investigation, the defendants installed multiple skimming devices at various gas stations in Pinellas and Hillsborough County. In just a three-week period, the defendants allegedly stole more than 40 credit card numbers, using skimming devices at more than a dozen gas stations. Card skimmers are devices that can be inserted or attached to payment terminals. Once in place, these skimmers are able to copy the payment information of cards that are swiped or inserted.
“Skimming devices installed at gas pumps can go undetected for weeks—giving criminals access to credit and debit card information of unsuspecting consumers,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Partnering with the Florida Department of Agriculture, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local law enforcement agencies, arrests have been made and skimmers have been seized.”
“One skimmer can result in $1,000 per victim. When we first discovered these illegal skimmers on gas pumps, we worked with the Legislature to crack down on the criminals responsible. I’m grateful to Attorney General Bondi and the other agencies that partnered with us in this investigation,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Putnam.
“This was a devious scheme designed to take advantage of hard-working citizens legitimately using their credit cards. This type of fraud severely harms our economy and I am glad FDLE joined our law enforcement partners to help put an end to this illegal venture,” said FDLE Commissioner Swearingen.
The defendants, all Hillsborough County residents, allegedly used the skimmers to steal multiple credit card numbers, manufacture new cards and make fraudulent purchases—mostly fuel to fill retrofitted bladders on trucks. Criminals will often illegally modify vehicles to carry hidden containers that can store large amounts of fuel that is then resold on the black market.
Authorities arrested the following six defendants in connection to this criminal activity:
- Yosmanis Alfonso Cruz, 34;
- Elisio Omar Arbolaez Felipe, 47;
- Yunierlys Gonzalez, 31;
- Maykel Medina, 40;
- Dasiel Parrado, 34; and
- Dania Roig, 32.
An additional suspect, Jose A. Piniero, 48, remains at large in connection to this case.
The defendants face a range of charges including fraudulent use of personal identification information, fraudulent use of a credit card, fraudulent use of personal identification of another, forgery of credit card, use of a scanning device to defraud, organized scheme to defraud using electronic device and possession of counterfeit credit card. If convicted, Cruz, Felipe, Gonzalez and Medina all face up to 10 years minimum mandatory in prison.
Attorney General Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is prosecuting this case. In addition to FDLE, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Homeland Security Investigations assisted in the investigation.
Governor Scott to Award Florida Veterans with Veterans Service Medals
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, May 31st, Governor Rick Scott will honor Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal at the National Guard Armory in Brooksville.
WHAT: Veterans Award Ceremony
WHEN: 9:00am
WHERE: National Guard Armory
16386 Spring Hill Drive
Brooksville, Florida 34604
First Cases of H3N2 Dog Flu Confirmed in Florida
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in coordination with the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, announced today that the University of Florida has confirmed seven cases of H3N2 canine influenza virus, a.k.a. “dog flu.” Six additional results for the virus are pending. All dogs being treated are in stable condition. There is no evidence that H3N2 canine influenza virus infects people.
While H3N2 has been circulating throughout the country since 2015, this is the first time it has been confirmed in Florida. This is a highly contagious virus. Fortunately, the mortality rate is low. Dog owners can have their veterinarians vaccinate their dogs against canine influenza viruses.
If dog owners suspect a case of dog flu, they should call their veterinarian prior to going to the clinic in order to decrease the chances of spreading the virus to other animals at the clinic. Many dogs have a fever, decreased appetite and lethargy during the first few days of illness. Most dogs recover at home without any complications. Some require hospitalization.
More information on canine influenza can be found here.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, call 1-800-HELP-FLA or visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
