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Lt. Governor López-Cantera and FDLE host Florida Missing Children’s Day

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Lt. Governor Carlos López-Cantera and First Lady Ann Scott joined Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen and hundreds of law enforcement personnel, public officials and citizens today for the 2017 Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony in Tallahassee. The annual event is held to remember Florida’s missing children, recognize the state’s efforts in child protection and educate Floridians on child safety and abduction prevention.
Governor Scott said, “As a father and grandfather, I take the safety of Florida’s children very seriously, and my heart goes out to the parents and families who have experienced the heartache of a missing child. Our prayers are with each of them every day. Florida is now at a 46-year crime low thanks to our hardworking law enforcement officers and we will keep fighting to protect those most vulnerable in our state.”
First Lady Ann Scott said, “As First Lady, I’ve had the opportunity to meet thousands of children across the state, and I am constantly reminded of how important it is to protect them. Rick and I are so grateful to the law enforcement officers, first responders and volunteers who dedicate their time to reuniting these families and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
In 2016, more than 33,000 incidents of missing children were reported to Florida law enforcement agencies and 12 AMBER Alerts were issued statewide. Since its inception, 218 AMBER Alerts have been issued, including 10 so far this year. AMBER Alerts have directly aided in the rescue of 69 children.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “The security of Florida’s children and the safe recovery of those missing remain a priority for FDLE. We are committed to working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prevent child abductions and apprehend predators.”
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Today we remember all of Florida’s missing children and their loved ones—who continue to hope and pray for their safe return. My heart breaks for families still searching for their children and I pray for our law enforcement officers working diligently to locate missing children and bring to justice those responsible for so much pain.”
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said: “Those who dedicate their lives to protecting Florida’s children and educating our communities on ways to prevent child abduction are nothing short of heroic. While there is always more work to be done, we are forever grateful for the service they have provided, and will continue to provide, to the children and families of our great state.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam said, “Florida Missing Children’s Day is a solemn day to remember our missing children and grieve with their families and loved ones. It is also a day to recommit to doing all that we can to make Florida a safer place for our most vulnerable residents.”
During a formal ceremony, Lt. Governor López-Cantera and Commissioner Swearingen recognized citizens, canine trailing teams and law enforcement officers for their exemplary efforts in missing children investigations.
The following individuals are recipients of the 2017 Florida Missing Children’s Day Awards:
Combatting Human Trafficking Award
Winner: Miami-Dade Police Department, Human Trafficking Squad

  • Lt. Lewis Velken
  • Sgt. Marie Perez
  • Sgt. Joseph Menendez
  • Det. Raul Cabrera
  • Det. Hector Arreola
  • Det. Kurtis Lueck
  • Det. Isabel Soto
  • Det. Paul Espana

Agency: Miami-Dade Police, Special Victims Bureau, Human Trafficking Squad
In June of 2016, the Human Trafficking Squad (HTS) assisted in the arrest of a human trafficker whose crimes spanned three countries and multiple states. The investigation resulted in the recovery of seven human trafficking victims.
Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award
Winner: Officer Troy Belden, Daytona Beach Police Department
Officer Troy Belden, while off duty, witnessed an attempted kidnapping when a suspect attempted to enter a vehicle occupied by two children. Officer Belden chased and apprehended the suspect and placed him under arrest.
State/Federal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award
Winner: Special Agent Donald Cannon, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Miami Regional Operations Center
Special Agent Donald Cannon led an investigation that resulted in the arrest of a suspect accused of abusing nearly a dozen children, both in Florida and in the orphanage he operated in Haiti. The suspect was arrested for violations in Foreign Commerce with the Purpose of Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
Jimmy Ryce K9 Trailing Team of the Year
Winner: Deputy Sheriff Jacob Durrance and K9 Chase, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Summary: Deputy Jacob Durrance and K9 Chase tracked a 16 year old, suicidal girl. They began from her home and tracked her into the woods a mile from her home, where she was recovered and transported to the hospital.
Law Enforcement Task Force of the Year
Winner: Child Abduction Response Team: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Florida Highway Patrol

  • Resident Agent in Charge Brett Thompson, FDLE
  • Special Agent Scott Gibson, FDLE
  • Special Agent Andrew Powell, FDLE
  • Special Agent Joshua Rios, FDLE
  • Special Agent Charles Massucci, FDLE
  • Special Agent Donald Schrenker, FDLE
  • Sergeant Joseph Makal, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Detective Maria Sorensen, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Deputy Sheriff Jeffrey Bradford, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Task Force Detective Robert Mateo, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Sergeant Robert Kirkpatrick, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Special Agent Joe Boland, FBI
  • State Trooper George Seiler, FHP

This Child Abduction Response Team led an abduction investigation that covered three states: Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. The young girl was taken from her home and AMBER alerts were issued in all three states. The girl was recovered in Tennessee and flown back to Florida by the FDLE Aviation Unit.
School Bus Operator of the Year
Winner: Linda Sheldrake, Flagler County
Linda noticed, at one of her stops, a strange man sitting in his car focusing on one of the girls in a group. Knowing the girl had a further walk than the rest, Linda contacted the mother about the situation and began dropping the girl off closer to her home to avoid the strange man.
John and Revé Walsh Award
Winner: Dr. Michael Warren
This year, Dr. Michael Warren retired from his position as director of the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory where he helped identify numerous remains of missing persons in the state of Florida. Dr. Warren has remained an integral part of the investigation into the disappearance of Tiffany Sessions.
Evelyn D. Williams Memorial Award
Winner: Jan Henderson
Jan Henderson recently retired from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement where she led FDLE’s Unidentified Deceased Initiative. Ms. Henderson helped identify the remains of multiple unidentified deceased cases. Ms. Henderson has also played an important role in the organization of the Missing Children’s Day event for over a decade.
To see a current list of unsolved AMBER Alert cases, please click here.
A current list of unsolved Missing Child Alert cases can be found here.
FDLE invites the public to follow FDLE on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up to receive Missing Child and AMBER Alerts via email or text message by visiting missingchildrenalert.com. For more information about the Florida Missing Children’s Day Foundation, visit fmcdf.org.
 

Gov. Scott: Wayfair to Create 100 New Jobs at Three New Distributions Centers Across the State

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Governor Scott announced that Wayfair Inc., one of the world’s largest online retailers for home goods, is opening three new distribution centers in Tampa, Orlando and Miami. This expansion will create 100 new jobs and allow Wayfair to continue to expand delivery to millions of consumers from these Florida locations.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Wayfair has chosen to expand in Florida with three new locations in Tampa, Orlando and Miami. This expansion will also create 100 new jobs across our state, which is further proof that our work to make Florida the most business-friendly location is helping encourage global companies to invest in our state. I look forward to seeing Wayfair’s continued success in Florida.”
James Savarese, Chief Operating Officer of Wayfair, said, “We are excited to expand our presence in Florida, where we will benefit from the region’s strong talent pool as we expand our logistics network to support the incredible growth of our business. The expansion of our operations in Tampa, Orlando and Miami will ensure that we continue to provide exceptional service every step of the way as we transform the shopping experience for home all the way through to delivery. We are pleased to open three new state-of-the-art facilities in Florida and contribute to the creation of new job opportunities across the state. We have worked very closely with Enterprise Florida, the state’s principal economic development organization, Governor Rick Scott’s Office, the City of Pompano Beach, as well as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, all of which have been great partners throughout the entire process.”
To accommodate its expanding logistics operations, Wayfair has opened a 45,004-square-foot facility in Tampa, a 43,120-square-foot facility in Orlando and a 47,320 square-foot facility in Miami’s Pompano Beach. Wayfair is continuing to search for new talent across the state, and the new jobs include positions in management, warehouse, concierge and customer service functions.
Harry Sideris, Enterprise Florida board member and Duke Energy’s state president in Florida, said, “We are excited that Wayfair has selected Florida for its three, new warehouse locations as it expands its distribution network. This expansion showcases that our state has the diverse workforce and business friendly climate needed for any company wishing to expand its operations. Economic development is integral to building stronger communities and, ultimately, a stronger Florida and we look forward to assisting more companies like Wayfair in the future. We appreciate the dedication of Governor Scott to make Florida the best place to work and raise a family.”
For more information on hiring and career opportunities in Florida, visit wayfair.com/careers.
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.

Victims’ Rights Advocates Gather at Capitol to Support Marsy’s Law for Florida

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MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: Marsy’s Law for Florida, a crime victims’ group working to amend the state constitution to provide equal rights for crime victims, will hold a press conference in support of a proposal currently before the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) that will place equal rights for crime victims on the 2018 general Election ballot.
WHO: CRC Commissioner and Proposal Sponsor Tim Cerio
CRC Commissioner Sen. Darryl Rouson
Florida Council Against Sexual Violence Executive Director Jennifer Dritt
University of Utah Law Professor and Former U.S. Federal Judge and Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor Paul Cassell
Justice Coalition Executive Director Michael Liles
Victims and Victim Advocates
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
WHERE: 4th Floor of the Capitol
In Front of the Senate Chambers

ICYMI: The Times of Israel: Beyond beaches: Florida seeks to lure Israeli startups

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Beyond beaches: Florida seeks to lure Israeli startups
The Times of Israel
Shoshanna Solomon
December 5, 2017
Move over, Silicon Valley and New York. Florida Gov. Rick Scott is looking to put his state “on the map for innovation.”
Scott is visiting Israel this week at the head of an almost 70-strong delegation including businessmen and university heads hoping to whip up the appetite of Israeli startups to set up their businesses in the third-most populous US state.
“Over half a million people have moved to Florida recently because of its economic development,” Scott told a gathering of businessmen in Tel Aviv on Monday, in a bid to raise the state’s profile. “There are today opportunities for technology companies to access the US markets by setting up their headquarters in Florida, because of the comfortable terms offered by our good business environment. We have an extensive space industry — and there is lots of place for Israeli startups to integrate into the field.”
Scott is a supporter of the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA), a technology accelerator that aims to make use of the local Jewish community to foster the growth of high-tech local and Israeli ventures in the Tampa Bay area and help Israeli startups make inroads in the US. The program was set up last year by the Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation.
“It is the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that any Jewish community has set up a business development platform together with a community engagement platform” to deal with Israel, said Jack Ross, a former executive director of the Tampa JCC and an investor in Israeli startup StemRad, for whom he is also a VP in charge of the North America market. “We wanted more people to intersect with Israeli culture and innovation and give Israel a community partner.”
…
“The idea is to put Florida on the map for innovation,” said Rakefet Bachur, the executive director of marketing for FIBA, and also “fill the gap” for Israeli startups who have “great technologies” but find it hard to navigate the process of starting sales in the US.
“Israelis don’t understand the local culture or the business culture. Our aim is to give them a solid understanding and the tools to navigate the process once they meet a big enterprise,” she said.
…

Nelson files bill to expand solar industry in Florida

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) filed legislation today designed to drastically boost investment in renewable sources of energy, such as solar.
If approved, Nelson’s legislation would make it easier for banks to invest in renewable energy companies by allowing them to own a larger share of such companies. It would also make it easier for banks to provide financing to homeowners looking to install solar panels on residential rooftops.
Under current law, banks are prohibited from owning more than five percent of a non-financial company – including those that produce renewable energy. Nelson’s bill would encourage banks to invest more in renewable energy companies by allowing them to own up to 20 percent of a company that’s engaged solely in producing or storing renewable energy.
“Florida is the nation’s Sunshine State but ranks twelfth when it comes to solar production,” Nelson said. “That needs to change. This bill will make it easier for homeowners to invest in their own solar installations while, at the same time, making it easier for larger renewable energy companies to access the capital they need to expand and create more jobs in Florida.”
Proponents of the plan argue that by allowing banks to invest more in renewable energy companies, Nelson’s bill makes more capital available to renewable energy companies, which will make it easier for them to expand and create more jobs.
In addition to increasing investment in renewable energy companies, Nelson’s bill would also make it easier for banks to provide financing to homeowners looking to install solar panels on their own residential rooftops.
One of the greatest barriers currently preventing homeowners from installing solar panels on their own rooftops is the initial, upfront cost. A 2016 Pew Research Center study found that 40 percent of homeowners have given serious thought to adding solar panels to their own roofs.
Despite the potential demand, very few banks offer financing to homeowners seeking to add solar panels to their own roofs because they either don’t know how to underwrite such a loan, or they are afraid of penalties if they get it wrong.
Nelson’s bill would make it easier for banks to offer consumers the financing they need for such projects by directing the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to create uniform underwriting standards that banks can use to offer such loans to consumers.
The renewable energy industry employs more American workers than both the coal and natural gas industries combined. According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, 547,000 Americans work in the renewable energy sector compared to 160,000 in the coal industry, and 362,000 in the natural gas industry.
Of the more than half a million people who work in the renewable energy industry, fewer than 15,000 work in Florida. In fact, Florida currently ranks twelfth in the nation for solar energy production – trailing behind states such as California, Texas and North Carolina.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average household in Florida spends $132.16 per month on electricity, almost 16 percent more than the national average. By helping to make financing more available, Nelson’s legislation would make it easier for consumers to install their own solar rooftop installations to reduce their annual energy costs.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis to Make Major Announcement Regarding Florida Firefighter Cancer and PTSD Benefits

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MEDIA ADVISORY

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis will make a major announcement regarding Florida firefighter cancer and PTSD benefits on Tuesday, December 5, at 2 p.m. in West Palm Beach. Joining State Fire Marshal Patronis will be local fire service professionals.

Tuesday, December 5

WHO: CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis
WHAT: Major Announcement Regarding Firefighter Cancer and PTSD Benefits
WHEN: Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station No. 23
5471 Okeechobee Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL 33417

CFO Jimmy Patronis: Florida Must End Credit Report Freeze Fee

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Make it Easier for Data Breach Victims to Protect Themselves from Fraud

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today that he wants Florida to end all fees imposed to freeze credit reports, and remove requirements for data breach victims to submit investigatory paperwork to prove they were victimized in order to waive this fee. The recent major data breaches underscore the importance of eliminating the credit report fee.
“Recent widespread data breaches at major companies have huge implications for our 20 million residents. Every Floridian should have the power to easily protect themselves and their families,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis. “No one should have to jump through hoops to prove their identity was compromised just to get a fee waived.”
This legislative session, CFO Patronis will work with Commissioner Adam Putnam to entirely remove the credit report freeze fee in Florida, under all circumstances.
“I applaud CFO Patronis for his leadership on this consumer protection initiative, which will eliminate the financial burden of placing a security freeze on credit reports. We must continue to do all we can to help protect consumers from fraud,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
CFO Patronis stated, “There shouldn’t be a fee, in any case, for credit report freezes. These fees serve one purpose: to generate more money for reporting agencies.”
Florida law currently allows credit report agencies to charge a fee of up to $10 to freeze credit reports, and data breach victims are required to submit paperwork to prove their identity is in jeopardy just to avoid paying the fee. Four states (Indiana, South Carolina, Maine, North Carolina) already do not charge fees to freeze credit.

Florida crime down in the first half of 2017

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Crime continues to fall across Florida according to the 2017 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report. The report shows Florida’s crime volume dropped two percent or roughly 6,300 fewer reported index crimes compared to the first six months of 2016.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Each and every day, the brave men and women of Florida’s law enforcement community selflessly work to keep our neighborhoods safe and as Florida’s crime rate continues to drop, we’re reminded of their important and life-saving work. Today, Floridians and visitors are the safest they’ve been in nearly a half -century and we will continue to fully support our law enforcement members as they work to make the Sunshine State the safest place to raise a family.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Throughout my career I have worked closely with our brave law enforcement officers, and the continued decline in Florida’s crime rate is a testament to their hard work, dedication and sacrifice. I want to thank all of our law enforcement officers and our state prosecutors for their continued success fighting crime and protecting Floridians.”
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Our declining crime rate is a true testament of our law enforcement community’s commitment to keeping our state safe. I offer my deepest appreciation for the sacrifices that the men and women in blue have made for the well-being of Florida’s families, friends and neighbors.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam said, “Florida’s crime rate continues to fall, and I credit the hard work of the thin blue line, the men and women in uniform who selflessly and courageously pursue their mission to keep Florida safe. We must continue to provide our law enforcement community with all the support we can so they can continue to help keep Floridians and visitors safe.”
The crimes of murder, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and larceny were down in this report while the crimes of rape and motor vehicle theft increased. Domestic violence fell one percent, with domestic violence murder and aggravated assault down while rape and stalking were up.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “Every day across Florida law enforcement officers at the state, local and federal levels work together to keep Florida citizens safe. Because of our partnerships Florida’s citizens and visitors are the safest they’ve been in more than 46 years.”
Florida Sheriffs Association President and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said, “The continued reduction in crime, throughout the state of Florida, is a direct result of the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, from the highest-ranking leadership to our patrol officers and deputies. From innovative task force operations to dedicated education and enforcement, we stay committed to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.”
President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and Miami Shores Police Chief Kevin Lystad said, “As Florida’s crime continues to drop, I commend law enforcement leaders and officers across the state! Their unwavering dedication coupled with the laws we have in place to deter those bent on committing crime are clearly working. The Florida Police Chiefs throughout the state remain committed to working with our state and federal partners to keep Floridians safe.”
The Semi-Annual UCR calculates crime volume, the number of index crimes known to law enforcement.  The report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found on FDLE’s website.
FDLE began tracking crime statistics in 1971.

Affordable Care Act Enrollment Events in Florida for the Week of Nov. 20 – 26, 2017

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MEDIA ADVISORY

November 1 marked the start of the Affordable Care Act’s fifth health insurance open enrollment period, which runs through December 15. To assist Floridians with getting covered, the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF) will once again host enrollment sites throughout the state.
To arrange interviews with navigators or consumers, contact 352-219-6029 or [email protected]. NOTE: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, navigation services will be reduced on Friday and Saturday, and closed on Thursday.
EFOF is Florida’s second largest provider of free in-person ACA enrollment assistance, and has been a federal Navigation grant recipient in every ACA open enrollment period. EFOF has discussed ACA enrollment in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, and in statewide and local media. EFOF has educated and assisted more than 250,000 Floridians at thousands of events in 35 counties.
The below events this week are free and open to the public. Floridians can also call toll-free to schedule an appointment, at 1-877-553-7453.
BROWARD COUNTY
MONDAY November 20, 2017
9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Broward Office – 512 NE 3rd Avenue, 3rd Floor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (ENGLISH/SPANISH/CREOLE)
TUESDAY November 21, 2017
9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Broward Office – 512 NE 3rd Avenue, 3rd Floor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (ENGLISH/SPANISH/CREOLE)
WEDNESDAY November 22, 2017
9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Broward Office – 512 NE 3rd Avenue, 3rd Floor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (ENGLISH/SPANISH/CREOLE)
COLLIER COUNTY
MONDAY November 20, 2017
9:30AM- 4:00PM Collier County Public Library South Regional Branch, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples, FL 34113 (ENGLISH ONLY)
TUESDAY November 21, 2017
9:30AM – 4:00PM Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Road, Naples, FL 34109 (ENGLISH ONLY)
WEDNESDAY November 22, 2017
9:30AM- 4:00PM Collier County Public Library South Regional Branch, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples, FL 34113 (ENGLISH ONLY)
DUVAL COUNTY
MONDAY November 20, 2017
9:00AM – 4:30PM UF Health Jacksonville AKA Shands Hospital, Admissions and Financial Assistance, 2000 Boulevard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. (ENGLISH)
9:00AM – 2:00PM EMed Specialty Group, 2624 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
TUESDAY November 21, 2017
9:00AM – 4:30PM UF Health Jacksonville AKA Shands Hospital, Admissions and Financial Assistance, 2000 Boulevard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. (ENGLISH)
9:00AM – 2:00PM EMed Specialty Group, 2624 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
4:00PM – 8:00PM Orange Park Library, 2054 Plainfield Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073. (ENGLISH ONLY)
WEDNESDAY November 22, 2017
9:00AM – 4:30PM UF Health Jacksonville AKA Shands Hospital, Admissions and Financial Assistance, 2000 Boulevard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. (ENGLISH)
9:00AM – 2:00PM EMed Specialty Group, 2624 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
6:30PM – 9:00PM Iglesia Adventista la Esperanza, 2014 Kenneth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
ESCAMBIA COUNTY (All Times CST)
MONDAY November 20, 2017
10:00AM – 3:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Pensacola Office, 2401 Executive Plaza Road, Suite 3A, Pensacola, FL 32504. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY – Call 1-877-553-7453. (ENGLISH ONLY)
12:00PM – 6:00PM Walton County Coastal Branch Library, 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. (ENGISH ONLY)
TUESDAY November 21, 2017
10:00AM – 3:00PM Downtown Branch – West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring Street, Pensacola, FL 32502. (ENGLISH ONLY)
12:00PM – 6:00PM Freeport Public Library, 75 US Highway 20 West, Freeport, FL 32439 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1-877-553-7453 (ENGLISH ONLY)
12:00PM – 6:00PM Fort Walton Beach Public Library, 185 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
WEDNESDAY November 22, 2017
9:00AM – 2:00PM Niceville Public Library, 206 North Partin Drive, Niceville, FL 32578. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1-877-553-7453. (ENGLISH ONLY)
SATURDAY November 25, 2017
10:00AM – 4:00PM Downtown Branch – West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring Street, Pensacola, FL 32502. (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
MIAMI DADE COUNTY
MONDAY November 20, 2017
9:30AM – 4:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Miami Office, 7300 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 760, Miami, FL 33156 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
12:30PM – 5:00PM Perrine Community Action Center, 17801 Homestead Avenue, Miami, FL 33161 (ENGLISH ONLY)
2:00PM – 8:00PM Kendall Regional Medical Center, Admitting/Receiving, 11750 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33175 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
TUESDAY November 21, 2017
9:30AM – 4:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Miami Office, 7300 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 760, Miami, FL 33156 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 6:00PM Sant La Haitian Community Neighborhood Center, Inc., 13390 West Dixie Highway. FL 33161 (ENGLISH/CREOLE)
11:00AM – 3:00PM Nanay Community Center, 659 NE 125th Street, North Miami, FL 33161 (ENGLISH/SPANISH). TRANSLATION SERVICES ALSO AVAILABLE FOR MULTIPLE LANGUAGES
2:00PM – 8:00PM Kendall Regional Medical Center, Admitting/Receiving, 11750 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33175 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
3:00PM – 9:00PPM Miami Dade College North Campus, New Student Center Room 1173-06, 11380 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33167 (ENGLISH ONLY)
4:30PM – 8:00PM Aventura Hospital & Medical Center, Admitting Area, Office 1, 20900 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, FL 33180 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
WEDNESDAY, November 22, 2017
9:30AM – 4:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Miami Office, 7300 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 760, Miami, FL 33156 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
9:00AM – 5:00PM Branches – CFS North Lakeview, 11500 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33168 (ENGLISH/SPANISH/CREOLE)
1:00PM – 8:00PM West Kendall Regional Baptist Hospital, First Impressions, 9555 SW 162nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33196 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
2:00PM – 8:00PM Kendall Regional Medical Center, Admitting/Receiving, 11750 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33175 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
FRIDAY November 24, 2017
2:00PM – 8:00PM Kendall Regional Medical Center, Admitting/Receiving, 11750 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33175 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
SATURDAY November 25, 2017
9:00AM – 4:00PM Kendall Regional Medical Center, Admitting/Receiving, 11750 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33175 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
9:00AM – 4:00PM West Kendall Regional Baptist Hospital, First Impressions, 9555 SW 162nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33196 (ENGILSH/SPANISH)
PALM BEACH COUNTY
MONDAY November 20, 2017
6:00PM – 9:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, West Palm Beach Office, 3222 Commerce Place, Suite B, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
10:00AM – 4:00PM Palm Beach County Library, Belle Glade Branch, 725 NW 4th Street, Belle Glade, FL 33430 (ENGLISH ONLY)
9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 5:00PM Jamroc, 256 SW Avenue B Place, Belle Glade, FL 33430 (ENGLISH/CREOLE)
WEDNESDAY November 22, 2017
6:00PM – 9:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, West Palm Beach Office, 3222 Commerce Place, Suite B, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
SATURDAY November 25, 2017
9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 5:00PM Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, West Palm Beach Office, 3222 Commerce Place, Suite B, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
10:00AM – 4:00PM Palm Beach County Library – Belle Glade, 725 NW 4th Street, Belle Glade, FL 33430 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1-877-553-7453 (ENGLISH)
9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 5:00PM Jamroc, 256 SW Avenue B Place, Belle Glade, FL 33430. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL 1-877-553-7453 (ENGLISH/CREOLE)
9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 5:00PM Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital at the Delray Beach Medical Center, 5352 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33484 (follow signs to Navigator; office to the left of the desk). (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
10:00AM – 5:00PM Pompey Park Community Center, 1101 NW 2nd Street, Delray Beach, FL 33444 (ENGLISH ONLY)

Gov. Scott: Florida Unemployment Rate Drops to 3.6 Percent

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More Than 127,000 Private-Sector Jobs Created in October

Governor Rick Scott today announced that the state’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.6 percent, the lowest in more than a decade. More than 127,000 private-sector jobs were created in October. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,448,300 jobs. Florida’s annual job growth rate of 2.6 percent also exceeds the nation’s rate of 1.6 percent.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce today that Florida’s unemployment rate has reached a more than 10-year low of 3.6 percent and that more than 127,000 private-sector jobs were created in October. While Hurricane Irma was a devastating storm, we have worked day after day to help communities recover and send a message across the world that Florida is open for business. Today’s announcement, and the creation of more than 1.44 million private-sector jobs since December 2010, shows the strength of our economy. We will continue to work to make our state more business-friendly, including fighting to cut taxes by more than $180 million during the upcoming legislation session, to help secure Florida’s future as the best place for families and job creators to succeed.”
As of October, Florida’s unemployment rate had dropped 7.1 percentage points since December 2010, faster than the national decline. In the last year, 216,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 2.2 percent, which is more than four times the national labor force growth rate of only 0.5 percent.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Recovering from Hurricane Irma has been our top priority. We are committed to ensuring Florida’s families and businesses continue to prosper. The unemployment rate has consistently declined while jobs are being added in diverse industries all across the Sunshine State, proving that we have the best economic climate in the nation.”
Other positive economic indicators include:

  • Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year were:
    • Professional and business services with 38,900 new jobs;
    • Trade, transportation and utilities with 38,300 new jobs;
    • Construction with 35,600 new jobs;
    • Education and health services with 17,600 new jobs; and
    • Other services with 17,600 new jobs.
  • Florida job postings showed 240,297 openings in October 2017.
  • In October, Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards reported 23,082 Floridians, including 1,273 veterans, were placed in jobs.

To view the October 2017 employment data, click here.