Peter Schorsch
The thick, smelly bright green algae has plagued the Treasure Coast for weeks.
It has given residents coughs and rashes. It is choking the oxygen out of the water and threatening wildlife. And it is also becoming a political volleyball.
Everyone seems to agree: It’s time to fix the region’s water woes. But what’s harder to pin down is exactly who needs to step up and take action.
Gov. Rick Scott thinks it’s time for the federal government to lend a hand. In a letter to the congressional delegation this week, the Naples Republican pointed a finger at President Barack Obama and his administration, saying he has repeatedly called on the federal government has failed to maintain and repair the federally operated Herbert Hoover Dike.
“These calls have been ignored and our state has been forced to defend our priceless natural treasures and extraordinary coastal communities without the federal government living up to their obligations,” he wrote in his letter. “Time and time again, the State of Florida has stepped up to invest in important restoration projects while the federal government has continued to fall short and not fund the maintenance and repair of the dike they are solely responsible for.”
Sure, the dike needs strengthened. But Rep. Gwen Graham said Florida should be doing its part to help out. In a letter to Scott, the Tallahassee Democrat said she was disappointed Scott decided to blame the president and focus on a partial solution, instead of “proposing and supporting comprehensive solutions.”
Her suggestion: Call a special session to focus on “short- and long-term solutions to improve” water quality and prevent future blooms. Graham, a likely 2018 gubernatorial candidate, also called on state lawmakers to work together to clean up and replace failing septic tanks and use Amendment 1 funds to buy land south of the lake to restore water flow.
“As our waterways clog with algae, children suffer the negative effects, and tourists cancel their trips to Florida, we need leadership,” she wrote. “Passing the buck to the president and federal government isn’t an answer — the state must take responsibility to tackle the problems we face.”
The state, Scott said, is taking responsibility. Scott said the state has spent nearly $700 million in restoration projects over the past five years, including money for the C-43 reservoir, the C-44 reservoir, and the Tamiami Trail bridging project.
Graham isn’t the only federal lawmaker miffed by the finger pointing. During a stop in Fort Myers this week, Sen. Bill Nelson said the state needs to set aside Amendment 1 dollars to buy land south of the lake. And while he agrees the dike needs repairs, he said he’s sick of people passing the buck.
“I do not appreciate people pointing the finger and saying its someone else’s fault,” said Nelson. “If its going to get solved, everyone has to have skin in the game.”
Coming up, the usual assortment of tidbits, leftovers and not-ready-for-prime-time moments by Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Lloyd Dunkelberger, Jim Rosica and Peter Schorsch.
But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:
More water woes — This week the blooms led to political firestorm, after Rep. Patrick Murphy tried to delay the Small Business Administration’s announcement of a loan center in Martin County, so he could announce it during an event on Capitol Hill. That led to criticism from Gov. Rick Scott’s administration, as well as from Sen. Marco Rubio, who questioned why the SBA considered delaying the announcement. Rubio called it unconscionable that SBA officials even considered a delay, and told the agency the “incident leaves a profoundly bad taste in the mouths of many Floridians.”
Zika crisis — The Zika virus continues to be a threat in much of the Western Hemisphere, with top health officials saying Florida and Puerto Rico are in the crosshairs. During a Senate hearing this week, senior U.S. government officials urged Congress to pass a $1.1 billion Zika prevention bill. That bill did not pass, with Senate Democrats lining up in opposition. There are more than 290 cases of travel-related Zika virus in Florida, with more than 40 of those involving pregnant women.
Workers compensation debate — Florida lawmakers could have a list of recommendations on how to fix the state’s workers compensation on their desks by the November organizational session. According to POLITICO Florida, Associated Industries of Florida President Tom Feeney said his organization is in the process of compiling a list of recommendations. While the details weren’t disclosed, they will stem from discussions had during meetings AIF and the National Federation of Independent Business-Florida held across the state. The recommendations come after the Florida Supreme Court ruled on two issues dealing with workers’ compensation.
Not so Bright Futures — Fewer students are renewing their Bright Futures scholarships once they are in college or university, according to a new report by the state Department of Education. The decline is the primary reason the total number of scholarships is expected to fall 20 percent, with 128,545 scholarships in 2014-15 dropping to about 102,000 this year. Revamping the system has been a key part of Senate President Designate Joe Negron’s push to improve higher education in Florida. He wants to restore the top-level Bright Futures award for “academic scholars” so that it covers the full tuition and fees. Right now it covers about half the average per credit hour cost.
Cleveland bound — Gov. Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi are among the celebrities and politicians scheduled to speak during the Republican National Convention next week. Scott said he is looking forward to the speech, and said he plans to focus on why the country “ought to elect Donald Trump.” Florida delegates will have a jam-packed week, with several events planned by the Republican Party of Florida. Among those expected to speak to the Florida delegation, Ben Carson, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
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How do you spell London?
If you’re Gov. Rick Scott: J-O-B-S.
Scott was in the United Kingdom this week to attend the Farnborough International Air Show and for an economic development mission. While there, the governor announced several companies planned to expand operations in Florida.
According to the Governor’s Office, Thales, a global technology leader for aerospace, transport, defense and security markets, plans to add 327 jobs in Melbourne and 173 new jobs in Orlando. The project is expected to invest more than $20 million in the local communities.
Scott also announced that Lockheed Martin plans to expand capabilities at its Astrotech Space Operations site in Titusville. The expansion, the Governor’s Office said, will create up to 300 jobs.
“Florida is home to one of the largest aerospace and aviation industries in the nation and we continue to grow,” said Scott. “It’s exciting that Lockheed Martin continues to expand in Florida, adding hundreds of jobs for our families. We will do all we can to make it easier for businesses like Lockheed Martin to succeed in Florida.”
Scott also announced HAECO Americas, an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul service company, is expanding its Lake City facility and will add 400 jobs in Columbia County; while JetSmarter plans to expand and create new jobs at its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale
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Breaking news: Florida is a great place to retire.
Two Florida cities — St. Petersburg and Naples — made Kiplinger.com’s list of 12 Great Cities to Retire. The list was compiled using several factors, like recreation and other amenities tailored to retirees.
Kiplinger used data provided by Trulia to identify neighborhoods with quiet streets, trails, parks, golf courses and other amenities. It also took into account easy access to hospitals and pharmacies.
Kiplinger pointed to then North East Park, Old Northeast and the “inner northeast side of St. Petersburg” as neighborhoods good for retirees. The neighborhoods were chosen because residents can easily bike or walk to neighborhood bars and restaurants.
A few hours south in Naples, Kiplinger said the city’s growth “has been fueled by a torrent of retirees attracted to miles of beaches, gracious homes and giant banyan trees.”
Also on the list, Seattle, Austin and Philadelphia.
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Add Scott Walker the list of attendees at this year’s Defending the American Dream Summit.
Americans for Prosperity-Florida announced this week the Wisconsin governor would be attending the 10th annual summit in Orlando on Sept. 2 and Sept. 3.
“There is no clearer example of how free-market policies can succeed than those fought for by Wisconsin Governor, Scott Walker,” said Chris Hudson, state director of AFP-FL. “Governor Walker led the fight for free-market principles to help turn around the badger state. We’re thrilled that Governor Walker will join our incredible lineup of presenters at the Defending the American Dream Summit in laying out a clear vision for how activists from across the country can help shape the policy outcomes of tomorrow.”
Other speakers include Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, House Speaker Designate Richard Corcoran, and Rep. Jose Oliva, who is next in line to be speaker.
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Support for the victims of the Orlando continues to grow.
Gov. Scott announced this week that the Miami Marlins donated $15,000 to the Florida Disaster Fund. The money will be used to support organizations that serve survivors, families, and others in need following the June 12 mass shooting at Pulse night club.
“The Miami Marlins are honored to come together with our fans to mourn the victims and offer our support to the survivors of the Orlando terror attack,” said David P. Samson, president of the Miami Marlins. “We appreciate everyone who participated in raising these funds and hope that these donations will send a message of hope to the Orlando community to let them know that the Marlins stand with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Florida Disaster Fund is Florida’s official private fund to assist communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency. Donations made to the fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, and 100 percent of funds raised go toward those in need.
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A state lawmaker wants clarity in police procedures.
In the wake of police officers killing black men in Minnesota and Louisiana and the killing of police officers in Dallas, state Rep. Shevrin Jones, a West Park Democrat, wrote a letter to South Florida police departments, asking for an explanation of protocols when officers are making arrests, particularly when guns or minority suspects are involved.
“I ask you to reflect on all that is occurring throughout our nation with recent officer-involved shootings as well as the targeting of officers and stand with me to make a difference. Together we can bring about effective change, but first our public needs answers,” Jones said in his letter.
Among the questions Jones posed are what procedures guide the use of guns in making an arrest, what constitutes “resisting” arrest and what type of diversity training do officers undergo.
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Florida lawmakers want to make sure military personnel are protected from scams.
July marks Military Consumer Protection Month. The month-long effort is meant to raise awareness about common scams, as well as what active duty military, veterans and their families can avoid them.
“Our veterans and active military members have sacrificed so much for us, and we owe it to them to do all we can to protect them from fraud,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.
Putnam was joined by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who said her office was doing what it could to raise awareness about identity theft scams targeting service members. Bondi urged military members, veterans and their families to be cautious of scams through a joint initiative with the state, federal and nonprofit agencies.
“It’s an absolute honor that nearly 100,000 active and reserve members of the Armed Forces and more than 1.5 million veterans live in Florida, and as a state, we will do everything we can to ensure these brave Americans are protected from scams and deceptive business practices,” she said.
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Got an idea about how to reduce conflicts between bears and humans?
Let the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission know.
FWC officials have invited counties and other local governments to submit proposals so the agency can distribute state funding to help reduce bear conflicts in Florida communities. The state has set aside $825,000 for programs that are committed to taking a “BearWise” approach and can demonstrate a reduction in human-interactions.
Nick Wiley, the executive director of FWC, said the communities will be encouraged to have “BearWeise programs tailored to meet their specific needs.”
“FWC will continue to work with local community partners to ensure they have the tools and resources necessary to help Floridians avoid conflicts with bears,” said Wiley in a statement. “Balancing Florida’s growing bear population with the safety of residents and visitors remains a top priority.”
Local governments have until Oct. 14 to submit proposals.
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There’s a few new faces on Judicial Nominating Commissions across the state.
Gov. Scott appointed Susan H. Aprill, a 69-year-old Hollywood resident, to the Fourth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nomination Commission. She is an attorney and shareholder with Fowler White Burnett.
Scott appointed Robert W. Batsel, Jr., a 33-year-old Ocala resident, to the Fifth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission. He is the general counsel and director of governmental relations for the College of Central Florida.
He also appointed John Reid, a 32-year-old Daytona Beach resident, to the Seventh Judicial Nomination Commission. Reid is an assistant state attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.
Scott also appointed Brandon R. Burg, a 33-year-old Panama City resident, to the Fourteenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission. He is an attorney at Harrison Sale McCloy.
Also on the Fourth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nomination Commission, Scott reappointed Keith E. Sonderling, a 33-year-old Boca Raton attorney; Alexis M. Yarbrough, a 45-year-old Fort Lauderdale resident who formerly served as general counsel for Florida Department of Transportation; and Debra A. Jenks, a 58-year-old West Palm Beach attorney.
All of the Judicial Nominating Commission appointees will serve in terms ending July 1, 2020.
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Premium hikes for long-term care insurance?
In one of the first tests for newly appointed Insurance Commission David Altmaier, two companies that provide insurance for nursing home stays and other long-term care, are asking for steep hikes in their premiums. Regulators says the increases range from 20 percent to 114 percent.
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company wants to hike its average premium from $1,593 to $2,580 a year. Unum Life Insurance Company of America wants a bump from $581 to $862 a year in its annual premium.
The bulk of the policyholders for Metlife and Unum are in South Florida, although the insurers have policies throughout the state. MetLife has 23,000 policyholders, while Unum has nearly 46,000 policyholders.
Most of the policyholders live in South Florida, but both companies have customers across the state.
The Office of Insurance Regulations has scheduled an Aug. 12 public hearing on the rate hike request in North Miami. The OIR will make a decision on the requests sometime after the hearings.
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Florida State University is moving on up.
The university was ranked No. 44 on Forbes’ recent Top Colleges ratings of public universities. The university was ranked No. 50 in 2015.
“This is good news that provides further evidence of Florida State University’s rise in national prominence,” said President John Thrasher. “The Forbes national ranking reflects our efforts this year on a number of fronts to elevate academic excellence to an even higher level and to ensure our students are as well-equipped as any in the country to find the best jobs when they graduate.”
The ranking is based on student satisfaction, post graduate success, student debt, graduation rates and academic success.
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Read with a child this summer.
It will make First Lady Ann Scott happy.
Scott continued her 2016 Summer Literacy Adventure at Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach this week. The first lady visited the Fernandina Beach Recreation Center Summer Camp to encourage students to continue reading throughout the summer.
“This is a great time for families to spend extra time reading and learning together, and enjoy all that our state has to offer,” she said in a statement. “I encourage all of Florida’s wonderful students to take the Summer Literacy Adventure pledge so they are ready for a great school year.”
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Three Florida public universities are among the Top 20 universities in the nation granted U.S. utility patents in 2015.
According to a new report by the National Academy of Inventors and the Intellectual Property Owners Association, the University of Florida Research Foundation ranked 5th among public universities in the United States with 105 patents. The University of South Florida ranked 9th with 90 patents, while the University of Central Florida ranked 19th with 50 patents.
“We are proud of the outstanding research and inventive work being done at our Florida universities,” said Marshall Criser III, chancellor of the State University System of Florida. “The importance of utilizing university research to benefit society is vital to the health and welfare of our citizens and the continued growth of our economy.”
All three universities are member institutions of the National Academy of Inventors, as are all of the universities in the State University System of Florida.
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Florida’s orange crop took a hit last year.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the final estimate for the 2015-16 orange crop was 81.5 million boxes. That estimate marks a 16 percent decrease from the 2014-15 crop.
Valencia oranges totaled 45.4 million boxes; while Florida produced 36.1 million boxes of other varieties. During the 2014-15 season, Florida produced 96.8 million boxes of oranges.
Michael W. Sparks, the CEO of Lakeland-based Florida Citrus Mutual, told the Orlando Business Journal the report was “pretty much what we expected after hearing from the field.”
“This season marked another challenging year for Florida citrus growers,” he said.
The forecast for all of Florida’s grapefruit production is unchanged at 10.85 million boxes; while the tangerine forecast remains at 1.43 million.
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The report is out.
AARP Florida released its annual legislative voting guide, giving members a chance to see how their legislators voted on a variety of issues important to the organization, including health care and livable communities.
The report tracks the group’s priorities and shows how members vote along the way. The organization notifies legislators about its top priorities at the beginning of session, and members must go through the report to find out whether legislators supported or opposed issues.
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The Florida Sheriffs Association has a new president.
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings has been elected as the president of the association, the group announced this week. In this role, Demings will be responsible for presiding over the association, working with the staff and board of directors to guide the efforts and direction of the FSA.
“It is truly an honor to be the new President of FSA,” he said. “I am thrilled to serve as the leader of such a worthy organization, and I will not take this opportunity lightly.”
The Florida Sheriffs Association announce announced Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson will serve as the vice president; Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter will serve as the secretary; and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri will serve as the treasurer. The immediate past president is Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell.
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Bertram LLC will soon call Tampa its home base.
Gov. Scott announced this week the company will establish its international headquarters in Tampa. The move will create 140 new jobs and lead to a $35 million capital investment in the local community. The company, according to the Governor’s Office, picked Florida over North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia for their new manufacturing facility.
“This announcement signals another exciting chapter in the history of Bertram Yachts. We are proud to partner with the State of Florida, Hillsborough County, and the City of Tampa and look forward to building our organization’s future here,” said Peter Truslow, the company’s CEO. “Our new headquarters will attract yacht owners, their associates, and crew members from around the world to Tampa to monitor progress on the construction of their new vessels and have them serviced and maintained.”
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Give Senate President Andy Gardiner a hand next time you see him.
The Orlando Republican was named the 2016 Senator of the Year by The Able Trust. The organization, which is dedicated to providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment, selected Gardiner because of his work to pass meaningful legislation to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The organization also gave Reps. Marlene O’Toole, a Lady Lake Republican, and Erik Fresen, a Miami Republican, the Representative of the Year Awards.
“These legislators demonstrate, tremendous dedication to improving the education, independence and employment of Floridians with disabilities,” said Dr. Susanne Homant, president and CEO of The Able Trust. “Their commitment to redefining inclusion from the classroom to the workplace for people persons with disabilities has changed the lives of thousands of Floridians.”
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Congratulations, Pati Bryan!
Volunteer Florida announced this week Bryan was the winner of the 2016 Volunteer Florida/Cabot Creamery Celebrity Cruise. She will join dozens of other volunteers from organizations across the nation on the 2017 Cabot Community Celebrity Cruise aboard the Celebrity Solstice.
“Volunteer Florida is thrilled to partner with Cabot Creamery again this year to recognize an outstanding volunteer with a free cruise,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Chester W. Spellman. “Pati Bryan embodies a spirit of giving and service that is truly inspirational. We are grateful for Cabot Creamery’s partnership in recognizing her service.”
Volunteer Florida hosted a competition during Florida Volunteer Month. During that time Floridians could nominate an outstanding volunteer to win a free cruise. The cruise honors powerful achievements and contributions of volunteers.
“I am thrilled beyond words that Pati was selected as the winner of the 2016 Cabot Celebrity Cruise in recognition of her outstanding volunteer achievements,” said John Clark, president and CEO of the Council on Aging of West Florida. “Pati is like family at our day care center; she is respected by both clients and staff.”
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Brad Swanson has been tapped to lead the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association.
Derek Cooper, chair of the association’s Board of Directors, announced Thursday Swanson has accepted the position of FCTA president.
“On behalf of FCTA, I am excited that we have someone of Brad’s caliber to lead the association,” said Cooper. “We welcome Brad and look forward to the dynamic energy and varied skill sets he brings to the post.”
Swanson is the former executive director of the Florida Transportation Commission. Prior to joining the commission, he served as the state freight, logistics and passenger operations administrator at the Florida Department of Transportation. Swanson also spent several years at the Florida Chamber of Commerce, including serving as the organization’s vice president of corporate and strategic partnerships.
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Give Jessica Solano a round of applause.
The Polk County math teacher was named the 2017 Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year this week. In her role as teacher of the year, she’ll serve as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education and tour the state to talk about education in Florida.
“We are fortunate to have educators like Jessica Solano in our schools,” said Polk County Schools Superintendent Jacqueline M. Byrd. “She embodies the best qualities of a teacher: the willingness to challenge her students as well as herself, desire to innovate, initiative to embrace technology, and genuine concern for the children of our community. Ms. Solano is a credit to her profession. We are very proud to say she is one of the brightest lights in Polk County Public Schools.”
In addition to a $20,000 award funded by the Department of Education and Macy’s, the Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 wardrobe, a $1,000 check for her school and an all-expense paid trip for four to New York City to attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
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The first buds have been harvested.
Surterra Therapeutics announced this week it had completed the first legal harvest of therapeutic cannabis in Florida. The harvest means the company is one step closer to having products available to eligible patients in the Sunshine State.
“All we need now is the Department of Health to give us the green light to start oil extractions from the harvested plants and we can have products ready for statewide delivery to patients in just a few weeks,” said Susan Driscoll, president of Surterra Therapeutics. “Florida patients should be ready and talk to their doctor now about recommending therapeutic cannabis products to them and doctors can now sign-up to recommend therapeutic cannabis again because the course is back online today.”
The harvest is the first step in the oil extraction process. The company has requested authorization to extract oil from the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Compassionate Use. Once granted, Surterra will complete the extraction process and use the oil in their products.
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A House staffer may not be subject to a lobbying ban.
According to POLITICO Florida, staff for the Florida Commission on Ethics is recommending the commission conclude Joseph Gillespie, the staff director of the House Bill Drafting Service, wouldn’t be subject to the lobbying ban if he left his job.
Gillespie asked the commission to advice whether he is considered a legislative employee. Ethics commission staff, POLITICO Florida, reported said he does not.
Legislative employees include staff directors for the Office of the President, the Office of the Speaker, and legislative committees.
The commission is set to consider the opinion at its next meeting.
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The Department of Financial Services is moving its law enforcement units.
The department announced this week that its three sworn law enforcement units — the Division of Insurance Fraud, the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations, and the Office of Fiscal Integrity — have been combined with the newly-formed Division of Forensic and Investigative Services.
As a nationally-recognized leader in the fight against fraud, our ability to share intelligence and resources is paramount as we continually raise the bar by adjusting our methods and adapting our techniques to match an ever-evolving crime,” said Simon Blank, the director of the Division of Forensic and Investigative Services. “By combining forces, we’re able to extend our reach and do more to protect the people of Florida from falling victim to acts of insurance fraud, arson or the misuse of state funds.”
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Goodbye Sarge.
Funeral services will be held Saturday in Tallahassee for Wayne Westmark, who served as the sergeant of arms for the Florida House of Representatives from 1976 to 1998. Westmark was appointed to his post by former House Speaker Don Tucker.
A graduate of Florida State University, Westmark died July 7 at the age of 83.
When Westmark retired in 1998, the House passed a resolution commending him “for the patience, generosity, thoroughness, loyalty, and fairness with which he has performed his duties for the past 21.5 years.”
The services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel Baptist Church in Tallahassee. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made to Big Bend Hospice.
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Here’s this week’s edition of Capitol Directions:
