Peter Schorsch
Couched in the latest crime statistics is a sobering reality: “The attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando helped drive up Florida’s murder rate in 2016 to its highest level since 2008.”
The Associated Press noted that fact as Gov. Rick Scott trumpeted this week that “Florida’s crime rate is now at a 46-year low,” according to a press release.
“Statewide there were 1,108 murders, including the 49 who were fatally shot last June at the Pulse nightclub,” the AP reported.
Scott did note the Pulse tragedy in his statement: “In 2016, Florida’s law enforcement was tested like never before…
“From the horrific terror attack at Pulse Nightclub to Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, Florida’s men and women in uniform have answered the call,” he said. “I want to thank all of our law enforcement for putting their lives on the line to keep Florida’s families safe. Our state’s continuously decreasing crime rate is a reminder of the dedication and hard work Florida’s law enforcement officers show every day.”
He went on to note the “more than $4.9 billion in public safety in the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget.”
“This investment includes a pay increase to support Florida’s sworn law enforcement officers, a comprehensive pay plan for correctional officers that will make Florida’s prisons safer, re-entry program funding that will reduce recidivism and increased funding for prevention programs targeting at-risk youth,” the governor said.
But even without the Pulse shooting, the AP reported, “the number of murders would have been up slightly from 2015, when 1,040 people were murdered.”
Add this: “The number of murders caused by firearms was also up — even without the Pulse shootings. In 2015, firearms were used in 767 murders. That increased to 847 in 2016.”
Coming up, the usual assortment of tidbits, leftovers and not-ready-for-prime-time moments by Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Jim Rosica, and Peter Schorsch.
But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:
“Victory is mine” — A few days after the end of a three-day Special Session, Gov. Scott hit the road, crisscrossing the state as part of a five-city “Fighting for Florida’s Future Victory Tour.” Scott touted the Legislature’s decision to increase spending for K-12 public education, fully fund Visit Florida, and set aside $85 million for a newly created Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, with House Speaker Richard Corcoran, his one-time legislative foe, at his side for several stops. “None of this would have happened without the support of the speaker who worked hard all session,” said Scott; while Corcoran said it was “great to partner with the governor.” Senate President Joe Negron didn’t tag along on the tour. A spokeswoman for the Stuart Republican said he had already departed for a prior commitment in California before the scheduled was finalized, but looked forward to “attending future events with the Governor and Speaker Corcoran to discuss the important accomplishments of the 2017 Session.”
You win some — After weeks of saying he was reviewing a wide-sweeping education bill (HB 7069), Gov. Scott signed the measure just four days after the House sent it to him for his consideration. The controversial bill, among other things, steers more public money to privately run charter schools, requires recess in elementary schools, makes changes to the state’s standardized testing system, and sets aside money for teacher and principal bonuses. The measure was a top priority for House Speaker Corcoran, who said the so-called “Schools of Hope” provision would transform the state’s schools. The legislation was sharply criticized, with school superintendents and other public school advocates calling on the governor to veto it. This law will significantly hurt our public education system, rather than providing our teachers and students with the resources they need to succeed,” said Rep. Shevrin Jones, the ranking Democratic member on the House Education Committee, in a statement.
You lose some — While a top priority for Speaker Corcoran got a thumbs up this week, Senate President Negron wasn’t so lucky. Gov. Scott vetoed a wide-sweeping higher education bill (SB 374) that he said “impedes the ability of state colleges to meet the needs of the communities and families they serve.” The bill, among other things, enhanced policy and funding options for state universities to “recruit and retain exemplary faculty, enhance the quality of professional and graduate schools, and upgrade facilities and research infrastructure.” It also restructured the governance of the Florida College System and modified “the mission of the system and its institutions.” Scott said the legislation, a top priority for Negron, impedes the State College System’s mission by capping the enrollment level of baccalaureate degrees and unnecessarily increasing red tape.” Negron said he fundamentally disagreed with the idea that the bill made “positive changes to our universities at the expense of Florida’s community colleges.”
Some the courts decide – The League of Women Voters of Florida and Common Cause asked the state Supreme Court to issue a ‘writ of quo warranto’ against the governor, claiming he doesn’t have authority to appoint three new justices on the last day of his term. Scott, a Naples Republican, has said he plans to name the replacements for the court’s liberal-leaning trio of Justices R. Fred Lewis, Barbara Pariente and Peggy A. Quince. They face mandatory retirement on the same day—Jan. 8, 2019—that is Scott’s last in office as governor. The lawsuit says Scott can’t replace those justices because he’ll be out of office earlier on the same day all three retire, and their terms last till midnight. Later in the week, Scott was given till July 5 to file a response.
It’s a law — Gov. Scott signed a slew of bills into law this week, including a measure (SB 90) that implements the 2016 solar tax break constitutional amendment. Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes and House Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues, it expands the definition of renewable energy source devices and, among other things, exempts renewable energy devices from tangible personal property taxes. He also signed a bill (SB 494) championed by former Democratic Leader Arthenia Joyner (and sponsored this year by Sen. Rob Bradley and Rep. Bobby DuBose) that would allow more people wrongfully convicted and imprisoned to be compensated by the state; a bill (SB 1018) to increase public notification of pollution incidents; a bill (HB 493) directing the Department of Transportation to study the viability and cost of creating a statewide system for the designation of safe school crossing locations; and a bill (SB 398) capping fees and revising the requirements for issuing estoppel certificates. Scott also signed into law a measure (HB 477) aimed at combatting the state’s opioid crisis. The law, among other things, enhances penalties for fentanyl abuse and its derivatives. “This legislation was my top priority this session—because it gives law enforcement and prosecutors the tools we need to combat the trafficking of fentanyl and save lives,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
SPF K-12
Parents of fair-skinned kiddos, rejoice! Sunscreen is now allowed at school.
Tucked into the wide-sweeping education bill signed into law by Gov. Scott this week was a provision that allowed students to “possess and use a topical sunscreen product while on school property or at a school-sponsored event without a physician’s note or prescription.” The sunscreen, according to the provision, must be regulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use.
The Governor’s decision to sign the bill into law means Florida is now the fifth state to adopt similar measures that aim to make sure children are protected from sun exposure while in school. The proposal — which was similar to ones adopted by Alabama, Arizona, Utah and Washington — have been backed by the American Dermatologic Surgery Association and the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery.
“Creating a culture of sun-safe behavior in our youth is an important part of how we can reduce the risk of skin cancer,” said Dr. Thomas E. Rohrer, the president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, in a statement. “As dermatologic surgeons, we must help the public understand the real risks of excessive sun exposure and how to mitigate them.”
According to the ASDSA, the provision is needed because some schools across the nation require children to bring a prescription in order to bring and use sunscreen. The ASDSA worked with multiple agencies, including the American Medical Association, to show why the provision was needed.
“Increasing access to sunscreen in our schools is an important step in the uphill battle against skin cancer,” said Dr. Terrence Cronin, Jr., the president of the FSDDS and the state affairs chair for the ASDSA. We must continue to be proactive in our efforts to lessen the risks associated with harmful sun exposure.”
Skimmer crack down
You can breathe a sigh of relief next time you head to the gas pump.
Gov. Scott signed a bill (HB 343) into law recently that updates Florida statutes to enhance protections from new methods of credit card theft.
Sponsored by Rep. Robert Asencio, measure, which goes into effect Oct. 1, identifies the scanning and skimming devices used by criminals to steal consumer information and conduct credit card fraud. It also criminalizes fraudulent activities, and aims to protect Floridians who rely on the safe use of their credit cards.
“Credit card fraud and identity theft are too common in our state,” said the Miami Democrat in a statement. “This legislation will update our laws to keep up with the underhanded methods of criminals and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.”
By the numbers
Two thousand cupcakes. Sixty-six new members. One vote.
Those are just a few of the big numbers from the 2017 Legislative Session, at least according to Moore Communications Group. The statewide communications agency released its annual “other” session wrap-up, which looks at a few of the other capital city watchers might have missed while they were watching all the action the floor.
Take for instance the number of cupcakes handed out on Epilepsy Awareness Day. According to MCG, the folks behind Epilepsy Awareness Day handed out purple cupcakes on April 18.
Feb. 23 was the busiest day in LobbyTools history, according to the MCG analysis, with 1,082 individual bill actions added to the system within 24 hours.
In the age of social media, it’s no surprise that Moore Communications has the lowdown on the number of tweets sent this session. According to MCG, there were 51,208 tweets sent about the 2017 Legislative Session.
Welcome to the board
There’s a few new members of the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
Gov. Scott announced this week that he appointed Dr. Daniel Calvo and Tameka German to the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, which oversees the licensure and regulation of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.
Calvo, a 39-year-old from Lakeland, is the regional consultant of clinical services for Accelerate Care Plus. He fills a vacant post, and was appointed to a term ending Oct. 31, 2017.
German, a 39-year-old from Tallahassee, is the owner of Premier Therapy Services. She succeeds Tammy McKenzie, and was appointed to a term ending Oct. 31, 2020.
Both appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
Congratulations, Mr. President (and Madame President-elect)
You might want to start calling Michael Higer “Mr. President.”
Higer, a partner on Berger Singerman’s dispute resolution team, will be sworn in as the 69th president of The Florida Bar when the bar holds its annual convention in Boca Raton next weekend.
Higher is a member of the Bar’s Board of Governors, and serves on its executive committee. He is a former chairman of the Bar’s Business Law Section, and served as the chair of Bar’s special committee on gender bias, which recently issued a 12-point plan to address bias and promote inclusion.
Born in Miami Beach, Higer got his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law. He joined Berger Singerman in 2015, after stints at Jacobsen Schwartz Nash Block & England; Coll Davidson Carter Smith Salter & Bartkett; and striking out on his own to form Higer Lichter & Givner.
The Bar will also swear in Michelle Suskauer as the president-elect during its annual convention. Suskauer will take the reins in June 2018.
Money for an apprentice
Rep. Asencio is hoping he and Gov. Scott can find common ground in the governor’s favorite four letter word — J-O-B-S.
The Miami Democrat is asking Scott to set aside $12.75 million from the $85 million in the newly created Florida Jobs Growth Grant Fund for apprenticeship programs. The request is similar to an amendment proposed by Asencio during the three-day special session earlier this month, which would have set aside money for an apprenticeship program.
“The Governor will soon have the final version of the bill on his desk and the ability to allocate funds to invest in our youth and our entire state’s future,” said Asencio in a statement. “From South Florida, to the Space Coast, to even the White House, everyone is laser-focused on the incredible benefits apprenticeship programs will have on our country’s working families. We cannot afford to let this opportunity pass us by.”
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that cut back the federal government’s role in creating and monitoring apprenticeship programs. The order also doubled the amount of money for apprenticeship grants to $200 million a year, up from about $90 million a year.
“I call on Governor Scott to allocate $12.75 million, the amount my amendment intended to provide for apprenticeship programs, from the $85 million in discretionary funds in Florida tax dollars,” said Asencio. “This will help not only hundreds of people in South Florida, but many more across the entire state through public-private partnerships. It’s time we invest in working Floridians and give them the opportunity to better themselves and our state.”
Celebrating a golden anniversary
The Florida Bar is raising a glass to more than 250 attorneys who have dedicated 50 years to the practice of law.
The Bar will honor 254 attorneys during luncheon at The Florida Bar Annual Convention at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. In order to be recognized, attorney need to be members in good standing of the Florida Bar, active or inactive, and attain their 50th anniversary of admittance to the practice of law in 2017.
Honorees include Baya Harrison III, Stewart Parsons, Peter Spriggs, and Barry Richard.
As our Jim Rosica once wrote about him for The Tampa Tribune, Richard “is one of the Greenberg Traurig law firm’s powerhouses, perhaps most notable for representing then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush during the 2000 presidential-election challenge in Florida. But (he) also represented the defendant in a dispute over royalties lodged by funk-music legend George Clinton in Tallahassee federal court.”
Richard now represents the Seminole Tribe of Florida in its fight over blackjack with the state, and the Florida Lottery in its court battle against House Speaker Richard Corcoran over a $700 million contract for new equipment.
Richard is married to Allison Tant, the former head of the Florida Democratic Party.
High fives all around
Work it — You’d be hard pressed to call this millennial lazy.
Gov. Scott presented Joe Sleppy with the Young Entrepreneur Award during the Cabinet meeting this week. Scott honored the 21-year-old for his work to create Capacitech Energy, an Orlando-based technology company. Founded in 2016, Capacitech Energy is focused on helping power electronic manufacturing companies reduce the size and cost of their products.
“It’s exciting to see a young entrepreneur pursue his passion for technology and build a small business in Florida,” said Scott. “Joe’s hard work and dedication lands him on the path for continued growth and future success.”
Scott also presented Partners in Association Management with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award. Founded in 1998, the Tallahassee-based company provides management services to state, regional and national associations.
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Creating a sanctuary — Kelly Kowall created a sanctuary for families in need.
Five years later, she’s being honored for the help she’s provided to so many others.
Gov. Scott and Volunteer Florida CFO Chester Spellman presented Kowall with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award during the Cabinet meeting this week. Kowall, the founder and president of My Warrior’s Place in Ruskin, received the award for her work to help families who are mourning the loss of a veteran or first responder.
“Volunteer Florida is honored to recognize Kelly for her invaluable work to provide members of the military, veterans, and military families with a place to recover from traumatic events or the loss of a loved one,” said Spellman.
My Warrior’s Place was founded in 2012 after Kowall’s son, Army Specialist Corey Kowall, died in Afghanistan in 2009. The Ruskin retreat is a sanctuary that provides reprieve and support services for veterans, active-duty military members, first responders, and Blue, Silver, and Gold Star families grieving over losses or recovering from PTSD. Trained instructors and assistants teach multiple grief and bereavement coping mechanisms, including referrals to resources for continued progress outside of the retreat. The retreat has provided service to more than 5,000 individuals.
“I’d like to thank Kelly for her selfless service to help those who are mourning the loss of our brave and courageous veterans and first responders,” said Scott. “I applaud her continued efforts to honor the lives of our veterans, and provide a place for families and friends to find peace through their grieving process.”
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Thanks, teach — The school year has come to an end, but that didn’t stop Gov. Scott and the Florida Cabinet from tipping their hats to a group of educators this week.
Scott presented seven educators with the Governor’s Shine Award during the Cabinet meeting. The award is presented to teachers and administrators in Florida who make significant contributions to the field of education.
“The hard work and commitment of these outstanding educators has been recognized in their schools and districts and I’m proud to present them with the Governor’s Shine Award,” said Scott. “I applaud their dedication to ensuring students across Florida are prepared for success in college and a future career.”
All of the teachers honored this week were the 2017 District Teachers of the Year and the 2018 State Teacher of the Year finalists.
Scott recognized Latrece Brown of Duval County, Katelyn Fiori of Indian River County, Juan “Diego” Fuentes of Martin County, Janeen Gibson of Hardee County, Tammy Ross Jerkins of Lake County, Lyndita Saunders of Collier County, and Kristen White of Santa Rosa County.
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Advocacy honored — For more than two decades Ben Ritter has worked on behalf of veterans with disabilities. And this week, Gov. Scott took a minute to give Ritter a round of applause for his service.
Scott presented Ritter, a former non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps., with the Governor’s Medal of Merit during the Cabinet meeting this week. Scott, a Navy veteran, thanked Ritter for his service and his “commitment to advocating for veterans and citizens with disabilities.”
“Ben’s dedication to improving the lives of those with disabilities is humbling,” said Scott. “I’m honored to present him with the Medal of Merit today for his service and positive impact on the lives of countless Floridians.”
Ritter lost the use of his legs during an unsuccessful back operation in 1988. In 1997, be began working in Tampa representing veterans with disabilities, serving as the government relations director for the Florida Gulf Coast Paralyzed Veterans of America from 1997 until 2012 and as an American Disabilities Act Consultant to the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission.
Ritter currently serves as on the Hillsborough County Veterans Council, is co-chairman of the Tampa Mayor’s Alliance for Persons with Disabilities, and is a member of the local Military Officers Association of America Chapter and Hillsborough County Alliance for Citizens with Disabilities.
“Ben’s passionate advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities is well known and respected in Florida’s veteran community,” said Lt. Col. Glenn Sutphin, the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “His tireless efforts to help drivers with disabilities resulted in Florida’s gasoline stations displaying their phone numbers on gas pumps for pumping assistance.”
Financial clarity
Students heading to college fall will have a little better understanding about their financial future, thanks to a new law signed into law this week.
Gov. Scott signed a bill (SB 396), sponsored by Sen. Dorothy Hukill and Sen. Aaron Bean, that requires colleges and universities to provide students with financial information about their student loan debt.
“An affordable education allowed me and my family to live the American dream, so ensuring that every Florida student understands the costs of higher education is very important to me,” said Scott in a statement. “This bill is another step in the right direction and builds on our college affordability bill enacted in last year and our fight to hold the line on tuition, making it possible for more students to get a great education in Florida.
Under the law, which goes into effect July 1, schools are required to annually provide students with an estimate of the total amount a student has borrowed in student loans; the student’s potential loan repayment amount; an estimate of the monthly loan payment amount; and the percentage of the borrowing limit the student has reached at the time the information was provided.
“Student loan debt is growing every second and every second students are putting themselves further into debt for their education,” said Hukill in a statement. “Our students need to be as informed about their debt and what it will cost over the life of the loan as they would be when they buy a car or a house.”
#Learners2Earners
Working together — When it comes to a workforce development, it’s all about collaboration.
That’s the idea Cissy Proctor, the executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, wanted to get across during the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Learners to Earners education summit this week. The annual conference aims to connect the state’s business community, workforce professionals and education leaders to talk about ways to prepare Florida students for the future.
Proctor said while it is important for students to continue their education, the “responsibility doesn’t fall on students alone.” She encouraged employers to make investments in training, have conversations about what degree programs are working for them, and what type of opportunities they can provide to meet the needs for the jobs of the future.
“We know there are many paths to prosperity,” she said. “Getting a great education is step one.”
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The future is now — Mary O’Hara-Devereaux had a message for educators and business leaders this week: Stop talking about the future like it’s something that is still to come.
“I think it’s very important for leaders to remember the future is already here, it’s not just evenly distributed,” said O’Hara-Devereaux, the CEO of Global Foresight, a think tank and strategic consulting firm. “2030 is only 12 years away. The changes that are out there are huge. We will have more disruption in the next 12 years, more advances in the next 12 years than in the past 20 years.”
As one of the nation’s leading futurists, O’Hara-Devereaux has been featured on Bloomberg TV, Fox, and NPR. During her speech to the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Earners and Learners summit this week, O’Hara-Devereaux talked about the laws of the future she bases her ideas off of.
Those laws include if “something big is going to happen, it’s got to start some time,” and “how will you live.”
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Extraordinary contributions honored —Education Commissioner Pam Stewart tipped her hat to more than three dozen Florida business this week for their contributions to public education in the Sunshine State.
Stewart presented 44 companies with the Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award during the Florida Chamber Foundation’s annual Learners to Earners Summit this week.
“I am pleased to present these businesses with the Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award as a token of our appreciation for their ongoing support,” said Stewart in a statement. “Strong partnerships between the education and business communities are essential to student success, and I hope more businesses will take advantage of this mutually beneficial opportunity.”
Stewart highlighted several companies during her presentation, including the Tampa Bay Lightning, which has invested $6 million into its five-year “Build the Thunder Program.” Through the program, the Lightning donates hockey gear to underprivileged children and seeks to teach them critical life skills.
Stewart also highlighted The Green Bag Project, which is supported by Lowe’s and helps to ensure students in need in Osceola County have food when school is out, like during holiday breaks and on weekends.
She also applauded Ajax Building Corporation’s working in Pinellas County, which has dedicated more than $1 million in time, labor and resources to transform a vacant school building into The Starting Right Now facility, which serves homeless and unaccompanied youth.
Make it affordable
A new law could help promote affordable housing in Florida.
Gov. Scott signed a bill (HB 421) this week that extends the use of self-insurance funds to public housing entities with interest in public housing housing investments. The law, which goes into effect July 1, authorizes a variety of companies to join the same self-insurance fund as the authority that owns or governs them.
“Working to find solutions that will make more affordable housing opportunities available for Florida’s working families is imperative to strengthening our state’s economy and communities,” said Rep. Sean Shaw, who sponsored the legislation in the House. “This important piece of legislation will give Floridians a chance to begin planning a path to economic security. I’m proud to have been a part of building consensus across party lines to help strengthen families across our state and I thank the governor for signing it into law.”
One stop pick-up
Need to pick up a bunch of prescriptions? Have no fear, soon might be able to do it all in one stop.
Under a bill (SB 800) signed into law by Gov. Scott his week, health insurers would be prohibited from denying patients the ability to receive a partial refill of a prescription if they choose to enroll in a medical synchronization program through their pharmacy. The law, sponsored by Sen. Doug Broxson and House Democratic Leader Janet Cruz, will allow more patients to synchronize their prescriptions.
The lack of synchronization in prescription fill dates has been identified as one of the major contributors to medication non-adherence. That can lead to poor health outcomes for patients, and an estimated $300 billion a year in avoidable costs to the U.S. health care system, according to Cruz’s office.
“This new law is an invaluable tool for elderly and chronically ill patients in Florida who find it burdensome to make multiple trips to the pharmacy each month,” said Cruz. “Medication synchronization will lead to better health outcomes and longer lives for thousands of Floridians who are in need of continuing care.”
Summer #SuitsForSession
Remember those suits you donated to during the 2017 Legislative Session? Volunteer Florida wants you to know what happened to them.
The statewide volunteer organization announced it plans to spend the summer highlighting the individuals who were impacted by the #SuitsForSession Capitol service project.
“By highlighting the stories of people across Florida who were personally impacted by #SuitsForSession, we hope to spark a discussion about ways in which the private sector, public sector, and volunteers can innovate to help job-seekers gain self-sufficiency,” said Volunteer Florida CFO Chester Spellman in a statement “Entering or re-entering the workforce can be overwhelming, especially for those experiencing homelessness, health issues, or other challenges. Our goal is to support job-seekers by providing not only professional attire, but a sense of self-confidence.”
The annual clothing drive collected more than 3,200 items of new or gently-used professional attire, which was then sorted and distributed to Chapman Partnership in Miami, Dress for Success Tampa Bay, ECHO Outreach Ministries in Tallahassee, Bridges of America, and the Florida State University Unconquered Scholars program.
Chairwoman of the board
Kudos, Carol Dover!
The Florida Agriculture Center & Horse Park’s Board of Directors announced this week that it unanimously selected Dover, the president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, to serve as its chair. Dover, who has served on the board since its inception, will serve the remainder of the current term, which ends Dec. 31.
“Every challenge presents an opportunity, and as I serve in this new role, I’m determined to reinvigorate our stakeholders, promote a positive workplace culture, and maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency,” said Dover in a statement. “As a passionate equestrian, I’m excited to work together with our local and state partners to effectively promote FHP as the premier venue for agricultural, equine, and community events.”
The 500-acre multi-purpose facility is located in Ocala-Marion County and provides a world class setting for equestrian events throughout the year. The center includes a 79,500-square-foot all weather arena, seven regulation dressage arenas, and over 100 obstacles and stabling.
Dover has served as the president and CEO of the FRLA since July 1995.
Art City, USA
Tallahassee residents love art — or at least they love shopping for it.
That’s according to a report from Artfinder, an online marketplace, which looked at the art buying habits across the United States. The recent report found Tallahassee was the No. 1 art buying city, with 1,303 pieces of art bought per million inhabitants in 2016.
“We are now seeing a new generation and a new kind of art buyer emerging,” said Artfinder CEO Jonas Almgren in a statement. “Our audience are typically younger than those who buy from galleries, and they don’t necessarily classify themselves as ‘collectors’ — they’re not buying for investment, they’re buying because they want something handmade by a real person on their wall, something no one else has got.”
New Haven, Conn. ranked No. 2 on the Artfinder list, followed by Anaheim, Calif. in the No. 3 spot. Tampa came in fourth with 789 pieces of art bought per million inhabitants in 2016; and and Raleigh, North Carolina rounded out the Top 5. Miami landed in the Top 10 with 620 pieces of art bought per million inhabitants in 2016, according to the Artfinder research.
Vacation state of mind
Floridians are ready for a vacation.
A new survey from AAA – The Auto Club showed 67 percent of Floridians are planning to take at least one vacation this summer. The survey found that a majority of travelers are planning at least on vacation ranging from three to eight days, and about 21 percent of Floridians are taking a vacation longer than 21 days.
“The summer travel season kicked off with the most Memorial Day travelers in 12 years,” said Vicky Evans, the assistant vice president of travel sales development for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “So far this year, AAA has also seen tremendous growth in travel bookings, compared to last year. This survey suggests that momentum will continue, creating the busiest summer travel season in more than a decade.”
About 30 percent of Floridians said they feel better about taking a vacation this year, compared to last. The report found 67 percent of Floridians said they’ll be heading to the lake or beach, 51 percent will be making their way to theme parks, and 41 percent are planning to go on ocean cruises.
Water world
Diver down — As scallop season approaches and more people hit the water, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wants to make sure Floridians stay safe diving this summer.
FWC officials are reminding Floridians to use a divers-down warning device whenever they are snorkeling or scuba diving.
A divers-down flag displayed on a boat must be at least 20-inches by 24-inches and displayed at a high point, where it can be observed from 360 degrees around the vessel. All divers must prominently display a divers-down devices in the area in which the diving occurs.
The FWC is also reminding boaters that vessels should make a reasonable effort to stay at least 100 feet away from a divers-down device within a river, inlet or channel. In open waters, vessels need to make a reasonable effort to stay 300 feet away. Divers should stay within the same distance of their displayed vehicle.
“Divers share the responsibility of boating safety with the boat operators,” said Capt. Tom Shipp with FWC’s boating and waterways section. “Diving without the divers-down symbol displayed or using it for reasons other than to inform others of the presence of divers is unlawful.”
The 2017 recreational scallop season for Dixie and parts of Taylor counties opened Friday and remains open through Sept. 10.
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More snapper please — Love snapper? You now have more time to snag yourself some fresh fish for dinner.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced an additional 39-day season for recreational snapper fishing in Gulf of Mexico federal waters. The extended season is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Monday, Sept. 4, and includes Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4 and Monday, Sept. 4.
“This major expansion of the federal red snapper season is great news for every community along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The red snapper season helps drive our economy and this extension will allow families and visitors to take advantage of red snapper fishing opportunities during Father’s Day and Fourth of July weekends,” said Gov. Scott. “I encourage every Floridian and visitor to get out on the water to enjoy Florida’s world-class fishing.”
This marks the longest Gulf federal red snapper season since 2013.
“An extended federal Gulf red snapper season will have a tremendous positive economic impact on Florida’s coastal communities, which depend on our state’s $9.6 billion sportfishing industry,” said Gary Jennings, director of Keep Florida Fishing, in a statement. “We appreciate efforts to expand access to our fisheries, and we will continue to push for improvements to federal management of recreational fishing.”
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Here’s this week’s edition of Capitol Directions:
