Staff Reports
Florida State University President John Thrasher has a big decision to make: change controversial name recognitions on campus — or leave ‘em be?
On Friday a university panel charged with reviewing FSU namings approved a proposal to relocate a statue commemorating Francis Eppes and wipe his association to the building housing the university’s criminology and criminal justice program. Also included: a recommendation to scrub from the main law school building former Florida Supreme Court Justice B.K. Roberts’ name.
Eppes, who donated money and land in the 19th century to launch what is now FSU, was a Leon County slave owner. Roberts wrote the state Supreme Court’s 1957 majority opinion to deny law school admission to an African-American student, Virgil Hawkins.
When Thrasher spawned the committee in the wake of last year’s riots in Charlottesville, Virginia, the two names were immediately tossed around as possible items for removal.
In a prepared statement, Thrasher expressed gratitude to the panel — but remained noncommittal. A detailed report from the panel is expected to land on his desk in coming weeks.
“I appreciate the attention paid by the panel to these important issues, and I want to thank them for their hard work. I also appreciate all of the public comment and feedback provided during the year,” Thrasher said.
A source inside FSU told us there is a plan in place to curate the Eppes statue, if removal is approved by the university. With Roberts, the name change would require an act of the Legislature.
Coming up, the usual assortment of tidbits, leftovers and not-ready-for-prime-time moments by Drew Wilson, Danny McAuliffe, Jim Rosica and Peter Schorsch.
But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:
Patronis ‘lacks confidence’ in financial regulator — Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis penned a letter Thursday to the state’s Commissioner of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation telling him he “no longer ha(s) confidence” in the commissioner’s ability to lead the office. The commission, headed by Drew Breakspear, the subject of Patronis’ letter, lacks cooperation, responsiveness and communication, according to Patronis. The CFO attributed those faults “to a lack of leadership at the top” and told Breakspear he’d discuss his concerns in detail at the Cabinet meeting May 15. Breakspear has led the agency since 2012 and said in a statement that he had not discussed the matter with Patronis ahead of the letter.
Red-light cameras upheld — The Florida Supreme Court rejected this week a challenge to the way Aventura’s government issues red-light camera citations. The news is a victory for local governments in a long-standing war over red-light cameras. The motorist who filed suit, Luis Torres Jimenez, was ticketed in the South Florida city and argued that the company managing the red-light cameras had too much authority, reported the News Service of Florida. In Aventura and in other municipalities, contracted companies review each image taken by the cameras, and courts have ruled consistently now the method is constitutional, so long as a city officer makes the final call.
State cuts prison drug abuse funding — The Florida Department of Corrections announced Tuesday that services in one program managed by the agency would have to be cut to cover a $55 million shortfall in health care services administered by DOC. The cuts will affect substance abuse and mental health treatment in facilities, at a time when the opioid crisis wreaks havoc in the state. The News Service of Florida reported reductions to those programs total $9.1 million, or 40 percent of the current funding for such services. St. Petersburg Republican state Sen. Jeff Brandes, who spearheads many criminal justice initiatives in his chamber, told the News Service, “You can’t have an opioid crisis and cut opioid funding. You can’t just let people out of prison without some type of transition back into society. These are the types of programs that the research shows provide the best outcomes.”
Newspaper sues for FIU bridge records — The Miami Herald announced this week it is suing the Florida Department of Transportation for documents kept out of sunshine that are expected to provide more details on the tragic March bridge collapse at Florida International University. The suit, filed in a Leon County Circuit Court, asks the judges to compel the “release of emails, meeting minutes and other records relating to the bridge’s design and construction,” reported the Herald. FDOT claims it does not have the right to share such information as it is part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Support grows for voting rights restoration — A poll conducted this week found that nearly three-quarters of Florida voters would support a ballot amendment (Amendment 4) to restore voting rights to ex-cons. In January, the ballot language grabbed enough signatures to appear on the November ballot. If approved by 60 percent of voters, rights would be restored to an estimated 1.5 million felons who’ve completed their sentences. Convicted murders and sexual offenders would be exempt from automatic restoration of rights. On Friday, Second Chances, an organization backing Amendment 4, reminded Florida voters the date marked the 150-year anniversary of disenfranchisement, a post-Civil War era policy implemented to bar freed slaves from voting. Critics of today’s clemency process often compare it to Jim Crow-style disenfranchisement.
Scott announces cybersecurity hires
At the behest of the Governor and ahead of the 2018 election, the Florida Department of State is bringing on five cybersecurity professionals.
The move follows nationwide concerns regarding the integrity of U.S. election systems, and Gov. Rick Scott, who’ll be on the 2018 ticket as a candidate for U.S. Senate, didn’t shy away from the issue in announcing the hires.
“Fair, honest and accurate elections are critical to our democracy. Following a secure and successful election in 2016, Florida has been focused on continued election security efforts,” Scott said. “We must be proactive in our efforts to preserve the security and integrity of our elections, which is why I directed the Department of State to invest in a team of cybersecurity specialists that will serve as a resource to all of our election officials.”
Florida’s elections are supervised at the county level. The five cybersecurity specialists will serve as a resource for the supervisors of elections in each county.
Elections are a top priority of DOS, and the recent hires complement a legislative appropriation of $1.9 million, which will be used to provide counties with automated alerts about system threats.
“I am proud of the proactive work my team is already doing and these specialists will offer an extra level of security that will benefit the nearly 13 million registered voters in Florida,” Secretary of State Ken Detzner said.
Scott, DEO to enhance Keys workforce housing
The Department of Economic Opportunity will soon propose enhanced workforce housing measures in the Florida Keys as part of a series of recovery efforts underway in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
The program is expected to allow local governments to grant 1,300 new building permits for rental properties in the Keys. The details will be presented at the next Cabinet meeting.
Gov. Scott said the program will “provide much-needed access to workforce housing, allowing businesses the opportunity to grow while providing a plan to ensure Keys residents can evacuate safely before a storm.
“Hurricane Irma left a devastating impact on our state, especially in the Florida Keys and since the storm, we have been working hard to rebuild even stronger than before,” Scott added. “For business owners across the Keys, the availability of affordable workforce housing has been a challenge that was compounded by Hurricane Irma.”
DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said the need for more workforce housing was the “No. 1” priority expressed to her as she toured the damage of Hurricane Irma.
“We are proud to provide an option to local governments that will help businesses have the talent they need to remain in the Keys and grow their companies,” Proctor said. “This solution will not only provide workforce housing for private-sector businesses but public servants, like law enforcement and teachers, as well.”
Putnam reminds Floridians to report arsons
Arson Awareness Week is May 6-12, and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is reminding Floridians to help prevent wildfires by reporting suspected arson.
Since the beginning of 2018, arsonists have started approximately 236 wildfires in Florida that have burned more than 4,620 acres, the commissioner said in a news release this week. He oversees The Florida Forest Service, which includes the state’s wildland firefighters.
“Unfortunately, man-made fires have exacerbated an already active wildfire season this year due to continuing drought conditions,” Putnam said. “With the help of Floridians, we can stop arsonists in their tracks and protect residents, property and wildlife from wildfire.”
To report suspicious wildfire activity, contact the Florida Forestry Arson Alert Association at 1-800-342-5869. Callers can remain anonymous, and information that leads to the apprehension of an arsonist could result in a reward of up to $5,000.
The willful, malicious or intentional burning of forest, grass or woodlands not owned by the person burning is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, five years in prison or both.
Instagram of the week
The week in appointments
Board of Professional Engineers
Walid Sobh, 55, of Orlando, is the president of ECS Florida, LLC. He fills a vacant seat for a term ending Oct. 31, 2018.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Board of Auctioneers
Don Shearer, 71, of Kissimmee, is the owner of Auction Services of Kissimmee. He is reappointed for a term ending Oct. 31, 2021.
Matthew Varable, 40, of Tampa, is the director of labor relations for Chemtrade Logistics Corporation. He fills a vacant seat for a term ending Oct. 31, 2021.
These are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Board of Nursing
Heather Baumwald is reappointed for a term ending Oct. 31, 2019.
The reappointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Cape Canaveral Hospital District
Judith George, 75, of Cocoa Beach, is a retired nurse with Creative Care Center. She is reappointed for a term ending Aug. 19, 2019.
Rusty Fischer, 74, of Cocoa Beach, is the owner of Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar. He is reappointed for a term ending Aug. 19, 2019.
State agency announces ‘Volunteer of the Year’
The state’s premiere service agency, Volunteer Florida, announced this week the 2018 Florida Volunteer of the Year.
The agency honored Betty Mulligan, who has dedicated her retirement to developing a free tutoring program. A Martin County resident, Mulligan uses her 35 years of teaching experience to help students expand their vocabulary and improve their reading comprehension skills.
Mulligan annually impacts 200 students at five different elementary schools. In 2015-2016, 92 percent of students in the program achieved or exceeded their goals, becoming fluent and often proficient readers and increasing their overall confidence and self-esteem.
For the past year, Mulligan has worked with her local United Way to recruit more than 80 tutors from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. She trains the tutors and monitors their hours, as well as students’ progress. She plans to recruit more than 100 tutors in 2018.
“Betty exemplifies selfless volunteerism and community service,” said Vivian Myrtetus, CEO of Volunteer Florida. “Her passion for literacy and her commitment to sharing it with an impressionable, influential generation of students is unparalleled in Florida and essential to the state’s continued success.”
DACS recoups $208K in April
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services took back more than $208,000 in ill-gotten gains from schemers last month.
April saw the department receive more than 21,000 calls through its phone hotline, including 3,789 consumer complaints. Tipoffs from those jilted customers led to the department kicking off 239 investigations and making 15 arrests.
DACS said it recouped consumer cash from unscrupulous moving companies, mechanics, pawnshops, health studios, telemarketers, travel agents and more.
To top it off, the department also helped Floridians get their phone numbers — 12,641 of them — on to Florida’s Do Not Call List.
Consumers who think fraud has taken place or want to let DACS know about something fishy that went down in a recent transaction can give the hotline a ring at 1-800-HELP-FLA, or 1-800-FL-AYUDA for Spanish speakers.
Rebates coming?
Florida ratepayers have been paying to harden the electric grid against storms since 2006. The Public Service Commission lets utility companies maintain reserve funds to repair damage above usual wear and tear.
They have to justify this spending to the PSC, Public Counsel J.R. Kelly said recently. In fact, hearings arising from Hurricane Matthew are scheduled in about three weeks, and the PSC will look into Irma spending later this year.
Kelly wants to make sure the money is being spent wisely. “I don’t want to see their rates go up without some very solid, valid reasons to do so,” he said.
In the past, Kelly’s office has negotiated rate settlements allowing utilities to assess surcharges following big storms, subject to review and possible rebates depending on whether that spending was justified.
“In Matthew, we believe there may be some money refunded. But it will depend on the final determination made by the commission.”
Fine wants Melbourne audit after fraud allegations
Rep. Randy Fine is requesting “a targeted, two-part audit of the City of Melbourne” after former West Melbourne Deputy Mayor John Tice was charged with fraud.
Fine, a Brevard County Republican, sent the request in a letter this week to fellow Rep. Jennifer Sullivan, who chairs the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee.
“In the aftermath of Tice’s arrest … we need to understand exactly how tax dollars could end up vulnerable to embezzlement,” Fine said in a statement.
According to Florida Today, Tice “was arrested … on fraud-related charges connected with his former job as executive director of Melbourne’s Liberty Bell Memorial Museum.” The 65-year-old “faces charges of scheme to defraud under $20,000, communications fraud, depositing an item with the intent to defraud and grand theft,” the paper reported.
“I am more determined than ever to root out the culture of corruption that exists in Brevard County,” Fine said.
Campbell to be honored for community impact
Daphne Campbell, the Democratic state senator from North Miami Beach, will soon be recognized for her professionalism and dedication in her community.
The event will last from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. May 17 at Moca’s Courtyard in North Miami Beach. Titled “Mingle, Network and Impact,” the mixer is hosted by Convival Link, a networking company focused on increasing individuals’ social capital.
Honorees joining Campbell include Pandwe Gibson, Stephen Johnson and Andrea Robinson. Campbell served in the state House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016, when she was elected to the state Senate. A Haiti native, Campbell moved to Florida in 1981. She is a registered nurse by trade.
Community Health Centers create $2B economic impact, report shows
Research released this week concluded Florida’s Community Health Centers provided a record-breaking $2 billion in economic impact in 2017.
The study, conducted by the Florida Association of Community Health Centers, also showed an outstanding return on investment: $1.78 for every $1 invested by the state.
“Florida’s Community Health Centers have a history of consistently providing exceptional benefits to the people of Florida, and we are tremendously proud that we have passed the $2 billion threshold for the first time and our economic contributions are still growing,” said Andrew Behrman, FACHC’s President and CEO. “Thanks to the continued support of our communities, Community Health Centers will remain a major source of job creation — and most importantly, a medical home for millions of Floridians who need us.”
The Centers help mitigate medical costs by diverting patients away from costly alternatives, such as emergency rooms. In 2017, the Community Health Centers accounted for over 17,700 indirectly and directly related jobs.
Funding for the facilities comes from federal, state and local appropriations, along with nonprofit support, private foundations and matching grants. There are more than 500 Community Health Center locations across the state, impacting over 1.4 million patients.
UF Law’s big contradiction
Sachs Media Group founder and CEO Ron Sachs wants his alma mater’s law school to reconsider strong-arming one of its own students.
Sachs, who famously published abortion information as editor-in-chief of UF’s student paper and faced criminal charges and potential expulsion for doing so, claimed the university might again be making “bad history” in a timely op-ed published in the Gainesville Sun Friday.
The prestigious UF Law Review, per Sachs, is requesting law student Robert Keefe remove a Facebook post containing largely redacted demographic data on the makeup of the Law Review. The discussion in comments was “intense but professional and academic, centering on the competing values of increasing diversity versus maintaining objectivity and fairness in the Law Review selection process,” wrote Sachs.
On one hand, the redactions themselves upset Sachs. He wrote: “Not only does this appear to violate Florida’s vaunted Sunshine Laws, but it also flies in the face of what a university is supposed to be about: the free and open discussion of important matters.”
But Law Review executives, Sachs wrote, also have “raised the possibility that [Keefe] could face serious sanctions and mandatory sensitivity training unless he removed his Facebook post.”
Added Sachs: “We have an exemplary student who spoke out, in a wholly appropriate way, on an issue of concern — and was then blocked by the university and threatened with discipline, all for exercising his First Amendment rights. This is an outrageous infringement.”
Video promotes Keys sportfishing
A video released this week, “Fishing in the Keys,” markets tourists and residents alike to fish and tour the Florida Keys.
Produced by Keep Florida Fishing, an advocacy tool of the American Sportfishing Association, the video is the first in a series to promote the chain of islands beneath Florida’s southern coast. The promo begins by asking, “Where have you fished lately?”
Watch the video by clicking the link below:
What follows is a series of scenic shots of the Keys and a successful catch-and-release fishing venture. According to Kellie Ralston, Florida Fisheries Policy Director of the American Sportfishing Association, the “video needed no words to invoke the feeling of what the Keys have to offer in terms of world-class amenities, from angling and boating to hotels and restaurants to historic attractions. The Florida Keys are unquestionably open for business.”
“We know this promotional series will encourage anglers from all over the country to take their next fishing trip to the Keys so that they may enjoy one of the world’s most iconic fishing locations,” added Gary Jennings, Director of Keep Florida Fishing.
It’s estimated that Florida is home to more than 3 million anglers who generate $9.6 billion in economic impact, according to Keep Florida Fishing. Additionally, those anglers support more than 128,000 jobs and contribute $53.3 million to Florida conservation efforts.
Opening Nights headliners announced
As part of Florida State University’s Opening Nights series, The Temptations and the Four Tops — known for their work on the Motown label and pioneering the sound of soul through the ‘60s and ‘70s — will headline a capital city stage in January.
The news broke Wednesday, when Opening Nights Director Michael Blachly announced alongside FSU President Thrasher that the groups would headline next year’s event. Opening Nights will continue announcing the set list each Wednesday in May.
Thrasher, a former Speaker of the Florida House and former state senator, said he “grew up listening” to The Temptations. He called the Four Tops an “incredible” group.
Added Blachly: “You really know your Motown history.”
Thrasher said his favorite “fundraising” song is “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” the 1966 hit single from The Temptations.
The two groups will perform at Ruby Diamond Hall in January, though a specific date has not been announced. Tickets for the series go on sale Aug. 23.
Renowned physicist named dean of FSU Graduate School
Mark Riley, known around the globe for his contributions to nuclear physics, will serve as dean of Florida State University Graduate School, effective May 7.
A longtime faculty member of the Department of Physics, Riley will replace the late former dean Nancy Marcus, who stepped down in 2017 and died in February.
“I’m excited about the future,” Riley said in a statement. “Since serving as interim dean I have learned more and more about the job and all that it encompasses. I have a spectacular team of people that Nancy put together. She did an incredible job in her 12 years as the dean and moved us forward on many, many fronts. Her record is spectacular. I just hope that I can keep that going.”
Riley joined FSU faculty nearly 27 years ago. He was named the 2014-2015 Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor, the highest honor bestowed upon university faculty.
An online bio of Riley, who was educated in the United Kingdom at the University of Liverpool, writes that his research “involves the detection of gamma-ray emissions from excited nuclei under extreme conditions.”
Tallahassee Democrat picks up new K-12 reporter
The capital city’s paper of record has a new scribe covering K-12 education.
On Thursday, former Tallahassee Democrat staff writer and producer Ashley White took over the schools beat. She’ll now cover the education happenings in Leon County and surrounding areas.
To White, her coverage will matter because it pertains to how children are educated — or, as she sees it, “prepared for the ‘real world.’”
“I’m thrilled to be the K-12 education reporter,” White said. “I know there are a lot of teachers and students working hard and I can’t wait to tell their stories.”
White began working at the Democrat in June 2015 after graduating from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s in journalism. She’s since worked as a digital producer, and has covered community events and breaking news.
Saturday deadline for hazardous waste
For Leon County residents, today is the last day to dispose hazardous refuse — at a location that isn’t the Leon County Hazardous Waste Center.
The county is encouraging locals to drop off harmful materials from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Public Works Operations Center, 2280 Miccosukee Road.
The next monthly Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection isn’t until September. However, the Leon County Hazardous Waste Center located at 7550 Apalachee Parkway will remain open in the interim.
Citizens today are permitted to dump up to 50 pounds of hazardous waste. But only one large-screen television will be accepted per vehicle, and fluorescent tubes are limited to 25 per vehicle. Additionally, propane takes must weigh less than 40 pounds.
Among items that will not be accepted: medical sharps, medicine, radioactive waste, bulky appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, etc.), furniture, yard waste, Styrofoam, regular garbage and construction materials.
City Commission to hold urban forestry workshop
The Tallahassee City Commission will hold a workshop to provide an update on the development of the Urban Forest Master Plan, being developed using a process that includes data gathering and community engagement.
That’s Wednesday, at 1 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers, 2nd floor, City Hall, 300 South Adams St.
“The Urban Forest Master Plan seeks to establish goals specific to the community and outline steps to ensure proper tree management including preservation, plantings, removals and maintenance, as well as help reduce costs to taxpayers and minimize infrastructure conflicts,” a news release said.
The workshop agenda can be viewed here. It is open to the public and will be aired live on WCOT (Comcast and CenturyLink channel 13) and streamed on Talgov.com and Facebook.com/COTNews.
Tallahassee honors ‘Silver Stars’
Tallahassee’s most influential seniors will be honored at the 17th annual Silver Stars Gala Thursday, May 24.
The Gala centers around “Silver Stars,” individuals who “positively contribute to the community and exemplify active aging,” according to a city news release.
This year’s Silver Stars award recipients are Ann Cleare; Nancy Godette; Mabel Huffman; Tennie Jackson; Charles B. Nam, Ph.D.; Andy McMullian; Rev. Dr. Henry M. Steele, LLD; and Eddie Randolph.
Four of the award recipients actively work in real estate, while others publish books, tailor clothes and assist with health and wellness. Each of the Silver Stars contributes their time to serving others and volunteering for community organizations.
The Silver Stars Gala will take place at 6 p.m. at the University Center Club at Florida State University (FSU). Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for $40/single, $75/couple and $360 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets, please call 891-4003.
To purchase tickets online or to read complete biographies on each of this year’s Silver Stars award recipients, visit TallahasseeSeniorFoundation.org.
Now for this week’s edition of Capitol Directions:
