Takeaways from Tallahassee — Weathering the storm

Clouds are brewing over the journalism industry, but the long-term forecast is promising.

That’s according to Diane McFarlin, the former publisher of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and current dean of the University of Florida College of Journalism. She delivered a media ‘forecast’ to an audience of UF alumni in Tallahassee this week.

In the short term, “It’s all clouds and storms,” according to McFarlin. And it’s not getting any better soon, in fact, it “looks like a hurricane is coming upon us.”

“Financially, a decline that began more than a decade ago for the newspaper industry has accelerated,” McFarlin said, adding that newspaper employment pales in comparison to its glory days stats.

But there’s hope.

Describing the “silver linings from what has probably been the most tumultuous decade in the history of American media,” McFarlin expressed faith in the future of journalism. Her extended forecast: “Partly cloudy skies with rays of sunshine.”

She cited reputable recent polling that found increased trust in professional journalists and other “voices of expertise.”

As well, the proliferation of fake news and deceitful information has been met by a push for media literacy, noted McFarlin.

She also estimated that the shuttering of local news publications will be counterbalanced by an increased demand for journalism, perhaps through new media publications.

And from her post overseeing prospective journos, she is optimistic about the upcoming professional class of Americans.

“They are not impressed by power and influence, they are impressed by authenticity and veracity,” McFarlin said. “That’s what they want in their bosses. That’s what they want in their leaders. That’s what they want in their country.”

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:

Take 5

Scott battles wealth lawsuit — Attorneys for Gov. Rick Scott are encouraging a state appellate court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Scott’s financial disclosures. An attorney representing the Governor this week asked the court to let wealth disclosure compliance issues be decided by the Florida Commission on Ethics, as the law prescribes. But Donald Hinkle, who filed the original lawsuit challenging Scott’s 2017 disclosed net worth, argued the Commission does not provide a reasonable avenue for appeal. “It was dismissed. We cannot appeal. That’s the end of the road,” Hinkle said, according to the News Service of Florida. “Is there to be no opportunity to review the disclosures of any elected official, every constitutional officer in this state?” The appellate court has not yet ruled on the matter.

Lawmakers plan to boost election security — Federal funding is on its way to county elections offices. During a Joint Legislative Budget Commission meeting this week in Tallahassee, lawmakers approved a request from Secretary of State Ken Detzner to distribute $19.2 million from the federal government to Florida’s 67 counties. Each county will at least receive $50,000. The money will be used to beef up elections security systems and voting facilities. It will also be used to fund five cybersecurity specialists and voter education. The news is welcome to those who fear election systems can be compromised, but concerns still were raised over how the money will be spent. Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley told the News Service of Florida that he fears counties could spend the money recklessly if they are forced to spend it all ahead of the Nov. 6 general election.

Extra citrus, medical marijuana dollars approved — More money than originally planned is on the way for regulators of the state’s medical marijuana industry and citrus growers affected by Hurricane Irma. The Joint Legislative Budget Commission agreed in Tallahassee this week to dole out another $13 million to cover operating costs at the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The group of lawmakers also approved a $340 million federal grant for citrus growers to cover the buying and replanting of trees, grove rehabilitation and repairs to irrigation systems. The extra money requested by OMMU will be used to fund ongoing litigation, review four new provider licenses and develop a new computer tracking system. The citrus grant money was announced by the United States Department of Agriculture in May, and Gov. Scott urged the Commission to approve the dollars ahead of its meeting.

State readies Hope scholarships — Florida students who are bullied could be eligible for a new remedy as early as the upcoming school year. The Florida Board of Education approved a rule this week that authorizes school districts to send parents a form giving them the option to enroll their student in another public school or charter school if he or she is bullied, harassed, or is the victim of other violent acts at school. That action follows a new law passed this year that created the Hope scholarship program. The voucher-like scholarships will fund bullied students’ transitions to different schools. Reports the News Service of Florida, “State analysts project 7,302 partial-year Hope scholarships being awarded in the 2018-2019 school year, with some $27 million in funding.”

Marsy’s Law challenged — A South Florida defense attorney is challenging a proposed amendment that seeks to expand rights granted to victims of crime. The attorney, Lee Hollander, filed the amendment last week, arguing the ballot summary is misleading. The suit alleges that the amendment “fails to inform voters that it will result in the loss of current constitutional rights of criminal defendants, purports to ‘create’ constitutional rights for victims of crime even though rights for crime victims already exist in the Constitution (and) fails to inform voters that it curtails time allowed for criminal appeals,” according to the suit. Known as Marsy’s Law, the bundled provisions are set to appear on the ballot this November as Amendment 8. The language focuses largely on enumerating certain rights to victims of crime and their relatives. Amendment 8 was placed on the ballot via the Constitution Revision Commission. It needs 60 percent voter approval to pass.

Scott, Nelson appear at sportfishing convention

Last Friday, a niche audience attracted two top-ballot Florida candidates in Orlando.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and challenger Gov. Scott spoke separately to fishing industry leaders at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades — or ICAST.

“Fishing is more than a pastime in Florida: it’s part of our heritage. And I believe it’s part of our future. So we must restore and conserve the lands and waters, the corals and the mangroves, and ultimately: the fish. The fishing industry supports thousands of jobs and helps our local economies in Florida,” said Sen. Nelson.

Scott, citing 128,000 supported by the fishing industry, told the crowd, “We’ve worked hard to protect fishing opportunities in our state by offering license-free fishing days, fighting to expand the federal red snapper season and securing legislation to encourage safe boating. We have also stepped up and made major state investments in the natural resources that help make Florida the ‘Fishing Capital of the World,’ such as our iconic Everglades and Lake Okeechobee.”

ICAST, the largest sportfishing trade show in the world, drew more than 15,000 attendees. It’s produced yearly by the American Sportfishing Association.

Jobs numbers still strong

Gov. Scott announced Friday that “Florida businesses have created 16,900 private-sector jobs in June and 172,600 in the past year, for 1,554,800 jobs since December 2010.”

Florida’s annual job growth rate has outpaced the nation for 74 of the past 75 months, according to the Governor’s Office. The only month that Florida did not exceed the nation was due to Hurricane Irma.

In June, Florida’s unemployment rate remained at a low 3.8 percent, a drop of 7 percentage points since December 2010; this drop is faster than the national decline of 5.3 percentage points.

“We proudly serve as a model for the nation on how to build business and secure continued economic growth and success,” Scott said in a statement. “Our playbook of cutting taxes and eliminating thousands of burdensome regulations has created real momentum in Florida, allowing us to make historic Investments in things families care about — like education, safe neighborhoods and our environment.

“As our economy keeps booming and bringing thousands of families to Florida, the entire country is taking note.”

Florida’s annual job growth rate of 2.3 percent continues to exceed the nation’s rate of 1.9 percent. In the past year, 130,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 1.3 percent, which is greater than the national labor force growth rate of 1.2 percent.

USDA launches disaster-relief sign-up

Florida growers are one step closer to receiving some of the more than $2 billion in disaster-relief funding passed by the federal government this year.

United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced this week the farmers nationwide who were affected by wildfires and hurricanes in 2017 can now apply for assistance money approved by Congress and President Donald Trump.

“Hurricanes and wildfires caused billions of dollars in losses to America’s farmers last year. Our objective is to get relief funds into the hands of eligible producers as quickly as possible,” said Perdue. “We are making immediate, initial payments of up to 50 percent of the calculated assistance so producers can pay their bills.”

The funding spawned the creation of the USDA’s 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (WHIP), which seeks to distribute $2.36 billion worth of federal funding to “agricultural producers to offset losses from hurricanes and wildfires during 2017,” according to the USDA.

The program will cover losses of crops, trees, bushes and vines for producers.

WHIP will distribute individual payments to farmers worth up to $125,000. But, per the USDA, “Producers who derived 75 percent of their income in tax years 2013, 2014 and 2015 will be subject to a $900,000 payment limitation.” Producers who did not insure crops will receive 65 percent of their expected crop value if they are eligible for WHIP funding. Meanwhile, insured producers could receive up to 95 percent of their expected crop value.

FDACS targets phony charities

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is now part of a growing list of government bodies seeking to help Americans avoid fraudulent charities that claim to aid veterans or current members of the military.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam this week announced that his agency joined “Operation Donate with Honor,” a nationwide partnership, spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission.

“The brave men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our freedom deserve all the support we can provide. It is deplorable to exploit our nation’s heroes by scamming Floridians out of hard-earned money,” said Putnam.

Putnam’s agency joins the FTC, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and law enforcement officials and charity regulators across the country in the partnership.

Offering tips to prospective charity donors, FDACS suggests Floridians ask questions like: “Who is the fundraiser and who will benefit from the donation?”; “How much of the contribution goes to the charity mentioned in the request?”; and “How much of the donation goes toward administrative and fundraising expenses?” Charities registered with the agency can be found at FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

Instagram of the Week

Brilliant color burst as a dark cloud passes in front of the setting sun at the #beach. #nofilter #rainbow #sunset

A post shared by Jason Altmire (@jasonaltmirefl) on Jul 15, 2018 at 4:32pm PDT

The week in appointments

Florida Independent Living Council

Tyler Morris and Whitney Harris were reappointed to the council. Morris, 33, of Jacksonville is the executive director for Independent Living Resource Center, Jacksonville Center for Independent Living. His new term ends June 30, 2021. Harris, 27, of Tallahassee, is the comptroller for the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology. Her term also ends June 30, 2021.

Pinellas County Commission

Jay Beyrouti fills the vacancy created by the passing of former Commissioner John Morroni. A Redington Shores resident, Beyrouti, 66, is a small-business owner. He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting and international business from Sacred Heart Business School.

Holmes County Hospital Corp.

Joseph Sowell, 76, was reappointed for a term ending Aug. 10, 2021. He is a retired district supervisor with General Telephone and Electronics.

North Florida Community College District Board of Trustees

Alton Williams Jr., 75, of Live Oak, is the retired sheriff of Suwannee County. He also served in the Florida Army National Guard from 1960 until 1968. Williams is reappointed for a term ending May 31, 2022.

Billy Washington, 42, of Pinetta, is the past president of Briggs, Washington and Thompson Land Surveying, Inc. and serves as the Madison County Clerk of Court. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Washington is reappointed for a term ending May 31, 2022.

Sandra Haas, 70, of McAlpin, is a retired attorney for the 3^rd circuit for Guardian Ad Litem in Florida. She received her bachelor’s and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Florida. Haas is reappointed for a term ending May 31, 2022.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Public Swimming and Bathing Facilities Advisory Review Board

Gerald D. Robinson, 47, of Auburndale, is a professional engineer with the Florida Department of Health. He succeeds Darrel Graziani and is appointed for a term ending Sept. 30, 2021.

Eastern Florida State College District Board of Trustees

Bruce Deardoff, 70, of Cocoa Beach, is the chairman of Deardoff Automotive Group. He received his bachelor’s degree from Fordham University. Deardoff succeeds Dewey Harris and is appointed for a term ending March 31, 2022.

Dr. Edgar Figueroa, 62, of Melbourne, is a trauma surgeon with Health First Melbourne. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Central del Este. Dr. Figueroa succeeds Myra Haley and is appointed for a term ending March 31, 2022.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Group urges AHCA on behavior analysis

The Florida Association for Behavior Analysis, or FABA, is calling on the state Agency for Health Care to address delays in approval and authorization of behavior analysis centers.

FABA is faulting a third-party contractor, for harmful delays that last a month or longer. Children with autism or other developmental disorders are hurt by these delays, FABA claims.

“These delays are inexcusable and are causing heartache for so many children and families who desperately need the services provided by qualified behavior analysts,” said Nikki Dickens, president of FABA. “Our state government simply cannot sit back while these vulnerable children suffer as a result of an ineffective and inefficient bureaucratic system.”

The contractor, eQHealth Solutions, was hired by AHCA “to process Medicaid assessments, authorizations, and claims for behavior analysis services.” But once working under AHCA, eQHealth terminated all prior approvals from a different contractor and required all behavioral analysis providers to once again seek authorization by the state.

“AHCA has repeatedly said there will be no loss of service for children who need behavior analysis services, but we are hearing from countless providers and families across the state who say that is simply not true,” Dickens said.

“This problem must be addressed immediately, and it must be addressed with the top priority on helping those Floridians who need the services that skilled professionals can provide.”

FHP breaks ground on new training complex

The Florida Highway Patrol this week began construction of the state’s Advanced Vehicle Operations and Training Complex.

It’s an addition to the agency’s Florida Public Safety Institute in Havana and will feature a 1.4-mile driving track to sharpen law enforcement officers’ driving skills.

“I am incredibly proud to break ground on the Advanced Vehicle Operations and Training Complex. The support for this new, innovative complex is a testament to the state’s commitment to law enforcement officer safety and the safety of motorists on our roadways,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “This new facility enhances training for law enforcement by providing real-world scenarios, best preparing our Troopers and officers to safely navigate the events they will undoubtedly experience as they work to protect us each day.”

The Legislature, Governor and Cabinet supported funding the new complex, according to the DHSMV.

The agency said its officers drive 32 million miles each year and expressed confidence that the track will make a significant difference in statewide vehicle operations.

“The complex will offer advanced training to include traffic incident management, high-speed driving and comprehensive vehicle operations to improve public safety,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol.

Florida shines at UK airshow

Enterprise Florida, the state’s public-private jobs incentive initiative, once again displayed the largest exhibit of any U.S. state at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

Dubbed the Florida Pavillion, the exhibit housed 12 participating Florida aviation-related companies and organizations. Per Enterprise Florida: “Last year, leading Florida-origin exports reached $6.3 billion in civilian aircraft, engines and parts. Another $678 million in turbojets, turbo propellers and parts was exported to countries around the globe.”

Enterprise Florida and businesses demonstrated to airshow attendees Florida’s competitive advantage in aviation.

“Events like the Farnborough Airshow allow us not only to help small and medium-sized Florida businesses expand their international footprint, but also to meet with leadership and decision-makers for some of the world’s leading aviation and aerospace companies,” said Joe York, vice-chair of Enterprise Florida’s Board of Directors. “The Florida Pavilion demonstrates the state’s leadership in the industry in a way no other state can match.”

Space Florida, the state’s aerospace economic development organization, attended the airshow.

“Space Florida is again pleased to join Enterprise Florida in representing the State of Florida at the Farnborough Air Show,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “Such opportunities significantly help Space Florida and Enterprise Florida continue our path to make Florida the leading U.S. state in the global aerospace industry.”

FSUPD releases active shooter PSA

An unfortunate sign of times: Florida State University Police Department is instructing students on how to act during active shooter scenarios.

Titled “Run. Hide. Fight,” the law enforcement arm of the university released a nearly 7-minute-long instructional video this week depicting an active shooter storming a campus building in broad daylight.

The university warns that viewer discretion is advised. According to campus authorities, the video “is designed to educate and prepare citizens to deal with an active aggressor in any setting.” The actors in the video, who depict law enforcement and students, offer realistic tips throughout the clip.

To view “Run. Hide. Fight.,” click on the image below:

While the attack in the video is fictional, its rooted in some truth at FSU and the state. In 2014, a gunman opened fire at Strozier Library on the campus, injuring three students. Earlier this year, a shooter killed 17 students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

“The video was created to enhance the in-person training provided to employees and students at the university. We hope people will remember these important and potentially lifesaving tips when they are on or off campus,” said David L. Perry, FSU chief of police and assistant vice president for Public Safety. “Being prepared mentally is a major component to surviving a serious event, and we believe the video will encourage people to consider their options when an emergency occurs.”

Summer safety in Tallahassee

Authorities this week convened at the FHP Troop H building in Tallahassee to promote safety tips for the hot summer months.

Visuals depicted the dangers of leaving pets or children in the car during times of extreme heat. Specifically, observers were shown a life-size doll in a hot car. The doll was later transported by Leon County EMS for treatment.

The effort is ongoing via a partnership between the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the state Department of Children and Families. Local law enforcement personnel throughout the state also are involved.

“It only takes a moment to be proactive and ensure your child is safe, to prevent a fatal accident,” DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said. “During the upcoming months, take advantage of the information shared with you today and throughout the next few months, so that your summer will be filled with wonderful memories and fun times.”

“Florida summers are extremely hot and leaving a child in a car for any amount of time is neglectful and can have deadly consequences,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “DHSMV encourages all motorists to Arrive Alive by not only driving safely but by also confirming that all passengers are out of the vehicle when they reach their destination.”

FAC recognizes Leon commissioners

The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) recognized Leon County Commissioners for their commitment to public service and leadership during the 2018 FAC Annual Conference in Orange County.

At the conference, Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox rose to president-elect of the association. Next year, Maddox will serve as President and oversee the direction of policy, advocacy, and the administration of the Florida Association of Counties.

In addition, some Leon County commissioners were recognized:

— Commissioners Maddox, Bryan Desloge, Kristin Dozier, and Mary Ann Lindley received the Presidential Advocacy Award, given annually to county commissioners “who have shown exceptional leadership in partnering with FAC to advance the legislative agenda of counties.”

— Commissioner Jimbo Jackson was honored with the Certified County Commissioner (CCC) designation, “a voluntary program of study designed for county commissioners who want to learn the ins and outs of county government while enhancing their skills as an elected official. To earn the CCC designation, participants must complete 45 hours of coursework, the majority of which is offered during FAC conferences and events.”

— Dozier received the status of Advanced County Commissioner (ACC), “a program that consists of three sessions that focus on leadership development and issues affecting Florida’s future. Altogether, the courses total 27 hours. To earn the ACC designation, participants must have completed the CCC program and all three ACC sessions.”

— Desloge, Lindley and Maddox received Torchbearer Recognition, “ACC alumni who continue to be engaged in FAC activities and education programs. The Torchbearer program recognizes those ACC Alumni for their ongoing commitment to FAC and continued learning.”

Dozier elected vice chair of Florida Counties Foundation

Leon County Commissioner Kristin Dozier was elected vice chair of the Florida Counties Foundation. She will assist with “providing high quality and comprehensive educational opportunities for county commissioners and staff throughout Florida,” a press release said.

The Florida Counties Foundation has continued to build FAC’s educational offerings over the last 20 years. Specifically, the programs are designed to educate commissioners and county staff on their duties and to encourage them to be leaders within their communities as well as FAC.

Dozier said, “As county commissioners committed to serving our citizens, we do our best work with an in-depth knowledge of government structure, ethics laws, budgeting methods and strategies, as well as economic development and growth management. This role is an exciting one to help set curriculum and goals that will shape our future.”

The Foundation oversees the County Commissioners Voluntary Certification, Advanced County Commissioner Education programs and the content for FAC’s Annual Conference.

Leon County tops in tech

For six consecutive years, Leon County has earned top honors by “harnessing technology to increase services and efficiencies for its citizens,” a press release this week said.

The county ranks among the top 10 in the nation in its population category for implementing the best technology practices, according to the 2018 Digital Counties Survey conducted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo).

“Leon County is proud to yet again be recognized as a local government leader in the area of technology,” Commission Chairman Nick Maddox said in a statement. “We’ve raised the bar in many areas, such as in disaster communication with our Citizens Connect mobile app, which provides up-to-the-minute emergency updates right to your phone.”

In the past year, Leon County has completed or made substantial progress on important technology projects. Just a few examples include implementing digital signage at county facilities and continuing to deploy an updated permitting system that takes advantage of mobile and online technologies to further improve service.

Leon County’s “embrace of cutting-edge approaches has benefited residents while ensuring good stewardship of taxpayer resources,” added NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase.

It’s spiny lobster season

The 2018 spiny lobster mini-season will soon be upon us.

The two-day recreational mini-season takes place July 25 and 26. In 2016, more than 69,000 people participated.

“Florida residents and visitors look forward to the start of spiny lobster season all year,” said Bo Rivard, chair of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. “This Florida tradition is one of the many reasons Florida is the fishing capital of the world.”

You can learn about bag limits, size limits, where to harvest and other regulations at MyFWC.com/Fishing and click “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Lobster.”

Get your license and spiny lobster permit at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Lobster mini-season is followed by the regular commercial and recreational lobster season, which starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31, 2019.

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