Honorable mentions
The state’s greatest lobbying corporations could also be scooping up properly over $2 million 1 / 4, however there’s nonetheless loads of work to go round for the remainder of the foyer corps.
In truth, most of the corporations lingering simply exterior the Top 5 are placing up numbers that would go toe-to-toe with the bluebloods if crew dimension is taken into account. Here’s a rundown of how the remainder of the corporations within the Top 15 fared in legislative lobbying revenues final quarter.
But first, a primer. Florida Politics estimates how a lot corporations earn primarily based on the center variety of the per-client ranges they record on their compensation studies. Contracts are reported in $10,000 increments. Compensation studies additionally embrace firm-level ranges, which may give outsiders a tough concept of their minimal and most earnings.
Florida lobbyists and lobbying corporations confronted a Aug. 14 deadline to file compensation studies for the interval overlaying April 1 by means of July 31. Compensation studies for the third quarter are as a result of state on Nov. 14.
No. 6: Greenberg Traurig
The crew at Greenberg Traurig represented 90 purchasers and earned an estimated $1.1 million within the first quarter.
The crew of Fred Baggett, Gus Corbella, Hayden Dempsey, Elizabeth Dudek, Samantha Ferrin, Fred Karlinsky and Timothy Stanfield submitted a legislative compensation report that was topped by 5 purchasers that paid $45,000 apiece: Baptist Health South Florida, Centauri Specialty Insurance, the Florida Association of Court Clerks & Comptrollers and Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Risk Management Solutions.
A half-dozen different purchasers had been marked down at $35,000 on the legislative aspect. One of these purchasers was the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which remains to be battling the federal authorities over the brand new Gaming Compact permitting them to supervise sports activities betting within the state. The Tribe noticed progress on that entrance this week when the U.S. Department of Interior filed a short in help of the deal.
Two purchasers adopted on the $25,000 degree, and 30 on the $15,000 degree. The the rest of Greenberg Traurig’s legislative purchasers had been listed within the up-to-$10,000 vary.
The backside line of the agency’s legislative report exhibits the agency earned at the very least $1 million lobbying lawmakers, however the agency could have earned as a lot as $1.48 million.
No. 7: Metz Husband & Daughton
The eight-member crew at Metz Husband & Daughton additionally posted a $1 million-plus report for Q2.
Warren Husband and James Daughton labored alongside lobbyists Doug Bell, Leslie Dughi, Allison Liby-Schoonover, Aimee Lyon, Andy Palmer and Karl Rasmussen to symbolize 88 purchasers, together with one who broke by means of the cap on vary reporting.
Amscot Financial paid the agency $51,000 for assist in the Legislature. The Tampa-based firm is greatest identified for its verify cashing and payday mortgage merchandise, although it provides a spread of different monetary companies reminiscent of cash orders, wire transfers and notary companies.
The agency’s No. 2 shopper was Attorneys’ Title Fund Services, which paid $35,000. It was adopted by 10 purchasers on the $25,000 degree, together with Disney and General Motors.
Several well-known manufacturers had been additionally among the many 39 purchasers listed within the $15,000 bracket. They included Avis Budget Group, Bristol-Myers Squibb, eBay, Microsoft, TikTookay and StubHub.
The general vary listed on MHD’s report exhibits it earned at the very least $1 million in legislative lobbying pay. At the highest finish, the agency might have earned $1.4 million.
No. 8: Corcoran Partners
The crew at Corcoran Partners netted simply shy of $1 million lobbying the Legislature final quarter.
Michael Corcoran and lobbyists Jacqueline Corcoran, Matt Blair, Helen Levine, Bethany McAlister, Will Rodriguez, and Andrea Tovar juggled 87 purchasers through the three-month reporting interval, together with a pair that crossed the $50,000 mark.
The crew’s high contract was with Fontainebleau Development, a South Florida-based luxurious actual property improvement firm behind the eponymous Fontainebleau Miami Beach and a number of other different well-known lodges and resorts. It paid Corcoran Partners $68,000.
The No. 2 spot belonged to Merlin Law Group, a Tampa-based legislation agency that represents property homeowners in insurance coverage declare litigation nationwide.
The Florida Optometric Association, one of many belligerents within the long-running “Eyeball Wars,” in addition to The Big Easy Casino, a South Florida gaming venue, every chipped in $35,000 for the quarter.
Several main companies — together with some Fortune 500 firms — had been listed additional down on the report. Walmart, Verizon and Coca-Cola are however three examples.
Corcoran Partners’ general vary exhibits it collected between $500,000 and $1 million in legislative lobbying charges, and contract sizes point out it was nearer to the ceiling than the ground.
No. 9: Rubin, Turnbull & Associates
Lobbying agency Rubin, Turnbull & Associates tallied an estimated $886,000 in legislative lobbying charges through the reporting interval.
Led by Bill Rubin and Heather Turnbull, the agency represented 78 legislative purchasers in Q2 and reported incomes between $500,000 and $1 million for its efforts.
In addition to the named companions, Rubin Turnbull’s second-quarter crew included Melissa Akeson, Jacqueline Carmona, Erica Chanti, Jodi Bock Davidson, Chris Finkbeiner, Zach Hubbard, Matthew Sacco and Sharonda Wright-Placide.
Their legislative report listed 78 purchasers. HCA Healthcare was on the high on the record with $56,000 in pay, which exceeds the cap on vary reporting.
Agriculture powerhouse Florida Crystals and Charter Communications, the No. 2 cable TV and web supplier behind solely Comcast, adopted on the $35,000 degree alongside The Richman Group of Florida and Twelvetrees Three.
Other main firms represented by Rubin Turnbull & Associates embrace well being insurer Aetna, cruise big Carnival Corporation, each of which paid $25,000 for the quarter.
No. 10: Smith Bryan & Myers
Smith Bryan & Myers rounded out the highest 10 with an estimated $815,000 earned lobbying the House and Senate.
Led by Matt Bryan, the agency’s roster contains Teye Carmichael, David Daniel, Thomas Griffin, Jeff Hartley, Lisa Hurley and Jim Naff. They represented 84 purchasers within the Legislature, the place they earned through the April-through-June reporting interval.
The high of SBM’s legislative compensation report confirmed two purchasers that paid $35,000 apiece — the Hillsborough County Commission and JM Family Enterprises.
Three purchasers adopted on the $25,000 degree, together with The Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, which led the opposition to this yr’s alimony reform invoice, which was vetoed by the Governor in late June.
Another 30 contracts measured in at $15,000. Several of these firms hailed from the well being care trade, together with the Florida Health Care Association, the Florida Hospital Association and Johnson & Johnson.
Other notable purchasers on the $15,000 degree final quarter included the National Football League, Publix and the University of Florida.
Overall, SBM reported between $500,000 and $1 million in incomes lobbying the Legislature. Per-client pay ranges point out it could have come near the higher restrict.
No. 11: Anfield Consulting
The half-dozen lobbyists at Anfield Consulting cracked the top-15 with second-quarter earnings of $725,000.
The report filed by Al Balido, Frank Bernardino, Rosanna Manuela Catalano, Brett Cyphers, Natalie Fausel and Edgar Fernandez lists 56 contracts, with their illustration of claims-bill shopper Kareem Hawari being probably the most profitable.
In 2010, a 13-year-old Hawari was wrestling in a college match in Osceola County. His opponent slammed him to the mat and Kareem suffered mind injury, based on a aid invoice that sought $3.5 million in compensation. It was permitted within the 2022 Legislative Session.
The Polk County Commission and WSP confirmed up on the $35,000 degree with an extra seven purchasers dishing $25,000 to the lobbying agency in Q2.
That set included the Indian River County Commission, Premier Manufacturing Products, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sea and Shoreline and Thriller Tours. Despite the Halloween-esque identify, the latter shopper provides speedboat excursions of the Miami space.
Anfield Consulting reported incomes between $500,000 and $1 million for the quarter. Top finish estimates present it could have earned as a lot as $940,000.
No. 12: Johnson & Blanton
Johnson & Blanton completed the second quarter with $660,000 in legislative earnings.
Led by Jon Johnson and Travis Blanton, the agency’s Q1 crew additionally included lobbyists Diane Wagner Carr, Darrick McGhee and Eric Prutsman. They represented 80 purchasers final quarter.
Team J&B’s high legislative purchasers final quarter had been Advent Health and the Florida Hospital Association.
Advent Health and FHA each stand to learn from a finances merchandise within the 2022 Legislative Session that directs $125 million to coaching and recruitment applications addressing the nursing scarcity in Florida. Both paid J&B $35,000 for the quarter.
Team J&B represents a number of different well being care pursuits and has cultivated a popularity as one of many high well being care lobbying corporations within the state.
The agency additionally represents a number of main non-health care pursuits, reminiscent of Bank of America, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Retail Federation.
The backside line of Johnson & Blanton’s report exhibits it earned between $500,000 and $1 million in Q2. Using the highest finish of per-client ranges, the agency might have earned the complete $1 million.
No. 13: Becker & Poliakoff
Becker & Poliakoff additionally reported $660,000 in legislative lobbying revenues throughout its 75 contracts.
The crew of Ellyn Bogdanoff, Bernie Friedman, Jose Fuentes, Yolanda Cash Jackson, Jason King, Max Losner, Nicholas Matthews and LaToya Sheals dealt with a pair of contracts within the $35,000 vary.
The first was Miami’s municipal authorities and the opposite was Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a Boston-based firm that may be a part of the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100. Atlantic Sapphire USA, Bethune Cookman University, Florida Memorial University and Homesafe1st adopted on the $25,000 degree.
Two dozen different principals had been listed within the $10,000 to $20,000 pay vary, together with a cohort of native governments in South Florida reminiscent of town governments for Cape Coral, Lauderdale Lakes, North Lauderdale and South Miami.
Some recognizable names had been additionally listed amongst Becker’s set of up-to-$10,000 purchasers. They included AT&T, Florida Poly and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida.
Becker’s legislative report fell into the $500,000 to $1 million vary. Based on per-client ranges, the agency might have earned as a lot as $940,000.
No. 14: Floridian Partners
The six-person crew at Floridian Partners earned an estimated $655,000 lobbying the legislative department final quarter.
Lobbyists Jorge Chamizo, Charles Dudley, George Feijoo, Cory Guzzo, Gary Guzzo and Melissa Ramba represented 74 purchasers in Q2.
Two $35,000-level purchasers topped their report: the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Florida Internet & Television, a statewide commerce affiliation that represents a number of telecommunications suppliers together with Charter Communications, Comcast and Cox.
A half-dozen purchasers adopted on the $25,000 degree. They included Allstate Insurance Company, Florida Gulf Coast University, the Florida Insurance Council, Hart InterCivic, Total Wine & More and Rock Central.
Other well-known purchasers on their record included Anheuser-Busch, Anthem, the Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Realtors, Liberty Mutual, Uber, Duke Energy and U.S. Sugar.
Floridian Partners’ general earnings fell inside the $500,000 to $1 million vary, with their high finish estimate coming in at $880,000.
No. 15: The Mayernick Group
Frank Mayernick, Tracy Mayernick and Rob Johnson represented 53 purchasers within the House and Senate final quarter, pulling in an estimated $605,000 in legislative lobbying pay.
The trio represented 53 purchasers within the Legislature. The greatest payday got here from Burrell Diversified Investments, which paid $35,000 for the quarter. Alkermes, Citrus Health Network, the Florida State University Foundation, HCA Healthcare and The Home Depot every offered The Mayernick Group with $25,000 in retainers.
Just over half of the purchasers on the agency’s legislative report had been listed within the $10,000 to $20,000 vary. The set included main companies reminiscent of AT&T in addition to a handful of statewide skilled teams such because the Florida Behavioral Health Association, Florida Health Care Association and Florida Medical Association.
Other notable names on the record embrace Anheuser-Busch Companies and bestbet Jacksonville, a gaming outlet that provides poker, simulcast wagering and different pari-mutuel fare.
Firm-level ranges present The Mayernick Group earned between $500,000 and $1 million within the Legislature. The agency’s top-end estimate for Q2 is $810,000.
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Coming up, the same old assortment of reports, intel and observations from the week that was in Florida’s capital metropolis by Peter Schorsch, Drew Wilson, Renzo Downey, Aimee Sachs, Christine Jordan Sexton and the workers of Florida Politics.
But first …
Take 5
The “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 tales from the week that was:
Florida makes voter fraud arrests — In the primary main improvement out of Florida’s new elections investigation unit, Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced prices and arrests towards 20 people over voter fraud allegations. The announcement comes simply days forward of Florida’s Primary Election. The suspects are felons who had beforehand been convicted of homicide or sexual assault and had their proper to vote eliminated, DeSantis stated. The measure instantly obtained public outcry from Democrats, and Sen. Jeff Brandes, the St. Petersburg Republican who helped craft Amendment 4, stated his intent was for the state to grant “some grace” to felons in the event that they registered with out intent to commit fraud.
Andrew Warren challenges suspension — The Hillsborough County State Attorney, who DeSantis suspended from workplace this month, is suing to be reinstated. In the go well with, Warren claims DeSantis is violating his First Amendment rights and overstepped his authority by suspending him. It additionally notes Warren hasn’t obtained an abortion-related case to prosecute and claims DeSantis’ motion is political retaliation for signing a petition saying he wouldn’t prosecute abortion-related instances. The lawsuit places the Senate’s evaluation of his suspension on pause. Senate guidelines state suspension critiques have to be placed on maintain whereas any authorized case surrounding the suspension performs out.
Judge blocks office portion of ‘Stop WOKE’ — A federal decide flayed a measure supported by DeSantis, likening the court docket’s choice to Eleven, the kinetic teen in search of to avoid wasting her hometown from supernatural forces within the Netflix sequence “Stranger Things.” Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a preliminary injunction Thursday on a portion of the brand new “Stop WOKE” legislation that offers with workforce coaching, citing First Amendment issues. In his ruling, Walker in contrast Florida to a “new upside down” — an alternate universe populated by demons and monsters within the blockbuster present — in a ruling stopping enforcement of a brand new legislation, dubbed the “Stop WOKE Act” by DeSantis and its supporters.
State economists push income forecast up $5.3B — Continued sturdy gross sales tax collections led Florida state economists to extend their predictions for the way a lot income the state will obtain over the subsequent two fiscal years by $5.3 billion. That’s regardless of fears ballooning inflation and better rates of interest will put a major crimp on the economic system subsequent yr. The improve nonetheless displays a lower in anticipated revenues for the present fiscal yr by almost $1 billion. With fears of a looming recession, economists struggled with when that downturn will hit, how deep it would go and the way swiftly the state will rebound.
DeSantis: IRS growth is ‘middle finger’ to Americans — Florida’s Governor says Washington Democrats are “going after you” with plans for 87,000 new IRS workers as a part of the Inflation Reduction Act President Joe Biden signed Tuesday. “Of all the things that have come out of Washington that have been outrageous, this has got to be pretty close to the top,” DeSantis stated. “I think it was basically just the middle finger to the American public, that this is what they think of you.”
Michael restoration
Northwest Florida is getting one other $3.8 million for Hurricane Michael restoration due to a brand new distribution from DeSantis and the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).
The funding covers 5 initiatives by means of the division’s Rebuild Florida Hazard Mitigation Grant Match Program. The initiatives will assemble, rehabilitate and develop important infrastructure impacted by Hurricane Michael in October 2018.
“Northwest Florida has worked hard to recover since Hurricane Michael struck nearly four years ago, but there is more work to be done to help these communities strengthen their resiliency,” DeSantis stated in a press release. “Through the Rebuild Florida Hazard Mitigation Grant Match Program, communities in the Panhandle are able to harden their infrastructure and take another step toward a complete recovery.”
The bulk of the funding goes to Bay County, which obtained $2.5 million to pave and set up drainage for 22 unpaved roads for safer emergency evacuation routes. More than 100,000 residents drive these roads.
The subsequent tranche goes to Chipola College, which obtained $1.2 million to harden infrastructure for an emergency shelter and housing for emergency responders.
Cottondale earned two rounds of spending for brand new turbines. One is $45,000 to put in turbines at three important amenities whereas the second is $20,000 for a generator on the metropolis’s Sprayfield Pump Station.
Havana additionally drew down $27,000 for a generator to supply backup energy to raise stations, the hearth division and the police station.
“Governor DeSantis is committed to helping communities recover from Hurricane Michael and strengthen their infrastructure to withstand future storms. These efforts will keep their residents safe and drive economic development,” DEO Secretary Dane Eagle stated. “DEO is proud to work alongside our federal, state, and local partners to secure available resources to help Florida communities recover and remain strong for generations to come.”
Drag him to jail
A Tallahassee caregiver was arrested and charged with one depend of abuse of an aged or disabled grownup this week for allegedly dragging an grownup with developmental disabilities by the hair.
According to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in Attorney General Ashley Moody’s workplace, Makala Malcolm’s actions tore a number of braids from the sufferer’s head leaving a bald spot in addition to a pink, bloody scalp.
The affected person lived in an intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled that was owned by Sunrise Community Inc. There are seven ICFDDs in Tallahassee which are owned by Sunrise Community, Inc. based on the state Agency for Health Care Administration.
Malcolm was arrested by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Aug. 17 for the alleged assault. If convicted of the cost, a third-degree felony, Malcolm might resist 5 years in jail and $5,000 in fines.
“This is appalling. Caregivers are supposed to nurture their patients, not rip out their hair,” Moody stated in a ready launch. “Thankfully, my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigators and local law enforcement stopped this suspect before more harm could be done.”
Located within the AG’s workplace, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates and prosecutes suppliers that deliberately bilk Medicaid, a security web well being care program for the poor, aged and disabled funded collectively by the state and federal governments.
The MFCU additionally investigates affected person abuse, neglect, and exploitation in amenities receiving funds beneath the Medicaid program. Three-quarters of the $27.7 million to fund MFCU, comes from the federal authorities. Florida covers about 25% of the prices which quantities to simply beneath $7 million.
According to the discharge, the MFCU has obtained greater than $138 million in settlements and judgments since January 2019, when Moody took workplace.
Kudos
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried praised Biden this week for signing sweeping laws to decrease drug costs, fight local weather change and decrease the federal deficit.
“I applaud Democrats of both chambers and President Biden on this momentous occasion. The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is a victory for all of us. With significant investments in clean energy, forestry, agriculture, rural communities, and more — it is the largest, most meaningful step our country has ever taken to confront the climate crisis,” Fried stated in a information launch.
“We all know Florida is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This legislation is necessary for the safety of all our communities, the immediate protection of our coastal communities, and the continuation of our state’s unique biodiversity.”
The Inflation Reduction Act will direct $370 billion towards efforts to deal with local weather change, together with funding for clear power manufacturing jobs and tax credit for clear power improvement and electrical automobiles.
The spending can be offset by an anticipated $737 billion improve in tax collections, together with by means of a 15% minimal tax on companies and stricter IRS tax enforcement — a provision that has drawn harsh criticism from Republicans, together with CFO Jimmy Patronis.
An further $64 billion can be used to increase the Affordable Care Act. Notably, that part of the legislation is anticipated to make an extra 543,000 Floridians eligible for Obamacare insurance policies. The laws can even restrict co-payments for insulin to $35 beginning subsequent yr and permit Medicare to barter decrease costs for sure prescribed drugs beginning in 2026.
Work comp fraud
Thirteen unlicensed contractors in Pasco County had been arrested as a part of a staff’ compensation sting operation involving Patronis’ workplace, the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
John Walden, Hector Vasquez, Jason Norris, Daniel Parenti, Wayne Loveless, Leonard Bame, Ratko Saranovic, Christopher Casey, Avery Briggs, Stacey Briggs, Michael Workman, Raimundo Vargas and Gary Wright had been booked into the Pasco County Jail on prices that embrace failing to acquire staff’ compensation protection and unlicensed contracting.
The prices carry as much as a five-year jail time period.
“Workers’ compensation fraud places employees, customers, and businesses at unnecessary risk. Fraud also affects everyone’s rates and increases costs. This type of fraud is unethical and dangerous and absolutely will not be tolerated in our state,” Patronis stated in a ready launch.
“Cracking down on fraud is my top priority and my dedicated fraud detectives have made more than 1,500 arrests for workers’ compensation fraud since I’ve been in office. I applaud the great teamwork between my fraud team, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the NICB, and the State Attorney’s Office on this successful sting operation and for holding these fraudsters accountable.”
The sting operation was performed between April 18 and April 28.
“The primary focus of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office is keeping our community safe and reducing victimization. This includes keeping our citizens safe from those who perpetuate fraud. As the Sheriff of Pasco County, my department and I will continue to fight fraud and bring these unscrupulous actors to justice,” Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco stated.
Instagram of the Week
The Week in Appointments
Florida Center for Nursing Board of Directors — The Governor named 10 new members to the board in a bulk announcement. Annmarie Chavarria is the chief nursing officer at Tampa General Hospital. She earned her bachelor’s diploma in nursing from Holy Family University, her grasp’s diploma in nursing from Drexel University, and her doctorate in nursing observe from LaSalle University. Kristina Cloversettle is nurse supervisor at Advent Health Dade City Hospital. She earned her bachelor’s diploma in nursing and psychology from the University of South Florida. Julianne Colle is a surgical specialist at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. She earned her bachelor’s diploma in nursing from Florida State University. Mary Anne Enns is a sensible nursing teacher with the School District of Lee County. She earned her bachelor’s diploma in biblical research from Winnipeg Bible College, her bachelor’s diploma in nursing from Viterbo University, her grasp’s diploma in nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing, and is at present finishing her doctorate in nursing observe at Post University. Michele Heston is the Dean of Health Science at South Florida State College. She earned her bachelor’s diploma in nursing from USF, her grasp’s diploma in nursing from Clarkson College, and her doctorate in academic management and better schooling administration from Barry University. Robert Keiser is the Chancellor and CEO of Keiser University and proprietor and vice chairman of Southeastern College. He earned his bachelor’s diploma in worldwide affairs and his MBA from The George Washington University and his doctorate in larger schooling management from Capella University. Louisana Louis is the Dean of the College of Nursing at St. Petersburg College and proprietor of Prestige Health and Wellness. Louis earned her bachelor’s diploma in nursing from USF, her grasp’s diploma in nursing from the University of Phoenix, and her doctorate in nursing from Chatham University. Robin McGuinness is the senior government officer and chief nurse government of West Florida with AdventHealth. McGuinness earned her bachelor’s diploma in nursing from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, her grasp’s diploma in nursing from the University of Hartford, and her doctorate in nursing from FSU. Jacqueline Munro is the VP of nursing methods and sources with BayCare Health System. She earned her bachelor’s diploma in nursing from the University of Tampa and her grasp’s diploma and doctorate in nursing science from USF. Suzanne Wilson is the sensible nursing director and teacher for Riveroak Technical College. Wilson earned her bachelor’s diploma in nursing from Excelsior College and her grasp’s diploma in nursing schooling from Western Governors University.
Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County — DeSantis appointed Melissa Raburn and Stacie Wardto the Coalition. Raburn, of Lithia, is an actual property agent for Fischbach Land Company. She was beforehand an Agriculture Teacher for the School District of Hillsborough County and at present serves as a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Realtors Land Institute, and the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. Raburn earned her bachelor’s diploma in agricultural schooling and communication from UF. Ward, of Odessa, manages Vitreo Retinal Surgeons. She has additionally served in its place instructor at elementary and center faculties. She earned her bachelor’s diploma in advertising and marketing from UF and her legislation diploma from the University of California.
Pinellas County Housing Authority — DeSantis has positioned Chloe Firebaugh, Veronica Hickey, Wayne Mineo, and Alen Tomczak on the Authority. Firebaugh is the senior director of land acquisition for M/I Homes of Tampa. Firebaugh earned a bachelor’s diploma in anthropology from UF and a bachelor’s diploma in finance and economics from USF. Hickey is an Attorney with Englander Fisher. She earned her bachelor’s diploma in economics from West Chester University and her legislation diploma from Stetson University. Mineo is the proprietor of Mineo and Associates and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He earned his bachelor’s diploma in historical past from Canisius College, his legislation diploma from California Western School, and his grasp of legal guidelines diploma in trial advocacy from Temple University. Tomczak is an account government at Cellebrite and a U.S. Army veteran who at present serves within the Florida National Guard. He earned his bachelor’s and grasp’s levels from USF.
Holmes County Hospital Corporation — DeSantis appointed Amanda Eldridge and Martha Robertson to HCHC on Friday. Eldridge, of Ponce de Leon, is the director of operations for School Financial Services, VP of the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Holmes County Council on Aging. Goodman, of Bonifay, is a pharmacist at Golden Drugs, a member of the Florida Pharmacy Association, and beforehand served as a member of the Chipola Junior College Board of Trustees. She earned her bachelor’s diploma in pharmacy from the University of Florida. DeSantis additionally reappointed Martha Robertson, a former advisor nurse for Sun Health Care and Clear Choice who beforehand labored for the Collier County and Bay County well being departments. She earned her nursing diploma from Gilfoy School of Nursing.
That’s some huge cash
More than $400 million is obtainable to develop broadband in communities throughout the state and DEO desires to know what folks take into consideration its proposed rule to distribute the funds.
To that finish, the DEO’s Office of Broadband has scheduled regional workshops subsequent week in Polk, Sarasota and Glades counties to listen to from the general public on how the funding can be utilized to develop broadband companies in unserved communities throughout the state.
The Florida Legislature in 2021 directed DEO to ascertain and conduct rulemaking for the Broadband Opportunity Program.
“Broadband infrastructure is vital to strengthening local communities as it plays a critical role in how we connect to our jobs, health care, and education,” Eagle stated in a ready launch. “We encourage community stakeholders to join us at the upcoming workshops on rulemaking for the Broadband Opportunity Program to share their insights.”
The first workshop is scheduled for Aug. 22 in Polk County on the UF/IFAS Extension Office on the Stuart Center in Bartow. A second workshop can be held Aug. 25 on the UF/IFAS Extension Office Santa Rosa County in Milton. The third workshop can be on Aug. 29 on the Doyle Conner Building of the UF/IFAS Extension Office Glades County in Moore Haven.
The workshops start at 3 p.m. and finish at 6 p.m.
Preserve and restore
In the approaching weeks, the Museum of Florida History will briefly shut as a part of ongoing renovations on the Department of State’s R. A. Gray Building.
The renovations are a part of a restore venture on the plaza degree above the Museum’s exhibit galleries, with full closures starting after Labor Day.
“As Florida’s official state history museum, we take great pride in preserving our artifacts and sharing them with the public,” Secretary of State Cord Byrd stated in a press release. “Artifacts in the Museum’s collection are an important part of Florida’s irreplaceable heritage. They will be removed from the exhibit galleries as a precautionary measure and will be back on display for the public when the museum reopens.”
Special care is being taken to protect and shield the artifacts on show within the Museum. As a end result, the Museum should take away all artifacts from beneath the development space.
Certain areas will stay open by means of Labor Day, together with Florida’s First People, the Waterways exhibit that includes the recreated steamboat, Grandma’s Attic, and the particular short-term exhibit The Lure of Florida Fishing. However, some reveals within the Museum have already closed in preparation for the venture, and artifacts have been eliminated in different areas.
Other Tallahassee historical past websites just like the Mission San Luis Historic Site and The Grove Museum will stay open, and the Museum of Florida History will proceed its digital programming.
Small methods, huge issues
Small water and wastewater utilities face some huge issues, members of the Public Service Commission had been advised this week.
Florida Rural Water Association Executive Director Gary Willams advised the PSC members in regards to the challenges FRWA members face — together with getting old infrastructure and harder rules — and the way the affiliation assists them in delivering high quality water to their prospects’ faucets.
Williams stated the FRWA offers technical help and coaching and has ten skilled water area personnel who present onsite help with water remedy, distribution, high quality, and compliance points. Water tools — reminiscent of chlorine meters, hearth hydrant gauges, backflow take a look at kits, and floor penetrating radar models — can also be obtainable to members at no cost, Williams advised the PSC Tuesday.
“Water utilities rely on their infrastructure and water treatment facilities to provide customers with safe drinking water,” PSC Chairman Andrew Giles Fay stated in a ready launch. “The FRWA continues to work with many of the state’s small public water and wastewater utilities to help ensure system reliability in every phase of their operations.”
The Commission additionally mentioned the latest implementation of the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). This federally funded program, administered by DEO, assists low-income-qualified households with water and wastewater prices.
Lawmakers and order
The Florida Police Chiefs Association named eight Republican lawmakers as 2022 Legislators of the Year.
The honors, gifted throughout an awards banquet through the FPCA’s seventieth Annual Summer Training Conference and Exposition, acknowledge lawmakers who helped ship the group’s high priorities this yr.
“Every year, the Florida Police Chiefs Association honors those legislators who, through hard work and dedication, demonstrate their commitment to the betterment of law enforcement and public safety in Florida,” stated FPCA President and Fellsmere Police Department Chief Keith Touchberry.
“This year, we applaud each of these Senators and Representatives for passing legislation that improves officers’ lives and their families’ lives by recognizing the hard work of law enforcement, and expanding the time to seek and receive potentially life-changing mental health treatment.”
The awardees are Senate President Wilton Simpson, Sens. Jennifer Bradley and Danny Burgess, House Speaker Chris Sprowls and Reps. Mike Giallombardo, Jason Fischer, Tom Leek and Josie Tomkow.
Bradley, Burgess, Giallombardo and Fischer sponsored FPCA’s high legislative precedence (HB 689). The measure expands the time for a first responder to report post-traumatic stress dysfunction signs as a way to qualify for staff’ compensation benefits and remedy.
Leek and Tomkow helped carry measures (HJR 1/HB 1563) to supply an extra $50,000 homestead property tax exemption for first responders. The constitutional modification have to be permitted by voters this November.
As the 2 high legislative leaders, Simpson and Sprowls helped go all these measures and extra, together with a measure to spice up legislation enforcement recruitment and retention (HB 3). FPCA has additionally endorsed Simpson’s bid for Agriculture Commissioner.
“I’m honored that as one of my last acts as president of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, I gave our Legislator of the Year awards to this distinguished group of public servants,” stated FPCA Immediate Past President Stephan Dembinsky, director of the Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety Department.
Recovery summit
The Florida Association of Managing Entities and Floridians for Recovery assembled this week to debate the function of peer specialists in serving to others get well from substance use dysfunction.
The organizations met in Orlando on Tuesday to debate greatest practices for the neighborhood help of people in restoration.
“Floridians for Recovery looks forward to working alongside the Florida Association of Managing Entities,” stated Floridians for Recovery Executive Director Jennifer Webb, a former state Representative. “This collaboration is important toward our efforts to increase access to peer-based recovery services, reduce barriers to further integrating recovery into our system of care, and ensure bills like the peer specialist bill are integrated with the spirit of connection and the impact of empathy fostered when one person in recovery works with another person newer on their pathway of recovery.”
Florida’s seven native Managing Entities work with a community of over 300 behavioral well being care suppliers who ship companies to roughly 300,000 of Florida’s most weak residents, together with kids, expectant moms, veterans and the homeless. Providers meet sufferers’ various wants with “wraparound services” that not solely tackle psychological well being points and substance use dysfunction, but in addition help with housing, transportation, and employment.
“By meeting with Floridians for Recovery, we’re able to share best practices for recovery and how to help people stay on their pathway of recovery through various efforts,” stated Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities. “The peer specialist bill last Session went a long way toward supporting those in recovery by removing barriers for more people to become peers. The peer model of support provides both understanding and inspiration to those who need it most.”
Enviable place
Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic Calabro says Florida is in an “enviable” place primarily based on its newest financial outlook rewrite.
“The latest general revenue forecast shows that Florida is in an enviable financial position, with general revenue collections having significantly exceeded estimates for 22 consecutive months,” Calabro stated.
TaxWatch believes client spending, inflation and the implementation of Florida’s e-fairness “Wayfair” invoice is driving elevated income.
“Overall, this is good news for taxpayers, as these funds will keep our bond rating high and bolster the Florida Legislature’s efforts to craft a 2023-2024 budget that addresses education, housing, health care, workforce and other critical needs,” Calabro stated. “What’s more, it should give our elected leaders another opportunity to return some of this windfall back to taxpayers.”
He additionally teased BudgetWatch findings his group will launch subsequent week. The report will present extra element and evaluation of the brand new income forecast and what it means for the state’s 2022-23 finances outlook.
“Moving forward, Florida TaxWatch will continue to monitor and analyze these developments, working closely with elected officials to avoid wasteful spending and ensure taxpayers’ best interests are being served, particularly now, when record inflation, housing challenges, and much more are directly impacting their pocketbooks,” Calabro stated.
Job properly accomplished
SalterMitchell PR has been named one of many quickest rising personal firms in America on the annual Inc. 5000 record.
The Tallahassee-launched public relations agency earned a nationwide rating of two,700 and a Florida rank of 217.
“It is a tremendous honor to be among such a prestigious group of U.S. businesses and to be recognized for our growth,” stated April Salter, SMPR founder and CEO. “When I started this company 23 years ago, I had no idea of the thrills and rewards that owning a company would bring. I’m grateful for the mentors and business owner colleagues who have advised me and helped our firm grow. The SMPR team is stronger today than ever before thanks to our firm’s leadership, especially our president, Heidi Otway.”
Salter based the Herrle Communication Group in 1999 which finally developed into the SalterMitchell agency.
“This is a major achievement for SalterMitchell PR and the result of our firm’s mission, our clients, and more importantly, our dynamic and diverse team of communication and marketing professionals,” Otway stated. “We thank our clients for trusting us to be their advisors and partners, and we look forward to what the future holds as we continue to grow, evolve and help more good causes win.”
The rankings are primarily based on the share of income progress between 2018 and 2021. To qualify for the record it have to be a privately held, United States-based for-profit firm. To be thought-about for the record an organization’s income needed to have been at the very least $100,000 in 2018 and $2 million for 2021.
Founded in 1979, Inc. initially launched as a enterprise journal. Through its multi-platform, which encompasses a web site, podcasts, magazines and newsletters, Inc. has printed its 5000 record since 1982.
“The accomplishment of building one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., in light of recent economic roadblocks, cannot be overstated,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that have established themselves through innovation, hard work, and rising to the challenges of today.”
Ad wars
Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3 candidate David Bellamy filed an election violation criticism towards incumbent Commissioner Jeremy Matlow over radio advertisements he says wrongfully counsel he’s a Republican.
The submitting comes after the Bellamy marketing campaign despatched Matlow a cease-and-desist letter.
The unique 30-second spot options the voice of Pastor Lee Johnson calling Bellamy a “Trumpite” and saying he voted for former President Donald Trump and DeSantis.
In the criticism, Bellamy contends the advert’s claims are false and that he’s been a registered Democrat since 1988. He added that as a result of it’s a nonpartisan race, directing voters to not elect somebody primarily based on occasion affiliation is a violation of state election legal guidelines.
The Matlow marketing campaign pulled the advert and changed it with one other one in every of Johnson calling Bellamy a “Trumpite” and once more advising listeners to not vote for Bellamy as a result of he “acts like a Republican.”
“It is unclear why Matlow continues to label me a ‘Trumpite’ when I have publicly stated I did not vote for Donald Trump and did not want to see him elected as President again in 2024,” the criticism states.
Bellamy employs the identical St. Pete primarily based advisor, Reggie Cardozo, as Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey. He was additionally behind Dailey’s elections criticism towards his opponent, Leon County Commissioner Kristin Dozier, over mailers.
Prints for the Primary
During this busy marketing campaign season, make time to interrupt from the barnstorming and skim a ebook in honor of National Book Lovers Day.
This week, the Florida Association for Media in Education invited elected officers and candidates to choose up a ebook from the group’s summer season studying record.
“We have plenty of recommendations for the K-12 students, but we also wanted to make sure elected officials and candidates who put themselves forward for public services have something great to encourage them while they are on the campaign trail for our great state,” the Florida Association for Media in Education wrote in a press release.
Unlike politicians, librarians are among the most trusted professionals, based on latest surveys of the Okay-12 college system.
“FAME’s librarians across the state are passionate about the freedom to read based on the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and the Library Bill of Rights created by ALA,” they wrote.
The group’s record contains three Florida-themed books and 6 leadership-themed books.
On Florida, they counsel “The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise,” by Michael Gunwald; “Weird Florida,” by Eliot Kleinberg; and “Finding Florida,” by TD Allman.
On management, they record “Hard Times: Leadership in America,” by Barbara Kellerman; “How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age,” by Dale Carnegie; “Extreme Ownership,” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin; “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” by John C. Maxwell; “The Mentor Leader,” by Tony Dungy; and “Good to Great,” by Jim Collins.
Busted
A Tallahassee man was sentenced to fifteen years in federal jail for offenses related to drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida Jason Coody introduced.
William Okay. Gordon Jr. pleaded responsible to a number of prices related to the distribution of methamphetamine after proof confirmed he was acquiring the drug from Georgia and promoting it in Tallahassee.
“Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” Coody stated. “We are committed to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and aggressively prosecute recidivist offenders who continue to distribute such (as) these addictive, controlled substances. This sentence is further proof of this resolve.”
The case stemmed from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Capital Area Drug Response Evaluation Initiative together with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Tallahassee Police Department.
“The arrest and conviction of William K. Gordon is a major step in getting some of the most addictive and deadly drugs out of Leon County,” stated Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil. “I am grateful for the hard work of our deputies and detectives who assisted in this case. LCSO and our law enforcement partners will continue to work closely to identify, arrest and prosecute these dealers to keep our communities safe.”
After serving his sentence, Gordon can be on 15 years of supervised launch.
Capitol Directions
Ron DeSantis — Down arrow — The Broward information convention was a nothing burger. Next time, do it in Sumter.
Ron DeSantis — Down arrow — The WOKE act received labored.
Stranger Things — Up arrow — Now we wanna know what Mark Walker thinks about Eddie Munson.
Ron DeSantis — Up arrow — He scored a court docket win. It was over an Alachua County School Board suspension, but it surely’s nonetheless a win.
Florida Senate — Up arrow — Andrew Warren saved them from spending per week in hot-ass Tally throughout summer season.
Hedge fund managers — Crossways arrow — They’ll nonetheless get Florida’s money; they simply gained’t need to learn as a lot about the place they put it.
Heather Barker — Up arrow — She’s not an excellent fundraiser; she’s a record-breaking fundraiser.
Jimmy Patronis — Up arrow — In-N-Out, Tesla, Twitter, and now the IRS. The CFO is aware of get a headline.
State Coffers — Up arrow — We don’t have time to fret a couple of “downshift,” we’re too busy counting money.
Seminole Tribe — Up arrow — Even the Biden administration is aware of an excellent wager once they see it.
Dana Young — Up arrow — The VISIT FLORIDA CEO is aware of get folks to go to Florida.
James Bush — Down arrow — He wasn’t calling you a feminine canine, bro.
Jonathan Martin — Up arrow — Can we nonetheless name him Sen. Phone Snatcher subsequent yr?
Robert Cassanello — Up arrow — Is it secure to say he brought about the state’s attorneys to really feel anguish over actions dedicated by a Governor of their similar race, colour, nationwide origin or intercourse?
Shannon Bream — Up arrow — The Florida State alum is giving up the night time shift for the Sunday slot at Fox News.
Taylor Tannebaum — Up arrow — Is FSU a pipeline to nationwide community internet hosting gigs or one thing?
Fred Piccolo — Up arrow — Welcome again to the world of controversial comms director positions.
Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce — Down arrow — A late-August weekend on the Ritz is good, however there are cheaper methods to GOTV for Jeremy Matlow.
Governor’s Square Mall — Up arrow — For half a day, the mall was as happenin’ because it was within the 90s.
Gators — Down arrow — Wally World isn’t open 24 hours, however looking season is.
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