The Melo Minute – Representative Lauren Melo

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The Melo Minute –

June 4th, 2021 – Melo on the Move

In and Around the Town 

Americans for Prosperity (6/1)

This event was hosted by AFP President Tim Phillips and discussed the question “Can the Federal Government Spend the USA into Prosperity?” This inquiry points to the different economic philosophies of the Democrat party and the Republican party — it makes for riveting conversations.

Southwest Florida Chamber of Commerce (6/1)

This was a post-legislative luncheon, hosted at Crowne Plaza at the Bell Tower Shops, where myself and many other elected officials discussed this year’s legislative session.

It was great to see all of our friends: Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka, Representative Spencer Roach, Representative Mike Giallombardo, and Representative Bob Rommel!

Visiting Yo Gusto (6/3)

Yo Gusto is a terrific Florida company that produces its dairy products in Clewiston. Yo Gusto was kind enough to provide my fellow House Members with some of their delicious drinkable yogurts as District 80’s Session gift. I had a great time visiting them this week and I am thankful for their hospitality. Be sure to grab some of their products and give them a try!

Where I’m Heading Next!

Next Tuesday (6/8) at 12PM I will be going to the LaBelle Rotary Club to give a legislative update.

Education Information

· The recently passed 2021-2022 Florida budget allocated $22.8 billion for K-12 education in our state. The budget expands school choice options, raises teachers minimum base salaries, and expands mental health services in our schools.

· The breakdown: $24.7B in overall commitment, $12.9B for the Florida Education Finance Program for K-12, $550M to increase teachers minimum base salary and salary increases for veteran teachers, $216M in disaster relief, $120M in mental health programs, and much more.

The Foundation for Florida’s Future recently sent out a report card grading me on my work to improve education last Session. Proud to report to you all that I’m an A+ student this year! My team and I worked hard by putting forward legislation that benefits our students. HB 1505 & HB 1507 – Workforce Bills, and HB 1279 – Florida Talent Development Council (PTech), all work to provide our kids with best opportunity to excel. I’m excited to shoot for another A+ next year!

What We’re Reading

Gov. DeSantis Approves National Guard Expansion in New Budget

Jason Delgado

The Song of the Week!

If you have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week, let us know!
This week’s song is Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop,” everything’s getting better than before as more and more Floridians are being vaccinated and participating in the economy. With at least 62% of Collier County’s population and 40% of Hendry County’s population being fully vaccinated (source) — and the local economy bouncing back so well — we surely are looking forward to a brighter tomorrow!

Fun fact: The hit “Rumours” album was almost called “Yesterday’s Gone” after the line used in “Don’t Stop.”

You Go, Yo Gusto!

Thank you to the founder and CEO of Yo Gusto, Gustavo Perez, for the amazing tour of your facilities. I’m looking forward to seeing this Florida based business continue to thrive in the best climate for business in the union!

Be sure to follow my social media to keep up to date on what I’m up to!

Q&A’s

I have a great team here in HD80. We are always ready to help out!

If you have a question you would like for my team and I to address within The Melo Minute feel free to send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov


Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

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Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds

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Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds

This week, the House of Representatives entered a committee work week. I spent my week in the district where I had the opportunity to meet with the hardworking constituents of FL-19, tour the vast ecosystems of Southwest Florida, and virtually attend numerous Congressional committee hearings.

The hypocrisy of the Democrats was evident this week as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was spotted at a dinner party with twelve friends, breaking her own state’s COVID-19 dining restrictions. While businesses suffer from draconian lockdowns, liberal leaders continue to violate their own rules. I am proud to represent the 19th district of Florida, where small businesses are able to prosper without tyrannical government lockdowns and mandates.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill this week to combat the censorship of Floridians by Big Tech. The bill allows people that are treated unjustly by Big Tech to sue for monetary damages. This decision by Governor DeSantis bolsters efforts to preserve and protect freedom of speech for all Floridians and take a stand against the Big Tech oligopoly. Freedom of speech is a Constitutional right that every American should be able to exercise freely without the threat of censorship by Big Tech platforms.

This upcoming Monday, May 31 is Memorial Day. Join me in honoring those who have selflessly gave their lives fighting for the United States Armed Forces. We recognize America’s fallen heroes who have made the greatest sacrifice to their country and in defense of freedom around the globe; we are forever indebted to their service and bravery.
mday

Please continue reading to learn more about current legislation, upcoming events, and ways in which I’m working to advocate for conservative policies in #FL19!

Response to the One Year
Passing of George Floyd

This Tuesday marked the one year anniversary of the passing of George Floyd. Progress is recognizing that America is not a systematically racist nation and that the actions of bad police officers do not define the heart of the men and women who swear an oath and dutifully protect our communities.

Read my full statement regarding the anniversary of George Floyd’s passing below:
GeorgeFloydPress

Legislative Updates

This week the House Small Business Committee held a hearing on an examination of the SBA’s COVID-19 programs. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I had the opportunity to address the witness, Administrator Guzman, and learn about the challenges currently facing our nation’s small businesses and how Congress can help bolster our economy and implement effective economic relief.

Despite being required by law, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was not present at the hearing. If the Biden administration truly cared about our nation’s small businesses, Secretary Yellen would be testifying before the committee.

Click the link below to watch my exchange with Admin. Guzman:

Rep. Donalds Gets an Answer on How Planned Parenthood has received $90 million in taxpayer funds through the COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program.

Recently, I signed on as a Co-Sponsor to The Return to Work Act and Help Wanted Act which benefit our nation’s workers as we rebound from the pandemic.

The Return to Work Act, introduced by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), would end the $300 per week Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefit. It is time to end government paychecks and focus on bringing back our strong American workforce. Click the link below to read more about this legislation.

Return to Work Act

I also Co-Sponsored the Help Wanted Act, introduced by Rep. Chris Jacobs (R-NY), which addresses our nation’s severe labor shortage that was caused by federal unemployment policy. It requires states to restore work search requirements to continue receiving and distributing enhanced unemployment benefits. It also removes the provision in the CARES Act that allows individuals to collect unemployment benefits if they voluntarily decided to leave their job. Finally, it clarifies that individuals can no longer collect Pandemic Unemployment Assistance if they decline work based on generic safety concerns related to COVID-19.

I will continue to fight every day on behalf of American workers and ensure our economy is supported by our businesses. Click the link below to learn more about this critical legislation.

Help Wanted Act

I Co-Signed the Restaurant Revitalization Fund letter, lead by Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN), to the Small Business Administration. Restaurants have suffered a massive hit from the pandemic. On May 24, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund was closed. The letter calls upon SBA to provide justification as to why they are giving preference to individuals that may lack proper documentation, or an unknown immigrant, over our American citizens. Additionally, we emphasize the Biden Administration’s strategy of choosing winners and losers. It is critical that funds allocated by Congress go to the intended recipients, and Americans deserve transparency from the Small Business Administration.

As a free-market capitalist, I am a strong believer in letting the free-market dictate the economy, rather than the federal government produced widespread discrimination.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund Letter

Community Engagement

This week, I was proud to join my fellow Florida House GOP colleagues to tour Lake Okeechobee and meet with local leaders who are dedicated to keeping Florida’s water clean and safe. Fighting for safe water quality in Southwest Florida is one of my top priorities; I am grateful for the opportunity to ensure Florida has a voice in Washington in resolving this critical issue.

Okee22
Okee1

This week, I hosted a Veterans Town Hall in Fort Myers where I met with Veterans from Southwest Florida. I was able to hear directly from the SWFL veteran community as they expressed their concerns. I look forward to bringing their comments to D.C. in order to ensure the federal government is properly serving our servicemen and women. It is an honor to represent our American heroes in Congress and I will continue to fight on their behalf every day.

VetTH

I am excited to announce the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. All current high school students in Florida’s 19th Congressional District are eligible to participate in the Congressional Art Competition. Artwork must be submitted to one of my Congressional offices, in either Lee County or Collier County, no later than June 9th, 2021 at 12 PM. For entry and submission details and guidelines, I encourage all interested participants to please visit my website: donalds.house.gov/forms/submitartwork/

The judging ceremony for Florida’s 19th Congressional District Congressional Art Competition will be hosted on June 10th, 2021 at 6:30 PM at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, in Fort Myers, Florida.

In the Media

This week, I sat down for an interview on America’s Newsroom with Dana Perino and Bill Hemmer to discuss police reform and the need to stop the dangerous calls to defund the police. Watch the interview below.

Byron Donalds: People don’t call ‘activists, politicians’ when in danger, they call police

I joined Fox Business’ ‘Kudlow’ for an interview to discuss Biden’s reckless $6 trillion budget and the unacceptable growing crime rates in liberal cities, due to poor leadership and lack of police presence. Watch the interview below.

Biden’s budget is ‘reckless, crazy, makes no sense’: Rep. Byron Donalds
TUNE IN ALERT:

I’ll be on Fox News’ Justice with Judge Jeanine on Saturday, May 29 at 9:00PM EST.
tune in

Serving the hardworking men and women of Florida’s 19th Congressional District is my distinct honor and privilege. It’s time Washington works for our community’s values, and every day I will always strive to ensure your government is working for you.

Sincerely,

Byron Donalds Signature
Byron Donalds
Member of Congress

The Melo Minute – Representative Lauren Melo

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The Melo Minute

May 28th, 2021 – Memorial Day Edition

Lake Okeechobee Trip

Water is the lifeblood of South Florida and Lake Okeechobee is at its heart pumping freshwater out to our local communities and keeping our agriculture, our citizens, and our environment strong and vibrant. It is important that we as a state continue to fund projects north of the Lake in order to ensure access to clean, drinkable water for current and future Floridians.

This week I had a great time visiting Lake O with Congressmen Byron Donalds, Mario Diaz-Balart, Greg Steube, Congresswomen Maria Salazar and Kat Cammack, State Representative Toby Overdorf, Hendry County Commissioner Ramon Iglesias, and other stakeholders.

Thank you to Mike Elfenbein, Williamson Cattle Company, and all our guides for giving us the grand tour of Florida’s crown jewel and for reminding us how vital Lake Okeechobee is to sustaining a healthy ecosystem in South Florida.

We owe it to ourselves and to our future generations to preserve and protect Florida’s beautiful and unique environment. I look forward to working with our local, state, and federal leaders to develop solutions that will help us make Lake O great again!

Hurricane & Tax Information

· The Florida Legislature has green-lit three tax-free holidays so that citizens can stock up on plenty of supplies in preparation for hurricane season (June 1st — November 30th).

· The first tax-free holiday is the Disaster Preparedness Tax-Free Holiday. It is on May 28th and ends on June 6th.

· Some of the supplies that will be tax-free include portable light sources, portable radios, tarps, certain battery packs, coolers, portable generators (under $1K), and more!

The Song of the Week!

If you have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week, let us know!
This week’s song is The Doobie Brothers’ “Black Water” as our ode to Lake O. This song perfectly captures the joyful and harmonious feeling of being out on the water.

Whether it’s Lake Okeechobee or the Caloosahatchee, this Doobie Brothers hit will surely have you whistling on the waves.

Fun Fact: “Black Water” wasn’t seen as having the potential to be a hit and was delegated to the B-side of “Another Park, Another Sunday” when it released in 1974.

Click the Image Above to Learn More About the Tax Holiday

Q&A’s

I have a great team here in HD80. We are always ready to help out!

If you have a question you would like for my team and I to address within The Melo Minute feel free to send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov


If you’re new to The Melo Minute and would like to subscribe, click here!

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

We Honor Their Sacrifice – Commissioner Andy Solis

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Military Appreciation Month

Throughout the month of May, our nation is given opportunity to pause and to remember the sacrifices necessary to maintain the liberty and justice we can sometimes take for granted. Loyalty Day, VE Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day all come together in National Military Appreciation Month.

In this very important month we honor, remember and recognize all military personnel — those men and women who have served throughout our history, all who now serve in uniform and their families, and especially those Americans who have given their lives in defense of our freedoms we all enjoy today. America stands as a beacon of hope to people around the world because of their valor.

On behalf of the Collier County Veterans Council, I invite you to join me at their Memorial Day Celebration on the 31st; see additional details below. I hope to see you there.
If *you* now feel inspired to service, your County has many opportunities for you to play a part in keeping our community the wonderful place we know and love. Scroll down for more information on all the current openings on advisory committees and boards and authorities. Collier is a very citizen-driven county — we’d love to have you be a part!
Also this month we are testing a new survey function — be sure to cast your vote!

Finally, I will be without my trusty Aide, Angela, next week, as she takes care of some family business out of state. As always, feel free to email or leave us a voicemail, but please know it might take a bit longer to hear back from us. Thanks in advance for your patience. And enjoy the holiday weekend!

It’s almost that time of the year again. Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30.

The last three years have seen four hurricanes make landfall in Florida and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an “above-normal” 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, with 13-20 named storms expected.

Because of the unexpected nature of these storms, all Floridians are encouraged to be prepared, and have at least seven days’ worth of supplies on hand. And this weekend you can buy some of those supplies at a reduced cost.

Once again, the state is offering Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, from May 28 – June 6. The 10-day tax holiday allows Floridians to prepare for hurricane season while not having to pay sales tax on essential disaster preparedness items.

Examples of tax-free items include flashlights and lanterns costing $40 or less, radios costing $50 or less, tarps costing $100 or less, coolers costing $60 or less, batteries costing $50 or less, and generators costing $1,000 or less.

Not sure what you should have on hand? The Florida Department of Emergency Management has a disaster checklist HERE, as well as other resources so you can feel ready to brave the storm.

Have more questions? This FAQ might help!

My office got feedback from some of you that, with the frenzy of the pandemic and the vaccine rollout, I was showing up in your in-box too frequently. So we backed off a bit on the emails. Help us test a new survey function below by voting for how often you’d like to receive newsletters from me:

How often should I send out my email newsletters?

Once a Week
Twice a Month
Once a Month
Every Other Month

What’s Your Neighborhood?

While I sent out fewer emails to the whole list, I have still been working directly with individual neighborhoods on issues specific to their community and its residents, for instance with Palm River regarding road design and sidewalks, or Pelican Isle Yacht Club and the conditions at Wiggins Pass. If you didn’t hear from me, it might be because I don’t know where you live.

Please consider using the link below to update your profile. To keep us cyber-safe, you will get emailed a link to update, so it will take a minute, but it is worth it. Knowing what community you live in can help me get you better information, more relevant to you and your life here in Collier. Especially during fire and hurricane seasons, it can really make a difference. (By the way, it doesn’t matter at all whether you live in District 2 or not; all are welcome! Location info is helpful whenever there’s an unexpected road closure or utility issue, or any kind of emergency.)

Update My Profile

The Collier County Board of County Commissioners is seeking applications for positions on several advisory committees. To serve, you must be a resident and registered voter in Collier County. Read more to learn if there’s a perfect spot for you or someone you know:

The Black Affairs Advisory Board has multiple opportunities for 4-year terms. In your monthly meetings, you would work to identify and evaluate problems unique to the Black Community, review and recommend ways to ensure open communication between minorities and Collier County Government, and provide periodic reports to the Board of County Commissioners.

The Board of Building Adjustments and Appeals has two 4-year terms available, and three seats expiring in August. Consider applying to this five-member board If you are knowledgeable in the Collier County Codes and in one of the following professions: a licensed plumbing or mechanical contractor, a Class “A” general contractor, a state-certified fire protective equipment contractor or fire fighter with a rank of Lieutenant or higher, a licensed electrical contractor, or a state licensed architect or structural engineer. You would meet as needed to hear appeals on rejections or refusals by the Building Code Compliance Director to approve construction methods or materials. This is a quasi-judicial board. (What does that mean? While most of our citizen committees exist to offer advice and recommendations to the County Commissioners for their action, quasi-judicial boards have the power to take independent action or impose fines or penalties, etc.)

Members of the Contractors Licensing Board also serve for 3 years, meeting monthly to determine the qualifications of applicants for the various categories of the Contractors’ Certificates of Competency, and holding hearings to determine if a certificate of competency should be revoked. This is one of those quasi-judicial boards, and it has one vacancy now and three seats expiring in June to be filled by licensed building professionals — either an architect; an engineer; or a general, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, residential building, or commercial building contractor.

Two of the five positions on the Industrial Development Authority expire in June; members are appointed for a 4-year term. This authority meets as needed and has has the power to sell industrial revenue bonds. Money generated from the bonds is used to construct industrial plants, equipment and other facilities which would then be leased or sold to private industry.

To apply for an advisory committee vacancy, submit an application online or call 239-252-8400 for more information.

District 3 Newsletter – Commissioner Burt Saunders

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Welcome to District 3
On May 25, at our regularly scheduled commission meeting, the County Commission voted to enter into a long-term lease with Club Corp for the development of a 12-hole golf course and family entertainment and dining facility at the old Golden Gate golf course.

County residents will be entitled to a 40 percent reduction on all greens fees and will have equal access to all tee times. This will provide truly affordable golf to our county residents.

The County Commission purchased the existing Golden Gate Golf course and has endeavored to re-establish public golf on a course to be redesigned for the benefit of all Collier County golfing enthusiasts looking for a great course at an affordable price. This is the culmination of decades of efforts to bring affordable golf to Collier County as part of the County’s park and recreation program.

Collier County will own and control the course. Club Corp will develop a family entertainment and dining venue as part of the golf course development and will pay concession fees equal to 3 percent of gross revenues from all operations to the County.

Thank you for helping to make Collier County a great place to live, work and play.

Did a friend send you this newsletter? Click here to subscribe now!
Collier County FY 21/22 Budget
Important Dates to Remember

June 24, 2021 Budget Workshop, 9:00 am, BCC Chambers (Televised)
July 13, 2021 Adoption of Tentative Maximum FY 2022 Millage Rates (Televised)
September 9, 2021 Public Hearing Date, 5:05 pm, BCC Chambers (Televised)
September 23, 2021 Public Hearing Date, 5:05 pm, BCC Chambers (Televised)

Board of County Commission Meetings
Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month – The meetings begin at 9:00 a.m. and are broadcast live with closed captioning on Collier Television channel 97/98 and via live streaming at www.colliercountyfl.gov/ctv.

Individuals who would wish to participate in person must complete and submit a speaker form prior to the beginning of the discussion about the item. Individuals who would like to participate remotely must complete and submit the online speaker registration form prior to the beginning of the discussion about the item. The agenda will be available on the County website at http://colliercountyfl.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx.
Logan Blvd. Extension Truck Use Update
On May 25, at the regularly scheduled commission meeting, the County Commission approved a Resolution prohibiting the operation of large trucks and commercial vehicles with a rated load-carrying capacity in excess of five (5) tons from through movement on Logan Blvd. extension between Immokalee Road and the Lee County line. Signs have been posted and will be immediately enforced.
FDOT Southwest Connect I-75 South Corridor Master Plan

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is hosting a Virtual Public Outreach Meeting for the Southwest Connect™ Interstate 75 (I-75) South Corridor Master Plan from south of SR 951 (Collier Boulevard) to north of SR 78 (Bayshore Road) in Collier and Lee counties, Florida. This workshop will be held online and is available on the project website, www.SWFLInterstates.com/South-Corridor-VPM.

The meeting materials will be available for viewing for 10 days, from June 8 – 18, 2021. In addition, FDOT is hosting a LIVE Question and Answer Event ONLINE from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Please visit the project website listed above to register for the virtual Q&A event. If you would like to call into the question and answer session, please dial +1 (562) 247-8422 and enter access code 937-518-510. Attendees that use the call-in option will be able to listen only and will not be able to type in questions during the meeting.

I-75 Southwest Connect™ (South Corridor) is a capacity, safety and operational improvement project on I-75 in Collier and Lee Counties. This project is in the Planning and Feasibility Phase. FDOT will analyze the interstate system’s existing transportation challenges. The findings of the analysis, as well as recommendations to enhance safety and mobility, are documented in a Master Plan. The planned improvements identified in the Master Plan may include widening, managed lanes, modifying interchanges, and/or evaluating new interchanges. The Master Plan will also include public outreach, such as this, which will serve as input in the identification and prioritization of projects to move forward into the Project Development Process. This long-range approach provides a regional perspective to identify the areas where future demand is predicted. This Master Plan will serve as a guide to allow FDOT to focus future efforts and funding toward the most critical areas first.

If you or anyone you know does not have internet access and would like copies of this information, or if you have further questions about the project, please contact the I-75 Project Manager, Ms. Nicole Harris, P.E., at (863) 519-2335 or via e-mail at nicole.harris@dot.state.fl.us. You may also visit the project website at: https://www.swflinterstates.com/i75-south-corridor.

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Board Meeting – 9 am Friday, June 11, 2021
The Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Board will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021. This will be a Hybrid Remote meeting and it will be held in the Board of County Commissioners Chambers, third floor, Collier County Government Center, 3299 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, Florida. Some members may be appearing remotely, with staff present in person. One week prior to the meeting, the MPO agenda will be posted on the MPO’s website at colliermpo.org. To access the agenda, go to the calendar and select the meeting date.

Individuals who would like to participate in person must complete and submit a speaker form prior to the beginning of the discussion about the item. Individuals who would like to participate remotely must complete and submit the online speaker registration form prior to the beginning of the discussion about the item. Individuals who would like to participate remotely, should register at MPO Board Meeting Registration.

One or more members of the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Naples City Council, Marco Island City Council, Everglades City Council and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) may be present and may participate at the meeting. The subject matter of this meeting may be an item for discussion and action at a future meeting of those boards, councils or agencies.

The Board of County Commissioners has authorized a burn ban in Collier County effective immediately.

Per Collier County Ordinance 2009-23, as Amended, the County Manager may recommend an immediate ban of outdoor burning and outdoor ignition sources during extreme drought conditions. The ban prohibits open burning, which is any outdoor fire or open combustion of material that produces visible emissions, of trash and yard waste, which includes vegetative matter resulting from landscaping and yard maintenance operations.

The decision came after a meeting between the Collier County Bureau of Emergency Services, Florida Forest Service, Collier County Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. The group jointly identified a need to have a burning ban become effective immediately after certain environmental conditions were met, including lack of rainfall in May.

The ban includes all unincorporated Collier County, but exempts all commercial agricultural burning, lawful controlled industrial or commercial environments that are part of the manufacturing or some type of assembly process, and those burning activities regulated by the Florida Forest Service. This ban presently has no impact on the retail sales of fireworks, although the discharge of fireworks, sparklers and incendiary devices is prohibited.

In addition, outdoor grills, stoves, cookers and smokers may be used in the preparation of food if the cooking fire is controlled and attended to. All outdoor cooking areas shall be free of burnable materials within an area having a circumference of three feet beyond the nearest edge of the cooking fire.

Violation of the order, if it is found to cause irreparable or irreversible damage, can be up to $15,000. The ban will remain in effect until further notice. For more information, call 311 or (239) 252-8999.
Collier County Assistance Program

CCAP is a financial assistance program available to Collier County residents and small business owners affected by COVID-19. Applications are now being accepted through the fall or until funds are depleted. The program benefits households (individuals and families), households with senior members (60 years or older), landlords, small businesses, and temporary quarantine situations.

Household Assistance
Full-time Collier County residents behind on mortgage, rent or utility payments due to the economic challenges presented by COVID-19 may qualify for assistance. Past due payments must have accumulated as the result of COVID-19 and must be documented. Please see the frequently asked questions (FAQ) page for details about eligibility and documentation requirements.

Aid is available for past due bills going back (arrearage) to March 13, 2020. Applicants must have been current on their rent, mortgage and utility accounts as of March 13, 2020. Arrearage is available up to a one time maximum of $10,000 payment for rent, mortgage and utility relief. However, applicants will also be screened for benefits through the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, which does not have a cap on funds and only assists with rent payments through fall 2021. Doing this will allow the county to help more residents. If applicants do not qualify for aid through the CCAP, they may qualify through the ERA and vice versa.

Business Assistance
Small businesses, nonprofits and agricultural operations may qualify for assistance with past due water and electric bills and repayment of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Your business(es) must be in Collier County, have a business tax license, hold a Sunbiz registration (when applicable), and employ 100 or less full-time equivalent (FTE) staff. Applicants should select small business during the application process.

Business owners that own more than one business, with each business having its own employer identification number (EIN), and meets all other eligibility requirements, may apply for assistance for each business. An application must be submitted for each business. For past due water and electric bill assistance, the utility accounts must be in the name of each business. Each qualified application may receive a one-time grant of up to $25,000 toward EIDL repayment and utility assistance. Since this is a grant and not a loan, it does not need to be paid back.

Contact Information
The Assistance Center is located at 13245 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, in Naples. To schedule an in-person appointment, please call (239) 450-2114 or email CCAPinfo@colliercountyfl.gov.

When Emergencies Happen in Collier County, We Can’t Alert You if We Can’t Reach You
Collier County encourages all residents to sign up for Alert Collier, the County’s new mass notification system. When you sign up with Alert Collier you can enter up to five addresses within the County boundaries that you would like to receive emergency alerts about. Enter your home, work, relative, school or any other address that’s important to you.

Should an alert be issued for that location, you will receive a notification.
You can sign up with your cell phone to receive calls and/or text messages, your email address(es), home phone, business phone and hearing impaired device. Collier County encourages you to also download the Everbridge Public Safety app (free in the iOS, Android and Windows app stores), this app will allow you to see all public notifications issued across the State and Country by other Everbridge users. Live in Lee county but work in another County? No problem you can receive their emergency alerts just by having the app installed.

So, create a contact on your phone for Alert Collier: the caller ID our alerts will come from is 239-252-8000, and the short code our texts will come from is 89361 and 87844. Save Alert Collier as a contact today!

SIGN UP HERE

H O T L I N E
866-779-6121
The best sources for clear information on the pandemic are our state health department or the CDC. The Florida hotline above is staffed 24/7.

Vaccine Report
(updated daily)

Florida Department of Health

Florida COVID-19 Dashboard
(updated daily at mid-day; contains county-specific data)

Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 site

World Health Organization
Copyright © 2021 Collier County Commission District 3, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Collier County Commission District 3
3299 Tamiami Trl E Ste 303
Naples, FL 34112-5746

RPOF Newsletter – Chairman Joe Gruters

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Chairman’s Message

Fighting back against Big Tech

The legal guardrails are now officially installed around Big Tech in a major step toward ensuring that Floridians of any worldview have well-protected speech rights on social media. Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 7072, which will hold Big Tech accountable by driving transparency and safeguarding Floridians’ ability to access and participate in online platforms.

“This session, we took action to ensure that ‘We the People’ — real Floridians across the Sunshine State — are guaranteed protection against the Silicon Valley elites,” Governor DeSantis said. “Many in our state have experienced censorship and other tyrannical behavior firsthand in Cuba and Venezuela. If Big Tech censors enforce rules inconsistently, to discriminate in favor of the dominant Silicon Valley ideology, they will now be held accountable.”

The major points of the new buttressing that include:

All Floridians treated unfairly by Big Tech platforms will have the right to sue companies that violate this law — and win monetary damages. This reform safeguards the rights of every Floridian by requiring social media companies to be transparent about their content moderation practices and give users proper notice of changes to those policies, which prevents Big Tech bureaucrats from “moving the goalposts” to silence viewpoints they don’t like.
The Attorney General of Florida can bring legal action against technology companies that violate this law, under Florida’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act. If social media platforms are found to have violated antitrust law, they will be restricted from contracting with any public entity. That “antitrust violator” blacklist imposes real consequences for Big Tech oligopolies’ bottom line.
Big Tech is prohibited from de-platforming Floridian political candidates. The Florida Election Commission will impose fines of $250,000 per day on any social media company that de-platforms any candidate for statewide office, and $25,000 per day for de-platforming candidates for non-statewide offices. Any Floridian can block any candidate they don’t want to hear from, but is not for Big Tech to decide.
You can read the full text of Senate Bill 7072 here: https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_s7072er.DOCX&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=7072&Session=2021

Big Tech made clear the need for this law over and over. But the brash activists in Silicon Valley took down a Youtube video of Governor DeSantis’ March roundtable with premier national doctors and epidemiologists from Harvard and Stanford — right in the middle of the session debating this bill. The pretend white-coat censors simply will not allow dissenting opinions to stand and see themselves as all powerful. So Florida acted.

Strong Republican leadership across the board stood in defence of all Floridians’ free speech.

“I’m pleased to see Florida setting the example by doing everything in our power to stop the abuses that are possible when big tech goes unchecked. People have a right to express opposing views,” said Senate President Wilton Simpson.

“Social media platforms have morphed into the town square,” said Speaker Chris Sprowls. “If our democracy is going to survive, we must stand up to these technological oligarchs and hold them accountable.”

Read more here: https://flgov.com/2021/05/24/governor-ron-desantis-signs-bill-to-stop-the-censorship-of-floridians-by-big-tech/

Legislation

Teachers, school principals and superintendents in Baker County, Sarasota County and Okaloosa County joined Governor DeSantis for his announcement of $765 million in funding to support Florida’s teachers. These investments include $550 million to continue elevating minimum teacher salaries, as well as $215 million to provide all of Florida’s eligible public school principals and teachers with $1,000 disaster relief payments.

The Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis worked hard to continue funding support for Florida’s teachers through the Florida Leads budget. Over the past year, minimum pay for Florida’s teachers increased by an average of $6,000 — from $40,000 to $46,000. Overall, 68 of Florida’s 74 school districts (92 percent) now have a starting salary of $40,000 or higher.

“While most other states locked down their schools, Florida followed the science and opened our schools for in-person instruction, five days a week,” Governor DeSantis said. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our teachers and school leaders Florida succeeded where so many other states failed. I can’t thank them enough for their hard work and dedication during this school year and these bonuses are a small way to say thank you on behalf of our state.”

Read more: https://flgov.com/2021/05/26/governor-ron-desantis-announces-more-than-765-million-in-record-funding-for-teachers/

Florida Update

Florida’s economy continues to surge forward under strong, principled, conservative leadership, leading America out of the pandemic response-induced downturn.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced Florida now has recorded 12 consecutive months of job growth, gaining 18,800 private sector jobs in the month of April. From April 2020 to April 2021, Florida has gained a total of 795,800 private sector jobs. Florida’s unemployment rate of 4.8 percent remains well below the national average of 6.1 percent, even as its labor force in April 2021 increased by 73,000 over the month, reaching its highest point since the beginning of the pandemic. So more than 70,000 people entered the labor force looking for jobs in April and virtually all of them found jobs.

“Through Governor DeSantis’ leadership, our state has remained open for business, leading to an unemployment rate consistently below the national average,” said Dane Eagle, Secretary of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “Our state now has a jobs surplus, and businesses are in need of Floridians to continue bolstering our great workforce.”

Read more here: https://floridajobs.org/news-center/DEO-Press/2021/05/21/florida-department-of-economic-opportunity-announces-twelve-consecutive-months-of-job-growth-gaining-nearly-19-000-private-sector-jobs-in-april

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The Republican Party of Florida has launched FloridaDems.com to defeat attempts to give Nancy Pelosi more puppets in service to a Socialist agenda for America.

RPOF’s Executive Director Helen Aguirre-Ferre issued the following statement:

“It really doesn’t matter which one of Nancy Pelosi’s Puppets Florida Democrats nominate, because each and every one will put America and Florida last as they ram through Pelosi’s dangerous socialist agenda.

“We have seen this firsthand — from being weak on China or failing to address the crisis at the border to siding with the radical left to weaken law enforcement, these Democrats will never put Floridians first.

“While Pelosi’s Puppets raise money from Woke Corporations, Big Tech and Wall Street, Florida Republicans and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio will continue to fight for Florida families by advancing common sense conservative policies.

“Senator Marco Rubio has been a champion for Florida and has been laser focused on policies that continue to improve the lives of all Floridians. The Republican Party of Florida is proud to support Senator Rubio who has shown true leadership fighting against misguided policies offered by the left.”

Visit the website here: FloridaDems.com.

More Media Myths Knocked Down

The Miami Herald published a report this week that misrepresented the Public Health Accreditation Board evaluation of the Florida Department of Health collection, analysis, and reporting of the state’s COVID-19 data.

Several reporters and commentators shared the article on social media. In doing so, they spread disinformation by twisting the facts to discredit the hard work of thousands of public servants keeping Floridians safe, healthy, and informed throughout the pandemic.

MEDIA MYTH: The Miami Herald report misled the public by falsely implying that DOH is in danger of losing its accreditation.

THE FACTS: The Herald interviewed Eric Toner, a scholar in Maryland who is not even listed as a representative of PHAB. Toner could not comment on DOH specifically since he has no direct knowledge of the situation, but he made a general statement: “If an accredited health department is told by an accreditation board that they need to do something better…the next step would be probation or losing accreditation.”

However, no official representative of PHAB gave any indication that DOH was ever in any danger of losing accreditation. In fact, PHAB president Paul Kuehnert praised the department’s COVID-19 surveillance and reporting: “Based on what we have seen with Florida, the professionals at the Department of Health are doing a really excellent job.”

These are Kuehnert’s own words, quoted in the very same Miami Herald article, but not until the 19th paragraph. The Miami Herald’s decision to “bury the lede” in this story is irresponsible at best and negligent at worst.

MEDIA MYTH: PHAB criticized DOH for “failing to maintain accurate records regarding COVID-19 infection rates in schools,” issued incomplete data, and neglected Miami-Dade and Broward schools. (Mary Ellen Klas, Miami Herald)

THE FACTS: In response to a complaint from a political activist in Broward County, PHAB conducted an exhaustive six-month investigation of DOH and found “nothing concerning about the department’s data collection or analysis.” This is a direct quote from the Miami Herald article, once again buried under paragraphs of innuendo and speculation.

Klas’ comment is a glaring example of public health disinformation given undue credibility by association with a mainstream media outlet. Klas quoted the complaint, but misattributed the quote, falsely framing it as an excerpt from the accreditation board’s evaluation of DOH. When Klas was informed of her mistake, she refused to issue a correction, instead publishing more social media commentary to push the same false narrative.

Read many more myth knockdowns: https://flgov.com/2021/05/25/public-health-accreditation-board-florida-department-of-health-doing-a-really-excellent-job-with-covid-19-data-collection-analysis/

ICYMI

Congressman Byron Donalds did a terrific job defending election integrity and conservative values in a fairly hostile interview in the New York Times. We are blessed to have a lot of strong Republicans who know who to forcefully defend the principles that made America great.

Read it here: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/22/us/politics/byron-donalds-trump.html

Social Media Highlights

REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state and you are integral to making that happen.

PAID FOR BY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE. WWW.FLORIDA.GOP

RPOF LAUNCHES FLORIDADEMS.COM

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RPOF LAUNCHES FLORIDADEMS.COM
Pelosi’s Puppets Fight to Advance Socialist Agenda

Today, the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) launched FloridaDems.com highlighting how the Florida Democrats running for the U.S. Senate are dangerous liberals who would be nothing more than a rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi’s socialist agenda.

RPOF’s Executive Director Helen Aguirre-Ferre issued the following statement:

Tallahassee, FL –“It really doesn’t matter which one of Nancy Pelosi’s Puppets Florida Democrats nominate, because each and every one will put America and Florida last as they ram through Pelosi’s dangerous socialist agenda.

“We have seen this firsthand — from being weak on China or failing to address the crisis at the border to siding with the radical left to weaken law enforcement, these Democrats will never put Floridians first.

“While Pelosi’s Puppets raise money from Woke Corporations, Big Tech and Wall Street, Florida Republicans and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio will continue to fight for Florida families by advancing common sense conservative policies.

“Senator Marco Rubio has been a champion for Florida and has been laser focused on policies that continue to improve the lives of all Floridians. The Republican Party of Florida is proud to support Senator Rubio who has shown true leadership fighting against misguided policies offered by the left.”

Visit Website

PAID FOR BY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE. WWW.FLORIDA.GOP

The Melo Minute – May 21. 2021

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May 21st, 2021 – Deal or No Deal Edition
Special Session on Gambling and Gaming
This week the Legislature held a Special Session to ratify the new gaming compact negotiated between Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Indian Tribe. The Legislature contemplated and approved bills relating to fantasy sports betting, mobile gambling, and more.

This new compact on gaming with the Seminole Indian Tribe is guaranteed to result in $500 million a year in tax revenue for the State of Florida over the next five years and is estimated to bring in an additional $20 billion over the next 30 years.

Since the Governor brokered the deal with the Seminole Indian Tribe he is likely to sign the bills into law soon!

COVID-19 Information

This week the CDC updated their recommendations on the use of masks. The recommendation that fully vaccinated individuals should wear masks has been dropped. Businesses may still implement their own rules.

According to FDOH’s May 17th vaccination report, Collier County had 201,030 (about 62%) of eligible individuals receive at least one dose of the vaccine. Hendry County has had 11,995 (about 40%). The State as a whole has vaccinated over half of those who are eligible.

What We’re Reading

Growing The Ag Workforce, A Classroom At A Time

SPW Staff

Florida Legislature Approves Seminole Compact by Historic Margins

Governor’s Staff

The Song of the Week!

If you have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week, let us know!
This week’s song is Kenny Rogers’s “The Gambler.” I bet you can guess why! This legislative Session has certainly raised the stakes by working out how to best serve the interests of Floridians with this gambling deal. We were certainly hit with a rough hand, but we went all in and made out with a sweet pot for all parties involved.

Fun Fact: This famous song was actually a cover. The song was written by Don Schlitz. It is about his relationship with his father — a non-gambler — and the life lessons he learned from him.

Thanking Our First Responders

Happy EMS Week! May God bless all of our first responders who put their lives on the line to save ours. Thank you for your service!

Follow my social media to know the latest happenings in our District!

Q&A’s

I have a great team here in HD80. We are always ready to help out!

If you have a question you would like for my team and I to address within The Melo Minute feel free to send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov

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Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80