Primary Election Results

/0 Comments/in /by

Keeping Florida and Collier County Red – Hats off to the Winners!

Russell Tuff
Chairman, CCCVPAC

Congratulations to the winners of the Primary Election.

Although Countywide turnout was only 29.7%, Republican turnout was 36.4%, beating the Democrat 32.5% turnout. No Party Affiliation and Other only turned out at 12.7%. 35% of the Republican vote came on election day.

With the Primary Election behind us, now is the time to unite. There were many good candidates who put it all on the line, but in the end we can only have one winner in each race, and we are fortunate to have such good candidates. Now is the time for us all to come together to make sure we win every race in November. To not do so is unthinkable.

See below as we highlight the Republican winners from Tuesday’s Primary elections.

The Leftists in our country have inspired a Red Wave of patriots not previously involved in politics. With a united Republican Party, we will be assured of victory in November.

Election Winners

Federal Offices

Our Republican Men’s Club is not allowed to promote Federal candidates, but we are excited that Congressmen Byron Donalds (District 19) and Mario Diaz-Balart (District 26) won their elections handily to take on their Democratic opponent. Also representing a small portion of Immokalee is Scott Franklin who won and is unopposed.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio will be taking on Democrat Val Demmings.

State Offices

Governor Ron DeSantis will take on Democrat Charlie Crist

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody will take on Democrat Aramis Ayala

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis will take on Democrat Adam Hattersley

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson will take on Democrat Naomi Ester Blemur.

District 80 State Representative Adam Botana will take on Democrat Mitchel Schlayer

District 81 State Representative Bob Rommell – won with no opposition

District 82 Representative Lauren Melo – won with no opposition

Local County Races

Chris Hall

Collier County Commission District 2- Chris Hall Winner

Chris Hall won with a resounding 50.1% of the vote.

Hall had overwhelming support on Election Day with over 60% of his vote total on election day.

Hall had 5,728 total votes out of a total of 11,438.

He will face Democrat Bebe Kanter in General Election.

 

 

 

Daniel Kowal

Collier County Commission District 4 – Daniel Kowal Winner

Danil Kowal won by achieving 42% of the vote total of 10,402. He received 80% more votes than incumbent Penny Taylors.

Kowal will face write in candidate Bill Oppenheimer in the general election day in November.

He received 57% of the vote on Election Day.

Competing against three other candidates, Kowal’s vote total was 4,373 out of a total of 10,402 votes cast.

 

Chris Brown

Collier County Judge Group 3 – Chris Brown Winner

Chris Brown won his race with 52.7% of the vote. On election day he garnered 12,934 votes to his opponents 8,023 to put him over the edge.

Brown won with 35,502 votes to 31,823 for his opponent Pamela Barger

Chris Brown Website

 

 

Jerry Rutherford and Jory Westberry

Collier County School Board District 1 Run Off Winners

Jerry D. Rutherford and Jory Westberry will advance to the General Election in November.

Rutherford attained 44.6% of the vote. On Primary Election day, Rutherford captured more than the combined vote of his two opponents.

Jory Westberry obtained 33.1% of the vote

 

Kelly Lichter and Jen Mitchell

Collier County School Board District 3 Run Off Winners

Kelly Lichter and Jen Mitchell will advance to the General Election in November.

Kelly Lichter received 48.6% of the vote, while Jen Mitchell received 38.2% of the vote.

Jen Mitchell captured the most vote by mail ballots, while Kelly Lichter won the Early and Election Day totals to be the top vote getter.

 

 

Tim Moshier and Roy Terry

Collier County School Board District 5 Run Off Winners

Tim Moshier and Roy Terry will advance to the runoff in the General Election in November.

Moshier captured 39.6% of the vote, while Roy Terry Captured 27% of the vote totals.

Ed Brandt Appointed to Fill Term on RMCC Board

/0 Comments/in /by

During the August board meeting of the Republican Men’s Club of Collier County, Ed Brandt was appointed to fill a term for board member Tim West. West had to resign due to other commitments that unexpectedly came up that will require his attention.

You may recognize Brandt as the photographer at the meetings this year. His assistance has been appreciated in assisting in the RMCC efforts to create awareness of our club.

In addition, Ed Brandt registered to run for Collier Mosquito Control District, Seat 2.

Ed Brandt Bio

Ed Brandt

Ed Brandt currently serves as the Pastor for Lely Presbyterian Church, Naples, Florida.  An ordained Presbyterian Minister, Ed has served churches in Pennsylvania, Delaware, California, and Michigan ranging in sizes from 50 to 2200.  He and his wife Jane moved to Florida following a 32-year career in the National Guard.  He retired from the National Guard in May 2020 from his last duty assignment in Arlington, Virginia as the Chief Chaplain, National Guard Bureau, and United States Army Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Army National Guard. He provided religious advice to the Chief, National Guard Bureau and served as liaison to the United States Army Chief of Chaplains.  He retired at the rank of Brigadier General.

Prior to deploying to Iraq in 2008, Ed served churches full-time.  While in Iraq, he served as a Brigade Chaplain providing pastoral care and worship to over 1200 Soldiers. For his service in Iraq, Ed received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. Upon returning home, he continued service as a Chaplain at the National Guard Bureau, Arlington, Virginia, and then as State Chaplain for Delaware.  In 2017 he was selected as United States Army Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Army National Guard and in 2018 selected as Chief Chaplain, National Guard Bureau.  He was honored to serve as the guest preacher for the 2019 annual Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington National Cemetery.   Ed continues to be in high demand as a public speaker.

Ed serves on a number of Non-profit Boards including: ThanksUSA, an organization dedicated to providing scholarships to children of Service Members; Alumni Board of Governors for the University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio; National Guard Youth Foundation, Washington, D.C.; OneMoreDay, a Suicide Prevention Organization; Chapel of the Four Chaplains, Philadelphia, PA; and is a former member of the Board of Trustees Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and a former Adjunct Professor for Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.  Ed is a member of the Pelican Bay Rotary Club, Naples, Florida and a member of the Collier County Veterans Council, Naples.   He recently spoke at the Naples Memorial Day Event and was the featured speaker at AVOW Armed Forces Day Observance.

Awards and honors include Outstanding Alumni, University of Findlay; and the Moss Award from Lancaster Theological Seminary presented for distinguished service in the practice of specialized ministry. He was one of the Commencement Speakers for the University of Findlay in May 2021.

Ed’s academic degrees include a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, a Doctor of Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Findlay. He received a certificate from the Homeland Defense Seminar, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts.

He is a lifelong Republican and looks forward to being involved in the community continuing decades of community service in his life.

Ed is married to the former Jane Stewart.  Ed is the father of three children and Jane and Ed spend time spoiling their three grandchildren and reside in Naples, Florida with their Akita named Brownie.  Ed currently serves as the Pastor for Lely Presbyterian Church, Naples Florida.

Scholarship – Ayden Abreu – National Flight Academy Report

/0 Comments/in /by

SW Florida Attendees from left: Daniel Dean, Kelsey Scott, Donovan Sealy, Nate Silva, Maxwell Kalmanek. (not pictured, Jay Athouriste and Yonise Pierre)

By Ayden Abreu

My trip to the National Flight Academy was the experience of a lifetime. The attendees and I were given the opportunity to learn what aviation in the service would be like. Once our flight landed in Pensacola, we headed to the NFA and prepared to live on a simulated carrier. Once all the cadets stepped off the bus and entered the building, we no longer felt as if we were in a compound, but on a ship, as the walls and doors embodied a Naval vessel. We were now aboard the ‘Ambition.’ Organized into a line, the cadets and I were given an ID, bunk room keys and assigned squadrons.

My trip to the National Flight Academy was the experience of a lifetime. The attendees and I were given the opportunity to learn what aviation in the service would be like. Once our flight landed in Pensacola, we headed to the NFA and prepared to live on a simulated carrier. Once all the cadets stepped off the bus and entered the building, we no longer felt as if we were in a compound, but on a ship, as the walls and doors embodied a Naval vessel. We were now aboard the ‘Ambition.’ Organized into a line, the cadets and I were given an ID, bunk room keys and assigned squadrons.

Vertical Smoke Takeoff

Every day, my bunkmates and I would wake up at 6:25- just 5 minutes before Reveille to prepare ourselves and our rooms for inspection. Once the trumpet goes off, game on! The havoc of screaming instructors, slamming on the door and the jostling of bed sheets was a nerve wrecking, yet intriguing experience. After the rooms were inspected, each cadet would rally with his/ her squadron and head to the first activity of the day. The day-to-day activities would consist of simulator flying, survival education, and/or instructional time.

Window View

Day one was made up of learning about the parts of an aircraft and how they reacted with the environment around them. Some of the other class curriculum also taught us how to communicate to Air Traffic Control, how to fly a flight plan, calculate fuel consumption over time, navigation, and of course, how to fly the aircraft. The NFA had constructed an aircraft for the simulators to replicate flying an experimental aircraft. The X-12B Triad was the cargo/ logistical aircraft that all the cadets would be flying in the NFA.

Throughout the week, there were a handful of experiences that stood apart more than others. Such as visiting the history museums that held aircrafts, dating from the First World War, all the way to modern aircrafts. I was marveled to see these war-torn machines up-close and personal. The NFA staff led pairs of squadrons around the museums so we could see all the aircraft and understand the history of each one. As well as being able to see the NC-4 Seaplane. What fascinated me most about the aircraft, it was the first of its kind to travel across the ocean- just completing its flight in 1919. The aircraft is also being indefinitely leased by the Smithsonian.

Although the Naval Aviation Museum was an interesting and enjoyable experience, it was not as incredible and astonishing as watching the Blue Angels fly just a few hundred feet over the crowd at their flight practice. Being able to experience what professionally trained pilots can really do says a lot more about the commitment of Naval pilots and really what all military aviators have. It is fascinating to me how a team can put in the work and accomplish a goal. The- Blue Angel’s goal was to fly as close to each other, in the safest yet most impressive manner to the audience as possible.

Ayden Abreu

On the last day, all the squadrons rallied at the public area of the museum as each of our names were called up to the stage for completing the National Flight Academy’s program. The opportunity to experience a sliver of living as a military aviator inspired me to look to the future and encouraged me to keep moving forward. I was given the opportunity to photograph a handful of these memorable moments, so that I could share them with you.

Ayden Abreu Receiving His Academy Certification

I want to thank everyone that contributed to making this trip of a lifetime possible. Such as my professor and mentor Mr. Alan Davis, Mr. Vincent Keeys from the NAACP, Mr. Rick LoCastro, Mr. Daniel Kowal of the Men’s Republican Committee, and all other individuals that contributed to making this happen. I am grateful for the opportunities as it solidified my vision for the future.

From the desk of Chairman Joe Grutters

/0 Comments/in /by

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Special hotel rate has been extended but they are going fast, register today and get hotel link 24 hours later at special rate of $150.

Get your tickets now for the exciting 2022 Sunshine Summit HERE.

 

 

Under the phenomenal leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida leads the nation in freedom and personal liberty. Now is the time to purchase your tickets to two great events that celebrate the freedoms we all cherish: the 2022 Sunshine Summit and Victory Dinner at the Seminole Hardrock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on July 22-23, 2022.

Governor DeSantis leads an all-star line-up of state and national conservative thought leaders to explore how upholding and respecting the rights guaranteed by our Constitution keeps Florida communities and residents safe and free. Some of the topics of discussion include the Left’s obsession with indoctrinating our children; the push to elect state attorneys who are weak on crime and seek to undermine law enforcement; insights into why a growing number of Florida’s minorities agree that the Democrat party has betrayed their trust; explore what more Florida needs to do to survive Bidenflation; strategize on how can we best defend Florida and the United States of America, and analyze whether our get-out-the vote efforts be enough.

We invite you to join us in a show of support and unity for the party and prove to the patriots in attendance and the rest of the country why Florida is the best state to live, work and raise a family.

 

Secure Tickets

If you have a question about the 2022 Sunshine Summit or Victory Dinner, please contact Cheryl Etters at cetters@rpof.org or email SunshineSummit@rpof.org.

We thank you for your support and hope to see you in Hollywood, Florida!

Onward to Victory!

Learn More

FLORIDA

Supreme Court Approves Governor DeSantis’ Request for a Statewide Grand Jury to Investigate Illegal Immigration Crimes

The Florida Supreme Court late last week approved Governor Ron DeSantis’ request to impanel a statewide grand jury to investigate illegal immigration issues such as the illegal smuggling of children into the state.

Governor DeSantis explained: “The purpose of the grand jury will be to investigate individuals and organizations that are actively working with foreign nationals, drug cartels and coyotes to illegally smuggle minors, some as young as 2 years old, across the border and into Florida.”

In a unanimous order, the Supreme Court said the grand jury will have jurisdiction throughout, “to investigate crime, return indictments, make presentments and otherwise perform all functions of a grand jury with regard to the offenses.” Issues the grand jury could investigate include “parents, guardians or other family members of unaccompanied alien children who have conspired with transnational criminal organizations or other illicit actors to smuggle, and thus endanger, their children.”

WE’RE STRONGER PULLING TOGETHER!

You have the ability to greatly expand the message of the Republican Party by sharing Facebook and Twitter posts. Please follow and retweet us on Twitter @FloridaGOP, and like and share us on Facebook at FloridaGOP. We can win over even more if we all pitch in to reach them with our message.

Governor DeSantis’ Emphasis on Civics Already Paying Off

 

Governor DeSantis released the results of Florida’s 2022 civics assessments that demonstrate the success of Florida’s approach to educating its students on the history of our country, the exceptional nature of our form of government, and the role they play as citizens of our republic.

He also announced that the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative will expand to all school districts for the upcoming school year, and that 2,500 teachers will complete three-day civics professional development training courses by the end of July.

“While the Biden administration is seeking to award grants to indoctrinate students with ideologies like Critical Race Theory, in Florida we have focused on Civics Excellence, teaching accurate American History without an ideological agenda,” Governor DeSantis said.

Across the board, Florida’s students’ civic literacy has improved year over year.

Nearly three quarters of students scored at or above Level 3 in Civics in 2022, an increase of five percentage points from 2021.
S. History end of course (EOC) assessment performance increased by two percentage points.
From 2021 to 2022, all student subgroups increased or maintained performance at Level 3 and above in social studies. African American students had the largest increases in both social studies and science performance.
Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/06/30/governor-ron-desantis-announces-florida-students-elevating-their-excellence-in-civics/

Governor DeSantis Appoints Election Crimes Director

Governor DeSantis announced the appointment of Peter Antonacci as Director of the Office of Election Crimes and Security — the newly created office charged with investigating all election crimes in Florida and ensuring Florida’s elections remain secure. Antonacci has had an extensive career in public service, including experience in election security as a Deputy Attorney General, Statewide Prosecutor, and Broward County Supervisor of Elections.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/07/06/governor-ron-desantis-announces-the-appointment-of-peter-antonacci-as-director-of-the-office-of-election-crimes-and-security/

Rubio Asks for Investigation of Biden Administration Violating Abortion-Related Hyde Amendment

 

Senator Marco Rubio joined the Walton Republican Women Federated this week for their monthly BBQ luncheon in Miramar Beach.

Senator Marco Rubio sent a letter to Office of Personnel Management Director Kiran Ahuja regarding the Biden Administration’s potential violation of the Hyde Amendment by giving guidance for federal employees to use sick leave to cross state lines to “access medical care.”

“The Biden Administration’s actions and statements over the last several days are focused on undermining pro-life states and now they are even willing to violate longstanding federal law prohibiting the use of taxpayer monies to fund abortions or abortion services,” Rubio wrote. “The federal government has no business promoting the killing of unborn children. I demand that the agency clarify that the federal government will not provide sick leave for travel related to abortion services.”

Read more: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D8C15DA3-6DE6-4B81-B9C3-47AA66CA7FE5

AG Moody and FTC Work to Shut Down Suspected COVID-19 Scam

AG Moody and the Federal Trade Commission filed a joint complaint to shut down a grant-writing service that allegedly made false promises of COVID-19 economic relief for minority-owned small businesses.

The complaint filed last week resulted in a federal court issuing a temporary restraining order against Grant Bae and its owner, Traeshonna P. Graham.

“The defendants targeted small, minority-owned businesses with the promise they could help secure COVID-19 relief,” Attorney General Moody said. “Instead of obtaining the promised federal grant funds, the defendants took fees from struggling businesses and left them in even worse financial condition. I am pleased we have shut down this scam and we will continue to litigate this case in an effort to recover lost funds for those harmed.”

Read more: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/C14E190F256F579F85258872004EC444

And more: https://cbs12.com/news/local/ftc-florida-attorney-general-file-complaint-shut-down-covid-19-relief-scam-grant-bae-traeshonna-p-graham

CFO Patronis: Arrest in $970,000 Staged Auto Accident Scheme

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Angela Ippolito Duncan, owner of Ybor Medical Center for allegedly planning and participating in staged car accidents to submit more than $970,000 in fake accident injury automobile insurance claims.

“Scam artists are working every day to drive up your insurance rates to line their own pockets,” CFO Patronis said. “Thankfully my fraud detectives are staying one step ahead of these schemes and were able to successfully shut down this staged accident fraud ring.”

Read more: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/sitePages/newsroom/pressRelease.aspx?id=6220

Lieutenant Governor Nuñez on Fox News: Grand Jury will Help Florida Investigate the Criminal Gangs from Illegal Immigration

Lieutenant Governor Nuñez told Martha MacCallum on Fox News that the Florida Supreme Court granting Governor DeSantis’ petition to impanel a statewide grand jury will give the state a strong weapon in investigating the criminal cartels operating in Florida that have vastly increased during Biden’s open border crisis.

Watch: https://video.foxnews.com/v/6308807012112#sp=show-clips

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS


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

Remember to register for the 2022 Sunshine Summit!

Register HERE and visit SunshineSummit.org for updates.

Register for Sunshine Summit

Senator Marco Rubio, Congressman Byron Donalds and Congresswoman Kat Cammack are appearing as featured speakers only and are not soliciting any funds associated with this event. All funds solicited in connection with the 2022 Sunshine Summit and Victory Dinner are being solicited solely by the Republican Party of Florida.

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

2022 Primary Election – What you need to know

/0 Comments/in /by

See the List of Republicans on the Ballot 

Check your voter status by clicking here

Things to Do Right Now

Here are a few things you should do right now:

Request a vote-by-mail (VBM) ballot if you will not be in town to vote in person or prefer the convenience of voting from home. You can do it online by answering a few questions and then printing out, signing, and mailing in a form. Or you can request a paper form to fill out from the Supervisor of Elections office by calling (239) 252-8683 or by emailing SupervisorofElections@colliergov.net.

What will be on the ballot?

From the Collier County Supervisor of Elections and Florida Department of State websites, the following offices — if contested — will be on the Collier County primary election ballot:

  • U.S. Senate: 1 senator
  • U.S. House: representatives for Districts 18, 19, and 26, based on the newly-drawn congressional district in which you live (map here)
  • Florida Governor, Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, and Commissioner of Agriculture (elected by all voters statewide)
  • State Senate: 1 state senator (all Collier County voters live in the newly-drawn Senate District 28 – map here)
  • State House: representatives for Districts 80, 81, and 82, based on the new state House district in which you live (map here)
  • County Commission: representatives for Districts 2 and 4, based on the new county commission district in which you live (map here)
  • School Board: representatives for Districts 1, 3, and 5 (elected by all voters county-wide)

Other Non-Partisan Races such as Mosquito Control District and Fire Commissioners will be on the November ballot

See the entire list of registered Republican candidates

Judicial Elections

In addition, there will be certain judicial offices on the ballot. Unlike the above positions, the qualifying period for the offices of state attorney, public defender, justices of the Supreme Court, and judges ended on April 29. So we already know which of them will be on the ballot.

Specifically, five incumbent State Supreme Court Justices and eight Second District Court of Appeals judges will be on the ballot for merit retention votes. One Collier County judgeship will also be on the ballot.

Unopposed incumbents who will be considered elected at the General Election are 20th Circuit State Attorney Amira Fox, 20th Circuit Public Defender Kathy Smith, and 20th Circuit Judges Shannon McFee, James Shenko, Nick Thompson, Ramiro Mañalich, Alane Laboda, James Sloan, Kyle Cohen, Lauren Brodie, Robert Branning, and Gilberto Perez.

Details on Voter Schedule

Voter Registration Deadline/Book Closing: July 25

Vote-by-Mail Ballot Mailings: July 9 (UOCAVA)/July 14-August 15 | Ballot Request Deadline: 5 p.m. on August 13

Early Voting: August 13-20  10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Election Day: August 23

During the Primary Election, electors will vote for state and federal representatives within their party affiliations. If opposed within their own parties, the Governor, State Cabinet Members, United States Senators, Representatives in Congress, State Representatives, State Senators and County Commissioners will be on the ballot.

The winning candidates of the Primary Election, who see opposition from another party, will then move on to the General Election in November.

Voters may also see non-partisan races including judicial candidates and candidates for school board depending on their jurisdiction.

FLORIDA IS A CLOSED PRIMARY STATE

Florida is a Closed Primary state. This means that only voters who are registered members of a political party may vote for their respective party’s candidates in a Primary Election. Voters without party affiliation are not eligible to vote for party candidates and voters who belong to a minor party can only vote for party candidates if those candidates are on the ballot in accordance with Florida Statute 101.021.

To make changes to their party affiliation, voters must notify the Supervisor of Elections office by completing and signing a new voter registration application form or other signed written notice that contains your date of birth or voter registration number. You cannot change your party at the polling place. To be eligible for a Primary Election, a party change must be made at least 29 days before the Primary Election as addressed in Florida Statute 97.1031.

Universal Primary: a universal primary is a contest in the Primary Election in which all candidates have the same party affiliation, but will not see opposition during the General Election. During a universal primary, all qualified electors may vote regardless of their party affiliation.

 

 

School Safety and Military Families

/0 Comments/in /by

 

We got lucky last weekend with the unnamed storm that never really materialized! But for the all-day rain on Friday, which Collier desperately needed, we escaped the forecasted strong winds and severe flooding. It was a perfect opportunity for all of us to test our hurricane preparedness for future storms of the season. I hope you took advantage of the Disaster Sales Tax Holiday which ended on June 10th.

School’s out so be watchful of our children! Pool safety is an absolute must for parents and caregivers, but especially so during these hot days of summer!

This week our Governor signed into law a couple of bills that I will address in greater detail below: School Safety and Florida’s Military Families.

Representative Bob Rommel
District 106

Governor DeSantis Signs School Safety Bill

Governor Ron DeSantis

On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed bill that will require “crisis intervention” training for on-campus officers in an effort to make schools safer in response to the deadly school shootings that took place in Uvalde, Texas.

The bill will make an effort to improve the transparency of a student’s mental health at a school with certain safety and security measures being taken by trained officers.

DeSantis said he believes that be signing this bill, the state is taking effective measures to making children that attend public schools safe.

“Every child needs a safe and secure learning environment,” DeSantis said “By signing HB 1421, we continue to build on the many steps we have taken since 2019 to implement the recommendations of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission, while also making record investments in mental health and school safety.”

According to School Safety bill HB 1421, Here’s what the bill offers:

Requiring the Office of Safe Schools (OSS) to develop a model family reunification plan that guides family reunification when K-12 public schools are closed or unexpectedly evacuated due to natural or manmade disasters, and requiring district school boards and charter school governing boards to adopt a reunification plan.
Requiring that the State Board of Education adopt rules setting requirements for emergency drills including timing, frequency, participation, training, notification, and accommodations, and requiring that law enforcement officers responsible for responding to schools in the event of an assailant emergency be physically present and participate in active assailant drills.
Requiring the Department of Education (DOE) to annually publish school safety and environmental incident reporting data in a uniform, statewide format that is easy to read and understand.
Requiring safe-school officers that are sworn law enforcement officers to complete mental health crisis intervention training, and requiring safe-school officers that are not sworn law enforcement officers to receive training on incident response and de-escalation.
Requiring that school district and local mobile response teams use the same suicide screening tool approved by the DOE.
Requiring that school districts annually certify, beginning July 1, 2023, that at least 80 percent of school personnel received the mandatory youth mental health awareness training.
Requiring the OSS to maintain a directory of public school diversion programs, providing to school districts information on the proper use of the School Safety Awareness Program, including the consequences of knowingly submitting false information, and providing a similar notification to users of the Fortify FL system.
The bill extends the sunset date of the MSD Commission until July 1, 2026, for the purpose of monitoring implementation of school safety legislation, and specifies additional duties. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Education to oversee and enforce school safety and security compliance in the state.
These provisions will go into effect on July 1, 2022.

Governor DeSantis Signs Six Bills Supporting Florida’s Military Families

On June 9th, Governor Ron DeSantis signed six bills to support veterans, military members, and their families in finding employment and educational opportunities in Florida. These pieces of legislation build on funding provided in the Freedom First Budget signed by Governor DeSantis last week to support Florida’s military members and their families.

“Florida is the most military friendly state in the nation, and I am proud to continue that commitment to our military members and their families by signing these pieces of legislation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Providing military families with the resources they need to receive a high-quality education and find good jobs is the best way that we as a state can show our appreciation for the sacrifices that they make.”

“I’d like to thank the Legislature and Governor DeSantis for all they’ve done for the Soldiers and Airmen of the Florida National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Jim Eifert, The Adjutant General of Florida. “These bills will go a long way to help our Citizen Soldiers and their spouses have opportunities for meaningful employment. Solid career opportunities lead to a well-rounded and ready force, and a stable home environment prepares our Guardsmen and their families for deployments, to include disaster response.”

“Governor DeSantis continues to deliver on his promise to provide a work-ready, high-quality postsecondary education for our veterans and service-members,” said Senior Chancellor Henry Mack. “Today’s new laws guarantee our state and technical colleges stand ready and equipped to remove all educational barriers for our military families.”

“We’re very appreciative of Governor DeSantis’ unwavering support of Florida’s 1.5 million veterans, their families, and survivors. As a Navy combat deployed veteran, he appreciates the importance of expanding earned benefit eligibility to our active-duty members, our veterans, and their family members,” said retired Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Working together to offer enhanced educational and workforce opportunities for our nation’s heroes, we’ll ensure Florida continues to be the most sought-after state by veterans in the nation.”

“Governor DeSantis has prioritized Florida’s military communities, and DEO is proud to support his efforts through innovative and dynamic opportunities,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle. “Projects funded through DEO’s military grant programs promote economic growth and diversification in military communities and enhance the lives of all Floridians.”

The six bills signed by the Governor will support education opportunities for veterans and children of active-duty military as well as expand access to employment opportunities by removing barriers to licensure and postsecondary education requirements. Those bills are:
House Bill (HB) 45 provides educational opportunities for disabled veterans by providing additional assistance to achieve a 100 percent award for tuition and fees.
Senate Bill (SB) 430 reenacts the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children which ensures a smooth transition for children of active-duty military families by enabling seamless school placement, enrollment, records transfers, and verification of graduation requirements.
SB 514 allows state agencies to substitute work experience, including military experience, for postsecondary education to allow veterans to use on the job experience to apply for civilian jobs.
SB 896 will help veterans access jobs in education by allowing their military service to count toward the requirement for a temporary educator certificate under the mentorship of a certified teacher.
SB 562 requires the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to expedite license applications of active-duty military spouses.
SB 438 updates Florida’s definition of Uniformed Service to include the United States Space Force and updates military base names.
The Governor also announced that CareerSource Florida and state workforce agencies will dedicate $20 million in targeted workforce training supports for Florida’s veterans. This funding will focus on high demand industries including aviation, aerospace, and defense.

100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers Have Begun

AAA recently published this article on teenagers and driving. Though many teenagers believe they are immortal, we know that is not true. Our young people are precious and need to remind them of the dangers and risks they face when they get behind the wheel of a car.

Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of summer and a dangerous time of year for young drivers. Nationwide, more than 30 percent of deaths involving teen drivers occur during what’s called the “100 Deadliest Days” – a period that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

For every mile driven, new teen drivers (ages 16-17 years old) are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults. Now that school is out for summer, these inexperienced teen drivers will have more time to spend on the road. That means more time driving at night and potentially engaging in risky behaviors like speeding, texting, or simply sharing the vehicle with teen passengers. The risk gets even greater when you add more vehicles on the road.

100 Deadliest Days Statistics from 2011 – 2020

Nationwide

Each year an average of 2,063 teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes; 642 of those (31%) occurred during the 100 deadliest days
More than 7,124 people died in teen-related summertime crashes from 2011 to 2020.
That’s more than seven people a day each summer compared to the rest of the year (six people/day).
In Florida
An average of 38 teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes between the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Every year, an average total of 160 people are killed in teen driver-related crashes. More than a third of those fatalities (36% or 42 deaths) occur during the 100 deadliest days.
During the past 10 summers, 1,595 people have died in teen driver-related crashes.
Risky Habits for Teen Drivers

Understanding the risks and knowing the facts will prepare both you and your teen for the road ahead:
Driving with teen passengers. Teen drivers’ crash risks multiply when they have teen passengers. Set limits and enforce them.
Driving at night. Night driving is more dangerous due to limited visibility, fatigue, and impaired drivers on the road. This is especially a risky time for teens. Limit the time your novice driver spends behind the wheel at night.
Not wearing a safety belt. Wearing a safety belt greatly reduces the risk of being hurt or killed in a crash. Make a rule: everyone buckles up for every trip.
Speeding. Speed is a leading factor in crashes for teens and adults. Teens need to follow posted speed limits and parents should set a good example and strong rules. Teens should also learn how to adjust their speed based on roadway factors like reduced traction and visibility and varying traffic volumes.
Distracted driving. Teen passengers are the biggest distraction to teen drivers, but cell phones come in second. Many teens admit to interacting with their phone and in-car infotainment systems while behind the wheel despite clear dangers. Make a family rule covering these and other distractions that everyone abides by.
Drowsy driving. Teens have a hard time getting enough sleep and often struggle with drowsiness. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving, and teens have the highest risk. Ensure everyone who is behind the wheel has gotten enough sleep.
Impaired driving. Driving impaired from alcohol and other drugs puts everyone at risk. Enforce strict zero tolerance rules with your teen and be a good role model.
AAA Advice for Parents

The single most important thing parents can do to keep their teens safe behind the wheel is to be actively involved in the learning to drive process:
Talk with teens early and often about abstaining from dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment and distracted driving.
Teach by example- Maintain appropriate space around your vehicle, adjust your speed to the conditions and minimize risky behavior when you drive.
Establish a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers.
Conduct at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving with their teen.
Enroll your teen in both online and in-person driving courses.
Talk with your teens about anticipating other driver’s mistakes and how to adjust their driving to others.
For further information from AAA on teens and safe driving, click here. Thank you to AAA for providing this information.

Florida has no income tax and a balanced budget.
Let’s keep it that way!

Copyright © 2022 State Representative Bob Rommel, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in to see updates from State Representative Bob Rommel.

Our mailing address is:
State Representative Bob Rommel
3299 Tamiami Trl E Ste 304
Naples, FL 34112-5746

The Melo Minute

/0 Comments/in /by

 


This week, we had a Special Session to address property insurance. Information about the Bill, which was passed, is below.

—- INSURANCE REFORM —-
Balancing the interests of all stakeholders while keeping consumers at the forefront, SB 2D contains several measures to stabilize the property insurance market, including:

Property insurers must reduce policyholder rates as early as June 30, 2022, to reflect their savings from the new Reinsurance to Assist Policyholders (RAP) program created in SB 2D.
Property insurers can no longer refuse to write/renew a policy on a home with a roof that is 15 years old or newer or has five or more years of useful life left solely because of the roof’s age.
Property insurers must provide policyholders with a reasonable explanation in writing for why a claim was paid, denied, or partially denied.
Property insurers may provide an optional cheaper roof deductible to policyholders to help combat fraudulent roof claims that drive up rates for everyone.
In property insurance litigation, lawyers can only receive contingency risk multipliers in rare circumstances, can’t receive attorney fee awards in assignment of benefits (AOB) litigation, and can’t transfer the right to receive attorney fees.

Be Prepared!

 

Starting on May 28 until June 10, portable radios, pet supplies, flashlights, smoke detectors, fuel tanks, and more are tax-free!

It is an honor to serve as your State Representative. My team and I will continue to listen, work, and legislate on your behalf as we look to the future. God bless you all, and God bless the great state of Florida!

Connect With Me!

Social Media

Follow our social media pages on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
@LaurenMeloFL

Have Any Suggestions?

We are always ready to help!
If you have a question you would like us to address within The Melo Minute, send us an email:

HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80
Contact Us
Facebook ‌ Twitter ‌ Instagram ‌
If you’re new to The Melo Minute and would like to subscribe, click here!

Florida House District 80 | 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112

May 2022 President’s Message – Time to Act

/0 Comments/in /by

Russell Tuff
President
Republican Men’s Club of Collier County

It’s mid-May, the roads feel great to travel as many seasonal residents are up north for the summer. Why that seems ideal to leave it all behind, there are some important things to remember as we head into the primary election season. We have to take care that we are registered to vote, if you want to vote by mail, you should submit your information to the Supervisor of elections.

It is important as there has been a lot of adjustments made to voter rolls. Be sure to confirm your absentee voter status, and put in the address you want to receive it, as voter ballots cannot be forwarded.

There is a good selection of candidates to choose from this election cycle. If you want to make sure Florida remains as a great place to live work and play, than you need to vote to ensure our elected officials agree with your values. That can only happen by making your voice heard at the voting booth.

The next two months, the Republican Men’s Club will introduce you to all of the Republican Candidate for our County elections. Come and be informed.

Absentee ballots go out in a couple of months – be ready. For Early Voting, there are new voting locations at Heritage Bay Govt Services Center and South Regional Library.

Important Dates and Deadlines

New Voter Registration/Party Change Deadlines

Primary Election – July 25

General Election – October 11

Vote-by-Mail Ballot Request Deadline

Primary Election – August 13 at 5 pm

General Election – October 29 at 5 pm

Early Voting Dates and Times

Primary Election – August 13-20, 10 am to 6 pm

General Election – October 27-November 5, 9 am to 5 pm

Election Day

Primary Election – August 23, 7 am to 7 pm

General Election – November 8, 7 am to 7 pm

The Melo Minute

/0 Comments/in /by

 

 

 

News and updates you don’t want to miss.

April 22nd, 2022
Special Session C
Issue No. 55

Special Session has concluded!

 

3 Bills Passed in Tallahassee!

On April 19th, The Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate began Special Session C to vote on 3 Bills which concluded on April 21st. All three Bills have passed both chambers and have been signed by the Governor on April 22nd.

SB 2-C – Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State

Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State: Adopting the United States Decennial Census of 2020 as the official census of the state for use in redistricting the state’s congressional districts; redistricting the state’s congressional districts in accordance with the United States Decennial Census of 2020 (plan P000C0109); providing for the inclusion of unlisted territory in contiguous districts in accordance with figures from the United States Decennial Census of 2020; specifying that certain electronic maps serve as the official maps of the congressional districts of the state; requiring such maps to be made available to the public by the Office of Economic and Demographic Research within a specified timeframe; requiring actions challenging the state’s congressional districts to be brought in a specific venue; specifying limitations for actions challenging the state’s congressional districts, etc.

SB 4-C – Independent Special Districts

Independent Special Districts: Dissolving certain independent special districts; authorizing the reestablishment of certain independent special districts, etc.

SB 6-C – Social Media Platforms

Social Media Platforms: Revising the definition of the term “social media platform”, etc.

It is an honor to serve as your State Representative. My team and I will continue to listen, work, and legislate on your behalf as we look to the future. God bless you all and God bless the great state of Florida!

The newest member of Team Melo is Matthew Boggan. Matthew will serve as the Legislative Aide for District 80. We’re excited to welcome him to the team.

 

Connect With Me!

Social Media

Follow our social media pages on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
@LaurenMeloFL

Have Any Suggestions?

We are always ready to help!
If you have a question you would like us to address within The Melo Minute, send us an email:

HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

Contact Us

Facebook‌ Twitter‌ Instagram‌

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

Florida House District 80 | 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112

Inflation – By Member Bob Moore

/0 Comments/in /by

Milton Friedman, in an epic analysis of inflation, concluded correctly that inflation is basically governments increasing their money supply too rapidly. Similar to Einstein’s brilliant, simple formula, E=MC2, Friedman (and before him Irving Price) reduced his analysis to another simple formula, G=PV (G is basically Gross Domestic Product ; P is Price; and V is Velocity (of the money supply). In a stable growing economy, the money supply needs to increase by the annual real percentage of “real” growth of G. (In the interest of “full disclosure” opposing economists have debated this for over 100 years). The rest of the growth in G is due to price increases.

The US money supply has increased by about 40% in the two years since March, 2020 – about when Covid first dominated the headlines. Deducting 3-5% real growth for two years leaves over 30% of built up inflation. Although the Federal Reserve (the Fed) is technically not allowed to fund Federal deficits, it has through “quantitative easing”. Over the past ten years, the Fed has increased its Balance Sheet from about $1 Trillion to $9 Trillion by buying Treasury Securities and Mortgages. In effect, the Fed has funded $8 Trillion of deficit spending and has “hidden” this 30%+ of inflation. The Fed now plans to stop adding to its Balance Sheet even though deficit spending continues.

To reduce interest costs on the former $20 Trillion National Debt that is now over $30 Trillion, the Fed has kept interest rates close to zero for about ten years. This penalizes savers with checking, savings and money market accounts with interest earned near zero. With modest inflation of under 2% until 2020, borrowers pursued “riskier investments”.

The National Debt was about $23 Trillion when the Biden Administration took office and is now about $30 Trillion.

In addition, the Biden Administration took Executive Actions to stop the Keystone Pipeline with Canada; restricted, or “slow walked” drilling new wells on Federal lands; and encouraged lenders to not fund fossil fuel projects.

Worldwide, fossil fuels account for about 80% of all energy consumed. Renewable wind and solar account for about 10% (up from 5% about ten years ago after trillions of dollars of expenditures). The result has been that US oil production declined from about 13 million barrels per day in 2019 and 2020 (with “energy independence” for the first time since the 1960’s and net exports of energy), to about 11 million barrels per day. Since demand was still high, oil from Russia and others with “dirtier” production of oil than the US, was imported to fill the shortfall, but at higher prices.

Very significantly, the International Energy Agency (IEA) issued a large report in 2021 entitled, “The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy”. The Biden Administration forecast demand for key minerals to grow dramatically by 2040 – Lithium (+4200%); Graphite (+2500%); Nickel (+1900%); and even rarer “Rare Earth Minerals” (+700%). Since 2010, the average amount of minerals, such as these, needed for a new unit of power has grown by 50% to bring wind and solar up to 10% of total energy needs.

It takes about 16 years from discovery to first production to mine these (ETM) minerals. The mining projects require high energy intensive transport of massive amounts of rocks and water and subsequent chemical and refining processes. Buried in the report is a statement that , “depending on the location and nature of required future mines, the additional energy for the new ETM mines could wipe out much or most of the emissions saved by driving electric cars”.

The above combination of actions resulted in unleashing inflation in 2021 with ever higher percentage increases for many months (as measured by the Consumer Price Index – CPI). Inflation is the “cruelest tax” because it affects lower and middle income earners so severely. Bloomburg Economics estimates that the 6.5% CPI increase through December, 2021, represents an annual additional cost of $5200 per household. Putin invading Ukraine in February, 2022, adds fuel to the inflationary fires.

So, what are the various estimates of existing inflation? The CPI was at 7.9% in February and 8.5% in March. Another analysis cites 15.1% if calculated the way CPI was calculated in the 1980’s.

Futurist George Gilder cites a project called Truflation. It runs constantly on line to monitor prices on identical line items (i.e, same brand, weight and/or features). (The antiquated method used by the Commerce Department for decades is to send some employees to stores to obtain a percentage sample of list prices of identical items each month.) The Truflation inflation calculations indicate a low of 11.6%; a high of 15.9%; and an average of 13.5%.

A common reaction to inflation by politicians is to impose “price controls”. Price controls have not worked since Hammerabi introduced them in 400 BC. Price controls are similar to a lidded pot of hot water on a burner. Eventually, the lid blows off with bankruptcies or severe shortages.

I had over eight years of experience with price controls as “Price Czar” for Reliance Electric when President Nixon imposed US price controls in 1971. Canada followed suit a few years later. I kept Reliance in compliance because 30-50% of sales were “one-time customized sales” without list prices. For list price changes, Product Managers had historically had list price increases of say 4%, but only “realized” 2% net. I convinced them to limit list price increases to what they could “realize” to leave price increase room for other Product Managers. As historically true, severe shortages in other areas of the economy as well as Steel Industry bankruptcies eventually resulted in the end of price controls.

To end on a positive note, I Bonds are great hedges against inflation. Unlike TIPS (Treasury Inflation Protected Securities), the US Government guarantees “no loss of principal” on I Bonds. The tax deferred interest rate for I Bonds was 7.1% (i.e., another estimate of the 2021 inflation rate) and is now 9.5% in 2022. In addition, future increases in inflation result in higher monthly accruals of interest earned. Also, the current “base rate” of zero may be increased. In the 1980’s, it was a 2-3% base rate plus CPI. I encouraged my Mother to purchase I Bonds as her non-taxdeferred CD’s matured – which benefited her and her heirs.

Individual taxpayers (including tax paying children as well I think) can purchase up to $10,000 of I Bonds per year on the US Treasury web site. By planning ahead for a big tax refund, one can buy up to an additional $5,000 of I Bonds per person with the tax refund.

Bob Moore

inflationapril2022