Commissioner LoCastro Report February 22

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It’s important for me to “bring the Commissioner to the people”. Please contact me if you would like me to speak to your Community, Neighborhood, Club, Organization, Company, Business, etc.… in person or via Zoom… I welcome and appreciate the opportunity! Thank you for the opportunity to serve YOU…it’s an honor!!

COVID Update

I share citizen frustrations and Commissioners are doing everything possible to work with our Department of Health. These vaccines come from the federal level to the state…and directly to the Department of Health. Collier County is getting a very small number of doses and that’s why the appointments run out in record time. Other counties like Lee, Dade, and others on the east coast (where some citizens are traveling to get their shots) didn’t work harder to get the vaccine… Federal and state levels directed the vaccine to them sooner and in larger quantities because their Covid outbreak is much more substantial. It’s not a matter of elected officials “lobbying“ for more vaccine or more vaccine locations.

The State launched the ShareCare system on January 28, 2021 with 8 pilot Counties…Collier County was not one they selected. The Counties chosen did not have a registration system in place for the COVID-19 Vaccine rollout as we did; however, DOH-Collier will be transitioning to the ShareCare site when the state gives them the green light.

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Due to the winter weather in parts of the country, there has been a delay in the shipment COVID-19 Vaccine, including second doses. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) should have an update over the next several days. Once they have confirmation of the incoming doses arriving, DOH-Collier will notify residents to schedule an appointment. Per CDC Guidelines, the second dose of both the Pfizer and of the Moderna vaccine may be administered up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose.

VACCINE ROLL OUT FAQS

Click on the link below to get the latest information from the DOH. It includes information on Proof of Residency, Second Dose Information, Publix, Winn-Dixie, Walmart, etc…:
Vaccine Roll Out FAQs

CONTACT NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

The DOH call center will remain open Monday – Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Contact numbers: (239) 252-6220 or (239) 252-8200. Monitor the following websites:
collier.floridahealth.gov CollierCountyCOVIDVaccines.Eventbrite.com

YOUR GOVERNMENT

PROCUREMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Spent last week in several County buildings meeting staff from our Procurement and Risk Management Departments. They both do an extremely important job working contracts and taking care of employees. I was very impressed and proud of the two groups I met… to learn their business… and to get to know my fellow County team members. Always honored and humbled to also again hear… I’m the only Commissioner who has ever visited their offices.

DISTRICT POPULATION AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

As the newest of your five Collier County Commissioners (having just been elected this past November) two questions I hear a lot are:
• How many people live in each District?
• Who is my Commissioner?
It’s important to know what District you live in and who your Commissioner is. Collier County has an annual budget of $2 Billion & your five County Commissioners are in essence the “CEOs“ who manage, budget, direct, etc.… the use of our taxpayer dollars for the Preservation, Protection, & Improvement of our community. During elections, you can only vote for the County Commissioner in the District where you/they live. However, regardless of District (once elections are over) all five Commissioners vote equally on EVERYTHING that affects Collier County. As you can see by the chart below, District 1 has the 2nd largest population… but my opinion has always been, it’s the most diverse. There are million dollar homes in some areas and also plenty of workforce and affordable housing in others. District 1 also has quite a bit of growth already… but unlike most of the other Districts, still has a fair amount of green space we don’t want to waste by building the wrong things.…unfortunately however, we’ve done plenty of that over the years.

So who are your Commissioners?
• District 1: Rick LoCastro
• District 2: Andy Solis
• District 3: Burt Saunders
• District 4: Penny Taylor
• District 5: Bill McDaniel
KNOW your elected officials! You might not always agree with every single vote… but for me… your voice, your opinion, and your feedback are critical to my preparations going into a vote. Knowing what’s important to you as my constituents. Also, as the only full-time Commissioner, I am completely accessible to you in every way.

KNOW YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS

* Click on the link to know who your Commissioner is:
Find your Commissioner

* Click on the link to know your State and Federal representatives:
Elected Representatives

OUT IN THE COMMUNITY

TOWNHALL MEETINGS

• The Vineyards: Honored to be invited by my friend Jean-Marc Katzeff to be the guest speaker at his business owner & resident network gathering at The Vineyards (District 3). It was fantastic meeting more citizens, sharing thoughts about Collier County, and getting feedback on their areas of concern. As a full-time County Commissioner… I’m doing a deep dive into my District (District 1)…but also want to ensure I am visible to citizens and open to discussion all over our County. Extremely valuable to meet business owners and engaged residents to discuss the Past, Present, & Future challenges and opportunities of our County… and to ensure we Preserve, Protect, & Improve our community in EVERY District.
• Riviera Golf Estates: A large community in the heart of East Naples…Riviera Golf Estates hosted me during their annual meeting last week to elect Board members, a new President & VP. While they were counting votes, I spoke to residents for nearly an hour on issues specific to their community as well as Collier County. As I promised during my campaign—I am “Bringing the Commissioner to the People“. No more once a year generic Townhall meetings… we will have regularly scheduled meetings in a multitude of communities. This was my 14th Townhall meeting since starting in December. Congratulations to the new Riviera Golf Estates President Lea Cassetta & VP Alan Carpenter. They will join a group of newly elected Board members to form the leadership representation for their community. I will work closely with them just as I’m doing with the elected members in other District 1 communities.
• Isles of Capri: Great meeting with a select group of citizens to talk about environmental and water issues specific to their community. Productive discussion about a multitude of neglected topics or that need leadership and acceleration to finally take ACTION. We are headed in a great direction… especially after this meeting.
• Rotary Club: Honored to be guest speaker last week for Marco Island Sunrise Rotary Club during our weekly Zoom meeting. Shared what’s going on in District 1 and Collier County from COVID to new initiatives and actions we are leading. Rotarians do amazing things… proud to be a member!

WOUNDED WARRIORS OF COLLIER COUNTY

Spent an afternoon with my fellow veterans at the Wounded Warriors of Collier County Alpha House shooting a video of support. This amazing facility houses a small handful of Veterans who need a hand up…and are getting it. The Alpha House completely funded through donations provides a safe roof over the heads of formerly homeless Veterans to give them a faster start finding employment and getting them back on their feet. Our population talks a lot about pride of our country and our Veterans… but it takes more than saying “thanks for your service“… or flying the American flag once a year. Wounded Warriors of Collier County is an organization I FULLY support! One that makes use of every dollar they get …and their successes are miraculous.

It was disappointing late last year when this organization went before the Naples City Council and were denied an adjustment that would allow them to fill the final two empty beds in the house. Certainly we make concessions and give incentives to things in this County far less important than housing and helping Veterans in need. Hopefully these elected “public servants” will have second thoughts and we can fill the two “ready to go” empty beds the Naples City Council voted against utilizing. Proud to also join my fellow Commissioner Andy Solis a few weeks ago supporting the organization’s “VETS COUNT“ initiative. Over 40 volunteers went into wooded & abandoned areas of East Naples immediately discovering Veterans as well as homeless civilians… and assisted them to the maximum. This is the type of amazing work Dale Mullin (President) and this organization does every day. Our Veterans deserve better. Thankfully the Wounded Warriors of Collier County ARE doing everything possible… but they need your help.

For more information visit:
www.woundedwarriorsofcolliercounty.com

FLAGS FOR HEROES

What a moving, patriotic, and meaningful ceremony on Marco Island to honor our American flag and our heroes! The Marco Rotary Club Noontime and YMCA of South Collier presented “Flags For Heroes” where citizens sponsored hundreds of flags for a hero they wanted to honor. Military, First Responders, Teachers, Parents… anyone they consider a person who made a difference to our Nation or in their own lives. Marco Noontime Rotary President Linda Sandlin and husband Alan were fantastic emcees! Proceeds from the event will serve multiple critical community needs. Thanks to the Lely High School JROTC Color guard for another amazing job… and Marco City Council Chair Jared Grifoni for adding moving words and reading a City proclamation marking this first time event which we hope becomes a growing ANNUAL tradition!

As always… I appreciate your trust and confidence. Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and for sharing the information.

Remember…if you would like me to speak to your Community, Organization, Club, etc… in person or via Zoom… please don’t hesitate to contact me.

We’re working to exceed your expectations every day!

-Rick
Collier County Commissioner, District 1

Chair – Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Chair – Public Safety Coordinating Council, Chair
Co-Chair – Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
Board Member – Blue Zone Steering Committee

Reach out to me anytime via Email, Text, Phone or through Facebook…
…I want to hear from you!

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Click Here

Rick.LoCastro@CollierCountyFL.gov

3299 Tamiami Trl E, Suite 303, Naples FL 34112
Office: (239) 252-8601
Mobile: (239) 777-2452

Aixa Capizzi
Executive Coordinator to Commissioner LoCastro
Aixa.Capizzi@CollierCountyFL.gov
Office: (239) 252-8601

Commissioner Solis Update February 21

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A quick update for the week ahead — you may have already heard elsewhere in the media, but I wanted to share the Department of Health’s FAQ on the delayed vaccine shipment, and its effects on their schedules. The current info is in the FAQ section below; I hope to get more information early this week.

For all the retired nurses, etc., who have contacted my office wanted to volunteer to help with the vaccination efforts, the Florida Department of Emergency Management is ready to accept your help! Read more on that below, as well.

With less vaccine info to share this week, I am glad to have a chance to share more about what’s happening at your Board of County Commissioners (BCC)! Pre-Covid, this was the type of thing I most commonly shared via this newsletter — I hope it is of interest to all the new subscribers. So, without further ado, here are the top 7 items we will decide at Tuesday’s BCC meeting, based on what I think you will think is important to our community. You can click on the links to read more details:

#7: Award the contract for the final phase of the Vanderbilt Drive Underground Utility Conversion. This project has been going on since before I was elected, and is finally entering its last phase. I know this will come as a relief for the volunteer members of the MSTU who have been working diligently on this, and to the affected residents. More on that HERE.

#6: Set the place and time for the Clerk of Courts to open and count the mail ballots for the Pelican Bay Services Division Board. Spoiler alert: it’s Wednesday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. But you can reach more about it HERE.

#5: Award a contract to restore the activity pool at the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon Water Park. Apparently it is in bad shape — delamination of the pool interior is creating a cut hazard, and while it has been patched a few times, it is ready for a complete resurfacing. Read more about it HERE.

#4: Begin conversations about the budget for next year (yes, it’s already time for that). We will learn more about the effects of Covid on our county’s finances, and set guidance for the other constitutional officers to prepare their budgets for submission later this spring. See more on this HERE.

#3: Learn more about the potential for a Great Wolf Resort location adjacent to the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. People I know with kids have a lot of good things to say about these resorts and what a draw they are to a community. I’m looking forward to learning more; you can read the reports HERE.

#2: Select a site to locate the Collier County Mental Health Facility. Most of you know that changing the way Collier County deals with our mental health and addiction needs has been a top priority of mine since day 1 of my service as a county commissioner. And many of you have told me that this item was a main reason for your support of the sales surtax passed in 2018. (More on the surtax coming in the next newsletter!) I am delighted to see this important project progress; more details are HERE.

#1: Adopt an Ordinance creating the Palm River Sidewalk Municipal Service Taxing Unit to install sidewalks in the Palm River Estates community. Another project that has been around since my first year on the BCC — this community has worked to build consensus around creating a special taxing unit to pay for a neighborhood sidewalk. We held a special virtual townhall to go over all the reasons why now is the time — with an upcoming utility project in the community, there will be significant cost savings and reduced disruption to the residents. You can learn more about this project HERE.

All these issues (and many, many more!) will be decided at the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday., Feb 23, at the government complex at 3299 Tamiami Trail East — marked ‘County Admin’ on this map — beginning at 9am. (The meeting begins at 9; we do not know when any particular item will come up.)

As always, you are welcome to attend to participate (there will be appropriate distancing in place and masks are required), or you can watch it live online, or on your cable channel 97. If you wish to participate remotely, you can register to do so HERE. Shortly following the meeting, the video will be available to watch on demand.

I always say it but it’s true – I appreciate you reading and sharing the newsletter. Thank you! Please continue to be careful, enjoy this beautiful weather, and stay safe.

Want to be a Volunteer Vaccinator?

Many retired medical professionals have reached out asking about how they might volunteer their time to help with the vaccination efforts. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is now seeking volunteers to administer COVID-19 vaccinations.

If you have received one of the following medical licenses, follow this link to add yourself to the FDEM volunteer roster for vaccination sites. (You’ll need to have your license number to register; they will activate it for you if necessary.)
CRNA * SRNA (RN) * APRN * RN
Home Health Nurse * Physician * Medical Doctor * Paramedic

Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Proposed Legislation to Strengthen Election Integrity and Transparency Measures

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Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Proposed Legislation to Strengthen Election Integrity and Transparency Measures
West Palm Beach, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis proposed new measures to safeguard the sanctity of Florida elections. The Governor’s announcement reaffirms his commitment to the integrity of every vote and the importance of transparency in Florida elections.

“Last November, Florida held the smoothest, most successful election of any state in the country,” said Governor DeSantis. “While we should celebrate this feat, we should not rest on our laurels. Today, we are taking action to ensure that Florida remains a leader on key issues regarding our electoral process, such as ballot integrity, public access to election information, transparency of election reporting and more. By strengthening these election integrity protections, we will ensure that our elections remain secure and transparent, and that Florida’s electoral process remains a blueprint for other states to follow.”

The proposed legislation takes an important step in designing some of the nation’s strongest election integrity protections and providing unprecedented election transparency for Florida residents. The proposed legislation would include the following measures:

Ballot Integrity
• Address the use of ballot drop boxes.
• Address ballot harvesting so that no person may possess ballots other than their own and their immediate family.
• No mass mailing of vote-by-mail ballots—only voters who request a ballot should receive a ballot.
• Vote-by-mail requests must be made each election year.
• Vote by mail ballot signatures must match the most recent signature on file.

Transparency in the Elections Process
• Political parties and candidates cannot be shut out from observing the signature matching process.
• Supervisors of Elections must post over-vote ballots to be considered by the canvassing board on their website before the canvassing board meets.
• Prohibits counties from receiving grants from private third-party organizations for “get out the vote” initiatives.

Transparency in Elections Reporting
• Requires real-time reporting of voter turnout data at the precinct level.
• Supervisors of Elections must report how many ballots have been requested, how many have been received, and how many are left to be counted

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State Senator Kathleen Passidomo Update

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Friday marks the end of committee weeks in Tallahassee. We will reconvene on Tuesday, March 2, to begin Florida’s first Legislative Session since the outbreak of COVID-19.
Since the adjournment of the 2020 Legislative Session, the landscape of Florida and our nation has drastically changed. I know the pandemic has created obstacles and challenges for many of us. Rest assured, through the leadership of Senate President Wilton Simpson, the Senate is prepared and ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead and provide much-needed support for Floridians, especially the most vulnerable and in need.
As Chair of the Rules Committee, I plan to advance policies that will help our state recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Florida COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Florida received about 345,000 first-dose COVID-19 vaccines this week. About 200,000 of those doses arrived later than expected due to the inclement weather experienced nationwide.
As we anticipate additional shipments, the state will open up more vaccination sites in Florida.
As of Thursday, February 18, 2,487,000 vaccine doses have been distributed in Florida. Despite some slight delays, Florida has delivered a higher percentage of COVID-19 vaccine, to its residents than New York and double the percentage of California.
Until all Floridians receive access to the vaccine, I ask that you continue to take safety precautions and remain in good health during this time.

Pre-Registered for the COVID-19 Vaccine? Sign Up & Find a Vaccination Location Near You
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) launched a statewide vaccine locator site and preregistration system to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
Both websites help eligible Floridians to preregister for the vaccine and locate nearby vaccination sites.
Individuals can preregister for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available in their area by visiting myvaccine.fl.gov.
Vaccine supply remains limited, and appointments may not be available for several weeks in some counties. Vaccine availability will vary from day to day and week to week as we work to provide vaccines to the most vulnerable first.
The state is prioritizing:
• Persons 65 years of age and older
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact
• Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
• Persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers

Melo Minute – February 19th

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What We’ve Been Up To

Hello and welcome to the Melo Minute! The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed about the happenings in our district, in Tallahassee, and to outline the current actions my team and I are taking to serve you. I’m excited about having the opportunity to effectively communicate with all of you.

This past week the majority of my time was spent in Tallahassee in Committees so this will be the bulk of our first issue!

Notable Committee Vote

HB 233 – Intellectual Freedom in Postsecondary Education
• This bill came before the Post-Secondary Education and Lifelong Learning Subcommittee of which I am a member of. This bills creates a survey for colleges and universities to conduct a study on intellectual/political diversity on their campuses, ensures that students maintain their First Amendment right to express their political ideologies whilst in the college/university setting, allows students to record their classes (they may only publish recordings with professor consent), and provides basic legal protections to students and student governments in the universities/colleges when accused of wrong doing by their institution — such as the burden of proof being on the institution. When this bill appeared before the committee I voted yes. It passed the committee with a 12-6 vote.

The Latest In Tallahassee

HB 9 Passes Through the Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee

HB 9 establishes criminal penalties and authorizes civil remedies to protect Floridians from fraud as they seek to get vaccinated during a pandemic. This bill works to penalize scammers that use fake websites to lure unsuspecting Floridians into paying for COVID-19 vaccines or appointments that never materialize. HB 9 passed its second committee on Wednesday, February 10, and is now headed to the Judiciary Committee.
Conversations at the Capitol

Here are the main issues the Florida House began to tackle this week:

• Combating flooding and sea level rise
• Enhancing opportunities to help job seekers pursue careers
• Identifying the most in-demand careers for Florida’s workforce
• Highlighting what went right in Florida’s 2020 elections and looking at ways to improve our system

Some of the Bills I’ve Filled

HB 617 – Greenhouse Gas Emissions

• This bill works to provide a check and balance on state agencies so that any attempt to adopt or enforce state/regional programs regulating gas emissions must first come through the Legislature for approval. This would ensure that the Florida House and Senate have a seat at the table when making such decisions.

HB 579 – Safe Harbor

• This bill works to protect businesses responding to declared emergencies from having specific civil causes of action put against them. For example, should a subcontractor — not officially classified as employee — try to claim additional compensation or aid from a business, due to a business’ response from a declared emergency potentially changing their classification, they would not be able to do so under this bill.

HB 3773 – LaBelle Wastewater Treatment Plant System Improvements and Expansion

• Ensuring clean water is a necessity for Florida. That is why this appropriations request is asking for $15.9 million from the Department of Environmental Protection to fund the LaBelle Wastewater Treatment Plant’s improvements and expand it.

HB 3761 – Collier County Golden Gate Senior Center Expansion

• This an appropriations bill that is attempting to allocate funding for expanding the Collier County Golden Gate Senior Center. It is asking for a nonrecurring sum of $250,000 from the Department of Elder Affairs to fund the project.

Commissioner LoCastro update February 13

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We hope you have been enjoying The Commissioner’s Report!  There are over 14,500 subscribers…and still growing!  Great positive feedback has been received…thank you!!  We will continue to keep you informed and work diligently towards enhancing the quality of life in District 1 and all of Collier County. Thank you for the opportunity to serve YOU…it’s an honor!!

 

 

COVID 19

 

CARES ACT

 

Update on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which provides funds to State, & Local governments to offset impacts of COVID:  last June, Governor DeSantis announced a plan to distribute $1.3 billion in CARES funds to Counties, including $67 million to Collier County. As of February 1, 2021, approximately $32 million has been paid throughout our County and approximately $13.5 million is in the process to be paid (see below chart for how the money has been distributed so far). If you have a qualifying need… please contact the County for details to formally apply for funds by calling (239) 252-CARE (2273).

 

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH:

 

DOH-Collier is in the process of transitioning to the ShareCare site [the MyVaccine system]. This includes training staff and meeting with local and State Emergency Management. Residents are able to call the toll-free number, 866-201-4885, to sign up for the waitlist. They are working with Collier County  Emergency Management (EM) and State Emergency Management to secure that list to schedule clients for the vaccine. Furthermore, they continue to work with our community partners, such as Collier County EMS/Fire, EM, local hospitals, municipalities, and outreach groups to continue to schedule those who are 65+ and healthcare personnel with direct patient contact.

 

CONTACT NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

 

The DOH call center will remain open Monday – Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.  Contact numbers:  (239) 252-6220 or (239) 252-8200.     Monitor the following websites:

collier.floridahealth.gov   floridahealthcovid19.gov   CollierCountyCOVIDVaccines.Eventbrite.com

 

YOUR GOVERNMENT

 

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING
FEBRUARY 9, 2021

 

 

  • Heritage Bay Planned Unit Development Commissioners agreed with the County Planning Commission and unanimously approved amending an ordinance allowing property owners to gate a private road (Limestone Trail between Belaire Bay & Quarry Drive). Gates will allow residents of Quarry and Heritage Bay to utilize their privately owned and maintained road for residents only.
  • Big Cypress Basin Boundary Delineation Study Commissioners voted unanimously to reject a proposal to expand Big Cypress Basin Boundary. We agree with the spirit of the idea… but have significant concerns with the moving parts, leadership oversight, and several governance issues. We currently disapprove of the expansion unless certain items are made clear and we are convinced this is in the BEST interest of Collier County. We don’t feel that way right now… me especially.
  • County Manager Recruitment Hiring a new County Manager moved forward today. Out of the almost 40 applicants, Commissioners each privately came up with a short list. When those lists were compared today, there were 5 candidates who were common to us all. We unanimously decided to interview those top 5 candidates each one on one. We will then invite all 5 to a Commissioner meeting in March to speak at the podium in public. It was obvious all Commissioners felt similarly about the top applicants and what we are looking for… 3 of the 5 are currently in Collier County leadership positions… 2 are outsiders. We are on schedule to zero in on the strongest candidate and will compare notes at our next meeting on our private interviews with each candidate.
  • DAS Advisory Board Appointment The Advisory Board to Domestic Animal Services (DAS) has 7 positions… 6 were currently filled. During their meeting last month, which I attended, the 6 current members tied 3-3 on the two candidates competing for the one vacancy. Procedure required it be sent to Commissioners for our decision. For a few days, Commissioners heard from both candidates and supporters through discussions and emails. At the BCC meeting, the Commissioners unanimously picked Kelly Hyland, a District 1 citizen, who’s been very involved in animal welfare, regularly attends DAS meetings, and has been personally responsible for many improvements in Animal Welfare in our County. She will be a phenomenal addition to the other 6 board members working to make DAS even better.

 

RECYCLING CENTER

 

 

Spent an afternoon in briefings with our team running our Northeast Recycling Drop-Off Center (825 39th Ave NE, Naples). This is our largest County center at 29,000 sq ft on 14 acres. It assists 11,000+ customers and processes over 350,000 lbs. of household hazardous waste and recyclable materials. Great meeting today discussing all we do at this location… but also, most importantly, how we can work to improve recycling across all of Collier County… more new initiatives coming!

 

BIG CORKSCREW REGIONAL PARK

 

 

Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park (825 39th Ave NE, Naples) is under construction & opens THIS SUMMER! The 150 acre park will be AMAZING with amenities including:

 

Community Center                 Walking Paths
Aquatic Center                        Dog Park
Event Lawn w/ Stage              6 Multipurpose Fields
Concession Pavilions             4 Baseball Fields
Fitness Center                        2 Basketball Courts
Kayak/Canoe Launch             2 Tennis Courts
Playgrounds                           2 Pickle Courts

 

I was impressed with the discussion and tour of the construction site… and will work with our team to ensure we deliver this project on time and on/under budget! Get ready this summer to bring your family to this amazing Park that has it all!

 

 

PICAYUNE STRAND RESTORATION PROJECT
& PUMP STATION VISITS

 
Water is THE KEY component to our community and environment. I spent the afternoon with team members from our Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Lisa Koehler, Big Cypress Basin Administrator, visiting THREE major pump stations in District 1 located in the Picayune Strand State Forest which are some of the largest in our state.

 

I received quite an education on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (authorized by Congress in 2000) which provides the framework to restore, preserve, and protect our South Florida ecosystem. The THREE pump stations direct freshwater to drain wetlands and maintain current flood protection for Collier County. They also provide habitat restoration to control outflow and mimic historic water flows to protect our wetlands and wildlife. A soon to be improved levee will also provide flood protection for existing agriculture and residential areas, as well. Also, learned about manatee mitigation features that provide additional warm water areas to help the species flourish. There are many behind the scenes people and projects at work in District 1 and throughout our County that help preserve our environment, control water flow, and keep our community and ecosystem healthy. Understanding how these pumps, infrastructure, and professionals work to accomplish that is critical to any public servant.

 

 

Many think these pumps are the cause or the fix for flooding, red tide, etc.… but as I learned today, that’s not true. The SFWMD controls water movement primarily to ensure healthy wetlands, control the flow of water which does assist in some flood mitigation—BUT most importantly, preserves our fragile ecosystem around the Everglades and beyond. Extremely educational day with professionals who do amazing work! Elected officials need to fully understand these efforts and where we can continue to improve. Proud knowing this critical pump system and team is in District 1! I will continue to keep water and our environment a TOP priority in our County and beyond… and continue to work closely with our teams to ensure we are doing EVERYTHING possible.

 

 

OUT IN THE COMMUNITY

 

AMERICAN LEGION “NATIONAL COMMANDER”
VISITS MARCO POST 404

 

 

Honored to join my fellow American Legion members today to greet our American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford as he visited our Marco Island Post 404. Our local Post Commander, Lee Rubenstein, hosted him with a formation of our Post members at Veterans Community Park. National Commander Bill Oxford is traveling throughout Southwest Florida and made a stop here to meet our Post 404 members and view our amazing Veterans Memorial & Fountain. Also, thanks to Marco City Manager, Mike McNees, who joined our welcome party! We were able to share with the National Commander the multiple years our Post has hosted the Vietnam Wall replica here on Marco… and the upcoming plans to totally renovate & revitalize Veterans Park.

 

TOWNHALL MEETING – PORT OF THE ISLANDS

 

Another Townhall meeting…this time at Port of the Islands. There is plenty to do in this important part of District 1. We are in the final stages of tearing down a long abandoned and vandalized hotel (see photos below) we’re attacking upgrades needed at their Marina, and it was great to address a packed Community Center, answer questions, and let citizens know their community is a priority to their new District 1 County Commissioner! I plan to have many more Townhalls throughout District 1… and I’m very appreciative of all the communities who have reached out and have hosted me for Townhall meetings, Zoom video discussions, and live camera recordings.  It’s important for me to “bring the Commissioner to the people”!

 

 

 

GOLDEN PAWS ASSISTANCE DOGS

 

 

 

Met with Jeannie Bates, Founder of PAWS, at their soon to be new location just off Pine Ridge Blvd. This incredible organization provides “assistance dogs“ to mostly military veterans… but also others in need. They recently acquired a new $6.3M building (formally Harley Davidson on Pine Ridge) paid in full by two generous donors! They now need $4M+ to renovate and turn it into a full-fledged training facility. This gigantic new location will double the capacity of dogs they train. Since their start in 2012, they’ve placed over 100 dogs (98% of those with military veterans). PAWS expects to cut the ribbon on this new location in January 2022!

State Senator Kathleen Passidomo Update February 13

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This week was the fourth of five committee weeks ahead of the legislative session. We had a series of committee hearings to review bills, including a bill to establish liability protections for health care providers during COVID-19.

Florida’s positive case rates of COVID-19 are on the decline, but there are new threats on the horizon.  The B.1.1.7 variant of the virus, known as the U.K. variant, was recently detected in Florida, and there are now more than 300 cases.  Data indicates this variant is far more contagious than the original.  Therefore, it is all the more important for us to continue to protect ourselves and others. Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by limiting gatherings and wear a mask.  Also, wash your hands often!

The good news is Florida continues to lead the nation in vaccinating seniors.  As of February 11, more than 3 million doses of vaccine have been administered.  Despite our great progress, I know there is a lot of frustration and angst among the many residents who wish to receive a vaccine, but have not been able to secure an appointment.  Supplies are distributed from the federal government and while the state has built the capacity to administer the vaccine, we don’t have the supply to meet the demand.  I have provided many resources below to assist you in receiving timely updates, finding vaccination sites and signing up for an appointment.  Thank you for your patience.  Stay safe!

 

  Florida COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Governor DeSantis announced this week additional COVID-19 vaccination sites across the state of Florida through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.  The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program sites will begin offering COVID-19 vaccines on Friday, February 12, at 490 pharmacy locations across 52 counties.  The State of Florida secured these retail partnerships and collaborated to identify strategic locations for each store to ensure maximum reach.

“Florida is proud to partner with Walmart and other retailers, including Publix, to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor DeSantis.  “Through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, we look forward to reaching more Floridians and ensuring that all eligible residents who want a vaccine are able to receive one.  We will continue to utilize strategic partnerships and identify innovative ways to get more shots in arms and put Florida’s Seniors First.”

For the first week of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, the state is expecting to receive 65,300 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.  Future allocations through this program will be announced as they become available.

Read the Governor’s press release.

  

 

  Reminder: Find COVID-19 Vaccinations Near You

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) launched a vaccine locator site.  The website helps Floridians to find vaccine sites by county or city and contains contact information for each location.  Click here to view locations.

Appointments may be required, and vaccine availability will vary from day to day and week to week as we work to provide vaccines to the most vulnerable first.

The state is prioritizing:

·         Persons 65 years of age and older

·         Health care personnel with direct patient contact

·         Residents and staff of long-term care facilities

·         Persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers

  

 

  Reminder: You Can Pre-Register for the COVID-19 Vaccine

The Florida DOH has launched a statewide preregistration system to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments for individuals 65 and older and frontline health care workers only.

Individuals can preregister for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available in their area by visiting myvaccine.fl.gov.

Vaccine supply remains limited and appointments may not be available for several weeks in some counties.

Additionally, as part of the statewide registration system, each county has a designated phone number that individuals can call and preregister if they do not have internet access. Please find the complete list of numbers by county here.

  

 

  COVID-19 Update: Florida Case Data

As of February 11, there have been 1,798,280 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida, including 28,783 in Collier County, 4,155 in Hendry County and 54,762 in Lee County.

As of February 11, the state’s positivity rate for new cases is 6.59%.

To find the most up-to-date information and guidance, you can visit the Florida Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 webpage.

For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website.

If you are experiencing symptoms, please contact your local County Health Department.

  

 

  Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Strong COVID-19 Liability Protections for Health Care Providers

The Florida Senate recognizes our frontline workers as the heroes that they are.  From day one of the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida’s devoted health care providers put their own health at risk to serve their fellow Floridians.

Senate Bill 74: COVID-19- related Claims Against Health Care Providers, by Senator Jeff Brandes, passed the Senate Committee on Judiciary and aims to ensure health care providers, who do and have done the right thing amidst continually changing and conflicting guidelines, are not threatened with frivolous lawsuits that hinder their ability to serve their patients.

The bill requires a plaintiff who files a COVID-19-related lawsuit to prove that a health care provider’s conduct constituted gross negligence or intentional misconduct and establishes procedures to filter out claims that have insufficient factual support.  The protections apply specifically to acts or omissions made in reliance upon government-issued health standards or guidance relating to COVID-19.   Current law provides different procedures for negligence claims against nursing homes and assisted living facilities than for other types of health care providers, such as doctors and hospitals. Senate Bill 72 provides that its provisions will apply to all health care providers with respect to COVID-19-related claims.

“Through it all, our health care providers have made incredible sacrifices.  Physicians have been asked to make very difficult choices to delay surgeries and procedures to preserve PPE and other supplies.  Nursing homes were asked to keep their doors open and maintain staffing levels.  Around the country, we have lost thousands of health care workers who have struggled with this.  This legislation protects a health care industry that has gone over and above the call of duty to protect and help our citizens,” said Senator Brandes.

To learn more about the bill, click here.

  

 

  Legislation Advances to Ensure College Tuition Exemptions for Students in DCF Care 

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, chaired by Senator Doug Broxson, advanced Senate Bill 52: Postsecondary Education, by Senator Ray Rodrigues.

Young Floridians who enter the child welfare system deserve all the support that we can give, and this legislation clarifies state laws to ensure students who turn 18 while in the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or a specified guardian are exempt from tuition and fees at Florida’s postsecondary institutions.

Senate Bill 52 also increases access to dual enrollment for students in public, private, or virtual education settings by creating the Dual Enrollment Scholarship Program, bolstering state funding of dual enrollment tuition and instructional material costs.

Additionally, the legislation authorizes universities to create a bonus program for their best employees. This allows universities to reward exceptional employees without being required to consider across-the-board bonuses.

To learn more about SB 52, click here.

  

 

  Committee Passes Legislation to Give More Children a Second Chance at Success

Children in Florida’s juvenile justice system deserve a second chance if they are willing to work hard and learn from their mistakes.

Senate Bill 274: Juvenile Diversion Program Expunction, by Senator Keith Perry, passed the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice. This legislation seeks to expand those who are eligible to complete a diversion program and have their arrest record expunged.

Diversion programs like this are designed to keep minors from reentering the juvenile justice system and to maximize their opportunity for success.

Senate Bill 274 expands eligibility so that minors who committed certain felony offenses, if recommended by a state attorney or law enforcement officer involved in the case, may complete a juvenile diversion program to have their nonjudicial arrest record expunged.

This legislation will provide more at-risk youth in Florida the chance to fix their mistakes and lead productive lives.

  

 

  Senate Judiciary Committee Passes Employee Protection Against Unions

SB 78, by Senator Rodrigues, prevents organizations from requiring employees to join a union without consent and ensures that employees who wish to revoke their membership are able to do so.

The proposed measure was heard in Senate Judiciary Committee this week and passed 6 to 4. It previously was heard in Government Oversight. Next, it will be heard in Senate Rules Committee, of which I am chair.

To learn more about the bill, click here.

  

 

  Call to Action to Army Corps of Engineers

Last week, Senate President Wilton Simpson sent a letter to Colonel Andrew Kelly of the Army Corps of Engineers – Jacksonville District, emphasizing his commitment to storage solutions north of the Lake Okeechobee.

“While I have been supportive of interventions both north and south of the lake over the last several years, my concern has been that the aggressive timeline for southern storage has been at the expense of very important interventions north of the lake,” Simpson wrote.

“Unfortunately, this timeline and the policy and funding priorities associated with it have unnecessarily pitted north against south and perpetuated the false narrative that a southern reservoir alone will solve the problem. I reject that narrative, and it is for this reason I have advocated that a concurrent focus on problems north of the lake — where the Everglades begin — is key to an efficient, effective, and complete restoration.”

To learn more about Senate President Simpson’s commitment to restore and protect Lake Okeechobee, read this story.

  

Republican Party of Florida Update 2-11-2021

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Breaking News: Biden Administration Considering Domestic Travel Restrictions?

While in Charlotte County today, Governor Ron DeSantis made strong comments in reaction to a report, quoting an unnamed White House official who is suggesting that the Biden Administration is considering imposing domestic travel restrictions on Americans and Floridians.

Here is what Governor DeSantis said:

“I think it is an absurd report. It would be unconstitutional, unwise, and unjust. And if you think about it, restricting the rights of Americans to travel freely throughout our country, while allowing illegal aliens to pour across the southwestern border unmolested would be a ridiculous but very damaging farce.

We will oppose it 100 percent, it would not be based on science, it would purely be a political attack against the people of Florida.”

 

Chairman’s Message

Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida’s COVID vaccine distribution process is so efficiently run that the response time from a phone call from community leaders to shots in the arms of residents at a pop-up site can be implemented almost in real time.

Governor DeSantis has repeatedly stated his appreciation for elected leaders, health officials, emergency management officials and frontline workers  at the state and local levels who are working together to ensure the highest number of seniors get vaccinated. This week Governor DeSantis spoke at a Venice pop-up vaccination site that clearly demonstrated this type of successful collaboration.  Venice is a community with a high percentage of older Floridians that was in need of an extra boost.

The three-day site began operating on Wednesday and will administer 1,000 vaccines per day through Friday, February 12, for a total of 3,000 vaccines for Florida’s seniors in the Sarasota County area.

To watch the Governor’s event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7FyQ1nXtfI

 

Covid-19 Update

Governor DeSantis announced additional COVID-19 vaccination sites across the state of Florida through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. The sites will begin offering COVID-19 vaccines on Friday at 490 pharmacy locations across 52 counties. The State of Florida secured these retail partnerships and collaborated to identify strategic locations for each store to ensure maximum reach.

“Florida is proud to partner with Walmart and other retailers, including Publix, to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine,” Governor DeSantis said. “Through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, we look forward to reaching more Floridians and ensuring that all eligible residents who want a vaccine are able to receive one. We will continue to utilize strategic partnerships and identify innovative ways to get more shots in arms and put Florida’s Seniors First.”

In Florida, Publix Super Markets, Walmart/Sam’s Club and Southeastern Grocers (Winn-Dixie, Harveys Supermarket and Fresco y Más) pharmacies were selected to begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

  • Publix – 593 locations
  • Walmart and Sam’s Club – 119 locations
  • Winn-Dixie – 43 locations

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/02/09/governor-ron-desantis-announces-additional-covid-19-vaccination-sites-at-walmart-and-publix-locations-throughout-florida/

 

Florida Update

The Republican Lieutenant Governors Association (RLGA), a caucus of the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), announced that our Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez will serve as the committee’s chairman through 2021.

Lieutenant Governor Nuñez is recognized by Floridians and her peers for being a leader, helping the RSLC shatter fundraising records, which paved the way for Republicans to deliver key victories in 2020, including in North Carolina and Utah. Her leadership in Florida also helped increase Republican majorities in both of Florida’s legislative chambers. She will be instrumental as the organization now shifts its focus to the 32 elections across the country in the next two years.

We are proud of Lieutenant Governor Nuñez, Florida’s first Hispanic female Lieutenant Governor, for all her hard work and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all Floridians.

Read more here: https://rslc.gop/rlga-announces-florida-lieutenant-governor-jeanette-nunez-as-chairman/

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Disney may consider moving its headquarters operations to Florida from California, where the company is struggling to reopen its theme parks. The potential move makes Disney the latest in a growing number of companies considering moving some or all of their operations out of California, which has some of the strictest lockdown measures in the country.

Over the course of the pandemic, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has lambasted California’s handling of the pandemic, calling the rules in place “arbitrary.”

“We are extremely disappointed that the State of California continues to keep Disneyland closed despite our proven track record. Our health and safety protocols are all science-based and have the support of labor unions representing 99% of our hourly cast members,” Chapek said.

It’s a tragedy that several states such as California continue to crush their businesses and their people when states like Florida have been open since late spring and show no worse Covid numbers than the closed states.

Read more here: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/exodus-california-disney-florida

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CFO Jimmy Patronis spoke with Fox and Friends about how California businesses are eager to come to Florida, the state with a “whopping 0% income tax.” Of course, the latest company talking about making that move is Walt Disney, a decision that would be huge for both the company and the state of Florida.

Patronis continues to keep working to keep Florida open, something that New York City restaurant owners are finding enticing. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has kept New York closed for so long that many are losing their businesses, where cities like Miami have been open at 100% capacity since October.

Patronis also recently spoke with The Floridian about running for re-election and how he will not shy away from his support of former President Trump and the efforts that he has made here in Florida. Heading into re-election means he isn’t willing to back down and will not go down without a fight.

Watch his full interview here: https://floridianpress.com/2021/02/patronis-ready-for-reelection-says-he-wont-shy-away-from-his-loyalty-to-trump/