Christian Ziegler – Florida GOP Chairman Newsletter April 14

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Governor Ron DeSantis Awards $4 Million for New I-75 Interchange in Ocala, Announces Third Florida Buc-ee’s

Governor DeSantis Awards $22 Million Through the Broadband Opportunity Program

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces More Than 1,750 Bonuses Awarded to New Law Enforcement Recruits

Attorney General Ashley Moody Urges Impeachment of DHS Secretary Mayorkas

2023 Legislative Session News

Republican Party of Florida News

Other News

April Collier Clerk of Courts Newsletter

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Download a PDF copy of the complete newsletter here. 

It’s the start of spring! I hope everyone is enjoying the great weather. Our office has been working on several projects that will help improve our services and benefit the public.

One of the most exciting projects we are preparing to launch is a new jury management system. I understand that many of you might have felt dread the first time you received your jury summons.

Implementation of New Jury Management System to Improve Juror Process, Efficiency, and Reporting in Collier County

Our office is pleased to announce the implementation of the new jury management system for the Collier County Courthouse. With this high-tech management system, the jury selection process will be streamlined to save time for potential jurors in responding to a summons and automate the overall process for the convenience of jurors, judges, and attorneys.

OIG Staff Presents at 2023 Virtual Winter Conference

Robin Sheley and Sherri Wasson from our Office of Inspector General presented ‘Creating a Valuable Audit Plan’ during the 2023 Virtual Winter Conference held last March 1, 2023.

Phase I of Collier Legal Notices Website is Expected to Launch in the Second Quarter of 2023

Collier County will be among the first in the state to launch its own website where the public will be able to view legal notices related to tax deeds, the Value Adjustment Board (VAB), and more. The first of three phases is currently in testing and we expect to launch phase one in the second quarter of 2023.

2023 Operation Green Light Results

Last Saturday, March 25, 2023, Collier County residents seeking to get back on the road joined us for the 2023 Operation Green Light at the Heritage Bay Satellite Office. We were able to collect $18,626.31 in total receipts with $7,642.87 in revenue.

Through the 2023 Operation Green Light, 100 cases were resolved with 59 being paid in full and 41 cases being placed on payment plans. 37 residents were able to have their driver’s licenses reinstated.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the event!

Beware of Check Washing Scams

What is old is new again, at least in the world of fraud. While we are becoming educated in the increasingly sophisticated techniques used by those committing fraud, we must be wary of the old ways.

Annual Collier County Passport Saturday to be held on April 22, 2023 

The Annual Passport Saturday will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Heritage Bay Government Services Center located at 15450 Collier Blvd, Naples, Florida. Passport Saturday is a one-day event held all throughout the state to accommodate residents who are planning to apply for a United States passport but are unable to do so on a regular work day.

Learn more

Thank you to 4H, the League of Women Voters of Collier County, and Collier County Public Schools for bringing students to learn more about the Courthouse during Know Your Government Day! 

I was excited to share the role of the Clerk of Courts, act as guide to the courtrooms where Judge Tamara Nicola provided great information on court processes. At a hosted lunch, students had a great opportunity to discuss current issues that are in front of the Board of County Commissioners with Commissioners and the Clerk, Thanks to the organizers for this great opportunity to meet with students and provide a hands-on learning experience.

Popular Annual Financial Report Receives First PAFR Award for its High Quality  

On March 20, 2023, our staff received notice that its Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, had received the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA) award for PAFR reporting.

Moments in Collier County’s 100-year History: The History of the Collier County Clerks 

For the past 100 years, Collier County’s Clerks of Court have played a vital role in managing the county’s courthouse, ensuring the safety of taxpayer dollars, and executing our many statutory duties. There have only been nine Clerks serving Collier County, some of whom were appointed by the presiding governor while the majority, including myself, were elected by County voters.

Get to know the nine Collier Clerks of Court and how they left their marks in today’s Collier County.

Watch the full video here.

On The Table SWFL Discussion with Our Office Staff

On The Table SWFL inspired us to provide staff an opportunity to contribute to the community dialogue on important issues. We opened our Table Talk with conversations about how other local government offices work. It was a great opportunity to dive deeper into how decisions made by county leaders impact residents.

Eighteen staff members outlined their greatest concerns for our community:

  • Growth in Collier County
  • Economic concerns
  • Crowded roadways
  • Housing costs and availability
  • Availability of services for disabled individuals

Thank you to the Collaboratory, Collier County Community Foundation and Charlotte Community Foundation for organizing this opportunity!

Be a Part of Our Team! 

We are inviting job seekers to visit our table at the Immokalee Job Fair on April 26, 2023, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The event is hosted by CareerSource SWFL and will be held in their Immokalee Office at 750 S 5th St, Immokalee, FL 34142.

Would you like Clerk Kinzel to speak at one of your upcoming events?

Email cyndee.woolley@collierclerk.com to confirm a date!

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Email

Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102
Naples, Florida 34112  USA
www.CollierClerk.com

Community Relations and Outreach
(239) 252-6879

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March 31 Legislative Update – Senate President Kathleen Passidomo

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This week, I had the honor and privilege of joining Governor Ron DeSantis as he signed the Live Local Act into law.  This legislation implements a comprehensive strategy to increase housing options and make housing more attainable for Florida workers, families and retirees.

It is clear that the broad appeal of the free state of Florida has impacted our population and our housing needs.  Countless families and business owners have fled high-tax, lockdown states in search of a better life in Florida.

As our state continues to grow, our Live Local Act will make sure Floridians can live close to good jobs, schools, hospitals, and other critical centers of our communities, while fitting comfortably in their household budgets, no matter the stage of life or income.

Also this week, the Governor signed House Bill 1, Education, which expands school choice to every student in Florida.

It was an incredible week for Florida.  Because of these and many other priorities we’re working to pass this session, the Sunshine State will remain the best state in the greatest nation in the world.

Live Local Act Signed into Florida Statute by Governor Ron DeSantis this Week

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill (SB) 102, the Live Local Act, representing the largest investment for housing efforts in state history.

“This legislation provides record support for Florida’s workforce and their families to help them live where they work, while also providing historic support for our military communities and the families living near military bases,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I applaud Senator Passidomo for leading on this legislation and look forward to the support it will provide to Florida families.”

The Live Local Act invests a record $711 million for housing projects and assistance through the Florida Housing and Finance Corporation (FHFC) to create or build upon housing programs. This includes:

  • $259 million for the SAIL program to provide low interest loans to developers building workforce housing. $150 million of these funds are recurring for certain specified uses such as redevelopment of underused property and projects near military installations.
  • $252 million for the SHIP program to provide local governments with incentives to build partnerships with developers who are preserving available housing or producing more housing.
  • $100 million for the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Programto provide down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time home buyers with a focus on law enforcement, first responders, teachers, active duty military, and military veterans.
  • $100 million for FHFC to implement a loan program to alleviate inflation-related cost increases for FHFC-approved housing projects.

Additionally, this bill builds upon efforts to help Floridians afford to purchase their first home by codifying the Hometown Heroes program and increasing the borrowing limit per loan to $35,000 or 5% of the purchase price of a home. This bill will also broaden FHFC’s ability to invest in affordable housing for those that are currently in the foster care system or who are aging out of the system and expands eligibility for the Job Growth Grant Fund to authorize public infrastructure projects that support expanding housing opportunities.

This legislation also creates a new tax donation program to allow corporate taxpayers to direct certain tax payments to the FHFC, up to $100 million annually, to help fund the SAIL program and increases the amount of tax credits available through the Community Contribution Tax Credit Program from $14.5 million to $25 million annually. Additionally, the bill provides a sales tax refund of up to $5,000 on building materials for housing units funded through FHFC.

 

 

Historic Legislation Signed into Law to Expand School Choice Options to All Florida Students

House Bill 1, Education, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Corey Simon, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education Pre-K-12, was signed into law earlier this week by Governor Ron DeSantis.

HB 1 contains a comprehensive package of innovations that promote parental involvement and customized K-12 education in Florida. The legislation empowers parents to guide their children’s education by providing for an Education Savings Account for every student in the K-12 system. Incorporating recommendations from the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, the bill also takes the first step towards reducing onerous and excessive regulations on public schools.

The goal of making school choice a reality for every child across our great state has been a long time coming, and with the steadfast resolve and leadership of Governor DeSantis, Speaker Renner, Senator Simon, Rep. Tuck, and many others, today is the day school choice is here for every Florida family.

Additionally, this bill reduces some of the outdated, unnecessary, and quite frankly, burdensome regulations public schools have to abide by. By reducing red tape that burdens our traditional public schools, these institutions, which have served our communities for generations, will have a meaningful chance to compete right alongside other school choice options.

 

 

Yesterday, I stepped down from the President’s rostrum for the chance to debate in support of HB 543, specifically the Safe School Canine Program.  I worked with Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods on this innovative program.  This is just one component of the bill that will improve school and community safety. I also worked on this bill with Pinellas County Sherriff Bob Gualtieri, Chair of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission, and we included many recommendations of the commission to improve school safety.

HB 543 will help keep our schools safe by making sure we swiftly identify threats and get more kids the services they need to live a safe and successful life. Sheriff Gualtieri has shared with me that threat management is hands down the greatest opportunity we have in the State of Florida at prevention and keeping violent incidents from happening. Threat prevention is all about identifying behaviors, getting people help and keeping them off the pathway to violence. Silos create a void that adversely impacts public safety. With this bill, we are breaking down the silos and improving the flow on information. You can’t help what you don’t know about. When a behavior is identified, we want to make sure if the child relocates, the new school district knows about it so the student can stay on the right track.

We are also adding to the threat management team someone with personal familiarity with the child.  Someone who actually knows the child can provide valuable information that helps differentiate behaviors, which is critical to separating minor challenges that require correction from serious issues that require intervention.  Most importantly, we are creating a consistent, statewide operational process for threat assessments so they are done in the same way in every county.

 

 

Measure Protecting Innocent Life Presented on the Senate Floor

Thursday, Senator Erin Grall (R-Fort Pierce) presented Senate Bill 300 on the Senate Floor where she answered questions from fellow senators on her legislation. SB 300 builds upon previous pro-life legislation passed into law and provides further protections for unborn children.

With an unprecedented opportunity as lawmakers to protect innocent life, and to stand with the brave moms who choose life for their babies, this legislation provides for robust protections of innocent life by prohibiting abortions after six-weeks gestation.

As amended on the Senate floor, SB 300 maintains current law exceptions to the six-week abortion prohibition, which protects the life and health of the mother and for the devastating diagnosis of a fatal fetal abnormality. This legislation also expands exceptions and includes a 15-week exception for women who are victims of rape, incest, or human trafficking. In instances of any known or suspected human trafficking, the physician must report this to local law enforcement if the woman is 18 years old or older or to the Florida Department of Children and Families if she is a minor.

This legislation also promotes healthy families and supports parents who chose life for their babies by providing additional counseling or mentoring services as well as providing millions of dollars for nonmedical material assistance to families such as car seats, cribs, clothing, formula, and diapers.

This legislation will make Florida a beacon of hope for those who understand that life is sacred and must be protected.

 

Florida Senate Works to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs

Senator Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) presented Senate Bill 1550 in the Senate Committee on Health Policy where it passed with unanimous committee support. Cited as the “Prescription Drug Reform Act”, SB 1550 institutes comprehensive reforms of Florida’s prescription drug policy to increase transparency, eliminate predatory practices, and protect consumers.

This legislation requires that prescription drug manufacturers publish information on price increases in a public manner in order to address the transparency issue regarding prescription drug pricing. Provisions in this policy put a stop to predatory practices such as spread pricing and pharmacy clawbacks that increase costs for patients.

Further, this legislation holds pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) accountable under the Florida Insurance Code and requires disclosures regarding certain business activities. SB 1550 also prevents Pharmacy Benefit Managers from steering patients to certain pharmacies in order to increase profit.

These measures will lead to greatly improved transparency in the prescription drug marketplace and increased accountability for manufacturers and distributors. Florida’s health care consumers deserve the ability to obtain their critical medications without the shell game that the pharmacy benefit managers and drug manufacturers have created to profit off of Florida’s patients

Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review

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Dear Fellow Floridian,

I am blessed to have seven grandchildren. Every time I talk to them, I think about their future. I think about what the country will look like when they grow up and what we’re setting up for them. You think: will your kids, grandkids, great grandkids have the same opportunities as we have? Not if we keep doing what we’re doing now.

We have $31 trillion in federal debt. We have high inflation, reckless spending, high interest rates, high credit card debt. If we continue down this path that we’re heading down, we’re going to kill the American dream.

Biden just doesn’t get that. He put out a $6.8 TRILLION budget. Just chock full of full of tax hikes, budget gimmicks and wasteful spending. It’s not based in reality and will only make things WORSE.

This week, I hosted a joint press conference with House Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry, Senator Mike Lee and Representatives Chip Roy, Dan Bishop, Bob Good, Byron Donalds, Lauren Boebert, Michael Cloud, Andy Biggs, Ben Cline and Ralph Norman, to discuss the debt ceiling and spending reforms.

Our message is this: it’s time to bring fiscal sanity back to Washington. It’s time for Biden to come to the table and have a conversation and accept our invitation to negotiate on a deal that sets America on a better path forward. If Republicans finally stand up and stop caving, we can force the federal government to start living within its means and lower the federal debt. The debt ceiling is our opportunity to get something done. Republicans cannot squander it by giving Biden a liberal wish list and endless budget.

Watch more HERE or below. Read more HERE.

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Sincerely,

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Rick Scott

United States Senator

To be the first to find out about Senator Scott’s actions and statements, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.

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Sen. Rick Scott to Fed Chair Powell: It’s Time for Accountability at the Fed

Ahead of this week’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting and following the shocking failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate Bank and Signature Bank, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Jerome Powell, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, calling out the Fed’s gross mismanagement and lack of oversight of these banks and demanding significant reforms. For more than two years, Senator Scott has called on Chair Powell to increase the Fed’s accountability to the American people, shrink its massive balance sheet and do more to mitigate and stop inflation.

Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE.

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Sens. Rick Scott, Jacky Rosen Introduce Bipartisan No CORRUPTION Act to Safeguard Taxpayer Dollars from Corrupt Politicians

Senators Rick Scott and Jacky Rosen introduced the bipartisan No Congressionally-Obligated Recurring Revenue Used As Pensions To Incarcerated Officials Now (No CORRUPTION) Act, which would bar members of Congress who are convicted of felonies related to their official duties from collecting taxpayer-funded pensions.

Senator Rick Scott said, “It is unthinkable that a former member of Congress could be convicted of a crime involving public corruption and still benefit off the taxpayer dollars of hardworking families. If we are going to make Washington work for American families, we need real reforms that end the current dysfunction. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan, commonsense legislation to prevent criminals from getting taxpayer-funded retirement benefits.”

Read more HERE.

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Sens. Rick Scott and Elizabeth Warren Lead Legislation to Establish Independent IG Oversight at the Federal Reserve

Senator Rick Scott and Senator Elizabeth Warren introduced bipartisan legislation to require a presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed inspector general to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Following this month’s shocking failures of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank, and the Federal Reserve’s gross mismanagement and lack of oversight to prevent the situation, this bill will bring the serious changes and accountability at the Federal Reserve that is clearly overdue and necessary to protect American families and workers.

Senator Scott previewed this legislation in an op-ed for Fox News and a letter Monday to Jerome Powell, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, calling out the Fed’s gross mismanagement and lack of oversight of these banks and demanding significant reforms.

Senator Rick Scott said, “After the Federal Reserve’s failure to properly identify and prevent the shocking failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, it’s clear we can’t wait any longer for big change at the Fed. It’s outrageous that the Federal Reserve, the world’s largest and most powerful central bank, does not have a truly independent inspector general to investigate it – an independent authority to fight for the transparency and accountability our citizens need. Our legislation fixes that by establishing a presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed inspector general at the Fed, like every other major government agency. Consumers and American families must not bear the brunt of the failures of gross mismanagement and greed at their banks or the incompetence and misdeeds of the government regulators who are there to protect them. I want to thank Senator Warren for joining me on this good bill. This is commonsense and should have the bipartisan support of our colleagues so that it can quickly pass and become law.”

Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott, Colleagues Reintroduce Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act

Senators Rick Scott, Josh Hawley, Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton reintroduced the Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act to prohibit federal funds from being used to buy solar panels manufactured or assembled in Communist China, specifically targeting those known for the use of slave labor.

Last month, Senator Scott and Representative Bill Posey led legislation to block the Biden administration’s action that protects Chinese solar companies which are actively circumventing U.S. trade laws.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Communist China is not our friend. Xi runs a murderous regime and every dollar spent there helps fund their genocide and efforts to undermine the United States and our economy. My bill, the Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act, takes the needed step of withholding federal funds from being used to buy solar panels manufactured or assembled in Communist China. We must work to fully decouple our supply chains and end our reliance on products from Communist China. That’s the only way to truly build American independence and self-sufficiency, and bring economic growth back to the U.S. As President Biden bends over backward to appease dictators, Congress must take this opportunity to force accountability and take action to do what Biden won’t – starting with passing this bill TODAY.”

Read more HERE.

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Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio Introduce Bicameral Legislation for Greater Oversight and Accountability in Puerto Rico

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio in introducing the Financial Oversight and Management Board Integrity Act. This bill will prohibit any third-party advisement or consulting firm from advising Puerto Rico’s Financial Oversight Management Board (FOMB) for the duration of the period that the firm is also providing consulting services to a client that is competing for, or performing on, a contract that is awarded by the Puerto Rican government and that is under the oversight responsibility of the FOMB to review and approve.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The Financial Oversight and Management Board Integrity Act will help improve transparency and accountability of Puerto Rico’s FOMB. I am proud to join Senator Rubio and our colleagues in the House of Representatives as we fight for a better and more prosperous Puerto Rico and increased oversight of taxpayer dollars.”

Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. Bill Posey Introduce Bipartisan Space Launch Legislation to Keep America First in Space

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio and Representatives Bill Posey and Darren Soto to introduce the bipartisan American Space Commerce Act to create jobs, advance technology and cement our nation’s place as the world leader in space.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Every day our nation is competing against known adversaries like Communist China and Russia in the space launch industry, and we must put American interests and national security first. I’m proud to cosponsor the American Space Commerce Act to enhance our nation’s self-reliance in the space industry, prioritize American businesses, and ensure our nation remains a leader in space exploration.”

Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden’s Inflation Crisis

Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America’s debt crisis and rising inflation. In case you missed it, this week, Senator Scott and House Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry, joined by Senator Mike Lee and Representatives Chip Roy, Dan Bishop, Bob Good, Byron Donalds, Lauren Boebert, Michael Cloud, Andy Biggs, Ben Cline and Ralph Norman, of the House Freedom Caucus, hosted a joint press conference to discuss debt ceiling and spending reforms. Earlier this month, Senator Scott applauded the House Freedom Caucus’ proposal to make significant, structural spending reforms, claw back wasteful spending and end Washington’s reckless misuse of taxpayer dollars as part of negotiations on the debt ceiling.

Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.

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Sen. Rick Scott in Fox News: Federal Reserve out of control: Americans shouldn’t have to pay for Wall St.-Washington mistakes

Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for Fox News demanding serious changes and accountability at the Federal Reserve following this month’s shocking failures of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank. In the op-ed, Senator Scott highlights his fight to protect American families and workers so that their interests always come before those of Wall Street and the old Washington establishment.

This week, Senator Scott is introducing legislation to make needed changes at the Federal Reserve and hold bad actors at the banks accountable by allowing clawbacks of bonuses and excess compensation to bank executives prior to failure. Yesterday, he sent a letter to Jerome Powell, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, calling out the Fed’s gross mismanagement and lack of oversight of these banks and demanding significant reforms.

In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott writes, “When a crisis occurs and it becomes clear that government is not being accountable to the American people, two things have to happen. First, you have to make changes so that the crisis never happens again, and then you have to hold anyone that failed to do the right thing fully accountable…

I was a bit shocked when President Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen repeatedly claimed last week that the U.S. banking system is strong. Excuse me for not jumping to believe the economic opinions of the people who told us inflation was ‘only temporary’ in 2021. The people I talk to in Florida feel the same way. You can’t trust anything out of the federal government right now, it’s all massaged to fit their narrative…

That’s why we need independent authorities who can investigate government and fight for the transparency and accountability our citizens deserve…

What’s shocking is that the Federal Reserve doesn’t have this oversight.

Yes, you read that right. The Federal Reserve, the world’s largest and most powerful central bank, does not have a truly independent IG to investigate it. I’m fighting to fix that and will be introducing a bill soon – that I believe will have bipartisan support – to establish a presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed inspector general at the Fed like every other major government agency…

If Fed Chairman Jerome Powell really cares about the American economy and serving the taxpayers, he will do three things during the Fed’s meeting this week: put his support behind this idea, tell us who at the Fed is being fired for its lack of bank oversight, and tell us what changes have been made so this never happens again. Let’s see if he’s brave enough to do it…

Of course, forcing more accountability at the Fed is only one piece of fixing this disaster. Banks need to be held accountable too.

The fact that executives at Silicon Valley Bank handed out bonuses, and paid themselves, when they knew they were going under is disgusting and shouldn’t be allowed. Along with my bill to install an independent IG at the Fed, I’ll be fighting to pass legislation that claws back these bonuses and any other excess compensation. We have to make sure that money is paid back to cover their losses and make innocent customers whole…

Right now, the system is set up to benefit the old Washington-Wall Street insiders while the American people are on the hook. We saw it in 2008 when the banks got a bailout and you paid for it. Now it’s happening again…

I say no. No more ‘free lunches’ for the banks while the American people continue to foot the bill and suffer the consequences of failures they had no fault in…

The American people are tired of caving, tired of broken promises, and tired of paying the bill for Wall Street’s mismanagement and Washington’s failure to stand up and say enough. So am I and that’s why I won’t give up this fight.”

Read the full op-ed in Fox News HERE.

 

 

Fox News: Sens. Rick Scott, Elizabeth Warren propose to replace the Fed’s internal watchdog

Politico: Warren, Rick Scott push for independent Fed watchdog

Axios: Scott’s Solar Crusade

MarketWatch: Rick Scott and Elizabeth Warren team up to call for independent inspector for Fed, citing ‘gross mismanagement’

Zero Hedge: Rick Scott, Liz Warren Unveil Bipartisan Fed Oversight Bill

Reuters: US Sen Scott pushes for new Fed inspector general, slams Fed over bank regulation’

Reuters: Republican U.S. Senator Rick Scott, Democrat Warren unveil Fed oversight bill

The Hill: Sens. Rick Scott, Elizabeth Warren join forces for Federal Reserve oversight bill

Breitbart: Republican Rick Scott, Democrat Elizabeth Warren Unveil Federal Reserve Oversight Bill

Newsmax: Fed Needs Independent Inspector General

Investopedia: Senators Call for Independent Oversight of Fed

Florida Daily: Rick Scott, Elizabeth Warren Want Independent Inspector General Overseeing the Federal Reserve

Florida Daily: Florida Delegation Champions Effort to Have More Space Flights Launched on U.S. Soil

Florida Daily: Rick Scott, Scott Franklin Want Congress to Honor Turkey Unique to Florida 

The Floridian: Rick Scott Tackles Out-of-Control Federal Budget

The Floridian: Scott, Warren Join Forces, Introduce Bill to Monitor The Fed’s Decision Making

     

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Senator Scott’s Team in Pensacola

This week, Senator Scott’s team attended the West Florida Defense Alliance (WFDA) meeting in Pensacola. WFDA is the liaison between Florida’s military installations and the community.

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Senator Scott’s Team in Fort Myers

Senator Scott’s team also attended the Behavioral Health and Opioid Awareness Coffee & Connections event in Lee County.

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Senator Scott’s Team in Orlando

Additionally, Senator Scott’s team hosted a Veterans’ Town Hall at the Orlando VA Medical Center, where they met with constituents and received an update on VA programs.

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Senator Scott’s team also attended the official launch of the 2023 Florida Puerto Rican Parade in Orlando.

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Senator Scott’s Team in Winter Park

Another event Senator Scott’s team attended was the First Annual Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day Celebration in Winter Park.

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Legislative Update – March 17, 2023

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Greetings from Tallahassee!
On Friday. the Florida Legislature wrapped the second week of meetings of the 2023 Legislative Session.
The Florida Senate debated and discussed proposed policy both in committee meetings and on the Senate floor this week. Legislation focused on rebuilding local communities that suffer damage from hurricanes, upholding the parent’s right to choose the best school for their children, addressing labor shortages in workforce revitalization and protecting Florida from foreign threats.

 

Rebuilding After Natural Disasters
Wednesday, Senator Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers) presented Senate Bill 250 in the Senate Committee on Community Affairs where it passed with unanimous committee support. Senate Bill 250 assists local communities impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole with the recovery process while ensuring that Florida is better prepared to respond to future natural disasters. Senator Yarbrough presents Senate Bill 254 to the Senate Committee on Health Policy
This legislation among other things allows residents of devastated areas to stay on their land while rebuilding their homes, encourages local governments to develop an emergency financial plan, and requires the Division of Emergency Management to assist local governments and residents with the debris removal process.
Senate Bill 250 lays the groundwork for Floridians to recover stronger and faster in the case of future natural disasters.

Funding Students, Not Systems
Thursday, Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee) presented Senate Bill 202 in the Senate Appropriations Committee where it passed with strong committee support. Senate Bill 202 establishes universal school choice across the State of Florida, ensuring that Florida students receives an education that meets their unique needs.
This legislation expands Florida’s educational voucher program and allows every student in Florida to receive an education in a setting fit to their own individual needs. Through this legislation, families of students who fall below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL) will be prioritized, with a second priority for households with income below 400% of FPL, to receive an empowerment account to take education dollars earmarked for their child and choose among a variety of options to customize their child’s k-12 education.
Senate Bill 202 puts parents in the driver’s seat regarding their child’s education, provides parents and students with the full array of educational opportunities, and ensures that a child’s future is not determined by their zip-code. Through this legislation, Florida will continue to lead the way in education, delivering positive educational outcomes that result in lifelong success.

Reimagining Workforce Development
Tuesday, Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) presented Senate Bill 240 in the Senate Committee on Pre-K – 12 Education where it passed with unanimous committee support. Senate Bill 240 reimagines and revitalizes workforce development programs hosted within Florida’s schools.
Through a comprehensive approach, incorporating local businesses, community boards, and public schools, this legislation expands opportunities for middle and high school students to receive valuable career training while still enrolled in a Florida public school.
Senate Bill 240 revises current high school graduation requirements to place a specific emphasis on educational curriculum that is focused on technical education and career training. Additionally, this legislation establishes a program that allows local businesses to assess the job market for their specified region and collaborate with local schools to ensure that roles found to be of a greater need are greater emphasized in our educational system.
As the entire nation attempts to address labor shortages in key fields such as nursing and logistics, Florida will lead through innovative educational policies that benefit individual students and the economy as a whole.

Defending Florida from Foreign Threats
Tuesday, Senator Jay Collins (R-Tampa) presented Senate Bill 264 in the Senate Judiciary Committee where it passed with strong committee support. Senate Bill 264 prohibits foreign adversaries and companies funded by adversaries from purchasing agricultural land in the State of Florida.
Due to the growing threat of the Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to weaken America’s national security through strategic land purchases, it is critical that we protect the health of our agriculture industry. Senate Bill 264 ensures that America’s enemies will be strictly prohibited from purchasing agricultural land in the State of Florida. This is a crucial step to protect Florida’s food supply and broader security interests.

The Florida Senate and House will reconvene next Monday as legislative session continues.
Respectfully,
Kathleen

Kathleen C. Passidomo
Senate President
State Senator, District 28
Naples Office:
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Suite 203
Naples, FL 34112
239-417-6205
LaBelle Office:
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Room J-101
LaBelle, FL 33935
863-674-7122
Tallahassee Office:
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RPOF Newsletter: Gov. DeSantis Leads Nationwide Fight Against ESG

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Governor Ron DeSantis Leads Nationwide Fight Against ESG

 

Governor DeSantis Highlights Three Years of Florida’s Success

 

Governor Ron DeSantis Holds Higher Education Roundtable

Governor DeSantis Announces Unemployment Rate

LG Jeanette Nuñez Announces Space Art Contest

Attorney General Ashley Moody Warns about Tax Season Identity Theft

Wilton Simpson Proposes Tax Relief for Florida Farmers

 

CFO Jimmy Patronis: Don’t Bet on Black…Rock

Senator Rick Scott Sounds Alarm About Doing Business with China

Senators Scott and Rubio Re-File Daylight Saving Time Exemption Bill

Republican Party of Florida News

2023 Legislative Session News

Other News

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

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

 

RPOF Newsletter

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Governor Ron DeSantis Delivers State of the State Address


Governor DeSantis Exposes Book Ban Hoax


Attorney General Ashley Moody Secures Victory Over Planned Parenthood

 

AG Moody Wins Major Immigration Case; Federal Judge Sides with Florida, Agrees that Biden Broke the Border

CFO Jimmy Patronis Unveils 2023 Legislative Priorities

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Legislative Priorities

Republican Party of Florida News

 

2023 Legislative Session News

Other News

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

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

 

Senator Rick Scott March 10 Week In Review

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If President Biden cared about keeping the American Dream alive for our kids and grandkids, he would stand up and reject the failed, woke agenda that has clearly taken over his party. Unfortunately, the budget he proposed yesterday shows he has no interest in doing that.

Thankfully, today’s proposal from the House Freedom Caucus (HFC) marks a commitment to a return to fiscal sanity and accountability in Congress. It’s a responsible approach and stands in stark contrast to President Joe Biden’s multi-trillion dollar fairytale budget proposal that focuses only on more reckless spending, more debt and higher taxes.

I’m proud to see the HFC proposal incorporate strong ideas that make necessary changes to our broken ways of spending, including elements from my Let’s Get to Work Act to get the American people back in the workforce, protects defense spending to keep our military forces strong, and cuts millions of dollars in wasteful spending passed by a Democrat-run Washington like Biden’s 87,000 IRS agent army to go after struggling families and small businesses.

It also sets us on a pathway to GROW our economy by reducing burdensome regulations so that we can fully fund vital programs like Medicare and Social Security without Biden’s deceptive budget gimmicks and trillions in tax hikes on the American people.

For decades, Washington politicians in both parties have failed our country by allowing America to spend ourselves into a $31 trillion debt crisis. To continue that failed behavior is nothing but cowardice. I’ll be fighting to make sure that Republicans in the Senate do not cave to Democrats now. Florida families cannot afford inaction any longer.

Read more HERE. 

Sen. Rick Scott: Biden’s Budget Will Bankrupt Florida Families

Following the release of President Biden’s massively reckless $6.8 TRILLION budget proposal, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement.

Senator Rick Scott said, “If President Biden gave a damn about keeping the American Dream alive, he would stand up and reject the failed, woke agenda that has clearly taken over his party. The budget he proposed today shows he has no interest in doing that. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Biden likes to say, ‘show me your budget and I’ll show you what you value.’ The budget he proposed today shows the American people he doesn’t value them. If he did, he would get serious about rolling back burdensome regulations and focus on growing the economy so American business can create more, good paying jobs. Instead, he is sticking with his 87,000 IRS agent army to go after struggling families and small businesses. If he actually cared about families in the Sunshine State, and saving Social Security and Medicare, he would put forward a plan to balance the budget, start reducing our $31 TRILLION debt and end the reckless spending that is fueling skyrocketing inflation, driving up interest rates and pushing entitlement programs toward insolvency. Biden’s latest budget proposal does nothing but confirm what we already know: he is hopelessly powerless against the woke, socialist left. Yet another reason that Republicans in Washington need to STAND UP, stop caving to Democrats and demand a return to fiscal sanity.” 

Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Legislation to Hold Big Tech Accountable, Keep Teens Safe

Senator Rick Scott reintroduced his Safe Social Media Act and Data Algorithm and Transparency Agreement (DATA) Act to hold Big Tech companies accountable for the malicious content spread on their platforms and help keep teens safe while using social media. Last Congress, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky requesting information on CDC studies and actions to address the extended use of social media by American children and young adults, and its potential impact on their health and wellbeing.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Across America, kids are spending more time on the internet and on social media now than ever before. The terrible COVID lockdowns only exacerbated this problem. Now, social media companies are taking advantage of this to gather and sell Americans’ personal data, and manipulate impressionable young Americans with disastrous, and sometimes deadly, consequences. We must take action now to better understand the impacts of extended social media use on children and teens. My Safe Social Media Act and DATA Act will make sure the federal government studies the risks of extended social media use, and hold Big Tech accountable by requiring greater transparency regarding its collection of millions of young Americans’ data. I urge my colleagues to support both of these commonsense bills that will take the necessary steps to keep teens safe while using social media.”

Read more HERE.

Sens. Rick Scott, Roger Marshall Reintroduce Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act

Senators Rick Scott and Roger Marshall reintroduced the Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act, which would provide federal law enforcement with additional power to fight back against the drug cartels by formally designating them as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill follows yesterday’s tragic news that two of the four American citizens kidnapped in Tamaulipas, Mexico were killed by their captors. Read more in Fox News HERE.

Senator Rick Scott said, “For too long, Biden’s botched border policies have prioritized criminals and cartels over legal immigration and Americans’ safety. Dictators, cartels and bad guys around the world know that Biden is a weak appeaser with open border policies. They’re taking full advantage by trafficking evil drugs like fentanyl across the southern border, poisoning our communities and killing our loved ones. Those who knowingly distribute these highly lethal drugs are declaring war on Americans and deserve to be held accountable and classified as the terrorists they are.”

Read more HERE. 

Sens. Rick Scott and Jim Risch Demand U.S. Education Department Answer for Decades of Taxpayer Funded Antisemitism on College Campuses

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) in leading Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.) Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in writing a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona demanding answers for the federal funding of antisemitic activities on college campuses.

In the letter, the senators outline their concerns that the Department of Education is “failing to enforce a Higher Education Act, Title VI requirement,” which necessitates college programs that receive federal funds must “reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views.”

“We write with grave concern that the Department of Education, over the course of decades, has been allowing taxpayer-funded antisemitism to take place on college campuses throughout the United States,” wrote the senators. “The obsessive negative focus on Israel and the Jewish people is rampant on college campuses throughout the United States… Some universities may have even violated anti-terrorism laws by hosting convicted terrorists as speakers.”

 “Taxpayer dollars should not fund antisemitism on college campuses, and Jewish and pro-Israel students should not feel afraid for being Jewish and expressing support for Israel,” continued the senators.

Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE.

Sens. Rick Scott, Marsha Blackburn Introduce Legislation To Bolster Taiwan Defense Amid Tensions With CCP

Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Marsha Blackburn and Marco Rubio to introduce the Taiwan Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act. This legislation will support the United States’ partnership with Taiwan by authorizing a defense lend or lease program with the Government of Taiwan, in the case of preemptive aggression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Senator Rick Scott said, “Taiwan must have the capacity to defend itself against an invasion from Communist China. The brave Taiwanese people are a shining example of democracy in the Indo-Pacific—a stark contrast to Xi Jinping’s tyrannical regime that commits gross human rights abuses. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this good bill to strengthen Taiwanese forces and continue to show that we refuse to bow to Xi’s aggression.”

Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Speaks at Concordia Americas Summit on the Threats Posed by Communist China to Future Economic Freedom in Latin America

Senator Rick Scott spoke at the 2023 Concordia Summit of the Americas at the University of Miami regarding the threats to freedom and democracy in Latin America due to the growing influence of oppressive regimes, like Communist China, Russia and Iran, in the Western Hemisphere. Senator Scott has been a staunch advocate for freedom-loving people across Latin America, and continues fighting to bring awareness to the serious issues that are threatening economic stability and prosperity in the region.

Read Senator Scott’s full remarks as prepared delivered HERE. 

Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Troy Nehls Lead Colleagues in Letter to NBA Commissioner Concerning Chinese Influence on NBA

Senator Rick Scott and Congressman Troy Nehls led members of the House of Representatives and Senate in sending a letter to National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner, Adam Silver, sharing concerns about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda being broadcasted and promoted at NBA games. The letter, signed by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Congressmen Kevin Hern (R-OK-01), Byron Donalds (R-FL-19), Greg Steube (R-FL-17), Burgess Owens (R-UT-04), Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01), and Lauren Boebert (R-CO-03) highlights a recorded video message from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang that was broadcasted to thousands of fans in attendance at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden’s Inflation Crisis

Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America’s debt crisis and rising inflation. Following the release of President Biden’s massively reckless $6.8 TRILLION budget proposal Senator Scott released the following statement. Furthermore, earlier today, Senator Rick Scott applauded the House Freedom Caucus’ (HFC) proposal to make significant structural spending reform, claw back wasteful spending and end Washington’s reckless misuse of taxpayer dollars as part of negotiations on the debt ceiling.

Senator Rick Scott said, “If President Biden gave a damn about keeping the American Dream alive, he would stand up and reject the failed, woke agenda that has clearly taken over his party. The budget he proposed today shows he has no interest in doing that. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Biden likes to say, ‘show me your budget and I’ll show you what you value.’ The budget he proposed today shows the American people he doesn’t value them. If he did, he would get serious about rolling back burdensome regulations and focus on growing the economy so American business can create more, good paying jobs. Instead, he is sticking with his 87,000 IRS agent army to go after struggling families and small businesses. If he actually cared about families in the Sunshine State, and saving Social Security and Medicare, he would put forward a plan to balance the budget, start reducing our $31 TRILLION debt and end the reckless spending that is fueling skyrocketing inflation, driving up interest rates and pushing entitlement programs toward insolvency. Biden’s latest budget proposal does nothing but confirm what we already know: he is hopelessly powerless against the woke, socialist left. Yet another reason that Republicans in Washington need to STAND UP, stop caving to Democrats and demand a return to fiscal sanity.” 

Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.

March Clerk of Courts Update

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February was a great month with our Valentine’s Day group wedding! Look inside our March 2023 newsletter for some great photos of our attendees. A BIG THANK YOU to our sponsors that helped to make this event possible, please thank them if you can use their services, they are truly community partners.  

I just returned from the statewide Clerk’s Executive meeting where we discussed Clerks’ budgets and pending legislation that might provide some relief.

House Bill 977 and Senate Bill 1130 have been put forward to provide funds to help cover Clerk’s services.

“Affordable” “Workforce” Solutions?

I’ve been having discussions with our staff regarding “affordable” or “workforce” housing in Collier County.  Many of our staff have been here for years, and we have been fortunate to hire a few to replace retirees. My question is how are those who are here doing it?

Golden Gate Golf Course Development Projects

In July 2019, Collier County purchased the Golden Gate Golf Course, located at the intersection of Collier Boulevard and Golden Gate Parkway, from its owners for $29.1 million with the goal of preventing it from being over-developed and with requests to maintain a public golf course.

Collier County Taxpayers Should Benefit from $30 Million Escrow Account

After the acquisition of the Golden Gate Golf Course property in 2019, Collier County Commissioners met with the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) to discuss their progress in raising the 35% mandated state construction match. In October 2021, FDVA visited the property to assess whether it would be an ideal location.

Collier County Clerk to host the 6th ‘Operation Green Light’ on March 25 at Heritage Bay

Each year Clerks hold an annual driver’s license reinstatement event, known as Operation Green Light. Through this event, drivers have an opportunity to fully pay overdue court fines or apply for a financial plan without paying additional collection fees. Thousands of people are eligible for the program each year, but in a typical year only between 20-35 people take advantage of the program locally.

Learn more

Accessing Collier County Courts’ Self-Help Center

Clerk’ Offices across the state of Florida, including Collier County, offer self-help programs for individuals that choose to represent themselves in court, regardless of their financial situation. In Collier County’s self-help center, computers are available for individuals to fill out the necessary forms for civil and family court matters.

Find your Pot of Gold this St. Patrick’s Day
Check to see if you have Unclaimed Funds 

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and in addition to the Irish and green-themed festivities, one of the most iconic characters during this special day is the leprechaun and his pot of gold coins. While hunting for an actual pot of gold coins sounds like a fun activity, you don’t really have to look far to find money that is rightfully yours.

I was proud to open the 53rd Annual Everglades Seafood Festival with Everglades City Mayor Howe Grimm 

Welcome, Michael Netti!

Michael Netti is the newest addition to our growing team. He will be serving as Director of Recording and Clerk’s Accounting for the Collier County Clerk of Courts. As Director of Recording and Clerk’s Accounting, he is tasked with streamlining access, storage, retention, and disposal of all records within the Clerk’s office and the implementation of new strategies for a more efficient recording system. He originally came from Columbus, Ohio and had received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the Ohio State University.

He moved to Southwest Florida in 2016 to continue his career and be closer to his immediate family. His professional leadership experience includes 13 years of leadership serving in roles such as project manager, general manager, and director for multiple private-sector companies. His passion is leading and developing teams to better serve the public. He enjoys exploring the many parks, beaches, and dining that Collier County has to offer with his wife. They also adopted a retired racing greyhound six years ago and love spending time with her.

Christopher Day welcomed to 2023 FGFOA Leadership Class VI

Collier County Clerk Crystal K. Kinzel is pleased to share that Christopher Day, Financial Analyst of the Clerk’s Office, has been invited to join the 2023 Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FGFOA) Leadership Class. Out of many aspiring applicants from all over the state, he was one of the 20 chosen individuals to join the FGFOA Leadership Class VI.

As the Chair of the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Bylaws Committee, I was pleased to share an update with our members around the state of Florida

The Luck of the Draw has Changed

Jury selection is vital to our country’s justice system. It allows the court to randomly select citizens to participate in a court proceeding without gender, age, nationality, or racial bias. Administering jury selection is one of the statutory duties of the County Clerk of the Court in Florida. Since the establishment of the Collier County Courthouse 100 years ago, the role of the jury and the methods for selecting its members have greatly evolved.​

Learn more

Would you like Clerk Kinzel to speak at one of your upcoming events?

Email cyndee.woolley@collierclerk.com to confirm a date!

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