Volume 5 Number 20
May 16, 2008

This week wildfires ravaged parts of Central Florida, damaging property, homes and land. A State of Emergency was declared on Monday, and the brave men and women of the fire service responded heroically. Because of their valiant efforts, countless homes, buildings, and lives were saved. State Fire Marshal Alex Sink toured the wildfire areas on Tuesday, encouraging state and local authorities to continue fighting the fires while aggressively investigating the causes.

State Fire Marshal Alex Sink dispatched eleven Fire Investigators and equipment to the area to assist local law enforcement, Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in the investigation of the wildland fires in Brevard County.

Investigators suspect arson in many of the fires and apprehended a subject this week suspected in at least one case. Arson is a serious criminal act that can destroy lives and property. Throughout the state last week, the State Fire Marshal’s office held events recognizing Arson Awareness Week, in an effort to inform and engage the public in fire prevention and preparation. For more information on the role of the State Fire Marshal visit http://www.myfloridacfo.com/sfm/.

 

 


 

CFO SINK OFFERS INSURANCE ADVICE TO FLORIDIANS AFFECTED BY FIRES

This past week as wildfires threatened homes in Brevard, Volusia and Glades Counties, CFO Sink offered the following insurance advice to homeowners affected by the wildfires:

  • If forced to evacuate your home, let your agent or insurance company know your temporary forwarding address and phone number.

  • Keep all receipts for meals, lodging and other expenses directly due to being evacuated and call your agent to find out if the Additional Living Expense coverage on your homeowners policy applies.

  • If you return to find your home damaged, call your insurance agent immediately and make emergency repairs to prevent further damage. Document the damage and repairs in writing and with receipts and photos.

  • Maintain copies of your household inventory and other documentation, including photos, to assist the adjuster in assessing the value of the destroyed property.

    For help contacting your agent or insurance company regarding filing a claim, or to ensure that an insurance adjuster you are dealing with is licensed, call the department's Consumer Helpline at 1-877-My-FL-CFO.

  • Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses. Hire licensed and reputable service people

CFO SINK: PASCO COUNTY COUPLE ARRESTED FOR STEALING NEARLY $200,000 FROM AN 89-YEAR OLD WOMAN
 
Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced the arrest of a Pasco County couple for allegedly deceiving an 89-year-old woman out of nearly $200,000 and using it toward the purchase of a million dollar home.

The couple faces four felony charges: grand theft over $100,000, crimes against the elderly, conspiracy, and operating an unlicensed and false entity as a conduit to defraud their victims.

“This is a horrendous example of two people who preyed upon a senior who trusted them with her life savings,” said CFO Sink. “I commend our insurance fraud detectives for their work in going after criminals who defraud our seniors and bringing them to justice.” CONTINUED

CFO Sink and BBC's Nik Gowing

Eric Boessenkool, Directorate General for Water of the Netherlands Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, with CFO Sink
 
AMSTERDAM CONFERENCE FEATURES CFO SINK ON BBC WORLD DEBATE

CFO Alex Sink was invited to attend the Amsterdam Global Conference on Sustainability and Transparency, where over 1,000 international thought leaders, experts and practitioners on the topic of sustainability and transparency convened for three days of lively discussion sponsored by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the City of Amsterdam. Her trip was sponsored and supported by the non-profit organization GRI.  Climate change is topping the international agenda and fueling debate about sustainability, particularly the role of business in mitigating its efforts.

The diverse and engaging program culminated in a BBC World News Debate that will be broadcast on the BBC World News channel this weekend, moderated by BBC presenter Nik Gowing. As a member of the panel, CFO Sink discussed the financial risks of climate change for investors.

Left to right, CFO Sink, BBC's Nik Gowing and Deputy Chief of Staff Kathy Baughman McLeod of CFO Sink's office.

The debate topic: "How accountable is business?"

The World Debate asks whether companies, already forced to report on their finances, should also have to reveal details of their impact on the environment and society? How transparent do we expect companies to be and can we trust them to come clean? Can openness and profitability go hand in hand?


The panel : Alessandro Carlucci, CEO Natura; Gerd Leipold, Executive Director of Greenpeace International; Maud Olofsson, Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden; Sir Michael Rake, Chairman of British Telecom; Florida CFO Alex Sink and Bruno Prior, Director of Summerleaze, a renewable energy company.

My Safe Florida Home

 MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM NEARS 35,000 GRANTS
Program will continue offering free wind inspections until it reaches goal of 400,000

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program is projecting it will exceed the Florida Legislature’s goal of approving 35,000 homeowners for grants by the end of May.  The first-come, first-served program will stop accepting new grant applications at that time. MSFH will continue to work with homeowners currently making improvements to their homes.

The MSFH program will transition to an inspection-focused program beginning June 2008, offering free wind inspections for eligible homeowners until it reaches the Legislature’s goal of performing 400,000 inspections or until the program sunsets in June 2009.

"With hurricane season less than one month away, I encourage Floridians to sign up for a free wind inspection to learn how to harden their homes against hurricane damage,” said CFO Alex Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services. “The response from homeowners has been overwhelming, and I thank the Legislature for creating this program and allowing us to enable more than 35,000 Floridians to make their homes more storm-resistant.” CONTINUED
 


CLYDE GASKINS RECOGNIZED BY CFO SINK FOR FIFTY YEARS IN STATE GOVERNMENT 

At this week's Cabinet meeting, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink offered a resolution honoring Clyde Gaskins, who has been a state employee in Florida in the Department’s of Insurance, General Services and Financial Services for the past 50 years.

Gaskins began his career with the State of Florida in 1958, in the former Department of Insurance with a beginning salary of $225 per month. Gaskins has outlasted 12 Governors and eight Insurance Commissioners. According to the Division of Retirement, there are only five state employees on the retired payroll who have had more years of service than Clyde.

During his many years in the data processing area, Clyde Gaskins has observed significant innovations in hardware and software technologies, as well as milestones in areas such as commercial applications and artificial intelligence.

Serving the State of Florida with distinction, Clyde Gaskins has earned the respect and admiration of his peers, his community and the State of Florida. And, Clyde has no plans to retire! CONTINUED

Dominic Calabro of Florida TaxWatch addressed the Cabinet meeting about the Prudential Financial Davis Productivity Awards on Tuesday.
CFO SINK RECOGNIZES PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL DAVIS PRODUCTIVITY AWARDS

At a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink offered a resolution recognizing the Prudential Financial Davis Productivity Awards, which honors state employees who increase public service productivity and promote innovative ideas.

 Once a year, the Davis Productivity Awards recognize employees who have gone beyond the call of duty to provide efficient and high quality service. The awards promote innovation and maximize service to Floridians.



This year marks the 20th year for the Davis Productivity Awards, presented by Prudential Financial. Since its inception, more than 12,000 state employees have been nominated for producing $5.9 billion dollars of added value to Florida’s taxpayers. CONTINUED

Money-Smart
Idea of the Week

Idea: Fight Leaks
 Your expensive cooled air might be leaking right out of your house through drafty windows and doors. Your heating and air conditioning ducts are another way that cool air can be easily lost, making your air conditioner work harder than it should.  Insulating and sealing windows and doors will save energy costs in summer and winter months.  Many air conditioning and heating ducts may develop leaks over time. Have your ducts properly sealed and insulated and you could save as much as 10% in energy costs according to the Environmental Protection Agency. If you think your duct system is leaky, have it checked out by a Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) technician.

CFO SPONSORS CABINET RESOLUTION ON BIKE FLORIDA AND 15 YEARS OF RIDING

At this week's meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink offered a resolution recognizing Bike Florida, a not-for profit organization dedicated to providing education and awareness programs, promoting bicycle safety and offering bicycling opportunities for Floridians and visitors. Established in 1994, Bike Florida encourages bicycling as an alternative mode of travel with the increased awareness of climate change impacts and expense of individual fossil-fuel-related travel.

Bicycling is a low cost recreational activity that can be appreciated at any age and provides an excellent physical activity that increases heart health.



Florida’s system of greenways and trails, funded by preservation dollars, allow bicyclists to utilize hundreds of miles of access in a safe and aesthetically beautiful environment.  Bike Florida is celebrating its 15th year of providing springtime week-long bicycling tours throughout Florida with an emphasis on visiting rural communities. CONTINUED
CFO SINK ADDRESSES LAW DAY IN WAKULLA COUNTY

Monday marked the 16th Annual Seafood Cookout in honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation Month in Wakulla County. CFO Sink joined Wakulla County Sheriff David Harvey, Wakulla Bank President and event sponsor Walter Dodson, and local residents in honoring three law enforcement officers for their excellence during 2008.

  • Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – 2008
    Sgt./ Lt. of Road Patrol Ronald Cexton “Boonie” Mitchell, Wakulla County Sheriffs Office
  • Correctional Officer of the Year – 2008
    Booking Sgt. Julie Martin, Wakulla County Sheriffs Office
  • Citizens-Volunteers in support of law enforcement for 2008
    Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and the men & women of the Sheriff’s Reserve Unit    .

THE GREATER NAPLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES CFO SINK 

CFO Sink spoke to a crowd of about 100 at a Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Thursday, addressing the current economic climate in Florida, the most recent legislative session, and financial risks facing Floridians.

CFO Sink thanked chamber members for their contributions to our state. The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, an organization of more than 1,700 members representing some 67,000 employees, plays a crucial role in promoting the area's business and professional community through public policy and business advocacy, leadership programs, executive business forums and sessions, and enhanced member benefits and service. 

Read more about the event in the Naples Daily News,  Light at end of Florida’s economic tunnel exists but still far away, state officials says  
 
VISIT TO THE AVE MARIA COMMUNITY

CFO Sink took a tour of the Ave Maria community and spent much of the time on the environmental aspects, learning more about the Rural Lands Stewardship Program

From left to right, Tom Jones, Blake Gable, CFO Sink, and Katie Sproul,  at the Ave Maria community in eastern Collier County. All three accompanying the CFO are with the Barron Collier Company.

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