MANATEE COUNTY FLORIDA May 21,2013

The Honorable Rick Scott Governor of Florida The Capitol 400 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001

Dear Governor Scott:

I am writing to you on behalf of Manatee County to express our sincere appreciation for the strong funding support for Florida's beaches in your 2013-14 Recommended Budget, and to request your continued support for SB 1500, the General Appropriations Act's response to 2012 storm damages and other statewide beach management responsibilities that is in keeping with your funding recommendation.

The repair of 15 federally-authorized Army Corps of Engineers projects is unprecedented, leveraging a federal cost-share of 70 percent of total costs with the non-federal portion shared equally between the state and local government. The budget also provides additional dollars for non-federal beach and dune repair from Hurricane Sandy damages in the absence of FEMA funding. In line-item appropriation 1626 for statewide beach projects, our Manatee County Anna Maria Island Shore Protection project is included. As you have fully recognized, this leveraged response in the GAA will minimize the risk to tourism that is leading the economic recovery in our coastal communities and statewide, and will reduce the vulnerability of miles of beaches, public infrastructure and upland development to future storm events.

We recognize and greatly appreciate your ongoing support for our beaches and what they mean to the State of Florida and Manatee County's economy, jobs and way of life.

Sincerely, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA ~7si~ CHAIRMAN cc: Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County Administrator Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Natural Resources Director Nicholas Azzara, Manatee Information Outreach Coordinator Cari Roth, Esq., Bryant, Miller, Olive Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: P. 0. Box 1000 Street Address: 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000 WEB : www.mymanatee.org * PHONE: 941.745.3707 * FAX: 941.745.3790

LARRY BUSTLE * MICHAEL GALLEN* JOHN R. CHAPPlE* ROBIN DiSABATINO* VANESSA BAUGH * CAROL WHITMORE * BETSY BENAC District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 MANATEE COUNTY FLORIDA

May 21,2013

The Honorable Sen. Nancy Detert SuiteD 417 Commercial Court Venice, FL 34292

Re: Your efforts to obtain funding for Nathan Henderson Park during the 2013 Legislative Session

Dear Senator Detert:

On behalf of the Manatee County Commission, I'm writing to thank you for your ongoing support for the Nathan Benderson Park and for helping to obtain state funding to help complete the facility.

I have signed a letter of support for this funding allocation to Gov. Rick Scott. As you know, the facility has been selected as the entry representing the United States and is one of two finalists to host the 2017 World Rowing Championships by the International Federation of Rowing Association. We are optimistic for a positive outcome when the bid award is issued in September, 2013. This demonstration of state support significantly strengthens our final bid submittal to host the 2017 World Championship.

Hosting the 2017 World Rowing Championships will result in significant economic development in our region and will bring worldwide recognition to Florida as a sports and recreational destination. The selection will put the facility in the running for other international rowing competitions along with other sports such as canoe/kayak and Olympic Long Distance Triathlons. We believe the influx of athletes, trainers and spectators will generate jobs and state revenues for decades to come.

Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: P. 0 . Box 1000 Street Address: 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000 WEB: www.mymanatee.org * PHONE: 941.745.3707 * FAX: 941.745.3790

LARRY BUSTLE * MICHAEL GALLEN * JOHN R. CHAPPlE * ROBIN DiSABATINO * VANESSA BAUGH * CAROL WlllTMORE * BETSY BENAC District I District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Sen. Nancy Detert May 21,2013 Page 2

The Rowing and Aquatics Sports Center at Henderson Park is being developed as a world class facility for rowing, and other water based training and competition. The facility has already attracted enormous participation from international, national and regional competitors and utilization of the facility has far exceeded expectations. The facility has also become a remarkable model for how two counties can work together to achieve regional success. Here's hoping that success will eventually become international in scope.

Sincerely,

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA

LARRYBUST E CHAIRMAN

Cc: Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County Administrator Dan Schlandt, Manatee Deputy County Administrator Elliott Falcione, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Nicholas Azzara, Manatee Information Outreach Coordinator Cari Roth, Esq., Bryant, Miller, Olive Paul Blackketter, President, Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates MANATEE COUNTY FLORIDA

May 21,2013

The Honorable Sen. Bill Galvano 1023 Manatee Ave. W. Suite 201 Bradenton, FL 34205

Re: Appreciation for your efforts and support for Manatee County issues during the 2013 Legislative Session

Dear Senator Galvano:

On behalf of the Manatee County Commission, I would like to congratulate you on a successful session in Tallahassee and thank you for your efforts assisting Manatee County with our legislative priorities during the 2013 session. A special thanks for your assistance on Manatee's phosphate severance tax issue. Without your persistence, we would be unable to capitalize on an important revenue source to maintain many of our community's most treasured conservation lands.

We wish you support in your continued efforts to revise the administration and use of E911 fees. As Florida's prepaid wireless services continue to expand, we agree with the importance of finding a way to include these customers in funding E911 services. Without asking these customers to help share in the cost to operate E911 systems, landline and non-prepaid wireless customers will continue to foot the entire bill.

A special thanks, also, to your legislative assistant Kathy Galea who is always responsive to our concerns and requests. On several occasions she has reached out to the county to ask how certain legislation will impact our community, and we value the opportunity to pass along our input on these topics. She's a tremendous asset and an excellent public servant.

Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: P. 0. Box 1000 Street Address: 11 12 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000 WEB: www.mymanatee.org * PHONE: 941.745.3707 * FAX: 941.745.3790

LARRY BUSTLE* MICHAEL GALLEN * JOHN R. CHAPPlE * ROBIN DiSABATINO* VANESSA BAUGH* CAROL WHITMORE* BETSY BENAC District I District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Sen. Bill Galvano May 21,2013 Page2

As a freshman senator, you have picked up where you left off as one of our state's brightest leaders and a tremendous consensus builder. We are pleased you are back in Tallahassee representing our community and we wish you success in the 2014 session and beyond.

Thank you again for all you do. If we can ever be of assistance to you serving our community, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA

~~LARRY BUSTLE CHAIRMAN cc: Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County Administrator Nicholas Azzara, Manatee Information Outreach Coordinator Cari Roth, Esq., Bryant, Miller, Olive MANATEE COUNTY FLORIDA

May 21,2013

The Honorable Rep. Doug Holder 8486 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34238

Re: Your efforts to obtain funding for Nathan Henderson Park during the 2013 Legislative Session

Dear Representative Holder:

On behalf of the Manatee County Commission, I'm writing to thank you for your ongoing support for the Nathan Henderson Park and for helping to obtain state funding to help complete the facility.

I will be signing a letter of support for this funding allocation to Gov. Rick Scott. As you know, the facility has been selected as the entry representing the United States and is one of two finalists to host the 2017 World Rowing Championships by the International Federation of Rowing Association. We are optimistic for a positive outcome when the bid award is issued in September, 2013. This demonstration of state support significantly strengthens our final bid submittal to host the 2017 World Championship.

Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: P. 0. Box 1000 Street Address: 111 2 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000 WEB: www.mymanatee.org * PHONE: 941.745.3707 * FAX: 941.745.3790

LARRY BUSTLE * MICHAEL GALLEN * JOHN R. CHAPPlE * ROBIN DiSABATINO * VANESSA BAUGH * CAROL WHITMORE * BETSY BENAC District I District 2 District 3 District4 District S District6 District 7 Rep. Doug Holder May 21,2013 Page2

The Rowing and Aquatics Sports Center at Benderson Park is being developed as a world class facility for rowing, and other water based training and competition. The facility has already attracted enormous participation from international, national and regional competitors and utilization of the facility has far exceeded expectations. The facility has also become a remarkable model for how two counties can work together to achieve regional success. Here's hoping that success will eventually become international in scope.

Sincerely,

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA :-:~ CHAIRMAN cc: Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County Administrator Dan Schlandt, Manatee Deputy County Administrator Elliott Falcione, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Nicholas Azzara, Manatee Information Outreach Coordinator Cari Roth, Esq., Bryant, Miller, Olive Paul Blackketter, President, Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates MANATEE COUNTY FLORIDA

May 21,2013

The Honorable Rep. Jimmy Patronis Suite A 455 Harrison A venue. Panama City, FL 32401

RE: Your efforts to assist Manatee County as part of HB 999

Dear Representative Patronis:

On behalf of the Manatee County Commission, I would like to thank you for including Manatee's phosphate severance tax request as part of your successful HB 999. I will be sending a letter of support for HB 999 to Gov. Rick Scott in hopes that he will give final approval to the bill.

When shaping Manatee County's legislative priorities last fall, our Board unanimously decided to ask for state assistance clarifying statutes that determine how phosphate severance tax proceeds can be spent. Currently phosphate revenue taxes are very limited in how they can be spent in Manatee County. You allowed HB 999 to be amended to include language to broaden its scope of allowable expenditures to services in support of the phosphate industry, "including environmental education . . . maintenance and restoration of reclaimed lands and county-owned environmental lands which were formerly phosphate lands."

Without your support we would have been unable to achieve this significant victory for our community. Thank you again and please let me know if Manatee County can ever be of assistance in your public service efforts.

Sincerely,

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA

LARRYBU TLE CHAIRMAN

cc: Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County Administrator Nicholas Azzara, Manatee Information Outreach Coordinator Cari Roth, Esq., Bryant, Miller, Olive Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: P. 0. Box 1000 Street Address: lll2 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000 WEB: www.mymanatee.org * PHONE: 941.745.3707 *FAX: 941.745.3790

LARRY BUSTLE * MICHAEL GALLEN* JOHN R. CHAPPlE* ROBIN DiSABATINO * VANESSA BAUGH * CAROL WlllTMORE * BETSY BENAC District I District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 MANATEE COUNTY FLORIDA

May21, 2013

Cari Roth, Esq. 101 North Monroe Street, Suite 900 Tallahassee, FL 32301

Re: Appreciation for your efforts to assist Manatee County during the 2013 Legislative Session

Dear Ms. Roth:

On behalf of the Manatee County Commission, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation for your significant efforts on behalf of Manatee County Government. You have always been a tremendous advocate for us in Tallahassee, but this year your efforts truly stood out.

Working with county staff, you spearheaded Manatee's phosphate severance tax issue which successfully passed both chambers as part of HB 999. Without your determination and ability to bring consensus from a diverse group of stakeholders, we would have been unable to capitalize on an important revenue source to maintain many of our community's most treasured conservation lands.

You were instrumental in securing nearly $7 million in state funding for important community projects including Manatee's wastewater clarifier project, Nathan Henderson Park and beach renourishment. And you've gone the extra mile to assist in obtaining final funding approval from the Governor's office.

On the topic of pain management clinics, you worked closely with House and Senate sponsors to ensure that local ordinances to regulate pain management clinics were not preempted by the state. You also helped extend state funding for Prescription Drug Monitoring Program which is another tool helping to curb the epidemic of prescription drug addition and abuse.

Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: P. 0 . Box 1000 Street Address: 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000 WEB: www.mymanatee.org * PHONE: 941.745.3707 * FAX: 941.745.3790

LARRY BUSTLE * MICHAEL GALLEN * JOHN R. CHAPPlE * ROBIN DiSABATINO * VANESSA BAUGH * CAROL WHITMORE * BETSY BENAC District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Ms. Cari Roth May 21, 2013 Page 2

During separate visits to Tallahassee this session, you scheduled meetings with busy Manatee County Delegation members and key state staff to bring additional awareness to our top legislative priorities. Thanks to these meetings, we feel we made important headway on our issues.

Finally, thanks to you and Jon Bussey for helping to address our concerns regarding the dangerous intersection at U.S. 301 near 24th Ave. E. We hope your efforts to bring awareness of the situation to FDOT will result in a safer roadway for our community.

In short, this was Manatee County's most successful legislative session in many years thanks in large part to your efforts. Thank you again for your steadfast service to Manatee County and for always being responsive to our input, requests and concerns. We appreciate all you do for our community.

Sincerely,

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA

cc: Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County Administrator Karen Windon, Manatee Deputy County Administrator Dan Schlandt, Manatee Deputy County Attorney Mitchell Palmer, Manatee County Attorney Rob Eschenfelder, Manatee Deputy County Attorney Dan Gray, Manatee County Utilities Director Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Natural Resources Director Ron Schulhofer, Manatee County Public Works Director Elliot Falcione, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Nicholas Azzara, Manatee Information Outreach Coordinator MANATEE COUNTY FLORIDA May 21,2013

The Honorable Rep. Greg Steube Unit A 722 Apex Road Sarasota, FL 34240 Re: Appreciation for your efforts to assist Manatee County during the 2013 Legislative Session Dear Representative Steube: On behalf of the Manatee County Commission, I would like to congratulate you on a successful session in Tallahassee and thank you for your efforts assisting Manatee County with our legislative priorities during the 2013 session. A special thanks for your assistance on Manatee's phosphate severance tax issue. Without your persistence, we would be unable to capitalize on an important revenue source to maintain many of our community's most treasured conservation lands.

Thank you also for making time to hear our priorities and input both prior to the session and during our visits to Tallahassee. We realize you're at your busiest during the legislative session, but you've always found time to spend with us listening to our concerns. For these reasons and many more, you are a great advocate and representative for our community.

Sincerely, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA

cc: Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County Administrator Nicholas Azzara, Manatee Information Outreach Coordinator Ron Koper, Manatee County Public Safety Interim Director Cari Roth, Esq., Bryant, Miller, Olive

Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: P. 0 . Box 1000 Street Address: 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000 WEB: www.mymanatee.org * PHONE: 941.745.3707 * FAX: 941.745.3790

LARRY BUSTLE * MICHAEL GALLEN * JOHN R. CHAPPlE * ROBIN DiSABATINO * VANESSA BAUGH * CAROL WIDTMORE * BETSY BENAC District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 MANATEE COUNTY FLORIDA May 21,2013

The Honorable Rep. Jim Boyd Suite 100 717 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, FL 34205

Re: Appreciation for your significant efforts to assist Manatee County during the 2013 Legislative Session

Dear Representative Boyd:

On behalf of the Manatee County Commission, I would like to congratulate you on a successful session in Tallahassee and thank you for your significant efforts assisting Manatee County with our legislative priorities during the 2013 session. We're especially appreciative for your help bringing state dollars back to our community and for your assistance with Manatee's phosphate severance tax issue. Without your persistence, we would be unable to capitalize on an important revenue source to maintain many of our community's most treasured conservation lands.

You were instrumental in obtaining a significant state funding allocation for Manatee County's wastewater reclamation project which will greatly improve local reclaimed water quality. We learned of available state funding late in the session and relied heavily on you to convey to your colleagues the importance of our project among many others. Thank you for taking time with staff to learn about and to become a champion for this project.

You also played a key role in obtaining state funding for Florida's beaches in next year's budget. These dollars will help address 2012 storm damages and other statewide beach management responsibilities. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support for our beaches and what they mean to the State of Florida and Manatee County's economy, jobs and way of life.

Thank you also for making time for our priorities and input prior to the session and during our visits to Tallahassee. We realize you're at your busiest during the legislative session, but you've always found time to spend with us listening to our concerns. For these reasons and many more, you are a tremendous advocate and representative for our community.

Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: P. 0 . Box 1000 Street Address: 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000 WEB: www.mymanatee.org * PHONE: 941.745.3707 *FAX: 941.745.3790

LARRY BUSTLE *MICHAEL GALLEN* JOHN R. CHAPPlE * ROBIN DiSABATINO • VANESSA BAUGH* CAROL WHITMORE * BETSY BENAC District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 ni

Finally, congratulations on successful efforts on ethics reform, state elections and with the Manufacturing Competitiveness Act. It is clear to us that House leadership puts great confidence in your abilities to carry important legislation to the finish line. You have become a House leader on many prominent issues and we look forward to great things from you for years to come.

Thank you again for all your help. We look forward to working with you again throughout the year in public service to our community.

Sincerely,

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA ~~ CHAIRMAN cc: Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County Administrator Nicholas Azzara, Manatee Information Outreach Coordinator Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee Natural Resources Director Cari Roth, Esq., Bryant, Miller, Olive Manatee County Government Administrative Center Commission Chambers, First Floor 9:00 a.m. - May 21, 2013

REVISED May 21, 2013 - Regular Meeting Agenda Item #38

Subject 2013 Legislative Report

Briefings None

Contact and/or Presenter Information Information Outreach Coordinator Nicholas Azzara, ext. 3771

Action Requested Approve letters of appreciation to be sent by Chairman on behalf of the Manatee County Commission

Enabling/Regulating Authority

Background Discussion The 2013 Legislative Session ended May 3, marking the end of a 60-day period when state lawmakers tackled elections and ethics reform and passed the biggest budget in state history which includes funding for several Manatee County projects. Among these was a $1 million allocation for the Manatee County Southwest Water Reclamation Facility.

Manatee County's contracted state lobbyist Cari Roth will brief the Board on these and several other major issues that passed during another busy legislative session.

County Attorney Review Not Reviewed (No apparent legal issues)

Explanation of Other

Reviewing Attorney N/A

Instructions to Board Records Return original signed letters to Nicholas Azzara - Snt ltrs via interoffice to NA - 5/22/13 - SS

Cost and Funds Source Account Number and Name None

Amount and Frequency of Recurring Costs None

Manatee County Government Administrative Center Commission Chambers, First Floor 9:00 a.m. - May 21, 2013

Attachment: 0521 Governor Beach funding support.pdf Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Boyd.pdf Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Detert.pdf Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Galvano.pdf Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Holder.pdf Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Patronis.pdf Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Roth.pdf Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Steube.pdf Attachment: 05.21.13 all letters.pdf