DOCSLIB.ORG

Representative Kevin Ambler Named Legislator of the Year FALA Files

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Representative Kevin Ambler Named Legislator of the Year FALA Files newsvolume 13 issue 2 FALApromoting excellence in assisted living l fall 2009 Representative Kevin Ambler Named Legislator of the Year ALA was pleased to present the Legislator of the Year award to Representative Kevin Ambler at the Annual Conference this year. Representative Ambler represents District 47 which is Northwest Hillsborough County Fand was elected to the House of Representatives in 2002 and reelected subsequently. Representative Ambler served on the Health Care Appropriations Committee this year and was instrumental in expanding the number of diversion slots that were added to the budget. He has been an outstanding legislator that has demonstrated his commitment to the seniors of Florida. Representative Kevin Ambler has received numerous awards and recognitions from Associated Industries of Florida Ports Council, American Association of School Boards, The Florida Bar, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Association of Area Agency on Aging, and more. FALA Files Rule Challenge fter more than a year of rule workshops for the Long Term Care Ombudsman rule with no agreement on the proposed Administrative Assessment Form, FALA has filed a rule challenge. The form which proposes Ausing complaint codes and combines assisted living, adult family care homes and nursing homes on one form has been at the center of the debate. Unfortunately, none of our suggestions have been considered and we are left with only one option – to challenge the rule. This means that the proposed rule, specifically dealing with the Administrative Assessment will go before an Administrative Law Judge for a hearing. We expect a hearing to be scheduled sometime in March 2010. John Gilroy is representing FALA and FAHSA in this proceeding. If you would like to see a copy of the proposed rule and form please contact the FALA office. We will be happy to email a copy to you. 2010 Legislative Priorities Elimination of Specialty Licenses FALA supports the elimination of the Limited Nursing Services (LNS) license and the Extended Congregate Care (ECC) license. These licenses are outdated and in many instances vague and misleading with a lot of duplication. These licenses are confusing to providers as well as consumers and serve no purpose. The LNS and ECC licenses were implemented to allow certain nursing services in assisted living facilities for the purpose of aging in place. In many instances, facilities that have these licenses do not even have a nurse on staff. Many times, the facility simply has the license (LNS or ECC) to be able to participate in the Assisted Living for the Elderly Waiver. FALA supports allowing nurses in assisted living facilities to be able to provide services that are currently under the rule and law for LNS and ECC licenses. Maintain/Increase Funding for the following programs: Assistive Care Services Waiver, Assisted Living for the Elderly Waiver, and Nursing Home Diversion In accordance with FALA’s mission, ensuring that residents are placed in the most appropriate setting is vital to the well being of Florida’s elders. The State’s objective of providing appropriate care in the least restrictive and more cost effective setting for Medicaid recipients is furthered by increasing funding for these programs. All of these programs have saved the Medicaid program significant dollars. FALA supports increased funding for the Assistive Care Services Waiver, the Assisted Living for the Elderly Waiver, and the Nursing Home Diversion Program. Property Tax Exemption Property taxes have increased over 80% and many assisted living facilities are faced with the possibility of closing due to the inability to pay high property tax assessments. Particularly hard hit are the smaller facilities with limited budgets that care for individuals on limited incomes and that receive state/federal funding. These facilities play a vital role by providing appropriate care in the least restrictive and more affordable settings for many low income seniors. The loss of these facilities would force many individuals into a more costly nursing home setting. FALA supports initiatives for relief of increased property taxes for assisted living facilities. Alberta Granger Joins FALA Team ALA was proud to have Alberta Granger join the FALA team this year after her retirement from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Alberta Fhad been with the State of Florida for 35 years and most recently managed the Assisted Living Unit at AHCA. During the FALA Annual Conference in Ft. Myers, FALA presented Alberta with an appreciation plaque for her many years of service and dedication to the assisted living profession in Florida. Since coming to FALA, Alberta has been busy providing technical assistance to members, training, developing curriculum and working with FALA’s Executive Director, Pat, on legislative issues. Alberta is available to FALA members for telephone assistance with survey questions, law and rule questions or general information. On site consulting is available by appointment for a fee. 2 FALA Office 1922 Miccosukee Road FALA Installs New Board of Tallahassee, FL 32308 Phone: 850.383.1159 Fax: 850.224.0448 Directors Toll Free: 800.785.3252 Email: [email protected] www.falausa.com FALA Staff Patricia Lange Executive Director Sally Hicks Director of Operations Courtney Ann Hicks Membership Manager Tom Campbell Director of Education Alberta Granger Assisted Living Specialist Sharon Collier Education Coordinator Karen Klena At the Annual Conference in August, FALA installed the newly elected Board of Marketing Manager Directors for 2009-2010. FALA Officers Jamie Glavich Officers President Krone Weidler President: Jamie Glavich, Almost Home Senior Services, Inc. Vice President Vice President: Krone Weidler, The Fountains ALF Steven Schrunk Treasurer Treasurer: Steven Schrunk, Countryside Lakes Brian Robare Secretary: Damon Thomas, Emeritus Assisted Living Immediate Past President Damon Thomas Immediate Past President: Brian Robare, The Villa at Carpenter Secretary Larry Sherberg Directors Past President’s Adivsory Council Brian Bursa 17-49 Beds: Veronica Cate, The Allegro at Harbour Island Ex Officio 50+ Beds: Sandi Lynch, Ormond in the Pines FALA Directors ECC/LNS Facilities: Mark Crews, North Florida Retirement Village Linda Amin ACS Facilities: Charlie Goucher, Spring Hills Lake Mary Director, Southwest Region Rene Buck At Large: Malcolm Harriman, Stone Ledge Manor Director, Northwest Region At Large: Michael Karban, Bay Pointe Terrace Veronica Catoe Director, 17-49 Beds Multi-Facilities: Mary Sue Patchett, Horizon Bay Retirement Living Luis Collazo Association Member Representative: Nina Corsi, Evercare Director, Southeast Region Association Member Representative: Michael Okaty, Foley & Lardner Nina Corsi Associate Member Representative Mark Crews Region Directors Director, 50+ Beds Donna Damiani Southwest Region: Linda Amin, Highlands at the Glenridge on Palmer Ranch Director, West Central Region Northwest Region: Rene Buck, Heritage Oaks Senior Housing Charlie Goucher Director, ACS Facilities Southeast Region: Luis Collazo, Palm Breeze Assisted Living Facility Albert Green West Central Region: Donna Damiani, Heather Haven Director, East Central Region Malcolm Harriman East Central Region: Albert Green, Summit Care ALF Director at Large Northeast Region: Stacy Hartley, Ashford Court at Marsh Landing Stacy Hartley Director, Northeast Region Michael Karban President’s Advisory Council Director at Large Larry Sherberg, Lincoln Manor Sandy Lynch Director, 50+ Beds John Lyncheski Ex Officio Chair, FALERF (Ex-Officio) Michael Okaty Brian Bursa, Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith, LLP Associate Member Representative Mary Sue Patchett Chair, FALA Foundation Director, Multi-Facilities John Lyncheski, Cohen & Grigsby 3 Creative Financing As you know, the downturn in the credit and housing markets and the ensuing economic recession have created difficult financial problems for the senior living industry. Occupancy rates at many facilities have declined or are declining, as more seniors are choosing to stay in their homes rather than move into senior living communities. This development, in turn, affects facility owners, who are finding it difficult to operate profitably, which in turn leads to distressed sales, bankruptcies, and, in some cases, facility closures. This article discusses the current financial environment of the senior living industry, exploring creative ways that operators are attracting residents in the hopes of avoiding unfortunate outcomes. Creative Financing to Attract Residents America’s seniors have not been immune to the recent housing crisis. For some, it is affecting long-term housing and care options. The downturn has reduced the value of seniors’ homes – in many cases the single, most valuable asset that many seniors own. Unfortunately, this crisis has struck when the cost of long-term care continues to increase. A recently released Case-Schiller Index report, which is considered a valuable source for housing market pricing information, showed that May prices this year were down 17.1 percent compared to 2008. In contrast, the increase in the average cost of long-term care from 2006 to 2008 ranged from 5 percent to 13 percent, depending on the type of service, with the cost of assisted living facilities increasing at the highest rate (according to a Prudential Insurance Company of America: Research Report 2008: Long-Term Care Cost Study). And the average monthly cost in an assisted living facility is roughly $3,000 per month. As a
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Florida House of Representatives
    Directory of The Florida House of Representatives Speaker Marco Rubio 420 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1300 March 7, 2008 Send all changes to the following e-mail: [email protected] NOTE: This publication was compiled from information received by The Office of the Clerk on or before March 7, 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS House Offices .................................................................................................................................................................. 4 House Councils & Committees ....................................................................................................................................... 11 Members .......................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Senate Offices .................................................................................................................................................................. 55 Legislative Support Services ........................................................................................................................................... 56 Other Legislative Offices ................................................................................................................................................. 57 Governor and Lt. Governor ............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • CMP Must Be Adopted Into Local Government’S Comprehensive Plans
    Suncoast Scenic Parkway Florida Scenic Highways Program Designation Application “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 2005 Florida Scenic Highways Program Designation Application for Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Submitted to: Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Scenic Highways Program Submitted by: Suncoast Parkway Corridor Advocacy Group i Endorsement by the Florida Department of Transportation Secretary As Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, the signature below indicates the approval and endorsement of this Corridor Management Plan and this corridor for designation as a Florida Scenic Highway. Florida Department of Transportation approval of this management plan represents our agreement to serve in a partnership with the Corridor Management Entity to preserve, enhance and maintain the designated scenic highway corridor. We recognize the grass roots initiative and strong local support for this corridor demonstrated by the communities involved in the preparation of this management plan. This corridor management plan acknowledges that the designated corridor will be subject to the requirements of the Section 1046© of the ISTEA which added a new subsection (s) to 23 USC 131 precluding outdoor advertising on designated scenic highways, and the requirements of the Uniform Relocation Act. I hereby designate this corridor as a Florida Scenic Highway. Denver J. Stutler Jr., P.E. Date Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation ii Potential Letter from the Secretary Confirming Designation Ms. Kathryn Starkey Ms. Diane Jones CAG Vice Chair Communications Manager Scenic Pasco Pasco Tourism 10928 Alico Pass 7530 Little Road, Suite 340 New Port Richey, Florida 34655 New Port Richey, Florida 34654 Ms. Lucie Ayers Mr. Joe Alpine Executive Director Executive Director Hillsborough County MPO West Pasco Chamber of Commerce 601 E.
    [Show full text]
  • Kevin C. Ambler Representative, District 47
    Florida House of Representatives Kevin C. Ambler Representative, District 47 District Office House Committees 3820 Northdale Boulevard, Suite 301-A Chair, Joint Committee on Government Accountability Tampa, Florida 33624 Policy and Budget Council (813) 558-1333 [phone] Utilities & Telecommunications Committee Education Innovation and Career Preparation Committee Courts Committee Commissioner, Florida Commission on Tourism Delegate, Bay Area Legislative Delegation FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Amber Smith, District Aide April 22, 2008 PHONE: 850-488-0275 or 813-767-5306 Rep. Ambler and “Ought To Be A Law” Students Present Tyler’s Bill in Senate and Bill Passes with Unanimous Support TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, April 22, Representative Kevin Ambler (R-Tampa) and the Hillsborough County high school students who make up the Student Legislative Council presented Senate Bill 2678, Tyler’s Bill for Mandatory Education, to the Senate Committee on Community Affairs, and Tyler’s Bill passed through the Committee with a unanimous vote of 9-0. Tyler’s Bill has previously passed the Senate Transportation Committee with a unanimous vote, and has been heard in the House Committee on Infrastructure as well as the Economic Expansion and Infrastructure Council. The Policy and Budget Council will be the last stop in the House for Tyler’s Bill before it moves to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote. Mrs. Linda Murillo of Manatee County, Tyler’s mother, testified for Tyler’s Bill today along with Jessica Conkey (Spoto High School), Kelsey Fernandez (Durant High School), T.J. Mouse (Chamberlain High School), and Dillon Flowers (Durant High School). Jessica Conkey, a sophomore from Spoto High School in Riverview, FL, testified in the Committee today that, “37 out of 50 states in the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Charlie Crist Is Pro-Life. • Charlie Crist Is Pro-Life. • As
    THE TRUTH ABOUT CHARLIE CRIST 'S CONSERVATIVE RECORD Charlie Crist is Pro-Life. • Charlie Crist is pro-life. • As Attorney General, Charlie Crist successfully defended the rights of parents to know when their daughters are seeking an abortion. • As a Senator, Charlie Crist voted to ban partial-birth abortions and voted to override Governor Chiles’ veto of that ban. • As Governor, Charlie Crist will seek to promote a culture of life by promoting adoption and seeking state funding for programs that offer alternatives to abortion. • Charlie Crist’s opponent ran as a pro-choice advocate when he challenged Governor Bush in 1994, attacking Governor Bush for his pro-life beliefs. Charlie Crist is Against Gay Marriage. • Charlie Crist believes that marriage is an institution between one man and one woman. • As Attorney General, Charlie Crist successfully defended Florida’s definition of marriage as an institution between one man and one woman. • As Governor, Charlie Crist will support a constitutional amendment that honors marriage as an institution between one man and one woman. • Charlie Crist agrees with President Bush that private individuals may enter contractual relationships with each other; however he does not support the state extending marital benefits to same-sex couples. Charlie Crist Will Secure Our Borders. • Charlie Crist believes that we must secure our borders and stop illegal immigration in order to preserve the promise of legal immigration. • As Governor, Charlie Crist will work to make sure Florida’s law enforcement officers have adequate resources, funding, and clear authority to assist the President and Homeland Security in keeping terrorists and criminals out of our country.
    [Show full text]
  • Travis County Jail Tour, the Presidential Apron Lunch, the “Jailpardy” Competition, the Driving Simulator, the Blood Drive, and Much, Much More
    Howdy TJA Members! I want to be the first one to welcome you to the 30th Annual Texas Jail Association Conference! I’m sure Jerry Baggs would be proud to see this milestone and what our members have built this organization into – one of the premier professional associations in the United States dedicated to corrections. We have an outstanding training agenda for you this year. Second Vice President Todd Allen and the Training Committee will be bringing you topics dealing with the mentally ill, risk management, personnel issues, liability, leadership, life safety, and the list goes on. The instructors presenting the classes are some of the best in their areas of expertise and I’m sure you’ll enjoy each and every class you attend. We have also included specific TCOLE credit courses as well! As always, we’ll have lots to do on Monday, but we’ll officially kick off our 30th Anniversary on Tuesday morning with our Opening Ceremonies and welcoming remarks. I’m be excited to have Mr. Kim Vickers as our Key Note Speaker. Mr. Vickers is the Executive Director for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, an organization that has a big impact on all of us as professionals in terms of licensing and training. Additionally, 1st Vice President Brent Phillips will be presenting to you an outstanding slate of candidates for the open Director Positions, as well as 3rd Vice President and proposed by-law changes. We have our traditional activities on tap for you as well. The Jerry Baggs Memorial Golf Tournament, the Travis County Jail Tour, the Presidential Apron Lunch, the “Jailpardy” competition, the Driving Simulator, the Blood Drive, and much, much more.
    [Show full text]
  • Brief for State Legislators in Support
    No. 08-1521 _______________ In The Supreme Court of the United States _______________ OTIS MCDONALD, ET AL., Petitioners, v. CITY OF CHICAGO, ET AL., Respondents. _______________ On Writ of Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals For the Seventh Circuit _______________ BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE STATE LEGISLATORS IN SUPPORT OF PETITIONERS _______________ JOHN PARKER SWEENEY Counsel of Record T. SKY WOODWARD ERIN CHRISTEN MILLER WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC 250 W. Pratt St., Suite 1300 Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 545-5800 Attorneys for Amici Curiae i QUESTION PRESENTED Whether the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms is incorporated as against the States by the Fourteenth Amendment’s Privileges or Immunities or Due Process Clauses? ii TABLE OF CONTENTS QUESTION PRESENTED....................................... I TABLE OF CONTENTS .........................................II TABLE OF CITED AUTHORITIES....................... V STATEMENT OF INTEREST OF AMICI CURIAE STATE LEGISLATORS...............1 SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT..................................3 ARGUMENT.............................................................7 I. INCORPORATION OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT AGAINST THE STATES BY THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT DOES NO HARM TO OUR FEDERAL SYSTEM.................7 II. THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT OF AN INDIVIDUAL TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS SET FORTH IN THE SECOND AMENDMENT IS INCORPORATED AGAINST THE STATES BY THE DUE PROCESS CLAUSE OF THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT. .......................10 A. The Panel in Nordyke, the Only Federal Court to Conduct the Required Analysis, Got It Right: Selective Incorporation of Fundamental Rights Through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment Dictates Incorporation of the Second Amendment. .............................11 1. The Due Process Clause incorporates “fundamental” individual rights. ................12 iii 2. History supports the right to keep and bear arms as a “fundamental” individual right..............................................................13 B.
    [Show full text]
  • Kevin C. Ambler Representative, District 47
    House of Representatives Kevin C. Ambler Representative, District 47 District Office House Committees, Councils, and Appointments 3820 Northdale Boulevard, Suite 301-A Chair, Public Safety & Domestic Security Policy Committee Tampa, Florida 33624 Vice Chair, Government Accountability Act Council (813) 558-1333 [phone] Criminal & Civil Justice Policy Council Government Operations Appropriations Committee Governmental Affairs Policy Committee Joint Legislative Sunset Committee Policy Council CONTACT: Amber E. Smith PHONE: 813-558-1333 813-767-5306 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 19, 2010 “Ought to be a Law” Student Bill Relating to Smoking in Cars with Children is Filed in Legislature Tampa, FL – State Representative Kevin Ambler (R-Tampa) is proud to announce that the 2010 “Ought to be a Law” (OTBAL) student legislation, which is titled Smoking in Vehicles with Minor Passengers, was officially filed in the Florida House of Representatives last night (February 18). The next step in the process is for the bill to be referred to its various Committees and Councils in the Florida House. House Bill 1141 provides that it is unlawful for any person to be smoking in a vehicle in this state if a minor under 16 years of age is also present in the vehicle. The violation is secondary in nature, and it will be an enhanced penalty, which will be an additional $100 fine assessed to the traffic violation already received by the motorist. Rep. Ambler commented that, “The medical evidence and scientific research warning us against the dangers of exposing
    [Show full text]
  • Florida Republicans Retain Majority Status in the Legislature
    November 5, 2008 Republican Jeff Atwater will Lead the Florida Senate Florida Republicans Retain Majority Status in the Legislature Republican Ray Sansom (left) of Destin is now set to take the reigns of as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives following yesterday’s elections; Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach) has been tapped by Sansom to serve as Majority Leader of the House for the next two years. by Rheb Harbison As the majority party in power, the Carlton Fields Senior Government Consultant Republicans will again determine the political agenda, which includes fiscal Despite an impressive increase in voter policy, during the 2009 and 2010 registrations, voter turnout, and a legislative sessions. presidential victory in Florida, Democrats will retain their “back-row” status in the The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel reported Florida Legislature for at least two more that Republicans raised nearly $21 million years. toward their reelection efforts against nearly $8 million raised by the Democrats – a Yesterday’s election yielded no new blue three-to-one difference. That kind of money seats in the Florida Senate, and only one buys targeted media exposure in legislative new blue seat in the Florida House of districts that have been drawn by the Representatives. Republicans in their favor following more than ten years in the seat of power. Copyright © 2008 by Carlton Fields. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. 14126607.1 CARLTON FIELDS CAPITOL REPORT NOVEMBER 5, 2008 Senate President-Designee Jeff Atwater raised nearly $2.5 million for his personal campaign that returned him to office Ray Sansom yesterday for another four years.
    [Show full text]
  • Appraisers Experience Major Upheaval the Number of Challenges That the Appraisal Industry Faced in 2009 Was Unprecedented
    FIND OUT HOW AT WWW.GETARESWAREDEMO.COM The Economy 3 Jobs, consumer spending key to recovery Dr. Carter Murdoch answered questions about market recovery like any good economist would, during his keynote address at the 2008 National Settlement Services Summit. He said, “It depends.” The complex chain of events the Bank of America compliance and marketing executive contemplated in his 2008 address are still weaving their spell over the U.S. economy. What Murdoch told the summit noting that the issue is not whether the federal stimulus package, particularly attendees back in 2008 was that recession is over, but whether the the construction components, is not recovery depends on a complex chain economy can generate the growth expected to be felt until 2010.” of events that involves a delicate necessary to put many of the balance between actions by the Fed, the unemployed back to work again. A conservative growth phase may not value of the dollar internationally, be all bad, however. Fazzari’s research investor confidence, reduction in “In the deep downturns of the 1970s has shown that the consumer spending housing stock, overall health of the job and early 1980s, strong consumer that pulled us out of recent downturns market, the possibility of recession, the spending growth led to strong was not “real” in the sense that the threat of inflation, and, ultimately, the recoveries. Unfortunately, I just don’t consumption was largely done via potential of pent-up demand unleashing see it happening this time.” Fazzari plastic. While the spending spree as consumer confidence builds back up.
    [Show full text]
  • Of the 13Th Judicial Circuit
    Legal e-Connected of the 13th Judicial Circuit Celebrating National Adoption Day - A Life Long Commitment 2009 Issue 3 Mike’s Windowto the 13th Judicial Circuit he new year brings a great deal of anxiety as the state continues to address the tough economic Ttimes. When we transitioned to state funding in 2004 as a result of Revision 7, we knew the change posed a significant fiscal challenge for the state and particu- larly for the legislature, even without the knowledge of today’s looming economic issues. Then as now, it is essential that the courts continue to fulfill their consti- tutional obligations to Floridians but to do so requires an adequate funding structure that will allow the court new trust fund created in the special session. This system to not be disrupted. would divert court-related filing fees and assessments which currently go to General Revenue and create a “Tough Economic Times” funding stream paid by the users of court services. www.fljud13.org/budgetcrisis Unfortunately, the legislature has never funded the courts at the recommended level. And then the storm hit with fiscal crises and the economy spiraled and We are posting materials that outline the caseload trends rather than increased funding we have operated with and the impact of state budget cuts on our website at deficits. As the Legislative Branch addresses the state’s www.fljud13.org/budgetcrisis. While we have felt dwindling coffers, it has become evident that in addition the impact from the previous budget reductions, the to analyzing existing revenue sources, lawmakers will situation could have been much more bleak.
    [Show full text]
  • APPENDIX a (This Page Intentionally Left Blank) PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM
    APPENDIX A (This page intentionally left blank) PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM 1. Introduction This Public Involvement Program for the Gandy Boulevard Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is in compliance with the "Project Development and Environment Manual", Section 339.155, Florida Statute, and as applicable, Executive Orders 11990 and 11988, Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, and 23 CFR 771. 2. Description of Proposed Improvement Project Name: Gandy Boulevard Project Development and Environment Study Agency/Owner Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) Project Limits: Gandy Boulevard (U.S. 92) corridor from the Gandy Bridge to the western termini of the Selmon Expressway, in the vicinity of the intersection of Dale Mabry Highway and Gandy Boulevard in the City of Tampa, Florida. Proposed Activity: Conduct a Project Development and Environment Study (PD&E) that establishes the location and toll feasible design concepts for improving the capacity of Gandy Boulevard (U.S. 92) in Hillsborough County. 3. Background The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority has initiated a PD&E Study of Gandy Boulevard from the Gandy Bridge to the western termini of the Selmon Expressway, in the vicinity of the intersection of Dale Mabry Highway and Gandy Boulevard in the City of Tampa, Florida. This study will evaluate possible improvements to the Gandy Boulevard corridor that would separate regional through-traffic from local traffic between the Gandy Bridge and the western termini of the Selmon Expressway, a distance of approximately 1.6 miles in Tampa, Florida. The project will be developed consistent with other local transportation and land use plans in the study area.
    [Show full text]
  • Layout 1 (Page 8)
    Charges dropped against Norman By Kyle LoJacono tails of the probe. the status of its probe. [email protected] “A diligent investigation by federal inves- The gift from Hughes,who died in 2008, tigators failed to uncover evidence of a came while Norman was on the State Sen. Jim Norman got an early violation of federal criminal law by State Hillsborough County Commission, a posi- Jim Norman Kevin Ambler Christmas present from the U.S.Attorney’s Sen.Norman,”O’Neill said.“As a result,this tion he had for 18 years. Office. office is closing the current investigation.” Norman ran for the state Senate District for political influence. The Republican,who is in his first term Norman did not return repeated inter- 12 seat after being term limited in the coun- “It’s hard without showing the direct ex- at the post,was under investigation for po- view requests for comment, but his ty commission. He opposed former state change of something for something,”Ambler tentially violating federal law for not attorney,Frank Winkles,said his client appre- Rep. Kevin Ambler in the Republican pri- said.“That’s a hard thing to prove unless you disclosing a house in Arkansas owned by his ciated O’Neill’s “straightforwardness”with mary for the post. catch someone in the act of engaging in the wife,Mearline,as an asset. the investigation. Ambler filed a lawsuit seeking to disqual- trade.” U.S.Attorney Robert O’Neill said the in- “While they have always believed that ify Norman after losing the primary.A Leon Ambler maintains Norman did know vestigation was unable to find any evidence Sen.Norman would be exonerated,the cou- County circuit judge did disqualify Norman, about the about the house and the “loan” that Norman had anything to do with ple wishes to thank all who have but the ruling was overturned on appeal.
    [Show full text]