Florida State House District 4 |
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I hope you observed a very safe and blessed Memorial Day weekend with friends and family, remembering the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price in defense of our nation's freedom. Lest we forget.
Summer is right around the corner, and as we break out the sunscreen, #getaplan for what is anticipated to be one of the most active hurricane seasons on record. Check out the Florida Division of Emergency Management's 2024 Florida Hurricane Guide and start preparing now.
Our District Office has a new phone number! (850) 226-5029
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Property Insurance in Florida
Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation has provided an update on the property insurance market here, in the Sunshine State. Click HERE to view the full press release.
Some of the highlights include:
- Downward trend in rate filings in 2024.
- Eight new companies approved to write policies in Florida.
- Over 350,000 policies removed from Citizen's Property Insurance Corp.
While property insurance remains a high priority for the Florida Legislature and citizens alike, these data points indicate the market is stabilizing and more positive momentum is expected moving forward.
The introduction of additional insurance carriers to the market increases competition among the carriers and will drive prices down while the removal of policies from Citizen's Property Insurance Corp will decrease the burden carried by Florida's taxpayers.
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My Safe Florida Home Program
The Department of Financial Services has released new information on their "My Safe Florida Home Program," which aims to assist homeowners in fortifying their property against storm damage.
Click the document for a full-page view and click HERE to visit My Safe Florida Home's website for more information. |
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Florida Sales Tax Holidays
Mark your calendars!
Beginning with our first of two Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays June 1st-14th, the Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis are proud to deliver four different types of sales tax holidays to hardworking Florida families this year.
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Memorial Day 2024
This year's Annual Fort Walton Beach Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony, organized by the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee at the Beal Memorial Cemetery, observed an incredible turnout to honor our service men and women who paid the ultimate price in defense of our nation.
I was humbled to read aloud a partial list of local veterans who passed away this past year, and honored to be seated next to and introduce Colonel Griffin Merrill, the Deputy Commander of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and his wife Melissa.
Click HERE to LIKE & SHARE my Facebook post!
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Tour of G.S. Gelato
I had the delectable pleasure of touring G.S. Gelato and their facilities in Fort Walton Beach this month!
Owned and operated by married Italian immigrants, they have expanded to their current 33,000 sq. ft. facility, employ over 180 people, and distribute over 130 tons of delicious gelato each week throughout Okaloosa County. By far, this was the yummiest tour of a local business I have enjoyed yet.
Click HERE to LIKE and SHARE my Facebook post! |
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Tour of Waste Management Recycling Facility
Waste Management has invested a whopping $30 million into their new recycling facility right here, in Fort Walton Beach.
The facility's service area will stretch from the Mississippi/Louisiana border to Tallahassee and as far north as Jackson and Birmingham, necessitating a 20-man crew to operate the facility, with the possibility of ramping up to 65 employees as they tackle the Panhandle's waste collection, sorting and recycling needs.
Click HERE to LIKE and SHARE my Facebook post! |
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Peace Officers Memorial Day
It was a true honor to attend the Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony, hosted by Northwest Florida State College.
We are forever grateful to our first responders and the sacrifices they, and their families, make for us every day.
Click HERE to LIKE and SHARE my Facebook post! |
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Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club
A big "Thank you!" to the FWB Rotary Club for their invitation to speak at their monthly meeting and provide a legislative update.
Click HERE to LIKE and SHARE my Facebook post! |
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Okaloosa Farm Bureau Meeting
The Okaloosa Farm Bureau and UF's Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences hosted a very informative meeting to inform on the current situation our local farmers are facing. Between rising input costs, urbanization and housing encroachment, and loss of crops due to large numbers of deer and hogs, it has perhaps never been more difficult for our small, local farms to make a living.
I consider meetings like these to be of the utmost importance. Even in a close-knit community like ours, it can be difficult to keep track of the goings-on but staying informed on matters of importance to our local citizens remains a priority of mine.
Click HERE to LIKE and SHARE my Facebook post! |
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Niceville Republican Women Federated
It was a pleasure to spend an evening with the members of the Niceville Republican Women Federated.
The strong support and advocacy these organizations provide is instrumental in making sure our local region stays at the forefront of statewide issues.
Click HERE to LIKE and SHARE my Facebook post! |
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Okaloosa Bar Association Luncheon
What a great thrill to attend the Okaloosa Bar Association luncheon, where I was able to catch up and reminisce with friends and colleagues from a previous life. As a member of the Bar for 50 years, it is extremely gratifying to see our local chapter in the very capable hands of young, talented lawyers and I have no doubt they will continue the tradition of service to our local community.
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National Day of Prayer
Pastor Toy Arnett and I have been friends for over 40 years and it was a pleasure to attend the National Day of Prayer service at the Faith Assembly Church. The theme for the day was "Lift Up The Word, Light Up The World" and speakers touched on the profound impact that faith can have on our local community.
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UWF Historic Trust
I have been proud to support UWF throughout my time in the Legislature and was honored to attend the commemoration of their partnership with the City of DeFuniak Springs to bring a renewed focus to preservation of historic homes and buildings in the City.
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DJJ Public Safety Meeting
Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Eric Hall was in Crestview to provide an update on related DJJ legislation and impacts to the community. Local County and Corrections officials were on hand for the presentation.
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A Legacy of Service, Dedication, and a Remarkable Journey: Meet Hometown Hero Patt Maney
Many thanks to my friend, Niceville Councilman Doug Stauffer, for my humbling profile in the Bay Life newspaper. Be sure to support our local newspaper and pick up this month's issue!
Read Bay Life's FULL article HERE! |
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Appellate court panel featuring Niceville grad Judge Lori Rowe to hear local cases in Okaloosa
"During the welcome event, First Judicial Circuit Chief Judge John Miller was honored with the annual Judge T. Patt Maney Service award, recognizing his leadership during the Covid pandemic and last year’s ransomware attack.
- Former Okaloosa County Judge and current Representative Patt Maney was present to congratulate Chief Judge Miller on his achievement."
Read Get the Coast's FULL article HERE! |
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Annual Florida Bar Convention Set for Orlando June 19-22
"More than 700 lawyers will celebrate a half-century of Florida Bar membership.
Retired Okaloosa Judge Patt Maney, a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives since 2020, will be the keynote speaker."
Read the Florida Bar's FULL article HERE!
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Okaloosa County to celebrate Memorial Day 2024
"On Monday, May 27, the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery, beginning at 10 a.m.
Featured guests include retired Brig. Gen and Florida State Rep. Patt Maney, 7th Special Forces Group Deputy Cmdr. Col. Griffin Merrill and 96th Test Wing Deputy Cmdr. Col. Thomas Tauer."
Read the FULL NWF Daily News' article HERE!
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"Thank you for allowing me to represent you. It is truly an honor to serve you and the State of Florida." - Representative Patt Maney |
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