Florida State House District 4 |
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My office is on FIRE!
No, not literally. But we're on fire with local events, bill signings, constituent meetings, and so much more. So many things to track, so little time, but if you know one thing about me, this is how I prefer it.
I'm excited to share our latest news with you, so please read on to keep in the know about House District 4 and good things coming to the Sunshine State from your Florida Legislature!
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Hurricane Season Information
With hurricane season right around the corner, June 1 - November 30, Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has disseminated helpful information relating to disaster preparedness.
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The website, Prepare Florida, has information on tax initiatives to assist with home hardening, pre-and-post-storm resources, contact information for agency resources, and more.
Please reach out to my office with any questions.
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Property Insurance Information
On a related subject, we are well aware that property insurance has been a headache-inducing subject in Florida these days. The Legislature has taken big steps in recent years to address the dearth of insurance providers and, by extension, our rising costs.
Please read through the following document highlighting reforms the Legislature has instituted. Click HERE to view the full document. |
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Bills Signed
On April 15th, Governor DeSantis signed two more bills I had the pleasure of sponsoring in the 2024 Legislative Session. Three down, four to go!
HB 113 - Tax Collections & Sales: This bill was a collaboration with the Florida Tax Collectors Association and makes technical changes to Tax Collector processes involving the errors and insolvencies list and tax deed applications. The bill also removes the $10 fee on partial tax payments, thereby easing the burden on struggling taxpayers.
HB 353 - Alternative Headquarters for District Court Judges: There are six District Courts of Appeal in Florida and statute allows the DCA to establish an alternative headquarters within the county of residence. This bill allows the DCA, with certain stipulations, to establish the alternative headquarters in a county adjacent to the county of residence. Because of the small number of DCAs and therefore the size of each district, this change will make the DCA more accessible and potentially provide financial relief through reduced travel expenses.
Click HERE to see Governor DeSantis' press release. |
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Legislative update at the Destin Chamber of Commerce breakfast. |
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Local business owner Jason Roy and Niceville Councilman Doug Stauffer at the Niceville Chamber of Commerce breakfast. |
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Legislative update at the Crestview Chamber of Commerce breakfast. |
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Legislative update at the Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated lunch.
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Grand Re-Opening of Hurlburt Field's Memorial Air Park
Many thanks to the Hurlburt Field leadership for their invitation to the well-attended re-opening of the Memorial Air Park after 20, long years. In a special moment after the ribbon cutting, 35 new USAF recruits were sworn in by Lieutenant General Bauernfield.
I share the sentiment of hope expressed by Col. Dierig, that the Memorial Air Park may spark interest in the next generation, inspiring them to join the U.S. Air Force and serve our nation.
I encourage everyone to take the time to visit the park's 20+ aircraft and 30+ memorials, representing the strong link between our nation's past and future, and a shining gem in our community. It is an honor that I do not take for granted that I am able to represent our nation's Air Commandos. "Any Time, Any Place, Anywhere!"
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New USAF recruits being sworn in |
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1st SOW Col. Patrick Dierig |
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Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson and wife Janey |
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Art in the Capitol Winner
Each year, the Legislature accepts artwork from one student in each school district in Florida to be displayed in the Capitol during the Legislative Session.
This year's winner from our Okaloosa County School District was Zhane Reese, an 8th grader at Liza Jackson Preparatory School.
I wish Zhane a hearty congratulations for her achievement and encourage all parents and students to inquire with their schools about how to get involved in next year's competition.
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Fort Walton Beach High School JROTC Awards Ceremony
On April 11th, I was honored to assist with the awards presentation at the FWBHS Air Force JROTC end-of-year awards ceremony.
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Cadet Brandon Nosker received the Sons of the American Revolution Award; awarded to a cadet who demonstrates excellence in leadership, military bearing, academics, and ranks in the top 10% of their class.
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Cadet Rheinart Spence received the Military Order of World Wars Award; awarded for outstanding leadership, service, and accomplishments in their JROTC Unit.
If this class of outstanding young men and woman is any indication, the future of our military forces is in very capable hands!
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One Hopeful Place: Demolition Day
It was, quite literally, very moving to participate in the groundbreaking of One Hopeful Place's demolition project, the first step in their plan to help solve vagrancy in Okaloosa County.
Tangibly impacting the lives of Floridians in need is the best part of this job and witnessing projects, like these, come together is a true joy. I must say, it was a thrill to climb into that excavator and knock those first bricks loose!
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Florida Defense Support Task Force
My membership on the FDSTF is one of the many ways I continue serving our military population here, in Florida. March's meeting in Panama City included a briefing from Commander Michael Mosi of the Naval Support Activity and an enriching tour of Tyndall Air Force Base and their reconstruction efforts following significant damage in Hurricane Michael.
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Parker Destin donates rare Doolittle Raiders memorabilia to Northwest Florida State College
April 11, 2024 - "According to Rep. Patt Maney, the exhibit plays a significant role in educating young people about the bravery and sacrifice of the Doolittle Raiders in this military-focused community."
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Read the full article from Get the Coast HERE!
Speaking as a history buff, it was really neat to be present as Okaloosa local Parker Destin donated three rare Doolittle Raider items to NWFSC: a signed first edition of "30 Seconds over Tokyo," a promotional poster for the book's serialization in Collier's magazine, and a 1934 trading card of Jimmy Doolittle. The items are housed in NWFSC's Doolittle Raiders exhibit in Raider Arena!
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Governor signs law granting DCA judges remote office flexibility
April 17, 2024 - "DeSantis late Monday signed HB 353 by Republican Rep. Patt Maney, a retired judge from Shalimar. ...
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Sponsors stressed that the bill prohibits judges from collecting more in travel expenses than they would for establishing a remote office in their county of residence."
Read the full article from The Florida Bar HERE!
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Patt Maney: Five years later, Marsy's Law still a beacon of hope for victims of crime
April 22, 2024 - "No one asks to become a victim of crime. Few are prepared for the ramifications. Court dates, reliving the crime through repeated testimony, and in states without Marsy’s Law on the books, having their personal information shared in the media."
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Read my full op-ed in Florida Politics 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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