Watchdog Report Vol.14 No.48 April 6, 2014 EST.05.05.00 – I go when you cannot – ID Tax Fraud Issue – Celebrating 15 years May 5th

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation www.knightfoundation.org for funding by the Knight Foundation with technical support from the Knight Center for International Media http://knight.miami.edu within the University of Miami’s School of Communication www.miami.edu to maintain my webpage. The Watchdog Report webpage is free, has no ads, pops-up and is just the news in a mainstream reporting manner.

>>> Clarification: In last week’s WDR, I misunderstood Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado’s comments about Commissioner Sarnoff raising $300,000 for Gov. Scott’s reelection. During the week, the mayor told me what he meant, was that given Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff’s fundraising capabilities. The commissioner could easily “raise $300,000,” for Gov. Scott’s reelection campaign in November. >>> Further, Albert Johnson Jr., also attended Harvard University as well as getting degrees from the University of Miami. Here is more on his planned memorial Monday http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/01/4032922/teacher-miami-jazz-festival-founder.html I apologize for the errors.

>>> The Watchdog Report will go up on my webpage on Wednesday. Since my webmaster has to attend a funeral, and she has my condolences.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Will identity theft and bogus IRS filings be the new hot scam, problem dwarfs the rest of the state in cases, like Medicare Fraud, spreading around the nation and another South Florida “export,” says U.S. Atty. Ferrer

U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida at a press conference Thursday morning said while Identity Fraud and fraudulent IRS submissions here in South Florida is dwarfing the statistical numbers of the activity around Florida where for every “100,000 people. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Florida has the highest rate of identity theft in the United States in 2013. [Moreover], while identity theft in Florida ranks highest in the United States, the identity theft rate in Miami has reached near epidemic proportions.  Florida’s rate of 192.9 complaints per 100,000 residents – the highest in the United States – is dwarfed by the Miami rate of 340.4 complaints per 100,000 residents identity theft cases,” state federal documents.

In addition, when it comes to this type of fraud. Once again, South Florida is the epicenter and “were exporting the identity theft models to the rest of the country,” said Ferrer. Further, Floridians are setting up shop in other communities to perpetrate a new round of identity thefts around the nation. Ferrer said his “colleagues,” around the nation are finding similar scams are sprouting up “by folks who used to live here,” around the nation.  The problem he said, while not eclipsing Medicare Fraud yet in dollar value amounts, given the decades that federal program has been in existence. However, he did say ID thefts are “the fastest growing,” and “could reach those [Medicare Fraud] levels,” he thought, if not tamped down now, and in a press release. The federal top cop, said this federal district is the first to have set up a Florida Identity Theft Tax Fraud Strike Force focused on the crime.

Moreover, the problem is similar to Medicare fraud scams, which are perfected in South Florida. Then “exported,” around the nation and ID theft has become a similar “export” throughout America, and can be crippling to the affected person and to their credit rating. “It is not a victimless crime,” and federal authorities “are committed to bringing these thieves to justice,” and “institutions,” of all sizes that have this personal information must, “treat this information like trade secrets,” because ID theft “is spreading in South Florida like a virus,” said Ferrer. Moreover, authorities must “fight this plague,” before it catches up in value with, Medicare Fraud in South Florida.

Why does the IRS pay refunds to these bogus filings?

Because the public tax “money belongs to legitimate taxpayers,” and we want them to have a good experience,” said the IRS SAC Jose A. Gonzalez when asked about why the agency pays these bogus refunds in a timely manner, which is what most legitimate taxpayers are hoping for. When it comes to any IRS refund, but these wayward fraudsters have taken advantage of that federal generosity and are ginning the system.

What type of people are committing the ID fraud?

In this recent bust of 25 individuals, you had a wide swath of professions, including accountants, a post office letter carrier, and all the people needed was a social security number, or an accountants IRS number to practice for the false refund filings. Moreover, all that is needed is access to someone’s personal data like at a doctor’s office, or the public schools district for one woman. And federal authorities are urging people to keep personal information secure, shred everything put into the trash, and to monitor their credit scores. For these scammers are even going into people’s trash, or “dumpster diving,” looking for any personal records that were not shredded properly. >>> For more go to http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/03/4037116/us-charges-25-in-fla-in-id-theft.html#storylink=misearch

>>> 25 Defendants Charged in Separate Schemes that Resulted in

Thousands of Identities Stolen and Millions of Dollars in Identity Theft Tax Filings

Press release on the bust: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Jose A. Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Miami Field Office, Paula Reid, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Ronald J. Verrochio, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Max Eamiguel, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), and J. Scott Dennis, Chief, North Miami Beach Police Department (NMBPD), announce the filing of federal charges against 25 defendants in 19 separate cases, dealing with thousands of stolen identities and millions of dollars of fraudulent identity theft tax filings. Today’s cases reaffirm the joint federal and local commitment to crack-down on stolen identity tax refund fraud (SIRF) perpetrators. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Florida had the highest rate of identity theft in the United States in 2013. While identity theft in Florida ranks highest in the United States, the identity theft rate in Miami has reached near epidemic proportions.  Florida’s rate of 192.9 complaints per 100,000 residents – the highest in the United States – is dwarfed by the Miami rate of 340.4 complaints per 100,000 residents.

In an attempt to combat the rising wave of stolen identity tax refund scams, and armed with recent directives from the Department of Justice’s Tax Division, making prosecutions faster and easier, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida established the South Florida Identity Theft Tax Fraud Strike Force (Strike Force) in August 2012. The members of the Strike Force, and participating agencies, include the United States Attorney’s Office, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Aventura Police Department, North Miami Beach Police Department, Miami-Dade Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, Town of Davie Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), Ft. Lauderdale Police Department, Coconut Creek Police Department, Sunrise Police Department, Coral Springs Police Department, Miramar Police Department and North Miami Police Department. Since the inception of the Strike Force, we have charged 296 defendants responsible for approximately $485.5 million in intended stolen identity refund fraud loss and in excess of $106 million in actual SIRF fraud loss.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the IRS have also attacked this problem at its root by revoking so called “electronic filing identity numbers” or EFIN numbers, which allow individuals to file tax returns on behalf of others. Before revoking these EFIN numbers, SIRF fraudsters had used them to file 166,495 fraudulent tax refund claims over the past two years.  United States Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “The number of stolen identities and the dollar amount of the tax fraud involved in these cases is staggering. These cases serve as a reminder that each and every one of us is a potential victim. While we have a talented and effective team dedicated to fight this fraud, we need everyone – both taxpayers and institutions – to remain vigilant in safeguarding personal identifying information. Protect it as if it were a trade secret.”

IRS Special Agent in Charge José A. Gonzalez stated, “Today’s announcement should send a message to those who might consider disguising themselves as legitimate tax return preparers or Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) holders for the purpose of submitting false claims with the IRS. Protecting the integrity of our U.S. tax system is essential; therefore, those who chose to corrupt this system will be investigated and brought to justice, regardless of their level of participation in the fraud.” “Criminals all over South Florida are turning to computers to make an easy buck at the public’s expense,” said George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami. “Identity theft, the fastest growing crime here, is as easy as one, two, three. One, criminals steal someone’s name and social security number; two, they use that identity to file a fraudulent tax return on line; and three, they collect the refund check. Repeat thousands of times. Don’t become a victim; learn how you can protect your personal identifying information from these thieves at www.FBI.GOV or www.FTC.GOV .”

U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Paula Reid added, “Once again, the U.S. Secret Service is glad to be an integral part of combating this massive fraudulent scheme that is plaguing South Florida. Together, we will continue to identify and penalize those who misuse our government systems with no regard to the financial and unjust impacts they cause on others.” Ronald Verrochio, Inspector in Charge for Postal Inspection Service stated, “Tax return fraud directly affects millions of Americans each year and indirectly affects every tax payer throughout the country, we are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to combat this problem.” Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge for ICE-HSI stated, “Homeland Security Investigations utilizes its vast authorities to work with their partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations involved in tax refund fraud schemes and other financial violations that affect our citizens and economy.”“U.S. Postal Service employees are honest, hardworking, and trustworthy, but when a Postal Service employee engages in criminal activity, our Special Agents will investigate those matters vigorously, as we did in this case,” says Max Eamiguel, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General…  According to the criminal complaint, the defendants conspired to steal the identities of Miami-Dade Public Schools students by exploiting Rhim-Grant’s access to the student information computer database as a food service manager at Horace Mann Middle School. Over the course of more than a year approximately 400 student identities were stolen from across the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district, resulting in numerous fraudulent tax returns.>>> The information and complaint charge the defendants with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and aggravated identity theft. Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, IRS-CI, and the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Maderal. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

>>> Eight Defendants Charged in Identity Theft Fraud Scheme, Involving Personal Identifying Information from AT&T Customer Files

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, José A. Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announce the unsealing of a twenty-two count indictment charging eight defendants with participating in a conspiracy to unjustly enrich themselves by stealing personal identifying information and using the information to make unauthorized wire transfers from the victims’ bank accounts and obtain unauthorized credit or debit cards.

All of the defendants were charged with one count of conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, and several defendants were charged individually with access device fraud, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 1029(a)(2) and 1029(a)(3), and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1). The defendants charged are: Chouman Emily Syrilien, 25, of Lauderdale Lakes, Arrington Basil Segu, 28, of Miami, Carlos Antonio Alexander, 24, of Orlando, Angel Arcos, 23, of Pompano Beach, Shantegra La’Shae Godfrey, 23, of Deerfield Beach, and Monique Smith, 31, of Pompano Beach. Arcos, Godfrey and Smith had their initial appearances this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia O. Valle. Segu had his initial appearance yesterday. Alexander is currently incarcerated. Two defendants remain at a large. According to the indictment, Syrilien was employed by Interactive Response Technologies, lnc. (IRT) located in Margate. IRT provides staffing for call centers to handle direct sales and customer inquiries for AT&T. Syrilien unlawfully provided a co-conspirator with the personal identifying information from multiple AT&T customer files. Segu also unlawfully provided personal identifying information of numerous individuals to the co-conspirator.

Alexander, Godfrey, and Smith and were added as “authorized users” on victims’ credit or debit card accounts or bank accounts to access the accounts of persons whose personal identifying information had been stolen. Once a co-conspirator’s name was added as an “authorized user,” the bank and/or credit card company was directed to mail additional debit or credit cards bearing the names of these newly added “authorized users” to their addresses or addresses under their control, all without the true account holder’s knowledge or consent. The defendants used these credit and debit cards to make purchases or obtain money. Alexander, Smith and Godfrey each made both retail purchases as well as cash advances in excess of $24,000, $12,000 and $8,200, respectively. Defendant Arcos allowed his personal information to be used to open a bank account to further the fraudulent activity. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum of thirty years in prison for the conspiracy charge, a maximum of ten years in prison for the access device fraud charge, and a mandatory term of two years in prison for each aggravated identity theft charge, at least one of which must be served consecutive to any other term in prison.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia R. Wood. An indictment is only an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

>>> Russell Adler Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Federal Election Campaign Act

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Jose A. Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), announce that Russell S. Adler, 52, of Ft. Lauderdale, pled guilty today before United States District Judge James I. Cohn to one count of conspiracy to violate the Federal Election Campaign Act and to defraud the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. The defendant was a shareholder of the former Ft. Lauderdale law firm of Rothstein, Rosenfeldt and Adler, P.A. (RRA). Sentencing is scheduled for June 27, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. in Ft. Lauderdale. At sentencing, the defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of up to five years in prison… A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

>>> Press release: Ros-Lehtinen Leads Bipartisan Letter to Secretary Kerry Urging State Department to Explore All Legal Avenues to Prevent Iranian with Ties to 1979 U.S. Embassy Hostage Crisis from Entering the U.S.

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), Ranking Member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, led a bipartisan letter to Secretary Kerry urging the State Department to prevent Hamid Aboutalebi from entering the United States. Mr. Aboutalebi is Iran’s newly selected Permanent Representative to the United Nations and has been reported to be a member of the armed student group that seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979 that held American citizens hostage for 444 days. Ros-Lehtinen and Deutch were joined in this effort by several other Members of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “This move by the Iranian regime to name Aboutalebi as Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN is an unconscionable and provocative act meant to test the resolve of the U.S. government.

Mr. Aboutalebi is a terrorist connected to the U.S. embassy seizure in 1979 should not be recognized as Iran’s de facto Ambassador to the U.S. since we severed diplomatic ties over three decades ago. This is just another example of the Supreme Leader and Rouhani showing their true colors and illustrating to the world that they are not responsible actors, and we should note that this is all taking place while the nuclear negotiations continue. The Administration must stand resolute on this issue and do everything in its power to block this man from entering the U.S. Allowing this terrorist to enter America under this ruse would be a threat to U.S. national security and a direct insult to the hostages and their families.” Note: Reps. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Randy K. Weber (R-TX), Joseph P. Kennedy, III (D-MA), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Bradley S. Schneider (D-IL), Grace Meng (D-NY), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA) and Doug Collins (R-GA), all of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, joined Reps. Ros-Lehtinen and Deutch on this letter to Secretary Kerry.

>>> Press release: New Zogby Analytics Poll: President Obama’s Job Approval Up to 48% By: John Zogby Forbes.com Contributor

President Barack Obama’s job approval has climbed to 48% according to a new poll by Zogby Analytics. The online poll was completed March 28-29 among 917 likely voters and has an overall margin of sampling error of +/- 3.3 percentage points. Mr. Obama is still upside down with voters; however, as his disapproval rating is 49%.

The President has either improved or held on to his base support since a Zogby Poll last October. His rating among Democrats is 82% (down from 84%), liberals 86% (up from 79%), moderates 55% (from 54%), 30-49 year olds 50% (from 45%), 50-64 year olds 48% (49%), African Americans 92% (from 87%), Weekly Wal-Mart Shoppers 53% (from 47%), Creative Class 54% (from 56%), Investor Class 55% (from 53%), and voters in union households 64% (from 64% (from 60%). Please click on the link below to view the full release: http://zogbyanalytics.com/news/425-new-zogby-analytics-poll-president-obama-s-job-approval-up-to-48

>>> Killing of AP photographer Anja Niedringhaus in Afghanistan shows the risk taken by photojournalists, not your usual nine to five job in many cases

The killing of an Associated Press Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Anja Niedringhaus and the wounding of another AP photographer Kathy Gannon in Afghanistan this week reminds us all the risk these shooters take to get some of the award winning photos, in their attempt to put a image of what is going on in that and other countries where they are a hostile target for someone trying to make a point or to intimidate the press. Nevertheless, journalists take these risks around the globe, and the global public viewers should realize some of these assignments are more than the usual nine to five job, and clearly carry great risks. Currently in 2014, 27 journalists around the globe have met they’re death out in the field.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/associated-press-photographer-killed-reporter-wounded-in-afghanistan/2014/04/04/91cd9e0c-bbdc-11e3-96ae-f2c36d2b1245_story.html

>>> Frost Museum at FIU has tinning exhibit of Pulitzer Prize photographs over the decades, a must see collection

The Frost Museum at Florida International University is holding a unique exhibit of photos from past Pulitzer Prize winners and some of the photographs will rip your heart out, when the visual tragedy is brought to life in a photo. Here is the information on the exhibit: Capture the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs February 12, 2014 – April 20, 2014 -Capture the Moment consists of photographs from every Pulitzer Prize photographer, from the year of the first prize, 1942, to the present. Presently, there are 166 photographs included. The exhibit includes dramatic and poignant news and feature photographs, including Joe Rosenthal’s World War II photo of the raising of the flag by U.S. Marines on Iwo Jima (1945 Pulitzer); the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (2006 Pulitzer); Robert H. Jackson’s 1963 photo of Jack Ruby shooting Lee Harvey Oswald and Nathaniel Fein’s shot of Babe Ruth watching his number being retired at Yankee Stadium (1949 Pulitzer). >>> Capture the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs was developed by Business of Entertainment, Inc. NYC (www.bizzent.com), Cyma Rubin, Curator, in association with the Newseum (www.newseum.org) in Washington, D.C. and for more go to http://thefrost.fiu.edu/exhibitions.htm

>>> With the Watchdog Report closing in on 15 years, I thank all of you that have supported the effort, not for the faint of heart in many ways, including financially surviving

When I started the Watchdog Report on May 5, 2000, I never imagined that almost 15 years later. I would still be at it, and I want to thank all of you and the organizations that have financially supported me over those years. Since I essentially am funded by the community and my readers. Moreover, to say it has been a strange fork in the road for someone, who came from the corporate world, to have started this effort is an understatement, and only in South Florida could I have pulled off a mainstream news service like the WDR. However, given the colorful nature of our community and how so many of us love and create the drama, that would be good entertainment. If we were not overall such a poor community, with pockets of great wealth, yet other areas in major poverty, and why our limited public tax dollars should be spent wisely and with proper oversight and media attention.

In addition, it is my belief that government works more effectively when reported on, and why I have kept at this, for over the past almost 18 years. In addition, the WDR or myself, has affected and easily saved some $100 million in public tax dollars over those years in some way. And it is the preventing of waste, fraud, and abuse and public corruption that has kept me out in the field and reporting back in a variety of venues, from the internet, The Miami Herald, to WLRN, and WPBT Channel 2 over the years.

FLORIDA

>>> Both gubernatorial candidates, Scott & Crist, you either love them or hate them, as incumbent Scott tries to humanize his image, while Crist keeps attacking, but what does he stand for many ask?

Over the weekend Gov. Rick Scott attended the NCAA Final Four Basketball Game between the University of Florida and the University of Connecticut in Arlington Texas and the incumbent governor in campaign television ads speaks to the state’s voters, about his humble roots and rags to riches story and the strong support in his life he received from his now deceased mother. Scott with over $30 million in his campaign coffers will likely face former GOP Gov. Charlie Crist, now a Democrat and both men while they were in office made some 4,000 appointments to a host of statewide boards and local judges during there time in office and these appointments may have impacts for years into the future and is another way for the governor to leave his imprint on the state long after leaving office. As was found after Gov. Jeb Bush left office after eight years in the office when he was termed out in 2006. Moreover, the ultimate appointments will be the four Supreme Court Justices that reach the mandatory 70-retirement age. http://politics.heraldtribune.com/2014/03/14/supreme-court-appointments-loom/

People are constantly asking the Watchdog Report’s take on the upcoming expected to be close gubernatorial election and while Crist is leading in the polls and Scott has suffered some setbacks. The edge has to be given presently to the incumbent Scott, despite his reluctance to mix it up with the media and his stiff campaign style, which is in contrast to Crist’s generally sunny demeanor when he is campaigning. This early prediction is based on the historically low Democratic Party turnout on these off year elections, versus presidential election years, and to win the Democrats have to change that voter turnout pattern.

Scott is expected to raise some $100 million for his reelection campaign to Crist’s expected $50 million or so but Crist also has to get through the Democratic Party’s primary unscathed, which is unlikely. Since former state Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, has said she is challenging Crist to the end of the August primary, demanding they debate, which Crist seems reluctant to do, and any campaign attack ammunition she uses against Crist will be rehashed and repackaged by Scott running up to the general election in November. >>> And to watch Rich being interviewed Sunday by Senior Political Reporter Michael Putney go to http://www.local10.com/livestream-newscast/this-week-in-south-florida-livestream/23509324

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>>> Press release: Gov. Scott announced the reappointment of Brian Yablonski to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Yablonski, 46, of Tallahassee, is the external affairs director for Gulf Power Company. He is reappointed for a term beginning April 4, 2014, and ending January 5, 2019. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

>>> And if you ever thought about adopting a child, check out the great kids on the Children’s Trust’s Heart Gallery page http://www.miamiheartgallery.org/#start looking for a home and great new parents.

>>> Children’s Movement of Florida  Voices of Florida – We all have a story, a story that defines us. It is our collective story, our challenges and our triumphs that inspire a movement. Floridians from all walks of life have joined together with an understanding that the future of our state rests on the well-being of our children. Visit The Children’s Movement website to read their stories and share your own. >>> I find it unacceptable, as all of us should, that at least a half-million children in Florida – all citizens — have no health insurance. How could this be in our beloved country that seeks to be a beacon to the world? Health insurance for all children is one of the five major planks of The Children’s Movement. With the support of Florida Covering Kids and Families, The Children’s Movement is working with dozens of local partners to help build a meaningful signing-up initiative in more than a dozen Florida communities. Already we have: Completed 18 KidCare trainings around the state. Signed up, trained and deployed more than a hundred volunteers. Begun to build a growing collaboration between local school districts and KidCare outreach coalitions. It’s a good start, but only the start. If you’d like to become a volunteer, just click here. Another way to help is to make a contribution – of any size – to help support this work. It is easy. Just click here. A real movement isn’t possible without your helping in some meaningful way. Dave Lawrence, Jr., Chair The Children’s Movement.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Commissioner Souto wants # of Homing pigeons in coop to be ten, 20 was earlier limit, does, “This mean the pigeons must die,” a feared media quote from the last discussion on the matter years ago, by Commissioner Moss

County Commissioner Javier Souto wants to reduce the number of Homing pigeons a homeowner can have in the unincorporated area of the county and at one time 20 birds, to now 10 states the proposed legislation being sponsored by the long serving county commissioner on Tuesday’s county commission agenda. http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/legistarfiles/Matters/Y2014/140150.pdf Souto in the past had sponsored the first legislation that reduced the numbers from some 40 carrier pigeons in a homeowner’s home coop but he wants that number reduced to now only ten.

The Homing pigeons have a keen sense of direction and even if released in North Carolina, they will make their way back to their home in Miami-Dade past carrier pigeon owners told the county commissioners years ago. Further, some of these pigeons can sell for some $3,600 and when the issue was last discussed. The public meeting had a decent turnout of speakers objecting to the new number. Commissioner Dennis Moss back then noted the controversy might have some media blowback when it came to he matter, and he joked the headline in the press might be, county commissioners say “the pigeons must die.” Moreover, he did not relish that new controversy that will occur again at Tuesday’s county commission meeting, and there are clubs for these Homing pigeon enthusiasts http://browardcountypigeonclub.com/ . However, more recently Souto told the Watchdog Report that some of these birds are used for “criminal activity,” and one of the reasons why he is pushing for this further reduction that is sure to result in a lively discussion on the dais.

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>>> County Commissioners will be asked to confirm Port Director Kuryla, and Water and Sewer Dir. Johnson on Tuesday, but will Johnson stay long in job?

Mayor Carlos Gimenez is asking the county commission on Tuesday at their monthly meeting to confirm Juan Kuryla as the new PortMiami director (Here is the memo PDF   and he would replace Bill Johnson who the commission will also be asked to confirm at the same meeting to be the new Director of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department PDF  . Johnson who has said in the past he does whatever the Mayor asks of him. He is said not to be real excited about this new much lower and less glamorous position than the Port or even MIA. And he frequently says at community meetings that he could make more money in the private sector, but loves public service, and given he is retiring next year. Insiders are wondering how long he will stay in this new capacity, that involves the replacement of miles of ageing water and sewer infrastructure pipes in the coming decades and will cost the county billions of dollars, paid for through the selling of bonds and increasing the water rates to homes and businesses. Johnson is replacing long serving county employee and past Water and Sewer Director Jon Renfrow who is retiring.

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>>> What about the Major League Soccer Stadium on land at the Port of Miami?

Major League Soccer superstar David Beckham and his supporters have been working the political halls of government http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/04/4040084/david-beckhams-reps-take-miami.html, but over the weeks, through all the discussions that have been going on. There has not been any comments from U.S. Homeland Security Officials, about having a sports arena, at a working commercial and major tourism Port and security considerations to the possible site are expected to raise its head in the future. But the issue has yet to be answered in the press concerning what federal officials think of the idea of a such a public stadium in the heart of a working Port. Editor’s note; I don’t have any inside information, but the security concern in today’s environment is not out of the question and has yet to be addressed.

>>> GMCVB press release: RECORD DEMAND FOR TRAVEL TO GREATER MIAMI & THE BEACHES REMAINS STRONG IN FEBRUARY 2014 RANKING #1 IN REVENUE PER AVAILABLE ROOM (REVPAR), #1 IN AVERAGE DAILY ROOM RATE (ADR)AND #2 IN HOTEL ROOM OCCUPANCY AMONG THE TOP 25 U.S. MARKETS

February 2014
Average Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR)
Market	Rate	% Change vs. 2013
1. Miami	$205.57	+8.5%
2. Oahu Island	$199.15	+5.6%
3. New York	$152.78	+2.2%
4. San Francisco	$149.30	+19.7%
5. New Orleans	$110.60	-18.9%

Average Daily Room Rate (ADR)
Market	Rate	% Change vs. 2013
1. Miami	$237.69	+8.2%
2. Oahu Island	$222.22	+5.8%
3. New York	$206.81	+5.4%
4. San Francisco	$186.92	-2.6%
5. New Orleans	$159.73	-16.7%

Average Occupancy
Market	% Occupancy	% Change vs. 2013
1. Oahu Island	89.6%	-0.2%
2. Miami	86.5%	+0.3%
3. Orlando	80.0%	+5.1%
4. San Francisco	79.9%	+4.9%
5. Tampa	79.3%	+3.7%

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> M-DCPS TO OBSERVE TAKE YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY ON MAY 15, 2014 DUE TO CONFLICT WITH THE FCAT SCHEDULE

Press release: Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) will observe Take Your Child to Work Day on Thursday, May 15, 2014 instead of April 24 due to conflicts with the scheduled Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) administration. Because FCAT testing will take place from April 15 – 30, it is necessary for M-DCPS to reschedule Take Your Child to Work Day from its original national observance of April 24 to May 15 to minimize disruptions to testing.

Designed to be more than a career day, the Take Your Child to Work Day program goes beyond the average “shadow” an adult. Exposing girls and boys to what a parent or mentor in their lives does during the work day is important, but showing them the value of their education, helping them discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life, and providing them an opportunity to share how they envision the future and begin steps toward their end goals in a hands-on and interactive environment is key to their achieving success.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Wanted, only the best of the best for two slots on seven-member PHT oversight board, $1.4 billion budget, and 10,000 employees giving world-class healthcare – Applications accepted April 6^th to 20^th and application on line

The Public Health Trust Nominating Council met Monday at the West Wing boardroom at the Jackson Health System main campus and a quorum was present of the Council chaired by County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson. Edmonson who is also sponsoring a county commission ordinance to reduce the Council’s quorum number from five to four of the nine-member board. Since getting a required quorum had become a problem over the past few years.

The council approved the dates for the request for applications for new PHT board members, where there are two slots open and four candidates names will be submitted to the county commission for its approval, anticipated at the end of spring. The public advertisements and application period for new Trustees will run from April 6 to April 20^th, in a variety of newspapers and an application will be on line at www.miamidade.gov, and the application deadline is Apr. 21 at 4:00 p.m. at the County Clerk’s office. The Council will then review the applicant’s qualifications on May 12, select finalists the week of May 19^th and after going through a commission committee meeting, the final nominees are expected to be voted on by the 13 member county commission on Jun. 3, state Council documents detailing the expected time line.

People applying to this premier citizen based board must be the best of the best, have no conflicts, will go through an extensive background check, and be able to put in some 30 hours a month for the activity. Further, you have to resign from any other county boards if you are selected, though years ago one. Trustee Martin Zilber refused to do that, and he stayed on the Cultural Affairs Council, despite him signing the form that very clearly stated if he was own the PHT he had to resign and that went on for three years.

Until a county commissioner made a stink about it and was written about extensively in past Watchdog Reports at the time, especially since his attendance record during that time on the Trust was less than stellar and had County Commissioner Sally Heyman publicly chastising him for the poor attendance when he was reappointed. Moreover, it is these types of people that the seven member PHT board does not need given the critical nature of the job and only the best of the best in our community should apply.  >>> Here is the Edmonson ordinance reducing the quorum number

http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/legistarfiles/Matters/Y2014/140766.pdf

Edmonson

Heyman

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> When it comes to shutting down ULTRA, Commissioner Carollo hopes there will not be a rush to judgment after security guard Mack trampled by crowd of gate crashers

With Mayor Tomas Regalado and Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff beating the drums to end the Ultra Fest three day concerts at Miami Bayfront Park. After a security guard, Erica Mack was severely injured when security fencing failed, and she was trampled in the melee, of people without tickets wanting to get into the techno music event, and the tragedy is why officials are demanding its end after some 15 years. The Ultra Event is a significant moneymaker for the city and brings some $70 to $80 million in economic impact to city businesses every year, and some $1.5 million to the Trust that manages the park. This revenue pays for much of the maintenance, and the Trust recently made a significant contribution to the City’s general fund a few months ago. Regalado, said it was a no brainier and would likely be supported by the residents in the nearby condominiums dotting the area during the event, and he expected no political blowback if it was cancelled. He told the Watchdog Report recently as the controversy percolated in the media.

However, Commissioner Frank Carollo says he hopes there is not a rush to judgment on Ultra, though he was concerned Mack was hurt and showed better safeguards were necessary. However, he also noted the economic impact to the area in what is generally a slow time of the season, yet had all the local hotels booked and restaurant services were up and he noted. The Miami Herald in an editorial also called for not having a knee jerk reaction and to perhaps have better security or higher fencing to avoid any further tragedy. Here is The Herald editorial http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/01/4033296/dont-silence-ultra-yet.html#storylink=misearch But the matter will be discussed at the upcoming City Commission Meeting on April 10^th and for more go to : http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/03/4037918/dad-trampled-guard-healing-slowly.html#storylink=misearch

Carollo

Sarnoff

Regalado

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Atty. Smith says sayonara, are more changes coming, and what about the new Police Chief?

With Miami Beach Attorney Jose Smith saying sayonara to his post, he has held since he was termed out on the commission years ago. The housecleaning of officials on the Beach continues since Mayor Philip Levine, and three new commissioners were elected back in November. Levine has come out and said he is receptive to a new light rail project from Miami to Miami Beach along with Miami-Dade County but it is clear to insiders that more changes are coming with the replacement of retiring Police Chief Ray Fernandez,, and an outsider law enforcement officer is likely to be his replacement, some suggest. http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/04/4039286/miami-beach-city-attorney-resigns.html

What about the possible Fifth and Alton Project?

City Hall insiders are telling the Watchdog Report that a massive and tall project planned at the intersection north of Fifth and Alton Rd. proposed by Jorge Perez and Russell Galbut is unlikely to materialize since there are probable at least three votes on the commission dais against it. Mayor Levine has expressed his concerns, new Commissioners Michael Grieco and Joy Malakoff are also expected to be against it, and the pair of developers says in the media that the project is still evolving and some suggest they will eventually sell the property that is on the site of an old Hospital.

What about Galbut’s new penthouse being built on South Beach?

Galbut is also building a high-rise condominium diagonal to iconic Joe’s Stone Crab on Washington Ave and he will be residing in the top Penthouse unit.

>>> Meeting Date: April 8th, 2014, Meeting Time: 8:30 AM, Meeting Place: David’s One, corner of Collins Ave. and 11th Street -Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado will be the guest speaker at the April 8th meeting of the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club.  Mayor Regalado will be discussing some of the major developments proposed for Miami such as the downtown soccer stadium and the five 100 story skyscrapers.  Perhaps of most interest is the Genting development on the Miami Herald and Omni sites, considered by many to be the site of a future destination casino. There is no charge for attending and everyone is welcome. David Kelsey, Moderator Visit our web site at www.MBTMBC.com (Miami Beach Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club).

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Got a beef with Gables policing, April luncheon features Police Chief Weiner

Residents who want to hear what it is like to be the Chief of Police for the City of Coral Gables should stop in at this community luncheon for it is a rare opportunity to listen and ask questions about a important municipal service that can touch any of us at anytime if we are not aware and vigilant. Here is the information on the event: Monday April 7th 2014, Speaker from Coral Gables Police Department, Chief Dennis L. Weiner- We will have Chief Weiner from the Coral Gables Police Department speaking at our next luncheon April 7th, 2014.  Dennis Weiner is a results producing public sector executive with extensive law enforcement and military experience. He is a leader in empowering Intelligence-led Policing-based operations through Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems adoption and implementation. He has advanced knowledge of law enforcement, emergency management, and strategic planning and has excellent communication, motivational and decision-making skills. He is an accomplished professional with demonstrated ability to perform in a fast-paced competitive environment, maintaining quality control while meeting deadlines and budgets… As a law enforcement executive, he is committed to integrating leading edge technology into law enforcement operations, and is interested in developing and applying performance measures to police operations and administration. He is a student and practitioner of Intelligence-Led Policing, Crime Analysis, Predictive Policing and Community Policing models and philosophies. As a Navy Security Officer, he is experienced in the operation of maximum-security detention facilities responsible for the transparent and humane custody and control of high value detainees. >>>Upcoming speakers, April 7th , 2014 – Chief Weiner, Coral Gables, April 21st, 2014 – Commissioner Lago, Coral Gables, May 5th, 2014 – Donald Worth, Miami Marine Stadium, May 19th, 2014 – Raquel Regalado, Miami-Dade School Board The Ponce Business Association is a civic non-profit organization. For more information go to http://poncebusiness.com/Calendar_of_Events.html

VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE

>>> TRAFFIC ADVISORY: RICKENBACKER CAUSEWAY TOLL LANE SCHEDULE

Press release: Toll lanes on the Rickenbacker Causeway will observe the following schedule beginning Tuesday, February 18, 2014: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Lanes 7 and 8 (the two far right lanes) will be closed.  Traffic will be managed through use of all or some of Lanes 1 through 6 depending on the volume of traffic. >>> 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Lanes 1 through 6 will be closed. Traffic will be managed using Lanes 7 and 8 (the two far right lanes). This schedule change will remain in place until further notice.

>>> OTHER STORIES AROUND FLORIDA

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> April 16 is the day for residents to weigh in on new ethics czar at Broward County Hall, with 31 municipalities some uniform hearing and enforcement mechanism is necessary

Broward County Inspector General John Scott is expected to make his pitch for a centralized ethics officer for the county and the 31 municipalities in Broward County on April 16 at 10:00 a.m. in room 430 at the Broward County Government Center in Ft. Lauderdale.  County Voters created The IG office in 2010 and Scott is the first IG, and the former federal prosecutor is asking for changes in how conflicts and ethics cases are handled. See the press release from his office

http://www.broward.org/InspectorGeneral/PublicationsPress/Documents/OIG14004PressRelease.pdf >>> and for more on the issue go to http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-03-06/news/sfl-broward-ethics-czar-gets-second-look-20140305_1_ethics-code-czar-idea-broward-league

Further, Scott noted his idea had gotten support from the Miami-Dade County Ethics and Public Trust Commission executive director Joe Centorino but unfortunately, the meeting date conflicted with an ethics commission meeting in Dade. Said Scott to the Watchdog Report recently, and residents and political leaders should step up to the plate and support this new oversight for while not perfect. Here in Miami-Dade the ethics commission has done a brisk business in busting wayward officials and staff members since its creation by county voters back in 1996 and officially began operateing in 1998. And Broward residents need that same ethics firewall and voters should demand reluctant elected leaders support the proposal that potentially could tamp down some of fairly rampant ethics violations over the years of people in leadership positions.

Scott

>>> Humorist Dave Barry is the big name draw for www.browardBulldog.org Event

The BrowardBulldog is having a special event that is featuring Pulitzer Prize winning humorist Dave Barry and the news organization needs community support for they do excellent investigative reporting on Broward and the state and for more information on the event go to:An Evening With Dave Barry Presented by Boardroom Communications and BrowardBulldog.org

Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:
Tuesday, April 8, 2014 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT)

Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale Auditorium
1 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Attend Event

Share this event:

Boardroom Communications Presents: AN EVENING WITH DAVE BARRY to benefit BrowardBulldog.org on Tuesday, April 8 at NSU’s Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale. Join us for a fun night with best-selling author and Pulitzer-Prize-winning humorist Dave Barry as he discusses parenting and other topics he knows little about. Dave will share his unique insights from his new book “You Can Date Boys When You’re Forty.” Share this event on Facebook and Twitter We hope you can make it! Cheers, www.BrowardBulldog.org

>>> Residents can review they’re county commissioners financial disclosure forms on line — Residents of Broward County can now review they’re county commissioners financial disclosure forms on line and to see the inner financial workings of these elected officials go to  http://public.ethics.state.fl.us/results.cfm

>>> Thank you for using the Broward County Commission Agenda E-mail Notification System. A new Broward County Commission Agenda is available. Point your browser to http://www.broward.org/commission/welcome.htm to view

the new agenda.

CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE

>>> Former Mutual Benefits Corporation Trustee Sentenced to Ten Years for His Role in $1 Billion MBC Scheme

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announce that Anthony Livoti, Jr., 65, of Fort Lauderdale, was sentenced today in Miami by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr.  to ten years in prison. Livoti was also ordered to pay over $800 million in restitution to fraud victims.

Livoti was convicted after nearly a three-month trial by a Miami federal jury of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ‘ 1349, 1956(h), and 1341, respectively. The verdict was the result of Livoti’s participation in a scheme to defraud approximately 30,000 victims who invested in the viatical and life settlement company Mutual Benefits Corp. (MBC). According to the indictment, Livoti and others, including Joel Steinger, a/k/a “Joel Steiner,” Steven Steiner a/k/a Steven Steinger, and Michael McNerney, raised more than $1.25 billion from these investor-victims before being shut down by federal regulators in May 2004. Steven Steiner received a fifteen-year sentence and Joel Steinger, who recently pled guilty, is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scola on June 6, 2014.

According to the evidence presented at trial, from approximately 1994 to May 2004, MBC purchased life insurance policies from the elderly, as well as persons suffering from AIDS and other chronic illnesses. Thereafter, MBC sold fractionalized interests in insurance policy death benefits, known as “viatical settlements,” to approximately 30,000 investor-victims. MBC told investors that its viatical settlements offered a fixed rate of return with low risk, and that investors’ principal and returns were paid by the insurance companies. Evidence presented at trial established that MBC misrepresented many important facts relating to its viatical settlements, including, for example, the estimated life expectancies of the insured persons, MBC’s fraudulent methods used to acquire life insurance policies, the risks associated with certain policies, the payment of premiums, and the source of funds used to pay investors.

Anthony Livoti, Jr., an attorney licensed by the State of Florida, was MBC’s premium trustee, and as a result was entrusted with millions of dollars of investor money placed in bank accounts under his control. Livoti was also the designated “trustee” of thousands of the insurance policies sold by MBC. Evidence showed that Livoti assisted MBC with the marketing of its fraudulent investment by meeting with investors in his Fort Lauderdale law office and encouraging them to purchase MBC investments. Witnesses testified that new investor money was regularly used to pay premiums on life insurance policies purchased by earlier investors and to pay investors who requested their money back. In Ponzi-like fashion, Livoti and his co-conspirators were using new investor money to pay for earlier investor obligations. As the fraud continued, eventually investor money was required to prevent the MBC Ponzi from collapsing. Ultimately, investors lost more than $800 million.>>> Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the Miami Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which previously brought a civil action against MBC and its principals. This case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Rochlin and Roger Cruz. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

City of Lighthouse Point

>>> Broward Resident Charged for Filing Over $439,000 in False Claims for Income Tax Refunds

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and José A. Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), announce the unsealing of an indictment charging Bradley Bowman, of Lighthouse Point, with two counts of filing false claims to the IRS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 287 and 2. According to court documents, Bowman engaged PMDD Services, a tax return preparation firm in Shelley, Idaho, to prepare his 2005 and 2008 Individual Income Tax Returns. Bowman claimed fraudulent tax refunds of $299,024 and $140,355 on his tax returns for the 2005 and 2008 tax years, respectively…An indictment is only an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

>>> Vero Beach Resident Charged in Series of Armed Robberies

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo J. Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office, Deryl Loar, Indian River County Sheriff, and Ric Bradshaw, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, announce that Glenn Thomas Carvajal, 34, of Vero Beach, has been charged in an indictment for two armed robberies of Treasure Coast GameStop stores. Carvajal was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frank J. Lynch Jr. in Ft. Pierce and is being detained, pending trial, as a risk of flight and danger to the community.

Carvajal was charged with two counts of interfering with commerce by threats or violence (robbery), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a), and two counts of possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). If convicted of interfering with commerce by threats or violence (robbery), the defendant faces a possible statutory maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, the defendant faces a consecutive seven year term in prison. If convicted of the second count of possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, the defendant faces another consecutive 25 year term in prison.

According to documents filed in the case, Carvajal, a former GameStop manager, robbed a total of three GameStop stores, in less than two weeks. This robbery spree, which spanned three Florida counties, began on October 8, 2013, at the GameStop store located in Brevard County. On October 10, 2013, Carvajal robbed the Game Stop store located in Indian River County. Carvajal’s spree ended after the October 17, 2013 armed robbery of the GameStop store located in Palm Beach County. During each of the robberies, Carvajal wore a baseball cap and sunglasses, and handed the store clerks a note, as he brandished a handgun in his waistband.  Carvajal would instruct the employees to set the store safe timer, and used a number of GameStop terms, used primarily by GameStop employees. This case is a result of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is a Department of Justice nationwide initiative that combines traditional law enforcement activities with community-based support and intervention programs. The two primary goals of the PSN initiative are to reduce and prevent violent crimes and to help past offenders adjust and re-enter the community. >>> Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ATF, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, the Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office and the Melbourne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Lineberger. An indictment is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

>>> And to read all the Palm Beach elected leader’s financial disclosure reports go to http://public.ethics.state.fl.us/results.cfm

PINELLAS COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Scott named Nick DiCeglie and the reappointment of Barbara Todd to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Region 8.

DiCeglie, 40, of Indian Rocks Beach, is the president of Solar Sanitation Inc. He succeeds Linda Bittner and is appointed for a term beginning April 1, 2014, and ending October 1, 2015.

Todd, 72, of Saint Petersburg, is a retired Pinellas County Commissioner. She is reappointed for a term beginning April 1, 2014, and ending October 1, 2016.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Millions in state funding going to wastewater and stormwater projects, County and Islamorada gets $6 million each for projects

Press release: Governor Rick Scott was joined by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. to announce the 10 wastewater and stormwater projects receiving more than $29 million in loan funding for South Florida through the Department’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund program.

Governor Scott said, “Investing in water quality in South Florida is important to all the families who live in the area. These critical projects will help keep Floridians and our environment healthy. We must continue our focus to improve water quality throughout the state to ensure that Florida remains the best place in the country to live, work and raise a family.”

>>> Monroe County – $6,000,000 – The project consists of constructing a wastewater treatment plant, transmission main and wastewater collection system to serve the communities from Lower Sugarloaf Key through No Name key. The transmission and collection system will serve approximately 9,000 homes. This is an increase of an original loan for $65,000,000.

>>> Islamorada – $6,000,000 -This project is for the construction of a regional wastewater collection and transmission system for the Village of Islamorada. Approximately 6,765 homes will be served by this system. This is an increase of an original loan for $71,000,000., Marathon – $27,300 -This project is complete and included collection, transmission, treatment, and disposal with stormwater collection and treatment in Marathon’s service area 3. Approximately 1,459 homes that are currently on septic tanks and cesspits will be served by an advanced water treatment plant. This is an increase of an original loan for $12,500,000., Marathon – $519,000 -This project is complete and involved creating wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in Marathon’s service area 5 that replaced approximately 1,278 septic tanks and cesspits. This is an increase of an original loan for $21,000,000., Key Largo – $2,560,000 -This project is complete and involved the construction of an advanced water treatment plant with a capacity of 2.3 million gallons per day that will eventually serve all of Key Largo. This is an increase of an original loan for $55,500,000., Key Largo – $4,200,000 -This project consists of the construction of a new digester as well as the conversion of an existing digester into a third Sequencing Batch Reactor to provide additional capacity. This expansion is necessary because Islamorada will be sending all of their effluent to Key Largo for treatment and disposal.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Ethics Campaign Conference Confronts Controversial 1997 Miami mayoral election and 2000 presidential election

The Miami-Dade Ethics Commission is holding an event that is focused on the elections in South Florida over the years and the thrown out 1997 election of Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez, because of widespread voter fraud. However, he was never charged, but the scandal is one of the reasons I started to do the Watchdog Report, and this should be a fascinating discussion.

>>> Campaign Conference Confronts Controversy

Press release: Could an election recount similar to the Bush v. Gore 2000 dispute occur again?  Some of the key players in that historic legal battle will recount their experiences during one session of a one-of-a-kind Political Campaign Ethics Conference on Friday, May 16, 2014, at St. Thomas University School of Law.  The unique daylong event, presented by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust and the St. Thomas University Center for Ethics, offers a full schedule of panel discussions, lectures and breakout sessions sure to intrigue candidates, campaigners and political junkies of all sorts.

The impact of the controversial “Citizens United” ruling allowing corporations unlimited contributions will be debated by John Bonifaz, the head of an organization committed to overturning the Supreme Court decision,  and James Bopp, a legal advisor for Citizens United.  Another session featuring former adversaries Xavier Suarez and Kendall Coffey will look back at the 1997 Miami mayoral election that was overturned by an absentee ballot scandal and fast forward to current efforts to stem ballot scams.  Party activists Al Cardenas and Dan Gelber will examine the latest efforts to balance concerns of voter fraud with tighter restrictions on voter access.  Veteran politicians and legal minds will discuss ethnic and racial innuendo that sometimes sneak into campaigns.

More than 40 speakers, including Justice Gerald Kogan, Mark Caputo, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Joseph Klock, Jr., George Knox, Ben Kuehne, Theresa Lepore, Patricia Mazzei, Buddy Nevins, J.C. Planas, Irene Secada, Dr. Brenda Snipes and Katy Sorenson will participate.  Breakout session topics include campaign consultants, handling media coverage, the election supervisors’ guide for candidates, phantom contributors and ethical campaign practices.  Florida State Senator Jeff Clemens will provide an update of ethics and elections legislation from the 2014 legislative session.  The luncheon speaker will be Chuck Malkus, author of The Ultimate Ponzi: The Scott Rothstein Story. >>> The conference runs from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Thomas Law School, 16401 NW 37 Avenue in Miami Gardens.  The cost, which includes breakfast, lunch and all materials, is $90, but early registers (prior to May 1) will be charged only $75.  Current students pay $50.  Attorneys can earn continuing legal education credit. A complete program and registration information can be found at ethics.miamidade.gov.

>>> The Margulies Collection is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday 11am to 4pm Feature Exhibitions: Song Dong | The Wisdom of the Poor: A Communal Courtyard Arte Povera | Calzolari, Kounellis, Pistoletto Anselm Kiefer | Paintings and Sculpture 1986 – 2006 New Painting: Anna Betbeze, Aaron Bobrow, Jessica Jackson Hutchins, Astrid Svangren,Tam Van Tran New Photography: Olafur Eliasson, Jan Hoek, Nina Katchadourian, Domenico Mangano, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Hank Willis Thomas New Sculpture: Ai Weiwei, Nathalie Djurberg, Masao Gozu, Kenny Scharf, Paolo Ventura

New Video: Kota Ezawa, Amar Kanwar We look forward to welcoming you to the Warehouse soon!

Jannis Kounellis,Senza Titolo,1999, plates, iron shelves, bags, plaster, 142 x 79″

EDITORIAL

>>> Note to elected officials, Sunshine Law regarding open records is the law, deleting or using bogus email addresses to conceal correspondence, a no no

Note to elected officials, the Florida Sunshine Law is in place for a reason, any destruction of the public record while in office is a no no, and you knew the rules of the game when you ran for office. A man is claiming that Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has destroyed some emails http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/04/4039857/attorney-says-missing-emails-prove.html and while this is only a claim.

There have been enough elected officials in the past to be concerned, because these emails are public record. Moreover, if someone tries to avoid that disclosure and uses, a private or bogus email address to conceal something from the public eye. All these things are contrary to the Florida Open Records Law that all leaders swear to uphold while they are in office. And these continued battles by citizens, media and bloggers to have access to public records of officials will be a Pyrrhic Victory for the officials in the long run. For the public does not like that chicanery and may object at the ballot box, and if this accusation pans out about the attorney general. It is a black eye for not only Bondi, but Floridians as a whole as well.

>>> LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & INITIAL SPONSORS IN 2000

ANGEL ESPINOSA – (Deceased) owner COCONUT GROVE DRY CLEANER’S

HUGH CULVERHOUSE, Jr

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT www.fpl.com .

THE MIAMI HERALD     www.miamiherald.com (2000-2008)

ARTHUR HERTZ

WILLIAM HUGGETT, Seamen Attorney (Deceased)

ALFRED NOVAK

LINDA E. RICKER (Deceased)

JOHN S. and JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION  www.knightfoundation.org

THE HONORABLE STANLEY G. TATE

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $2,000 a year

BADIA SPICES    www.badiaspices.com

RONALD HALL

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.miamidade.gov

UNITED WAY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.unitedwaymiamidade.org

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $1,000 a year

AKERMAN SENTERFITT   www.akerman.com

BERKOWITZ POLLACK BRANT Advisors and Accountants www.bpbcpa.com

JEFFREY L. BERKOWITZ TRUST

RON BOOK

LINDA MURPHY: Gave a new laptop in Oct. 2001 to keep me going.

WILLIAM PALMER www.shutts.com

Rbb PUBLIC RELATIONS www.rbbpr.com

SHUBIN & BASS     www.shubinbass.com

WILLIAMSOM AUTOMOTIVE GROUP http://williamsonautomotivegroup.com/

>>> Public, Educational & Social institutions – subscribers at $1,000 or less

CAMILLUS HOUSE, INC.   www.camillushouse.org

CITY OF MIAMI www.miamigov.com.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES www.coralgables.com

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH www.miamibeachfl.gov

CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS www.chapmanpartnership.org

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY  www.fiu.edu

THE STATE OF FLORIDA    www.myflorida.gov

GREATER MIAMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.miamichamber.com

GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU www.miamiandbeaches.com

HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA  www.hfsf.org

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION   www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COMMISSION OFFICE OF THE CHAIR www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ETHICS & PUBLIC TRUST COMMISSION

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOMELESS TRUST: www.miamidade.gov/homeless/

MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE www.mdc.edu

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY INSPECTOR GENERAL www.miamidade.gov/ig

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD www.dadeschools.net

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPT. http://superintendent.dadeschools.net/

MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY www.miamidda.com

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST & JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM www.jhsmiami.org

THE BEACON COUNCIL   www.beaconcouncil.com

THE CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org

THE GOOD GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE http://goodgov.net/

THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES www.mdclc.org

THE MIAMI FOUNDATION  www.miamifoundation.org

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA    http://www.firstgov.gov/

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI             www.miami.edu

The Watchdog Report covers a few of the meetings attended weekly. It remains my belief that an informed public will make better decisions. Therefore, I go to meetings, make the presence of an informed citizen known, and bring the information to you.   The Watchdog Report is in the 14^th year of publication and it has been an honor to be able to send this information to you. It is sent to readers in Miami-Dade, Florida, the U.S. and the world. The Watchdog Report is sent to thousands free and while readers have been prodded to subscribe the results have been mixed. Over 800 reports and Extra’s have been sent since May 5, 2000 and over two million words have been written on our community’s governments and events.  The report is an original work based on information gathered at public meetings, interviews and from documents in the public domain.

LETTER POLICY

I welcome letters via e-mail, fax, or snail mail. Letters may be edited for length or clarity and must refer to material published in the Watchdog Report.  Please see address and contact information. Please send any additions and corrections by e-mail, fax or snail mail. All corrections will be published in the next Watchdog Report. If you or your organization would like to publish the contents of this newsletter, please contact me. Please send your request to watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

Daniel A. Ricker

Publisher & Editor

Watchdog Report www.watchdogreport.net

Est. 05.05.00

Copyright © of original material, 2014, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> The Watchdog Report are now available to television stations web pages, and all the newspapers and other media in South Florida if the publishers have an interest to run part or all of the stories. Further, in 2000, I used to have some paper’s running the report in the Spanish press, that option is available again, and publishers should contact me.  The news content will not be free, but you can pick and chose the stories of interest, edit them if necessary but you must still keep the general story intact.  If you are a news outlet and would like to learn more about, the Watchdog Report and this offer contact me at watchdogreport1@earthlink.net for further information.  >>> Here is what past newspapers have written about the Watchdog Report publisher including a survey and regional study done by the U. North Carolina at Chapel Hill on the media in the southeast United States.

>>> The Miami Herald and Orlando Sentinel & Sun-Sentinel articles on the Watchdog Report publisher over the years. >>> Published on September 9, 1999, Page 1EA, Miami Herald, The (FL) CITIZEN ADVOCATE’ KEEPS TABS ON POLITICIANS >>> Published on January 3, 2000, Page 1B, Miami Herald, The (FL) MIAMI-DADE WATCHDOG WILL BE MISSED >>> >>> To read the full section large two page front page story, but without the photos and smart box graphics, go to: `I Go When You Cannot’ – Sun Sentinel 20 Jan 2003 … Sometimes Dan Ricker lives in the dark so others may live in the light. … to his weekly Watchdog Report have finally mailed their checks. … http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american >>>Watchdog Report publisher named ‘Best Citizen’ 2003 by the Miami New Times  —The publisher would like to thank the weekly alternative paper Miami New Times for bestowing their 2003 Best of Miami, ‘Best Citizen’ award to me and I am honored.  Thank you. To read the full story go to http://www.miaminewtimes.com/issues/2003-05-15/citylife2.html/1/index.html

From the spring of 2003:  U. North Carolina, Chapel Hill:  Southeast U.S. Media Report lists Watchdog Report publisher as leading Florida commentator >>> Selected excerpts from the report on Florida’s media sources. Those who do read the newspaper in Florida have a bevy of options for state government and political coverage. The dominant newspapers in the state are Knight-Ridder’s The Miami Herald (Acquired by The McClatchy Company in 2006) and the Poynter Institute’s St. Petersburg Times. Both papers endorsed Gore in 2000 but split on the 2002 gubernatorial race, with the Herald endorsing Republican incumbent Jeb Bush and the Times backing Democratic challenger Bill McBride. Daniel Ricker of The Miami Herald also writes an influential column as well as an email newsletter called the Watchdog Report that goes out to more than 100,000 subscribers. FEBRUARY 2004 – Florida: Columnists in Abundance –ERIC GAUTSCHI, graduate student, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, UNC-Chapel Hill – D) LEADING COMMENTATORS – Resource Commentator Organization Type Web site –Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times Column www.sptimes.com/columns/bousquet.shtml -“First Friday” WPBT TV (Miami) TV Show www.channel2.org/firstfriday/issues.html –Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Column www.sptimes.com/columns/morgan.shtml –Daniel Ricker Miami Herald/Watchdog Report Newsletter >>> Readers who would like to read the complete University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Southeast United States Media Report go to view the complete report or download all the data used in this study. >>> Watchdog Report Editor’s note to the NCU/CH study: The subscriber number referenced is incorrect and applies to readership.

General subscriber’s names will not be published in the Report. To subscribe to the Watchdog Report please use the form below as a subscription invoice.

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Watchdog Report Supporters Invoice-Form

NOTE: Invoice is for Yearly supporter/sponsorship Rates: Thank you.

Supporting Sponsors $5,000

Sustaining Sponsors $2,000

Corporate Sponsors $1,000 (All levels above will be listed in the report with web-site link if desired)

Large Business Supporters $500

Small Business Supporters $250

Individual Supporter $150

Student Supporter $ 75

Any amount $

Name & Address

Please make checks payable to: Daniel A. Ricker

Send to: 3109 Grand Avenue, #125

Miami, FL 33133 To contact the Publisher please e-mail watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

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