Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long Appointed to Florida Trust Board of Trustees

 

Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long Appointed to Florida Trust Board of Trustees  Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Florida Local Government Investment Trust (Florida Trust) by the Florida Association of Counties (FAC).  The Florida Trust allows Florida counties access to top national and state experts to guide them through the complicated world of government investment strategy, ensuring tax dollars are invested wisely, safely and profitably.  Counties can invest in either a short term fund or a day to day fund; maximizing interest and accessibility. “Vince’s appointment to the Florida Trust shows that our Board, and our whole community, have one of the best professionals in his field,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Rick Minor. “I am fortunate to serve alongside Vince in addressing our community’s greatest needs, and the Trust will benefit from his experience and vision.” Organized on December 12, 1991, The Florida Trust is designed to complement existing investment programs by providing investment vehicles for funds that can be invested in short- to intermediate-term securities and have returns generally greater than the national average for money market instruments. The Florida Trust is the first in the state to obtain a Standard and Poor’s rating and third in the nation. “I am honored to be appointed to the Florida Trust Board of Trustees, a body that guides and advises Florida counties on how to invest and maximize taxpayer dollars,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “For decades, the Florida Trust has established a legacy of wise fiscal stewardship, and I am proud to learn from and share with my peers across the state.” The Florida Trust is a local government investment pool (LGIP) developed through the joint efforts of the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers (FCCC) and the Florida Association of Counties (FAC). It is the longest running member-owned and member-governed local government investment pool in the state of Florida.   “Vince has dedicated his entire career to the business of county government,” FAC Executive Director, Ginger Delegal said. “His experience overseeing not just efficient county operations but, efficient county growth, cannot be overstated.  We believe his experience will greatly benefit the Florida Trust and all the local governments it serves.”  For more information, visit floridatrustonline.com.    About Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long   Vince has worked for Leon County since 1995 and was appointed County Administrator by the Board of County Commissioners in 2011. As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the county government, he provides fiscal, strategic and operational leadership to the organization, as well as sound analysis and professional implementation of the Board’s policies. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University and is a graduate of the Harvard University, JFK School of Government Institute for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. He is also a Credentialed Manager by the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA), serves on the Board of Directors and is a past President of the Florida Association of County Managers, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Association of Counties Institute for County Government.

Es el Día Nacional de la Privacidad de Datos

 28 de enero de 2021

por 

Rosario Méndez

Abogada, División de Educación del Consumidor y los Negocios

Hoy es el Día Nacional de la Privacidad de Datos, una fecha en la cual muchas organizaciones y agencias del gobierno, incluida la FTC, se unen para elevar el nivel de concientización sobre asuntos de privacidad y para ofrecer recomendaciones e información. Como nuestros dispositivos están cada día más conectados y comparten más información sobre nosotros, la privacidad es cada vez más importante.

 

Hay algunas cosas que puedes hacer para ayudar a proteger tu privacidad y limitar la manera en que compartes información con los demás. El Día Nacional de la Privacidad de Datos es el momento ideal para revisar algunos de los pasos que puedes seguir:

1. Entérate de todo lo que contiene tu dispositivo. Haz un inventario de todas las aplicaciones instaladas en tus dispositivos. Considera eliminar todo lo que no uses.
2. Revisa las funciones de privacidad. Es una buena idea revisar periódicamente la configuración de las funciones de privacidad de las aplicaciones, los dispositivos y las cuentas en línea. Por ejemplo, podrías revisar las funciones de privacidad cuando recibes un aviso de una compañía para informarte que cambió sus políticas de privacidad.
3. Asegúrate de que todos los programas y aplicaciones estén actualizados. Esto incluye tus aplicaciones, navegadores web y sistemas operativos. Configura las actualizaciones para que se activen automáticamente.
4. Verifica la seguridad del enrutador de tu casa. Asegúrate de estar usando un enrutador que tenga un sistema de codificación WPA2 o WPA3 para proteger la información que compartes a través de tu red inalámbrica. Las redes Wi-Fi públicas no son seguras, así que si necesitas usar un punto de conexión de una red Wi-Fi pública toma tus precauciones.

Don't Miss Art + Soul | February 6 at 7pm

 

Pérez Art Museum Miami

Lo que hay que saber sobre la segunda ronda de cheques y tarjetas del pago de impacto económico (EIP)

 22 de enero de 2021

por 

Cristina Miranda

División de Educación del Consumidor, FTC

El Departamento del Tesoro de EE. UU. y el IRS están trabajando arduamente para que la gente obtenga una segunda ronda de pagos de impacto económico (EIP). Es posible que ya te hayan depositado tu pago directamente en tu cuenta bancaria. Esta segunda ronda comenzó el 29 de diciembre. O podrías haber recibido un cheque por correo. Pero, al igual que la última vez, algunas personas recibirán su pago por correo con una tarjeta de débito VISA del EIP. No te sorprendas si en esta segunda ronda recibes tu pago de una manera diferente a la primera vez. Cualquiera sea la manera en que recibas tu pago, se trata de dinero que el gobierno quiere que tengas y que lo recibas rápidamente. Así que, si reúnes los requisitos para recibir un pago de impacto económico o EIP, fíjate si en tu cuenta bancaria figura un depósito directo, está atento a tu correspondencia a la espera de un cheque o mira atentamente dentro de tu buzón este mes para ver si recibes una tarjeta de débito Visa del EIP.

Ya sabes cómo es la cosa con los cheques: recibes el cheque y depositas el cheque. Como tal vez no hayas recibido una tarjeta de débito VISA anteriormente, te damos un poco más de información. La tarjeta de débito VISA del EIP llegará en un sobre como este:

Las tarjetas de débito son administradas por Money Network Financial, LLC y expedidas por el agente financiero del Departamento del Tesoro, MetaBank®, N.A., y tendrán este aspecto:

Si recibes una tarjeta de débito VISA del EIP por correo, tienes que hacer lo siguiente:

Activa la tarjeta de débito VISA del EIP de inmediato llamando al 1-800-240-8100. Para activar la tarjeta, tendrás que dar los últimos seis dígitos de tu número de Seguro Social. Después de activar la tarjeta puedes usarla en cualquier lugar que acepte tarjetas de débito VISA, incluso en línea o en una tienda, o en un cajero automático o ATM para retirar dinero. También puedes transferir el dinero desde la tarjeta hacia tu cuenta bancaria personal sin cargo. Recuerda que las tarjetas de débito del pago de impacto económico, o EIP, expirarán después de tres años. En ese caso, tendrás que llamar al servicio al cliente para pedir que te envíen los fondos por medio de un cheque.

¿Tienes preguntas sobre la tarjeta del EIP ? Llama al centro de atención de llamadas durante las 24 horas del día al 1-800-240-8100. También puedes visitar EIPCard.com para consultar información sobre cómo usar tu tarjeta del EIP, por ejemplo, dónde iniciar una sesión para ver tu saldo o dónde encontrar un cajero ATM de la red para retirar dinero de la tarjeta sin cargo.

¿Tienes más preguntas generales sobre los pagos de impacto económico? El IRS también tiene una página de preguntas frecuentes en inglés o en español.

Y una última cosa. Al igual que la última vez, los estafadores están siempre listos para tratar de apropiarse de tu dinero y/o información personal. Recuerda que el gobierno nunca te llamará por teléfono, ni te enviará un mensaje de texto o email, ni tampoco te pedirá que hagas clic en un enlace para activar tu tarjeta del EIP o para recibir tu dinero. Si alguien hace eso, es una estafa. No le des a nadie tu información financiera o personal, como tu número de Seguro social o de tu cuenta bancaria. Y nunca le pagues a nadie para conseguir tus fondos del EIP. Reporta inmediatamente cualquier estafa ante la FTC en ReporteFraude.ftc.gov.

City of Miami Beach Update on COVID-19

 

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

We continue to provide our residents and businesses with the latest updates from the City of Miami Beach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the latest news and updates below.

COVID-19 Updates

Fight the Spread Fight the spread of COVID-19 in Miami-Dade County with your Bluetooth connection. CombatCOVID is a mobile application that uses Bluetooth to determine if your device is near another device whose owner has identified as COVID-19-positive so that you can get tested and keep safe. If you've tested COVID-19 positive, you can use CombatCOVID to discretely alert others to get tested without disclosing your identity. With CombatCOVID, you can keep yourself and others safer while ensuring your privacy is protected. No personal information is required Information transmitted is encrypted No GPS or location data is tracked Learn more at miamidade.gov/combatcovid and download the app today.

COVID-19 Testing Drive-thru and walk-up COVID-19 testing continues on 17 Street and Convention Center Drive. We encourage you to pre-register for the walk-up site by clicking here or make your appointment for the drive-thru site here. Visit our 'Testing' tab to view detailed testing information. COVID-19 Vaccines Miami-Dade County is working closely with hospital and healthcare partners, the Florida Department of Health, municipalities, and private partners to vaccinate members of our community against COVID-19 as quickly and efficiently as possible. Appointments can be made through a scheduling tool, as more vaccines become available, at miamidade.gov/vaccine. The website is also available in Spanish at miamidade.gov/vacuna.  For updated information about where vaccines are currently available and to answer frequently asked questions about the vaccine, please click here. This site will be updated frequently as new information become available. Visit our 'Vaccine' tab to view additional vaccine information.

North Beach Food Distribution Commissioner David Richardson's office will host their weekly food distribution in North Beach tomorrow, January 27. Wednesday, January 27 9 AM - 11 AM 8700 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL The food distribution is on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. Please remain in your car and open the trunk when it's your turn in line. If you do not have a car and would like to qualify for food assistance, please call or register online. Phone: 305.604.CITY (2489) or www.miamibeachfl.gov/food

General City Updates

Commission Meeting/Presentation and Awards There will be a Commission/Presentation and Awards meeting hosted virtually tomorrow, January 27 at 5 p.m. via Zoom here: https://miamibeachfl-gov.zoom.us/j/82722627304 The meeting will be streamed live on MBTV Channel 660 on Atlantic Broadband or 99 on AT&T U-Verse. How to provide spoken public comment during the meeting: The public may provide spoken comment by dialing telephone 929.205.6099 or 888.475.4499 (toll free).  The Webinar ID is 827 2262 7304. Press *9 to raise a hand to be placed in queue to speak.

Free GED & ESOL Classes The City of Miami Beach is once again funding one class of either ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) or GED (General Educational Development, available in English or Spanish) for Miami Beach residents. Classes are offered virtually by the Miami Beach Adult and Community Education Center, and are offered Monday through Thursday in the morning, afternoon or evening. Residents much register online at www.miamibeachadult.com. When promoted, enter your City of Miami Beach address to be awarded the $30 cost of class. Only addresses with zip codes 33139, 33140 or 33141 will be eligible. If you have any questions, please call 305.531.0451 to speak to a Registration Specialist for assistance.

Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee Meeting There will be a Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee meeting hosted virtually on Thursday, January 28 at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom here: https://miamibeachfl-gov.zoom.us/j/91712099637. The meeting will be streamed live on MBTV Channel 660 on Atlantic Broadband or 99 on AT&T U-Verse. How to provide spoken public comment during the meeting: The public may provide spoken comment by dialing telephone 301.715.8592 or 888.475.4499 (toll free).  The Webinar ID is 917 1209 9637. Press *9 to raise a hand to be placed in queue to speak.

Virtual Sustainachella: Sweet Bees Bees are one of the most important pollinators and are critical in the propagation of plants, trees and food crops in South Florida. Join us to learn more about bees and pollinators, local beehives, and becoming a trained beekeeper!   Friday, January 29 12 PM - 1 PM Click here to register for the webinar.

Flamingo Park Meeting Commissioner Michael Góngora will join the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association on Monday, February 1 to discuss topics that matter in the Flamingo Park community. Monday, February 1 6 PM Zoom info: https://zoom.us/j/99253924693 By phone: 646.876.9923 Meeting ID: 992 5392 4693

Free Tax Preparation Services on Miami Beach Recognized as a best practice site by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for its fast and reliable tax preparation program, the City of Miami Beach will once again offer free income tax preparation services beginning February 1 through April 15, 2021 for households or individuals earning up to $57,000 annually per household.   Tax preparation services will be offered Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays via appointment only in the Office of Housing and Community Services, located at 555 17 Street. Appointments can be made now through the end of tax season by calling 305.673.7491. Special services are offered to taxpayers with limited English skills or disabilities.   Residents are reminded to bring the following documentation: Valid government-issued identification card; Social Security card for all persons declared as dependents on the tax return; All 2020 W-2s and information for other income; Bank account information for direct deposit of refund Forms 1095-A, B or C (ACA Statements); Total paid to day care providers and their tax ID number, if applicable; Birth dates for everyone listed on the return, including spouses and/or dependents; Copy of last year's tax return; and Identity theft PIN, if applicable.

Parks & Rec Corner Get your children playing sports and connecting with other kids in the neighborhood through any one of our classes and programs being offered by the Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department. Visit register.miamibeachparks.com and let's create memories together!

All year long, dance classes for all ages are being offered by Epic Dance Center at the North Shore Park Youth Center. Register today at epicenterprisesfl.com.

Winter Sports are underway! From pee wee soccer, juniors flag football, basketball to youth volleyball and more. Register your young athletes today at register.miamibeachparks.com

The Miami Beach Teen Club is offering a free afterschool program Monday through Friday from 2 PM to 7 PM at the Normandy Isle Park, Nautilus Middle School and the Scott Rakow Youth Center. Register today at register.miamibeachparks.com

Commit to be fit this new year! We have two locations for open gym sessions at the Scott Rakow and North Shore Park Youth Centers. Purchase your monthly pass today by visiting register.miamibeachparks.com

Enjoy free African Dance & Drums classes during the month of February! Scott Rakow Youth Center | Thursday, February 4 at 6:30 PM and North Shore Park Youth Center | Saturday, February 13 & 27 at 11 AM register.miamibeachparks.com

Let your moves fly with Zumba! Classes are offered at North Shore Park (M/W/Th/F at 6:30 PM and Saturday's at 9:30 AM) and Scott Rakow Youth Center Tues/Th at 10 AM. Classes are $6 for residents/$11 for non-residents register.miamibeachparks.com

Mondays with Micky Commissioner Micky Steinberg will host a virtual Mondays with Micky on Monday, February 8 to discuss the future of Biscayne Bay with Irela Bague, Miami-Dade County Chief Bay Officer and Betsy Wheaton, the Miami Beach Environment and Sustainability Director. Monday, February 8 6 PM Zoom info: