Fall 2008

In This Issue:

• Message From The Secretary
• Message From The Chair
• Message from the Executive Director
• Helpful Reminder
• eNewsroom

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Message From The Secretary

Dear Friend:

On July 31, Governor Charlie Crist appointed me to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Governor Crist understands the importance of creating a business friendly environment that also regards the safety and protection of the consumer as a top priority. I am eager to continue to serve the people of Florida and our business community and professionals in my new capacity as Secretary. I will draw upon my experience in the Department as the former Deputy Secretary of Business Regulation and Interim Secretary to continue to advance our mission to license efficiently and regulate fairly.

We've made tremendous progress over the past year, and I'm dedicated to maintaining this momentum. We know that serving you is the first step to providing great service to the people of Florida. That's why we've focused on changes that improve customer service, streamline processes, open communications with licensees and the public, and lead to better business practices.

One of the most crucial adjustments to business practices at the Department was the implementation of the Document Imaging System. The project is in its final phases, and it ultimately provides for a more streamlined and centralized application process that results in faster licensing and better service for you. I thank Governor Charlie Crist and the Legislature for providing $2.5 million to complete this project in Fiscal Year 2008/2009, which helps take care of businesses and professionals throughout Florida.

Our quest to improve customer service is never over. In an effort to reach our licensees who are located throughout the state, I'm taking our business on the road in the "On the Road to Better Business" tour this summer and early fall. This tour will provide the opportunity for you to meet with me and my staff to ask questions and provide input and suggestions. I will hold office hours for customers to come and meet with me at a Department office in their communities. Please look forward to more information to come.

I continue to uphold our mission to "License Efficiently. Regulate Fairly." I understand and value that licensees have unique insight into how we do business and ways we can build upon existing practices, and I look forward to hearing your feedback.

Thank you for all that you do for the people and economy of our great state.

Sincerely,

Charles W. Drago
Secretary

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Message From The Chair, Cheryl Phipps

Greetings to all from the Board of Pilot Commissioners!

Since my last article, we have had a fairly quiet year. We did a lot of rules housekeeping with the help of our present board attorney, Mr. Mike Flury, and former board attorney, Ms. Mary Ellen Clark. 

We reluctantly said farewell to the board’s former prosecuting attorney, Mr. Drew Winters. He is a very talented individual who launched his new career path in the private sector.  We thank Mr. Charles Tunnicliff for stepping in temporarily to assist the board.  Our newest prosecuting attorney, Mr. Phil Monte, attended our September meeting, and we look forward to working with him.  We welcome him and will do our best to get him on a ship in the near future so he better understands our profession.

In April, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) requested that the Department send a witness to testify regarding state oversight of piloting.  I was accompanied by Commander Galen Dunton at the hearing.  The results of the hearing are still pending.

We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Charles W. Drago, Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, at our September meeting.  The St. Johns Bar Pilot Association provided a very comprehensive tour of the port with the gracious assistance of former board chair, Ms. Victoria Robas.  The board also extended an invitation to Secretary Drago to ride on a vessel, at his convenience, in any of our Florida ports.

There were several heroic events around the state involving pilots and crew who fell into the sea while on duty, and without the assistance of some local boaters and pilot boat captains, these stories may have been disastrous.  We are grateful for their courageous efforts.

It is with sadness that we report the passing of Mr. Louis de la Parte, Jr.  Among many of his accomplishments Mr. de la Parte was instrumental in drafting Chapter 310, Florida Statutes.  Both he and his son, David, were invaluable with their input and advice to the Florida State Pilots Association and our board.  We extend our deepest condolences to his family.

In closing, the Board of Pilot Commissioners would like to thank Ms. Robyn Barineau, Executive Director; Ms. Elise Rice, Government Analyst; and Ms. Julie Rowland, Administrative Assistant, for their outstanding service and commitment to the Board of Pilot Commissioners and the other Florida State Pilots.

Sincerely,
Cheryl Phipps, Chair

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Message from the Executive Director,
Robyn Barineau

Since the last newsletter, the board conducted their meetings in four Florida port cities:  Panama City, Key West, Ft. Lauderdale and Jacksonville.  We were able to participate in a walking tour of the Port of Panama City and a boat tour of the Port of Jacksonville.  I was again reminded of the dangerous position you pilots are faced with each and every working day.  You risk your safety to protect the citizens of and travelers to Florida, as well as the waterways of our great state.  Thank you for all you do!

With the renewal period fast-approaching, I would like to remind you to submit your current Merchant Mariner Physical Examination Report, drug test, and the number of handles to the board office.  As a reminder, your license cannot be renewed until your current forms are received.

Should your schedule permit, how about planning to join us for a Board of Pilot Commissioners meeting?  Board members and staff welcome your attendance and input at all board meetings. We have tentatively planned all board meetings through the end of 2009.  The board meeting dates, times and locations are posted online at www.MyFloridaLicense.com > Direct to our Professions > Pilot Commissioners.

On a personal note, I want to thank those of you that sent well wishes to me during my recovery from surgery earlier this year.  Your many kindnesses will always be remembered.

Happy holidays to you and yours and best wishes for a prosperous 2009!

Sincerely,
Robyn Barineau, Executive Director

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Helpful Reminder

• As a reminder, in order to retain your license, you must file a current medical physical form and a drug test with the board office.  In addition, you must submit the form, which will be included with your renewal notice, indicating your number of handles to the board office.  You may access the medical physical form on the board’s Web site at www.MyFloridaLicense.com > Direct to our Divisions > Pilot Commissioners.

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Licensee Numbers

As of Sept. 23, 2008, there are 91 current, active State Pilots and 9 current, active Deputy Pilots in Florida

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eNewsroom

Check out DBPR's eNewsroom, your source for important Department news and information. Here, you can watch public service announcements, read news releases, and subscribe to and flip through our publications.

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