AARP Florida

TECO is asking for a total base rate increase of $467.7 million for residential consumers through 2027. Over three years, the total revenue raised from the rate increases would be between $1.14 billion and $1.23 billion. It's unjust that our hard-earned money, meant to cover essential services like electricity, is being used for lobbying efforts that serve the interests of utility companies.

Duke Energy is seeking approval for an $820 million increase from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). This rate hike will burden households already struggling with rising costs.

Millions of Florida residents find electric utility issues hard to follow. Regulated by a far-away, low-profile state agency, largely the domain of expensive utilities lawyers, powerful corporations and influential special interest experts, electric utility regulations are often unfair and unfamiliar for customers.

AARP Florida, United Way Miami, Miami-Dade County’s experts in aging and elected officials gathered at Miami-Dade College North campus on Wednesday, May 15th to learn about the issues older adults face and how laws, regulations and public policies can help our community age gracefully and with respect. Expert panelists, including Florida State Senators Ana Maria Rodriguez, Alexis Calatayud and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado, focused on allowing older adults to maintain their independence as they age by addressing challenges in housing and finding solutions for affordable housing in new and innovative ways.

Community Conversations with Congressional Candidates in Florida

On April 24, Thayra Hausheer, an AARP Florida Executive Council Member, presented Mayor Francis Suarez and the Commissioners of the City of Miami with a recognition plaque for completing a five-year cycle and their extraordinary progress in making the City age-friendly for all its residents. Among the City’s many accomplishments, Miami initiated the Safe Routes to Age in Place program, which empowers older adults to identify their transportation needs to improve safety in their neighborhoods, including pedestrian safety. The City also focused on supporting affordable housing, working with housing providers to diversify Miami's housing options, providing rental assistance, and expanding the number of older adults who qualify. In addition, Miami is now home to a Senior Planet site to provide older adults with digital skills and connections to a range of programs and supports, and your Empower 60 program has received widespread recognition for its civic contributions to both older adults and the broader community.

As we delve into the summer of 2024, it's imperative that we gear up for the challenges that lie ahead. Initial predictions by national experts foresee a potentially record year in terms of named storms, which makes it all the more important to be prepared.

The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through November. AARP Florida, state officials and disaster relief agencies want Floridians to start preparing now. AARP Florida will host a virtual disaster readiness workshop on Thursday, June 20, with emergency management specialists.

During the recent Volunteer Leader’s Training meeting, AARP Florida had the honor of presenting the inaugural Esther “Tess” Canja Award for exceptional volunteerism, a tribute to the remarkable legacy of one of our most beloved advocates. The award was presented posthumously to Tess Canja's daughter, Deb Canja, in recognition of her mother's unwavering dedication and tireless commitment to serving others.

As you consider your future and the well-being of your loved ones, the task can often feel daunting and urgent. At AARP Florida, we recognize the importance of practical solutions and reliable information to guide you through these critical decisions.