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Home » Government » Recent News

Senator Tony Hill and Other Officials Take Aim at Poor Graduation Rate for Black Males

September 7, 2010 Government Comments Off

New Report “Yes We Can” Shows America’s Public Schools Fail Over Half the Nation’s Black Male Students, Florida Districts Included
Jacksonville, Fl – Declaring that the dismal graduation rate for black males in Florida is “critical and unacceptable,” Senator Anthony “Tony” Hill, Sr. (D-Jacksonville) will be holding a press conference on Thursday, September 9, 2010 to announce plans to turn things around. … Continue Reading

State Representative Maria Sachs and Congressman Ted Deutch To Host 21st Century Energy Summit On Sept. 13

September 7, 2010 Government Comments Off

BOCA RATON, Fla. –  State Representative Maria Sachs is proud to announce that she will join Congressman Ted Deutch as hosts of “Investing in Florida’s Economy: 21st Century Energy,” a summit of influential policymakers and leaders to take place at Florida Atlantic University on Monday, Sept. 13. … Continue Reading

FDLE Dismantles South Florida Prostitution Business

September 7, 2010 Government Comments Off

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) special agents and Boca Raton Police Department today arrested four South Florida residents on charges related to operating a prostitution business out of Pompano Beach. David Naftaly, 42, of Parkland; Rachelle Pelletier, 44, of Pompano Beach; Elizabeth Smodey, 27, of Wilton Manors;and Mike Mitchell, 49, of Wilton Manors were arrested and charged with racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution, and money laundering. … Continue Reading

Governor Crist Appoints Judge Patti A. Christensen to Seventh Judicial Circuit Court

September 7, 2010 Government Comments Off

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced the appointment of St. Johns County Judge Patti A. Christensen to the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court.

“With 18 years of experience as a practicing attorney and 10 years on the county court, Patti is well prepared to be a circuit court judge,” said Governor Crist. “Respectful of all who have appeared in her court, she is committed to a just and fair application of the law.” … Continue Reading

Statement by Governor Charlie Crist Regarding the French National Railroad Participation in the High Speed Rail Project

September 3, 2010 Business, Government Comments Off
Statement by Governor Charlie Crist Regarding the French National Railroad Participation in the High Speed Rail Project

“I have been made aware of a concern that has been raised about a company and their participation in Florida’s High Speed Rail project and its involvement with the Holocaust during World War II. I, like many others, have been touched by the stories told of those tragic days in world history, and am personally offended by this latest information.

“Therefore, I have instructed our Secretary of Transportation, Stephanie Kopelousos, and her team to review these allegations and insure that all prospective participants in Florida’s High Speed Rail project strictly meet all the qualifications criteria under state and federal law. ”

CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394

Groundbreaking Harvard & Cloud Industries Health Workshop Proves “Game-Changer” for Andrews Institute and Baptist Health Care

September 3, 2010 Government Comments Off

Internet power pushes world-class Andrews care to coaches, trainers and players worldwide

GULF BREEZE, FL – “It is appropriate that today in Pensacola, Andrews Institute, the place where innovation of sports injuries has blossomed and Baptist Hospital, where the leadership service is renowned, that we release this first,” said Professor John Donovan.* … Continue Reading

CFO Alex Sink’s Bureau of Forensic Fire & Explosives Analysis Receives International Accreditation

September 3, 2010 Government Comments Off
CFO Alex Sink’s Bureau of Forensic Fire & Explosives Analysis Receives International Accreditation

TALLAHASSEE— Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink’s Bureau of Forensic Fire & Explosives Analysis (BFFEA) Investigations has received the prestigious honor of full international accreditation status from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board International (ASCLD/LAB-International). The Bureau qualified for the highly prized recognition of law enforcement excellence after meeting 380 standards applicable for a forensic laboratory seeking accreditation.

“This honor demonstrates the hard work and professionalism of our Forensic Fire & Explosives Analysis Bureau, as they join the ranks of top forensic labs across the nation,” said CFO Sink. “I commend our State Fire Marshal lab members who worked diligently to obtain this greatly deserved and prestigious honor.” … Continue Reading

Keith Kameg Appointed FDLE Communications Coordinator

September 3, 2010 Government Comments Off

Commissioner Jerry Bailey is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Kameg to the position of Communications Coordinator in the Office of External Affairs. In this role, Kameg will serve as one of the department’s spokespersons and will be responsible for coordinating news releases, interviews, press conferences and internal communications.

Kameg comes to FDLE from the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) where he served since 1986. After rising to the rank of Lieutenant, he spent 10 years serving as GPD’s chief spokesperson where he handled all media inquiries, wrote press releases and produced and hosted a monthly television show. Kameg most recently served as the department’s dayshift commander before retiring from GPD in August.

Kameg has been a member of the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officers Association for 10 years and has served as the group’s President. Kameg earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Florida. … Continue Reading

You Snooze, You Lose — Don’t Drive Drowsy

September 3, 2010 Government Comments Off

~ Drowsy Driving Prevention Week aims to prevent crashes and save lives ~

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Driver fatigue leads to more than 1,500 fatalities each year in the United States. That fact is more than a statistic to Ronshay Dugans’ family. It is a reality. A driver who fell asleep at the wheel of a cement truck led to the death of the eight-year-old girl two years ago in Tallahassee, Fla. To bring attention to the public safety issue at a critical time when millions of motorists are about to embark upon long weekend road trips for the Labor Day holiday, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Department of Transportation co-hosted an event today in conjunction with the hospitals of Morton Plant Mease, law enforcement representatives and safety advocates to announce Florida’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week on Sept. 5 – 11.

State Rep. Alan Williams, District 8, sponsored the legislation that created the Ronshay Dugans Act during the 2010 Legislative Session. The Act designates the first week of September as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.

“Ronshay’s family shares the story of their tragic loss so that others don’t have to experience the same,” said Representative Williams. “Drowsy driving decreases awareness, slows reaction time and impairs judgment. The catastrophic losses that can occur when drivers doze off at the wheel can be prevented, and we want drivers to plan their daily commute and long trips accordingly so that they can arrive safely at their destinations.” … Continue Reading

Governor Crist Appoints Josefina Tamayo to the Second Judicial Circuit Court

September 2, 2010 Government Comments Off
Governor Crist Appoints Josefina Tamayo to the Second Judicial Circuit Court

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced the appointment of Josefina “Josie” Tamayo of Tallahassee to the Second Judicial Circuit Court.

“Born in Cuba, Josie is a true example of the American dream and a dedicated public servant, who displays exceptional leadership, professionalism and commitment to the principles of our judicial system,” said Governor Crist. “Her extensive public service experience, as well as her vast legal expertise, will serve the people of the Second Circuit well.” … Continue Reading

Governor Crist Appoints Richard Brown to Jacksonville City Council

September 2, 2010 Government Comments Off
Governor Crist Appoints Richard Brown to Jacksonville City Council

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today appointed Richard A. “Dick” Brown of Neptune Beach to the Jacksonville City Council. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Arthur Graham to the Florida Public Service Commission and originally vacated by the suspension of John Meserve. … Continue Reading

Leading Education Advocacy Organizations Congratulate PARCC As Recipient of Race to the Top Assessment Funds

September 2, 2010 Education, Government Comments Off

The Partnership receives grant to lead assessment development for Common Core State Standards

Tallahassee, Florida – The Foundation for Excellence in Education, Foundation for Florida’s Future, Tennessee Score, Mississippi First, Education Reform Now, Oklahoma Business and Education Coalition, E3 (Excellent Education for Everyone), REACH Alliance and Colorado Succeeds congratulate the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness in College and Careers (PARCC) for being awarded $170 million to fund Common Core assessment initiatives.

“As advocates in member states, we applaud PARCC and their leading role in the implementation of the Common Core Assessments Initiative. PARCC’s focus on strengthening accountability and ensuring valid cross-state comparisons of student performance is critical for the success of education reform across our country. Quality assessments are vital if we are serious about preparing high school students for the rigors of college or a career in the 21st century.”

The Common Core assessment funding will be used to develop an assessment system that measures student achievement on the Common Core State Standards in English arts and mathematics.

For media inquiries, please contact Jaryn Emhof, Press Secretary, at jaryn@ExcelinEd.org or (850) 528-8629.

The Foundation for Excellence in Education is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization dedicated to igniting a movement of reform, state by state, to transform education in America for the 21st century economy.

Dorworth Response To Fetterman Statement Regarding The Deepwater Horizon Workgroups’ Recommendations

September 2, 2010 Government Comments Off
Dorworth Response To Fetterman Statement Regarding The Deepwater Horizon Workgroups’ Recommendations

LAKE MARY, FL – Representative Chris Dorworth (R-Lake Mary), lead of Deepwater Horizon Workgroup 6, issued the following response to a statement released today by Representative Adam Fetterman (D-Port St. Lucie) in which Fetterman attacks the Deepwater Horizon Work Groups’ final recommendations. … Continue Reading

Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson Calls On Republican Leadership To Reconsider Its Decision To Back Off Special Session

September 2, 2010 Government Comments Off
Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson Calls On Republican Leadership To Reconsider Its Decision To Back Off Special Session

TALLAHASSEE -  Frustrated by the inability of local Gulf Coast fishermen to recoup financial losses because of a complicated and cumbersome claims process, Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson (D-Tallahassee) today will lead a group of those fishermen into the governor’s office to meet with Governor Charlie Crist. … Continue Reading

T HAPPENED AGAIN –State Rep. Adam Fetterman (D-Port St. Lucie) — STATEMENT

September 2, 2010 Government Comments Off
T HAPPENED AGAIN –State Rep. Adam Fetterman (D-Port St. Lucie) — STATEMENT

State Rep. Adam Fetterman (D-Port St. Lucie) issued the following statement:

“Just hours ago, an oil production platform exploded 80 miles off the coast of Louisiana, with 13 people overboard and one injured. Meanwhile, we are still suffering the devastating effects of the Deepwater Horizon disaster here in Florida and across the Gulf. … Continue Reading

Letter from Senate President Jeff Atwater to Kenneth R. Feinberg

September 2, 2010 Government Comments Off
Letter from Senate President Jeff Atwater to Kenneth R. Feinberg

Senate President Jeff Atwater sent the attached letter (also pasted below) today to Kenneth Feinberg, Gulf Oil Spill Fund Administrator. … Continue Reading

Representative Bogdanoff’s Letter To Fdot’s Kopelousos Regarding Sncf Rail Bid

September 2, 2010 Government Comments Off
Representative Bogdanoff’s Letter To Fdot’s Kopelousos Regarding Sncf Rail Bid

Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff (R-Fort Lauderdale), today sent the attached letter to Stephanie Kopelousos, Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), highlighting concerns centered on the matter reported by the Associated Press regarding Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais (SNCF), their bid to build high speed rail in Florida, and their history with Holocaust atrocities during World War II. … Continue Reading

Statement by GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST Regarding Additional Race to the Top Funds for Florida

September 2, 2010 Government Comments Off
Statement by GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST Regarding Additional Race to the Top Funds for Florida

“In speaking to Education Secretary Arne Duncan today, Florida is once again being recognized for continued leadership in education reform.  Along with 24 other states and the District of Columbia, Florida will receive up to $170 million in additional Race to the Top funds. … Continue Reading

Statement by Florida Division of Emergency Management Director David Halstead Regarding the Oil Rig Fire off the Coast of Louisiana

September 2, 2010 Government Comments Off

“The State of Florida Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) has been closely monitoring the reports regarding the oil rig fire on Vermilion Block 380 off the coast of Louisiana.  The Coast Guard is reporting that the facility is a fixed platform and not a floating rig (like the Deepwater Horizon) and it is not believed that the platform does any drilling.   The State Watch Office located in the SEOC operates 24 hours daily and will continue to monitor this situation.  The SEOC is currently at a Level 3 with Operations and Plans staff monitoring the situation and providing updates as needed.”     … Continue Reading

Governor Crist Announces New Florida Discount Drug Card Promotions

September 2, 2010 Government Comments Off
Governor Crist Announces New Florida Discount Drug Card Promotions

~ All Florida residents eligible to save on medications regardless of age, income status ~

www.FloridaDiscountDrugCard.com

QUINCY – Following the successful expansion of Florida Discount Drug Card access to all residents earlier this year, Governor Charlie Crist today visited Gadsden County Senior Services in Quincy to announce two new promotions for the medication savings program. Beginning today in Miami, an innovative pilot program featuring a “virtual” Florida Discount Drug Card will get underway. Meanwhile, tear-off brochures featuring ready-to-use Florida Discount Drug Cards are being made available for free at various public locations throughout the state, with a special focus on Panhandle residents recovering from the oil spill. … Continue Reading

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MASON-DIXON LINE WITH RON SACHS

May 12, 2010: Part 1 on U.S. Senate Race, Governor's Race and Oil Drilling

Mason Dixon Line with Ron Sachs from Ron Sachs Communications on Vimeo.

May 13, 2010: Part 2 on Florida Cabinet Races and Constitutional Amendments

Mason Dixon Line with Ron Sachs from Ron Sachs Communications on Vimeo.

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Opinion

Labor Day Message from Agency for Workforce Innovation Director Cynthia R. Lorenzo

September 3, 2010

By Cynthia R. Lorenzo
Director, Agency for Workforce Innovation
As our nation takes time to honor the achievements of American workers this Labor Day, we at the Agency for Workforce Innovation applaud the more than 9.2 million dedicated men and women who compose the workforce of our great state. The resilience, the talent and the ingenuity [...]

FWC Outta’ the Woods

September 1, 2010

Get Your Hunt On
By Tony Young
Even though you can hardly tell, summer is officially over. Kids have returned to school, and hunting season’s already been going on for a month now in South Florida. Finally, the time of year we’ve been waiting for is upon us – the beginning of archery season.
Besides hunting [...]

New EPA Water Regulations Threaten Floridians Surviving on Low and Fixed Incomes

August 23, 2010

By State Senator Chris Smith
The new water regulations proposed by the EPA would require the state’s water utilities to spend tens of billions of dollars to upgrade water treatment facilities. Although the goals of the new regulations are noble, at a time when the state of Florida is facing a $5 to $6 billion budget [...]