Florida Department of Transportation Schedules Shortlist Meeting on June 5 for the I-4 Ultimate Project in Orange and Seminole Counties

Dick Kane, (850) 414-4595
dick.kane@dot.state.fl.us

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULES SHORTLIST MEETING ON JUNE 5
FOR THE I-4 ULTIMATE PROJECT IN ORANGE AND SEMINOLE COUNTIES

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has scheduled another shortlist meeting on June 5, 2013 for the I-4 Ultimate Project in Orange and Seminole counties.

FDOT held a shortlist meeting on May 21, 2013 in Orlando for the I-4 Ultimate Project:

the department properly noticed the shortlist meeting
the meeting was open to the public
minutes were taken in compliance with the Sunshine Law
however, a request to record the meeting was not accommodated

Therefore, FDOT will be holding another shortlist meeting on June 5, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in order to accommodate any person who would like to record the meeting.

No effective decision resulted from the May 21 meeting.

At the June 5 meeting, the Project Selection Committee will make all shortlist decisions regarding the I-4 Ultimate Project.

The meeting will be held at the department’s Orlando Urban Office located at 133 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32807.

The I-4 Ultimate website www.moving-4-ward.com contains information and documents related to this project.

www.dot.state.fl.us
Consistent, Predictable, Repeatable

Certification of the Florida House District 2 Special Primary Election Returns

Certification of the Florida House District 2 Special Primary Election Returns

DATE: May 22, 2013
TO: Interested Media
FROM: Chris Cate, Communications Director
RE: Elections Canvassing Commission Meeting

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections announces the following meeting of the Elections Canvassing Commission.

DATE AND TIME: Thursday, May 23, 2013, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: Cabinet Meeting Room, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida

SUBJECT: Certification of the Florida House District 2 special primary returns pursuant to Section 102.111, F.S.

The members of the Elections Canvassing Commission will include Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and State Senator Jack Latvala. Attorney General Bondi and Senator Latvala will be participating by phone.

Scott Administrative Schedule for Wednesday, May 22, 2013

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE
FOR
WENDESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

8:30am-9:45am BREAKFAST WITH ASOEX (FRUIT EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF CHILE)
Location: Santiago, Chile

10:00am-11:00am MEETING WITH LATAM AIRLINES GROUP
Location: Santiago, Chile

11:30am-12:15pm MEETING WITH FRANCISCO LEVINE, CEO OF ATTON HOTEL GROUP
Location: Santiago, Chile

12:30pm-2:30pm MEETING WITH SALMONCHILE (SALMON INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION)
Location: Santiago, Chile

3:00pm-3:45pm MEETING WITH ADVANCE MAGNET LAB
Location: Santiago, Chile

4:00pm-6:30pm STAFF AND CALL TME
Location: Santiago, Chile

7:00pm-9:00pm RECEPTION HOSTED BY U.S. AMBASSADOR ALEJANDRO D. WOLFF
Location: Santiago, Chile

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Scott Administrative Schedule for Tuesday, May 21, 2013

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE
FOR
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

9:15am-12:30pm STAFF AND CALL TIME
Location: Santiago, Chile

12:30pm-1:00pm MEETING WITH U.S. AMBASSADOR ALEJANDRO D. WOLFF
Location: Santiago, Chile

1:00pm-2:30pm COUNTRY COMMERCIAL BRIEFING LUNCHEON
Location: Santiago, Chile

3:00pm-3:45pm TRADE MISSION BRIEFING
Location: Santiago, Chile

3:45pm-6:00pm STAFF AND CALL TIME
Location: Santiago, Chile

7:00pm-9:00pm ENTERPRISE FLORIDA TEAM FLORIDA WELCOME RECEPTION
Location: Santiago, Chile

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President Don Gaetz and Speaker Will Weatherford Kick Off Work Plan Florida Tour

CONTACT: Katie Betta, (850) 339-7087
Ryan Duffy, (202) 431-9760

MEDIA ADVISORY: PRESIDENT DON GAETZ AND SPEAKER WILL WEATHERFORD KICK OFF WORK PLAN FLORIDA TOUR

Tallahassee — On Wednesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 23, 2013, Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) will begin their Work Plan Florida Regional Tour. Highlighting the successful completion of their joint “Work Plan Florida” agenda, as well as critical investments in Florida’s future appropriated through the bi-partisan 2013-14 state budget, this week’s leg of the tour will include visits to National Guard Armories, Children’s Advocacy Centers and Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Academies located in Central Florida.

For additional information on the Work Plan Florida agenda, please visit: http://flsenate.gov/topics/WorkPlanFlorida.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013
Visit the Brooksville National Guard Armory
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: 16386 Spring Hill Drive, Brooksville, FL 34604
Note: President Gaetz and Speaker Weatherford will be joined by Major General Emmett Titshaw, Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard, Senator Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) and Representative Jimmie Smith (R-Inverness).

Visit Children’s Advocacy Center of Hernando County
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: 880 Kennedy Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34601
Note: President Gaetz and Speaker Weatherford will be joined by Senator Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) and Representative Jimmie Smith (R-Inverness).

Visit Tampa Bay Technical High School
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: 6410 Orient Road, Tampa, FL 33610
Note: President Gaetz and Speaker Weatherford will be joined bySuperintendent Mary Ellen Elia, Hillsborough County Schools, Senator Jack Latvala (R- Clearwater), Senator John Legg (R-Lutz), Representative Jamie Grant (R-Tampa), Representative Ross Spano (R-Dover), and Representative Dana Young (R-Tampa).

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

Visit Children’s Advocacy Center of Orlando
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families
Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
601 West Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32805
Note: President Gaetz and Speaker Weatherford will be joined by Senator Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando).

Visit Lake Gibson High School
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: 7007 N. Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland, FL 33809
Note: President Gaetz and Speaker Weatherford will be joined bySenator Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) and House Majority Leader Steve Precourt (R-Orlando).

Visit Lake Wales National Guard Armory
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: 435 S. Airport Road, Lake Wales, FL 33859
Note: President Gaetz and Speaker Weatherford will be joined byMajor General James Tyre, Assistant Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard, Senator Denise Grimsley (R-Sebring), Representative Neil Combee (R-Polk City), Representative John Wood (R-Winter Haven) and Representative Mike La Rosa (R-St. Cloud).

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Gov. Scott to Hold Media Availability on State Budget

Contact: media@eog.myflorida.com media@eog.myflorida.com> (850) 717-9282

MEDIA ADVISORY

GOV. SCOTT TO HOLD MEDIA AVAILABILITY ON STATE BUDGET

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Monday, May 20, Governor Rick Scott will hold a media availability regarding the state budget.

WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 12:00pm
LOCATION: Department of Emergency Management
2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard Tallahassee, FL

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Scott Administrative Schedule For Monday, May 20, 2013

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE
FOR
MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

9:00am-10:30am STAFF AND CALL TIME
Location: Department of Emergency Management
Address: 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL

10:30am-12:00pm HURRICANE EXERCISE
Location: Department of Emergency Management

12:00pm MEDIA AVAILABILITY ON STATE BUDGET
Location: Department of Emergency Management

12:30pm-1:30pm STAFF AND CALL TIME
Location: The Florida State Capitol Building
Address: 400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL

5:30pm-6:00pm CAMACOL AWARD PRESENTATION
Location: The Biltmore Hotel
Address: 1200 Anastasia Avenue
Coral Gables, FL

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Scott Administrative Schedule for Friday, May 17, 2013

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE
FOR
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013

6:40am-6:50am TAPED INTERVIEW WITH NATALIE PEREZ, UNIVISION
Location: Univision Tampa Bay
Address: 2610 West Hillsborough Avenue
Tampa, FL

7:00am-8:00am STAFF AND CALL (VIA PHONE)

9:30am-10:30am HEAT PIPE TECHNOLOGY, INC. JOBS ANNOUNCEMENT AND HB 7007 BILL SIGNING
Location: Heat Pipe Technology, Inc.
Address: 6904 Park East Boulevard
Tampa, FL

12:30pm-3:00pm STAFF AND CALL TIME
Location: The Florida State Capitol Building
Address: 400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL

3:00pm-3:10pm PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Location: The Florida State Capitol Building

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Florida First Lady Ann Scott to Kick Off Summer Literacy Adventure Program

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PRESS OFFICE
850-245-0413

Florida First Lady Ann Scott to Kick Off Summer Literacy Adventure Program

Tallahassee, Fla., May 15, 2013 – First Lady Ann Scott will join the Florida Departments of Education and Environmental Protection to kick off the 2013 Summer Literacy Adventure Program on Friday. Mrs. Scott will be joined by representatives from Scholastic. The Summer Literacy Adventure program helps children stay on target, motivated and excited about reading and literacy during summer break.

WHAT: Summer Literacy Adventure Program Kick-off

WHEN: Friday, May 17, 2013
10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Roland Park K-8 Magnet School
1510 N. Manhattan Avenue
Tampa, FL 33607

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For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

Florida Department of Education to Hold Media Webinar

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PRESS OFFICE
850-245-0413

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO HOLD MEDIA WEBINAR

Tallahassee, Fla., May 16, 2013 – The Florida Department of Education will hold a webinar to provide background information for the media prior to the release of FCAT results for third grade reading and mathematics and writing results for all grades.

WHAT: Understanding Assessments Webinar

WHEN: Monday, May 20, 2013
11:00 a.m.

CALL-IN NUMBER: 888-339-2688

PASSCODE: 229 526 50

To join the meeting, go to https://suncom.webex.com/suncom/j.php?ED=180323237&UID=1387029132&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D

MEETING NUMBER: 643 696 008

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For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

Scott Administrative Schedule for Thursday, May 16, 2013

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE
FOR THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

9:00am-9:45am AGENCY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES HIGHLIGHT EVENT
Location: Bishop Grady Villas
Address: 401 Bishop Grady Court St. Cloud, FL

11:30am-11:45am STAFF AND CALL TIME (VIA PHONE)

6:30pm-8:00pm THE FLORIDA COUNCIL OF 100 MEETING
Location The Sand Pearl
Address: 500 Mandalay Avenue
Clearwater Beach, FL

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May 18: Attend a Hands Across the Sand/Land Event near you!

May 18: Attend a Hands Across the Sand/Land Event near you!

Tar sands, natural gas, coal, and oil. For every type of dirty fossil fuel we use, there is an equally nasty and destructive way of getting it out of the ground and spewing it into our environment.

That’s why this Saturday we’ll stand together on sandy beaches and lakefronts around the state from Pensacola to Miami to send a clear message to our leaders that we won’t allow fossil fuels to wreck our planet.

In four short years, Hands Across the Sand/Land has grown into a global movement. Now it’s your turn to join this powerful grassroots movement to take on climate change by taking a stand against dirty fuels and embracing clean energy.

Saturday, May 18 join us at a Hands Across the Sand/Land event in your community and speak out to protect our planet from dirty fossil fuels.

Here are the details:

WHAT: A Hands Across the Sand/Land event in your community
WHEN: May 18, 2013 at noon
WHERE: Over 25 events across the state — click here to find a location near you.
Questions: Contact Phil Compton at phil.compton@sierraclub.org

Clearwater — Clearwater Beach
Cocoa Beach — Lori Wilson Park
Daytona Beach — 1825 N. A1a, Hartford Ave Approach
Daytona Beach — Hartford Ave. Beach Approach
Deerfield Beach — 314 Ne 21st Ave.
Fort Lauderdale Beach — Da Big Kahuna- Beach Place
Ft. Lauderdale — Ft. Lauderdale Beach
Ft. Myers Beach — FL Crescent Beach Family Park
Jacksonville Beach
Lake Worth Beach
Miami Beach — 5th Street
Navarre — Navarre Beach, next to pier
Ocean Ridge — Turtle Beach
Orlando — Lake Ivanhoe
Ormond Beach — Andy Romano Park
Pensacola Beach — Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, Casino Beach
Santa Rosa Beach — Ed Walline Public Beach Access
Santa Rosa Beach — Seaside Beach
Sarasota — Siesta Key Public Beach
St George Island — Lighthouse Park, Gulf Beach Drive
St. Augustine — St. Augustine Beach Pier
Tallahassee — Waller Park
Tampa/St. Petersburg — Gandy Bridge
Treasure Island — Bilmar Beach Resort
Vero Beach — South Beach Park

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Clearwater Regional Chamber: Tomorrow: Come hear from your local delegation at the 2013 Legislative Breakfast!

Legislative Breakfast 2013
Date: 5/16/2013
Time: 7:30 AM TO 9:00 AM

St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater
12600 Roosevelt Blvd.
St. Petersburg, FL 33716

Phone:
(727) 461-0011

We invite you to come hear how the 2013 Legislative Session will impact business and economic development.

Confirmed Speakers include:
Senator Jack Latvala
Senator Jeff Brandes
Representative Ed Hooper
Representative Jamie Grant
Representative Larry Ahern
Representative Carl Zimmerman
Representative Kathleen Peters
Representative Dudley
Representative Rouson

Contact: Kathleen Peters 727-461-0011 x222

About Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
Established in 1922

The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce set out with the vision to be the premier Voice of Business in the Clearwater region. Representing more than 750 member businesses, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) is one of the largest chambers in the Bay area and has become a large and powerful voice for its members through its ability to partner with other agencies and advocate on behalf of business and its members. CRCC’s mission is to enhance the business environment and promote economic health and growth in the Clearwater region. CRCC Division Partners include: Clearwater Gas System; Regions Bank; Bright House Networks; Progress Energy; Solar Sanitation, Inc.; Connelly, Carlisle Fields & Nichols Insurance Group; Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns Attorneys at Law; Radiance Medspa; and Phillies Florida/Clearwater Threshers.

Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
600 Cleveland Street Ste 200
Clearwater, FL 33755
(727) 461-0011

FL Dems 2013 Jefferson Jackson Dinner One Month Away

Contact: Max Steele, (850) 222-3411

*MEDIA ADVISORY FOR JUNE 15th*
FL Dems 2013 Jefferson Jackson Dinner One Month Away

Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Democratic Party’s 2013 Jefferson Jackson Dinner will be taking place on June 15th at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, FL. Democrats from across the state will come together to reflect on the historic gains made in 2012 and prepare for the work to come in 2014. This year’s speakers will include Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, and a keynote address from San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

7:00pm 2013 Jefferson Jackson Dinner
Westin Diplomat
3555 S. Ocean Dr
Hollywood, FL

For more information please go to floridadems.org/jj2013

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DCF Prepares for 2013 Hurricane Season with Mock Disaster Exercise

Contact: Whitney Ray, Press Secretary, (850) 717-4450

DCF Prepares for 2013 Hurricane Season with Mock Disaster Exercise
One Hundred DCF Employees to Participate in Preparedness Drill to Ready the State’s
Food for Florida Program

Tallahassee, Fla.— With the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season less than three weeks away, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is testing the Food for Florida program. Friday, 100 DCF employees will participate in a mock disaster exercise in Tallahassee to test equipment and ensure that the department is ready to quickly distribute food benefits to needy families if a disaster strikes.

The exercise will also give DCF fraud investigators an opportunity to hone their skills at catching people trying to scam the system. DCF’s Director of Public Benefits Integrity will be available to talk about fraud prevention in a disaster scenario. There will also be DCF employees playing storm victims available for interviews in character.

The last time the Food for Florida program was activated was in 2005, when Hurricane Wilma struck Florida. Since then DCF has improved the program by streamlining the application process using satellite and wireless technology to ensure benefits are distributed quickly and accurately.

What: Mock Disaster Drill to Test DCF’s Food for Florida program

When: May 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Northwood overflow parking lot
Northwood Centre
1940 North Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL

Florida School-Related Employee of the Year Awards Breakfast to be held in Winter Haven

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PRESS OFFICE
850-245-0413

Florida School-Related Employee of the Year Awards Breakfast to be held in Winter Haven

Tallahassee, Fla., May 15, 2013 – Commissioner of Education Dr. Tony Bennett is presenting awards to five outstanding public school employees Friday. Superintendents and Florida Department of Education leaders will be on hand to congratulate the 2013 School-Related Employee of the Year winner and finalists.

WHAT: Awards Breakfast

WHEN: Friday, May 17, 2013
8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Legoland
Magnolia Mansion
1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven

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For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report Announcement

2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report Announcement

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey will announce the 2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report following the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 2 p.m.

This report contains crimes reported to FDLE from January 1 – December 31 of 2012. Data was submitted by 403 Florida law enforcement agencies, representing 99.9 percent of the state’s population.

The news conference details are as follows:

Date: Thursday, May 16, 2013
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Ft. Myers Regional Operations Center
4700 Terminal Drive, Suite 1
Ft. Myers, Florida 33907

For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Linda McDonald or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

Attorney General Pam Bondi to Hold Media Availability with Area Law Enforcement Officials

Contact:
John Lucas
Phone: 850.559.2479
john.lucas@myfloridalegal.com

Attorney General Pam Bondi to Hold Media Availability with Area Law Enforcement Officials

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, May 15, Attorney General Pam Bondi and officials representing sheriffs’ offices and police departments from St. Lucie, Ft. Pierce, Okeechobee County, Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Sewalls Point, Jupiter Island, and Port St. Lucie will be available for a brief media availability to discuss ongoing efforts to stop human trafficking, end synthetic drug use, and eliminate organized retail theft.

WHO: Attorney General Pam Bondi and area law enforcement officials

WHAT: Media availability

WHEN: Wednesday, May 15, from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Training Room, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, 4700 West Midway Road, Ft. Pierce, Fla. 34981-4825

For more information, please contact Attorney General Bondi’s Press Secretary John Lucas at 850-559-2479.
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Scott Administrative Schedule for Wednesday, May 15, 2013

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE
FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

10:00am-10:10am INTERVIEW WITH CAROLINA SALAZAR, EL SENTINEL (VIA PHONE) CDT

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Attorney General Pam Bondi to Hold Media Availability with Area Law Enforcement Officials

Contact:
Jenn Meale
Phone: 850.245.0150
jennifer.meale@myfloridalegal.com

Attorney General Pam Bondi to Hold Media Availability with Area Law Enforcement Officials

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—On Wednesday, May 15, Attorney General Pam Bondi and officials representing sheriffs’ offices and police departments from St. Lucie, Ft. Pierce, Okeechobee County, Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Sewalls Point, Jupiter Island, and Port St. Lucie will be available for a brief media availability to discuss ongoing efforts to stop human trafficking, end synthetic drug use, and eliminate organized retail theft.

WHO: Attorney General Pam Bondi and area law enforcement officials

WHAT: Media availability

WHEN: Wednesday, May 15, from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Training Room, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, 4700 West Midway Road, Ft. Pierce, Fla. 34981-4825

For more information, please contact Attorney General Bondi’s Press Secretary John Lucas at 850-559-2479.
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