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Florida Poly ranks No. 1 public college in Southeast for 4th straight year

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University also secures Top 20 national ranking for public engineering programs

LAKELAND, Fla. – For the fourth consecutive year, Florida Polytechnic University has been recognized as the No. 1 public college in the Southeast in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Colleges rankings.

Additionally, Florida Poly ranked among the Top 20 public engineering programs without a Ph.D. in the nation for the second year in a row and as the No. 2 best value public college in the Southeast.

Here is the full list of the University’s latest U.S. News rankings:

  • No. 1 public college in the Southeast (4th year in a row)
  • Top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the country (2nd year in a row)
  • No. 2 college in the Southeast among public and private institutions
  • No. 2 best value public college in the Southeast. (Combines affordability and academic performance)
  • No. 1 college for veterans in the Southeast

“Maintaining such remarkable rankings at the regional and national levels demonstrates that students and academic leaders are recognizing Florida Poly as an excellent provider of high-quality STEM degrees,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, the University’s president. “This recognition is a clear sign that our innovative educational approach is making a significant impact, and our strategic plans for sustained growth will drive us toward even greater success.”

The U.S. News rankings showcase Florida Poly’s increasing reputation, as the University experiences significant growth in student enrollment, academic programs, and campus facilities.

For the Fall 2024 semester, Florida Poly achieved a record-breaking student enrollment, welcoming over 1,770 students – a 10% increase from last year. The University also launched two new master’s degrees in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

Growth around campus is rapidly advancing as well. A third student residential building opened right on time for the new academic year, adding 430 more beds. Construction is underway on the state-of-the-art Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building, a 40,000-square-foot facility expected to be completed by spring 2025. And the first phase for the Student Achievement Center has begun following its initial funding allocation from the Legislature.

“These rankings underscore the exceptional quality of our academic programs and reaffirm Florida Poly’s standing as a leading STEM institution”, said Dr. Brad Thiessen, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs at Florida Poly. “As we continue to grow and fulfill our mission, we remain focused on expanding our high-demand academic degrees and fostering a vibrant learning environment for all our students.”

For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News.

About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the No.1 public college in the Southeast United States for four years in a row and a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation for two years in a row. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. Florida Poly is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.

FAMU Announces Closures Ahead of Tropical Weather System

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For Immediate Release
Tuesday, Sept.  24,  2024
 
Florida A&M University (FAMU) is monitoring the potentially dangerous tropical weather system that could bring severe weather conditions to the Florida Panhandle later this week.
Tropical Cyclone #9 is now forecast to be a major hurricane at landfall along the Florida Big Bend. The potential for impacts is increasing across the region and impacts are possible as early as Wednesday night and could last into Friday.
Out of an abundance of caution, classes will be canceled beginning today at 12:15 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 27. All academic operations will be suspended to accommodate any potential disruptions caused by the storm. All academic deans and faculty members are asked to work closely with students and provide maximum flexibility during this time.
Campus operations will be fully functional through 5 p.m. today. The University will be closed Wednesday through Friday. Essential personnel should report to their supervisors. Weekend activities such as Fall Preview, the FAMU home football game and Parents and Family Weekend, will be rescheduled.
The FAMU Developmental Research School (K-12) will close on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and will remain closed on Thursday and Friday for the safety of students, teachers, and staff.
The FAMU Educational Research Center for Child Development (ERCCD) will close for the week beginning at 5:30 p.m.
While it is too soon to pinpoint the exact location and magnitude the tropical weather system, the potential for life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds along the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west coast is increasing.
Students, faculty, and staff should be aware that there is a great deal of uncertainty in the current forecast and the system’s track and intensity. This system does not yet have a defined center.
The University administration will continue to monitor the storm closely and provide updates as necessary. Students, faculty, and staff are urged to stay informed and prioritize their safety during this period.
Please use this time to prepare for your storms and review your hurricane safety plans before the onset of severe weather. You can find preparedness resources:
For further updates, please check FAMU Alert, visit famu.edu, or follow the official FAMU social media channels.
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President’s Office – Memorandum Regarding Hurricane Helene Closures

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TO: Senators and Senate Staff

FROM: Kathleen Passidomo

SUBJECT: Hurricane Helene Closures

DATE: September 24, 2024

MEMORANDUM

The storm that is anticipated to become Hurricane Helene is strengthening as she approaches Florida, and the exact path remains uncertain. It is important that everyone take the time to make preparations for your home and family.

Taking into account storm preparations and anticipated school closures, out of an abundance of caution, Senate Offices in Tallahassee will be closed on Wednesday, September 25 – Friday, September 27.

Senators maintain discretion regarding the closure of any district office in the impacted areas. As we all know, wireless service can be limited in storm-impacted areas, making cell phone and email communications difficult. To the extent possible, please notify your immediate supervisor of any severe impacts following the storm. Please stay safe and cautious during this uncertain time.

OFR Announces More Than $10,000 Returned to Romance Scam Victim

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Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) announced that more than $10,000 has been returned to a victim of a cryptocurrency-based romance scam. In October 2023, an arrest warrant was issued against Sunday Adebola, a Nigerian national, charging him with grand theft, scheme to defraud, money laundering, fraudulent use of a money service business, and stolen valor for his role in a romance scam. Adebola faces up to 30 years in prison if he attempts to enter the United States. As part of the case, 10,348.982117 Tether assets were seized. Following the arrest warrant, an Alachua County judge ordered the forfeiture of seized assets and returned the money to the victim in the amount of $10,087.25.

“This result is the first of its kind in the state of Florida, and with the hard work of OFR investigators, the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution’s Cyber Fraud Unit, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, we were able to return approximately 94 percent of the victim’s money,” said OFR Commissioner Russell C. Weigel, III. “The Office of Financial Regulation will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to protect Floridians from financial scams.”

Adebola used an online dating website to find victims by purporting to be Jayden Wallace, a U.S. Army soldier stationed overseas. As Wallace, Adebola gained a Florida victim’s trust and affection. He convinced the victim to provide him with her personal identifying information, open bank accounts and provide him access, and send him money via Bitcoin so he could purchase a flight to see her and clear a tax debt.

The victim sent Adeola $13,490 in Bitcoin she purchased using U.S. dollars at a virtual currency kiosk. An OFR investigation revealed that Adebola received the Bitcoin at an account with an international virtual asset service provider and then converted the Bitcoin to Tether, a stablecoin with a value attached to the U.S. dollar.

The OFR investigated the case, and the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution’s Cyber Fraud Unit issued the arrest warrant. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and an international virtual asset service provider assisted with the seizure of the Tether assets.

Floridians who suspect questionable financial business practices are encouraged to file a complaint online at www.flofr.gov, or by calling (850) 487-9687.

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Rep. Chambliss Condemns the Unnecessary Death of Johnny Stevenson, Jr.

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CONTACT

Zachary Metz

Legislative Aide

Office of Representative Kevin Chambliss

[email protected]

(850) 717-5117

 

FLORIDA CITY, Fla. – Johnny Stevenson, Jr., a Florida City resident and father of 14, senselessly lost his life from a gunshot wound he received yesterday after attempting to break up a fight between two girls, one of who was his daughter. The altercation began between the two on the school bus, and carried out onto the street once the bus arrived at its destination. Upon seeing his daughter involved in this altercation, he rushed to break it up, when another bystander pulled out a gun, and shot him in the stomach. Mr. Stevenson succumbed to his injuries and passed during surgery.

 Representative Kevin Chambliss (D-Homestead), issued the following statement in response:

“Yesterday, the life of Johnny Stevenson, Jr. was tragically cut short after yet another instance of gun violence. Johnny needlessly lost his life through the unnecessary escalation of an altercation between his daughter and another student, and it is yet another example of gun violence shattering the lives of many.

“Furthermore, this should act as a call to action for the Miami-Dade County School Board to implement new safety standards for school buses. School busses are the only reliable method of transportation for so many kids in our district to access educational institutions, and in no uncertain terms, altercations like these should never be able to develop on a school bus, and spill out into the street. We must act now.”

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Florida Democratic Party Launches “Defend Our Dems” Program

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Tallahassee, FL — Today, the Florida Democratic Party is proud to launch the “Defend Our Dems” program, an initiative to protect incumbent Democrats in close races and running for re-election.

These six elected officials will receive grassroots organizing and fundraising support from the party ahead of the November elections:

  • Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09)

  • Rep. Jared Mozkowitz (FL-23)

  • State Rep. Allison Tant (HD-09)

  • State Rep. Tom Keen (HD-35)

  • State Rep. Lindsay Cross (HD-60)

  • State Rep. Katherine Waldron (HD-93)

 

In addition to the legislative candidates listed above, the Defend Our Dems slate also includes State Attorney candidates Monique Worrell (Circuit 9) and Andrew Warren (Circuit 13), both of whom were wrongfully removed from office as an act of political retaliation by Ron DeSantis. Ron has refused to rule out another attempt to remove them if re-elected — a move that a federal judge ruled a violation of the First Amendment.

“The Defend Our Dems slate features some of the best public servants the Florida Democratic Party has to offer, and we’re proud to give our support to them,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “This November, we have a chance to break the Republican supermajority in the Florida legislature and make Hakeem Jeffries Speaker of the House — but to do that, we first have to protect these seats.

“We also have a chance to right the wrongs of the DeSantis administration by re-electing the duly-elected State Attorneys Ron threw out in a fit of political retaliation. Monique Worrell and Andrew Warren represented their constituents faithfully and were wrongly removed from office, and Florida Democrats will do everything in our power to re-elect them on November 5.”

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Representative Bartleman Reacts to Memo Recommending an Incinerator Right Next to the Everglades

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CONTACT:
Savannah Peifer 
Office of Representative Robin Bartleman
[email protected]
850.717.5103
 
WESTON, Fla – Last week, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava (D-Miami) sent a memorandum to the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners recommending using the old Opa-Locka West Airport, located near the border of West Miramar, for an incinerator site. The west airport location is one of three sites the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners has been considering after the Doral Incinerator burned down early last year. 
 
For months, the City of Miramar has been in opposition of placing an incinerator at the airport location. The airport location is less than a mile away from Miramar and is on the edge of the Everglades. The Doral incinerator is known to have emitted many pollutants considered dangerous for both the residents in Miramar and wildlife living in the Everglades. 
 
“I am shocked and dismayed that the Miami-Dade Commission would consider placing an incinerator so close to our most precious natural resource. The State of Florida and the federal government have invested over a billion dollars thus far to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and this goes against our very promise to preserve Florida’s natural environment,” said Representative Robin Bartleman (D-Weston). “I sincerely hope the Miami-Dade Commission reevaluates this decision and thinks about the detrimental impact this can have on our tourism industry, potential health costs to the residents of Miramar and Miami-Dade, and the fiscal impact to clean up any leaking pollutants that will further harm our endangered and vulnerable species in the Everglades, and recommends another site away from the Everglades.”
 
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House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, Representatives Kelly Skidmore and Allison Tant Request FLDOE to Release Critical Data

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Earlier today, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell (D–Tampa), Representative Kelly Skidmore (D–Boca Raton), and Representative Allison Tant (D–Tallahassee) sent a letter to Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. requesting the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) to publicly release critical data relating to its scholarship funding organizations (SFOs) and to detail how public schools will be impacted should school voucher costs surpass district budgets.

In the letter, Leader Driskell, Representative Skidmore and Representative Tant ask FLDOE to include in its response: how many new private schools applied to accept vouchers; student demographics and family income information for recipients; the type of voucher received by students; the future impact of these vouchers on the state budget; and the effect of the voucher program on public schools. The Representatives also call for the data to be released regularly and on a quarterly basis for public awareness to ensure taxpayer dollars are responsibly spent.

“Parents have the right to decide what’s best for their children’s education, but they should have all the necessary information as they do so,” said Leader Driskell. “Public transparency is integral to accountability. The state owes Floridians a responsibility to invest our hard-earned tax money wisely, and it’s impossible to know whether that’s happening with the limited information we have about spending within the voucher program.”

 The letter sent to Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. is attached. 

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Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and Pinellas Technical College Host Signing Day Event for Students

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St. Petersburg, Fla. – The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) joined together with Pinellas Technical College (PTC) and its partners to host a signing day event for students served through the Florida Youth College, DJJ’s workforce education and credentialing program formerly known as Project Anchor. Through the Florida Youth College, DJJ students at Britt Technical Youth Academy, a career and technical education-focused residential commitment program, can attend classes through Pinellas Technical College with the goal of earning a high-value workforce credential that places them on a direct pathway into a great career.

“DJJ is proud to partner with Pinellas Technical College in providing transformative opportunities for Britt Technical Youth Academy students to pursue a college education,” said DJJ Secretary Eric Hall. “This partnership underscores DJJ’s commitment to accelerating academic achievement for the students we serve and helping them create lasting and meaningful change in their lives.”

“The educational opportunities at Pinellas Technical College that will be made available to these youth who have completed their secondary education will cultivate a foundation for their successful futures,” said State Representative Berny Jacques. “I applaud the partnership between the Department of Juvenile Justice and Pinellas Technical College to find innovative ways to best serve the youth in the department’s care.”

“The partnership between Pinellas Technical College and DJJ will result in success not only for the students but for our community,” said Pinellas Technical College St. Petersburg Campus Director Sylester “Boe” Norwood. “Our partnership will help students gain a competitive edge and give them a second chance at a better life and to make their families proud.”

“This program will benefit me in the future by helping me to provide for myself and my family,” said a Britt Technical Youth Academy student. “It will help me make better decisions and become a positive role model.”

“My son was doing stuff he shouldn’t have been doing, but he’s witty and wise. When he came to the program, I could see that he was learning and changing,” said a parent of a Britt Technical Youth Academy student. “I know he’s in good hands. I’m thankful he’s getting another chance, and I hope he continues doing the same when he comes back home.”

DJJ launched Project Anchor in August 2022 as a partnership with Tallahassee State College to enhance workforce education and career readiness for youth in residential commitment programs and those returning to their home communities. Project Anchor was renamed Florida Youth College and to date, the program has admitted nearly 500 youth.

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Former Senator’s Aide Joins Shumaker Advisors, Strengthening State Government Affairs Team

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TALLAHASSEE, FL — Alex C. Young, former Aide to Florida Senator Danny Burgess, has joined Shumaker Advisors, where she will oversee government affairs operations for the state team and manage the administration of the Tallahassee office. In her new role, Alex will ensure that clients are served at the highest level, leveraging her extensive experience in Florida state government.

Alex brings a wealth of experience to the firm. In addition to serving as an aide to Senator Burgess, she also previously worked in the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget. Her detailed knowledge of state government operations and experience working closely with a wide variety of state elected officials make her an invaluable addition to the team.

“We are excited to have Alex join the team,” said Alan Suskey, Shumaker Advisors Executive Vice President and Principal State Practice. “Her deep understanding of state government and her hands-on experience with key decision makers will help us continue to provide top-notch service to our clients.”

In her new role, Alex will oversee legislative monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy efforts to ensure an organization’s interests are well represented at the state level. She will be responsible for developing strategic plans for government relations, leading lobbying efforts, and managing relationships with state officials, lawmakers, interest groups, and more.”I am truly honored to join such a prestigious government affairs firm like Shumaker Advisors.

“I look forward to contributing to their continued growth and success and helping take the firm to the next level,” Alex said. “It’s exciting to be part of such an amazing team that is deeply committed to serving clients and making a real impact at all levels of government.”

ABOUT SHUMAKER ADVISORS: Shumaker Advisors is a full-service, bi-partisan public affairs firm providing expertise in government relations, business development, coalition building, and communications strategies. Shumaker Advisors serves clients at the federal, state, and local levels of government.