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FAMU Secures Over $50M in Legislative Allocations to Promote Student Success, Recruit & Retain Faculty, Expand Research

Posted on

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
 
FAMU Secures Over $50M in Legislative Allocations to Promote Student Success, Recruit & Retain Faculty, Expand Research
 
Florida A&M University (FAMU) secured more than $50 million in funding  appropriations from the State Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The funding will enable FAMU to ramp up efforts to improve student graduation and retention rates, and recruit and retain world class faculty.
The legislative allocations also address the statewide nursing shortage with support for the nursing program, and research and facility expansion at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
“We thank the Governor, Legislature, Board of Governors, FAMU Board of Trustees (BOT) and all of our stakeholders for ensuring that FAMU gets the funding we need to enhance our student success initiatives,” Robinson said. “FAMU and the rest of the State University System are on an upward trajectory, but our work is far from complete; however, this funding will make a significant difference to our efforts.”
Among the highlights:
  • $15 million | FAMU Performance-Based Funding
  • $11 million | Boldly Striking for Academic Excellence Operational Enhancement
  • $5 million | FAMU-FSU College of Engineering – PECO (Public Education Capital Outlay)
  • $5 million | Campus Security – PECO
  • $5 million | Chemical & Biological Research Center – PECO
  • $1.1 million | Nursing Education PIPELINE
  • $500,000 | FAMU Developmental Research School (DRS) Live Healthy Initiative
FAMU Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost Allyson L. Watson, Ph.D., lauded the appropriations for Performance-Based Funding (PBF) and substantial investments in the University’s engineering and research facilities. FAMU is pushing to become the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to achieve Carnegie R-1 status.
“At Florida A&M University, these funds are vital for our continuous pursuit of academic excellence and innovation, including modernization of research facilities, increased funding for specialty crop research, and support for scholarships at our 1890 institution that aligns with our mission to lead in agricultural innovation and education,” Watson said.
On May 29 during their meeting in Tampa, Fla., the FAMU BOT approved the fiscal year 2025-2026 Legislative Budget Request totaling $55.5 million. The Beyond the Top 100: Elevating Excellence | Inspiring Digital Transformation operational enhancement request emphasizes further improvements on institutional outcomes on the Performance-Based Funding Metrics and other key performance indicators across all colleges and schools. The requested funding will enable the University to strategically target resources and support areas that will have the greatest impact on increasing student success.
Following DeSantis’ signing of the state budget, Chancellor Ray Rodrigues lauded the governor’s commitment of $4.1 billion in state operating funding to the SUS through the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget, which seeks to further strengthen the state’s commitment to maintaining its status as the top higher education system in the nation.
Among the highlights:
  • The budget again invests $645 million for Performance-Based Funding to ensure students are receiving the highest quality education.
  • $100 million for Performance-Based Excellence Recognition to recruit and retain world-class faculty
  • To continue their academic and research successes, the budget invests an increase of $100 million for Florida’s preeminent universities.
  • To continue bolstering nursing education, the budget includes a total of $46 million for the PIPELINE and LINE Programs
    • $40 million for Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers, and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) to reward performance and excellence among nursing education programs at state universities
    • $6 million for Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) to incentivize collaboration between nursing education programs and healthcare partners
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Photos:
 
Natalie Arnett, Ph.D., associate professor with a joint appointment in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the FAMU College of Science and Technology, with students in her research lab.
 
Tarik Dickens, Ph.D., associate professor of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering works with students in his lab.
Credit: Division of Research
 
Media Contact
Andrew J. Skerritt
Associate Director/Office of Communications
850-455-2675
Office of Communications
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL
Main: 850-599-3413

Sachs Media Honored on Inc’s 2024 Best Workplaces List

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2024

Sachs Media Honored on Inc’s 2024 Best Workplaces List

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Sachs Media has been named to Inc.’s 2024 Best Workplaces list, honoring the firm’s commitment to creating a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive workplace. This prestigious national distinction further establishes Sachs Media’s status as one of the nation’s top communications firms – regularly earning national accolades for its high-impact work.

“Being recognized by Inc. as a top workplace is a tremendous honor because it reflects our core values: impact, excellence, and caring,” said Michelle Ubben, President and CEO of Sachs Media. “This honor underscores our dedication to fostering an environment where creativity, collaboration, and professional growth thrive – and the unparalleled collaborative spirit of our team.”

The 2024 Inc. Best Workplaces list is the result of a comprehensive measurement of American companies that have excelled in creating exceptional workplaces and company cultures. After collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. selected 543 honorees this year. Each company that was nominated took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, that included such topics as management effectiveness, perks, fostering employee growth, and overall company culture. The companies’ benefits were also audited to determine overall score and ranking.

This recognition follows Sachs Media’s recent listing among PRNews’ “Agency Elite Top 100” for the third time, celebrating its innovative impact in communications and digital content creation. Additionally, Sachs Media recently celebrated as two team members, Dr. Karen Cyphers and Amy Climenhage, were honored in Ragan’s 2024 “Top Women in Communications” Awards and two others, Kelly Corder and Kayla Poe, were recognized among PRNews’ 2024 Top Women in Communications.

“Each year, Inc.’s Best Workplaces program recognizes the very best in terms of companies that have fostered a truly amazing culture,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Mike Hofman. “We use hard metrics and data as well as qualitative measures for judging in order to find the very best — and we’re proud that the program is highly selective.”

These acknowledgments highlight Sachs Media’s dedication to delivering outstanding results for clients while maintaining a workplace culture that values each colleague’s contribution and fosters professional development. The firm’s sustained success is rooted in its mix of skilled professionals, nurturing work culture, and steadfast commitment to client success.

“Our aim is to lead the communications industry, in both the quality of our work and our internal culture. These recent honors from Inc., PRNews, and Ragan affirm that we’re on the right path,” Ubben added.

Sachs Media continues to set benchmarks in the industry, driven by a team that blends creativity, strategic insight, and a commitment to delivering results that matter. The firm has been recognized as a Top 100 Agency Elite by PRNews in 2024, a Top Place to Work in Communications by Ragan in 2024, and a Best Company to Work For by Florida Trend in 2023.

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About Sachs Media
Sachs Media is the go-to strategic communications partner for organizations with high-stakes challenges, offering a full range of capabilities – including public relations, public affairs, digital and social media, creative, research, crisis management, web development, video production, and media buying. The firm is focused on elevating bold organizations, leaders, and agendas; supercharging clients’ public policy advocacy efforts; and driving audiences to action with campaigns that educate, inform, and persuade. The firm has been recognized as a Top 100 Agency Elite by PRNews in 2024, a Top Place to Work in Communications by Ragan in 2024, and a Best Company to Work For by Florida Trend in 2023. It has also been ranked as a Top 5 national PR firm for nonprofits (#4) and #1 in Florida by O’Dwyers PRNews. For more information on Sachs Media, please visit SachsMedia.com.

About Inc Media.
The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About Quantum Workplace
Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com.

PSC Approves Florida Relay System Annual Budget With Reduced Surcharge 

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 

MEDIA CONTACT: (850) 413-6482

 

PSC Approves Florida Relay System Annual Budget With Reduced Surcharge 

TALLAHASSEE —This morning, the annual budget for Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) was approved by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). FTRI administers the Florida Relay System (FRS) that provides basic telecommunications access to Florida citizens who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech impaired. Florida law requires the PSC to approve FTRI’s budget on an annual basis.

Approving a $3.3 million overall FTRI budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025, the Commission reduced the monthly surcharge applied to landline customer bills from 9 cents to 8 cents. During this budget period, FRS usage is projected to decline by 25 percent as traditional telecommunications relay users transition to advanced technology services.

“As the Commission continues to reduce the FRS surcharge, we must also look for ways to remove regulatory hurdles that are stifling the adoption of new technology,” said PSC Commissioner Andrew Giles Fay.

FRS facilitates telephone calls between people with hearing loss or speech disabilities and other individuals by using specialized equipment and a communications assistance operator to relay information. FRS is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the current FRS provider.

FTRI is a non-profit organization that contracts with regional distribution centers to assist consumers with specialized phone needs. For information on how to obtain the special equipment, call FTRI at 1-888-554-1151 (Voice) or 1-888-447-5620 (Text Telephone/TTY) or visit https://www.ftri.org/.

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Follow the PSC on X and LinkedIn.

Subscribe to the Commission’s YouTube channel for Consumer Tips and PSAs.

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Florida Forest Service Opens Applications for Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2024

Contact: Communications

850-617-7737

Florida Forest Service Opens Applications for Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program

Map

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program for non-industrial, private forest landowners. The program runs through July 26 and includes 44 northern Florida counties – the southern pine beetle’s known range.

“Pine forests are vital to Florida’s economy and our natural environment, and the southern pine beetle is one of the most economically devastating forest pests in the southeast” said Commissioner Simpson. “This program protects our important timber resources by assisting the small, private landowners who manage almost half of our state’s forest lands.”

First offered in 2005, the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program has been implemented on more than 210,000 acres and helped thousands of Florida landowners.

“Active and preventative forest management programs like this are the most effective way to prevent losses and outbreaks,” said Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service. “These same management practices also benefit timber growth, wildfire prevention, and wildlife habitat.”

Previous outbreaks have destroyed thousands of acres of timber. Florida’s last major southern pine beetle outbreak caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses on over 24,000 acres between 1999 and 2002.

The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, supported through a grant by the U.S. Forest Service, provides incentive payments for landowners who have overstocked pine stands and need to conduct a first thinning. In addition, it offers partial cost reimbursement for activities that can mitigate southern pine beetle activity, such as prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and the planting of longleaf or slash pine rather than loblolly pine, the beetle’s preferred species. All qualifying applications received during the submission period will be evaluated and ranked for approval.

To obtain an application or to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, visit: FDACS.gov/SPBPrevention.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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Upcoming Public Hearing for Interstate 75 Improvements from south of S.R. 44 to S.R. 200

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Upcoming Public Hearing for Interstate 75 Improvements from south of S.R. 44 to S.R. 200
Hearing will be offered in person and online

 

MARION AND SUMTER COUNTIES, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public hearing regarding the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the Interstate 75 (I-75) improvements from south of State Road (S.R.) 44 to S.R. 200 on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 (In-Person), and Thursday, June 27, 2024 (Virtual), at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this project is to reduce congestion and improve reliability on I-75 through the addition of an auxiliary lane between interchanges within the project limits.

The Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative (https://www.fdot.gov/movingfloridaforward) allowed FDOT to advance the much-needed I-75 improvements, with construction anticipated to begin in spring 2025.

FDOT encourages community involvement and is offering this public hearing in an in-person and virtual format to provide more ways to participate. All attendees, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the same information.

  • In-Person Option: Participants may attend in-person by going to the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood, FL 34785 on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. The in-person hearing location will open the doors at 5:30 p.m. to allow participants to view the hearing materials prior to the presentation.  The presentation will begin promptly at 6 p.m., followed by a formal public comment period.  If attending in person, please remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the hearing virtually.

 

  • Virtual Option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet, or mobile device on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting https://bit.ly/fdotsouthhearingrsvp. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the hearing online. The virtual hearing will open at 5:30 p.m. as an open house to allow participants to view the hearing materials prior to the presentation.  The presentation will begin promptly at 6 p.m., followed by a formal public comment period.  If using a mobile device, use the GoToWebinar app to be able to view the presentation and submit comments. If joining online, please allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.

 

Those who are unable to attend the hearing may view all materials, including the presentation, and provide comments through the project website at https://www.cflroads.com/project/452074-2. You may also contact FDOT Project Manager Stephen Browning directly by phone at (386) 943-5422 or email at [email protected].

 

A copy of the draft project documents will be available for public review from Wednesday, June 5, 2024 to Monday, July 8, 2024, at the following locations, and on the project website:

 

  1. Marion Oaks Public Library, 294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala FL 34473 from 10a.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  2. The Villages Public Library at Pinellas Park, 7375 Powell Road, Suite 100, Wildwood, FL 34785 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Melissa McKinney, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at [email protected].

 

Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Stephen Browning by phone at (386) 943-5422, or via email at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).

 

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.

 

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT District Five Public Information Office at [email protected] or by phone at 386-943-5593.

 

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Traffic Advisory: Brief Slowdowns and Ramp Closures along Interstate 75 in Marion County

Posted on

For Immediate Release
June 17, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office

386-943-5593

[email protected]

 

Traffic Advisory: Brief Slowdowns and Ramp Closures along Interstate 75 in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Motorists are advised of periodic overnight slowdowns in traffic along northbound Interstate 75 (I-75) north of the SW 66th Street overpass and southbound I-75 south of County Road (C.R.) 318 in Marion County, starting as soon as 10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19. Traffic will be briefly slowed down to 20 mph in both directions by Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers to allow Duke Energy to remove overhead wires at State Road (S.R.) 326. Once work is completed, traffic will be released.

FHP troopers will also briefly stop traffic for 10 to 15 minutes at the S.R. 326 on ramp to southbound I-75, U.S. 27 on ramp to northbound I-75, S.R. 40 on ramp to northbound I-75, and the S.R. 200 on ramp to northbound I-75 while this work takes place.

Drivers should expect delays. Please drive alert, avoid distractions, and follow the direction of FHP troopers.

Questions? Please contact the FDOT Public Information Office at [email protected] or 386-943-5593.

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Representative Susan Valdés Opens Doors for Puerto Rican Citizens to Access Vital Documents in the Tampa Bay Area

Posted on

June 17, 2024

 

CONTACT

Sarah Foster

District Aide to Representative Susan L. Valdés

[email protected]

(813) 673-4673

Representative Susan Valdés Opens Doors for Puerto Rican Citizens to Access Vital Documents in the Tampa Bay Area

 

TAMPA, Fla. – Representative Susan L. Valdés (D- Tampa) is continuing an initiative aimed at easing access to essential government documents for Puerto Rican citizens residing in the Tampa Bay area. On June 24th, Representative Valdés will host the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) at her district office, continuing a temporary setup to provide constituent services to the Puerto Rican community in Tampa.

This marks the sixth event of a concerted effort between Representative Valdés and PRFAA. The PRFAA temporary office will offer assistance in obtaining vital documents, including birth, marriage, death, and Administration for Child Support (ASUME) certificates, as well as drivers records, and apostille services, streamlining the process for those in need. The Government of Puerto Rico invalidated all Puerto Rican birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010, and is replacing them with more secure versions.

Building on PRFAA’s commitment to serving Puerto Ricans across the United States, this collaboration echoes the recent establishment of their full-time office in Kissimmee, Florida. The initiative represents a significant step in extending these vital services to the Tampa Bay area.

The event is scheduled to be held at Representative Valdés‘ district office, located at 2221 N Himes Ave, Suite B, Tampa, FL 33607, on June 24th, 2024, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for placing orders. The orders will be processed and the official documents will be ready for pick up on June 28th. For more information regarding the services offered and to book an appointment please go the PRFAA’s website: https://prfaafl.simplybook.me/v2/ or by calling the district office at 813-673-4673.

 

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Fresh From Florida Hits 1 Million Followers Mark

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 17, 2024

Contact: Communications

850-617-7737

Fresh From Florida Hits 1 Million Followers Mark

Fresh From Florida’s online followers increased by 90% under Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson 

Fresh From Florida Program

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Fresh From Florida program is celebrating the more than 1 million consumers who follow Fresh From Florida on social media, signed up for the Fresh From Florida newsletter, and joined the Fresh From Florida Club. Since January 2023, Fresh From Florida’s online followers have grown from just over 500,000 to over 1 million – a 90% increase in just 18 months.

“When I took office as Commissioner of Agriculture, we set a 4-year goal of reaching 1 million Fresh From Florida followers, and we did it in a little over a year. I am very proud of our team and their efforts to grow the Fresh From Florida brand,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “The continued success of the Fresh From Florida program stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of our farmers, fishermen, and producers who provide us with the freshest and finest products. Through strategic marketing and branding efforts, Fresh From Florida has not only elevated the visibility of Florida-grown products, but also fostered a strong sense of pride among our consumers and producers alike.”

Fresh From Florida is a widely recognized brand that identifies and promotes Florida’s more than 300 commodities produced on the 44,703 farm operations throughout the Sunshine State. As the state’s #2 industry, agriculture and agribusinesses contribute more than $213 billion to Florida’s economy, with Florida ranking first in production of bell peppers, grapefruit, Valencia oranges, sugarcane, fresh market tomatoes, and watermelons.

Purchasing Fresh From Florida supports farmers throughout the state and helps agriculture continue to thrive. To learn more about what’s in season and discover recipes featuring Florida’s top commodities, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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SunRail Upgrades Ticket Vending Machines, Introduces New Mobile Ticketing App

Posted on

For Immediate Release
June 17, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office
386-943-5593

[email protected]

 

SunRail Upgrades Ticket Vending Machines, Introduces New Mobile Ticketing App

 

DELAND, Fla. – On Monday morning, June 17, 2024, SunRail debuted its new platform ticket vending machines (TVMs) and validators designed to enhance customer service, speed up transactions, and provide a wider range of ticketing options.

The new TVMs are available on each SunRail platform, and ambassadors are in place to ensure a seamless transition to the new system. This upgrade to the ticket vending system closely follows the introduction of a new SunRail Mobile ticketing app earlier this spring.

“The new ticket machines retain the familiar purchasing prompts our customers are accustomed to, but now the process is significantly faster and offers more options for selecting rail passes,” said David Cooke, Florida Department of Transportation District Five Rail Administration Manager.

Riders with remaining value on an old yellow SunCard can transfer those funds to their mobile ticketing app account or to a new blue SunCard, which can be purchased at the TVMs on each platform. From June 17 to June 21, new SunCards can be obtained free of charge from a station Ambassador. Following this period, SunCards will be available at a promotional price of 25 cents each until December 31, 2024. Starting January 1, 2025, the price of new SunCards will revert to the standard rate of $5. New SunCards can be registered at www.SunRail.com.

For paper-ticket holders who utilize the LYNX and Votran transfer discount, there is no change to the original process at the station ticket vending machines.

The new SunRail Mobile app is available at the Google Play Store and the Apple Store. The mobile app is free to download, allows riders to purchase tickets up to one year in advance, reload funds on demand, and avoids the need to tap on and off at stations. SunRail encourages riders to use the new SunRail Mobile app for ticket purchases but recognizes some people may prefer a physical ticket or do not have a smart phone.

To learn more and to view helpful videos, visit www.SunRail.com and follow @RideSunRail on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

Riders may also contact SunRail Customer Service at 1-855-RAIL-411 (1-855-724-5411) Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. or by emailing [email protected].

Please be careful around trains, railroad crossings, and while at station platforms. Be smart. Be safe.

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT District Five Public Information Office at [email protected] or by phone at 386-943-5593.

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Team Biden-Harris Takes Aim at Convicted Felon Donald Trump as Part of $50M June Ad Campaign

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2024

Team Biden-Harris Takes Aim at Convicted Felon Donald Trump as Part of $50M June Ad Campaign

Ahead of June Debate, “Character Matters” Highlights Central Dynamic of the Race: Joe Biden Fighting for the American People, While Trump Only Cares About Himself

Broader $50 Million Campaign for the Month of June Includes Historic Investments into African American, Hispanic, and AAPI Media

Today, Team Biden-Harris is announcing a historic $50 million paid media campaign targeting voters in battleground states for the month of June alone, as part of its aggressive and comprehensive efforts to engage and activate the voters who will decide this election. The campaign includes historic, seven-figure investments into reaching Black, Latino, and AANHPI voters – the largest investments to date.

Just over a week before the first presidential debate, the campaign is releasing a new ad that lays out the choice Americans will see on the debate stage on June 27 between President Biden, who is fighting for the American people every day, and convicted felon Donald Trump who is fighting for himself.

“Character Matters,” reminds voters who Donald Trump is: a criminal convicted on 34 felony counts and found liable for sexual assault and financial fraud. The ad makes clear that Trump’s status as a convicted felon isn’t just a label – it’s a reflection of a spiraling and unhinged man who will do anything for power, revenge, and retribution. “Character Matters” draws a sharp and startling contrast to President Biden who is focused on improving the lives of hardworking Americans, lowering costs, and taking on corporate greed, forcing big corporations to pay their fair share.

As a part of the June $50 million paid media campaign, “Character Matters” will run on general market television and Connected TV in all battleground states and on national cable.

“Trump approaches the first debate as a convicted felon who continues to prove that he will do anything and harm anyone if it means more power and vengeance for Donald Trump,” said Biden-Harris 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler. “That’s why he was convicted, that’s why he encouraged a violent mob to storm the Capitol on January 6, and it’s why his entire campaign is an exercise in revenge and retribution; because that man is blind to the people a president should be serving and will do absolutely anything for his own personal gain and for his own power.

“Character matters, and the President of the United States should be someone who understands that the highest office in the land is about you and your family – not a vehicle to enrich yourself. That is the ethos Joe Biden puts into the job every day: to fight for safer communities, for the middle class, and to ensure that corporations are paying their fair share. It’s a stark contrast, and it’s one that matters deeply to the American people. And it’s why we will make sure that every single day we are reminding voters about how Joe Biden is fighting for them, while Donald Trump runs a campaign focused on one man and one man only: himself.”

The Road to Atlanta

The launch of this ad campaign comes alongside Team Biden-Harris’ aggressive efforts to lay out the stakes to voters ahead of the Atlanta debate. Throughout June, the campaign has focused its efforts on the issues that Donald Trump has to answer for: his extreme agenda of ripping away Americans’ freedoms, undermining American democracy, and selling out the middle class. Throughout this month, we’ve taken that message to the voters that will decide this election:

  • Biden-Harris 2024 launched an organizing push around the two-year Dobbs decision anniversary to mobilize volunteers and to communicate to battleground voters about all that’s at stake in this election for reproductive freedom. Through battleground events, mobilizing storytellers that have been impacted by Trump’s cruel abortion bans, and an aggressive paid media campaign, the Biden-Harris campaign is reminding voters that Trump is the architect of the decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
  • Led by Dr. Jill Biden, Team Biden-Harris has mobilized and energized seniors across the country in the fight for lower health care costs, lower drug costs, and highlighting Trump’s plans to cut Social Security and Medicare. Doug Emhoff has also traveled, and across every battleground, events from bingo to pickleball have brought the stakes of this election to seniors.
  • The brave officers who defended the Capitol on January 6 and risked death – all because of a violent mob inspired by Donald Trump – have been traveling to battleground states this month with a simple message: our democracy cannot afford Donald Trump.

June’s historic paid media campaign also continues Team Biden-Harris’ aggressive efforts to reach voters of color – the backbone of the Biden-Harris coalition. The investments announced today into Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI), Latino, and African American media are the largest to date for the campaign. These ads will also be placed in critical channels across television, radio, print, and online and focus on the issues that matter most to these communities. For example:

  • “Protect” and Thrive,” focus on the importance of the Affordable Care Act for AANHPI voters.
  • “No One,” featuring both English and Spanish, emphasizes President Biden’s relentless fight to lower costs and fight corporate greed – even when he’s going up against a billionaire like Donald Trump.
  • And on the heels of an eight-figure investment in outreach to Black voters with the launch of Black Voters for Biden-Harris, Team Biden-Harris also launched “Promises Kept,” a radio ad underscoring the promises made and kept by President Biden and Vice President Harris for Black communities.

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Paid for by Biden for President