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Upcoming Public Meeting for U.S. 441 Improvements

Posted on

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office
386-943-5593

[email protected]

 

Upcoming Public Meeting for U.S. 441 Improvements
Meeting will be offered in person and online

 

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public meeting regarding project plans on U.S. 441 (State Road (S.R.) 44/S.R. 500/East Main Street/North Boulevard) from Mills Street to College Drive on Wednesday, June 12, at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this project is to resurface the pavement to extend the service life of the existing roadway and provide additional operational and safety improvements.

The Department is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the meeting. All participants, regardless of platform they choose, will participate in the same live meeting.

FDOT encourages community involvement and is offering this public meeting in a hybrid format to provide more ways to participate. All attendees, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the same information.

In-Person Open House Option: Participants may attend in person by going to The Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle, Leesburg, FL 34748 anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions. If attending in person, please remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the meeting virtually.

Virtual Option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet or mobile device at 5:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting https://fdot.cc/US_441_Improvements Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. 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 cannot attend the meeting may view all meeting materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the project website at www.cflroads.com/project/448735-1. You may also contact FDOT Project Manager Jude Jean-Francois directly at 386-943-5487 or email at [email protected] to receive project documents.

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 accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jude Jean-Francois at 386-943-5487 or [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).

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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ICYMI: Florida Ranks Second in the Nation for Heat-Related 911 Calls in May

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2024

CONTACT:

[email protected]

 

ICYMI: Florida Ranks Second in the Nation for Heat-Related 911 Calls in May

FDP Chair Nikki Fried says “Republicans are making Florida more dangerous for everyone”

Tallahassee, FL — Last week, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that Florida ranked second in the nation for heat-related 911 calls in May, according to a new Heat Related EMS Activation Surveillance Dashboard from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This report comes after a new law signed by Ron DeSantis in April banned local governments from creating regulations to protect workers from extreme heat. Over two million Floridians work outside in the heat, putting them at increased risk for heat-related injury and death due to our growing climate crisis.

“Last summer was the hottest on record for the state of Florida, and this year shows no signs of cooling down,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “Instead of facing this crisis head on, Republicans are making Florida more dangerous for everyone — especially our construction and agriculture workers.”

Read the full story here: Dehydrated, nauseous, sunburned Floridians flood emergency rooms when temperatures rise

KEY EXCERPTS:

  • “Florida ranked second in the U.S. for 911 calls related to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dangerous sunburn for the two weeks ending May 24…More than half the counties in Florida received higher-than-average EMS calls for heat-related emergencies from late April to May.”

  • “The CDC hopes to encourage local leaders to put in stronger public health protections when EMS calls spike and a community has a high level of outdoor workers or few nearby hospitals. This year, however, Florida lawmakers restricted local governing agencies from instituting heat protections for workers.”

  • “Heat waves kill more people in the U.S. than any other weather hazard, including hurricanes, tornadoes and floods combined, according to the CDC…nearly three-quarters of the heat deaths last summer were in five southern states that were supposed to be used to the heat and planned for it, including 84 in Florida.”

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Representative Kelly Skidmore and Leader Fentrice Driskell’s Sickle Cell Bill Signed by the Governor

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2024

CONTACTS

Gwynne Gonzalez

Office of Representative Kelly Skidmore

[email protected]

561-496-5940

Representative Kelly Skidmore and Leader Fentrice Driskell’s Sickle Cell Bill Signed by the Governor

 

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Late last week, Governor DeSantis signed HB 7085 sponsored by Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton) and Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa). This new law creates the Sickle Cell Disease Research and Treatment Grant Program within the Department of Health and expands the existing sickle cell registry to allow adults with sickle cell disease to opt into the registry.

The Office of Minority Health and Health Equity within the Department of Health will award grants to community-based sickle cell disease treatment and research centers to fund the operation of Centers of Excellence for the treatment of sickle cell disease. The centers will also develop the health care workforce that is prepared to address the unique needs of patients with sickle cell disease. Additionally, $10 million in recurring funds for the grant program is included in the House and Senate budget.

“This landmark legislation will directly impact individuals and improve the health and quality of life for those suffering from this painful disease and their families,” stated Representative Skidmore. “Sickle cell disease causes chronic pain and requires specialized treatment that is costly and difficult to access. By passing this legislation and adequately funding it, Florida is acknowledging the critical urgency to provide as many research and treatment options as possible.”

According to a 2023 report by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, Florida has an average of 7,000 new cases a year, twice that of the national average. Moreover, the number of people with sickle cell disease enrolled in Florida Medicaid averages 7,328 people per year.

“A lot of these patients will go to the emergency room, and they need treatment for pain. The doctors or their care providers might not recognize why they’re asking for this treatment, and, sometimes, they get treated like drug addicts. I’m very glad that our bill includes an education component that will provide opportunities for community-based sickle cell care providers to educate the doctors and the medical care providers so we can work to provide better care and reduce ER visits,” added Leader Driskell.

The law became effective upon the governor’s signature.

 

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Florida Lottery’s Limited-Time Promotion Gives Players Even More Reasons To Play Pick Daily Games

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024

CONTACT:

FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS

(850) 487-7727

communications@flalottery.com

 

Text, letter Description automatically generated

 

FLORIDA LOTTERY’S LIMITED-TIME PROMOTION GIVES

PLAYERS EVEN MORE REASONS TO PLAY PICK DAILY GAMES™

 

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Lottery (Lottery) is excited to launch a limited-time PICK Daily Games™ promotion, giving players more chances to win! Throughout June, $1 million in instant-win prizes will be randomly awarded as $5 cash prize coupons.

From June 1 through June 30, players who purchase any PICK Daily Game ticket – PICK 2™, PICK 3™, PICK 4™, and PICK 5™ – worth $1 or more will have an opportunity to win a $5 cash prize coupon printed instantly! That’s right — the more you play, the more chances you have to win!

The $5 cash prize coupons can be redeemed immediately or at any time before August 30, 2024, at any of the Lottery’s more than 13,500 retailers statewide. Coupons cannot be redeemed by mail.

All PICK Daily Games cost $0.50 or $1 to play. Adding FIREBALL doubles the price of the base play ticket and applies to all panels. PICK 2, PICK 3, PICK 4, and PICK 5 drawings are held twice daily, seven days per week, at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., ET.

PICK Daily Games have generated over $7.9 billion for education. Since the games began, there have been more than 55 million winners—and that number continues to rise!

ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY

The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $46 billion to enhance education and sending more than 983,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 99 percent of its revenue into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,500 Lottery retailers, and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $94.2 billion in prizes and made more than 4,000 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.floridalottery.com.

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Play Responsibly

Florida Democratic Party Celebrates Pride Month

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 1, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT

[email protected]

 

FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH 

Tallahassee, FL — June 1 marks the first day of Pride Month. In celebration, the Florida Democratic Party has issued the following statement:

“Since we last celebrated Pride Month, many of Florida Republicans’ most extreme anti-LGBTQ+ measures — including bans on drag queens and the expanded “don’t say gay” law — were overturned by the courts. Even still, Ron’s extreme policies continue to shape Florida today,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “Just this week, Florida was ranked second to last in the country for its treatment of queer and trans people — from bans on books and rainbow lights on bridges to restrictions on gender affirming care for both children and adults.

“While Florida Republicans continue to target queer and trans people to score political points, Florida Democrats are proud to support legislation protecting and honoring the LGBTQ+ community — including sponsoring the first pro-LGBTQ+ bill passed in recent memory, HB 159, which will provide expanded access to HIV prevention medication.

“Today and always, the Florida Democratic Party stands with the LGBTQ+ community and celebrates their contributions to our state. We will continue to oppose all forms of hatred and bigotry, and will work tirelessly to elect pro-LGBTQ+ Democrats this fall to fight back against discrimination in Tallahassee.”

FAMU President Robinson Calls On Alumni to Work Together, To Tell Our Story

Posted on

For Immediate Release
May 31, 2024
 
FAMU President Robinson Calls On Alumni to Work Together, To Tell Our Story
Tampa, Fla. – Florida A&M University Larry Robinson, Ph.D,  rallied  alumni gathered in Tampa for their annual convention calling on them to work togthert ensure the University’s forward progress.
“To lead FAMU is a humbling and inspiring experience,” he said “At the beginning and ending of every day, we all want what’s best for Florida A&M University,” he said.
“FAMU is not just a logo or athletic jersey. FAMU is you. How you share your love for FAMU impacts the perception of others in your professional lives, your familes and in the minds of those who seek to come to this great institution. The world should see us working together to make this institution better,” Robinson said. “We will have moments, every now and then, when there’s something we don’t agree on, but while we disagree, we don’t have to be disagreeable,” Robinson cautioned to applause. “The world is watching. The World is watching us. They don’t know our story. They can’t be allowed to tell our story. You know the story. It’s in your individual struggle and in your individual successes. It is your story  and you better tell somebody. Don’t let others tell the wonderful stories about what this institution has to offer.”
He also thanked National Alumni Association, whose membership is now about 4,500 on the way to President Curtis Johnson’s goal of 10,000.
“You bring to us our most valuable assets – students. You help recruit the best and brightest but also providing support for keeping them there once they come,” said Robinson, to spoke about the 22,000 applications.
Robinson also highlighted the University’s succss and challenges.  He noted the more than 1,200 students who graduated  this springs. He also recogned the story of Delante Clark, who had eight fully-funded offers for graduate school. “Only two other schools send more African Americans to graduate school,” Robinson said.
Robinson praised the faculty for having an amazing year in terms of garnering research funds,
“They broke the $100 million mark this year and we still have the June 30th to get there,”  Robinson said. The University graduated more than 40 students with Ph.D., on its way to matriculating 70 to qualify for R1 Carnegie status.
In fundraising, he praised the work of the University Advancement team that raised more  than $22 million thus far. Robinson also recognized the key affinity groups, such as the Rattler Boosters, 220 Club,  Rattler F Club, who raise money for students and student-athletes.
“All of these groups are functioning ver well. The accolades  we receive is because of that,” he said to more applause.
Robinson also cited the work of the Industry Cluster that works with the School of Business and Industry (SBI) to train and recruit student and FAMU graduates for high paying jobs. He also fondly recalled the unveiling of the Julian “Cannonball” and Nat Adderley Music Institute in honor of the two alumni musical giants, and the renaming of Wahnish Way to Althea Gibson Way, to celebrate the accomplishments of the FAMU alumna and pioneering  tennis championship.
Robinson recalled the recent damage caused by tornadoes that moved through Tallahassee and the FAMU campus, knocking out power, damaging roofs, felling trees, downing utility lines and poles, and blocking roads. The devastation, repairs and recovery prompted the administration to close the campus to all but essential employees. Students took classes remotely and staff worked remotedly for a week.
“I never seen this much damage to our campus or to the surrounding community. Getting on campus that morning, what I saw was devastating. It looked like a bomb had been set off on our campus in terms of downed trees,” said Robinson, who praised the team that led the response and recovery efforts. “It staggered us, but we are still standing,.”
The storm was a metorphor for some of the challenges facing the 136-year-old  institution, he said.
 “We always say, you can get anywhere from FAMU. But we didn’t mean wasn going to be easy. We didn’t suggest that there weren’t going to be some storms, literally and otherwise. Some of these are slow and predictable, like a hurricane you can see coming for days; and some will hit in the middle of the night, unsuspectingly like what we just saw on May 10th,” Robinson intoned to accompanying organ music in the background. “But when they come, when they come, but when they come,” he said with a long pause,”We do what Rattlers always do. We pull together; we work together,” Robinson continued as he segued into the iconic Rattler Strike marking the end of his speech. The alumni stood, did the Rattler Strike then applauded.
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Media Contact
Andrew J. Skerritt
Associate Director/Media Relations
850-544-2675

FDLE joins public safety partners in RDSTF full-scale training exercise

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FDLE joins public safety partners in RDSTF full-scale training exercise

Region 6 Domestic Security Task Force highlights importance of coordinated response efforts

For Immediate Release

May 31, 2024

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Fort Myers Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson is hosting a media availability to discuss the full-scale training exercise organized by the Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF). On Tuesday, June 4, FDLE members will join local, state, and federal law enforcement, fire and rescue, health, emergency management, and education partners to participate in a complex coordinated attack scenario. Following the media availability, FDLE will provide a guided tour of part of the exercise.

Who: FDLE Fort Myers Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson and Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno

When: Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please arrive by 10:00 a.m.

Where: JetBlue Park

Address: 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Note: No live weapons of any kind are permitted on the premises during the exercise. A checkpoint will be in place for anyone entering the training site, including media personnel.

Parking: Media should enter through the Fenway South East Entrance and park in the area east of Fenway South Drive and south of David Ortiz Way. The media staging area will be slightly north of the parking area east of Fenway South Drive and north of David Ortiz Way.

For Planning Purposes:

Please contact PIO Jensen Rayburn at (850) 350-6328. For any other requests or inquiries, please contact the FDLE Office of Public Information at (850) 410-7001.

Update on the May 25 Ginnie Springs investigation

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FDLE: Update on the May 25 Ginnie Springs investigation

If you have information about this case, please contact FDLE 

For Immediate Release

May 31, 2024

HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) continues to investigate the May 25 shooting at Ginne Springs that killed one and injured two innocent bystanders. Marco Mandujano, 26, died from injuries he sustained and the other two shooting victims were treated at the hospital and have been released.

Agents urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have information about this case to call FDLE at (386) 462-9975.

Additional information will be released as appropriate.

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

(850) 410-7001

Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Preparedness as 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2024

CONTACT: FDEM Communications Team, [email protected] | (850) 815-4940

Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Preparedness as 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

~Executive Director Kevin Guthrie hosted roundtable discussions with county officials to discuss preparedness before the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season on June 1~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) marks the official start of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season tomorrow, June 1, and encourages Floridians to prepare their families and their businesses.

“I have spent the last month traveling around the state, making myself available to all county emergency managers to discuss concerns and best practices ahead of this hurricane season,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state is equipped with the resources it needs to support communities during a potentially very active season, but preparedness begins in individual homes and businesses. I urge all Floridians to finalize their plans now – once a storm forms and threatens our state, it’s too late to prepare.”

Throughout the month of May, Executive Director Guthrie personally traveled to all 10 Division-designated regions of the state to meet with county emergency management officials and discuss preparedness and coordination efforts ahead of the 2024 hurricane season. These roundtable discussions allowed Executive Director Guthrie to directly address community concerns and unmet needs, ensuring ample state support stands at the ready if a storm threatens Florida this hurricane season.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and runs until November 30 with the historical peak of activity occurring in September. This year, two disaster preparedness sales tax holidays coincide with the beginning and peak times of hurricane season. Governor DeSantis announced the first two-week disaster preparedness sales tax holiday, beginning June 1, here.

The Division urges all Floridians to have preparations in place for their personal and family needs in the event a storm threatens their community.

Preparedness efforts and resources include:

Get Educated, Get Informed

  • Learn about community disaster plans and community warning systems. Every household is encouraged to have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure they can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers.
  • Register to receive life-saving emergency weather alerts at FloridaDisaster.org/AlertFlorida.

Make a Plan

  • Make a list of personal household needs and resources for meeting them in a disaster environment.
  • Include all members of the family, including children, in the disaster preparedness planning process, so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
  • Pets are part of the family, too – identify a safe place to take pets if you cannot bring them with you during an evacuation. Never leave household pets behind during a hurricane or tropical storm.
  • Make a family plan at FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare, and make a business plan at Business.FloridaDisaster.org.

Inventory Home Possessions

  • Make a record of your possessions – in writing or video – to help claim reimbursement in case of loss or damage.

Reduce Home Hazards

  • Have defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections repaired.
  • Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
  • Have cracks in ceilings and foundations repaired.
  • Make landscaping hurricane-resistant by trimming trees and plants down and putting any items inside that may turn into dangerous projectiles in high winds.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

  • Every household should have a fully stocked disaster supply kit with at least seven days of items for each household member, including consideration of children, pets and seniors.
  • Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins tomorrow, June 1, and provides residents with the opportunity to purchase supplies tax-free during one of two 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays.
  • For a full disaster supply kit checklist, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.

Safeguard Important Records and Documents

  • Keep copies of important family records and other documents (birth and marriage certificates, Social Security cards, passports, wills, deeds, insurance cards, etc.) in a safe deposit box or other waterproof location.

Know Your Zone, Know Your Home

  • Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to learn if you live in an evacuation zone or low-lying flood-prone area.
  • Know your home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds.
  • Follow all evacuation orders issued by local county emergency management officials.

If You’re Halfway Full, You’re Halfway There

  • During hurricane season, vehicles should always have at least half a tank of gas or be halfway charged to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm.

Evacuate Tens of Miles, Not Hundreds of Miles

  • Evacuations do not have to be hundreds of miles away – they can typically be tens of miles inland to a location that can withstand hurricane-force winds and remain out of reach from life-threatening storm surge.

2024 Florida Hurricane Season Guide

For more preparedness content, follow the Division on Instagram, X and Facebook.

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Below is a statement from Biden-Harris 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler on verdict

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2024

Biden-Harris Campaign Statement on Today’s Verdict

Below is a statement from Biden-Harris 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler on today’s verdict:

“In New York today, we saw that no one is above the law.

“Donald Trump has always mistakenly believed he would never face consequences for breaking the law for his own personal gain. But today’s verdict does not change the fact that the American people face a simple reality. There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box. Convicted felon or not, Trump will be the Republican nominee for president.

“The threat Trump poses to our democracy has never been greater. He is running an increasingly unhinged campaign of revenge and retribution, pledging to be a dictator ‘on day one’ and calling for our Constitution to be ‘terminated’ so he can regain and keep power. A second Trump term means chaos, ripping away Americans’ freedoms and fomenting political violence – and the American people will reject it this November.”

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Paid for by Biden for President