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Florida Scholars Academy Celebrates the Launch of the New Unified Education System for Juvenile Justice Youth

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Florida Scholars Academy Celebrates the Launch of the New Unified Education System for Juvenile Justice Youth

This New School System Will Serve as a National Model to Improve Educational Opportunities and Career Pathways for Juvenile Justice-Involved Students in Florida

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – On Monday, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and Florida Virtual School announced that the Florida Scholars Academy (FSA), the new unified education system for DJJ students, is operational across Florida. The partnership between DJJ and FLVS will now provide in-person instruction for students within all 44 DJJ residential commitment programs.

“This marks a significant milestone in our path to create brighter futures for Florida’s juvenile justice-involved youth,” said DJJ Secretary Eric Hall. “With the Florida Scholars Academy officially operational, our youth will soon benefit from a seamless, high-quality education to enhance their academic achievement and propel them on the path to success.”

“It is exciting to see the hard work behind the Florida Scholars Academy come to fruition,” said Representative Berny Jacques. “The educational opportunities made possible by this education system will have a major impact on the future achievements of these students in both higher education and the workforce.

“It was an honor to come together with our partners to celebrate the first day of operations for the Florida Scholars Academy and a new beginning for our students to thrive academically,” said Senator Jennifer Bradley. “The Florida Scholars Academy represents our unwavering commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in education, ensuring that our students are well-prepared to lead and succeed in the future.”

“The launch of the Florida Scholars Academy marks great progress towards strengthened communities in Florida,” said Senator Jonathan Martin. “Through the personalized education offered by the academy, youth will have better opportunities upon release leading to reduced recidivism and safer communities for all.”

FSA will provide individualized support to approximately 2,300 students in the care of the DJJ, helping them achieve a high school or high school equivalency diploma, industry-recognized credential of value to start their career, and or/enroll in a postsecondary program of study at a Florida college, university, or technical college.

“Since Florida Virtual School was named the operating education service provider for Florida Scholars Academy in October 2023, our team of passionate educators have been hard at work to create an environment that cultivates academic and resiliency skills,” said the Chief Academic Officer of Florida Virtual School, Robin Winder. “Our goal is to meet these students where they are by helping them establish a feeling of self-worth and belief in themselves as they progress through life.”

FSA classes will begin July 10. To learn more about the Florida Scholars Academy, visit https://floridascholarsacademy.com/.

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About the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is the most comprehensive juvenile justice system in the country and works to enhance public safety across Florida. Florida’s juvenile justice system covers the entire service continuum—from prevention services for youth who are at risk to working to rehabilitate serious juvenile offenders in our residential commitment programs. DJJ utilizes data-informed, evidenced-based decision-making across its continuum and provides high-quality effective services to youth and families delivered by world-class professionals dedicated to building a stronger, safer Florida. To learn more, visit our website.

About Florida Virtual School (FLVS)

At Florida Virtual School (FLVS), the student is at the center of every decision we make. For 26 years, our certified online teachers have worked one-on-one with students to understand their needs and ensure their success – with FLVS students completing 7.3 million semester courses since the school’s inception. As a fully accredited statewide public school district, Florida students in grades Kindergarten-12 can enroll tuition-free in full-time and part-time online education options. With more than 200 effective and comprehensive courses and 80 fun and exciting clubs, our FLVS team is here to provide families with a safe, reliable, and flexible education in a supportive environment. As a leading online education provider, FLVS also offers comprehensive digital learning solutions to school districts, from digital courses that result in high student performance outcomes, to easy-to-use online platforms, and staff training and support. To learn more, visit our website.

About Florida Scholars Academy (FSA)

Florida Scholars Academy (FSA) is a unified education system for students assigned to a Florida Department of Juvenile Justice residential commitment program. Through in-person instruction, Florida Scholars Academy provides an individualized educational pathway to help students achieve a high school or high school equivalency diploma, industry-recognized credential of value to start their career, and/or enroll in a postsecondary program of study at a Florida college, university, or technical college. To learn more, visit the FSA website.

Traffic Advisory: Lane Closures at I-4 and Conroy Road Interchange to Begin July 8

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For Immediate Release
July 3, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office
386-943-5593

[email protected]

Traffic Advisory: Lane Closures at I-4 and Conroy Road Interchange to Begin July 8

ORLANDO, Fla. – Motorists should be advised that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will be closing two westbound lanes of the Conroy Road Interstate 4 (I-4) overpass in Orlando continuously beginning as soon as 9 p.m. Monday, July 8. During this closure, one westbound inside (left) lane and two left turn lanes on Conroy Road will remain open.

An additional lane closure will occur on westbound Conroy Road from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The two left turn lanes will remain open to allow for through traffic. All lanes will reopen as soon as July 31.

Motorists are also advised of an additional closure of the I-4 westbound entrance ramp from John Young Parkway (State Road 423), which will close nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. through July 2024. This closure will include a detour route as follows:

  • Motorists traveling northbound on John Young Parkway should go under the I-4 overpass and make a left turn onto LB McLeod Road; left turn onto Vineland Road; left turn onto Conroy Road; and follow signage to I-4 westbound from Conroy Road.
  • Motorists traveling southbound on John Young Parkway should turn right onto westbound LB McLeod Road, turn left onto southbound Vineland Road, turn left onto westbound Conroy Road; and follow signage to I-4 westbound from Conroy Road.

Other nightly closures include two lanes on westbound and eastbound I-4 near Conroy Road (Exit 78) in Orlando from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. through July 2024.

These closures are necessary to allow for repairs to the Conroy Road I-4 overpass.

Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

FDOT advises motorists to use caution, follow all posted detour signs, and be alert while driving or riding through active construction zones.

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

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Florida Democrats Welcome First Lady Jill Biden to Florida

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 8, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT

[email protected]

 

FLORIDA DEMOCRATS WELCOME FIRST LADY JILL BIDEN TO FLORIDA

Miami, FL — Today, First Lady Jill Biden is visiting Florida to launch Veterans and Military Families for Biden-Harris, a national organizing program for Biden-Harris 2024. In response, the Florida Democratic Party has issued the following statement:

“The Florida Democratic Party is proud to welcome the First Lady to Florida today,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “As a state with 21 military bases and nearly 67,000 military spouses and families, Florida is the right place to launch Veterans and Military Families for Biden-Harris.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has done so much work to support and protect our veterans and military families — from expanding VA eligibility to reducing homelessness and suicides — while Donald Trump has called fallen troops ‘suckers’ and ‘losers and threatened to rip away their hard earned benefits to support his tax cuts. We’re grateful to have Dr. Biden here to draw attention to that contrast today.

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ICYMI: Republican-led States (like Florida) are Blocking Summer Food Benefits for Hungry Families

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 8, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT

[email protected]

 

ICYMI: Republican-led States (like Florida) are Blocking Summer Food Benefits for Hungry Families

FDP Chair Nikki Fried declares it a “Cruel Summer” for Florida’s kids

Tallahassee, FL — Last week, USA TODAY reported that Florida and 11 other Republican-led states chose to opt out of the Summer EBT program, a federal initiative to provide families who receive free or reduced school lunches an EBT credit for the summer months. 9.5 million children are affected in states that opted out, including 2.2 million children in Florida, which rejected $250 million in federal funding.

In a tweet, FDP Chair Nikki Fried called the move a “Cruel Summer” and said that Ron DeSantis “only protects our kids when it fits his narrative.”

READ MORE:

Republican-led states are blocking summer food benefits for hungry families — USA TODAY

  • The governors of a dozen states – Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming – opted out of the program, leaving about 9.5 million students without the aid this summer, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. All of these states are led by Republicans.99

  • White House leaders slammed state officials, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who refused to opt in and help combat hunger for parents who can’t afford to feed themselves or their children.

  • “It is $250 million that is left on the table. … It costs Floridians nothing,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre to Spectrum News.

 

White House calls out Florida for not joining summer EBT program — Spectrum News 13 

  • “It is truly, truly shameful, that they are not opting into these programs.” Jean-Pierre said. “We’re talking about making sure that children in low-income families … are getting the summer lunches, right? And one of the things that we learned during this pandemic is food insecurity. How terrible that was to our children. And so we need to make sure that we’re taking care of our kids.”

  • …all of Florida’s Democrats in Congress sent a letter to DeSantis, urging him to apply to the program in time for the Jan. 1 deadline. In response to the state’s decision to reject the money, Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor said in a statement: “Governor DeSantis is putting Florida families at a disadvantage yet again due to his extreme politics.”

 

Florida opts out of $250 million in summer food aid for families — WFSU

  • “It doesn’t seem it would be that heavy of a lift for the state to put this out, especially considering the fact that … so many children are going hungry, grocery costs are still on the increase in Florida and the amount of money that would come into the state,” [Cindy] Huddleston said.

  • Florida director of No Kid Hungry, Sky Beard, called the state’s most recent decision “incredibly disappointing.” “More than three-quarters of Floridians reported it was harder to buy food this year than last, due to the increasing costs of food and other essentials,” she wrote in a statement.

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Representative Hunschofsky’s Practice of Chiropractic Medicine Bill is Signed into Law

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2024 

CONTACT

William Giliberti

Office of Representative Christine Hunschofsky

[email protected]

(954) 956-5600 

Representative Hunschofsky’s Practice of Chiropractic Medicine Bill is Signed into Law

 

PARKLAND, Fla. – This week, House Bill 1063 – Chiropractic Medicine by Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland) was signed into law by the Governor.

This new law allows physicians certified and trained in dry needling to perform these treatments. Dry needling, a treatment for musculoskeletal pain and movement issues, involves inserting a thin needle into trigger points to stimulate muscles. This law will also help eliminate any confusion for patients and insurance companies regarding scope of chiropractic care.

Additionally, HB 1063 streamlines the licensure process for graduates of international chiropractic institutions by allowing the Department of Health to accept equivalency reports and credential evaluation reports from approved organizations. This change will help increase the number of qualified healthcare providers in the state, by saving them significant time and costs.

“This law ensures that more highly skilled chiropractors can practice in our state,” said Representative Hunschofsky. “At the same time, we are providing patients with more treatment options and eliminating any ambiguity in what chiropractic care can offer.”

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Representative Bruce Antone Says the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force was a Failure

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2024

CONTACT

Pamela Newton

Office of Representative Bruce Antone

[email protected]

407-297-2001

Representative Bruce Antone Says the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force was a Failure

 

ORLANDO, Fla. – Representative Bruce Antone (D-Orlando) sent a lengthy letter to the members of the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force. The letter discusses his concerns with the manner and process by which the Task Force conducted its business, and the proposed recommendations, that may be included in the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force Final Report. The final report, which will be sent to the Governor, and the Florida Legislature, will include recommendations regarding the design, construction and operation of a Black History Museum in Florida. Representative Antone respectfully asked the Task Force to not make any recommendations regarding the Florida Museum of Black History or a location for the proposed museum.

Representative Antone stated, “Senator Bobby Powell and myself passed CS/CS/HB 1441, with the intent of the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force developing design and construction plans to build a Very Large, World-Class Florida Museum of Black History. The proposed Florida Museum of Black History was extremely important to the State of Florida, Black Americans and Caribbean Immigrants in Florida, and was intended to showcase the contributions Black People and Caribbean Immigrants have made to the history of Florida and the United States. The Task Force met nine times and did not complete any of the tasks required by the legislation (i.e. CS/CS/HB 1441), which created the Task Force. Therefore, I respectfully ask the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force to not make any recommendations to the Governor, and the Florida Legislature.”

The bill (i.e. CS/CS/HB 1441 [2023]) required the task force to develop:

  1. Plans for the location, design, and construction of the museum.
  2. Recommendations for the operation and administration of the museum.
  3. A marketing plan to promote the museum.
  4. A transition plan for the museum to become financially self-sufficient.
  5. Recommendations for archival and artifact acquisition, preservation, and research; exhibits; and educational materials.”

“Finally, the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force should quietly end and disband tomorrow (i.e. Friday June 28th ) without making any recommendations. People across the State of Florida and the United States, especially Black People and Caribbean Immigrants, were excitedly watching the meetings of the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force with high hopes and anticipation that Florida would build a Large World Class Black History Museum. The Task Force failed to complete the tasks required by the legislation which created the Task Force,” added Representative Antone.

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Senator Stewart Expresses Disappointment Over Veto of Bill Aiding Non-Violent Offenders

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2024

CONTACT: Travis Flinn, 407-893-2422

SENATOR STEWART DISAPPOINTED BY VETO OF BILL TO ASSIST NON-VIOLENT OFFENDERS

Orlando, FL – Following the Governor’s veto of HB 133, Senator Linda Stewart (D – Orlando) expressed her deep disappointment over the veto of the bill aimed at providing much-needed assistance to non-violent offenders. The bill on licensure for barbers and cosmetology specialists, unanimously supported by the legislature (31-0 Senate and 114-0 House), would have prevented the Florida Board of Cosmetology from using history of non-violent incarceration for grounds of denial of licensing and offered crucial support and opportunities for rehabilitation, helping individuals reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism rates.

“I am extremely disappointed by the governor’s decision to veto this bill and deny former non-violent offenders, who have done their time, the opportunity to more easily obtain a license in barbering or cosmetology. This is about second chances,” said Stewart.

The bill would have prevented the Board of Cosmetology from reviewing certain records of criminal history that took place more than three years before the date of the application for the license. The bill also contained a provision stating that if an individual did commit an offense within the three year period that the board would have ability to deny based on earlier offenses. Finally the bill would have required the boards to approve educational program credits offered to inmates in a correctional institution or facility for purposes of satisfying training requirements for a license

“It is unjust that continue to punish people for the mistakes made in their past and prevent them from earning a living in the future. This bill could have been vital to someone’s future livelihood and helped to reduce recidivism,” said Stewart.

The exemption of records considered by the board in HB 133 was drafted to only apply to convictions of specific non-violent crimes. Persons with convictions relating to Sexual Predators as defined in statute 775.21 (4) (a)1 and Forcible Felonies as defined in statute 776.08  have exceptions to the bill and may be grounds for the denial of an application.

State Attorney Andrew Warren Receives Wide-Ranging Endorsements from Local Leaders and Labor Unions

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2024

[email protected]

 

State Attorney Andrew Warren Receives Wide-Ranging Endorsements from Local Leaders and Labor Unions

 

Tampa, FL — State Attorney Andrew Warren is proud to announce another round of significant endorsements from both current and former local elected officials, as well as influential labor unions. This wave of support underscores the broad confidence in Warren’s leadership and his commitment to improving public safety and reducing crime for working families in Hillsborough County.

Endorsing organizations and individuals include:

·       SEIU Florida (Service Employees International Union)

·       West Central Florida Central Labor Council of AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations)

·       Clerk of Courts Cindy Stuart

·       School Board Member Jessica Vaughn

·       School Board Member Henry “Shake” Washington

·       Hon. Doretha Edgecomb

·       Hon. Kimberly Overman

·       Hon. Mariella Smith

·       Hon. Tom Scott

·       Hon. Sandra Freedman

·       Hon. Rick Kriseman

·       Councilman Alan Clendenin

·       Councilwoman Gwen Henderson

·       Hon. Gwen Miller

“I’m honored to have the support of such a distinguished group of leaders and organizations. Their confidence in my leadership is a testament to the progress we have made in enhancing public safety and reducing crime in Hillsborough County. Together, we will continue to build a safer community for everyone in our community.”

Warren’s tenure as State Attorney has been marked by a proactive approach to tackling crime, prioritizing justice reform, and ensuring the safety of working families. His office aggressively prosecuted crimes that threaten public safety while launching several initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism, supporting victims, and crime prevention.

First elected in 2016 by defeating a 16-year incumbent, State Attorney Warren is seeking re-election to a third term as State Attorney for Hillsborough County, Florida. Warren, a Democrat, points to his proven record of reduced crime, increased public safety, and improvements to the justice system. Warren is a former federal prosecutor and a champion of effective criminal justice policy, focused on balancing punishment, accountability, prevention, and rehabilitation to maximize public safety.

Warren has already received numerous endorsements from current and former state and local officials, including:

·       Congresswoman Kathy Castor

·       Hon. Alex Sink

·       Hon. Betty Castor

·       Hon. Arthenia Joyner

·       House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell

·       Public Defender Julianne Holt

·       Clerk of Courts Cindy Stuart

·       County Commissioner Harry Cohen

·       County Commissioner Pat Kemp

·       County Commissioner Gwen Myers

·       Hon. Betty Castor, Former Florida Commissioner of Education and State Senator

·       Hon. Pat Frank, Former State Senator and Hillsborough Clerk of Courts

·       Hon. Les Miller, Former State Senator and Hillsborough County Commissioner

·       Hon. E.J. Salcines, Former State Attorney and Judge of the Second District Court of Appeal

·       Hon. Rod Smith, Former State Attorney and State Senator

·       Rep. Dianne Hart, Florida House of Representatives

·       Rep. Susan Valdes, Florida House of Representatives

·       Hon. Ben Diamond, Former State Representative

·       Hon. Adam Hattersley, Former State Representative

·       Hon. Ed Narain, Former State Representative

·       Hon. Sean Shaw, Former State Representative and Insurance Consumer Advocate

For more information about the campaign, please visit AndrewWarrenFL.com

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Paid political advertisement. Paid for by Andrew Warren for State Attorney, Democrat, 13th Judicial Circuit.

DEBATE DAY: Biden-Harris 2024 Setting the Stage With Seven-Figure Paid Media Blitz

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2024

DEBATE DAY: Biden-Harris 2024 Setting the Stage With Seven-Figure Paid Media Blitz

Across Atlanta and Battlegrounds, Digital Ads and Visibility Contrast Biden’s Leadership and Trump’s Failures

Ahead of first presidential debate in Atlanta today,  Team Biden-Harris is launching a seven-figure paid multimedia campaign that includes digital takeovers across eight news sites, digital ads across social media platforms, a full-page print ad across USA Today newspapers, a new website landing page, billboards, wrapped cars and trucks, and more.

To kick off debate day, Team Biden-Harris is taking over the websites of Buzzfeed, USA Today, CNN, El Tiempo Latino, Telemundo, theGrio, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution with ads articulating the dangers of electing Trump to a second term. The USA Today buy includes a full-page print ad contrasting Donald Trump’s record as a self-centered criminal to President Biden’s record of fighting for the American people.

On the ground in Atlanta, Biden-Harris 2024 is also projecting a QR code on billboards, sidewalks, and buildings that voters can scan to learn more about Project 2025: Trump and his allies’ dangerous plans to give him more power over Americans’ everyday lives if he wins. On everything from unilaterally banning abortion nationwide, to slashing Social Security, and providing handouts to the ultra-wealthy paid for by working families, Trump’s Project 2025 agenda would be a disaster – and the American people deserve to read all about it.

The following is a statement from Biden-Harris 2024 Senior Spokesperson Kevin Munoz:

“Today’s show of force in Atlanta and across the battlegrounds emphasizes the two contrasting visions the American people will see on the debate stage tonight: between President Biden fighting for the American people, and Donald Trump whose campaign is focused on benefitting one person only: himself.”

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Paid for by Biden for President

Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Awards $242,500 in Scholarships

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Contact: Marla Martin, Senior Media Relations and Communications Manager or

Janet Valentine, Legal Assistant, Florida Realtors®, 407/438-1400, ext. 2326 or 2426

 

Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Awards $242,500 in Scholarships

ORLANDO, Fla., June 25, 2024 – As young people head off to college this fall, 179 of them from communities across Florida will receive financial help for their costs through scholarships from Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Inc.

A not-for-profit corporation established by the state Realtor association, the Florida Realtors Education Foundation Inc. provides real estate-related educational scholarships. The Foundation’s Board of Directors awarded $242,500 in scholarships to help pay for higher education expenses for 179 young people in the 2024-2025 school year. All recipients are Florida residents and will attend community colleges, four-year universities, graduate programs or law schools, both in state and out-of-state. Some students are considering careers in real estate.

“For 14 years now, the Florida Realtors Education Foundation Student Scholarship Program has helped 1,986 young people realize their dreams for the future by continuing their education,” said Brett Brown, chair of Florida Realtors Education Foundation Inc. “Florida Realtors has awarded a total of $2,745,000 in scholarships to help these students and their families with financial support for college. These scholarships are an investment in the future. Realtors across the state are honored to support these deserving young people and give back to our communities through this program.”

Scholarship recipients are enrolled at institutions of higher learning throughout the state, such as the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University and University of South Florida, as well as other colleges throughout the U.S., including Dartmouth College, University of Mississippi and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, to name a few. A variety of criteria was considered for successful applicants including academic achievements, financial need, relationship to the Realtor family and contributions to family, school and community.

Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to 238,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Newsroom website is available at http:// floridarealtors.org/newsroom.

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