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SunRail Offering Special Train Service December 28 and New Year’s Day

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Orlando – SunRail is pleased to announce it is offering special service to support bowl games next week and on New Year’s Day.

On Thursday, December 28th SunRail is running special night service as a transportation option for those attending the Camping World Bowl at Camping World Stadium, featuring Virginia Tech vs Oklahoma State. Special night trains will leave from LYNX Central Station at the following times:

  • Northbound

9:28 p.m.

10:18 p.m.

  • Southbound

8:48 p.m.

9:49 p.m.

On New Year’s Day, SunRail is offering more than 11 hours of special service, with the first southbound train leaving DeBary at 8 a.m., and the last northbound train leaving Sand Lake Road at 6:15 p.m., arriving in DeBary at 7:18 p.m. Please see the special schedule atwww.sunrail.com.

This New Year’s Day special service provides a transportation option to those attending the Overton’s Citrus Bowl game featuring Notre Dame vs LSU at Camping World stadium in downtown Orlando. It also provides a transportation option for those who wish to try the train and tour local sites along the SunRail service area on New Year’s Day

For those attending the bowl games there is shuttle bus service available between LYNX Central Station and Camping World Stadium for both events. For further information: www.golynx.com.

Please remember anytime is train time. Whether at railroad crossings or SunRail platforms, always be on the lookout for a train. Please stay a safe distance away from railroad tracks. Be smart. Be safe.

Conservation group honors Florida Youth Hunting Program coordinator

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The Florida Sportsmen’s Conservation Association honored Jonathan Roberts for his efforts coordinating the Youth Hunting Program of Florida. The award, which was presented Dec. 6 at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting in Gainesville, recognizes Robert’s commitment to getting more young people and their parents involved in hunting and conservation.

“Fewer young people today are experiencing the great outdoors, and it’s causing a huge disconnect between them and nature. Jonathan does an outstanding job coordinating all the resources and volunteers necessary to allow new hunters and their parents or guardians to safely experience hunting through the Youth Hunting Program,” said Steven Stroh, FSCA president.

Roberts, an FWC employee since 2014, oversees the statewide program, which provides safe, educational, mentored youth hunts. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 accompanied by a parent or guardian can learn new outdoors skills during organized, family-oriented weekend hunts.

“I am humbled to receive this award on behalf of the Youth Hunting Program and FWC. I’m also honored to work with organizations such as FSCA,” Roberts said. “They generously provide volunteers who are fully committed to our mission of creating the next generation of conservationists. It’s partnerships like these that have allowed youth across the state to experience the tradition of hunting.”

The FSCA was founded in 1994 by a group of sportsmen who shared a vision for creating a conservation organization that would serve the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts and their families. The organization aims to help protect and restore Florida’s unique natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations.

For more information about Florida’s Youth Hunting Program, go to MyFWC.com/YHPF.

UNF Named Military Friendly School for Ninth Consecutive Year

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   For the ninth consecutive year, the University of North Florida has been designated as one of the most military friendly schools in the country by Victory Media, the leader in connecting the military and civilian worlds.                        

            The 2018 Military Friendly Schools list honors the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools nationwide that are doing the most to embrace America’s military students and to dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation.

            “Our ability to apply a clear, consistent standard to the majority of colleges gives veterans a comprehensive view of which schools are striving to provide the best opportunities and conditions for our nation’s student veterans,” says Daniel Nichols, a Navy Reserve veteran and chief product officer at Victory Media. “Military Friendly helps military families make the best use of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other federal benefits while allowing us to further our goal of assisting them in finding success in their chosen career fields.”

The list of Military Friendly® Schools and Military Friendly® Schools ratings are assessed through the evaluation of both public data about the institution and proprietary data gathered through the free Military Friendly® Schools survey. The annual, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey assessment is offered at no cost to more than 8,800 institutions nationwide. Each year, schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard than in previous years via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and Victory Media’s Advisory Council. More than 1,300 schools participated in the 2017-18 survey, with 849 earning the designation.

Survey responses are weighted according to the categories below. Final survey results and ratings are determined by combining an institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet minimum thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans. The benchmark is set by the score of the leading institution.

            Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly® School title by completing a survey of over 100 questions covering 10 categories, including campus military support, graduation/employment outcomes and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks across these key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by Ernst & Young based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent advisory board of higher education and recruiting professionals.

            “UNF is committed to veteran success from the time they start the admissions process until they graduate and embark upon a new career,” said Bob Buehn, UNF Military and Veterans Resource Center director. “Our new, larger location makes us even more capable to serve veterans and military-affiliated students, who are our passion.” 

            UNF’s veteran population using the Post-9/11 GI Bill has grown at an average of 6 percent per year for the last five years and now numbers more than 1,300 veterans or military-affiliated students—with 1 one of every 13 students at the University being a veteran. UNF has 64 active duty, 588 veteran students and 653 military dependents.

            In 2009, UNF established a Task Force and received a grant for more than $200,000 from the Florida BrAIve Fund at The Community Foundation in Jacksonville, which allowed the University to establish the MVRC on campus. The Center opened its doors in August 2010 and moved to a larger space on campus this year. 

            Additionally, UNF started offering the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corp, an educational program of leadership and military skills training, on campus in 2009. The UNF program gives students a chance to get Army training while in college. 

The MVRC’s mission is to provide a broad range of student services and resources focused on the unique needs of today’s military veterans, service members and their families in order to enhance their smooth transition from the military environment to campus life, leading to academic success, graduation and employment opportunities.

            The Military Friendly Schools website, found at www.militaryfriendly.com, features the entire list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences.

Boy Scouts leader arrested on 38 charges of child pornography

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ORLANDO, Fla. – Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Orlando Cyber Crime Task Force today arrested Michael Douglas Hanen, 67, of 248 E. Collins Street, Apt. 33, Umatilla, on 38 counts of possession of child pornography.

Hanen was a Boy Scouts leader with a Lake County troop. Given the nature of his arrest and his access to children, FDLE is asking anyone with information about Hanen to call the Orlando office at 407.245.0888.

 After receiving a tip, FDLE Agents launched an investigation and learned that images depicting child pornography were associated with Hanen. During the execution of a search warrant, agents conducted a forensic preview of a digital device and found 38 files of children who appeared to be under the age of 18 depicted in sexual images.

 Hanen is being held on a no-bond status at the Lake County jail. He will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, Ninth Judicial Circuit.

Gov. Scott: Tax Cuts Will Boost Economy and Benefit Florida Citrus

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NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott made the following statement regarding the United States House of Representatives passing tax cuts. The Governor is applauding the House for also including Representative Vern Buchanan’s Emergency Citrus Disease Relief Act to help Florida citrus growers.

Governor Scott said, “It is great news that Washington is following Florida’s lead by cutting taxes for families. In Florida, we have cut taxes more than 80 times saving families over $7.5 billion, and today is an important step to return money back to Americans. It is also great news that the U.S. House of Representatives included Congressman Vern Buchanan’s proposal for tax relief for Florida’s citrus growers. Hurricane Irma decimated this iconic Florida industry and I have continued to advocate for months for funding to help Florida’s citrus industry fully recover. I look forward to the Senate’s passage of tax relief.”

I-4 Ultimate Project Limits Closures for Holidays

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ORLANDO — Nighttime lane, ramp and road closures on the I-4 Ultimate project will scale down during the winter holidays.

The majority of construction closures on the interstate will be suspended from Midnight Saturday, December 24, until the morning of Tuesday, January 2. The I-4 Ultimate project, which extends 21 miles from west of Kirkman Road to east of State Road 434, will be open to holiday traffic; however, motorists should expect the following late-night closures:

  • On December 26-31, nightly closures of John Young Parkway (S.R. 423) under I-4 beginning each night at 11:30 p.m. and ending at 5:30 a.m. Access to all I-4 ramps at the interchange will remain open during the nighttime closure. Detour Map
  • On December 27-30, nightly closures of Division Avenue from Gore Street to Anderson Street beginning each night at 10 p.m. and ending at 5 a.m. The westbound S.R. 408 on-ramp from Division Avenue will remain open during the nighttime closure. Motorists can access the ramp from Anderson Street. Detour Map
  • Single lane closures after 11 p.m. on the eastbound Interstate 4 (I-4) exit and entrance ramps at State Road (S.R.) 436.
  • Right lane closures after 11 p.m. on eastbound and westbound S.R. 436 from the I-4 interchange to Northlake Boulevard.
  • Additional nighttime lane closures may be required on local roads near the I-4/S.R. 436 interchange, including Central Parkway, Douglas Avenue, Westmonte Drive and Wymore Road.

Although the majority of regularly scheduled I-4 Ultimate construction closures are not occurring over the holidays, existing work zones will remain in effect and crews will continue to maintain travel lanes and conduct routine maintenance. Maintenance work often requires nighttime lane closures, such as work on December 27-20 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. to replace reflective pavement markings on eastbound and westbound I-4 from Conroy Road to Ivanhoe Boulevard.

Motorists are reminded to use caution while traveling through work zones around barricades and equipment. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) encourages drivers to plan for additional travel time during the holidays. Drivers are urged to make sure they buckle up, along with their passengers. FDOT and other safety agencies also ask drivers to obey speed limits, get adequate rest before traveling, avoid distractions and never drink and drive.

FDOT advises drivers to slow down in construction zones; the life you save may be your own.

Florida PSC Requests Further Comments on Utility Hurricane Preparedness and Restoration

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TALLAHASSEE—As part of its comprehensive review of 2017 utility hurricane preparedness and restoration actions, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is now requesting comments from interested stakeholders, including local governments, businesses, advocacy groups, and other organizations.  The Commission is seeking stakeholder comments on vegetation management, undergrounding of electric facilities, and utilities’ coordination and communications during emergencies.

“We’ve been actively collecting data from Florida’s electric utilities and from more than 400 customers who’ve provided comments via the portal on the PSC’s home page,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.  “Now we’re drilling down another level to reach more stakeholders, who can provide an even broader perspective on how utilities are handling tree trimming, facilitating electric facilities undergrounding, and interacting with local emergency operations centers.”

For more information on submitting comments or to review the questions to be answered, visit www.floridapsc.com and accessReview of Electric Utility Hurricane Preparedness and Restoration Actions Comments under Hot Topics.  Comments are due by February 20, 2018 and are limited to 25 pages, excluding attachments.  All submitted comments will be public record and posted to the PSC’s website.

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

Commissioner Adam H. Putnam’s Statement on Inclusion of Funding for Florida Agriculture in Disaster Spending Bill

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representatives’ proposed $81 billion disaster spending bill, which includes $2.6 billion for agricultural assistance:

“Florida’s farmers, ranchers and growers suffered unprecedented damage from Hurricane Irma, and today’s announcement of proposed emergency funding for Florida agriculture is the first bit of good news we’ve heard in months.

“I want to thank Representative Rooney, Governor Rick Scott and the entire Florida congressional delegation for working tirelessly to get Florida agriculture the relief it desperately needs. I will continue to work with leaders in Washington to make sure that this funding becomes a reality so Florida’s agriculture industry can continue to do what it does best: feed our state, our country and the world.”

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Commissioner Putnam announced that Florida agriculture sustained more than $2.5 billion in damages. In weeks following Hurricane Irma, Commissioner Putnam joined Governor Rick Scott in Washington D.C to discuss the agricultural damage and to request federal assistance with Florida’s Congressional Delegation.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

PLAYER EXCITEMENT GROWS AS AMERICA’S DUELING JACKPOTS RISE

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PLAYER EXCITEMENT GROWS AS AMERICA’S DUELING JACKPOTS RISE

~Multi-state Jackpots offer a Combined $492 Million ~

TALLAHASSEE – Player excitement grows as both multi-state games, MEGA MILLIONS® and POWERBALL®, jackpots rise to a combined total of $492 million! The MEGA MILLIONS jackpot rolled to $223 million after Friday night’s draw, and the POWERBALL jackpot rolled to $269 million after Saturday night’s draw.

With large jackpots like these, players are encouraged to sign the back of their tickets at the time of purchase and keep them in a safe place. Players should always check their tickets carefully because even if they don’t win the jackpot, they can still win cash prizes of up to $5 million with MEGA MILLIONS and of up to $2 million with POWERBALL.

POWERBALL jackpots start at $40 million and roll until the jackpot is won. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-69) and the red POWERBALL (1-26). There are eight other ways to win non-jackpot prizes ranging from $4 to $1 million or up to $2 million if the ticket includes Power Play. The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are approximately one-in-24.87. 

MEGA MILLIONS jackpots also start at $40 million and roll until the jackpot is won. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-70) and the golden Mega Ball number (1-25). There are eight other ways to win non-jackpot prizes ranging from $2 to $1 million or up to $5 million if the ticket includes Megaplier. The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are approximately one-in-24. 

Purchase your tickets at any of the Florida Lottery’s more than 13,000 authorized retailers for your chance to become Florida’s newest multi-millionaire. The Florida Lottery reminds all players to play responsibly, as it only takes one ticket to win. As with all Florida Lottery products, players must be 18 years or older to play.

Flagler College ​Named​ ​a​ ​2017-2018​ ​Military​ ​Friendly ​School

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Flagler College announced today that it has earned the 2017-2018 Military​ ​Friendly School designation. First published in 2009, Military Friendly Schools is the most comprehensive, powerful resource for veterans today. Each year, the list of Military Friendly Schools is provided to service members and their families, helping them select the best college, university or trade school to receive the education and training needed to pursue a civilian career.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from Victory Media’s proprietary survey. For the first time, student survey data was taken into consideration for the designation. More than 1,300 schools participated in the 2017-2018 survey with 849 receiving the designation.

Ratings methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Victory Media with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

Flagler College Director of Military Recruitment Selena A. Hernandez-Haines said she was delighted to learn of Flagler’s recent designation as a military friendly school.

“This is well-deserved recognition of the sustained campus-wide attention and support given to enhancing military, and veteran-friendly policies and procedures over the past year and a half,” she said. “Flagler College has so much to offer its students, including veterans. Achieving the Military Friendly designation will help get that word out to the field and the fleet.”

Chief Product Officer at Victory Media Daniel Nichols said, “Our ability to apply a clear, consistent standard to the majority of colleges gives veterans a comprehensive view of which schools are striving to provide the best opportunities and conditions for our nation’s student veterans. Military Friendly helps veterans make the best use of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other federal benefits while allowing us to further our goal of assisting them in finding success in their chosen career fields.”

For more information about Flagler College’s commitment to attracting and supporting military students, visit Flagler’s website atwww.flagler.edu/militaryveterans.

Flagler College will be showcased along with other 2018 Military Friendly Schools in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools, special education issues of G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse Magazine, and on militaryfriendly.com.