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SENATOR CAMPBELL CONGRATULATES MAYOR FRANCIS SUAREZ FOR SIDING WITH SENIORS AND ENDING MIAMI’S RED LIGHT CAMERA PROGRAM

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MIAMI-DADE – State Senator Daphne Campbell (D-Miami), a long-time critic of red light cameras and their devastating financial impact on low income Floridians, applauded this week’s decision by Miami commissioners to end the controversial red light contract in the city.

“I know first-hand that many of my elderly constituents can’t afford to pay the expensive citations for these violations,” said Senator Campbell. “No one should have to choose between paying for critically-needed medication or a traffic fine. I’m very happy that Miami’s local elected officials sided with our seniors and did the right thing.”

In a unanimous vote on Thursday, Mayor Francis Suarez and city commissioners voted to cancel their 2010 contract with American Traffic Solutions to maintain and operate dozens of red light cameras around the city.  Miami is one of the poorest major cities in the United States.  Drivers in the city often had to endure the red light cameras photographing their license plates and issuing citations that ran at least $150 or more.  The vote brought to completion a vow made by the mayor during his campaign to end the red light camera program. American Traffic Solutions now has 60 days to wind down its operations in the city.

Senator Campbell, who represents 15 cities in her district including the City of Miami, urged other cities to follow Miami’s lead and end similar red light camera programs operating throughout the area.

Miami-Dade Educator Honored with National Award

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Miami-Dade Educator Honored with National Award

~ Dale Adamson awarded $25,000 from the Milken Family Foundation ~ 

MIAMI, Fla. – Today, Dale Adamson, a mathematics teacher at Howard D. McMillan Middle School, was honored by the Milken Family Foundation during a surprise announcement for his dedication and commitment to providing students with a high quality education in his school’s STEM curriculum. Adamson joins an elite group of educators as one of only 44 nationwide to receive this year’s award.

“I am honored to celebrate Dale Adamson today, as he receives this prestigious award from the Milken Family Foundation,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Because of educators like Mr. Adamson, Florida’s students are gaining the critical knowledge they need to succeed in today’s workforce. With more jobs than ever before in STEM fields, it is critical that students begin developing these skills as early as possible and Mr. Adamson has been integral to his students achieving that goal.”

The Milken Family Foundation is celebrating 30 years of surprising and rewarding teachers. Dr. Jane Foley, Senior Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards and a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator, made today’s announcement at Howard D. McMillan Middle School.  

“Dale Adamson was in medical school on his way to becoming a doctor when he changed gears to become a teacher. His ability to look at a ‘problem’ in life, as in mathematics, is part and parcel of what makes him a great educator,” said Foley. “By making math engaging to all students, each in his or her own way, Adamson is demonstrating the type of leadership and initiative we seek in our Milken Educators. We are proud of his innovative and inclusive teaching methods promoting STEM education to all, making a better future for his students, his school and ultimately the larger world.”

Adamson has been an educator for five years and is known for the contagious enthusiasm he has for math. He goes to great lengths to show his students real-world applications and often integrates technology into his lessons. Adamson sponsors the school’s Southeastern Consortium for Minorities in Engineering club, in which more than 120 students participate, and he organizes STEM family nights. Adamson holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston University and a master’s degree from Adams State University.

“The Milken Educator Awards honor outstanding professionals as their careers begin to flourish,” said Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho. “This coveted recognition provides educators with cutting-edge resources to develop their skills as they mentor and collaborate with their colleagues. Our school district attracts and retains some of the nation’s best and brightest teachers. The Milken Foundation supports our mission of highlighting excellence in the teaching profession and rigor and innovation in education.”

Described as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards provide recognition and unrestricted financial awards of $25,000 to exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and specialists who are furthering education excellence. 

New recipients are invited to join the Milken Educator Network, a nationwide group of distinguished educators whose expertise serves as a valuable resource to fellow educators, legislators, school boards and others shaping the future of education. Florida has had 42 educators recognized with the Milken Award since 1998.

In addition to participation in the Milken Educator Network, 2017-18 recipients will attend a Milken Educator Forum, March 20-23, in Washington, D.C. Educators will have the opportunity to network with their new colleagues and hear from state and federal officials about the importance of maximizing their leadership roles to advance educator effectiveness. 

For more information about the Milken Educator Awards, visit www.milkeneducatorawards.org/.

Florida Courts Help app offers mobile access to family law resources

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TALLAHASSEE –  For tens of thousands of Floridians who represent themselves in family law cases there is now an app to help navigate the State Courts System and resolve legal problems with an innovative solution from the Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice.

“This strikes at the heart of our efforts on the Access to Civil Justice Commission, to not only provide help to people who don’t have a lawyer but to make it easier for more people to know help is available,” said Chief Justice Jorge Labarga who also serves as chair of the Access Commission.

Florida Courts Help works on Apple and Android devices. The app offers in one place information for people seeking a divorce, adoption, orders of protection, name change, and other family law issues. The Florida Courts Help app is available now at the most popular app stores and instructions are also available at Help.flcourts.org. The app puts assistance at the fingertips with: 

·         186 Supreme Court-approved family law forms that can be filled out on the device;

·         Links and contact information for help centers all around the state;

·         Plain-language instructions and descriptions of first steps and next actions;

·         Pointers and contact for a full range of legal help from multiple online resources, free and low-cost legal services, lawyer referrals and other information, including eligibility criteria, and;

·          User-friendly instructions for initial steps and pointers about what happens next.

Florida Courts Help seeks to help Floridians who represent themselves in family law cases. The family law forms available free on the Office of the State Courts Administrator website were downloaded more than 2 million times last year.

Members of the Commission on Access to Civil Justice recognize mobile is how more people use the internet. More than a third of American adults who earn less than $50,000 a year use the internet exclusively through their phones. Florida Courts Help makes concrete legal help accessible with the information Floridians need in the way easiest for them to use.

The Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice seeks to address unmet civil legal needs of disadvantaged, low income, and moderate income Floridians to identify and remove economic and other barriers to civil justice. Read more about Florida’s Access Commission on its website.http://www.flaccesstojustice.org/

Gulf gray triggerfish reopens March 1, 2018

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Recreational harvest of gray triggerfish will remain closed in Gulf state and federal waters through Feb. 28, 2018, reopening March 1. The season will also close June 1 through July 31.

When the season reopens, the daily recreational bag limit will be one fish per person (lowered from two fish earlier this year), and the minimum size limit will be 15 inches fork length (increased from 14 inches fork length earlier this year). Similar changes were approved for Gulf federal waters.

These changes should help maintain fishing opportunities for gray triggerfish in state and federal waters for 2018 and the future.

For more information on gray triggerfish, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Triggerfish.”

FDLE arrests Naples man on dozens of child pornography counts

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NAPLES, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement today arrested Kevin John Hawkesworth, 51, of 9529 Winterview Drive, Naples, Florida, for 53 counts of electronic transmission of child pornography by electronic device and 10 counts of promotion of child pornography.


The investigation began after agents received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual was sending videos and images of child pornography to persons via Twitter.

On Nov. 16, 2017, FDLE special agents, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the FDLE Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Hawkesworth’s home. 

 Agents seized numerous computer-related media devices from the home. Through investigative efforts and forensic examinations of Hawkesworth’s devices, agents were able to identify that, while in Lee County, he allegedly sent child pornography that included children as young as three or four years of age engaged in various sex acts. 

Hawkesworth was arrested by FDLE this afternoon at his home. He was transported to the Lee County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit. 

Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at:http://secureflorida.org/family/best_practices_for_parents/. 

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017

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GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017

9:30-10:30am             STAFF AND CALL TIME (VIA PHONE)

1:15pm                       “FREEDOM FOR VENEZUELA” ROUNDTABLE

Location:         Universidad Rafael Belloso Chacin

Address:          2550 NW 100th Avenue

                        Doral, FL 33172

LT. GOVERNOR LOPEZ-CANTERA’S SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017 

9:00am                        STAFF AND CALL TIME

Tallahassee ‘Cities for Life’ event to end the death penalty Nov 30

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MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee will mark International Day of ‘Cities for Life’ with a special event against the death penalty.
WHEN: Thursday November 30th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (EST)
WHERE: Good Shepherd Parish, 4665 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee
WHO: The event is hosted by the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and co-organized by Equal Justice USA and Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
Featured speakers will include:

  • Dale Recinella, Death Row Catholic Chaplain (keynote)
  • Christine Henderson, National Organizer with Equal Justice USA
  • Bishop William Wack, as well as an exonoree from Florida’s death row, will be present

Equal Justice USA (EJUSA) is a national organization that works to transform the justice system by ending the death penalty, strengthening programs that help crime survivors rebuild their lives, and promoting trauma-informed responses to violence that save lives and heal communities.

Florida League of Cities Resolution Praises Governor for Leadership, Assistance Throughout Irma

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Resolution also commends Florida Division of
Emergency Management for ongoing efforts

The Florida League of Cities Board of Directors today announced a resolution thanking Gov. Rick Scott, his executive team, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management for their tireless efforts and dedication leading Florida through preparations, response, and recovery associated with Hurricane Irma.
The resolution recognizes Gov. Scott for his steady guidance throughout Irma, including constant updates to Florida residents and consistent communication with municipal leaders in order to keep their communities safe.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I appreciate the Florida League of Cities for this resolution. Our first responders, volunteers and emergency management professionals are the ones who deserve all of the credit for the preparations, response and ongoing recovery from Hurricane Irma.”
The League of Cities also commended the governor for the plans and actions he executed to assist Florida residents with evacuation and preparedness efforts throughout Irma. For example, Gov. Scott worked with the Florida Department of Transportation to suspend tolls across the state to make it easier for residents to evacuate and emergency responders to get to locations where they were needed.
The Florida League of Cities acknowledged how accessible both the governor and the Division of Emergency Management were for expediting discussions, solutions, and advice to help local government officials meet the needs for their cities. The League specifically praised recently departed DEM Director Bryan Koon, who left that position after Irma had passed, for his efforts.

Insurance Industry Leaders Provide Record-Setting Contributions to Step Up For Students

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More than 7,400 children in Duval County benefit from Florida Tax Credit Scholarships

Florida’s insurance industry has stepped up to support the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program at a record level, committing $61.2 million this year to fund scholarships for more than 9,380 students. Leading the pack is UnitedHealthcare, which has contributed more than $83 million to Step Up for Students over the past decade.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Greg Reidy today visited Arlington Community Academy whose students are among the beneficiaries of the scholarships, to promote the program’s impact and encourage other insurance companies to participate.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Greg Reidy speaks to students at Arlington Community Academy 

“By helping struggling students get into an educational environment where they can succeed, we know we are helping to make our state stronger,” said Greg Reidy, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. “It’s gratifying to meet the students who are benefiting from these scholarships and see them on a track to reach their full potential.”

Step Up For Students, the nonprofit organization that helps administer the needs-based Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, praised the insurance company’s historic support for the program. Step Up For Students provides scholarships for income-limited students to attend the schools that best meet their individual needs.  A recent study found that students who receive these scholarships are 40 percent more likely to attend college than their public school counterparts, and 29 percent more likely to earn an associate degree.

Since 2009, UnitedHealthcare’s contributions have enabled  more than 18,000 Florida students to attend schools that offer them a chance at a brighter future. The company’s recent contribution will help serve the 7,483 students who receive the scholarships in Duval County alone.

“Support from Florida’s insurance industry is critical for the work our team does to support children across the state,” said Doug Tuthill, president of Step Up For Students. “This contribution is an investment in students, and it enables the positive impacts of this program to continue and expand to change more lives for the better.”

Arlington Community Academy students

Families and students who have benefitted from the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program added their voices  in support of the insurance industry’s efforts, urging other companies to consider participation.

“This program directly helps children in our local area, and I am grateful that my own child can now attend the school that’s right for her,” said Jacksonville parent Tamara Herring. “I am so grateful for the many donors who support this program, individuals and companies that are helping children like mine have a better future. Every child deserves that chance.”

To learn more about UnitedHealthcare, CLICK HERE. To learn more about the impact of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program or how to support Step Up for Students, visit www.stepupforstudents.org.

Keep Your Heart Healthy and Happy

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Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in the United States. Practicing proper heart health care can seem scary and challenging, but it doesn’t have to be.
World Heart Day is September 29th, and it’s just as good a time as any to take action and make some easy changes now! Take matters into your own hands and educate yourself with some simple tips.
Eat Smart for Your Heart
Changing your diet is one of the easiest and most important ways to get heart healthy. Throw away the fried foods and sweets and opt for some of these alternate choices:

  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Dark green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables are particularly nutritious. Try spinach, carrots, peaches and berries.
  • Opt for foods that are low in saturated and trans fats. Lean meats and non-fat and low-fat dairy products are great options
  • Limit your sodium intake.
  • Try fish and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Avoid food and drinks with added sugar.
  • Use canola or olive oil instead of butter when cooking.
  • If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Women should stick to one standard size drink a day, while men shouldn’t drink more than two.
  • Choose heart healthy foods even when you’re at a restaurant.

Walk Your Way to a Healthy Heart
Walking is extremely beneficial to heart health. Physical activity helps with blood circulation throughout your body, sending oxygen and nutrients to your organs. Exercise increases your heart rate and strengthens your heart. Walking is a great way to decrease body fat and improve your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. However, there are a few things to consider before you begin a new regimen:

  • See a doctor before starting a new exercise program.
  • Start out slow. Aim to walk for 30 minutes a day for five days a week.
  • Begin your walk with a warm-up and build to a faster pace during the peak of your walk. Allow time for a cooldown at the end.
  • Find a support system of friends, family, or a walking group. Talking and laughing while you walk can make exercising a lot more enjoyable.
  • Count your steps! There are several pedometers and phone apps that can track your progress. Set attainable step goals and gradually increase them when they become easier to reach.
  • Take your dog on a longer walk than usual.

Don’t Give Up – You Can Do It!
Changing your routine is a hard thing to do, but with a good support system and setting some attainable goals, your heart health can benefit greatly. Simply eating right and getting moderate physical activity on a regular basis can make a world of a difference. It can be easy to get discouraged, but don’t give up! You are making positive changes even if you can’t see them yet. You can do it—you know it in your heart.
For more information about heart health, visit Capital Health Plans’ Healthwise® Knowledgebase at capitalhealth.com.
Suma Dondapati, MD, is an internal medicine physician at Capital Health Plan and is passionate about preventive care.