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Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Efforts

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Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Efforts

Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announces efforts to raise funds for Puerto Rico 

STATEWIDE –  The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce today launched efforts to provide immediate relief to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Maria recovery through a charitable initiative called “Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief.”

“Our hearts go out to Puerto Rico as they face the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Maria. The island’s entire 3.5 million population is without power, and many residents need immediate medical relief,” said Julio Fuentes, President and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “It is important we do our part to help alleviate their pain and assist our fellow Americans as they recover and rebuild. Please visit www.prgives.org and make any monetary donation to help Puerto Rico.”

With a goal of raising $250,000 in disaster relief funds, donations will be directed toward emergency supplies such as bottled water, canned goods, dried foods, medication, pillows and blankets, shovels and hammers, and other necessary items. If you live in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville or West Palm Beach and would like to drop off supplies please contact[email protected] for more information.

To make a donation, please visit www.prgives.org.

DCF TO INITIATE DISASTER SNAP FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN 48 COUNTIES

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DCF TO INITIATE DISASTER SNAP FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN 48 COUNTIES

~Food for Florida sites will assist individuals and families recovering from Hurricane Irma~

TALLAHASSEE – The Department of Children and Families (DCF), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will implement the Food for Florida Disaster Food Assistance Program in 48 counties to assist victims of Hurricane Irma. Details on local Food for Florida sites will be posted on the Food for Florida website as they become available.

“We are working around the clock to provide relief to those affected by Hurricane Irma damage,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll.  “We will continue to stand side-by-side with those who need us as they get back on their feet. We encourage those in need of food assistance to pre-register if possible through the website so we can quickly serve those in need.”

To qualify for the Food for Florida Disaster Food Assistance program, applicants must have lived or worked in one of the counties declared for FEMA Individual Assistance on September 5, and not be receiving food assistance through the regular Food Assistance Program. Additionally, eligible individuals and families must have suffered a disaster-related loss, such as damage to their homes or self-employment property, loss of food, reduction or loss of income, or have incurred other disaster related expenses. Applicants must also be financially eligible. DCF will provide or mail Electronic Benefits Transfer cards to eligible individuals and families to use at authorized USDA food retailers. The program counts only income and expenses from September 5 through October 4, 2017.

Food for Florida pre-registration will be available on the Food for Florida website and open for people in need of food assistance in eligible counties through October 30. Food for Florida sites in Pinellas, Bradford, Union, Alachua, Lake, Sumter, and Citrus counties will open next week. Individuals who lived or worked in these counties can pre-register beginning today at 2:00 p.m. Pre-registration for other eligible counties will be available prior to the local sites opening. Individuals, families, and authorized representatives that pre-register must still visit a Food for Florida site, listed on the Food for Florida website, to be interviewed. Individuals may also apply at the Food for Florida site locations without pre-registering. You must have a valid Florida Driver License or Florida Identification card.

Visit the Food for Florida website for more information on pre-registration, site locations, and hours of operation.

Public Information Meeting US 41 Roundabouts at 10th Street and 14th Street in Sarasota County

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is hosting a public information meeting on Tuesday, October 3rd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bayfront Community Center located at 803 N. Tamiami Trail (US 41) in Sarasota. The public may arrive anytime between 5 p.m. and   7 p.m. Participants can view display boards of the design and speak with FDOT and project staff. An informative video of the project will be available for viewing throughout the meeting. Project staff will be present to answer questions.

Improvements being made as part of this project consist of reconstructing the signalized intersections and replacing them with roundabouts, enhancing connectivity, circulation and safety. US 41 will be widened between the two intersections and will include bike lanes as well as dedicated turn lanes, a 10-foot sidewalk along the west side, and a 6-foot sidewalk along the east side. Other improvements include raised islands for pedestrian refuge at the intersections of US 41 at 10th Street and 14th Street, pedestrian signals, LED street lights, landscaping and City of Sarasota utility and underground drainage structure replacements. In addition, bus facilities will be enhanced to include bus landing pads, bus shelters, bus benches, bike racks, and a new bus bay adjacent to Centennial Park. Expected completion is spring 2020. The contractor is IBT Construction LLC.

 Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jamie Schley, District One Title VI Coordinator at 800-292-3367 or by email at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the public meeting.

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

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9:10am                       CALL WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY BEN CARSON REGARDING HURRICANE IRMA RECOVERY

9:30am                       VISIT TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SHELTER TO MEET WITH PUERTO RICO EVACUEES

Location:         Florida International University – Parking Garage 6

Address:          11099 SW 10th Street

            Miami, FL 33199

10:35-10:50am           STAFF AND CALL TIME (VIA PHONE) 

12:45pm                     MEETING WITH STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS REGARDING HURRICANE IRMA RECOVERY IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

Location:         Marathon City Hall

Address:          9806 Overseas Highway

                        Marathon, FL 33050

*NOTE: The Governor will tour local impacts of Hurricane Irma following the meeting. Media can meet at the Marathon City Hall to follow the tour.

4:30-5:00pm              STAFF AND CALL TIME (VIA PHONE) 

LT. GOVERNOR CARLOS LOPEZ-CANTERA’S SCHEDULE

FOR

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

9:30am                       STAFF AND CALL TIME

3:00-4:00pm              STAFF AND CALL TIME

Gov. Scott Thanks Law Enforcement and First Responders in Seminole County

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SANFORD, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott visited the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Professional Development Center to thank local law enforcement, emergency management officials and first responders for their commitment to Florida families before, during and after Hurricane Irma. The Governor also announced that Florida’s law enforcement officers and first responders will be able to enjoy license-free freshwater and saltwater fishing beginning today through June 30, 2018.

Since Hurricane Irma moved through the state, Governor Scott has visited communities in the Florida Keys, Southwest Florida and Northeast Florida to thank law enforcement and first responders and discuss recovery efforts with local leaders.  See updated statewide Hurricane Irma response and recovery efforts HERE.

Gov. Scott Appoints Thomas Bryan to University of North Florida Board of Trustees

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Thomas Bryan to the University of North Florida Board of Trustees.

Bryan, 50, of Jacksonville, is a Partner at Terra Capital Holdings, Inc. He previously served as a trustee on the District Board of Trustees, Florida State College at Jacksonville. Bryan received his bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University. He succeeds Joy Korman, and is appointed for a term beginning January 1, 2018, and ending January 1, 2023.  This early appointment will ensure Bryan is fully acclimated and able to assist in the University of North Florida’s Presidential search and selection process early next spring.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi: Debris Removal Stalemate Unacceptable

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NAPLES, Fla. – After hearing several complaints from county administrators, city mayors and other local elected officials about debris removal contractors not performing their duties to remove debris in accordance with their pre-storm contracts, Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi released the following statement. Governor Scott is calling on debris removal companies from Florida and across the country who are willing to help at a fair price to contact the Florida Department of Transportation HERE.

Governor Scott said, “I have been speaking regularly with city and county leaders to make sure our communities have the resources they need to prepare, respond and recover from this massive storm. One of our top focuses has been on making sure debris from the storm is quickly cleared so families can get back to their homes, power can be turned on, and communities can rebuild. This week, I have heard from many local communities from across the state that believe they are being price gouged by debris removal contractors. Many mayors have told me there are companies not following contracts by removing debris.

“We will not tolerate any attempt by businesses to take advantage of our communities during their time of need, especially in the wake of a natural disaster like Hurricane Irma. I want to thank Attorney General Pam Bondi for her tireless work on behalf of Floridians and appreciate her ensuring that our taxpayers are protected. 

“Today, I am also asking debris removal companies in Florida and across the country who can provide services to our counties in need at a fair price to contact the Florida Department of Transportation so FDOT can immediately connect these businesses with counties in need. We will continue to do all we can to help ensure communities get cleaned up.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “These contractors should honor their promises to Floridians and do their jobs when they are needed most. Exploiting this crisis at taxpayer expense is outrageous and will not be tolerated. I will work closely with the Governor, cities and counties to ensure contracts are honored and communities restored. Regardless of whether something is unlawful, this is a morality issue impacting fellow Floridians in a time of need.”

Gov. Scott Congratulates Orlando International Airport for Top Ranking in North America

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SANFORD, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott congratulated Orlando International Airport for receiving the top ranking for consumer satisfaction among mega airports by J.D. Power’s 2017 North America Airport Satisfaction Study.

Governor Scott said, “Florida is proud to be home to North America’s top airport for customer satisfaction. We’ve made significant investments to improve Orlando International so it can continue to provide jobs and economic opportunities for Central Florida families. Florida’s growing economy continues to allow us to prioritize investments so Florida can be home to some of the world’s best transportation infrastructure.”

Governor Scott has lead significant state investments in Orlando International Airport related to enhancing the airport experience:

  • $198.4 million for the South terminal complex construction;
  • $28.3 million in the main terminal ticket lobby expansion, renovations and improvements;
  • $2.7 million invested for the Federal Inspection Station expansion and renovations, including four new gates for large international aircraft; and
  • $275,000 for the reconfiguration and improvements of the east and west TSA checkpoints.

Orlando International airport has more than 43 million annual passengers, making it the second busiest airport in Florida and 13th busiest in the U.S. With the state’s most domestic routes and non-stop service to 57 international destinations, MCO provides global access for business and leisure interests. Orlando International Airport generates $31 billion in direct and indirect revenue for the regional economy.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Serves Breakfast at Beauclerc Elementary School

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today served breakfast at Beauclerc Elementary School in Jacksonville, Fla., to raise awareness about free school meals in 48 counties affected by Hurricane Irma.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture accepted a request to allow all students in 48 counties subject to a FEMA Major Disaster Declaration access to free school meals through the National School Lunch Program. These changes, in effect through Oct. 20, will potentially impact over 3,000 schools and 2.5 million children. The department is requesting additional flexibilities as counties are being declared major disaster areas and as requests are submitted by counties. 

All students in the following counties can access free school meals through the National School Lunch Program from Sept.18–Oct. 20, 2017: Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas, Broward, Palm Beach, Glades, Hendry, Sarasota, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, Brevard, Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Polk, St. Lucie, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia, Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Nassau, Suwannee and Union.

Multi-disciplinary performance to be held at Crisp-Ellert Art Museum during Art Walk

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St. Augustine, Fla. – Two new media artists, a poet and an engineer have collaborated to create a 20-minute mix of live video, text, animation and sound that prompts audiences to consider what experiences are “live” and to reimagine their most familiar selves. The multi-disciplinary performance, by Matt Roberts, Dengke Chen, Terri Witek, alongside sound engineer Amandine Pras, is titled “implement for removing foreign bodies” and will be held at Flagler College’s Crisp-Ellert Art Museum on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m., in conjunction with First Friday Art Walk.

Matt Roberts is a new media artist specializing in locative media, physical computing, augmented reality and real-time video performance. His work has been featured internationally, including exhibitions in Taiwan, Brazil, Canada, Argentina, Italy, Mexico and nationally in New York, San Francisco, Miami and Chicago. In 2015, his collaboration Dream Garden, with poet Terri Witek, was performed at Orlando’s Art in Odd Places, and has since been featured through the United States and abroad, in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Manizales, Colombia; Porto and Lisbon, Portugal; and Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee. In May 2016, Roberts was nominated for the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art by the Orlando Museum of Art, where his work was also on view. Roberts received his MFA from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and is currently an associate professor of Digital Art at Stetson University, in DeLand, Florida. 

Dengke Chen’s creative art works involve 2-D and 3-D animation, illustration and augmented reality interaction. His work has been presented in festivals and exhibitions throughout the United States, Europe and China. Chen received his bachelor’s degree in animation from China Central Academy of Fine Arts, and his MFA in New Media from Pennsylvania State University. He is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Creative Arts at Stetson University.

Terri Witek is the author of five books of poems, most recently “Body Switch.” Her poetry often traces the breakages between words and images, and has been included in American Poetry Review, Poetry, Slate, Hudson Review, and many other journals and anthologies. She has collaborated with Brazilian visual artist Cyriaco Lopes since 2005; their works together include museum and gallery shows, performance and site-specific projects featured internationally in New York, Seoul, Miami, Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro.  Collaborations with Roberts use augmented reality technology for smart phones to poetically map cities and have been featured in Manizales (Colombia), Glasgow, Vancouver, Lisbon, Miami, Santa Fe and Orlando. Witek is the Sullivan Chair in Creative Writing at Stetson University, where she directs their undergraduate Creative Writing program, and with Lopes teaches Poetry in the Expanded Field in Stetson University’s low-residency MFA of the Americas.  

For further information on the exhibition and related programs, please visit the website at www.flagler.edu/crispellert, or contact Julie Dickover at 904-826-8530 or [email protected].  The museum’s hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.