St. Augustine, Fla. — New and returning students have arrived to Flagler College’s campus for the 2017-2018 academic year. Approximately 760 first-year students moved into residence halls this past weekend, and upperclassmen are returning early this week.
New to the campus and now open to roughly 150 upperclassmen is residence facility Abare Hall, the college’s largest-ever construction project to-date. The complex, named after retired President Dr. William T. Abare Jr., sits on the west side of the college’s existing FEC Residence Halls on the banks of St. Augustine’s San Sebastian River. The residence hall is part of a $23-million complex that features a 551-space parking garage and an 18,900-square-foot, two-story Commons building that connects the existing FEC Residence Halls to Abare Hall.
On Wednesday, Aug. 23, classes will begin for new and returning students, including 184 transfer students.
International students represent countries including Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Paraguay, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Venezuela, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.
Top declared majors are Business Administration, Education, Psychology, Communication, Coastal Environmental Science and Criminology.
Flagler College is a private, four-year comprehensive college located in St. Augustine, Fla. The college offers 32 majors, 38 minors and two pre-professional programs. Flagler College has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, as well as a satellite campus in Tallahassee, Fla. U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review regularly feature Flagler as a college that offers quality education at a relatively low cost. A Flagler education is less than half the cost of similar private colleges, and competitive with many state universities. A relatively young institution (founded in 1968), Flagler College is also noted for its historic beauty. The centerpiece of the campus is the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, a National Historic Landmark opened in 1888 by railroad pioneer and Standard Oil co-founder Henry M. Flagler. For more on Flagler College, visit www.flagler.edu.
Calhoun County Senior Citizens Association, Inc. Named PSC Helping Hand
TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is recognizing the Calhoun County Senior Citizens Association, Inc. (SCA) as August’s Helping Hand for helping raise public awareness about the Lifeline Assistance telephone and broadband discount program, energy and water conservation, and scams affecting seniors.
“We appreciate the Senior Citizens Association’s willingness to share the PSC’s beneficial information with Calhoun County residents,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Through our ongoing outreach partnership, we are able to distribute our Lifeline, scam protection, and conservation materials to those individuals who will find the information most useful.”
Each month, the PSC highlights a partner agency or organization whose clients are eligible for the federal Lifeline Program and/or need help reducing energy and water bills. Through these PSC Helping Hand partnerships, the Commission shares vital information to help consumers better manage their resources to meet their monthly bills and avoid falling for utility-related scams.
“We are pleased to be named a PSC Helping Hand partner,” said Marilyn Russell, SCA Director. “The Association’s aim is to help residents achieve and maintain an independent, healthy lifestyle. We appreciate the PSC’s educational forum to assist our clients and look forward to continuing our partnership.”
Look for all the PSC Helping Hand outreach partner recognitions on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com, under Hot Topics.
About Calhoun County Senior Citizens Association, Inc.
Calhoun County provides a vast array of services for local senior citizens, the elderly, and those who may be disadvantaged due to illness. Assisting Florida seniors since 1977, the Senior Citizens Association, Inc. also provides transportation services and a specialized senior travel agency. For more information, call 850-674-4163.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Gov. Scott Highlights Job Growth at Stevens Construction in Fort Myers
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott highlighted job growth at Stevens Construction, a healthcare and commercial construction management firm founded and headquartered in Fort Myers. The company has grown from 18 employees in 2011 to nearly 50 employees today. For five consecutive years, Stevens Construction has been featured on Inc. 5000’ s annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize Stevens Construction today as one of the many great small businesses that are growing and creating new opportunities for families all across our state. Our commitment to cutting taxes and reducing burdensome regulations has helped businesses like Stevens Construction create more than 1.4 million jobs in Florida over the past six and a half years. We will continue to fight to keep taxes low and find ways to use the newly established $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to ensure Florida continues to be the leading destination for job growth.”
Mark Stevens, President of Stevens Construction said, “It was an honor to welcome Governor Scott today and to accept the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award on behalf of the entire hard-working Stevens Construction team. Our devotion to exceeding the expectations of our clients has allowed Stevens Construction to expand in Fort Myers, Tampa and Orlando, and we appreciate the Governor’s commitment to cutting taxes and making it easier for businesses like ours to succeed here in Florida.”
With offices in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers, Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds commercial, healthcare and hospitality facilities.
CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 717-9282
[email protected]
Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on the Loss of Officer Baxter and the Wounding of Other Florida Police Officers
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi released the following statement regarding last night’s police shootings:
“Late last night, I spoke to Kissimmee Police Chief O’Dell after learning of the murder of Officer Matt Baxter and the shooting of Sergeant Sam Howard, who was gravely injured. We ask everyone to continue praying for the families of the Kissimmee officers as well as Officers Michael Fox and Kevin Jarrell of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office who were also shot in the line of duty last night.
“This horrific violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated, and as Attorney General I will continue to ensure those who commit violence against our law enforcement officers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with the two Pennsylvania Highway Patrol Troopers who were shot Friday night. Brave men and women throughout our country risk their lives each day to protect us and keep our children safe, and as a country we must do everything we can to support them.”
Gov. Scott: We Mourn the Loss of Officer Matthew Baxter; Praying for Quick Recovery of All Other Officers
NAPLES, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott made the following statement this morning regarding last night’s law enforcement related shootings in Kissimmee and Jacksonville that resulted in the loss of Kissimmee Police Officer Matthew Baxter. Two state troopers were also shot in Pennsylvania last night.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Last night, I learned of two separate incidents in Florida where four law enforcement officers where shot – in Kissimmee and in Jacksonville. We also learned that two state troopers were shot in Pennsylvania as well.
“Unfortunately, a member of the Kissimmee Police Department lost his life. Kissimmee Police Department Officer Matthew Baxter was a married father of three and a dedicated law enforcement hero in Central Florida. The violence last night also left another member of the Kissimmee Police Department, Sgt. Sam Howard, in grave condition. We are praying for his recovery and the recovery of all law enforcement injured last night, including the two officers from the Jacksonville Police Department.
“Let me be very clear – last night’s violence against our law enforcement community is reprehensible and has no place in our state. Florida has zero tolerance for violence and we will not accept hatred for one second. In Florida, justice is swiftly served against anyone who attacks our law enforcement officers.
“Today, I join every Floridian to honor these law enforcement officers, their brothers and sisters in uniform, and their families. My heart breaks for Matthew’s family. May Matthew’s service and the service of our law enforcement community be a constant reminder of the sacrifice of those who serve to keep us safe. Following last night’s shootings I have been in touch with local law enforcement and community officials to let them know that our state supports them every step of the way.”
“The best thing about Florida is the people who live here. Every day I meet peaceful, loving, and thoughtful people who love the Sunshine State. I am proud that we live in a safe state, and our crime rate is at a 46-year low because of our hard-working law enforcement officers.”
Update: Gulf County bay scallop season opening remains postponed
The bay scallop season off Gulf County remains postponed due to a naturally occurring algae bloom in St. Joseph Bay. The season postponement will continue until scallop samples test safe for human consumption.
Any updates in status of this fishery will be posted on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) bay scallop webpage, which can be found at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops.”
The bay scallop season postponement includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County through the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County.
All other areas currently open for bay scallop recreational harvest remain unaffected, including the popular scalloping areas of St. Marks, Steinhatchee and Crystal River.
This algae bloom should not impact other recreational activities on St. Joseph Bay.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services had also issued a closure for the harvest of all clams (including pen shells), mussels and oysters in St. Joseph Bay. For information on reopenings of clam, mussel or oyster harvest, visit the FDACS website at FreshFromFlorida.com and search “Shellfish Harvesting Area Information” in the search bar at the top right, select the search result with the same name, then click on “open/close status.”
FWC staff will continue working with other state agencies and the local community as this season closure progresses.
ABOUT PSEUDO-NITZSCHIA:
Pseudo-nitzschia, the organism responsible for the bloom and delayed opening of the season, is a naturally occurring microscopic alga that in some cases can produce domoic acid, which can negatively impact marine mammals and seabirds and can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning in humans if contaminated shellfish, including mussels, oysters, clams, and scallops, are consumed. ASP can cause both gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and upset stomach, as well as neurological issues such as short-term memory loss. Domoic acid has been confirmed in seawater and scallop samples from St. Joseph Bay. Domoic acid does not impact finfish directly, but fish should be rinsed well, filleted and skinned prior to being eaten. The best way to protect yourself is to heed closure warnings and not consume shellfish from the closed areas.
If you are experiencing symptoms of ASP, contact your primary care provider. You may also want to contact the Florida Poison Control Hotline at 800-222-1222. For Department of Health questions, call 850-245-4250.
GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 2017
8:20am STAFF AND CALL TIME (VIA PHONE)
9:00-9:45am STAFF AND CALL TIME
Location: Fort Myers, FL
10:00am STEVENS CONSTRUCTION JOB GROWTH HIGHLIGHT
Location: Stevens Construction
Address: 6208 Whiskey Creek Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33919
11:05-11:30am STAFF AND CALL TIME (VIA PHONE)
1:15-1:30pm STAFF AND CALL TIME
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
3:15-4:15pm STAFF AND CALL TIME
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
6:00pm ENTERPRISE FLORIDA BOARD MEETING RECEPTION AND DINNER
Location: Embraer Fort Lauderdale Facility
Address: 276 SW 34th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
- GOVERNOR LOPEZ-CANTERA’S SCHEDULE
FOR
MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 2017
8:00am-5:00pm ENTERPRISE FLORIDA BOARD MEETINGS
6:00pm WAKE FOR THE HONORABLE JORGE RODRIGUEZ-CHOMAT
MOVE-IN DAY AT UT IS ON THURSDAY, AUG. 24
TAMPA — Many new University of Tampa residential students will move into their residence hall rooms on Thursday, Aug. 24.
Photographers and reporters are welcome to photograph and interview students in common areas on campus. Members of the media are not allowed in non-public residence hall floors and rooms without prior consent from the Office of Public Information and Publications.
Nearly 2,000 students will be checking in and moving their belongings into their room — with help from family, friends and UT professional and student staff — in one of 11 residence halls on campus.
For more information, contact the Office of Public Information and Publications at (813) 253-6232.
TWO PLAYERS CLAIM TOP PRIZES PLAYING THE $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER SCRATCH-OFF GAME
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Lottery announces that Terry Strickland, 57, of Ocklawaha; and Nicole Johnson, 48, of Orlando, each claimed a top prize in the $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
Strickland purchased his winning ticket from Meadors Qwik King Food Store, located at 18236 Southeast 95th Street Road in Ocklawaha. Johnson purchased her winning ticket from Publix, located at 7640 Sand Lake Road in Orlando.
The $5 Scratch-Off game, $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER, launched in January, and features more than $182.8 million in prizes, including 44 top prizes of $500,000. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-3.98.
Scratch-Offs are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in FY 2016-17, and comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY
The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $32 billion to education and sending more than 750,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its revenue back into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Florida retailers and contributions to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $52.4 billion in prizes and made more than 1,900 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.
CONTACT:
FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727
www.flalottery.com
Now's Your Chance to Reshape Florida's Constitution
Do you have an idea for a policy that would make Florida a better place?
If so, the deadline to submit it to a group that could help make it a reality may be fast approaching.
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission — a body convened every 20 years to recommend amendments to the state Constitution — has recommended Sept. 22 as the deadline for members of the public to propose amendments they’d like to see on the November 2018 ballot.
Proposals can address any aspect of legal, social and legislative policy, and are collectively intended to represent ways to improve quality of life, health and prosperity for all Floridians. The CRC has been collecting suggestions at public forums throughout the state in its “Floridians Speak, We Listen” tour, as well accepting them online.
“We’re trying to get as much public input as possible,” said Timothy Cerio, chair of the CRC Rules and Administration Committee.
Cerio said more than 1,000 public proposals have already been submitted, and the proposed deadline — which will be voted on by the commission Sept. 19 — is to ensure the commission will have enough time to review and consider each submission.
Read the entire article here.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION (CRC)
Once every twenty years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a thirty-seven member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research and possibly recommending changes to the Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the CRC would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. For additional information, visit flcrc.gov. Follow the CRC on Twitter (@FloridaCRC) and Instagram (@FloridaCRC). Like the CRC on Facebook (@FloridaCRC).
| Contact: Meredith Beatrice [email protected] (850) 508-5204 |
