TALLAHASSEE – Senate Democratic Leader Chris Smith (D-Ft. Lauderdale) on Wednesday released the following statement on large businesses’ compliance deadline extension for avoiding penalties under the 2010 Affordable Care Act:
“In Florida, there has been overwhelming support by the business community for the expansion of Medicaid to comply with the new federal health care law. Along with the Florida Senate, and Democrats in both chambers, they realize that it’s the right thing to do.
“The new compliance deadline may have bought some recalcitrant CEOs more time to come to the same realization, but it does not diminish the need for Republican action in Florida. The longer they wait to embrace using our federal tax dollars to pay for our residents’ health care, the greater the danger Floridians end up paying for someone else’s medical care in some other state. The longer they wait, the more tax payers are on the hook for expensive emergency room care because one million Floridians will remain without health insurance for yet another year.
“I urge the Governor and the Republican legislative leadership to not take this extra time for granted or use it as an excuse to avoid doing what’s right for the people of Florida.”
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: DETOURS AND RAILROAD CROSSING WORK AT SR-500/US-192/Strawbridge Ave
Melbourne – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is providing project support to Florida East Coast Railway, LLC so they can conduct reconstruction work at the SR-500/US-192/Strawbridge Ave. railroad crossing. The reconstruction will replace the current railroad crossing surface. Motorists will encounter detours lasting three nights beginning at 7 a.m., Sunday, April 23, 2017. Traffic flow is anticipated to return to normal at 6 a.m., Wednesday, April 26, 2017.
The Strawbridge Ave. detours are:
Westbound Strawbridge Ave:
North on US-1/S. Harbor City Blvd.
West on Hibiscus Blvd.
South on Hickory St.
Eastbound: Strawbridge Ave:
North on Hickory St.
East on Hibiscus Blvd.
North or South on US-1/Harbor City Blvd.
For more information about the project, contact Mr. Leslie Schonder, Florida East Coast Railway, LLC at 904-279-3196.
Motorists should be alert for construction personnel and equipment along the construction corridor. Motorists are urged to use caution and drive with care.
The Florida Department of Transportation urges drivers to Look, Listen and Live.
Autonomous Model Vehicles Built by Florida Poly Students Compete in Grand Prix-style Final Exam
WHAT: Self-driving model cars designed and built by Florida Polytechnic University students who are enrolled in the University’s first “Autonomous Systems and Self-Driving Vehicles” course will race in an exciting, Grand Prix-style final exam.
The exam will take place on Wednesday, April 19 at 2 p.m. inside the Innovation Science and Technology (IST) Building on the Florida Poly campus in Lakeland.
Three teams of students will test the self-driving model vehicles they’ve spent the semester engineering on two challenging courses inside the IST Building. Before the exam, students will practice and map the courses using simultaneous mapping and location (SLAM) technology. Once the exam begins at 2 p.m., each car will be required to drive the course on its own demonstrating fast autonomous navigation in complex environments.
WHO: Dr. Dean Bushey, Autonomous Systems course professor; various students who took the course.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 19, Noon – 3 p.m.
Noon – 2 p.m.: Students will map the Simultaneous Mapping Location (SLAM)
2 – 3 p.m.: Final Exam Grand Prix
WHERE: Florida Polytechnic University
IST Building –First-floor Commons –Room 1067/1068
4700 Research Way
Lakeland, Fla. 33805-8531
VISUALS:
Autonomous model vehicles, engineered by students, racing the two courses; Interviews and photo opportunities with Dr. Bushey and students.
About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is the newest member of the State University System of Florida. Dedicated exclusively to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the University blends applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Faculty experts at Florida Polytechnic University provide insightful analysis, opinions and comments about a broad range of STEM and higher education subjects. To connect with Florida Poly faculty, click here. The campus, located in Lakeland, Fla. along the I-4 High Tech Corridor, opened for classes in the fall of 2014.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT WFOX-Gov. Scott Requests $100 Million for VISIT FLORIDA
“Gov. Scott Requests $100 Million for VISIT FLORIDA”
WFOX – Jacksonville, FL
April 18, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Following Meeting with Governor Scott, President Trump Commits to Fixing the Herbert Hoover Dike
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Governor Rick Scott spoke with President Donald Trump regarding the importance of fixing the federally operated Herbert Hoover Dike. Following their conversation, President Trump committed to fixing the dike. Earlier this week, Governor Scott urged the Florida Senate and Florida House to allocate $200 million in state funds to help fix the federally operated dike. This followed the Governor’s announcement that the Trump Administration committed $1.5 billion in LIP funding to Florida, which was nearly a billion more than the Obama Administration. These additional funds mean more funding is available to invest in key items like the environment.
Governor Scott said, “Today, I spoke with President Trump on the importance of fixing the federally operated Herbert Hoover Dike and he committed that his administration would help provide the resources to do that. President Trump is clearly focused on protecting Florida’s environment and investing in our infrastructure, and I want to thank him for partnering with us to solve the water issues around Lake Okeechobee by fixing the dike.
“While I called on President Obama multiple times throughout his administration to step up and fulfill the federal government’s funding commitment to fixing the dike, it never happened. Today, President Trump is fighting for Florida’s families and this news is a big win for our state. My goal is for the dike to be completely repaired by 2022, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Trump Administration to complete this important project. With this commitment from the president, I hope that the Florida Legislature will immediately allocate $200 million in the budget they send me to help fix the dike.”
Governor Scott: Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act
Good morning,
Today, Governor Scott joined President Trump for a bill signing of the Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act at 11:30 am at the White House. Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Retired Army Lt. Col. Glenn Sutphin, will also join.
If you are writing on it, below is a quote from Governor Scott:
“My father served in WWII and I proudly served in the United States Navy, and I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to our military and our veterans. I look forward to joining him today as he signs this important bill for our veterans.” – Governor Rick Scott
Daytona State Summer Sessions Looming Large
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 19, 2017) – Daytona State College registration is moving fast toward summer classes that start May 16 and June 29. Plus, fall registration is now open.
Current and new students should sign up soon to assure a seat, says Ken Matthews, associate vice president for enrollment services. “The most convenient classes always fill up fast and some financial aid funds are first-come, first-serve for those who qualify,” he advises. “Graduating seniors and university students home for the summer can get ahead now with a few courses toward their college degree, saving money and time.”
“It’s also a great time to sign up for DirectConnect to UCF at Daytona State, or for anyone seeking job advancement, skills updates or a fresh start with a career program at Daytona State,” says Matthews.
There are two sessions of summer classes; 6-week and 10-week classes start May 16, followed by a second 6-week session starting June 29. Many classes are offered online.
Daytona State offers short semesters and a selection of more than 100 courses toward degrees or certificates this summer. Applying to DSC is easy; and advisors can help with choosing courses or a major, as well as how to apply for financial aid and scholarships.
DSC’s Admissions offices welcome visits on campuses, as well as calls, (386) 506-3059, or emails, [email protected].
Admissions Office Regular Hours:
Daytona Beach Campus
1200 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Note: starting May 22 through Aug. 4, all campuses will be closed at noon on Fridays)
DeLand Campus
1155 County Road 4139, DeLand, FL 32724
Tuesday, Thursday: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Note: starting May 22 through Aug. 4, all campuses will be closed at noon on Fridays)
Deltona Campus
2351 Providence Blvd, Deltona, FL 32725
Monday: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Note: starting May 22 through Aug. 4, all campuses will be closed at noon on Fridays)
Flagler/Palm Coast Campus
3000 Palm Coast Pkwy SE, Palm Coast, FL 32137
Tuesday: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Note: starting May 22 through Aug. 4, all campuses will be closed at noon on Fridays)
New Smyrna Beach-Edgewater Campus
940 Tenth St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Monday: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Note: starting May 22 through Aug. 4, all campuses will be closed at noon on Fridays)
Next up after summer sessions: fall semester starts Aug. 28; students can enroll now for fall.
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ABOUT DAYTONA STATE: Offering more than 100 certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree programs, Daytona State College has responded to the education and workforce training needs of Volusia and Flagler counties and beyond for more than 50 years. The college enrolls nearly 28,000 students a year at its seven instructional sites, with graduates serving in critical fields including health care, emergency services, business, education, hospitality, engineering, technology and more.
Daytona State has been recognized as a leader in higher education numerous times, consistently by U.S. News & World Report, which ranked the college among the Top Tier Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in the nation in 2017, for the fifth year running. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center has ranked DSC among the top 50 most affordable public four-year institutions in the country, with less than half the tuition of the national average. Community College Week, a leading publication in higher education, annually continues to feature the college in its list of Top 100 Associate Degree Producers. And for two years in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked DSC among its Top Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.
For enrollment information, visit Admissions’ Frequently Asked Questions page.
Daytona State College prohibits discrimination and provides equal opportunity in employment and education services to all individuals without regard to age, ancestry, belief, color, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, gender, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. For more details, read our policy at DaytonaState.edu/hr/equalaccess.html or contact Lonnie Thompson, Director of Equity and Inclusion, (386) 506-3000 ext. 3973, or [email protected]. The Office of Equity and Inclusion is located at 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
Capital Regional Medical Group at Southwood Welcomes Maci McDermott, MD
Capital Regional Medical Group at Southwood welcomes pediatrician Maci McDermott, MD to its team of skilled physicians.
Dr. McDermott, who currently practices at Capital Regional Medical Care, located in the Bannerman Crossings Shopping Center, will be available at Capital Regional Medical Group at Southwood, Mondays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning May 1.
Dr. McDermott earned an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from Northern State University and a medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. She completed her residency at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger Health Center at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and has been with Capital Regional Medical Care since August of 2016.
“Dr. McDermott has been an exceptional addition to the Capital Regional Medical Care team, and will be to our Southwood practice as well,” said Mark Robinson, President & CEO of Capital Regional Medical Center. “Currently, William Kepper, MD specializes in internal medicine and Shamil Castro, MD and Paul Modafferi, ARNP offer family medicine, so our clinic is a one-stop-shop for the whole family.”
To make an appointment at Capital Regional Medical Group at Southwood, call (850) 325-2637 or visit CapitalRegionalMedicalGroup.com
Volunteer Florida CEO, former Mayor of Tampa, distinguished UF Alum join UF’s Bob Graham Center advisory board
Three influential Floridians have joined the University of Florida Bob Graham Center for Public Service Council of Advisors.
Joan Forrest, Pam Iorio and Chester Spellman have accepted invitations to serve three-year terms on the council, which harnesses the expertise of various public and private sector leaders from across the state. The council provides strategic and programmatic direction to the Bob Graham Center, enabling it to better serve the UF campus and the state of Florida.
“The willingness of these three outstanding individuals to serve as advisors for the Bob Graham Center for Public Service says a lot about the work of the center and its students,” said David Colburn, Ph.D., center director and University of Florida Provost Emeritus. “They will provide invaluable advice as the center looks to the future.”
Forrest is a graduate of the University of Florida and serves as the president of St. Petersburg’s Dawson Academy, a postgraduate educational and clinical research facility dedicated to the advancement of dentistry. She is a recipient of the university’s Outstanding Female Leader Award and is a member of its Hall of Fame.
Iorio, a graduate of American University and the University of South Florida, is currently the president and chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the country’s largest youth mentoring program. She served as the Mayor of Tampa from 2003 to 2011, Hillsborough County’s Supervisor of Elections from 1993 to 2003 and a Hillsborough County Commissioner from 1985 to 1992.
Spellman serves as the chief executive officer of Volunteer Florida, the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and service. Volunteer Florida administers more than $32 million in funds to deliver high-impact national service and volunteer programs in Florida. He is also the executive director of the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a nonprofit charity that serves as a direct support organization to Volunteer Florida. Spellman received the center’s Young Floridian Award in 2016. In addition to his work at Volunteer Florida, Spellman serves as the current chair for Connect Florida, a program of Leadership Florida and as the national chair of the American Association of State Service Commissions.
The Bob Graham Center was established in 2006 with the goal of creating a community of students, scholars, and citizens who share a commitment to revitalizing the civic culture of Florida and the nation. Former Governor and U. S. Senator Bob Graham founded the Center as a place where students acquire the skills and knowledge to become informed and engaged citizens, with the expressed purpose of strengthening the nation’s democratic institutions.
Volunteer Florida CEO, former Mayor of Tampa, distinguished UF alum join UF’s Bob Graham Center advisory board
Three influential Floridians have joined the University of Florida Bob Graham Center for Public Service Council of Advisors.
Joan Forrest, Pam Iorio and Chester Spellman have accepted invitations to serve three-year terms on the council, which harnesses the expertise of various public and private sector leaders from across the state. The council provides strategic and programmatic direction to the Bob Graham Center, enabling it to better serve the UF campus and the state of Florida.
“The willingness of these three outstanding individuals to serve as advisors for the Bob Graham Center for Public Service says a lot about the work of the center and its students,” said David Colburn, Ph.D., center director and University of Florida Provost Emeritus. “They will provide invaluable advice as the center looks to the future.”
Forrest is a graduate of the University of Florida and serves as the president of St. Petersburg’s Dawson Academy, a postgraduate educational and clinical research facility dedicated to the advancement of dentistry. She is a recipient of the university’s Outstanding Female Leader Award and is a member of its Hall of Fame.
Iorio, a graduate of American University and the University of South Florida, is currently the president and chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the country’s largest youth mentoring program. She served as the Mayor of Tampa from 2003 to 2011, Hillsborough County’s Supervisor of Elections from 1993 to 2003 and a Hillsborough County Commissioner from 1985 to 1992.
Spellman serves as the chief executive officer of Volunteer Florida, the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and service. Volunteer Florida administers more than $32 million in funds to deliver high-impact national service and volunteer programs in Florida. He is also the executive director of the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a nonprofit charity that serves as a direct support organization to Volunteer Florida. Spellman received the center’s Young Floridian Award in 2016. In addition to his work at Volunteer Florida, Spellman serves as the current chair for Connect Florida, a program of Leadership Florida and as the national chair of the American Association of State Service Commissions.
The Bob Graham Center was established in 2006 with the goal of creating a community of students, scholars, and citizens who share a commitment to revitalizing the civic culture of Florida and the nation. Former Governor and U. S. Senator Bob Graham founded the Center as a place where students acquire the skills and knowledge to become informed and engaged citizens, with the expressed purpose of strengthening the nation’s democratic institutions.
