Florida News Straight From the Source
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam will speak at the Florida Chamber Foundation Prosperity Summit tomorrow, May 3, on economic opportunity.
Event: Florida Chamber Foundation Prosperity Summit
Date: Thursday, May 3, 2018
Time: 9 to 10 a.m.
Location: Rosen Plaza Hotel, Ballroom A
9700 International Drive
Orlando, Fla. 32819
More than 200 Florida Polytechnic University undergraduate and graduate students will be receiving degrees, as Florida’s newest public university graduates its inaugural class.
Florida Poly’s Spring 2018 Commencement will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4 at the RP Funding Center (Youkey Theater), located at 701 W Lime St., Lakeland.
Established in 2012 as an innovative university dedicated entirely to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), Florida Poly is focused on graduating students who are lifetime employable and ready to be the leaders of high-tech industries. Classes began in fall 2014 with hundreds of students taking a chance on a brand-new institution with a hands-on approach to teaching, and a learning environment that encourages them to think big and challenge the status quo.
“These students believed in Florida Poly’s mission before the doors even opened,” said Florida Poly President, Dr. Randy K. Avent. “They have come a long way since, and the university has grown with them. We are proud of their journey with Florida Poly and know they’re prepared to make an impact on the world.”
The commencement speaker will be Dr. Jeffrey Wadsworth, who will be awarded anhonorary degree by Avent.
Wadsworth recently retired as president and CEO of Battelle Memorial Institute, the world’s largest nonprofit research and development organization, executing about $6 billion of work annually and employing about 22,500 people. He has previously overseen the management or co-management of seven national laboratories of the U.S. Departments of Energy and Homeland Security.
The ceremony will also feature an address by the State University System Chancellor Marshall Criser and student speaker Chris Dowdy. Dowdy, who is from Lakeland, is graduating summa cum laude with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Dowdy says he’s humbled to be representing his class and the university at commencement and says he’s thankful for the many opportunities made available to him.
“Florida Poly has given me tremendous opportunities,” said Dowdy. “From the faculty to staff and administration, I’m excited about honoring everyone who made it all possible. There’s no doubt the hands-on experience we have gained at Florida Poly has positioned us well to be future leaders in our fields.”
The Florida Lottery announces that Gem Osceola, 50, of Davie, claimed a $2 million top prize in the new FLORIDA 50X THE CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his prize in a one-time, lump-sum of $1,600,000.
Osceola purchased his winning ticket from Winn Dixie, located at 11290 State Road 84 in Davie. The retailer will receive a $4,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The $10 game, FLORIDA 50X THE CASH, launched on January 15, and gives players the opportunity to multiply their winnings by up to 50 times! The game also offers over $162 million in cash prizes, plus eight $2 million top prizes! Overall odds of winning are one-in-3.46.
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.
Representative-elect Javier Fernandez tonight won the special election for Florida House District 114.
Fernandez is a first-time candidate who was featured as one of the DLCC’s Spotlight Races. With experience working as a land-use lawyer and serving as the Chief of Staff to former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, Fernandez spearheaded initiatives to combat poverty and fought for community block grants to help improve housing options in South Florida.
“Congratulations to Representative-elect Javier Fernandez on this incredible win tonight,” said DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post. “South Florida voters made their voices heard – they are ready to send someone to Tallahassee who will stand up for them and fight for greater access to health care, stronger gun safety reforms, and smarter investment in our public schools. The DLCC looks forward to continuing our work with Florida state Democrats to win more seats in November.”
The DLCC invested in this special election and worked with the campaign to create a strategic field outreach program that included knocking on 14,000 doors in the final few days. Former Vice President Joe Biden endorsed Fernandez in this special election for House District 114, which includes Flagami, Coral Gables, West Miami and parts of Pinecrest and Cutler Bay. Tonight’s win comes on the heels of the DLCC flipping 40 seats from red to blue since Trump was elected in 2016.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is the only organization exclusively committed to electing Democrats to state legislatures all over the country and winning Democratic control of chambers. For over two decades, the DLCC has been working with state legislative leaders to invest strategically in state programs, which has led to Democrats flipping 40 seats since Trump’s inauguration. The DLCC is building on Democrats’ winning momentum and continues to lay the groundwork for substantial gains in 2018 in statehouses nationwide. State Democrats recently scored critical victories in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, and elsewhere, while also leading the resistance against the Trump administration’s extremist policies. You can learn more about critical upcoming elections and follow DLCC’s Spotlight Races at races.dlcc.org.
Lineworkers from Florida public power communities had a standout year at the American Public Power Association’s 17th annual Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo, which took place April 27-28 in Wake Forest, N.C. Florida public power lineworkers took home awards in every event category except one. In three of the apprentice event categories, Florida public power linewokers swept the awards. The total number of awards bestowed on Florida apprentices and journeyman teams was 18 – more than any other state.
“The annual Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo is an opportunity for our linewokers to show off their skills in the trade and their commitment to safety. They were on the national stage and they really shone – showing everybody what Florida public power can do. We could not be more proud of them,” said Amy Zubaly, Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) Executive Director. “Our congratulations to all the winners. It is well-deserved recognition.”
2018 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo winners from Florida include:
Apprentice – Overall
3rd – Austin Gunther, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida
Apprentice – Double Dead-End Bell Change Out
1st – Daniel Kelly, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida
2nd – Jack Battle, City of Tallahassee Electric Utility, Florida
3rd – Austin Gunther, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida
Apprentice – Hurtman Rescue
1st – Kort Key, Gainesville Regional Utilities, Florida
Apprentice – Rope Toss
1st – Josh Helton, City of Tallahassee Electric Utility, Florida
2nd – Jeremy Starr, JEA, Florida
3rd – Jack Battle, City of Tallahassee Electric Utility, Florida
Apprentice – Sidewalk Guy
1st – Jack Battle, City of Tallahassee Electric Utility, Florida
2nd – Josh Helton, City of Tallahassee Electric Utility, Florida
3rd –Tyler Homan, City of Ocala Utility Services, Florida
Apprentice – Written Test
3rd – Austin Gunther, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida
Journeyman – Overall
3rd – Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida: Austin Franey, Shane Paras, Billy White, and David Wolfe
Journeyman – 4kV Crossarm Change Out
3rd – Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida: Austin Franey, Shane Paras, Billy White, and David Wolfe
Journeyman – 4kV 600 Amp Switch Replacement
3rd – Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida: Austin Franey, Shane Paras, Billy White, and David Wolfe
Journeyman – Hurtman Rescue
2nd – Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida: Austin Franey, Shane Paras, Billy White, and David Wolfe
3rd – City of Tallahassee Electric Utility, Florida: Blake Burns, Keith Kirkpatrick, and James Sanders
Journeyman – 4kV Jumper Replacement
3rd – Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida: Austin Franey, Shane Paras, Billy White, and David Wolfe
Similar to the Florida Lineman Competition, the rodeo is a series of competitive events demonstrating lineworker skills and safe work practices. Events are judged based upon safety, work practices, neatness, ability, equipment handling, and timely event completion. There are two levels of competition within the rodeo – journeyman and apprentice. The journeyman teams consist of three members – two climbers and a ground person – and can include an optional alternate. A qualified journeyman has more than four years of experience within the electric utility trade. An apprentice lineworker has four or fewer years of experience.
Florida public power lineworkers were among 66 teams and 145 apprentices from community-owned electric utilities across the nation that participated.
During the rodeo, Joe Young, a former journeyman lineman with Gainesville Regional Utilities, was posthumously inducted into the International Lineman’s Hall of Fame. Young served the Gainesville community for 22 years, was an active member of FMEA and was highly involved in numerous state and national lineman competitions, both as a competitor and as Florida Lineman Competition Host Utility Field Coordinator.
“Florida lineworkers live by the motto: Safety-Excellence-Honor. Joe exemplified all these traits as a lineworker. While he is no longer with us, his legacy and memory will live on forever in our hearts and in the International Lineman’s Hall of Fame,” said Zubaly.
Representative Matt Caldwell received the unanimous endorsement of the Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Board of Directors in his bid for Commissioner of Agriculture.
Florida PBA President John Rivera said, “Representative Matt Caldwell is a champion for the men and women of law enforcement and corrections. As our next Commissioner of Agriculture, his intelligence and leadership will serve Florida well. He is always willing to put the necessary work in to get the job done right. We are proud to endorse Matt Caldwell for Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture.”
The Florida PBA Board of Directors interviews candidates running for statewide office by offering each candidate the opportunity to appear before their committee. The board consists of elected representatives from each charter and chapter of the Florida PBA representing over 28,000 law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers throughout Florida.
Representative Caldwell said, “I’m proud to have received the unanimous endorsement of the Police Benevolent Association. Florida’s law enforcement community is made up of brave and selfless men and women who admirably uphold their commitment to protect and serve. I am honored that they have placed their trust in me.”
The campaign previously announced the endorsements of Republican House members from the Panhandle, Northeast Florida, Central Florida, Southwest Florida, and South Florida delegations. This is in addition to endorsements from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, former candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture Paul Paulson, and a number of county constitutional officers.
Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in May 2017, Representative Caldwell has traveled almost 65,000 miles across the Sunshine State talking to voters, sharing his conservative message and building support for his grassroots campaign. The campaign and political committee, Friends of Matt Caldwell, have raised over $1.8 million to date and have over $1 million cash-on-hand combined.
The campaign launched the #2LaneTravels webpage to highlight the campaign travels across the Sunshine State in his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.
The University of Tampa will honor nearly 1,400 students at its 146th commencement on Saturday, May 5, during two separate ceremonies at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall.
The ceremony for graduates of the Sykes College of Business and the College of Arts and Letters will take place at 9:30 a.m., and the ceremony for graduates of the College of Social Sciences, Mathematics and Education and College of Natural and Health Sciences will follow at 2 p.m.
Between the two ceremonies, there are 1,214 bachelor’s degree candidates and 159 master’s degree candidates — 1,373 in all.
At the morning ceremony, Thomas Graham ’82, former vice president, special projects at Pepco Holdings, will give the address, and Roman Cowan ’10, MBA ’14, M.S. ’14, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving, will receive the 2018 Young Alumnus Award.
In the afternoon ceremony, Scott Charbo ’86, vice president, information technology and digital services at Nutrien, is the speaker, and William Franchi ’06, founder and managing partner of Franchi Law and Pro Agents Sports Management and co-founder of Pro Title Insurance Agency, will receive the 2018 Alumni Achievement Award.
Several graduate programs have hooding ceremonies scheduled in the days leading up to commencement
UT Graduates by the Numbers
Total graduates = 1,373
Countries represented = 62
% of graduates from Florida = 41%
Undergraduates
Total bachelor’s degree candidates = 1,214
Summa cum laude (GPA 4.0) = 7
Magna cum laude (GPA 3.75 or higher, but less than 4.0) = 121
Cum laude (GPA 3.5 or higher, but less than 3.75) = 206
Top 3 most popular undergraduate majors in this class = Marketing, Finance and Criminology
Graduate students
Total master’s candidates = 159
With honors (GPA 3.9 or higher, but less than 4.0) = 11
With highest honors (GPA 4.0) = 11
MBAs awarded = 41
The Florida Department of Transportation is observing May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. More than a million drivers in Florida have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver licenses, and many visitors ride motorcycles in the Sunshine State due to Florida’s great weather and roads. Safety is FDOT’s top priority and throughout the month the department is working to raise awareness and educate all road users on the importance of motorcycle safety.
FDOT Secretary Mike Dew said, “It’s everyone’s responsibility to use care and drive responsibly by looking out for all motorists, especially those on motorcycles. By working together, and following important safety practices, users of our roadways can become better aware of motorcyclists while traveling throughout the state.”
During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, FDOT is asking motorcyclists and motorists to share the road by using these simple tips.
Tips for motorcyclists:
Tips for drivers:
The Morean Arts Center’s (MAC) upcoming exhibitions Leslie Neumann: Manna from Heaven…and Earth and Water over the Bridge: Contemporary Seascapes explore the relationship between art and nature and are on view May 12 through June 29. The opening reception is held during Second Saturday ArtWalk on Saturday, May 12, from 5pm-9pm.
Artist and environmental activist Leslie Neumann, presents a new body of work focusing on the power of nature in these troubling times. Neumann has lived and worked in Aripeka, Fla., located on the Gulf of Mexico, 50 miles north of St. Petersburg. Aripeka is a small Florida town reminiscent of what the state looked like 50 years ago. She divides her time between art-making, expressing the beauty of Aripeka, environmental activism, and working to preserve and expand the surrounding 15,000 acres of coastal marsh.
Neumann is an artist that specializes in painting wetlands and cosmic images using a technique called encaustic on panel. Using a combination of oil paints and hot wax, she achieves striking images with deep, rich colors and texture.
Water Over the Bridge: Contemporary Seascapes is a collaboration between the MAC’s Curator of Exhibitions Amanda Cooper and New York City curator D. Dominick Lombardi. This exhibition features the works of artists from both the New York City metro area and Tampa Bay area artists, creating a provocative, cross-country dialog. Selected artists include Selina Roman, Anne Bowen, Babs Reingold, Carolina Cleere, Margaret LeJeune, Rieko Fujinami, Bill Gusky, Dale Leifeste, China Marks and William Thompson.
Cooper stated, “Both exhibitions, while focusing on environmental issues that have become political hot-buttons, are vastly different in their approach. Where Water over the Bridge is sometimes a searing indictment of the current situation and how we as citizens of the planet have failed to protect it, Leslie’s exhibition addresses land conservation by displaying nature’s raw beauty and power. One is a loud protest — a call to action — the other is more of a love-in; a visual celebration of nature that serves a reminder of what could be lost if we continue on this destructive path.”
The MAC’s exhibitions are free and open to the public Monday through Saturday, 9am-5pm and Sunday, Noon-5pm. Neumann will be hosting an Artist Talk discussing art and environmental activism on Thursday, June 21, 6pm-7:30pm.
“We hope people will leave with a renewed awareness of global conservation issues and a sense of urgency to take action, whatever that looks like for them,” said Cooper.
The Morean Arts Center, with roots dating back to 1917 as the Art Club of St. Petersburg, focuses on an innovative, community-oriented approach to art and art education. The mission of the Morean Arts Center is to connect people with art and to contribute to the economic development of the region. Operating under the Morean Arts Center includes the Chihuly Collection, Glass Studio & Hot Shop and the Morean Center for Clay.
133 organizations including Florida Alliance for Consumer Protection, today sent a letter urging the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to stand by its mission and longstanding policy of empowering and protecting American investors, including retired servicemembers, first responders, and teachers, by safeguarding their right to join together to hold law-breaking corporations publicly accountable in a court of law.
In recent months, Chairman Clayton has fueled speculation about a dramatic policy shift at the SEC that would threaten the security of hardworking Americans’ retirement savings and gut their legal rights by allowing publicly traded corporations to use forced arbitration clauses against their investors. These “rip-off clauses” would force investors to give up their most effective tool to fight back against securities fraud that could decimate their savings – class action lawsuits.
“Protecting the lifetime investments of all consumers, especially middle income, working Americans who have saved for retirement, should not be restricted by forced arbitration clauses,” cautions Alice Vickers, Director, Florida Alliance for Consumer Protection. “Consumers must have all tools available to address securities fraud and protect their life savings, including the ability for hardworking Americans to ban together and pursue private lawsuits.”
The letter reads in part:
“Investors rely on the SEC to promote market integrity and deter and detect fraud. But the SEC cannot fulfill this role on its own. Private shareholder lawsuits serve as an essential supplement to Commission action…Recent high-profile examples of securities fraud illustrate the devastating effect this would have. In enforcement actions against Enron, WorldCom, Tyco, Bank of America and Global Crossing, for example, the SEC recovered penalties and fees totaling $1.8 billion, while private securities class actions were able to recover $19.4 billion for defrauded shareholders – more than ten times as much.”
In addition to the letter, more than 40 national and state-based organizations, led by the Consumer Federation of America, Public Justice, and the American Association for Justice, have joined together to form the Secure Our Savings (SOS) Coalition to keep up pressure on SEC leadership.
