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Get involved; Be an FWC volunteer

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During Florida Volunteer Month in April, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is celebrating its many volunteers who contribute time and energy to help conserve fish, wildlife and habitats, and help improve public access and skills related to outdoor experiences such as hunting, fishing, boating and wildlife viewing.

Last year, more than 5,000 volunteers assisted FWC staff with 85 projects around the state.

“We value our volunteers. The positive power of volunteers strengthens our efforts to conserve Florida’s fish and wildife resources,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “If you want to combine being in Florida’s beautiful outdoors with volunteering, we encourage you to get involved as an FWC volunteer.”

Here are some projects that FWC volunteers are assisting with:

  • Collecting data to increase knowledge of Florida’s imperiled species.
  • Instructing youth, residents and visitors on how to become responsible outdoor recreators.
  • Rescuing marine mammals.
  • Monitoring and restoring oyster reef habitat.
  • Constructing, installing and monitoring nest boxes for southeastern American kestrels and wood ducks.
  • Helping construct and maintain a gravity-fed irrigation system for plants used in scrub habitat restoration.
  • Helping improve visitors’ experiences at many of the FWC’s wildlife management areas.
  • Helping organize scientific data.

Go to MyFWC.com/Get Involved, to see FWC volunteer opportunities available statewide and by region.

Additionally, volunteers can sign-up for projects on the MyFWC.com/Calendar, where a wide range of volunteer opportunities are advertised.

Town of Palm Beach Councilman Bill Diamond Endorses Matt Spritz for State House

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 Former Councilman Says Spritz Is the Right Person For The Job

Matt Spritz announced today that former Town of Palm Beach Councilman Bill Diamond has endorsed his campaign for State Representative.

“I’m proud to endorse Matt Spritz in his campaign for the State House,” said Diamond. “I know Matt will fight for our community with passion and dedication. I’m confident he is the right person for the job.”

“I’m honored to have the support of a local leader like Councilman Diamond,” said Spritz. “He has an outstanding record of accomplishment and service in our community, and I look forward to his guidance on a number of important issues.”

Diamond joins a growing number of current and former state and local Republican elected officials, including former U.S. Senator George LeMieux, former State Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff, current State Representatives Byron Donalds, Randy Fine, Jason Fischer, Joe Gruters, Tom Leek, Bobby Payne, and Bob Rommel, and former State Representative Alex Miller, who have all also endorsed Spritz.

Bill Diamond is the Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Realty. He also served as a Councilman for the Town of Palm Beach from 2009–2015. Prior to that, he served as Commissioner for the New York City Department of Citywide Services under Mayor Rudy Giuliani, from 1994–2001.

Born and raised in South Florida, Matt Spritz graduated Phi Beta Kappa with high honors from Emory University and from New York University School of Law in New York City. He practiced corporate and business law in New York, and later in South Florida, before committing himself to public service in the Florida House.

House District 89 covers coastal portions of Palm Beach County spanning from Singer Island to Boca Raton, and includes all of Palm Beach Island. Thirty-six percent of registered voters in the district are Republicans, while Democrats make up 33 percent, and voters with minor or no party affiliation, 31 percent.

Paid by Matt Spritz, Republican, for State Representative

FDLE destroys digital equipment linked to child pornography

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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force joined together with the Regional Domestic Security Task Force Bomb Squad to explode computer equipment today that was used to view illicit images of children.

“Today’s event shows the dedication local, state and federal agencies have when it comes to protecting innocent children from predators,” said FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Jack Massey. “If your child has an online presence, parents need to be extremely cautious and engaged to keep their children safe.”

“In today’s social media environment material can be viewed over and over again. It never seems to disappear,” said Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Chip Simmons. “It is good to know that this particular equipment and material will never again be used to view child pornography.”

All pieces of evidence destroyed during “Operation Final Disposition” are from cases that have been prosecuted and are not subject to appeal. After a case is finished, evidence destruction is completed in a law-enforcement environment without any fanfare. But as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, FDLE and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office opted for public destruction in the hope of bringing attention to child abuse and how we can all work together to prevent it.

Evidence that was able to be wiped clean is being donated to the Gulf Coast Kid’s House. Gulf Coast Kid’s House is a child advocacy center serving victims of child abuse. Gulf Coast Kid’s House provides a place where child protective services, law enforcement, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals’ work together under one roof to provide comprehensive services to abuse victims.

To learn more about preventing child abuse visit, The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida at preventchildabusefl.org.

If you suspect someone of downloading or distributing child pornography, please call FDLE Pensacola at (800) 226-8574.

To learn more about keeping your family safe online, visit Secure Florida at secureflorida.org.

CFO Jimmy Patronis Meets with Miami First Responders to Highlight Signing of Bill to Expand PTSD Benefits

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CFO Jimmy Patronis today was joined by members of the fire service and law enforcement communities from across Miami-Dade County at the Firefighters Memorial Building to highlight the signing of Senate Bill 376, expanding mental health benefits for first responders. Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill last week in Tampa surrounded by hundreds of first responders from across the state. SB 376 was sponsored by Sen. Lauren Book and Rep. Matt Willhite.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Florida Wildfire Activity

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 31 active wildfires in Florida burning 34,056 acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

  • Greenway, Collier County: 17,957 and 90 percent contained.
  • Firebreak, Gulf County: 8,080 acres and 85 percent contained.
  • Airport/Context, Miami-Dade County: 517 acres and 100 percent contained.
  • Old Blade Line, Polk County: 450 acres and 60 percent contained.

The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:

  • Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
  • Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
  • Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
  • Never burn on windy days;
  • Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
  • Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
  • Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. 

Florida Poly seeks joint opportunities in Brazil

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A Florida Polytechnic University delegation is in Brazil this week looking to build strategic alliances with universities and high-tech companies in South America’s largest country.

The contingent includes Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Poly, Shahram Taj, professor of logistics and supply chain management, Dr. Mustafa Ilhan Akbas, professor of computer science, and Mustapha Achoubane, associate director of international students.

Brazil is one of the largest emerging economies in the world, according to a report from Forbes magazine, and is driven by extensive industrial, engineering and technological sectors.

During the seven-day trip, the Florida Poly contingent will interact with more than 2,000 engineering students to highlight the university’s programs and will also connect with international research centers and educators in order to join forces for future research collaboration.

“We look forward to strengthening our ties in Brazil through key partnerships with high-tech industry leaders and other universities that will increase international opportunities for our students,” said Avent. “This trip will enable us to develop strategic relationships between faculties.”

The delegation will meet with the founder and other top leaders at Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace conglomerate that provides aeronautical services and produces commercial, military, executive and agricultural aircraft. The main goal is to explore manufacturing connections between the company and the university, as well as potential project funding.

They will also visit two universities in Sao Paulo – FACENS and FIAP — that focus mainly on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. They will discuss a variety of topics including programs for graduate students, joint venture research, the diverse education models in the U.S., and the uniqueness of Florida Poly.

Avent and Akbas will be panelists at FIAP alongside leaders from IBM, Microsoft and Oracle, to talk about how artificial intelligence will impact every industry. Taj will be a guest speaker at FACENS, where he will discuss the effects of big data analytics in the global supply chain.

“This visit is a golden opportunity for Florida Poly, and for us as faculty, to be able to develop a rich collaboration with Brazil in academia, as well as in industry,” said Taj.

Volunteer Florida Kicks Off April as Florida Volunteer Month

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Every year, the state of Florida recognizes April as Florida Volunteer Month. This year, Volunteer Florida is launching #VF30in30. This new initiative will recognize 30 outstanding Florida volunteers by highlighting one volunteer a day throughout the month of April. Volunteer Florida also announced a statewide public service announcement and a proclamation from Governor Rick Scott.

Governor Scott said, “I’m glad to recognize the service of volunteers across Florida who dedicate their time to make a difference in their communities. Floridians dedicated millions of hours during last year’s devastating hurricane season, and we are proud to honor them in April.”

Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “It is always an honor to recognize the thousands of amazing volunteers throughout our state who work to make a difference in their communities each and every day. We are excited to celebrate this month—to honor and recognize our volunteers, as well as encourage others to learn more about volunteer opportunities throughout the state.”

Florida Volunteer Month activities are as follows:

#VF30in30
Florida is fortunate to have so many outstanding volunteers. During this month of recognition, Volunteer Florida will highlight one of these dedicated volunteers each day in April. To see the volunteers’ profiles, please visit this link.

Volunteer of the Year
For the second year in a row, Volunteer Florida will recognize a Volunteer of the Year. This individual will be recognized for his or her outstanding service and community contributions. Volunteer Florida will announce the Volunteer of the Year in late April.

Public Service Announcement (PSA)
In honor of Florida Volunteer Month and in partnership with Comcast, a video PSA promoting volunteerism will air on Comcast networks across Florida.
Watch the PSA here.

Comcast Cares Day
As part of the Comcast Cares Day, the largest corporate philanthropy day in the nation, Volunteer Florida will host a service project at Poinciana Park Elementary School in Miami on April 10. As part of the project, volunteers will engage 50 students through hands on learning stations, including a healthy eating demonstration, literacy, physical fitness and the arts.

Volunteer Florida encourages Floridians to use the hashtag #ServeFL on social media when sharing their photos and stories of service. To find an existing project or register your own, visit comcastinthecommunity.com. 

PIFF releases Legislative Champions for Florida insurance industry

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Two Florida Lawmakers Recognized for Work to Protect Florida Consumers

The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF) today named two Legislative Champions for work on issues impacting Florida insurance consumers during the 2018 Legislative Session. Recognized for protecting Floridians, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and Senator Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, both earned the honor from PIFF, the leading voice for property and casualty insurance companies offering personal lines insurance products in Florida.

Legislative Champions were selected through a convening of the PIFF Policy Group, made up of representatives from Allstate Insurance Companies, Farmers Insurance, the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies and State Farm Insurance Companies. The group worked to identify outstanding leadership and support for PIFF’s mission and legislative agenda, citing work to protect Floridians from fraud as contributing to the recognition this year.

“The consumer protections that did occur this year would not have been possible without the initiative of these lawmakers,” said Michael Carlson, president of the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida. “Senator Passidomo worked to protect a competitive auto market in Florida by thwarting attempts to throw all auto crash claims into courthouses. Senator Hukill acted on behalf of consumers, working to protect them from paying higher rates driven by inflated property insurance claims involving water and roofing losses. We are grateful for their support in tackling problems taking place in the insurance market, and to have seen the prevention of further harm with their leadership.”

Senator Dorothy Hukill
PIFF applauded the Senator Hukill for her outspoken support for the Consumer Protection Coalition and AOB (assignment of benefits) reform efforts. Although her bill, Senate Bill 62, was never heard in committee, it served as a vehicle for real “silver bullet” solutions to stop the rampant AOB abuse in Florida. While a solution is still needed, no further harm was done this year.

“I am honored to be recognized for consumer-focused efforts, and consider it my duty to advocate for policies that protect Floridians,” said Senator Hukill. “I will continue to work toward a solution that ensures when families are in an auto or home crisis they are protected and the AOB process is transparent and held accountable.”

Senator Kathleen Passidomo
Senator Passidomo championed the “bad faith” amendment on Senate Bill 150, which would have also removed the mandatory medical payments coverage for all drivers – PIFF believes this debate ultimately helped thwart the PIP repeal-and-replace discussion, a positive development for Florida consumers. Without a newly mandated rate increase, Floridians will continue to have choices in the insurance market.

“I am humbled to be recognized with my good friend, Senator Dorothy Hukill, for our shared concerns of constituents and consumers throughout the State of Florida,” said Senator Passidomo.

This is the second year PIFF has recognized Legislative Champions for Florida consumers, recognizing eight individuals in 2017. For more on PIFF’s 2018 legislative platform, visit PIFF.net.

Statewide Televised Debates in Florida U.S. Senate & Governor Races Announced by Leadership Florida, Florida Press Association

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Florida’s exciting 2018 election year is headlined by vigorous races for Governor and U.S. Senate – and both will be spotlighted in live, hour-long, statewide televised debates announced today by Leadership Florida and the Florida Press Association. The two organizations, partnered in the most successful and respected ongoing debate series in Florida’s modern history, will hold the twin debates from the campus of Broward College, on October 23 & 24, from 7-8 p.m., just two weeks before voters go to the polls.

“Decision 2018: Before You Vote” will present the debates for what is expected to be a massive statewide television audience of viewers and voters who will have the opportunity to size up the two candidates for U.S. Senate and Governor. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson is expected to be challenged in his re-election bid by Governor Rick Scott, who has not announced for the race yet. Robust primary races are shaping up in the race for governor and the winning nominees will share their visions for Florida’s future in the “Before You Vote” debate. The contests are among the most anticipated and important in the nation, as Democrats try to win majority control of the U. S. Senate and recapture a Governor’s Office they have not won since 1994.

The debate programs will be broadcast in each of Florida’s 10 major media markets on select network affiliate broadcast partners. The debates will be produced by West Palm Beach-based ABC station WPBF/Ch. 25, with key guidance from veteran producer and project consultant Philip Alongi, a former longtime executive producer for NBC News. Criteria for candidates to qualify for participation in the debates will be announced soon, and major candidates in both parties are expected to appear.

“It wasn’t that long ago that Florida voters decided the presidency, and this year we could simultaneously help determine the direction of the U.S. Senate and of the third largest state in the nation,” said Leadership Florida Board Chair Beth Kigel. “Florida’s elections are among the most crucial in the nation this year, and our debates will surely be one of the best ways for voters to see the candidates present themselves and challenge their opponents.”

In addition to the role of Leadership Florida and the Florida Press Association as debate partners, Broward College will serve in the essential role of host site, and underwriting sponsors will include the Florida League of Cities, AARP, and the Claude Pepper Center at Florida State University. Two additional sponsors are expected to be named soon.

“The key to an informed electorate is a full and open discussion of the issues, and it’s vitally important that Florida voters understand their choices when deciding who will serve us in the U.S. Senate and the Governor’s Office in the coming years,” said Dean Ridings, President & CEO of the Florida Press Association. “We are proud to provide a quality, trusted forum for the kind of meaningful debate the framers had in mind when they established our system of government so long ago.”

By serving as the epicenter of Florida’s political discourse during the debate, Broward College will further its core role in the community. The debates are expected to attract dozens of journalists from Florida and around the nation.

“Our goal as educators is to foster thoughtful dialogue on important topics, and none will be more important than the future direction of our state and nation,” said Broward College President J. David Armstrong. “We are proud to host these important, timely debates so our students and all Floridians can hear the candidates share their vision for our state and nation.”

WPBF President and General Manager Caroline Taplett anticipates large viewership for the face-to-face matchups of the nominees, both during the live broadcast and in rebroadcast on multiple platforms.

“We are committed to producing a high-quality program that offers voters thought-provoking exchanges between the candidates who are seeking their support,” Taplett said. “Florida has a history of razor-thin statewide elections, and these debates could be a tipping point. We’re pleased to have the opportunity to bring them to a statewide audience.”

Broadcast market partners that will carry the debates statewide include:

Miami-Ft. Lauderdale —–WFOR (CBS)
West Palm Beach ———-WPBF (ABC)
Orlando———————-WESH (NBC)
Jacksonville —————-First Coast News — either WTLV (NBC) or WJXX (ABC)
Gainesville——————WCJB (ABC)
Tampa/St. Pete————WFLA (NBC)
Tallahassee—————–WCTV (CBS)
Pensacola——————-WEAR (ABC)
Panama City—————-WMBB (ABC)
Fort Myers——————Either WBBH (NBC) or WZVN (ABC)

About Leadership Florida
For 36 years, Leadership Florida has dedicated itself to bringing together emerging and existing leaders from across the state to challenge, prepare, and inspire them to build a better Florida. As a respected non-partisan organization, Leadership Florida provides meaningful forums and creates unique opportunities introducing members to fresh transformative ideas and information. Leadership Florida is a federally registered trademark. For more information, visit leadershipflorida.org.

The Florida Press Association is a nonprofit organization with a purpose to protect the freedoms and advance the professional standards of the press in Florida, with a membership of Florida’s daily and weekly newspapers and online local media. Visit flpress.com to learn more. 

About Broward College
Serving more than 63,000 students annually, Broward College provides residents with certificate programs, two-year university-transfer degrees, two-year career degrees, and baccalaureate degrees in selected programs. The mission of the college is to provide high-quality educational programs and services that are affordable and accessible to a diverse community of learners. For more information, visit broward.edu.

WPBF 25 is the ABC affiliate serving the West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce Designated Market Area. WPBF 25 is owned and operated by Hearst Television. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry’s premier companies, and has been honored with numerous awards for industry innovation, community service, and distinguished reporting – including nine consecutive Walter Cronkite Awards for Excellence in Television Political Journalism.