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More Than a Dozen People Share Heartfelt Testimonials in Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence Videos

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As our community continues to recover from the Pulse nightclub massacre and the nation reels from yet another fatal school shooting, the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence is rolling out a series of gun safety public service announcements.
The Coalition will begin sharing more than a dozen short videos today featuring heartfelt testimonials that highlight the need for common sense gun laws, including a state ban on military-style assault weapons.
“So often the conversation promoting dangerous gun legislation is based on incorrect, unreliable, and outright dishonest information,” said Patricia Brigham, Coalition co-chair and 1st vice president of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “The Coalition’s goal is to separate fact from fiction to save ourselves from a dangerous gun culture that is literally killing us.”
Among those speaking of their personal pain, deep-felt beliefs, and law enforcement experience in the videos are Pulse survivor Chris Hansen; Mayra Alvear, whose daughter was killed at Pulse; David Barden, whose young nephew was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary; Dr. Marcus Levy, pediatric surgeon; the Rev. Bryan Fulwider; Charles Davis, gun owner and Vietnam veteran; and retired Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Jim Verity.
Brigham and Carol Davis, co-presidents of the Orange County League of Women Voters, are also featured.
“These factual videos continue to shine a light on the reality of safe gun legislation needed in Florida and our country,” said Pamela Goodman, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “We are thankful for the voices of these people and are empowered to spread their voices to our lawmakers.”
The rollout comes as Florida legislators are considering proposed gun bills that include allowing firearms to be brought into places of worship and weakening the concealed weapons background check system. It also coincides with the release of “49 Pulses,” a documentary that shares survivors’ stories.
As the Coalition releases the videos on social media, it asks those who watch to share them with their family and friends, tell their own stories of how gun violence has affected their lives, educate themselves further at preventgunviolenceflorida.org, and contact their legislators.
Some videos have been posted to the Florida Coalition To Prevent Gun Violence and
Facebook pages and Twitter feeds. In the coming days, versions will appear on both
organizations’ Instagram accounts.
“We are very excited to launch this series of informative and compelling videos across the state with the intent of driving people to take action to reduce gun violence,” said Andy Pelosi, Coalition co-chair and director of The Campaign to Keep Guns off Campus.”
The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence was created by the League of Women Voters of Florida after the Pulse shooting to promote smart gun legislation. It has grown to include more than 120 local, state and national organizations and includes such diverse groups as the Hispanic Federation, the Florida PTA, Equality Florida, the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, and Doctors for America.

Florida scrub-jays play starring role at Feb. 3 festival

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FWC photo by Craig Faulhaber

Florida scrub-jays play a starring role among the many birds you see in Florida. They are the only bird species that lives exclusively in this state. You won’t find them anywhere else.
They are in the spotlight again at the upcoming Florida Scrub-Jay and Wildlife Festival on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Lyonia Preserve in Deltona. The free festival in Volusia County offers an 8 a.m. early-bird hike, and continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with eco-buggy rides, guided hikes, wildlife exhibits and presentations, and activities for kids.
Scrub-jay populations have decreased by about 90 percent since the late 1800s, primarily because of the loss of scrub habitat in Florida. Lack of natural or prescribed fire to maintain vegetation height and sandy openings on scrub lands also contributed to their decline. Florida scrub-jays are currently listed as a federally-designated threatened species.
Increase your opportunities for seeing and helping Florida scrub-jays by:

  • Visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) wildlife management areas with scrub habitat – such as Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area, Salt Lake WMA and Platt Branch WEA – to watch Florida scrub-jays in the wild. Ocala National Forest and Seminole State Forest also are good places to look for scrub-jays.
  • Volunteering with Jay Watch, a citizen science effort coordinated by Audubon Florida. Jay Watch volunteers are trained to conduct scientific surveys that measure the population numbers and nesting success of Florida scrub-jays. The FWC is a Jay Watch partner.
  • Keep your cats indoors if you live near scrub-jay habitat.
  • Reduce use of pesticides around your home, since scrub-jays feed on insects.
  • Report harassment or harm to scrub-jays or their nests to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline, 888-404-FWCC (3922).

What is the Florida scrub-jay call like? More like a screech than a song, since it is related to species like the crow. And like crows, scrub-jays are bold, smart and full of personality. Hear the sound of a Florida scrub-jay by going to AllAboutBirds.org and searching for Florida scrub-jay.
Florida scrub-jay biology and behavior information can be found at MyFWC.com.

CRC Meeting Schedule Week of January 29-February 2

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) noticed the following meeting schedule for the week of January 29-February 2, 2018. CRC meetings are open to the public. Members of the public wishing to address CRC committees will be provided an opportunity to speak at the direction of the respective committee chair. Visit flcrc.gov/Committees for additional information on CRC committees.
The Interim Calendar is available on the CRC Calendars Page at flcrc.gov/Meetings/Calendars.
Monday, January 29

  • No scheduled meetings 

Tuesday, January 30

  • No scheduled meetings

Wednesday, January 31

Thursday, February 1

Friday, February 2

Match and win with the newest Fast Play game from Florida Lottery

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The Florida Lottery’s newest Fast Play game, CASH BLAST, is on sale today! At just $2 per ticket, CASH BLAST offers top prizes of $10,000. Fast Play game tickets print on-demand from the Lottery terminal, and can be played immediately. If the ticket is a winner, the prize can be claimed instantly! CASH BLAST can be purchased at the Lottery’s more than 13,000 retailers statewide.
Players can visit a Florida Lottery retailer and ask for a Fast Play ticket for the CASH BLAST game; or present a Fast Play play slip, tear-away sheet, or Fast Play barcode to the retailer and a CASH BLAST ticket will print automatically.
To play, follow the instructions printed on the ticket to determine if you are a winner. The overall odds of winning a prize are one-in-4.14 and the odds of winning the top prize are one-in-360,000. Prizes up to $10,000 can be claimed at any Florida Lottery office and prizes less than $600 can be redeemed immediately at any Florida Lottery retailer. Fast Play game prizes must be claimed within 60 days after the official end of game.

American Senior Alliance Statement on Ethics Ruling

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Statement from Conwell Hooper, American Senior Alliance, on Florida Commission on Ethics complaint ruling
I’m extremely disappointed that Florida’s Commission on Ethics dismissed our complaint against Constitution Revision Commission member Brecht Heuchan. The facts are clear: Mr. Heuchan is a paid, registered lobbyist for Wilkes & McHugh, a law firm that specializes in lawsuits against nursing homes. He has no business bringing forth a proposal in which his client would serve to gain financially. You don’t need a degree in ethics to see the conflict of interest that’s taking place here.
Mr. Heuchan’s proposal mirrors policy positions that he lobbied for in 2014 on behalf of his client Wilkes & McHugh. The Legislature flatly rejected those provisions, which would have made it far easier for law firms to sue nursing homes.
I spent the last two weeks in Tallahassee watching the discussion over Proposal 88 unfold before the CRC. I saw trial attorneys emerge from the woodwork and give thinly veiled arguments about how this proposal would help seniors. I watched as they criticized the Florida Legislature for failing to act. The rhetoric focused more on lawyers cashing in and ignored the quality improvement data and first-hand testimonials that was given by caregivers and residents who are on the frontline of nursing home care.
I believe the Ethics Commission acted prematurely in tossing this complaint. Mr. Heuchan and his client were unsatisfied with their legislative outcomes in 2014 and have been waiting in the wings to advance their interests. I believe they worked together to craft this misguided proposal.
As I stated before, members of the Constitution Revision Commission owe the citizens of Florida a duty to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the true spirit of public service, for the benefit of all. Mr. Heuchan has instead chosen to use his special position to serve the interests of his employer.
The American Senior Alliance is deeply disappointed by this decision, but more importantly we’re concerned about what Mr. Heuchan’s proposal would do to the future of Florida nursing home care should it end up in the Constitution. I hope the ethics commission will take a closer look at the conflict that’s taking place here; Florida seniors and the hundreds of thousands of caregivers who take care of them deserve a closer look.
American Senior Alliance is a non-profit organization headquartered in Atlanta, GA bringing together our nation’s senior citizens, defending their values and protecting the services they’ve earned.

Commissioner Putnam Highlights Increased Wildfire Risk During Prescribed Fire Awareness Week

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service urge caution due to increased wildfire danger this spring and encourage support for prescribed fire during Florida’s Prescribed Fire Awareness Week, which is from Jan. 28 through Feb. 4. Prescribed fire is a vital tool used to reduce wildfire risk in Florida.
“Following one of the most active wildfire seasons in recent history and a devastating hurricane season, forecasts predict an extremely dry spring,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “It is more important than ever to support our wildland firefighters as they conduct prescribed burns to protect Floridians and reduce wildfire risk.”
Prescribed fire uses slow-moving, low-grade fire to reduce the brush and overgrowth that would otherwise serve as fuel for a dangerous wildfire. By using prescribed fire in an area that poses a high wildfire risk, a future wildfire in the same area will be less intense, less dangerous and easier to extinguish. Additionally, prescribed fires return nutrients to the soil, provide better forage for wildlife and livestock, and help control certain plant and tree diseases.
“As we oversee the most robust prescribed burn program in the country, our top priority is the safety of our residents, visitors and wildland firefighters,” said Jim Karels, Florida State Forester. “Smoke from a nearby prescribed fire may be inconvenient, but it is important to remember that this brief inconvenience helps keep potentially life-threatening wildfires at bay.”
The Florida Forest Service administers the most active prescribed burning program in the nation. In an average year, the Florida Forest Service issues 85,000 prescribed burning authorizations. In addition, there are currently more than 1,600 certified prescribed burn managers in Florida that manage more than 2.3 million acres of agricultural and natural lands annually with prescribed fire.
Floridians can download the Florida Forest Service’s “FLBurnTools” app to access an interactive fire map that shows prescribed burns, smoke dispersion models, drought information and wildfire conditions in real-time. Prescribed burn practitioners can also use the app to plan and submit authorization requests. The app is now available in Apple’s  App Store and on Google Play.
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. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.

Department of Education Celebrates Braille Literacy Month at Woodville Elementary School

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In honor of National Braille Literacy Month, DBS Director Robert Doyle read to 40 third grade students at Woodville Elementary School in Tallahassee. Following the reading, staff from the Florida Department of Education’s (FDOE) Division of Blind Services (DBS) led the students in interactive activities that provided them with an understanding of how individuals with varying visual impairments live, work and play. The students were later presented with copies of their names written in braille and the braille alphabet.
“Literacy is the foundation for learning and the gateway to a valuable education, profitable career and a better quality of life,” DBS Director Robert L. Doyle III said. “With these building blocks, individuals with visual disabilities gain access to a plethora of opportunities that lead to independence. Florida remains at the forefront in its efforts to increase accessibility and inclusion for individuals in the blind and visually impaired community.”
Through DBS, blind and visually impaired Floridians have access to many educational, vocational, medical, social and recreational services beginning at birth. Through the efforts of FDOE’s Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, students with visual disabilities work with ‪‎teachers to learn important skills such as reading ‪braille and how to navigate the classroom using a cane or a guide dog.
DBS is dedicated to ensuring that Floridians who are blind or visually impaired have the tools, support and opportunities to achieve success. Last year, DBS helped 854 individuals achieve successful employment and another 10,614 received assistance to become more successful in school, community and work. Through DBS’ Braille and Talking Book Library, the agency served more than 31,000 active readers with disabilities, with more than 2.4 million items (audio books, braille, large print) available for patrons.
For more information about the Division of Blind Services and their programs, visit dbs.fldoe.org.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.

200+ Anti-Fracking and Conservation Advocates to Gather in State Capital

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Advocates will rally for a fracking ban, conservation funding, and more

On Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., more than 200 anti-fracking and conservation advocates from the Panhandle to Miami will rally ahead of a statewide lobby day. Advocates will urge legislators to pass a statewide fracking ban, increase support for renewable energy, ensure Florida’s waters are protected and fund land conservation.
A bill proposed this year would dedicate $100 million annually to Florida Forever, the state’s premiere land conservation program. Legislation to ban fracking in Florida has also been introduced in both the state Senate and House with bipartisan sponsorship.
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
State Rep. Kathleen Peters (R-Treasure Island)
State Rep. Ben Diamond (D-St. Petersburg)
Dr. Lonnie Draper, Physicians for Social Responsibility
Kim Ross, ReThink Energy Florida
VISUALS: More than 200 anti-fracking and land conservation advocates from across the state, colorful signs and banners
WHEN: Wednesday, January 31st at 10:30 am
WHERE: Waller Park (in front of the dolphins), 400 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (Florida State Capitol)

Senate Budget Prioritizes Investments in Education, $3.4 Billion in Total Reserves

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$154 million for Florida Forever Programs, Law Enforcement Pay Raise,
Historic Investments in Need and Merit-Based Student Financial Aid

The Florida Senate Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island), today filed SPB 2500, a proposed budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year. The balanced budget prioritizes Florida’s K–12 and higher education systems, while setting aside $3.4 billion in total reserves. The budget also makes critical investments in Florida’s environment, continues historic investments in need-based and merit-based student financial aid, and provides a pay raise for Florida’s state law enforcement officers.
“The budget proposal we released today reflects the Senate’s strong commitment to education,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). “From unprecedented per-student funding for our K-12 schools, to continuing historic investments in need-based student financial aid and setting aside funds for the permanent expansion of the Bright Futures scholarship, the Senate budget recognizes the link between education and our economy and the significant return for taxpayers when we invest in Florida’s future.”
“The Senate budget ensures continued fidelity to the Constitution by fully and faithfully implementing the voter-approved Water and Land Conservation Amendment, including $154 million for Florida Forever Programs,” said Senator Bradley. “We also account for funding to combat the opioid crisis plaguing communities across our state and invest in pay raises for our state law enforcement officers. Additionally, the Senate budget reflects our commitment to sound fiscal planning by setting aside $3.4 billion in total reserves.”

Gov. Rick Scott Recognizes Law Enforcement During Florida First Responder Appreciation Week

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Governor Rick Scott today visited the Naples Police Department and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Professional Development Center to thank Florida law enforcement officers for their work to keep families safe. Earlier this week, Governor Scott issued a proclamation recognizing January 22-26 as Florida First Responder Appreciation Week. To read Governor Scott’s proclamation, click HERE.