Motorists seeing construction work at U.S. 441 and State Road (S.R.) 46 in the Mount Dora area, should be prepared for an upcoming temporary traffic pattern change. In February, all U.S. 441 traffic, and some traffic on S.R. 46 at night, will be diverted along the S.R. 46 southbound on- and off-ramps as part of the Wekiva Parkway/S.R. 429 project. This temporary change also includes a traffic signal at S.R. 46 (see exhibit attached.)
The traffic diversion will allow crews to rebuild this portion of U.S. 441 (shown as the red hashed area in the graphic), which includes removing the overpass bridges. During the nighttime removal of the U.S. 441 bridges, S.R. 46 traffic also will shift onto the nearby temporary pavement. Construction will start with removing the U.S. 441 bridges and building the east side, or future northbound lanes, and the new flyover bridge. Once the east side/future northbound lanes are complete, traffic will switch onto those new lanes while work begins on the west side, or the new southbound lanes.
Post-construction (see attached), the U.S. 441 and S.R. 46 interchange will be an at-grade/ground level, signalized intersection with a flyover ramp that will provide continuous traffic flow for southbound traffic heading east on S.R. 46 toward the parkway.
Once the new outside northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 441 have been built, traffic will be split to allow building the median and turn lanes.
This work is part of the Wekiva Parkway Sections 3A and 3B construction that began on October 30, 2017, and is scheduled to finish in spring of 2020.
More Project Information
The $1.6 billion Wekiva Parkway will complete the beltway around Central Florida while helping to protect the natural resources surrounding the Wekiva River. The Florida Department of Transportation and the Central Florida Expressway Authority have been working together to build the 25-mile toll road, which provides travel alternatives, enhances safety and relieves congestion on local roads.
Environmentalists refer to the Wekiva Parkway as a good example of transportation planning through environmentally sensitive areas. Authorized by the 2004 Wekiva Parkway & Protection Act, parkway development has included conserving more than 3,400 acres of land. The parkway will include four expansive wildlife bridges, and will be largely elevated to reduce accidents between vehicles and wildlife.
Inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances could delay or prolong work. Motorists are urged to use caution in the construction area for their safety and that of the work crews.
Maps and other project information can be found at wekivaparkway.com.
Recreational and commercial management changes for cobia in state waters of the Gulf effective Feb. 1
Several changes to the management of cobia in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico will go into effect Feb. 1. These changes were approved at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting in December.
These changes will further promote sustainable management of this fishery and were developed in coordination with anglers who were concerned about the fishery. The changes will apply to all state waters north of the Monroe-Collier county line.
Changes effective Feb. 1, 2018, include:
- Making the recreational and commercial bag limits for cobia in Gulf state waters the same by reducing the commercial limit from two to one fish per person.
- Reducing the recreational and commercial vessel limit in Gulf state waters from six to two cobia per vessel, per day.
The current 33-inch minimum size limit will not change.
Learn more about cobia online at MyFWC.com/Fishing (click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Cobia”).
High School Students Explore Transportation Construction Industry at Central Florida Construction Career Days
Nearly 3,000 Central Florida junior and senior high school students are building their careers at the 18th annual Central Florida Construction Career Days. The event, hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its industry partners, helps teenagers explore and build a strong foundation for a successful future in transportation construction.
“Construction Career Days is a fantastic way to introduce the builders and tradespeople of tomorrow to our industry today,” said Dora Rockefeller, FDOT District Five Contract Manager and co-chair of the event.
Junior and senior high school students from more than 50 Central Florida high schools throughout eight counties are attending Construction Career Days to learn about the many available opportunities and experience some skilled trades firsthand. Engineers and skilled trade workers from local firms, technical schools and FDOT will hold more than 30 interactive learning labs. Students will even get a chance to try their hand at operating heavy equipment and simulators.
Construction opportunities represented through the program can lead to steady careers.
“These are careers that you can grow with. If you’ve got the ambition and the drive, you can build a career in construction and go far,” said Geoff Scales, Senior Project Manager with Hubbard Construction Company and co-chair of the event.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of jobs in the construction field will grow by nearly 22 percent over the next few years, but the current labor pool is shrinking with the average skilled worker retiring at close to 50 years old. That’s why Construction Career Days encourages Central Florida high schoolers to explore the wide variety of opportunities available in the transportation construction industry.
Construction Career Days takes place at the Central Florida Fairgrounds Jan. 25-26 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: On-site interviews are available with participants, host organizations and companies on Thursday, Jan. 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Senator Daphne Campbell seeks to remove archaic Florida statues
Archaic laws that could land someone in jail for up to a year for such crimes as maliciously imputing a woman’s lack of chastity or degrading a bank’s reputation may soon be removed from Florida statutes under legislation sponsored by Senator Daphne Campbell (D-Miami).
SB 1060, which won unanimous endorsement Monday in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, would remove two obscure criminal statutes dating back to the late 1800’s and early 20th century, both first degree misdemeanors.
“This bill would repeal Florida Statute Chapter 836 Section 4 which makes it a first degree misdemeanor for a person to speak of a woman, married or unmarried falsely and maliciously imputing to her want of chastity,” explained Senator Campbell. “It also repeals Florida Statue Chapter 836 Section 6 which also makes it a first degree misdemeanor for a person to speak or make derogatory statements concerning banks or building and loan associations.”
In Florida, a first degree misdemeanor conviction can include up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or 12 months of probation.
At one time 15 states had criminal statutes prohibiting imputing unchastity to women, whether in writing or orally. In addition to Florida, which enacted its law in 1883, these states included Oklahoma, Alabama, and North Carolina.
In the case of the financial institutions, the 1915 law may have been enacted to prevent bank runs, but its origins remain murky.
“We can all agree that defamation or libelous remarks of any kind are serious and have no place in our public discourse,” said Sen. Campbell. “However, in our modern society these penalties are too severe and are an unnecessary government intrusion into an issue that has mostly been handled amongst two private citizens in civil proceedings.”
SB 1060 has two additional committee hearings before heading to the full Senate for a vote. Its next stop will be before the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
SunRail Offering Special Service on Pro Bowl Game Day This Sunday
SunRail is pleased to announce it is offering special service to support the NFL Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium this Sunday, January 28.
With the NFL Pro Bowl kick-off scheduled Sunday at 3 p.m., SunRail begins service at noon, as the first train leaves southbound from the DeBary Station. Service runs hourly between the DeBary and the Sand Lake Road stations for about eight hours.
Those taking the train should consult the special schedule at sunrail.com and take note of the times of service, including:
- The last southbound train leaves DeBary at 6 p.m. and makes stops at each station, including pick-ups from LYNX Central Station at 7 p.m. and Church Street Station at 7:03 p.m.
- The last northbound train leaves the Sand Lake Road station at 7:30 p.m. and makes stops at each station, including pick-ups from Church Street Station at 7:40 p.m. and LYNX Central Station at 7:43 p.m.
In addition to providing service for Pro Bowl attendees, the Sunday service also provides an option for those who wish to try the train, just for fun.
Please remember anytime is train time. Whether at railroad crossings or SunRail platforms, always be on the lookout for a train. Please stay a safe distance away from railroad tracks. Be smart. Be safe.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Eight Members to Judicial Nominating Commissions
Governor Rick Scott today announced the following appointments:
Second District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission
Eual Tyler Cathey, of Tampa, is the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for Franklin Street. He succeeds Edward Page and is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2019.
Fourth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Jennifer Shoaf Richardson, of Jacksonville, is an attorney with Jackson Lewis P.C. She succeeds Michelle Barnett and is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2020.
Ninth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Tara L. Tedrow, of Winter Park, is an attorney with Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A.. She succeeds Paetra T. Brownlee and is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2020.
Tenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Lydia Zbrzeznj, of Bartow, is an attorney with Frost Van den Boom, P.A. She succeeds Cassandra L. Denmark and is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2020.
Sixteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Richard McChesney, of Key West, is an attorney with Spottswood, Spottswood, Spottswood & Sterling. He succeeds Piper L. Smith and is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2020.
Michael Puto, of Marathon, was the former City Manager for the City of Marathon. He fills a vacant position for a term ending July 1, 2019.
George Wallace, of Key West, is an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Key West. He succeeds David P. Horan for a term ending July 1, 2018.
Seventeenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Christina Sanabria, of Coral Springs, is an attorney with Sanabria, Llorente, Marsh & Associates. She succeeds Zachariah P. Zachariah and is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2020.
Kissimmee man celebrates 39th birthday with $550,000 LUCKY MONEY™ jackpot
The Florida Lottery announces that Mao Ni, of Kissimmee, claimed the $550,000 LUCKY MONEY™ jackpot from the January 12, 2018, drawing at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee, two weeks after his 39th birthday.
Ni chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $403,449.10. He purchased his winning LUCKY MONEY Quick Pick ticket from Publix, located at 2338 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. The retailer received a bonus commission of $1,000 for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.
The next LUCKY MONEY drawing will be held tonight, January 23, 2018, at 11:15 p.m. ET, with a $650,000 jackpot. The LUCKY MONEY drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery website, at retailers statewide and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.
Governor Rick Scott Honors 628 Veterans with Veterans Service Medal
Governor Rick Scott today awarded 628 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to the state and the nation. Since 2013, Governor Scott has awarded more than 13,000 veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize these brave American heroes who dedicated their lives to protecting the families of our great nation. We will continue working to give back to our selfless veterans who have given so much to our state and country.”
- Governor Scott also highlighted investments in Florida’s active military, veterans and their families in his Securing Florida’s Future budget, including:
$200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment for our National Guardsmen to use during deployment; - Nearly $8 million to begin operations at the Lake Baldwin State Veteran Nursing Home, which will allow this facility to serve more than 110 veterans in the coming year;
- Doubling the funding to $2 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
- $2 million for the Florida Defense Support Task Force, which helps support our military and defense communities and the many families who rely on them; and
- $2.7 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home, including $1 million for Veterans Florida to continue their mission of helping veterans find great jobs at Florida businesses.
The following Florida veterans were highlighted during today’s ceremony:
Colonel Darrell W. Katz
Colonel Darrell Katz enlisted in the United States Army in 1956 and served for 40 years, including 30 years as a commissioned officer where he served mostly in the Special Forces. His decades of service included tours in Vietnam and Desert Storm. Colonel Katz is a member of the Army Special Forces Hall of Fame at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and the Infantry Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia. His actions have been recognized with a Purple Heart, a Silver Star and the Legion of Merit among others for his dedicated service.
Private First-Class Robert G. “Bob” Black
Private First-Class Bob Black enlisted in the United States Army in August of 1951 and attended infantry basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was deployed to Korea during the Korean War as a light infantry leader and joined “A” Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division assigned to a 57mm recoilless rifle squad. While serving in Korea, Private First-Class Black was injured in the line of duty. After he was injured he was assigned as the editor of the 2nd Infantry Division Newspaper and subsequently transferred to Stars and Stripes. His service has been recognized with the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal with three battle stars and the Army Commendation Medal.
Private First-Class John H. MacPhee
Private First-Class John MacPhee was drafted into the United States Army in 1943 and attended basic training at Camp Blanding where he qualified as a sniper. He was assigned to the first wave of assault troops to land on Omaha Beach for the D-day invasion on June 6, 1944. During the invasion, Private First-Class MacPhee was wounded five times, his injuries were so severe that he was given Last Rites by a Catholic Priest. He has been recognized for his service with a Purple Heart, a Combat Infantry Badge, a Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor.
Commander Edward Socha
Commander Edward Socha enlisted in the United States Navy in 1939 and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1944. He underwent Scout and Raider Training and was later stationed on the USS Maryland in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941 when the first Japanese plane attacked the base. Commander Socha served throughout the Pacific in various naval battles including the battle of Guadalcanal. His actions have been recognized with the American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
Florida Children and Youth Cabinet Focuses on the Health and Well-Being of Florida Children During 2018 Children’s Week
In recognition of Children’s Week, leaders from the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet came together today on the steps of the Old Capitol to promote the health and well-being of Florida’s children. For the past 23 years, this event has strengthened Florida’s families by sharing a commitment to improving communities through events and outreach efforts. Members of the cabinet addressed its current priorities, including focusing on early childhood development, the effect of substance abuse on children, significant behavioral health issues in children and teens, and child poverty.
“Children’s Week is an important time to recognize and promote initiatives that improve the self-sufficiency, safety, health, and quality of life of Florida’s children,” said Chair of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet and nationally recognized leader in juvenile justice Wansley Walters. “Working together, agencies, organizations, and communities can have a real impact on enhancing the lives of children and families.”
“Every child deserves to be safe, healthy, and educationally and developmentally on track and an essential element to this is to have healthy parents and a supportive community,” Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Mike Carroll said. “We are committed to the continued integration of substance abuse and mental health services and the child welfare system because early intervention in the life of a struggling family, child, or parent, can make all the difference in their lives.”
“We now know that your ZIP code is a more important predictor of one’s health than your genetic code. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as living in poverty, can have long-term effects on a person’s ability to live a healthful life,” said Dr. Celeste Philip, Surgeon General & Secretary, Department of Health. “Early interventions such as screening for ACEs, teaching children how to cope with toxic stress and promoting trauma-informed care can mitigate these impacts and improve lifelong health and quality of life.”
“By age 2, a baby’s brain has reached 80 percent of its adult size. The quality of experiences from the prenatal stage until a child’s third birthday, i.e. those during the first 1,000 days of life build either a strong or fragile foundation for all experiences that follow,” said Diana Ragbeer, Managing Director, Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe. “After that, early learning or School Readiness programs improve language skills and help reduce the achievement gap, resulting in kindergarten readiness, early grade success, and success in life. Pay attention to the first 5 years of life and you can change everything!”
Children’s Week brings together more than 5,000 children, parents, advocates, teachers, and communities to the Florida Capitol each year to celebrate children and families, highlighting the critical issues they face. This annual event exemplifies how the collaboration of local and statewide organizations come together under “One Voice.”
DJJ Honors 2018 Youth Ambassadors During Youth Success Day
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Secretary Christina K. Daly, the Florida Juvenile Justice Foundation, members of the Florida Juvenile Justice Association, legislators, and community partners today honored the 2018 DJJ Youth Ambassadors during Youth Success Day at a reception at Florida’s Historic Capitol.
DJJ Youth Ambassadors are youth in the state of Florida who have turned their lives around for the better after contact with the juvenile justice system. These ambassadors serve as mentors and role models for other at-risk kids throughout the state.
“The incredible stories of our Youth Ambassadors and how they’ve overcome their challenges serves as a reminder that we must never allow our past to define our future” said DJJ Secretary Christina Daly. “These young people have demonstrated that success isn’t just about what you accomplish in life, but how much you inspire those around you.”
DJJ solicits nominations for the Youth Ambassador Award from providers, community stakeholders and the public at large. Youth Ambassadors received a certificate and Youth Investment Award from the Florida Juvenile Justice Foundation, which is the direct-support organization for DJJ. Youth receiving awards today were:
Carlos Leyva
Carlos first became involved with the juvenile justice system at the age of 14 and was later committed to a residential program. In 2016, Carlos completed his program and took the initiative to complete aftercare services with Eckerd Connects Project Bridge to reach his goals. Carlos immediately began career services workshops to gain the skills needed to secure employment. His training proved successful as he was hired at a local restaurant, receiving several promotions along the way. Although Carlos has successfully graduated from Eckerd Connects Project Bridge, he regularly keeps in contact with the team and works with them to further advance his goals. Carlos looks forward to a bright future, which includes securing his own apartment and continuing his education to become a registered nurse.
Jazzman Lezama
Jazzman first became involved in the juvenile justice system when she was 15 years old. She was later direct filed and committed to a residential program at the age of 16. Early in life, Jazzman was involved with the foster care system, and then the juvenile justice system. Jazzman has used her past choices and decisions to motivate her to make better ones. Jazzman realized that she had the capacity to give back to the community in more positive ways. This includes being an advocate with a group called Florida Youth SHINE, which works to advocate on behalf of foster youth and child welfare issues at the state and local level. In addition, she is involved with the Palm Beach County Youth Services Department as a member of a youth empowerment group called Future Leaders United for Change. Youth Success Day is a DJJ sponsored event held each year at the Florida Capitol. This is the eighth year that DJJ has recognized Youth Ambassadors during its Youth Success Day.
