Governor Rick Scott today issued Executive Order 17-235 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the State of Florida in response to Hurricane Irma – a major Category 3 storm approaching Florida. By declaring a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties, Governor Scott is ensuring that local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this dangerous storm and are not hindered, delayed or prevented from taking all necessary actions to keep communities safe.
Governor Scott said, “Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared. I have continued to be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Hurricane Irma and current forecast models have Florida in Irma’s path – potentially impacting millions of Floridians. Today, given these forecasts and the intensity of this storm, I have declared a state of emergency for every county in Florida to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and make sure resources are dispersed to local communities as we get prepared for this storm. In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared. This state of emergency allows our emergency management officials to act swiftly in the best interest of Floridians without the burden of bureaucracy or red tape.
“In Florida, we know that the best way to protect our families in severe weather is to have a plan. I urge all Floridians to remain vigilant and stay alert to local weather and news and visit FLGetAPlan.com today as we all prepare for Hurricane Irma. We will keep monitoring and issuing updates on Hurricane Irma as it approaches Florida.”
Senator Lauren Book to Present $654,491 Appropriation to Protect Florida Jewish Day School Students
State Senator Lauren Book will be presenting a $654,491 check to Florida’s Jewish Day Schools to increase security measures in the wake of anti-Semitic bomb threats made earlier this year.
“As a Jewish woman, I am saddened and shocked by the hateful and emboldened actions of KKK and NeoNazi groups around the country – and right here in Broward County,” says Senator Lauren Book. “Earlier this year, more than 100 Jewish Day Schools received bomb threats — including our own Posnack School in Davie. These threats lead to evacuations, disruptions to classroom learning, and worst of all: fear in the hearts of children, families, and communities who want nothing more than to live and learn peacefully and safely. These funds will ensure security and safety for 10,000 Florida students, and provide peace of mind to Jewish children and families for years to come.”
Earlier this year, more than 100 Jewish centers across the country received bomb threats, sparking action on the local, state, and national levels. Following a threat to Posnack Jewish Day School in Davie this past March, Senator Book and her colleagues fought for this funding to increase security measures at Jewish Day Schools throughout the state. At this same time, U.S. Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former FBI Director James Comey to express alarm and urge action. The letter was cosigned by all 100 U.S. Senators.
The $654,000 appropriation will be distributed to 35 schools in 9 counties; 26 of these schools are located in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach Counties. The funds will be used to provide school safety measures for 10,000 students, including equipment, facility, and technology upgrades such as fences, blast proof doors, cameras, gates, communication equipment, monitoring systems, and security officers. The Florida Department of Education will issue an application process for schools to apply for funding.
The check will be presented Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. during a school visit to Temple Beth Emet Day School, 4807 S. Flamingo Road, Cooper City.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Colonel Chad Chronister as Hillsborough County Sheriff
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Colonel Chad Chronister as Hillsborough County Sheriff upon the retirement of Sheriff David Gee for a term beginning September 30, 2017, and ending November 13, 2018.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Sheriff Gee has devoted his life to protecting Florida families, including the last 13 years as Hillsborough County Sheriff, and I’m incredibly grateful for his service. I’m honored to announce that following Sheriff Gee’s retirement, I am appointing Colonel Chad Chronister as Hillsborough County Sheriff. Colonel Chronister has spent 25 years in the Sheriff’s Office, rising through the ranks and proving himself to be a strong leader who exemplifies the office’s mission to serve, protect, and defend Florida families. I’m confident that he will continue Sheriff Gee’s great work in Hillsborough County.”
Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee said, “Colonel Chad Chronister’s decades of public service are a demonstration of remarkable law enforcement experience, leadership, community involvement, proven character and outstanding integrity. I have worked with Colonel Chronister throughout his 25 years in the Sheriff’s Office and he is undoubtedly qualified and capable of serving the citizens of Hillsborough County as Sheriff. I’d like to thank Governor Scott for his commitment to public safety and support of our state’s law enforcement as we serve and protect our communities. I have been truly honored to serve the citizens of Florida and Hillsborough County.”
Colonel Chad Chronister, 49, of Tampa, is a veteran law enforcement officer with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Chronister joined the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in 1992 as a patrol deputy and has served in specialty units and leadership roles, including his current position as Commander of the Department of Operational Support. He also serves his community as a board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, Friends of Hillsborough County Animal Services, Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School, the Jason Ackerman Foundation, More Health, Inc. and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Chronister received his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Criminology from St. Leo University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 260th session.
President Negron: Army Corps of Engineers to Expedite Approval Process for Southern Reservoir
Florida Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) today released the following statement regarding progress on the southern reservoir project outlined in Senate Bill 10 (2017).
“Today I spoke with Col. Kirk and he confirmed that the United States Army Corps of Engineers intends to expedite the federal approval process for the reservoir project outlined in Senate Bill 10. The Corps has determined the best option for achieving southern storage is not to seek new federal authority, but to use existing authority to pursue a modification to the current EAA Project Implementation Report. This development is entirely consistent with the options and timeline outlined in Senate Bill 10 and achieves the Legislature’s goal of moving forward on southern storage as expeditiously as possible. I appreciate the Corps’ shared interest in promptly achieving our goal of reducing harmful discharges into our communities, and I look forward to continuing an efficient state and federal partnership on this important effort.”
Gov. Scott Meets with Lee County Officials to Discuss Flooding
Governor Scott today met with Lee county officials regarding this week’s flood event in Southwest Florida. Bonita Springs Mayor Peter Simmons and Lee County Undersheriff Carmine Marceno briefed Governor Scott on the flooding that occurred in Lee County this week. More than 100 people were housed in a local shelter and community leaders are working to help people quickly return to their homes.
Governor Scott said, “I want to thank the local officials for working to keep people safe here in Lee County. Responding to weather events like the flooding that occurred this week in Southwest Florida is something we take seriously. While there are currently no unmet needs from the local community, the State of Florida will continue to communicate and coordinate with our local partners.”
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovers Nearly $230,000 for Consumers in August
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered nearly $230,000 for Florida consumers during the month of August. Last year, the department recovered nearly $3 million for Florida consumers from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.
During August 2017, the department:
- Recovered $228,112 on behalf of Florida consumers;
- Received 4,360 complaints;
- Initiated 336 investigations;
- Arrested 24 individuals;
- Provided assistance to 22,183 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
- Added 21,817 telephone numbers to Florida’s Do Not Call List.
As the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, the department educates the public, investigates complaints and provides mediation on behalf of consumers. The department’s call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832). For consumer protection information and resources, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com.
UT Honors Program Fall Symposia Series Kicks Off with Guest Speaker Dan Berger Sept. 14
The University of Tampa’s Fall 2017 Honors Program symposia series will kick off Monday, Sept. 14, with a presentation by Dan Berger, who teaches comparative ethnic studies and U.S. history at the University of Washington Bothell. Berger’s talk, titled “Captive Nation: Black Prison Organizing in the Civil Rights Era,” begins at 4 p.m. in Reeves Theater in the Vaughn Center on the UT campus.
Berger is the author or editor of six books, including Captive Nation: Black Prison Organizing in the Civil Rights Era, which won the 2015 James A. Rawley Prize from the Organization of American Historians.
Throughout the series, resident scholars and researchers at the University will present their areas of specialization.
In addition to Berger, guest speakers in the series include Alisha Gaines, assistant professor of English at Florida State University; Gina Duncan, director of transgender equality at Equality Florida; and Earnie Broughton, senior advisor to the Ethics and Compliance Initiative.
All lectures are free, open to the public and held on the UT campus. See below for a full schedule:
- Monday, Sept. 14: “Captive Nation: Black Prison Organizing in the Civil Rights Era,” Dan Berger, associate professor in the University of Washington Bothell School of Interdisciplinary Sciences, Vaughn Center, Reeve Theater, 4 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 22: English and Writing Scholar’s Symposium with Alisha Gaines, assistant professor at Florida State University, where she teaches African American literature, Vaughn Center, Crescent Club, 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 27: “Transgender Dynamics in Trump’s America,” Gina Duncan, director of transgender equality at Equality Florida, Plant Hall, Grand Salon, 4 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 16: “Wow! A Remixer’s Music Box,” Bradford Blackburn, chair/associate professor of music at UT, Vaughn Center, Trustees Board Room, 11 a.m.
- Friday, Oct. 27: “Foreigners or Felons,” Sarah Kirk, senior criminology and political science major at UT, Plant Hall, Music Room, 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 8: Ethics Hot Seat, Earnie Broughton, senior advisor to the Ethics and Compliance Initiative, Vaughn Center, Crescent Club, 5:30 p.m.
Please note that dates and locations are subject to change. For more information, contact the Honors Program at (813) 257-3545 or [email protected].
The Florida Lottery kicks off football season with launch of GameDay Cash Promotion
The Florida Lottery is kicking off the 2017 college football season with the GameDay Cash Promotion, giving Lottery players the chance to win cash and football prizes while supporting their favorite Florida college team all season long. All FLORIDA LOTTO®, FANTASY 5® and Fast Play (CORNHOLE CASH™) tickets purchased by November 27, 2017, can be entered to win. Universities participating in the promotion include Florida State University®, University of Central Florida™, University of Florida®, University of Miami® and University of South Florida™.
“The GameDay cash promotion is unique because it showcases the Lottery’s commitment to education by supporting five state universities and adding some fun to the football season,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell. “At the same time, we are pleased to introduce the new Fast Play game, CORNHOLE CASH, which will provide additional revenue for education statewide.”
Players who purchase qualifying tickets from September 1, through November 27, 2017, can collect symbols to earn entries by downloading the free GameDay Cash App on their smartphone or tablet which they can use to scan the barcode on their ticket. Players can also enter their ticket numbers on the Lottery’s website. Each time a player enters a ticket in the promotion, they have a chance to be selected for a bonus game to win $25 cash or Florida Lottery coupons.
Each team will have four Fan Experience drawings and a Grand Prize drawing, with prizes including season tickets, team merchandise and free Florida Lottery Scratch-Off tickets. Additionally, there will be a final RV Grand Prize drawing held on November 28, 2017, to award one lucky player a 2018 Winnebago Motorhome provided by Lazydays RV. “Lazydays RV is proud to partner with the Florida Lottery on the Gameday Cash College Football Promotion to benefit Florida’s schools and colleges,” said Lazydays RV Chief Marketing Officer, John Lebbad.
Governor Rick Scott Honors 315 Veterans with Governor’s Veterans Service Medal
Governor Rick Scott today awarded 315 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to Florida and the nation.
Governor Scott said, “Florida’s brave veterans have made countless sacrifices in defense our state and nation, and it is so important that we take every opportunity to thank them. I’m proud to honor some of our true American heroes with the Veterans Service Medal today.”
The Governor highlighted the following Florida veterans at today’s ceremony:
Francis David Bell
Francis David Bell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1944 at the age of 18 and served in Japan during World War II from 1945 to 1946. Following the war, he attended Fordham University on the GI Bill to become a ranked officer, and served in the Korean War as Second Lieutenant from 1950 to 1952. Bell’s service was recognized with a Korean Service Medal and a United Nations Service Medal prior to his retirement as a Captain in 1960.
Staff Sergeant William Shrader
Staff Sergeant William Shrader joined the Florida Army National Guard in February of 2005. Since then, he has deployed to Afghanistan twice with the 715th Military Police Company, and currently serves as a squad leader. SSG Shrader’s 12 years of service has been recognized with numerous decorations, including two Army Commendation Medals, a National Defense Service Medal and three Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals.
Sergeant First Class Geoffrey Stone
Sergeant First Class Geoffrey Stone served in the United States Army from 1997 to 2003 as a Field Artilleryman. In 2010, he joined the Florida Army National Guard and currently serves as a Platoon Sergeant in the 715th Military Police Company. Throughout SFC Stone’s 13 years of service, he has been deployed overseas twice and has received recognitions including three Army Commendations Medals, five Army Achievement Medals and a Good Conduct Medal.
FWC releases new videos to help Florida residents avoid conflicts with bears
As part of ongoing efforts to reduce conflicts with bears, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is releasing two new videos in the “Living with Florida Black Bears” series. These videos are designed to help educate the public about how to safely coexist with bears in Florida.
The “Bear Behavior” video describes how a person should react if they encounter a bear in the wild, such as speaking in an assertive voice and backing away slowly. Bears are generally not aggressive toward people, but an encounter may become dangerous if a bear feels concerned or threatened. Knowing how to interpret bear behavior can help people react appropriately when they have a close encounter with a bear.
The “Scare the Bear” video illustrates how residents can reduce conflicts with bears that may come onto their property. Bears are driven by their need for food and powerful sense of smell, which often leads them into neighborhoods and areas with readily accessible food sources. While properly securing garbage and other attractants is critical, scaring bears away from neighborhoods is also important because it can reinforce their natural fear of people. A bear that has been frightened by people is less likely to stay in areas where people are present, which reduces the risk to public safety.
“The No. 1 cause of conflict with bears is unsecured trash and other attractants, such as pet food, barbecue grills and birdseed,” said Dave Telesco, who leads the FWC’s Bear Management Program. “As bears spend more time in neighborhoods, they begin to lose their natural fear of people, which can lead to dangerous encounters. These videos highlight steps that can be taken to ensure the safety of both bears and humans.”
The new videos are being added to the existing “Living with Florida Black Bears” series, which already includes the following videos:
- How to Make Your Wildlife Feeders Bear-Resistant
- How FWC Conducts Bear Population Estimates
- A Day in the Life of a Florida Black Bear
- How to Protect Livestock and Pets from Bears
- Cause for a Call
- BearWise Communities
The FWC plans to release more bear-related videos in the coming months. These videos help educate the public about black bears in a quick and convenient format.
The entire “Living with Florida Black Bears” video series can be viewed at MyFWC.com/Bear in the “Brochures & Other Materials” section.
In addition to educational efforts, the FWC is inviting local governments to apply for BearWise funding for their communities. The FWC will focus on providing financial assistance to local governments with BearWise ordinances in place, which require residents and businesses to keep their garbage secure from bears. A total of $515,000 will be available to offset the costs for communities to use bear-resistant equipment to secure their garbage and help reduce conflicts with bears.
To learn how to become BearWise, visit MyFWC.com/Bear and click on “BearWise Communities” on the left side of the page.
