The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity is partnering with Metova CyberCENTS to create the Florida Cyber Range from Metova’s CENTS® portfolio of cyber range simulators.
The range will be used for hands-on cybersecurity education, training, operations and research. This partnership provides a platform for the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and Metova CyberCENTS to proactively explore knowledge, technologies and tools to further advance cybersecurity regionally, nationally and globally.
The Florida Cyber Range will provide advanced training and testing solutions for academic, government, military and commercial organizations through various cybersecurity exercises and activities. The Florida Cyber Range will revolutionize cybersecurity education and operations within the state and position Florida to provide critical cybersecurity expertise for the nation.
“We are honored to partner with Metova CyberCENTS to launch the Florida Cyber Range,” said Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, director of the UWF Center for Cybersecurity. “The Florida Cyber Range provides a state-of-the-art environment to help cybersecurity students and professionals gain valuable practical skills to detect and defend against real world cyber-attacks. The range will help organizations differentiate themselves and prepare against emerging threats and attacks through innovative training experiences.”
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security designated UWF as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and as the CAE Regional Resource Center for the Southeast U.S. In this role, the UWF Center for Cybersecurity provides leadership to advance cyber defense education among colleges and universities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Tennessee.
The Florida Cyber Range is designed to provide a Tier 1 Cybersecurity Hub capable of providing services to institutions looking to expand their cybersecurity offerings.
“The Florida Cyber Range will complement expanding cybersecurity education, training and research initiatives by using real world situations to prepare against complex cyber-attacks,” El-Sheikh said. “The UWF Center for Cybersecurity will develop resources and models for integrating Florida Cyber Range exercises into education and training programs and will disseminate these resources regionally and nationally.”
Metova is the owner and developer of the Cyberoperations Enhanced Network and Training Simulators product line, which is a portfolio of Cyber Simulator and Range solutions. CENTS® solutions provide an integrated, Live-Virtual-Constructive cyber range environment for training, exercising and testing full-spectrum cyberspace capabilities. Metova’s cyber range products have been in development and production for over a decade. Taking input directly from cyber operators, beginning with the U.S. Air Force conducting Computer Network Defense exercises in 2001, Metova’s CENTS design has continued to evolve and progress from the first Department of Defense Cyber Range installation, the Joint Cyberspace Operations Range, to the premier cyber range platform currently used within the DoD.
“We envision a future public-private enterprise that will encourage cyber innovation and training, all while being supportive of entrepreneurship,” said Bill Dunn, president of Metova CyberCENTS. “Metova CyberCENTS is pleased to be joined by UWF in bringing the Florida Cyber Range to life, not only for the Cyber Coast, but for government, industry, universities and K-12 across Florida and the nation.”
For more information on the Florida Cyber Range, please visit floridacyberrange.org.
For more information on the UWF Center for Cybersecurity, visit uwf.edu/cybersecurity.
For more information on Metova CYBERCENTS, visit cybercents.com.
Winners Announced for Secretary of State’s 2017 Florida Main Street Awards
Secretary of State Ken Detzner is pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 Florida Main Street awards. The Florida Main Street awards are given in recognition of the accomplishments of local Main Street programs and the local citizens and businesses who have shown tremendous dedication to creating a thriving downtown community. Twenty-six honor and merit awards were presented for exceptional accomplishments within Florida Main Street communities on August 15 at the 2017 Florida Main Street Annual Conference in Fernandina Beach.
“I am proud to recognize the many accomplishments of this year’s Florida Main Street award winners,” said Secretary Detzner. “Their passion for historic preservation combined with their commitment to economic development in their communities are essential to the success of the Florida Main Street program and the revitalization of Florida’s traditional commercial districts.”
Florida Main Street is a technical assistance program administered by the Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Historic Preservation. The Bureau conducts statewide programs aimed at identifying, evaluating and preserving Florida’s historic resources. Main Street, with its emphasis on preservation, is an effective strategy for achieving these goals in Florida’s historic retail districts. Since 1985, the Bureau has offered manager training, consultant team visits, design and other technical assistance, as well as the benefit of experience gained by other Florida Main Street programs.
The 2017 Florida Main Street award winners are listed below.
Outstanding Local Florida Main Street Supporter
Honor: Main Street Wauchula – Catharine Woods
Merit: Crystal River Main Street – Citrus Country Chamber of Commerce
Outstanding Florida Main Street Fundraising or Membership Development Effort
Honor: Main Street Winter Haven – CityWorks (X)po
Merit: Main Street Bartow – Blooming Bike Ride & Tour de Tow Scenic Cycling Road
Outstanding Private-Public Partnership
Honor: EDGE District – EDGE District Improvement Plan
Merit: Apalachicola Main Street – City of Apalachicola and Apalachicola Main Street, Okeechobee Main Street – Okeechobee County Tourist Development & Okeechobee Main Street
Outstanding Supporter of the Statewide Program
Honor: Fernandina Beach Main Street – Donna Rollins
Outstanding Florida Main Street Rehabilitation Project
Honor: Fernandina Beach Main Street – U.S. Post Office/Customs Office/ Courthouse Project
Merit: Main Street Winter Haven – Derry Down Project
Outstanding Florida Main Street Public Improvement
Honor: Crystal River Main Street – Spirit Corner
Merit: Grand Central District Association – 2400-2500 Streetscape Project
Outstanding New Construction Project
Honor: EDGE District – Hawkers Asian Street Fare
Merit: Eau Gallie (EGAD!) Main Street – Intracoastal Brewery Company
Sign/Display Project
Honor: Main Street Bartow – Main Street Beautification Container Garden Project
Merit: Apalachicola Main Street – Downtown Directional Signals
Outstanding Florida Main Street Special Event
Honor: Leesburg – Budweiser Clydesdales come to Leesburg
Merit: Main Street Wauchula – The Park Series Event, Apalachicola Main Street – Autos and Oysters Classic Car Show, St. Cloud Main Street – First Responders Appreciation
Outstanding Florida Main Street Image Campaign or Promotional Material
Honor: St. Cloud Main Street – 2017 Soldier City Video, Crystal River Main Street – Spirit of Crystal River Pop-Up Gallery
Merit: MainStreet DeLand – Historic Mural Walk Book
Outstanding Florida Main Street Economic Vitality Program or Project
Honor: EGAD! Main Street – Market Position Report
Outstanding Florida Main Street Business of the Year
Honor: EDGE District – ARTicles Gallery and Framing
Merit: St. Cloud Main Street – Handyman Hardware
The awards were presented at a special banquet ceremony on August 15 during the 2017 Florida Main Street Annual Conference held at the Omni Hotel and Resort in Fernandina Beach.
To learn more about the Florida Main Street program please visit FloridaMainStreet.com or Facebook.com/FloridaMainStreet.
THE PLAYERS Championship Generously Doubles UNF Endowed First Generation Scholarship
Through the years, THE PLAYERS Championship has continually invested in University of North Florida students that are the first in their family to attend college. Now, THE PLAYERS has pledged to double THE PLAYERS Championship Endowed First Generation Scholarship at UNF to reach $1.5 million.
The PGA TOUR established THE PLAYERS Championship Endowed First Generation Scholarship at UNF in 2009. Over the years, they built the endowment to $750,000. The organization recently pledged an additional $750,000 over the next five years, doubling the endowment to reach $1.5 million.
“Education is a core charitable focus of THE PLAYERS Championship. This $750,000 endowment will help alleviate some of the financial burden many first-generation students face while attending college,” said Jared Rice, executive director of THE PLAYERS. “In April 2011, THE PLAYERS announced a commitment to generate $50 million for youth-related charities over 10 years and along with our staff and nearly 2,000 volunteers, we’re proud to say we’re on our way to achieving that goal ahead of schedule.”
The endowed scholarship at UNF currently supports 23 First Generation scholars annually. By making this investment and commitment to education, the scholarship has the potential to support over 50 scholars annually in five years. To date, more than 3,700 students at the University have been part of the First Generation scholarship program, receiving nearly $8 million in scholarship funding to achieve their dreams of being the first in their family to attend college.
“Thanks to THE PLAYERS, First Generation students are given an opportunity to achieve their dream of a college education and experience transformational learning opportunities at UNF,” said Ann McCullen, vice president for University Development and Alumni Engagement at UNF. “This scholarship gift creates a powerful ripple effect and lasting legacy in the community by inspiring others in a student’s family to pursue a college degree. We’re grateful to THE PLAYERS for their partnership and generous investment in education.”
First Generation is a matching gift program, meaning charitable contributions will leverage additional funds for student scholarships from the State of Florida. Approved by the Florida legislature in 2006, the First Generation Scholarship Program is uniquely designed to target those most in need by reaching Florida residents who are the first generation in their families to attend college.
THE PLAYERS Championship annually combines the best field in golf with the world-class venue that is THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Proceeds from THE PLAYERS benefit Northeast Florida charities and have totaled more than $84 million since the event moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977, including a record $8.5 million generated in 2016. For more on THE PLAYERS, visit THEPLAYERS.com.
UNF, a nationally ranked university located on an environmentally beautiful campus, offers students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others the opportunity to build their own futures through a well-rounded education.
Love the Everglades Movement to host the 4th Annual Everglades Symposium and Cleanup in October
MEDIA ADVISORY
The South-Florida based conservation and activism group Love the Everglades Movement is hosting their 4th Annual Everglades Symposium including a series of talks, lectures, and workshops by local industry leaders, elected officials and candidates running for office, indigenous voices, and other officials October 7, 8 and 15. The events will focus on citizen empowerment and include divergent perspectives on science, policy, activism, and arts and spirituality. The symposium will include information booths from a diverse selection of community organizations, and the booths are free for community organizations. They will be prioritized by actionable items of environmental concerns.
Topics covered will include “Indigenous Sovereignty and Land Use”, “Impacts of Phosphate Mining in Central Florida”, “The Urban Development Boundary in South Florida”, “The health of Biscayne Bay”, and much more.There will also be live music. Attendance is free but registration is required because space is limited. Lunch will be provided by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida to registered attendants.
Who: the Love the Everglades Movement
What: 4th Annual Everglades Symposium and Cleanup
When: Saturday, October 7, Sunday October 8, and Sunday, October 15, 2017
Where: Day 1 – Symposium at Miccosukee Resort & Convention Center, 500 SW 177th Ave, Miami, FL 33194
Day 2 – Workshops at Florida International University Modesto Maidique campus, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199
Day 3 – Everglades clean-up on the Tamiami Trail
More information: www.lovetheeverglades.org/symposium-2017.html
Florida Realtors Kicks Off ‘Amendment 2 is for Everybody’ Campaign
Florida Realtors, the state’s largest professional trade association, officially kicked off its campaign to pass Amendment 2, which gives voters the chance to make a 10 percent cap on annual non-homestead property tax increases permanent. It will appear on the 2018 general election ballot.
Prior to the 10 percent cap, if the value of a business owner’s property increased significantly compared to the previous year, they could see their property tax bill skyrocket. Owners of investment homes also faced steep property tax hikes, which could be passed along to tenants in the form of higher rents.
“Amendment 2 really is good for everybody because if the non-homestead tax cap expires in 2019, every Floridian will be negatively impacted in some way,” says Florida Realtors President Maria Wells. “Whether it’s a business having to increase the cost of their goods and services or tenants having their rent go up a significant amount, communities across the state will suffer.”
Florida Realtors, along with its coalition partners, is planning a comprehensive, direct-to-voter campaign over the next 14 months. The campaign theme, “Everybody is for Amendment 2, because Amendment 2 is for Everybody” signifies the importance the measure holds for every citizen of the state.
“In the current age of partisanship, it’s often difficult to find an issue that people with different viewpoints can agree on, but with Amendment 2 we did just that,” says Carrie O’Rourke, vice president of public policy for Florida Realtors. “The Florida Senate passed it unanimously, and the House was right behind them with 97 percent voting in favor of the referendum. That level of bipartisanship speaks volumes for the widespread benefits Amendment 2 offers.”
The 10 percent cap on non-homestead properties was part of the Save Our Homes portability constitutional amendment voters approved in 2008. The 10 percent cap portion of the amendment sunsets on Jan. 1, 2019.
The kick-off includes the launch of the campaign’s website, www.EverybodyIsFor2.com which features a video outlining the benefits of the amendment.
Florida League of Cities Conference to Feature Former Dallas Police Chief David Brown, NLC President Matt Zone, J.M. “Mac” Stipanovich
Workshops to cover opioid epidemic, 5G wireless
infrastructure, cyber security, disaster recovery
The Florida League of Cities will hold its 91st Annual Conference on August 17-20 at the World Center Marriott in Orlando. This year’s conference will feature workshops and speakers to help municipalities prevent, neutralize, and respond to possible threats to their communities.
“My year-long presidential initiative ‘Safe Cities, Safe Florida’ has focused on developing training and resources to help local leaders build safer communities,” said Florida League of Cities President and Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie. “Be it a hurricane, tornado, active shooter, sinkhole, or wildfire, cities are on the front line of protecting their residents during a crisis. No two cities in Florida are exactly the same, but regardless of the issues we face, we can work together to create safer communities for all of Florida.”
This year’s conference will provide attendees with tools to help Florida cities address some of the most pressing issues facing them, including the opioid epidemic, road safety, disaster recovery, and cyber security. Keynote speakers include former Dallas Police Chief David Brown, who will recap the day he lost several officers to an active shooter and describe how the city recovered and lessons learned from the tragedy.
Conference attendees will also hear keynote presentations from National League of Cities President Matt Zone, a Cleveland, Ohio, city council member; and J.M. “Mac” Stipanovich, a prominent Florida attorney who represents the Florida League of Cities, as well as other individuals and entities, before state government agencies, the governor and Cabinet, and the Legislature.
Workshops on topics ranging from social advocacy and wireless communication infrastructure to city ballot initiatives and Florida’s Constitution Revision Commission will provide valuable information to help city officials from municipalities of all sizes. Technical assistance and resource materials will be available in the Municipal Marketplace throughout the conference.
At the new Grants Expo, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from various federal, state, and nonprofit organizations about their grant programs, including housing, historic preservation, emergency management, and economic development.
During the annual conference, members of the League’s Legislative Committee will discuss and present the organization’s legislative priorities for the 2018 legislative session for approval by the membership. Approved items will become the League’s 2018 Action Agenda.
Registration will be available on site. Members of the media are welcome.
ICUF Institutions Announce Expansion of Online Degree Programs
Florida Independent Colleges Adding Additional Resources to Meet
the Growing Demand for Increased Access to Higher Education
The Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) today announced a significant increase in availability of online degree programs offered by member institutions across the state.
Florida’s independent colleges and universities are currently offering more than 500 fully online degree programs, an increase of 9 percent from 2016. More than 22 percent of ICUF’s 157,000 students are taking advantage of these programs, highlighting the wide range of options available to traditional and non-traditional students. Additionally, ICUF institutions offer nearly 60 fully online graduate certificate programs, allowing working professionals to increase their skills and certifications in a convenient way.
“As technology advances, access to higher education becomes more widely available, creating tremendous potential for students who seek online degree options specifically tailored to their needs,” said Dr. Ed Moore, president of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida. “The Higher Education Coordinating Council (HECC) has set a goal of 55 percent postsecondary attainment by 2025 and ICUF schools have risen to the occasion offering more programs designed to meet that goal. By creating more options online for non-traditional students, ICUF is pursuing innovations that better fit the needs of Florida’s students who are at the center of expanding Florida’s economy and creating a more robust workforce.”
Twenty of ICUF’s 30 institutions are now offering multiple online degree programs. The online degree programs cover a wide range of subjects including science, technology, engineering and math fields.
To view and search available programs, visit the ICUF Distance Learning Database or click here.
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Gov. Scott Appoints Three to Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Jim Holton, Melanie Griffin, and Cliff Manuel to the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority.
Holton, 63, of Indian Shores, is the president and owner of Holton Companies. He received his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and his law degree from Boston University. Holton is appointed as chair for a term beginning August 15, 2017, and ending August 15, 2019.
Griffin, 36, of Tampa, is a shareholder at Dean Mead Law Firm. She received her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and juris doctorate from Florida State University and is appointed for a term beginning August 15, 2017 and ending August 15, 2019.
Manuel, 59, of Brooksville, is the CEO of Coastal Engineering Associates, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and is appointed for a term beginning August 15, 2017 and ending August 15, 2019.
Gov. Scott Appoints Mike Bell to District Board of
Trustees, Florida State College at Jacksonville
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Mike Bell to the District Board of Trustees, Florida State College at Jacksonville.
Mike Bell, 53, of Fernandina Beach, is the vice president of public affairs at Rayonier, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. Bell succeeds Dr. Patricia White and is appointed for a term beginning August 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Hillsborough County Aviation Authority
Governor Rick Scott announced today the reappointments of Brigadier General (Ret) Arthur “Chip” Diehl, III and Gary Harrod to the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority.
Diehl, III, 63, of Tampa, is the managing director of Diehl and Associates and a retired Brigadier General with the United States Air Force. He received his bachelor’s degree from the United States Air Force Academy and his master’s degree from the University of Southern California. He is reappointed for a term beginning August 15, 2017 and ending July 1, 2021.
Harrod, 68, of Tampa, is the CEO of Harrod Properties, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University. He is reappointed for a term beginning August 15, 2017 and ending July 1, 2021.
Gov. Scott Reappoints Ron Duell to Jackson County Hospital District
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Ron Duell to the Jackson County Hospital District.
Ron Duell, 73, of Alford, is the former assistant vice president of SunTrust Investment Services. He is reappointed for a term beginning August 15, 2017, and ending July 31, 2018.
Fugitive Facing 375 Years in Prison Arrested After Years on the Run
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution today announced the arrest of a man wanted in connection to drug diversion schemes after five years on the run. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Gil Hevia, 47, this week in Orlando.
Hevia is involved in a drug diversion enterprise operating in Florida, Puerto Rico and Texas, involving the buying and selling of more than $40 million in black market pharmaceuticals. These drugs included anti-depressants, anti-psychotics and HIV medications.
Additionally, Hevia is involved in a separate but similar multistate drug diversion ring that orchestrated the purchase of millions of dollars of medications on the black market. This criminal enterprise operated from Florida to Tennessee, Michigan, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. The defendant purchased the black market drugs primarily from Medicaid recipients in Florida and New Jersey, and then resold the drugs to pharmacies in the Northeastern United States.
Attorney General Bondi’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, with the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, investigated both cases. For more information about these cases, click here and here.
Between the two cases, Hevia faces several felony charges related to trafficking in contraband prescription drugs, Medicaid fraud, money laundering and organized scheme to defraud. If convicted of all charges, Hevia faces up to 375 years in prison. Attorney General Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute these cases.
ICYMI: NBC 6 Miami: Gov. Scott Aims to Make it Harder to Raise Taxes and Fees
“Gov. Scott Aims to Make it Harder to Raise Taxes and Fees”
WTVJ-MIA (NBC) – Miami, FL
August 14, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
