Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement regarding the South Florida Water Management District’s announcement that for the Water Year 2017 monitoring period, the Everglades Water Quality Program achieved a 70-percent phosphorous reduction.
“We continue to make headway in restoring the health of the Everglades, and the Everglades Agricultural Area has, yet again, exceeded state-mandated goals with its phosphorous reduction achievement. This phosphorous reduction is a testament to the fact that Best Management Practices, which are science-based and implemented by farmers throughout Florida, are working and protect the quality and quantity of our water.”
The Everglades Agricultural Area is comprised of 470,000 acres of agricultural land south of Lake Okeechobee.
D.C. Needs to Start Rewarding Efficiency, not Inefficiency
By: Governor Rick Scott
I recently traveled to D.C. to fight for Florida as the U.S. Senate debated repealing and replacing Obamacare. For far too long, D.C. politicians have focused only on the grand bargain of repealing and replacing Obamacare, ignoring the opportunity to make incremental changes to get rid of the taxes and mandates and roll back the federal welfare state.
For decades, the federal government has been willing to spend more than it takes in. We all know this is not sustainable, leaving debt for our children and grandchildren – more than $19 trillion in debt and counting. The inaction we’ve seen on repealing Obamacare shows that hasn’t changed. Throughout this healthcare debate, a lot of people have been advocating for bigger government, and not a lot of people have been advocating for taxpayers. I will always advocate for Florida’s hardworking taxpayers.
While a new bill has been introduced this week, it has taken far too long to get rid of the disaster of Obamacare, and I fear the politicians in Washington will never find common ground on this critical topic. There is absolutely no question that Obamacare must be repealed immediately so Americans can actually afford to purchase health insurance.
To lower costs, fundamental reform to the Medicaid program is needed. Obamacare encouraged a massive expansion of Medicaid to cover able-bodied, working-aged adults, even as 600,000 elderly Americans and individuals with disabilities nationwide sit on waiting lists to access services through this program.
States like Florida that have run increasingly efficient Medicaid programs, and have not expanded Medicaid, must be rewarded and treated fairly under any bill. What’s concerning is that under the most recently proposed Senate bill, tax and spend states like New York will continue to be rewarded for running an inefficient Medicaid program.
Long before the Obamacare debate, New York ran a terribly inefficient Medicaid program for decades which ran up their state’s deficit and hindered their economy. Florida is the exact opposite. We have been efficient with our dollars while providing quality care to those who truly need Medicaid.
As a reward for its fiscal irresponsibility, for every dollar New York pays in federal income taxes, they receive a quarter back from the federal government for Medicaid. In comparison, Florida only receives 16 cents for every tax dollar that is sent to Washington. Current Congressional bills lock in past federal spending, which would make this inequity permanent.
That makes absolutely no sense. If Florida is going to get a smaller rate of return on its federal taxes, shouldn’t our federal taxes be cut? New York, with fewer residents than Florida, receives more than $33 billion per year for Medicaid while Florida receives less than $15 billion. How is permanently locking in these spending levels fair to Floridians when New York has been terribly inefficient with their taxpayers’ dollars? The federal government should cut income taxes for Floridians by 30 percent. This would put our share of federal Medicaid funding as a percentage of taxes paid on par with New York. This reduction would save Floridians thousands each year.
The federal government must start rewarding efficient states like Florida and stop rewarding inefficient states. Our taxpayers deserve nothing less.
Monroe and Pasco District Teachers of the Year Honored with Special Distinction During the Annual Awards Breakfast
Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today presented Samantha Hooper, a fourth grade teacher at Key Largo School in Monroe County, with the Mary J. Brogan “Excellence in Teaching” award and $1,000. Robert Patterson was also the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Brian Dassler Outstanding Teacher/Leader Award, which was established to honor the legacy of the late educator whose passion for teaching and lifelong learning inspired everyone he met.
“In her six years as an educator, Samantha Hooper has made a tremendous impact on her students, colleagues, school leadership and community, and I am honored to recognize her as this year’s Mary J. Brogan ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award recipient,” said Commissioner Stewart.
Samantha Hooper’s principal at Key Largo School described her as an engaging teacher who sets high standards for her students and herself and who is always looking for ways to improve her practice and help those around her reach their full potential. Recognizing the value of extracurricular activities, she is involved in her students’ athletic endeavors, performances and competitions outside of the classroom. In her community, she has supported non-profit organizations to benefit student scholarships, cancer research, hospice, the humane society, and the arts.
The Mary J. Brogan “Excellence in Teaching” award is named in honor of the late Mary J. Brogan, a third grade teacher and elementary principal, to recognize extraordinary educators who instill passion, joy and love of learning in their students. The award is presented to a district teacher of the year who goes above and beyond the classroom experience.
During the annual awards breakfast, Commissioner Stewart also presented Pasco County Teacher of the Year Robert Patterson with the newly established Dr. Brian Dassler Outstanding Teacher/Leader Award. Patterson is a fifth grade teacher at Veterans Elementary School, where he has built strong relationships with his students and fostered a culture of learning and sharing without judgment. Described as a natural leader, Patterson was integral in the creation of the school’s Professional Learning Communities, which bring together teams of educators to analyze instruction and outcomes and develop strategies to help struggling students.
Commissioner Stewart said, “Above all else, Dr. Brian Dassler believed that, with dedication and the right training, anyone is capable of achieving anything. Robert Patterson embodies so many of the qualities that I admired about Dr. Dassler, and it is my pleasure to recognize his passion for teaching with the inaugural Dr. Brian Dassler Outstanding Teacher/Leader Award.”
In March 2017, the education community lost one of its brightest stars with the passing of Deputy Chancellor of Educator Quality Dr. Brian Dassler. An avid social media user, Dr. Dassler was known for remaining in contact with past students and colleagues and for continuing to celebrate in their success even when separated by countless miles. Through this award, each year during the Teacher of the Year Roundtable, the Florida Department of Education will honor a Florida educator who personifies the values that made Dr. Dassler stand out among the crowd.
The awards breakfast concluded the annual Florida Teacher of the Year Roundtable, a four-day event, which provides district teachers of the year with opportunities for professional development, networking and celebration with education leaders and one another. Education partner representatives at this week’s events expressed their appreciation for Florida’s hard-working educators and their commitment to educational excellence in Florida.
The following organizations’ contributions made the week particularly special for these outstanding educators.
Macy’s (Premiere Sponsor)
Blue Man Group
Florida Lottery
Helios Education Foundation
Herff Jones
Universal Orlando
Florida Education Foundation
Annett Bus Lines
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
ICYMI: Miami Herald Recommends Mallea for House District 116
Yesterday, citing his solid experience and ideas, the Miami Herald released its endorsement of Jose Mallea in the Republican special primary election for House District 116. The text is below or you may read it by clicking here.
The Herald recommends Jose Mallea in the Republican primary race for House District 116
The race to replace disgraced state Sen. Frank Artiles, who resigned during this year’s legislative session, has had a domino effect. State Rep. Jose Felix Diaz resigned his seat in the House to run for the Senate, leaving a vacancy in House District 116 that three candidates are vying to fill. The Democrat, Gabriela Mayaudon, has no primary opposition. However, two Republicans want the chance to run against her.
The Editorial Board went from impressed to distressed as its interview with Jose Mallea and Daniel Perez wore on.
When discussing the issues, each came across as committed to public service and eager to help the district. This is Perez’s first run for elective office, and in some ways, it shows. He is an attorney who would work to bring his elderly constituents some property tax relief, a credible concern. Also high on his list of priorities are enhancing special education — he has an autistic brother — and cracking down on human trafficking. These, too, are important issues, however, not necessarily of the broad, overarching focus that could best serve the district, and the state.
Mallea, 40, a consultant and brewery owner, by far, has the meatier resume of political experience, one that should give him a huge advantage in the race, despite heavyweight backing from Republicans that Perez for some reason has garnered. In 1996, Mallea was a youth volunteer for presidential candidate Bob Dole, then moved on to George W. Bush’s Florida Victory 2000 campaign. From 2001 to 2005, he was a political appointee in the Small Business Administration, the White House, and the State Department. He was chief of staff for Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, campaign manager for Marco Rubio’s Senate run, Florida state director for Newt Gingrich’s presidential campaign, and senior adviser for national Hispanic Engagement for Jeb Bush’s push for the White House.
So what could be the problem here? Negative campaigning. Mallea has made much — too much — of Perez’s trip to Cuba with his fiancée, where she has family. They took engagement pictures. The trip was in accordance with Obama administration policy at the time and a journey many like Perez have taken.
Perez, 30, is working hard — too hard — to tie Mallea to what he says was a tax increase in Miami when he worked for Diaz. Really? Mallea was not an elected official and, he told the Board, there was no tax increase: Miami’s tax base grew, there was more revenue, and Diaz lowered the millage rate.
Then there’s Perez’s offensive pitch to voters in this majority Cuban-American district: He says that he is “the only Cuban-American in this race.” Mallea’s mother is Ecuadorian, his father Cuban.
And did we mention the court case? Mallea wants Perez ruled ineligible to run, citing a Miami Herald article that found Perez does not currently live at the address he listed. However, the state Constitution mandates that legislators live in the district they represent by Election Day. And Mallea, himself, recently moved into the district, he says.
As we said, distressing. Mallea, in particular, has solid experience and ideas on which to campaign: He supports sunshine laws, the push for renewable energy, would protect Florida’s coasts from oil drilling.
He supports charter schools and says the state of Florida prisons is in “crisis.”
The Herald recommends JOSE MALLEA in the Republican primary for House District 116.
Paid by Jose Mallea, Republican, for State Representative
CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff Announces Committee Assignments
Chairman Carlos Beruff today announced committee assignments for the 2017-2018 Constitution Revision Commission (CRC). According to the Rules of the Commission, the CRC consists of 10 standing substantive committees and two standing procedural committees.
Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “I am excited to announce committee assignments for the CRC, including the appointment of chairs and vice chairs for each committee. Establishing committees for the CRC means we can move forward on developing proposals that will benefit Florida families, businesses and students. Each Commissioner brings a unique set of talents and experience to this process. Committee assignments are based on preferences expressed by individual Commissioners while also ensuring each committee consists of a group of Commissioners with diverse backgrounds and complementary strengths.”
Committee assignments, including the chairs and vice chairs of each committee, are outlined below. The CRC committee meeting schedule will be developed by the Rules and Administration Committee at a future date. All committee meetings will be publicly noticed in advance and posted on flcrc.gov.
2017-2018 CRC COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Standing Substantive Committees
Bonding and Investments (Article VII)
- Chair, Commissioner Chris Smith
- Vice Chair, Jose “Pepe” Armas
- Commissioner Don Gaetz
- Commissioner Frank Kruppenbacher
- Commissioner Rich Newsome
- Commissioner Darryl Rouson
- Commissioner Bob Solari
Declaration of Rights (Article I)
- Chair, Commissioner Lisa Carlton
- Vice Chair, Commissioner John Stemberger
- Commissioner Erika Donalds
- Commissioner Emery Gainey
- Commissioner Marva Johnson
- Commissioner Arthenia Joyner
- Commissioner Gary Lester
Education (Article IX)
- Chair, Commissioner Marva Johnson
- Vice Chair, Commissioner Nicole Washington
- Commissioner Erika Donalds
- Commissioner Tom Grady
- Commissioner Darlene Jordan
- Commissioner Belinda Keiser
- Commissioner Patricia Levesque
- Commissioner Chris Sprowls
- Commissioner Pam Stewart
Ethics and Elections (Article VI, part of Article II)
- Chair, Commissioner Hank Coxe
- Vice Chair, Frank Kruppenbacher
- Commissioner Don Gaetz
- Commissioner Brecht Heuchan
- Commissioner Arthenia Joyner
- Commissioner Rich Newsome
- Commissioner Sherry Plymale
- Commissioner Bill Schifino
- Commissioner Chris Smith
Executive (Article IV)
- Chair, Commissioner Darlene Jordan
- Vice Chair, Commissioner Chris Sprowls
- Commissioner Pam Bondi
- Commissioner Jose Felix Diaz
- Commissioner Don Gaetz
- Commissioner Belinda Keiser
- Commissioner Chris Nocco
- Commissioner Pam Stewart
- Commissioner Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch
Finance and Taxation (Article VII)
- Chair, Commissioner Fred Karlinsky
- Vice Chair, Commissioner Tom Grady
- Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Armas
- Commissioner Jeanette Nuñez
- Commissioner Darryl Rouson
- Commissioner Chris Smith
- Commissioner Nicole Washington
General Provisions (Articles II, X, XI, and XII)
- Chair, Commissioner Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch
- Vice Chair, Commissioner Emery Gainey
- Commissioner Brecht Heuchan
- Commissioner Fred Karlinsky
- Commissioner Gary Lester
- Commissioner Jeanette Nuñez
- Commissioner Sherry Plymale
Judicial (Article V)
- Chair, Commissioner Bill Schifino
- Vice Chair, Commissioner Anna Marie Hernandez Gamez
- Commissioner Pam Bondi
- Commissioner Tim Cerio
- Commissioner Hank Coxe
- Commissioner Arthenia Joyner
- Commissioner Tom Lee
- Commissioner Roberto Martinez
- Commissioner Carolyn Timmann
Legislative (Article III)
- Chair, Commissioner Jose Felix Diaz
- Vice Chair, Commissioner Belinda Keiser
- Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Armas
- Commissioner Lisa Carlton
- Commissioner Tom Lee
- Commissioner Patricia Levesque
- Commissioner Darryl Rouson
Local Government (Article VIII)
- Chair, Commissioner Erika Donalds
- Vice Chair, Commissioner Chris Nocco
- Commissioner Emery Gainey
- Commissioner Bob Solari
- Commissioner John Stemberger
- Commissioner Carolyn Timmann
- Commissioner Nicole Washington
Standing Procedural Committees
Rules and Administration
- Chair, Commissioner Tim Cerio
- Vice Chair, Commissioner Sherry Plymale
- Commissioner Lisa Carlton
- Commissioner Hank Coxe
- Commissioner Jose Felix Diaz
- Commissioner Erika Donalds
- Commissioner Marva Johnson
- Commissioner Fred Karlinsky
- Commissioner Carolyn Timmann
Style and Drafting
- Chair, Commissioner Brecht Heuchan
- Vice Chair, Commissioner Carolyn Timmann
- Commissioner Tim Cerio
- Commissioner Anna Marie Hernandez Gamez
- Commissioner Tom Grady
- Commissioner Darlene Jordan
- Commissioner Frank Kruppenbacher
- Commissioner Gary Lester
- Commissioner Roberto Martinez
- Commissioner Jeanette Nuñez
- Commissioner Chris Sprowls
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION (CRC)
Once every twenty years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a thirty-seven member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research and possibly recommending changes to the Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the CRC would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. For additional information, visit flcrc.gov. Follow the CRC on Twitter and Instagram. Like the CRC on Facebook.
27-year-old Tallahassee resident claims $1 million prize in the $5,000,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game
The Florida Lottery announces that Grady Rutland, 27, of Tallahassee, claimed a $1 million prize in the $5,000,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $745,000.00.
Rutland purchased his winning ticket from Murphy Express Gas Station, located at 3891 West Tennessee Street in Tallahassee. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The $20 game, $5,000,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER, features six top prizes of $5 million, 30 prizes of $1 million, and more than $752 million in total cash prizes! This $20 game offers more than 16.8 million winning tickets, and overall odds of winning are one-in-2.99.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2016-17.
Mast-Gottheimer US-Israel Joint Missile Defense Act Passes House in NDAA
Bipartisan Measure will Further Develop Arrow 3 Missile Defense System
Congressmen Brian Mast (FL-18) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5)’s bipartisan U.S.-Israel Joint Missile Defense Act to further develop the Arrow 3 missile defense system today passed the House of Representatives as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Their bill to authorize the Secretary of Defense to conduct a test of the exoatmospheric anti-ballistic missile defense program was incorporated into the broader defense bill and passed the House on a bipartisan basis.
“I chose to volunteer alongside the Israeli Defense Forces because there is undoubtedly a benefit in our two countries working together to spread the values of freedom and democracy,” Rep. Mast said. “Collaborating on security through missile defense is critical to stability not just in the Middle East, but also throughout the world. Getting our bipartisan bill passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act is a big win in the fight against terror.”
“We must do everything possible to stop terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas,” Rep. Gottheimer said. “The bipartisan bill passed today will further key missile defense systems to protect Israel, our key ally in the region and buttress America’s fight against terror in the Middle East.”
The grave threat of missile attacks on Israel has been growing in both capacity and strength. Last year, Iran successfully launched two “Qadr II” ballistic missiles at a target in southeastern Iran approximately 870 miles away, in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231. The missiles were inscribed with the slogan, “Israel should be wiped off the Earth.” Hezbollah, designated by the Department of State as a terrorist organization, has an arsenal of approximately 120,000 to 150,000 rockets aimed at Israel.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Mast followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years. Following his service, Rep. Mast volunteered to serve alongside the Israel Defense Forces to show support for the freedom Israel represents throughout the Middle East and the world.
Leading advocate for Florida’s children re-imagines its brand promise
Children’s Home Society unveils new focus to help kids realize their full potential
Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), the state’s largest and most reputable provider of services to children and families, announced today the launch of a new upstream-focused brand initiative to reshape the future for Florida’s kids.
CHS’ direction focuses on delivering solutions that empower families through encouragement, education and guidance to raise safe, strong, happy children ready to realize their full potential.
“We’ve been helping children and families in crisis for more than 100 years. Yet, the number of children entering – and staying in – foster care continues to grow. The demand for our services continues to increase. So we asked ourselves how we could change the trajectory of lives before crisis strikes, before families entered the child welfare system,” said CHS President and CEO Michael Shaver. “The answer was simple: Work upstream to build bridges to success for these children. We can do the most good by empowering children and their families to find and build upon their strengths, to rise above the challenges and circumstances they face, and to open doors to new opportunities.”
Indeed, the challenges Florida’s children face today are daunting:
- Nearly one million children (23 percent) live in extreme poverty.
- One in four will suffer abuse or neglect, making them nine times more likely to engage in criminal activity and 25 percent more likely to experience teen pregnancy.
- Twenty percent of children suffer from a mental health challenge that, left untreated, will often lead to unemployment and incarceration; more than 70 percent of youth in the juvenile justice system struggle with a mental health challenge.
“These are complex challenges that require innovative, strategic solutions,” said Shaver. “We have been resolute in our determination to re-imagine the services we provide to turn these odds into opportunities for Florida’s children.”
Services and solutions CHS now provides to prepare children for success include:
- Early education and care – We guide children to reach key developmental, social and emotional milestones and prepare them to begin kindergarten on track, excited to learn and ready to realize their potential. Simultaneously, we empower their parents to set and achieve educational and employment goals, to create safe and healthy homes for their children, to manage stress and, ultimately, to break cycles of poverty and abuse.
- Community Partnership Schools – We address the key barriers to education – violence, hunger, housing instability, illness, behavioral health struggles and more – by bringing partners together in one place to serve students. Community Partnership Schools also offer children mentoring, leadership and after-school opportunities and empower parents to take a proactive role in their children’s education. This proven model is the only one of its kind in Florida.
- Counseling – Counselors meet children and families where it’s most convenient for them – at home, in the office or at school. CHS’ counselors go where no other providers are willing to go – from extreme rural communities to high-crime neighborhoods. In addition, children who also need psychiatry services can receive near-immediate access to a board-certified adolescent psychiatrist via CHS’ unique telepsychiatry partnership with UF Health, without which, most children would wait up to six months for an appointment. And just last week, CHS launched a new telehealth component, offering face-to-face video sessions between children and counselors; CHS is the only statewide organization that provides this service.
- CaseAIM: A transformational change in foster care management – Finding it unacceptable for children to spend years in foster care, CHS is addressing the root problem that contributes to such lengthy stays – turnover in case management – by changing the way the work is done. CHS developed CaseAIM in partnership with leading tech giants to modernize the case management system – the first and only organization in the country to do so.
- Tech Success – A one-of-a-kind online learning platform developed by CHS that helps kids – especially those in foster care and impoverished communities – develop the skills they need to stay on pace with their peers in school and prepare them for the next stage: college, employment and careers.
Other visible components that articulate CHS’ new brand initiative include an updated logo and new website.
The logo is bold in an industry known for its traditional branding. With a bold new direction, CHS adopted a logo distinct not only in look and color but also in meaning. Created using four core shapes defining CHS, the logo is built with:
- A circle, representing CHS’ CIRCLE of values: Caring, Integrity, Respect, Commitment, Leadership, Excellence;
- A square, representing CHS’ four core solution areas: Child welfare, early childhood education, counseling and community solutions/Community Partnership Schools;
- A right angle, representing the balance CHS brings to children, families and communities; and
- A star, representing the success children, families and communities find with CHS.
The brand color, gold, symbolizes the adage that “all that’s good is gold.”
The new website redesign features a responsive web platform for optimal viewing across a wide range of devices from desktop computers to tablets and mobile phones, necessary to reach families who may benefit from CHS’ services and solutions. With a geo-targeting feature, the website encourages users to share their location so they can easily find opportunities in their area – from services to events. The site also showcases CHS’ game-changing innovations as well as its rich history, community impact and legislative platforms.
About Children’s Home Society of Florida
On the front lines since 1902, Children’s Home Society of Florida is the oldest and largest statewide organization devoted to helping children and families. Children’s Home Society of Florida serves more than 50,000 children and family members throughout the state each year.
Florida DOE and Florida PTA Announce Family and Community Involvement Award Winners
Ten Florida schools were recognized today by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and the Florida Parent Teacher Association (PTA) with the Family and Community Involvement Award. Schools were honored during the PTA’s annual leadership conference.
“It is an honor to recognize these schools with the Family and Community Involvement Award,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “As a former teacher and principal, I have seen firsthand the importance of positive family impact and community involvement, and the effect it can have on the lives of our students. I applaud these schools for going above and beyond by proactively developing meaningful engagement with family and community members.”
“It is our extreme pleasure to host the Department of Education’s Family and Community Involvement Awards Breakfast,” said Florida PTA President Cindy Gerhardt. “Florida PTA has enjoyed many years of partnership with this event and I feel that it is the perfect opportunity to not only showcase the outstanding programs being created in our schools, but a way to bring together school leaders who believe that parent engagement is paramount. Whether the award winning schools have a PTA or not, it is the shared belief that ALL children do better when a parent or caregiver is engaged in their education that draws us together and inspires us to keep working side by side.”
The Family and Community Involvement Award is sponsored by the Florida Department of Education, Florida PTA, Wells Fargo and State Farm Insurance. It recognizes exemplary school practices that focus on increasing family involvement, welcoming families into the local school system, providing effective communication, supporting student success, and promoting collaboration with the community.
The 2016-17 Family and Community Involvement Award Winners are below.
REGION I
Santa Rosa County
Bagdad Elementary School
Bulldogs in the House
Leon County
Fort Braden K-8 School
Fort Braden Reads
REGION II
St. Johns County
Ocean Palms Elementary School
Change for a Change
Duval County
Mandarin High School
For the Love of Reading
REGION III
Orange County
Bay Lake Elementary School
Back to School Food Truck
Orange County
Freedom Middle School
Freedom Middle School Title I Family Involvement and Community Events
REGION IV
Manatee County
Daughtrey Elementary School
The Walking School Bus
Pinellas County
Countryside High School
Countryside High School Career Center and its College and Career Fair
REGION V
Palm Beach County
South Olive Elementary School
Latino Community Cares Event
Palm Beach County
Congress Middle School
Boys and Blue at Congress Middle School
For more information on Family and Community Outreach programs, visit http://www.fldoe.org/family/.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
Ocala man turns $5 into $500,000 playing GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game
The Florida Lottery announces that Luis Navas, 60, of Ocala, claimed a top prize in the $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He purchased his winning ticket from Circle K Gas Station, located at 5986 West Highway 40 in Ocala.
The $5 Scratch-Off game, $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER, launched in January, and features more than $182.8 million in prizes, including 44 top prizes of $500,000. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-3.98.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2016-17.
