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Rene Garcia Endorses Jose Mallea

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The District 36 Senator says Mallea’s business experience, conservative
convictions, and leadership skills make him the clear choice for District 116

The Jose Mallea Campaign today announced the endorsement of Senator Rene Garcia. He joins former Governor Jeb Bush and former House Speaker Will Weatherford in supporting Mallea in the special election for House District 116. Garcia represents District 36, which includes part of Miami-Dade County, in the Florida Senate.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Jose Mallea is highly qualified to be an outstanding member of the Florida Legislature,” said Garcia. “I look forward to working with him to strengthen our healthcare system, making sure our community receives the resources necessary to address the mental health and substance abuse crisis.”
Garcia was first elected to the Florida Senate in 2010, and he served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2008. In the Senate, he chairs the Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs and is Vice Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance and Tax.
“Rene Garcia is an excellent public servant, and I appreciate his support,” said Mallea. “I look forward to working with him and leaders across Miami-Dade County to strengthen our education system, lessen the tax burden on families and business owners, and increase opportunity for everyone in our community.”

The special primary election will be Tuesday, July 25, with the general election following on Tuesday, September 26.

Paid by Jose Mallea, Republican, for State Representative

Kissimmee man wins top prize playing $600,000,000 GOLD RUSH Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Donald Williams, 56, of Kissimmee, claimed a $3 million top prize in the $600,000,000 GOLD RUSH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
Williams chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $2,227,988.72. He purchased his winning ticket from Publix, located at 3839 Pleasant Hill Road in Kissimmee. The retailer will receive a $6,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The $20 Scratch-Off game, $600,000,000 GOLD RUSH launched in September 2014. The overall odds of winning are 1-in-2.95.
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.

Gov. Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Announce Florida Teacher of the Year

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Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today joined Florida Department of Education and Macy’s to announce Tammy Jerkins as the 2018 Teacher of the Year. Tammy is a secondary mathematics teacher from Leesburg High School in Lake County with 25 years of experience in public education. 
Governor Rick Scott said, “First Lady Ann Scott and I are proud to join Macy’s and the Florida Department of Education to recognize the 2018 Teacher of the Year, Tammy Jerkins. I’d like to thank all of these educators for their incredible impact on Florida students and I applaud their commitment to preparing them for higher education and successful careers. The workers and leaders of tomorrow are in our classrooms today and every day, Florida teachers go above and beyond to ensure their success.”

Gov. Scott Announces Lake County Educator as 2018 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year

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Lake County teacher receives a $25,000 check
from Florida Department of Education and Macy’s

Tammy Jerkins, secondary mathematics teacher from Leesburg High School in Lake County, was named the 2018 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year at the awards gala held tonight at Hard Rock Live at Universal Studios Orlando. Educators from throughout the state of Florida attended the event to celebrate excellence in education as well as Tammy’s friends and family to celebrate her accomplishment. The event was hosted by journalist Neki Mohan. Governor Rick Scott, First Lady Ann Scott, Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart, and Macy’s Executive Vice President Regional Director of Stores Dennis Witte were on-hand to make the announcement.
Governor Rick Scott said, “First Lady Ann Scott and I are proud to join Macy’s and the Florida Department of Education to recognize the 2018 Teacher of the Year, Tammy Jerkins. I’d like to thank all of these educators for their incredible impact on Florida students and I applaud their commitment to preparing them for higher education and successful careers. The workers and leaders of tomorrow are in our classrooms today and every day, Florida teachers go above and beyond to ensure their success.”
Dennis Witte, Macy’s Executive Vice President Regional Director of Stores said, “Teachers generously give of themselves every day to educate, inspire and motivate their students. By doing this, they elevate and empower future generations to achieve great things. Macy’s is thankful to have the opportunity to celebrate and honor Tammy Jerkins for the contributions she is making by ensuring our students are equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital to Florida’s success.”
This marks the 29th year of Macy’s sponsorship of the Florida Teacher of the Year program. Macy’s and the Florida Department of Education presented Jerkins with a check totaling $25,000, a $1,000 wardrobe, a $1,000 check for her school and an all-expense paid trip for four to New York City to attend this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart said, “Congratulations to Tammy Jerkins on being selected as Florida’s 2018 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Jerkins’ career has been marked by her commitment to excellence and service to Florida’s students. I look forward to working with her over the next year during her term as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education.”
The remaining four finalists were presented with a $17,535.00 check from the Florida Department of Education and Macy’s – Elementary school teacher Katelyn Fiori from Vero Beach Elementary School in Indian River County; Exceptional Education teacher Diego Fuentes from the Hillcrest School in Marion County; Elementary school teacher Michael Miller from Kissimmee Elementary School Elementary School in Osceola County; and Mathematics and AVID teacher Vanessa Ko from Palm Harbor Middle School in Pinellas County. Each of the finalists’ schools received a $1,000 check during each of the announcements.
For the 2018 Teacher of the Year program, Governor Rick Scott secured additional state funds for teachers in the program to significantly increase these awards honoring Florida’s top educators.
Additionally, Macy’s presented the Magic of Engagement Award to Keli Sare from Sallie Jones Elementary School in Charlotte County; the Magic of Believing Award to April Wallace from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind; the Magic of Leadership Award to Jason Kester from Mainland High School in Volusia County; and the Magic of Giving Back to Lauralee Mitchell from Shadeville Elementary School in Wakulla County. Each of these awards were presented to four educators who went beyond the basic job description with unique abilities to continue positive growth in their students.
For the past 29 years, Macy’s has annually contributed to the state-run Teacher of the Year program, making it one of the largest corporate cash contributions to Florida public schools. To date, Macy’s has contributed almost $3 million to teachers throughout the state.
The Florida Teacher of the Year was chosen from 195,744 public school teachers throughout the state by a Department of Education-appointed selection committee representing teachers, principals, parents and the business community. Florida’s top educator was selected on the basis of the superior ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional development, philosophy of teaching and outstanding school and community service. The most important qualification was the teacher’s ability to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.
During the gala event, the remaining 68 district winners from around the state were also recognized for their achievements and excellence in teaching. Each of the nominees were presented with a $10,880 personal cash award from the Department of Education and Macy’s.
About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 775 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

Sen. Bill Nelson statement on revised GOP health care bill

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Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on the revised Republican health care bill released today:
“This latest Republican health care bill is just as bad as the previous versions. It makes huge cuts to Medicaid, allows insurance companies to hike rates for older Americans and will take coverage away from millions of people. We need to be working together to improve our nation’s health care system, not make it worse. If approved, this bill will hurt a lot of Floridians and for that reason alone, I will oppose it.”

Floridians Proudly Stand Beside Venezuelans in Voicing Opposition to the Brutal Maduro Regime

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Governor Rick Scott today applauded the opportunity for Venezuelans to make their opposition against the Maduro Regime known through a straw poll this weekend. The straw poll is being hosted for Venezuelan citizens across the globe in response to efforts by the Maduro regime to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution to further support his own brutal dictatorship.
Governor Scott said, “This Sunday, the Venezuelan people have an opportunity to make their voices heard and send a powerful message of unity against Maduro and his gang of thugs. The State of Florida is fully committed to proudly standing side-by-side with the people of Venezuela who are bravely fighting for freedom and democracy. Maduro’s consistent rejection of democratic principles in favor of oppression and violence cannot be tolerated. That is why, in August, I will propose that the State of Florida be prohibited from doing business with any organization that supports the Maduro dictatorship. Floridians will continue to rally together with the Venezuelan people to support their right to freedom.”

Upcoming Meeting for the NE 36th Avenue Widening Project

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting a public meeting for the NE 36th Avenue design project, which begins at State Road (S.R.) 492 (NE 14th Street) and ends at NE 35th Street in Marion County.
The project has been divided into three segments:  Segment 1 (FPID 431798-2-52-01) is from S.R. 492 (NE 14thStreet) to NE 20th Place; Segment 2 (FPID 431798-3-52-01) is from NE 20th Place to NE 25th Street; and Segment 3 (FPID 431798-4-52-01) is from NE 25th Street to NE 35th Street. Segment 2 includes NE 36thAvenue going over the existing CSX railroad.
The improvements to all three segments of NE 36th Avenue include: widening the existing two-lane road to a four-lane roadway; five-foot buffered bicycle lanes; six-foot sidewalks; a 20-foot median; and drainage and signalization improvements. With the bridge over the CSX railroad in Segment 2, there also will be a Texas U-turn and access road to retain access to adjacent properties.
Additional right-of-way will be needed to accommodate these improvements. For Segments 1 and 3, right-of-way acquisition and construction are not funded. For Segment 2, right-of-way acquisition is funded in Fiscal Year 2017 and construction is funded in Fiscal Year 2019.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 20, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Marion County Growth Services Training Room (next to the Public Library) located at 2710 E. Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala. The meeting will be an open house format with a focus on the project refinements in Segment 2. Project information will be available for review along with the opportunity to provide public input. Throughout the meeting, a project presentation will run on a continuous loop. FDOT representatives will be available to discuss the project, answer questions, and receive comments.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, by phone at 386-943-5367 or by email at [email protected].
Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Laura Turner, Project Public Involvement Coordinator, by phone at 407-620-5095 or by email at [email protected] at least seven days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).
Project information will be available by going to www.cflroads.com.
For media-related questions, please contact the Florida Department of Transportation [email protected] / 386-943-5473.

Gainesville man claims top prize in the $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Timothy Costen, 41, of Gainesville, claimed a top prize in the $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game at the Florida Lottery’s Gainesville District Office. He purchased his winning ticket from Maa & Paa Grocery Store, located at 6410 Southwest 8th Avenue in Gainesville.
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.

PSC Again Reduces Monthly Surcharge for Florida Relay System

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For the second, consecutive fiscal year, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) reduced the monthly Florida Relay System (FRS) surcharge for telephone customers by one cent. Applied to landline customer bills, the reduced surcharge–from its current 11 cents to 10 cents–takes effect on September 1, 2017.
Today, the PSC also reduced Florida Telecommunications Relay Inc.’s (FTRI) proposed budget by more than $115,000, adjusting its legal and Regional Distribution Center expenses. The Commission ordered FTRI to supply further budget analyses on its legal billing and employee benefit expenses, with the results due by January 31, 2018.
“FRS provides a vital service to keep Florida’s deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired consumers connected to family, friends, and businesses,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Today’s budget reductions reflect customers’ continuing transition from landline to other technologies, but keeps FTRI well positioned to maintain reliable services for those depending on them.”
Florida law requires the PSC to approve an annual FTRI budget.  FTRI administers the statewide FRS that provides access to basic telecommunications services for more than 2.5 million Florida citizens who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired. Sprint Communications Company, L.P., is the current FRS provider.
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, FRS facilitates telephone calls between people with hearing loss or speech disabilities and other individuals by using specialized equipment and a communications assistance operator to relay information.
FTRI is a non-profit organization which contracts with 24 Florida regional distribution centers to assist consumers with specialized phone needs. For information on how to obtain the special equipment, call FTRI at 1-800-222-3448 (Voice) or 1-888-447-5620 (Text Telephone/TTY) or visit www.ftri.org.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.