Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Justin Dwayne Cross, 25, of 11316 Eagle Hill Drive, Riverview, on 20 counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of transmission of child pornography.
Cross worked at Child Care of Brandon, 730 Brandon Town Center Dr., Brandon, and previously at La Petite Academy, at 10025 Christina Dr., Riverview. Because of Cross’ interaction with children, anyone with additional information is asked to call FDLE at 813-878-7300.
The investigation began after agents received tips that Cross was distributing images depicting child pornography. The investigation further showed that between September 2016 and January 2017, Cross shared images of child pornography in chat rooms and through different websites.
The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a national network of coordinated task forces, Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office joined FDLE in the investigation and provided resources.
Cross was transported to the Hillsborough County jail for booking. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
CRC Announces Public Hearing at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City
MEDIA ADVISORY
The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) invites all interested Floridians to participate in a public hearing at Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) in Panama City on Wednesday, May 3 beginning at 4:00 PM Central Time (CT).
Members of the media wishing to attend are asked to bring their press credentials. The event will also be live-streamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org.
WHAT: Public hearing of the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC)
WHEN: Wednesday, May 3, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM CT (Doors open at 3:00 PM CT)
*End time is tentative depending upon attendance and public interest in speaking before the CRC. All Floridians wishing to speak before the CRC will be given an opportunity to be heard.
WHERE: BAY COUNTY
Gulf Coast State College (GCSC)
Amelia Center Auditorium
5230 West Highway 98
Panama City, FL 32401
GOOGLE MAP LINK: https://goo.gl/maps/X7n22FwPvN52
Individuals requiring an accommodation to participate in this public hearing (such as a sign language interpreter) are requested to notify the Constitution Revision Commission five days prior to the scheduled meeting date at [email protected] or 850.717.9550.
Florida PSC to Receive Hurricane Preparedness Briefing
Florida PSC to Receive Hurricane Preparedness Briefing
from Electric Utilities and Emergency Management
Florida’s electric utilities and emergency management will update the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) on their storm preparation efforts on Thursday, April 20, 2017.
During the PSC’s Annual Hurricane Preparedness Briefing, the CEOs of Florida’s five investor-owned utilities and executives from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association, the Florida Municipal Electric Association, and the Florida Department of Emergency Management will also discuss how customer needs are met during and after storm-related events, including restoration and communication efforts.
“With hurricane season beginning on June 1, our top priority is that the state’s IOUs are adequately prepared,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Demonstrating storm preparation begins at the top, and Commissioners want to hear about utilities’ hurricane preparedness plans for 2017, as well as any lessons learned from this past hurricane season.”
The briefing is scheduled for the following time and location:
Thursday, April 20, 2017
1:30 p.m.
Gerald L. Gunter Building, Room 105
2540 Shumard Oak Blvd.
Tallahassee, Florida
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Rep. Ausley Selected as One of Nation’s Top Pro-Growth Progressive Leaders
Representative Loranne Ausley (District 9, Tallahassee) was selected as one of 14 leaders from across the country to join the NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders), a selective national network of state and local leaders working to enact pro-growth progressive solutions in a diverse array of communities.
“We congratulate and applaud Loranne, who has shown a dedication to developing pro-growth, progressive policies that increase economic opportunity for everyone,” said Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell, Honorary Co-Chairs of the NewDEAL. “More than ever, we need to support outstanding state and local leaders who have innovative ideas that address the most important issues facing Americans in our new economy. We are committed to highlighting their work, while giving them the chance to learn from each other and replicate solutions that make government work better.”
The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable. Most importantly, the organization facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.
NewDEAL leaders have found broad support for their work, with 98 percent of members winning elections last November, across red, blue, and purple states, including eight elected to higher office. Four members were elevated to statewide office, including in the swing states of Pennsylvania and North Carolina. With today’s announcement of new members, the organization includes 152 officials from 46 states.
“The NewDEAL provides a unique and valuable opportunity for state and local leaders to learn from each other and develop policies that make today’s economy work better for everyone in our communities,” said Mayor Pete Buttigieg from South Bend, IN, who joined the network in 2012. “It’s clear that we need new voices with fresh ideas and an ability to get things done to reinvigorate the Democratic Party and address the challenges that have the greatest impact on our constituents – in education, job creation, and more effective government services. I’m thrilled that Loranne will join this effort to keep our country moving forward.”
Ausley, who previously served as state representative from 2000 – 2008 before winning election again in 2016, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring all residents of Tallahassee and throughout Florida can thrive, including through her long track record fighting to support public education and to provide opportunity for children from all backgrounds. In addition to her past work in the legislature, Ausley served as Chair of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, a $300 million public-private institution that provides health insurance for children in Florida. Ausley also served on the board of NewDeal from 2012-2016.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience on the NewDeal board, and I am honored to now join as a Leader. NewDEAL’s impressive national network includes a cross-section of public servants dedicated to expanding opportunity for everyone in the new economy, while making government work more effectively,” said Ausley. “I look forward to the opportunity to discover policies and share best practices with my colleagues in state and local government from across the country.”
Learn more about Representative Ausley and the NewDEAL by visiting http://www.newdealleaders.org/leaders.
The new class of NewDEAL Leaders includes:
Loranne Ausley, State Representative, Tallahassee, FL
Megan Barry, Mayor, Nashville, TN
Kate Bolz, State Senator, Lincoln NE
Jeff Bridges, State Representative, Denver, CO
Liz Brown, City Councilmember, Columbus, OH
Christopher Cabaldon, Mayor, West Sacramento, CA
Anthony Daniels, State Representative and House Minority Leader, Huntsville, AL
Jorge Elorza, Mayor, Providence, RI
Mat Erpelding, State Representative and House Minority Leader, Boise, ID
Ed Lee, Mayor, San Francisco, CA
Jon Mitchell, Mayor, New Bedford, MA
Levar Stoney, Mayor, Richmond, VA
Michael Tubbs, Mayor, Stockton, CA
Brian Turner, State Representative, Asheville, NC
50 Florida Schools Awarded HealthierUS School Challenge Designation in March
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that 50 more Florida schools earned HealthierUS School Challenge designations during March, bringing the current total of Florida’s HUSSC schools to 280. Under Commissioner Putnam’s leadership, the number of certified HUSSC schools has increased from 27 schools in 2012, when the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services assumed responsibility of the state’s school nutrition programs.
The HealthierUS School Challenge, a joint effort of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a voluntary certification initiative that recognizes schools’ efforts to improve food and beverage options, offer nutrition education and promote physical activity. Schools must meet specific criteria, such as providing smarter snacks and opportunities for physical activity.
“Nutritious meals are the key to academic success, and I applaud these schools for providing students with the building blocks for a healthy lifestyle,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
In an effort to expand the program, the department offers many resources to help school districts earn HUSSC certification, including specialists throughout the state to provide personal, hands-on support. The department continually certifies and recertifies schools, as schools must reapply for their HUSSC status every four years to maintain certification.
Schools can apply for four different award levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Award of Distinction. The following schools were awarded HUSSC designation in March:
Orange County Public Schools
- Waterbridge Elementary School (Gold)
Sarasota County School District
- Alta Vista Elementary School (Silver)
- Ashton Elementary School (Bronze)
- Atwater Elementary School (Silver)
- Bay Haven Elementary School (Bronze)
- Brentwood Elementary School (Silver)
- Cranberry Elementary School (Bronze)
- Emma E. Booker Elementary School (Silver)
- Englewood Elementary School (Bronze)
- Fruitville Elementary School (Bronze)
- Garden Elementary School (Bronze)
- Glenallen Elementary School (Silver)
- Gocio Elementary School (Silver)
- Gulf Gate Elementary School (Silver)
- Lakeview Elementary School (Bronze)
- Lamarque Elementary School (Silver)
- Philippi Shores Elementary School (Bronze)
- Southside Elementary School (Bronze)
- Tatum Ridge Elementary School (Bronze)
- Toledo Blade Elementary School (Bronze)
- Tuttle Elementary School (Silver)
- Venice Elementary School (Bronze)
- Wilkinson Elementary School (Silver)
The School District of Clay County
- Clay Hill Elementary School (Silver)
- Coppergate Elementary School (Silver)
- Lake Asbury Elementary School (Bronze)
- McRae Elementary School (Bronze)
- Middleburg Elementary School (Silver)
- Plantation Oaks Elementary School (Bronze)
- RideOut Elementary School (Silver)
- Ridgeview Elementary School (Silver)
- Tynes Elementary School (Bronze)
The School District of Lee County
- Challenger Middle School (Bronze)
- Diplomat Elementary School (Bronze)
- Gulf Elementary School (Bronze)
- Gulf Middle School (Bronze)
- Hancock Creek Elementary School (Bronze)
- North Fort Myers High School (Bronze)
- Orange River Elementary School (Bronze)
- Patriot Elementary School (Bronze)
- Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School (Bronze)
- Rayma C. Page Elementary School (Bronze)
- Veterans Park Academy for the Arts (Bronze)
The School District of Osceola County
- Deerwood Elementary School (Silver)
- Hickory Tree Elementary School (Silver)
- Kissimmee Elementary School (Silver)
- KOA Elementary School (Silver)
- Mill Creek Elementary School (Silver)
- Poinciana Elementary School (Silver)
- Reedy Creek Elementary School (Silver)
For more information about the HealthierUS School Challenge Initiative and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
ICYMI: WINK: Gov. Scott Wants $200 Million to Fix Herbert Hoover Dike
“Gov. Scott Wants $200 Million to Fix Herbert Hoover Dike”
WINK-FTM (CBS) – Fort Myers, FL
April 18, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Affordable Colleges Online Recognizes UNF for Distance Learning Excellence
AffordableCollegesOnline.org, a leader in higher education information, resources and rankings, has recognized the University of North Florida as a Best Online College of 2017 for its excellence in online learning.
The University was ranked for Best Online Master’s in Nutrition and Best Online Nutrition Degrees, both in the Brooks College of Health’s Nutrition and Dietetics Flagship Program; and Best RN to BSN Program in BCH’s School of Nursing Flagship Program.
“Being nationally recognized for our online programs is a testament to the exceptional education offered at our institution,” said UNF President John Delaney.
Only public, not-for-profit institutions were eligible for the ranking. The primary data points used to identify the Best Online Colleges of 2017 include the following:
- Regional accreditation
- In-state tuition and fees
- Percent of full-time undergraduate students receiving institutional financial aid
- Number of online programs offered
- Student-to-teacher ratio
“We wanted to honor the colleges and universities setting the bar for online learning,” said Dan Schuessler, CEO and founder of AffordableCollegesOnline.org “These schools are going above and beyond the industry standard to help make online education programs an excellent option and more affordable.”
AffordableCollegesOnline.org has distinguished its ranking scale by using a Peer-Based Value metric, or PBV. A “bang for your buck” metrics, the PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same or a similar qualitative score. It also compares the qualitative score of the program to the score of other programs with the same or a similar cost .
UNF was recently recognized by SR Education Group as one of the top university’s offering high quality online education at the best value, with the University being in the Top 10 among 25 universities across the country that made the list. Additionally, the University’s online Master’s in Nutrition Program was also recently identified as one of the top online master’s programs in the nation by Top Masters in Healthcare Administration.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org (http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/) began in 2011, featuring higher education institutions that have developed online learning environments that include highly trained faculty, new technology and resources as well as online support services to help students achieve educational and career success.
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.
Florida Supreme Court: New Posting, 4/18/2017, 9:25 a.m. ET
New material has been posted to the Supreme Court website in:
- Michelle Rhea v. Hernando County School Board (initial jurisdiction brief in school testing “opt out” case; filed late yesterday)
Follow the links at: http://www.floridasupremecourt.org.
AUSA First Militia Chapter to Host 23rd Annual Golf Tournament
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: The First Militia Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) will host their 23rd Annual Golf Tournament.
WHEN: Monday, April 24, from 8:30 a.m. until complete.
WHERE: The Golf Club at South Hampton, at 315 South Hampton Club Way in St. Augustine.
Format for the tournament is 4 Person Captain’s Choice.
The entry fee for the AUSA 23rd Annual Golf Tournament is $75.00 which includes green fees, cart, luncheon and prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place.
A luncheon and awards ceremony will be held on-site at the conclusion of the tournament. Golf shoes must be soft spikes only.
Hole prices include:
- Longest drive
- Closest pin
- Longest putt
- Chipping and putting contests (during the ceremony)
Tickets are available online at https://squareup.com/market/first-militia-chapter-ausa.
New York Times Pulitzer award-winning alum to talk at DSC April 20
Photo Credit: STEPHEN CROWLEY/THE NEW YORK TIMES
Stephen Crowley, a staff photographer for The New York Times, will give a presentation on “Photography, Art and Politics” at Daytona State College on Thursday, April 20, at 1 p.m., in room 118 of the Photography Building on the Daytona Beach Campus.
James Pearson, director of the college’s Southeast Museum of Photography, will lead a discussion following the talk and presentation of the award-winning photojournalist’s photographs.
A 1975 graduate of Daytona State’s School of Photography, Crowley started his career as a photographer at the Beacon News, a community paper in Jupiter, Florida. He joined the staff of The New York Times in 1992, primarily covering politics from their Washington Bureau. He is known for consistently taking risks in his photography and for employing complex compositions in newspaper photography long before the style became trendy.
Photo Credit: STEPHEN CROWLEY/THE NEW YORK TIMES
His political photographs show his Washington subjects warts and all, pushing the boundaries of photojournalism. In personal projects like “Crowleygraphs,” he combines two or more images of political and personal subjects, creating a sharp sense of irony.
In 2002, Crowley was named Photographer of the Year by the White House News Photographers’ Association for a portfolio that included his essays, “Voices of Afghanistan” and “A Day in the Life of President Bush.” That same year he won a Pulitzer Prize as part of a team of photographers shooting in Afghanistan. He received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C. In 2005 American Photo Magazine listed Crowley as one of 100 Most Important People in Photography. His personal photography has been exhibited in shows at the Library of Congress, National Geographic Society, Southeast Museum of Photography and the Corcoran Art Museum.
For further information, contact Dan Biferie, chair of DSC’s School of Photography, (386) 506-3581.
