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DSC Women’s History event launches matching challenge grant, honors trailblazer

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Funds to benefit students through Center for Women & Men

Daytona State College’s Center for Women and Men kicked off its 41st year of serving the area’s most vulnerable adult populations at the annual Women’s History Month luncheon that recognized its founders and honored local activist Cherise Wintz for her fundraising efforts on behalf of Operation Changing Lives, a Daytona Beach-based non-profit medical service organization.The March 30 luncheon also served to announce a matching challenge grant by longtime DSC friends and patrons Andrea and Larry Frank, who agreed to match donations aimed at supporting programs offered through the Center for Women and Men. 4.4.2017 cherise wintz
For nearly a decade, Wintz has helped raise thousands for Operation Changing Lives, which is dedicated to providing reconstructive surgeries to disadvantaged men, women and children suffering from facial disfigurements. Through a variety of annual fundraising events, the longtime owner of Cherise’s Salon and Cherise’s Heavenly Fitness has helped support the organization’s ability to expand its scope and bring toys and holiday cheer to hundreds of special needs children attending area schools.
“Today we honor a true trailblazer in Cherise Wintz for her dedication and service to others,” said DSC President Tom LoBasso in welcoming the capacity crowd to the event, held in the college’s Daytona Beach Campus Hosseini Center. “When she sees a need, she steps up to make a difference.”
Also stepping up at the luncheon were the Franks, who committed to match dollar-for-dollar donations to the DSC Foundation dedicated to the center – up to $10,000. “Andrea and Larry, we can’t thank you enough for your generosity and commitment to our mission,” said center Director Erin LeDuc. “On behalf of the entire college community and, in particular, the students served by the Center for Women and Men, please accept our sincere thanks and gratitude.”
4.4.2017 franksThe Franks noted they were moved to support the center’s most recent extension of services to DSC students and the community. “Larry and I are excited to kick off this challenge during today’s luncheon,” said Mrs. Frank. “We have witnessed first-hand the work that is done here and the way the Center for Women and Men is now expanding its programs and services to reach out and help lift the lives of even more people. It is truly life-saving for so many, and we are delighted and honored to be a part of that effort.”
By the time the luncheon ended, other donors had already committed nearly $1,300 to the challenge.
The theme for Thursday’s luncheon was “Celebrating Trailblazers in Our Community.” Fittingly, program organizers also recognized the center’s founders Ellen O’Shaughnessy and Deortha (Dot) Moore. In 1976, the now retired faculty members shared a vision to help remove barriers to education for women. Theirs was a mission founded on the premise that education and workforce training in a supportive and nurturing environment can lead one out of poverty and uncertainty into a life of independence, self-sufficiency and purpose.
Originally called the Women’s Center, for decades its focus was on helping displaced homemakers with little-to-no work experience, women who because of divorce, widowhood or other circumstances would come to learn new life skills, gain self-confidence and train for employment. Today, the Center for Women and Men reflects an expanded mission and scope dedicated to serving the needs of all students seeking to find their place in the ever-changing social and economic landscapes of our communities.
In addition to anchor programs such as Fresh Start, New Directions and CCAMPIS, the center has become a hub where all students in need can seek out services and help in one central location. The center’s new Falcon Fuel food pantry is helping to mitigate food insecurity among DSC students, an issue that, along with homelessness, has become a growing concern with colleges and universities across the nation. The center also provides temporary emergency bus passes to help students get back and forth to classes, and a lending library helps students offset the cost of textbooks. Further, students wanting to achieve a professional image for job interviews can use the center’s Clothes Closet to look their best.
For information on how to donate to the challenge grant, visit donate.daytonastate.edu or call (386) 506-3110.

FLACP Responds to PSC Reform Bill Committee Passage

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Statement by Brad Ashwell, The Florida Alliance for Consumer Protection’s
Legislative Director, in Response to today’s committee passage of legislation
to reform the Florida Public Service Commission in the House Government Operations & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee 

“HB7071 took an important first step this morning. The Florida Alliance for Consumer Protection (FLACP) commends Representative Kathleen Peters (R – St. Petersburg) for pushing much needed reforms to the PSC and Representative Blaise Ingoglia (R – Spring Hill) for allowing the bill to be heard in his committee. We hope members of the House Commerce Committee will support the bill in it’s next stop. 

The PSC has made a number of questionable decisions over time relating to ratemaking and cost recovery that have directly and severely impacted Florida’s consumers. FLACP supports reforms to the commission that would ensure consumer interests are at the forefront of their concerns or at least on a equal footing with the large investor-owned electric utilities. 

HB7071 contains good provisions relating to a performance based ratemaking process that will align a company’s allowed profits with their performance. This includes the consideration of important criteria such as utility costs, custom service, system reliability and energy efficiency, among others. There are also several good government provisions relating to term-limits and the revolving door that may create greater separation between the commission and the industries they regulate. In theory, this could increase the likelihood that they will place consumer interests on a more equal footing with that of the industries in their decision making. 

Placing the Office of the Public Counsel (OPC) within the Attorney General’s office is likely to be a positive move. The office needs greater independence and could more aggressively advocate for consumers in the proposed scenario depending on the Attorney General. FLACP supports the changes in the proposed bill as it would be an improvement over the current situation. However, a completely independent office with it’s own funding stream would be far more ideal.”

Media Advisory: Press conference with Sen. Thurston regarding Stand Your Ground legislation

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State Senator Perry Thurston (D-Ft. Lauderdale) will join fellow Democrats tomorrow morning in a press conference to highlight the Pandora’s box poised to open should Stand Your Ground legislation win final passage in the House on Wednesday.
The press conference will be held at 11:30 am Wednesday, April 5th, 2017, in front of House Chambers, 4th floor of the Capitol.

Governor Rick Scott Highlights Job Creation at Boston Whaler

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Governor Rick Scott visited Boston Whaler to highlight the company’s recent job creation. In 2015, the company completed an 18-month expansion project that led to the creation of more than 120 new jobs. Since the completion of that expansion, Boston Whaler has created more than 160 additional jobs and now employs nearly 750 Floridians. Boston Whaler has been manufacturing boats in Florida since 1988.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to recognize Boston Whaler’s ongoing success in Florida following the completion of their expansion project two years ago. Their expansion would not have been possible without Enterprise Florida, and now nearly 750 Floridians have great jobs. Boston Whaler is a great example of why Enterprise Florida works: the economic incentives EFI offered helped Boston Whaler invest in our state, and our focus on making Florida business-friendly has led to years of further growth at Boston Whaler. I look forward to seeing their continued success in our state.”
Boston Whaler President Nick Stickler said, “We appreciate Governor Scott for visiting our facility today and for recognizing our hard-working team members. Boston Whaler is proud of the opportunities we have been able to create for Florida families with the support of Enterprise Florida and our local economic development partners. The relationship we have maintained with EFI and their local partners over the years has made a great difference for our company, and we look forward to continuing working together. Boston Whaler is committed to creating the safest, easiest to own, and most exciting boats on the water, and Florida is truly the best place for our team to meet that goal.”
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ICYMI: Cortes Asks Governor Scott to Remove State Attorney

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bob cortes logoState Representative Bob Cortes releases a statement calling
for State Attorney Aramis Ayala’s removal from office.

In case you missed it, State Representative Bob Cortes issued the statement below following a press conference earlier today at the Capitol:
“I applaud Governor Scott’s executive orders that reassign all 21 of State Attorney Aramis Ayala’s first-degree murder cases to State Attorney Brad King. I appreciate the Governor’s decisive action to pursue justice for the victims of the unspeakable crimes represented by these cases.”
“In light of State Attorney Ayala’s insistence that she will not consider capital punishment in any case, no matter how horrific, I continue to believe justice would best be served by her suspension from office, and I urge Governor Scott to seek her removal.”
About Bob Cortes for State Representative
Bob was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2014.  Previously, he served as mayor of Longwood and on the Longwood City Commission beginning in November 2009. In 2012, he was re-elected to a second term. He is a member of the Seminole County Community Traffic Safety Team and a graduate of the Florida League of Cities Institute for Elected Municipal Officials. He is a member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). With this organization, Bob has participated in several institutes, including the Newly Elected Leadership Institute, the Redistricting Institute, and the Fiscal Policy Institute hosted by NALEO and the Kellogg School of Business. Bob grew up in New York and Puerto Rico and moved to Central Florida in 1989. He founded Cortes Towing Service, a successful small business now in operation for over two decades. In 2011, he started another venture, Cortrans Shuttle Service, a transportation provider that serves Orlando Sanford International Airport, Orlando International Airport, the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal, and area attractions. He was recently named one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. He and his wife, Virginia, are members of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs. They are blessed with three grandchildren.
ON THE WEB:  www.bobcortes.com

Paid by Bob Cortes, Republican, for State Representative

President Negron Discusses Plan for Major Water Storage Expansion

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Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) today filed an amendment to Senate Bill 10, Water Resources, which furthers the goal of reducing and eventually eliminating harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee. The legislation continues to prohibit the use of eminent domain, leveraging land already owned by the State of Florida and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), land swaps, and purchases, to minimize impacts on agricultural workers while achieving 240,000 to 360,000 acre feet of storage. The amendment also provides grants to establish training programs for agricultural workers.
“I promised my constituents that we would dramatically expand southern storage by leveraging existing water infrastructure, and utilizing a combination of state, local, and private land, in a manner that respects the interests of the agricultural community and private land owners,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). “This legislation will ensure we achieve that goal and provide measureable results in a reasonable amount of time.”
“We have incorporated the feedback gained from months of conversations with the agricultural community, scientists, business owners, community advocates, and others to develop a meaningful solution to address the plague of harmful, polluted discharges, while at the same time taking steps to improve the economic circumstances of our fellow citizens who live in communities south of the Lake,” said Senator Bradley.
“The status quo is not acceptable for anyone. The harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee are causing horrible impacts to the health of both our citizens and our economy East and West of the Lake. Meanwhile, communities like Pahokee, Belle Glade, and South Bay are facing extremely high levels of unemployment, while a great many families are living in poverty,” continued President Negron. “Strategic southern storage addresses the environmental and economic challenges facing communities, families, and businesses on all sides of the Lake.”
The Strike-All Amendment to SB 10/PCS 601444 does the following:

  • Revises the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project to require the SFWMD to develop a plan to provide a minimum of 240,000 acre-feet of storage through a deep storage reservoir and water quality treatment features, using the A-2 parcel, land swaps, and purchases. The district may consider alternate configurations using the A-1 parcel if a minimum of 360,000 acre-feet of additional storage can be achieved (60,000 acre-feet currently provided by A-1 FEB).
  • Requires the SFWMD to use DMSTA2 modeling to determine the amount of acreage needed in order to meet water quality standards.
    • Directs the SFWMD to negotiate modifications of lease terms on state and district owned lands to make land available for the reservoir project.
    • Directs SFWMD to negotiate for the acquisition of privately owned property if needed for the reservoir project through purchase or land swap.
    • The bill terminates the current PRIDE work programs on state owned land using inmate labor for agricultural work in light of the high unemployment rate in the EAA for these types of jobs. This land would then be available to swap for any privately owned land needed for the reservoir project further minimizing any impact on agricultural workers in the EAA.
  • Establishes a number of timelines for achieving milestones for approval of the post?authorization change report and requires reporting to the Legislature.
  • Moves up the date for the EAA reservoir project planning study to commence if Congressional approval of the post-authorization change report has not occurred.
  • Clarifies that ongoing Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects will continue to receive funding.
  • Authorizes the district to begin planning and discussion with the owners of the C-51 Reservoir project to determine if the state should acquire or enter into a public private partnership for this water storage facility that will add approximately 60,000 acre?feet of storage south of the Lake.
  • Establishes the Everglades Restoration Agricultural Community Training Program in DEO for the purpose of stimulating and supporting training and employment programs, to match state and local training programs with identified job skills associated with non-agricultural employment opportunities in areas of high agricultural unemployment.  The bill expresses the Legislature’s intent to promote the implementation of the Airglades Airport in Hendry County and an inland port in Palm Beach County to create job opportunities in areas of high agricultural unemployment.
  • Establishes a revolving loan fund to provide funding assistance to local governments and water supply entities for the development and construction of water storage facilities.
  • Revises the uses of the Water Protection and Sustainability Program Trust Fund to include the water storage facility revolving loan program.
  • Provides funding for the reservoir projects, including an authorization to bond funds from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund (LATF). The total cost is reduced from $2.4 billion to approximately $1.5 billion, half of which could be paid by the federal government. The amendment includes an appropriation of $64 million from the LATF for the 2017-18 Fiscal Year.
  • Allows for funds not spent on the reservoir projects to be used for other Everglades Restoration projects as provided in Legacy Florida.

Background:
Record rainfall this past year resulted in unseasonably high water levels in Lake Okeechobee, which threatened the integrity of the Herbert Hoover Dike. To maintain safe water levels, the Army Corps of Engineers authorized the release of billions of gallons of water from the Lake to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers. Such freshwater discharges cause significant environmental damage by lowering the salinity levels of the estuaries and introducing pollutants into coastal waters. Due to the discharges this summer, massive amounts of toxic algae that originated in Lake Okeechobee were sent to the estuaries and coastal waterways.
As a result of the high volume discharges, coastal communities experienced enormous harmful algal blooms with devastating impacts not only to the ecology of local waterways, but also to residents, fishermen, and local businesses. The extent and severity of the blooms resulted in Governor Scott declaring a state of emergency in four Florida counties.
The amendment will be considered at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, when Senate Bill 10 is heard in the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Gov. Scott Discusses Economic Impacts of EFI and VISIT FLORIDA

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Gov. Scott Discusses Economic Impacts of EFI and VISIT FLORIDA
with Education Leaders and Students in Jacksonville

Governor Rick Scott today hosted a Fighting for Florida Jobs Roundtable with local education leaders, students and job creators at Florida State College at Jacksonville to discuss how economic development programs like Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA help create job opportunities for Florida graduates.

FDOT Public Hearing: County Road 470 Project Development & Environment Study

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Project limits are from C.R. 527 to Florida’s Turnpike in Sumter and Lake Counties

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is hosting a public hearing regarding the Project Development & Environment (PD&E) study for County Road (C.R.) 470, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at Lake Panasoffkee Recreation Park East Wing Meeting Room located at 1589 County Road 459, Lake Panasoffkee, Florida 33538.
The study limits are along C.R. 470 from C.R.527 to Florida’s Turnpike in Sumter and Lake Counties, which extends 10.6 miles. The proposed widening of C.R. 470 improves capacity, enhances safety, and provides for long-term mobility needs within the study corridor. This involves a localized realignment to create a continuous C.R. 470 corridor intersecting US 301 in a single location. The recommended improvements also require a portion of SR 471 to be reoriented following the C-528 corridor south of Sumter State College. http://c-470study.com/
The hearing will begin as an open house at, with a formal presentation at 6:00 p.m.
The purpose of this public hearing is to present the recommendations of the PD&E Study, and to receive public comment. The concept to be presented reflects public input received at the Alternatives Public Meeting held in June of 2016, as well as detailed engineering and environmental evaluations that have been performed to provide the documentation information necessary for FDOT to reach a decision on the type, design, and location of the improvements. The hearing also includes planned location, design and operation of driveways, side street connections, median openings, and traffic signals.
Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Sophia Villavicencio-Ortiz, Public Involvement Coordinator, by phone at 407-839-4006, or via email at [email protected] prior to the hearing. 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).
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 via email at [email protected].
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pursuant of 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.

Clyde Butcher Presents at the Museum of Florida History

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Florida Department of State

MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary of State Ken Detzner and the Museum of Florida History invite the press to a special presentation by Clyde Butcher, Florida—Where Water, Earth & Heaven Meet.

DATE AND TIME: Thursday, April 6, 2017, from 4:30–7:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m. – Special media tour of Preserving Eden: Clyde Butcher’s Florida Photographs
5:00 p.m. – Clyde Butcher will be available to speak to the media
5:30 p.m. – Public reception begins
LOCATION: Museum of Florida History, R. A. Gray Building
DESCRIPTION: Internationally-renowned landscape photographer Clyde Butcher speaks about his adventures in photographing Florida’s landscapes, trekking across the state and hiking into swamps with his large-format camera to capture amazing images.
Media personnel are invited to speak with Clyde Butcher immediately following a special media tour of the exhibit at 4:30.
The public program begins at 5:30 with a reception of light refreshments.
Clyde Butcher’s presentation starts at 6:15, followed by a book signing. Visitors can explore the traveling exhibit Preserving Eden: Clyde Butcher’s Florida Photographs, during the Museum’s special evening hours.
Promotional materials will be available.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF FLORIDA HISTORY
The Museum of Florida History is part of the Florida Department of State’s Office of External Affairs and is located in the R. A. Gray Building at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon to 4:30 p.m.  Free parking is available in the garage next to the R. A. Gray Building.

Governor Scott Proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month

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Events statewide will raise awareness to prevent child abuse

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Governor Rick Scott issued a proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is teaming up with community partners across Florida to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month. DCF will host and participate in statewide events designed to educate and engage communities in protecting the state’s most vulnerable children.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Florida. As a father and a grandfather, I know how important it is that Florida’s children have a safe and caring home. By raising awareness and staying active in our communities, we can all make strides to prevent child abuse.”
DCF Secretary Mike Carroll joined First Lady Ann Scott this morning to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month by planting a pinwheel garden at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “I’m honored to launch the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign to promote healthy, happy childhoods for Florida’s children. As I visit with students throughout the state, I’m reminded of the important role we all play in helping children thrive. I truly believe that every child deserves a loving and supporting home to grow and learn, and I encourage all Floridians to engage in activities that strengthen our families and communities.”
“By focusing on healthy child development and getting involved in our communities, we can ensure Florida’s children are safe, healthy, and thriving,” DCF Secretary Carroll said. “Whether you are able to open your home to a child as a foster or adoptive parent, become a volunteer in your community, advocate for a child, or find some other way to get involved, everyone can do something to contribute.”
Florida’s Pinwheels for Prevention campaign will also be recognized statewide, emphasizing the importance of healthy child development and positive parenting practices. The blue and silver pinwheels, which symbolize the happiness of childhood and vast opportunities for bright futures, will be displayed at local businesses, public offices, and schools across the state.
“All children deserve the opportunity to live healthy, happy childhoods,” said Chris Lolley, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Florida. “Every Floridian plays a role in supporting families and helping them thrive. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we urge individuals, groups, and communities to commit to taking simple actions that can make a difference in the life of a child.”
“Our goal throughout this month is to educate our communities on what child abuse looks like and how you can prevent it, as well as the services available to families in need,” said Florida Coalition for Children Board Chair Shawn Salamida, Director of FamiliesFirst Network of Lakeview. “The key to abuse prevention is a community focus on building strong families where children are not only safe but thrive.”
Statewide events and campaigns will serve to educate and engage Florida’s families and communities, advocating for the improvement of prevention and recovery efforts in order to protect the lives of vulnerable children.
Follow #Pinwheel and #GreatChildhoods on Twitter and Facebook to see photos of child abuse prevention events and pinwheel gardens from around the state. To find a Child Abuse Prevention Month event in your area, visit www.ounce.org/CAPevents.asp.
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873, Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-453-5145, or report online at www.floridaabusehotline.com.