Attorney General Pam Bondi is thanking the U.S. Department of Justice for today awarding Florida more than $8 million to assist the victims of the attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando last year.
“I am thrilled that my office will receive additional funding to help victims of the Orlando attack,” said Attorney General Bondi. “I want to thank the U.S. Department of Justice for awarding us the funds we requested so that we can continue to make payments and assist victims in any way possible.”
To date, the attack at Pulse nightclub is the deadliest mass shooting by a single individual, the most lethal incident of violence against the LGBTQ community in United States history and the largest terrorist attack in the country since 9/11. At the time of the shooting, more than 400 individuals occupied the nightclub. Of these victims, 49 people lost their lives, 53 suffered physical injuries and countless others were devastated by the attack.
Upon hearing of the tragedy, Attorney General Bondi immediately headed to Orlando with members of her victim advocate staff to assist the victims and their families with direct and indirect needs. The Attorney General’s victim advocates from across the state remained in Orlando for weeks after the attack, offering grief counseling to victims and families, assisting with medical bills and funeral expenses and forging collaborative relationships with other service providers to ensure the victims received all the help they needed.
The Florida Office of the Attorney General will administer the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program funds awarded today. The funds will go to direct victim service costs for operation of the Family Assistance Center in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. The funds will also ensure that victims, witnesses and first responders continue to receive essential services, including mental health counselling.
Governor Rick Scott Awards Major John Leroy Haynes with Governor’s Medal of Merit
Also awarded 41 veterans with the Governor’s Service Medal
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized Major John Leroy Haynes with the Governor’s Medal of Merit. Major Haynes served in the U.S. Marines during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Governor Scott also awarded 41 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’d like to thank Major Haynes for his decades of brave and selfless devotion to serving our country, state, and community. I’m honored to present him with the Medal of Merit today to recognize his lifelong service and positive impact on the lives of veterans.”
Colonel Glenn Sutphin, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “Major Haynes possesses every attribute that members of the military strive for; he is the epitome of the American military member. Not only has he defended his country in three wars, but he continues to advocate for his fellow veterans through public service.”
About Major John Leroy Haynes
Major John Leroy Haynes is a decorated veteran, serving 30 years in the United States Marines during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His military decorations include the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Cross of Gallantry. Following his active duty, Major Haynes served as State Commandant of the Maryland Marine Corps League. He has also served as a service officer for the Veterans Administration and the American Legion and is Chairman Emeritus of Florida Veterans Foundation.
Highlands County: SR 70 Project Development & Environment Study
SR 70 Project Development & Environment Study from Jefferson Avenue/Placid Lakes Boulevard to CR 29 Alternatives Public Workshop Tuesday, March 28, 2017
HIGHLANDS COUNTY
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, will hold an Alternatives Public Workshop to discuss the SR 70 from Jefferson Avenue/Placid Lakes Boulevard to County Road 29 Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study in Highlands County, Florida. The public meeting “open house” is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28 at the Lake Placid Camp and Conference Center, 2665 Placid View Drive, Lake Placid, FL 33852. The study is evaluating widening the existing two-lane undivided roadway to four lanes and adding shoulders and a 10-foot detached multi-use path. FDOT invites you to attend the public workshop to review project alternatives.
This meeting is to present the project progress to-date and obtain comments on the alternatives being considered. Department representatives will be available during the meeting to informally discuss the project and answer questions. FDOT encourages attendees to come to this meeting at any time between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to review the proposed transportation improvements. FDOT will hold this meeting to give interested people the opportunity to review displays and talk one-on-one with staff.
FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act or people who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jamie Schley, District One Title VI Coordinator, at 863-519-2573 or by email at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
For more information about the project, please contact Steven Andrews, Project Manager, Florida Department of Transportation at (863) 519-2270 or [email protected] or visit the website at www.swflroads.com/sr70/jeffersontocr29.
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 to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.
Attorney General Bondi Introduces Resolution Recognizing Uber’s Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts
Attorney General Pam Bondi today introduced a resolution at the meeting of the Florida Governor and Cabinet recognizing Uber’s efforts and initiatives to educate drivers to help prevent human trafficking.
“Governor Scott and the Florida Cabinet joined me today in recognizing Uber’s proactive efforts to fight human trafficking,” said Attorney General Bondi. “The company and its drivers, operating in more than 70 countries, are uniquely positioned to help identify and ultimately prevent human trafficking and can play a key role in the fight to stop traffickers across the globe. Today’s resolution commends Uber for their commitment to safety in the communities drivers serve and in doing their part to put an end to this horrific crime.”
To view the resolution, click here.
Governor Rick Scott Recognizes James Stage with Young Entrepreneur Award
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized 23-year-old James Stage, CEO of Queralyze, with the Governor’s Young Entrepreneur Award. Queralyze is an education platform software company designed to help students improve research and writing skills.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize James with the Young Entrepreneur Award today. His innovative approach to education is helping students achieve their goals and better prepare them for a career. I look forward to seeing Queralyze continue to succeed in Florida.”
James Stage, CEO of Queralyze, said “I’m honored to be recognized by Governor Scott with the Young Entrepreneur Award today. Queralyze is making a difference in the education process for students and teachers. It’s great to see the growth and success of Queralyze since its founding in 2014, and I’m excited to continue expanding so we can help more students succeed.”
For more information about Queralyze, visit www.queralyze.com.
SR 655 (Recker Highway) Over CSX Railroad Public Meeting Scheduled
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is hosting an alternatives public meeting as part of the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study of a new overpass to carry State Road 655 (Recker Highway) over the CSX railroad in Auburndale. The study limits are Recker Highway from east of Barton Park Road to US 92 and Thornhill Road from Recker Highway to one-half mile south of Recker Highway.
The public meeting is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Auburndale Civic Center, 115 West Park Street in Auburndale. The meeting offers people the opportunity to express their views about the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of constructing a Recker Highway overpass.
FDOT will display information about construction of a new overpass and will show a video explaining the alternatives that will play continuously. The meeting will be an open house format where people can ask questions and provide comments to FDOT representatives in a one-on-one setting. Written comments will be accepted. For more information about the PD&E study, please visit the project website www.swflroads.com/sr655/recker/overcsx.
FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Patrick Bateman, E.I., FDOT project manager, at 863-519-2792 or [email protected]. We need one week advance notice to make arrangements.
Florida Lottery Scratch-Off sales exceed $100 million for second consecutive week
Over $19 Million in Total Education Contributions for the Week
For the second consecutive week, the Florida Lottery’s contributions to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) exceeded $19 million from Scratch-Off sales alone. Total Scratch-Off sales for the week reached $103.23 million, with total sales overall hitting $141.28 million. Additionally, this marks the second consecutive week in Florida Lottery history that Scratch-Off sales exceeded $100 million in a single week.
“The consistent Scratch-Off sales demonstrated by the Florida Lottery over the past two weeks are integral to our mission to generate as much revenue as possible towards public education,” said Secretary Tom Delacenserie. “The Lottery remains committed to providing Florida’s students with the opportunities they need to be successful in school and in life.”
Over the past 29 years, the Florida Lottery has established itself as a dependable funding source for public education. For 15 consecutive years the Lottery has transferred more than $1 billion to education, while remaining one of the most efficient lotteries in the nation. Additionally, the Lottery has contributed more than $5 billion to the Bright Futures Scholarship Program to send over 750,000 students to college.
Florida Lottery contributions represent approximately six percent of the state’s total education budget. Lottery funds are appropriated by the Florida Legislature and are administered by the Florida Department of Education.
Gov. Scott and Florida Cabinet Issue Resolution Recognizing Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and the Cabinet of the State of Florida issued a resolution recognizing March 30, 2017 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.
Governor Rick Scott said, “We must take every opportunity to recognize the brave men and women who served in our armed forces and defended our country. Florida is committed to being the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation and we must give back to those who sacrificed for our freedom.”
Colonel Glenn Sutphin, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “Our country’s brave Vietnam Veterans stepped up to defend our country during a time where military service was underappreciated. Our troops kept faith and proudly served our great country. In Florida, we proudly welcomed them home 50 years ago and continue to honor their service today.”
WHEREAS, throughout our history, courageous men and women have donned the uniform of our Armed Forces and built a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Defense is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War to thank and honor veterans of that war on behalf of a grateful nation; and
WHEREAS, more than 58,000 service members, including more than 1,900 from Florida, made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War, and 1,617 remain missing in action, including 56 from Florida; and
WHEREAS, the families and friends of missing service members continue to endure uncertainty concerning the fate of their loved ones who remain unaccounted for; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida is home to more than 506,000 Vietnam-era veterans; and
WHEREAS, the Sunshine State honors its Vietnam Veterans with the Florida Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Tallahassee, Vietnam War Veteran license plate, and high school diplomas for draftees unable to complete their education; and
WHEREAS, we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those historic men and women who served, were wounded, or even died in battle, and this presents the opportunity for the people of the Sunshine State to honor and thank our Vietnam Veterans for their service to our country.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby recognize March 30, 2017 as
WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida encourage citizens to participate in local Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day activities honoring the men and women who have stood watch over America.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 14th day of March 2017.
RICK SCOTT
GOVERNOR
PAM BONDI
ATTORNEY GENERAL
JEFF ATWATER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ADAM. H. PUTNAM
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE
UWF Innovation Institute and FloridaShines to host Virtual College Week
FloridaShines, Florida’s student hub of innovative educational services, will host its first Virtual College Week on April 4-6. FloridaShines is managed by the University of West Florida Innovation Institute and is hosting the three-day event after a successful Virtual College Night last fall.
“FloridaShines has everything students need to get ready for college,” said Nashla Dawahre, assistant director of advising and student services. “Our online event offers several different webinars covering a range of subjects from college admissions to financial aid and career planning.”
Representatives from the Florida College System, State University System, Florida Department of Education and other topic experts will present during the three-day event. The Virtual College Week is free and open to Florida high school juniors and seniors, parents and counselors looking for information on preparing for college, including where to go, what degree to earn and how to pay for it without breaking the bank.
Virtual College Week webcast sessions include:
April 4: High School Counselors: Guidance for Guidance
April 5: High School Students: College 101
April 6: Parents: Surviving College With Your Students
To register or for more information, visit www.FloridaShines.org.
About FloridaShines
FloridaShines exists to empower all of Florida’s 20 million residents to earn a college degree and find a bright career, by providing an array of FREE online tools to help students succeed in school and prepare for careers. FloridaShines works with the state’s 40 colleges and universities and other partners to help students succeed in school and beyond. Plan for their education and to succeed in the world of work. All these services are designed to help students shine.
FloridaShines exists to empower all of Florida’s 20 million residents to earn a college degree and find a bright career, by providing an array of FREE online tools to help students succeed in school and prepare for careers. FloridaShines works with the state’s 40 colleges and universities and other partners to help students succeed in school and beyond. Plan for their education and to succeed in the world of work. All these services are designed to help students shine.
About the UWF Innovation Institute
We are re-imaging how millions of people experience learning by exploring, designing, prototyping and delivering innovation for education. We collaborate with and serve University of West Florida, partner organizations and institutions across the state of Florida who want to improve learning for the entire Florida education system. We are a trusted partner that provides research-driven, customer-centric, systems-thinking approach to sustainable innovation.
We are re-imaging how millions of people experience learning by exploring, designing, prototyping and delivering innovation for education. We collaborate with and serve University of West Florida, partner organizations and institutions across the state of Florida who want to improve learning for the entire Florida education system. We are a trusted partner that provides research-driven, customer-centric, systems-thinking approach to sustainable innovation.
Sterling Ivey appointed FDLE public information officer
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Ivey to the position of communications coordinator in FDLE’s Office of External Affairs. In this role, Mr. Ivey will serve as a FDLE spokesperson and will be responsible for coordinating news releases, interviews, press conferences and internal communications.
Mr. Ivey has over 15 years of communications experience working in private and public sectors, most recently serving as the VP of corporate communications for SunTrust Banks. He has been a press secretary for the Florida Department of Agriculture and the Florida Governor’s Office and served as a communications director for the Florida Department of State and Florida Department of Corrections.
He holds a B.A. degree in Communications from University of South Florida.
He joins FDLE PIOs Gretl Plessinger, Jessica Cary and Angela Starke and may be reached at 850-410-7001 or email him at [email protected]
