The Florida Lottery announces that Haldane Allen, 45, of Cocoa, claimed the $550,000 LUCKY MONEY™ jackpot from the February 14, 2017, drawing at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
“I always play the same numbers, and for some reason this time I decided to switch it up,” said Allen. “That turned out to be the luckiest decision I’ve ever made!”
Allen chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $402,910.31. He purchased his winning LUCKY MONEY ticket from Sunshine Foodmart, located at 6570 North Harbor City Boulevard in Melbourne.
Total ticket sales for this LUCKY MONEY jackpot generated more than $534,000 for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.
The next LUCKY MONEY drawing will be Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at 11:15 p.m. ET, with a $700,000 jackpot. The LUCKY MONEY drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery website, at retailers statewide and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.
Seminole State College nursing program ranked first in the nation
The Seminole State College of Florida nursing program has been ranked as the best in the nation by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
The ranking is based on the passage rate for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam for the April – September 2016 time period.
Out of the 1,946 nursing programs nationwide, Seminole State ranked first. The rankings are based on the percentage of the graduates passing the NCLEX-RN examination compared to other programs with at least ten graduates who took the NCLEX-RN examination during the same time period. The college’s pass rate for this time period was an impressive 100 percent.
“We are incredibly proud of our nursing program students and their continuing successes,” says Dr. Cheryl Cicotti, associate dean for nursing. “Our students’ scores reflect on their hard work and dedication along with an excellent faculty, challenging curriculum and cutting edge technology.”
Recently, graduates of Seminole State College of Florida’s Nursing Program ranked first in Central Florida with a 99.4 percent pass rate on their licensure exams.
NCLEX is the state-required exam that determines whether graduates are prepared for entry-level nursing practice. Seminole State College’s 99.4 percent pass rates were remarkably higher than the 2016 state average of 72.68 percent, and the national average of 84.56 percent.
“These are incredible testaments to the excellence of our faculty, staff and students in the Nursing program and a point of pride for Seminole State,” says Seminole State President Dr. E. Ann McGee.
Seminole State College’s Nursing Program, part of the Ann Wiggins Moore Center for Nursing and Healthcare Professionals, is based at the Altamonte Springs Campus and features state-of-the-art healthcare labs and high-tech patient simulators. To learn more, go to seminolestate.edu/nursing.
To Stay Healthy, Keep It S.I.M.P.L.E.
Dr. Amy R. Neal, Family Medicine Physician with Capital Health Plan
Millions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions every year. While many people are motivated to start good habits in January, the momentum can wear off in just a few weeks. So what’s the trick to maintaining a healthy routine all year long? Keep it S.I.M.P.L.E.:
Sleep Enough
The National Institutes of Health recommend adults get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. A good night’s rest will help prevent infection, weight gain, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. If you’re having trouble sleeping, make sure you’re getting regular exercise and plenty of sunlight, and go to sleep at the same time.
Increase Your Water Intake
Water keeps every part of your body working properly by flushing wastes and preventing dehydration, kidney stones and constipation. Most adults should drink at least 64 ounces of water every day, but this amount can change depending on your activity level. If you’re tired of drinking plain water, try adding a slice of lemon, lime or cucumber for more flavor.
Move Every Day
Physical activity decreases the chances of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Even small adjustments during your normal day can help you move more – for example, walking during lunch or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Start with a goal of 5,000 steps a day and work your way up to 10,000. Most smartphones have a step-counter, or you can download an app.
Practice Positivity
Even if you feel like you’re not making as much progress as you’d like toward your health goals, try to remain positive. It’s natural to feel discouraged sometimes, but focus instead on the progress you’ve made and encourage yourself to stay on track. Try a new hobby that lifts your spirits or socialize with friends who make you laugh. Just taking a few deep breaths can relax your muscles, give you more energy and relieve stress. Focus on things you feel grateful for.
Listen to Your Body
Are you hungry? Thirsty? Tired? Maybe you need some social time with friends … or a nap! Our bodies are not our enemies. We just have to learn how to listen to them to know what they need to thrive. One great way to be a better listener is by learning how to eat intuitively. Or, if you’re feeling stiff or distracted, try doing some stretches at your desk.
Eat Well
While we might not like to admit it, adults can be just as bad as kids when it comes to eating vegetables. When you’re at the grocery store, pay attention to which aisles you visit. While the center aisles of most supermarkets feature processed foods that don’t need refrigeration, the outside aisles of the store have healthier options like fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy.
Enjoy your healthiest year yet – and remember, keep it S.I.M.P.L.E.!
For health tips, videos and other resources, visit our Healthwise® Knowledgebase at www.capitalhealth.com.
Dr. Neal is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Capital Health Plan.
Hawkins Park is Opened
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) local dignitaries, and people with disabilities cut the ribbon today to officially open Hawkins Recreational Park in Santa Rosa County. Hawkins Park is an accessible park for people with disabilities and their families. Park visitors can now enjoy picnicking, fishing, bird watching, and other activities.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) manages Hawkins Park. The park entrance is on Munson Highway, just past 5550 Bubba Lane, in Milton, Florida.
APD has worked for a year to replace playground equipment and make repairs to the restroom building due to damage caused by vandals. People with disabilities will maintain the park through an agreement APD has with RESPECT of Florida.
APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “We are excited to reopen Hawkins Park and make it available to people with disabilities and their families. It is an accessible recreational area for people to use in Northwest Florida. We want Floridians with disabilities to come and enjoy this beautiful environment.”
RESPECT of Florida Executive Director Ryland Musick said, “We commend the work APD has done to provide an accessible recreational area for individuals with disabilities and their families. RESPECT is proud to be a part of the maintenance of Hawkins Park. Our partnership with APD, through this contract and several others, allows us to help individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment and receive needed supports.”
The park is open to visitors who are Floridians with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. The park is only closed three days out of the year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
The 23-acre parcel was donated by the Hawkins family to the state of Florida in 1977 with the requirement that people with disabilities have access to the land. The state completed construction on the recreational park in 1979. It was originally named Round Pen Bayou Park due to its location on the bayou. It was renamed Hawkins Recreational Park in September 1986 in honor of the donor’s father, Herman Calvin Hawkins.
About $93,000 in repairs and renovations have been completed at Hawkins Park recently. The playground has been refurbished and the facilities are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are also pavilions with grills that can house special events for large family gatherings.
The festivities today included a performance by Pyramid singer Betty Wells who sang the National Anthem. Remarks were made by APD Director Barbara Palmer, Senator Doug Broxson, RESPECT of Florida Executive Director Ryland Musick, and Hawkins Park user and parent Richard Fennel.
APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).
Entrepreneurship, networking highlights of Flagler College’s ‘Business Week’
Student winners: Lion’s Cage winners: Colin Kosco, Matthew Lane,
Scott Babbitt (second place); Prof. Paula Holanchock; Keynote speaker
Craig Dickman; Gabrielle Walters (third place); Jose Mizrahi (first place)
Photo credit: Monarch Studio
Thirteen students experienced first-hand the intense scrutiny of pitching a business idea last Thursday when they competed in Flagler College’s “Lion’s Cage,” an event based on the popular TV show “Shark Tank.” Four business leaders served as the judges. Senior Jose Mizrahi, who pitched the idea of an “Uber for tutoring” app called Brighter Future, emerged victorious, claiming the top $1,000 prize.
“I’m very excited to have won,” the Business major said. Mizrahi, the last of five finalists to enter the “cage,” proposed an app that connects people who want to learn with people who want to teach. Those who want to teach become tutors in exchange for community service hours, while people who receive the tutoring have to make a donation for every hour of tutoring they receive. All proceeds from donations go into building schools in third world countries.
“I feel like my pitch went pretty well but the first question they asked me had two parts and I was so nervous I completely forgot the second part of the question,” Mizrahi said. “Thankfully they repeated the question and I was able to answer the questions that followed. I learned that it requires a great deal of courage to present an idea you are passionate about to people who will ultimately criticize it. This was a great experience because it gave me a taste of what it’s like to actually pitch an idea for potential investors. I honestly really enjoyed it.”
Other winners included second place Tubed Surf Wax and Sunscreen (by Scott Babbitt, Matthew Lane and Colin Kosco) and third place No Sympathy Swimwear (by Gabrielle Walters).
The judges for the event included: Craig Dickman, founder of Breakthrough Fuel; Ryan Dettra, co-owner of St. Augustine Distillery; Chris Kaminski, CenterState Bank president and sponsor of Business Week; and Isabelle Rodriguez, president of St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce.
“Lion’s Cage” was part of a series of activities for the college’s inaugural Business Week, a multi-day event designed to give Flagler students real-world experience by inviting business leaders to campus to share their professional experience and wisdom.
Other events included a business leaders panel, etiquette dinner and business marketing and networking sessions. On Thursday evening, Dickman delivered a keynote address during the Week’s “CEO Dinner,” hosted by the college’s Business Advisory Board and sponsored by CenterState Bank. Dickman’s company has been recognized as a leader in transportation energy management and has won innovation awards from major companies. The event was an opportunity for Business students to network with professionals in various industries.
Craig Dickman presented with a gift by Dr. Allison Roberts, chair of the
Business Administration Department. Photo credit: Monarch Studio
“Business Week was a great team effort from all across campus, with our Business Advisory Board, administration, Board of Trustees, community leaders, alumni and students,” faculty advisor and Assistant Professor Paula Holanchock said. “It was a great opportunity for our students to network but also to expand and apply their knowledge in the business world with the support and guidance of so many great business leaders and alumni.”
Holanchock was assisted by student organizers Mary-Jo Lendering and Nicholas Pappas.
“This is by far one of the biggest things I was able to accomplish at Flagler,” Lendering said. “Seeing students enjoying, learning and showcasing this week has been the absolute best.”
Based on the success of the week-long event this year, Holanchock said plans are in the works for another “Business Week” next year.
Let Florida 511 Coach You to Orlando City Soccer’s Home Opener
Download the Florida 511 mobile app, visit FL511.com or follow #FL511 on Twitter
Orlando City Soccer’s first home game of the 2017 season is also the first game in its new downtown stadium, and the event is sure to draw a big crowd. Let the Florida 511 Traveler Information System guide you to the Orlando City Stadium, where the Orlando City Soccer Club will host the New York City Football Club at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 5. It is also the first game of the season for both teams.
Operated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), FL511.com can help fans minimize delays by using the real-time traffic information provided by the system. Before heading out, fans can plan their routes by visiting the interactive roadway map on the user-friendly FL511.com website for traffic incident alerts. They also can view roadway cameras showing current nearby driving conditions.
Locally, Florida 511 offers motorists free, real-time traffic updates about important roadways from Twitter feeds (#FL511), including @FL_511_I4, @fl511_TURNPIKE and @FL511_CENTRAL.
In the Orlando metro area, Florida 511 also offers information on traffic congestion and traffic speed, as well as views from traffic cameras on roads and intersections leading to the downtown stadium. Cameras offer views of parts of Interstate 4 (I-4), Florida’s Turnpike, State Roads 408, 528, 417 and 429. There are even three high-definition, live-streaming cameras at the I-4 interchanges with SR 408, Maitland Boulevard (State Road 414) and Kirkman Road.
Fans can also register on the website or mobile app for a free My Florida 511 personalize services account to create door-to-door routes to Orlando City Stadium and other favorite destinations. Each route includes travel time estimates, traffic incident information and the ability to set up custom email or text alerts.
Before leaving the stadium, motorists can call 511 toll-free or check the free Florida 511 mobile app, available on Google Play or the Apple App Store, to check traffic or select an alternate route.
FDOT encourages all drivers to check Florida 511 to travel safely and experience fewer delays. Check before leaving or have a passenger check to avoid using a phone while driving.
FWC continues seagrass research and conservation with new status report
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continues its conservation of valuable seagrass beds in Florida’s coastal waters with a second edition of its statewide report.
Scientists and collaborators from agencies across Florida, including researchers with the Seagrass Integrated Mapping and Monitoring Program of the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, published new information this month on seagrass health and status. Each of the 23 regional chapters includes color-coded status reports of seagrass health, as well as maps of the distribution of seagrass beds in each estuary or subregion.
More than 40 scientists from agencies across Florida work to map and monitor seagrasses statewide and report assessments of seagrass health online.
Using available data, researchers estimated there are approximately 2.5 million acres of seagrass in estuaries and nearshore waters of Florida. These are the largest beds of seagrasses found in the continental United States. Florida seagrass beds are extremely valuable marine habitats. Many economically important fish and shellfish species depend on seagrass beds for their survival. Seagrasses provide food and shelter for endangered mammals and turtles, and also play a vital role in the ecosystem.
The seagrass monitoring program was developed in 2009 to protect and manage seagrasses in Florida by providing a collaborative resource for seagrass mapping, monitoring and data sharing. The statewide report provides a summary of the status of seagrasses in Florida.
The report’s second edition was funded by grants from the FWC’s State Wildlife Grants Program and the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
The Seagrass Integrated Mapping and Monitoring Program’s statewide report and copies of individual regional chapters can be downloaded by going to MyFWC.com/Research, clicking “Habitat,” then “Seagrasses,” “Seagrass Projects” and “Active Projects.”
Harvest Real-Time Strawberry Festival Traffic Info with Florida 511
Motorists can download the free mobile app, visit FL511.com or follow #FL511 on Twitter
Whether they come for the live music, food contests, livestock shows or endless baskets of strawberries, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) encourages residents and visitors attending the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival to use the Florida 511 Traveler Information System for a safe arrival and fewer traffic delays.
Florida 511 can help motorists find the best route to and from the 82nd festival, which runs from Thursday, March 2, through Sunday, March 12, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds in Plant City.
The interactive road map on the user-friendly FL511.com website provides real-time information about congestion, crashes, construction, closures and more so attendees won’t be late for the live entertainment.
The free Florida 511 mobile app, available on the Apple App Store or Google Play, features an interactive map showing traffic speeds and incidents on roadways around the festival grounds.
Festivalgoers also can register on the website or mobile app for a My Florida 511 personalized services account and create custom door-to-door routes to the festival or other favorite destinations. Each route includes travel time estimates, traffic incident information and the ability to schedule email or text alerts.
Additional ways to receive traffic information from the Florida 511 system include calling 511 toll-free from any phone in the state and following one or more of the statewide, regional or roadway-specific Twitter feeds (#FL511), such as @FL511_TampaBay, @FL_511_I4 and @FL511_75.
Florida 511 is the state’s official source for traffic and travel information. Check Florida 511 before leaving or have a passenger check during a commute to avoid using a phone while driving.
Media Advisory: Governor Rick Scott to Hold Media Availability in D.C.
Today, February 27, Governor Rick Scott will meet with President Trump and members of his Administration. He will then be available to media to discuss his trip to D.C.
WHAT: Media Availability
WHEN: 2:10PM
WHERE: The intersection of Louisiana Avenue NW and North Capitol Street NW
Washington D.C., 20001
Florida National Guard to premiere "Camp Blanding: Florida's Hidden Gem From the Beginning"
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: A movie screening of the documentary “Camp Blanding: Florida’s Hidden Gem From the Beginning”
WHEN: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 7. Video presentation begins at 7 p.m.
WHERE: WJCT Studios 100 Festival Park Ave., Jacksonville, Fla. 32202
This short documentary gives viewers a modern day high tempo view of the current training and capabilities of this little known post. It also provides a rustic historical telling of how the post came into being, its ties to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, the Empire State Building, and German POW’s.
Some of the people who appear in the movie worked at Camp Blanding as teenagers, trained there before entering World War Two, were held as German POW’s, and one woman who was born there, tells the story of her father who worked in the post hospital as a doctor.
The movie was written, directed and produced by Mr. A.J. Artley.
Contributors: Col. Matt Johnson, Commander, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center
Mr. Greg Parsons, Historian, Camp Blanding Museum
Doctor George Cressman, Historian, Camp Blanding Museum
Mr. Carlos Bouvier, WJCT Producer
