The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) today is launching its 75 Years Wild photo contest encouraging people to explore the natural beauty of Florida’s Wildlife Management Area system.
Across the state, the nearly 6-million acre WMA system is conserving fish and wildlife populations and offering outdoor recreation for the public, including fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. On the WMAs, the public also has access to nationally recognized trails for paddling, hiking and bird watching.
Join the WMAs’ 75th anniversary celebration and discover these areas’ diversity of wildlife and habitats while taking WMA photos for the 75 Years Wild photo contest. Just remember to respect wildlife by not getting too close to or disturbing birds or other animals you encounter.
The photo contest has four themes, based on the seasons. To enter, visit the FWC’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/MyFWC, look for a photo contest Facebook post and then post your photo in the Comments section. Photos also can be entered via an Instagram account by tagging #WMAzing. For those who don’t use social media, send an email to [email protected]. The photo contest grand-prize winner will receive a GoPro camera, and other prizes will be awarded to semi-finalists.
For complete WMA photo contest rules, go to MyFWC.com/WMA 75. There you also will find more on the WMA 75th anniversary celebration, including the calendar of upcoming events and “how to find a WMA near you.”
Intensive five-day animal control officer course starts March 6
The School of Emergency Services at Daytona State College announces a 40-hour certification course beginning March 6 for people who love animals and want to become animal control officers.
The course, approved by the Florida Animal Control Association, emphasizes protection, care and humane law enforcement, and promotes the peaceful co-existence between animals and Florida residents.
Classes meet daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, at Daytona State’s Advanced Technology College, 1770 Technology Blvd. The course fee is $425 and includes all class materials and books, as well as a state licensing examination fee.
To register or for more information, contact Robin Davis, (386) 506-4141 or [email protected].
Mercury Welcomes Political Strategist Brian Swensen
Leading GOP Adviser Joins Mercury Florida After Rubio Re-Election Victory
Mercury, a leading global, bipartisan public strategy firm announced today the addition of Republican political adviser Brian Swensen to its powerful public affairs team in Florida. Swensen comes to the firm following his role as Deputy Campaign Manager for the successful re-election of Senator Marco Rubio, the latest in a series of key political victories in Florida and Louisiana.
As a Senior Vice President, Brian will leverage his extensive experience in the political arena to provide solutions and winning strategies for the firm’s clients. Brian will be based in Mercury’s Miami office. Mercury Florida, now in its fourth year of operation, is led by partner Ashley Walker.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brian, who is one of the leading political operatives in the Southeast region,” said Walker. “Mercury continues to assemble the state’s most talented team of public affairs professionals, and the addition of Brian underscores our commitment to building Mercury into the strongest bipartisan consultancy in the nation.”
“I am excited to work with the incredibly talented team of strategists at Mercury to help address some of the most pressing policy issues facing many organizations and corporations today,” Swensen said. “The Mercury Florida team brings together the state’s top political advisers across party lines. Nowhere else can you find such deep, diverse skills and experience, and a winning track record to boot. As someone who prides himself on having a great work ethic and outside the box thinking, I look forward to unleashing my unique skill set to shape strategy, solve problems, and create wins for our clients.”
Before joining Mercury, Brian served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Senator Marco Rubio’s re-election campaign. In that role, Brian built a political operation that benefited numerous campaigns up and down the ballot, while training and empowering the next generation of political leaders. Previously, Brian managed the successful campaign of Jacksonville’s Mayor, Lenny Curry, which helped set the tone for Florida Republicans in the 2016 cycle. Additionally, he was a part of the Bill Cassidy for U.S. Senate Campaign, where he led the political and grassroots operation. Brian served as Political Director for the Republican Party of Florida, and was Victory Director for Governor Rick Scott’s winning campaign in 2010. Brian got his start in the political process at The Leadership Institute, a conservative non-profit based in Virginia, after graduating from Florida International University in Miami.
Swensen began his tenure with Mercury on January 19, 2017.
About Mercury
Mercury is a high-stakes, bipartisan public strategy firm. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services that includes federal government relations, international affairs, digital influence, public opinion research, media strategy and a bipartisan grassroots mobilization network in all 50 states. Our firm is not just led by top talent — we distinguish ourselves by having senior talent deeply engaged in each project from start to finish, a promise we keep to clients. The firm has an established global presence, with U.S. offices in Washington, DC, New York, California, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Tennessee, as well as international offices in London and Mexico City. Mercury is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.
About Omnicom Public Relations Group
Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, fashion, public health and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,000 public relations professionals in more than 330 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group delivers for clients through a relentless focus on talent, continuous pursuit of innovation and a culture steeped in collaboration. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.
Feedback Sought for State Road 464 Safety Improvements
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will have a public hearing about safety improvements on State Road 464/SE Maricamp Road at SE 53rd Avenue/Rotary Sportsplex, in Marion County.
The project will discuss changing the full median opening at SE 53rd Avenue to a directional median. This modification will improve safety by reducing conflict points—too many conflict points can increase the probability of vehicle crashes and injury.
The public hearing will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at the Marion County Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, FL 34470. There will be an open house at 5 p.m. during which staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions, followed by the formal hearing presentation at 6 p.m., after which participants may provide their verbal comments to all present.
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].
Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Kelly Hiden, Public Involvement Coordinator, The Valerin Group, by telephone at 407-508-0839 or by email at [email protected]. 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).
For media inquiries, please contact the Public Information Office: 386-943-5479
The Florida Department of Transportation reminds drivers to buckle up, it’s the law.
Gov. Rick Scott to Host Fighting for Florida Jobs Roundtable in Riviera Beach
Tomorrow, February 15th, Governor Rick Scott will host a Fighting for Florida Jobs Roundtable with business owners, economic development leaders, tourism leaders, and community members to discuss the local economic impact of VISIT FLORIDA and Enterprise Florida.
WHAT: Fighting for Florida Jobs Roundtable
WHEN: 1:45 PM
WHERE: Sancilio & Co.
3874 Fiscal Court
Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence Blasts Irresponsible Concealed Carry "Everywhere" Bills
The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence strongly opposes newly filed proposals that would allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry handguns into bars, police stations, jails, courthouses, polling places, colleges, and professional sporting events.
The bills, filed by Sen. Dennis Baxley R- Lady Lake and Rep. Don Hahnfeldt, R-The Villages, would also allow the state’s 1.7 million permit holders to carry their weapons at Florida’s seaports. The proposals follow Sen. Greg Steube‘s flurry of firearm legislation that includes the open carry of guns in public.
“Sen. Baxley has taken the notion of guns everywhere and thrown in the kitchen sink.” said Patti Brigham, coalition co-chair and 1st vice president of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “The idea of allowing permit holders to take their guns into bars is absurd – and incredibly dangerous. And just why would we want permit holders to take guns into polling places? These gun-happy legislators have gone too far. They are endangering the public, not protecting it.”
“Allowing guns on campus is not just incredibly short-sighted, it’s potentially lethal for college students, professors, and visitors,” said Andy Pelosi, executive director of The Campaign To Keep Guns Off Campus and co-chair of The Florida Coalition To Prevent Gun Violence. “There’s a very good reason that college and university administrators and security officials are adamantly opposed to the idea. Continuing to expand concealed carry places all of our residents at risk. If these bills pass, it’s not a matter of if an innocent person is killed or injured, but when.”
The Coalition is made up of more than 120 local, state, and national organizations and includes such diverse groups as Equality Florida, Hispanic Federation, Florida PTA, National Council of Jewish Women, and the Interfaith Council of Central Florida.
ICYMI: WFLA: Gov. Scott and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn Fight for Florida Jobs
“Gov. Scott and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn Fight for Florida Jobs”
WFLA-TB (NBC) – Tampa Bay, FL
February 13, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
ICYMI: Fant names Reps. Byrd, Davis, and Fischer to Jacksonville Rules Committee
Duval Legislative Delegation Chair Jay Fant today announced the appointment of State Representatives Cord Byrd (District 11), Tracie Davis (District 13), and Jason Fischer (District 16) to the City of Jacksonville Rules Committee. All three legislators were elected in 2016 and are serving their first term.
“Representatives Byrd, Davis, and Fischer are all three outstanding leaders and Duval County is fortunate to have such dedicated public servants representing our interests in Tallahassee,” said Fant. “I look forward to working with them and the rest of our delegation and our local officials to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities Duval County has to strengthen our area and continue to make Northeast Florida the best place in the state.”
Fant has represented District 15 in the Florida House of Representatives since 2014 and was chosen by his fellow area legislators to chair the Duval delegation for 2017. In addition to Fant, Byrd, Davis, and Fischer, the Duval legislative delegation includes Senators Aaron Bean (District 4) and Audrey Gibson (District 6) and Representatives Kim Daniels (District 14), and Clay Yarborough (District 12).
About Jay Fant for State Representative
Jay Fant’s strong ties to Jacksonville began when his grandfather’s family moved to the city in 1920. Jay’s father and grandfather have been local business and civic leaders, with both having served in elected office. In 1947, the family started First Guaranty Bank, one of the oldest banks in the city. In 1994, Jay was elected to serve on the board and led the company with his father through 2012. Jay has done much to continue the family tradition of investing in the community. He has been involved with many different organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Healthy U Now Foundation, Rotary, and the Florida Bankers Association. Jay and his wife, Lauren, have two sons and two daughters. They attend St. Johns Presbyterian Church. In his spare time, he coaches little league baseball and basketball.
ON THE WEB: www.jayfant.com
Paid by Jay Fant, Republican, for State Representative
Gov. Scott Discusses Economic Impacts of EFI and VISIT FLORIDA with Panama City Community Members
Business, tourism and community leaders attended Governor Rick Scott’s Fighting for Florida Jobs Roundtable today in Panama City to discuss the local economic impact of VISIT FLORIDA and Enterprise Florida and the need to fight job killing legislation in the Florida House.
To view Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) President and CEO Carol Dover’s video, click HERE.
To view b-roll of the event and remarks by Governor Scott, click HERE.
Attorney General Bondi secures refunds for victims of loan scam
Attorney General Pam Bondi today announced the multimillion dollar resolution of a lawsuit against several related unsecured loan services companies and operators. The three consent judgments and one settlement agreement obtained by Attorney General Bondi’s Office resolve allegations that the defendant companies and their principals unlawfully charged cash-strapped consumers fees ranging from $500 to more than $1,000 for online lending services that consumers could perform on their own for free. The defendants allegedly convinced consumers to pay illegal up-front fees by falsely guaranteeing that a lender in the defendants’ lender network had pre-approved the consumers for loans.
“This result will provide full restitution to consumers victimized by this fraudulent loan scheme and ensure no more consumers are harmed by these unscrupulous practices,” said Attorney General Bondi.
The settlement and consent judgments successfully conclude a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General’s Office in 2015 against three related loan service companies and three individuals. According to the complaint, the defendants employed deceptive marketing practices and sales pitches rife with false statements and misrepresentations regarding the defendants’ loan services. Some of the defendants also allegedly used consumers’ bank information to withdraw funds from the consumers’ bank accounts without authorization.
As part of the resolution, the defendants are banned from operating in the loan and credit services industries. Together, the consent judgments font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;”> impose a more than $8 million judgment against the companies. Pursuant to these judgments, the individual defendants are required to make payments that will result in full refunds to consumers who have submitted complaints against the companies. Once full restitution is made, the remainder of the judgments will be suspended. However, if the individual defendants are found to have misrepresented their financial condition or failed to comply with the occupational bans, the full judgment will become due immediately.
The defendants involved in this case include: Andrew Mangini, Michael Puglisi, David Alan Stern and three loan service companies, Liberty Unsecured, Inc., Unsecured Loan Source II, Inc. and First Solutions, Inc., d/b/a Credit One, Improvecredit.me and Unsecured Loan Capital.
To view the consent judgment against Liberty Unsecured and First Solutions, click here.
To view the consent judgment against Mangini, click here.
To view the consent judgment against Puglisi and Unsecured Loan Source II, click here.
To view the settlement agreement with Stern, click here.
