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January 9-15: Latino Week of Action Offering Free Affordable Care Act Enrollment Help

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During the week of January 9-15, the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF), a leading provider of free Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment assistance, will focus on Latino community outreach in North Florida with a Latino Week of Action.EFOF Nav 2016
Open Enrollment is ongoing through January 31 under the Affordable Care Act. Anyone seeking help with learning about health plans, determining eligibility for subsidies, and enrolling in health coverage before the deadline can receive free assistance by contacting one of EFOF’s Navigators, state-licensed and federally-certified enrollment experts.
EFOF has been an assistance provider in every Affordable Care Act enrollment period, and specializes in outreach to minority communities and those for whom English is a second language. Enrollment assistance is funded by federal grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“The January 31 deadline is fast approaching, and people need to know there is free assistance available to learn about their health plans, subsidies, and eligibility,” said Karen Basha Egozi, CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. “We are encouraging people who are non-native English speakers or who have complicated immigration situations to take advantage of this free help, especially during this upcoming Latino Week of Action.”
Bilingual Navigators and appointments are available throughout the week at several North Florida locations. Consumers can call 1-877-553-7453 or visit www.efof.org and click on Enroll ACA.

Enero 9-15: Semana de Acción Latina, Ofreciendo
asistencia gratis para inscribirse al Mercado de Seguros

Durante la semana de Enero 9-15, la Fundación de Epilepsia de la Florida (EFOF), un proveedor líder de asistencia gratuita para la inscripción en el Mercado de Seguros de Salud, Se enfocará en el alcance de la comunidad latina en la Florida del Norte con una Semana de Acción Latina.
La inscripción abierta está en curso hasta el 31 de enero bajo la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio. Cualquier persona que busque ayuda para conocer los planes de salud, determinar la elegibilidad para subsidios y inscribirse en la cobertura de salud antes de la fecha límite puede recibir asistencia gratuita contactando uno de los navegadores de EFOF, expertos en inscripción con licencia estatal y con certificación federal.
EFOF ha sido un proveedor de asistencia en cada período de inscripción de la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio, y se especializa en el alcance de las comunidades minoritarias y aquellos para quienes el inglés es una segunda lengua. La asistencia para la inscripción es financiada por subvenciones federales del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos.
“La fecha límite del 31 de enero se aproxima rápidamente, y la gente necesita saber que hay asistencia gratuita disponible para aprender sobre sus planes de salud, subsidios y elegibilidad”, dijo Karen Basha Egozi, directora general de la Fundación de Epilepsia de la Florida. “Estamos alentando a personas que no son nativos de habla inglesa o que tienen situaciones de inmigración complicadas para aprovechar esta ayuda gratuita, especialmente durante la próxima Semana de Acción Latina”.
Los navegantes y las citas bilingües están disponibles a lo largo de la semana en varios lugares de la Florida del Norte. Los consumidores pueden llamar al 1-877-553-7453 o visitar www.efof.org y hacer clic en Registrar ACA.
 

UT Names David Gudelunas as Dean of the College of Arts and Letters

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David Gudelunas, currently professor of communication at Fairfield University, has been named by The University of Tampa as the dean of the College of Arts and Letters (CAL).

As dean, Gudelunas will oversee the departments of art; communication, English and writing; languages and linguistics; music; philosophy and religion; and speech, theatre and dance.

Gudelunas said he is excited to promote the exceptional scholarship, creative activity and pedagogy that are happening across the disciplines and departments.

“The value of the arts, humanities and communication in contributing to cultural and information literacy, media competency, critical thinking and the full expression of human potential is increasingly self-apparent, and I think the UT College of Arts and Letters is well positioned to be a leader at this particular cultural moment,” Gudelunas said. “I look forward to getting to know the UT community and working with the greater Tampa Bay community to demonstrate what the value of a quality liberal arts education is.”

Gudelunas has been a member of the faculty at Fairfield University since 2004, serving in various roles, including professor of communication, chair of the communication department, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and director of women, gender and sexuality studies. Additionally he is the founding director of the Fairfield’s School of Communication, Arts and Media.

Gudelunas’ research is focused on the areas of emerging media, critical and cultural studies, gender, sexuality and communication, media history and communication industries. He is the author of “Confidential to America: Newspaper Advice Columns and Sexual Education” and is widely published in the areas of popular and consumer culture as well as the intersections of sexuality and communication.

David Stern, UT provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Gudelunas’ academic and leadership experience position him perfectly to lead UT’s programs in CAL.

“David will be a prominent public advocate for the value of the arts and humanities, and I anticipate that he will collaborate with faculty and with community partners to enhance the contributions of CAL to our students’ educations and to the cultural life of the Tampa Bay region,” Stern said.

Gudelunas received his bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco and his master’s and doctorate degrees from the Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania.

He will begin his post at UT on June 1.

The University of Tampa is a private, residential university located on 110 acres on the riverfront in downtown Tampa. Known for academic excellence, personal attention and real-world experience in its undergraduate and graduate programs, the University serves 8,310 students from 50 states and 140 countries. Approximately 65 percent of full-time students live on campus, and more than half of UT students are from Florida.

Long-time Policy Advisor and Legislative Affairs Director Rob Johnson Joins The Mayernick Group

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The Mayernick Group, one of Florida’s leading boutique government relations firms today announced the expansion of its team with the addition of Rob Johnson, long-time policy advisor and legislative and Cabinet affairs director to Attorney General Pam Bondi. Johnson brings more than 16 years of experience in Florida’s executive and legislative branches as well as the Florida Cabinet.

Rob Johnson

Rob Johnson

“The Mayernick Group is excited that Rob is joining as a partner in our firm,” said Frank Mayernick. “We have experienced significant growth and know that as a well-respected professional, Rob has strong relationships and knowledge of the process that will help us continue to serve our current and future clients.”
Since 2007, Johnson served as director of legislative and Cabinet affairs for Florida Attorney General Bondi.  Prior to that, he served as Cabinet affairs director to Attorney General Bill McCollum. Before joining the Attorney General’s Office, Johnson served as Gov. Jeb Bush’s deputy director of Cabinet affairs and clemency issues.
Johnson has expertise in navigating complex policy issues including property insurance, bond finance, and environmental and State Board of Trustees issues. Rob was extensively involved in the 2003 Workers’ Compensation overhaul while serving as legislative advisor to Florida’s first CFO. He also worked closely with members of the Florida Legislature and House and Senate Leadership on several of General Bondi’s priorities, including passage of synthetic drug legislation, human trafficking measures and bills providing much needed resources to victims of violent crimes.

“I want to thank Rob for his 16 years of service to the State of Florida as a policy advisor, Cabinet aide and legislative affairs director,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi in a statement. “Rob had a great opportunity in the private sector that he couldn’t pass up and he will be greatly missed.”
 The Mayernick Group has been recognized and ranked among the Top 20 firms earning more than $250,000 in the state and saw steady growth in the first three quarters of 2016. According to an analysis by LobbyTools, the firm brought in an estimated $430,000 in the third quarter of 2016.
“I look forward to working with professionals like Frank and Tracy and am committed to providing the firm’s clients with sound strategic counsel as we move into the 2017 Legislative Session,” said Johnson.
Johnson, an avid golfer, grew up in Ft. Myers, Florida, and earned a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University.  He and his wife, Alia Faraj-Johnson, senior vice president and Florida Public Affairs leader for Hill+Knowlton Strategies, live in Tallahassee with their 8-year old daughter, who is also a golfer.
The Mayernick Group is a full-service government relations firm located in the heart of Tallahassee, Florida. Founded by Frank and Tracy Mayernick, The Mayernick Group helps clients navigate through the Legislative process and policy issues before the Executive branch of Florida government. Its team of experts collectively has more than 50 years of government relations experience with an emphasis on public policy, appropriations, and insurance and health issues.

Governor Rick Scott to Highlight Major Counterterrorism Budget Proposal

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Tomorrow, January 5, Governor Rick Scott will highlight his proposal for $5.8 million in funding for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to add 46 counterterrorism agents as part of his 2017-2018 recommended budget.
WHAT: Counterterrorism Budget Highlight
WHEN: 10:00am
WHERE: Florida Department of Law Enforcement
4211 North Lois Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33614

UT Names Paul Greenwood as Dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences

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Paul Greenwood, currently professor of biology and previously senior associate provost and dean of the faculty at Colby College, has been named by The University of Tampa as the dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences.
As dean, Greenwood will oversee the departments of biology; chemistry, biochemistry and physics; health sciences and human performance; nursing; and sport management.
Greenwood said he looks forward to working with the UT faculty and staff to create new opportunities for our students. “I have had a long commitment to experiential education and engaged student inquiry, and UT is very well known for its particular excellence in those areas,” Greenwood added.
Greenwood has been a member of the faculty at Colby College since 1987, serving in various roles, including professor of biology, chair of the biology department and director of the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin (CBB) Biomedical Semester Program. At Colby, Greenwood was a recipient of the Charles Bassett Distinguished Teaching Award. Prior to Colby, Greenwood served as an instructor in animal diversity in the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University.
Greenwood’s research is focused on the development, discharge physiology and biochemistry of nematocysts, the stinging structures common to jellyfish, sea anemones, corals and related organisms.
David Stern, UT provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Greenwood’s academic and leadership experience have prepared him well to lead UT’s programs in the natural and health sciences.
“As we look to enhance the quality of our current programs and to develop some select new programs that advance UT’s mission, Paul’s wisdom will be an invaluable asset,” Stern said.
Greenwood received his bachelor’s degree at Knox College and his master’s and doctorate degrees from Florida State University.
He will begin his post at UT on June 1.
The University of Tampa is a private, residential university located on 110 acres on the riverfront in downtown Tampa. Known for academic excellence, personal attention and real-world experience in its undergraduate and graduate programs, the University serves 8,310 students from 50 states and 140 countries. Approximately 65 percent of full-time students live on campus, and more than half of UT students are from Florida.

Secretary of State Recognizes Recipients of the 2017 Florida Folk Heritage Awards

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Florida Department of State
Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced the 2017 Florida Folk Heritage Award recipients. The 2017 awardees are David Peñaflor and Marilia Carrasquillo of Ocoee, Folk Advocates of Latin American culture; Haiqiong Deng of Tallahassee, traditional Chinese musician; Pastor William Emerson of Tarpon Springs, performing artist and composer of Rhythm and Blues and sacred music; and Willie Green of McIntosh, blues artist.
“The contributions of these gifted individuals illustrate the extraordinary depth and diversity of Florida’s traditional culture,” said Secretary Detzner. “They are recognized for their remarkable achievements and their dedicated role in preserving Florida’s folk cultural resources.”
florida-folk-heritage-awards

The 2017 Florida Folk Heritage Award recipients (l-r) David Peñaflor and Marilia Carrasquillo
(photo courtesy of Carrasquillo); Haiqiong Deng (photo courtesy of Deng); William Emerson
(photo courtesy of Tina Bucuvalas); and Willie Green (photo by Robert Stone).

The Florida Department of State presents Florida Folk Heritage Awards annually to citizens who have made long-standing contributions to Florida’s cultural heritage by perpetuating community traditions. Like the National Heritage Awards, the Florida Folk Heritage Awards honor the state’s most influential tradition bearers for excellence, significance, and authenticity.
Additional information, including photos and bios about each award winner, is available on the Florida Folklife Program’s Facebook page.
The Florida Folklife Program is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts’ Folk and Traditional Arts Program. For more information about the Florida Folklife Program or how to make a nomination for the Folk Heritage Awards, contact State Folklorist Amanda Hardeman, Florida Folklife Program, Division of Historical Resources, at 850.245.6427.
About the Florida Department of State’s Florida Folklife Program
The Florida Folklife Program, a component of the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources, documents and presents Florida’s folklife, folklore and folk arts. The program coordinates a wide range of activities and projects designed to increase the awareness of Floridians and visitors alike about Florida’s traditional culture. Established in 1979 by the legislature to document and present Florida folklife, the program is one of the oldest state folk arts programs in the nation. For more information, click here.

Gov. Scott: We Must Defeat Terror – Proposing Funding for Counterterrorism Operations

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Governor Rick Scott announced today that he will propose $5.8 million in funding for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to add 46 counterterrorism agents as part of his 2017-2018 recommended budget. The agents will specialize in counterterrorism and intelligence and will be organized into counterterrorism squads that are stationed in each of FDLE’s seven regions. Counterterrorism agents will work hand-in-hand with local, state and federal intelligence agencies to establish a planned, deliberate and comprehensive effort in support of domestic security.
Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce that I will include $5.8 million in funding for FDLE to strengthen their counterterrorism and intelligence efforts as part of my 2017-18 recommended budget. Terror is a threat to our state and nation and we need specialists that are solely dedicated to identifying these terrorists and stopping them before they attack.
“Just last year, Florida came under attack when a terrorist, inspired by ISIS and filled with hate, stormed into Pulse Nightclub and killed 49 innocent people. Following the attack, I spoke to many of the victims’ families and mourned with them at funerals. Their lives will never be the same, and as the father of two daughters the same age as many of the victims, I cannot imagine the pain these families are going through. This recommended funding is a critical investment in our state’s counterterrorism operations that will work to ensure that our law enforcement officers have the resources they need to curb this senseless violence.”
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “Governor Scott recognizes that we all have a role to play in defeating the terror which fueled the attack on Pulse Nightclub. I applaud the Governor for his leadership in recommending this funding which will allow FDLE to integrate additional specialized agents into existing counterterrorism intelligence networks. The 46 counterterrorism positions funded by the Governor’s recommended budget will serve a critical role in protecting Florida families from the evil of terrorism.”

Complete Florida, T.E.A.C.H. partner to provide funding for day care providers returning to college

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The University of West Florida Innovation Institute’s Complete Florida program recently announced a new partnership with T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program, an organization that helps day care providers earn a degree in early childhood education.CF _Logo1
“Complete Florida has always been an easy way for busy adults to return to college and finish their degree,” said Michelle Horton, director of Complete Florida Enrollment and Retention Management. “With our new partnership, we have now made it easier for adults to fully fund a degree in childhood education.”
Through this new partnership, adult students in the Complete Florida program who are returning to college to finish their degree in early childhood education are eligible to receive up to 100 percent funding assistance. Eligible participants include currently employed child care teachers and administrators. The majority of funding is provided by the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program, while the participant’s employer and Complete Florida each share 10 percent of the cost of tuition.
“Research shows that young children have better outcomes when their teachers are well educated,” said Lori Stegmeyer, director of the Florida T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program. “The T.E.A.C.H. model has created real change for those working on the front lines of a critically important, but perpetually under-resourced industry. We know that lack of financial resources, lack of time, and lack of confidence are three major obstacles that impede early childhood teachers and directors from completing their college degrees. To address these barriers, T.E.A.C.H. scholars receive compensation and tuition support, paid release time, and personal support throughout their contracts. It really is a win-win for the field.”
Complete Florida offers more than 90 online degree and certificate programs at colleges and universities across the state. Through the new partnership, adult students can earn credit for credentials they have already earned and apply them toward a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Associate of Science in Early Childhood Management, or an Associate of Arts at Florida International University and Florida State College of Jacksonville.
This program allows students to take advantage of the flexible, convenient online courses. After completion, students are immediately ready to enter the workforce.
For more information, visit completeflorida.org.
About Complete Florida
Complete Florida is a state of Florida initiative to recruit and retain the state’s 2.8 million adults who have some college but no degree. Partnering with public and private higher education institutions in Florida, Complete Florida provides one-on-one planning, support and coaching for students with adult responsibilities. Dedicated coaches work alongside students as personal advocates, counselors and advisors while participants complete college courses 100 percent online. For more information, visit completeflorida.org.
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 the 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.