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8th Annual Great St. Pete Cupcake Contest Registration Opens Today

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The Morean Arts Center invites you to compete in a city-wide search for St. Petersburg’s BEST CUPCAKE. This is the 8th Annual Great St. Pete Cupcake Contest, celebrating artistry in a unique way. The contest will be hosted at the Morean Center for Clay located in the Warehouse Arts District at 420 22nd Street South – Saturday, August 25 from 12-3 p.m.

Following last year’s 100th birthday celebration in honor of the Morean’s 100th anniversary, close to 100 bakers competed, and expect to have a similar number for the 8th Annual contest! A $15 entry fee allows each participant to enter one submission. A minimum of 4 delicious cupcakes are required for entry so that the judges can taste each submission.

Registration is officially open as of June 1, and contestants may complete entry forms and liability waivers via the Morean Arts Center’s website. Deadline for entering the contest is Monday, August 20; although the number of contestants has been expanded, the Morean Arts Center expects to max out as usual, so early registration is encouraged.

First and Second Place awards will be given in both Novice and Professional categories as well as the People’s Choice award. The Morean Arts Center will continue to accept entries for additional categories including Youth/Teen for those aspiring bakers ages 10-16 years old, and the Specialty category for those choosing to offer Gluten Free or Vegan recipes.

The winners in 2017 were: First Place Professional: Alexis Blanton; Pancake Breakfast at Tiffany’s First Place Novice: Michael Ash; Samoa First Place Specialty: Vincent House; Black Bean S’mores First Place Youth/Teen: Rachel O’Brien; Chocolate Chip Carrot Cake People’s Choice: Michelle Saxton; Pick of the Patch Pumpkin

Over 500 contestants have competed in this contest over the past six years, and the Morean Arts Center is expecting yet another phenomenal turnout this year. Cupcakes will be judged on icing/frosting, flavor/texture and presentation/creativity for a total of 50 points, which allows plenty of room for edible creativity. The winners will receive bragging rights around St. Petersburg and a handmade cupcake trophy by a local artist to be announced later this summer.

The winning cupcakes will enjoy fame and fortune as a celebrity on the Morean website, Facebook page and city-wide media. Awards announced at 3 p.m. The People’s Choice award will be voted on by the attending audience. Participants in the contest are encouraged to bring sufficient quantities for the public to taste, but not required. Votes will be tallied and winner of the People’s Choice Award announced at 3 p.m. $5 admission will be collected to help support the Morean Arts Center’s mission of Connecting People with Art. Admission includes 5 ballots, additional ballots can be purchased for $1 (cash or credit).

Registration will be capped at 100 contestants. Please send in forms as soon as possible. Multiple submissions are allowed, but each flavor entered needs to be accompanied by a separate registration form and entry fee. For information or questions on how to enter the contest, please call the Morean Arts Center at 727.822.7872 or go online and download the entry form at MoreanArtsCenter.org

Harvard faculty to lead unique Executive Leadership Course at Florida Poly

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Business executives from all over Florida are invited to participate in a one-of-a-kind leadership course developed by Harvard professors and taught at Florida Polytechnic University from August 5-10.

The immersive week-long Florida Poly Executive Leadership Course is designed for mid-career professionals looking to improve their leadership skills. Attendees will learn how to better understand their market, execute creative change, and grow their organizations through flexible and adaptive leadership.

The course is led by Harvard professors emeritus Drs. Paul Marshall and Earl Sasser to provide participants with the most advanced leadership strategies through hands-on activities, real-world case studies, group break-outs and self-reflection. Both Marshall and Sasser are leaders in the field of management and executive education, each having over 40 years of experience in the classroom.

“What makes this course unique is that it is led by Harvard faculty and modeled by what people can find at Harvard,” said Florida Poly president, Dr. Randy K. Avent. “It’s also a resident program which brings the opportunity to build valuable relationships with leaders from other companies.”

Participants will also learn from Florida Poly faculty members who will emphasize the role technology and innovation play in the skills needed for success in today’s business world.

Marshall and Sassar created the program drawing from their experience with the Harvard Business School case study method, which helps participants gain insider perspective, decision-making skills, and increased confidence through small-group discussion and engaging lecture.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to explore Florida Poly’s campus and will spend time in the iconic Innovation, Science & Technology (IST) Building, designed by famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The IST is home to a supercomputer, 3D printing lab, media lab, big data lab, and the university’s bookless library.

Attendees will spend their evenings in a residence hall and are invited to take advantage of the on-campus fitness center.

Seating in this unique program is limited and the registration deadline is July 22. For more information, contact [email protected] or 863-874-8614.

Heat up your summer with higher instant cash prizes

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The Florida Lottery’s Summer EZmatch™ Promotion Begins Today

Temperatures are rising and so are instant cash prize amounts! For a limited time only, Florida Lottery players who add EZmatch to their FANTASY 5®, LUCKY MONEY™ and FLORIDA LOTTO® purchases can instantly win higher cash prizes of up to $1,000.

Beginning today, through Sunday, July 29, 2018, the EZmatch top prize will double from $500 to $1,000 and the second prize from $250 to $500.  EZmatch players will also enjoy an increased minimum prize of $5, up from $2.

For an additional $1 per play, the EZmatch add-on feature gives players of these games the opportunity to win cash prizes instantly. When players add EZmatch to their FANTASY 5, LUCKY MONEY or FLORIDA LOTTO purchase, multiple EZmatch numbers and instant prize amounts will be printed on the ticket. If any of the EZmatch numbers match any of the player’s numbers on the ticket, the player instantly wins the prize amount shown. Players can multiple times on a single ticket.

All EZmatch prizes of less than $600 are redeemable at any Florida Lottery retail location. Prizes of $600 or more must be claimed at a Florida Lottery District Office. If an EZmatch prize is paid by a retailer before the applicable FANTASY 5, LUCKY MONEY, or FLORIDA LOTTO drawing on the ticket has occurred, a continuation ticket will be provided to the player.  EZmatch prizes can be claimed up to 180 days after the first draw date on the ticket. More information about this Promotion, or any Florida Lottery game, is available at flalottery.com.

FANTASY 5 drawings are held seven days a week, at 11:15 p.m., ET; LUCKY MONEY drawings are held Tuesday and Friday nights at 11:15 p.m., ET; and FLORIDA LOTTO drawings are held Wednesday and Saturday nights at 11:15 p.m., ET. Florida Lottery drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state and are available for viewing on the Florida Lottery website. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery website, at retailers statewide and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.

Mayor Billy Bain Endorses Diaz

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The Miami Springs mayor is the latest Miami-Dade official to throw his support behind Diaz’s candidacy for the Florida Senate

The Manny Diaz Campaign today announced the endorsement of Miami Springs Mayor Billy Bain. Diaz has represented District 103 in the Florida House of Representatives since 2012 and is seeking the District 36 seat in the state senate. Bain joins a growing list of Miami-Dade elected officials, including seven other mayors, who have endorsed Diaz in recent weeks.

[Read more…] about Mayor Billy Bain Endorses Diaz

UNF Professor Awarded Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship

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Dr. Thobias Sando, University of North Florida civil engineering professor, was recently awarded a fellowship by the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program, a scholar fellowship program for educational projects at African higher education institutions. [Read more…] about UNF Professor Awarded Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship

DSC names new student center for L. Gale Lemerand

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Daytona State College has named its 84,000-square-foot student center under construction on its main campus in honor of longtime benefactor and former trustee L. Gale Lemerand during a Thursday, May 31, ceremony, followed by tours of the three-story structure, expected to be completed next spring.

The naming marks a formal recognition of Lemerand’s longtime support of the college and its students, including a most recent gift of $2 million to the Daytona State College Foundation. The gift brings to more than $3 million donated to DSC by the prolific entrepreneur over the years in support of student scholarships and campus growth initiatives, becoming the college’s most generous living benefactor.

“Today, we come together to honor a man who has been a champion of higher education, not only at Daytona State College, but throughout the state of Florida,” said DSC President Tom LoBasso. “The entire college community is deeply proud and honored to name this new student center for Mr. Gale Lemerand, whose longtime support of Daytona State already is leaving a legacy that will live on for generations and continue to serve countless students. Gale, thank you for being a friend of Daytona State College and for making such a huge difference in the lives of so many of our students, yesterday, today and well into the future.”

The new facility will embody a design and function for modern-era higher education that will focus on student engagement. It will facilitate a paradigm shift in teaching and learning for the 21st century, noted District Board of Trustees Chair Forough Hosseini. “This will be a place where students can socialize and interact with their peers, faculty and college staff, and access the resources and guidance they need to stay on track,” she said. “We know that students who are engaged in college life are more likely to achieve academic success and complete their degrees. This facility is being built with this in mind.”

In addition to academic support services that include the library and writing center, the building will house a study commons, state-of-the-art classrooms, conference rooms and a large events center. Career Services, a one-stop resource center for career planning and job placement, also will relocate to the building.

The facility also will serve as a hub for the DSC student life experience, where students will gravitate to relax and socialize, with offices for student clubs, a game room, a cafeteria and coffee lounge, and an outdoor dining area.

Trustee Hosseini noted, “It is the generosity of people like Gale Lemerand that helps our lawmakers take notice when we make our funding requests. Knowing that our community’s leaders are serious about being partners in education, helping us achieve the kind of excellence in teaching and learning that our students expect goes a long way in Tallahassee.”

Gov. Scott Attends Roundtable with Puerto Rico Lt. Gov. Rivera-Marin to Offer Assistance and Guidance 

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Today, Governor Rick Scott attended a roundtable hosted by Puerto Rico Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Luis Rivera-Marin, where he offered assistance and guidance on their ongoing recovery from Hurricane Maria. At the roundtable, Gov. Scott was joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Wes Maul and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor, as well as Puerto Rico business leaders.

Governor Scott said, “Hurricane season begins this week, and while we are always working to make sure Florida is prepared, we are also working to help our neighbors in Puerto Rico. At Governor Ricardo Rosselló’s request, I am proud to be in Puerto Rico for the sixth time since Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact to continue working with him and Lieutenant Governor Luis Rivera-Marin to offer assistance and guidance on their ongoing recovery. We will keep fighting to help our friends in Puerto Rico rebuild, recover and be ready for this year’s hurricane season.” 

To view the video, CLICK HERE.

Actions taken by Governor Scott following Hurricane Maria:

·        On September 28th, at the request of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Governor Scott traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico to help coordinate response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria.

·        On October 5th, the Governor entered into a host-state agreement with FEMA – Florida is the only state willing to enter into this type of agreement to help families displaced by Hurricane Maria.

·        On October 11th, Governor Scott met with Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture Congressman Mike Conaway, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Congressman Michael McCaul, and Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón.

·        On October 30th, the Governor’s office sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget. See the letter HERE.

·        On November 3rd, Governor Scott led a delegation of Florida utility providers to Puerto Rico at the invitation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló.

·        On November 9th, the Governor activated the State Emergency Response Team to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s press release HERE.

·        On November 15th, the Governor sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan urging them to support Florida’s efforts to support those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s letter HERE.

·        On December 21st, Governor Scott spoke with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón regarding Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Maria.

·        On December 22nd, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen regarding recovery efforts for Florida and Puerto Rico.

·        On January 3rd, Governor Scott sent a letter to the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations urging the Senate to immediately pass a significant Hurricane Irma and Maria disaster relief package. See the Governor’s letter HERE.

·        On January 11th, Governor Scott spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long regarding the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of continued communication between federal, state and local partners as families continue to recover from Hurricane Maria.

·        On January 12th, Governor Scott met with Governor Ricardo Rosselló and joined him for a Puerto Rico recovery town hall meeting to discuss ongoing relief efforts.

·        On January 24th, Governor Scott, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, California Governor Jerry Brown and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló issued a joint letter urging the U.S. Senate to improve and expeditiously pass supplemental disaster funding, and for Congress to send the bill to the President. See the letter HERE.

·        On February 5th, Governor Scott visited Puerto Rico with Governor Ricardo Rosselló to assist with ongoing Hurricane Maria recovery efforts.

·        On February 7th, Governor Scott spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long regarding Governor Scott’s recent trip to Puerto Rico.

·        On February 7th, Governor Scott announced a new partnership to connect families displaced by Hurricane Maria with jobs in Florida. See the announcement HERE.

·        On March 5th, Governor Scott traveled to Puerto Rico to meet with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón and attend the Puerto Rico State of the State Address.

·        On April 18th, Governor Scott met with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón in Washington D.C. to discuss how Florida is working to help Puerto Rican evacuees in the state.

·        On April 18th, Governor Scott also spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long to discuss the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of keeping the FEMA case managers the Governor previously requested on the ground across the state.

·        On May 18th, Governor Scott announced that Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart would travel to Puerto Rico on May 20th to meet with Puerto Rico Department of Education Secretary Dr. Julie Keleher and offer continued guidance and support. See the Governor’s announcement HERE.

Enrollment Day, College Funding Workshop make it easy, June 9

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With the summer and fall semesters just around the corner, it’s time for students returning and new to college to lock in their schedule at Daytona State College. DSC offers an easy-access, no-cost session next month to make registration a simple one-stop process.

Enrollment Day on Saturday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the college’s Daytona Beach Campus provides an opportunity for students to complete everything from admission to registration.Stop by the 103.3FM booth for a live radio remote featuring DJ Tremble, plus games, giveaways and other prize drawings. Our friends at TheVibe are offering to pick-up the cost of text books for a student starting this fall; enter Your Books Are On Us Sweepstakes today!

Students can take advantage of the one-stop event to complete everything from admission to registration to financial aid and have a chance to win a $350 scholarship from the Daytona State Foundation.

How it works: Students start by completing a Daytona State application, then meet with an Admissions Advisor and Financial Aid Counselor, take an assessment test (if applicable), meet with an Academic Advisor, and then lock in their schedule.

Enrollment Saturday event schedule:

Saturday, June 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Daytona Beach Campus

Wetherell Center (Bldg. 100)

1200 W. International Speedway Blvd.

 

In addition, find out how to get some free money by attending the FAFSA College Funding Saturday Workshop that’s scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in room 205. Hosted by Daytona State’s Financial Aid Office the workshop will explain college education financing and help with completing the financial aid applications (FAFSA).

Academic Advisors will also be available to talk about unique academic programs such as Honors College and Learning Communities which includes Linked Classes and Daytona State’s award-winning QUANTA program.

Daytona State offers programs that link to today’s jobs and careers in the region and the state. Featuring numerouscertificates leading to two-year associate of science degrees, and associated bachelor’s degree in industries such as business, education, engineering technology, information technology and healthcare; many using instructional methods that include in-class, online and a combination of both.

  • The Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management (BAS) degree is designed for students who already have an associate degree, many of whom are working in their field and looking for advancement. Students in the BAS program will learn the essential components of supervision and management, including the skills needed to assume more responsibility in their career. Salaries range from approximately $46,000 to $100,000 (U.S. Dept. of Labor). Concentrations in: Accounnting/Finance, Entrepreneurship, NEW – Hospitality, Legal, Management, Marketing/Sales, Project Management, as well as Television Studio Production.
  • The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) degree is available as a standalone degree or with a concentration in Electrical Engineering. This degree is designed for students who already have an associate degree. Graduates are prepared to practice engineering in the areas of product improvement, manufacturing and engineering operational functions. Salaries range from approximately $51,000 to $78,000 (U.S. Dept. of Labor).
  • The Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED) degree is designed for students who already have an Associate of Arts degree and want to teach in the K-12 system. Daytona State offers bachelor’s degrees in seven education fields: Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education, Secondary Biology Education, Secondary Mathematics Education, Secondary Earth/Space Science Education, Secondary Chemistry Education and Secondary Physics Education. Salaries range from approximately $34,000 to $53,000 (U.S. Dept. of Labor).
  •  The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) degree is designed for students who already have an Associate degree. Degrees in Computer Information Technology, Computer Programming and Analysis (Software Engineering Technology), Internet Services Technology or Network Systems Technology provide a seamless transition into this new program, offered online and at Daytona State’s Advanced Technology College. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates IT-related job growth to expand by more than 50 percent through 2018, with salaries for experienced BS graduates averaging in the $70,000 range.
  • The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree offers a traditional face-to-face method requiring 48 credit hours, building upon the 72 credit hours which were already earned in the associate degree in Nursing program. By choosing the Daytona State BSN program, students save over 30 percent on the cost of tuition compared to the most price-competitive area BSN programs.

Students unable to attend Enrollment Day can take advantage of DSC’s extended registration hours for summer and fall classes, through Aug. 3:

  • Daytona Beach Campus – 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday
  • DeLand Campus – 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Tuesday & Thursday
  • Deltona Campus – 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday & Wednesday
  • Flagler/Palm Coast Campus – 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Tuesday & Thursday
  • New Smyrna Beach-Edgewater Campus – 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday & Tuesday

Note: All other days, the campuses are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday, 8 a.m. until noon through Aug. 3; regular hours resume Aug. 6. 

For more information about the Enrollment Saturday events, e-mail [email protected] or call (386) 506-4471.

Florida Association for Behavior Analysis Responds to Recent Moratorium on Enrollment of New Providers in Miami and Broward

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Florida Association for Behavior Analysis’ Response

The Florida Association for Behavior Analysis (FABA) today commended the state Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) for issuing a temporary moratorium on the enrollment of new behavior analysis providers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The issue of Medicaid fraud and abuse is something that board-certified behavior analysts take very seriously, and FABA is grateful that AHCA is aggressively investigating and prosecuting fraudulent providers. [Read more…] about Florida Association for Behavior Analysis Responds to Recent Moratorium on Enrollment of New Providers in Miami and Broward

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING… Florida Job Growth Grant Fund Recipients Highlight Initiative’s Impact on Economy

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Yesterday, Governor Rick Scott announced nearly $10 million in awards for six Florida Job Growth Grant Fund projects. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, established by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature last year, provides $85 million for improving public infrastructure and enhancing workforce training in Florida. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has received more than 246 proposals requesting more than $866 million in funding. Yesterday’s announcement reflects a total of nearly $70 million in funding awarded to 27 communities across the state to promote infrastructure and job training since 2017.

Here’s what this round of grantees are saying:

Dr. Jim Richey, President of Eastern Florida State College said, “We’re very grateful to Gov. Scott for his efforts to provide the grant. It will play a significant role in helping us educate and train a new generation of high-tech workers for business and industry in Florida, and for companies launching a new era of human spaceflight from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. We look forward to working closely with Daytona State College to ensure the initiative is a success.”

Bobby Steele, Chairman of the Baker County Board of Commissioners said, “We would like to thank the Governor and his team for their continued support of economic development throughout the state; and more specifically for their support of economic development here in Baker County. Woodstock Industrial Park is a premier development opportunity that will bring industry and investment to Baker County; creating opportunities for good jobs for our entire region. This investment in Baker County is a large step forward in advancing Baker County as a preferred location for new business.”

Joe Pickens, President of St. Johns River State College said, “St. Johns River State College appreciates the funding received from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and is honored to be one of the recipients. The grant will support the establishment of a new Engineering-Advanced Manufacturing program that was designed in partnership with our regional businesses to help meet their demand for a trained and skilled workforce to support the production and automation needed in today’s advanced manufacturing environments. This initiative demonstrates our strategic commitment to build sustainable, high skilled/high wage opportunities for the citizens and businesses of Northeast Florida, further diversifying our local and state economy.”

Dr. Lawrence Barrett, President of Florida Gateway College said, “Florida Gateway College embraces Governor Scott’s support of economic development and job growth opportunities in the Lake City, Columbia County area. We look forward to working with our industry partners in pursuing this outstanding workforce initiative.”

Ken Doherty, Chairman of the Charlotte County Commission said, “Florida Job Growth Fund grants are awarded to a limited number of applicants. This grant shows that Gov. Scott and his team are believers in the economic potential of Charlotte County. We are proud of our strong working relationships with the state and sincerely appreciate being selected for a grant of this magnitude.”

Kevin E. Hyde, Interim President of Florida State College at Jacksonville said, “We are grateful for this grant and our partners who allow us to further our workforce development initiatives in these key areas of opportunity. Many thanks to Governor Scott, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Enterprise Florida for entrusting us with this award to build more students’ learning and employment opportunities and come closer to closing the talent gap in the manufacturing and logistics industries.”

For more information about the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, visitwww.FloridaJobs.org/JobGrowth.