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Gov. Scott: Businesses Continue to Create Thousands of Jobs for Floridians

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Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida businesses have created 1,516,900 jobs since December 2010, including 8,300 private-sector jobs in April and 170,400 in the last year. Florida’s annual job growth rate of 2.3 percent continues to exceed the nation’s rate of 1.8 percent. Florida’s annual job growth rate has outpaced the nation for 72 of the past 73 months. The only month that Florida did not exceed the nation was due to Hurricane Irma. The Governor made the announcement today at El Meson in Orlando, a restaurant with four locations in Florida and 37 in Puerto Rico. The Governor visited the restaurant during his fifth trip to Puerto Rico.

[Read more…] about Gov. Scott: Businesses Continue to Create Thousands of Jobs for Floridians

Sen. Bill Nelson, Commissioner Pat Gerard, Mayor George Cretekos to join hundreds in Clearwater in opposition to offshore drilling

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MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: Eight years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster devastated businesses, communities and wildlife along the Gulf of Mexico, elected officials, community members and environmentalists from across Tampa Bay will gather on Clearwater Beach for this year’s Hands Across the Sand event to oppose offshore drilling and call for commitments to clean, renewable energy.

This year’s Hands Across the Sand in Clearwater is one of 119 synchronized events across 18 states and seven countries designed to raise awareness about the dangers of dirty energy and the need to quickly transition to clean, renewable alternatives. The events are particularly salient this year, as the Trump administration considers opening up nearly all of America’s coasts to offshore drilling, including proposed oil and gas development in parts of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic.

SPEAKERS:
U.S. Senator Bill Nelson
Mayor George Cretekos, Clearwater
Commissioner Pat Gerard, Pinellas County
Frank Jackalone, Florida Director, Sierra Club

Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long and Pinellas County Schoolboard Chairwoman Renee Flowers along with representatives from Sea Shepherd, Environment Florida, the Suncoast Surfrider Foundation, Center for Biological Diversity, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy will also be in attendance.

** INTERVIEW AND PHOTO/ VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE**

VISUALS: 
Elected officials, families, and environmentalists all joining hands, wearing blue to support the ocean, lined up along the water’s edge facing the Gulf of Mexico; colorful signs, paddleboards and surfboards showing support for moving away from dirty fuels and towards clean energy.

WHEN: 
11:30 – Kick-off press conference w/ elected officials
11:45 –  Attendees begin to walk down to the water’s edge to join hands
12:00 – Everyone joins hands along the water’s edge in opposition to offshore drilling

WHERE:
4 Rockaway St.
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Outside of the Palm Pavilion

PARKING: 
Closest Option: Paid Public Parking at 4 Rockaway Street
Second Closest Option: Paid Public Parking Lot near Family Aquatic & Recreation Center on corner of Esplanade and Mandalay.
Bring at least $3.00 in quarters or download Parking App
Takes 10-12 minutes to walk to event

WHY:  
At a time when we need to invest in a green energy future and honor international agreements to fight climate change, drilling off the Florida coast would take us in the exact opposite direction. The impacts of these actions will affect people across the world. Hands Across the Sand participants will be pushing local elected officials to formally oppose the draft plan to expand offshore drilling if they have not done so already, and to take a stronger stand against the expansion of offshore drilling along the coast. With the entire world rapidly switching to electric vehicles that use no oil, we’ll soon need less oil, not more.

BACK UP RAIN LOCATION: Palms Pavillion, 10, 1603, Bay Esplanade, Clearwater, FL 33767

For more information, go to handsacrossthesand.org.

PSC Assists Hillsborough County Seniors During Older Americans Month

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During May’s Older Americans Month, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is visiting three Hillsborough County Senior Centers on Tuesday, May 22, and Wednesday, May 23.
PSC representatives will distribute and discuss water and energy conservation information, assist eligible seniors in applying for the Lifeline Assistance telephone/broadband discount program, and offer protection against scams targeting utility customers.

The Palm Beach County events are scheduled for the following times and locations:

Tuesday, May 22, 2018
11:00 a.m.
Tampa Baptist Manor
215 W Grand Central Ave
Tampa, Florida

Wednesday, May 23, 2018
10:00 a.m.
Brandon Senior Center
612 N Parsons Ave
Brandon, Florida
and

Wednesday, May 23, 2018
1:00 p.m.
Ruskin Center
905 6th Street SE
Ruskin, Florida

About Older Americans Month
Since 1963, communities and agencies across the state and nation have joined in the annual Older American Month commemoration. The tradition shows the state’s commitment to celebrating the contributions and achievements of older Florida residents. For more information visit, oam.acl.gov.

For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.

Tallahassee man claims $10 million FLORIDA LOTTO® jackpot

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The Florida Lottery announces that Craig Dennis, 63, of Tallahassee, claimed the $10 million FLORIDA LOTTO® jackpot from the drawing held on May 16, 2018, at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.

Dennis chose to receive the winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $6,539,673.20. The jackpot-winning FLORIDA LOTTO Quick Pick ticket was purchased from Maxwell’s Grocery, located at 9002 Mahan Drive in Tallahassee. The retailer will receive a bonus commission of $65,000 for selling the jackpot-winning FLORIDA LOTTO ticket.

The next FLORIDA LOTTO drawing will be held tomorrow, May 19, 2018, at 11:15 p.m. ET, with a $2 million jackpot. FLORIDA LOTTO drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Drawings are also 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.

Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Saturday

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Five to be honored at Tallahassee event

Current and former law enforcement officers from throughout Florida will be honored tomorrow at the Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Tallahassee.

The 2018 inductees are:
Robert E. Blackburn, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office;
Donald F. Eslinger, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office;
Ernest W. George, West Palm Beach Police Department;
Frederick A. Maas, Sunny Isles Beach Police Department; and
James W. Smith, Miami Beach Police Department

What: The Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Who: FDLE Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Pritt will preside over the ceremony
When: Saturday, May 19, 2018
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Where: Florida Capitol, Pat Thomas Committee Room 412, Knott Building
Address: 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee

The Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame was created by the 2014 Florida Legislature to recognize and honor law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of Florida’s citizens and visitors through their works, service and exemplary accomplishments.

Gov. Scott to Attend Governor’s Hurricane Conference

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, May 16th, Governor Rick Scott will attend the Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Palm Beach, where he will join emergency management professionals as they discuss preparations for the upcoming hurricane season.

WHAT: Governor’s Hurricane Conference

WHEN: 9:00 AM

WHERE: Palm Beach Convention Center
650 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

UWF Center for Cybersecurity partners with FDLE to enhance cybersecurity

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On the heels of a cyberattack that grounded city services in Atlanta, employees entrusted with protecting their agencies trained on how to thwart attacks during two courses at the University of West Florida.

The UWF Center for Cybersecurity partnered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services to host the courses on May 10-11 at the UWF Conference Center. Employees from the FDLE, Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, Escambia County School District, Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners and First Judicial Circuit of Florida, among others, participated in the training sessions less than two months after the ransomware attack in Atlanta.

“I think the best solutions are always the collaborative ones, so that we can combine efforts to bring more cybersecurity knowledge and awareness to the community and enhance the resiliency of our region and state,” said Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, UWF Center for Cybersecurity director.

The first course focused on examining various types of cyberattacks, how communities are vulnerable to attacks and incidents and what types of organizations are targeted. The second course provided strategies and processes to increase cyber resilience. Participants analyzed cyber threats, evaluated the process for developing a cyber preparedness program and discovered little to no cost resources to help build cyber resilience.

Molly Akin, special agent supervisor with the FDLE, cited crimes against children, fraud, theft of intellectual property, network intrusions, business email compromises, denial of service and website defacements as cybercrimes her agency investigates.

Victims of cybercrimes in Florida lost an estimated $110 million in 2017, according to the 2017 Internet Crime Report recently released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The report also noted that Florida victims reported losses of $62 million in business email compromise schemes and $10 million in losses due to personal or corporate data breaches. Florida ranked third in the nation in the highest dollar loss for victims.

Akin said the FDLE is forming a Cyber Working Group for Region 1, which covers Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties. Akin is seeking volunteers for the committee.

“I want us to have lines of communication,” Akin said. “I want us to have meetings where we can discuss what we’re seeing, things we can work on. The most important thing to me is to establish this group so we can see what this region needs in terms of cyber.”

David Stafford, Escambia County supervisor of elections, participated in both courses. He described the trainings as informative as he prepares to defend against any potential cyberattacks during the upcoming midterm elections. Stafford said the UWF Center for Cybersecurity is a valuable asset for his office in cyber defense.

“One of the things we recognized pretty quickly is we had a tremendous resource in our back yard, literally, with the UWF Center for Cybersecurity,” Stafford said. “Early on, I picked up the phone and called Eman and said, ‘Hey, we’ve got needs, you’ve got resources. Can we work together?’”

In May 2016, the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security designated UWF as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Those same governing agencies designated UWF as the Center of Academic Excellence Regional Resource Center for the Southeast U.S. In that role, UWF provides guidance on cyber defense education to colleges and universities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Puerto Rico.

“One of the reasons I think FDLE works well with the Center for Cybersecurity is because they have already established themselves as the Northwest Florida/Panhandle area’s place for cybersecurity,” Akin said. “They’re ahead of everything and we know it. They’re nationally known for the things they are doing here.”

For more information about the UWF Center for Cybersecurity, visit uwf.edu/cybersecurity.
For more information about the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, visit fdle.state.fl.us.

OneJax Metrotown Institute Hosts Teen Diversity Leadership Program

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OneJax, an institute at the University of North Florida, is now accepting applications from teens entering grades nine through 12 to participate in its Metrotown Institute, a four-day program that promotes respect and understanding across the differences of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status and ability. The program will take place Monday, June 18, through Thursday, June 21, at Riverside Presbyterian Church, 849 Park St.

“Metrotown is truly a transformative experience for students, one that opens their eyes and changes the way they see the world,” said Nancy Broner, OneJax executive director. “The teens are confronted with important social issues like prejudice and discrimination. While they’re learning about people who are different, they’re also learning a lot about themselves.”

For close to 30 years, Metrotown has brought together high school students to explore living successfully in an increasingly diverse and interdependent world. Participants will share ideas and feelings, discover their own unique talents, and experience a variety of perspectives on diversity issues, multicultural communications, religious traditions, gender roles and self-esteem, while earning 35 community service hours for their involvement. There will be small group discussions and workshops, creative and artistic activities, outdoor experiences and personal reflection.

Students must be referred to the program or endorsed by a sponsor, such as a parent, teacher, counselor, clergy or community leader. Anyone interested in referring a student should contact OneJax at (904) 620-1529. Students will be required to complete an application to be considered. Applications and additional information can be obtained via the website.

The program is designed for 50 students, who will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration fee is $150, which includes daily lunch and snacks as well as dinner on the final night. Sponsors are encouraged to help students raise money to cover the registration fee, although no one will be prevented from participating due to an inability to pay.

Metrotown is supported by the United Way of Northeast Florida and UNF. As an interfaith organization, the OneJax Institute at UNF is dedicated to achieving civility, understanding and respect for all through education, dialogue and community-building.

Conservative Group, FreedomWorks, supports Maria Elvira Salazar’s Campaign for Florida’s 27th Congressional District

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Maria Elvira Salazar, candidate for Florida’s 27th Congressional District, has been endorsed by FreedomWorks, a conservative and libertarian advocacy group based in Washington D.C. whose members are passionate about promoting free markets and individual liberty.

“Maria Elvira Salazar has the advantage every Republican candidate is looking for this year: authentic grassroots enthusiasm surrounding her campaign,” FreedomWorks executive director Noah Wall said in a statement. “The feedback we received from activists across the district was overwhelmingly supportive of sending Salazar to Washington. Democrats are fundraising like crazy to flip this seat, so it will be a very competitive general election. Maria Elvira Salazar is the obvious choice for Republicans who want to send a strong and principled candidate into the general election and protect this seat.”

Maria Elvira launched her campaign on March 1, 2018, and, after just one month, she raised more than $300,000.

“It is a great honor for me to have the support of Noah Wall and all of the members of FreedomWorks,”said Maria Elvira. “As a first-time candidate and political outsider, this support is evidence that I am ready to represent my community of District 27 in the U.S. Congress.”

About Maria Elvira Salazar
Maria Elvira Salazar is a five-time Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist veteran. Until recently, she was the sole anchor of MEGATV nightly newscast and previously hosted her own daily prime-time political news show called “Maria Elvira Live.” Salazar has established her reputation as a leading expert on Latin American affairs and the U.S. Hispanic community by covering major breaking-news events in the past 25 years. She was the FIRST and ONLY U.S. Spanish-language television journalist to obtain a one-on-one interview with Fidel Castro during his 50 years in power. She began her career in broadcasting in 1984 as a local reporter for the Univision Network flagship station Channel 23, in Miami, Florida. Salazar was born in Miami to Cuban parents who fled in 1960, upon the arrival of the Cuban communist revolution. She holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Miami and earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

She lives in Coral Gables, Florida, with her two daughters.

Paid for by Maria Elvira Salazar for Congress

Gov. Scott Awards Nearly 90 Veterans with the Veterans Service Award at the National Guard Armory in Marianna

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Governor Rick Scott today visited the National Guard Armory in Marianna and awarded 89 veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal. Since 2013, Governor Scott has awarded nearly 14,000 veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal.

The following Florida veteran was highlighted during today’s ceremony:

Sergeant Christopher Gilley
Sergeant Christopher L. Gilley is a 17-year Florida Army National Guard Veteran who has served in various positions within the United States Army and the Florida Army National Guard. He has served under several state missions, including, most recently, Hurricane Irma response. Sergeant Gilley has also served under two federal mobilizations, one to support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and another in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal after both mobilizations. Today, Sergeant Gilley continues to serve within the United States Army and the Florida Army National Guard.