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Lisa Carlton Endorses Tommy Gregory for Florida House

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The former state senator says Gregory’s leadership experience
and military service make him the right choice for District 73

The Tommy Gregory Campaign today announced the endorsement of former State Senator Lisa Carlton, who also served Southwest Florida in the Florida House of Representatives. Gregory is running for the District 73 seat in the Florida House of Representatives, currently held by Joe Gruters, who is running for the Florida Senate.

“Tommy Gregory’s leadership experience and service to our country make him the clear choice for District 73,” said Carlton. “I’m confident that he will be a reliable and strong voice for low taxes and other policies that will make our community even stronger.”

Carlton, an eighth generation Floridian, was elected in 1994 to the Florida House, where she served two terms. She then served for ten years in the Florida Senate, including as Senate Pro Tempore from 2006 to 2008. Currently, she is a guest lecturer at the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida and at the Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government at the University of Central Florida.

“Lisa Carlton has a distinguished record of public service, both as an elected official and as a private citizen,” said Gregory. “I’m honored to have her support, and I look forward to working with her and other community leaders who work so hard to make Southwest Florida such a great place to call home.”

Paid by Tommy Gregory, Republican, for State Representative

Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Statement on Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy Killed in the Line of Duty

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement regarding Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy William Gentry, who was killed in the line of duty.

“Today, with the tragic loss of Deputy William Gentry, we are painfully reminded of the tremendous sacrifices that Florida’s law enforcement officers, and their families, make on behalf of all Floridians. My thoughts and prayers are with Deputy William Gentry’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as the entire Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.

“To all of Florida’s law enforcement community, may you be safe and know that we stand with you.”

POWERBALL® jackpot rises to $233 million

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More Than $16.1 Million For Education in Florida

The jackpot for Wednesday’s POWERBALL® drawing has risen to an estimated $233 million; the largest in the nation. The POWERBALL jackpot has rolled 14 times since the March 21, 2018, drawing, generating more than $16.1 million in contributions to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).

In addition to the jackpot, players have eight other ways to win non-jackpot prizes ranging from $4 to $1 million or up to $2 million if the ticket includes Power Play. The integrity of all games is of utmost importance to the Florida Lottery; players are encouraged to sign the back of their tickets at the time of purchase and keep them in a safe place.

POWERBALL jackpots start at $40 million and roll until the jackpot is won. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-69) and the red POWERBALL (1-26). The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are approximately one-in-24.87.

Purchase your tickets at any of the more than 13,000 Lottery retailers for your chance to become Florida’s newest multi-millionaire. The Florida Lottery reminds all players to play responsibly, as it only takes one ticket to win. As with all Florida Lottery products, players must be 18 years or older to play.

Gov. Rick Scott Statement on Shooting of Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy

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Governor Rick Scott made the following statement today regarding last night’s shooting in Highlands County that took the life of Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy William Gentry.

Governor Scott said, “Each day, Florida’s brave men and women in law enforcement selflessly place the safety of others above their own. Today, my wife, Ann, and I join all Floridians in mourning the loss of another Florida hero, Deputy William Gentry, whose life has now been senselessly taken. Last night, I spoke with Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman and committed all available state resources they may need. We will not stand for anyone who hurts our law enforcement. I ask for all Floridians to pray for Deputy Gentry’s family and loved ones, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and all of our courageous law enforcement who go above and beyond every day to keep us safe.”

Florida PSC Reminds Consumers to Think about Water Use

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As Drinking Water Week kicks off, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) joins water professionals across the country to encourage consumers to conserve water both to preserve water supplies and protect water resources.

“Drinking Water Week reminds us that water is essential to life. We need to appreciate it and help conserve it,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham.  “Water is so easy to take for granted; just turn the faucet and out it pours. But, water is a finite resource, and conserving water today helps save it for the future.”

To commemorate Drinking Water Week, May 6-12, the PSC is providing consumers with easy, everyday water conservation tips with our Drop by Drop brochure.  Below are some additional summer conservation reminders from the American Water Works Association (AWWA), sponsors of Drinking Water Week:

  • Don’t over water your lawn.  Only water every three to five days in the summer and 10 to 14 days in the winter.
  • To prevent water evaporation, don’t water your lawn during the hottest part of the day, or when it is windy.
  • Use a broom to clean walkways, driveways, decks and porches, rather than hosing off these areas.
  • Apply mulch around shrubs and flower beds to reduce evaporation, promote plant growth, and control weeds.
  • Repair dripping faucets, indoor and out.
  • Collect rainfall for irrigation in a screened container.

About Drinking Water Week
For more than 35 years, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week–a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Additional information about 2017 Drinking Water Week, including free materials for download and celebration ideas, is available on the Drinking Water Week website, awwa.org.

For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.

Update: I-4 and I-95 Interchange Temporary Closures Postponed

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I-4 Eastbound Ramp to I-95 Southbound,
S.R. 400/Beville Road Eastbound

Due to recent weather delays, the temporary closure of S.R. 400 (Beville Road) eastbound and I-4 exit 132B towards I-95 southbound has been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 9, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Detours will be marked. Travelers are advised to slow down, and follow the detour signs through construction. Posted detours are:

  • Eastbound I-4/Beville Road traffic: Use exit 129 towards U.S. 92 (International Speedway Boulevard), merge onto I-95 southbound and take exit 260A to Beville Road.
  • I-4 eastbound to I-95 southbound/exit 132B: Use exit 129 towards U.S. 92 (International Speedway Boulevard) east to I-95 southbound.
  • Please note that the I-4 exit 132A to I-95 northbound will remain open.

Please note construction schedules may change due to weather or other circumstances, and if this happens, the closures may be rescheduled. Updates will be available on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Central Florida website, CFLRoads.com.

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT Communications Office at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].

FDOT advises drivers to slow down and use extra caution in construction zones.

Senator Stewart pushes stronger action as Orange County considers gun control

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As Orange County officials ready to discuss new measures aimed at curbing the gun violence epidemic, state Senator Linda Stewart on Monday urged the mayor and commissioners to first take stronger action closing a loophole allowing many questionable gun buyers to remain under the radar.

“I applaud the county for doing something, but we need strong, specific, and direct action that has been ignored so far,” said Senator Stewart. The Orlando Democrat was referring to a memo sent last month from Orange County Mayor Theresa Jacobs to County Commissioners that outlined gun control proposals, but omitted closing gun show loopholes and adding longer waiting periods.

Senator Stewart and other long-time leaders in the movement for gun safety have long called for such proactive safety measures to be enacted.

In a letter to the mayor, Senator Stewart urged county officials to include closing the gun show loophole, which continues to allow buyers to purchase firearms from private sellers without undergoing any background checks, and to lengthen waiting periods to 5-days.

“Especially in our community, failure to do everything we can to prevent senseless and unnecessary gun violence like the tragedy at Pulse nightclub and recently at Parkland school is absolutely unacceptable,” said Stewart, who has been a fierce gun control advocate following the Pulse massacre. Since her election to the Florida Senate in 2016, Senator Stewart has filed bills and amendments to ban assault weapons, ban bump-fire stocks, and additional measures to curb gun violence and honor the victims of Pulse. She plans to file legislation to address an operational statewide database, which she hopes will be eventually picked up as universal database for our country.

Commissioner Stewart Names Miami-Dade Educator Molly Winters Diallo Teacher of the Year Finalist

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Diallo receives $15,000 and chance to
compete for statewide Teacher of the Year

Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools Alberto M. Carvalho, Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart, 2019 Teacher of the Year Finalist Molly Winters Diallo and Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High School Principal Christopher Shinn celebrate in Diallo’s classroom with her students shortly after Commissioner Stewart made the announcement.

Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today surprised Molly Winters Diallo in her classroom with a check for $15,000 and the news that she is one of five Teacher of the Year finalists. The statewide Teacher of the Year will be announced at the annual Florida Teacher of the Year Gala July 13 in Orlando. Each district’s Teacher of the Year will receive $10,000, and the state winner will receive a total of $20,000.

“Congratulations to Molly Winters Diallo on being selected as one of five 2019 Teacher of the Year finalists,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Throughout her career, Diallo has focused on continual professional growth and, as a result, her students’ performance has consistently been among the best in her district. Her passion for teaching and helping her students reach their full potential is evident. It is truly an honor to recognize her today and reward her for her hard work and dedication.”

Diallo began teaching at Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High School in 2009, the year it was founded. She serves as the Social Sciences Department Chair and teaches Honors U.S. History, Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology and AP Human Geography. Since the inception of the U.S. History end-of-course assessment, her students’ pass rate has averaged 90 percent, with last year’s rate being 98 percent. In each of the other courses, her students’ pass rate has exceeded the global mean pass rate, and her students have made significant individual gains. As a department chair and an instructional leader, Diallo mentors new teachers and collaborates with fellow faculty members to improve students’ learning experiences.

Diallo has been recognized by the Bezos Family Foundation and Stanford University for her innovative approaches and rigorous instruction; served as an AP reader for CollegeBoard; worked with the district’s Division of Social Sciences to develop the district’s U.S. History curriculum; and attained National Board Certification.

This year’s five finalists were chosen from more than 198,700 public school teachers throughout the state. After each school district selects its Teacher of the Year, a selection committee representing teachers, principals, parents and the business community reviews each district application on the basis of outstanding ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional development, philosophy of teaching, and outstanding school and community service.

The Florida Teacher of the Year Program is made possible by generous sponsors: Florida Prepaid, State Farm, Florida Blue, Telemundo, Helios Education Foundation, Wells Fargo, Publix, Florida Power and Light Company, Florida Lottery, Gulf Power and Herff Jones.

For more about the Florida Teacher of the Year program, please visit Florida Teachers Lead.

For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.

Upcoming Informational Public Meeting on S.R. 19 Improvements

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The Florida Department of Transportation is hosting a public information meeting regarding a resurfacing project for State Road (S.R.) 19/South Bay Street from Norton Avenue to Lake Saunders Drive. The project also includes safety improvements for the S.R. 19 on-ramp from eastbound U.S. 441 as well as an improved roadway transition to County Road 19A, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) enhancements.

The public information meeting will be 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, at the Eustis Community Center, 601 Northshore Drive, Eustis, FL 32726. Project information will be on display, and there will be a presentation on a continuous loop running throughout the meeting. Project representatives will be available to answer questions.

Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations under the ADA or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Kelly Hiden, public involvement coordinator, by phone at 407-508-0839, or via email at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. 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).

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, at [email protected].

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT Communications Office at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].

FDOT advises drivers to slow down and use extra caution in construction zones.

Lisa Carlton Endorses Tommy Gregory for Florida House

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The former state senator says Gregory’s leadership experience
and military service make him the right choice for District 73

The Tommy Gregory Campaign today announced the endorsement of former State Senator Lisa Carlton, who also served Southwest Florida in the Florida House of Representatives. Gregory is running for the District 73 seat in the Florida House of Representatives, currently held by Joe Gruters, who is running for the Florida Senate.

“Tommy Gregory’s leadership experience and service to our country make him the clear choice for District 73,” said Carlton. “I’m confident that he will be a reliable and strong voice for low taxes and other policies that will make our community even stronger.”

Carlton, an eighth generation Floridian, was elected in 1994 to the Florida House, where she served two terms. She then served for ten years in the Florida Senate, including as Senate Pro Tempore from 2006 to 2008. Currently, she is a guest lecturer at the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida and at the Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government at the University of Central Florida.

“Lisa Carlton has a distinguished record of public service, both as an elected official and as a private citizen,” said Gregory. “I’m honored to have her support, and I look forward to working with her and other community leaders who work so hard to make Southwest Florida such a great place to call home.”

Paid by Tommy Gregory, Republican, for State Representative