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Governor Scott and Volunteer Florida Present Champion of Service Award

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During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus awarded 12-year-olds Chase Hartman and Vance Tomasi with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.

Governor Scott said, “At such a young age, Chase and Vance have devoted their time to giving back and making a difference in their community. Their incredible work to deliver books to students across the state makes them worthy recipients of the Champion of Service Award today.”

Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “Volunteer Florida is honored to give this award to Chase and Vance for their outstanding work in collecting and distributing thousands of books to those in need throughout the state. It’s inspiring to see their commitment and dedication to helping others at only 12 years old.”

About the Champion of Service Recipients
Chase Hartman and Vance Tomasi are two 12 -year-old boys from Tampa, Florida, who created “read. repeat.,” an organization that collects gently used books from companies and individuals and distributes them to those in need. So far, they have collected more than 40,000 books of all kinds. Their most impactful deliveries have been to 10 local Title 1 schools in Florida where they donated a total of 13,000 books, including Sheehy Elementary School, which suffered from a flood and lost classroom libraries, and Lee Elementary School, which burned down days after Hurricane Irma moved through Tampa.  Under the leadership of Chase and Vance, “read. repeat.” makes monthly donations to the James Haley Veterans’ Hospital, with more than 3,000 books donated so far.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Statement on Governor Rick Scott’s Intent to Sign PTSD Bill for First Responders

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Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding Gov. Rick Scott’s announcement at the Ringing of the Bell ceremony for Florida’s fallen firefighters that he intends to sign Senate Bill 376, increasing mental health benefits for first responders. Gov. Scott also issued a proclamation declaring today, March 7, 2018, as Firefighter Appreciation Day.

“I want to thank Governor Rick Scott for his intent to sign this great legislation that helps Florida’s brave first responders get the mental health benefits they need. Gov. Scott’s announcement today shows his continued leadership and commitment to this community. PTSD is a hidden killer among our first responders. It’s critical that we do everything possible to ensure first responders are not alone as they cope with the horrific images they see daily. Today, was not only a day to honor those we have lost, but to celebrate the lives we could save.”

Florida Municipal Electric Association’s 18th Annual Florida Lineman Competition Starts Friday

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Electric lineworkers from across the state are getting ready to compete in the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) 18th annual Florida Lineman Competition this Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10. Lineworkers will put their skills to the test by performing tasks they encounter in real-world scenarios. This year, the event is hosted by Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) and will be held at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the competition on Saturday, March 10, which starts at 8 a.m. with an opening ceremony. Admission and parking are free. Those wishing to attend should bring a blanket or chairs for sitting. Picnic lunches and coolers are permitted. There are also concessions available onsite.

For a competition agenda, click here.

The tasks competitors encounter range from replacing cross arm beams to relocating transformers to a simulation of rescuing an injured lineman. Competitors earn points for completing the tasks as quickly as possible and lose points if safety standards and proper work practices are not met. Journeymen teams, which include at least one lineworker who has been in the industry for at least five years, are made up of three lineworkers. Apprentices, or lineworkers in training, compete individually. The competition typically draws between 150 and 200 participants.

Winners will be recognized at a banquet Saturday evening.

“After the last two hurricane seasons, there is definitely a much deeper appreciation of the work linemen do. The Florida Lineman Competition is a great opportunity for the public to see these lineworkers in action and develop a better understanding of their craft,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director.

Established in 2001 by the FMEA, the Florida Lineman Competition brings together public power lineworkers from across the state to demonstrate their skill and knowledge in the craft of line work. At the competition, journeyman and apprentices compete for professional recognition, attend training courses and practice essential skills in a safe environment. The competition encourages safety awareness, teamwork and networking with other utilities.

For more information on FMEA and the Florida Lineman Competition, please visit publicpower.com.

UCF Incubator Company Secures NSF Funding to Develop Radiation Software to Fight Cancer

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The National Science Foundation recently awarded a grant to an Orlando-based company and UCF Incubator client that could help improve cancer patients’ quality of life and potentially reduce the number of times patients are readmitted to a hospital.

“It’s a great honor,” said Rodney Bosley, CEO and director of SegAna. “As we move forward in advancing the commercialization of SegAna’s real-time cloud-based treatment guidance software for radiation cancer treatment, grants like these are vital.”

The company was founded to bring together technology developed at the University of Central Florida and University of California at Los Angeles into a commercially available simulated lung. The software NSF is helping fund is linked to the original research started at UCF. The grant is a cooperative grant with UCLA’s Department of Radiation Oncology.

Once fully developed, the technology would allow radiation oncologists to plan and deliver patient-specific, advanced treatments quickly and modified to suit the current tumor location and motion. More importantly, it will only deliver radiation to the tumor and avoid normal tissues, the researchers say.

SegAna’s technology will be a software framework that provides treatment guidance for radiotherapy. The software provides near real-time computing performance, facilitating clinical decision-making for adaptive radiotherapy.

“We’ve been able to show in our research how this technology will improve radiation treatment, the patient’s quality of life, and ultimately, reduce the number of times a patient is readmitted to the hospital,” Bosley said.

UCF Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professors Jihua Gou and Olusegun Ilegbusi provided the primary design of the printing materials and a 3-D printer to print a lung phantom with specific physical, radiological and mechanical properties. Gou’s expertise includes composite materials and structures, nanocomposite material and advanced manufacturing.

Ilegbusi is an expert on flow structure profiling of cardiovascular disease and image analysis, multifunctional nanocomposites and biosensors. They are cofounders of SegAna and said it was gratifying to see something they worked on make progress towards commercialization and helping improve lives.

The Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 grant is valued at $225,000. SBIR is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in federal research/research and development that has the potential for commercialization. The mission of the SBIR program is to support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of federal research funds in critical American priorities to build a strong national economy.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Recognizes John DeWolfe as the 2017 Forestry Firefighter of the Year

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service recognized Senior Forest Ranger John DeWolfe as the 2017 Forestry Firefighter of the Year. John DeWolfe has served as a wildland firefighter with the Florida Forest Service since September 1997, and he currently serves in the Lakeland District. During last year’s historic wildfire season, which burned more than 260,000 acres, DeWolfe served as the Incident Commander for the Florida Forest Service’s incident management teams in the Lakeland District and the Withlacoochee Forestry Center.

“Our wildland firefighters risk their lives daily to protect Florida’s wildlife and residents from wildfire, and last year they courageously battled one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent history,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “I congratulate John on being named the 2017 Forestry Firefighter of the Year and thank him for his selfless service.”

During his 20 years of service, Senior Ranger John DeWolfe has been involved in all aspects of the fire program, including training, emergency response and land management. DeWolfe mentors the next generation of wildland firefighters and leads trainees through Basic Fire Control Training, facilitates numerous training and safety courses, and is an Air Tactical Group Supervisor Trainee in the Aviation Mentoring Program.

“John is a crucial asset to our agency as a wildland firefighter, instructor and leader. He repeatedly demonstrates his commitment to his job and the safety of Floridians,” said Florida State Forester Jim Karels.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.

CRC Ethics and Elections Committee Meeting

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Ethics and Elections Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday, March 8 from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.

WHAT: Public meeting of the CRC Ethics and Elections Committee 

WHEN: Thursday, March 8 from 9:30 AM -2:30 PM

WHERE: 110 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida

NOTICE: flcrc.gov/Committees/EE/MeetingNotice/179

Gov. Scott Announces Nearly $22 Million Investments from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund Across the State

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Governor Rick Scott today announced nearly $22 million in awards for eleven additional Florida Job Growth Grant Fund projects across the state. 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 235 proposals requesting more than $825 million in funding. Today’s announcement reflects a total of more than $57 million in funding awarded to 21 communities across the state.

Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to announce the nearly $22 million in awards for 11 Florida Job Growth Grant Fund projects across the state. The $85 million Florida Job Growth Grand Fund was established last year with the help of the Florida Legislature to help Florida aggressively fight to be the best destination for businesses to succeed. These projects will help meet infrastructure and workforce training needs across the state in order to promote economic development. These projects are also slated to add more than 18,600 jobs for Florida families. I look forward to the completion of these projects.”

The eleven awarded projects include:

  • Osceola Board of County Commissioners ($5,800,000) to complete the NEO City Gateway Road, which will connect U.S. 192 with two main routes into NEO City, a 500-acre master-planned technology district.
  • City of Pensacola ($4,000,000) to develop additional taxiways, ramp construction and expansion for future development at the Pensacola International Airport, including improvements to facilities for education and training for aviation workforce.
  • Broward College ($3,187,500) to create the Critical Occupation Response through Education (CORE) program to provide workforce training for advanced manufacturing, aviation and information technology.
  • City of Marianna ($1,987,322) to extend the runway at Marianna Airport Commerce Park to 6,000 feet, which will allow the airport to accommodate larger businesses jets providing more opportunities for distribution capacity and economic growth.
  • City of Titusville ($1,060,500) for the construction of a new water main to support the fire flow needs of the southern industrial district, which supports regional space, manufacturing and logistics industries.
  • Volusia County ($1,961,564) for the expansion of County Road 4009 in Daytona Beach, which will provide access to Interstate 95 and enhance commercial and retail development opportunities.
  • St. Petersburg College ($1,596,858) to create the Mechatronics and Electromechanical Technician training program, an accelerated, innovative, responsive and competency-based technical workforce program that meets the advanced manufacturing industry’s skill requirements.
  • Sumter County ($838,860) for water infrastructure upgrades to benefit and promote expansion for existing manufacturers and distributers along the County Road 470 corridor adjacent to Interstate 75.
  • Big Bend Technical College ($100,000) to open a Diesel Maintenance Technician Program and a Diesel System Technical 1 Program that will train students for positions working with diesel transportation vehicles and diesel engines, along with purchasing equipment needed for the hands-on laboratory.
  • Valencia College ($1,320,000) to start the Advanced Manufacturing and Distribution Logistics project, which will provide advanced skilled worker training for advanced systems in manufacturing and industrial industries.
  • Chipola College ($76,240) to purchase equipment that will enhance and expand the welding program to meet the demand in North Florida for entry-level, high-skilled welders.

These proposals were reviewed by DEO, Enterprise Florida (EFI) and chosen by Governor Scott based on their strong return on investment to the state and to meet the demand for a robust workforce or infrastructure needs. Return on investment was calculated to determine the best projects for the state and economic development in the regions.

Executive Director of DEO Cissy Proctor said, “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is one of our state’s critical economic development tools that makes us competitive for attracting businesses to locate, relocate and expand in Florida. We are excited about the opportunities these projects will bring for Florida communities and families across the state.”

CEO of Enterprise Florida Peter Antonacci said, “Enterprise Florida is excited about this investment in these regional projects which will bring more jobs to Florida. EFI is committed to recommending projects with a high return on investment for our taxpayers and looks forward to their success.”

Chairman of the Osceola Board of County Commissioners Fred Hawkins Jr. said, “I’m glad that Governor Scott recognizes the significance that NeoCity will have in creating jobs and expanding employment opportunities in the region. Access to NeoCity is at the heart of this infrastructure project, and making it connected, functional and appealing is fundamental to its long-term success. Creating high-profile roadways that provide connections to our existing transportation network will have an immediate impact in attracting new partners to our project.”

Mayor of the City of Pensacola Ashton Hayward said, “We want to thank Governor Rick Scott and team, for their continued support expanding job growth in Escambia County.  My administration has worked tirelessly with Governor Scott to continue our economic momentum. This is another win enhancing our global presence along the I-10 Aerospace Corridor.”

Broward College President J. David Armstrong said, “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund award will be used to train workers and grow jobs in the skilled workforce areas of aviation, advanced manufacturing, and information technology. All three areas where our region has significant growth opportunities and Broward College has strong programs and partnerships. I want to thank and congratulate Gov. Rick Scott for his leadership and support.  Since his first day in office, he has focused on the need for quality jobs and the importance of education and training in providing Floridians the tools for meaningful, sustainable careers. This grant will support Broward College and its partners like the Urban League, The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and Career Source Broward make our already strong economy and workforce the best in class in these industries.”

Mayor of the City of Marianna Kenneth Hamilton said, “The City of Marianna is truly grateful to Governor Scott for having the vision and forethought to invest in the City’s runway extension project, as well as Florida aviation, which is one of Florida’s targeted industries.  This project will allow our community to excel in job growth and retention. Thank you, Governor Scott.”

Mayor of the City of Titusville Walt Johnson said, “On behalf of the Titusville City Council and our Citizens, we are extremely pleased that Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has agreed to provide the City up to $1,060,500 to install a new public water main in the southern industrial district of the City. This project allows the City to support emerging industries in this district representing $350 million in new capital investment and 725 new jobs.  These jobs range from entry-level and skilled technicians, to high-skill, high-wage jobs.  We are positive this grant will have an impact in attracting new businesses to our city and region.”

County Manager of Volusia County James T. Dinneen said, “On behalf of the Volusia County Council, I would like to thank Governor Scott for supporting and enhancing economic development and job growth opportunities in the Daytona Beach/Ormond Beach area of Volusia County by providing nearly $2 million in state funds toward the $7.4 million project to expand Williamson Boulevard (CR 4009). This 4-laning project will offer immeasurable stimulus for office and commercial/retail development along the corridor with estimated assessed value for tax purposes likely to exceed $70 million and employ more than 500 people.”

President at St. Petersburg College Dr. Tonjua Williams said, “St. Petersburg College is grateful to Governor Scott for making Florida Job Growth Grant funds available and selecting us to be one of the few for an award.  The grant will help St. Petersburg College establish a new mechatronics training program that was designed in partnership with our regional businesses to help meet their demand for individuals with the automation and troubleshooting skills required to succeed in advanced manufacturing environments.  This initiative is a prime example of the Governor’s vision and dedication to workforce programs that drive our state and local economies and the College’s commitment to collaborative, high-impact educational programs that strengthen our communities.”

Sumter County Board of County Commissioners Al Butler said, “The Florida Job Growth Infrastructure Grant Fund award is an exciting opportunity for Sumter County Economic Development to partner with the City of Bushnell to make water system upgrades in the County Road 470 corridor of the county. These infrastructure improvements will benefit the existing businesses and residents as well as promote future economic growth in this area.”

Big Bend Technical College Director Jodi Tillman said, “This grant will greatly enhance our ability to train students and prepare them for the workforce with valuable skills, from entry-level technician to Master Mechanic. Upon completion the Diesel Technician or Diesel Systems Technician 1 program curriculum, our students will be able to earn a high-skill, high-wage job. We are proud that our program has been selected by the DEO and look forward to graduating a better trained workforce to fill the void in the region.”

Valencia College President Dr. Sandy Shugart said “We want to thank Governor Rick Scott for his leadership in supporting regional workforce training programs that enhance Florida’s economic growth. With these funds, we will be able to expand access to job training programs to low-income citizens in West Orlando. This partnership with the Governor’s office, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the City of Orlando, the Parramore community and the college, illustrates the value of collaboration in creating “economic rungs on the ladder” for our citizens while providing a return-on-investment for the community.”

Chipola College President Dr. Sarah Clemmons said, “This $76,240 grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will increase enrollment and help put more Chipola students to work sooner. The equipment provides improved access to hands-on training so that students can complete the program and get high-skill, in demand jobs.”

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

Commissioner Putnam Asks Legislative Leadership to Stand with First Responders, Fund Much-Needed Pay Raises

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement today urging legislative leadership to fund much-needed pay raises for first responders:

“Leading up to legislative session, I asked legislative leadership to fund modest pay raises for our department’s law enforcement officers and wildland firefighters, who are demonstrably underpaid compared to other state and local agencies. These raises will help us recruit and retain the best of the best to keep Floridians and visitors safe when lives and property are on the line. I continue to ask legislative leadership to stand with Florida’s first responders and fund these much-needed and well-deserved raises.”

Starting pay for the department’s law enforcement officers is $31,880 and the starting pay for Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters is $26,580, substantially less than their counterparts in other state and local agencies resulting in high turnover in these critically important positions.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Senator Farmer Calls Out Misinformation on Senate Bill 7026

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The Bill Still Arms Teachers and Brings Guns Into Classrooms

State Senator Gary Farmer today released the following statement with the intent of clearing up a misunderstanding about the “school guardian” provision of Senate Bill 7026:

My primary concern with SB 7026, as shared by many of my Democratic colleagues, is a provision that permits teachers to carry guns in classrooms. In order to assuage this issue the Senate Republicans proposed an amendment that appeared to exclude teachers from the program. In reality however, this restriction is nothing more than window dressing. Instead of removing guns from classrooms, this amendment simply provides an illusionary limitation on the class of teachers who may carry, and provides for numerous exceptions to that rule.

The amendment language states that the limitation only applies to teachers that “exclusively perform classroom duties.” This means that if a teacher performs any additional service on behalf of the school he/she will be allowed to carry a gun into a classroom. If a teacher is also a coach, or the moderator of a club, as is often the case, they would be allowed to carry a firearm at a school.

The exclusion is also narrowly tailored in a manner that fails to cover many individuals that will be interacting with students in classrooms every day. The exemption only covers 1 out of 5 categories of instructional personnel at our schools. Under the current bill language school counselors, psychologists, librarians, cafeteria workers, learning specialists, adjunct educators, and physical education teachers will all be allowed to carry guns at our children’s schools.

Many reports from both national and local media outlets represent the Senate version of SB 7026 as stripped of the controversial classroom carry provisions. This is simply not the case. Those who believe the Senate adequately addressed this point in yesterday’s amendment are mistaken.

While I support some of the better features of this bill, such as restrictions on firearm purchases for those under the age of 21, the ban on bump stocks, additional mental health funding, and school hardening, I will be unable to support this legislation as long as it allows civilians to be armed in the presence of our children. If these provisions remain in the final version of the bill, I urge the Governor to exercise his veto authority, and to call a special session to address this issue in a more responsible manner. I would be happy to return to the Capitol this summer if it means bringing forward a plan that will both keep our children safe by preventing more guns from entering our schools, while addressing the long overdue issue of gun safety.

Cabinet to Declare Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

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Attorney General Pam Bondi will introduce a resolution at the Florida Cabinet meeting tomorrow, March 7, declaring the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Florida.

Representatives from the following organizations will be there to accept the resolution:

  • Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
  • Family Care Council Area 2
  • Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
  • The Arc of Florida
  • Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities
  • RESPECT of Florida
  • ABLE Trust
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Blind Services
  • Association of Support Coordination Agencies of Florida
  • Support Coordination Association of Florida
  • Florida Association of Assistive Services and Technology

Susan Mikesh of Tallahassee will address Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet on the importance of meeting the changing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Mikesh, who has cerebral palsy, has worked for more than 20 years at Creative Preschool in Tallahassee.

The Cabinet meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in the Cabinet meeting room on the lower level of the Capitol Building.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phalen-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).