Florida’s First Lady visits three Manatee elementary schools during tour
Bradenton Herald
Richard Dymond
January 24, 2018
It’s not often that the First Lady of the state drops into Manatee County schools but it happened Tuesday.
Ann Scott, wife of Florida Gov. Rick Scott, visited Willis, McNeal and Tara elementary schools as part of a statewide tour for Celebrate Literacy Week.
While at Willis in Lakewood Ranch, Scott met Savannah Adams, a fifth-grade student who had written a letter to Gov. Scott last year as part of a social studies project.
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Students holding signs lined the walkway at McNeal, welcoming the First Lady. She was also given a tour by students, as they made their way to the media center.
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“It was such a pleasure to have Mrs. Scott in our classroom today,” said the fifth-grade teacher, Olivia Mayer. “My students and I are so grateful that she chose our school to visit.”
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The First Lady’s new book is called “Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Florida,” which was named for her daughters. She spoke in detail about her family – and read a passage from the book to every class that she visited in Manatee County.
The First Lady told the students that during this last year of the governor’s term in office, she will continue to focus on reading and literacy by visiting schools across the state.
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Featured
Statement from Governor Rick Scott on House Passage of HB 359
Governor Rick Scott today issued the following statement after the Florida House of Representatives unanimously voted in support of HB 359. This bill advances Governor Scott’s proposal to strictly prohibit the State of Florida, including all state agencies, from investing in any company that is doing business with Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro’s oppressive government. See Governor Scott’s announcement of this proposal HERE.
“Florida is proud to be an incredible melting pot and home to a vibrant Venezuelan population. But sadly, in recent years, we’ve seen the conditions and situation in Venezuela deteriorate because of a brutal dictator. The Maduro regime is hurting and oppressing Venezuelan families more and more each day and I have been absolutely clear that the State of Florida will not stand for it. Last year, I proposed, and the entire Florida Cabinet supported, a ban on state investments benefitting the Maduro regime. Today, I am proud that the Florida House of Representatives voted unanimously in support of my proposal that prohibits all state agencies from investing in the oppressive Venezuelan government. I’d like to thank House Speaker Richard Corcoran, House Speaker pro tempore Jeanette Nuñez, Representative Manny Diaz and all the members who voted for this important legislation that recognizes the significant role Florida plays globally. I look forward to the Senate continuing to advance this bill and signing it into law soon.” – Governor Rick Scott
First Lady Ann Scott Awards K-12 Students in the Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! Find Yourself in a Book Contest
First Lady Ann Scott today recognized the winners of the Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! Find Yourself in a Book Contest. First Lady Scott was joined by K-12 Public Schools Chancellor Hershel Lyons and Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell. The award ceremony concludes the week-long celebration of reading and literacy in Florida’s schools.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “I am extremely proud of these students for showcasing their creativity and promoting the value of literacy. It is clear that they are on a path to success, and I am honored to recognize them for their hard work. I urge all Florida students to keep celebrating literacy and make reading a part of their daily routine.”
K-12 Public Schools Chancellor Hershel Lyons said, “Congratulations to all of the students that participated in the Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! Find Yourself in a Book Contests. Literacy is a critical skill that is the building block for lifelong learning, and I am extremely proud of these students for taking the initiative to participate in the contest and sharing the importance of reading with their peers.
“On behalf of the Florida Lottery, congratulations to all of the students who participated in this year’s Celebrate Literacy Week contest,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “We are proud to once again join First Lady Ann Scott and the Department of Education in support of the integral role literacy plays in the success of Florida’s students and schools.”
The winners of the 2018 Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! statewide contest are below.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
First Place: Crawfordville Elementary School, Wakulla County – “The Bully Curse”
Second Place: Village Green Elementary School, Dade County – “Stand Tall, Isabela Maria Rodriguez”
Third Place: Everglades Elementary, Okeechobee County – “If You Give a School an Ag Teacher”
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
First Place: Swift Creek Middle School, Leon County – “Wonder”
Second Place: Varsity Lakes Middle School, Lee County – “Life as Auggie”
Third Place: King Middle School, Santa Rosa County – “Wonder”
HIGH SCHOOLS
First Place: Donald E. Woods Opportunity Center, Polk County – “The Frankenstein in Me”
Second Place: Paxon School of Advanced Studies, Duval County – “The Ables”
Third Place: Miami Southridge Senior High School, Dade County – “The Tower of Discovery”
To compete in the contest, schools submitted student created books, character videos or movie trailers to illustrate the theme or central message from a book. The prizes were sponsored by the Florida Education Foundation: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. The winning projects will be featured on the Just Read, Florida! website and the Department of Education’s social media pages. Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! is sponsored by the Florida Lottery, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and the Florida Education Foundation.
For more information about Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!, visit Just Read, Florida!
Governor Scott Congratulates the University of Central Florida Knights
Governor Rick Scott today visited the University of Central Florida’s football team to congratulate them on their undefeated season. Governor Scott awarded each player with the Governor’s Sports Award and a copy of the proclamation the Governor issued this month proclaiming the UCF Knights as national champions in Florida. To view the proclamation, click HERE.
Tampa man arrested for illegal practice of dentistry
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Abdel Rahman Hussein Rabah, 42, of 517 Winham St., Tampa, on charges of unlicensed practice of a health care profession and practice of dentistry or dental hygiene without a license.
He was arrested at 6441 Eureka Springs Road, Tampa, where he established the illegal dental practice.
This was a joint investigation with Homeland Security Investigations. The Florida Department of Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
FDLE agents were contacted by the state DOH in December 2017 regarding complaints Rabah was practicing dentistry without a license. The investigation showed while Rabah had posted photos on social media accounts of his dentistry work, he did not hold an active license to practice dentistry. Further investigation revealed Rabah sometimes referred to himself as “Dr. Abdel Rahman.”
Investigators also learned Rabah was discarding trash at his residence that contained used syringes, extracted teeth and bloodied paper towels and dental gauzes.
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute.
Rabah was taken to the Hillsborough County Jail on a bond of $30,000.
Statement from Governor Rick Scott on House Passage of Tax Cut Proposal
Governor Rick Scott issued the following statement after the Florida House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted 80-29 in bipartisan support of HB 7001. This bill advances Governor Scott’s proposal for a constitutional amendment requiring a 2/3 supermajority vote by future legislatures to raise any tax or fee. See Governor Scott’s announcement of this proposal HERE.
“I appreciate Speaker Corcoran for his commitment to fighting to make sure it is harder for politicians to raise taxes and fees on hardworking families. When I first announced this proposal, Speaker Corcoran joined me to ensure we do all we can to let families and job creators keep more of their hard-earned money. Today, the Florida House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed this proposal in a bipartisan vote to give Floridians the chance to go to the polls and vote to make it harder for politicians in Tallahassee to raise taxes and fees. I want to thank Speaker Corcoran, Representative Tom Leek and every member who voted on this critical proposal. I look forward to the Senate swiftly voting on the House’s bill.” – Governor Rick Scott
Department of Education Celebrates Braille Literacy Month at Tallahassee Elementary School
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, January 26, Division of Blind Services (DBS) Director Robert Doyle will visit Woodville Elementary School and read to students in honor of Braille Literacy Month. Following the reading, the students will participate in hands-on activities to provide them with an understanding of how individuals with varying visual impairments live, work and play.
WHAT: Braille Literacy Month Celebration
WHEN: 9:00 am
Friday, January 26, 2018
WHERE: Woodville Elementary School
9373 Woodville Highway
Tallahassee, Florida 32305
The Division of Blind Services’ mission is to ensure blind and visually-impaired Floridians have the necessary tools, support and opportunity to achieve success. To find out more, visit dbs.fldoe.org.
Nelson on administration's plan to end funding for ISS by 2025
Following is a comment from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees our nation’s space program, on news today that the administration is reportedly planning to cut off funding for the International Space Station by 2025:
“If the administration plans to abruptly pull us out of the International Space Station in 2025, they’re going to have a fight on their hands. Such a move would likely decimate Florida’s blossoming commercial space industry, which is one of the reasons why Congress has directed NASA to look at extending the ISS to 2028 and to provide a plan to help scientists and researchers continue experimenting in low-Earth orbit beyond that.”
Nelson on administration’s plan to end funding for ISS by 2025
Following is a comment from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees our nation’s space program, on news today that the administration is reportedly planning to cut off funding for the International Space Station by 2025:
“If the administration plans to abruptly pull us out of the International Space Station in 2025, they’re going to have a fight on their hands. Such a move would likely decimate Florida’s blossoming commercial space industry, which is one of the reasons why Congress has directed NASA to look at extending the ISS to 2028 and to provide a plan to help scientists and researchers continue experimenting in low-Earth orbit beyond that.”
Secretary of State Ken Detzner Inducts Recording Artists The Bellamy Brothers and Visual Artist Purvis Young into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame
Secretary of State Ken Detzner inducted recording artists The Bellamy Brothers and visual artist Purvis Young into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame yesterday in a ceremony on the Capitol’s 22nd Floor Observation Deck.
“Induction into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed upon artists by the State of Florida,” said Secretary Detzner. “We are fortunate to have these artists call Florida home as they have brought tremendous distinction to our state through their tireless devotion to their craft. Their work has touched and inspired countless people, and it is fitting that we honor them for their influence, achievements and brilliance.”
The Bellamy Brothers
Pasco County natives David and Howard Bellamy, collectively known as The Bellamy Brothers, are multi-award winning recording artists and performers spanning genres from pop and blues to gospel. Beginning with their first number one hit record in 1976, “Let Your Love Flow,” their success in the pop and country arenas has included more duo nominations in both the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Awards than any other artists, two Dove nominations, and a GRAMMY® AWARD nomination. They have twenty number one hit country singles, along with more than fifty hits overall on the charts. Their international releases include more than 95 albums.
Purvis Young (1943 – 2010)
A native of Miami’s Overtown neighborhood, self-taught artist Purvis Young frequently worked in a mixture of collage and painting. A prolific creator, Young served three years in prison as a teenager, where he began drawing and studying art books from the prison library. His work, highly influenced by Western art history, is colorful and vibrant, often serving as social critique and a call to action for social justice. His works are found in the collections of private collectors including Damon Wayans and Dan Ackroyd, as well as museums including the American Folk Art Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida.
For more information on the Division of Cultural Affairs, please visit dos.myflorida.com/cultural.
About the Florida Artists Hall of Fame
Established by the Florida Legislature in 1986, the Florida Artists Hall of Fame recognizes persons, living or deceased, who have made significant contributions to the arts in Florida either as performing or practicing artists in their disciplines. These individuals contribute to Florida’s national and international reputation as a state with a sustained commitment to the development of cultural excellence. The Florida Artists Hall of Fame currently consists of more than 50 inductees, including musician and performer Ray Charles, actor and director Burt Reynolds, writers Zora Neale Hurston, Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway, filmmaker Victor Nunez, and visual artists Duane Hanson, Robert Rauschenberg and James Rosenquist. For more information about the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, click here.
About the Division of Cultural Affairs
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs is Florida’s legislatively designated state arts agency. The Division promotes the arts and culture as essential to quality of life for all Floridians. To achieve its mission, the Division funds and supports cultural programs that provide artistic excellence, diversity, education, access and economic vitality for Florida’s communities. For more information, visit dos.myflorida.com/cultural.
