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Secretary of State Announces Recipients of the 2018 Florida Folk Heritage Awards

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Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today the recipients of the 2018 Florida Folk Heritage Awards which are given to outstanding folk artists and folk culture advocates who have made longstanding contributions to the folk cultural resources of the state. In the category of Folk Culture Advocate, the award recipients are Marshall Davis, Director of the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in Miami, and Jeff Klinkenberg, author and former Tampa Bay Times columnist in St. Petersburg. In the category of Folk Artist, the award recipient is Pedro Bullaudy, salsa musician and band leader in Clearwater. Awards will be presented to the recipients in a ceremony at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee on January 24, 2018.
“We are honored to recognize these individuals for their commitment to fostering Florida’s folk arts and cultural heritage,” said Secretary Detzner. “Their contributions have led to a greater appreciation and recognition of the importance of traditional arts and artists in our state.”

The 2018 Florida Folk Heritage Award recipients
(l-r) Pedro Bullaudy, Jeff Klinkenberg and Marshall Davis.
Photos courtesy of Bullaudy, Klinkenberg, and Davis.

Pedro Bullaudy
As the founder of salsa band Orquesta Infinidad, Cuban-born musician and arranger Pedro Bullaudy has served for more than 20 years as the driving force behind the Tampa Bay area’s salsa scene delivering original arrangements, fresh energy and the best in the Latin music repertoire.
Marshall Davis
Since 1983, Marshall Davis has served as the Director of the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in Miami where he has developed curricula that enables students to actualize themselves in the arts, and fostered increased recognition and cultural understanding of the arts in Florida.
Jeff Klinkenberg
Author and former “Real Florida” columnist for the Tampa Bay Times, Jeff Klinkenberg has written about Florida’s traditional culture for nearly four decades, interviewing cattlemen, African American citrus pickers, Gibsonton carnival workers, sponge divers in Tarpon Springs, Cuban lectors in Ybor City, while shedding light on subjects from fish camps to The Highwaymen and bringing public attention to our state’s treasured tradition bearers.
For additional information, including photos and full bios of each award recipient, visit the Florida Folklife Program’s Facebook page.
About the Florida Folk Heritage Awards
Based on public nominations and recommendations from the Florida Folklife Council, the Secretary of State confers Florida Folk Heritage Awards annually. Awards are given to outstanding Folk Artists and Folk Culture Advocates who have made long-standing contributions to the folk cultural resources of the state. Established in 1985, the program parallels the National Heritage Fellowships and honors the state’s most influential tradition bearers and folk advocates for excellence, significance and authenticity in terms of traditional arts. To make a nomination, contact State Folklorist Amanda Hardeman at 850.245.6427 or click here.
About the Florida Folklife Program
The Florida Folklife Program, a component of the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources, documents and presents Florida’s folklife, folklore and folk arts. Funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the program coordinates a wide range of activities and projects designed to increase the awareness of Floridians and visitors alike about Florida’s traditional culture. Established in 1979 by the legislature to document and present Florida folklife, the program is one of the oldest state folk arts programs in the nation. For more information, visit flheritage.com/preservation/folklife.

U.S. 1 Roundabout at Old Dixie Highway Public Hearing Next Week

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public hearing about the proposed design of a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 1/State Road 5 and Old Dixie Highway next Thursday, Jan. 18, at the Community Baptist Church, 956 S. Old Dixie Highway in Bunnell. The hearing will begin as an open house at 5:30 p.m., with a formal presentation at 6 p.m., followed by a comment period.
The goal of the project is to improve safety and mobility at the intersection. No additional right of way will be required. The hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the design concept, speak with project team representatives and provide input.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Heidi Trivett, FDOT Project Manager, by phone at 386-943-5466, or via email at [email protected]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).
Public participation is sought 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, [email protected].
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.
For design-related questions, please contact Heidi Trivett, FDOT Project Manager, or visit the project page on the Central Florida Roads website. For media inquiries, please contact FDOT Communications Manager Steve Olson at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].
FDOT advises drivers to slow down in construction zones; the life you save may be your own.

Gov. Scott Proclaims UCF Knights Football National Champions in Florida

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Governor Rick Scott issued a proclamation declaring the University of Central Florida Knights football team as national champions in Florida after their undefeated, 13-0 season. The UCF Knights beat the Auburn Tigers 34-27 in the Peach Bowl on New Years Day. This season, the Auburn Tigers beat both the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide, who are playing in the last game of the College Football Playoff. To view the proclamation, click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida is home to the country’s best college football, and this season, UCF proved to the world that they can beat any team. By having a perfect season and beating the only team that defeated both Alabama and Georgia this season, the UCF Knights are clearly champions. I wish both teams good luck tonight in Atlanta. Charge On.”

Attorney Benjamin Crump Will Deliver Keynote at FAMU MLK Day Convocation

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MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO: On Friday, January 12, Benjamin L. Crump, civil rights attorney and the host of the A&E series “Who Killed Tupac?,” will be the keynote speaker during Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) 2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation.

Benjamin Crump

WHAT: FAMU invites prolific speakers and notable figures in Black history, human rights and civil rights to deliver the annual address before students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community. Crump will reflect on King’s famous “Letter From Birmingham City Jail” and use the message to empower students and people of all ages to use “what they have” to stand up for justice.
WHY: Crump and his Tallahassee-based law firm’s representation of victims of gun violence sparked national outcry and ongoing protests over the murders of unarmed Black men, primarily at the hands of police.
WHERE: The convocation begins at 10:10 a.m., at FAMU’s Jake Gaither Gymnasium, located at 1835 Wahnish Way in Tallahassee. The public is invited to attend the free event and is encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited.

Public Information Meeting for John Young Parkway Widening Project

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is holding a public meeting regarding the State Road (S.R.) 423/John Young Parkway widening construction project. The meeting is an informal open house format scheduled for next Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The American Legion Department of Florida, 1912A Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810. Plans will be available for review and project staff will be available to address questions.
The $28 million project will widen John Young Parkway from four to six lanes beginning at S.R. 50/West Colonial Drive and ending at Shader Road. Other improvements include curb and gutter, drainage, two new ponds, sidewalks, lighting, signing and pavement markings, intelligent transportation system (ITS) improvements, and signals. Work is slated to begin early 2018.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Shemir Wiles, Public Information Coordinator, at 321-319-8130 or via email at [email protected]. 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, [email protected].
For construction-related questions, please contact Shemir Wiles. Media inquiries should be directed to FDOT Communications Manager Steve Olson at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].
FDOT advises drivers to slow down in construction zones; the life you save may be your own.

CRC Meeting Schedule Week of January 8-12

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) noticed the following meeting schedule for the week of January 8-12, 2018. CRC meetings are open to the public. Members of the public wishing to address CRC committees will be provided an opportunity to speak at the direction of the respective committee chair. Visit flcrc.gov/Committees for additional information on CRC committees.
The Interim Calendar is available on the CRC Calendars Page at flcrc.gov/Meetings/Calendars.
Monday, January 8

  • No scheduled meetings

Tuesday, January 9

  • No scheduled meetings

Wednesday, January 10

  • No scheduled meetings

Thursday, January 11
NOTE: Some meetings on this date will be held at locations outside the Capitol Complex. Visit committee pages for location details.

Friday, January 12

On Legislature’s opening day, advocates to “Awake The State” for a Florida that works for every Floridian

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MEDIA ADVISORY

As the 2018 legislative session kicks off, advocates will gather at The Capitol to “Awake The State” for a Florida that works for every Floridian, not just the wealthy and well-connected. Local and state leaders along with advocates will call on Gov. Rick Scott and his allies in the Legislature to pass a budget that invests in hardworking Floridians, not more massive corporate giveaways.
The capital city event will be part of a series of statewide actions and events promoting a just state budget, and pushing back against the failed economic policies of the previous eight years under Gov. Rick Scott that have left everyday Floridians mired in “Rick’s Recession”.
Schedule for Tuesday, January 9th:
WHO: Crishelle Bailey, FAMU student and Planned Parenthood volunteer
Julio Calderon, Organizer for the We Are Florida campaign, Florida Immigrant Coalition
Barbara DeVane, Lobbyist for Florida NOW
Aliki Moncrief, Executive Director of Florida Conservation Voters
Rich Templin, Ph.D., Legislative and Political Director of the Florida AFL-CIO
Karen Woodall, Executive Director of the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy
WHAT: Tallahassee press conference unveiling Awake The State’s priorities for a Florida that works for every Floridian.
Additional press events will be held across the state including in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Tampa, New Port Richey, Orlando, Jacksonville, Cocoa, and Stuart.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 9th at  approximately 12pm (or immediately after the Governor delivers his State of the State address and the Democratic legislative leaders make their response).
WHERE: Florida State Capitol – Fourth Floor rotunda
400 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
For a listing of events in other cities visit AwakeTheState.com.

Diverse State and National Corporations and Organizations Urge CRC to Put Energy Freedom on the Ballot

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Constitution Revision Committee to Decide on Proposal 51 on Friday

A diverse array of organizations — from the global retail giant Walmart to a conservative think tank — is calling for the Florida Constitution Revision Commission to give Floridians the opportunity to choose their electricity provider by putting Proposal 51 on the 2018 ballot.
Representatives of the organizations will conduct a media conference call tomorrow, Tuesday, January 9 at 2 p.m. The Florida Energy Freedom coalition will convene Proposal 51 advocates from national and regional corporations, non-profits and research organizations to voice their support  of “electric choice” as outlined in Proposal 51. This proposal gives consumers the freedom to choose their electricity provider which advocates say will lead to an increase in efficiency, jobs, and innovation. During the conference call, members of Florida Energy Freedom will discuss the reasons for their support and take questions from the media.


What: Media Conference Call
When: Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 2:00pm (ET)
Where: Conference Line Number:
(888) 392-4560
Access Code: 4985488
Who:
Walmart
Chris Hendrix, Director of Markets & Compliance
Infinite Energy
Darin Cook, Co-CEO
Earth Stewardship Alliance
Jim Presswood, Executive Director
The Perryman Group
Ray Perryman, President & CEO
Florida Energy Freedom
Rich Blaser, President & Chairman
Reason Foundation
Spence Purnell, Policy Analyst
Pat Wood
Former Chairman of Public Utility Commission of Texas & Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Retail Energy Supply Association
Phil O’Connor, Author of 2017 Report

Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, January 5, 2017

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Gov. Scott Announces Eight Appointments to Multiple State Boards

Governor Rick Scott today announced seven reappointments and one appointment to multiple state boards.
Florida Gateway College District Board of Trustees
Dr. Athena Randolph, 60, of Lake City, is co-owner of Randolph Medical Practices. Dr. Randolph is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2019.
Kathryn McInnis, 71, of Old Town, is a retired occupational specialist for the Dixie County School Board. She is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2021.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Florida Keys Community College District Board of Trustees
Kevin Madok, 55, of Big Pine Key, is the clerk of courts for Monroe County. Madok is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2020.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Lake-Sumter State College District Board of Trustees
Bryn Blaise, 29, of the Villages, is the construction manager for the Villages Commercial Property Management Blaise is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2019.
Bret Jones, 38, of Clermont, is the principal attorney and owner of the Law Offices of Bret Jones, P.A. Jones is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2021.
Marcia Butler, 73, of the Villages, previously taught in the Pinellas County school system. Butler is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2021.
Tim Morris, 59, of Leesburg, is the vice president of Ernie Morris Enterprises, Inc. Morris is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2021.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Board of Occupational Therapy
Dr. Daniel Calvo, 40, of Lakeland, is the regional consultant of clinical services for Accelerated Care Plus. He is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending October 31, 2021.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Robert “Blake” Gable
to Florida Gulf Coast District Board of Trustees

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Blake Gable to the Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees.
Gable, 46, of Naples, is the chief executive officer at Barron Collier Companies. He has served as a board member of the Immokalee Foundation and as a trustee of the Greater Naples YMCA. Gable received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and his master’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University. He is reappointed for a term beginning January 6, 2018, and ending January 6, 2023.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Florida A&M University Board of Trustees

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointments of Kelvin Lawson and Dr. Matthew Carter to the Florida A & M University Board of Trustees.
Lawson, 54, of Jacksonville, is a vice president at Acosta Sales and Marketing. He previously served as the director of national accounts for Johnson and Johnson. Lawson received his bachelor’s degree from Florida A & M University. He is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending January 6, 2021.
Dr. Carter, 65, of Tallahassee, is an attorney and business consultant on energy, economic development, and education with Carter and Associates. He is a United States Army Veteran and previously served as a member of the Board of Governors of the State University System. Dr. Carter is reappointed for a term beginning January 6, 2018, and ending January 6, 2023.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

West Palm Beach woman starts the new year with $1 million Scratch-Off prize

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The Florida Lottery announces that Sally Benjamin, 50, of West Palm Beach, claimed a $1 million prize in the $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $748,000.00.
Benjamin purchased her winning ticket from Publix, located at 6820 Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The $25 game, $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH, launched in February and features more than $549 million in total cash prizes, including two top prizes of $10 million and 46 prizes of $1 million! Overall odds of winning are one-in-2.89.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2016-17.