Governor Rick Scott today announced he is deploying additional Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers and resources to Houston in response to additional requests from Texas for continued emergency assistance following Hurricane Harvey. These officers and resources will be assisting with ongoing search and rescue and disaster response efforts. Governor Scott spoke with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and reached out to FWC Major Andy Krause, who will be leading the response, this morning.
Governor Scott said, “This weekend, we sent important disaster response support to Texas and following their request for further assistance, I am immediately deploying additional FWC officers and resources. Hurricane Harvey was the largest storm to impact Texas in more than fifty years and it is crucial that we continue to work together to help our fellow Gulf Coast state during their time of need. I was glad to speak with Governor Abbott this morning to let him know Florida is sending more resources and we stand ready to offer Texas our continued support. We will keep Texas families in our thoughts and prayers.”
Currently, 37 FWC officers and 21 boats are in route to Houston to support ongoing response efforts. More than 60 officers and nearly 20 boats are being staged and will deploy today. This weekend, twenty-five FWC officers, 17 high water vehicles, two Mobile Command Centers, eight shallow draft vessels and four patrol boats arrived in Houston after being deployed Saturday night.
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Homestead man claims share of $7.5 million FLORIDA LOTTO jackpot
The Florida Lottery announces that Marion Black III, 64, of Homestead, claimed his $3.75 million share of the $7.5 million FLORIDA LOTTO® jackpot from the drawing held on August 19, 2017. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $2,640,671.88.The other jackpot-winning ticket, purchased in Altamonte Springs, was claimed on August 22, 2017.
Black purchased his jackpot-winning FLORIDA LOTTO ticket from Coral Liquors Inc., located at 1340 North Krome Avenue in Homestead. The retailer will receive a bonus commission of $25,000 for selling the jackpot-winning ticket. Total ticket sales for this jackpot generated more than $8.7 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).
The next FLORIDA LOTTO drawing will be held Wednesday, August 30, 2017, at 11:15 p.m. ET, with a $3 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.
MEMORANDUM: Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of former State Senator Robert Gregory "Greg" Evers
MEMORANDUM
TO: Tom Berger
Director of Real Estate Management and Development
Tony Gomillion, County Administrator
Santa Rosa County
Wesley Meiss, Mayor
City of Milton
FROM: Governor Rick Scott
DATE: August 28, 2017
RE: Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of former State Senator Robert Gregory “Greg” Evers
______________________________________________________________________________
On Tuesday, August 22, 2017, former State Senator Robert Gregory “Greg” Evers passed away. Evers represented District 2 in the Florida Senate from 2010 to 2016. He also represented District 1, parts of Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa Counties, in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2010. During his 15 years representing North Florida, he advocated for criminal justice reform and higher pay for state employees.
As a symbol of respect for the memory of former Senator Evers, and his service to Florida, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at the County Courthouse of Santa Rosa, Florida, the City Hall of Milton, Florida, and at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, August 29, 2017.
Please see the below statement Governor Rick Scott issued August 22, 2017, on the passing of Senator Greg Evers:
Governor Scott said, “My wife Ann and I are heartbroken after learning of the passing of Senator Greg Evers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Lori, and their entire family during this terribly difficult time. A dedicated public servant, Senator Evers truly loved Florida and devoted his life to serving his community – not only on his family farm, but during 15 years representing the people of North Florida in the state House and Senate. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him as the kind, hardworking farmer from Milton who tirelessly fought for Florida families.”
Stetson University Hosts The Business Case for Sustainability Seminar, Sept. 22
Business, environmental science experts provide
practical approaches to sustainable business practices
As Central Florida’s population continues to grow rapidly, increasing strain is being placed on the region’s delicate ecosystems. A one-day seminar will provide community and business leaders with innovative ways to enjoy the economic benefits of population growth while protecting the area’s natural resources. The Business Case for Sustainability seminar will be held at Stetson University’s historic DeLand campus on Sept. 22 and will provide a practical, in-depth approach to sustainable business practices.
Sustainability makes a difference to the ecosystem, consumers and profitability. Participants in this seminar will learn from top experts in Florida ecosystems, sustainability management and green building, as well as how to lead, manage and transform current business practices into a more sustainable operation while also considering financial profitability.
“Many businesses have demonstrated that implementing sustainability efforts not only minimizes environmental impact and increases good will among customers, but also increases profits through both operational savings and expansion of market share,” said Wendy Anderson, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Sciences and Studies at Stetson University. “We are excited to bring together faculty experts and community leaders to provide businesses with ideas and incentives for embracing sustainability.”
With topics ranging from “Financing Sustainability” to “Green Marketing and Consumer Choice,” the seminar will provide a framework for sustainability management with a focus on real-world application. Participants will learn to find win-win opportunities for sustainable changes with a positive impact on the bottom line, justify sustainability goals to organizational decision makers and gain competitive advantage while satisfying customer needs through green marketing.
“Companies need to examine the impacts of their marketing strategies on society and the environment,” said Deborah Goldring, Ph.D., professor of marketing at Stetson University. “This means re-evaluating their product and service portfolios and the way these offerings are created, produced, and promoted.This seminar will help managers reflect on these difficult and complex issues.”
Experts include from Stetson University: Goldring, Anderson, John Tichenor, Ph.D., chair and associate professor of management, and Clay Henderson, J.D., executive director of the Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience, as well as Chris Castro, director of sustainability for the City of Orlando and Ken LaRoe, CEO of First GREEN Bank.
The Business Case for Sustainability is Sept. 22, at Lynn Business Center, 345 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32723 on the Stetson University campus. The cost for attendance for the one-day seminar is $199 with registration available online.
Gov. Scott Thanks Florida Volunteers Responding to Harvey
Also Encourages Florida Businesses with
Resources to Help Families Impacted by Storm
Governor Rick Scott today thanked Florida volunteer organizations responding to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. Members of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Florida Baptist Convention have dedicated resources to help families impacted by the storm. Volunteer Florida is working collaboratively with officials in Texas to coordinate volunteer efforts from Florida.
Governor Scott said, “Following a disaster like Hurricane Harvey, the response of volunteer organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Florida Baptist Convention are so important to supporting impacted families. We’re proud of all of the volunteers from Florida responding to this disaster and helping families during this terribly difficult time. I encourage Florida businesses and families who would like to donate to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts to contact reputable charitable organizations helping those in need. We will remain in contact with emergency management officials in Texas and do all we can to support the ongoing recovery and response efforts.”
Current Florida-based volunteer efforts from the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Florida Baptist Convention are as follows:
- The American Red Cross has deployed 16 staff to impacted areas;
- Volunteers with the Salvation Army have two shower trailers, two bunkhouses, one generator and 12 staff staged in Baton Rouge; and
- Volunteers from Florida Baptist Convention have feeding and chainsaw teams on stand-by for deployment to Texas.
UT Announces 2017-2018 Sykes Chapel Concert Artist Series
The University of Tampa has announced its 2017-2018 Sykes Chapel Concert Artist Series. This series of free, public concerts has become one of UT’s most anticipated and well-attended events on campus.
“We are delighted to, again, be able to bring artists of such caliber to Tampa Bay, and to reassert our commitment to the power of the musical arts to uplift, enrich, provoke and restore,” said Haig Mardirosian, artistic director of the Sykes Chapel Concert Artist Series. “We strive to bring artists who are not only excellent, but have the knack of communicating deeply with our audiences.”
This year’s series includes performances by award-winning organist Mateusz Rzewuski, who is embarking on his first U.S. tour; Grammy-winning organist Paul Jacobs, who is chair of the organ department at The Juilliard School; cellist Nancy Jo Snider, an innovative soloist and collaborative musician; and The Philadelphia Brass, who have been called “one of the gems of Philadelphia’s cultural life.”
The concert dates follow. Seating is limited, and doors open 30 minutes before the concerts.
- American Debut Tour: Mateusz Rzewuski, Organist, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2 p.m. This concert artist from Warsaw, Poland, embarks on his first tour of the U.S. A specialist in the repertoire of the French 20th century, his program will include works of Saint-Saëns, Dupré, Messiaen, Karalow and Vierne.
- Four Concertos by J.S. Bach, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2 p.m. Soloists Nancy Chang, violin; Barbara Prescott, flute; and Grigorios Zamparas and Duncan MacMillan, harpsichords, join a chamber orchestra of the region’s premiere players in a delightful afternoon of music by Bach. Mardirosian will conduct.
- Let Heaven and Nature Sing: The University of Tampa Holiday Concert, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2 and 4 p.m. A great Tampa institution and a joyful opening to the holiday season with traditional and new music sung by the student voices of the UT Chamber Singers and Camerata.
- Paul Jacobs, Organist, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m. Jacobs has been called “one of the great living virtuosos” by the Washington Post. He is chair of the organ department at The Juilliard School in New York City, the nation’s best-recognized music conservatory, and is the only organist to ever have won a Grammy Award.
- An Afternoon of Chamber Music, Sunday, March 4, 2 p.m. Cellist Nancy Jo Snider, an innovative soloist, collaborative musician, sound designer and arts administrator, collaborates with Yuri Namkung, violin; David Yang, viola; and Griorios Zamparas, piano, in Ludwig van Beethoven’s C minor Trio, Joaquin Turina’s Piano Quartet in A minor and Andrew Norman’s Sabina.
- The Philadelphia Brass, Sunday, April 8, 2 p.m. Founded in 1988, NPR has called them “one of the gems of Philadelphia’s cultural life.” The program includes J.S. Bach, André Previn, Jennifer Higdon, Cole Porter, Frank Loesser and others.
For more information, contact [email protected] or go to www.ut.edu/sykeschapel.
Certification of State House District 44 Special Primary Election
MEDIA ADVISORY
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections announces the following meeting of the Elections Canvassing Commission.
DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, August 29, 2017, 9:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Cabinet Meeting Room, LL03, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida
SUBJECT: Certification of State House District 44 Special Primary Election
PARTICIPANTS: Members of the State Elections Canvassing Commission will include Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. All will be participating via phone.
Senator Denise Grimsley Announces September Mobile Office Hours
Senator Denise Grimsley’s (R-Sebring) staff will hold “mobile office hours” during the month of September to assist constituents with state agency concerns and to gather public input on legislative issues.
“Our office is back on the road in an effort to conveniently provide help. This is an opportunity to meet with my professional staff,” said Senator Grimsley.
The following are September mobile office hours for Senate District 26:
DeSoto County Mobile Office Hours:
Tuesday, September 12th, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
County Administration Building
2nd Floor, Conference Room
201 East Oak Street
Arcadia, FL 34266
Glades County Mobile Office Hours:
Tuesday, September 19th, 2017
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Glades County Courthouse
1st Floor, Conference Room
55 Avenue J, SW
Moore Haven, FL 33471
Hardee County Mobile Office Hours:
Wednesday, September 20th, 2017
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Hardee County Chamber of Commerce
135 E. Main Street
Wauchula, FL 33873
Lee County Mobile Office Hours:
Thursday, September 7th, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The Shell Factory
Chamber of Commerce Office
2787 North Tamiami Trail
North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Okeechobee County Mobile Office Hours:
Tuesday, September 19th, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce
55 South Parrott Avenue
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Polk County Mobile Office Hours:
Wednesday, September 20th, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Mulberry Library
1st Floor, Civic Center
905 NE 5th Street
Mulberry, FL 33860
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Bartow Public Library
2150 S. Broadway Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Fort Meade Community Center
10 SW 3rd Street
Fort Meade, FL 33841
Senator Denise Grimsley represents Senate District 26, which consists of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, and parts of Charlotte, Lee, and Polk counties. Senator Grimsley served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2004-2012 and elected to the Florida Senate in 2012.
Tampa woman wins $1,000 a Week for Life playing CASH4LIFE Draw game
The Florida Lottery announces that Cheryl Rodgers, 55, of Tampa, claimed a $1,000 a Week for Life prize in the multi-state Draw game CASH4LIFE®. She chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump sum payment of $1,000,000.
Rodgers purchased her winning ticket from Publix, located at 16041 Tampa Palms Boulevard West in Tampa. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning CASH4LIFE ticket.
The Lottery added CASH4LIFE to its portfolio of games in February. This popular multi-state game offers two lifetime prizes, with the chance to win $1,000 a Day for Life or $1,000 a Week for Life. Florida is the ninth state to join CASH4LIFE. Game sales are expected to raise millions of additional dollars for education in Florida and increase commissions to the Lottery’s more than 13,000 retailers.
The next CASH4LIFE drawing will be held tonight, August 28, 2017, at 9:00 p.m., ET at the New Jersey Lottery Headquarters studio. Live drawings may be viewed on www.livestream.com/CASH4LIFE, and at flalottery.com. CASH4LIFE winning numbers are also available at www.flalottery.com, at Florida Lottery retailers statewide, and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY. Also, you may register here to receive CASH4LIFE winning numbers and other Lottery information by email or text message.
Gov. Rick Scott to Announce New Jobs at Belcan Corporation in West Palm Beach
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, August 29th, Governor Rick Scott will announce new jobs at Belcan Corporation in West Palm Beach. Recently, Governor Scott announced that Florida’s economy has created more than 1.4 million private sector jobs since December 2010.
WHAT: Jobs Announcement
WHEN: 3:00 PM
WHERE: Belcan, LLC
2410 Metrocentre Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33407