Tomorrow, August 18th, Governor Rick Scott will announce July jobs numbers at Brandon Honda in Tampa. The Governor will also highlight his proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that will require a supermajority vote by future Florida legislatures to raise any taxes or fees. Since Governor Scott has been in office, taxes have been cut more than 75 times, saving families and job creators more than $7 billion.
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 9:45 AM
WHERE: Brandon Honda
9209 East Adamo Drive
Tampa, Florida 33619
Featured
Senator Perry Announces Alachua Delegation Meeting
Senator Keith Perry makes the following announcement regarding the delegation public hearing and deadlines.
The Alachua County Legislative Delegation Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 19th, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The public hearing will take place at the Santa Fe College NW Campus Fine Arts Hall, located at 3000 NW 83rd St, Gainesville, Florida for the purpose of taking public testimony on issues facing the State of Florida and consideration of local bills.
To be placed on the agenda to address the Alachua County Legislative Delegation, please fill out the attached appearance form and email it to Joseph ([email protected]) in Senator Perry’s office by Wednesday, September 13th. All materials or handouts for this meeting must sent to Joseph in Senator Perry’s office no later than Friday, September 15th, 2017.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Chapter 286.26 Florida Statutes, persons in need of special accommodations to participate in the meeting, including agendas, interpreters or assisted listening devices shall contact the office of Senator Perry’s office no later than two weeks prior to scheduled meeting so accommodations can be satisfied.
The Alachua County Legislative Delegation meeting is open to the public. One or more county and/or city commissioners may be in attendance.
Class IV of The James Madison Institute Leaders Fellowship Announced
Incoming class adds more than 80 top professionals
to growing liberty network across the state
The James Madison Institute (JMI) today announced the fourth class of the Leaders Fellowship, selecting more than 80 top young professionals from across Florida. This component of the Institute’s growing liberty network now consists of hundreds of accomplished leaders from a variety of different fields – who are all making great strides toward improving Florida’s communities. The JMI Leaders Fellowship is a yearlong endeavor designed to encourage and promote the growth, development, knowledge and networks of professionals under the age of 40 who live and work in the Sunshine State. The program has representation in five key regions of the state: Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, and South Florida.
“Every year, we continue to be impressed by these dedicated individuals. They have already achieved so much in their careers and have taken time to give back through involvement with other charitable organizations and board leadership. We learn a lot from the unique expertise and diverse experience represented in each class. We value the productive discussions that take place and the ideas that are shared throughout this program,” said Dr. Bob McClure, JMI president and CEO. “This immersive fellowship experience provides each participant with the opportunity to become more well-rounded in their knowledge of the public policy decisions that impact their daily lives and the lives of their friends and families.”
Through this program, the Leaders Fellows will have the opportunity to hear from various industry experts and attend networking events in their area and in other regions of Florida. After graduating from the JMI Leaders Fellowship, each class is placed into an alumni network of other peers and professionals, which helps support the promotion of the program and seeks to provide speaker and topic suggestions for future classes. Past Leaders Fellows class lists can be found here. The current JMI Leaders Fellows Class IV includes:
JMI Leaders Fellows Class IV (2017-2018)
Statewide Executive Board (At-Large)
- Harout Samra (Chair), DLA Piper
- Vance Aloupis, Children’s Movement of Florida
- Sara Clements, Step Up For Students
- Glen Gilzean, Central Florida Urban League
- Keith Sonderling, Gunster
- Robert Gidel Jr., Attorney
- Alexis Flowers, Step Up for Students
Jacksonville:
– Co-Chair: John Barnes, Veritec Solutions
– Co-Chair: Randall Richardson, 5th DCA Regional Conflict Counsel
- Jamie Siegmeister, Graduate Student
- Adam Brandon, Rodgers Towers, P.A.
- Justin Hoover, Barron’s Wholesale Tire
- Clayton Levins, Jacksonville University
- Alexander Pantinakis, Majority Strategies
- Elizabeth Feustel, Jacksonville Civic Council
- Eric Roberson, Fourth Judicial Circuit
- Jonas Cummings, Judicial Law Clerk
- Daniel Caudy, Jacksonville Jaguars
Orlando:
– Chair: Brittany Corfman, Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio
- London Rotundo, Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio
- Andrew Metante, Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio
- Alex Newman, Liberty Sentinel Media
- Raychel Garcia, Wicker Smith O’Hara McCoy and Ford
- Sydnie Tiseo, Florida House of Representatives
- Jeremy Waller, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida
- Dylan Fisher, Florida House of Representatives
- Lawrence Lyman, Tactical Electronics Corporation
- Lydia Walsh, Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio
- Caroline Nickerson, University of Florida Psychiatry Department
- David Hoyt, America’s Future Foundation
South Florida:
– Co-Chair: Antonio Lopez, Access Global, LLC
– Co-Chair: Ryan Hnatiuk, Republican Party of Palm Beach County
- Dr. Jorge Rice, Quadrant Mediation Inc.
- Christopher Lebrun, Hertz Corporation
- Dominique Whiting, Ros-Lehtinen for Congress
- Jeremiah Schwarz, K&L Gates LLP
- Katrina Castillo, Children’s Legal Services
- Christine Shaw, Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation
- Scott Singer, Attorney
- Christina Martin, Pacific Legal Foundation
- Amy Bisceglia, The Ruben Group
- Meredith Biggs, Gunster
- Gloria Kelly, Village of Wellington
- Luis Delgado, Circuit Judge
- Aramis Perez, Independent Consultant
Tallahassee:
– Co-Chairs: Tara Reid, Strategos Group
– Co-Chairs: Jason Borger, Hancock Bank
- Charles Withers, Florida House of Representatives
- Logan Lewkow, LobbyTools, Inc.
- Ivey Rooney, Republican Party of Florida
- Andrew Kalel, Shutts & Bowen LLP
- Brandon Miller, Florida House of Representatives
- Ryan Salazar, Department of Children and Families (Tallahassee Headquarters)
- Elizabeth Blair Hancock, University of Florida – Office of Government Relations
- Jeff Williams, Earl Bacon Agency, Inc.
- Benjamin Glen Bishop, GBE, LLC
- Jake Farmer, Florida House of Representatives
- Nathan Harvey, Executive Office of the Governor
- Alejandro Blair, Florida Senate
- Denise Harle, Office of the Florida Attorney General
- John Kotyk, Florida Senate
- Cody Farrill, Florida Department of Transportation
- Cody Short, Florida First District Court of Appeal
- Kevin Brown, Florida Senate
- Rebecca Weaver, United Way of the Big Bend
- Alexia Dawes, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
- Brittney Prahlow, ContributionLink, LLCS.
- Chase Williams, RMDC, Inc.
Tampa:
– Co-Chair: Brian Reeves, Fantastic Sam’s Village Systems, Inc.
– Co-Chair: Janine Kiray, Florida House of Representatives
- Mark Matos, HBKS™ Wealth Advisors
- Andrew Peluso, Hill Ward Henderson
- Eliot B. Peace, Bradley Arant Boult & Cummings, LLP
- Michael Maguire, True Partners Consulting, LLC
- Regeline Sabbat, Human Development Center, INC
- Derick Tabertshofer, Florida House of Representatives
- Justin Brandt, Risk Management Foundation
- Kaitlyn McCoy, Florida Leadership Committee
The James Madison Institute is Florida’s premier free-market think tank. JMI conducts research on such issues as health care, taxes, and regulatory environments. Founded in 1987, JMI is one of the nation’s oldest and largest 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational organizations.
Port Tampa Bay Announces Five Additional Cruises to Havana, Cuba in 2018
Following strong response to its first-ever cruises to Cuba announced earlier this year, Carnival Cruise Line has added five more voyages from Port Tampa Bay featuring extended calls in Havana in 2018.
The new voyages include three five-day cruises to Havana and Cozumel or Key West departing Feb. 17, July 2 and Sept. 5, 2018; a six-day sailing featuring Havana and Grand Cayman departing Aug. 26, 2018; and an eight-day voyage with stops at Havana, Grand Cayman and Cozumel departing Aug. 18, 2018.
Earlier this year, Carnival announced a series of four and five-day voyages to Havana that kicked off in late June. Upcoming voyages in the initial program include four-day cruises departing Aug. 24, Sept. 7 and 21, and Oct. 5 and 19, 2017 as well as May 3, 2018 and five-day voyages departing Aug. 28, Sept. 25 and Oct. 9, 2017.
The visits to Havana comply with regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury that permit travel operators to transport approved travelers to Cuba to engage in activities as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control.
About Port Tampa Bay
Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port and the largest economic engine in west central Florida, supporting nearly 85,000 jobs and generating over $17 billion in annual economic impact. In addition to being a top 10 U.S. cruise port, the port handles a wide array of bulk, break bulk, containers and roll-on/roll-off cargoes, and is a major shipbuilding and repair center. Port Tampa Bay was honored as 2016 Best Port Operator by Lloyd’s List. For more information, visit www.portTB.com.
UNF and MOCA Jacksonville Present ‘Lost Springs’ Project
The University of North Florida Lufrano Intercultural Gallery and Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, a cultural institute of UNF, will present the “Lost Springs” project in a series of exhibitions and events, beginning Thursday, Sept. 14, and running through Sunday, Dec. 31. The “Lost Springs” chronicles the tragic demise of the iconic springs of the Ocklawaha River in North Central Florida.
The UNF Lufrano Intercultural Gallery, located in the Student Union, Building 58E, on the second floor, will present the exhibition “Lost Springs of the Ocklawaha,” a collaboration between Gainesville painter/activist Margaret Ross Tolbert and St. Augustine-based environmental filmmaker Matt Keene.
“I’ve known Margaret Tolbert for many years and am thrilled to be mounting these exhibitions,” said UNF Gallery of Art Coordinator Jim Draper, who is curating the “Lost Springs” exhibition at UNF and MOCA. “This is a great example of an artist using their work to engage an audience in conversation about specific issues.”
This multimedia exhibition features images, sculpture and film of Cannon Springs and Tobacco Patch Springs created by various artists, including Tolbert, Keene, Karen Chadwick, Mark Long and others. The opening reception will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, in the Gallery and the exhibit will run through Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Tolbert is a tireless crusader who uses a brush as a weapon to fight for the rights of springs. In 1971, the ill-conceived Army Corps of Engineers project, the Cross Florida Barge Canal, was suspended by executive order, leaving the beautiful Ocklawaha River strangled by the Kirkpatrick Dam in Putnam County.
Every four years, the gates of the dam are opened for a few months, and the Ocklawaha is allowed to run free. During the low water, Tolbert paddles into these mysterious hidden places with her canvases and paints. “Lost Springs” memorialize the temporary emergence of Ocklawaha’s hidden springs.
There will also be an exhibition in the UNF Gallery at MOCA. “Margaret Ross Tolbert: Lost Springs” kicks off Saturday, Sept. 23, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 31.
“Tolbert’s investigation of the ‘Lost Springs’ promises to provide transformational opportunities, such as dialogues and accompanying programs, around this thought-provoking topic,” said MOCA Director Caitlín Doherty.
A reception will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, in the UNF Gallery at MOCA, and a special premiere of an accompanying film by Tolbert and Keene will take place at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in MOCA’s Theater.
A screening of the film will also take place at 7 p.m. both Thursday, Sept. 28, and Tuesday, Oct. 3, and again at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, all in the Student Union Auditorium, Student Union, Building 58W, Room 2704, on the UNF campus.
In the documentary “Lost Springs,” Keene follows Tolbert as she experiences springs normally inaccessible due to the Kirkpatrick Dam in Putnam County. The film explores themes of loss, wonder and experience in nature as it follows the course of a drawdown of the dam’s pool, which happens every three or more years, exposing a submerged world normally hidden below the high waters of the dam.
Additionally, there will be a panel discussion featuring Tolbert and Keene, in conjunction with the UNF Environmental Center, about the springs from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at the MOCA Theater.
All events are free and open to the public. Images and cutlines of Tolbert’s work on display at MOCA and at UNF are available here. Draper and Tolbert are both available for interviews.
MOCA Jacksonville serves the community and its visitors through its mission to promote the discovery, knowledge, and advancement of the art, artists, and ideas of our time. For more information, including hours of operation, admission prices, and upcoming exhibitions and programs, visit mocajacksonville.unf.edu or call (904) 366-6911.
UNF, a nationally ranked university located on an environmentally beautiful campus, offers students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others the opportunity to build their own futures through a well-rounded education.
Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission (CFCRC) Meeting August 30, 2017
The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission (CFCRC), the SunRail advisory board comprised of elected leaders from the five local funding partners, will meet Wednesday, August 30, 2017 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Metroplan Orlando offices, located at 250 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 200, Orlando, Florida 32801. This meeting site is conveniently located near the Church Street Station platforms. Please check SunRail arrival and departure times at www.sunrail.com.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jessica Ottaviano, FDOT Public Information Specialist, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, FL 32720, or by phone at 386-943-5473, or by 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 by phone at 386-943-5367, or via email at [email protected].
Questions? Please contact Steve Olson of the Florida Department of Transportation at [email protected] /386-943-5479.
Please be careful around trains, railroad crossings, and while at station platforms. Be smart. Be safe. For more information about SunRail, including fares, schedule and station locations, please visit www.sunrail.com.
Caldwell Locks Another Key Endorsement Block in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture
Announces Unanimous Support from SWFL House Delegation
Representative Matt Caldwell today announced the unanimous support of House members from Southwest Florida, in the second wave of legislative endorsements announced by the campaign. Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Representative Caldwell continues to travel the Sunshine State talking to voters, sharing his conservative message and building support for his grassroots campaign, which has amassed one million dollars in 6 months.
Representative Caldwell said, “I am proud to have unanimous support from House members in Southwest Florida, a tight-knit and dynamic group who share conservative principles and have been effective in shaping policy and ensuring prosperity for the Sunshine State. Floridians deserve a Commissioner who is a true conservative that in can lead in Tallahassee on day one and, with hard work and God’s blessing, our campaign will be successful.”
The second wave of legislative endorsements includes:
- Rep. Byron Donalds (R – Naples)
- Rep. Dane Eagle (R – Cape Coral)
- Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen (R – Fort Myers)
- Rep. Bob Rommel (R – Naples)
- Rep. Ray Rodrigues (R – Estero)
Rep. Ray Rodrigues said, “I am proud to endorse my friend Matt Caldwell for Commissioner of Agriculture. I have been blessed to call Matt a close personal friend for over 20 years. We have worked on issues together ranging from local initiatives all the way to the US Constitution. I now have the honor to serve with him in the Florida House, where we work to advance our shared conservative principles. There is not a more qualified, or better person, to serve as Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture. Join me and vote for Matt Caldwell.”
Rep. Byron Donalds said, “I am excited to endorse Matt Caldwell in his campaign to be Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture. Matt is a true conservative that adheres to the same principles our Founders’ subscribed to over 200 years ago. He is a proven leader who is committed to protecting our God given rights. Matt is the candidate I am supporting for Commissioner of Agriculture.”
Rep. Dane Eagle said, “Matt Caldwell has been a strong conservative leader for Southwest Florida as a member of the Florida House and will bring that leadership statewide as a member of the Florida Cabinet. Matt has my full support in his bid to become Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, and I ask that you join me in voting for Matt Caldwell.”
Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen said, “With the many jobs and industries that rely on Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, it is essential that we elect someone with the understanding and experience to take on the challenges of that office on day one. Matt Caldwell’s proven record of leadership and success in the Florida House make him the most qualified person for this important office. I am thrilled to support Matt and I urge you to join me in voting for him.”
Re. Bob Rommel said, “The Commissioner of Agriculture oversees a critical pillar of this state and supports the hardworking farmers that produce the wholesome food served on tables across the world. Our next Commissioner must be resilient, hardworking and knowledgeable about the issues our farmers deal with on a daily basis. No one is more qualified than Matt Caldwell and I am proud to give him my endorsement.”
The Commissioner of Agriculture serves as a member of the Florida Cabinet and is critical to the foundation of Florida’s economy. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps the agricultural industry with its daily challenges, promotes Florida’s agricultural commodities, manages state forests, safeguards consumers, implements the school lunch program, and oversees the concealed-weapon license system. The campaign recently announced Caldwell’s statewide #2LaneTravels Work Days Tour that highlights and showcases industries overseen as Commissioner of Agriculture.
WATCH: The campaign released a video highlighting #2LaneTravels Work Day in Chiefland and Cross City
Seffner man's GROUPER purchase pays off with free LUCKY MONEY ticket
The Florida Lottery announces that Jamar Davis, 25, of Seffner, claimed his $325,000 share of the $650,000 LUCKY MONEY™ jackpot from the August 11, 2017, drawing at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. The other jackpot-winning ticket, purchased in Ponte Vedra, has not yet been claimed. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $245,390.98.
Davis purchased the Lottery’s new permanent GROUPER® offering at Circle K, located at 36516 Eiland Boulevard in Zephyrhills. His purchase included a free LUCKY MONEY Quick Pick ticket that ended up winning him the jackpot.
Total ticket sales for this LUCKY MONEY jackpot generated more than $746,000 for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.
The next LUCKY MONEY drawing will be Friday, August 18, 2017, at 11:15 p.m. ET, with a $550,000 jackpot. The LUCKY MONEY drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery website, at retailers statewide and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.
Gov. Scott Recognizes Seven Educators with the Governor’s Shine Award
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized seven outstanding educators with the Governor’s Shine Award. The Shine Award is presented to teachers and administrators in Florida who make significant contributions to the field of education. The educators honored today are 2017 District Teachers of the Year.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to present these seven educators with the Governor’s Shine Award today. These outstanding teachers have been recognized by their communities for their commitment to student achievement and I applaud their dedication to educating the future leaders of our state. We will continue to fight for Florida’s great educators and students to ensure they have the resources they need to be successful.”
The following educators were presented with the Governor’s Shine Awards:
Jessica Hooker, Leon County – Jessica Hooker has taught second and third grade at Springwood Elementary School for nine years and is currently the school’s mathematics instructional coach. Jessica is the 2017 Leon County District Teacher of the Year.
Lisa Kelley, Florida State University Schools – Lisa Kelly is currently the Academic Dean for grades 6-8 at Florida State University Schools. She has 19 years’ experience as an educator and formerly taught physical education to students in grades K-5. Lisa is the 2017 Florida State University Schools Teacher of the Year.
Jennifer Lee, Liberty County – Jennifer Lee has taught kindergarten and special education at W.R. Tolar School for the past 11 years. She is the 2017 Liberty County District Teacher of the Year.
Peter MacWilliam, Jefferson County – Peter MacWilliam has more than 25 years’ experience as an educator and currently teaches Spanish for students in grades 6-12 at Jefferson County – A Somerset School. Peter holds National Board Certification in World Languages Spanish and is the 2017 Jefferson County District Teacher of the Year.
Lauralee Mitchell, Wakulla County – Lauralee Mitchell has been teaching at Shadeville Elementary eight years, where she is currently teaching first grade. Lauralee is the 2017 Wakulla County District Teacher of the Year and was recognized with Macy’s “Magic of Giving Back” award at the 2017 Teacher of the Year gala.
Natasha Pennycuff, Franklin County – Natasha Pennycuff teaches first grade at the Franklin County School where she has worked for four years. Natasha is the 2017 Franklin County District Teacher of the Year.
Cindy Vega, Madison County – Cindy Vega has taught first grade for seven years and served as a mentor for first-year teachers at Madison County Central School. Cindy is the 2017 Madison County District Teacher of the Year.
James W. Denhardt to Head Florida Municipal Attorneys Association
Saint Petersburg Attorney Elected President of
Prestigious Statewide Attorneys Organization
James W. Denhardt, a Saint Petersburg lawyer who serves as city attorney for Pinellas Park and Redington Shores, was named president of the Florida Municipal Attorneys Association (FMAA) at the organization’s 36th Annual Seminar. He will serve a one-year term leading the FMAA.
“The Florida Municipal Attorneys Association is a group of approximately 800 of what I consider to be some of the most outstanding attorneys in the state, both in the public and private sectors, and who represent municipalities and governments as in-house counsel and as outside special counsel,” said Denhardt. “I am extremely flattered and honored to have been selected to serve as president of the FMAA for the next year.”
After graduating from law school in 1973, Denhardt was an assistant state attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit for three and a half years, and has maintained a private practice of law in St. Petersburg for the past 41 years. He has served continuously as town attorney for the Town of Redington Shores for 39 years, served as city attorney for the City of Treasure Island for 17 years, and has served as city attorney for the City of Pinellas Park for the past 13 years. In addition, he has served as special counsel for the City of St. Petersburg, City of Clearwater, and the City of Madeira Beach, and has served as special magistrate for a number of other communities.
“I have worked closely with Jim on a number of matters over the years. He is not only an extremely competent attorney, but also a very practical-minded one, both in his private practice and in his representation of his municipal clients,” said retired St. Petersburg City Attorney and former FMAA President John Wolfe. “He has served a number of Pinellas County municipalities as city attorney and in other capacities for nearly 40 years. He is very respected by his peers in this area and throughout the state. Jim is well prepared to lead the FMAA as president.”
“Jim is well-versed in the area of municipal law and has repeatedly shared his knowledge with city attorneys throughout the state,” said Florida League of Cities General Counsel Chip Morrison. “He will serve the FMAA well as president.”
New officers were also elected for the 2017-18 term. Fort Lauderdale City Attorney Cynthia Everett will serve as president-elect and Orlando Chief Assistant City Attorney Kyle A. Shephard will serve as treasurer.
