Improving projections for how much ocean levels may change in the future and what that means for coastal communities has vexed researchers studying sea level rise for years, but a new international study that incorporates extreme events may have just given researchers and coastal planners what they need.
The study, published today in Nature Communications uses newly available data and advanced models to improve global predictions when it comes to extreme sea levels. The results suggest that extreme sea levels will likely occur more frequently than previously predicted, particularly in the west coast regions of the U.S. and in large parts of Europe and Australia.
“Storm surges globally lead to considerable loss of life and billions of dollars of damages each year, and yet we still have a limited understanding of the likelihood and associated uncertainties of these extreme events both today and in the future,” said Thomas Wahl, an assistant engineering professor in the University of Central Florida who led the study. He is also a member of UCF’s Sustainable Coastal Systems Cluster.
The study was conducted to make data about extreme events a part of the ongoing research and planning required to help communities prepare now for conditions that may be dramatically different in the not-too-distant future.
Extreme sea levels are typically caused by a combination of high tides, storm surges, and in many cases waves, Wahl said.
When an extreme event collides with continually rising seas, it takes a less intense storm, such as a Category I hurricane, to inflict as much coastal damage as a Category II or III storm would have had when the seas were lower.
Because of the rising sea levels, which research has confirmed has occurred steadily during the past century and is expected to accelerate in the future, extreme events that are now expected to happen, on average, only once every hundred years, could occur every decade or even every year, in many places by 2050, the study said.
Using a representative sample of 20 different methods for predicting extreme sea levels the researchers focused intensely on the measures of uncertainty that accompany any prediction, but that are particularly vexing in the analysis of extremes.
Interspersing sea level rise with the latest predictions of extreme sea level events, the research team was able to illustrate the dramatic effect one has on the other and pinpoint regions of the world that are especially threatened.
“In order to understand coastal impacts under current and future climate and socio-economic conditions, we do not only need robust projections of mean sea level rise but also a profound knowledge of present-day and future extreme sea levels, because these events drive the impacts,” Wahl said.
The researcher team agreed that including extreme sea levels into coastal impact studies is imperative in helping vulnerable parts of the world effectively protect themselves by adapting through new or upgraded infrastructure such as dikes, pumping systems, barriers, or other tools like new building codes or flood zoning that prevents new infrastructure from being built in high-risk areas.
“Based on our results we can see, for the first time globally, what role uncertainties in extreme sea level predictions play,” said study co-author and associate professor Ivan Haigh of the University of Southampton, UK. “It helps identify hotspots where we can focus on in more detail, performing localized studies to reduce the uncertainties and improve our confidence in the results.”
Also part of the team was Professor Robert Nicholls at the University of Southampton, UK, Jochen Hinkel at Global Climate Forum, Germany, Arne Arns and Soenke Dangendorf at the University of Siegen, Germany, and Aimée Slangen at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and University of Utrecht, Netherlands.
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Florida Forest Service Firefighters Heading to Battle Blazes in Western States
On the heels of one of the most active wildfire seasons in years, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that 41 wildland firefighters from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service are leaving this Saturday to assist wildfire suppression efforts in Western states.
“After battling more than 2,500 wildfires in Florida this year, Florida Forest Service firefighters are ready to help other states with their fires,” said Commissioner Putnam. “It is a priority for our department to help our partners defend life and property from the devastating effects of wildfire.”
On Saturday, the two crews of 41 Florida Forest Service firefighters will fly to Salt Lake City, Utah alongside three additional crews from Puerto Rico and Georgia. Upon arrival in Utah, the crews will receive fire assignments throughout the Western states based on priority and fire activity.
“Due to the extreme terrain out west, wildfires can be very intense,” said Jim Karels, State Forester. “Nevertheless, our Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters are prepared for exactly this. Their first-class training and experience battling wildfires in Florida will help them fight these fires aggressively and safely.”
Five additional Florida Forest Service fire personnel are currently assisting in various positions throughout Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Montana.
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. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Mallea Files Lawsuit Against Perez
The lawsuit asks the court to declare Daniel Perez ineligible for office because
he falsified campaign documents to make it appear that he lives in District 116.
The Jose Mallea Campaign today announced that Mallea has filed a lawsuit against Daniel Perez, his opponent in the special Republican primary election in House District 116, over Perez’s false claims about his residency in his campaign filing documents. The suit also names Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner as a defendant and was filed in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court in Leon County.
The lawsuit asks the court to declare Perez ineligible to be a candidate for office, to decertify his candidacy, remove his name from the ballot, and refuse to certify any votes cast for him because he is not a legally qualified candidate.
“Daniel Perez’s relationship with the truth is estranged at best,” said Mallea. “To knowingly identify an uninhabitable building with no roof as his address is the latest in his pattern of lies. The voters of District 116 deserve a representative whose campaign and service in office begins and ends on a foundation of truth, and, unfortunately, that is not the case with Daniel Perez.”
Under Florida statutes, it is a felony punishable by imprisonment to file a false sworn statement in connection with an election. Perez knowingly filed a sworn statement listing an address inside House District 116, but no habitable residence exists at the address. Despite the requirement that state representatives live in the district from which they are elected, Perez has publicly stated that he does not live at the address on his filing documents and does not know if he will live there at the time of the election.
Paid by Jose Mallea, Republican, for State Representative
Gov. Scott Continues “Honoring Florida Veterans Tour” in Cocoa
Governor Rick Scott continued his four city “Honoring Florida Veterans Tour” in Cocoa and awarded 274 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to Florida and the nation. The Governor also highlighted funding included in the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget that supports active military, veterans and their families.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to honor more American heroes by presenting them with the Veterans Service Medal today on our ‘Honoring Florida Veterans Tour’. These individuals dedicated their lives to protecting the families of our great nation. On behalf of all Floridians, we express our nation’s gratitude.”
The Governor highlighted the following Florida veterans at today’s ceremony in Cocoa:
Captain Donn Weaver
Captain Donn Weaver served in the United States Army Infantry where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Expert Infantry Badge. After the Army, he attended graduate school at Florida State University and went on to spend 40 years in foreign service traveling to 104 countries and learning five languages. He returned to Cocoa Beach for retirement where he volunteers with several veteran organizations, including the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center where he served as past president and expansion chairman. He is a Gold Star Father, whose youngest son, Lieutenant Todd Weaver, US Army Airborne Ranger, was killed in combat in Afghanistan in September 2010.
Specialist Sebastian Padilla
Son of a Vietnam veteran, Specialist Sebastian Padilla enlisted in the Army to follow in his father’s footsteps of serving his country. After completing basic training in 2015, he went on to join the Police Academy and graduated in 2016. After graduation, he deployed to Djibouti, Africa to be a part of the Detainee Operations group where he earned the French Desert Commando badge. He currently is in the process of becoming an officer at the Apopka Police Department.
Specialist Marcus Birkenmeyer
Specialist Marcus Birkenmeyer knew from a young age that he wanted to join the military and became a member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in high school. While in college he received an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps scholarship and paused his studies to enlist in the National Guard in 2014. After returning from training, he decided to continue to pursue his education at Stetson University where he currently studies Business Systems and Analytics with minors in Sports Business and Military Science. He plans to commission into Military Intelligence or Aviation within the Florida National Guard.
Haas endorses Albritton
State Attorney Brian Haas is the latest elected official who says Albritton
is the right leader to succeed Denise Grimsley in the Florida Senate.
The Ben Albritton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Brian Haas, State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit. Albritton is seeking the District 26 seat in the Florida Senate, currently held by Denise Grimsley, who is running for Commissioner of Agriculture.
“Ben has the right convictions and values to serve our area well,” said Haas. “He believes, as I do, in holding criminals accountable for their actions to keep our community a safe place to live, work, and visit. He also understands the importance of early intervention to keep our youth on the right track I look forward to Ben’s continued leadership in the Florida Senate.”
Haas was elected as State Attorney in 2016 after previously serving as Chief Assistant State Attorney under Jerry Hill. He is a graduate of Bartow High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Flagler College in St. Augustine and a law degree from the University of Florida.
Haas has prosecuted crimes ranging from misdemeanors to capital felonies and was assigned to the Special Prosecution Division at the State Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted cases involving sexual crimes against children. He has also represented the State of Florida in many jury trials, including the prosecution of violent crimes. Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit covers Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties.
“Brian Haas is an outstanding servant-leader,” said Albritton. “He values people and treats everyone with the fairness and respect they deserve. I greatly appreciate Brian’s endorsement and look forward to continuing to work with him for the betterment of our area.”
Haas’s support for Albritton comes on the heels of the recent endorsements by Congressmen Dennis Ross and Tom Rooney.
In 2010, Albritton was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he has been a staunch advocate for entrepreneurs and children in Florida’s foster care system. He is also known for his strong conservative record on Second Amendment rights and protection for the unborn. He is the Chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the House Natural Resources and Public Lands Subcommittee. He also sits on the Appropriations Committee, the Agriculture and Property Rights Subcommittee, and the Government Accountability Committee, and he currently serves as the Chair of the Polk County Legislative Delegation.
With Grimsley’s decision to not seek re-election, District 26, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 43 to 34 percent, is an open seat. Centered in Florida’s Heartland, the district covers parts of Charlotte, Lee, and Polk Counties, as well as all of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties.
Paid by Ben Albritton, Republican, for State Senator
Gov. Scott: Florida Jumps Texas to Become 2nd in Airline Passengers
Governor Applauds Federal Aviation Infrastructure Awards
Governor Scott today announced that Florida’s airports rank second in the nation for airline passenger volume according to preliminary data from the Federal Aviation Administration and Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Governor Scott also applauded President Trump and the U.S. Department of Transportation for awarding $10.6 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to eight Florida airports.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s airports have surpassed Texas and are now second in the nation for the most amount of airline passengers. Florida’s airports help welcome millions of visitors, business leaders and families to our state each year, and have a significant impact on supporting job creation and growing our economy. That is why I am proud that we have invested more than $1 billion in state funding in our airports over the past six years.
“I would also like to thank the Trump Administration for awarding federal funding to eight Florida airports so we can continue to grow. I was proud to join President Trump last month at the White House to discuss the future of infrastructure, and it is clear that we have a partner in D.C. that understands the importance of supporting transportation projects in Florida. We will continue to make important investments in our airports so Florida can be first for airline passengers.”
According to the latest statistics available from the Federal Aviation Administration (preliminary 2016), Florida’s airports now handle more enplanements than Texas, placing it second in the nation only to California. Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics support that claim.
Mike Dew, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary, said, “Florida’s airports are critical to the economy of our state and Governor Scott has demonstrated that by investing over $1 billion in our airport system.”
The Florida airports receiving federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants are Daytona Beach International Airport, DeFuniak Springs Airport, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Wauchula Municipal Airport, St Pete‐Clearwater International, Jacksonville International, New Smyrna Beach Municipal, and Space Coast Regional. More information on projects and funding amounts can be found HERE and HERE.
The Fighting for Florida’s Future budget signed by Governor Scott last month included more than $263 million for aviation improvements, and since 2011, the State of Florida has invested more than $1 billion in Florida’s airports. Florida airports account for 1.3 million Florida jobs with an annual payroll of $44.5 billion, and support more than $144 billion in annual economic activity. Florida has four large hub airports, more than any other state.
Go primitive on St. Vincent Island or join the Dove Club
St. Vincent Island whitetail hunts
July “Outta’ the Woods”
By Tony Young
“St. Vincent Island is a wonderful place to take kids and other folks to show them what the real old Florida looked like,” Woody Eubanks, 38-year Bay County veteran fireman, said about the 12,490-acre national wildlife refuge.
Eubanks should know. For the past 27 years, he’s taken part in one of two white-tailed deer hunts offered on the undeveloped barrier island in northwest Florida’s Franklin County.
The first deer hunt is Nov. 16-18 and is an archery hunt. Only vertical bows may be used, unless a hunter has a Disabled Crossbow Permit, in which case a crossbow may be used as well.
During the second white-tailed hunt, hunters may use bows, crossbows and muzzleloaders. That hunt is Jan. 25-27, 2018. There are 250 permits available for each of the two hunts at a cost of $27.50 each.
Eubanks, a lifelong Panama City resident, said he’s done both hunts and has taken a deer every year.
“A big group of us firemen started off doing these hunts together, and over the years, a lot of ’em have dropped off for various reasons, except for my buddy Randy Rowell – he’s been hunting here with me for all 27 years,” Eubanks said. “And I first brought my son out here when he was just 8 years old. He loved it even then, and we’ve made it an annual father-son pilgrimage for 19 years now and don’t plan to stop.”
If you’d like to also experience the thrills and solitude of primitive hunting on St. Vincent Island, all you have to do is buy a permit in July.
Accessing the island
You can only get to St. Vincent Island by boat, and if you don’t bring your own, you can make a deal with one of the local charter captains to take you to the island and bring you back after the hunt. For a list of boat captains that offer this service, contact the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.
“We used to take a shuttle boat to and from the island, but I’ve been trailering my own boat over from Panama City the past several years,” Eubanks said.
Did I mention it’s primitive?
The island has no electricity, so it’s all about primitive camping for three days. You’re allowed to have a small campfire, using only wood you bring with you or deadwood you find on the ground. Eubanks says he meets a lot of good people every year and enjoys sharing his camp cooking with them.
“I recommend bringing a bicycle to get to and from your hunting spot. Over the years, I’ve found that a three-speed beach comber type bike works best out there,” Eubanks said.
If you harvest any game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff will pick you and your animal up in one of their trucks. In addition, transportation to and from hunting spots and accommodations are available to hunters with disabilities.
Good game management
“The USFWS staff does an outstanding job, going out of their way to assist us hunters,” Eubanks said. “They’ve also done a great job managing the wildlife. Historically, there have been hundreds of hogs on the island, but due to current management activities, the population is estimated in the dozens.”
How to get a permit
If you’d like to purchase a permit for one or both of these primitive hunts, get the appropriate worksheet by going to MyFWC.com/License and clicking on “Limited Entry/Quota Hunts.” Once you’ve completed it, you may buy the permit at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or from any county tax collector’s office or retail outlet that sells hunting and fishing supplies, beginning 10 a.m. EDT on July 14. But you had better be quick, ’cause these permits are being offered first-come, first-served until they’re gone.
“I really like the fact that it’s a primitive hunt, and the good Lord willin’, I don’t plan to miss it,” Eubanks said. “If you’re looking for a great hunt in a truly beautiful remote place and don’t mind roughing it a bit, you will really enjoy St. Vincent Island. My only advice is to make sure you’re prepared for inclement weather, ’cause you never know what Mother Nature’s gonna throw at ya.”
Dove Club
One of the best ways to spend time afield with friends and family is through dove hunting. Because of this, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) created its Special-Opportunity Dove Club Program. It offers hunters the chance to experience exceptional dove hunting on the state’s best public dove fields.
Dove Club permits enable one adult and one youth (age 15 or younger) to hunt all scheduled dates of a dove field, and each hunter gets to take a daily bag limit of birds. New this year, hunters will now have the choice to apply as a “group” with up to three adult hunters. Permits cost $150 per adult hunter. All hunts take place on Saturdays from noon until sunset. Scheduled hunt dates and number of hunts vary between fields.
Last year, 1,303 birds were harvested from five fields. This coming season, there will be the same five special-opportunity dove fields scattered throughout the state from which to choose.
Five fields to choose from
Tenoroc Public Small Game Hunting Area in Polk County was the top producer last year with 382 birds taken. This year, there will be 13 Dove Club permits available to hunt the 50-acre field.
Hunters took 238 doves off Frog Pond North Public Small Game Hunting Area in Miami-Dade County. This year, there will be 23 Dove Club permits available to hunt the 120-acre field.
Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area in Putnam County has three fields that total about 125 acres with 30 Dove Club permits available. Last season, 309 doves were harvested there from just a six-day hunt.
Hunters harvested 299 birds from Allapattah Flats Public Small Game Hunting Area in Martin County, east of Lake Okeechobee. Thirteen Dove Club permits are available for the 100-acre field.
The remaining dove field is on Hilochee Wildlife Management Area in Lake County. It has 15 Dove Club permits available to hunt on 80 acres, where 75 doves were taken last season.
How to apply
Dove Club permits will be issued by random drawing during Phase I. That application period runs from 10 a.m. EDT on July 17 through July 27.
After obtaining the correct application worksheet by going to MyFWC.com/License and clicking on “Limited Entry/Quota Hunts,” you can apply for these season passes by filling out a single worksheet (with up to five dove field choices) and turning it in at any county tax collector’s office, license agent or by applying online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. During Phase I, hunters may be awarded a permit for only one dove field.
You can check the drawing results as early as July 31 by logging in to your customer account at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, and a pop-up message will let you know if you are successful. And any applicant who provides an email address will also be notified by email. If you are successful in getting drawn, you can pay for it online by clicking on the “Claim” link in the “Permit Applications” section of your customer account, or at any of the above mentioned license agents by Aug. 10.
Dove hunters online update
Brochures on these areas are available online at MyFWC.com/Dove. Also at that web address, beginning in late September, hunters will be able to find the most up-to-date harvest information on these five special-opportunity dove fields. The website is updated weekly throughout dove season.
So if you prefer the solitude of hunting whitetails on St. Vincent Island or if you’d like to join the FWC’s Dove Club, you need to get your permit in July.
Here’s wishing you luck in getting one or both of these great hunts!
Attorney General Bondi Recognizes July as Month of the Military Consumer
In recognition of the National Month of the Military Consumer, Attorney General Pam Bondi is highlighting the office’s most recent efforts to protect military members and veterans from scams. In May, Attorney General Bondi launched a new program to serve the unique consumer protection needs of Florida’s military and veteran communities.
“Although we will never be able to fully thank the men and women of our military and the loved ones who support them, my office will continue to protect them from unscrupulous businesses and individuals here at home,” said Attorney General Bondi. “In recognition of the Month of the Military Consumer, I am encouraging military consumers and their families to visit MyFloridaLegal.com/MVAP to learn more about our new Military and Veterans Assistance Program.”
Attorney General Bondi’s Office created MVAP to help educate service members and veterans on the types of scams that target their communities, what they can do to protect themselves and how they can help protect others by reporting scams and deceptive business practices. Some of the most common scams that fraudsters use against service members, veterans and their families include debit and credit scams, housing-related scams, charity and non-profit scams, false affiliation with the military and benefits-related scams.
If someone from an organization would like to speak with a member of the MVAP team to learn more about the program, please email [email protected].
Consumers who believe they have been a victim of a scam or other fraudulent activity may file a complaint by calling (866) 9-NO-SCAM or by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com/MVAP.
Attorney General Bondi also encourages service members, veterans and their families to review the office’s Military Consumer Protection Resource Guide.
Gov. Scott Kicks Off “Honoring Florida Veterans Tour” in Panama City
Governor Rick Scott today kicked off his four city “Honoring Florida Veterans” tour in Panama City this morning and awarded 49 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to Florida and the nation. The Governor also highlighted funding included in the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget that supports active military, veterans and their families. The Governor will also be stopping in The Villages, Cocoa and Wauchula during his tour.
Governor Scott said, “This week, we celebrated America’s independence and the freedom that we enjoy because of the brave men and women who have served our country. It is important that we continue to appreciate and honor the members of our Armed Forces not just on holidays, but every day. I’m incredibly proud to recognize these American heroes who dedicated their lives to our great nation and present them with the Veterans Service Medal today.”
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “As we celebrated Independence Day this week, we must never forget the service and sacrifice of those who have courageously served our country. It was an honor to join in recognizing these brave men and women.”
The Governor highlighted the following Florida veterans at today’s ceremony in Panama City:
Staff Sergeant William Yaeger Brookes
Staff Sergeant William Brookes enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard in 2002 and later attended Airborne, Air Assault and Pathfinder specialty training schools. During his 15 years of military service, he held multiple positions in the 1-153rd Cavalry Squadron of the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team including rifleman, machine gunner and team leader. Staff Sergeant Brookes also supported deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guatemala and was recognized with the Combat Infantry Badge. Following his active duty, Staff Sergeant Brookes continues to serve the state as a Florida Wildlife Commission law enforcement officer.
Sergeant Tyler Smith
Sergeant Tyler Smith began his military career in 2006 as Calvary Scout in the Florida Army National Guard. He has served in many roles and leadership positions including, Cavalry Scout, Cavalry Vehicle Driver, Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) Gunner, and Team Leader in A Troop of the 1st Squadron 153rd Cavalry Regiment and his current job as a Florida Army National Guard fleet mechanic. Since enlisting 11 years ago, Sergeant Smith has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn supporting Operations in Kuwait, Africa and Iraq, and has served in nearly every state activation.
Maxine McIlroy Mann
Maxine McIlroy Mann was born in Wichita, Kansas and joined the World War II women’s branch of the United States Naval Reserve, known as the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) after its founding in 1942. Maxine attended boot camp in Chicago and became a life guard for the Navy. Following her military service, Maxine went to college and became a Certified Flying Instructor. Currently, she resides at Clifford C. Sims State Veterans Home in Panama City where she enjoys spending her time as an artist.
37 Florida Schools Awarded HealthierUS School Challenge Designation in June
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that 37 more Florida schools earned HealthierUS School Challenge designations during June. Under Commissioner Putnam’s leadership, the number of certified HUSSC schools has increased from 27 schools in 2012, when the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services assumed responsibility of the state’s school nutrition programs, to today’s 313 schools.
The HealthierUS School Challenge, a joint effort with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the United States Department of Agriculture, is a voluntary certification initiative that recognizes schools’ efforts to improve food and beverage options, offer nutrition education and promote physical activity. Schools must meet specific criteria, such as providing smarter snacks and opportunities for physical activity.
“A healthy lifestyle is the foundation for academic success, and these schools have gone above and beyond to give their students the fuel they need to excel in the classroom,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
In an effort to expand the program, the department offers many resources to help school districts earn HUSSC certification, including specialists throughout the state to provide personal, hands-on support. The department continually works to certify and recertify schools, as schools must re-apply for their HUSSC status every four years.
Schools can apply for four different levels of designation: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Award of Distinction. The following schools were recently awarded HUSSC designation in June:
Alachua County Public Schools
- Alachua Elementary School (Bronze)
- Archer Elementary School (Bronze)
- C.W. Norton Elementary School (Bronze)
- Lake Forest Elementary School (Bronze)
- M.K. Rawlings Elementary School (Bronze)
- Newberry Elementary School (Bronze)
- Stephen Foster Elementary School (Bronze)
- W.A. Metcalfe Elementary School (Bronze)
- William S. Talbot Elementary School (Bronze)
Martin County School District
- Bessey Creek Elementary School (Bronze)
- Citrus Grove Elementary School (Bronze)
- Crystal Lake Elementary School (Silver)
- Felix Williams Elementary School (Bronze)
- Hobe Sound Elementary School (Silver)
- Jensen Beach Elementary School (Bronze)
- Palm City Elementary School (Bronze)
- Sea Wind Elementary School (Silver)
Putnam County School District
- Kelley Smith Elementary School (Silver)
- Middleton-Burney Elementary School (Silver)
Santa Rosa County School District
- Bagdad Elementary School (Gold)
- Benny Russell Elementary School (Silver)
- Berryhill Elementary School (Silver)
- Chumuckla Elementary School (Silver)
- East Milton Elementary School (Gold)
- Gulf Breeze Middle School (Bronze)
- Holley Navarre Intermediate School (Silver)
- Holley Navarre Middle School (Bronze)
- Holley Navarre Primary School (Silver)
- Jay Elementary School (Bronze)
- Oriole Beach Elementary School (Bronze)
- Pea Ridge Elementary School (Silver)
- SS Dixon Intermediate School (Silver)
- SS Dixon Primary School (Bronze)
- Thomas L. Sims Middle School (Bronze)
- West Navarre Intermediate School (Bronze)
- West Navarre Primary School (Bronze)
- W.H. Rhodes Elementary School (Gold)
For more information about the HealthierUS School Challenge Initiative and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
