Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Jonathan Zachem as secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Matilde Miller has been serving as interim secretary of DBPR since January and she has accepted the role of Vice President of Compliance with VISIT FLORIDA.
Governor Scott said, “DBPR is often on the frontlines of supporting new and existing businesses across our state. With his leadership experience at DBPR, Jonathan understands the importance of reducing burdensome regulations while helping our job creators and families. I know that Jonathan will be a great leader as we continue to work together to make Florida the most business-friendly state in the nation. I appreciate Matilde Miller’s service to the State of Florida and her dedication to our mission of growing jobs for our families.”
Jonathan Zachem currently serves as the deputy secretary for DBPR and previously served as chief attorney and then director of DBPR’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.Prior to that, Zachem served in the Prosecution Services Unit (PSU) for the Florida Department of Health. Zachem received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, his master’s degree from the University of South Florida and his law degree from the Barry University School of Law.
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Children’s Home Society of Florida Achieves National Accreditation
Orlando, Fla.-based Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) has achieved national accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA). The nonprofit, peer-driven COA seeks to improve delivery outcomes by accrediting organizations that demonstrate best practice standards in the field of human services. CHS has continually earned this distinct honor since 1982.
CHS is among less than 20 percent of organizations nationwide to achieve full or substantial implementation ratings for all of COA’s accreditation standards relevant to the organization, according to Richard Klarberg, COA’s president and chief executive officer. The standards are intended to ensure that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce.
The accreditation process involved a detailed review and analysis of CHS’ administration, management, and service delivery functions. CHS first provided written evidence of compliance with the COA standards followed by on-site interviews with staff and clients by a group of specially-trained volunteer peer reviewers.
Comments from the Final Accreditation Report include:
- Case Management – “The case management programs at CHS are exceptional. Documentation is clear [and] concise. Staff are very engaged in assisting the children, adults and families they are serving by helping them to access and utilize supports which build upon their strengths.”
- Client Rights – “The organization respects the rights and dignity of their clients and it is shown throughout the organization.”
- Ethical Practice – “Very ethical organization. There is transparency across the organization. They are well respected by their public and private partners.”
- Performance and Quality Improvement – “CHS has a very robust and structured PQI system in place.”
- Training and Supervision – “Very robust, targeted, and comprehensive training and supervision policies and practices. Demonstrates forward thinking.”
- Supervised Visitation and Exchange Program – “The staff providing these services are very sensitive, passionate, and caring. Parents report feeling supported and cared for.”
- Pregnancy Support Services – “Staff are very dedicated to birth mothers as well as adoptive parents. It is often difficult to serve both but they are compassionate and able to work the triad very well.”
“This is a significant achievement for our organization,” said CHS President and CEO Michael Shaver. “COA re-accreditation affirms that we meet the highest national standards of best practice and provides assurances to all of our stakeholders that Children’s Home Society of Florida is delivering vital, high-quality services in our community, conducting our operations successfully, and managing our funds effectively.”
About Children’s Home Society of Florida
On the front lines since 1902, Children’s Home Society of Florida is the oldest and largest statewide organization devoted to helping children and families. Children’s Home Society of Florida serves more than 50,000 children and family members throughout the state each year. More: www.chsfl.org.
The Council on Accreditation
Founded in 1977, the Council on Accreditation (COA) is an independent, not-for-profit accreditor of the full continuum of community-based behavioral health care and social service organizations in the United States and Canada. Over 2,000 organizations — voluntary, public, and proprietary; local and statewide; large and small — have either successfully achieved COA accreditation or are currently engaged in the process. Presently, COA has a total of 47 service standards that are applicable to over 125 different types of programs. To learn more about COA, please visit www.COAnet.org.
Pruitt Repeals Clean Water Protections for Nearly 2 Million Floridians
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Scott Pruitt proposed repealing the Clean Water Rule, which restored federal protections to half our nation’s streams and thousands of wetlands across the country. Jennifer Rubiello, Environment Florida State Director issued the following statement:
Repealing the Clean Water Rule turns the mission of the EPA on its head: instead of safeguarding our drinking water, the Trump administration is proposing to stop protecting drinking water sources for nearly 2 million Floridians. It defies common sense, sound science and the will of the people of Florida.
Clean water is vital to our ecology, our health, and our quality of life. We are already seeing drinking water contaminated by algal blooms and a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico that scientists now estimate will be the size of New Jersey this summer. Just last year, Florida regulators also voted to increase the acceptable level of cancer-causing chemicals allowed in Florida’s rivers and streams. The last thing we need is the federal government weakening protections for our water as well.
Finalized in 2015 with widespread public and scientific support, the Rule restored federal protections to over 15,000 miles of Florida’s streams, which feed waterways like Tampa Bay and help provide drinking water to nearly 2 million Floridians. The rule also protects wetlands, which help filter out pollutants and provide wildlife habitat.
More than 800,000 Americans – including over 31,000 Floridians, business owners, local officials, farmers, and health professionals – all support the historic Clean Water Rule. On the other side, the most vociferous opponents of the rule include the oil and gas industry, coal companies, developers, and lobbyists for corporate agribusiness.
We call on the EPA to reconsider this reckless repeal and stand up for our drinking water, not for polluters.
Commissioner Adam Putnam Applauds EPA Administrator for Move to Repeal WOTUS Final Rule
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s proposal to repeal the Obama-era WOTUS final rule.
“The federal government overstepped its authority under the Obama Administration with its overreaching and nonsensical WOTUS rule. I applaud EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s move to undo these overly burdensome regulations that cost American workers precious dollars to meet unnecessary and unscientific standards.”
League Announces New Board Appointees
The League of Women Voters of Florida is pleased to announce new additions to our Board of Directors. We welcome the Honorable Mark Pafford, who brings extensive government experience to the League; veteran political strategist Stephanie Owens; Marty Sullivan, Co-Chair of the Florida League’s Natural Resources Committee; and Maggie Lawrence, media buyer and project manager with SalterMitchell.
“The League is honored to welcome these new appointed directors,” said League President Pamela Goodman. “These new members will contribute significantly to the League’s continuing efforts to act on selected governmental issues and to influence public policy through education and advocacy. We look forward to working with them.”
The new board appointees will each serve one year along with the five officers and five directors who were elected during LWV Florida’s biennial convention in Fort Lauderdale earlier this month.
The League of Women Voters of Florida, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, please visit the League’s website at: www.TheFloridaVoter.org.
PSC Customer Meeting for Four Lakes Golf Club, Ltd.
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) invites customers of Four Lakes Golf Club, Ltd. (Four Lakes) to a customer meeting on Thursday, June 29, 2017, to discuss the utility’s petition for a rate change. Customers can comment on Four Lakes’ proposed rates and any quality of service issues at the meeting.
Four Lakes’ current rates have been in effect since November 30, 1998. Four Lakes provides water service to approximately 825 customers and wastewater service to approximately 820 customers in Polk County.
The meeting is scheduled for the following time and location:
Thursday, June 29, 2017
6:00 P.M.
Chain O’ Lakes Clubhouse
Poolside Room
210 Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33880
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Secretary Detzner Seeks Nominations for Florida Folk Heritage Awards
Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced that the Florida Department of State is seeking nominations for the 2018 Florida Folk Heritage Awards. The annual awards recognize individuals who have made exemplary contributions to Florida’s traditional culture.
“The Florida Folk Heritage Awards annually recognize artistic excellence and community impact in the realm of folk and traditional arts and honor our most influential tradition bearers,” said Secretary Detzner. “We are pleased to honor the distinguished Floridians whose skills and accomplishments in the traditional arts affirm our state’s cultural legacy and unique heritage.”
The 2017 Florida Folk Heritage Award recipients (l-r) Marilia Carrasquillo & David Peñaflor, photo by Amanda Hardeman; Haiqiong Deng, photo courtesy of Deng; William Emerson, photo by Jeff Klinkenburg and Willie Green, photo by Peter Willot.
Folklife includes a wide range of creative forms such as art, crafts, dance, language, music and ritual. These cultural traditions are transmitted by word of mouth and demonstration, and are shared within community, ethnic, occupational, religious and regional groups. Nominees should be individuals whose art or advocacy has embodied the best of traditional culture in their communities.
How to Submit a Nomination
Nominations should describe the accomplishments and background of the nominee, and explain why he or she deserves statewide recognition for preserving a significant facet of the state’s cultural heritage. Supporting materials such as photographs, slides, audio-visual samples and letters will assist the state’s Florida Folklife Council in evaluating nominees. Each nomination also requires at least two letters of support from community members, colleagues, peers, cultural specialists or any other individuals who can confirm the details of the nomination and attest to the nominee’s qualifications. Award recipients will be announced in February 2018.
Nominations must be postmarked no later than October 1, 2017 and mailed to: Florida Folklife Program, Bureau of Historic Preservation, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250. Nominations can also be emailed to [email protected].
For more information about the Florida Folk Heritage Awards, or the Florida Folklife Program, contact State Folklorist Amanda Hardeman at 850.245.6427. For guidelines, award policies and previous winners, visit www.flheritage.com/preservation/florida-folklife-program/folk-heritage-awards/.
2017 Awardees
The 2017 Florida Folk Heritage Awards honored one couple and three individuals who have made significant contributions to Florida’s folk cultural heritage. The awardees included Latin American cultural advocates Marilia Carrasquillo & David Peñaflor of Orange County, traditional Chinese musician Haiqiong Deng of Leon County, rhythm and blues and rock ‘n roll recording artist William Emerson of Pinellas County and blues musician Willie Green of Marion County.
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. 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, this program is one of the oldest state folk arts programs in the nation. The Florida Folklife Program is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts’ Folk and Traditional Arts Program. For more information about Florida folklife, visit www.flheritage.com/preservation/florida-folklife-program/.
Citrus Leaders Back Albritton for Florida Senate
Florida Citrus Commissioners say Albritton
is best prepared to represent District 26.
The Ben Albritton Campaign today announced the endorsement of four members of the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC), including its chairman and vice chairman. Albritton is seeking the District 26 seat in the Florida Senate, currently held by Denise Grimsley, who is running for Commissioner of Agriculture.
“Citrus is the heart of District 26, and as a grower and former board member, Ben Albritton has a unique understanding of the importance and needs of our industry,” said Marty McKenna, Chair of the FCC.
“In the Florida House, Ben Albritton has been a champion of Florida agriculture,” added Mike Garavaglia, FCC Vice Chair. “There is no doubt he will continue to be an effective advocate for citrus and the entire agriculture industry in the Senate.”
V.C. Hollingsworth III and Ned Hancock, FCC members, agreed: “We know Ben Albritton to be a man of his word. He is a passionate and enthusiastic representative of Florida agriculture and deeply enjoys serving our state and its people. We look forward to his continued leadership in the Florida Senate.”
“I am honored that Florida citrus leaders are entrusting me with their support,” said Albritton. “Florida citrus and all of agriculture face so many threats that could have devastating effects on Florida’s Heartland. In the Florida Senate, I will work tirelessly to defend our vital industry and keep it a job-producing engine for our region.”
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
FAMU Receives Grant from Intel to Promote Diversity in Technology
Florida A&M University (FAMU) announced today that it is receiving a grant from Intel Corporation to expand pathways for more women and underrepresented minorities to enter and succeed in tech fields.
The partnership is a part of the Intel Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Grant Program, which was developed to increase the number of African Americans who pursue degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering and computer science. FAMU will be awarded $550,000 over a three-year period to offer two-year scholarships. Up to 26 junior to doctorate level students majoring in these areas will reap the benefits.
In addition, the partnership will help to support student tutoring and mentoring programs, labs, research experiences and workshops that will encourage collaboration between academia and the technology industry to equip students with the relevant skills needed to succeed in the technology sector.
The partnership will also encourage professional development, including consideration for an internship or full-time job at Intel upon graduation.
“We are thrilled to partner with Intel to expand scholarship opportunities for our computer science and engineering students,” said George Cotton, FAMU’s vice president for University Advancement. “This FAMU grant will not only help our talented students to excel academically without the burden of debt but also paves the way for the University to produce more women and underrepresented minorities working in STEM.”
Intel developed the concept for the HBCU Grant Program in 2015 after the corporation set a bold goal of reaching full representation of women and underrepresented minorities in the U.S. workforce by 2020. As a result, Intel committed $300 million to support diversity in technology initiatives, investing in education pathway programs, university partnerships, diverse entrepreneurs, anti-online harassment initiatives and spending with diverse suppliers.
Nearly $5 million was earmarked to encourage students to remain in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) pathways at HBCUs. FAMU was among only six universities to be selected for the program.
“As we work to build a more diverse, inclusive workplace, it’s vital that we continue developing pathways for exceptional, diverse STEM talent – not only to encourage them to pursue STEM, but to ensure they’re supported with the best possible resources,” said Barbara Whye, chief diversity and inclusion officer and vice president of Human Resources at Intel Corporation. “Our work with HBCUs will give students the tools they need to excel in STEM careers, and we hope they will bring their great minds to Intel.”
Appointments by Gov. Rick Scott for Monday, June 26, 2017
Gov. Scott Appoints One to Board of Osteopathic Medicine
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Dr. Michelle Mendez to the Board of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mendez, 49, of Jacksonville, is a physician and the owner of Mendez Family Care. She is reappointed for a term beginning June 26, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Gov. Scott Appoints One to Board of Physical Therapy Practice
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Dr. Kay Tasso to the Board of Physical Therapy Practice.
Dr. Tasso, 56, of Ponte Vedra, is a physical therapist at Coastal Therapy. She is reappointed for a term beginning June 26, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
