The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a public hearing regarding proposed improvements to State Road (S.R.) 500 (U.S. 441) from west of S.R. 451 to S.R. 429 Connector Road in Orange County.
The proposed improvements consist of the rehabilitation of the asphalt pavement, which includes; shoulder widening, driveway reconstruction within the limits of the proposed shoulder widening, curb and median modifications, drainage improvements, utility coordination, traffic operations improvements, and surveying. The project also includes multimodal enhancements consisting of bicycle, sidewalk, and transit improvements. This design project is scheduled for completion in early 2018. The proposed improvements are funded for construction in Fiscal Year 2018.
The public hearing will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2017 at the Apopka Community Center located at 519 South Central Avenue in Apopka. There will be a brief presentation at 6:30 p.m., after which participants may provide comments to all present.
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 e-mail at [email protected].
Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Gene Varano at 386-943-5145 or by e-mail at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. 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).
For more information about the project, visit the project website at www.cflroads.com.
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FDLE arrests Broward County man for scheme to defraud and grand theft over $100,000
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Colin L. Ansby, 25, of 225 NW 79th Terr., Margate, for one count each of scheme to defraud over $50,000, grand theft over $100,000, and grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000.
Ansby was the recipient of the proceeds of an elaborate scheme to defraud victims in Florida and Pennsylvania. The scheme, known as a business email compromise, used compromised email accounts to convince the victims to wire transfer money which they believed was for legitimate business purposes.
A victim in Lee County, Florida, believed that she was communicating via email with her real estate attorney, and wire transferred over $100,000 for a real estate purchase. A victim in Pennsylvania believed that she received an email from a superior directing her to wire transfer over $20,000 for the purchase of clothing.
Ansby was booked into the Broward County Jail. He will be prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution, Ft. Myers, Florida.
Florida Legislators Honored with 2017 Legislative Appreciation Awards
Florida League of Cities Recognizes 21
Legislators for Home Rule Advocacy Efforts
The Florida League of Cities honored the following Florida legislators with the organization’s Legislative Appreciation Awards for their tireless efforts to protect the home rule authority of Florida’s cities by supporting the League’s legislative agenda during the 2017 regular legislative session.
Special recognition goes to the League’s Defenders of Home Rule, Sen. Jeff Clemens and Rep. Danny Burgess, for consistently leading the fight to preserve Home Rule during the legislative session.
“On behalf of Florida’s 412 cities and thousands of municipal officials, both elected and appointed, the Florida League of Cities and its advocacy team are proud to recognize these home rule advocates for their continued support,” said Florida League of Cities Legislative Director Scott Dudley. “We believe the government closest to the people should make the decisions affecting the quality of life of the citizens they have been elected to represent. These hardworking legislators continually supported that ideal, and we owe them a great deal of thanks.”
Legislative Appreciation Award recipients are legislators who advocate on behalf of the League and its member cities time after time. These lawmakers consistently voted in support of League positions, offered amendments to help prevent pre-emptions and unfunded mandates, and/or worked behind the scenes to rally support for League positions during the 2017 legislative session.
Defenders of Home Rule
Sen. Jeff Clemens, Lake Worth
Rep. Danny Burgess, Zephyrhills
Freshman Legislative Appreciation Award Recipients
Sen. Gary Farmer, Fort Lauderdale
Rep. Kamia Brown, Ocoee
Rep. Mel Ponder, Fort Walton Beach
Legislative Appreciation Award Recipients
Sen. Aaron Bean, Jacksonville
Sen. Audrey Gibson, Jacksonville
Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, Naples
Sen. Bobby Powell, West Palm Beach
Sen. Perry Thurston, Fort Lauderdale
Rep. Loranne Ausley, Tallahassee
Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, Miami
Rep. Bobby DuBose, Fort Lauderdale
Rep. Joe Geller, Dania Beach
Rep. Bill Hager, Boca Raton
Rep. Don Hahnfeldt, The Villages
Rep. Shawn Harrison, Tampa
Rep. Mike Miller, Orlando
Rep. George Moraitis, Fort Lauderdale
Rep. Kathleen Peters, St. Petersburg
Rep. Richard Stark, Weston
Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities. Florida’s cities are formed by their citizens and governed by their citizens. The League is founded on the belief that local self-government is the keystone of American democracy. For more information, visit www.floridaleagueofcities.com.
Gov. Scott Announces ATIO USA to Open Manufacturing Facility in Hendry County
Project Will Create 39 New Jobs in Clewiston
Governor Rick Scott today announced that ATIO USA, an aluminum recycling and manufacturing company, will open a new facility in Hendry County. Although Minnesota and Tennessee were both considered for the project, Hendry County was ultimately selected as the best location for ATIO USA’s new facility. The project will create 39 new jobs at an average of more than $42,000 a year and result in a $26 million investment in the local community.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that ATIO USA has selected Clewiston, Florida over Minnesota and Tennessee as the best location for their new manufacturing facility. Last year we permanently eliminated the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, and our commitment to making Florida more business friendly is helping our state outcompete other locations for these important jobs wins. Also, with the establishment of the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we will be able to attract even more businesses to Florida. The creation of 39 new jobs is great news for the families of Hendry County, and I look forward to seeing ATIO USA’s continued success.”
Lucio Medolago, CEO of ATIO USA, LLC said, “We are really happy to make Hendry County the Home of ATIO USA, and look forward to actively supporting this community. The Aluminum recycling factory and refinery, along with a complete metallurgical laboratory, will be located in Clewiston. In addition to manufacturing ‘Green Billets’, we will be able to conduct metallurgical research to develop new materials and new alloys. We will be collaborating with local universities in our research department, and hiring and developing local talent as this plant comes to life. This is just the beginning of a successful operation that is the result of an excellent coordination between Enterprise Florida, the Hendry County EDC, county commission and partners in the community. I would like to thank the State of Florida and Hendry County for welcoming us and for their support in moving this project forward.”
The ATIO project has been a collaborative effort between Enterprise Florida, Hendry County, the Hendry County EDC, Glades County and local partners. ATIO has committed to hiring local talent by partnering with the Hendry County Economic Development Council, local vocational training partners, and CareerSource Southwest Florida.
Mike Grissom, Interim President & CEO, Enterprise Florida, Inc., said, “Florida’s rural communities are the backbone of our state and we are proud that ATIO USA has chosen Hendry County as a location for this facility. Our team has worked hard to ensure that high-tech manufacturers like ATIO USA come to Florida and this is huge win for our state.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “The announcement of ATIO USA’s decision to expand their company in Hendry County is great news to families in Southwest Florida’s rural communities. Florida’s manufacturing industry continues to grow, and we are proud to partner with ATIO USA to bring good jobs to Clewiston.”
Michael Swindle, Hendry County Board of County Commissioners chair, said, “Hendry County is excited to have ATIO USA as a business partner. Their specialized industry will bring greater diversification to Hendry County’s economy and workforce. We look forward to growing with ATIO USA to ensure a brighter future for Hendry County and our residents.”
Brent Kettler, Executive Director, Hendry County EDC, said “I’ve had the pleasure of working directly with the ATIO executive team, and cannot express how promising this project is. The commitment to operate in a rural area, provide living wages, and strong emphasis on infusing modern manufacturing technology that is both environmentally friendly and sustainable, in addition to committing to hire local talent, is a project any community would benefit from.”
ATIO was created to supply high quality aluminum in order to satisfy the increasing demand of manufacturers. ATIO’s Florida-based operation will manufacture parts and additional items for the global automobile industry and OEM suppliers. ATIO USA will use scrap and waste aluminum in addition to primary raw material to manufacture an aluminum alloy known as ‘Green Billets’ for the U.S. and international markets.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
Florida AMBER Alert Activation for Alanda McCoy out of Santa Rosa County
A Florida AMBER Alert has been issued for Alanda McCoy, a white female, 4 years old, 3 feet tall, 41 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, last seen in the area of the 6000 block of Berry Hill Road in Milton, who was last seen wearing a yellow spaghetti strapped tank top, a light colored skirt and blue flip flops.
The child may be in the company of William Kavchak, a white male, 27 years old, 6 feet 2 inches tall, unknown weight, black hair, brown eyes. William goes by Billy. They may be traveling in a 2007, green Mercury Montego, Florida tag number Y53UNW. The vehicle may look light blue in color. There is a dent on the right front passenger bumper. The tail lights have plastic covers with silver lines on them. If you have any information on the whereabouts of this child please contact the Milton Police Department at 1-850-983-5420 or 911. #FLAMBER.
Study: Florida graduates fare well in employment, wages
Florida graduates are highly likely to find jobs, with 92 percent of those in the Board of Governors’ latest study employed within one year of completing their bachelor’s degrees. One out of four graduates who worked also continued their education at the same time. Additionally, the overall median wage for recent graduates is up $2,800, from $36,300 to $39,100 between 2014 and 2015.
Those are just a few of the useful data points identified in the Board of Governors’ Annual Baccalaureate Follow-Up Study, which is designed to answer the following four research questions: 1) Do graduates get jobs? 2) Do graduates pursue further education? 3) Do graduates work while pursuing additional education? 4) What are the starting salaries of graduates?
“The Board of Governors’ top focus is student outcomes, and this study offers a comprehensive look at what our students’ experiences are one year out,” said Tom Kuntz, Board of Governors’ Chair. “Overall, the takeaway is very positive: Students are employed, furthering their educations, or doing both at the same time.”
The report identifies the most popular undergraduate majors in 2015 as well as the average starting salary for various fields. The two most common majors were Business and Marketing (19 percent) and the Health Professions (12 percent). When it comes to salaries, Engineering graduates fared best, at a median of $58,600. On the other end of the spectrum, graduates in the Biological Sciences — many of whom go on to graduate school — were likely to earn $29,500 the year after graduation.
Many graduates also chose to continue their educations, with 30 percent pursuing additional degrees. Of those students, 74 percent were enrolled and working at the same time. The fields with the highest number of graduates pursuing further education were Health Professions, Biological Sciences, Business and Marketing, Psychology, and Social Sciences.
The report’s data has various practical uses, including helping students choose majors that lead to the career outcomes they desire. And, later, helping students negotiate their first salaries. The data also notes a gap between the average starting wages of women and men and between minority and all students. In the hands of career centers, this data could help students negotiate more appropriate salaries and know their value in the marketplace.
“This study is one of the Board of Governors’ most important initiatives because it helps us know whether our universities are successful at preparing students for employment,” said State University System Chancellor Marshall Criser III. “The resounding answer is ‘yes.’ So the next question is, ‘what can we take away from this data to help us build on our success?’”
Facts about the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The system has 12 universities and more than 341,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the system’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the system’s chief executive. For more, visit flbog.edu, think-florida.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Gov. Scott: Northwest Florida Families Should Stay Alert to Flooding, Heavy Rain
Governor Rick Scott urged families in Northwest Florida to stay alert to possible flooding caused by heavy rain across the Florida Panhandle and provided the following update.
Governor Scott said, “With heavy rain impacting much of the Florida Panhandle today, families in Northwest Florida should remain alert to local weather updates regarding possible flooding and heavy rainfall. I continue to receive briefings from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) and monitor Tropical Storm Cindy as it moves toward the central Gulf Coast. Last night, I reached out to emergency management officials, law enforcement and elected officials in affected counties to make sure they have everything they need to be prepared. While Florida is not expected to see major impacts from this storm, flooding could occur and I urge all Floridians and visitors to be cautious and visit FloridaDisaster.org to get a plan and be prepared.”
Affected counties have not reported any unmet needs and every county emergency operations center (EOC) remains in monitoring status. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and other partnering agencies are monitoring Tropical Storm Cindy and identifying resources if flooding were to occur. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) area district offices are working with local officials to assess the current situation and coordinate operations. FDOT District 3 Operations Centers have been mobilized and are deploying water pumps to assist with potential roadway flooding in western Panhandle counties. DEM remains in constant communication with all county emergency operations centers and will continue to monitor the tropical storm and any potential impacts to the state. Leon County has made sandbag operations available for residents and more information is available HERE. Families and visitors can follow @FLSert on Twitter for updates and visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to get an emergency preparedness plan.
Governor Rick Scott Vetoes Two Bills
Franklin County Clerk Elected Board President of Statewide Association
New Leadership Installed for Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers
The Honorable Marcia M. Johnson, Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, was elected President of the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) Board of Directors in Panama City Beach last week during the organization’s annual summer conference.
With approximately 350 in attendance, including FCCC members, leadership and staff from Florida Clerks of Court and Comptrollers offices statewide, Clerk Johnson was installed into office by Bradford County Clerk and 2016-17 Clerk of the Year Award recipient Ray Norman.
“I am deeply honored to be this year’s President of our outstanding organization, as well as a member of its first all-female Executive Committee,” Clerk Johnson said. “I look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with the clerks and comptrollers of Florida’s 67 counties and leading the Association to be the strongest and the best it can be.”
Clerk Johnson has served more than three terms as the Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. She began her career in the Clerk’s Office in 1974 and worked in many different areas under the administration of three clerks prior to being elected in 2004. Clerk Johnson was honored as Florida’s 2013-14 Clerk of the Year and received the Outstanding Service Award in 2012.
Additional members elected to serve on the 2017-18 FCCC Executive Committee include Palm Beach County Clerk Sharon R. Bock, Esq. (President-Elect), Polk County Clerk Stacy M. Butterfield, CPA (Vice President), Clay County Clerk Tara S. Green (Treasurer) and Manatee County Clerk Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Esq. (Secretary).
Established in 1969, the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) is a statewide, nonprofit member association comprised of the Florida Clerks of the Circuit Court and Comptrollers. FCCC provides local government support services, technical assistance and accreditation opportunities for all members of the association. For more information, visit www.flclerks.com.
Help FWC monitor fish health by reporting fish kills
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) needs your help in monitoring fish health by tracking marine and freshwater fish kills in Florida.
FWC scientists monitor and document fish kills and diseases, as well as other aquatic animal health issues and associated environmental events.
“The public’s involvement is critical to locate, monitor and understand the extent of fish kills. Reporting observations to the hotline ensures a coordinated response to incidents and alleviates public concern,” said Theresa Cody, associate research scientist. “All the data collected from fish kill events are used in conjunction with directed research to further understand the causes of fish kills and disease incidences.”
Many factors can contribute to a fish kill. Weather-related factors are common causes. Sudden temperature fluctuations or extreme temperatures can result in fish kills any time of the year. Hot weather during the summer months can cause fish kills, in part because warm water holds less oxygen than cold water. In addition, a lack of rain during hot-weather months can lower water level in lakes and ponds, resulting in poor water quality, increased density of animals and faster use of dissolved oxygen. Heavy rains can compound the situation by suspending sediments in the water column and by washing vegetation, such as leaves and grass clippings, into the system where they will decompose. The decomposition process also can remove oxygen from water.
The good news is that most natural water bodies are resilient to fish kill events.
The public can report fish kills to the FWC at MyFWC.com/FishKill or by calling the FWC Fish Kill Hotline at 800-636-0511. You can also submit a report through the “FWC Reporter” app on your iOS or Android mobile devices. It is not necessary to report fish kills in man-made retention or private ponds to the FWC. The Fish Kill Hotline is sponsored in part by a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program grant.
