Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on news today that President Trump will likely withdraw from the Paris climate agreement in the coming days:
“Sea-level rise caused by the Earth heating up is a real threat to Florida. If the U.S. isn’t going to do its part to combat climate change, then the rest of the world won’t do theirs and millions of Floridians living along the coast will be at risk.”
Nelson and several other senators sent a letter to Trump last week urging him not to withdraw from the agreement. A copy of that letter is available here.
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Eight Tampa Bay Area Companies to be recognized at Sustainable Business Awards at UT June 7
From a 406 kilowatt solar energy system and multiple effective recycling efforts, to saving energy and landfill space through preservation of historic buildings, eight Tampa Bay-area businesses are leading the commitment to social, economic and environmental responsibility. They will be honored at the ninth annual Sustainable Business Awards luncheon on Wednesday, June 7, at 11:30 a.m. at The University of Tampa’s Crescent Club on the ninth floor of the Vaughn Center, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Presented by The Sustany Foundation and The University of Tampa Center for Ethics, this year’s winners are:
- AACSB (Jan Roberts Sustainable Leadership Award)
- Suncoast Credit Union (NFP)
- Doubletree
- INETICO
- Jones Potato Farm
- Safer Home Services
- Atelier Architecture
- Kenyon Energy
The Sustainable Business Awards recognize and honor for-profit businesses in the Tampa Bay area that engage in practices that increase economic opportunities and improve the environment and community.
The businesses will be recognized for contributions in building a sustainable economy in Tampa Bay, while embracing the “triple bottom line” — advancing the interests of people, planet and profit through innovative practices, products and services.
The luncheon is open to the public. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online at The Sustany Foundation website. Sponsorships are available starting at $500 by contacting Herb Goetschius at (813) 784-7008 or [email protected].
University of Tampa students, under the guidance of Sykes College of Business faculty, developed an evaluation process to determine the winners based primarily on Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines.
Over 100 Tampa Bay area businesses have been award winners, including such leading employers as Mosaic, Xerox, Premier Eye Care and Sykes.
The Sustainable Business Awards are made possible through the generosity of sponsors including the Tampa Bay Times, Mosaic, Out Front Brands and TECO.
The mission of the UT Center for Ethics is to provide educational and professional resources to promote ethical systems and individual responsibility in the academic and greater business community through close interaction with the University.
Founded in 2007, The Sustany Foundation supports sustainability through education and programs that advance economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. They strive to be the leading facilitator of sustainability through efficient and effective aggregation and investment of resources for Tampa Bay’s citizens today and into the future.
Governor Scott Signs Five Bills Into Law
Governor Rick Scott today signed the following bills into law:
CS/CS/HB 101 – Certificates of Nonviable Birth – Known as the “Grieving Families Act,” this bill allows families to request birth certificates for nonviable births.
CS/HB 103 – Public Records – This bill provides a public record exemption for information in nonviable birth records under the “Grieving Families Act.”
CS/CS/CS/HB 107 – Criminal Offenses Involving Tombs and Memorials – This bill provides criminal penalties for acts of disturbing a grave or tomb and allowable exceptions for privately-owned cemeteries.
CS/CS/HB 229 – Health Care Practitioner Licensure – This bill makes clarifying changes to State of Florida’s Impaired Practitioner Program.
CS/CS/CS/HB 865 – Department of Transportation – This bill makes changes to improve the Florida Department of Transportation operations and services, conform state transportation law to federal law and current practices, and increase the financial accountability of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority.
To view the transmittal letter, click HERE.
New Partnership Provides Seamless Way To Travel To Central Florida Zoo
Starting June 1, animal lovers will have a new way to visit the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens throughout the summer with “Choo Choo to the Zoo.”
SunRail, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, the City of Sanford and the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) have partnered to offer a seamless transit experience to and from the Sanford SunRail station, the Zoo, and Historic Downtown Sanford.
Guests simply need to board SunRail and take the train to the Sanford station. Once there, they will find a free, “Choo Choo to the Zoo”-themed shuttle waiting to transport them to the front gate of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in less than 15 minutes. The shuttle then makes a second stop at the Welcome Center on First Street in Historic Downtown Sanford. Return shuttle times will be timed with scheduled SunRail departures from the Sanford station and posted for customers at the drop off areas at the Zoo and the Downtown Welcome Center.
The pilot Zoo shuttle program will operate from June 1 to September 1, 2017. Also during this time, Zoo attendees can show their SunRail ticket to receive 20 percent off their admission to the Zoo. A video of the experience can be found here.
“We are excited to give our leisure riders more reasons to experience summer on SunRail and to work with these partners to provide our commuter train as a means of accessing more of the great amenities and destinations in Central Florida,” said SunRail CEO Nicola Liquori.
“The Sanford CRA has made a commitment to providing free transportation from the trains to the City,” said Charles Davis, Chairman of the Sanford CRA Board. “We believe this partnership with the Zoo and SunRail will enhance the downtown Sanford experience. It’s time residents get reacquainted with all Sanford has to offer.”
“The Choo Choo to the Zoo” will allow SunRail riders a convenient and comfortable way to visit the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens while extending the reach of our educational message throughout the Central Florida region,” stated Dr. Philip Flynn III, CEO of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. “As we prepare to open the Bear Awareness Exhibit and Florida Black Bear Habitat this summer, we welcome the opportunity for families to visit two destinations, the City of Sanford and the Zoo, in a single day.”
Media members are invited to the Sanford SunRail station or the Central Florida Zoo for media day on Friday, June 2. The first “Choo Choo to the Zoo” pick-up is 10:00 am at the Sanford SunRail Station to meet trains arriving at 10:06am and 10:10am. Delivery of riders to the Zoo’s front gate is at 10:25am.
For train times and additional information about “Choo Choo to the Zoo”, visit SunRail.com.
New Lionfish Challenge begins
As another successful Lionfish Removal and Awareness
weekend wraps up, a new Lionfish Challenge begins
Residents and visitors across Florida enjoyed another weekend of learning about and helping remove lionfish as they participated in events during the third annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day, May 20 (first Saturday after Mother’s Day). More than 4,000 people attended the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) two-day festival in Pensacola, where visitors got to taste lionfish prepared by celebrity chefs, watch fillet demonstrations, participate in family-friendly games, visit art and conservation booths and much more. Despite three statewide tournaments being cancelled due to weather, over 12,000 lionfish were removed from Florida waters, including 3,868 lionfish that were removed during two days of rough weather from the Pensacola-based Lionfish World Championship.
“Those that are passionate about removing lionfish from Florida waters really showed their dedication this weekend,” said Jessica McCawley, director of FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management. “The weather was not ideal, and yet the festivals were still busy with people excited to learn about and taste lionfish. We always want to encourage safety first and foremost, and we’re glad everyone was able to safely travel offshore to remove a significant number of lionfish.”
The Lionfish Challenge, a removal incentive program, also started May 20, and runs through Sept. 4. Nearly 150 people have already registered to participate in the statewide Challenge, which rewards lionfish harvesters with prizes such as T-shirts, tumblers, pole spears, an extra spiny lobster per day during the two-day sport season, and much more. Think you have what it takes to be crowned the next Lionfish King/Queen or Commercial Champion? Sign up and learn more today by visiting MyFWC.com/Lionfish.
Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day was created by FWC Commissioners to raise awareness about lionfish – a nonnative, invasive species that have a potential negative impact on native species and habitat.
The FWC thanks all of the sponsors and organizations across the state that helped make this Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day event a success.
Remember, lionfish and other exotic pets that can no longer be cared for should never be released into Florida waters or lands. To learn more about where to surrender an exotic pet for adoption, visit MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats and click on “Nonnative Species” and “Exotic Pet Amnesty Program.”
Statewide Lionfish Events Removal Totals:
- 3,868 – Lionfish World Championship – Pensacola (plus 150 submitted late).
- 2,175 – Lionfish World Championship Pre-Tournament – Pensacola.
- 4,618 – Northeast Florida Lionfish Blast – Jacksonville (monthlong event).
- 929 – Lion Tamer Tournament – Panama City Beach (plus another 354 removed prior to the event).
- 72 – Force-E Scuba Centers Lionfish Removal Day – Pompano.
- Cancelled – Reef Environmental Education Foundation – Key Largo.
- Postponed – Sebastian Lionfish Fest – Sebastian.
- Cancelled – Florida Skin Divers Association Lionfish Calcutta – St. Petersburg.
- Cancelled – Destin Lionfish Tournament – Destin.
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Mallea Pre-Qualifies by Petition for House District 116
The Republican will run in the special election to replace Jose Felix Diaz
The Jose Mallea Campaign today announced that he has pre-qualified by petition to run in the special election for House District 116. Mallea, a Republican, originally planned to run for the seat in 2018, but will run in the special election this year to replace Jose Felix Diaz, who resigned to run for the Senate. With his petitions already verified, he will officially qualify during the qualifying period for the race June 5 and 6.
“Our campaign’s momentum is strong, and I am so encouraged by the support we are receiving all around the district,” said Mallea. “I plan to keep working hard to get our conservative message out, and I look forward to meeting and speaking with as many voters as I can.”
Mallea has been endorsed by a number of prominent South Florida Republicans, including former Governor Jeb Bush, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Congressman Carlos Curbelo.
The special primary election will be Tuesday, July 25, with the general election following on Tuesday, September 26.
Paid by Jose Mallea, Republican, for State Representative
Police Athletic League of Jacksonville Forms UNF Partnership through OspreyPAL
The University of North Florida and the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville have entered a partnership to engage Jacksonville youth and put them on an academic pathway through the JaxPAL Teen Leadership Program with the establishment of the OspreyPAL program on the UNF campus.
OspreyPAL will provide JaxPAL youth in grades 6 through 12 with leadership, social and professional skills needed for the transition to adulthood as well as preparation for college and eventually the workforce.
“We’re thrilled and honored to partner with UNF for the OspreyPAL program. This program not only removes barriers that our JaxPAL teens face but also provides support for their next steps toward college and adulthood,” said Lt. Lakesha Burton, Police Athletic League of Jacksonville executive director. “It’s extremely gratifying to gain a community partner like UNF, positively impacting teens as well as developing them into the next generation of leaders in the community.”
Through OspreyPAL, UNF will facilitate opportunities for JaxPAL teens to experience college through immersive campus tours, academic engagement and participation in University activities throughout the year; provide these teens with ACT/SAT preparation courses; develop writing, public speaking and computer skills; provide faculty presenters at local JaxPAL teen meetings; and offer personalized cost of education advising to teens and their guardians.
JaxPAL teens who meet UNF admission and scholarship requirements will be eligible for an OspreyPAL Scholarship award. Four JaxPAL youth will be identified annually and awarded $4,000 per year for up to $16,000. These four-year renewable scholarships are designed to help students complete their degree at UNF and develop future community leaders.
“UNF feels our partnership with OspreyPAL is an outstanding way for students in Duval County to connect with the University and build both a solid academic and social foundation,” Students who go through the program develop skills in and out of the classroom that will serve them for the rest of their lives,” said Albert Colom, UNF associate vice president for Enrollment Services.
In order for OspreyPAL scholarship recipients to retain their award, they must maintain continuous enrollment at UNF, remain eligible for need-based financial aid, meet renewal criteria, serve as a JaxPAL teen program mentor and serve as an ambassador for UNF and JaxPAL.
The Police Athletic League of Jacksonville, Inc. (JaxPAL) is a 501(c)(3) youth-serving organization that provides afterschool, summer camp, athletic, teen leadership and mentoring programs to more than 2,400 youth annually. JaxPAL is unique among youth development programs because it builds respect, trust and friendship between youth and law enforcement officers through its strong, collaborative relationship with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. To learn more about JaxPAL, visit www.jaxpal.com.
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.
Nelson's letter to Secretary Price re: Zika funding
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price today to express his concerns over the administration’s plan to cut funding to several federal programs aimed at curbing the spread of the Zika virus.
Nelson’s letter comes just one day after the Treasure Coast reported its first case of the Zika virus this year.
“I am concerned the Administration’s budget proposal would damage our country’s ability to adequately respond to the Zika virus,” Nelson wrote. “No state has been harder hit than Florida … Unfortunately, the Administration’s budget fails to continue our commitment to protect America’s public health, and instead slashes the very programs that have been effective in combatting the spread of the Zika virus.”
“Families in Florida and throughout the country deserve better,” Nelson continued. “I urge you to reconsider these cuts, and I stand ready to work with you to provide the resources our country needs to respond to the Zika virus.”
More than 1,300 cases of the Zika virus were reported in Florida last year. The Florida Department of Health has reported at least 50 new cases of the virus this year, including 19 in Miami-Dade, 12 in Broward, 3 in Orange, 3 in Hillsborough and 3 in Palm Beach.
Florida PSC Urges Preparedness for Upcoming Hurricane Season
Forecasters predict yet another unpredictable Hurricane Season is on the way! One sure thing is that the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) has the tools to help you plan for any possible storms this Hurricane Season: June 1 through November 30.
“Florida utilities’ storm response and restoration times have greatly improved due to ongoing hurricane preparedness initiatives. But, storm preparation is still key for residents,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “You can get started by visiting the PSC’s website. We have many helpful storm preparation materials.”
To begin your plan, tour the PSC’s “Hurricane House.” This online guide, available in English and Spanish, includes 19 tips to help prepare your family and your home for severe weather. Tips include everything from planning an evacuation route, to installing carbon monoxide detectors and dealing with downed power lines. The PSC’s website also features a consumer tip that details how to make a hurricane kit, as well as a storm preparation consumer tip.
Florida’s electric utilities and the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) updated the PSC on their storm preparation efforts on April 20, 2017. (Copies of their presentations are here.) After a hurricane-free decade, Florida felt the impacts from a few storms last year. Both the utilities and DEM reported that lessons learned and new technologies helped them prepare for the 2017 Hurricane Season, and they are ready should a storm reach Florida’s shores.
The CEOs of Florida’s five investor-owned utilities, along with executives from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association, the Florida Municipal Electric Association, and DEM, also discussed how customer needs are met during and after storm-related events, including communication and restoration efforts.
Utility storm plans are designed to minimize electrical outages and help communities, businesses, and families return to normalcy as quickly as possible. The plans include PSC-mandated storm preparedness initiatives; facility inspections; maintenance and repairs; flooding and storm surge mitigation; wooden pole inspections; and coordination with other utilities, government, and community groups.
For more information on storm safety and storm-hardening tips, visit the PSC’s website, www.floridapsc.com, and the Division of Emergency Management’s website.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
State University System offers new “concierge” website for businesses
With just one stop, Business leaders can have access to new recruitment and informational tools on the revamped Think Florida: A Higher Degree for Business website designed by the State University System of Florida.
The site hosts all in one place tools from Florida’s career resource centers as well as ExpertNet, an online resource that provides information about university experts, research centers and institutes, and opportunities for technology licensing. Additionally, the site connects employers to Florida’s 12 universities to help assist them in recruiting interns or employees. It also includes a listing of business-focused events at the universities, including upcoming career fairs.
“Our universities are the training ground for Florida’s future employees and entrepreneurs, even as they advance the discoveries and inventions that attract businesses and fuel the economy,” said Board of Governors Chair Tom Kuntz. “By staying focused on the needs of the business community, we’re doing everything possible to give our students and taxpayers the best possible return on investment.”
The State University System of Florida announced the Think Florida: A Higher Degree for Business campaign last year to strengthen ties with the business community in the areas of talent, research and partnerships. The campaign includes regular events, speaking engagements, and various communications. The new tools on the website were built in response to a survey conducted by the State University System in partnership with the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Business leaders overwhelmingly responded that a central hub to recruit interns and employees and access information on university resources would benefit their companies.
“The State University System is a partner for thousands of Florida businesses, whether engaged in training future employees or commercializing research,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “By working together, we are building a strong foundation for Florida’s economic prosperity.”
“This is just the latest example of the State University System’s efforts to build greater synergies with employers and to serve as a resource for them,” said Marshall Criser III, State University System Chancellor. “We look forward to receiving feedback and to using this site to help businesses connect with the great talent, research, and partnerships available at our universities.”
