The Florida National Guard’s Survivor Outreach Services along with Malik’s Gifts and Helping Hands for Freedom will be hosting a Fallen Hero Tribute and Survivor Stampede at the Diamond D Horse Ranch. 200 family members are expected to attend this event. A memorial service and time of remembrance will be observed at 11:30 a.m. A special area for personal tributes and the families’ memorabilia to be displayed throughout the day. Activities include: pony carousel, wagon rides, dixie cartwheel, bounce house and catch & release fishing.
The survivors attending represent all branches of our military services. This activity day is designed to connect families and create a support network to help them cope with the loss of a family member and to honor their service member’s sacrifice for our country.
WHAT: Activity day for families of fallen service members.
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WHERE: Diamond D Ranch 5903-1 Solomon Rd. Jacksonville, Fla.
Featured
DCF Prepares for 2017 Hurricane Season with Food for Florida Exercise
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) will begin a two-day disaster exercise of the Food for Florida program today in Deerfield Beach. More than 150 employees will participate in the exercise to test equipment and ensure the department is ready to quickly distribute food benefits to eligible families in the aftermath of a disaster.
“During the 2016 hurricane season, the department was able to respond by implementing the early release of benefits to our current food assistance customers,” Secretary Mike Carroll said. “This exercise allows us to take a look at how we can best meet the needs of more Floridians in a time of crisis.”
June 1st will mark the official start of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which lasts through the end of November. Although predictions call for a below average season, Floridians are reminded that it only takes one storm to impact a community.
The Food for Florida program offers emergency food assistance to eligible victims of hurricanes or other types of disasters when a community experiences a disaster reaching the level of critical need and receives a Presidential disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The last time DCF received this authority to activate the program was in 2005, when Hurricane Wilma struck Florida. DCF has since streamlined the application and preregistration process using satellite and other wireless technologies. The changes have positioned DCF to better serve disaster-stricken Floridians and identify individuals who try to fraudulently obtain benefits during a time of crisis.
Everyone in Florida should have a disaster plan and supply kit, and now is the time to review, recycle, and restock. The Florida Division of Emergency Management has created an easy way to build a family or small business emergency plan at their website. Children can also participate in several activities related to emergency planning at www.kidsgetaplan.com.
For more information about the Food for Florida program visit www.MyFLFamilies.com/fff.
FSU Team Wins Statewide "Hackathon" Competition to Help Modernize Municipal Government
FSU Team Wins Statewide “Hackathon” Competition to Help Modernize Municipal Government
Students craft innovative solutions to defeat teams from nine Florida universities
ORLANDO, FL – A team of Florida State University students emerged victorious from the first-ever statewide civic hackathon, MuniMod, which was hosted by the Florida League of Cities in partnership with Tallahassee’s Domi Station over this past weekend in Orlando. The MuniMod Hackathon is the Southeast’s largest civic tech competition, bringing together students studying fields ranging from electrical engineering to public administration to computer science, all with the goal of addressing problems affecting cities and communities.
The event brought together ten teams representing nationally ranked universities across Florida. Teams of various sizes first completed virtual webinars to gain an understanding of the current climate within municipal government, and then were presented with civic problems challenging our cities. The competitors worked through the night to craft innovative solutions to those problems.
“What Florida needs now is a generation of young minds who are invested in the success of their communities,” said Susan Haynie, president of Florida League of Cities and mayor of Boca Raton. “This competition created the chance to connect with these future leaders and help them start their journey toward improving cities, towns, and villages across the state.”
The two-person FSU team, seniors Maxwell Brecher and Tucker Russ, presented Safebriight, a faster, easier, and overall more effective solution for cities to fix traffic lights. After an intense round of questions and answers with a judging panel of civic tech experts and municipal leaders, the Florida State duo captured the grand prize of $10,000. The competition was so intense that the Florida League of Cities made an on-the-spot decision to award a second-place team, recognizing a concept developed by a quartet from the University of Florida.
The students were given the opportunity to work with world-class advisers and mentors to find a creative solution using their unique skills and backgrounds. The goal of the competition is to find new approaches incorporating modern methods and technology. After 24 hours, the teams presented their solutions to a panel of judges.
“These students see problems in a way that no one else does,” said Dr. Haris Alibašić, assistant professor and advisor for the University of West Florida team. “They have a unique perspective and provide valuable insight that leads to innovative solutions to the world of civic engagement.”
The competition focuses in the areas of civic services, civic analytics, and civic engagement. This includes aspects such as utilities, infrastructure, big data analytics, public outreach, and participation. These factors have been identified as areas in need of improvement in recent years, and the competition provides a platform for students to bring a fresh perspective on how to enhance the current municipal government system.
The ten teams presented an impressive array of municipal solutions, including:
• The University of Florida introduced Idencity, a modern 2-way communication channel to increase civic engagement
• The University of South Florida presented QuicklyGive, a community based platform that allows citizens to donate to local nonprofits
• The University of North Florida focused on keeping pedestrians safe with FloridaSAFE, a platform that provides alerts in real time for pedestrians
• Florida State University tackled the challenge of making fixing traffic lights faster, easier, and more cost effective for cities with its winning Safebriight entry
• The University of Miami proposed engaging all citizens in local issues with CityHub, a mobile app designed to make it easy for anyone to have a voice
• Florida Atlantic University worked to prevent pedestrian-vehicle collisions with a movable solar powered crosswalk named MAT
• Florida International University tackled water management with KUNA, a set of sensors added to pipes that detect and report water leaks in real time
• Florida A&M University debuted Native, a one-stop-shop for local civic resources and events available in every city
• The University of West Florida introduced WalkAbout, a mobile app to allow anyone to discover a city from a local perspective
• The University of Central Florida presented Open Ballot, a free platform to make voting at any level more accessible and transparent
The MuniMod competition lays the foundation for a new generation of civic problem solvers by giving students a way to apply their skills to real-world issues. By working to bridge the gap between technology and cities, the students will help cities throughout Florida, and potentially nationwide.
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Parent-Led Florida Education Coalition Urges Governor Scott to Sign HB 7069
Sweeping education bill increases options for parents
The Florida chapter of PublicSchoolOptions.org, a coalition of parents fighting for more educational options, is urging Governor Rick Scott to swiftly sign HB 7069 once the bill is delivered to his desk. House Bill 7069 arose from negotiations between Florida House and Senate leaders, who took portions of 55 bills and turned them into one 278-page piece of legislation. The bill is separate from the budget.
House Bill 7069 is a sweeping education bill that includes provisions that will allow parents to have more choices for their child’s education. The bill:
- Eliminates an unnecessary “prior public” requirement – which requires all students to attend a traditional brick and mortar public school for one year prior to enrolling in a public virtual school. Now, students will be able to enter the public virtual school they choose without fulfilling this erroneous requirement.
- Allows for the authorization of multiple public charter schools in the same area to better serve the needs of its students and increase options for parents.
- Removes the requirement that student enrollment in a virtual instruction program be limited to the district in which the student resides. Under HB 7069, parents can choose to enroll their child in a public virtual school outside of their district.
PublicSchoolOptions.org believes that every child, regardless of their zip code or how much money their parents make, deserves the best start in life. We firmly believe that begins with a parent’s ability to choose the school where their child will thrive — whether that’s in a traditional brick and mortar school, public virtual school, public charter school, home school, or private school. Every child learns differently, even within the same family. Giving parents options so their child can succeed is critical.
STATEMENT FROM CARMEN POTTER, PUBLICSCHOOLOPTIONS.ORG FLORIDA PARENT LEADER AND SCHOOL CHOICE ADVOCATE:
“HB 7069 is a win for parents because it gives us more options for our children’s education and it entrusts us, not bureaucrats, to make these decisions for our children. After all, we know them best. The provisions in this bill move Florida in the right direction and should serve as an example for other states that want to trust parents with their children’s education decisions. We urge Governor Scott to sign this bill and send a message to all Floridians that trusting parents is the right decision.”
PublicSchoolOptions.org is a national alliance of parents that supports and defends parents’ rights to access the best public school options for their children. The Coalition supports the creation of public school options, including charter schools, online schools, magnet schools, open enrollment policies and other innovative education programs. Additionally, we advocate for equal access without restrictions to these public schools for all children.
State Farm awards $50,000 grant to Florida Education Foundation
For the second consecutive year, State Farm supports Florida’s student initiatives
At a meeting of the State Board of Education today, State Farm awarded a $50,000 grant to the Florida Education Foundation. Half of the grant will fund the Florida Reads Best initiative, and half will fund the Dr. Brian Dassler Leadership Academy, formerly known as the Commissioner’s Leadership Academy. This year’s award represents continued funding to initiatives that have enjoyed long-term support from State Farm.
State Farm has funded the participation of 353 school leaders in the Dr. Brian Dassler Leadership Academy, a program designed to improve the capabilities of school leaders in evaluating classroom instruction and in coaching teachers toward continuous improvement. This year’s grant will fund another class of school-based leaders in this program.
In Florida Reads Best, the State Farm grant has convened reading leaders from many Florida school districts, early learning organizations, universities and community organizations to plan strategies for reading improvement. Among those strategies is the creation of teacher professional development on reading instructional practices with a strong evidence of success.
This year’s grant will continue the professional development work of that team and seek to connect additional community partners to the system of developing high-achieving readers.
“We are incredibly grateful for State Farm’s continued partnership with the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation as we continue working toward our goal of Florida being the best place in the world to receive an education,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “State Farm’s work with education in our state has a common theme, student achievement, and we look forward to celebrating improved outcomes as a result of this generous contribution for Florida’s students.”
“State Farm’s goal is to help build safer, stronger and better educated communities,” said Jose Soto, State Farm Community Affairs Specialist. “The work that the Foundation and the Florida Department of Education are doing to improve student achievement is well worth the investment, and we are delighted to contribute to their success.”
About the Florida Education Foundation
The Florida Education Foundation serves as the direct support organization for the Florida Department of Education. As a valued partner to public education, the Foundation’s mission is to invest in high achievement for every student to contribute to Florida’s globally competitive workforce. More information about the Foundation can be found at Florida Education Foundation.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
Nelson statement on Trump revealing classified info
Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on the Washington Post story claiming President Trump revealed classified information:
“If the story is true, this is a serious breach of security and will have lasting and dangerous consequences for the U.S.”
CRC Encourages Attendance at Public Meeting
The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) encourages interested members of the public to attend a meeting of the Rules Working Group to convene on Wednesday, May 17 from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Hillsborough Community College’s (HCC) Dale Mabry Campus.
Members of the public wishing to provide comment regarding the Rules of the Commission will have an opportunity to speak between 11:00 AM – noon. Due to the time that may be necessary to deliberate the Rules of the Commission, the public comment portion of the meeting will end at noon. Only comment related to the Rules of the Commission will be considered during the Rules Working Group Meeting. Speakers will be asked to fill out an appearance form. Time for each speaker will be determined at the direction of the Rules Working Group based on the number of requests to speak.
Those wishing to provide comment regarding proposed constitutional amendments may do so before the full commission at its public hearing scheduled at the same location that evening from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Meetings will be live-streamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org. Media wishing to attend are requested to bring their press credentials.
CRC AGENDA – WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017
MEETING OF THE CRC RULES WORKING GROUP (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
LOCATION: Hillsborough Community College
Dale Mabry Campus
DSTU Auditorium, Room 111
4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd.
Tampa, Fla. 33614-7820
GOOGLE MAP LINK
TIME: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Public comment from 11:00 AM – noon)
LINK TO MEETING NOTICE & PACKET
MEMBERS: Members of the CRC Rules Working Group are:
- Commissioner Timothy Cerio
- Commissioner Don Gaetz
- Commissioner Brecht Heuchan
- Commissioner Arthenia Joyner
- Commissioner Tom Lee
- Commissioner Roberto Martinez
- Commissioner Rich Newsome
- Commissioner Carolyn Timmann
CRC PUBLIC HEARING (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
LOCATION: Hillsborough Community College
Dale Mabry Campus
DSTU Auditorium, Room 111
4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd.
Tampa, Fla. 33614-7820
GOOGLE MAP LINK
TIME: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 4:00 PM)
*End time is tentative depending upon attendance and public interest in speaking before the CRC. All Floridians wishing to speak before the CRC will be given an opportunity to be heard.
Individuals requiring an accommodation to participate public hearings and public meetings (such as a sign language interpreter) are requested to notify the Constitution Revision Commission five days prior to the scheduled meeting date at [email protected] or 850.717.9550.
L. Keith Todd Named Head of Advancement at The University of Tampa
L. Keith Todd, who recently spearheaded the largest fundraising match in U.S. philanthropic history, has been named The University of Tampa’s vice president for development and university relations. Todd will begin his duties at UT in early June.
As vice president, Todd will be tasked with further building a strong culture of giving at UT that will provide unprecedented support for scholarships, endowment and institutional initiatives. He will focus on increasing philanthropic support of the University, building relationships across Tampa Bay and nationwide, securing private support from donors and increasing public awareness of UT. Furthermore, Todd will serve as an advisor to UT President Ron Vaughn on key advancement and university relations topics, and other institutional issues.
Todd comes to UT with more than 30 years of experience in advancement, serving on advancement teams at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, The Ohio State University, The Medical College of Georgia, the Medical University of South Carolina, University of Illinois-Chicago, and most recently, at Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU).
As president and CEO of the OHSU Foundation from 2013 to 2017, Todd raised about $100 million annually from donors in all but two states. There he most notably architected the $500 million two-year match campaign that was supported by Phil and Penny Knight and is considered the largest match campaign in U.S. philanthropic history. The campaign ultimately raised $1.4 billion.
Prior to that, Todd served as vice chancellor for university development and senior vice president of the University of Illinois Foundation. By focusing on campus priorities, principal gifts and re-establishing volunteer structures, he was able to raise $250 million while leading the Office of Advancement for the College of Medicine.
Todd said the UT position is very appealing, and he looks forward to creating a creative and collaborative culture of philanthropy that will benefit UT, its students and the entire region.
“UT’s focus on building a robust culture of philanthropy to support its vision of securing pathways for its students and alumni to lead successful lives is admirable and exciting,” Todd said. “By working together and increasing philanthropic support, there’s no limit to what can be achieved at The University of Tampa.”
Vaughn said Todd was impressive in his passion for higher education as well as his ability to strategize and manage high-level development initiatives, opportunities and challenges.
“Keith’s successes in philanthropy for higher education are outstanding,” Vaughn said. “His sense of urgency, his experience and his ability to manage complex opportunities will serve him well as we build UT’s fundraising efforts that include endowed scholarship needs and future capital projects.”
Todd received a master’s degree in education-institutional advancement from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Clemson University.
Todd will succeed Dan Gura, who is currently serving as interim vice president for development and university relations. Gura previously served as vice president since 1990. Gura will transition back into a position of vice president of the capital campaign and assistant to the president.
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Monday, May 15, 2017
Gov. Scott Appoints Samuel Garrison to District
Board of Trustees, St. Johns River State College
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Samuel Garrison to the District Board of Trustees, St. Johns River State College.
Garrison, 40, of Fleming Island, is an attorney at Kopelousos, Bradley and Garrison, P.A., and previously served as an Assistant State Attorney of the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree from Samford University and his law degree from the University of Illinois College Of Law. Garrison succeeds Cranford Coleman and is appointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2018.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointments of Dr. Peter A. Wish and John Stafford to the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority.
Wish, of Sarasota, is the president of Gulfcoast Healthstyle Corp. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and his Ph.D. in psychology from Boston College. Wish is reappointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending November 17, 2020.
Stafford, of Sarasota, is a former chairman of the board for FCCI Mutual Insurance Company and previously served on the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending November 17, 2020.
Gov. Scott Appoints Two to District Board
of Trustees, Florida State College at Jacksonville
Governor Rick Scott today announced one appointment and one reappointment to the District Board of Trustees, Florida State College at Jacksonville.
David “Hunt” Hawkins, 58, of Jacksonville, is the CEO of Stein Mart, Inc., and previously served as a member of the program advisory council to DECA, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and his master’s degree from the University of West Florida. Hawkins succeeds Thomas Bryan and is appointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2019.
Thomas “Mac” McGehee, Jr., 57, of Jacksonville, is the executive vice president at Mac Papers, Inc., and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2019.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Appoints Francisco Pines to the Florida Citrus Commission
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Francisco Pines to the Florida Citrus Commission.
Pines, 41, of Miami, is the co-owner of Pines Ranch, Inc. and a managing partner at Francisco J. Pines, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and his law degree from St. Thomas School of Law. Pines is reappointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2019.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Appoints Randy Schwartz to the Florida Real Estate Commission
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Randy Schwartz to the Florida Real Estate Commission.
Schwartz, 67, of Winter Springs, is a private practice attorney. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Gov. Rick Scott to Attend Ribbon Cutting of Anheuser-Busch’s Expanded Manufacturing Facility
Tomorrow, May 16, Governor Rick Scott will attend the ribbon cutting of Anheuser-Busch’s expanded Metal Container Corporation manufacturing facility in Jacksonville.
WHAT: Ribbon Cutting
WHEN: 10:15 AM
WHERE: Anheuser-Busch
1100 Ellis Road North
Jacksonville, FL 32254
