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Florida Why Courts Matter coalition statement on Bill Nelson’s opposition to Neil Gorsuch

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Statement from Progress Florida Executive Director Mark
Ferrulo on behalf of the Florida Why Courts Matter Coalition:

“Having a common-sense, often bi-partisan senator like Bill Nelson come out against President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee sends a clear signal about just how out of step Neil Gorsuch is with mainstream American values.
“We agree wholeheartedly with Sen. Nelson that Judge Gorsuch’s track record on voting rights, the corrosive influence of money in elections and siding with corporations over hardworking Americans should disqualify him from sitting on the highest court in the land.
“Every Floridian who works for a living and values their fundamental rights — including the right to vote — owes a debt of gratitude to Bill Nelson for taking this stand.”
 
For more information visit www.WhyCourtsMatter.org/Florida.

FDOT Public Hearing for US 92 from County Line Road to Wabash Avenue in Polk County

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, will hold a public hearing for the US 92 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study from County Line Road to Wabash Avenue in Polk County.
FDOT is studying the proposed widening of US 92 from two to four lanes to accommodate increased traffic demand generated by projected economic growth in Polk County. Additional right-of-way, or property, is needed to accommodate widening US 92 and for stormwater management ponds. Existing access to properties along US 92 will change due to the addition of a median, a result of widening the road. US 92 currently falls under Access Management Classification 3 from County Line Road to Airport Road/Galloway Road and Access Management Classification 5 from Airport Road/Galloway Road to Wabash Avenue. FDOT proposes to change the existing Access Management Classification from Access Class 3 to Access Class 5 from County Line Road to Airport Road/Galloway Road. These changes are presented in compliance with Section 335.199 Florida Statues (Transportation projects modifying access to adjacent property). The no-build alternative, where no improvements other than routine maintenance are made to US 92 through 2040, will remain viable throughout the remainder of this study.
The public hearing will be:
Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2017
Time: 5 p.m. Open house
6 p.m. Formal presentation and public comment period
Location: The Lakeland Center, Hollingsworth Ballroom
701 W Lime St
Lakeland, FL 33815
Please use Gate 6 to park in the Red Lot behind the Jenkins Arena and inform the gate staff that you are attending the public hearing. The closest building entrance to the hearing is Entrance 2. Project staff will display plans and answer questions about proposed widening alternative for US 92. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.

Attorney General Bondi to Moderate Panel of U.S. Cabinet Members

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Attorney General Pam Bondi Wednesday will moderate President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s Women’s Empowerment Panel. The panel will be held at the White House. Panelists include U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Administrator of the Small Business Administration Linda McMahon, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Seema Verma.
“As Florida’s first female attorney general, I am honored to moderate this panel with such remarkable and accomplished leaders,” said Attorney General Bondi.
The President and First Lady’s Women’s Empowerment Panel will begin at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, at the White House.
View the invitation here.
 

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Two to the Immokalee Water and Sewer District, Collier County

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Governor Rick Scott announced today the reappointments of Joseph Brister and Robert Halman to the Immokalee Water and Sewer District, Collier County.
Brister, 51, of Immokalee, is the owner of Brister Funeral Home. He received his associate’s degree from St. Petersburg Junior College. Brister is reappointed for a term beginning March 27, 2017, and ending October 1, 2020.
Halman, 64, of Immokalee, is a community service deputy for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and his master’s degree from Clemson University. Halman is reappointed for a term beginning March 27, 2017, and ending October 1, 2020.

Children’s Week Events Spotlighted Tuesday at State Capitol

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WHO: Children, parents and caregivers, legislators, community leaders, advocates for children’s issues and members of the media
WHAT: The annual Children’s Week “Children’s Capitol for a Day“
WHERE: Florida State Capitol Courtyard
400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee
WHEN: Tuesday, March 28, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
WHY: To provide a platform and bring together children’s advocates from around the state to deliver the message that every child in Florida must be healthy, ready to learn and able to achieve their full potential.Childrens Week

Children’s Week commenced Sunday when volunteers transformed the Capitol Rotunda into an impactful display of children’s artwork and messages to legislators by hanging tens of thousands of paper cut-outs of children’s hands collected from childcare centers and Children’s Week partners throughout Florida. The hands are meant to remind policymakers to “give a hand” to Florida’s youngest citizens this Legislative Session. The display will remain hung until Friday, March 31, and members of the media are encouraged to take and share photos of the display. 

Tomorrow, members of the media are invited to attend and cover events happening at the Capitol. Thousands are expected to visit with exhibitor booths hosted by more than 100 Children’s Week partners while enjoying complimentary breakfast, coffee and lunch. Children will explore an interactive “Storybook Village” where more than two dozen favorite children’s stories will come to life. At 1 p.m., the Children’s Trust’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) will explore the cause of youth violence during a 90-minute workshop. Middle and high school students are encouraged to attend the interactive event moderated by youth leaders from YAC. 

Also happening Tuesday is a Town Hall Meeting for teens from 10:30–11:45 a.m. inside the Cabinet Meeting Room followed by a press conference from 12 –12:30 p.m. in the State Capitol Courtyard.

For a detailed schedule of events and more information about Children’s Week, visit www.childrensweek.org.

Huckabee to Keynote Legislative Prayer Breakfast in Tallahassee

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FFFC Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition
Former Governor Mike Huckabee will be available to speak with media representatives in Tallahassee on Wednesday, March 29, from 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.
Governor Huckabee will be delivering the keynote address at the Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition/Concerned Women for America of Florida Legislative Prayer Breakfast to be held that morning. Media representatives are welcomed and encouraged to cover the entire event, which begins at 7:30 a.m. in Meeting Room A of the Civic Center.
Who: Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas Governor
What: Media availability with Governor Huckabee prior to the Florida Faith and Freedom
Coalition/Concerned Women for America of Florida Legislative Prayer Breakfast
When: Wednesday, March 29, from 7:15 to 7:30 a.m.
Where: Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, outside Meeting Room C
505 W. Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Please check in at the registration desk at the bottom of the escalator.
For additional information or to R.S.V.P., please contact Lori Hutto at (850) 222-8156 or [email protected].

Legislation Introduced to Safeguard Jewish Community Centers

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Mast, Lujan Grisham, Rosen, Katko Introduce
Legislation to Safeguard Jewish Community Centers

U.S. Representatives Brian Mast (FL-18), Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-1), Jacky Rosen (NV-3) and John Katko (NY-24) introduced bipartisan legislation today to increase penalties for making bomb threats and provide $20 million in additional funding to the Department of Homeland Security to safeguard faith-based community centers.
The bill, which already has the support of 28 other members, would provide $20 million in additional funding to the Department of Homeland Security under the existing State Homeland Security Grant Program specifically dedicated to safeguarding faith-based community centers. Additionally, it would double the federal penalty against making bomb threats from five years to ten years.
“Threats against faith-based community centers and the recent wave of anti-Semitism absolutely cannot be tolerated as a new normal,” Rep. Mast said. “The people perpetrating these threats are evil, plain and simple.  Our bipartisan bill takes the firm stance of defending human dignity, protecting religious liberty and condemning these threats of violence and bigotry in no uncertain terms.  I also want to thank Senator Martin Heinrich for his leadership on this issue in the Senate.  Working together, we can restore public confidence in the safety of Jewish Community Centers across the country.”
“These cowardly threats against Jewish community centers, no matter the identity of the perpetrator, have no place in our society,” Rep. Lujan Grisham said. “It angers me that so many people are emboldened by the current political climate to target people of any faith with hate speech and threats of violence based on their own prejudices and ignorance. America should always be inclusive and welcoming of all people, and I will do everything possible to fight against hateful rhetoric and actions that don’t represent our values.”
“Over the last several months, I have been shocked and alarmed by the escalation of the anti-Semitic hate crimes that have been sweeping our country, including in southern Nevada,” Rep. Rosen said. “Our local Jewish Community Center received a bomb threat and etchings of swastikas were found at a Mexican consulate and onto a marble column of a Las Vegas synagogue just 30 minutes from my home. These threats are real, and they cannot be and will not be ignored. That’s why I’m proud to be a co-lead on the Faith-Based Community Center Protection bill. This legislation would provide extra funds to address the anti-Semitism and hate crimes that are being felt at the heart of each local community across our country. These actions go against everything we stand for as Americans, and I look forward to continue working with my colleagues in Congress on putting a stop to hate.”
“With recurrent threats to Jewish Community Centers around the country and right here in Central New York, it is vital that we act to stop and prevent these unacceptable criminal acts.  This bill is critical to that effort,” Rep. Katko said. “By doubling the federal penalty for a person convicted of a bomb threat and authorizing grants to safeguard faith-based community centers, we can help to restore safety and security to our communities.  I’m proud to work with a bipartisan group in Congress to advance this measure forward, and I thank Rep. Lujan Grisham for her leadership in this effort.”
Similar legislation was introduced in the US. Senate by Sen. Martin Heinrich (NM) and Sen. Dean Heller (NV).
“Jewish Community Centers and other faith-based community centers provide a safe and welcoming environment where families and children learn, play sports, share holidays, and gather in peace. No American should be forced to feel unsafe at these centers,” Sen. Heinrich said. “Anti-Semitism, or any faith-based targeting, is unacceptable. Federal, state, and local officials must act swiftly to help protect these sites and to ensure that these cowardly acts are not tolerated and are punished to the fullest extent possible.”

Governor Rick Scott Honors More Than 240 Veterans with Governor’s Veterans Service Medal

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Governor Rick Scott today awarded more than 240 veterans at the Louie C. Wadsworth Armory in Live Oak with the Governor’s Veterans Service Awards for their service to Florida and the nation.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to honor some of Florida’s great veterans for their service to our state and country. As a son of a World War II veteran and Navy veteran myself, I recognize the sacrifices our service members make to protect our freedom. We must take every opportunity to honor and thank our American heroes.”
The Governor highlighted the following Florida veterans at today’s ceremony:
Sergeant First Class Thomas Graff
Sergeant First Class Graff joined the United States Army in 2000 and attended Infantry OSUT and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Sergeant First Class Graff was assigned to B Co. 2-325 Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division and served as a Fire Team Leader during his first deployment to Iraq. In 2004, Sergeant First Class Graff joined the Florida Army National Guard and served a second tour in Iraq as a Convoy Escort Team Leader. Sergeant Graff’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, and a Combat Infantry Badge.
Sergeant Major Rob Sweat
Florida native Sergeant Sweat joined the United States Air Force Reserve in 1991 and was assigned to the 919th Special Operations Squadron. In 1994, he transferred to the Florida Army National Guard. Sergeant Major Sweat’s service includes two deployments to Iraq and assignments to the 417th Signal Battalion, 269th Engineer Company, 927th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and 83rd Troop Command. His awards and decorations include two Bronze Star Medals, a Meritorious Service Medal, and three Army Achievement Medals.
Staff Sergeant John E. “Jack” Scott
Staff Sergeant Scott was drafted in the United States Army in 1942 and attended basic training at Camp Grant in Illinois. During his active duty, he served in New Guinea, Luzon and the Philippines as a front line infantry aid in the 32nd Infantry Division before being honorably discharged in 1945. Staff Sergeant Scott has been recognized with an Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star.
T5 Corporal Robert F. Dutton
Corporal Robert Dutton was drafted into the United States Army in 1943 and assigned to the 141st Ordnance MM Co. of the 7th Army during World War II. Corporal Dutton traveled through France, Germany and Austria under orders to retrieve equipment from the front line as battles moved to the next locations. In 1945, he and members of his unit were wounded from entering into a building rigged with bombs and was honorably discharged later that year. Corporal Dutton has received the Purple Heart, two Battle Stars, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for service. A few years ago, he was also recognized with the Frances Knight of the Legion of Honor by the French government in a ceremony to recognize those servicemen who fought in France during World War II.
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Chairman Beruff Announces Public Hearing at University of Central Florida in Orlando

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Chairman Carlos Beruff invites all interested Floridians to participate in a public hearing of the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) on Wednesday, March 29 beginning at 5:00 PM. This will be the first of many public hearings held by the CRC as part of its statewide “Floridians Speak, We Listen” tour.
Members of the media wishing to attend must request a media credential to ensure adequate space is provided at the venue, in addition to bringing their press credentials. To request a media credential, please contact Meredith Beatrice at [email protected], providing the name(s), media outlet and if space is needed for a satellite truck.
The event will also be live-streamed by the Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org.
WHAT: Public hearing of the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC)
WHEN: Wednesday, March 29, 5:00 PM (Doors open at 4:30 PM)
*End time is tentative depending upon attendance and public interest in speaking before the Commission.
WHERE: University of Central Florida (UCF)
FAIRWINDS Alumni Center
12676 Gemini Blvd. N., Orlando, Fla. 32816
*Free parking for attendees available in Garage H. Directions and map are attached courtesy of UCF.
Additional public hearing dates and times will be announced as soon as possible. Members of the public can contact the CRC by emailing [email protected] or by calling (850) 717-9550. Visit FLCRC.GOV for additional information.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION
Once every twenty years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a thirty-seven member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Commission meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research, and possibly recommending changes to the Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the Commission would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. For additional information, visit FLCRC.GOV. Follow the Commission on Twitter @FloridaCRC.​

I-4 Ramp Closures at Dirksen Drive (Exit 108) in Volusia County

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Drivers entering and exiting Interstate 4 (I-4) at Dirksen Drive (Exit 108) are advised of nightly ramp closures scheduled to take place Monday through Thursday, March 27 to 30, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Only one ramp at a time will be closed each night.
The anticipated schedule for the ramp closures and detours is as follows:

  • Monday and Tuesday: I-4 eastbound exit ramp to Dirksen Drive. For the detour, drivers on I-4 eastbound will be directed to use U.S. 17/92 (Exit 104) to Dirksen Drive.
  • Tuesday and Wednesday:Dirksen Drive entrance ramp to I-4 eastbound. During the closure, drivers will be directed to turn onto Enterprise Road, then turn right onto Saxon Boulevard and left onto I-4 eastbound.
  • Wednesday and Thursday: I-4 westbound exit ramp to Dirksen Drive. Drivers will be directed to exit and turn right onto Saxon Boulevard (Exit 111), left onto Enterprise Road, and onto Dirksen Drive.
  • Thursday: Dirksen Drive entrance ramp to I-4 westbound. Drivers will continue on Dirksen Drive to U.S. 17/92, where they will turn left and follow U.S. 17/92 to I-4 westbound.

The closures are needed to complete paving operations as part of a resurfacing and rehabilitation project along I-4 between the St. John’s River Bridge and Saxon Boulevard.
The planned schedule is weather permitting.  Electronic message signs are in use to announce the planned closures and will be updated as needed.  Updates can also be found on www.cflroads.com.
Media inquiries should be directed to the District Five Public Information Office at 386-943-5473 or [email protected].
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) urges all drivers to use caution when traveling through road construction. Please slow down and stay alert.