At yesterday’s State Board of Education meeting, Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart named former St. Johns County Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph G. Joyner as the 2016 Lavan Dukes District Data Leader of the Year. During Dr. Joyner’s tenure, St. Johns has been one of only two districts to achieve an “A” grade every year since district grades were implemented in 2004, and in 2016, St. Johns was the highest performing school district in Florida.
“I am pleased to recognize Dr. Joyner with this prestigious award for his hard work and dedication to Florida students,” said Commissioner Stewart. “He cultivated a student-focused environment that used data to guide instruction and ultimately helped the district’s students achieve outstanding academic results.”
During the 14 years Dr. Joyner served as superintendent, his district’s students consistently performed among the best in the state. Dr. Joyner emphasized the use of data to help ensure all students had the information they needed to embark on a learning path that would enable them to be well-rounded graduates with good character and strong leadership skills.
To help teachers become more familiar with and understand the data pertaining to their students, each Wednesday was an early-release day, during which time teachers and administrators reviewed the most current data. Through professional learning communities, teachers dove deeper into the data and worked together to remedy any gaps they identified.
Data use extended beyond classroom instructors. District staff met with principals, assistant principals, school psychologists, guidance counselors and instructional literacy coaches each month to discuss the most recent data. The information from those meetings was used to drive instruction and monitor student progress, which is crucial in helping students stay on track. It also provided an avenue through which school personnel could identify when a student needs additional assistance before he or she falls too far behind.
The Lavan Dukes District Data Leader of the Year Program highlights the critical role district superintendents play in supporting and encouraging the use of data to improve students’ college and career readiness. The award is named after Lavan Dukes to honor longtime Department of Education employee Garnet Lavan Dukes for his numerous contributions to public education on both the state and national levels.
For more information about the award, visit District Data Leader.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
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Cortes Statement on Congressional Run
State Representative Bob Cortes issued the following statement today regarding the 2018 elections:
“Several weeks ago, a news story broke that I was considering becoming a candidate for Congressional District 7. The truth is that I was and have been for a couple of months. Almost immediately after the general election in 2016, I had been approached by friends, donors, and Republican leadership to consider a candidacy against Stephanie Murphy.
“The reason why I took the urging so seriously is because I do believe that central Florida is being misrepresented by Mrs. Murphy and that she needs to come home. She has shown an immediate inclination to fall in lockstep with her caucus leadership in Washington instead of truly representing the people that elected her. We just finished an election that was akin to a revolution. Americans across the land just loudly stated that they were done with the insider-driven politics and politicians that spend their time concerned only about what the beltway thinks.
“I also took this opportunity seriously because I believe it is time for conservative Puerto Ricans to take a leadership role on the national political scene. For too long, the Puerto Rican community has been thought of as a sub-set of the Democrat party. More and more of my Puerto Rican colleagues have become disenchanted with big government solutions. Liberals always over-promise and never deliver. In fact, the island of Puerto Rico itself has become a microcosm of this phenomenon. Too much spending, too much government, and too much regulation have killed off private enterprise, encouraged corruption, and left the middle class and working families behind. That’s why Puerto Ricans are moving to Florida for the opportunity that Republican leadership provides. Again, Stephanie Murphy has shown herself to be an avid supporter of Obamacare, higher taxes, and government interventionist policy that will bankrupt our country and do nothing for the people that she is supposedly inclined to help.
“Virginia and I have been gratified by the outpouring of support over the past several weeks. We sought God’s direction in prayer, and we have been encouraged on so many fronts. I am not saying that I will never do it, but now is not the time.
“The voters elected me to do a job in Tallahassee. There is still much more work to be done, and I have decided to keep my efforts, for the moment, focused on serving my constituents in the legislature. We have the opportunity over the next few years to make Florida the top economy in the world. Let’s make the most of it.”
About Bob Cortes for State Representative
Bob was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2014. Previously, he served as mayor of Longwood and on the Longwood City Commission beginning in November 2009. In 2012, he was re-elected to a second term. He is a member of the Seminole County Community Traffic Safety Team and a graduate of the Florida League of Cities Institute for Elected Municipal Officials. He is a member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). With this organization, Bob has participated in several institutes, including the Newly Elected Leadership Institute, the Redistricting Institute, and the Fiscal Policy Institute hosted by NALEO and the Kellogg School of Business. Bob grew up in New York and Puerto Rico and moved to Central Florida in 1989. He founded Cortes Towing Service, a successful small business now in operation for over two decades. In 2011, he started another venture, Cortrans Shuttle Service, a transportation provider that serves Orlando Sanford International Airport, Orlando International Airport, the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal, and area attractions. He was recently named one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. He and his wife, Virginia, are members of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs. They are blessed with three grandchildren.
ON THE WEB: www.bobcortes.com
Paid by Bob Cortes, Republican, for State Representative
Gov. Rick Scott to Announce February Jobs Numbers
Tomorrow, March 24, Governor Rick Scott will announce February jobs numbers at Florida-headquartered retailer Bealls Inc.
WHAT: Jobs Numbers Announcement
WHEN: 10:00 AM
WHERE: Bealls, Inc.
E.R. Beall Center
700 13th Avenue East
Bradenton, Florida 34208
Youth in Child Welfare System Score Win as Senator Bean's SB 60 Passes Florida Senate
Senate Bill 60, Children Obtaining Driver Licenses, by Senator Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville), passed unanimously in the Florida Senate today. The bill is a substantial win for youth in Florida’s child welfare system. It makes permanent a pilot program helping foster teens obtain driver’s licenses. The program, known as “Keys to Independence,” assists youth that have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect with obtaining a learner’s permit or driver’s license. Additionally, the program offers financial assistance to teens and helps them find driver education courses and insurance.
“This legislation is absolutely necessary and will empower youth to succeed as adults,” said Senator Bean. “We heard so much great testimony from foster youth who are pursuing their education, trying to find jobs, or starting a life for themselves, often while leaving abusive or neglectful circumstances behind them. As the people responsible for constructing the child welfare system, we must give these children the tools necessary to lead successful, independent lives as young adults.”
The “Keys to Independence” program has served over 1,000 children and has quadrupled the number of youth with driver’s licenses. In addition to making the project permanent, Senate Bill 60 also makes improvements based on data from the pilot project. This includes expanding eligibility to all children in out-of-home care and allowing a grace period to complete the program if a child transitions to a new home. The bill also requires the courts to evaluate whether a teen is ready to receive their driver’s license before they leave the child welfare system. Representative Jennifer Sullivan (R-Eustis) sponsored a similar measure, HB 217, in the Florida House of Representatives.
Senator Aaron Bean represents District 4, which includes parts of Nassau and Duval Counties. He can be contacted in Tallahassee at 850-487-5004 or in his District Office at 904-757-5039. To learn more about Keys to Independence, a program administered by Community Based Care of Central Florida, please visit www.keystoindependencefl.org.
Naples YMCA President Joins Special Olympics Florida Board of Directors
Special Olympics Florida today announced that Paul Thein, President and CEO of the Greater Naples YMCA, has joined the Special Olympics Florida Board of Directors.
“Paul has an impressive business record and a true heart for service,” said President and CEO of Special Olympics Florida, Sherry Wheelock. “His experience as a coach, educator, and non-profit leader perfectly aligns with the goals of our organization and brings a great perspective to our Board.”
“It is an honor to be selected to represent Special Olympics Florida, an organization that provides such meaningful developmental and spiritual growth opportunities through wellness and sport,” said Thein.
During his three years as head of the Greater Naples YMCA, Thein has implemented a strong summer camp curriculum for children and developed after-school services in Title I schools. Under Thein’s leadership, the YMCA was totally renovated and rebuilt as a world-class Healthy Living Center in less than 20 months after a fire destroyed more than 70 percent of the building.
Before moving to Florida, Thein spent five years as head of the Waycross (Georgia) YMCA, where membership tripled and revenues doubled during his tenure. Thein brought about innovative advances in technology and community partnerships to make a positive impact. He also spearheaded a youth development and wellness initiative that sought to tackle childhood obesity.
During his career, Thein has also been a coach, educator, Dean of Students, Athletic Director, and Vice President at colleges in Minnesota, Kansas, and California. His passion and dedication to providing opportunities to underrepresented populations have garnered recognition by multiple organizations.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, a master’s degree from the United States Sports Academy, and an Educational Specialist’s Degree in Leadership from Pittsburg State University. He resides in Naples with his wife Shanon and their children Shalyn and Brody.
This Saturday, March 25, 2017, Special Olympics Florida Healthy Community will be hosting a Family Health Forum at the Greater Naples YMCA for Special Olympics athletes and anyone with an intellectual or developmental disability. For more information on the Family Health Forum, please contact Jasmine Green at [email protected] or 352-727-5097.
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition, and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected, and contributing members of their communities. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.
Children’s Week Events Set to Commence at State Capitol Next Week
The United Way of Florida and its 120 partners throughout the state will shine a spotlight on key issues affecting Florida’s youngest citizens March 26-31 when they host Children’s Week, an annual celebration in Tallahassee which provides parents, policymakers, professionals, community leaders and concerned citizens with a platform to share valuable knowledge and advocate for children and family issues. Children’s Week includes a variety of interactive and educational events and activities to be enjoyed by toddlers, teens and adults alike.
“Children’s Week partners believe children and their families should be the state’s highest priority year-round” said Ted Granger , president of the United Way Florida. “Children’s Week at the Capitol provides us a high-intensity and high-profile opportunity to help policy makers embrace that priority and guide their work to benefit all of the state’s children and families.”
Children’s Week will commence on Sunday, March 26, with the Hanging of the Hands ceremony during which thousands of paper cut-outs of children’s hands will be hung inside the State Capitol. After this hallmark celebration, the majority of Children’s Week activities will take place on Tuesday, March 28, outside or around the Capitol. Here’s an overview of events taking place:
- Hanging of the Hands will take place Sunday, March 26, from 12–4 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. Thousands of pieces of children’s “hand art” with messages to legislators will be hung from the ceiling of the Capitol building, creating an impactful display to remind policymakers to “give a hand” to Florida’s children. The “hand art” is decorated by children at schools and childcare centers throughout Florida and mailed to organizers. The hands will remain on display until Friday, March 31. Photos of “hand art” are also shared on social media using the hashtag #GiveUsAHand.
- Children’s Capitol for a Day will take place Tuesday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. on the State Capitol courtyard and is open to the public. Thousands of people are expected to attend. Free breakfast, lunch and Starbucks coffee will be provided for all attendees as they visit exhibitor booths hosted by Children’s Week partners. One of the most popular events happening is the Storybook Village hosted by the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of the Big Bend. Over two dozen favorite children’s stories will come to life as volunteers create a “village” of interactive reading booths with activities for children to explore. There also will be a Storybook Stage to hear stories read by local authors and leaders in the community. All children visiting the Storybook Village will receive a free book. Adults and children are encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook character.
- “Teens Only” Town Hall Meeting, hosted by the Florida YMCA Youth in Government, will take place Tuesday, March 28, from 10–11:30 a.m. inside the Cabinet Meeting Room. It will provide a public forum for students across the state to work together with Florida’s Children and Youth Cabinet to address important issues relating to children’s services. Youth are encouraged to attend and participate in the audience Q&A session. The event is free and will be filmed and live-streamed on www.childrensweek.org.
- Young Lives Matter: Exploring the Root Causes of Youth Violence will take place Tuesday, March 28, from 1–2:30 p.m. at City Hall. This dynamic 90-minute workshop will dig into the root causes of youth violence, and examine the risk factors that affect both individuals and communities. The Children’s Trust/Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) moderates this workshop geared to generate honest exchange and authentic conversation. This workshop is open to youth in middle school or high school who want to learn how to turn their passion into action and make a difference in the community.
In addition to events happening March 26-31 in Tallahassee, local Children’s Week events are happening around the state now through April. For more information about Children’s Week and events in your community, to sign up to volunteer or to register your group for events, please visit www.childrensweek.org.
WDSC TV 15 focuses on sustainable farming with two programs
WDSC TV 15 is airing two locally produced shows this spring guaranteed to be food for thought and the dinner table.
The Barefoot Farmer, produced by WDSC’s Kevin Lorden, tells the story of fourth-generation Samsula farmer Paul Tomazin and his family. In an era of industrial farming, Tomazin Farms has managed to stay in business by carving out a niche in local farmer’s markets, restaurants and regional farm-to-table distributors. The documentary focuses on the traditions, challenges and rewards of being part of the local farming community. DSC classes also will benefit from the video as a learning tool.
The Barefoot Farmer will air on WDSC TV 15 on these dates:
Sunday 4/2 4:30 p.m.
Thursday 4/6 10 p.m.
Tuesday 4/25 8 p.m.
Also on WDSC is Local Harvest: Eating Fresh, which airs its third of 10 weekly shows on Tuesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. The show follows the trail of local agriculture, interviewing area farmers and bringing their produce to the table, where Daytona State College master chef and Culinary Arts Chair Costa Magoulas shares his favorite recipes.
“Florida is a huge agricultural state,” said show producer Jean-Marie Appleby. “We hope to inspire people to get out and find sustainable fresh food sources, patronize local farms and become part of a movement to know who is growing your food, where it’s being grown and how it’s being grown.”
WDSC broadcasts in the Orlando-Daytona-Melbourne television market, an area that serves 3.2 million people and is the 19th largest television market in the nation. Counties in the viewing area include Volusia, Flagler, Seminole, Brevard, Orange, Putnam, Marion, Lake and Osceola. More than 200,000 households view programs on WDSC each week.
WDSC TV15 supports the educational mission of Daytona State by serving as a living classroom for students in the Television Studio Production Certificate program and the upcoming Associate of Science in Broadcast Television Production degree. In these programs, students receive training in video and television studio production, set design, lighting, camera, audio and broadcast production. Through hands-on training with live programs, students gain experience in television and video production.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints One to Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Governor Rick Scott announced today the appointment of Ronald Lieberman to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Lieberman, 70, of Ocala, is the president of Steel Structures of Florida, Inc. He succeeds Leonard Tylka and is appointed for a term beginning March 23, 2017, and ending November 13, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
ICYMI: Florida Politics: “Officials use Orlando man, attempted insurance fraud, as example of abuse”
“Officials use Orlando man, attempted insurance fraud, as example of abuse”
Florida Politics
Story by Les Neuhaus
March 22, 2017
Click HERE to read the full story
Orange County and state officials are making an example of a man who attempted to collect a bogus insurance claim on his car after reporting it stolen, accusing him of arson and insurance fraud.
Michael Abrams, 43, is now held on $50,000 bond in an Orange County detention facility, a statement said Wednesday.
…
He stands accused of devising a plan to have his 2016 Toyota Camry stolen and destroyed so that he could collect an insurance payout totaling $10,000, the statement continues.
“More often than not, acts of arson are committed in order to collect insurance payouts or to cover up a larger crime,” said Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. “To concoct the plan that he did is an elaborate act of fraud — one that undoubtedly drives up the cost of insurance for every Floridian. I’m proud of our investigative team for getting to the truth and putting this man behind bars where he belongs.”
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In early December 2016, a crew from the Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR) department responded to a vehicular fire. The car had previously reported stolen from New York state by Abrams.
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Suspicious, a supervisor with OCFR reached out to the Florida State Fire Marshall’s Office to investigate the cause and origin of the fire and that’s when Abrams’ story didn’t add up.
After being questioned by investigators, he admitted paying another man $300 to destroy his car while he simultaneously reported it stolen.
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Florida Supreme Court: Regular weekly opinion release
Filings for the Florida Supreme Court
March 23, 2017
- SC13-1232 – Kenneth R. Jackson v. State of Florida
- SC13-1882 – Walter E. Headley, Jr., et al. v. City of Miami, Florida – Corrected Opinion and Notice of Correction
- SC13-2331 & SC14-873 – Cornelius O. Baker v. State of Florida and Cornelius O. Baker v. Julie L. Jones, etc.
- SC15-1903 – Randall T. Deviney v. State of Florida
- SC16-553 – In Re: Amendments to Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure and Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.146
- SC16-713 – Chadrick V. Pray v. Brenda D. Forman, Clerk
- SC16-1150 – Solomon D. Roberts v. Julie L. Jones, etc.
- SC16-1222 – Michael Charles Desue v. Julie L. Jones, etc.
