Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on the arrest of an Israeli teenager in connection with multiple anonymous threats made to Jewish community centers across the country:
“We spoke to the FBI earlier today. They are working with the Israeli authorities who have arrested someone in Israel they believe is responsible for at least some of the recent threats against Jewish community centers here in the U.S. As the investigation continues, I have asked the FBI to ensure that this is the same individual responsible for the recent threats made to centers in Florida.”
Nelson and others sent a letter to the administration earlier this month urging them to take swift action in response to the anonymous threats being made against Jewish community centers across the country. A copy of that letter is available here.
Here’s a recent background article on the arrest:
Jewish Center Bomb Threat Suspect Is Arrested in Israel
By ISABEL KERSHNER, ALAN BLINDER and ADAM GOLDMAN
Published: March 23, 2017
The police on Thursday arrested an Israeli teenager who holds American citizenship in connection with scores of threats to Jewish institutions, including dozens of community centers in the United States, law enforcement officials said.
A spokesman for the police here, Micky Rosenfeld, said the suspect, from the Ashkelon area of southern Israel, had also made threats to institutions in Australia and New Zealand, as well as to at least one commercial airline flight, forcing an emergency landing.
“This is the guy we are talking about,” Mr. Rosenfeld said.
The authorities did not immediately identify the teenager, who they said was Jewish and 19. Other reports put his age at 18. He was expected to appear in court later Thursday.
The suspect’s motives were not immediately clear. He was being questioned by the international investigations unit of the Israeli police.
The arrest took place after a monthslong investigation in cooperation with the F.B.I. and other police and security agencies in the United States and Europe, the Israeli police said in a statement.
“The investigation began in several countries at the same time, in which dozens of threatening calls were received at public places, events, synagogues and community buildings that caused panic and disrupted events and activities in various organizations,” the statement said.
Representatives of the F.B.I. and police organizations from various other countries arrived in Israel to take part in the investigation, the statement said, adding that technology was used to track the suspect down.
In Washington, the F.B.I. confirmed the arrest. A spokeswoman, Samantha Shero, said, “Investigating hate crimes is a top priority for the F.B.I., and we will continue to work to make sure all races and religions feel safe in their communities and in their places of worship.”
Jewish community centers across the United States have reported more than 100 bomb threats since the beginning of the year. The calls, which President Trump condemned during an address to Congress last month, led to evacuations and bomb sweeps and heightened worries about anti-Semitism in the United States.
The inquiry was complicated by what the authorities described as the suspect’s use of “advanced camouflage technologies” to try to cover up his communications, which he made through the internet. When the Israeli police searched the suspect’s house, investigators confiscated computers, an antenna and other equipment.
The suspect used a device to warp his voice when he made his threats and used wireless internet from neighbors, some quite far away, according to Israel Radio. The Haaretz newspaper reported that the suspect had not been drafted for compulsory military service, like most Jewish 18-year-olds, on personal grounds because the military found him unfit to serve.
The case in Israel is separate from that of the St. Louis man who was arrested this month and accused of making at least a half-dozen other threats to Jewish centers. In a complaint in Federal District Court in Manhattan, the authorities said that man, Juan Thompson, had acted as part of an effort to intimidate a former girlfriend.
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Senate Passes Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act
Legislation Protects Constitutional Rights In Public Schools
The Florida Senate today passed Senate Bill 436, Religious Expression in Public Schools, by Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake). The legislation creates the “Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act,” and specifies that a school district may not discriminate against a student, parent, or school personnel on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression.
“Freedom of Religion is a central right protected by our Constitution. The government should not impose a religion, but all too often we see the other extreme where we are taking away people’s right to free speech and their right to practice their faith in a way they believe is appropriate,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). “Students of any faith, or no faith, have a right to free speech. By passing this legislation today, we are taking the steps necessary to protect this important constitutional right of public school students, parents, teachers, and school administrators.”
“Students should not have to surrender their constitutional rights or their religious beliefs at the school house door. Neither should teachers, administrators or parents,” said Senator Baxley. “For many Floridians, instilling faith in their religious convictions is a central component of child rearing and family life. Students should not be prevented from discussing these convictions with their peers, or incorporating religious beliefs in their attire, assignments, and extracurricular activities. Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion are fundamental to our way of life as Americans and this legislation ensures that we protect these critical rights in our taxpayer-funded public schools.”
Senate Bill 436 authorizes students to express religious beliefs in written and oral assignments, free from discrimination. Students may also wear clothing, accessories, and jewelry that display a religious message or symbol to the same extent secular types of clothing, accessories, and jewelry that display messages or symbols are permitted in public school dress codes. Further, students may pray, or engage in and organize religious activities before, during, and after the school day, to the same extent student engagement in secular activity or expression, and the organization of secular activities and groups are permitted.
The legislation requires a school district to comply with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and specifies that a school district may not prevent school personnel from participating in religious activities on school grounds that are student-initiated at reasonable times before or after the school day.
Districts must allow a religious group access to the same school facilities for assembling as a secular group without discrimination. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to adopt a policy that establishes a limited public forum for student speakers at any school event at which a student is to speak publicly. The legislation also requires the Florida Department of Education to develop and publish on its website a model policy regarding a limited public forum and the voluntary expression of religious viewpoints by students and school personnel in public schools. The model policy must be adopted and implemented by each district school board.
Floridians For Fair Business Practices Applauds the Passage of SB 106
Statement From the Gina Kinchlow of the Big Bend Minority Chamber
“As members of the Floridians for Fair Business Practices coalition, the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce thanks the Florida Senate for passing SB 106 on the floor today. After nearly four years of advocating for a repeal of the antiquated Alcohol Separation Law, we are finally one step closer to fair business practices that benefit all Floridians.
Now that the companion bill, HB 81, has passed all of its committee stops, we remain hopeful that this year Florida will come out of the Prohibition Era and into a more modern society. For the first time Florida is slated to join 30 other states and Washington, D.C., where both consumer convenience and level playing fields for hardworking retailers are prioritized. Along with our co-sponsors, Senate President Pro Tempore Anitere Flores and Representative Bryan Avila, the Big Bend Minority Chamber and the Floridians for Fair Business Practices coalition will continue promoting the advancement of Florida businesses while tearing down barriers to competition.”
Florida Department of State Celebrates Archaeology Month
Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced that the Florida Department of State will celebrate Archaeology Month in March by hosting special behind-the scene tour events in Tallahassee, to promote Florida’s rich cultural heritage and showcase the state’s important collections of archaeological artifacts.
“As our nation celebrates Archaeology Month in March, I am proud to recognize the important work done by our state archaeologists every day on the ground and underwater, to ensure that we protect, interpret and preserve our state’s precious archaeological heritage,” said Secretary Detzner. “We join this national effort celebrating Archaeology Month to remind and inform Florida citizens of the wealth of knowledge that archaeology contributes to our understanding of our state and nation’s history. I encourage Florida families to participate in special tours and programs being offered as part of this initiative.”
This year’s Archaeology Month events include:
At the R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee
- Saturday, March 25 – Behind the Scenes Tour – Archaeological Conservation Lab – Tours every hour between 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
See the techniques and process used to preserve state artifacts for display and research in this unique facility. Participants are restricted to eight per 20 minute tour. Due to limited space and the presence of artifacts and chemicals on open tables, children under ten will not be allowed on these tours. For more information or to pre-register for a tour, email [email protected].
At Mission San Luis, 2100 W. Tennessee Street, Tallahassee
- Every Wednesday during March – Behind the Scenes Tour – Archaeological Collection of Mission San Luis – Tours at 11 a.m.
Following more than two decades of fieldwork, the archaeological collections of Mission San Luis represent one of the largest and most diverse collections of 17th century Spanish and Apalachee materials available anywhere. For more information, or to pre-register for the Mission San Luis collection tours, call 850.487.0458 or email [email protected].
- Saturday, March 25 – Behind the Scenes Tour – The State of Florida’s Archaeological Collection – Tours on the hour at 11 a.m., Noon, and 1 p.m.
Tour the state’s archaeological collections facility to see items from Spanish shipwrecks, prehistoric ceramics and the vast array of artifacts collected on state lands. Tours are limited to 10 visitors at a time. Due to limited space and the presence of artifacts and chemicals on open tables, children under ten will not be allowed on these tours. Following their tour, participants will receive a free pass to visit the Mission. For more information, or to pre-register for the State collection tours, call 850.245.6324 or email [email protected].
For further details about Archaeology Month events taking place in March throughout the state, visit http://fpan.us/FAM/.
About The Bureau of Archaeological Research
The Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Archaeological Research is entrusted with the maintenance, preservation and protection of more than 12,000 years of Florida heritage. Archaeological and historical resources on state-owned and state-controlled lands, including sovereignty submerged lands, are the direct responsibility of the bureau. State archaeologists carry out archaeological surveys and excavations throughout Florida, primarily on state-owned lands. They maintain records on historical resources that have been recorded, and assist consultants and planners in protecting sites. The state’s underwater archaeology program includes historic shipwreck and pre-Columbian underwater sites, some of which are among the oldest human sites in the New World. The Bureau also manages Mission San Luis, a 60-acre world-class archaeological site located in Tallahassee, featuring a fulltime research program, a living history museum and is the only reconstructed Spanish mission in the Southeast. For more information visit flheritage.com/archaeology.
About The Division of Historical Resources
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, archaeological, and folk culture resources. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The director of DHR serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of two Bureaus or major program areas: archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information, visit flheritage.com.
UCF Game Designer Grad Takes Reality to Fantasy
UCF alumus Matthew Laurence ’06, is being compared to Percy Jackson creator Rick Riordan thanks to his debut fantasy novel Freya and the Myth Machine.
In 2014, when UCF graduate and game developer Matthew Laurence was touring his new employer, Rovio Games, he was intrigued by the publishing arm of the Angry Birds company Rovio Entertainment, now known as Kaiken Entertainment. He had a story he wanted Rovio to read.
That story became Laurence’s debut novel Freya and the Myth Machine. It published last week to positive reviews.
“What hooked me instantly was the witty setup: in the very first sentences we get to know this girl living in a mental hospital claiming to be a god,” said Laura Nevalinna, CEO and head of franchise and portfolio development at Kaiken Entertainment. “And from there the wild ride starts with incredible speed and force.”
The story tells the tale of a young girl who is a forgotten goddess.
Laurence said Rovio’s help was invaluable as they assigned him editors to improve his manuscript, bought the rights to the intellectual property and then shopped his novel to publishers in late 2014. Within a few months, Imprint, a part of MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group, acquired the rights to the book.
It’s a dream come true for Laurence, who graduated from the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, UCF’s graduate game-development program in 2006. Since then he worked for several video game companies but always wanted to write. He wrote the first draft of Freya in 2012 after writing what he called a terrible sci-fi novel. He liked fantasy but wanted something grounded in the real world, so he hatched the idea of ancient gods who are hunted to extinction in the modern world.
“Freya, who is hiding in an Orlando mental hospital under the pseudonym Sara, is a god who has thousands of years of history, but she’s also a young girl in this world,” Laurence said. “So finding her voice was hard but fun.”
“Booklist” proclaims in its review: “Move over, Percy Jackson, there’s a new girl in town.”
With Rovio Entertainment’s help, Laurence got the book published. The agreement, in collaboration with Rovio Entertainment, includes the rights to Freya and the Myth Machine, its sequel, Freya and the Idol Industry as well as a graphic novel based on the books.
For Laurence, he said being published by the same group that is home to well-known authors such as Roald Dahl and Eric Carle is still something he can’t believe is happening.
Rovio Books was started in 2011 and focused early on publishing Angry Birds-related books. Since then they have expanded into young adult novels and nonfiction and spun off as a part of Kaiken Entertainment. Kaiken does not print or distribute the books but provides editorial support and collaborates with authors to sell their foreign rights or license to a publisher. To date they have helped produce about 350 titles in 32 languages.
Laurence said that writing novels is more similar to making video games than people think.
“They’re both so iterative. If it doesn’t work or feel good you go back to the drawing board, he said. “There’s also a lot of broken-dream piles that never make the finished product.”
Fortunately, Laurence’s latest endeavor wasn’t one of those.
To learn more about Laurence and read an excerpt of the book visit http://freya.rovio.com/. To hear the author talk about the book, go to https://youtu.be/zSTqZZMquSw.
FIEA is in UCF’s Center For Emerging Media at 500 Bentley St., Orlando. For more information, visit www.fiea.ucf.edu.
Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy
Part of the University of Central Florida, the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) offers an industry-based graduate gaming education in a world-class facility in downtown Orlando. It was named the #2 graduate game-development program in 2017 by the Princeton Review and its 537 graduates are working at more than 135 companies around the globe. In 16 months, students learn to be a producer, programmer or artist and earn a Master’s degree in Interactive Entertainment. Learn more at www.fiea.ucf.edu.
Spiny lobster season closes April 1
The spiny lobster recreational and commercial season closes to harvest in state and federal waters starting April 1, and will reopen Aug. 6. The two-day recreational sport season is the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July, which is July 26 and 27 this year.
Meadow Pointe I in Wesley Chapel Receives PSC’s Triple E Award
With resident services and costs a top priority, the Meadow Pointe I community in Wesley Chapel retrofitted its recreation areas with LED light fixtures. The efficiency upgrade not only saves 11,826 kWh annually, it also earned Meadow Pointe I the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) March Triple E Award–for Energy Efficiency Efforts.
“Meadow Pointe I, a Community Development District (CDD), offers its residents a broad range of community-related services to help ensure the highest quality of life,” PSC Chairman Julie Brown said. “The community is now enjoying reduced light pollution and $1,400 in annual energy savings by switching to LED lighting, and we’re happy to recognize their efforts.”
To date, Meadow Point I has upgraded the lighting at its four tennis courts, pool decks, and parking lots. Tampa Electric Company also completed an energy audit for the community’s facilities in September 2015, and the CDD applied for two air conditioning (cooling) rebates from Tampa Electric in 2016. The cooling project’s energy savings is estimated at $326 a year, with a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Besides the great environmental benefits, our annual electric costs are reduced and we’ve also saved money through Tampa Electric’s efficiency rebate programs,” said Keith Fisk, Operations Manager, Meadow Pointe I. “We are so pleased with our current energy saving improvements that we are planning additional lighting retrofits at our basketball and volleyball courts.”
“For more than 40 years, Tampa Electric has been a leader in promoting energy efficiency,” said Gordon Gillette, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tampa Electric. “We’re one of the first utilities to offer LED lighting and are pleased that Meadow Pointe I has been able to take advantage of our rebate programs to help conserve energy and save on their energy costs.”
Covering the state’s five major geographic areas, each month the PSC presents its Triple E Award to a local business that has accomplished superior energy efficiency. Look for past PSC Triple E Award recipients under Hot Topics on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com. The PSC encourages cost-effective conservation and renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels and defer the need for new generating capacity through the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.
About Meadow Pointe I
Meadow Pointe I CDD is a single family residential community surrounded by over 100 ponds and conservation areas in Wesley Chapel. For more information, call 813-973-1671. CDD responsibilities within communities often include streetlights, recreational facilities, storm water management, irrigation water supply, sewer and wastewater management, and solid waste collection. There are over 300 CDDs throughout Florida.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Construction Public Meeting for Hardee County
US 17 (SR 35) from south of West 9th Street to
north of West 3rd Street Construction Public Meeting
HARDEE COUNTY
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, will hold a public information meeting regarding improvements to US 17 from south of West 9th Street to north of West 3rd Street in Hardee County, Florida. The public meeting is from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the Zolfo Springs Civic Center, 3210 US Highway 17 South in Zolfo Springs.
The public meeting will give interested parties the opportunity to talk one-on-one with staff and ask questions about the project in an open-house format. Improvements include constructing a new four-lane concrete roadway using the old railroad corridor along Oak Street to realign this 1-mile segment. The existing section of US 17 will be turned over to the Town of Zolfo Springs at the conclusion of the project and renamed Main Street. The contractor, AJAX Paving Industries of Florida, is also installing curb and gutter, 7-footbike lanes, sidewalks, and a 52-foot raised median to separate the northbound and southbound lanes of traffic. The project also includes installing a new underground drainage system and two storm water ponds to manage water running off of the roadway. The $16.7 million project begins in spring 2017 and should be complete in fall 2018.
FDOT developed this meeting in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. People requiring special accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 or people that require translation services (free of charge) at the meeting should contact Kristie Vazquez at (863) 225-0422 or by e-mail to [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
Gov. Scott Announces Appointment of Erin Rock as DMS Interim Secretary
Governor Rick Scott today announced Erin Rock, who currently serves as Chief of Staff for the Department of Management Services (DMS), will serve as DMS Interim Secretary beginning on March 31st.
Governor Scott said, “Erin has dedicated her career to serving our state and Florida families for more than a decade. As a member of the senior leadership team at DMS, Erin has played an integral role in managing the daily operations of DMS and keeping the cost of government down for taxpayers. I am confident she will continue her great work as Interim Secretary.”
Erin Rock has served in her current position as Chief of Staff since May 2016. Prior to this role, Erin served as Deputy Secretary for Business Operations from 2015 to 2016. She has served in various leadership roles in Florida state government since 2003. Erin received her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from the University of North Florida.
Chairman Beruff Announces Statewide “Floridians Speak, We Listen” Tour
The 2017-2018 Constitution Revision Commission is hitting the
road to learn about the issues important to Florida families
Chairman Carlos Beruff today announced the first four scheduled stops on the statewide “Floridians Speak, We Listen” tour being hosted by the 2017-2018 Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC). The Commission will be at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orange County on Wednesday, March 29 from 5-8 p.m.; Florida International University (FIU) in Miami-Dade County on Thursday, April 6 from 5-8 p.m.; Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Palm Beach County on Friday, April 7 from 9 a.m.-noon; and the University of West Florida (UWF) in Escambia County on Wednesday, April 12 from 4-7 p.m. (central time).
Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “When Governor Rick Scott appointed me as Chair of this Commission, my first order of business was to ensure Floridians are actively involved in this historic and important process. I am proud to announce our ‘Floridians Speak, We Listen’ tour, where we will get input from Florida families on the issues that matter to them. This historic process gives Florida voters an opportunity to change the framework of our government and I encourage all interested Floridians to attend a public hearing and make their voices heard.”
Confirmed public hearing dates, times and locations are provided below. Additional tour stops will be announced soon.
Constitution Revision Commission *Confirmed* Public Hearing Dates
NOTE: End times are tentative depending upon attendance
and public interest in speaking before the Commission.
Orange County
Wednesday, March 29 from 5-8 p.m.
University of Central Florida (UCF)
FAIRWINDS Alumni Center
12676 Gemini Blvd. N., Orlando, Fla. 32816
(Free parking will be available)
Miami-Dade County
Thursday, April 6 from 5-8 p.m.
Florida International University (FIU)
Frost Art Museum
10975 SW 17th St, Miami, FL 33199
(Free parking will be available)
Palm Beach County
Friday, April 7 from 9 a.m. – noon
Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
FAU Stadium Recruiting Room (located indoors)
777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Fla. 33431
(Free parking will be available)
Escambia County
Wednesday, April 12, from 4-7 p.m. (Central Time)
University of West Florida (UWF)
Center for Fine and Performing Arts
82 Service Rd, Pensacola, Fla. 32514
(Free parking will be available)
Individuals requiring an accommodation to participate in these hearings (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) 717-9600.
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.
