During National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) earlier this month, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) partnered with several agencies in Central and South Florida that primarily assist seniors. The PSC is pleased to recognize one of these–the Fred Lippman Multi-Purpose Center in Hollywood–as the PSC’s Helping Hand in March.
“With so many scams targeting seniors, NCPW is an opportunity to educate consumers on ways to protect against individuals posing as utility representatives,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “We thank the Fred Lippman Center for helping us get the word out on potential scams and on ways to help seniors lower their utility bills.”
Each month, the PSC highlights a partner agency or organization whose clients are eligible for the federal Lifeline telephone discount program and/or need help reducing energy and water bills. Through these PSC Helping Hand partnerships, the Commission shares information to help consumers stretch their resources to meet their monthly bills.
“We welcome the PSC’s partnership and appreciate the assistance and education to help our clients, especially during NCPW,” said Marjorie Cooper, Manager, Fred Lipmann Multi-Purpose Center. “Information on Lifeline, scams, energy and water conservation, and utility bill payment assistance is always useful.”
You can find helpful consumer tips from PSC Commissioners for NCPW 2017 here. Look for this year’s PSC Helping Hand outreach partner recognitions on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com, under Hot Topics.
About Fred Lipmann Multi-Purpose Center
The Fred Lippman Multi-Purpose Center, administered by the City of Hollywood’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, is located at 2030 Polk Street in Hollywood. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, the facility provides social, recreational, and educational activities, including field trips, for seniors. For more information, call 954-921-3408, or visit: http://www.adrcbroward.org/lippmancenter.php.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Featured
Florida Poly Launches First International Conference with Panjab University in India
Florida Polytechnic University is pleased to announce its first international conference hosted in partnership with Panjab University in Chandigarh, India. The conference will take place at Panjab University April 20-22, 2017, and will bring various experts together to discuss Green Chemistry/Engineering and Technologies (GCET) for sustainable development.
The purpose of the event is to provide a forum to address global challenges in the GCET field while facilitating an exchange of expertise, research, and outreach opportunities between the two countries.
About 200 international and national delegates are expected to attend. Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent will lead the University’s contingent alongside two undergraduate students, Ms. Holly Pafford and Ms. Laura Wemple, who are members of the advisory committee for the event.
“This is a perfect opportunity to showcase Florida Poly’s potential on an international level,” said Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “We are preparing students to become high-tech professionals capable of working on global issues in a global community, and we hope our international partners see that Florida is rising as a hotbed for high-tech talent and innovation.”
The three-day conference will include scientific sessions and lectures by research scholars and prominent scientists from India and the U.S. and a panel discussion with industry leaders, who will share their input and guidelines for future graduate programs at both universities.
“As a university focused on STEM learning and applied research for near-term impact, we must constantly stay in tune with the world’s most pressing challenges to ensure we’re building a curriculum and preparing students to meet them,” said Dr. Terry Parker, Florida Poly Provost. “Sustainability is obviously an enormous concern for nations and businesses around the globe. It’s exciting for Florida Poly to take part in this international conversation.”
The conference is funded by the U.S.-India 21st Century Knowledge Foundation (USIEF), which aims to strengthen collaboration and build partnerships between U.S. and Indian institutions of higher education.
“We are thrilled about the opportunity to work with Panjab University,” said Dr. Jaspreet Singh Dhau, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Florida Poly, Conference Convener and Project Director. “Through this conference, we hope to generate future collaboration to include joint research projects and possibly student exchange programs between universities and to involve industry leaders in shaping this program.”
Located in Chandigarh, India, Panjab University was established in 1882 as University of Punjab. It is the first among Indian Universities and 38th in Asia according to the 2015 Times Higher Education Asian University rankings. Panjab University has 188 affiliated colleges spread over Punjab, one rural Regional Centre at Kauni, and three Regional Centers at Muktsar, Ludhiana and Hoshiarpur.
For more information about the Green Chemistry/Engineering and Technologies (GCET) for Sustainable Development conference, please visit http://greenchem.puchd.ac.in/conferencedetail.php.
Cortes applauds Ayala removal from Markeith Loyd case, continues to call for suspension
State Representative Bob Cortes commends Governor Scott for removing State
Attorney Ayala from the case, but her actions today call for a suspension.
State Representative Bob Cortes applauded Governor Rick Scott’s decision to remove State Attorney Aramis Ayala from the Markeith Loyd case, but continues to call for her suspension. In a letter to the Governor last week, in addition to asking Scott to suspend Ayala, Cortes asked the Governor to review all pending death penalty cases in the Ninth Circuit and reassign her cases to other state attorneys. The move came after Ayala announced last week that she would not seek the death penalty in the case of Markeith Loyd or any other case.
“It was entirely appropriate for the Governor to remove Ayala from this case, and it remains so given the lack of cooperation we have seen from her today,” said Cortes. I continue to believe strongly that State Attorney Ayala’s disregard for Markeith Loyd’s victims demonstrates the irreparable harm she could do to justice in the Ninth Circuit and warrants her removal from office. If she continues to follow through with her promise to not hear current death penalty cases, including six pending cases, justice may be thwarted for additional victims of heinous crimes. I appreciate the Governor’s swift response thus far. I am confident he will continue to act within the scope of Florida law to ensure that justice is done for Markeith Loyd’s victims and everyone in the Ninth Circuit.”
Governor Rick Scott Appoints One to Florida Real Estate Commission
Governor Rick Scott announced today the appointment of Patti Ketcham to the Florida Real Estate Commission.
Ketcham, of Tallahassee, is the owner of Ketcham Realty Group, Inc. She succeeds Darla Furst and is appointed for a term beginning March 20, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Florida Constitution Revision Commission Holds Organization Meeting
Members of the 2017-2018 Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) were sworn in by Chief Justice Jorge Labarga and held the Commission’s first meeting today.
Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “Today’s organization meeting was an important first step to getting to work for Florida families. Through this Commission, even just one Floridian can change the trajectory of our state for the better. Beginning next week, we will be hitting the road to speak with Floridians and hear about the issues that matter most to our state’s citizens. Additional information on upcoming tour dates and locations will be announced soon.”
PHOTO (Courtesy of The Florida Senate):
Chairman Carlos Beruff (top row center) and Commissioners of the
Constitution Revision Commission met for an organization meeting
in the Florida Senate Chamber on Monday, March 20, 2017.
The Constitution Revision Commission is composed of the Attorney General, fifteen appointees from the Governor (including the Chair), nine appointees from the Florida Senate President, nine appointees from the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and three appointees from the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
Commissioners Appointed by Governor Rick Scott:
- Commissioner Jose Armas
- Commissioner Lisa Carlton
- Commissioner Timothy Cerio
- Commissioner Emery Gainey
- Commissioner Brecht Heuchan
- Commissioner Marva Johnson
- Commissioner Darlene Jordan
- Commissioner Fred Karlinsky
- Commissioner Belinda Keiser
- Commissioner Frank Kruppenbacher
- Commissioner Gary Lester
- Commissioner Jimmy Patronis
- Commissioner Pam Stewart
- Commissioner Nicole Washington
Commissioners Appointed by Florida Senate President Joe Negron:
- Commissioner Anna Marie Hernandez Gamez
- Commissioner Don Gaetz
- Commissioner Patricia Levesque
- Commissioner Sherry Plymale
- Commissioner Bill Schifino Jr.
- Commissioner Chris Smith
- Commissioner Bob Solari
- Commissioner Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch
- Commissioner Carolyn Timmann
Commissioners Appointed by Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran:
- Commissioner Jose Felix Diaz
- Commissioner Erika Donalds
- Commissioner Tom Lee
- Commissioner Rich Newsome
- Commissioner Chris Nocco
- Commissioner Jeanette Nuñez
- Commissioner Darryl Rouson
- Commissioner Chris Sprowls
- Commissioner John Stemberger
Commissioners Appointed by Chief Justice Jorge Labarga:
- Commissioner Hank Coxe
- Commissioner Arthenia Joyner
- Commissioner Roberto Martinez
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.
Gov. Rick Scott to Attend National Guard Day Ceremony
Tomorrow, March 21st, Governor Rick Scott will attend National Guard Day at the Capitol and present Veterans Service Medals to Florida veterans.
WHAT: National Guard Day Ceremony
WHEN: 11:30 AM
WHERE: Florida State Capitol Courtyard
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Stetson University Professor Patrick Coggins Wins 2017 Giving Back Award
National award recognizes higher ed administrators for commitment to diversity
Patrick Coggins
Patrick Coggins, Ph.D., J.D., Ed.S., LL.D, chair of the Faculty Senate and member of the President’s Cabinet at Stetson University, has received the 2017 Giving Back Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The honor is the only national award that recognizes college and university administrators for their commitment and dedication to diversity through leadership. Coggins, along with 38 other recipients, will be featured in the April 2017 Leadership Support and Giving Back issue of the magazine.
Coggins was nominated for this award by a Stetson colleague for his dedication and devotion to inclusivity and diversity within the Stetson campus, the education system, the community and world. In addition to serving on the Faculty Senate and President’s Cabinet, Coggins is a professor of education and multicultural education. He has had extensive experience designing and teaching courses in cultural diversity, multicultural education ESOL, social studies methods and classes on cross-cultural communication.
“The Giving Back Award is awarded to leaders of institutions of higher education who exemplify what it truly means to ‘give back’ to others,” says Holly Mendelson, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “These administrators are role models, and we honor their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion on their campuses and in their communities.”
Using his academic background plus his own life experiences, Coggins has developed and evolved many methods for teaching his students. His intent is to make them more aware of their worldviews and how those views impact others around them. Most importantly, Coggins strives to eliminate the academic achievement gap and the implicit and explicit bias between diverse and majority students by creating an atmosphere of cultural competence between students and faculty while instilling the need to overcome racial, gender and ethnic barriers that impede living in a modern multicultural, multiracial society.
To read more about Patrick Coggins and his work, see “Teaching the Basics: Core competencies in education begin with empathy, equality and cultural understanding,” on pages 36 and 37 of the Winter 2017 issue of Stetson University Magazine.
RoadWatch Advisory: State Road 789 at New Pass Bridge
SR 789 at New Pass Bridge: Construction project: Crews are updating the Bridge Tender house, electrical and mechanical components, and traffic gates on New Pass Bridge. Sidewalk improvements are included as well.
As part of ongoing construction and to test the new electrical and mechanical components, the contractor is required to open the bridge four times per day. In an effort to minimize impacts to the public, the contractor will complete the required daily four openings between 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. Monday through Sunday beginning Tuesday, March 21.
If the required number of openings cannot be obtained during this time period the contractor will use openings during the day during normal boat traffic. The testing period is expected to last through mid-May. Moving forward we will make every effort to plan all coastal bridge projects start dates to avoid peak tourist season.
Construction of this $2 million project began in late August and is expected to be complete in late spring 2017. Quinn Construction is the contractor.
FDLE Agents arrest caseworker on official misconduct, falsifying records
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Vanessa Arias, 33, of 1355 Springfield Street, Kissimmee, on charges of official misconduct and falsification of records.
Arias is a former employee with Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services, a sub-contractor of the Department of Children and Families. She was assigned as a caseworker.
During an investigation, FDLE agents found that Arias documented she had visited a home in Kissimmee on January 8, 2015, to check on the welfare of several children. She reported the children were “free from any visible signs of abuse/neglect with all their basic needs being met at this time.” Approximately a week later, officers with the Kissimmee Police Department went to the home regarding a report of child neglect. It was later determined that Arias had falsified her report and had not returned more than a dozen calls from two of the children in the home.
“This is a sad case of vulnerable children reaching out to someone in a position to help them, but instead they were ignored,” said Special Agent in Charge Danny Banks of FDLE’s Orlando Region. “Thankfully, law enforcement was called and an investigation was launched.”
Arias was booked into the Osceola County Jail on Friday on a $2,000 bond. The Office of the State Attorney, 9th Circuit, will prosecute.
DBPR Hosts 6th Annual Women’s History Month Event In Tallahassee
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) announced today that it will be hosting its 6th annual “Celebrating Women In Business” event on Friday, March 24th. The event will consist of a panel of top female business leaders from the Tallahassee area and offers networking opportunities for attendees as the panel shares their career advice and entrepreneurial experiences.
DBPR Interim Secretary Matilde Miller said: “It’s exciting to welcome our annual ‘Celebrating Women in Business’ panel back to the Capital City. As a Tallahassee resident for many years, I’ve seen first-hand how the community and its businesses have grown, and this city’s businesswomen have been at the forefront of commerce and development in Florida. This event will be a valuable experience for any entrepreneur looking to advance their career or grow their business in the Sunshine State.”
This year’s featured panelists are:
Marva Johnson
VP, Charter Communications
Gloria Pugh
CEO, AMWAT Moving, Warehouse and Storage
Alia Faraj-Johnson
Senior VP, Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Cristina Paredes
Deputy Director, Office of Economic Vitality
Lauren Boes
Senior Transportation Engineer, Atkins
Christy Daly
Secretary, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
Hettie Spooner
Owner, Hill Spooner & Elliot Real Estate
Audra Pittman
Executive Director, COCA
Katie Wright
Owner, Dream State Salon
Ana Melendez
CEO, A+E Wholesale of North Florida
The event is free to attend and open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged to ensure event space is properly prepared. Event details are below:
6th Annual “Celebrating Women in Business” Panel Discussion
Friday, March 24, 2017, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Florida State Conference Center
555 West Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, FL 32306
RSVP: [email protected]
Each year, DBPR’s “Celebrating Women in Business” panel discussion is hosted in a different part of the state. Since the annual panel discussion began in 2012, the event has taken place in Tampa, Gainesville, Orlando and Jacksonville to celebrate strong female business leaders in each area.
