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Religious Liberties Act Passes Final Senate Committee

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Legislation to protect Constitutional rights in public schools now available for a floor vote

The Florida Senate Committee on Judiciary, chaired by Senator Greg Steube (R-Sarasota) today passed Senate Bill 436 by Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake), Religious Expression in Public Schools. 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.
“Students of any faith, or no faith, have a right to free speech,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart).  “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. This legislation makes it clear that we support the constitutional rights of Freedom and Speech and Freedom of Religion for everyone associated with our public school system.”
“Students should not have to surrender their constitutional rights at the school house door. Neither should teachers, administrators or parents,” said Senator Baxley. “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 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.
 

Senate Committee Votes to Protect Florida’s Reemployment Program From Criminal Fraud

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DEO Department of Economic Opportunity

The Senate Transportation Committee today unanimously approved SB 372, sponsored by Senator Kelli Stargel, which strengthens the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s efforts to fight fraud in the state’s Reemployment Assistance program. The legislation provides DEO access to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ DAVID System, which includes the state photo identification database.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “I want to thank Senator Stargel, Chairman Gainer and the Senate Transportation committee for their leadership in protecting Florida’s Reemployment Assistance program from theft and fraud. This good bill will help DEO quickly identify criminals and prevent them from stealing Reemployment Assistance from job seekers who are trying to get back to work.” 

The legislation includes the tools and legal authorizations that are critical to prevent and fight public benefits fraud by providing DEO access to the driver’s license database to confirm provided IDs are not fraudulent. 

About DEO
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce, and community development efforts.  This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities.  For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.

Statement by CARE FL Chairman Brent Hanlon Regarding Passage of High Speed Rail Safety Legislation

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Statement by CARE FL Chairman Brent Hanlon regarding the Senate Transportation Committee’s Passage of High Speed Rail Safety Legislation

The Florida Senate Transportation Committee today passed Senate Bill 386 by Senator Debbie Mayfield, which establishes the Florida High Speed Passenger Rail Safety Act. Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida (CARE FL) Chairman Brent Hanlon released the following statement regarding the committee’s passage of the bill.
“I want to once again thank Senator Debbie Mayfield for filing legislation this session to fill the void that currently exists in Florida law when it comes to high speed rail safety. The unanimous support the bill received in committee today highlights the importance of ensuring that all Floridians are protected from accidents and injuries at dangerous high speed rail crossings across the state. This is not just about our community which will be negatively impacted. This legislation will address public safety concerns in any community across the state. This bill also addresses another very important issue—cost. Any so-called privately funded project should not shift costs to the taxpayers.” 
CARE FL is a coalition created by a group of concerned community leaders, organizations and neighbors in South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Our group continues to grow. We share a common goal: Protecting the safety, welfare and way of life for the families, businesses and retirees who live in and around our communities. To learn more about CARE FL’s concerns, visit www.saveourfl.com and follow us on Twitter @CARE_FL or like us on Facebook.

Florida Lottery's first CASH4LIFE winner claims $1 million prize

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Fernandina Beach man wins big in new multi-state Draw game!

The Florida Lottery announces that Lawrence Albertie, 61, of Fernandina, claimed a $1 million prize in the new multi-state Draw game CASH4LIFE®. Albertie is Florida’s first CASH4LIFE winner.
“I usually pick up a Scratch-Off ticket when I stop for my morning coffee, but I decided to try my luck at something new,” said Albertie. “Something inside told me I was going to win, but I still can’t believe I’m Florida’s first CASH4LIFE winner!”
Albertie purchased his winning ticket from Flash Foods, located at 925-A South 14th Street in Fernandina Beach. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning CASH4LIFE ticket. Total ticket sales for CASH4LIFE have generated over $1.6 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).
The Lottery added CASH4LIFE® to its portfolio of games beginning on Friday, February 17. This popular multi-state game offers two lifetime prizes, with the chance to win $1,000 a Day for Life or $1,000 a Week for Life.  Florida is the ninth state to join CASH4LIFE, and game sales are expected to raise millions of additional dollars for education in Florida, and increase commissions to the Lottery’s more than 13,000 retailers.
The next CASH4LIFE drawing will be held Thursday, March 16, at 9:00 p.m., ET in New Jersey Lottery Headquarters studio. Live drawings may be viewed on www.livestream.com/CASH4LIFE, and on flalottery.com. CASH4LIFE winning numbers will also be available at www.flalottery.com, at Florida Lottery retailers statewide, and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY. Also, you may register here to receive CASH4LIFE winning numbers and other Lottery information by email or text message.

RoadWatch Advisory: Lane Closure US 17/92 at Ernie Caldwell Boulevard Extension

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FDOT Header
POLK COUNTY
US 17/92 at Ernie Caldwell Blvd. in Davenport: Maintenance permit project: Expect lane closures at night/overnight, Wednesday, March 15 as crews test the pavement and work on final items. Use caution and watch for flaggers directing traffic. This project includes adding turn lanes and shoulders on US 17/92 at the extension of Ernie Caldwell Boulevard, approximately two miles south of CR 54 (Ronald Reagan Parkway). Project completion expected by the end of March.

State Preserves More than 3,800 Acres of Environmentally Sensitive Ranch Lands in Four Florida Counties

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The Governor and Cabinet today approved the preservation of 3,846 acres of environmentally sensitive ranch lands in Polk, Hardee, Martin and St. Lucie counties through cost-effective conservation easements, which prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. The purchases are a part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which partners with Florida’s farmers and ranchers to preserve active agricultural operations and their immense economic and environmental benefits.
“Florida’s population is projected to reach nearly 34 million by 2070, and this growth will put additional pressure to develop more and more of our world-renowned natural spaces,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Partnering with Florida’s farmers and ranchers through conservation easements is a cost-effective way to preserve these invaluable pieces of our rural economy and environment for future generations.”
Today’s partnerships increase the total land preserved by the program to 31,495 acres over 35 conservation easements. Since 2011, the current Governor and Cabinet have approved the acquisition of 28 projects totaling 27,910 acres, a more than 770 percent increase in acres preserved by the program. Additional details on today’s purchases can be found here.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services created the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program in 2001 to protect working agricultural lands threatened by other uses, such as development.
The goals of the program include:

  • Protecting valuable agricultural lands;
  • Creating conservation easements that ensure sustainable agricultural practices;
  • Preventing conversion to non-agricultural land uses in the rural base of Florida; and
  • Helping to protect natural resources in conjunction with these agricultural operations.

Florida agriculture has an overall economic impact estimated at more than $120 billion annually, making it the state’s second largest industry. The agriculture industry supports more than 2 million jobs in Florida.
More information on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is available here.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

New Program at Stetson University Helps Adults Finish Degree

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Research shows adults with 4-year degree highly competitive in market

More than seven million jobs are unfilled in the United States even with nine million unemployed workers nationwide, and the number of unfilled jobs is projected to increase to 21 million by 2020, according to the Council of Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). Closer to home, more than 60 percent of positions in Florida will require a post-secondary education but less than 32 percent of Florida workers have an associate’s degree or higher, as evidenced by U.S. Census Public Use Microdata Sample information.
From these statistics, it is apparent that workers with a bachelor’s degree are highly competitive in this job market. To help fill the need for qualified workers, in May 2017, Stetson University will offer a Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership, a new adult degree completion program in the Office of Academic Affairs. Designed especially for adults with an associate’s degree or 60 transferable college credits, this program helps those who — for whatever reason — never finished a four-year degree.
“The organizational leadership major is a high-touch, liberal arts leadership major with some business content,” said Shawnrece D. Campbell, Ph.D., program director and chair, “that emphasizes the use of ethics, creativity, critical thinking, communication literacy and cultural competence to support the data-driven decision-making 21st century leaders use for solving complex problems.”
To accommodate the busy lives and professional commitments of most adult students, all courses are offered with a blend of online and in-person work. Cohorts of 15-25 students will enter the program and take courses together through the completion of the program, meeting nights and weekends. The cohort format allows students to forge a supportive educational foundation while accomplishing their goals.
In addition to a Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership, Stetson will offer five industry-specific focus areas:

  • Healthcare/public health
  • Financial services
  • Hospitality and entertainment
  • Information technology
  • Nonprofit and government

“The program also allows students to earn up to 16 credits for the years of learning they obtained outside of the college classroom,” said Campbell. “We’re serious about helping adult learners reach their goals and providing adult students with a way of turning experiential learning into valuable college credits puts them one step closer to finishing what they started.”
For more information, call 386-822-7100, email [email protected] or visit Stetson.edu/adc. Upcoming information sessions include Wednesday, March 15, 6 p.m., Rinker Welcome Center, 529 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, Fla., 32723; and Thursday, March 30, 6-7:30 p.m., register for the live webinar online.
About Stetson University
Founded in 1883, Stetson University is the oldest private university in Florida, providing a transforming education in the liberal arts tradition. Stetson stresses academic excellence and community-engaged learning, and consistently earns high marks in national rankings. Stetson encourages its students to go beyond success to significance in their lives, the lives of others and their communities. Stay connected with Stetson on social media.

Diaz Posts Strong Fundraising Numbers

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Manny Diaz

Since filing to run for the Senate in November, State Representative Manny Diaz has raised over $105,000, including $27,000 in March, prior to the start of the legislative session.

The Manny Diaz for Senate Campaign today announced it raised $27,000 during the first few days of March, continuing his strong fundraising since filing for the District 36 Senate race in November. In total, he has raised over $105,000. Diaz is currently serving his third term representing District 103 in the Florida House of Representatives.
“We are off to a strong start this year, and I am very grateful for those who are investing in our platform of education reform and a stronger economy,” said Diaz. “I look forward to continuing to work hard in the House this session for needed job growth and to make sure Florida provides our young people with the best education options possible.”
Since his election to the House over four years ago, Diaz has established himself as an education reform leader. This year, he is serving as the Chair of the PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee.
About Manny Diaz for State Senate
Manny Diaz Jr. is a lifelong resident of Hialeah and Miami Lakes and is a highly regarded career educator. He has served as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal in Miami-Dade schools and helped start a small business to provide students with specialized and focused tutoring services. In 2012, he was elected to represent District 103 in the Florida House of Representatives.
ON THE WEB:  www.votemannydiazjr.com

Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved
by Manny Diaz, Republican, for State Senate

Florida Mosquito Control Association and Rep. Caldwell to Discuss Upcoming Mosquito Season and Risk for Return of Zika

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FMCA
On Wednesday, March 15, the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) will be holding a press conference with Rep. Matt Caldwell to discuss the upcoming mosquito season, the risk for another and potentially larger Zika outbreak this year and the need for increased investment in control measures and research.
WHO: Representative Matt Caldwell
Andrea Leal – Executive Director, Florida Keys Mosquito Control District
Florida Mosquito Control Association members
WHEN: Wednesday, March 15 at 9:30 a.m. ET
WHERE: House Room 333 – “The Press Room”

Gov. Scott and Volunteer Florida Present Champion of Service Award at Florida Cabinet Meeting

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3.14.2017 Champion of Service
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman awarded David Eischeid with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am honored to present David with the Champion of Service Award today. I applaud David’s commitment to the well-being of Florida’s children and families. His hard work with The Children’s Home Network has helped improved lives throughout his community.”
Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Chester W. Spellman said, “Volunteer Florida is proud to recognize David for his tireless commitment to Florida’s at-risk children and underserved families.  We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize his service to children and families.”
About the Champion of Service
David Eischeid served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Children’s Home Network from 2013-2016. Under David’s leadership, The Children’s Home Network established a new maternity home for pregnant or parenting teens within the foster care system that can serve up to 20 teens; expanded its residential program to serve children and youth needing relocation to other areas of the country; and expanded services into Osceola County and Orange County.
Volunteer Florida is the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida, administering more than $32 million in federal, state, and local funding to deliver high-impact national service and volunteer programs in Florida. Volunteer Florida promotes and encourages volunteerism to meet critical needs across the state. Volunteer Florida also serves as Florida’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters. For more information, visit: www.volunteerflorida.org.