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SR 655 (Recker Highway) Over CSX Railroad Public Meeting Scheduled

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is hosting an alternatives public meeting as part of the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study of a new overpass to carry State Road 655 (Recker Highway) over the CSX railroad in Auburndale. The study limits are Recker Highway from east of Barton Park Road to US 92 and Thornhill Road from Recker Highway to one-half mile south of Recker Highway.

The public meeting is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Auburndale Civic Center, 115 West Park Street in Auburndale. The meeting offers people the opportunity to express their views about the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of constructing a Recker Highway overpass.

FDOT will display information about construction of a new overpass and will show a video explaining the alternatives that will play continuously. The meeting will be an open house format where people can ask questions and provide comments to FDOT representatives in a one-on-one setting. Written comments will be accepted. For more information about the PD&E study, please visit the project website www.swflroads.com/sr655/recker/overcsx.

FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Patrick Bateman, E.I., FDOT project manager, at 863-519-2792 or [email protected]. We need one week advance notice to make arrangements.

Florida Lottery Scratch-Off sales exceed $100 million for second consecutive week

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Over $19 Million in Total Education Contributions for the Week

For the second consecutive week, the Florida Lottery’s contributions to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) exceeded $19 million from Scratch-Off sales alone.  Total Scratch-Off sales for the week reached $103.23 million, with total sales overall hitting $141.28 million.  Additionally, this marks the second consecutive week in Florida Lottery history that Scratch-Off sales exceeded $100 million in a single week.
“The consistent Scratch-Off sales demonstrated by the Florida Lottery over the past two weeks are integral to our mission to generate as much revenue as possible towards public education,” said Secretary Tom Delacenserie. “The Lottery remains committed to providing Florida’s students with the opportunities they need to be successful in school and in life.”
Over the past 29 years, the Florida Lottery has established itself as a dependable funding source for public education. For 15 consecutive years the Lottery has transferred more than $1 billion to education, while remaining one of the most efficient lotteries in the nation. Additionally, the Lottery has contributed more than $5 billion to the Bright Futures Scholarship Program to send over 750,000 students to college.
Florida Lottery contributions represent approximately six percent of the state’s total education budget. Lottery funds are appropriated by the Florida Legislature and are administered by the Florida Department of Education.

Gov. Scott and Florida Cabinet Issue Resolution Recognizing Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

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During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and the Cabinet of the State of Florida issued a resolution recognizing March 30, 2017 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.
Governor Rick Scott said, “We must take every opportunity to recognize the brave men and women who served in our armed forces and defended our country. Florida is committed to being the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation and we must give back to those who sacrificed for our freedom.”
Colonel Glenn Sutphin, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “Our country’s brave Vietnam Veterans stepped up to defend our country during a time where military service was underappreciated. Our troops kept faith and proudly served our great country. In Florida, we proudly welcomed them home 50 years ago and continue to honor their service today.”
WHEREAS, throughout our history, courageous men and women have donned the uniform of our Armed Forces and built a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Defense is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War to thank and honor veterans of that war on behalf of a grateful nation; and
WHEREAS, more than 58,000 service members, including more than 1,900 from Florida, made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War, and 1,617 remain missing in action, including 56 from Florida; and
WHEREAS, the families and friends of missing service members continue to endure uncertainty concerning the fate of their loved ones who remain unaccounted for; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida is home to more than 506,000 Vietnam-era veterans; and
WHEREAS, the Sunshine State honors its Vietnam Veterans with the Florida Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Tallahassee, Vietnam War Veteran license plate, and high school diplomas for draftees unable to complete their education; and
WHEREAS, we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those historic men and women who served, were wounded, or even died in battle, and this presents the opportunity for the people of the Sunshine State to honor and thank our Vietnam Veterans for their service to our country. 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby recognize March 30, 2017 as 

WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida encourage citizens to participate in local Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day activities honoring the men and women who have stood watch over America.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 14th day of March 2017.

                                                   

RICK SCOTT
GOVERNOR

                                                   

PAM BONDI
ATTORNEY GENERAL

                                                   

JEFF ATWATER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

                                                   

ADAM. H. PUTNAM
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE

UWF Innovation Institute and FloridaShines to host Virtual College Week

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FloridaShines, Florida’s student hub of innovative educational services, will host its first Virtual College Week on April 4-6. FloridaShines is managed by the University of West Florida Innovation Institute and is hosting the three-day event after a successful Virtual College Night last fall.
“FloridaShines has everything students need to get ready for college,” said Nashla Dawahre, assistant director of advising and student services. “Our online event offers several different webinars covering a range of subjects from college admissions to financial aid and career planning.”
Representatives from the Florida College System, State University System, Florida Department of Education and other topic experts will present during the three-day event. The Virtual College Week is free and open to Florida high school juniors and seniors, parents and counselors looking for information on preparing for college, including where to go, what degree to earn and how to pay for it without breaking the bank.
Virtual College Week webcast sessions include:
April 4: High School Counselors: Guidance for Guidance
April 5: High School Students: College 101
April 6: Parents: Surviving College With Your Students
To register or for more information, visit www.FloridaShines.org.
About FloridaShines
FloridaShines exists to empower all of Florida’s 20 million residents to earn a college degree and find a bright career, by providing an array of FREE online tools to help students succeed in school and prepare for careers. FloridaShines works with the state’s 40 colleges and universities and other partners to help students succeed in school and beyond. Plan for their education and to succeed in the world of work. All these services are designed to help students shine.
About the UWF Innovation Institute
We are re-imaging how millions of people experience learning by exploring, designing, prototyping and delivering innovation for education. We collaborate with and serve University of West Florida, partner organizations and institutions across the state of Florida who want to improve learning for the entire Florida education system. We are a trusted partner that provides research-driven, customer-centric, systems-thinking approach to sustainable innovation.

Sterling Ivey appointed FDLE public information officer

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Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Ivey to the position of communications coordinator in FDLE’s Office of External Affairs. In this role, Mr. Ivey will serve as a FDLE spokesperson and will be responsible for coordinating news releases, interviews, press conferences and internal communications.
Mr. Ivey has over 15 years of communications experience working in private and public sectors, most recently serving as the VP of corporate communications for SunTrust Banks. He has been a press secretary for the Florida Department of Agriculture and the Florida Governor’s Office and served as a communications director for the Florida Department of State and Florida Department of Corrections.
He holds a B.A. degree in Communications from University of South Florida.
He joins FDLE PIOs Gretl Plessinger, Jessica Cary and Angela Starke and may be reached at 850-410-7001 or email him at [email protected]

RoadWatch Advisory: Lane Closure at SR 78 over Kissimmee River Bridge

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OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
SR 78 over Kissimmee River Bridge:  Construction project: Motorists should expect alternating eastbound and westbound lane closures on SR 78 over Kissimmee River Bridge for the duration of this project. Traffic will be reduced to one lane during construction, and motorists will take turns crossing the bridge. Traffic control lights will be used to notify motorists of their turn to cross the bridge. The travel lane will be reduced to 12 feet during construction, so wide loads will not be able to cross the bridge. This lane closure is necessary for crews to make necessary updates to the bridge. Improvements include updating the bridge infrastructure, replacing the deck grating and refreshing the paint. Motorists should expect delays and use caution as crews work in the roadway. Work is expected to be completed in summer 2017.

Legislation to Keep BP Oil Funds in Northwest Florida Passes First Senate Committee

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The Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism, chaired by Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee), today passed Senate Bill 364, The Recovery Fund for the Deepwater Horizon Incident. The legislation, sponsored by Senator George Gainer (R-Panama City), Senator Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola), and Senator Montford, will ensure funds received in the settlement of the state’s economic damage claims caused by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill remain in Northwest Florida’s eight disproportionately affected counties.
“Our constituents are counting on us to ensure these critical settlement funds are distributed in a transparent manner,” said Senator Gainer. “This legislation requires all currently-held and future settlement payments to be transferred directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., where we have proper checks and balances in place to ensure accountability.”
Under current law, the eight disproportionately affected counties are to receive 75 percent of all economic damage settlement funds received by the state. Senate Bill 364 appropriates the initial settlement payment directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., and appropriates future settlement payments directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., no later than 30 days after they are received by the state.
“Triumph Gulf Coast provides Northwest Florida with a historic opportunity to create a comprehensive economic improvement plan and a pathway to complete recovery from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. This legislation ensures we can begin that process in timely manner by transferring funds directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc.,” said Senator Broxson.
The eight Florida counties disproportionately affected by the Deepwater Horizon Spill include: Bay County, Escambia County, Franklin County, Gulf County, Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, Walton County and Wakulla County.
“Families and businesses in our communities are still feeling the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. This important legislation will make certain these critical settlement funds are allocated in a thoughtful and deliberative manner that will provide for ongoing and long-term economic recovery,” said Senator Montford. “Additionally, this legislation ensures that even our small disproportionately affected counties have representation on the Triumph Board.”
In 2013, under the leadership of former Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville), the Florida Senate developed legislation (Senate Bill 1024), sponsored by current Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart), which created Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. to ensure that economic damage settlement funds coming to the state would both benefit the eight disproportionately affected counties and be properly accounted for. Under this legislation, the Triumph Gulf Coast Board, chaired by former Florida House Speaker Allen Bense, is responsible for utilizing the settlement proceeds to promote job creation through lasting economic development.
Currently, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Chief Financial Officer, each appoint one board member. Senate Bill 364 was amended today to expand the number of board members from five to seven. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives will each appoint an additional private sector member from one of the four least populous disproportionately affected counties, so that two such counties are represented on the board.
Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. is tasked to work with local governments to make awards to programs and projects that meet the priorities for economic recovery, diversification, and enhancement of the disproportionately affected counties. This includes economic development projects, grants to support programs of excellence that prepare students for future occupations, as well as infrastructure projects. The corporation is required to abide by the state’s public record laws and public meeting notice requirements.

Press Conference with Sen. Linda Stewart, Democratic Leader Janet Cruz, & Rep. Lori Berman

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Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando), Democratic Leader Janet Cruz (D-Tampa), and Representative Lori Berman (D-Lantana) will hold a press conference and rally tomorrow to gain support for their Equal Pay for Equal Work bills, SB 410/HB 319.
Named the “Helen Gordon Davis Fair Pay Protection Act” in honor of Helen Gordon Davis for her hard work in the field of equal pay, the bill hopes to strengthen state laws in this arena. If enacted, the bills would specify which factors employers can use to decide to pay employees differently, such as education or experience based on seniority or merit, and would prohibit employers from screening job applicants based on prior wages. It would also bar employers from taking retaliatory action against an employee who discloses their wages to a coworker and prohibits employers from discrimination towards employees based on their sex or gender identity.
Rallies in support of the legislation are also taking place in Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and St. Augustine tomorrow.
Who: Senator Linda Stewart, Democratic Leader Janet Cruz, & Representative Lori Berman
What: Press Conference & Rally
When: Tuesday, March 14, 12:00pm
Where: Outside the Senate Chamber
4th Floor Rotunda
The Capitol

Governor Scott Signs SB 280 – Sentencing for Capital Felonies into Law

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Governor Rick Scott today signed the following bill into law.

SB 280 – Sentencing for Capital Felonies – The bill amends Florida’s death penalty sentencing process to require a jury’s recommendation of a sentence of death to be unanimous. 

To view a copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.