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Florida scrub-jays will be in the spotlight at Feb. 18 festival

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Picture a light gray-brown bird with a bright blue head, wings and tail. That’s how you can recognize the Florida scrub-jay, the only bird that lives nowhere else but in Florida.
Come celebrate this songbird at the 8th annual Florida Scrub-Jay Festival on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, about 12 miles south of Stuart on U.S. 1.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the festival will offer guided walks, exhibits, swamp buggy and hay rides, kids’ activities, entertainment and food. There will be an opportunity to meet Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff and partners that are helping conserve this threatened species. The FWC is one of the festival’s organizers.
The Florida scrub-jay is distinctive because of its unusually cooperative family lifestyle.
“The Florida scrub-jay lives in family groups composed of a breeding pair that mates for life and its offspring. Young scrub-jays often stay with their parents for one or more years and act as helpers to defend the family’s territory and raise young. Breeding pairs with helpers successfully raise more young than lone pairs,” said Craig Faulhaber, the FWC’s avian conservation coordinator.
“Because Florida scrub-jays are very territorial and don’t migrate, people may get the chance to watch events in the life of a scrub-jay family throughout the year. Family members work together to defend territories averaging 25 acres from other scrub-jay families, with at least one member always on the lookout for predators,” said Faulhaber.
The Florida scrub-jay is one of the many wildlife species you may spot at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. It needs sandy scrub habitat to survive, but its populations have been impacted by habitat loss, agriculture and the lack of natural or prescribed fire to maintain vegetation height and sandy openings on scrub lands. Scrub-jay populations are thought to have declined by as much as 90 percent since the late 1800s.
What is its call like? More like a screech than a song, since it is related to species like the crow.Hear the sound of a Florida scrub-jay by going to AllAboutBirds.org and searching for Florida scrub-jay.
People can help Florida scrub-jays by:

Find out more about Florida scrub-jays by going to MyFWC.com/Imperiled, clicking on “Listed Species,” “Birds” and then “Florida scrub-jay.”
 

UNF Roy Lassiter Hall Building Dedication Honors Founding Faculty Member

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The University of North Florida will dedicate English Hall, Building 8, as Roy Lassiter Hall, honoring Vice President Emeritus and founding faculty member Roy Lassiter Jr., at noon Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Adam W. Herbert University Center, Building 43, Grand Banquet Hall, Room 1044, for his leadership to the campus community during its early development stages.
Building 8 is an academic and business center for students. It not only houses the Department of English, Writing Program and Language Computer Lab but also Business Services, Property Department, Ticket Box Office, UPS Store, Osprey 1Card and Chick-fil-A.
In 1970, Lassiter joined the University while the institution was still in its infancy. He was there as city and state leaders broke ground to build the first four buildings on campus, and he was there in 1972, when the University opened as an upper classman only-institution with merely 2,027 students.
During his time at UNF, Lassiter served as the University’s first vice president for Academic Affairs and also served as the dean of Faculties as well as a professor of economics. Throughout his seven years at UNF, Lassiter was instrumental in shaping and developing the University as he took part in the planning, staffing, development and operations of the institution.
He was selected by the City of Jacksonville’s Human Relations Commission in 1974 to receive the individual award for development and direction of UNF’s outstanding affirmative action program. Lassiter’s commitment to affirmative action was demonstrated through his actions in staffing at the University and through his numerous publications on the subject.
A few of his publications include “Association of Income and Education for Males by Region, Race and Age,” “Structural Changes in Agricultural Finance in Southeastern Florida” and “Affirmative action at the University of North Florida.”
In the late 70s, Lassiter accepted the position of executive vice chancellor of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee, which was comprised of six universities, 10 community colleges and had more than 84,000 enrolled students.
He was very involved in the community, including serving as president of the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities, member of the Board of Trustees and vice president of the Jacksonville Hospitals Educational Program, Inc. and a member of the Governor’s Council on Criminal Justice, to name a few.
Lassiter is listed in the “American Men of Science,” “Who’s Who in the South and Southwest” and “Contemporary Authors.” Lassiter received both his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, with honors, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, Agricultural Economics and Statistics from the University of Florida.
UNF, a nationally ranked university located on an environmentally beautiful campus, offers students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others the opportunity to build their own futures through a well-rounded education.

Florida A&M University Football Legend Bob Hayes Honored at Super Bowl LI

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Interim President Robinson, Hayes Family Attend Game, Events Honoring 29 HBCU Greats

Just minutes before Super Bowl LI kicked off in Houston, Texas, fans cheered during an emotional pregame, on-field tribute to 29 NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame players, including Florida A&M University (FAMU) legend Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes. The late two-sport Rattler is the only athlete to win a Super Bowl ring and Olympic gold medals.RobinsonHayesSisters
At the invitation of the NFL, FAMU’s Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and Hayes’ family members attended the game and a weekend of special events dedicated to trailblazers who attended historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Hayes died in 2002 at the age of 59. He was enshrined posthumously into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in July 2009.
“The crowd showed tremendous respect for Bob Hayes and all of the HBCU honorees,” Robinson said. “It touched me deeply. Bob’s family, as well as all Rattlers, should be extremely proud.”
Hayes’ sisters, Lucille Hester of Washington, D.C., and Georgette Sanders of Jacksonville, Florida, reflected on their brother’s legacy and the perseverance of HBCU athletes who succeeded without sophisticated equipment.
“They will inspire so many of the young ones to look up and say ‘this could be me,'” Hester said. “For Bob to be a part of the 29 is remarkable. We thank the FAMU family for their support and participation.”
Hayes enjoyed a successful career with the Dallas Cowboys and a stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Many credit the legendary Rattler with revolutionizing professional football with his world-class sprinter’s speed.
The names and photos of six late HBCU greats, including Hayes and Walter Payton of the Chicago Bears, were shown along with a video presentation at NRG Stadium before the other Hall of Fame players walked onto the field as an announcer called each of their names.
In December 2016, the NFL joined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) at the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia to kick off an enhanced partnership initiative titled, “Strength of HBCUs: Impacting Pro Football Since 1948.”
The goal of the partnership is to honor the history and impact of HBCUs and their players and increase career opportunities for students and athletic administrators at these institutions.
Photo (Left to right: Lucille Hester, Larry Robinson, Ph.D.,  and Georgette Sanders): On Sunday, Feb. 5, FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and Bob Hayes’ sisters Lucille Hester and Georgette Sanders celebrated his legacy and impact at NRG Stadium.

 

State Sen. Daphne Campbell files bill to add volunteer services hours for Bright Futures Scholarship renewals

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SB 540 revises the criteria for renewal of Bright Futures Scholarship Program
awards to include a minimum number of volunteer service work hours.

Senator Daphne Campbell (D-Miami) has filed SB 540 in order to encourage civic engagement and community connection among Bright Futures Scholarship recipients. The current scholarship renewal guidelines only specify requirements for credit hours and grade point average. If enacted, SB 540 would add an additional requirement of 30 volunteer hours per semester to maintain eligibility for the Bright Futures scholarship. The required volunteer hours can be fulfilled by activities with a variety of organizations such as: nonprofits, government agency, schools, hospitals, retirement facility, or a disabled or elderly individual in need of assistance. This requirement exempts active duty military members.
“This bill is about giving back to the community. As a public servant, I help my constituents on a daily basis and have learned the value of building engaged citizens. As the best and the brightest in our state, Bright Futures recipients are the ideal candidates to instill the values taught by public service,” said Senator Campbell regarding SB 540. “Just as the state has invested in them, through their community engagement, these bright young adults will begin giving back to the ones who need it most. This is what volunteering is all about.”
SB 540 has an identical companion, HB 253, filed by newly elected State Representative Nick Duran.

Hollywood Beach Golf Resort Featured as Florida Historic Golf Trail Course of the Month

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Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that the Hollywood Beach Golf Resort, located in the City of Hollywood in Broward County, has been chosen as the featured course on the Florida Historic Golf Trail for the month of February.
“We are pleased to feature the Hollywood Beach Golf Resort as a partner on the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Secretary Detzner. “This golf course has been an integral part of this city’s scenic beauty, and a local landmark for over 90 years.”
Hollywood Beach Golf Resort 2.6.2017

Image Courtesy of Hollywood Beach Golf Resort

Wally Nelson and noted golf course builder Charles Olsen were among the many individuals responsible for the early design of the Hollywood Beach golf course. Olsen took charge of the construction of the golf course, located on former agriculture fields, introduced some new features and added around 30 acres to the original tract. The first nine holes were completed and in play by the 1922, winter season. In the fall of 1922, Wally‘s older brother Lee Nelson, the professional in charge of the course, was spending most of his time on the course directing some of the finishing work and incorporating some late ideas into the final design. In early 1924, Lee and his younger brother Chic Nelson, who served as the assistant golf professional, organized the formal opening of the 18-hole golf course and the hotel.
Today, the 18-hole, par-70, golf course features four sets of tees playing from 4,900 to 6,300 yards. The picturesque course provides players with an experience reminiscent of old Florida that allows players to focus on their golf game and leave day-to-day distractions behind.
“The Hollywood Beach Golf Resort is honored to be selected as the Florida Historic Golf Trail’s featured course for February 2017,” said Josh McCumber, Director of Golf at Hollywood Beach Golf Resort. “The golf course at Hollywood Beach Golf combines the best of old and new, where Old Florida meets the 21st century.”
For more information about the Hollywood Beach Golf Resort or the Florida Historic Golf Trail program visit Hollywood Beach Golf Resort , Florida Historic Golf Trail or Facebook.com/FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.
About The Florida Historic Golf Trail
Florida’s golf history, recognized as one of the oldest in the nation, dates back to the late 1800s when a number of early courses were created along with the development of railroads and hotels in the state. The Florida Historic Golf Trail is a collection of more than 50 historic, publicly accessible golf courses throughout the state that can still be played on today. Through the Florida Historic Golf Trail, golfers can play on courses designed by world-class architects and played by famous golfers such as Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Babe Zaharias, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Information about the history and current day contact information for each partner course can be found at FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.com. Find the historic course near you and Come Play on History!
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. The Division Director’s office oversees a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites; coordinates outreach programs such as the State Historic Markers program and the Florida Folklife program which identifies and promotes the state’s traditional culture. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The Division Director 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, archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information visit flheritage.com.

Fishing line and tackle disposal – It’s about more than just monofilament

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“Gone Coastal” column
By Jill Christopherson

Fishing is a key component of the Florida lifestyle as well as the state’s economy. But fishing line and other fishing tackle frequently enter Florida’s aquatic systems as a result of incidental snags or improper disposal. When left in the aquatic environment, fishing line and tackle create potential traps for unsuspecting wildlife that can become entangled and snared, leading to injury and death.GoneCoastalLogo1
Monofilament is the most common type of fishing line, however, modern advances have produced several other varieties with higher tensile strength, reduced visibility and greater abrasion resistance. These newer, non-monofilament lines, such as braid and fluorocarbon, are fairly popular but not all of them can be recycled like monofilament fishing line, and they are commonly disposed of improperly.
How you can help
To help reduce the negative environmental impacts from improper disposal of all fishing line and tackle, anglers can follow these general guidelines:

  • Check line frequently for frays that may break easily.
  • Don’t leave bait unattended since pelicans, herons and other birds may attempt to take the bait from the line, which may result in entanglements.
  • Cast away from trees, utility lines, wildlife and areas where line may get caught.
  • If you see improperly discarded fishing line while you are out, pick it up and stow it to be disposed of later.

Anglers can purchase or make their own fishing line storage bins to keep with them while they are fishing so that line can be stored securely and out of the way. Products such as the Monomaster and Line Snatcher are designed to help anglers store their unwanted fishing line; however, homemade versions can also be made by cutting an “X” in the lid of something as simple as a tennis ball container or coffee can.
Monofilament recycling
Once on shore, monofilament and fluorocarbon line can be recycled in designated bins found at most boat ramps, piers and tackle shops. However, anglers should not use these bins to discard any other type of fishing line or leader material such as braid or wire. Also, the bins should not be used to discard any type of tackle, such as hooks, lures or soft plastics, which can injure other anglers discarding their fishing line or the individuals who empty the bins for recycling.
You can learn how to make your own monofilament recycling bin by visiting our FWC Saltwater Fishing YouTube channel or by participating in the statewide Monofilament Recovery & Recycling Program. For more information on the statewide Monofilament Recovery & Recycling Program, visit MRRP.MyFWC.com.
Disposing of non-monofilament
In addition to properly securing and recycling monofilament and fluorocarbon line, it is important to ensure that non-monofilament line and other tackle are disposed of appropriately. To discard non-monofilament line, such as braid or wire, cut the line into 12-inch or smaller pieces and place into a covered trash receptacle. Line placed in trash receptacles without lids can blow out into the environment or entangle wildlife that are foraging in the open trash receptacle.
When disposing of other tackle, such as hooks and lures, it is important to clip off sharp points to avoid injuring humans and wildlife that may come in contact with the discarded tackle. As part of the “Pitch It” campaign, soft plastic baits with the hook or jig head removed can be discarded in special program containers that are separate from monofilament recycling bins. Learn more about soft bait disposal and the “Pitch It” campaign by visiting Pledgetopitchit.org.
Remember, disposing of fishing line and tackle appropriately can reduce the risk of wildlife entanglement and help protect coastal habitats. To learn more about bird entanglement and how to unhook a bird, visit MyFWC.com/Unhook. To report entanglement of protected species, such as manatees and marine turtles, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 (FWCC) or dial *FWC on a cellphone.
Have a burning question about marine fisheries regulations? Want to know more about catch-and-release? We are here for you. Send your questions, photos and fishing tales to [email protected]. Make sure your photo meets our photo requirements by visiting MyFWC.com/Fishing and clicking on “Saltwater Fishing” and “Submit a photograph” under “Get Involved.” Don’t forget to record all of your catches on the iAngler phone app or at Snookfoundation.org. And learn how to submit your catches and get rewarded through our Saltwater Angler Recognition Programs at CatchaFloridaMemory.com.

Consumer Alert: Avoid Tax-Related Scams this Tax Season

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam encourages Floridians to be wary of tax-related scams during this tax season. According to the Internal Revenue Service, common scams include: tax preparer phishing scams, IRS-impersonator phone scams and e-mail phishing scams. Last year, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services received 31 tax-related complaints, with 17 specific to IRS scams.
“Tax season gives scam artists the perfect opportunity to steal consumers’ identities and hard-earned money,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Floridians should be vigilant this tax season and protect their personal information.”
Consumers should be aware of the following information in order to protect themselves from scams:

  • The IRS contacts taxpayers by mail in most cases and will never ask for a credit card, prepaid debit card, money order or wire transfer immediately over the phone.
  • Never give out personal information over the phone, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers or credit/debit card numbers without verifying the source. To ensure the source is legitimate, hang up and call the entity using its official number.
  • Floridians who are unsure about their tax situation can reach the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information. The call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Sen. Latvala and Rep. Brodeur to Hold Press Conference Announcing “Protect Florida Small Business” Act

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Senator Jack Latvala (R-Clearwater) and Representative Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) will hold a press conference to announce their introduction of the “Protect Florida Small Business Act,” an important piece of legislation to protect small business owners who operate franchises in Florida. Sen. Latvala and Rep. Brodeur will provide detailed information about the bill during the press conference, which will be held at 10:00 a.m. on the 4th floor of the Capitol Rotunda, outside the Senate Chambers.

What:  Press conference regarding filing of “Protect Florida Small Business” Act 

When:  Tuesday, February 7 at 10:00 am

Where:  4th Floor Rotunda, The Capitol

Gov. Scott announces more than $16 million in research grant awards to cure cancer and tobacco-related diseases

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Governor Rick Scott announced that over $16 million in research funding was awarded to 16 different projects through the Bankhead-Coley Cancer Research Program and the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program. These funds, dispersed among a number of universities and cancer research centers across the state, will support researchers in their efforts to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and to develop cures for cancer and tobacco-related diseases.
Governor Scott said, “Florida continues to be a leader in research and innovation, and I am proud to announce the recipients of more than $16 million for cancer research grants today. These important projects not only help us discover more about how to prevent and treat these terrible diseases, but also keep world-class researchers in our state. We all know someone who has been impacted by cancer, and I am proud to continue working with our incredible research institutes as we fight to find a cure.”
State Surgeon General and Secretary Dr. Celeste Philip said, “Cancer and tobacco related disease continue to impact too many of Florida’s families. Investing in Florida’s research institutions to effect change in the areas of prevention, diagnosis and treatment is critical to the future of health care innovation in our state.”
The following organizations received awards:

  • Florida A&M University – $94,810 for one project;
  • Florida Atlantic University – $622,683 for one project;
  • H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute – $7,162,380 for six projects;
  • University of Florida – $2,648,986 for two projects; and
  • University of Miami – $5,728,856 for six projects.

The funding supports a new series of projects related to cancer and tobacco-related diseases, including prevention and treatment, health disparities, treatment-related morbidities and the development of investigational new drugs. The cancer research focuses on the most common cancers such as breast, lung, skin and colon cancer. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) awarded these grants based on rigorous peer review. The application process was particularly competitive, with 201 researchers seeking funding.
Dr. Daniel Armstrong, Chair of the Biomedical Research Advisory Council said, “Each year we receive outstanding research proposals that help us move forward with the goals of our state biomedical research plan and this year was no different. I am excited to see how these projects will better the lives of Florida’s patients.
Dr. Christopher Cogle, Chair of the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council said, “Supporting cancer research through this funding helps advance our goal of finding cures for these devastating diseases. Our State continues to do a fantastic job of identifying meaningful projects to put our support behind and I’m grateful to be part of this process.”

Bradley files legislation to repeal Certificate of Need Program

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State Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) filed legislation today (SB 676) which would eliminate the Certificate of Need (CON) Program at the Agency for Health Care Administration.  Under existing law, health care providers must obtain a certificate of need prior to constructing new hospitals, nursing homes, hospices or intermediate care facilities in the state or to convert from one type of health care facility to another.  The CON program drives up health care costs by limiting health care choices for consumers.  In removing the program, Senate Bill 676 will shift the requirements from CON to licensure for new providers or facilities providing new services.
“By eliminating the state’s restrictive CON process we’ll increase competition and drive down the cost of health care for Floridians,” said Senator Bradley.  “For years, this cumbersome process has been used to block the expansion of facilities and restrict competition.  So, in addition to driving costs, we should also see a significant economic impact in terms of the creation of new jobs by removing this barrier.”
The Governor’s office is also backing Senator Bradley’s legislation.  Governor Rick Scott said, “I’ve traveled across our state and spoken with Floridians who have been charged unconscionable prices for procedures. This session, I want to fight to make the healthcare system fair for families and ensure health care works for patients and not for hospitals’ bottom lines. I look forward to working with Senator Bradley to champion this legislation as we continue to help bring greater access, quality, transparency and fairness to patients.”
The bill authorizes the Agency for Health Care Administration to develop licensure rules for new providers or facilities providing new services and sets guidelines for the licensure of hospitals and hospice facilities.