Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will be in Florida City, Fla. on Thursday morning to visit the incident response center that is conducting expanded surveillance and response related to the recent New World screwworm detection in Homestead. He will be available to media to discuss the screwworm eradication program in Florida.
Event: Media availability with Commissioner Adam H. Putnam
Date: Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Home 2 Suites
77 NE 3rd St.
Florida City, Fla. 33034
Please note that the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be arranging an event for media to witness the sterile fly release, and details will be forthcoming.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com or call 1-800-HELP-FLA.
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Department of Education Celebrates Braille Literacy Month at Tallahasee Elementary School
Walter Blackmon of the Florida Division of Blind Services reads “The Three Little Pigs”
in braille to the several pre-k students at Conley Elementary for Braille Literacy Month.
In honor of National Braille Literacy Month, staff from the Florida Department of Education’s (FDOE) Division of Blind Services (DBS) read the braille version of “The Gingerbread Man” to 60 Pre-K students at J. Michael Conley Elementary School in Tallahassee.
Following the reading, students learned about the varying levels of blindness, as they participated in activities using vision simulators. The students were later presented with copies of their names written in braille and the braille alphabet.
Students in Mrs. Jaime Cox’s pre-k class feel the braille on the pages of a book
during a reading at Conley Elementary School for Braille Literacy Month.
Through FDOE, students with visual disabilities work with teachers who are trained specifically in visual impairments to learn important skills such as reading braille and how to navigate the classroom using a cane or a guide dog.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
For more information about the Division of Blind Services, visit www.dbs.fldoe.org
Nelson to lead new Senate panel on cybersecurity
In the wake of Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 election, the Senate Armed Services Committee announced today that it has formed a new subcommittee to focus on cyber threats facing the United States.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), a senior member of the Armed Services Committee and a former member of the Senate’s Intelligence Committee, will serve as the top Democrat on the new panel. He says that in addition to ensuring the proper policies, strategies and resources are in place to defend the U.S. in cyberspace, the new subcommittee will hold the administration accountable if they fail to adequately respond to a future attack.
“You can’t just sit on your hands and do nothing,” Nelson said. “If we’re going to deter our enemies from attacking us, we have to make it painfully obvious that the consequences are going to be so severe that they won’t want to do it in the first place.”
Attorney General Bondi Issues Statement on Florida Supreme Court Decision in McCall v. Scott
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued the following statement in response to the Florida Supreme Court’s decision today to deny the review of a case challenging Florida’s Tax Credit Scholarship Program:
“Today, the Florida Supreme Court declined to review McCall v. Scott, a case dismissed by the lower court challenging the constitutionality of Florida’s Tax Credit Scholarship Program. I am pleased that the lower court’s decision will stand, and that this important program will continue to provide educational opportunities for children of families that have limited financial resources. Today is a great victory for our children.”
To view the Florida Supreme Court’s decision, click here.
Florida Supreme Court: New Posting, 1/18/2017, 2:10 p.m. ET
New material has been posted to the Supreme Court website in:
1. Florida Power & Light v. Miami-Dade County (motion to stay mandate in nuclear power case)
Follow the links at: http://www.floridasupremecourt.org.
Statement by Gov. Jeb Bush on Florida Supreme Court Decision on McCall vs. Scott
Governor Jeb Bush released the following statement today on the Florida Supreme Court’s decision to not hear McCall vs. Scott.
“Today’s ruling marks a monumental moment in the lives of the more than 90,000 students who are able to receive a quality education through Florida’s Tax-Credit Scholarship program.
“The Florida Supreme Court’s decision on the case is also a powerful reminder to entrenched special interests that when policymakers work hand-in-hand with Florida’s families, students win.
“It is my hope that opponents of Florida’s efforts to help our most vulnerable students will stop impeding successful reforms and join us in ensuring all students have access to excellent educational options.”
Senator Artiles & Representative Avila File Legislation To Strengthen Property Owners Rights
State Senator Frank Artiles and State Representative Bryan Avila filed SB-226 to continue to strengthen property owners’ rights and continue to promote efficiency and integrity in the Value Adjustment Board Process.
“After successfully passing legislation last Session to improve the efficiency of the Value Adjustment Board, I wish to continue my work to make sure we have the most efficient process in place” said Representative Avila.
The bill seeks to increase from $500 to $5000 of value the longstanding property tax exemption for widows, widowers, blind or totally disabled persons. It would also allow Property Appraisers to waive penalties and interest on homestead exemption and senior exemption liens only when good cause is shown in circumstances where there was no intent to illegally avoid the payment of taxes. Another great component of the bill is that it would empower condominium owners to affirmatively decide whether they want to appeal their assessment to the Value Adjustment Board.
FAMU Legend Bob Hayes to be Honored by NFL at Super Bowl LI
Rattler Football Great Among 29 HBCU Legends to be Recognized in February
Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes, undoubtedly the greatest male student-athlete produced by the legendary athletic program at Florida A&M University (FAMU), will be among the 29 historically Black college and university (HBCU) gridiron greats honored in February by the National Football League (NFL) during the Super Bowl LI festivities in Houston, Texas.
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.
The NFL announced that its celebration of the influence of HBCUs and their players will continue at this year’s Super Bowl, where it will honor the 29 Pro Football Hall of Fame players who attended HBCUs, culminating with an on-field, pregame ceremony featuring the Hall of Famers at NRG Stadium on Sunday, February 5, 2017.
Hayes was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in July 2009, seven years after his death in September of 2002, at the age of 59. The legendary two-sport Rattler was credited by many with revolutionizing the game of professional football with his world-class sprinter’s speed. In addition to a successful career with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and a stint with the San Francisco 49ers, Hayes was an Olympic gold medalist, and earned the nicknames, “Bullet Bob” and “World’s Fastest Human.”
FAMU’s Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., expressed the University’s appreciation for the NFL’s commitment to HBCUs, and for the unique way it will honor one of the institution’s most beloved sons.
“I commend the NFL for honoring Bob Hayes along with the other well-deserving HBCU greats,” Robinson said. “I look forward to representing FAMU and Rattler sports at one of the world’s most widely viewed athletic events.”
He added, “The University has worked with the NFL on several previous occasions, including our Marching ‘100’s’ performance at Super Bowl XLI with the late music legend, Prince. We look forward to a growing and fruitful relationship with one of the most influential brands in the world.”
In a recent statement, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent said, “the HBCU influence on the NFL goes beyond the evolution of the game and reaches deep into the very fabric of football.”
“Our partnership with the HBCUs is an important initiative which celebrates the tremendous legacy fostered by these institutions that continue to contribute a standard of excellence and character for our game,” Vincent said.
Florida Supreme Court: New Posting, 1/18/2016, 9:10 a.m. ET
New material has been posted to the Supreme Court website in:
- Joanne McCall v. Rick Scott (challenge to tax credit scholarship dismissed)
Follow the links at: http://www.floridasupremecourt.org.
Pensacola Hair Salon Receives PSC’s Triple E Award
As one of Pensacola’s largest full-service salons, 10th Avenue Hair Designs is accustomed to making its residents feel beautiful. This family and community minded salon, however, recently turned its attention to making itself more beautifully energy efficient, thereby earning the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Triple E Award—for Energy Efficiency Efforts for the month of January.
“Due to equipment use, such as washing machines, blow dryers, pedicure chairs, and other equipment, salons and spas can consume a lot of energy on a daily basis,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “The PSC is pleased that 10th Avenue Hair Designs has worked on improving its energy use, which not only saves the salon energy but hopefully saves its customers money too.”
“Salons are one of the most energy intensive small businesses, and this energy consumption also brings a financial burden with it,” said Dale Moore, salon owner. “While we can’t completely, eliminate energy and water consumption in our operations, we can reduce our consumption, which is what we’ve done to become a more eco-friendly salon.”
With the help of Gulf Power, 10th Avenue Hair Designs had two Integrated Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) installed replacing two existing gas water heaters in the attic. HPWHs use the ambient surrounding air to collect and gather heat and transfer it to heat water. Since HPWHs cannot operate in the conventional attic because of the extreme temperatures, the hair salon also decided to foam seal the attic, making the upgrade ideal. The new heat pump water heaters are 3.4 times more efficient compared to any conventional gas or electric heater.
“We worked with 10th Avenue Hair Designs—with more than 30 years serving the Gulf Coast—to improve energy efficiency and cut costs,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power spokesperson. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and Gulf Power continues to offer Energy Checkups to help local businesses learn about energy efficiency and cut 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 10th Avenue Hair Designs
Dale and Sheila Moore, owners of 10th Avenue Hair Designs are committed to making sure your visit is perfect. They’re constantly striving to provide the best products and services to the Pensacola area. For more information, visit the website: http://10thavenuehair.com/, or call 850-433-5207.
For more information about Gulf Power’s Energy Checkup and other energy efficient programs, visit MyGulfPower.com or call 1-877-655-4001.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
