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First Students Graduate from Florida Polytechnic University

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Florida Polytechnic University graduated its first ever class during a historic commencement ceremony on campus Tuesday. Eighteen students received degrees in Innovation and Technology, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.
Florida Poly was established to be an innovative institution and powerful resource for economic advancement, training the next generation to be leaders and entrepreneurs in high-tech industries. Dedicated exclusively to applied learning and research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Florida Poly delivers a project-based curriculum focused on solving real-world challenges in collaboration with industry partners.
“Our goal is to produce highly capable and successful graduates; individuals who hit the ground running whether it’s at a company or research institution. Our graduates have the drive and ability to continuously learn and to apply their learning toward solving problems that will improve technology and advance society,” said Florida Poly Provost Dr. Terry Parker. “I applaud these students, our inaugural class of graduates, for their achievement in acquiring their respective degrees, and I look forward to following their ongoing success.”
Florida Poly opened in August 2014 with just over 550 students, including first-time freshmen, transfers and graduate students. In fall 2016, the student population topped 1,300 with an average high school GPA of 3.78 and average ACT and SAT scores of 26 and 1,672 respectively. Graduating its first class is not only a historic milestone for Florida’s newest university, but a required step in the process toward achieving regional accreditation.
“These graduates are among Florida Poly’s earliest pioneers,” said Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “It took ambition, vision and an entrepreneurial spirt to come to a brand-new university, and I have no doubt they will carry those same qualities into the workforce as leaders and business starters in high tech. I’m so excited to see all they will do in the years to come.”
Fifteen graduates attended the ceremony to receive their degrees, which took place in the second-floor Commons area of the Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building in Lakeland.
Florida Poly Graduate Gabriela Martines was the featured student graduation speaker. She has already been hired by Millennium Engineering and Integration Company to work on a NASA contract. Martines said being part of the inaugural graduating class is something she will always remember.
“I felt like I was making history when I first came to Florida Poly, and I feel like I’m doing so again as a member of the first graduating class,” said Martines, who majored in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Motion Intelligence. “The entire Florida Poly experience has taught me that with vision, collaboration and hard work, people can create great, new things and really make an impact. That’s one of the biggest takeaways I’m going to reflect on time and time again as I grow in my career.”
JD Alexander, Florida Poly’s founder and former Chairman of the Florida Senate Budget Committee, delivered the Inaugural Graduation commencement address.
“Only five short years ago, Florida Polytechnic University was just an idea. Today, we’re graduating our first class,” said Alexander. “It’s a remarkable achievement that all of us should take a great degree of pride in – the faculty, staff, supporters, partners, and most importantly, the students.”
Tuesday’s Inaugural Graduation ceremony is one of many significant milestones Florida Poly reached over the past academic year. Others include:

  • Enrolling more than 1,300 students – a record – for the fall 2016 semester.
  • Achieving “Candidacy for Accreditation” status by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
  • Partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation to create SunTrax, a high-tech hub for the research, development and testing of emerging transportation technologies.
  • Signing international agreements with universities and organizations in Morocco and Brazil to create study abroad and faculty exchange programs.

About Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University is the newest member of the State University System of Florida. Dedicated exclusively to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the University blends applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Faculty experts at Florida Polytechnic University provide insightful analysis, opinions and comments about a broad range of STEM and higher education subjects. To connect with Florida Poly faculty, click here. The campus, located in Lakeland, Fla. along the I-4 High Tech Corridor, opened for classes in the fall of 2014.

Grand Prize Drawing Held Today in Holiday MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE

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534 Prizes from $500 to $1 Million Were Won!

Holiday Millionaire RaffleThe Florida Lottery held the Grand Prize drawing for the Holiday MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE™ today . The one-million-dollar-winning ticket numbers, along with the location of where the tickets were purchased are listed below. In addition to the seven $1 million grand prizes, 527 other prizes ranging from $500 to $50,000 were awarded. All winning numbers are available on the Florida Lottery website at www.flalottery.com.
holiday-millionaire-raffle-results
In addition to today’s drawing, the Holiday MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE offered 2,500 $50 instant win prizes and five weekly drawings in which a total of ten $10,000 prizes, 250 $1,000 prizes, and 1,000 $500 prizes were won. With only 750,000 tickets available, the game offered the best odds of winning $1 million among all Lottery games currently on sale. For more information about Holiday MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE, visit flalottery.com.

RoadWatch Advisory: I-4/SR 559 Lane & Ramp Closures in Polk County

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Lane Closures on Eastbound I-4 and Westbound I-4 On-Ramp
CLOSED at the I-4/SR 559 Interchange, Exit 44

POLK COUNTY
I-4/SR 559 Interchange (Auburndale):  Construction project:
Temporary intermittent single and double lane closures are in place at night/overnight Tuesday, January 3 on eastbound I-4 at the I-4/SR 559 interchange. Single lane closures begin at 8 p.m. and double lane closures begin at 10 p.m. Expect delays.
Detour – Westbound I-4 On-Ramp CLOSED at the I-4/SR 559 Interchange:
Wednesday, January 4. Details below:
The contractor anticipates a temporary detour route at the I-4/SR 559 interchange at night/overnight Wednesday, January 4 between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. while crews place the final friction course on the ramp.
Motorists traveling on SR 559 wishing to enter westbound I-4 are directed to enter eastbound I-4, exit at CR 557/Lake Alfred, Exit 48, travel north on CR 557, enter westbound I-4, continue west on I-4.
Speeding fines double when workers are present. Project improvements include constructing a new bridge on SR 559 over I-4, expanding SR 559 from two lanes to four lanes from north of CR 559A to the westbound entrance ramp to I-4, shifting the eastbound lanes of I-4 to the south, installing lighting on SR 559, resurfacing the existing roadway, and improving drainage. Expected completion is early 2017. The contractor is Cone and Graham.

Commissioner Putnam Provides Tips for New Gym Memberships

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Many Floridians want to kick-off healthier habits in the new year with memberships to health studios. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today provided tips to educate consumers on what to look for when signing a new membership.
“January is an extremely popular time for consumers to join gyms, and I encourage Floridians to do their homework to ensure they get the most out of their memberships,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Commissioner Putnam urges consumers to consider the following before signing a membership:

  • Search the “Business/Complaint Lookup” at FreshFromFlorida.com or call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) to check if complaints were filed about the studio and how they were resolved.
  • Don’t join the first time you visit. Use the gym first to make sure it meets your needs, then take the contract home and read it thoroughly before signing. Be sure to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something.
  • It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid long contracts. Shop around to make sure you know what’s included in the membership.
  • Service fees, such as registration fees, processing or start-up fees, may be required. However, it must be considered a “reasonable and fair service fee,” meaning no more than 10 percent of the contract price.
  • Use a credit card, debit card or check to pay each month. Setting up an automatic withdrawal from checking accounts may result in problems if there is ever a dispute.
  • The contract should include a provision for penalty-free cancellation in writing within three days, exclusive of holidays and weekends, of signing a contract.

Under Florida’s Health Studio Act, health studios are required to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and to provide a bond or other financial security to protect consumers’ funds if the gym expectantly moves or closes. Additionally, if a gym closes or moves its facilities more than five miles away, it must provide access to an alternate facility of equal quality within five miles of its original location at no additional cost.
For additional information on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to verify a health studio’s registration status or to file a complaint, contact the department at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) for Spanish speakers, or visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Florida Lottery reaches $6.2 billion in sales during calendar year 2016

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The Florida Lottery has reached a new record of more than $6.2 billion in sales during calendar year 2016; surpassing the previous year’s sales by more than $411 million. The Lottery’s 2016 contributions to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) are expected to reach $1.6 billion, a 7% increase over last year.
“Ending 2016 with this never before reached sales record is a tremendous accomplishment for the Florida Lottery,” said Secretary Tom Delacenserie. “Not only do our players and retailers benefit, but more importantly, these record-breaking sales help provide more opportunities for Florida students to ensure they receive the very best education possible.”
This year’s record sales of more than $6.2 billion resulted in the Florida Lottery transferring an average of $135 million toward education every month during 2016.
The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its revenue back into the state’s economy. With $1.6 billion generated for education, more than $3.9 billion paid to prize winners, and $342 million in retailer bonuses and commissions paid to Florida businesses, the contributions made by the Lottery this calendar year will go a long way in moving the state forward.

Senator Tom Lee Pledges to Repeal Florida's Sports Development Program

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Senator Tom Lee (R–Thonotosassa) announced today he intends to repeal Florida Statute 288.11625, known as the Sports Development Program, which use sales tax dollars to pay for the construction, renovation or improvement of sports facilities.
“The Sports Development Program was ill-conceived and based on the false premise that these capital improvements are a boon for economic development,” Senator Lee said. “Professional teams are vying for taxpayer funds to pay for largely superficial facility upgrades, many of which are already in progress or completed. History has shown that team owners will make these investments without hardworking families having to foot the bill.”
Under the Sports Development Program, sporting projects and complexes seeking Florida tax revenue must submit proposals to be evaluated by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Then the disbursement of funds must pass approval by the Florida Legislative Budget Commission. The state can award up to $13 million annually for all certified applicants. The maximum annual distribution for a single sports franchise facility is $3 million, and distributions can be made for up to 30 years.

Senator Bradley to Attend Legislative Delegation Hearings

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State Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) will be attending legislative delegation hearings this week in six of the eleven counties in Senate District 5.  The hearings are held annually to afford local citizens and elected officials an opportunity to make legislative and budget requests to their elected state representatives.  “These meetings are critical to our understanding of the needs of the communities we represent,” said Senator Bradley.  “It helps us as we prepare to go to Tallahassee to advocate for the people and communities we represent.”
The delegation hearings being held this week include:
Wednesday, January 4th
Suwannee County – 9:00am-10:30am – Live Oak City Hall, Commission Room, Live Oak
Columbia County – 1:30pm-3:00pm – Trustees Bd Room, FL Gateway College, Lake City
Baker County – 4:00pm-5:00pm – Macclenny City Hall, Council Chamber, Macclenny
Thursday, January 5th
Lafayette County– 10:00am-Noon – County Commission Chamber, Courthouse, Mayo
Gilchrist County – 1:30pm-3:00pm – County Commission Room, Trenton
Dixie County – 4:00pm-5:30pm – County Commission Chamber, Courthouse, Cross City
All meetings are open to the public.  For additional information, please contact the Senator’s office at (904)278-2085 or email [email protected].

Delray Beach Golf Club Featured as Florida Historic Golf Trail Course of the Month

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Florida Department of State
Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that the Delray Beach Golf Club, located in the City of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County, has been chosen as the featured course on the Florida Historic Golf Trail for the month of January.
“We are pleased to feature the Delray Beach Golf Club as a partner on the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Secretary Detzner. “For over 90 years, this course has been providing a challenging round of golf for both professional and amateur golfers.”
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Image Courtesy of Delray Beach Golf Club

In 1923, the City purchased land for a municipal golf course and two years later, legendary golf course architect Donald Ross designed an 18-hole golf course for the property. In 1926, the golf course officially opened but only nine holes were built. The 9-hole course continued in operation until it was closed during World War II. After reopening in 1945, city leaders voted to add a second nine holes that opened in 1950. Red Lawrence and Robert Bruce Harris made course additions and redesigns during the 1960s. 
Today, the 18-hole, par-72 golf course at the Delray Beach Golf Club features four sets of tees playing from 5,100 to 6,800 yards. The course is open and well-bunkered with elevated greens. Water comes into play on seven holes. 
“Delray Beach Golf Club is thrilled to be chosen as January’s featured course for the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Director of Golf Tommi Ylijoki. “Since our founding in 1923 by Donald Ross, we have proudly provided fun and affordable golf, and an experience that will last a lifetime. We look forward to continuing our rich tradition and serving the south Florida community in the years to come.”
For more information about the Delray Beach Golf Club or the Florida Historic Golf Trail program visit Delray Beach Golf Club , 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.

PSC Commissioner Brisé Named to FCC’s IAC Committee

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Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Ronald A. Brisé has been reappointed to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) for 2017-2019. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler appointed Commissioner Brisé, who will serve another term as the public utility commission member on the Committee.  He was nominated for the position by National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) President Robert Powelson.
“I’m honored to have been nominated by President Powelson and appointed by Chairman Wheeler,” Commissioner Brisé said, “and I look forward to continuing our Committee’s work with the FCC on facilitating programs that best serve the public interest in today’s communications sector.”
The 2017-2019 IAC will focus on the role of state, local and Tribal governments in facilitating broadband deployment and adoption, initiatives related to wireless infrastructure deployment, Universal Service programs, consumer complaints processes, and public safety issues.
Commissioner Brisé was first nominated to the FCC’s IAC in May 2011 and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Advisory Committee.  He is a member of NARUC and has served as NARUC’s representative to the Federal State Joint Board on Universal Service and the Board of Directors of the Universal Service Administrative Company.  He also serves as Chair of an internal NARUC Presidential Task Force on federal communications policy.
For more information, click here.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

Florida Lotto™ Gas for Life on Sale Today

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~ Win Free Gas, Cash Prizes and VIP Access to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola at Daytona® ~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The FLORIDA LOTTO™ Gas for Life Promotion begins today, giving FLORIDA LOTTO™ players the chance to win cash prizes or Gas for a Month, Gas for a Year or the grand prize of Gas for Life.
For a limited time, beginning May 23 through July 11, 2012, all players who purchase at least $5 in FLORIDA LOTTO or FLORIDA LOTTO with XTRA® tickets will have a chance to win additional prizes. Some lucky players will instantly win $50; all others will receive a voucher they can enter in the Gas for Life Promotion on the Florida Lottery’s website.
Throughout the course of the promotion, the Florida Lottery will conduct seven weekly drawings with 50 players winning Gas for a Month ($300) and five players winning Gas for a Year ($3,600) during each drawing. All entries will be eligible for the grand prize drawing, Gas for Life, in which the winner will receive $3,600 a year in gas cards for life or a cash option of $72,000, less applicable taxes.
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