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Closure of Carlton Palms Imminent

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The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) today filed for a receivership of Carlton Palms to ensure a safe transition of all residents. APD is selecting a company to take over operations of the facility after Bellwether Behavioral Health notified APD that it will cease operations in Florida on May 31, 2018. APD’s action to revoke Carlton Palms license is ongoing. Bellwether also notified the agency that it intends to close its two six-bed group homes in Central Florida.

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “We continue to work diligently to ensure the safe transition of residents from Carlton Palms while holding Bellwether Behavioral Health accountable. Today’s action is a major milestone in our efforts to shut down the facility that has proven it does not have the best interest of our clients in mind. I am very excited to see these residents transition into smaller group homes in their local communities. Keeping our APD customers safe and healthy is the top priority of the agency, and moving them into smaller homelike settings lends itself to a happier and healthier environment.”

APD has taken multiple actions to hold Bellwether Behavioral Health accountable, including an agreed moratorium on new residents, extensive video monitoring in all homes, an outside monitoring and transition team, along with other administrative sanctions and a prior $10,000 fine.

Residents will continue to be safely transitioned to other community settings over the next few months. Parents or guardians are being encouraged to make their selection of a new residential option for their loved one. The goal is to give parents or guardians choices in their local communities while ensuring that the new homes can meet the unique needs of these clients.APD is working with community providers to develop additional group homes for individuals with intensive behavioral needs. These specialized services will help APD customers live in their home communities near families or guardians.

To date, 58 people have transitioned into new community group homes. Guardian Healthcare has been contracted to provide daily health and safety oversight during this transition period.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities.  The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with severe forms of autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).

Important Notice on Agency for Persons with Disabilities Regarding Security Breach

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On April 10, an employee of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities was a victim of a malicious phishing email. APD immediately began investigating this potential security breach. To date, there is no indication that any sensitive information has been misused. However, in an abundance of caution we are sending a notification to 1,951 APD customers or guardians, and providing a one-year membership with a credit monitoring service because client names, addresses, birth dates, health information, telephone numbers, and Social Security numbers were potentially included in these email accounts.

APD takes this matter very seriously and has taken steps to protect personal information, including taking swift action to help prevent this type of event from happening again. On April 13, APD implemented a security upgrade to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to APD’s email system. APD will also be enacting additional training for staff members regarding appropriate email security protocols.

At this time, APD has no reason to believe individuals’ information has been misused. Again, in an abundance of caution and to help individuals detect any possible misuse of this information, we are providing a one-year membership with a credit monitoring service for those who could have been affected. This service will be free for APD clients. For more information, individuals may call APD’s hotline at 1-855-476-1180. If you are writing on this event, it is imperative to include APD’s hotline phone number in your reporting.

APD is notifying all potentially affected customers in accordance with state and federal law, including information on credit monitoring services. Pursuant to 45 CFR 164 and Section 501.171, Florida Statutes, this is notification that the Agency for Persons with Disabilities had a security breach, which may have affected 1,951 individuals in the state of Florida.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with severe autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).

APD Seeks Revocation and Closure of Carlton Palms

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The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is seeking to revoke the license of Carlton Palms, which is operated by Bellwether Behavioral Health, and impose a $10,000 fine, the maximum allowed by Florida law. APD filed an Administrative Complaint against Carlton Palms of Mt. Dora today. Numerous recent verified findings of abuse and neglect by the Florida Department of Children and Families warrant this action by APD.

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “Protecting the health and safety of APD customers is the top priority of the agency. APD demands excellence in service to Floridians with developmental disabilities. We are actively working to close Carlton Palms as soon as possible, and we have taken multiple actions in the past to hold Bellwether Behavioral Health accountable, including an agreed moratorium on new residents, extensive video monitoring in all homes, an outside monitoring and transition team, along with other administrative sanctions and $10,000 in fines. We will not tolerate any type of abuse or neglect at any of our APD licensed facilities.”

With this action APD seeks closure of Carlton Palms as soon as residents can be safely transitioned to other community settings. APD is expediting the transition of the remaining customers living at Carlton Palms into community group homes. The agency is increasing its outreach to parents or guardians to encourage their selection of new residential options. The goal is to give parents or guardians choices for their loved ones in their local communities while ensuring that the new homes can meet the unique needs of these clients. APD is working with community providers to develop additional group homes for individuals with intensive behavioral needs. These specialized services will help APD customers live in their home communities near families or guardians.

Previously in 2016, APD reached an agreement to close Carlton Palms by March 2019 and transition residents into smaller, homelike settings that follows new requirements by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). To date, 52 people have transitioned into new community group homes. Guardian Healthcare has been contracted to provide daily health and safety oversight during this transition period.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with severe forms of autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).

Cabinet to Declare Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

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Attorney General Pam Bondi will introduce a resolution at the Florida Cabinet meeting tomorrow, March 7, declaring the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Florida.

Representatives from the following organizations will be there to accept the resolution:

  • Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
  • Family Care Council Area 2
  • Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
  • The Arc of Florida
  • Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities
  • RESPECT of Florida
  • ABLE Trust
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Blind Services
  • Association of Support Coordination Agencies of Florida
  • Support Coordination Association of Florida
  • Florida Association of Assistive Services and Technology

Susan Mikesh of Tallahassee will address Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet on the importance of meeting the changing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Mikesh, who has cerebral palsy, has worked for more than 20 years at Creative Preschool in Tallahassee.

The Cabinet meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in the Cabinet meeting room on the lower level of the Capitol Building.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phalen-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).

Important Notice to Agency for Persons with Disabilities Customers Regarding Security Breach

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No indication that any sensitive information has been compromised

On February 14 and 15, several employees of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) were victims of phishing emails. APD immediately began investigating this potential security breach, and it was reported to the APD Inspector General and the Agency for State Technology to begin a thorough review, which is ongoing. To date, there is no indication that any sensitive information has been compromised, including the information of parents or guardians. However, in an abundance of caution we are sending a notification to 55,400 APD customers and providing a one-year membership with a credit monitoring service because client names, addresses, birth dates, and Social Security numbers were potentially included in these email accounts.

APD takes this matter very seriously and has taken steps to protect personal information, including taking swift action to help prevent this type of event from happening again. On February 16, APD implemented a previously-scheduled security upgrade requiring a multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to APD’s email system. APD will also be enacting additional training for staff members regarding appropriate email security protocols.

At this time, APD has no reason to believe individuals’ information has been misused. Again, in an abundance of caution and to help individuals detect any possible misuse of this information, we are providing a one-year membership with a credit monitoring service for those who could have been affected. This service will be free for APD clients. For more information, individuals may call APD’s hotline at 1-855-476-1180. If you are writing on this event, it is imperative to include APD’s hotline phone number in your reporting.

APD is notifying all potentially affected customers in accordance with state and federal law, including information on credit monitoring services. Pursuant to 45 CFR 164 and Section 501.171, Florida Statutes, this is notification that the Agency for Persons with Disabilities had a security breach, which affected 55,400 individuals in the state of Florida.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities.  The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with severe autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).

APD Participates in Developmental Disabilities Day

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Disability Stakeholders Praise Governor’s Support

Governor Rick Scott today issued a proclamation recognizing today, February 14, as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Florida. Hundreds of disability advocates came to the Capitol in Tallahassee today to talk with legislators. To read Governor Scott’s proclamation, click here.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to proclaim today as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Florida. We want every person in our state to have the opportunity to live the American Dream. We will keep working to ensure every Floridian has the resources they need to be successful.”

Governor Scott ‘s Securing Florida’s Future Budget proposes $1.4 billion to serve Floridians with developmental disabilities. Some of the proposed investments include:

  • $18.1 million to offer enrollment to approximately 900 individuals with developmental disabilities who are in crisis into the APD waiver program. This funding will serve individuals who are in a crisis situation, in extended foster care, or those in foster care who are adopted or reunified with their families.
  • $1 million to provide employment services for approximately 800 individuals with developmental disabilities who are ready to work.

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “Governor Scott is a fabulous advocate for people with developmental disabilities. The Governor’s budget recommendations support $34 million in General Revenue funding for the increased needs of individuals on the waiver. I appreciate his continued support of individuals with special abilities. We want all Floridians with developmental disabilities to receive the resources they need to succeed.”

Family Care Council Florida Chairperson Mary Smith said, “We are happy to see Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget will move 900 people from the waiting list to being served by APD. We appreciate his understanding of the growing needs of people already on the waiver too.”

Securing Florida’s Future Budget to Fund Waiting List for the Sixth Year in a Row

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Historic $1.4 Billion Investment Will Support Floridians with Disabilities

Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget is recommending $1.4 billion in total funding for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). This historic investment will enroll approximately 900 people on the waiting list into the APD waiver program. This marks the sixth year in a row the Governor is recommending funding for waiver enrollment.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to propose historic funding to help Floridians with unique abilities and move Floridians in greatest need off the APD waiting list for the sixth year in a row. We want every person in our state to have the opportunity to live the American dream and I look forward to working with the Legislature on this important investment.”
The Securing Florida’s Future Budget includes:

  • $18.1 million to offer enrollment to approximately 900 individuals with developmental disabilities who are in crisis into the APD waiver program. This funding will serve individuals who are in a crisis situation, in extended foster care, or those in foster care who are adopted or reunified with their families.
  • $1 million to provide employment services for approximately 800 individuals with developmental disabilities who are ready to work.

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “Governor Scott is a strong advocate for people with developmental disabilities. I appreciate the Governor continuing his support of individuals with unique abilities by recommending funding to serve people on the waiting list six years in a row as APD works to help all Floridians with developmental disabilities receive the resources they need to succeed.”
Family Care Council Florida Chairperson Mary Smith said, “A top priority for the Family Care Councils is serving additional individuals with developmental disabilities on the waiting list. We are happy to see Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget will move 900 people from the waiver waiting list to being served in the community.”
Parent and past chairperson of the Family Care Council Florida Pauline Lipps said, “Families need state support to meet the needs of their child with a developmental disability. I am pleased to see Governor Scott’s ongoing support of APD in its mission of serving people with developmental disabilities.”
The Association of Support Coordination Agencies of Florida Chairperson Janice Phillips said, “Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget reflects his ongoing support of people with different abilities being involved in their communities. We extend our appreciation to the Governor for recommending funding to move individuals off the waiting list.”
Support Coordination Association of Florida Chairman Thomas Buddington said, “I want to thank Governor Scott for his continued support of people with disabilities in his budget recommendation. Providing vital support to people with special abilities so they can stay in their homes and communities is critical.”
Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock said, “Special Olympics Florida praises Governor Scott for recognizing the health and safety needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and providing funding to meet those needs. This admirable leadership continues to support the work of Special Olympics Florida by improving access to local services, promoting inclusion at schools, and helping us build communities where all individuals are prized.”

Cabinet to Declare Disability Employment Awareness Month

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Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi will introduce a resolution at the Tuesday, October 17, Cabinet meeting declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Florida. The Cabinet meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Cabinet meeting room on the lower level of the Capitol Building.
Longtime Pensacola Walmart employee Rachel Caylor Long will address Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet on the importance of including people with disabilities in the workforce. Along with Caylor Long, leaders from Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Economic Opportunity, Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, Veterans’ Affairs, Able Trust, Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, and Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities will be there to accept the resolution.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities.  The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with severe autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).

Exceptional Employers Honored by State

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Ten businesses that hire people with disabilities were recognized by the state of Florida today for being exceptional employers of people with special abilities. The businesses from around the state were honored with a plaque made by individuals with unique abilities. The 12th annual celebration was held at Tallahassee City Hall as part of recognizing October as Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Blind Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation presented the Exceptional Employer Awards to companies that have made a strong commitment to employing people with special abilities.  Event sponsors were the Able Trust, City of Tallahassee, and RESPECT of Florida.
The 2017 award-winning businesses are:

  • Boca Raton Resort and Club
  • Cunningham Pest Control of Palm Beach County
  • Dosatron of Clearwater
  • Embassy Suites of Ft. Lauderdale
  • Martin Health System of Stuart
  • Piggly Wiggly of Quincy
  • Planet Fitness of Panama City
  • Publix
  • Sodexo (Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, and Daytona Beach)
  • The Women’s Center of Central Florida

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “I am so excited to recognize these 10 exceptional businesses today. These deserving companies have made a commitment to employing a diverse workforce. These businesses know that individuals with special abilities are some of the most dedicated employees you can find.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “The most important issue to families across Florida are jobs. All individuals, regardless of abilities, want good jobs to provide for themselves and their families. I am proud to see these Exceptional Employer Award winners and so many other businesses including all individuals in the workforce. I hope additional companies will see that there are many people with unique and diverse abilities ready to contribute to our state.”
“The Division of Blind Services strives to ensure that more employers recognize the benefits of hiring blind and visually impaired individuals and the many ways they can contribute to our economy,” said Division of Blind Services Director Robert L. Doyle III. “Persons with disabilities, just like their peers, have talents and skills that will further build on and advance Florida’s workforce. I encourage more businesses to follow in the footsteps of today’s honorees.”
Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Allison Flanagan said, “We are so honored to recognize these employers who are leading the way in building an inclusive workforce and looking beyond the disability. Individuals with disabilities offer a broad pool of talents and tend to stay on the job longer than employees without disabilities. Given the opportunity, individuals with disabilities are able to show their skills, loyalty, and determination and become successful members of the community. Without the support of outstanding employers, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation would not have been able to assist nearly 6,000 individuals in the last year to successfully obtain or maintain employment. Hiring people with disabilities is a win-win for everyone!”
Speakers at the Exceptional Employer event included Tallahassee Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant employee Klaressa Williams and AMC Theatres employee Walker Bullington.  Others providing remarks were Department of Economic Opportunity Chief of Staff Cissy Proctor, Tallahassee Commissioner Curtis Richardson, Director of ABLE United John Finch, and President and CEO of the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities Suzanne Sewell.
Here is information on the 10 winning companies:
Boca Raton Resort and Club
The Boca Raton Resort and Club offers first class accommodations to individuals visiting the area. The Boca Resort began hosting a Project Search in 2013 and has continued the program. Project Search trains students in job skills, then allows them to gain real world experience doing the job. Boca Resort has hired 10 students who have graduated from the program. Four of those students were Vocational Rehabilitation customers too. The Resort received a 100 percent employment award from National Project Search because all the students landed jobs this year. The students work in the kitchen, laundry, banquet storeroom, lobby, spa, pool area, as stewards in various areas, and Human Resources. The resort makes sure they learn all the skills needed to be a successful employee in a hotel or restaurant, then they hire many of them to work there.
Cunningham Pest Control
This very small business of one was in high demand last year. The owner Scott Cunningham decided to double his workforce and hired a young man, Walter Burks, to help him. Burks, who happens to have a disability, was interested in finding a long-term career. It turns out that it was the perfect match. Burks is learning professional skills he can use in the future. Cunningham now has a loyal and reliable employee who is helping his business be successful.
Dosatron
This company has been hiring people with disabilities for 20 years. Dosatron manufactures water-powered chemical dispensers that are used by a variety of industries including drinking water, irrigation, and in animal health. Recently the company held a retirement party for a woman with unique abilities who had worked there for more than 20 years. They currently have two individuals on the payroll with special abilities. The culture of the company is extremely inclusive. Everyone is treated with respect. Dosatron has a close working relationship with the Arc of Tampa Bay.
Embassy Suites of Ft. Lauderdale
This employer has hired four people who are alumni of the Dan Marino Foundation Campus which is a post-secondary school for young adults with developmental disabilities. The Embassy Suites staff provide natural supports to employees with special abilities. The Marino Foundation works with this employer to meet employees needs whether it be additional training or on-the-job supports. The Embassy Suites served as an internship site over the summer which exposed Marino Campus students to many careers in the hotel industry. One individual with unique abilities who was having a hard time achieving success in the past, has now been employed for more than four years at Embassy Suites. 
Martin Health System
Martin Health System has hired 19 interns with unique abilities since beginning its Project Search program in 2010. Three of these employees have been employed for more than seven years. These employees work in vital areas of the hospital. Two people work in Surgical Services assisting with the Operating Room. One person works as a Patient Care Technician. The other assists with sterilization and the sorting of instruments, and cleans the operating rooms. Five employees work in the Nutrition Services Department as a cashier, steward, and Patient Services Associates. One employee works in the Materials Department delivering hospital supplies to other departments. Another person works in the Environmental Services Department.
Piggly Wiggly of Quincy
This grocery store has gone out of its way to assist young people sometimes with significant disabilities, to learn job skills. Over the years, more than 30 people with differing abilities have been hired. Piggly Wiggly of Quincy works collaboratively with the community including the school system, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. All individuals are given an equal opportunity to excel and achieve success. 
Planet Fitness of Panama City
This business is making a difference when it comes to hiring people with disabilities. Planet Fitness has hired five individuals with disabilities since opening in 2014 with four individuals still on the payroll. One employee is in their third year of employment. This employer is more than willing to make accommodations for its employees. Some of the accommodations include job carving, flexible schedules, allowing longer training times, and adding pictures to daily work schedules to help those with limited reading ability. Planet Fitness also participates in a summer on-the-job training program for individuals with unique abilities.
Publix Supermarkets
Over the past five years, Publix has hired 1,190 people through the Vocational Rehabilitation program. Just in 2017, Publix has hired 319 individuals. Publix is a great corporate partner supporting Special Olympics annually, with more than $3 million just this year. At one store in Palm Beach Gardens, six people with special abilities are employed, with one person delivering more than 10 years of service. Another employee with autism started as a bagger, and now has been promoted to cashier. His mother says she always knew Publix highly valued its customers. She has now learned that Publix values its employees just as much.
Sodexo
Sodexo is another large employer of people with all types of abilities. This company provides food service at colleges and universities. Sodexo has hired 62 individuals through VR in the past five years. On the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee, there are eight people with unique abilities. There are two individuals APD serves working at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach has hired numerous individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, including three from the Arc of Volusia. All of these campuses have made significant adjustments to include people with special abilities in their workforces. With the increased flexibility, these people are succeeding in their jobs, and bringing great value to their employers and the bottom line.
The Women’s Center of St. Cloud
The Women’s Center is one of the largest private practices in Central Florida specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. This business goes the extra mile to teach job skills and hire people with all types of abilities. Medical Director and Founder of The Women’s Center is Dr. Douglas Gearity. Job Coach Ana Morris mentioned to Dr. Gearity what she did for a living, and he immediately asked her to help him hire someone with unique abilities. Now he has four people with disabilities employed at his offices. Dr. Gearity has repeatedly said he wishes all his employees were as conscientious as the people placed by Morris because they arrive early and leave on time. Dr. Gearity has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to supporting these individuals in the work place. One individual didn’t want a promotion because she thought she had done something wrong in her old job. Dr. Gearity patiently explained to her that she had done such a good job she was being given additional responsibility and more money. That approach helped the woman feel good about this new opportunity, and now she this thriving in her new position.
APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities.  The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).

Hawkins Park is Opened

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The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) local dignitaries, and people with disabilities cut the ribbon today to officially open Hawkins Recreational Park in Santa Rosa County. Hawkins Park is an accessible park for people with disabilities and their families. Park visitors can now enjoy picnicking, fishing, bird watching, and other activities.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) manages Hawkins Park. The park entrance is on Munson Highway, just past 5550 Bubba Lane, in Milton, Florida.
APD has worked for a year to replace playground equipment and make repairs to the restroom building due to damage caused by vandals. People with disabilities will maintain the park through an agreement APD has with RESPECT of Florida.
APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “We are excited to reopen Hawkins Park and make it available to people with disabilities and their families. It is an accessible recreational area for people to use in Northwest Florida. We want Floridians with disabilities to come and enjoy this beautiful environment.”
RESPECT of Florida Executive Director Ryland Musick said, “We commend the work APD has done to provide an accessible recreational area for individuals with disabilities and their families. RESPECT is proud to be a part of the maintenance of Hawkins Park. Our partnership with APD, through this contract and several others, allows us to help individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment and receive needed supports.”
The park is open to visitors who are Floridians with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. The park is only closed three days out of the year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
The 23-acre parcel was donated by the Hawkins family to the state of Florida in 1977 with the requirement that people with disabilities have access to the land.  The state completed construction on the recreational park in 1979. It was originally named Round Pen Bayou Park due to its location on the bayou. It was renamed Hawkins Recreational Park in September 1986 in honor of the donor’s father, Herman Calvin Hawkins.
About $93,000 in repairs and renovations have been completed at Hawkins Park recently. The playground has been refurbished and the facilities are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are also pavilions with grills that can house special events for large family gatherings.
The festivities today included a performance by Pyramid singer Betty Wells who sang the National Anthem. Remarks were made by APD Director Barbara Palmer, Senator Doug Broxson, RESPECT of Florida Executive Director Ryland Musick, and Hawkins Park user and parent Richard Fennel.
APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities.  The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).