The Florida Lottery had its strongest start ever to the final quarter of the fiscal year, with record sales for the month of April totaling more than $528 million. Over the past five years, sales during the month of April have swelled by more than $100 million, a 23.5% increase. Additionally, the Lottery contributed more than $130 million to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) during the month of April alone.
“I am extremely proud of our Florida Lottery team and retailers as we continue to shatter previous records,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie. “In addition to their winning experiences, our players should take pride in knowing that with the purchase of every Lottery ticket, they are making a difference in the lives of Florida’s students.”
Over the past 29 years, the Florida Lottery has established itself as a dependable funding source for public education. For 15 consecutive years the Lottery has transferred more than $1 billion to education, while remaining one of the most efficient lotteries in the nation. Additionally, the Lottery has contributed more than $5 billion to the Bright Futures Scholarship Program to send over 750,000 students to college.
Florida Lottery contributions represent approximately six percent of the state’s total education budget. Lottery funds are appropriated by the Florida Legislature and are administered by the Florida Department of Education.
April 2017
Governor Scott Proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
Events statewide will raise awareness to prevent child abuse
Governor Rick Scott issued a proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is teaming up with community partners across Florida to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month. DCF will host and participate in statewide events designed to educate and engage communities in protecting the state’s most vulnerable children.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Florida. As a father and a grandfather, I know how important it is that Florida’s children have a safe and caring home. By raising awareness and staying active in our communities, we can all make strides to prevent child abuse.”
DCF Secretary Mike Carroll joined First Lady Ann Scott this morning to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month by planting a pinwheel garden at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “I’m honored to launch the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign to promote healthy, happy childhoods for Florida’s children. As I visit with students throughout the state, I’m reminded of the important role we all play in helping children thrive. I truly believe that every child deserves a loving and supporting home to grow and learn, and I encourage all Floridians to engage in activities that strengthen our families and communities.”
“By focusing on healthy child development and getting involved in our communities, we can ensure Florida’s children are safe, healthy, and thriving,” DCF Secretary Carroll said. “Whether you are able to open your home to a child as a foster or adoptive parent, become a volunteer in your community, advocate for a child, or find some other way to get involved, everyone can do something to contribute.”
Florida’s Pinwheels for Prevention campaign will also be recognized statewide, emphasizing the importance of healthy child development and positive parenting practices. The blue and silver pinwheels, which symbolize the happiness of childhood and vast opportunities for bright futures, will be displayed at local businesses, public offices, and schools across the state.
“All children deserve the opportunity to live healthy, happy childhoods,” said Chris Lolley, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Florida. “Every Floridian plays a role in supporting families and helping them thrive. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we urge individuals, groups, and communities to commit to taking simple actions that can make a difference in the life of a child.”
“Our goal throughout this month is to educate our communities on what child abuse looks like and how you can prevent it, as well as the services available to families in need,” said Florida Coalition for Children Board Chair Shawn Salamida, Director of FamiliesFirst Network of Lakeview. “The key to abuse prevention is a community focus on building strong families where children are not only safe but thrive.”
Statewide events and campaigns will serve to educate and engage Florida’s families and communities, advocating for the improvement of prevention and recovery efforts in order to protect the lives of vulnerable children.
Follow #Pinwheel and #GreatChildhoods on Twitter and Facebook to see photos of child abuse prevention events and pinwheel gardens from around the state. To find a Child Abuse Prevention Month event in your area, visit www.ounce.org/CAPevents.asp.
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873, Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-453-5145, or report online at www.floridaabusehotline.com.
Florida PSC Recognizes April as Water Conservation Month
Water conservation begins right at the tap. During the month of April, Water Conservation Month is observed, and the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) urges Floridians to keep their water usage in check.
“Typically, March, April and May have the lowest rainfall amounts in Florida,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Since the highest water savings can occur during outdoor use, we recommend making conservation a natural habit when watering your yard.”
Nationwide, according to the EPA, landscape irrigation is estimated to account for nearly one-third (1/3) of all residential water use, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day.
The PSC offers these outdoor water saving tips for your use this spring:
- Check your irrigation system for clogged, broken or missing sprinkler heads.
- Don’t water the driveway, house or sidewalk instead of your yard! Redirect sprinklers to apply water only to your landscape.
- Skip watering a landscape if it’s raining, just rained or if your landscape doesn’t need the water.
- Only water on designated days, particularly if your city/county has water restrictions, and make sure your irrigation timers are set accordingly.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and many local governments participate in statewide water conservation efforts through the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association’s Water Use Efficiency Division (WUED). The WUED works with the Governor and Cabinet each year to officially proclaim April as Water Conservation Month.
Need more tips on how to save water during Water Conservation Month? The PSC’s Drop by Drop brochure offers water saving tips for both inside and outside your home. The PSC’s consumer tip on xeriscaping can help you get started on a worry-free landscape.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
