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First Lady Ann Scott Releases Educational Children’s Book Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Florida

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Fun and informative book helps children explore
Florida’s history, culture, environment and much more

First Lady Ann Scott, in collaboration with the Florida Department of State, today released her new educational children’s book titled Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Florida, which takes children on a journey across the state to explore Florida’s history, culture and environment through colorful illustrations, engaging activities and creative content.  The book will be distributed to Florida schools and libraries at no cost.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “Reading and literacy is the foundation for a student’s success in life and one of my primary goals as First Lady has been to encourage a love of reading among Florida’s students. I passed my love of reading on to my daughters Allison and Jordan, who inspired the two main characters in the book, and now I do the same with my grandchildren. Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Floridacombines my passion for encouraging children to read and my love for our great state. It is my hope that this book will spark a child’s imagination, inspire a passion for reading and teach them about Florida.”
Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Florida is a collaboration between First Lady Ann Scott and the Florida Department of State.
“It was an honor for the Florida Department of State to work with First Lady Ann Scott to produce this fantastic children’s book, which showcases fun facts and the unique history behind each part of Florida, and I am so proud of the exceedingly talented team at the department whose creativity and hard work made it possible,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “Recently, the department commemorated 50 years of dedication to our mission of preserving and sharing Florida’s history and there is no better way to celebrate this milestone anniversary than by releasing Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Florida, a book that encompasses and propels our mission forward.”
The 52-page book is geared toward students in elementary school. A copy of Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Florida will be distributed to elementary school libraries and public libraries throughout the state at no-cost to them. The book is now available for preorder on Amazon for $12.00. All proceeds from book sales will benefit the Friends of the Museums of Florida History Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit citizen support organization of the Florida Department of State that supports the promotion of Florida’s history and culture.
Additional resources for teachers, parents and students are available online at AllyandJordisAdventures.com. The website includes downloadable versions of the puzzles and activities from the book, interactive puzzles that can be done online and a host of other resources to help educators bring Florida history to life in the classroom.
The First Lady will highlight her new book as she visits schools and libraries across the state.
For more information, please visit AllyandJordisAdventures.com.

First Lady Ann Scott Kicks off 10th Annual Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! in St. Johns County

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First Lady Ann Scott today kicked off 2018 Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! at Ponte Vedra High School in St. Johns County. The First Lady was joined by St. Johns County Superintendent Tim Forson, Department of Education and Florida Lottery officials, and Ponte Vedra High School students and staff. The 10th annual theme is “Find Yourself in a Book.”
First Lady Ann Scott said, “This is my eighth Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to spend time with hundreds of Florida students and their outstanding teachers and principals throughout the week. I look forward to this event every year because it draws attention to the invaluable role of reading and literacy in every facet of our lives.”
Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart said, “In order for students to reach their full potential, they must continually hone essential reading and literacy skills. First Lady Ann Scott’s passion for literacy motivates students to love reading as much as she does, and I am so appreciative of her support of Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!”
Following the kick-off event, First Lady Ann Scott will visit the following schools on her literacy tour:

  • Ponte Vedra Palm Valley Rawlings Elementary School
  • Robert Willis Elementary School
  • Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School
  • Tara Elementary School
  • West Navarre Primary School
  • Oriole Beach Elementary School
  • Bennett C. Russell Elementary School

Since Governor Rick Scott took office in 2011, First Lady Scott has prioritized reading and literacy, and she has visited all of Florida’s 67 counties sharing her passion for reading with Floridians. During the school year, First Lady Scott visits schools throughout the state, where she reads to Florida’s students and thanks their hardworking educators for helping to prepare them for lifelong success. Over the summer months, she partners with the Departments of Education and Environmental Protection to encourage students to remain focused on reading all year.
Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! is a week-long celebration each January designed to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and to inspire Florida’s students and families to make reading a part of their daily routines. The week’s events are made possible by participating sponsors: Florida Lottery; LEGOLAND Florida Resort; and the Florida Education Foundation.
For more information about Celebrate Literacy Week, visit Just Read, Florida!

Lt. Governor López-Cantera and FDLE host Florida Missing Children’s Day

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Lt. Governor Carlos López-Cantera and First Lady Ann Scott joined Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen and hundreds of law enforcement personnel, public officials and citizens today for the 2017 Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony in Tallahassee. The annual event is held to remember Florida’s missing children, recognize the state’s efforts in child protection and educate Floridians on child safety and abduction prevention.
Governor Scott said, “As a father and grandfather, I take the safety of Florida’s children very seriously, and my heart goes out to the parents and families who have experienced the heartache of a missing child. Our prayers are with each of them every day. Florida is now at a 46-year crime low thanks to our hardworking law enforcement officers and we will keep fighting to protect those most vulnerable in our state.”
First Lady Ann Scott said, “As First Lady, I’ve had the opportunity to meet thousands of children across the state, and I am constantly reminded of how important it is to protect them. Rick and I are so grateful to the law enforcement officers, first responders and volunteers who dedicate their time to reuniting these families and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
In 2016, more than 33,000 incidents of missing children were reported to Florida law enforcement agencies and 12 AMBER Alerts were issued statewide. Since its inception, 218 AMBER Alerts have been issued, including 10 so far this year. AMBER Alerts have directly aided in the rescue of 69 children.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “The security of Florida’s children and the safe recovery of those missing remain a priority for FDLE. We are committed to working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prevent child abductions and apprehend predators.”
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Today we remember all of Florida’s missing children and their loved ones—who continue to hope and pray for their safe return. My heart breaks for families still searching for their children and I pray for our law enforcement officers working diligently to locate missing children and bring to justice those responsible for so much pain.”
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said: “Those who dedicate their lives to protecting Florida’s children and educating our communities on ways to prevent child abduction are nothing short of heroic. While there is always more work to be done, we are forever grateful for the service they have provided, and will continue to provide, to the children and families of our great state.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam said, “Florida Missing Children’s Day is a solemn day to remember our missing children and grieve with their families and loved ones. It is also a day to recommit to doing all that we can to make Florida a safer place for our most vulnerable residents.”
During a formal ceremony, Lt. Governor López-Cantera and Commissioner Swearingen recognized citizens, canine trailing teams and law enforcement officers for their exemplary efforts in missing children investigations.
The following individuals are recipients of the 2017 Florida Missing Children’s Day Awards:
Combatting Human Trafficking Award
Winner: Miami-Dade Police Department, Human Trafficking Squad

  • Lt. Lewis Velken
  • Sgt. Marie Perez
  • Sgt. Joseph Menendez
  • Det. Raul Cabrera
  • Det. Hector Arreola
  • Det. Kurtis Lueck
  • Det. Isabel Soto
  • Det. Paul Espana

Agency: Miami-Dade Police, Special Victims Bureau, Human Trafficking Squad
In June of 2016, the Human Trafficking Squad (HTS) assisted in the arrest of a human trafficker whose crimes spanned three countries and multiple states. The investigation resulted in the recovery of seven human trafficking victims.
Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award
Winner: Officer Troy Belden, Daytona Beach Police Department
Officer Troy Belden, while off duty, witnessed an attempted kidnapping when a suspect attempted to enter a vehicle occupied by two children. Officer Belden chased and apprehended the suspect and placed him under arrest.
State/Federal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award
Winner: Special Agent Donald Cannon, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Miami Regional Operations Center
Special Agent Donald Cannon led an investigation that resulted in the arrest of a suspect accused of abusing nearly a dozen children, both in Florida and in the orphanage he operated in Haiti. The suspect was arrested for violations in Foreign Commerce with the Purpose of Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
Jimmy Ryce K9 Trailing Team of the Year
Winner: Deputy Sheriff Jacob Durrance and K9 Chase, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Summary: Deputy Jacob Durrance and K9 Chase tracked a 16 year old, suicidal girl. They began from her home and tracked her into the woods a mile from her home, where she was recovered and transported to the hospital.
Law Enforcement Task Force of the Year
Winner: Child Abduction Response Team: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Florida Highway Patrol

  • Resident Agent in Charge Brett Thompson, FDLE
  • Special Agent Scott Gibson, FDLE
  • Special Agent Andrew Powell, FDLE
  • Special Agent Joshua Rios, FDLE
  • Special Agent Charles Massucci, FDLE
  • Special Agent Donald Schrenker, FDLE
  • Sergeant Joseph Makal, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Detective Maria Sorensen, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Deputy Sheriff Jeffrey Bradford, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Task Force Detective Robert Mateo, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Sergeant Robert Kirkpatrick, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Special Agent Joe Boland, FBI
  • State Trooper George Seiler, FHP

This Child Abduction Response Team led an abduction investigation that covered three states: Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. The young girl was taken from her home and AMBER alerts were issued in all three states. The girl was recovered in Tennessee and flown back to Florida by the FDLE Aviation Unit.
School Bus Operator of the Year
Winner: Linda Sheldrake, Flagler County
Linda noticed, at one of her stops, a strange man sitting in his car focusing on one of the girls in a group. Knowing the girl had a further walk than the rest, Linda contacted the mother about the situation and began dropping the girl off closer to her home to avoid the strange man.
John and Revé Walsh Award
Winner: Dr. Michael Warren
This year, Dr. Michael Warren retired from his position as director of the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory where he helped identify numerous remains of missing persons in the state of Florida. Dr. Warren has remained an integral part of the investigation into the disappearance of Tiffany Sessions.
Evelyn D. Williams Memorial Award
Winner: Jan Henderson
Jan Henderson recently retired from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement where she led FDLE’s Unidentified Deceased Initiative. Ms. Henderson helped identify the remains of multiple unidentified deceased cases. Ms. Henderson has also played an important role in the organization of the Missing Children’s Day event for over a decade.
To see a current list of unsolved AMBER Alert cases, please click here.
A current list of unsolved Missing Child Alert cases can be found here.
FDLE invites the public to follow FDLE on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up to receive Missing Child and AMBER Alerts via email or text message by visiting missingchildrenalert.com. For more information about the Florida Missing Children’s Day Foundation, visit fmcdf.org.
 

Florida Missing Children’s Day to focus on safety of children

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Lt. Governor Carlos López-Cantera and First Lady Ann Scott will join Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen and law enforcement personnel, public officials and citizens on Thursday, December 14 for the 2017 Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony in Tallahassee.
The annual event is held to remember Florida’s missing children, recognize the state’s efforts in child protection and educate Floridians on child safety and abduction prevention.
The ceremony will include a presentation of awards and a special remembrance event.
Reporters are invited to attend.
What: Florida Missing Children’s Day Ceremony
When: Thursday, December 14, 2017
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Florida State Capitol Courtyard
Address: 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399

Gov. Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Meet with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

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As part of their ongoing trade mission in Israel, today Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott met with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the importance of continuing the strong relationship between Florida and Israel.
Governor Scott is currently leading a delegation of nearly 70 Florida business and education leaders on a trade mission in Israel to continue to build on Florida and Israel’s strong relationship. Florida’s economic development and trading partnership with Israel exceeds $286 million a year.

First Lady Ann Scott Celebrates H.I.V.E. Preparatory Academy Students’ Summer Reading Accomplishments

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First Lady Ann Scott visited Highly Inquisitive and Versatile Education (HIVE) Preparatory School in Miami-Dade County to congratulate them on winning the 2017 First Lady’s Summer Literacy Adventure reading challenge. Each student and school employee received family passes to a Florida state park and the school received 100 books for its library. The school previously won the Summer Literacy Adventure in 2013.
The Summer Literacy Adventure is an annual partnership between the Florida Department of Education, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Lottery that is designed to encourage Florida students to strengthen their reading skills during the summer break.
“I am extremely proud of HIVE Preparatory Academy and their students for making literacy a priority,” said First Lady Ann Scott. “This is the second time HIVE Preparatory Academy has won the Summer Literacy Adventure, and they should be very proud of their accomplishments. HIVE Preparatory Academy sets a great example for the rest of the state, and I enjoyed visiting the students and educators to celebrate this outstanding accomplishment.”
“Congratulations to the students at HIVE Preparatory Academy for winning the Summer Literacy Adventure!” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Reading during the summer is vital to lifelong learning and success. I am grateful to First Lady Ann Scott for her commitment to reading and literacy, and I applaud HIVE Preparatory Academy’s students, teachers and leaders their hard work.”
The First Lady’s Summer Literacy Adventure challenged students to read as many books as possible during the summer break. First Lady Ann Scott visited state parks and emphasized to students the value of reading. Statewide, more than 27,000 students participated and pledged to read books this summer.
“The Florida Literacy Adventure is a great event that DEP is proud to be a part of each year,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “It’s an honor to partner with First Lady Ann Scott, DOE and the Florida Lottery to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards – congratulations to HIVE Preparatory School and all who participated in the adventure.”
Research shows that children who do not continue reading through the summer can lose a month or more of progress made during the school year. By reminding their children to read over breaks from school, parents play an important role in ensuring every child reads at or above grade level.
The Florida Lottery donated books to students throughout the summer as part of the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure.
“The Florida Lottery was proud to once again partner with First Lady Ann Scott by sponsoring and donating books to the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “Reading is the foundation of learning and success, and we congratulate this year’s winners for their commitment toward advancing their reading skills.”
For more information about the First Lady’s Summer Literacy Adventure, CLICK HERE.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

First Lady Ann Scott Concludes Summer Literacy Adventure at Jonathan Dickinson State Park

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First Lady Ann Scott today shared her passion for reading with students from the Tree Top Academy of Palm Beach at the Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound and encouraged them to take the Summer Literacy Adventure pledge to read every day. At the start of the 2017-2018 school year, First Lady Ann Scott will visit the school whose students successfully completed the most pledges during the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “I had an extraordinary time visiting students around the state and sharing my love of reading during the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure. I truly believe that a strong foundation of literacy is important for students to achieve their dreams and career goals. I’m so excited to celebrate with the winning school this fall and meet even more of Florida’s outstanding students and educators!”
The First Lady was joined by representatives from the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Lottery. DEP generously provided state park passes, Junior Ranger Activity Folders, pencils and sunglasses for the student participants, and a Florida Lottery sponsorship made it possible for students to leave with a goody bag containing books.
“It is critical that Florida’s students continue to read during the summer months to ensure they are prepared to succeed during the school year,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “I am grateful that First Lady Ann Scott has dedicated her time to inspiring Florida students to share her love of reading.”
“At the Lottery, we remain committed to ensuring Florida’s students become the leaders of tomorrow,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “It is our hope that as a new school year begins, students continue to develop an appreciation of reading that will stay with them throughout their lifetime.”
The 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure helps keep Florida students excited about reading and literacy. Research shows that children who do not continue reading through the summer can lose a month or more of progress made during the school year. By encouraging their children to read, parents play an important role in ensuring every child reads at or above grade level.
“The Loxahatchee River that runs through Jonathan Dickinson State Park is one of two federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Florida,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “I can think of no better setting to learn about the natural beauty of wild Florida.”
Students can fill out their Summer Literacy Adventure Pledge form at 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure.
 
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

First Lady Ann Scott Concludes Summer Literacy Adventure

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Tomorrow, July 27, First Lady Ann Scott will conclude the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure in Hobe Sound. During her visit, the First Lady will read to students from the Tree Top Academy of Palm Beach.
WHAT: Summer Literacy Adventure
WHEN: Thursday, July 27, 2017
10:00 – 11:00 am
WHERE: Jonathan Dickinson State Park
16450 SE Federal Hwy
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

First Lady Ann Scott Continues Summer Literacy Adventure at Marion County Public Library

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First Lady Ann Scott today continued the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure at Marion County Public Library in Ocala. First Lady Scott read to students from the Marion County Boys and Girls Club and encouraged them to read throughout the summer as they prepare for school to begin.
“I thoroughly enjoyed spending my morning at the Marion County Public Library with students from the Boys and Girls Club,” said First Lady Ann Scott. “This is the perfect time for children and families to spend extra time reading and learning together. I encourage all of our wonderful students to take the Summer Literacy Adventure pledge so they are prepared for a great school year.”
The First Lady was joined by representatives from the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Lottery. DEP generously provided state park passes, Junior Ranger Activity Folders, pencils and sunglasses for the student participants and a Florida Lottery sponsorship made it possible for students to leave with a goody bag containing books.
“First Lady Ann Scott sets a great example for Florida’s students, and we are extremely fortunate to have her as a strong advocate for lifelong success,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “The Summer Literacy Adventure is a great way to show our students that literacy is exciting, and it is critical that they keep reading over the summer months to retain the knowledge they have gained when school starts back in the fall.”
“In order to be successful in school and in life, it is critical for Florida’s students to develop a love of reading,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell. “The Lottery is honored to join First Lady Ann Scott, the Department of Education and the Department of Environmental Protection as we encourage Florida’s students to continue the Summer Literacy Adventure.”
“We are proud to work with First Lady Ann Scott and our partners to encourage students to read over the summer,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “Florida’s natural resources have served as the inspiration for countless books, and I encourage students to read a book about Florida’s environment or history this summer.”
In May, First Lady Scott challenged Florida students to participate in the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure by pledging to read as many books as possible during the summer. At the start of the 2017-2018 academic year, she will visit the school where students successfully completed the most reading pledges.
The 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure helps keep Florida students excited about reading and literacy during their summer break. Research shows that children who do not continue reading through the summer can lose a month or more of progress made during the school year.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.