Florida News Straight From the Source
Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced that the Florida Department of State is seeking nominations for the 2019 Florida Folk Heritage Awards. The annual awards recognize individuals who have made exemplary contributions to Florida’s traditional culture. [Read more…] about Secretary Detzner Seeks Nominations for Florida Folk Heritage Awards
Following Governor Rick Scott’s recent direction to the Florida Department of State (DOS) to hire five cyber security specialists to ensure Florida’s elections remain secure, the Governor today directed DOS to draw down $19 million in federal funding to further enhance cybersecurity in Florida’s elections. The Department will submit a plan to the federal government as outlined by federal law to bolster security for local elections offices, who are responsible for elections security. Once this plan is approved by Federal Elections Assistance Commission, DOS will work with the Florida Legislature to provide this funding to Supervisors of Elections, as well as bolster state efforts to enhance cybersecurity and voting practices prior to this November’s elections.
Governor Scott said, “The integrity of our elections is paramount, and we’ll keep fighting to ensure that every Floridian continues to have confidence in our elections process. By directing DOS to draw down more federal funding, we are providing the resources our local elections officials need to keep our elections secure. I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure that Florida has zero fraud in our elections.”
Recent actions taken by the Scott Administration to enhance voting security:
The Ray Blacklidge Campaign today announced that he has qualified for the ballot by petition. The Florida Department of State has verified 1,158 petition signatures, one more than the required 1,157. Blacklidge, a Republican, is running for the District 69 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.
“This is an important milestone for our campaign, and our momentum continues to grow,” said Blacklidge. “Qualifying by petition was an important goal for me because it allows us to invest campaign resources in getting our conservative message out rather than in paying a hefty qualifying fee. I’m very grateful to the friends and neighbors who signed petitions and worked hard to complete this effort, and I look forward to continuing to connect with District 69 voters.”
Blacklidge has an extensive background as an entrepreneur with a record of protecting consumers and fighting fraud. He currently works as an insurance executive and attorney in the management of a Florida-based insurance company.
House District 69 covers the south Pinellas beach communities from Redington Shores to Fort DeSoto, as well as portions of St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Kenneth City, and Pinellas Park. With 36 percent of the district’s voter registration, Republicans maintain a slight lead over the Democrats’ 35 percent. Independents and minor parties make up 29 percent of the district.
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections announces the following meeting of the Elections Canvassing Commission.
DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, May 15, 2018, 9:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Cabinet Meeting Room, LL03, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida
SUBJECT: Certification of State House District 39 Special Election and State House District 114 Special Election
PARTICIPANTS: Members of the State Elections Canvassing Commission will include Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. All will be participating via phone.
Governor Rick Scott today announced that the Florida Department of State (DOS) is proactively hiring five cybersecurity specialists in advance of the 2018 elections to serve as a resource for election officials. DOS’ top priority is the security and integrity of Florida’s elections and voter information. Florida’s elections are supervised locally, and each supervisor of elections is in charge of the security of elections in their area.
Governor Scott said, “Fair, honest and accurate elections are critical to our democracy. Following a secure and successful election in 2016, Florida has been focused on continued election security efforts. We must be proactive in our efforts to preserve the security and integrity of our elections, which is why I directed the Department of State to invest in a team of cybersecurity specialists that will serve as a resource to all of our election officials.”
Secretary Ken Detzner said, “The Department and local election officials have taken significant steps to protect against the growing threat of cybercrime. The addition of five cybersecurity specialists will help us better anticipate and defend against potential cyber threats. I am proud of the proactive work my team is already doing and these specialists will offer an extra level of security that will benefit the nearly 13 million registered voters in Florida.”
The cybersecurity specialists will be hired as consultants for election officials, and will provide real-time guidance and expertise on cybersecurity issues. The cybersecurity specialists will be in addition to the DOS’ existing team of knowledgeable and highly capable Information Technology professionals who help ensure Department systems are secure.
“Florida is a leader among states when it comes to cybersecurity for elections,” said Matt Masterson, Senior Cybersecurity Advisory with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “The State and the Supervisors of Elections have taken key steps to ensure the security and resilience of elections in Florida. DHS is fully committed to supporting their efforts by providing training, security assessments, and sharing information about potential threats in near real-time.”
Prior to the 2016 election, DOS upgraded to state-of-the-art hardware, software and firewalls to safeguard voter information in the Florida Voter Registration System (FVRS) and prevent any possible hacking attempts from being successful. DOS’ efforts are working as the FVRS remains secure. DOS is also enhancing the security of the Florida Election Watch website to ensure there is no disruption in election night reporting of results as well as strengthening protections of Florida’s online voter registration website.
DOS has also been working diligently with Supervisors of Elections to help Florida counties modernize their voting systems. More than two-thirds of Florida counties have completed a voting equipment modernization and the majority of the remaining counties are in the process of completing a modernization or upgrade.
During the 2018 Legislative Session, DOS received $1.9 million in funding to provide grants to Supervisors of Elections for the purchase of a Network Monitoring Security solution, called ALBERT, that is offered through the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). MS-ISAC identifies and shares information about potential threats with states and assists with the 24-7 monitoring of state networks for suspicious activity. ALBERT will provide automated alerts about system threats that will allow counties to respond quickly when data may be at risk. Several Supervisors of Elections have completed the process to get ALBERT online in their county, and many others have initiated the process.
“Supervisors of Elections in Florida are taking advantage of the cybersecurity resources being made available to us through our state, federal, and non-governmental partners,” said David Stafford, Escambia County Supervisor of Elections. “Supervisors are not only focused on cybersecurity but also on the physical security of our equipment and facilities. We are looking at elections security from every angle and are working diligently to be as prepared as possible for the 2018 election and beyond.”
DOS continues to work closely with DHS, MS-ISAC, as well as the Agency for State Technology, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida National Guard and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on election security.
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections announces the following meeting of the Elections Canvassing Commission.
DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 9:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Cabinet Meeting Room, LL03, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida
SUBJECT: Certification of State Senate District 31 Special Election
PARTICIPANTS: Members of the State Elections Canvassing Commission will include Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. All will be participating via phone.
Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced that the Florida Department of State will celebrate Florida Archaeology Month in March by hosting special programs and behind-the scene tour events in Tallahassee, to promote Florida’s rich cultural heritage and showcase the state’s important collections of archaeological artifacts.
“We commemorate Florida Archaeology Month to remind and inform Florida citizens of the wealth of knowledge that archaeology contributes to our understanding of our state and nation’s history. Last month we shared the news of recent evidence revealed by our underwater archaeologist’s research and documentation of the Manasota Key Offshore site, a 7,000 year old Native American ancestral resting place in the Gulf of Mexico near Venice, ” said Secretary Detzner. “I am proud to recognize the important work done by our state archaeologists every day on the ground and underwater, to ensure that we protect, interpret and preserve our state’s precious archaeological heritage. I encourage Florida families and visitors to our state to participate in special tours and programs being offered throughout the month of March.”
This year, Florida Archaeology Month events include:
At the R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee
In recognition of Florida’s Archaeology Month theme, Heritage At Risk, Secretary of State Ken Detzner will announce the launch of the state’s new Florida History in 3D website, featuring artifacts held in the state collection from the wrecks of the Spanish Plate Fleet. Renowned nautical archaeologist and policy expert Dr. James Delgado, will speak about shipwreck archaeology.
Join the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research as we explore the question “how do archaeologists use science to learn from dugout canoes?” The event is free and open to the public, and features presentations by specialists in dendrochronology, radiocarbon dating, high-resolution 3D scanning, portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF), and historical canoes. In the afternoon, tour the state’s Conservation Laboratory and the Museum of Florida History displays to see six of Florida’s dugouts on display, and ask experts questions about archaeological science.
See the techniques and process used to preserve state artifacts for display and research in the state’s unique facility, get an in-depth look at the variety of canoes on display in the Museum of Florida History and learn the stories behind each of them.
The Florida Public Archaeology Network has more details about Florida Archaeology Month events taking place in March throughout the state at http://fpan.us/FAM/.
About The Bureau of Archaeological Research
The Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Archaeological Research is entrusted with the maintenance, preservation and protection of more than 12,000 years of Florida heritage. Archaeological and historical resources on state-owned and state-controlled lands, including sovereignty submerged lands, are the direct responsibility of the bureau. State archaeologists carry out archaeological surveys and excavations throughout Florida, primarily on state-owned lands. They maintain records on historical resources that have been recorded, and assist consultants and planners in protecting sites. The state’s underwater archaeology program includes historic shipwreck and pre-Columbian underwater sites, some of which are among the oldest human sites in the New World. The Bureau also manages Mission San Luis, a 60-acre world-class archaeological site located in Tallahassee, featuring a fulltime research program, a living history museum and is the only reconstructed Spanish mission in the Southeast. For more information visit flheritage.com/archaeology.
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. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The director of DHR 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 or major program areas: archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information, visit flheritage.com.
On Saturday, March 10, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mission San Luis living history museum invites visitors to take part in its interactive event, Spanish Colonial Adventure Day. All ages can re-enact colonial Spanish Florida’s preparations for the 1686 exploratory expedition to Pensacola Bay with hands-on activities and make-and-take crafts.
“Mission San Luis is providing a unique opportunity for families to share an experience and make decisions together at Spanish Florida’s western capital,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “Come out to the historic site to ‘get your orders’ and discover a host of fun and informative activities that showcase the importance of Mission San Luis to Florida and United States history.”
As a continuation of the success of Mission San Luis’ Winter Solstice Celebration, which highlighted the site’s Native-American connection, this event will focus on the Spanish aspects of the site’s history. Guests can enjoy collecting trade beads at the Council House, grinding corn for travel supplies at the Spanish House, and creating a banner at the Church. At the Fort, draw a map of Western Florida, learn cattle roping, and more. There will also be archery for all ages. In addition, Charles Santiago will thrill guests with masterful renditions of Spanish guitar music from the 16th and 17th centuries in a morning and an afternoon set.
The Spanish Colonial Adventure Day event is included with the regular admission fee of $5 for adults, $3 for seniors 65+, and $2 for ages 6-17. Children under 6, members, and active military get in FREE. For more information call 850.245.6406 or visit missionsanluis.org.
About Mission San Luis
Mission San Luis, Florida’s Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum, was the western capital of Spanish Florida from 1656 to 1704. The Mission, now a National Historic Landmark, brings the year 1703 to life with living history interpreters in period dress, reconstructed period buildings, exhibits, and archaeological research. The site is managed by the Florida Department of State, and support is provided by the Friends of Florida History, Inc. Mission San Luis is located at 2100 West Tennessee Street in Tallahassee, Florida, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm For more information call 850.245.6406 or visit missionsanluis.org.
Secretary of State Ken Detzner and the Florida Department of State today announced the second annual “March of Museums” celebrating the variety and versatility of museums in Florida’s communities. In 2017, the department piloted March of Museums with partner museums in Tallahassee. Building on this successful launch, the 2018 March of Museums has expanded statewide to include the vast and diverse array of museums that populate the Sunshine State.
“As Florida’s Chief Cultural Officer, I am proud of the success of last year’s ‘March of Museums’ and I am excited to expand this initiative statewide,” said Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “From art to animals, from sports to science, and from history to horticulture, Florida has an incredible array of museums that encourage exploration and learning. March of Museums celebrates the important services museums provide to our communities.”
Museums statewide have partnered with the Florida Department of State to encourage Floridians and visitors to Florida to experience the many ways that museums serve their communities. The department is hosting MarchofMuseums.com, which offers a listing of museums by region and highlights the mission, collections, and/or events of each institution during the month of March.
The department encourages visitors and Floridians to take advantage of this initiative to visit one of the partner museums for a new experience, to spend some time at one of their favorite museums and to share their pictures on their favorite social media platform using #MarchOfMuseums.
