During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman awarded Steven Cleveland with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.
Governor Scott said, “I applaud Steven’s commitment to helping and caring for his fellow Floridians in need. As director of the Florida Dream Center Adopt-A-Block, he has provided nearly 2,000 hours of service and inspired other members of the Tampa Bay community to get involved and make difference. I’m honored to recognize his impact on the lives and neighborhoods in his community with the Champion of Service Award today.”
Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Chester W. Spellman said, “Volunteer Florida is honored to recognize Steven for his tireless commitment to Tampa’s underserved families and neighborhoods. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize Steven for the countless hours he has spent helping his community.”
About the Champion of Service:
Steven Cleveland serves as the Director of the Florida Dream Center Adopt-A-Block program, which mobilizes volunteers throughout the Tampa area to distribute food, clothing, and household necessities to low-income families and persons experiencing homelessness. Adopt-A-Block also organizes neighborhood cleanups and gardening service projects to revitalize Tampa’s low-income areas. Steven has provided over 1,980 hours of civic engagement and community service in the Tampa area, impacting over 13,336 community members. Under Steven’s leadership, the Adopt-A-Block program mobilized 1,579 volunteers in 2016, who served over 5,200 hours of community service, distributed over 18,940 pounds of food, and completed revitalization projects in the local Lealman neighborhood. Steven also serves as a member of the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Executive Board of Directors.
Volunteer Florida is the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida, administering more than $32 million in federal, state, and local funding to deliver high-impact national service and volunteer programs in Florida. Volunteer Florida promotes and encourages volunteerism to meet critical needs across the state. Volunteer Florida also serves as Florida’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters. For more information, visit: www.volunteerflorida.org.
Governor Rick Scott
Governor Scott Awards FWC Officer Jason Hutchinson with the Medal of Heroism
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer Jason Hutchinson with the Governor’s Medal of Heroism. Officer Hutchinson was recently recognized as FWC’s 2017 Officer of the Year for his service and commitment to the safety of Florida’s families.
Governor Scott said, “I’m incredibly proud to recognize Officer Hutchinson with the Medal of Heroism today for his outstanding service to the State of Florida. Officer Hutchinson’s actions show how hard Florida’s law enforcement officers work every day to protect our families and communities.”
Col. Curtis Brown, the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement director, said, “Officer Hutchinson’s dedication to conserving resources and public safety makes him an ideal FWC officer. He has made a difference in his patrol area and we’re proud to have him representing the FWC.”
About Officer Jason Hutchinson
Officer Jason Hutchinson began his career at the Florida Department of Corrections and became a sworn officer for FWC in 2012, patrolling Santa Rosa County. In January, he was named FWC 2017 Officer of the Year for his contributions to his community and public safety. Over the past year, Officer Hutchinson rescued a first-time hunter lost at night in the Escambia River swamp and was instrumental to apprehending one of the most wanted illegal drug distributers in the area. He also developed an officer mentoring program and performed countless outreach hours to area youth and civic organizations.
Attorney General Bondi and Governor Scott to hold news conference on opioid epidemic
MEDIA ADVISORY
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Governor Rick Scott will hold a joint news conference today about Florida’s opioid epidemic at 4:00 p.m. in the state Capitol in front of the Attorney General’s Office.
WHO: Attorney General Bondi, Governor Scott and law enforcement
WHAT: News Conference
WHEN: Tuesday, April 11, 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Florida Attorney General’s Office
The Capitol, PL-01
Tallahassee, Fla.
ICYMI: WFTX: Gov. Scott Honors 100 Local Veterans with Veterans Service Award
“Gov. Scott Honors 100 Local Veterans with the Veterans Service Award”
WFTX-FTM (FOX) – Fort Myers, FL
April 10, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Gov. Scott Declares State of Emergency Following Increased Wildfires Across the State
Governor Rick Scott today issued Executive Order 17-120 declaring a state of emergency in Florida following the recent wildfires across the state and the high potential for increased wildfires to continue this year. Forecasts predict hotter and drier conditions than normal in Florida during the coming months. Florida wildfires have already burned 250 percent more acreage during the first three months of 2017 than during the same time period last year. There are currently more than 100 active wildfires across more than 20,000 acres in Florida.
Governor Scott said, “As wildfires impact our state, our incredible firefighters and first responders have bravely rushed to aid our communities and worked tirelessly to protect our homes and families. Last month I traveled to Collier County with Commissioner Putnam to see the impacts of one of these wildfires firsthand and we have continued to monitor the growing number of fires across the state. I’ve continued to be in contact with Commissioner Putnam and local officials about the wildfires across the state and today I am declaring a state of emergency in Florida to ensure we are ready to respond to and prepare for these fires.
“Much of Central and South Florida are approaching drought-like conditions and the chances for wildfires are continuing to increase with hotter temperatures and low rainfall. This may only get worse as we enter the hotter summer months and it is crucial that we take every action right now to be prepared. It is incredibly important that wildfire response is swift and deliberate and this state of emergency will make it easier for our state, regional and local agencies to quickly work together to protect our families, visitors and communities.”
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said, “Wildfires are burning more than 20,000 acres in Florida right now, and we haven’t seen this active of a season since 2011. From St. George Island in the Panhandle to a wildfire just north of one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions in Orlando, we’re seeing that every area of our state is susceptible to wildfire. I thank Governor Scott for signing this executive order, which will ensure we have every resource available to us to combat these wildfires to protect life, property and wildlife. May God bless our brave firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect us.”
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Christopher Joson as a Special Officer of CSX Transportation
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Christopher Joson as a Special Officer of CSX Transportation.
Joson, 35, of Fleming Island, currently serves as a Special Agent with the CSX Transportation Police, and previously served as a Police Officer with the Palatka County Sheriff’s Office. Joson received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida. He is appointed to a vacant seat for a term beginning on April 10, 2017, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.
ICYMI: WEAR: Gov. Scott Defends VISIT FLORIDA at Destin Roundtable
“Gov. Scott Defends VISIT FLORIDA at Destin Roundtable”
WEAR (ABC) – Mobile, AL
April 8, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Sara Gaver to the Florida Rehabilitation Council
Governor Rick Scott announced today the appointment of Sara Gaver to the Florida Rehabilitation Council.
Gaver, 23, of Jacksonville, is a current member of the Florida Independent Living Council and former Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2015. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida. Gaver fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning April 7, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018.
Gov. Scott to Host Fighting for Florida Jobs Roundtable in Gainesville
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, April 6, Governor Rick Scott will host a Fighting for Florida Jobs Roundtable with business owners, economic development leaders, tourism leaders, and community members to discuss the local economic impact of VISIT FLORIDA and Enterprise Florida.
WHAT: Fighting for Florida Jobs Roundtable
WHEN: 3:30 PM
WHERE: Optym
7600 NW 5 Pl
Gainesville, FL 32607
Governor Scott Issues Proclamation for National Crime Victims’ Week in Florida
Governor Rick Scott today attended the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Commemoration with Attorney General Pam Bondi and proclaimed April 2-8, 2017 as National Crime Victims’ Week. To view the proclamation, see below or click HERE.
NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ WEEK IN FLORIDA
WHEREAS, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides the opportunity to promote the theme, “Strength, Resilience, Justice,” recognizing the importance of strengthening families and survivors in the aftermath of crime, building resilience in our communities and our victim responders, and working for justice for all victims and survivors; and
WHEREAS, a multidisciplinary response, involving teamwork among victim service professionals, criminal justice officials, legal professions, medical and mental health providers, and community leaders is necessary to reach and serve all victims —especially those who are marginalized, have disabilities, or live in remote locations; and
WHEREAS, providing victims with knowledge of their rights and available services further strengthen their ability to recover by restoring a sense of self-empowerment; and
WHEREAS, victims who feel understood and supported are more likely to disclose their victimization, seek services, and participate in the justice system;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida invite all Floridians to join me in recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Florida, April 2-8, 2017 and continuing to ensure that all victims of crime – especially those who are challenging to reach or serve – are afforded their rights and receive all services available.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capital, this 5th day of April, in the year two thousand seventeen.
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Governor
