Governor Rick Scott today visited the Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando to highlight his proposal for $1 million in security funding for Jewish Day Schools as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. Read more about the proposal HERE.
Orlando
Gov. Scott Issues Updates on State Action to Assist Puerto Rico
Governor Rick Scott today visited the American Red Cross distribution warehouse in Orlando to thank volunteers for organizing donations to assist recovery efforts for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Governor Scott also spoke with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló today to discuss ongoing response and recovery efforts.
See below for more information on what the State of Florida is doing to support Puerto Rico:
MILITARY SUPPORT
- The Florida National Guard (FLNG) continues to monitor and provide support, as needed, to coordinate Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) force flow into Puerto Rico.
- Over the weekend, the FLNG deployed a communications specialist from the 48th Civil Support Team to Puerto Rico to assist with stabilizing the response network. This is in addition to the airman from the Florida Air National Guard is on the ground in San Juan directing the Joint Air Coordination Element (JACE).
- Additionally, the FLNG is providing logistical support to the North Carolina National Guard which is preparing to ship vehicles out of Jacksonville to Puerto Rico via sealift. The 100-person unit will lodge at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center beginning October 5th until deployment.
- The Florida National Guard is coordinating with the full-time Guardsmen as part of the 601st Air Operations Center at Tyndall Air Force Base. This organization, under the U.S. Air Forces North (AFNORTH), is coordinating all military airflow in the Joint Operations Area. They recently coordinated 29 military flights, which included water, meals, sandbags, health specialists, military police, vehicles and other humanitarian assistance supplies and personnel.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) traveled to San Juan with Governor Scott last week and met with the Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety to discuss security concerns and needs.
- FDLE has coordinated a request for 1,500 law enforcement officers that are standing by to deploy to Puerto Rico to supplement Puerto Rican law enforcement. These assets will come from across Florida, including state and local partners, and other states.
- An eight-member incident management team is prepared to deploy to Puerto Rico this week to help assess law enforcement needs. The Florida Highway Patrol has two members on the incident management team and will have between 50-70 troopers available to respond immediately once needs are identified.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has identified volunteers from across the state that are part of the FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) to stand by for potential deployment. Many of these officers have recently deployed to assist with Hurricanes Harvey and Hurricane Irma response and recovery operations.
- FWC has identified specialty equipment such as trucks, coastal and river patrol boats, ATVs and shallow draft boats to be considered for potential use as needed.
DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
- At the direction of Governor Scott, three Disaster Relief Centers (DRCs) have opened at Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport, and the Port of Miami for Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane Maria.
- The following organizations will have staff on site: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Children and Families, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Health, Department of Economic Opportunity, American Red Cross and Catholic Charities (Orlando International Airport).
- These partners will offer services such as help with registering for FEMA Individual Assistance, crisis counseling, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) information, assistance with unaccompanied minors and agency social services, assistance with animal services, medical attention and health concerns, employment information and training services, food and water resources, language guidance and spiritual care.
- The hours of operation for these centers are 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., including weekends.
- The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) is working closely with Puerto Rican officials to help identify, prioritize and affect Emergency Management Assistance Compact missions, allowing for the right resources and personnel from the continental U.S. to be appropriately leveraged in support of the response effort.
- SERT has coordinated with private partners to secure three large transport vessels that have a combined passenger capacity of more than 7,500 individuals.
- SERT is working with private cellular infrastructure repair and support companies to assist the Puerto Rico response effort and deploy personnel, repair equipment, trucks and fuel needed for critical communications infrastructure repairs.
- SERT is identifying relief supplies for deployment. More than 2 million pounds of relief supplies are positioned in the Tampa Bay area for two large cargo aircraft transporting them to airports outside of San Juan. In addition, four hangars across the Tampa and Orlando areas are full of relief supplies are on standby for air transport.
- Available relief supplies include 220 Florida Point of Distribution (POD) support packages which are used for the distribution of water, food, and supplies to the public, 50 6,000-gallon potable water tankers, 300 fork lifts, 10 kitchen support units, 10 shower/laundry facilities, 1,000 light towers, and 1,200 portable generators standing by for transport to Puerto Rico as needed. In addition, Lowe’s is currently transporting 30 trailers worth of portable generators to Homestead for transport to Puerto Rico.
- SERT is working with utility partners at the State Emergency Operations Center to identify resources that may be offered to Puerto Rico. This includes personnel, repair equipment and expertise. Additionally, FPL has offered assessment teams that can quickly deploy and assist in determining critical infrastructure needs.
- SERT is working with fuel industry partners to secure ships transporting fuel, fuel trucks and bilingual drivers to transport fuel to areas with the most critical need. Two fuel barges are on standby for deployment.
- SERT, through the Florida Retail Federation, is coordinating with Florida’s major retailers in ensuring the availability and distribution of needed goods.
- SERT coordinated with the Humane Society of the United States to support pet and animal shelters in San Juan.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL
- The state coordinated with Florida International University to host evacuees from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, 90 of which were dialysis patients, at Florida International University.
- The state is currently on the list of Federal Coordinating Centers (FCCs) to accept patients if needed from Puerto Rico as recovery efforts continue. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) will stand ready to coordinate patient transport as needed.
- DOH is providing education on available public health services at Disaster Relief Centers in South Florida and Orlando for Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane Maria.
- The Agency for Health Care Administration will work with our federal partners to gather information on any waivers the Medicaid program would need to serve individuals from Puerto Rico. As always, the Medicaid program covers medically necessary services for children and families eligible for Medicaid.
TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS
- The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is prepared to deploy a four-person team to assess infrastructure status and needs and coordinate further related deployments.
- FDOT is working to fulfill a request from Puerto Rico to assist in evaluating the current status of traffic signals and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) field devices.
- FDOT has been in communication with Puerto Rico’s Secretary of Transportation and Public Works regarding transportation needs.
- The Governor has called on Florida port directors to prioritize and expedite the shipment of goods from across the country quickly to Puerto Rico and many ports have committed to stand ready to help move supplies through their facilities as quickly as possible.
VOLUNTEER FLORIDA
- Volunteer Florida is providing information and resources to Floridians who want to make donations or volunteer at www.volunteerflorida.org.
- Volunteer Florida is assisting with the opening of Disaster Relief Centers in South Florida and Orlando for Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane Maria and providing bi-lingual assistance for displaced families.
- Volunteer Florida is coordinating with local volunteer United Way agencies and non-profit partners to provide referral information for transportation, lodging, food and water during transition.
EDUCATION
- Florida school districts have processes in place to enroll K-12 students displaced by natural disasters, and all districts are prepared to enroll Puerto Rican evacuees. Families displaced by Hurricane Maria have begun arriving in Florida, and a number have already enrolled their students.
- Commissioner Stewart will issue a summary of guidance to all districts and continue to work with school districts on additional issues as they arise.
- The below Florida state colleges and universities are waiving out-of-state tuition and fees for students from Puerto Rico displaced by Hurricane Maria following a request by Governor Scott:
- Broward College
- Chipola College
- College of Central Florida
- Daytona State
- Eastern Florida State College
- Florida A&M University
- Florida Atlantic University
- Florida Gateway
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Florida International University
- Florida Keys Community College
- Florida Southwestern State College
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Florida State University
- Gulf Coast State College
- Hillsborough Community College
- Indian River State College
- Lake Sumter
- Miami Dade College
- New College of Florida
- North Florida Community College
- Northwest Florida State College
- Palm Beach State
- Pasco-Hernando State College
- Pensacola State College
- Polk State College
- Santa Fe College
- Seminole State
- South Florida State College
- Johns River State College
- Petersburg College
- State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota
- Tallahassee Community College
- University of Central Florida
- University of Florida
- University of North Florida
- University of South Florida
- University of West Florida
- Valencia College
Last week, at the request of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Governor Scott visited San Juan, Puerto Rico to help coordinate response and recovery efforts. On Friday, Governor Scott met with President Trump and Vice President Pence to discuss his trip to Puerto Rico and actions the State of Florida is taking to help with response and recovery. Governor Scott also hosted a call with Puerto Rican government officials and Florida state agency leaders last week to ensure the State of Florida is doing everything possible to help Puerto Rico recover.
Gov. Scott Congratulates Orlando International Airport for Top Ranking in North America
SANFORD, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott congratulated Orlando International Airport for receiving the top ranking for consumer satisfaction among mega airports by J.D. Power’s 2017 North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
Governor Scott said, “Florida is proud to be home to North America’s top airport for customer satisfaction. We’ve made significant investments to improve Orlando International so it can continue to provide jobs and economic opportunities for Central Florida families. Florida’s growing economy continues to allow us to prioritize investments so Florida can be home to some of the world’s best transportation infrastructure.”
Governor Scott has lead significant state investments in Orlando International Airport related to enhancing the airport experience:
- $198.4 million for the South terminal complex construction;
- $28.3 million in the main terminal ticket lobby expansion, renovations and improvements;
- $2.7 million invested for the Federal Inspection Station expansion and renovations, including four new gates for large international aircraft; and
- $275,000 for the reconfiguration and improvements of the east and west TSA checkpoints.
Orlando International airport has more than 43 million annual passengers, making it the second busiest airport in Florida and 13th busiest in the U.S. With the state’s most domestic routes and non-stop service to 57 international destinations, MCO provides global access for business and leisure interests. Orlando International Airport generates $31 billion in direct and indirect revenue for the regional economy.
UCF Helps Bring Community Partners Together to Support New School in Parramore
The design for a stunning new school opening today in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood got its start on a napkin in New York City.
Architects for the new Orange County school were touring public “community schools” in New York that had a track record of helping children in poverty succeed and thrive with support from community partners such as the Children’s Aid Society. The community schools offered health care, enrichment programs and other services for students.
The architects were looking for design ideas for a school to be opened in Parramore and were excited by what they saw, said Nancy Ellis, director of the Center for Community Partnerships and a graduate of the doctoral program in public affairs at the University of Central Florida. “By lunch they were making sketches on what was handy in one of the school’s cafeteria.”
Ellis and colleagues at the College of Health and Public Affairs, Children’s Home Society of Florida and True Health had already partnered with Orange County Public Schools to develop a community school at Evans High School in Pine Hills that began in 2010.
The high school was seeing a steady increase in its graduation rate and the future seemed promising, so Orange County School Superintendent Barbara Jenkins wanted the new school in Parramore to be a community school too, said Ellis.
Ellis coordinated the 2015 trip for the principal architects from Baker Barrios, the Orlando-based architecture firm hired by the school district, and representatives from the school district, UCF and Children’s Home Society of Florida.
The following year she coordinated a similar trip for three new community partners now involved in the Parramore school project — Orange Blossom Family Health, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, and the Rosen Foundation. Andrew Rollins, the newly hired principal, went as well.
Both trips and ongoing conversations among the partners have helped the school district reach its milestone today of launching the new OCPS Academic Center for Excellence as a community school for some 1,200 students and their families and community.
The school will serve not only Parramore but also the Callahan and Holden Heights neighborhoods, said school board District 5 representative Kate Gordon at an Aug. 9 sneak peek of the school.
“The parents are excited. The students are excited. We’re going to do great things this year,” said Rollins, who earned two degrees in education at UCF.
OCPS ACE is formally known as a Community Partnership School, the name coined by UCF and Children’s Home Society of Florida for the school model developed at Evans High.
All community schools foster strong partnerships to support the well-being of students and their families and communities, but the programs and services vary depending on the needs, said Amy Ellis, assistant director of the Center for Community Schools at UCF.
In the case of Community Partnership Schools, four types of community partners are always involved — a school district, a university or college, a nonprofit and a health care provider. Other types of community partners participate, too, and can play a major role.
For OCPS ACE the partnerships are among Orange County Public Schools, UCF, Valencia College, Children’s Home Society of Florida, Orange Blossom Family Health, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, and the Rosen Foundation.
The partnerships mean OCPS ACE can offer tutoring and mentoring programs; professional development for teachers; before- and after-school services; a resource center for parents; onsite medical, dental and behavioral health services; athletic, arts and summer programs; and a high-quality preschool program.
“Community Partnership Schools are among the most comprehensive community schools in the world,” said Amy Ellis, a former community school administrator at Evans who has visited community schools in England and is studying them as a doctoral student in education leadership at UCF.
The Community Partnership Schools model is now recognized as a national community school model by the Coalition for Community Schools in Washington.
The Florida Legislature appropriated more than $4 million dollars during the past four years for the development of Community Partnership Schools across the state.
Currently, eight public schools in Florida have become Community Partnership Schools with state support, including Evans and OCPS ACE in Orlando and schools in Pensacola, Jacksonville, Tampa, Holiday and Cocoa. Five others are implementing the Community Partnership Schools model with support from their local community, and another four are in the emerging phase, said Amy Ellis.
Early-outcomes data is impressive. Evans’s graduation rate has increased from 64 percent in 2011 to 88 percent 2017. C.A. Weis Elementary School in Pensacola began offering behavioral health services when it became a Community Partnership School in 2015. Since then more than 100 children have been referred to behavioral health care and 81 new cases have been opened, according to school director John Sherman. Student referrals dropped 43 percent and suspensions dropped 50 percent in the first year.
Sherman’s position as director is one of four staff positions found at all Community Partnership Schools – a director, an after-school coordinator, a health programs’ coordinator and a parent resource coordinator. The positions are partially supported with legislative funding.
Shannon Currie has been on board as the Community Partnership School director at OCPS ACE since last year. She is an employee of Children’s Home Society of Florida, works closely with the school principal, and receives training and technical support from the Center for Community Schools at UCF.
“It’s an amazing experience to be a partner and to understand what it takes to support a school holistically,” Currie said. “I’m doing what I love to do – to serve people. What I want them to know is that they have access to support. If they know that, then we’re doing our job.”
Public Meeting of the Constitution Revision Commission in Orlando
The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) will hold a public meeting tomorrow, June 6 beginning at 9:00 AM at the University of Central Florida (UCF). At the meeting, the CRC will consider the Rules of the Commission.
The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org. Media wishing to attend are requested to bring their press credentials.
WHAT: Public meeting of the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) to consider the Rules of the Commission
WHEN: Tuesday, June 6, 9:00 AM − until completion
WHERE: University of Central Florida (UCF)
FAIRWINDS Alumni Center (Ballrooms A, B & C)
12676 Gemini Blvd. N.
Orlando, FL 32816
Google Map Link
*Complimentary parking available in Garage H.
LINK TO MEETING PACKET: http://bit.ly/2sanU1K
Individuals requiring an accommodation to attend this public meeting (such as a sign language interpreter) are requested to notify the Constitution Revision Commission five days prior to the scheduled meeting date at [email protected] or 850.717.9550.
Weekend Closure on East Concord Street Approaching I-4 Announced
Concord Street will be closed in both directions at the railroad crossing between North Orange Avenue and North Garland Avenue from 9 p.m. Friday, May 12, to 3 a.m. Monday, May 15. The closure is necessary to replace the crossing, including construction of new concrete panels and asphalt approaches.
The closure will affect traffic trying to access the on ramp to I-4 westbound from Concord Street. Traffic traveling toward I-4 on Concord Street will be directed to turn left onto North Orange Avenue, right onto Amelia Street, right onto North Garland Avenue to the entrance ramp. Detour route signage will be placed at key locations in the area to direct drivers around the work zone. Access to businesses will be maintained.
The crossing replacement is part of project to improve the tracks and grade crossings within the existing SunRail corridor from the DeBary Station in Volusia County to the Sand Lake Road Station in Orange County.
Please note that schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Updates can be found on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Central Florida website www.CFLRoads.com. For construction-related questions, please contact Public Information Coordinator Carolyn Fitzwilliam at 407-637-7461 or by email at [email protected]. Media inquiries should be directed to Public Information Manager Steve Olson at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].
The Florida Department of Transportation urges motorists to use caution near all railroad crossings and when driving in areas with road construction. Please slow down and stay alert.
Senator Linda Stewart Secures $2.5 Million for Orlando PTSD Treatment
With the psychological damage from one of the worst massacres in the nation still readily apparent in the communities she serves, State Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) has secured the reinstatement of $2.5 million into the Florida Senate’s budget to heal some of the lingering trauma.
The restored funding is earmarked for UCF RESTORES Trauma Management Therapy program, a highly effective, pioneering treatment program established at the University of Central Florida for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“No amount of money can ever truly heal the ache and the pain and the trauma that our community suffered nearly one year ago,” said Sen. Stewart, who continues to witness the after-effects residents and victims still suffer from the Pulse nightclub shooting rampage. “I want to commend President Joe Negron for working closely with me to put this funding back into the state’s budget.”
The UCF RESTORES Trauma Management Therapy program is poised for expansion of its scope of service to include first responders suffering PTSD as well as Floridians afflicted by other tragedies, such as the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016.
ICYMI: 400 Floridians Attend Constitution Revision Commission Public Hearing in Orlando
Photo by CRC: Chairman Carlos Beruff and Commissioners
listen to Floridians at the CRC’s first public hearing in Orlando.
The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) held its first public hearing on March 29 in Orlando at the University of Central Florida (UCF) as part of its, “Floridians Speak, We Listen” statewide tour. Approximately 400 Floridians attended the hearing, and more than 95 individual Floridians spoke before the Commission to share their ideas. The hearing began at 5:00 PM and extended past the noticed end time through approximately 9:00 PM. All Floridians who attended the public hearing and wanted to speak were given an opportunity to be heard by the Commission.
To watch last night’s full hearing, visit the Florida Channel’s website which has a page dedicated to all CRC public hearings and meetings. A complete transcript of the public hearing and appearance forms will be available online at FLCRC.GOV as soon as possible. The next public hearings held by the CRC will be on April 6 at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami and on April 7 at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton. Visit FLCRC.GOV for the schedule of confirmed public hearings. Floridians can also receive updates by following the CRC on Twitter (@FloridaCRC) and on Facebook (@FloridaCRC).
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION
Once every twenty years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a thirty-seven member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Commission meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research, and possibly recommending changes to the Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the Commission would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. For additional information, visit FLCRC.GOV. Follow the CRC on Twitter @FloridaCRC and like the CRC on Facebook @FloridaCRC.
ICYMI: WFTV: Gov. Scott Announces Orlando is Leading the State in Job Creation
“Gov. Scott Announces Orlando is Leading the State in Job Creation”
WFTV-ORD (ABC)
March 24, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Chairman Beruff Announces Public Hearing at University of Central Florida in Orlando
Chairman Carlos Beruff invites all interested Floridians to participate in a public hearing of the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) on Wednesday, March 29 beginning at 5:00 PM. This will be the first of many public hearings held by the CRC as part of its statewide “Floridians Speak, We Listen” tour.
Members of the media wishing to attend must request a media credential to ensure adequate space is provided at the venue, in addition to bringing their press credentials. To request a media credential, please contact Meredith Beatrice at [email protected], providing the name(s), media outlet and if space is needed for a satellite truck.
The event will also be live-streamed by the Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org.
WHAT: Public hearing of the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC)
WHEN: Wednesday, March 29, 5:00 PM (Doors open at 4:30 PM)
*End time is tentative depending upon attendance and public interest in speaking before the Commission.
WHERE: University of Central Florida (UCF)
FAIRWINDS Alumni Center
12676 Gemini Blvd. N., Orlando, Fla. 32816
*Free parking for attendees available in Garage H. Directions and map are attached courtesy of UCF.
Additional public hearing dates and times will be announced as soon as possible. Members of the public can contact the CRC by emailing [email protected] or by calling (850) 717-9550. Visit FLCRC.GOV for additional information.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION
Once every twenty years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a thirty-seven member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Commission meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research, and possibly recommending changes to the Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the Commission would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. For additional information, visit FLCRC.GOV. Follow the Commission on Twitter @FloridaCRC.
