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Senator Aaron Bean Announces the Governor’s Signing of HB 1135: License Plates

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House Bill 1135 creates 32 new specialty license plates in Florida, authorizes the
election of a permanent registration period and revises presale requirements

Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) is proud to announce that Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1135, License Plates by Representative J.W. Grant (R-Tampa), into law. [Read more…] about Senator Aaron Bean Announces the Governor’s Signing of HB 1135: License Plates

Senator Aaron Bean Receives 2018 Guardian ad Litem Legislator of Year Award

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State Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) has received the 2018 Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Legislator of the Year Award. GAL Executive Director Alan Abramowitz presented the award to Senator Bean “for his unwavering commitment to GAL and to abused, abandoned and neglected children.” [Read more…] about Senator Aaron Bean Receives 2018 Guardian ad Litem Legislator of Year Award

Senator Aaron Bean Presents $400,000 Check in State Funding to ElderSource

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On behalf of the State of Florida, State Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) yesterday presented a $400,000 check to Linda Levin, CEO of ElderSource, and ElderSource’s Board of Directors. During the 2018 Legislative Session, Senator Bean and State Representative Travis Cummings (R-Fleming Island) worked together to secure $400,000 in state funding for ElderSource, so they can provide home-delivered meals to elderly residents in seven Northeast Florida counties.

“We often take for granted our ability to simply prepare a meal when we’re hungry,” said Senator Bean. “However, many seniors in Northeast Florida are unable to perform these everyday tasks without assistance. This funding will allow ElderSource to deliver more meals to seniors in need, and ensure they live out their golden years in good health and with dignity.”

“It was a pleasure to work with Senator Bean and ElderSource to support our seniors,” said Representative Cummings. “I appreciate all ElderSource does for our community – their service, advocacy and support are invaluable.”

According to the Department of Elder Affairs’ 2015 Profile of Older Floridians, 40,135 adults age 60 and over face food insecurity every day in Northeast Florida. To combat this issue, ElderSource will use this state funding to deliver 60,000 meals to 1,000 elderly adults, all of whom are on the home-delivered meal waitlist. By providing this service, ElderSource will give vital, daily nutrition to homebound seniors, reduce isolation, provide a safety check and link them to additional services if needed.

“Home-delivered meals play a critical role in the health and independence of our seniors,” said Levin. “We continue to be grateful for the support and attention both Senator Bean and Representative Cummings have given to the issues facing our elderly. Due to their consideration and kindness, many seniors will be fed in Northeast Florida.”

Senator Bean represents Senate District 4, which includes parts of Nassau and Duval Counties. He can be contacted in Tallahassee at (850) 487-5004 or in his District Office at (904) 757-5039.

Senator Bean & Representative Daniels Present $250,000 in State Funding to Johnson Family YMCA

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On behalf of the State of Florida, State Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) and State Representative Kimberly Daniels (D-Jacksonville) yesterday presented a $250,000 check to Eric K. Mann, president and CEO of YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, the YMCA’s Metropolitan Board of Directors and the YMCA’s Senior Leadership Team. During the 2018 Legislative Session, Senator Bean and Representative Daniels advocated together to help secure the $250,000 in state funding for teen programming at the James Weldon Johnson Family YMCA in Northwest Jacksonville.

“The YMCA is consistently a leader in advocating for Florida’s youth by providing programs that positively impact their lives and give them the opportunities needed to succeed,” said Senator Bean. “This funding will allow the YMCA to increase programming for at-risk adolescents in the most underserved areas of Jacksonville, which will truly change lives and benefit our entire community.”

“It was an honor working with Senator Bean on the Johnson Family YMCA appropriation,” said Representative Daniels. “This facility is strategically placed between Cleveland Arms and Washington Heights, which are high crime housing areas. The youth in these neighborhoods will benefit from the program expansion, and I am excited about what is ahead for our community.”

This state funding will allow the Johnson Family YMCA to launch new programming and grow programmatic opportunities for teens and pre-teens in Jacksonville’s most disadvantaged areas. The YMCA’s goal is to provide these at-risk youth with a safe space and constructive programming after school and during the summer. The Johnson YMCA will also use the funding to provide life skills training, job and career preparation, health education and summer employment opportunities for teens. These new programs will serve approximately 120 additional youth in the Jacksonville community.

“The new Teen and Pre-Teen Centers at the Johnson Family YMCA are an investment in our youth,” said Mann. “We are grateful that our state leaders understand the importance this funding will have in helping the Y ensure that every child has the opportunity to envision and pursue the best possible future.”

Senator Bean represents Senate District 4, which includes parts of Nassau and Duval Counties. He can be contacted in Tallahassee at (850) 487-5004 or in his District Office at (904) 757-5039.

Senator Bean & Representative Daniels Present $250,000 in State Funding to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

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On behalf of the State of Florida, State Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) and State Representative Kimberly Daniels (D-Jacksonville) yesterday presented a $250,000 check to Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams and Dr. Charles Moreland, who attended on behalf of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. During the 2018 Legislative Session, Senator Bean and Representative Daniels worked diligently together to help secure the $250,000 in state funding for the City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Matching Grant.

“The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office does an exceptional job protecting our community, and this COPS Matching Grant will allow them to keep more officers on the street to fight crime,” said Senator Bean. “This state funding shows the Florida Legislature’s commitment to the men and women of law enforcement and to protecting every citizen in the City of Jacksonville.”

“Public safety is a core function of government,” said Representative Daniels. “I have chaired the Public Health and Safety Committee for the City of Jacksonville and served on the Florida House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee. Sponsoring the COPS Grant with Senator Bean is an honor, and I am proud to be able to present this state funding for this great cause.”

The COPS Grant funds will be used to maintain 15 sworn officer positions that have allowed the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to implement a three-pronged approach in Jacksonville, which includes a Blight/Nuisance Squad, Sheriff’s Watch Apartments and the Group Violence Intervention Program. The funding will permit the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to continue these innovative programs with the ultimate goal of reducing firearm-related crime and homicides.

“The COPS Grant truly demonstrates the state’s continued support of our efforts to improve and enhance the quality of life for Jacksonville citizens,” said Mayor Curry. “We are grateful to Senator Bean, Representative Daniels, the Duval Delegation, and the state legislature for sharing our commitment to public safety.”

“The COPS program is just one of the ways our Florida legislators have been supporting our efforts here in Jacksonville,” said Sheriff Williams. “Senator Bean has been a great partner to law enforcement, and the entire Duval County Legislative Delegation has been very responsive to all that we are trying to accomplish. We are extremely appreciative of their support.”

Senator Bean represents Senate District 4, which includes parts of Nassau and Duval Counties. He can be contacted in Tallahassee at (850) 487-5004 or in his District Office at (904) 757-5039.

Sen. Bean & Rep. Byrd Present $450,000 in State Funding to City of Fernandina Beach

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On behalf of the State of Florida, State Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) and State Representative Cord Byrd (R-Neptune Beach) last week presented a $450,000 check on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, to Fernandina Beach Mayor Johnny Miller and the Fernandina Beach City Commission. During the 2018 Legislative Session, Senator Bean and Representative Byrd worked hand-in-hand advocating for $450,000 in state funding for the City of Fernandina Beach for crucial shoreline stabilization to the city’s waterfront marina seawall.

“The seawall of Fernandina Beach’s marina sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Irma and has resulted in severe flooding in the downtown area,” said Senator Bean. “This state funding will help the City of Fernandina Beach replace the deteriorating marina seawall, which will ensure the preservation of our historic downtown for future generations.”

“Working alongside Senator Bean this past session toward securing vital funding for critical projects in our area, like this one, I am happy to be able to present the funding for this crucial project,” said Representative Byrd. “The Stormwater Shoreline Stabilization project will improve the city’s marina seawall and better serve residents by protecting the historical downtown area from future flooding.”

The City of Fernandina Beach’s Stormwater Shoreline Stabilization project intends to reduce flooding in the city’s downtown by replacing 270 linear feet of the existing marina seawall. Once installed, the new seawall will be four feet taller than its failed predecessor and will better defend downtown Fernandina Beach from future storm surges and subsequent damage.

“The City of Fernandina Beach thanks Senator Bean and Representative Byrd for helping secure this critical funding during the 2018 Legislative Session,” said Mayor Miller. “It will allow us to make drastic improvements to the marina’s seawall, which will better protect downtown Fernandina Beach if and when the next storm hits.”

Senator Bean represents Senate District 4, which includes parts of Nassau and Duval Counties. He can be contacted in Tallahassee at (850) 487-5004 or in his District Office at (904) 757-5039.

Senator Aaron Bean Presents $975,000 Check to Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub

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On behalf of the State of Florida, State Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) last week presented a $975,000 check on Monday, April 9, 2018, to Kathleen Schofield, executive director of STEM2 Hub; Gary Chartrand, chair of STEM2 Hub Corporate Board; and, aspiring Northeast Florida STEM students. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and it includes some of the fastest-growing, most in-demand career fields in today’s workforce. During the 2018 Legislative Session, Senator Bean worked with the Florida Legislature to secure the crucial $975,000 in funding for STEM2 Hub’s Northeast Florida 21st Century Workforce Development project, which will increase the availability of STEM-related educational programs in Northeast Florida’s schools.

“STEM education is vital to the future workforce of our state,” said Senator Bean. “I envision a Florida where all children have the chance to learn these critical skills, so they can realize their truly unlimited potential. This funding moves us closer to fulfilling this vision and provides Northeast Florida’s students with the opportunities needed to compete and excel in the 21st Century.”

The goal of STEM2 Hub’s project is to expand access to schools and organizations so that they may consistently offer 21st Century Skills Development programs to students in the Northeast Florida region. This will assure broader exposure to programs with a focus on robotics, coding and workforce-aligned after-school programs, taking place in both formal and informal learning spaces, and high-quality instruction in mathematics. Schools targeted by STEM2 Hub will be able to participate in math programs that will deepen content knowledge and increase student growth in math, leading to STEM capable graduates.

“As a leader in both the education and the business communities, I recognize the critical importance of accelerating the opportunities for all students to have meaningful engagement with the skills they will need to prepare them for the unknown challenges of tomorrow’s workforce,” said Chartrand. “These funds will allow us to reach deep into the community to strengthen opportunities for children that will open doors to their future and put them on a pathway to the most in-demand careers. We are thankful to our state leaders for valuing the importance of this work.”

“It is so important that we give all students the opportunity to grow competent in the skills of problem solving and critical thinking,” said Schofield. “We must make students feel connected to community and business leaders, as well as to their schools, so that they see a pathway to their own success. I am honored to have the opportunity to advance this work, accelerating the growth and development of programs that will allow Northeast Florida students to be tomorrow’s leaders of the new and exciting world that lies ahead.”

For more information about STEM2 Hub, please visit: stem2hub.org.

Senator Bean represents Senate District 4, which includes parts of Nassau and Duval Counties. He can be contacted in Tallahassee at (850) 487-5004 or in his District Office at (904) 757-5039.

Sen. Bean and Rep. Fischer File Legislation to Support Jacksonville School for Autism

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Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) and Representative Jason Fischer (R-Jacksonville) have filed legislation to appropriate $250,000 to Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA). This appropriation will allow JSA to expand their Strategies and Techniques for Effective Practice (STEP) Program. The STEP Program provides vocational students and young adults with the skills necessary to be independent and successful in both their communities and places of employment.
“Jacksonville School for Autism has impacted numerous lives since its founding and has provided its students with the support they need to become independent, productive members of society,” said Senator Bean. “This appropriation will allow Jacksonville School for Autism to expand and help more students realize that they are truly capable of anything.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms 1 in 42 boys have an autism diagnosis. JSA is dedicated to helping children with autism and their families by tapping into all available resources to provide “outside of the desk” thinking. With a focus on whole child development and individualized programs that encourage both family and community involvement, JSA is able to nurture each child to reach his or her full potential.
“Autism touches the lives of many Floridians, and it is our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure they have the support they need to reach their full potential,” said Representative Fischer. “This funding request will provide increased vocational training for JSA students, helping them learn essential skills that will prepare them for employment.”
For more information about Jacksonville School for Autism, please visit jsakids.org.
For more information about HB 3967, click here.

Senator Aaron Bean Unveils Unsolved Cases in Florida Website

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Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) unveiled Florida’s new unsolved cases website featuring more than 400 unsolved homicides. The Unsolved Cases in Florida website features unsolved homicides that have been submitted by local law enforcement agencies for placement on the website. The website was developed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). In his prior role as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice, Senator Bean had the idea for a statewide website featuring unsolved cases. Senator Bean worked with FDLE to create the website.
“In Florida the bad guys are never off the hook,” said Senator Aaron Bean. “Our goal is to arrest the criminals who committed these crimes. By empowering our citizens, they can help local law enforcement agencies by providing tips on these cases.”
“Florida’s local law enforcement agencies work tirelessly on these unsolved cases,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen.  “This website allows local agencies to display their unsolved homicide cases to be seen by millions of eyes.”
“Unsolved homicide cases cause indescribable pain for the those closest to the victim, which is why the Florida Sheriffs Association created the Cold Case Advisory Commission in 2015 to provide assistance to local law enforcement agencies,” said Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell, chair of the FSA Cold Case Advisory Commission. “The Sheriffs of Florida today are very grateful to Senator Aaron Bean for his passion and energy, and to the FDLE for creating a website that will provide the public with access to unsolved cases.”
“No matter how much time passes, law enforcement will continue to search for answers to bring justice for victims and their families,” said Chief Kevin Lystad, Miami Shores Police Department and President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA). “The FPCA and its members commend Senator Aaron Bean for his idea to create this type of website, another tool for investigators to help find answers in these unsolved cases.”
The Unsolved Cases in Florida website can be found on FDLE’s website.
Senator Bean represents Senate District 4, which includes parts of Nassau and Duval Counties. He can be contacted in Tallahassee at (850) 487-5004 or in his District Office at (904) 757-5039.
Senator Bean will be holding a press conference at 10:00 a.m. this morning in front of the Senate Chambers at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee.

Senator Aaron Bean Receives Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center's 2017 Legislator of the Year Award

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Sen. Bean was recognized for supporting the Policy Center and Florida’s girls

Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) has received the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center’s 2017 See the Girl Legislator of the Year Award. The See the Girl Legislator of the Year Award recognizes a public official from each chamber whose leadership has brought about systemic changes to positively impact girls and young women affected by the justice system. The Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center presented the award to Senator Bean for championing the policy center’s programs and Florida’s girls during the 2017 legislative session.
“I am truly honored to receive the 2017 See the Girl Legislator of the Year Award from the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center,” said Senator Bean. “Far too often in our society, the unique needs of girls are overlooked and a one-size-fits-all approach is applied in our justice system. Our young women want and deserve better, which is why I am honored to advocate for Florida’s girls and the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center.”
Senator Bean represents Senate District 4, which includes parts of Nassau and Duval Counties. He can be contacted in Tallahassee at (850) 487-5004 or in his District Office at (904) 757-5039.