Governor Rick Scott today issued an emergency order in Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties to help combat algal blooms caused by Lake Okeechobee water discharges from the Army Corps of Engineers. This emergency declaration allows the Department of Environmental Protection and the South Florida Water Management District to waive various restrictions and regulations to store water in additional areas south of the Lake, which will help alleviate the Army Corps of Engineers’ water discharges that are causing harmful algal blooms in Florida’s rivers and coastal estuaries. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott Issues Emergency Order to Combat Algal Blooms in South Florida
South Florida
Gov. Scott Issues Emergency Order to Combat Algal Blooms in South Florida
Governor Rick Scott today issued an emergency order in Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties to help combat algal blooms caused by Lake Okeechobee water discharges from the Army Corps of Engineers. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott Issues Emergency Order to Combat Algal Blooms in South Florida
DISTRICT ONE NORTHERN COUNTIES ROADWATCH REPORT #52 FOR WEEK OF DECEMBER 24, 2017
Bartow — This weekly report is prepared by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to inform the public about upcoming road work in Southwest Florida. Below are the work schedule and lane closure locations for major state road projects.
Motorists are reminded to wear safety belts and drive with caution, courtesy, common sense, and patience as they travel through work zones. Remember, speeding fines are doubled in work zones.
As a reminder, travelers can visit www.FL511.com or dial “511” from their phone to
learn about traffic conditions on major roadways across the state.
If you know before you go, you can plan accordingly and save time and money.
Please Note: Due to Hurricane Irma debris removal operations are occurring on many roadways and drivers should use caution.
HARDEE COUNTY
US 17 from Livingston Street to Hardee / Desoto County Line: Construction project: Crews will be milling and resurfacing the roadway and improving drainage to approximately 6.7 miles of roadway. The contractor will also install curb and gutters, guardrails and sidewalks.
· There are no lane-closures scheduled from Friday 12/22/17 thru Monday 1/2/18
Watch for crews and equipment working close to the road. Please observe posted speed limits and drive with caution in the construction zone. The contractor is AJAX Paving Industries of Florida. Estimated completion is spring 2018.
US 17 from the Hardee/Desoto County Line to Sweetwater Road (CR 634): Construction project: Following recovery from storm impacts, crews will be resuming work widening US 17 from two lanes to four lanes, adding a grassed median and building new two-lane bridges over Charlie Creek and Charlie Creek Overflow.
· No roadwork will be performed from 12/23/17 through 1/2/18.
The contractor will also install new roadside drainage swales and storm water ponds to manage water running off the roadway. The contractor is Watson Civil Construction. Watch for crews and equipment working close to the road. Drivers should expect daytime lane closures and flaggers will direct motorists through the work zone in a single lane. Please observe posted speed limits and drive with caution in the construction zone. Estimated completion is summer 2018.
US 17 from south of West 9th Street to north of West 3rd Street: Construction project: Crews are constructing a new four-lane concrete roadway using the old railroad corridor along Oak Street to realign this 1-mile segment. The contractor is installing curb and gutter, 7-footbike lanes, sidewalks, and a 52-foot raised median to separate the northbound and southbound lanes of traffic. The project also includes installing a new underground drainage system and two storm water ponds to manage water running off of the roadway.
· Motorists should follow the new traffic pattern on eastbound and westbound SR 66 and northbound and southbound US 17. Watch for signs and use the posted detour route utilizing the new SR 66 to travel around the work zone.
· No Lane Closures 12/24/2017 through 1/2/2018.
· Crews will resume pouring curb, sidewalks and driveways on SR 66 East, 5th Street East, 4th Street East, and 3rd Street East Tuesday through Thursday.
· Oak Street, 3rd Street East, 4th Street East, 5th Street East and 7th Street East are closed.
· Crews will not be working on 12/25. Crews will resume work from 12/26 through 12/29. Crews will not be working from 1/1/18 through 1/2/18 and will resume work on 1/3/2018.
Please pay attention to new signage and pavement markings directing traffic through the work zone. Estimated completion is fall 2018. The contractor is AJAX Paving Industries of Florida.
HIGHLANDS COUNTY
South Ridgewood Drive (SR 17 – Sebring)/Intersection at Pine Street and Lake Avenue (Avon Park): Construction project: Crews will be installing traffic signals and relocating existing signs beginning January 8, 2018. Motorists should anticipate daytime and nighttime single-lane closures during construction and may need to plan extra travel time in this area. Please watch for workers in the construction zone and use caution.
SR 25 (US27) From Tomoka Blvd. to S. Lakeview Road: Construction project: Crews will be removing concrete and installing ditch blocks and other drainage modifications along this one-mile segment of US 27. As part of this project, crews will install guardrail, add paved shoulders and sod, make drainage improvements and relocate highway lighting. Motorists should expect intermittent single-lane closures during construction operations from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Watch for crews working in the roadway. Estimated project completion is End of Year 2017. The contractor is C-squared Certified General Contractor.
SR 25 (US 27) Southbound between Golfview Rd. and Tubbs Rd: Maintenance permit project: Crews will reconstruct the driveway/connection at the old Mexican Restaurant location and adjacent property. Watch for trucks entering and exiting the site. Please use caution in this area and watch for crews working close to the roadway.
SR 66 from Highlands/Hardee County line to west of US 27/US 98: Construction project: Crews are repaving approximately 9 miles of roadway on both the northbound and southbound lanes of SR 66 from the Highlands/Hardee County Line to US 27. Additional improvements include the addition of a right turn lane on to Skipper Road, widening the right turn lanes on to South George Boulevard, Sparta Road, and Woodland Creek Trail, installing drainage, curb and gutter, guardrail, pavement markings, and signage. Anticipate daytime lane closures on SR 66 during construction and expect delays.
Please use caution in this area and be aware of crews working close to the roadway. Estimated project completion is summer 2018. The contractor is Lawrence Lynch Corporation.
Rucks Dairy Road Bridge: Construction project: Crews will build a new two lane bridge to replace the current one lane bridge. Construction of the new bridge will be next to the current bridge. Additional improvements will include resurfacing a portion of the road approaching the new bridge, drainage enhancements, new guardrails and updated signage.
- Motorists should expect a traffic signalization system to be in place directing traffic through the work zone. Expect delays and watch for crews working in the roadway.
The Contractor is Leware Construction Company of Florida. Motorists should use caution when traveling through the work zone. Expected project completion is spring 2018.
SR 25 (US 27) Southbound at the intersection of Lakewood Drive: Maintenance permit project: Crews will reconstruct the driveway/connection at the old Wendy’s/new Popeye’s location and adjacent property. Watch for trucks entering and exiting the site. Please use caution in this area and watch for crews working close to the roadway.
MANATEE COUNTY
Ellenton Gillette Road at 69th Street East: Construction project: Crews are constructing new left-turn lanes on Ellenton Gillette Road and 69th Street E; improving drainage; constructing sidewalk; signal upgrades, and new signing. Expect daytime lane closures from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and flagging operations when crews begin construction of the turn-lanes. Expected completion is early 2018. Coastal Bridge Company is the contractor.
I-275 at the Sunshine Skyway Rest Areas in Manatee and Pinellas counties: Construction project: Improvements include constructing new rest areas and new parking lots with LED lighting, seawall repairs and extending the seawall at the Manatee County rest area to accommodate a new picnic pavilion. The Pinellas County Skyway Rest Area is closed for renovations. During this time, motorists will be directed to the Manatee County Skyway Rest Area. The closure is expected to last until fall 2018. The fishing piers will remain open during the closure. Expected completion of both rest areas is fall 2019. David Nelson Construction Company is the contractor.
I-75 (SR 93) / University Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
Sarasota/Bradenton: Construction project:
Construction activities are suspended Sunday, December 24 through Saturday, December 30 in observance of the holidays.
Improvements being made as part of this project consist of constructing a diverging diamond interchange, adding an auxiliary lane on northbound and southbound I-75, constructing new bridges on I-75 over University Parkway, widening of University Parkway, widening of I-75 bridges over Errie Creek and Foley Creek, realignment of on-ramps and off-ramps at I-75/University Parkway, addition of ponds, drainage improvements, new lighting and signalization, construction of a noise wall on the west side of I-75, sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways. Expected completion is late 2017. The contractor is Prince Contracting, LLC. For additional information, please visit the project website at http://www.swflroads.com/i75/university/.
I-75 from Moccasin Wallow Road to the Hillsborough County Line: Construction project: Crews are resurfacing I-75, making drainage improvements, installing guardrail, and adding new signage and pavement markings. The pavement along Moccasin Wallow Road at the I-75 interchange is also being reconstructed. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures while crews are working. AJAX Paving Industries of Florida, LLC, is the contractor. Expected completion is summer 2018.
I-75 at SR 64/Manatee Avenue Interchange: Construction project: Crews are currently excavating and for ponds, widening northbound and southbound I-75, and performing bridge work.
· Crews will be off Sunday, December 24 through Tuesday, December 26 in observance of the Christmas holiday.
· Motorists are reminded that I-75 northbound exit (Exit 220A) is CLOSED until late Summer 2018 for crews to reconstruct the ramp, weather permitting. Motorists must use Exit 220B to reach eastbound or westbound SR 64/Manatee Avenue.
This project reconstructs the interchange, widens interchange ramps and SR 64, and installs sidewalks and bicycle lanes on SR 64. Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Drivers should use caution while traveling in this area. Estimated completion is late 2019. The contractor is Prince Contracting LLC.
US 301 from CR 675 to Moccasin Wallow Road: Construction project: Crews are installing new landscaping, irrigation and welcome signs. Superior Landscaping & Lawn Services is the contractor. Expected completion is spring 2018.
SR 789/Gulf Drive from SR 64/Manatee Avenue to SR 684/Cortez Road: Maintenance permit project: Manatee County is installing new force mains and water mains. For additional information about the project, please visit the project website atwww.amipipereplacement.com.
SR 70 from 301 Boulevard to Tara Boulevard: Construction project: Crews are resurfacing the roadway and making signal upgrades. Construction operations are still underway including roadway striping, installation of permanent signing, and concrete curb and sidewalk construction. Expect nighttime signal work at various intersections and new sign locations. Expected completion is fall 2017. The contractor is Superior Asphalt, Inc.
SR 70 from Lorraine Road to Post Road: Maintenance permit project: Crews are widening the roadway to accommodate a new development. Expect intermittent daytime lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Monday, January 15. Use caution and expect possible delays.
SR 70 at US 41: Construction project: Crews are resurfacing the roadway, installing traffic separators, installing new signing and pavement markings, and performing signal work. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. while crews are working. Expected completion is early 2018. The contractor is Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC.
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
US 441 From SR 78 to SE 30th Terrace: Construction project: This project consists of milling and resurfacing, base work, shoulder treatment, drainage improvements, curb and gutters, guardrail, Taylor Creek Draw Bridge modifications, signing and pavement marking and signalization. Crews are constructing the guardrail at Taylor Creek Draw Bridge with lane closures using temporary signals, weather permitting.
· Crews are paving starting at Taylor Creek Bridge on the westbound side.
Watch for crews and equipment working in the construction zone. Observe posted speed limits and drive with caution. Lynch Paving is the Contractor and project should be completed by end of year 2017.
SR 70 from NE 31st Avenue to Berman Road: Construction project: Crews are completing final items, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. Drivers should expect intermittent lane shifts along SR 70.
During this project, crews will expand the roadway to four lanes, improve drainage, construct concrete bridges, pour curb, gutter, and sidewalk, and install guardrail, permanent signs and pavement markings. Watch for crews and equipment working in the construction zone. Observe posted speed limits and drive with caution. Estimated completion is fall 2017. The contractor is Ranger Construction Industries, Inc.
POLK COUNTY
I-4 at SR 559 Landscaping: Maintenance project: This project will shut down for the holidays, Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. Work includes installing landscaping and a new irrigation system at the I-4 interchange with SR 559. For more information visit www.swflroads.com/i4/atsr559.pdf. Expected completion is early 2018. The contractor is Frankie Valdez Company, Inc.
US 27 through Polk County: Construction project: This project will shut down for the holidays, Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. Work includes installing detection and control equipment, fiber optic cable to connect the traffic signal controllers and a lease line to connect to the Polk County Traffic Management Center (TMC) for remote monitoring and operation of the system. The contractor is Highway Safety Devices, Inc. Expected completion is fall 2018.
US 27 at NW Access Road: Maintenance permit project: This project will shut down for the holidays, Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. Work includes asphalt milling and resurfacing, adding turn lanes and a new traffic signal on US 27 at NW Access Road, approximately 0.5 miles north of Interstate 4.
US17/92 / SR 600 at South Boulevard in Davenport: Construction project: Crews will construct intersection safety improvements, including realigning the intersection, adding new turn lane from southbound US 17/92, and resurfacing. This week, crews will be working on the utility coordination and installing maintenance of traffic and detour signs.
- Starting January 3, 2018, the intersection will be closed. A DETOUR will be in effect during the closure. Motorists on US 17/92 wanting to head eastbound on South Boulevard should turn onto Cypress Street West, approximately 0.1 mile north, turn right on Manatee Avenue, then left onto South Boulevard. Motorists on South Boulevard wanting to head north or southbound on US 17/92, should turn right onto Manatee Avenue, then turn left onto Cypress Street West, then onto US 17/92.
- Motorists are urged to use the detour route or find an alternate route, exercise caution through the construction zone, and allow additional travel time.
Motorists should expect lane closures during the daytime or nighttime hours; therefore, drivers should use caution while traveling in this area. The contractor is Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC. Expected completion is late 2017.
SR 542 from 1st Street to Buckeye Loop Road: Frontier Communications utility permit project: This project will shut down for the holidays, Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. Crews are relocating and installing new communication facilities on the north and south side of the roadway. Expected completion is spring 2018.
SR 60 from Diesel Road to Hillsborough County line: Construction project: This project will shut down for the holidays, Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. Work includes resurfacing, drainage improvements, guardrail installation and median modifications. The Lane Construction Corporation is the contractor. Expected completion is fall 2018.
SR 60 from Doherty Drive to Silvio Road: Maintenance permit project: This project will shut down for the holidays, Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. Crews are installing two driveways.
SR 37 from CR 640 to CR 630: Construction project: This project will shut down for the holidays, Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. Work on this project includes full-depth reclamation by grinding out the old roadway into the base, adding a cement mix to make a new roadway base, placing a new asphalt layer on top of the recycled base, reconstructing shoulders and modifying the signal at CR 640 (Pinecrest Road). Ajax Paving is the contractor. Estimated completion is early 2019.
SR 37 from SR 60 to North of Virginia Street: Construction project: This project will shut down for the holidays, Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. Work on this project includes milling and resurfacing, drainage improvements, signal pole and equipment upgrades, sidewalk installation and repair, curb and gutter changes and driveway modifications. The contractor is The Lane Construction Corporation. Expected completion is summer 2018.
SR 37 (South Florida Avenue) near Cresap Street: Maintenance permit project: This project will shut down for the holidays, Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. Crews are capping a water service.
SR 37 (South Florida Avenue) at Carter Road and Shepherd Road/Shimmering Drive: Maintenance permits project: This project will shut down for the holidays, Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. Crews are installing a new pipe behind barrier wall.
SR 37 at Poppell Drive south of SR 570 (Polk Parkway): Maintenance permit project: This project will shut down for the holidays, Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. Crews are replacing curb and driveways at the corner of Poppell Drive. Use caution and be prepared to merge. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2018.
South Buena Vista Drive from south of West Echo Street to Cummings Avenue in Lake Alfred: Construction project: Buena Vista Drive opens to traffic as crews work off the roadway. Pedestrians should follow the designated pedestrian detour around the work area. Project improvements include installing additional pipe and drainage structures, reconstructing pavement, path and sidewalk, and replacing pavement markings. The contractor is Cathcart Construction Company – Florida, LLC. Expected completion is spring 2018.
North and South Frontage roads east of Harden Boulevard: Maintenance permit project: This project will shut down for the holidays, Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. Crews are connecting a new driveway to South Frontage Road.
SARASOTA COUNTY
Laurel Road at the Legacy Trail Crossing: Construction project: Crews will be constructing a pedestrian bridge along the Legacy Trail over Laurel Road. Trail traffic on the south side of Laurel Road has shifted to a temporary paved trail. Please continue to use the Mission Valley Boulevard detour to the East to cross Laurel Road. Denson Construction, Inc. is the contractor for the bridge. Expected completion is Fall 2018. Utility Project: Utility contractors have completed relocating underground utilities in advance of construction of the new Legacy Trail overpass. Traffic on Laurel Road will shift back to two lanes in each direction the week of Dec 18th. Please continue to use the Mission Valley Boulevard Detour – the existing crosswalk at the Legacy Trail will not be restored. Please be aware of construction vehicles entering and leaving the construction zone. Spectrum Underground is the contractor for the utility relocation. Expected completion is before Christmas 2017.
I-75 (SR 93) / University Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
Sarasota/Bradenton: Construction project:
Construction activities are suspended Sunday, December 24 through Saturday, December 30 in observance of the holidays.
Improvements being made as part of this project consist of constructing a diverging diamond interchange, adding an auxiliary lane on northbound and southbound I-75, constructing new bridges on I-75 over University Parkway, widening of University Parkway, widening of I-75 bridges over Errie Creek and Foley Creek, realignment of on-ramps and off-ramps at I-75/University Parkway, addition of ponds, drainage improvements, new lighting and signalization, construction of a noise wall on the west side of I-75, sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways. Expected completion is late 2017. The contractor is Prince Contracting, LLC. For additional information, please visit the project website at http://www.swflroads.com/i75/university/.
US 41 from SR 789 to Ritz Carlton Drive and sidewalk located along the north side of SR 789 from Sunset Drive to US 41:Maintenance permit project: The sidewalk will remain closed until construction of the development located at the corner of US 41 and SR 789 is complete. Pedestrians should follow the established detour.
US 41/Venice By-Pass from Gulf Coast Boulevard to Bird Bay Drive: Construction project: Crews continue installing utility and storm drain systems and constructing temporary pavement. Expect intermittent nighttime/overnight northbound and southbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. throughout the project limits while crews are working. Motorists should also be aware of upcoming nighttime/overnight traffic shifts. Motorists should be mindful of the construction signs in place and traffic control officers and use caution while traveling through the project area. Bergeron Land Development is the contractor. Expected completion is spring 2018.
US 41 from Browning Street to 11th Street: US 41 from Browning Street to 11th Street: Construction project: Crews are resurfacing the roadway; installing new drainage; installing highway lighting, curb and gutter; constructing new sidewalk, and installing new signing and pavement markings. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures on US 41; US 301; Fruitville Road, and Orange Avenue while crews are working. Crews are constructing a new right turn-lane from northbound US 41 to Fruitville Road. Once constructed, the existing right turn-lane will be closed to traffic. Crews will then construct a pedestrian island and improve drainage. Nighttime/overnight northbound outside lane closures are also expected from 9 p.m. each night to 6 a.m. each morning while crews are working. Preferred Materials, Inc. is the contractor. Expected completion is fall 2017.
US 41 from Salford Boulevard to Sumter Boulevard: Construction project: Crews are widening US 41 from Salford Boulevard to Sumter Boulevard to a six-lane highway; resurfacing the roadway; improving drainage; constructing sidewalk, and installing highway lighting. Expect daytime lane closures for roadway widening area adjacent to the medians. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. when crews are resurfacing the roadway. Russell Engineering, Inc. is the contractor. Expected completion is spring 2019.
US 41 Roundabouts at 10th Street and 14th Street, Sarasota: Construction project: Crews continue mobilizing construction equipment, installing construction Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) signs, clearing within the right-of-way, installing silt fence for erosion control, and working in the medians and driveways.
- Crews will not work from Saturday, December 23 through Monday, January 1, 2018 in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Improvements being made as part of this project consist of reconstructing the signalized intersections and replacing them with roundabouts, enhancing connectivity, circulation and safety. US 41 will be widened between the two intersections and will include bike lanes as well as dedicated turn lanes, a 10-foot sidewalk along the west side, and a 6-foot sidewalk along the east side. Other improvements include raised islands for pedestrian refuge at the intersections of US 41 at 10th Street and 14th Street, pedestrian signals, LED street lights, landscaping, and City of Sarasota utility and underground drainage structure replacements. Expected completion is spring 2020. The contractor is IBT Construction LLC.
US 41 from Hospital Road to River Road: Maintenance permit project: Crews are constructing new turn-lanes, driveway connections, and working in the medians. Expect intermittent north and southbound daytime lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday, December 29. Use caution and expect possible delays.
SR 72/Clark Road in Sarasota County: Construction project: Crews will install guardrail and associated drainage improvements along stormwater pond just west of Proctor Road on the north side of SR 72. This week, crews will be mobilizing for the project. Motorists should expect lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. on SR 72. Flaggers will be present. Drivers should use caution while traveling in this area. The contractor is Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC. Expected completion is late 2017.
Gov. Scott Directs FWC to Ease Regulations, Waive Fees for South Florida Commercial Fishing Industry Following Hurricane Irma
MARATHON, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott directed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to implement several changes to help South Florida’s commercial fishermen recover from the effects of Hurricane Irma and get back to work. The elimination of these regulations combined with the waiving of fees will allow more commercial fishermen in South Florida, especially the Florida Keys, get back to work by easing certain tag requirements and allowing more cooperation in the industry. The Governor has been laser focused on ensuring that the entire state recovers from Hurricane Irma, as well as the Florida Keys, which was one of the hardest hit areas. The Governor has set a goal of October 1st to have the Keys open for business.
Governor Scott said, “Hurricane Irma affected nearly our entire state, and we are aggressively working to make sure the every family and industry has the ability to recover quickly. This week, I’ve travelled across the state to tour damage and hear directly from families and communities on what we can do to help. The Florida’s commercial fishing industry plays a large role in our economy, and I am proud the FWC can waive fees and reduce regulations so they can get back to work.”
Brian Yablonski, Chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said, “FWC has been on the front lines of Florida’s preparedness, response and recovery to Hurricane Irma. By partnering with the Governor and helping get South Florida commercial fishermen and women back on the water, we are demonstrating our commitment to Florida’s full recovery. As a Commission, we are glad to reduce these regulations and waive fees so this important livelihood can begin to move forward.”
This action includes extending the renewal period for some commercial fishing permits set to expire Sept. 30, 2017 and relaxing regulations for commercial lobster harvesters in Collier, Dade and Monroe counties by not requiring traps to be tagged until Dec. 1, 2017. This allows commercial fisherman to replace traps that were lost in the storm while waiting for no-cost replacement tags. Fees for replacement tags have also been waived. The orders also allow for authorized commercial fishers to cooperate with each other to retrieve trap gear from the water and return it to the owner. The commercial harvest of spiny lobster has a dockside value of more than $40 million dollars per year.
EO 17-42 – Hurricane Irma: Regulatory Relief for Commercial Fishers Statewide http://myfwc.com/media/4293035/EO17-42.pdf
EO 17-43 – Hurricane Irma: Regulatory Relief for Commercial Spiny Lobster Trap Fishers in Collier, Dade and Monroe countieshttp://myfwc.com/media/4293038/EO17-43.pdf
ICYMI: 500 Floridians Attend CRC Public Hearings in South Florida
The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) held public hearings in South Florida on April 6 in Miami at Florida International University (FIU) and on April 7 in Boca Raton at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) as part of its, “Floridians Speak, We Listen” statewide tour. Approximately 500 Floridians attended the hearings. At FIU, more than 85 individual Floridians requested to speak before the CRC and more than 200 attended the hearing. At FAU, more than 100 individual Floridians requested to speak before the CRC and more than 300 attended the hearing. Both hearings lasted longer than three hours and extended past the noticed end times. All Floridians who attended the public hearings and wanted to speak were given an opportunity to be heard by the CRC.
To watch both public hearings, visit The Florida Channel’s website which has a page dedicated to all CRC public hearings and meetings. A complete transcript of the public hearings and appearance forms will be available online at FLCRC.GOV as soon as possible. The next public hearing held by the CRC will be on Wednesday, April 12, at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee beginning at 5:00 PM. 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).
Floridians make their voices heard at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami.
(Photo by CRC.)
Floridians make their voices heard at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton.
(Photo by CRC.)
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.
Chairman Beruff Announces Updates to CRC Public Hearing Schedule in South Florida
Public hearings will be held in larger spaces on FIU
and FAU campuses to accommodate high participation
Chairman Carlos Beruff today announced updates to the confirmed public hearing schedule in South Florida to maximize public participation. The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) will be at the Florida International University (FIU) Student Academic Success Center in Miami on Thursday, April 6 beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Acura Club (located in the FAU Stadium) in Boca Raton on Friday, April 7 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “We were pleased to see 400 Floridians attend our first public hearing in Orlando. Given the public interest in speaking before the CRC, we have found new spaces on the FIU and FAU campuses that can hold even more participants. I encourage all interested Floridians in the greater Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County areas to come make their voices heard on April 6 at FIU in Miami and on April 7 at FAU in Boca Raton.”
Updates to the South Florida public hearing schedule are outlined below. Additional public hearings will be announced as soon as possible. All upcoming public hearings will be live-streamed by The Florida Channel. To watch previous public hearings and meetings held by the CRC, visit the Florida Channel’s website which has a page dedicated to the CRC.
Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Updated Public Hearing Schedule
NOTE: End times are tentative depending upon attendance
and public interest in speaking before the CRC.
Miami-Dade County
Thursday, April 6 beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Florida International University (FIU)
Student Academic Success Center, Room 160
11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, Fla. 33199
*Complimentary parking will be available. Doors open to the public beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Palm Beach County
Friday, April 7 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
FAU Stadium, Acura Club (third floor)
777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Fla. 33431
*Complimentary parking will be available. Doors open to the public beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Individuals requiring an accommodation to participate in public hearings (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.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION (CRC)
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 Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) 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 CRC 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: Miami Herald: South Florida tourism leaders worry cut to Visit Florida will crush hospitality industry
South Florida tourism leaders worry cut to Visit Florida will crush hospitality industry
Miami Herald
Chabeli Herrera
February 28, 2017
There’s only so much South Florida can take in a year, hoteliers say.
…
Hurricane Matthew battered the coast. And then came Zika, the blow that almost knocked the tourism industry out.
But it didn’t, thanks in part to a major marketing campaign that reminded travelers that South Florida — and particularly Wynwood and Miami Beach — were still open for business.
…
The agency that helped bring South Florida back from Zika, hurricanes and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 and that touts the state’s tourism virtues around the globe, faces a budget whack of epic proportions.
Last week, the Florida House Appropriations Committee voted to shrink Visit Florida’s budget to a third of its size, from $78 million to $25 million.
…
But Jared Galbut, managing principal and co-founder of Menin Hospitality, which operates various restaurants and hotels in Miami Beach, is among those who find the decision to cut Visit Florida baffling, particularly as Miami-Dade rebounds from the worst of the Zika crisis.
…
Tourism is one of Florida’s leading industries, responsible for a record 112.8 million visitors in 2016. Last year marked the sixth consecutive year of record visitation to the state.
In 2015, the most recent year for which data is available, visitors spent $108.8 billion in Florida on taxable goods, of which $11.3 billion was returned to the state in tax collections. In other words, said Dr. Jerry Parrish, Chief Economist and Director of Research for the Florida Chamber Foundation in a 2016 release, “those are taxes Florida’s businesses and families don’t have pay because our visitors have paid them for us.”
…
In South Florida, the tourism industry is also a job creator, responsible for nearly 142,000 jobs in Miami-Dade and more than 95,000 jobs in Broward this year.
…
SOUTH FLORIDA IMPACT
…
Said Stacy Ritter, president of the Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “[Visit Florida has] a much longer reach than we do because they just have a much bigger budget. They can tell us who we need to talk to, point to the right people, as well as put our message out locally.”
…
For smaller businesses, Visit Florida’s impact is event greater, said Peggy Benua, general manager of the 108-room Dream South Beach
…
THE NEXT COLORADO
In downtown Miami, InterContinental general manager Robert Hill is bracing for a Colorado-like blow.
In 1993, Colorado became the only state to eliminate its tourism marketing organization, obliterating that agency’s $12 million budget. Within two years, Colorado’s share of domestic travelers dropped 30 percent, resulting in $1.4 billion of lost tourism revenue annually, according to a 2009 report by Longwoods Travel USA. Over time, revenue loss increased to more than $2 billion a year and Colorado plunged from first in visitorship to 17th.
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For their part, local tourism advocates are hoping the state won’t quit Visit Florida while Florida’s tourism is ahead.
“We know restaurants and hotels, it’s a luxury. People cut them out as soon as times get tough,” said Henry Delgado, general manager at South Beach steakhouse Smith and Wollensky.
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“We are going to just take second place and second place is never as good as first.”
University of Florida office to welcome alumni, provide enhanced engagement in South Florida
To further its commitment to the thousands of alumni, students, research, programs, partnerships and shared aspirations that the University of Florida enjoys with South Florida, the University has dedicated UF Coral Gables, an office that consolidates a multitude of operations that already have a Miami footprint.
Located at 1 Alhambra Plaza in downtown Coral Gables, the office is not intended as a site for instruction, but will house advancement and admissions staff, UF Online, and the UF College of Education’s Lastinger Center for Learning, creating efficiencies and consolidating staff already located in the area.
“UF Coral Gables is part of the vision for the University of Florida to impact the lives of people across our state and beyond,” said President Kent Fuchs. “This office embodies the many connections the flagship Florida university has in South Florida, and helps support our goal toward becoming a premier university that the state, nation, and world look to for leadership.”
“South Florida is the home of thousands of alumni, friends, parents, corporate leaders, and current and future students,” said Tom Mitchell, UF’s vice president for advancement. “UF can now offer a unique way to share the Gator experience with our diverse constituencies.”
Some of the University’s successful and active alumni and donors include:
Al Warrington, BSBA ’58, namesake of the Warrington College of Business, is UF’s most generous benefactor. Following a 32-year accounting career with Arthur Andersen, he founded several companies, including Sanifill, which became Waste Management. Instrumental in creating UF’s School of Accounting and Business Advisory Council, he also served as president of the Alumni Association and Gator Boosters and was a Trustee and Foundation director. A Distinguished Alumnus, Warrington and his wife, Judy, established endowments for UF’s libraries, athletic programs and Florida Opportunity Scholars and were honored with the Academy of Golden Gators Lifetime Philanthropy Award in 2014.
John Dasburg, BSIE ’66, MBA ’70, JD ’73, led numerous American companies, including Burger King, Northwest Airlines and Marriot. A UF Trustee and Foundation director, he received Honorary Doctorate and Distinguished Alumnus awards. Dasburg and his wife, Mary Lou, (JD ’80) contributed endowed chairs in Business, Engineering and Law and provided the lead gift for the Dasburg House, the new family residence for UF’s president. In 2014, they received the Academy of Golden Gators Lifetime Volunteer Award.
Charles Stuzin, BSBA ’64, a retired attorney and banker, is president of Stuzin Enterprises, a group of affiliated businesses that provide financial advisory services and real estate loans. He has served on the Foundation board and the Business Advisory Council for many years. To honor the family patriarch, a gift by the Stuzin Family named the David A. Stuzin Hall, a building in the College of Business.
Herbert Wertheim, Engineering ’72-’73 is the namesake of The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. He is founder of Brain Power Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of ophthalmic instruments and chemicals. A scientist, clinician and entrepreneur, his enduring discoveries have touched millions. He has served on the boards of numerous companies in banking, healthcare, aerospace, real estate, transportation and high-tech industries. A Distinguished Alumnus, Wertheim and his wife, Nicole, received the Academy of Golden Gators Transformational Leaders Award in 2014.
Earl Powell, Liberal Arts & Sciences ’60, is chair of Powell Investment Advisors. With more than 25 years of investment experience, he is chair emeritus and co-founder of Trivest Partners, the oldest private equity firm in the Southeast. Powell helped establish and served as chair of the UF Investment Corporation and was a Trustee and Foundation director for many years. A Distinguished Alumnus, Powell and his wife, Christy, are generous supporters of UF, and have contributed endowments to Medicine and Athletics.
Bernard Levine is president and owner of Jungle Island, an interactive zoological park in Watson Island, Miami. He is an active board member for R.B. Birds, Serpentarium, Parrot Jungle & Gardens, Pet Food, Ltd., and Last Chance Farm. Levine has owned a variety of pet-related companies. A UF undergrad alumnus, he received his DVM from Auburn University. Levine supports UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine and has served on its campaign council.
Alan Pareira, BSBA ’60, is CEO of Florida Atlantic Securities and has been active in the investment business since 1961. He has served as director of several public companies and on multiple finance committees. He is a founding member UF’s College of Business Advisory Council and the UF Investment Corporation, and served on the Foundation board for many years. A generous supporter, Pareira has established funds in Business, Education, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine.
Juan Galan, Jr., BSIE ’66, is the former founder and principal owner of GATO Distributors, a Miami-based beverage company and one of the top 50 Hispanic businesses in the United States. A former chair of the UF Foundation board, he has served as a member since 1991. Galan has been instrumental in UF fundraising efforts, serving as the regional chair for Dade County during UF’s first capital campaign, “Embrace Excellence,” and as national regional chair of the university’s “It’s Performance That Counts” campaign. Galan and his wife, Martha, have also supported UF through generous contributions to Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In 2005, Galan was recognized as the “Gran Caiman,” an award presented to an outstanding member of the UF Hispanic alumni community.
Gary Gerson, BSBA ’54, MBA ’55, is the namesake of Gary R. Gerson Hall, home of the Fisher School of Accounting. He is the founding partner of Gerson Preston, one of Florida’s leading accounting firms. At age 21, Gerson distinguished himself as the youngest CPA in the country and has continued his role of leadership as a philanthropist, civic leader and entrepreneur. He and his wife, Niety, have generously supported the Warrington College of Business and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A Distinguished Alumnus, Gerson has served on the Foundation board and campaign committees since the 19901. He was inducted into UF’s Athletic Hall of Fame and received the first-ever UF Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Hon. Bob Graham, BA Poli Sci ’59, is a retired United States Senator and former Florida governor with more than four decades of public service. In 2006, he founded UF’s Bob Graham Center for Public Service with a mission to train the next generation of public and private sector leaders for Florida, the United States and the international community. A Distinguished Alumnus, Sen. Graham received an honorary doctor of public service degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and was inducted into the UF Hall of Fame. His wife, Adele, was honored in 2007 as UF’s Alumnae of Outstanding Achievement.
Roberto Vizcón, BSBR ’79, is an award-winning broadcaster and producer with nearly 40 years of experience in newsgathering and television station management. He is the news director of WLTV- TV Univision 23, a Spanish-language newscast, and previously worked for Univision Puerto Rico and WFUN TV, the largest independently owned TV station in the United States. In 2013, Vizcón received an Emmy Award for News Excellence and in 2002 another Emmy Award for News Series Producing. He is the recipient of two additional Emmy Award nominations and the Silver Circle award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for 25 years or more in television
Aminda Marques Gonzalez, BSJ ’86, is the executive editor and vice president of the Miami Herald, where she began her journalism career as an intern and later became the paper’s first Hispanic editor. Under her leadership, the Miami Herald was twice named a Pulitzer Prize finalist. In 2016, Gonzalez received the Presidential Award of Impact from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. A Distinguished Alumnus, she serves on the boards of the Pulitzer Prize, the Associated Press Media Editors and the Poynter Institute’s advisory council.
Paul Castronovo, BSBR ’84, is the host of the Paul Castronovo Show on Big 105.9, a commercial radio station, and president of Castronovo Vineyards in Italy. He previously co-hosted the Paul and Young Ron show, a morning radio program that consistently led ratings on five stations from Vero Beach to Key West. The show ran for 26 years and featured celebrity interviews and trademark banter about entertainment, idiosyncrasies of life and Miami sports. Castronovo was named a UF Distinguished Alumnus award in 2013.
The University of Florida enjoys the following programs in Miami, among others:
- The UF College of Veterinary Medicine partnership with Miami-Dade Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center.
- The UF College of Dentistry’s Hialeah Dental Center provides all phases of dentistry care to thousands of residents of all ages.
- The UF Lastinger Center for Learning, part of the College of Education, has a long track record of innovations in teaching in every county in the state, including partnering with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Office of Early Childhood Programs to create the VPK Academy, a job-embedded form of professional development to help teachers and paraprofessionals from Title I schools improve teaching practices and child outcomes in Miami’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) classrooms.
- Since UF is the university partner to New World School of the Arts, NWSA graduates can easily apply for enrollment after completing Associate degree requirements.
- UF brings the arts to STEM education at St. Thomas Episcopal School
- UF’s climate variability and change research through the Florida Climate Institute.
- The UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Office works on commercial vegetable, tropical fruit and ornamental industries, offers pesticide training, commercial urban and homeowner horticulture, and water quality research; and the IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center does research, extension and teaching in ornamental, vegetable, and tropical-subtropical fruit and biofuel crops.
- Through UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research, UF assesses healthcare and educational needs of Miami-Dade children and provides the state with the gold standard of population data.
UF Coral Gables is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. To schedule a visit contact, Alexa Butler, 786-482-6350. To learn more visit ufcoralgables.com.
