Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for State Capitol

State Capitol

Harris Corporation to Showcase Florida-based Technology, Economic Impact in State Capitol

Posted on

MEDIA ADVISORY

Melbourne-based company sponsoring inaugural
Florida Technology Council Tech Day at the Capitol

Technology experts from Harris Corporation, one of Florida’s largest companies, will be available to discuss the latest trends in innovation and its role as an economic growth engine at the Florida Capitol this week.

Harris is the title sponsor of the first-ever Florida Technology Council Tech Day at the Capitol Thursday, Feb. 15, which showcases Florida technology companies, their homegrown innovation and the role they play in the state’s economy.

Harris is highlighting educational partnerships and technology during STEM Day at the Capitol Tuesday, Feb. 13, and on the same day Florida-based vendors will visit lawmakers during Harris Supplier Day. The company is showcasing space capabilities during Florida Space Day Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Harris experts are available for technology demonstrations and interviews on:

  • MyFloridaNet-2 (MFN-2) – New state data management network that connects agencies and local governments, school districts, colleges and universities and non-profit organizations. MFN-2 is replacing the MyFloridaNet system.
  • Public Safety Communications – First responder communications equipment and networks used throughout Florida. Harris played a significant role ensuring law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel were connected during Hurricane Irma last year.
  • Space–based weather technology – World’s most advanced digital camera monitors weather conditions aboard NOAA’s GOES-East satellite, while the Harris-built ground system controls the satellite and processes data for weather forecasters.
  • STEM education – Harris has donated millions of dollars to Florida schools and employees have volunteered thousands of hours to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education.
  • Space – Harris’ Florida-based Space and Intelligence Systems business provides satellite technology, space-based weather monitoring capabilities, geospatial data gathering and space ground systems that receive and analyze satellite data. More than 90 Harris space antennas are on-orbit today.
  • Geiger-mode LiDAR – Advanced geospatial technology that provides high resolution topographical mapping quickly and efficiently. One application, advanced flood plain mapping to prepare for hurricanes, is recommended by the House Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness report.

Who: Harris Corporation subject matter experts

What: STEM Education Day at the Capitol – Feb. 13
Harris Supplier Day – Feb. 13
Florida Space Day – Feb. 14
Florida Technology Council Tech Day at the Capitol – Feb. 15

When: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Where: Florida State Capitol Rotunda
400 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Children’s Week Events Spotlighted Tuesday at State Capitol

Posted on

WHO: Children, parents and caregivers, legislators, community leaders, advocates for children’s issues and members of the media
WHAT: The annual Children’s Week “Children’s Capitol for a Day“
WHERE: Florida State Capitol Courtyard
400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee
WHEN: Tuesday, March 28, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
WHY: To provide a platform and bring together children’s advocates from around the state to deliver the message that every child in Florida must be healthy, ready to learn and able to achieve their full potential.Childrens Week

Children’s Week commenced Sunday when volunteers transformed the Capitol Rotunda into an impactful display of children’s artwork and messages to legislators by hanging tens of thousands of paper cut-outs of children’s hands collected from childcare centers and Children’s Week partners throughout Florida. The hands are meant to remind policymakers to “give a hand” to Florida’s youngest citizens this Legislative Session. The display will remain hung until Friday, March 31, and members of the media are encouraged to take and share photos of the display. 

Tomorrow, members of the media are invited to attend and cover events happening at the Capitol. Thousands are expected to visit with exhibitor booths hosted by more than 100 Children’s Week partners while enjoying complimentary breakfast, coffee and lunch. Children will explore an interactive “Storybook Village” where more than two dozen favorite children’s stories will come to life. At 1 p.m., the Children’s Trust’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) will explore the cause of youth violence during a 90-minute workshop. Middle and high school students are encouraged to attend the interactive event moderated by youth leaders from YAC. 

Also happening Tuesday is a Town Hall Meeting for teens from 10:30–11:45 a.m. inside the Cabinet Meeting Room followed by a press conference from 12 –12:30 p.m. in the State Capitol Courtyard.

For a detailed schedule of events and more information about Children’s Week, visit www.childrensweek.org.

Children’s Week Events Set to Commence at State Capitol Next Week

Posted on

The United Way of Florida and its 120 partners throughout the state will shine a spotlight on key issues affecting Florida’s youngest citizens March 26-31 when they host Children’s Week, an annual celebration in Tallahassee which provides parents, policymakers, professionals, community leaders and concerned citizens with a platform to share valuable knowledge and advocate for children and family issues. Children’s Week includes a variety of interactive and educational events and activities to be enjoyed by toddlers, teens and adults alike. 

“Children’s Week partners believe children and their families should be the state’s highest priority year-round” said Ted Granger , president of the United Way Florida.  “Children’s Week at the Capitol provides us a high-intensity and high-profile opportunity to help policy makers embrace that priority and guide their work to benefit all of the state’s children and families.”

Children’s Week will commence on Sunday, March 26, with the Hanging of the Hands ceremony during which thousands of paper cut-outs of children’s hands will be hung inside the State Capitol. After this hallmark celebration, the majority of Children’s Week activities will take place on Tuesday, March 28, outside or around the Capitol. Here’s an overview of events taking place:

  • Hanging of the Hands will take place Sunday, March 26, from 12–4 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. Thousands of pieces of children’s “hand art” with messages to legislators will be hung from the ceiling of the Capitol building, creating an impactful display to remind policymakers to “give a hand” to Florida’s children. The “hand art” is decorated by children at schools and childcare centers throughout Florida and mailed to organizers. The hands will remain on display until Friday, March 31. Photos of “hand art” are also shared on social media using the hashtag #GiveUsAHand.  
  • Children’s Capitol for a Day will take place Tuesday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. on the State Capitol courtyard and is open to the public. Thousands of people are expected to attend. Free breakfast, lunch and Starbucks coffee will be provided for all attendees as they visit exhibitor booths hosted by Children’s Week partners. One of the most popular events happening is the Storybook Village hosted by the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of the Big Bend. Over two dozen favorite children’s stories will come to life as volunteers create a “village” of interactive reading booths with activities for children to explore. There also will be a Storybook Stage to hear stories read by local authors and leaders in the community. All children visiting the Storybook Village will receive a free book. Adults and children are encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook character.
  • “Teens Only” Town Hall Meeting, hosted by the Florida YMCA Youth in Government, will take place Tuesday, March 28, from 10–11:30 a.m. inside the Cabinet Meeting Room. It will provide a public forum for students across the state to work together with Florida’s Children and Youth Cabinet to address important issues relating to children’s services. Youth are encouraged to attend and participate in the audience Q&A session. The event is free and will be filmed and live-streamed on www.childrensweek.org.
  • Young Lives Matter: Exploring the Root Causes of Youth Violence will take place Tuesday, March 28, from 1–2:30 p.m. at City Hall. This dynamic 90-minute workshop will dig into the root causes of youth violence, and examine the risk factors that affect both individuals and communities. The Children’s Trust/Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) moderates this workshop geared to generate honest exchange and authentic conversation. This workshop is open to youth in middle school or high school who want to learn how to turn their passion into action and make a difference in the community.

In addition to events happening March 26-31 in Tallahassee, local Children’s Week events are happening around the state now through April. For more information about Children’s Week and events in your community, to sign up to volunteer or to register your group for events, please visit www.childrensweek.org.

Developmental Disabilities Advocates Gather at State Capitol for Annual DD Day

Posted on

Hundreds of Floridians concerned about funding and services for people with developmental disabilities gathered at the state Capitol today for the annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day (DD Day). 

Hosted by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) and The Arc of Florida, representatives from each group presented their concerns during the event’s press conference, which included numerous speakers and was attended by hundreds of people with developmental disabilities, advocates, self-advocates legislators, policy makers and others.

Their primary message focused on the current iBudget Provide Rate Crisis, a trend that is severely impacting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and care providers throughout the state. FDDC and The Arc of Florida urged legislators to correct the iBudget Provider Rate Crisis by increasing the rates paid to care providers so they are closer to the 2003 levels as well as to make a long-term commitment to eliminate the iBudget waiver waitlist, which approximately 20,000 Floridians are currently on. 

In addition, the 2017 FDDC Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy Award, named in honor of the late former Council member and self-advocate, was presented to Tampa resident Sarah Goldman for her numerous community activities and personal achievements. 

The Arc of Florida, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities. Working with local, state and national partners, The Arc of Florida advocates for local chapters, public policies and high quality supports for people with developmental and other disabilities to be fully included in all aspects of their community. Find out how to get involved by visiting www.arcflorida.org. 

The mission of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) is to advocate and promote meaningful participation in all aspects of life for Floridians with developmental disabilities. To learn more about FDDC, visit www.fddc.org or call toll-free at 1-888-488-8633. 

Fracking Opponents to Gather in State Capitol

Posted on

On Wednesday at 10:30am, hundreds of anti-fracking advocates from the Panhandle to the Keys will rally ahead of a lobby day urging legislators to pass a statewide fracking ban, increase support for renewable energy and ensure Florida’s waters are protected. The rally is being organized by ReThink Energy Florida, Environment Florida, Sierra Club – Florida, Food & Water Watch, Floridians Against Fracking, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Florida Conservation Voters, and others.envfl-environment-florida
Legislation to ban fracking in Florida has been introduced in both the state Senate and House with bipartisan support and backing from Senate leadership. Over 900 peer-reviewed scientific studies have been published highlighting fracking’s threat to our air, water, and public health. Banning fracking in the state would both encourage investment in renewable energy and protect drinking water in Florida from the dangerous chemicals used in fracking practices.FAF
WHEN: Wednesday, March 22nd at 10:30 am
WHERE: Waller Park (in front of the dolphins), Florida State Capitol, 400 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, 32301
SPEAKERS:
State Senator Jack Latvala
State Senator Gary Farmer
State Representative Heather Fitzenhagen
Dr. Burt Eno, President, Rainbow River Conservation, Inc.
Clifford Mitchem, Independent Energy Advisor, CREW-Clean Renewable Energy Worldwide
VISUALS: Over 100 anti-fracking advocates, anti-fracking signs and banners
Environment Florida is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization working for a cleaner, greener, healthier future.
Floridians Against Fracking is a coalition of over 55 environmental, health and social justice groups supporting a ban on fracking in Florida.

Children’s Week Events are Approaching at the State Capitol and Near You

Posted on

Partners of Children’s Week will host interactive events throughout the state this month leading up to and following the 22nd Annual Children’s Week at the State Capitol – an advocacy event and celebration for Florida’s children and youth happening March 26-31. Local Children’s Week events will be both fun and educational and include activities such as arts and crafts, live readings, luncheons, outdoor activities, parades and more. You can view a full listing of events by county on the Children’s Week website.Childrens Week

Coinciding with the legislative session, Children’s Week serves as a platform for numerous organizations across the state to advocate for children’s and family issues to Florida lawmakers. On its biggest day, Tuesday, March 28, a variety of free activities for the entire family will take place at the State Capitol. One of the most popular events happening on Tuesday is the interactive Storybook Village hosted by the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of the Big Bend. This event allows over 2,000 children to see their favorite books come to life through art, music, drama and dance. This year’s Storybook Village theme is “Alphabet Zoo” and every child in attendance will receive a free copy of a book. Children and adults attending are encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook characters.

“Every child deserves to have access to books and every child deserves to be read to regularly. It is our goal that Storybook Village will inspire children and adults alike to read and to read together,” said Morgan Evers, program services manager for the ELC of the Big Bend and coordinator of the Storybook Village. “It’s a place where some children may hear a book read aloud for the first time and others will go home with their very first book. In a short time, Storybook Village has exponentially grown thanks to our amazing partners who donate time, effort, creativity, volunteers and supplies.”

In addition to the Storybook Village happening on Tuesday, there also will be free Starbucks coffee in the morning, grab-and-go breakfast by Farmshare, a free lunch presented by Sunshine Health, over 100 exhibitor booths to visit, a town hall meeting, youth advocacy workshop for middle and high school students and a chance to hear from legislators. 

For more information about Children’s Week and events in your community, please visit www.childrensweek.org.