Chris Evert is a winner of 18 Grand Slam titles, the third best in tennis history. She holds 157 tennis titles and spent seven years ranked as the number-one player in the world. In 1995, Evert was unanimously elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Since her retirement in 1989, Evert has been hosting the Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic in Boca Raton. Her community involvement through this tournament and Chris Evert Charities has helped raise more than $18.4 million in an ongoing campaign against drug abuse and child neglect in Florida. Chris Evert Charities is a non-profit organization established to help ensure a bright future for children and their families.

In addition to Chris Evert Charities, Evert also donates her time and efforts to other worthwhile programs including the Special Olympics, the March of Dimes, the Martina Navratilova Youth Foundation, the Michael Bolton Foundation, the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, the America AIDS Foundation, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis, and the Red Cross.

During his remarks, Governor Crist highlighted the generosity of Evert and the commitment she has shown to her community. He also invited her to become a member of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. The Governor emphasized the importance of healthy living choices and reiterated that there is more work to be done in the fight against obesity, particularly among young people.

To learn more about Chris Evert’s charity, log on to www.chrisevert.org.

About the Governor Point of Light Award

AAA Auto Club South is the supporting sponsor of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. Walt Disney World is an in-kind supporter. This program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly. A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to the Governor. Florida’s Foundation, formerly the Volunteer Florida Foundation, manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org.

About the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness

In 2007, Governor Crist established the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. The Council was directed to develop a state plan of action to increase Floridians’ level of physical fitness through regular exercise and sound nutrition practices. The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness is comprised of 23 professionals with varying expertise from government, businesses, athletes, community organizations and private citizens. The council has developed a state plan of action containing 39 recommendations to increase physical fitness through regular exercise and sound nutrition practices among Floridians of all ages and to reduce the rate of obesity and resulting chronic diseases in Floridians within the next 10 years. To learn more about the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, please visit www.HealthyFloridians.com.

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Florida Physical Fitness Day

WHEREAS, physical fitness, recreation, and sound nutrition are central components of a healthy, meaningful, and productive life; and

WHEREAS, it is important to encourage all Floridians, especially our children, to choose lifelong exercise and eating habits that combat obesity and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness by Executive Order in March 2007, has elevated the Sunshine State as a national leader in health, physical fitness, and further highlights Florida’s unique outdoor living activities due to the abundance of award-winning beaches, state parks, greenways and trails; and

WHEREAS, the council members are comprised of a broad range of interested educational and health care representatives, advocates for senior citizens and persons with special needs, and physical fitness and sports organizations; and

WHEREAS, these members are charged with the task of recommending a state plan of action to promote physical fitness and nutrition; and

WHEREAS, the Governor’s Fitness Challenge was created to help elementary and middle school students improve their lives through physical fitness, as well as provide guidance and incentives to schools to help boost physical fitness for children; and

WHEREAS, Florida Physical Fitness Day is a special opportunity to encourage our state legislators, local leaders, and our citizens to work together and improve the health of all Floridians through physical fitness;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charlie Crist, Governor of the State of Florida do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing April 28, 2010, as Florida Physical Fitness Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of April, in the year two thousand ten.

Charlie Crist

Governor.

This “invitation-only” special event is co-organized by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the United Nations Office Partnership (UNOP), the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), in collaboration with the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP).

The forum will open with a special address by Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the UN and will consist of two leadership dialogues:
* Ending violence against women and girls, and
* Promoting women’s economic empowerment.

Participating as panelists in the dialogue will be leading CEOs including Mr. Alan Hassenfeld, Chairman of Hasbro, Inc., heads of foundations, high-level representatives of the UN system and leading NGOs. Ms. Gina Davis, an academy-award-winning actress, will provide concluding remarks and direction for follow-up action.

When asked his opinion about this invitation, Mr. Bernadel stated, “I am honored to have been selected to attend this special event at the United Nations. The discussions are in keeping with the commitment of Toussaint L’Ouverture High School for Arts & Social Justice to promote gender justice. “It is also,” continued Bernadel, “an aspect of Rethink Haiti, our outreach to Haiti, where gender equity and women’s empowerment are key components of development and national recovery.”

Bernadel intends to hold a seminar for TLHS students upon his return from the conference in order to share its insights.

More information: www.toussaintLouverture.org .

In addition to providing the RVs, Allstar co-owners Rob Tischler and Robert Lemon assisted with planning and logistics and also doubled up as drivers for the show. “We took these coaches to so many great places, but to caravan them over the sand dunes and drive them down the beach was just over the top!” said Tischler. “Now there really are no limits where one can go with an RV,” he added.

Allstar Coaches was chosen because “they had the nicest RV rentals we could find,” said Herbert Weatherford, one of the producers of the show.

“Allstar’s staff was great and fit in seamlessly with our crew. Their expertise in RV travel and operations were invaluable to this production, and quite frankly we could not have pulled this off without them,” added Weatherford.

Television networks and film crews have been taking notice of the RV industry, cashing in on the growing popularity of RVing. RVs not only offer the public all the comforts of home while on the road, but can also serve as mobile production offices in the most remote of locations. Equipped with the latest technology and custom-designed utilizing the finest materials available, these state-of-the-art motorhomes are extremely versatile. Allstar Coaches has the perfect RV rental for virtually any taste or budget.

Allstar Coaches offers Florida RV rentals from its locations in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Florida. With additional RV locations in California, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio, Allstar Coaches can deliver an RV to any location in the USA. For detailed RV rental pricing and information, call 866-838-4465 or visit Allstar Coaches online at www.allstarcoaches.com .

For more information on The Bachelor visit abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelor . “The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love” is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television.

“The people of Central Florida deserve a Congressman with a business background who knows that money spent by the federal government in Washington isn’t play money, but rather hard-earned money taken out of each of our paychecks,” said Rep. Kelly. “A Congressman must make policy decisions that help solve our economic problems, not aggravate them with more government spending.”

“I am grateful and excited about the encouragement and support that I have received district wide. I look forward to presenting my constitutionally based vision to limit government, to protect our citizens, and to promote the greatness and goodness of America,” concluded Kelly.

Rep. Kelly will formally kickoff his campaign in the coming weeks with a announcement of his campaign team and key supporters. Some of Kelly’s early endorsements include notable district conservatives, such as State Representative Stephen Precourt (Orange/Lake), Representative Eric Eisnaugle (Orange), County Commissioner Jimmy Conner (Lake), and former House Speaker Pro-Tempore Dennis Baxley (Marion).

Kurt Kelly is a strong, passionate leader who has an exceptional conservative record of accomplishments. During the 2009 Legislative Session, Rep. Kelly focused on improving Florida’s economy and protecting our citizens. Rep. Kelly was the leader of a powerful bipartisan team of legislators who passed prescription drug abuse legislation that will reduce the number of deaths from abuse of prescription drugs. He helped pass important legislation that cut taxes for businesses so they could provide jobs for Central Floridians.

During Rep. Kelly’s first Legislative Session in 2008, he spearheaded legislation that provided protection to victims of dating violence and threats to our citizens called the Barwick/Rucshak Act, a new law that gained national exposure in June 2009 on ABC’s “20/20.” Rep. Kelly recently made headlines on December 31, 2009, when Florida newspapers reviewed the one-year-old law showing that it significantly helped law enforcement keep our citizens safe. Kelly was also recognized as the 2008 Freshman Legislator of the Year by the Florida Association of Counties.

Rep. Kelly is a native of Central Florida. He is the President/CEO and founder of 3-D Background Screening, a full service pre-employment background search company. He holds a Master’s of Science in Education from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor’s of Science from Florida State University. Rep. Kelly served 6 years on the Marion County School Board, originally appointed by Governor Jeb Bush in 2001. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives from District 24 on June 26, 2007, in a special election and has subsequently been re-elected.

Rep. Kelly has been married for 25 years to his wife Sally, a teacher at Madison Street Elementary School of the Arts. Kurt and Sally have two children: Kala and Keenan.

For more information about the Kelly for Congress campaign and Kurt Kelly’s bid to replace the polarizing, divisive Alan Grayson with a leader who has a reputation for building coalitions and getting things done, please visit the website at www.GoKurtKelly.com or call Betsy VanderLey at 407-467-6564.

“Our state and country are safer because of the Florida National Guardsmen and women who proudly defend our freedom alongside the rest of our nation’s military at home and overseas,” said Governor Crist. “Their heroism and honor, as well as that of their families, are examples of the remarkable selflessness in Florida’s long and distinguished history of military service.”

In addition to Fort Lauderdale, deployment ceremonies for the Florida National Guard’s 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are being held this week in Bartow, Bonifay, Cocoa, Eustis, Hollywood, Lake City, Lakeland, Leesburg, Miami, Ocala, Orlando, Panama City, Pensacola, Pinellas Park, Sanford, Tallahassee, West Palm Beach and Winter Haven. The nearly 2,500 soldiers, many of whom already have combat experience, are deploying for a year-long mission in Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They will be responsible for various security missions, including providing convoy security for coalition forces entering and departing Iraq. Prior to their deployment, the soldiers will receive additional training at Fort Hood, Texas.

The 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team will join the nearly 1,000 Florida National Guard soldiers and airmen federally mobilized in the United States and overseas. Since September 2001, more than 11,000 members of the Florida National Guard have served on federal active duty in support of the ongoing war on terror. Most recently, 432 troops with the 146th Signal Battalion and nearly 70 members of the 256th Medical Company returned home, concluding year-long tours in Iraq.

Governor Crist was joined at today’s ceremony by United States Representative Ron Klein and Major General Douglas Burnett. During his remarks, the Governor expressed his profound gratitude and confidence in Florida’s servicemen and women deployed abroad and at home. He also applauded the families of Florida’s dedicated servicemembers for their selfless contributions to the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.

The 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team is headquartered in Pinellas Park, with battalions located in Miami, Orlando and Panama City.

“Efficient completion of construction projects is crucial to Florida’s transportation system,” Governor Crist said. “Accelerated projects save taxpayers’ money, as well as reduce congestion and keeps industry and commerce moving forward. I am impressed by the outstanding work of the iROX team.”

The project is also making improvements to the I-75/Immokalee interchange in Collier County and completion by April 2010 is anticipated. iROX is the largest single construction contract ever awarded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The project cost an estimated $430.5 million and is part of the FDOT’s new design/build/finance (DBF) approach to road building. The DBF strategy offers an incentive to contractors for finishing projects ahead of schedule.

The DBF approach – the first in Florida’s history – allowed construction crews to work alongside areas of the project that were still under design. When started in October 2007, the I-75 improvements were expected to be completed five years ahead of schedule. In reality, the expansion has been completed six years sooner than expected.

The Governor was joined at the ribbon cutting ceremony by Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp, State Senator Garrett Richter, State Representative Gary Aubuchon and Stann Cann, district secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation.

The Governor encouraged students to continue making education a priority by practicing a healthy lifestyle, studying diligently and listening to their teachers, parents and mentors. Governor Crist thanked participating principals and Food Brings Hope program founder, Forough B. Hosseini, for working to give children proper nutrition that will improve their health and education throughout their lives. Mayor Fred Costello of Ormond Beach and Ray Salazar, president of United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, also joined the Governor to support the initiative.

Food Brings Hope is a program that strives to end the poverty cycle for homeless and economically disadvantaged Volusia and Flager school-aged youth by emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition and offering solutions. Participating children are equipped with basic, necessary nutritional assistance and other educational services. Students who have participated in the program have reported an improvement in test scores and grades, a reduction in illness and absenteeism, and a decrease in disciplinary action. The program attributes its students’ successes to four key elements:

• Offer tutoring programs for extra school credit
• Provide transportation to and from school
• Create innovative learning activities program
• Implement a reward based system for completion of a tutoring series

For more information about the Food Brings Hope program, visit www.foodbringshope.org.

Tucson physical therapist Ed Onofrio has been a member of the Interim HealthCare Tucson team for nearly seven years, successfully providing care across a very large geographic territory. An active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Onofrio is recognized as a strong advocate for patients and physical therapists alike. He was nominated for his energy, commitment and dedication to patient care. Onofrio created an exercise video to help senior patients continue their exercise programs after their physical therapy sessions have been completed. He also makes sure the office team at Interim has ergonomically correct work stations, willingly keeps the entire team abreast of all regulatory news, and helps fellow therapists meet documentation and utilization expectations.

Nina Van Beaumont has been a physical therapist with Interim HealthCare’s Omaha office for eight years. She is credited by her colleagues for helping Interim rank as the best agency in Omaha for several public measure reporting periods. A proponent of personal choice, Van Beaumont supports patients who want to integrate homeopathic options and traditional therapy. Also known for her compassionate caregiving and enthusiasm, each patient who is discharged from Van Beaumont’s care receive a pair of knit slippers in the local football team’s husker’s red. Van Beaumont also helps communicate with area physicians about the ways in-home therapy benefit patient recovery.

Runner-up Rainna Nolan of Interim HealthCare in Atlanta is known for her meticulous attention to detail. A physical therapist serving on the Atlanta team for nearly four years, Nolan was credited with taking a leadership role in the development of communications processes for the office staff and in creating the office’s truly multidisciplinary approach to patient care. The personal relationships she develops with patients and caregivers have contributed to the development and success of a large, active outpatient clinic within a premier senior living community. Nolan is known for adapting therapy interventions to the unique needs of the community’s active residents and for achieving fantastic outcomes.

Runner-up Martha Sandven is a physical therapist with Interim HealthCare in St. Paul, Minn. She played an integral role in managing the significant growth of the therapy department and the role of therapy in patient care. Over the past year, she has successfully overseen the development of 12 outpatient therapy clinics in assisted living and independent senior living communities. Driven to deliver high-quality, compassionate, patient-centered care efficiently and within practice guidelines, Sandven conducts detailed orientations with new staff members and conducts regular in-services with existing staffers.

Leadership and staff from Interim HealthCare’s more than 300 franchise locations (www.interimhealthcare.com) across the country were invited to submit nominations for the 2009 Therapist of the Year. Winners were chosen by a select group of impartial clinical judges.

About Interim HealthCare:

Founded in 1966, Interim HealthCare(R) is one of the nation’s leading franchise organizations providing health care personnel at all skill levels in all settings. Through a network of more than 300 offices, independently owned franchisees provide diverse services including community based home health care, hospice and health care staffing. Under the HomeStyle(R) Services brand, Interim franchisees provide non-medical in-home senior services focused on the qualities of an enriched life.

Interim is unique in combining the commitment of local franchise ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards. Interim’s independent franchise owners employ more than 75,000 health care workers who serve 50,000 people each day.

For more information, visit www.interimhealthcare.com .

“As we near Veterans Day, it is important to remember the generations of brave servicemen and women who have defended the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy every day as Americans,” said Governor Crist. “We are forever indebted to our Armed Forces and it is important that we express our gratitude by ensuring they have the best medical care and support possible.”

The Caregiver and Veterans Health Services Act of 2009 will ensure that the families and spouses of wounded veterans have the support they need to care for their loved ones. The legislation provides assistance in the form of mental health counseling, training, modest financial support, and health care coverage. Governor Crist emphasized that the increased assistance is necessary because of the recent medical breakthroughs that have lowered the number of combat deaths in modern warfare, yet increase the number of survivors with permanent injuries who require long-term care.

In his remarks at the Florida National Guard Headquarters, Governor Crist expressed his gratitude to the hundreds of guardsmen currently serving overseas, as well as those who have recently returned from combat. This month, 432 troops with the 146th Signal Battalion out of Pensacola and Jacksonville returned from Iraq. The Governor also paid tribute to the 2,450 Florida guardsmen in the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team who in January will be deployed to Iraq for one year.

Earlier this year, Governor Crist signed House Joint Resolution 833, Homestead Ad Valorem Tax Credit for Deployed Military. The resolution proposes a Constitutional amendment that would exempt men and women deployed on active duty overseas from property tax on homesteaded property. It would allow an additional exemption based on the length of the overseas deployment. This initiative will go before voters in November 2010. If approved by 60 percent of voters, the tax exemption would become effective January 1, 2011.

About the Wounded Warrior Project’s TRACK Center

The Wounded Warrior Project’s TRACK Center is the first education center in the nation designed specifically for wounded warriors. TRACK students reside in Jacksonville for a 12-month holistic training experience for the mind, body and spirit. The first half of the program is primarily classroom-based, with support services including mental health counseling, performance training, and life skills classes. Classes are provided through the Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ), and credit can be applied toward a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, or vocational certificate. The second half of the program consists of an employment internship with local employers in the areas of information technology, general business, logistics, and more.

Kevin Tynan, 50, has been an attorney with Richardson and Tynan since 2001. Previously, he practiced with Entin, Margules and Della Ferra from 2000 to 2001. He served as staff counsel for the Florida Bar from 1988 to 2000, including managing disciplinary proceedings involving ethics issues. He has served on the Board of Commissioners, South Broward Hospital District, since 2002. He received his bachelor’s degree from Barry University and a law degree from Nova Center for the Study of Law.

Today’s appointment is the result of Governor Crist’s suspension of public officials due to criminal complaints filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on September 23, 2009. Tynan will serve during Gallagher’s suspension.