Alice G. Pate, 50, of Graceville, registered nurse with Jackson County Health Department, succeeding Michael Horton, appointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending August 21, 2012.

Ann Dupee, 75, of Clermont, retired owner of the South Lake Press, reappointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 26, 2011.

Feliberto Tua, 47, of Longwood, technician with Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne, reappointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 26, 2013.

Jeffrey J. Welch, 53, of Apopka, executive director with Palmer, Reifler and Associates P.A., succeeding William Burch, appointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 26, 2011.

· Debora “Debbie” Carswell, 47, of Orlando, executive vice president and Florida line of business manager of private wealth management, Suntrust Bank, reappointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, ending September 14, 2012.

· Joyce A. Hobson, 60, of Tallahassee, director of faith and community outreach, Florida Department of Education, reappointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2012.

· Beverly Hougland, 65, of St. Cloud, chief executive officer, Osceola Council on Aging, reappointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2012.

· Yolanda Londoño, 54, of Orlando, vice president of global social responsibility, Tupperware Brands, reappointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2012.

· Lt. General Robert “Bob” Milligan (USMC Ret.), 77, of Tallahassee, community volunteer, reappointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2011.

· Aileen M. Pruitt, 50, of Fort Pierce, Florida market manager for community development banking, PNC Bank, reappointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2012.

· Andreina “Nina” Traviesa, 38, of Tampa, Tampa Bay area editor, Conexiones magazine, reappointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2012.

· Kherri Anderson, 29, of Stuart, deputy of elections outreach, Martin County Supervisor of Elections, succeeding Scott Clemons, appointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2011.

· Danny Berenberg, 65, of Ponte Vedra Beach, managing director, GiftCounsel.com, succeeding Vicki O’Meara, appointed for term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2011.

· Constance “Connie” Bookman, 51, of Pensacola, founder and executive director, Pathways for Change, succeeding James Richburg, appointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2011.

· Susan K. Glickman, 50, of Belleaire Beach, self-employed climate and energy advocate, succeeding Megan Spillane, appointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2011.

· Jose R. Irizarry, 55, of Orlando, director of program services, Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, succeeding Angela Diaz-Vidaillet, appointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2012.

· Linda B. King, 59, of Jacksonville, community volunteer, succeeding Charles Thorpe, appointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2011.

· Jon R. Levinson, 60, of Delray Beach, president, REL Enterprises Inc., succeeding Rosalind Thompkins, appointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2010.

· Judithanne McLauchlan, 41, of Madeira Beach, professor, University of South Florida, succeeding Ann Henderson, appointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2012.

· Rhonda L. Rolle, 57, of Tallahassee, education program specialist, Florida Department of Education, succeeding Willard Payne Jr., appointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2012.

· Connie S. Stophel, 62, of Jacksonville, chief executive officer, Episcopal Children’s Services, succeeding Trudie Reed, appointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2011.

· Bryan Vaughan, 46, of Tallahassee, executive director, Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, succeeding Maureen Sullivan-Hartung, appointed for a term beginning July 26, 2010, and ending September 14, 2011.

“The safety, security and well-being of children, elders and persons with disabilities is of the utmost importance, which is why we must be absolutely sure that those entrusted with their care are trustworthy and responsible,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident enhanced screening measures of those who work with these vulnerable populations is an added protection that will enhance public safety statewide.”

House Bill 7069, signed by Governor Crist earlier this year, requires employees to pass both a state and federal fingerprint screening, equivalent to a level 2 background check, before beginning work with elderly, children and persons with disabilities in certain care settings. Health care employees working in residential or home care settings must have a Level 2 screening before having contact with clients, or having access to client property, funds or living areas.

DCF’s Web site, www.dcfbackgroundscreening.com, provides clarifying details about who needs to be screened, how to contact DCF regional coordinators, and answers to frequently asked questions.

“We must help our front-line care providers understand the significant changes that will transform their day-to-day business operations,” said DCF Secretary George Sheldon. “The Web site is a helpful tool to help answer questions about how this new law will better protect our most vulnerable citizens.”

The legislation also requires that fingerprints be submitted in an electronic format to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement by July 1, 2012. Electronic fingerprints go into effect for providers licensed by AHCA and DCF as of August 1, 2010.

“We are focused on helping providers hire the right staff quickly and efficiently to ensure they can provide necessary care to their clients,” said AHCA Secretary Thomas W. Arnold. “The electronic processing of fingerprints will expedite this process while providing important protections for those who need their services.”

AHCA’s Web site, ahca.myflorida.com/MCHQ/Long_Term_Care/Background_Screening/index.shtml provides similar information regarding who must be screened, as well as those vendors available to process electronic fingerprints. AHCA has also contracted with Cogent Systems as an option to provide electronic fingerprinting services. Cogent Systems is a leading provider of Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems. It has statewide locations and will expand to additional sites by August 1, 2010. However, health care providers have the flexibility to choose any vendor or conduct their own electronic scanning in accordance with FDLE standards. For more information regarding background screening electronic fingerprint options, visit the FDLE site at www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/04833e12-3fc6-4c03-9993-379244e0da50/livescan.aspx.

The law also contains other safeguards such as requiring some former felons to wait three years before applying for an exemption and working with these populations. Additionally, it gives select executive agency heads the authority to revoke and deny these exemptions for certain disqualifying offenses. It also prevents anyone designated as a sexual predator, sexual offender or career offender from being able to get an exemption to work with these vulnerable citizens.

In October 2009, Governor Crist convened select state agencies charged with reviewing legal requirements for screening individuals who provide care to children, the elderly and persons with disabilities to review current background-screening policies. The group’s findings were presented to the Governor in November 2009 and then presented to the Florida Legislature for consideration. The new legislation reflects the recommendations of the group.

Perkins, 54, has practiced privately with Smith, Hood, Perkins since the beginning of 2010. Previously, he practiced privately with Smith, Hood, Perkins, Loucks, Stout, Bigman and Brock from 2009 to 2010; with Smith, Hood, Perkins, Loucks, Stout, Bigman, Lane and Brock from 2004 to 2009; with Smith, Hood, Perkins, Loucks, Stout and Orfinger from 1999 to 2004; with Smith, Hood, Perkins, Loucks, Stout, Orfinger and Selis from 1997 to 1999; with Monaco, Smith, Hood, Perkins, Loucks and Stout from 1995 to 1997; with Monaco, Hood, Perkins, Loucks and Stout from 1992 to 1995; with Monaco, Hood, Perkins, Orfinger and Stout from 1990 to 1992; with Monaco, Hood and Perkins from 1988 to 1990; with Cobb, Cole and Bell from 1986 to 1987; and with Cobb and Cole from 1980 to 1986. Perkins earned both his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida.

Perkins will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge John V. Doyle.

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.

1.# #
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.

“Floridians may think that to protect the environment they must make drastic changes to their everyday routines, but this is just not true,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “Protecting the environment can be as easy as recycling plastic bags, buying energy-efficient products or using available alternative energy sources.”

“Earth Day is a perfect day to launch Easy As One,” added Secretary Sole. “Education is a vital component of environmental protection, and by engaging everyone in Earth Day activities and highlighting the efforts of both business and government, we hope to spread awareness of the simple ways we can all protect the environment for future generations.”

“Easy As One – Ordinary Actions, Extraordinary Results” is an environmental awareness campaign by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that highlights easy actions citizens can take to make sustainable practices part of daily life. DEP calls on citizens to adopt green practices that protect Florida’s air and water quality, conserve water and reduce waste. Governor Crist noted that a sustainable Florida depends on the collective efforts of citizens, groups, businesses, industry and government. Part of today’s Earth Day celebration also included a plastic bag recycling contest between students and adults. Students who brought at least 22 plastic bags were rewarded with a free one-day pass to any Florida state park. More than 5,000 bags were collected.

As part of the Easy As One campaign, the Governor highlighted two new environmental awareness programs launched by DEP in partnership with Lamar Advertising, the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Recycling Partnership, Recycle Florida Today and the American Chemistry Council. Recently, Lamar Advertising was awarded a $2.5 million grant from the Florida Energy and Climate Commission to install more than 1,300 solar and wind-powered billboards in Florida. Each billboard system is expected to generate enough power to offset the power it consumes. Lamar has launched a Web site, www.renewableflorida.org, to educate consumers on similar alternative energy uses.

In addition, Hilex, the Florida Retail Federation and the American Chemistry Council touted the A Bag’s Life campaign, promoting the reducing, reusing and recycling of plastic bags. The Web site, www.abagslife.com, offers recycling information by zip code and ideas on how to reuse plastic bags conscientiously.

For more information on environmental protection in Florida, visit www.dep.state.fl.us. For information on “Easy As One – Ordinary Actions, Extraordinary Results” visit www.dep.state.fl.us/EasyAsOne.

“The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program offers families an invaluable opportunity to choose a learning environment that gives their children the best chance for success,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident Floride will continue to provide more educational opportunities and options with the partnership of the business community through great programs like this.”

Senate Bill 2126 increases the tax cap credit from $118 million to $140 million in Fiscal Year 2010-11. After Fiscal Year 2010-11, the cap will automatically increase by 25 percent one year after the total tax credits equal or exceed 90 percent of the capped amount. This legislation also shifts the tax scholarship amount per student from a fixed award amount, currently $3,950, to 60 percent of the per-student funding for students attending public school. Thereafter, the scholarship award will increase four percent in any year in which the tax credit cap increases. The scholarship award will be capped at 80 percent of FEFP unweighted student funding.

This bill also revises student eligibility, allowing families whose income increases to a maximum of 230 percent of the federal poverty level to continue to receive the scholarship at a reduced level. Accountability for participating private schools is also enhanced by requiring private schools that receive more than $250,000 in scholarship funds per year to submit a financial report prepared by an independent certified public accountant.

During his remarks, Governor Crist emphasized the importance of school choice and the ability of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program to increase educational opportunities for Florida students. In the 2008-09 fiscal year, $88.6 million in scholarships were awarded to nearly 25,000 students enrolled in more than 1,000 participating Florida private schools, which was an enrollment increase of more than fifteen percent from the previous school year. According to Florida’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program is saving Florida taxpayers an estimated $39 million a year.

For more information about the Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship program, visit www.floridaschoolchoice.org/Information/ctc/.

Mr. Persful believes the 2010 census will challenge residents to refuse to answer questions regarding ethnicity, place of residence, income level, age or any other question not directly related to the number of persons living in the household.

“Our founding fathers designed the country to have very, very limited power,” explains Mr. Persful, candidate for the 3rd District’s Spring Hill, Thompson Station area. “The power was to rest at the state level. In regards to the census, the federal government has no constitutional authority to ask citizens anything but the number of persons living in their home. When the federal government acts outside their enumerated powers, they have abandoned the ‘rule of law’ – that is, The Constitution – and they have embraced the ‘rule of men.’ They have, quite simply, broken the law.”

Having taken an oath to “support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” Mr. Persful believes his duty to his country extends beyond any tour of duty he had as a Marine Captain.

“When I took that oath, I agreed to fight for the citizens of my country and their rights,” explains Mr. Persful. “As a County Commissioner, I would fight just as hard for my fellow citizen’s rights within the local government as I would on the battlefield.”

As a fiscal conservative with an M.B.A. from Drexel University, Mr. Persful also has a strong belief that the county should operate in surplus, not debt.

In a county consisting of mostly republican candidates, Mr. Persful believes his standing as a husband, father, constitutional conservative and U.S. Marine is the strongest foundation for a County Commissioner who will defend the city, county and state rights of his fellow citizens honorably, no matter the opponent.

News Source: Trinity Persful for County Commissioner

This story was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

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 .