It’s a good time to be in the Sunshine State! Last month George Mason University released an evaluation they completed “Ranking the States by Fiscal Condition”, and Florida came out on top! Florida’s No. 1 ranking ends Alaska’s three-year reign atop the leaderboard.
We work hard in the Legislature to ensure that Florida remains fiscally sound. That is our first responsibility to our constituents and all Floridians. If our state is not fiscally sound, all the rest of our goals and endeavors in Florida are put in jeopardy.
The group ranked Florida as the state with the strongest fiscal condition based on data collected from each state’s most recent audited comprehensive annual financial report. For the ranking, each state was evaluated on the amount of cash it had on hand as well as its budget solvency, long-run solvency, service-level solvency and trust-fund solvency. Continue reading
Florida Stands with the Venezuelan People Against Upcoming Maduro Controlled Constituent Assembly
ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott released details regarding his proposal to the Trustees of the Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) that will prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the Maduro regime. The Governor reiterated that he stands against Nicolas Maduro’s upcoming plans to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution to further empower his dictatorship through a Constituent Assembly on July 30th.
Governor Scott said, “The atrocities happening at the hands of the brutal and oppressive Maduro regime are unspeakable. I have heard firsthand from Floridians about the need for change in Venezuela. Prohibiting the Florida State Board of Administration from making investments that support Nicolas Maduro is a big step in the right direction, and we must continue to find ways to bring freedom and democracy to Venezuela. I am encouraged by the Trump administration’s sanctions against the Maduro regime this week. President Trump’s swift actions on this issue are welcomed and I look forward to working with our federal and state partners to support democracy in Venezuela. Continue reading
Exact location of the cliff
Marion County, Florida (July 11, 2017) – Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major
Crimes detectives are actively investigating the death of 17-year old Trey Austin Dagwan Cardozo (DOB: 12/17/1999) from Largo, Florida, after he cliff-dove into an inactive lime rock mining quarry located at the 6400th block of NW Gainesville Road in Ocala on July 10, 2017. He was found unresponsive in the quarry on Monday at approximately 3:45 p.m., by MCSO deputies. Cardozo passed away from his inj
uries at Ocala Regional Medical Center early Tuesday morning, and his cause of death is pending further investigation with the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Several hours before Cardozo’s accident on Monday, 13 people (12 adults and one juvenile) were arrested in a separate incident for trespassing on private property to swim in the inactive lime rock quarry located at the 2500th block of NW 77th Street in Ocala. On June 25, 2017, three juveniles were arrested for trespassing on private property in this same area. They told deputies they were swimming in the quarry and taking pictures, knowing they were trespassing on private property. No one was injured during these incidents. Continue reading
The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host a public meeting Wednesday, July 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., regarding the Letty Towles Dog Park, 2299 SE 32nd Ave.
Post Date:07/11/2017 11:31 AM
OCALA, Fla. (July 11, 2017) – The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host a public meeting Wednesday, July 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., regarding the Letty Towles Dog Park, 2299 SE 32nd Ave.
This public meeting will serve as an open forum for community members to discuss ideas and suggestions for park improvements and programming. Information will also be available for those interested in becoming a “Bark” Ambassador, as well as other volunteer opportunities at the dog park.
Continue reading
(OCALA, Fla.) July 11, 2017 – A FedEx Ground tandem truck hydroplaned near mile marker 354 Northbound, on I-75, last night.
Ocala Fire Rescue units were dispatched to I-75 Northbound, at 8:44 PM, where a single vehicle accident was reported. Upon arrival Engine 4 and Rescue 3 found a truck which hydroplaned through the outside guardrail of the interstate, settled around a traffic information sign on the side of the road. Firefighters verified the status of the driver and assessed the scene for hazards. With no injuries reported firefighters brought their attention to a ruptured saddle tank. Approximately 75 gallons of diesel were spilled onto the grass; the State of Florida warning point was notified.
Hydroplaning, or skidding tires across a wet surface, can occur when you least expect it. Vehicle maintenance plays a key role in preventing this phenomenon. Proper tire pressure and thread are necessary to channel water from beneath the tire and increase friction between them and the road. Continue reading
(OCALA, Fla.) July 7, 2017 – An eighteen-wheeler, carrying rocks, was involved in a traffic accident which resulted in a rollover and spill of its contents over multiple lanes on I-75.
Ocala Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the vicinity of mile marker 351, on I-75 Southbound, at 12:57 AM, where a collision between a truck and a Mercedes was reported. Upon arrival Engine 3, Rescue 3 and Tower 1 encountered a trailer, which had gone through the southbound guard rails, laying on its side in the northbound lanes with its cargo – river rocks – spread over the road. Firefighters assessed the state of those involved. While the truck driver did not report injuries, two of the three individuals traveling in the second vehicle involved – a black Mercedes – were transported to the hospital as a precaution. Continue reading
On Friday, June 23, 2017, former State Representative Elizabeth “Betty” Metcalf passed away. Metcalf represented District 114, parts of Miami, Coral Gables, unincorporated Miami-Dade County and South Miami, serving in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 until 1988. Her three-term legislative legacy includes support for children, senior citizens, and resources for a mental health center. She also helped pass legislation to protect children at day-care centers.
As a symbol of respect for the memory of former State Representative Elizabeth “Betty” Metcalf, and her service to our State, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at the County Courthouse of Miami-Dade County, Florida, the City Hall of Palmetto Bay, Florida, and at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, from sunrise to sunset on Friday, July 7, 2017.
(NAPSI)—Before diving into yard care, make sure your lawn and gardening tools are up to the task with proper maintenance. The tips below could save you money and time by extending the life of your tools.
Hand Tool Maintenance
To protect your investment in quality hand and gardening tools, clean them after each use, removing any dirt and debris. Then, wash and dry them, and lightly rub rusted areas with fine sandpaper.
Pruning shears should be placed in a bucket with water and scrubbed with a wire brush until the metal is clean after each use. Coat the blades and moving parts with a water displacement lubricant with a controllable spray pattern, such as the non-aerosol WD-40® Multi-Use Product Trigger Pro®. Its narrow spray pattern will give you more control, eliminating overspray for less mess, while preventing rust from building up and helping shears open and close smoothly. Continue reading
(NAPSI)—The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that there are more than 38 million drivers age 65 and older. Age is not the only factor that can impact driving abilities, but it is an important one. There is evidence that most people experience age-related declines in physical and mental abilities. These changes—which can affect everything from vision to how quickly you can make decisions—influence how well you can drive. They can also be difficult to address for yourself or with older people you know, since driving often represents freedom, independence and control.
But transitioning from driving doesn’t mean you have to lose these things. Your health care providers or Area Agency on Aging (www.eldercare.gov) can point you toward a range of transportation alternatives in the community. The first step toward finding those tools is recognizing when you might need them.
Signs that an Older Adult’s Driving Skills Need Testing Continue reading
(NAPSI)—We all love art—music, painting, literature, theater, dance. All these things bring us joy and enrich our lives. But art also plays a very important role in healing. Art therapy is becoming an increasingly effective way to treat trauma, especially among our country’s wounded warriors. Music, writing and visual art therapy programs at military care facilities are proving beneficial in producing calming effects for those suffering from brain injuries, post-traumatic stress syndrome and other conditions.
According to the Defense Department, nearly 350,000 U.S. military personnel have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries since 2001. Though modern military equipment and body armor have reduced mortality rates, roadside bombs and other explosive devices have inflicted injuries that have our service members struggling to function once they get home.
Studies have shown that creating art can decrease stress hormones, which can relax and lessen anxiety. Service members often deal with a complex set of feelings and emotions because of what they have experienced in combat, and that makes it difficult to relate to friends and family members. The invisible wounds can lead to feelings of shame, guilt and identity crises that might cause them to retreat and engage in isolating behaviors. Creating art to express feelings and help them externalize what they might have repressed for a long time can help service members resume a normal existence. Continue reading
