Tuesday, June 3, 2014

HURRICANE SEASON PREPAREDNESS IMPORTANT FOR PROTECTING FLORIDA’S ENVIRONMENT

HURRICANE SEASON PREPAREDNESS IMPORTANT FOR PROTECTING FLORIDA’S ENVIRONMENT

~Taking simple actions before a storm hits can prevent environmental harm~

TALLAHASSEE – With the Atlantic hurricane season upon us once again, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection encourages Floridians to prepare now before a storm hits. It is essential for residents, businesses and organizations to take the time to make sure household hazardous materials are properly stored or disposed of to reduce the likelihood of pollutants escaping into the environment.
DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. said, “Sunday officially marked the start of the 2014 hurricane season. While the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the slowest we've seen, there were three significant weather events that impacted Florida, including Tropical Storm Andrea. From experience, we understand that taking precautions and being prepared is vital to protecting Florida and its residents."
It is important to store hazardous materials properly. Be sure they are not stored in low-lying areas that are subjected to flood zones, and are not left near windows. Placing these materials on secured shelving can limit the possibility of emission into our environment.
“Preparing chemicals and waste, planning for the effects of a storm, and communicating with the state before and after a storm are crucial steps for protecting Florida’s environment when a storm makes landfall,” said Gwen Keenan, director of DEP’s Office of Emergency Response. “While we may not be able to prevent damage, like beach erosion from heavy rain and wind, the spill of hazardous chemicals can largely be stopped before it happens.”
The following materials should be stored in accordance with manufacturer's directions, as well as state or federal regulations.
  • Paints, stains and adhesives
  • Solvents, fuel, oil and antifreeze
  • Batteries
  • Pesticides
  • Fertilizers
  • Expired medication
  • Mercury—fluorescent bulbs, thermostats and thermometers
  • Propane tanks and aerosol cans
  • Household cleaners
Keenan added, “Predictions for the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season indicate the likelihood of a slow season, with NOAA projecting a normal-to-below-normal activity this year. Eight to 13 tropical storms are predicted, with three to six of them expected to become hurricanes. As many as two of them could be major hurricanes.
"Despite that prediction, no one should be complacent. 1992 was projected to be a slow year, but Hurricane Andrew roared ashore proving it only takes one storm to severely impact our state." 
The department recommends residents check all property, including storage units and recreational vehicles, to dispose of unwanted hazardous material. Attention to hazardous materials before a storm arrives can help protect your family, property and Florida's environment after the storm passes.
Click here to find a household hazardous waste disposal facility near you and to get additional information about disposing of waste.
Click here for additional hurricane preparedness information from the Division of Emergency Management.
Also, to help Floridians prepare for hurricane season, this year’s Florida Legislature established a tax–free holiday from May 31 to June 8 for you to purchase supplies that will help you during an emergency. Click here for more information

STATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY

STATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY


Wakulla

Newly renovated walkways at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

TALLAHASSEE – All Florida residents and visitors deserve an opportunity to access and experience Florida's award-winning state parks. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection today announced the completion of several walkway renovations at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park that mark progress toward that goal. 
The Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park walkways project involved the construction of concrete ramps to provide greater access to the boathouse and gazebo areas. Additionally, many of the existing pavers were leveled and secured in place with concrete shoulders to increase safety for all park visitors.
"One of my main priorities for the department is to provide residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy Florida's award-winning state parks," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. "These projects are essential to making our parks more accessible and safer for all visitors."
This is just one of many projects that are in progress or beginning soon at state parks across Florida.
At St. George Island State Park, renovations of two sections of the boardwalk begin next week to connect parking areas to the beach. This project includes replacing steps and adjusting the slopes of the boardwalks to provide easier passage to the four-mile-long beach.
Blue Spring State Park is adding two campground bathhouses and four new ADA-compliant campsites, with construction for these projects beginning June 15.
On June 30, Falling Waters State Park will begin the installation of a connector trail and two parking stalls that meet ADA standards to provide access to a recently constructed boardwalk that leads to the swimming area.
Ochlockonee River State Park is modifying its boardwalk down to the river to provide for an ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launch area. The park is also replacing its restroom facility and adding additional handicap parking spaces.
Additionally, Wekiwa Springs State Park has begun the construction of an ADA youth camp. This project includes extending the current walkways that connect existing cabins and the swimming pool, and building new accessible walkways.
This fall, Florida Caverns State Park is increasing the number of handicap parking spaces and will be adding a new walkway that will provide access to the visitor center. Also planned for later this year at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, the department is looking to construct ADA-accessible boardwalks and sidewalks to six bathhouses and various beach access points. Many of the park's wooden boardwalks are being converted to concrete and their slopes reduced for easier use.

STATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY

STATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY


Wakulla

Newly renovated walkways at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

TALLAHASSEE – All Florida residents and visitors deserve an opportunity to access and experience Florida's award-winning state parks. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection today announced the completion of several walkway renovations at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park that mark progress toward that goal. 
The Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park walkways project involved the construction of concrete ramps to provide greater access to the boathouse and gazebo areas. Additionally, many of the existing pavers were leveled and secured in place with concrete shoulders to increase safety for all park visitors.
"One of my main priorities for the department is to provide residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy Florida's award-winning state parks," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. "These projects are essential to making our parks more accessible and safer for all visitors."
This is just one of many projects that are in progress or beginning soon at state parks across Florida.
At St. George Island State Park, renovations of two sections of the boardwalk begin next week to connect parking areas to the beach. This project includes replacing steps and adjusting the slopes of the boardwalks to provide easier passage to the four-mile-long beach.
Blue Spring State Park is adding two campground bathhouses and four new ADA-compliant campsites, with construction for these projects beginning June 15.
On June 30, Falling Waters State Park will begin the installation of a connector trail and two parking stalls that meet ADA standards to provide access to a recently constructed boardwalk that leads to the swimming area.
Ochlockonee River State Park is modifying its boardwalk down to the river to provide for an ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launch area. The park is also replacing its restroom facility and adding additional handicap parking spaces.
Additionally, Wekiwa Springs State Park has begun the construction of an ADA youth camp. This project includes extending the current walkways that connect existing cabins and the swimming pool, and building new accessible walkways.
This fall, Florida Caverns State Park is increasing the number of handicap parking spaces and will be adding a new walkway that will provide access to the visitor center. Also planned for later this year at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, the department is looking to construct ADA-accessible boardwalks and sidewalks to six bathhouses and various beach access points. Many of the park's wooden boardwalks are being converted to concrete and their slopes reduced for easier use.

STATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY

STATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY


Wakulla

Newly renovated walkways at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

TALLAHASSEE – All Florida residents and visitors deserve an opportunity to access and experience Florida's award-winning state parks. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection today announced the completion of several walkway renovations at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park that mark progress toward that goal. 
The Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park walkways project involved the construction of concrete ramps to provide greater access to the boathouse and gazebo areas. Additionally, many of the existing pavers were leveled and secured in place with concrete shoulders to increase safety for all park visitors.
"One of my main priorities for the department is to provide residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy Florida's award-winning state parks," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. "These projects are essential to making our parks more accessible and safer for all visitors."
This is just one of many projects that are in progress or beginning soon at state parks across Florida.
At St. George Island State Park, renovations of two sections of the boardwalk begin next week to connect parking areas to the beach. This project includes replacing steps and adjusting the slopes of the boardwalks to provide easier passage to the four-mile-long beach.
Blue Spring State Park is adding two campground bathhouses and four new ADA-compliant campsites, with construction for these projects beginning June 15.
On June 30, Falling Waters State Park will begin the installation of a connector trail and two parking stalls that meet ADA standards to provide access to a recently constructed boardwalk that leads to the swimming area.
Ochlockonee River State Park is modifying its boardwalk down to the river to provide for an ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launch area. The park is also replacing its restroom facility and adding additional handicap parking spaces.
Additionally, Wekiwa Springs State Park has begun the construction of an ADA youth camp. This project includes extending the current walkways that connect existing cabins and the swimming pool, and building new accessible walkways.
This fall, Florida Caverns State Park is increasing the number of handicap parking spaces and will be adding a new walkway that will provide access to the visitor center. Also planned for later this year at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, the department is looking to construct ADA-accessible boardwalks and sidewalks to six bathhouses and various beach access points. Many of the park's wooden boardwalks are being converted to concrete and their slopes reduced for easier use.

STATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY

STATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY


Wakulla

Newly renovated walkways at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

TALLAHASSEE – All Florida residents and visitors deserve an opportunity to access and experience Florida's award-winning state parks. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection today announced the completion of several walkway renovations at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park that mark progress toward that goal. 
The Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park walkways project involved the construction of concrete ramps to provide greater access to the boathouse and gazebo areas. Additionally, many of the existing pavers were leveled and secured in place with concrete shoulders to increase safety for all park visitors.
"One of my main priorities for the department is to provide residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy Florida's award-winning state parks," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. "These projects are essential to making our parks more accessible and safer for all visitors."
This is just one of many projects that are in progress or beginning soon at state parks across Florida.
At St. George Island State Park, renovations of two sections of the boardwalk begin next week to connect parking areas to the beach. This project includes replacing steps and adjusting the slopes of the boardwalks to provide easier passage to the four-mile-long beach.
Blue Spring State Park is adding two campground bathhouses and four new ADA-compliant campsites, with construction for these projects beginning June 15.
On June 30, Falling Waters State Park will begin the installation of a connector trail and two parking stalls that meet ADA standards to provide access to a recently constructed boardwalk that leads to the swimming area.
Ochlockonee River State Park is modifying its boardwalk down to the river to provide for an ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launch area. The park is also replacing its restroom facility and adding additional handicap parking spaces.
Additionally, Wekiwa Springs State Park has begun the construction of an ADA youth camp. This project includes extending the current walkways that connect existing cabins and the swimming pool, and building new accessible walkways.
This fall, Florida Caverns State Park is increasing the number of handicap parking spaces and will be adding a new walkway that will provide access to the visitor center. Also planned for later this year at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, the department is looking to construct ADA-accessible boardwalks and sidewalks to six bathhouses and various beach access points. Many of the park's wooden boardwalks are being converted to concrete and their slopes reduced for easier use.

ACTIVIDADES Y EVENTOS RAYITO DE LUZ: Rayito de Luz in English

ACTIVIDADES Y EVENTOS RAYITO DE LUZ: Rayito de Luz in English

Fundacion Rayito de Luz: FUNDACION RAYITO DE LUZ

Fundacion Rayito de Luz: FUNDACION RAYITO DE LUZ: Rayito de Luz  es fundación sin fines de lucro que actúa localmente con las familias de los sectores más desprotegidos y vulnerables ...

Fundacion Rayito de Luz: FUNDACION RAYITO DE LUZ

Fundacion Rayito de Luz: FUNDACION RAYITO DE LUZ: Rayito de Luz  es fundación sin fines de lucro que actúa localmente con las familias de los sectores más desprotegidos y vulnerables ...

Sunday, May 25, 2014

7UP Sueño Alianza Scouting tour arrives in Miami May 31st, 2014 at Brian Piccolo Park

7UP Sueño Alianza Scouting tour arrives in Miami May 31st, 2014 at Brian Piccolo Park

Now in its 7th year, the 7UP® Sueño Alianza Program provides an opportunity for the country’s elite Hispanic youth soccer players born in 1994-2001 to be identified and scouted for inclusion in Liga Bancomer MX Youth Divisions, Mexico's & U.S. Soccer’s Youth National Team programs.

There is no cost to the player to be scouted and all travel expenses to the national showcase are paid by Alianza de Futbol. Open to all players regardless of affiliation, or lack thereof, the 7UP Sueño Alianza Program Program is approved by the U.S. Soccer Federation and FEMEXFUT.

7UP® Sueño Alianza has had nearly 40 players signed to professional contracts, 14 earn youth national team call-ups (for the USA, Mexico and Honduras), and eight athletes receive college scholarships. Alums that have benefited from this program include Californian Julio Morales, who was signed by Chivas de Guadalajara and played for Mexico at the 2013 U-20 World Cup, and Dennis Flores & Miguel Palafox, who made his Liga MX debut with Club Leon’s first team last March 2014.
 

To register player can do it for FREE at www.alianzadefutbol.com

MEMORIAL DAY

Cultural Trip: Ballet Hispanico Adrienne Arsht Center

Cultural Trip: Ballet Hispanico

Adrienne Arsht Center
What:
Cultural Trip: Ballet Hispanico
When:
Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Where:
Adrienne Arsht Center
1300 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132

Featuring a world premiere by Miami dance star Rosie Herrera and works by Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro, Ballet Hispanico explores the contemporary Latin soul through pieces that fuse ethnic dance with classical and contemporary techniques.

Since its founding in 1979, Ballet Hispanico has celebrated the dynamic aesthetics of the Hispanic diaspora, building new avenues of cultural dialogue and sharing the joy of dance with all communities.

Tickets are $50 for SIB Resident ID Card holders and $55 for all others. They may be purchased at the Sunny Isles Beach Government Center or Pelican Community Park.

The bus will leave the Sunny Isles Beach Government Center at 7:00 p.m. Showtime is at 8:00 p.m. and the bus will return at approximately 10:30 p.m.

Tickets are located in Third Tier, Row A. Moderate walking is required.

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Friday, May 23, 2014

FLORIDA SEA TURTLE NESTING SEASON IS HERE ~Marine reptiles use Sunshine State to start new life~

FLORIDA SEA TURTLE NESTING SEASON IS HERE

~Marine reptiles use Sunshine State to start new life~


leatherback
TALLAHASSEE – Sea turtle nesting has begun in Florida and will continue through the end of October. On May 8, a loggerhead sea turtle nest was discovered at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve beach. The nest was spotted by the reserve's sea turtle patrol, a volunteer-based effort for monitoring and evaluating sea turtle nests. In April, these volunteers began monitoring and evaluating this season's nests on the reserve’s beach, seven days a week. 
Florida's shallow bays and estuaries provide important habitats for threatened and endangered sea turtles. The Sunshine State accounts for 90 percent of sea turtle nests in the continental United States and five of the world’s seven beach-nesting species of sea turtles, including the loggerhead, green turtle, leatherback, hawksbill and the rarest and most endangered sea turtle - the Kemp’s ridley.
“Sea turtles are part of Florida’s unique and dynamic natural environment," said Kevin Claridge, director of DEP's Florida Coastal Office. "They are a vibrant part of what makes this state so special. We know people love turtles and every beach-goer can help increase their survival rate during nesting and hatching season.”
Residents are most likely to encounter the loggerhead sea turtle, named for its prominently featured block-like head. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report that the contiguous beaches from Brevard to Palm Beach counties are the most important loggerhead nesting sites in the Western Hemisphere. These beaches typically see 15,000 nesting loggerheads in a year. Overall, Florida can expect 40,000 to 60,000 sea turtle nests by season’s end.
Adult female sea turtles can come from as far as the West Coast of Africa to breed and nest on Florida beaches. A typical female may lay 85-120 ping-pong sized eggs in one sitting and repeat this process up to eight times in one nesting season. Once deposited, incubation lasts for approximately two months.
To minimize disturbance to nesting sea turtles, residents and visitors are advised to heed the following tips:
  • Use sea turtle friendly lighting. Use low-power and low-frequency lighting angled downward to the ground. Residents and establishments close to the beach should pay special attention to cover fixtures as much as possible and keep them off when not needed;
  • Refrain from fire and fireworks;
  • Keep the beach clear. Do not litter or leave behind beach equipment. Demolish sandcastles and fill in holes. Consider cleaning up litter spotted around you;
  • Respect zones around nests and on the dunes. Keep back to avoid accidentally stepping on eggs;
  • DO NOT disturb females while they nest. Feel free to observe from a safe distance without making excessive noise;
  • Report sightings to 1-800-404-FWCC begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-404-FWCC FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Workers and volunteers can mark off the area to help prevent inadvertent damage; and
  • If you spot a stranded or trapped female turtle call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-800-404-FWCC begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-404-FWCC FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting.