WHAT THEY ARE SAYING... ~Leaders applaud Gov. Scott's Florida Families First Budget on Environmental Protection~ Eric Draper, Executive Director of Audubon Florida "This is really good news on both fronts. It's the first time in several years that we will see over $130 million in potential funding for both these programs(Florida Forever and Everglades)." "It feels like we have turned a corner with Governor Scott. This budget seems to be a good environmental budget." "It's starting to put environmental spending back on track where it used to be. Gov. Scott is starting to make the environment a priority. This does seem like a different Gov. Scott. We're seeing his office listening more." Eric Eikenberg, Everglades Foundation Chief Executive Officer “We strongly support his recommendation to provide $60 million for Everglades restoration. We appreciate the governor’s commitment to Everglades restoration and we believe the Florida Legislature will more than match his recommendation.” David Mica, Executive Director of the Florida Petroleum Council "It's very positive. I think it represents the commitment of the governor to the drinking water and groundwater of the state." Florida Forever Coalition “The governor’s Florida Forever budget recommendation is a positive step forward for Florida. His $75 million recommendation puts Florida Forever back on the right track. With the economy recovering, it is important to allocate funds to preserve our state’s natural areas and protect the places that make Florida special. We look forward to working alongside the governor this legislative session to advocate for the appropriation of funds for Florida Forever.”

http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/FLDEP-6a3086

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 1, 2013 CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us FLORIDA PARK SERVICE COMMEMORATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND VIVA FLORIDA 500 IN FEBRUARY ~Many historical and cultural events planned this month throughout the state~ Living historians reenact the Battle of Bloody Mose. TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service is proud to host many historical and cultural events this month in recognition of Black History Month and Viva Florida 500. Florida State Parks will commemorate their role in African-American history through reenactments of key battles, educational displays and interactive programs. These activities will bring history to life and set the stage for a fun, educational family outing. “Creating educational opportunities about our significant historical resources is an important part of the state park mission to provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources,” said Donald Forgione, DEP’s Florida Park Service Director. “Florida’s state parks and trails provide an exceptional look into our past that shaped our great state as we know it today.” Florida is rich in African-American history and Florida State Parks tell the stories of daily life, traditions and turning points in American history. Florida’s state parks are home to Civil War battle grounds where African-American regiments fought against Confederate soldiers at the 1864 Battle of Olustee, as well sites along the Underground Railroad like the lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, listed as a site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. America’s first free black settlement is located in Florida at Fort Mose Historic State Park, where escaped slaves took refuge in the 1700s. Many of Florida's state parks and trails offer an educational look at history and culture. Some offer valuable lessons for African American History Month, Native American history and more, all of which are commemorated during Viva Florida 500. African-American History Events include: Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine is the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. On Saturday, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m., living historians will present Flight to Freedom with guided tours to allow visitors to listen to the tales of oppression and resistance and the struggle for freedom. The park is also offering a lecture series on the Birth Place of Freedom. $2 per person, museum admission fee. In Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park will present Civil War Heritage Days from Friday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 10. This three-day event will feature land and sea battles with reenactors in period costume and more. Free with park admission of $6 per vehicle, up to eight people. From Friday, Feb. 15 to Sunday, Feb. 17, the reenactment of Florida's largest Civil War battle will take place at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, east of Lake City. Between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, more than 2,000 reenactors will present military and civilian life from 1864 along with the battle on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Adults $7, children six and older $5. On Thursday, Feb. 21, the Silver River Museum will present Glass Bottom Boat Captains of Silver Springs at Silver River State Park. Open House will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the program begins at 6 p.m. Free but space is limited. On Saturday, Feb. 23, baseball games will be played on the ball fields currently located near the site of the former Negro League ball field at Santos, located just east of US 441 on SW 80 Street between Ocala and Belleview. The Historic Santos Park is located on Cross Florida Greenway land that was acquired as part of the 1930’s Cross Florida Ship Canal project when a sea-level ship canal was planned and started to connect shipping from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River and Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville. Native-American History Events include: On Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy Fort Foster Days as military, Seminole and civilian reenactors portray life from the Second Seminole War period at Fort Foster Historic Site, which is part of Hillsborough River State Park, just north of Tampa. Both days will feature firing demonstrations through the day and a skirmish after 1 p.m. $5 donation per person. On Saturday, Feb. 9 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Lee Trust for Historic Preservation will hold a free symposium titled "Conquistadors and the Calusa: Reflections on Resistance" at Koreshan State Historic Site in Estero. Space is limited. You can pre-register by email. On Saturday, Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon, visitors can take a fascinating journey by van into the forest at Ichetucknee Springs State Park to the site of the 17th Century Mission de San Martin de Timucua. Space is limited. Call 386-497-4690 for reservations. $6 per vehicle, up to eight people. Viva Florida 500 Every week in 2013, the Florida Park Service will highlight a significant event or milestone that happened in a state park or associated with a state park on a new web page called, “Viva Florida 500 – History Notes.” At this web page, visitors can learn about Florida’s heritage through state parks and then experience it in real life by visiting that particular state park. The first weekend of February is jam-packed with history at Florida's state parks. From Plow Days at Dudley Farm Historic State Park (Newberry) on Feb. 1 & 2 and the Plantation Festival at Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park (Ellenton) on Feb. 2 & 3 to the Candlelight Tour at Torreya State Park (Bristol) and the Maritime Archaeology program at Anastasia State Park (St. Augustine) on Feb. 2, there's lots to learn and experience. Don't miss the Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival at Ochlockonee River State Park on Feb. 22-24. This is just a sample of the many history focused events being held this month throughout the state.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails Florida’s 171 award-winning state park and trail properties have inspired residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 161 parks, 10 state trails, nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org. About Viva Florida 500 Florida’s state parks and trails are joining the Florida Department of State in commemorating 500 years of Florida history throughout 2013. This significant milestone marks the anniversary of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon’s landing on the east coast of a mysterious land – a land he named La Florida. Join us throughout 2013 as we commemorate Florida's rich heritage and the events that have shaped the state. Learn more at the Florida State Parks Viva Florida 500 webpage. http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/FLDEP-6a2283

The Weston Chief of Police wants to meet you on Wednesday February 6!

The Weston Chief of Police wants to meet you on Wednesday February 6!

The Weston Chief of Police wants to meet you on Wednesday February 6! Juan Meet Weston's Chief of Police Officer Mr. Kevin Buttler He will be discussing the following points: - Recommendation to small business owners - Recap of crime in the city Sponsored by: Every Wednesday: - Expand your network of contacts - Share information of your company or service - Learn about new topics - Develop and drive your business! Place: Rick Case Honda 15700 Rick Case Honda Way 2nd Floor Community Room Weston, Fl 33331 Time: 8:00 AM- 9:30 AM Cost $10.00 Registration: 7:50AM Bring a Friend! For more information, find us at: http://americascc.org/b2b.html

The Weston Chief of Police wants to meet you on Wednesday February 6!

The Weston Chief of Police wants to meet you on Wednesday February 6! Juan Meet Weston's Chief of Police Officer Mr. Kevin Buttler He will be discussing the following points: - Recommendation to small business owners - Recap of crime in the city Sponsored by: Every Wednesday: - Expand your network of contacts - Share information of your company or service - Learn about new topics - Develop and drive your business! Place: Rick Case Honda 15700 Rick Case Honda Way 2nd Floor Community Room Weston, Fl 33331 Time: 8:00 AM- 9:30 AM Cost $10.00 Registration: 7:50AM Bring a Friend! For more information, find us at: http://americascc.org/b2b.html

Encuentro Latinoamericano con el Embajador Guillermo Cochez

Pelea en Supermercado para Comprar Pollo - Soberanía Alimentaria?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 28, 2013 CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us FLORIDA PARK SERVICE RECOGNIZES PRESCRIBED FIRE AWARENESS WEEK ~Controlled burning is an important tool for natural resource management~ State Park staff conducts a prescribed burn at Rock Springs Run State Reserve in Sorrento. TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service is observing Prescribed Fire Awareness Week from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2. Prescribed fires mimic naturally occurring fires and can help prevent devastating wildfires. Park staff, guided by detailed plans called prescriptions, conduct prescribed burns as a regular and important part of their land management activities in state parks and trails. Prescribed fire is a safe way to apply a natural process, ensure ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk. Many state parks and trails will be conducting prescribed burns in the coming months. “Prescribed fire is a safe way to reduce hazardous fuels on Florida’s forest lands and prevent devastating wildfires,” said Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam Putnam. “With help from our partners, including the Florida Park Service, Florida is the nation’s leader in prescribed fires, burning more than 2.3 million acres of agricultural and natural lands annually.” Florida habitats evolved under the influence of fire over thousands of years. Before there were roads, canals or big cities, lightning-set fires swept across Florida’s landscape. Native Americans also set fires to improve the land for hunting and gathering food. “As a state-certified burn manager, I know that good fires prevent bad ones,” said DEP’s Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione.“We are proud to partner with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service as well as other public and private organizations in conducting prescribed fires that protect and rejuvenate our natural resources while also protecting our communities from wildfire.” Fire plays a critical role in sustaining many of the earth’s ecosystems. Many of Florida’s ecosystems are fire-adapted systems that require frequent prescribed fire to maintain these natural areas in good health. Prescribed fire also protects state park neighbors from the threat of uncontrolled wildfires by reducing potential fuel for wildfires. Prescribed burning mimics natural fire cycles to restore natural communities, reduces undergrowth that accumulates over time and decreases the potential for wildfire. Burned lands experience an increase in native wildflowers, birds and other wildlife. Prescribed fires are only conducted by highly trained and professional staff and only when weather conditions are suitable. To learn more about the role of prescribed fire, visit www.goodfires.org.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails Florida’s 171 award-winning state park and trail properties have inspired residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 161 parks, 10 state trails, nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org. http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/FLDEP-68efb3

Venezuelan American Democratic Clubs Of Miami Dade and Broward Counties

January 30^th, 2013

Press Release

Venezuelan American Democratic Clubs

Of Miami Dade and Broward Counties

We are proud to announce a

Luncheon To Honor Representative Joe Garcia (D Fl. 26)

When:          Wednesday January 30^th 2013

Time:           11:30am – 2:00pm

Where:         Café Abracci

318 Aragon

                    Coral Gables, Fl

This luncheon is being held because of our gratitude to Joe Garcia for his support to the Venezuelan American Community in South Florida and pride of our work to help elect him as the first Hispanic American Democrat from Miami Dade County to represent us in the US Congress.

Congressman Garcia has expressed the notion that Venezuelan Americans are a distinct group of Hispanics, a community with our own needs and interests that need to be represented. He has pledged to represent us as such and not to “use” the Venezuelan American community as a means of attacking the Castro regime in Cuba.

We wish to express our deep gratitude to the Congressman for his reassurance to our community and to wish him the very best in his new role of a US Congressman. 

Luncheon To Honor Representative Joe Garcia (D Fl. 26)

January 30^th, 2013

Press Release

Venezuelan American Democratic Clubs

Of MiamiDade and Broward Counties

We are proud to announce a

Luncheon To Honor Representative Joe Garcia (D Fl. 26)

When:          Wednesday January 30^th 2013

Time:           11:30am – 2:00pm

Where:         Café Abracci

318 Aragon

                    Coral Gables, Fl

This luncheon is being held because of our gratitude to Joe Garcia for his support to the Venezuelan American Community in South Florida and pride of our work to help elect him as the first Hispanic American Democrat from Miami Dade County to represent us in the US Congress.

Congressman Garcia has expressed the notion that Venezuelan Americans are a distinct group of Hispanics, a community with our own needs and interests that need to be represented. He has pledged to represent us as such and not to “use” the Venezuelan American community as a means of attacking the Castro regime in Cuba.

We wish to express our deep gratitude to the Congressman for his reassurance to our community and to wish him the very best in his new role of a US Congressman. 

Latin People News LPN: Today, we mark International Holocaust Remembrance...

Latin People News LPN: Today, we mark International Holocaust Remembrance...

Today, we mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day

ACUERDO ENTRE AMERICAS COMMUNITY CENTER Y LATIN PEOPLE NEWS

Americas Community Center y Latin People News, el dia viernes 25 de enero del presente ano, sellan un acuerdo de colaboracion entre las partes  a fin de mantener informadas a las distintas comunidades hispanas y en especial a las Colombianas y Venezolanas, a traves de nuestro periodico impreso y todos los medios digitales. 

Hermandad Venezolana en Weston con agenda lista para este 2013

Hermandad Venezolana en Weston con agenda lista para este 2013

Analuisa Cedeño – cedenoanaluisa@gmail.com

Como es costumbre el día de ayer en la ciudad de Weston se reunieron los miembros de la Hermandad Venezolana, con el propósito de afinar los detalles de la agenda que se tiene preparada para este 2013.

El trabajo que viene realizando la Hermandad es un esfuerzo mancomunado de todos sus miembros, a fin de consolidar un espacio de encuentro, donde los venezolanos hagan  activas sus ideas  dentro de nuestra comunidad.

Desde mediados del año pasado “hemos estado trabajando para dar una ayuda a todos los que la necesitan. Tal es el caso de la participación y asistencia que brindamos en New Orleans,  durante el desarrollo de las elecciones (2012). Esta fue una experiencia muy bonita, porque gracias a la organización y donaciones que recibimos, pudimos brindar una mano a todos los que hicieron el esfuerzo de viajar hasta allá. Así lo señaló Sandra Sánchez, miembro activa dentro de la Hermanad.

Igualmente Sánchez destacó que desde esa fecha “seguimos luchando en organizar y formalizar nuestras actividades. El 6 de enero de este año, arrancamos las actividades con una misa de Reyes en la iglesia St. Katharine Drexel. Tenemos un proyecto que ya está casi listo para rendirle un homenaje al alcalde de Doral Luigi Boria. El primer Alcalde venezolano en el estado de Florida, cosa que nos llena de orgullo”.

Pero sin duda Sandra deja claro que la Hermandad esta arrancando este año con buenas expectativas. Parte de las metas es la integración de la comunidad, “queremos seguir sumando esfuerzos”. Asimismo, se tiene previsto la celebración de las fiestas patrias, “es una forma de rendir homenaje a nuestras tradiciones venezolanas. La nueva generación que hoy crece dentro de los Estados Unidos debe conocerla, saber de dónde venimos. Fomentar nuestra cultura es nuestro objetivo”. Afirmó

La Hermandad Venezolana informó que en los actuales momentos está creando su página Web donde se podrá conocer los detalles acerca de la misión y visión, como obtener una membresía familiar e ir otorgando beneficios a todos sus integrantes. De igual forma está en proyecto la conformación de la comisión de Cultura, deporte, salud, eventos, entre otros.

Sandra Sánchez aprovecho la oportunidad para invitar a toda la comunidad venezolana a seguir incorporándose dentro de las actividades durante este nuevo año e hizo un llamado a quienes quieran participar de donaciones, entre ellas un espacio donde se pueda erigir una nueva sede.