GOV. SCOTT ANNOUNCES $40 MILLION COMMITMENT TO SPEED UP CRITICAL WATER TREATMENT PROJECT

~Calls on Federal Government to Fund $1.6 Billion in Owed Projects~

MARTIN COUNTY – Today, Governor Rick Scott, along with several members of the Florida Legislature, announced a $40 million commitment to speed up completion of the C-44 Storm Water Treatment Area project, which will cut the project time in half. The project will clean diverted water from Lake Okeechobee and storm water runoff year-round. The Governor also called on the federal government to meet its obligations in maintaining the federally operated Lake Okeechobee dike system and fulfilling its cost-share obligations to the State of Florida for environmental projects. To view the Governor’s letter to the Army Corps of Engineers click HERE.

Governor Scott said, “We’re here because the Corps is not maintaining the Lake Okeechobee dike system and they’re not fulfilling their financial commitment to Florida. Florida families are paying the price for federal inaction.  Despite federal inaction, we are speeding up solutions because Florida’s families and the environment can’t wait any longer.

“We need federal action immediately, but Florida will not stand by and do nothing while we wait on Washington. Today, I’m announcing a $40 million commitment to fully fund the C-44 Storm Water Treatment Area project, which will divert harmful water away from the St. Lucie River and clean it. I will include this $40 million in my upcoming fiscal year budget request. This $40 million investment in the C-44 STA project will reduce the time needed to complete this project by half.”

The Governor made the announcement during a tour of the S-80 Control Structure where he was joined by Senator Joe Negron, Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto, Representative Gayle Harrell, Representative MaryLynn Magar, Army Corps of Engineers Colonel Alan Dodd, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard, Ernie Barnett of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and a number of local elected officials.

Senator Joe Negron said “I want to thank Governor Rick Scott for his commitment to families in the region. Each and every step we take in cleaning polluted water and keeping it out of our estuaries is another positive step forward for families that rely on our area’s natural treasurers for their livelihoods. I look forward to working with the Governor as well as my colleagues in the Legislature to deliver on this $40 million commitment.”

During the tour, Governor Scott called on the federal government to get engaged and honor their responsibilities to South Florida. While the State of Florida has invested $2.5 billion in South Florida environmental projects, the federal government, which agreed to a 50-50 cost share, is approximately $1.6 billion behind in funding for projects. Moreover, Congress has yet to authorize critical projects for construction that would help mitigate damage to the region, including the C-43 reservoir project which would store water on the Westside of Lake Okeechobee until it could be incrementally released back into the Caloosahatchee River and Florida’s estuaries to avoid additional impacts.  

Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto said, “I want to applaud Governor Scott for his leadership in fighting for families in the area. This $40 million commitment is a good step forward toward improving the St. Lucie River and a model I hope we can replicate as we work to tackle these same ecological impacts to help restore the Caloosahatchee.”

Representative Gayle Harrell said, “The Governor’s $40 million commitment to this storm water treatment project means we’ll end delays and get this project completed on a much more reasonable timeline. This endeavor requires the focus and investments of our leaders, and the Governor has demonstrated his commitment to families in the region with these dollars. Had we waited for the federal government to make good on their promises, this project may have taken a lot longer.”

Representative MaryLynn Magar said, “I want to thank Governor Scott and the South Florida Water Management District for their efforts in restoring area waterways. The state has done a good job in making important investments in projects that mitigate damage to our waterways, but because we lack of a good federal partner, we have to do that much more in revitalizing our waterways. The Governor’s $40 million commitment to the storm water treatment area project is an example of what’s right in government.”    

Representative Debbie Mayfield said, “Too many families are feeling the effects of the Corps’ decision to dump bad water into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers – and I applaud the Governor for taking positive steps to support the region. This $40 million in funding will be used to clean water year-round, which is critical to restoring the region’s environment and supporting the economy.”

Additional Measures

Governor Scott said, “We are also taking action right now. The South Florida Water Management District took prudent measures by entering into emergency contracts to store water on state and private lands to reduce impacts on the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers.”

Just last week, the SFWMD Board voted to move forward with a suite of projects outlined in the Central Everglades Planning Project to help provide a lasting solution to this problem. Now the State is waiting on the Corps and Congress to provide final approval. Within a month the SFWMD will enter into the first contract for the design of the C-44 STA.

Additionally, this year Governor Rick Scott signed into law HB 7065, which provides $32 million, annually, in state funding for the Governor’s $880 million long-term Everglades water quality restoration plan. The $32 million annual appropriation is an historic step forward in restoring America’s Everglades by improving water quality and water flow. This set of projects will ensure that water flowing into the Everglades meets the state’s stringent water quality standards. 

GOVERNOR, FLORIDA CABINET APPROVE BUSINESS PLAN FOR FIU IN MIAMI

~Approval is first step for Florida International University to lease Coconut Grove Playhouse~

MIAMI – Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet today approved Florida International University's business plan, the first step to enable the university -- in partnership with Miami-Dade County and GableStage -- to offer a world-class theater program in Southeast Florida at the state-owned Coconut Grove Playhouse.

Governor Scott said, "The approval of this business plan allows Florida International University to create a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity in Southeast Florida.”

"By approving the business plan for the Coconut Grove Playhouse, the foundation for a long-term partnership with FIU, Miami-Dade County, and the State will be solidified," stated Attorney General Pam Bondi.

"I am hopeful that the partnership between FIU, the County and GableStage will allow the Grove Playhouse to once again become a premier centerpiece for the arts in South Florida,” said CFO Jeff Atwater. “By supporting the arts, we are helping promote a vibrant and creative future for our state.” 

The Coconut Grove Playhouse property was originally purchased by the state in 1980 and the Board of Trustees conveyed the property – at no cost – to the Coconut Grove Playhouse, LLC, with a deed restriction that required it to manage the property as a theater. The company struggled to continue offering theatrical productions and in April 2006, the final performance occurred in the facility and it closed amid financial problems. After years of inability to revitalize the facility, failure to keep it running as a theater and allowing a commercial parking venture, the Department, in 2012, exercised its right to revert the property back to the Board of Trustees.

The Division of State Lands noticed the property, as it does with all property it sells, and Florida International University showed interest in leasing, which universities and colleges have first preference to do upon notice. Per Florida Statutes, a lessee must provide a business plan that requires Governor and Cabinet approval. Miami-Dade County has secured $20 million for capital expenditures for the development and construction of the Playhouse. GableStage, a non-profit theater group, will partner on managing the property.

After approval, the next step will be to finalize the lease between the Board of Trustees, the university and the county. Also, the county, with concurrence of the university, will be working with the Department in pursuing options to obtain the Playhouse property in fee simple ownership, including a potential exchange of lands.  All sales or land exchanges relating to this property are subject to Board of Trustees’ approval.

"This plan shows the benefits of a partnership between the state, the county and the university working together to benefit our youth and contribute to the arts community in Miami-Dade County," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. "I'm proud that DEP can support Gov. Scott as he continues to emphasize education in our state."

According to the business plan, the university plans to use the Coconut Grove Playhouse to re-establish a robust theater program for the region, providing professional theater opportunities for university students and faculty. Proper training of theater students can provide job opportunities, keep theater professionals in Miami to improve the culture of the city and serve as an incubator for new theatrical works, providing a platform for playwrights to develop their work.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the State and Florida International University on the Coconut Grove Playhouse project,” said Michael Spring, Director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. ”In collaboration with GableStage, one of Florida’s great theater companies, we intend to re-establish great regional theater and develop innovative programs that not only will benefit FIU’s students, faculty and alumni but also will serve as a catalyst for jobs, economic development and the growth of theater throughout South Florida.” 

AMERICAS CONTIGO INFORMA

Americas Community Center Events August 20, 2013
	NETWORKING BREAKFASTS IN WESTON On Wednesday August 21st at our B2B   Americas would like to invite you to the best  networking breakfast in town!  Use this opportunity to:   - Expand your network of contacts - Share information of your company or service  - Learn about new topics - Develop and drive your business!     "El mejor encuentro de negocios en la mañana!"     We look forward to seeing you there! Rick Case Honda    15700 Rick Case Honda Way  Davie, FL 33331  Hora: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM  - Registro: 7:50Am Costo: $10.00   We kindly ask for your support to this great organization by donating or sponsoring school books for a child.  Mission Utica We thank you for your support!   NETWORKING BREAKFASTS IN DORAL Este Jueves 22 de Agosto en el B2B de Doral Promueva su negocio y servicios a la  comunidad del Doral y entérese de los eventos que ocurrieron esta semana en Americas Community Center! Además de eso: - Expanda su red de contactos - Comparta información sobre su compañía o servicios   - Aprenda de temas nuevos - Desarrolle y promueva su negocio!            Carlos Albizu University 2173 NW 99th Ave Miami, Fl. 33172 Room 250  Hora: 8:00 AM- 9:30 AM Registración:  7:50AM  Costo: $10.00  Charla de Productividad Tratamientos de fertilidad  para pacientes internacionales Muchas parejas conciben sus hijos naturalmente. Otras dan a luz en las cercanias de su domicilio. Aun asi hay muchas parejas que para lograr el embarazo deben viajar fuera de su pais para conseguir el tratamiento adecuado que permitira el embarazo deseado con:       Dr. Roberto Infante El Dr. Roberto Infante Gómez es Médico Cirujano, especializado en Obstetricia & Ginecología y en Medicina Reproductiva. Es egresado de la  Universidad Central de Venezuela en donde se graduó en 1983. Completo su especialización en 1987, en el Hospital Antoine Beclere, en Clamart, Francia. Con más de 20 años de experiencia en los aspectos relacionados con la infertilidad de la pareja, hoy es uno de los más valiosos recursos profesionales para las parejas que tiene el sueño de lograr el embarazo deseado.       Dia:  4 de Septiembre 2013 Hora: 7:00pm a 9:00pm Lugar: Rick Case Hyundai Weston Valor: $5
Check out the pictures of our most recent events!               B2B Weston - Mission Utica             B2B Weston - John Mcdonald         Yasmin Uddin & Graciela Beltran-Uddin   Salon de Las Americas              B2B Doral - Moises Peraza             14TH OF JULY INDEPENDENCE FIESTA & BUSINESS EXPO 2013                           Para ver mas fotos del evento ingresa a Latin People News   Upcoming Events

Lupita Ferrer y Edward Mena este sabado 24 de agosto a las 8:00 pm.

CAROLINA MENDEZ - TRADUCCIONES INGLES & ESPANOL

VELLISIMO CENTER - SPA WESTON CENTER LOS ESPERAMOS

VENEZUELA AQUI - AYUDA AL INMIGRANTE

MIAMI BEACH

Apartamento en Bonaventure, Weston. Corina Silva de Fanti Realtor.

Apartamento en Bonaventure, Weston, 2 hab. 2.5,banos, comodamente ubicado en el primer piso. Porche con screen y patio. Banos remodelados, pisos de laminado y baldosas. Lavadora/Secadora. Escuelas "A". Disfruta del Bonaventure Town Club. Renta 1600 $/mes incluye: cable, agua, mantenimiento del cesped. Puede ser rentado amoblado por 1800 $/mes. La aprobacion por la asociacion toma de 3/4 semanas. Las mascotas no son aceptadas por el condominio.  

Telefono: (754) 234-2394

cfantirealty@gmail.com

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SECOND BED

Zalzman de Pinecrest está acelerando el ritmo. Enviado por Raiza Mendez

GIRLS XC PREVIEW: Zalzman de Pinecrest está acelerando el ritmo

	Por Brian PagliaBPaglia@forsythnews.com

	PUBLICADO: 13 de agosto 2013 18:10

	Brian Paglia / Forsyth County News Pinecrest Academia alto Jessica Zalzman terminó sexto en el campeonato de Clase A cumple con la escuela privada la temporada pasada y es la esperanza de entrar en los tres primeros esta temporada. Jessica Zalzman corriendo por Central Park, en Manhattan, Nueva York, este verano durante un viaje de visitas a universidades por toda la costa este.Ella pasó corriendo junto al Museo Metropolitano de Arte, el Museo Americano de Historia Natural, un santuario de vida silvestre y un zoológico, pegado extenso sistema del parque de caminar y correr rutas. La mamá de Zalzman, Luisa, había comenzado la carrera con Jessica, pero sabía que al final ella no sería capaz de mantener el ritmo. Llegar a los límites de su resistencia, Luisa dijo Jessica para seguir adelante. Escogieron un lugar para reunirse, cuando se hizo Jessica. Así Luisa esperó. Ella hizo flexiones.Ella hizo estocadas. Al azar, un desconocido tomó una foto de sus estiramientos haciendo. "Esperé y esperé", dijo Luisa. "Ella me deja. Ella se acaba de ir. Yo le digo que si me quiere un círculo, eso está bien." Incluso en Nueva York, Jessica hizo tiempo para su entrenamiento de fondo de verano. "Fue increíble", dijo Jessica. "Había tantos lugares que usted puede ir." En los últimos años, Jessica admite que podría haber sido una ocasión para tomar un descanso. Falta una carrera aquí o allá no sería malo, solía pensar. Sin embargo, este verano, Jessica ha sido tomada por la urgencia renovada.Es su último año en la Academia Pinecrest. Terminó sexto en la clase A del campeonato escuela privada temporada pasada. Ella regresa como sin duda uno de los mejores corredores de la clase A y el condado de Forsyth. Y por lo que su entrenamiento de verano ha sido un reflejo de esta última oportunidad - implacable y centrado. "Este verano he estado matando a mí mismo con la esperanza de hacerlo mejor", dijo Jessica, "porque si no lo hago mejor me voy a estar muy enojado. Estoy muy comprometido con ella. Este verano, sabía Tenía que correr todos los días y que tenía que hacer mi mejor esfuerzo todos los días. " Jessica siempre ha sido la niña rápido.En su equipo de baloncesto. En su equipo de fútbol. Fue el guardia rompiendo lejos por lay-ups, el delantero que ascendió vertiginosamente hasta el campo en busca de tomar un pase y anotar. Sin embargo, todos los guardias y hacia adelante siguieron creciendo, y Jessica no lo hicieron. Cuando Jessica entró en sexto grado, su padre animó a probar de fondo como lo había hecho en la escuela secundaria. "Yo estaba como, '¿Qué es eso?'", Dijo Jessica. "¿Usted viaja por todo el país? No tenía idea de lo que era." Pero la velocidad es la velocidad no importa el deporte, y Jessica ha traducido bien a campo traviesa. Para el octavo grado, con Pinecrest todavía en la Asociación Independiente de Escuelas de Georgia, que estaba ganando todas las carreras. Cuando Pinecrest trasladó a la Asociación de la Escuela Secundaria de Georgia la próxima temporada, Jessica dejó de ganar, pero sus constantes los 10 acabados mantenía motivado. "Yo estaba como, 'OK, este es mi deporte'", dijo Jessica. En la temporada pasada, fue uno de los estado mejor, terminando segundo en el Berry College Clara Tazón Invitacional, quinto en la batalla de Atlanta, en tercer lugar en el Asics invitación, y tercero en la Zona 2-A campeonatos. En el estado, su tiempo de 20 minutos, 6 segundos era bueno para el sexto. Y, sin embargo, durante toda la temporada, Jessica nunca se sintió como si estuviera progresando. Corrió un registro personal en 19:29.04 en el Asics Invitacional, pero sentía que chocó contra un muro. Tal vez fue la bronquitis en el inicio de la temporada que tomó un tiempo para calmarse. Tal vez fue el dolor de cadera persistente de que vino y se fue misteriosamente. "No estoy seguro de lo que era de verdad", dijo Jessica. "Pero no podría ser mejor." Su única opción, pensó, era inflexible compromiso con el entrenamiento de verano que Luisa, cruz entrenador de Pinecrest país, le dio al equipo. Jessica tuvo seis días en llegar en tres carreras de una hora, una carrera de 70 minutos, una carrera de 90 minutos y un rápido 45 minutos de ejecución en una semana. No iba a pasar un día. Ella no se apilarán en carreras un día para abrir un día de descanso. Corrió todo lo que tenía que, incluso en la capital cultural del mundo. "Estoy, literalmente, haciendo todo lo que puedo hacer", dijo Jessica, "porque realmente quiero este año."

AMERICAS CONTIGO - "UNIDOS POR JOVEN ARTISTA COLOMBIANO"

A mass for Israel Hernández, a young Colombian artist  who lost his life on the morning of August 6th. 16 de Agosto del 2013 "UNIDOS POR JOVEN ARTISTA COLOMBIANO" Americas Community Center, La Cofradía de la Virgen de Chiquinquirá de la Arquidiócesis de Miami, , la Cámara de Comercio Colombo-Americana, COLUSANA, Fundación Estampas de Colombia, Damas Voluntarias de Weston y Miami, Colombia Pa'ti, Danzas Anita Herrero,  Minicol, Kiwanis Club Colombia,AACE Asociación de ingenieros Colombianos, La Tuna de Weston,  Empresarios Colombianos, Comunidad Colombiana en general y amigos de Perú, Honduras, Costa Rica, Venezuela se permiten: INVITAR A todas la Autoridades Locales, a los Representantes Electos;  Federales, Estatales, Condales y Municipales; a las Autoridades Religiosas, al Honorable Cuerpo Diplomático acreditado en Miami, a todos los Medios de Comunicación, hablados, escritos y electrónicos, y a todas las demás Comunidades, a la Misa Solemne que se celebrará, por el descanso eterno del alma del joven artista colombiano,  ISRAEL HERNANDEZ-LLACH, muerto por la policía de Miami Beach, en lamentables circunstancias que son objeto de investigación. La Solemne Misa se celebrará: Este sábado 17 de agosto a las 10:00 AM. Saint Mary Cathedral, Catholic Church 7525 NW. 2nd Ave. Miami, FL. 33150. Con la asistencia de los Padres, Hermanos y demás  Familia Hernández Los colombianos, unidos en este momento de dolor y frustración, esperamos la asistencia y solidaridad de todos nuestros compatriotas y amigos. "Que Dios los bendiga" Junta Directiva y Equipo de Americas Community Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 16, 2013 SEA TURTLE NEST COUNT SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD ~DEP staff and volunteers track and protect sea turtles during nesting season~ A sea turtle hatchling swims to the water at Guana Tolomato Mantanzas Research Reserve. TALLAHASSEE – Researchers at Florida's three National Estuarine Research Reserves are reporting that this year's sea turtle nesting season is boasting the second highest nest count on record at the reserves. Sea turtle nesting season begins in early May and extends to October 31. More than 1,800 biologists, interns and trained volunteers patrol Florida's 199 nesting beaches to identify, mark and monitor nests and evaluate nest productivity after the hatchlings emerge.  Researchers at Florida’s three National Estuarine Research Reserves located in Naples, Apalachicola and Ponte Vedra Beach gather evidence to track sea turtle populations and document the success of the nest outcomes. “Researchers, staff and volunteers at Florida’s three NERR’s play an important role in protecting sea turtles and helping to ensure hatchlings have the best chance for survival,” said Kevin Claridge, director of DEP’s Coastal and Aquatic Management Areas. “Florida’s NERRs are essential for the preservation of the state’s unique coastal landscape and the species that live there.” Early each morning during the season, staff, volunteers and interns with Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples patrol miles of sand along five beaches that account for nearly half of all the turtle activity in Collier County.  This year’s nesting activity is higher than last year. There are 461 documented nests in 2013 compared to 427 in 2012.   Researches at Guana Tolomato Mantanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve are reporting fewer nest compared to last year: 174 to 183. However, among these are 14 Atlantic Green Turtle nests. Green sea turtles are highly endangered and an increase in nesting is a welcome sign for its population’s health. At the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 226 nests have been caged by the patrols on 12 miles of beaches and two additional nearby islands. While nests can be inundated by high tides and coastal storms, the most serious threat is eggs being dug up and consumed or otherwise obliterated by predators, so the cages provide a needed defense.  Young turtles have a small amount of energy that must take them to the water,  which under natural conditions is the brightest spot on the nighttime beach. If they disorient – and head the wrong way – they may starve to death before landing in the floating sargassum weeds which are their food source. Tips to not disturb sea turtle nests: Take all personal belongings from the beach at the end of the day so no obstacles exist on the way to the water. Flatten sand castles and fill in holes. Pick up and properly dispose of litter on the beach. Stay off the dunes and use the designated walkovers for crossing. Shield any artificial lighting that might shine towards the beach.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The Department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally-sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. To view the Department’s website log on to www.dep.state.fl.us.

White House Suspends Major Consumer Protection in ACA

Be LIBRE Alert

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White House Suspends Major Consumer Protection in ACA Many Key Features of New Law Delayed by White House (Washington, D.C.) - This week it was reported that the Obama Administration has elected to suspend another provision of the Affordable Care Act (also called Obamacare). Under the postponement, an annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses designed to protect insurance customers from high costs, will be delayed until 2015, even though some consumers may face thousands more this year to cover medical expenses. This Obama Administration had previously delayed Medicare cuts that were to ensure the law did not add to the deficit, much of the small business exchange, and the mandate requiring large employers to offer insurance to their workers. The Administration has also allowed Members of Congress and Congressional staff to receive substantial subsidies to purchase insurance, which are not provided to other Americans. The White House has not suspended the individual mandate, which requires Americans to purchase coverage or face escalating penalties. Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative released the following statement: "When Congress barely approved the Affordable Care Act on a narrow, party-line vote, there were some critical provisions needed to win support. It applied to Members of Congress. It required large employers to offer insurance. It included caps on consumer costs. It offered choices to small businesses. All of those features of the law - and others - have now been unilaterally suspended by the White House. Today a key advisor to the President even predicted that more unilateral changes will be made. This is unfair. The American people were sold a bill of goods - which is why they do not support it. If so many parts of the law are not ready to go into effect, the whole law should be delayed - until Congress and the President can fix it or repeal it."