Lifestyle

Florida Lawmaker Wants to Eliminate All Soil and Water Boards Statewide

Published

4 years ago

February 15, 2020

Anthony Sabatini official office photo with American flag in the background

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – State Representative Anthony Sabatini (District 32) wants to swipe all Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) across the state of Florida off the table.

This wasn’t just lip service or mere conversation. He doubled down by putting it in writing on Facebook and on Twitter, seemingly in response to the Orlando Sentinel’s recent article on the Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Board’s attempt to remove Supervisors Daisy Morales and Nicole McLaren.

“These Soil and Water Conservation District Boards have lofty sounding names but literally do nothing,” he posted on both social media accounts on January 19, 2020. “Next session I’ll be filing a bill to eliminate them statewide.”

Image taken from State Representative Anthony Sabatini's Facebook account.

Image: State Representative Anthony Sabatini’s Facebook account.

Image: State Representative Anthony Sabatini’s Twitter account.

“They don’t actually do anything,” State Representative Sabatini told FNN News in a recent phone interview. “County Commission can educate [constituents].” He offered Seminole SWCD as an example of a board doing a good job of educating people, but insisted that SWCDs “have no power, no budget.”

When asked why he was waiting until the next legislative session to draft the bill instead of drafting it during the current session, he explained to FNN News that the bill proposal cutoff was December 2019, and with each lawmaker being allotted six bill proposals per year, he had already submitted his six.

FNN News also asked if he already has a State Senator who will draft a corresponding Senate bill. He was reluctant to share any names, but said he’s had “good conversations with several senators on board.”

But what if the SWCDs were funded? Could they do more and be better? His answer: “I think they’re pointless, they’re a waste of taxpayer money. I’m not going to spend taxpayer money on that.”

Given his broad brush, FNN News followed up with questions regarding his constituents in Lake County, which has its fair share of rural landowners. So far he has not responded.

However, some individuals directly involved on the front lines beg to differ.

Jeff Moore, President of the Association of Florida Conservation Districts (AFCD)

Associate of Florida Conservation Districts President Jeff Moore (rear, ball cap) meets with Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisors, including Supervisor Daisy Morales (far right) during the AFCD’s annual statewide public meeting. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

Jeff Moore, President of the Association of Florida Conservation Districts (AFCD), had this to say in a written statement:

“While it may be true that a couple of SWCD’s may need to refocus on their core mission, that is no reason to abolish all Districts in the State. The overwhelming majority of Districts provide an invaluable service to agricultural producers and the citizens of the State of Florida. Just to touch on one of many, SWCD’s serve as a conduit for many programs and cost share projects. Through our contracts with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture, SWCD’s are able to deliver many services. These partnerships allow more deliverables and benefits to reach the end user at a cost much less than if implemented by the two agencies referenced above. The benefits are not limited to agricultural producers and landowners. Work of the SWCD’s enhances and increases enrollments in Best Management Practices (BMP’s) which enhances all Floridians quality of life. Consequently, it would be a huge mistake to abolish SWCD’s throughout the state.” – Jeff Moore, President, Association of Florida Conservation Districts

FNN News contacted both Lake and Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Boards. While there is so far no response from Lake County, Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Tiffany Dziekan (Seat 5) didn’t mince words in her written statement.

Tiffany Dziekan, Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor

Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Tiffany Dziekan. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

“According to a commentary published by the Orlando Sentinel on January 27, 2020 – ‘Lake’s state representatives (are) either extremists or useless.’ Maybe Rep. Sabatini needs to find a better use of his time,” she expressed. “Even one of the constituents who replied to his comments regarding abolishing SWBs seems to thinks so: ‘File a bill that is actually meaningful and helpful for our state.’- Bobby Agagnina. Maybe he will go back to trying to take medical care away from transgender children and leave SWBs alone.”

Daisy Morales, Orange Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor

Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor and former Board Chair (background, 3rd from left), takes a group of students on an ECO tour of Conserv II in Orlando. Photo: Willie David / Florida National News.

“I’m disappointed that Representative Sabatini used a questionable article written by Orlando Sentinel about my removal as a backdrop to abolish SWCDs statewide. This seems like a knee-jerk reaction,” said Daisy Morales, Orange Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor and former Board Chair.

“It’s not uncommon for some Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), like other government agencies, to have unique challenges that can be corrected in time. It doesn’t make sense to wipe away almost a century’s worth of environmental activism by these elected boards, which were put in place by the people to serve them.

“Representative Sabatini’s proposal is a “shotgun” approach. If anything, the decision to abolish the SWCDs should be up to the voters in their respective districts. Why not have a conversation with SWCD Supervisors, industry stakeholders and county citizens about what could be done in the interim?”

This is a developing story. Follow FloridaNationalNews.com for updates.

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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com

Lifestyle

St. Lucian Dona Regis-Prosper Named First Female Secretary-General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization

Published

9 months ago

July 13, 2023

FNN NEWS

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the premier tourism development agency for 25 Caribbean countries and territories, has appointed Dona Regis-Prosper the new Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer. Beginning her assignment on September 1, 2023, Regis-Prosper, who hails from St. Lucia, is set to make history as the first woman to assume leadership of the intergovernmental body.

With an impressive career that spans more than 22 years, Regis-Prosper brings an unparalleled depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in the tourism industry to the CTO. She has lived and worked in multiple Caribbean destinations, and served as Director of Marketing and Product Development of the St. Lucia Air and Seaports Authority; Director of Business Development for Margaritaville Caribbean Group in Jamaica; CEO of the Tortola Pier Park in the British Virgin Islands; and General Manager of the Antigua Cruise Port where she is currently employed.

Chairman of the CTO, Kenneth Bryan, who is the Minister of Tourism and Ports of the Cayman Islands, welcomed Regis-Prosper to the regional body. “We are extremely pleased to have Dona Regis-Prosper come on board to lead the CTO. Her vast experience, strategic insight, and impressive track record in the tourism sector make her an exceptional choice to propel our organization into a new era,” he stated, adding that having more women in positions of influence enhances the efficiency of the region’s major economic earner and sends positive messages of encouragement and inspiration for women and girls across the Caribbean.

A dynamic and transformative leader who has built and sustained a strong network of professionals in both the public and private sector (working closely with regional government officials, tourism stakeholders, and industry professionals), Regis-Prosper emerged as the top choice from a pool of more than 60 highly qualified applicants. The rigorous selection process included multiple rounds of interviews and a comprehensive assessment related to addressing some of the most pressing issues faced by the regional tourism industry.

Chairman Bryan disclosed that throughout the selection process, ministers, commissioners and directors lauded Regis-Prosper’s transformational leadership style. “They found her to be innovative, forward-thinking, results-driven, and solution-oriented,” he said, noting that her perspective on managing the climate crisis was particularly well-received, illustrating her deep-seated passion for sustainability and her ability to develop practical solutions to critical industry issues.

Regis-Prosper takes over the organization’s leadership reins from Acting Secretary General and CEO Neil Walters, CTO’s Director of Finance and Resource Management, who has been filling the position following the retirement of Barbadian Hugh Riley in 2019. The other two Caribbean tourism professionals to serve in the region’s top tourism post include the late tourism stalwart Jean Holder and Vincent Vanderpool Wallace, former Bahamas Director General and Bahamas Minister of Tourism.

Of her new role, Regis-Prosper stated, “I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve as Secretary General of the CTO and am grateful for the trust and confidence the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism and the Board of Directors have placed in me. I eagerly look forward to working with our dedicated team and diverse stakeholders to promote the Caribbean tourism sector, champion sustainability, and continue to foster impactful relationships and deliver ROI for our members.”

With a Master of Business Administration degree, Certified Professional Marketer qualification, and significant experience in business development, strategy, marketing and sustainability, Regis-Prosper is well able to lead the Caribbean tourism sector into a bright and prosperous future, Chairman Bryan asserted.

Lifestyle

Dezerland Action Park Orlando to host I-Drive Throwdown

Published

9 months ago

July 12, 2023

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. — Do you love off-roading and adventure? Or maybe you just want to see a bunch of giant, modified trucks? Dezerland Action Park, home of the Orlando Auto Museum and Central Florida’s car show headquarters, is bringing hundreds of exciting trucks and other off-roading vehicles to International Drive with I-Drive Throwdown.

Presented by American Force Wheels, I-Drive Throwdown will take over Dezerland Action Park from Friday, July 21 to Sunday, July 23. The event is designed to showcase the power and agility of various off-road vehicles, including trucks, side-by-sides, and ATVs, and will draw some of the most popular auto influencers and truck enthusiasts from around the country to the area.

Dezerland Action Park will serve as a one-stop shop for visitors attending the event, with all of the trucks and judging on-site and plenty of attractions, food and nighttime entertainment to enjoy.

“We’ve seen a large volume of ticket sales for the event come from other states, so we’re expecting to see a positive, economic impact on the area’s hotels, restaurants and more,” said Lana Vegosen, director of marketing for Dezerland Action Park Orlando. “Automotive tourism is on the rise, and Dezerland Action Park and the Orlando Auto Museum will continue to welcome car enthusiasts from around the country for elite car and truck shows year-round.”

In addition to the amazing, off-road vehicles, the event’s vendors include some of the best accessory companies, build management groups and special guests who will make I-Drive Throwdown an event to remember. Plus, plenty of awards and prizes will be given away throughout the weekend.

After visitors check out the trucks and vendors, they can head inside the Orlando Auto Museum to see the country’s largest auto museum which is home to more than 2,000 vehicles worth over $200 million, featuring everything from military vehicles used in combat to cars made famous by television and movies and vehicles from a variety of decades and countries around the world.

Guests can also enjoy meals from a variety of cuisines in Dezerland Action Park’s food hall and explore the fun attractions inside, including Florida’s longest indoor go-kart track, a laser tag maze, a virtual reality arena and more.

Spectator passes for I-Drive Throwdown start at $20 and there are still spots available for vendors and those looking to present their vehicles. Entrance to the Orlando Auto Museum and Dezerland Action Park’s attractions must be purchased separately.

Lifestyle

BOGO Orlando Auto Museum passes for Father’s Day

Published

11 months ago

June 1, 2023

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. — Wondering what to get your car-obsessed or movie-buff Dad for Father’s Day? Gift him an experience any dad would love with a trip to Orlando Auto Museum.

With over 2,000 vehicles worth over $200 million and plenty of exciting attractions all under one roof, Dezerland Action Park Orlando is the ultimate Father’s Day destination in Central Florida.

On Sunday, June 18, guests can take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free passes to the Orlando Auto Museum. Dad will love exploring the country’s largest auto museum to discover vehicles from a variety of decades and countries around the world, learning about military vehicles used in combat and snapping family photos with vehicles made famous by television and movies.

After experiencing the Orlando Auto Museum, families can take Dad around Dezerland Action Park Orlando for more family fun. Florida’s largest indoor attraction is home to the state’s longest indoor karting track with four skill and speed levels, a boutique bowling alley, VR Arena, Laser Tag Maze and more.

Guests can also enjoy a meal from a variety of cuisines in Dezerland Action Park’s food hall, unlimited cereal for $5 at MILK The House of Cereal and custom soda creations at Sodasquatch.

Entrance to the Orlando Auto Museum and Dezerland Action Park’s attractions must be purchased separately.