GOVERNOR BUSH SIGNS EVERGLADES BILL

Rep. Joe Spratt (above) and Sen. Al Lawson sponsored the new Everglades bill just signed by Gov. Bush.

Governor Jeb Bush signed into law Tuesday (May 20) the Everglades bill (SB-626) sponsored by Senator Al Lawson (D-Tallahassee) and Representative Joe Spratt (R-Labelle). Upon signing SB626 into law, Governor Bush extended the call for the current special session to include HB87-A and SB54-A so that the newly signed law could be amended to address specific concerns raised by environmentalists and several members of Congress. HB87-A and SB54-A are environmental and conservation lands bills sponsored by Representative Joe Spratt (R-Labelle) and Senator Paula Dockery (R-Lakeland).

"I am confident that these clarifications will alleviate concerns about our intent and commitment, while maintaining the integrity of the framework provided by the Everglades bill. I remain fully committed to restoring the water quality of the Everglades at the earliest possible date, and to protecting the valuable partnership of state and federal government required to complete the restoration of this national treasure," said Governor Bush.

The special session, which is scheduled to end May 27, was called primarily to deal with the state's budget; however, there are several other issues under consideration that are of interest to FFVA members. FFVA will distribute a Government Affairs Bulletin at the close of the special session to cover budget issues and other bills of interest. Please call the Government Affairs Division at (850) 521-0455 for additional information.

DATES SET FOR AGRICULTURAL LABOR RELATIONS FORUM

The dates for the 29th Annual Agricultural Labor Relations Forum have been set for September 25 and 26, 2003. This year's event will again be held at the Sheraton World Resort near Sea World in Orlando. As in the past, the Forum will include several timely agricultural labor topics.

Some of this year's highlights include workshops on Agricultural Housing Responsibilities and Pitfalls; Effective Agricultural Safety Program, an Employers Prospective; Most Common MSPA Violations; Are You Prepared for a Worker Protection Standard Audit; Worker Compensation Update; and other interesting and timely topics.

You will be hearing more about this year's Forum in July, so in the meantime, mark your calendar for September 25 and 26, 2003 and plan to attend the 29th Annual Agricultural Labor Relations Forum.

WATER DISTRICT EXPANDING E-PERMITTING

The St. Johns River Water Management District's (SJRWMD) Department of Resource Management is expanding its electronic permitting, or "e-permitting," project.

Complete permitting information is available on the district's web site at sjrwmd.com, including permitting rules, application forms and application handbooks, as well as regulatory agenda and staff reports.

The district's e-information has expanded to include an electronic geographic information system (GIS) interface, offering the public direct access to basic information on district permits. A visitor to the site, for example, can move around on a map to find well locations for consumptive use permits instead of contacting district staff to pull a file.

SJRWMD also offers electronic noticing of consumptive use and environmental resource permit applications. State law requires the district to publish notices about permit applications in area newspapers where projects are proposed. In addition, interested parties on a district mailing list receive copies of the notices.

The district's new "e-noticing" technology allows the public to review notices of receipt of permit application and intended district decision online. However, notices will still be published in newspapers as a service to those without computer access.

SJRWMD is currently developing the project's third phase: electronic compliance, which calls for the district to receive permit compliance information via the web site. Ideally, users will be able to electronically submit data pertaining to water level and flow monitoring, water use reporting, and environmental and water quality monitoring.

The district is working toward the goal of being able to offer electronic permit application submittals.

FLORIDA TEACHER WINS NATIONAL AWARD

Janet Campbell Gray, an Orange City fifth grade teacher, recently received the "Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award" from the National Ag in the Classroom Consortium.

Gray's projects have included cultivating a worm farm, gardening with hydroponics, growing and operating a three-acre peanut business and caring for animals She joins four other winners from California, Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri. Teachers were nominated from 13 states this year.

FLORIDA AG IN THE CLASSROOM AWARDS VOLUNTEER GRANTS

Florida Ag in the Classroom Inc. (FAITC) has awarded volunteers more than $50,000 in grants to implement agricultural-based education programs in Florida communities. The grant monies awarded are being used to develop programs that promote the importance of Florida agriculture and its significance to the state's economy and environment.

Some of the 52 funded programs include teaching ethics in youth livestock projects, creating elementary school gardens, exploring the impact of agriculture on daily life and increasing awareness of agriculture industries in Florida.

For more information about FAITC, visit www.flagintheclassroom.org or contact Sarah Joe Cannon or Kelly R. Russ at (352) 846-1391.

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association

P.O. Box 140155, Orlando, FL 32814

Ph: 407 894 1351 • Fax: 407 894 7840

www.ffva.com

© 2003 Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association