WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release: The Smithsonian's National Zoo welcomed two burrowing owl chicks Aug. 2--the first hatching of this species at the Zoo in 30 years. The chicks' parents, a 5-year-old male and 4-year-old female, have been at the Zoo since June 2006. The last time burrowing owls successfully bred at the National Zoo was in the late 1970s. A recent population-management plan recommended breeding the Zoo's current adult pair.  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 -- The Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo issued the following news release: The Smithsonian's National Zoo welcomed two burrowing owl chicks Aug. 2--the first hatching of this species at the Zoo in 30 years. The chicks' parents, a 5-year-old male and 4-year-old female, have been at the Zoo since June 2006. The last time burrowing owls successfully bred at the National Zoo was in the late 1970s. A recent population-management plan recommended breeding the Zoo's curr  more

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 26 -- The California Department of Food and Agriculture issued the following news release: An Asian citrus psyllid has been detected in a trap in the Echo Park neighborhood in the City of Los Angeles. The detection will trigger a quarantine. CDFA will restrict movement of host plants at wholesale and retail nurseries within five miles of the find site prior to the establishment of the quarantine. Additionally, CDFA is planning a treatment program and is trapping a  more

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The University of Florida issued the following news release: Finance professor Jay Ritter was quoted in an Aug. 17 Associated Press(http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/08/17/business/AP-US-IPO-Future.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=%22University+of+Florida%22&st=nyt) story about the outlook for initial public offerings for the rest of the year.  more

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The University of Florida issued the following news release: Psychiatry professor Rajiv Tandon was quoted in an Aug. 13 Associated Press(http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1185218.html) story about possible new state rules for antidepressant use for foster children after the suicide of a 7-year-old child in foster care.  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The office of the Florida Attorney General issued the following news release: Attorney General McCollum issued the following statement on George LeMeiux's appointment to the U.S. Senate: "I congratulate George LeMieux on his appointment as Florida's U.S. Senator. I have known George for a long time, both as a friend and as a former Deputy Attorney General, a capacity in which he served this office well. I wish him the best in serving the people of Florida in t  more

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The University of Florida issued the following news release: Stan Smith, director of the Bureau of Economic and Business Research, was quoted in an Aug. 18 Bloomberg News(http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aZOI02HF8V80) story about Florida's first population loss since World War II. The story was the result of a news release(http://news.ufl.edu/2009/08/18/fla-population-2/) from the UF News Bureau. Numerous other news media reported the story.  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission issued the following news release: The harvest of blue crabs from traps in closed waters from the Florida/Georgia border through Volusia County will reopen Aug. 30. The use of traps to capture blue crabs was prohibited for a 10-day period in this area so that lost and abandoned traps that remained in coastal and inland waters could be identified and removed. Six regional, 10-day blue crab trap closures take p  more

DELAND, Fla., Aug. 27 -- Volusia County issued the following news release: Learn how to make your garden grow during a series of free casual gardening classes presented by Volusia County's master gardeners. Classes will be offered at the Port Orange Regional Library, 1005 City Center Circle. Dates and topics follow. * 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11: "Container gardening made easy" presented by Myrna Moore * 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16: "Fall gardening and cold protection" presented by Vivian B  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 27 -- The Florida Department of Financial Services issued the following news release: Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced the arrest of a West Palm Beach lawyer who allegedly pocketed nearly $500,000 of his clients' insurance claims settlements. The arrest is the result of an investigation by the CFO Sink's Division of Insurance Fraud with assistance from the Florida Bar Association. Alexander Clark Cone, 54, has been charged with first-degree grand theft and con  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 27 -- The Florida Department of Financial Services issued the following news release: Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced the arrests of four individuals in Miami who allegedly staged a motor vehicle accident and filed approximately $60,000 in fraudulent claims for false injuries. The arrests are the result of an investigation by the CFO Sink's Division of Insurance Fraud after receiving information from Geico and Progressive insurance companies questioning claim sub  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The city of Tallahassee issued the following news release: Commission to Discuss Filling Vacant Seat - The Tallahassee City Commission will hold a special meeting at noon on Monday, August 31. At the meeting the City Commission is expected to appoint an individual to serve the balance of the term held by former City Commissioner Allan Katz, following his resignation on August 14. The Office of the City Treasurer-Clerk received 75 applications for the vacant se  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The city of Tallahassee issued the following news release: Commission Expected to Fill Vacancy at Monday Meeting - The Tallahassee City Commission has completed its review of applications from citizens seeking to serve the balance of the term held by former City Commissioner Allan Katz. Per the process in place to select an individual to complete the term, seven citizens are on the final list for the Commission to review. The City Commission will hold a special m  more

VENICE, Fla., Aug. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Coast Guard, 7th District, issued the following news release pertaining to West Florida: The Coast Guard assisted in the rescue of three divers aboard a 20-foot, white, aqua-sport vessel, Thursday at about 10 a.m., after the vessel capsized 14 miles southwest of Venice Inlet, Fla. A passenger aboard the vessel contacted the Venice Police Department from a cell phone at about 8:45 a.m., and reported to be sinking with   more

KEY WEST, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Coast Guard, 7th District, issued the following news release pertaining to South Florida: Coast Guard medevaced a 76-year-old Philadelphia native from the cruise ship Carnival Liberty Friday. Coast Guard Sector Key West received a call at approximately 11 p.m. Thursday from the Carnival Liberty requesting assistance with an ill passenger while en route from Mexico to Miami. The Carnival Liberty, 260 miles southwest   more

NAPLES, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Collier County issued the following news release: The public is hereby notified that Collier County and the Southwest Florida Professional Firefighters and Paramedics, IAFF Local 1826 will meet to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement as provided in Article 42, Section 42.1 of the current agreement on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in Emergency Medical Services Headquarters located on the second floor of the Emergency Management Building, 8075 Lel  more

NAPLES, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Collier County issued the following news release: The Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Board will be asked to amend the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for Fiscal Years 2009/10-2013/14 to incorporate the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) Roll-Forward Report and reconcile the changes between FDOT's Draft Tentative Work Program and the adopted work program. The MPO Board will be asked to approve the TIP amendment with consideration o  more

NAPLES, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Collier County issued the following news release: The Local Coordinating Board (LCB) for the Transportation Disadvantaged of the Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Collier County Government Center, located at 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Building B (Human Resources Training Room), Naples. The LCB agenda will be posted on the MPO's Web site, www.colliermpo.net, not less than two weeks prior to the meeting. To acc  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release: The Florida Department of Health (DOH) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today released their initial findings regarding The Acreage Cancer Review. DOH conducted a Level I cancer cluster investigation and DEP conducted extensive drinking water sampling within the community. DOH's Level I investigation was conducted to determine if there is evidence   more

DELAND, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Volusia County issued the following news release: The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Medical Advisory Board will meet at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 1, in the Volusia Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport, 700 Catalina Dr., Daytona Beach. The group will discuss emergency medical dispatch, EMS, H1N1 influenza immunization programs, and quality assurance. The purpose of the Medical Advisory Board is to advise the county medical director and EMS division on   more

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The city of Jacksonville issued the following news release: Partnering with the University of North Florida (UNF), the City of Jacksonville's Environmental Protection Board hosted the "Sustainability for Jacksonville's Future Environmental Symposium" on Aug. 28. The symposium included environmental professionals, engineers, planners, consultants, service providers, residents and other stakeholders. Attendees spent a portion of the day visiting exhibits provid  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The Florida Department of Lottery has issued the following news release: The Florida Lottery announced today that the Thursday, August 27, FANTASY 5 drawing resulted in a rolldown. The $318,855.00 prize pool will be shared among the 9,239 winners who correctly matched the 4-of-5 or 3-of-5 winning numbers. The winning FANTASY 5 numbers were: 12 - 21 - 22 - 25 - 28 More than 97,000 other FANTASY 5 players won cash prizes or a free Quick Pick ticket for mat  more

BOCA RATON, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Florida Atlantic University, a component of the state university system in Florida, issued the following news release: Florida Atlantic University's School of Accounting, a department within the College of Business, recently received a $7,500 gift from Deloitte & Touche LLP, an international public accounting firm that provides tax services, as well as services in auditing, consulting, financial advising and risk management. The gift will help support students in   more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 27 -- The Florida Department of Financial Services issued the following news release: Florida CFO Alex Sink today commended the work of her department's Office of Fiscal Integrity for their role in a joint investigation that led to the conviction of Thelma Manley, former community liaison for Front Porch Pensacola, on four counts of grand theft and one count of racketeering. Because of the joint investigation with CFO Sink's Office of Fiscal Integrity, the Department o  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 -- The Florida Democratic Party issued the following news release: Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen L. Thurman released the following statement reacting to Gov. Charlie Crist's appointment of George LeMieux to the U.S. Senate: "Today, Charlie Crist decided to play political games with the public's trust by appointing George LeMieux to the U.S. Senate. This glaring example of political cronyism is the last thing Florida needed while we face these tough economic times  more

MELBOURNE, Fla., Aug. 27 -- Florida Institute of Technology issued the following news release: Nathan M. Bisk, one of the nation's leaders in continuing education and online learning, today presented Florida Institute of Technology with a $5 million gift designed to enhance business offerings and strengthen online education. In appreciation, Florida Tech President Anthony J. Catanese announced that the university would rename its College of Business the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business.   more

OCALA, Fla., Aug. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Justice's Federal Bureau of Investigation Jacksonville Field Office issued the following news release: U.S. Attorney A. Brian Albritton announces that four individuals--Victor John Walker (age 23), Allen C. Butler (age 25), Katy Rae Radney (age 23), and Jeremy Ryan Nedrick (age 20)--were charged yesterday in a federal criminal complaint that alleges a series of armed robberies in Ohio and Florida. The complaint alleges that the defendants were in  more

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Aug. 26 -- The South Florida Water Management District issued the following statement: "I applaud the Court's ruling in favor of the validation of Certificates of Participation by the South Florida Water Management District. Acquiring the 73,000 acres within the Everglades Agricultural Area provides restoration opportunities in the Everglades that once seemed out of reach. "As the District moves forward in the acquisition process, I am confident that they will do so   more

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., Aug. 28 -- Gov. Jon S. Corzine, D-N.J., issued the following news release: Praising the company for its ingenuity and innovation, Governor Jon S. Corzine today toured the facilities of Petra Solar, a company that produces SunWave, a pole-mounted, grid-connected photovoltaic generation system. "Petra Solar's expansion plans and job creation epitomize my vision for our future," Governor Corzine said. "This is a company creating jobs in New Jersey by manufacturing pro  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Gov. Charlie Crist, R-Fla., has issued the following news release: Governor Charlie Crist today announced he will appoint former Deputy Attorney General George LeMieux to serve the remainder of Senator Mel Martinez's term upon Martinez's official resignation. LeMieux, 40, currently serves as chairman of the law firm of Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A., and previously served as chief of staff to Governor Crist. "George LeMieux has the proven strength of charact  more

BROOKSVILLE, Fla., Aug. 27 -- The Southwest Florida Water Management District issued the following news release: At its August 26 meeting, the Southwest Florida Water Management District's newly merged Hillsborough River Basin Board adopted a fiscal year 2010 (FY2010) millage rate of 0.2421 mill. The Hillsborough River Basin Board area covers portions of Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties. The Hillsborough River and the Northwest Hillsborough Basin were merged effective Jan. 1, 2009. Fo  more

LAKELAND, Fla., Aug. 27 -- Southeastern University issued the following news release: Even though the goal of non-profits isn't to turn a profit, these organizations still need marketing, says Dr. Carolyn Tripp, a business professor, who along with her husband, joins Southeastern's faculty this semester. Charities, Christian groups, and other non-profits, must market themselves to attract donors, volunteers, and other partners, Dr. Tripp says. In her classes, Professor of Marketing Dr. Car  more

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Charlotte County issued the following news release: Charlotte County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources is pleased to announce a Special Saturday Speaker at the Charlotte County Historical located at, 22959 Bayshore Road on beautiful, historic Charlotte Harbor, September 12, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. Dr. Tina Bucuvalas will discuss the book she co-authored, Just Above the Water: Florida Folk Art, and the significance folk art has played in the state's cultural h  more

BOCA RATON, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Rep. Ron Klein, D-Fla. (22nd CD), has issued the following news release: Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22) continued to reach large numbers of his constituents in all corners of his district this week. He answered specific health care questions during a telephone town hall on Wednesday that included constituents from northern Palm Beach County to southern Broward County. Congressman Klein also focused on other key issues this week, including the economy and foreign po  more

CORAL GABLES, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The City of Coral Gables issued the following news release: What started half a century ago with a group of stay-at-home moms looking to do a good deed has grown into a well-greased volunteer organization of about 125 people dedicated to teaching water safety. The Venetian Aquatic Club was formed in 1959 as a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching swimming classes to children and adults at the beautiful and historic Venetian Pool. "We have bodies of  more

STUART, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Martin County Commission issued the following "Martin Update" newsletter: Did you know? Fires kill more people in the United States every year than all natural disasters combined and fire sprinklers are economical, reliable, and proven to be the best way to protect your family and home from the dangers of fire. Here are some fast facts on fire sprinklers and the benefits they may provide to the average homeowner: * Fire sprinklers can save money for developers  more

NEW YORK, Aug. 28 -- The Episcopal Church issued the following news release: Four years after hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast and one year after Gustav and Ike wreaked havoc throughout the Caribbean before slamming into Texas, the storms' impact is still being felt. "That old normal of being the Episcopal Church with our doors locked, being a church that existed for we who were in it will be no more. That washed away with your refrigerator," Diocese of Louisiana   more

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The University of Florida issued the following news release: Chris McCarty, survey director of the Bureau of Economic and Business Research, was quoted in an Aug. 25 Miami Herald(http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1201481.html) story about the monthly Florida consumer confidence report issued by his office. The story was the result of a News Bureau news release(http://news.ufl.edu/2009/08/25/cc0809/).  more

MIAMI, Aug. 27 -- University of Miami of Miller School of Medicine issued the following news release: The Miller School's Miami Institute for Human Genomics, nationally known for its groundbreaking work in unraveling some of the medical mysteries behind autism and other common diseases, today received a $20 million gift to support its critical research efforts. Miller School Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., University President Donna E. Shalala and institute director Margaret Pericak-Vanc  more

MIAMI, Aug. 27 -- University of Miami of Miller School of Medicine issued the following news release: The Miller School has a chance to reprise an honor last bestowed upon it nearly two decades ago. Along with the Tulane School of Medicine and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the Miller School is a finalist for the 2009 Spencer Foreman Award for Outstanding Community Service, which is presented by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). This coming Monday, August 31, thr  more

STARKVILLE, Miss., Aug. 28 -- Mississippi State University issued the following news release: A two-month exhibition of photographs capturing the panorama of Mississippi State game-day athletics debuts Friday [Sept. 4] in the university's Colvard Student Union. "Sidelines: Through University Photographers' Eyes," a collection of more than 60 large and small images, is the work of Kristen Hines Baker, Megan Bean and Russ Houston, award-winning staff members in the institution's University   more

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 27 -- Broward County has issued the following news release: The Broward County Natural Resources Planning and Management Division will hold a NatureScape Broward Seminar from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, September 10, at Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Road S., Coconut Creek. The event is free and open to the public. The seminar will show residents ways to create and maintain a NatureScape yard, focusing on such topics as designing environmentally frie  more

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla., Aug. 27 -- The Nature Conservancy issued the following news release: A new tool that for the first time allows people to easily see how climate change will directly impact their states shows America's heartland will suffer the greatest jump in temperatures over the next century - with some states potentially heating up more than 10 degrees F, according to an analysis by The Nature Conservancy. The state-by-state, country-by-country temperature projections are part   more

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., Aug. 27 -- DeSales University issued the following news release: The following new full-time faculty members joined DeSales for the 2009-20010 academic year. The appointments were announced by Dr. Karen Walton, provost and vice president for academic affair. The group includes scholars in areas such as business, communications, education, history, nursing, psychology, philosophy / theology and TV / Film. Also this year, DeSales introduces the Center for Mathematics Teachin  more

CHICAGO, Aug. 28 -- The National Futures Association issued the following news release: National Futures Association (NFA) has permanently barred from NFA membership Pioneer Commodities LLC (Pioneer), an Introducing Broker located in Boca Raton, Florida. Pioneer's principal, Anthony S. Bobba, has been barred from NFA membership for a period of 24 months and from acting as a principal of an NFA Member for a period of 36 months. Bobba must pay a fine of $25,000 in the event that he reapplies fo  more

DELAND, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Volusia County issued the following news release: With lessons learned from Tropical Storm Fay and the May no-name rain event, Volusia County emergency management officials are encouraging property owners to think hard about purchasing flood insurance. "If it can rain at your house, it can flood at your house," said Larry LaHue, a planner for Volusia County Emergency Management. "Unfortunately, many people believe if their property is not in an area identified as h  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 26 -- The office of the Florida Attorney General issued the following advisory legal opinions: Mr. David Jove City Attorney City of Hallandale Beach 400 South Federal Highway Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009-6422 RE: LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE ENFORCEMENT - MUNICIPALITIES - ARREST - WARRANTS - order of local government code enforcement board authorizes entry onto property without owner's consent and substitutes as judicial warrant for arrest of owner. ss. 162.  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 26 -- The office of the Florida Attorney General issued the following advisory legal opinions: Mr. Daniel McIntyre St. Lucie County Attorney 2300 Virginia Avenue Ft. Pierce, Florida 34982-5652 RE: INTERLOCAL SERVICE BOUNDARY AGREEMENTS - COUNTIES - MUNICIPALITIES - DEVELOPMENT PERMITS - BUILDING PERMITS - ANNEXATION - inclusion of provision in interlocal service boundary agreement for authority over land development regulations. s. 171.203, Fla. Stat.; Part  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 26 -- The office of the Florida Attorney General issued the following advisory legal opinions: Mr. Garth C. Coller County Attorney, Hernando County Board of County Commissioners 20 North Main Street, Suite 462 Brooksville, Florida 34601 RE: MUNICIPAL SERVICES BENEFITS UNITS - SPECIAL DISTRICTS - COUNTIES - FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES - PUBLIC RECORDS - disposition of public records of municipal services benefits units. s. 119.021(4), Fla. Stat.; Ch. 2009-26  more

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 28 -- The California Department of Food and Agriculture issued the following news release: The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has placed all of Orange County under a quarantine regulating the movement of citrus and closely-related plants. The quarantine follows the detection of a number of Asian citrus psyllids in Santa Ana. CDFA is working with the USDA and county officials and growers to implement the quarantine in an effort to prevent t  more

BROOKSVILLE, Fla., Aug. 27 -- The Southwest Florida Water Management District issued the following news release: At its August 27 meeting, the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Pinellas-Anclote River Basin Board reduced its millage rate to 0.3200 mill for fiscal year 2010 (FY2010), which is .0400 lower than the current fiscal year. The Pinellas-Anclote River Basin Board area includes Pinellas County and the southern portion of Pasco County. This lowered millage rate, combined w  more

ABILENE, Texas, Aug. 28 -- Hardin-Simmons University issued the following news release: By Janlyn Echols Thaxton Dr. Belle Wheelan is the president of of the the one highest authorities on education in the nation. In fact, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is the very authority which accredits Hardin-Simmons and all other centers for higher learning in the Southern United States. Wheelan will be the featured speaker during the Hardin-Simmons   more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission issued the following news release: Twelve pythons, destined for illegal sale on Craig's List, never made it out the door of a New Port Richey home, thanks to a tip to Lt. Steve DeLacure, an investigator for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). DeLacure got a complaint on Monday, Aug. 24, that illegal transactions were about to occur as the result of advertising posted on the popular Intern  more

DELAND, Fla., Aug. 27 -- Volusia County issued the following news release: Youths can kick off the new school year by joining Volusia County's fall soccer league, which will play in DeLand Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 29 to Nov. 12 at the Sperling Sports Complex in DeLand. The Tiny Tots division, for 4- and 5-year-olds, will play from 5 - 5:45 p.m., while games for children ages 6 - 15 will start at 6 and 7 p.m. The league is designed to teach and develop children's ability to play so  more

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 25 -- Rochester Institute of Technology issued the following news release: Very few physicists could be called "village idiots" especially when discussing laws of thermodynamics or the theory of relativity. Yet, for Rochester Institute of Technology professor Roger Dube, away from the classroom he wears that title proudly and with the humor necessary of a true improv player as a member of Rochester's Village Idiots Improv Comedy troupe. Dube, research professor in the  more

WINTER PARK, Fla., Aug. 24 -- Rollins College issued the following news release: Rollins welcomed the Class of 2013 with all of the traditional pomp and circumstance of Convocation. Gathered in the Alfond Sports Center on Wednesday, August 19, incoming students also enjoyed some not-so-traditional pageantry when, after welcoming the students to Rollins with an invocation in Latin, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Roger Casey then broke into a Black-Eyed Peas song: roger "Ever  more

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, issued the following news release: The Seminole Tribe of Florida and Seminole Gaming are deeply saddened to announce the passing of two key executives of the organization in the crash of a private plane near Pavo, Ga., just before noon on Thursday, August 27, 2009. A search coordinated by the U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and involving the Brooks County (Georgia) Sherif  more

DELAND, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Volusia County issued the following news release: Environmental enthusiasts are invited to get out and enjoy Volusia County's conservation lands during free outdoor adventures sponsored by Volusia County's Land Acquisition and Management Division Sept. 5 and Sept 18. -9 - 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5: Hickory Bluff Preserve guided hike - Explore the jewel of Volusia County's conservation lands. Hikers will experience diverse Florida habitats including pine flatwoods,   more

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, issued the following news release: September sizzles with Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's first-ever $1,000,000 Slot Tournament plus drive away with your share of cars, cash, free machine play and memorabilia this month! All in all, South Florida's most exciting casino destination will be offering cash and prizes totaling $500,000, guaranteed. Hotel & Casino Promotions Fo  more

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Aug. 26 -- The South Florida Water Management District issued the following statement: "We are gratified to receive court validation of a financing strategy that allows the South Florida Water Management District to move forward with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase these strategic lands to restore the Everglades on a scale never before envisioned. "The court's action affirms that the District's financing plan and public purpose of this historic land a  more

TROY, N.Y., Aug. 24 -- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute issued the following news release: An experimental heat transfer system designed by researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is scheduled to depart Earth aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Astronauts will install the system into a laboratory of the International Space Station, where it will remain for up to three years. The project, called the Constrained Vapor Bubble (CVB), could yield important fundamental insights into the natu  more

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 28 -- The California Department of Food and Agriculture issued the following news release: A parcel inspection dog named Tassie, working for the Sacramento County Department of Agriculture, found approximately 100 Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) in a package this week in Sacramento. The citrus pests were detected in a package containing Guavas and curry leaves. The parcel originated in Texas and was not inspected locally prior to shipment. "Inspection dogs are doing  more

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Aug. 26 -- The South Florida Water Management District issued the following statement: "The South Florida Water Management District is pleased with the court's findings in validating its authority to issue Certificates of Participation under Florida law for the public purpose of Everglades restoration. "The court's validation provides Floridians with judicial assurance that the District's financing program and water resource projects comply with Florida law, are in t  more

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The University of Florida issued the following news release: Jeanna Mastrodicasa, assistant vice president for student affairs, was quoted in an Aug. 23 St. Petersburg Times(http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/college/tethered-to-mother-at-college/1029610) story about how today's college students communicate more frequently with their parents because of cell phones and easy Internet access.  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Division issued the following news release: James M. Davis, 60, the former chief financial officer of Houstonbased Stanford Financial Group (SFG), pleaded guilty today to fraud and obstruction charges related to a $7 billion scheme to defraud investors, Lanny A. Breuer, Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division, and Tim Johnson, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, announced. Davis was charged in   more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 25 -- The Florida Department of Health issued the following news release: Despite the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) recent report that highlights widespread mercury contamination in fish nationwide, the Florida Department of Health (DOH), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) remind Floridians eating fish is an import  more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The Florida Department of Financial Services issued the following news release: Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink today announced the arrest of a Hialeah woman who has been charged with arson and insurance fraud for intentionally setting fire to her kitchen and submitting fraudulent insurance claim. Ysaris Diaz, 37, was arrested this afternoon and booked into the Miami Dade County Jail. The arrest is the result of an investigation by the State Fire  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 -- Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla. (6th CD), issued the following statement: "I am concerned by Governor Crist's selection for the U.S. Senate seat today, which appears to serve as a placeholder for the Governor, rather than serving the people of Florida as their U.S. Senator. However, I will welcome George LeMieux to Washington and I will work with him on behalf of Florida and the nation."  more

NAPLES, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Collier County issued the following news release: The Clam Bay Advisory Committee has 1 vacancy representing Pelican Bay due to a resignation with the term expiring on December 31, 2009. This 9 member committee was created on September 9, 2009 by Ordinance 2008-48 to advise and make recommendations to the Coastal Advisory Committee and the Board of County Commissioners on matters pertaining to the management and operation of the Clam Bay estuary. The committee shall m  more

SARASOTA, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Florida USA issued the following "partner news" news release: The Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel, located on 600 feet of private white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico in Sarasota, Florida, is sporting a brand new look. To add to the excitement, our renourished beach makes paradise even more pristine. The restoration was recognized by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association in May as one of America's best restored beaches. To introduce the NEW LOOK, we are of  more

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 24 -- The University of Central Florida CREOL, a component of the Florida state university system, issued the following news release: On Monday, August 24, UCF President John C. Hitt signed a research agreement with Fraunhofer ILT (http://www.ilt.fraunhofer.de/eng/100000.html), the leading industrial laser and laser applications laboratory in Europe. The agreement, instigated by Dr. Martin Richardson (http://www.creol.ucf.edu/People/Details.aspx?PeopleID=308) through the U  more

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The University of Florida issued the following news release: University of Florida President Bernie Machen issued the following statement regarding Gov. Charlie Crist's appointment today of George LeMieux to succeed U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez: "I commend Gov. Charlie Crist for his choice today of George LeMieux as Florida's newest U.S. senator. George's experience in public service and his work as deputy attorney general for Florida bring new perspectives and enth  more

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The University of Florida issued the following news release: A common antibiotic can function as an "off switch" for a gene therapy being developed for Parkinson's disease, according to University of Florida(http://www.ufl.edu/) researchers writing online in advance of September's Molecular Therapy. The discovery in rats answers an important question -- how can new, therapeutic genes that have been irrevocably delivered to the human brain to treat Parkinson's   more

ATHENS, Ga., Aug. 28 -- The University of Georgia issued the following news release: Katherine Raczynski, a University of Georgia graduate student in educational psychology, has received two awards for her research at the recent American Psychological Association convention. Raczynski, a doctoral student in the College of Education's Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics program, received the Society of Counseling Psychology Prevention section's Graduate Student Prevention Rese  more

LARAMIE, Wyo., Aug. 27 -- The University of Wyoming Art Museum issued the following news release: Florida artist Brian Burkhardt will present a gallery walk-through Thursday, Sept. 3, at 10:30 a.m., an art talk at 5:30 p.m., followed by a panel discussion at 7:30 p.m. All events are at the University of Wyoming Art Museum and are free and open to the public. The programs are scheduled in conjunction with his solo exhibition, "Moss doesn't grow on rolling stones . . . a vision of nature by   more

BUNNELL, Fla., Aug. 28 -- Flagler County issued the following news release: The Flagler County Health Department is planning an H1N1 mass vaccination campaign this fall. The size and scope of the program is larger than any vaccination effort ever attempted in Flagler County. The Health Department is seeking volunteers to help in this community wide effort. The Health Department is specifically looking for vaccinators. The people who are qualified to vaccinate are: RN's, LPN's, paramedics,   more

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 28 -- The University of Florida issued the following news release: Finance professor Jay Ritter was quoted in an Aug. 17 Wall Street Journal story reviewing the popularity of initial public offerings done through auctions.  more

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 28 -- The University of Alabama at Birmingham issued the following news release: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) graduate student the Rev. Tommy Watkins Jr., L.G.S.W., has earned the inaugural Billy R. Cox Endowed Scholarship. A prevention specialist at AIDS Alabama and equal-rights advocate for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, Watkins is a doctoral candidate in the UAB School of Public Health. He has been awarded the scholarship created by Ge  more