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Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak: Honesty Is the Best Policy

We have all seen the person trying to be a leader who stands before their team when everyone knows there are major problems to face. He or she spends the entire time describing an alternate reality where everything is going great.

All you have done now is add one more big problem to the list and it’s fatal to your ability to lead. Your credibility is gone.

Real leaders face the facts. Genuine leaders tell the truth about the situation and challenges. It earns you respect and trust. It helps the team have the right mindset and apply the correct strategies and skills to the situation. The truth won’t hurt. Not being truthful will.

Trying to make yourself look good by ignoring painful realities will make you look bad. Of course, you can also identify the positives and assets we have. You will discuss a vision, strategies, culture, team, and alignment between objectives and operations which will allow us to prevail.

Happy talk isn’t leadership. Being brutally honest about the difficulties we have is the first step to success. It shows you trust them enough to be honest about our situation. Your team can handle the truth.

Given the chance, people will rise to the occasion and you will lead them through these challenges. You have to start with the truth.

 

#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak

From the Teacher: Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak is a weekly column with the esteemed Joseph C. Saviak, Ph.D., J.D., M.A., M.S., Management Consulting & Leadership Training.

 

Image: SmallBusinessTrends.com

Palm Coast City Council Business Meeting on Tuesday, May 17 at 9 a.m.

Palm Coast City Council Business Meeting on Tuesday, May 17 at 9 a.m.
Topics include Public Works Week, Water Safety Month, and BEAC Appointments.

 

Palm Coast – The Palm Coast City Council meets regularly to discuss and vote on official City business. These meetings are open to the public and Palm Coast residents are strongly encouraged to attend. An increase in public engagement helps to build a stronger sense of community, increases valuable discussions, and decreases division.

A business meeting will take place beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2022. Details of the items on the agenda are listed below.

  • The Palm Coast City Council will present a proclamation for Public Works Week, May 15-May 21, 2022. Public Works Week celebrates the superheroes that lie within each and every public works professional. Always READY to serve their communities, and RESILIENT as ever in their abilities to pick themselves up off the ground after encountering challenges. This year’s theme is “Ready & Resilient” and the Public Works Team at the City of Palm Coast meets that theme every day.
  • The Palm Coast City Council will present a proclamation for Water Safety Month, which is the month of May. Palm Coast Parks & Recreation strives to promote water safety in all aquatics environments and activities. The aquatics staff provides lifesaving swim lessons to all ages, from children to adults, as well as courses for the more advanced swimmer.
  • The Palm Coast City Council will appoint five applicants to the Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee. Interviews of applicants took place at May 10 Workshop Meeting.
  • The City Administration will present a resolution to approve a letter of support for the Federal Highway Administration National Scenic Byways Program Grant Application for the establishment of the Flagler County Visitor Experience Center. The applicant is requesting the City of Palm Coast provide a letter of their support for the Flagler County Visitor Experience Center project and the Friends of A1A funding application.
  • The Public Works Department will present a resolution to approve piggybacking the Southwest Ranches Contract with Newgen Strategies & Solutions, LLC for the preparation and drafting of the solid waste contract specifications including recycling, collections, processing and disposal services. The City of Palm Coast has utilized NewGen Strategies and Solutions for planning and development of the Request for Proposal for the new residential solid waste contract. The unexpected bid protest added additional processes that led to the city having to go out to bid again. To finish the final stages of executing the new residential solid waste contract the City is in need of a consultant in the industry.
  • The Engineering Department will present a resolution to approve an Interlocal agreement with the Seminole Palms Community Development District regarding the Citation Boulevard extension. The City and CDD are entering into this Agreement for the purpose of assigning obligations for solicitation, award, and construction of the Citation Extension which will be to the mutual benefit of both parties.
  • The Community Development Department will present an ordinance for Ryan’s Landing Rezoning. Ryan’s Landing LLC is proposing a modification to the existing Master Planned Development Agreement to rezone 27.79 +/- acres of vacant land located about 0.75 miles west of Belle Terre Parkway and 0.2 miles north of Royal Palms Parkway to change from a 64 lot single-family subdivision with a 5-acre City park to a 95 lot single-family subdivision with amenities.
  • The City Administration will present a resolution to approve an Interlocal agreement with the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections. A City election for City Council District 2 and 4 seats will be held during the Flagler County’s primary election and general election in 2022. The City Clerk has worked directly with the Supervisor of Elections (SOE) and together they drafted the proposed Interlocal Agreement for the 2022 City Elections.

The following items will be presented as consent items for approval:

  • Interlocal agreement with the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections.
  • Master Price Agreement with Platinum Air Systems Inc for Citywide HVAC & Ice Machine Repair, Replacement, and Maintenance.
  • Piggybacking Florida Sheriffs Association Contract with Boulevard Tire Center for the purchase of tires and related services.
  • Exception to CDBG cost feasibility limits.
  • Contract between Stryker Medical and Savvik Buying Group for Lifepak Cardiac Monitors.
  • Master Services Agreement with US Infra Rehab Services LLC for rehabilitation of wastewater structures.

Public Comments will be opened at the beginning and end of the business meeting in accordance with Section 286.0114 Florida Statutes and pursuant to the City Council’s Meeting Policies and Procedures. Each speaker will approach the podium, provide his/her name and may speak for up to 3 minutes.

Meetings of the Palm Coast City Council typically occur three times per month. A 6 p.m. business meeting on the first Tuesday of the month, a 9 a.m. workshop meeting on the second Tuesday of the month, and a 9 a.m. business meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. All meetings take place in the Community Wing at City Hall at 160 Lake Avenue in Palm Coast.

Business meetings and workshops are open to the public and are streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel. Meeting agendas for all public meetings are posted in advance of each meeting on the City’s website. All agendas can be viewed here

If you wish to obtain more information regarding the City Council’s agenda, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 386-986-3713. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk at 386-986-3713, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review.

Media Release: City of Palm Coast. Brittany N. Kershaw

TPO Talk: Public Participation Plan Public Comment Request

Public Participation Plan (PPP)

Public Comment Request

The River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is seeking public comment on proposed updates to its Public Participation Plan (PPP). The PPP outlines the strategies the TPO uses to ensure that the public is able to participate in the decision-making process in ways that are both meaningful and inclusive. In addition, the plan identifies how the TPO will promote and encourage public participation.

Members of the public are encouraged to provide input regarding updates to the TPO’s Public Participation Plan (PPP). The document, including proposed updates, is available for review at: Draft Public Participation Plan.

Public comments will be accepted until close of business on Friday, June 10, 2022. For more information or to provide public comments, please contact Pamela Blankenship at 386-226-0422 ext. 20416 or email at PBlankenship@r2ctpo.org.

The Big Five … with Teresa Rizzo, Executive Director, Flagler County Education Foundation

With the passing of Joe Rizzo at the helm of the Flagler County Education Foundation, we can think of no one more committed to education, or able to fill his shoes, than Teresa Rizzo. In this week’s edition of The Big Five, Teresa shares the journey and her vision for leading the organization into the future.

Tell readers a bit about your background in education and your journey.

In the November of 1998 I was approved to complete my senior college internship at Flagler Palm Coast high school as an athletic trainer. I graduated from Mars Hill University in the spring of 1999 with a degree in physical education and concentration in sports medicine. After teaching in Flagler county for 12 years I decided to attend Stetson University and complete my Master’s degree in educational leadership. My education at Stetson gave me the confidence and knowledge to move into more educational leadership roles.

I accepted a position with the Florida Department of education as a State Regional Literacy Director in the fall of 2020.

My educational journey started as a pre-school teacher at Palm Coast United Methodist preschool, to teaching physical education and dance at Flagler Palm Coast high school, to a little hiatus from education and exploring my entrepreneur interests owning two businesses in Ormond Beach Florida, then returning to the elementary school classroom at Old Kings Elementary as a PE, kindergarten and first grade teacher. Dr. Anna Crawford, principal at the time at Wadsworth Elementary school open the door to school leadership by inviting me to be the media specialist and instructional coach at Wadsworth Elementary school.

That leadership opportunity and instructional coaching experience open the door to me becoming a state regional literacy director.

You completed additional education as an adult. What were the benefits and challenges you faced on this part of your journey?

Completing additional education as an adult reminded me of how much of a lifelong learner I am.

Attending Stetson University after many years of completing my undergraduate degree reignited my love of learning. Learning as an adult I appreciated each and every experience and collaboration with my fellow students and professors.

The challenges were attending class every Saturday for 12 months for eight hours a day. This pretty much took the place of any weekend plans for an entire year but each hour was worth every sacrifice. The relationships I built with fellow colleagues and the amazing professors at Stetson were priceless.

You have recently been named Executive Director of the Flagler County Education Foundation. Please share your history with the organization and why you wanted to step into this role.

My husband Joe Rizzo around 2010 became involved in the education foundation by the invitation of the current Flagler schools superintendent Bill Delbrugge. Mr. Delbrugge encouraged Joe to get involved as member of the foundation board. As with everything, Joe dove right into this opportunity head first and completely.

The foundation became an integral part of my family.

From having the Christmas party in our backyard to our son helping set up events, to our daughter proofreading documents for her dad, to me being next to Joe side dressing up in fancy costumes for the wonderful events the foundation would put on, the foundation was not just a job but it became our family’s passion and mission.

With his passing we knew we had to continue his legacy and mission because it was also ours. I applied for the position not just for myself but also for my children because it is important to them that we continue the hard work and love that their dad poured into the mission of giving kids and teachers in Flagler County an opportunity they may not have otherwise had.

What kinds of goals and dreams do you have for FCEF and how, as a community, can we help you achieve them?

Joe built such an amazing launchpad at the foundation for us to elevate it to another level.

Our goals as a team at the foundation are to continue the great work that has already impacted Flagler County schools but to align future goals with the school district’s strategic plan, and continue to close the achievement gap and re-open our doors to the community for them to see the amazing things happening at Flagler schools. We will continue to grow our teacher grant program to provide teachers opportunities to be innovative in their classrooms for students to experience a 21st-century education. Early literacy is something that is near and dear to my heart and I look forward to working with the school district to implement a plan to support our families in Flagler County and their children with improving kindergarten readiness. We will also explore opportunities to open doors with STEM education for students focusing on math achievement.

The Flagler County Education Foundation’s robust programs like Stuff The Bus, Take Stock In Kids and Career Coaching, are programs that we want to continue to grow and strengthen as they are amazing opportunities for our students to interact with the community and experience mentorship.

The community can support the foundation financially by donating to these amazing programs, but the donation does not always have to be financial it could also be through mentoring our kids.

The Foundation has focused on students from all walks of life to help them become successful. Why is this such an important building block for our community?

The Flagler County Education Foundation is a gem in Flagler County. Many are unaware of the amazing contributions that the foundation has provided for students and teachers. In the coming year one of our goals is to educate the community more on how the foundation is focused on students and teachers, providing them with opportunities to elevate their learning experiences. This will open doors for students to become productive, happy and philanthropic community leaders who will stay and give back to Flagler County. The students of Flagler County Schools are Flagler’s future and the Flagler County Education Foundation will work to equip students with what they need to be successful.

For more information on the Flagler County Education Foundation, please visit here.

Mural Captures Palm Coast Early Years, Dedicated to Inspirational Leader Jon Netts

Florida Inland Navigation District Commissioner Randy Stapleford joins Priscilla Netts, Palm Coast Historical Society President Elaine Studnicki and Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen honor the memory of Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts on Saturday during the unveiling of the mural at the Palm Coast Historical Society Museum in Holland Park, Palm Coast.

Palm Coast, FL – (May 14, 2022) Capturing the history of Palm Coast’s first 50 years, artist Bill Stead says he took his cues from members of the Palm Coast Historical Society and was grateful for the opportunity. A visually arresting piece, the hand-painted mural representing the area’s early history adorns the frontage of the organization’s museum in James F. Holland Memorial Park in Palm Coast.

While many of Saturday morning’s spectators were present to view the finished work of art, it was the dedication of the mural to the memory of past mayor Jon Netts that the speakers focused during their remarks.

Netts’ wife Priscilla was pleased to help unveil the art work alongside Palm Coast’s current mayor David Alfin.

Priscilla Netts and Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin unveil the historical mural sponsored by the Palm Coast Historical Society on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

“I can’t express how thrilled I am, how happy I am that this is being done for Jon.”

“He was awesome,” she said emphatically.  “He cared so much for people and the city. This to me is a wonderful tribute. I miss him.”

Attending his second event of the morning – after starting his day at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K in Town Center, Alfin shared the many virtues of Jon Netts as a leading public servant and guiding presence for the fledgling city during his time on the city council and as mayor.

Capturing a moment in time. Palm Coast Historian Art Dyke, Florida Inland Navigation District Commissioner Randy Stapleford, Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin, Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen, former Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland, Palm Coast Historical Society President Elaine Studnicki, Priscilla Netts and Flagler County Commission Chairman Joe Mullins.

“We’re here at the Palm Coast Historical Society to honor and to memorialize one of the most heartfelt, loved, beloved mayors of the City of Palm Coast,” said Alfin.

“I look at the longevity, and again, incorporated only in 1999, but we have a small town feel, even though we’re not a small community any longer. That small town feel makes us feel very close together, so even though he was only one of a small number of mayors, he stands out head and shoulders as one of the great leaders, and leads us into the future,” he said.

Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin delivers remarks commemorating former Mayor Jon Netts at the Palm Coast Historical Society mural dedication on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

Elected officials from both the City of Palm Coast and the Board of County Commissioners attended the event alongside civic organization leaders and family friend friend Bob Linton, to pay their respects to Netts’ legacy.

Appointed by then Congressman Ron DeSantis to fill Netts’ seat on the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), retired Navy Captain Randy Stapleford, reminded those present of Netts’ many contributions to the overall Flagler County community, positively impacting Bings Landing, waterfront Flagler Beach, and the Marineland Marina in addition to the City of Palm Coast during his 13 years of service on the FIND Commission.

Florida Inland Navigation District Commissioner Randy Stapleford delivers remarks commemorating former Mayor Jon Netts at the Palm Coast Historical Society mural dedication on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

“Jon played a major role in shaping this wonderful city of Palm Coast to become what I call the Crystal City by the Sea,” said Stapleford. “Jon was an inspirational human to all and I think Jon knew this simple principle of leadership and that is to take care of your people.”

Netts served the public in many facets throughout his lifetime including as the city’s second mayor and as president of the Palm Coast Historical Society, making countless friends along the way on both sides of the political aisle.

“I think people love him because he’s a people’s man,” said Elaine Studnicki, president of the Palm Coast Historical Society. “He loved this community and he was all over this community at different events, with different kinds of people and that’s why he’s so popular. That’s why people love him. He loved them.”

To view the mural, visit the Palm Coast Historical Society and Museum, located at 18 N. Florida Park Drive, Palm Coast.

Photo Gallery 

King’s Road Historic District Sunday Recipe: In the Kitchen with Preston Zepp

The Sunday Recipe with King’s Road Historic District              Historian Preston Zepp

May 15, 2022


It’s starting to feel like Florida again, hot. That makes me think of being on the banks of Pellicer Creek having a picnic and maybe catching some fish. It also makes me think of having a cool drink.


In the 1920s, having picnic lunches and gathering on the grounds were a big thing. Sometimes whole communities would come together for a “party” and everyone would bring their own food and play games while socializing.
Oranges were more common than lemons in the rural areas, so this recipe might have been served (I did find it in a recipe book from 1919).
PZ

Orangeade
-2 cups of fresh squeezed orange juice (Seville was still the major variety)
-2 cups of sugar
-1 to 1/1/2 quarts of water
-1/3 cup lemon juice (if available)
– optional is a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon

Boil water and sugar over medium high heat, stirring constantly until sugar is completely dissolved.
Add orange and lemon juice, stir.
Let cool and taste. If needed, add water and stir completely.
Chill in the icebox.
Serve cold, with a small pinch of cayenne or cinnamon.

 

A merry band of history lovers, Elaine Studnicki, President of the Palm Coast Historical Society joins King’s Road District historian Preston Zepp, Flagler County Historical Society President Ed Siarkowicz, historian and visitor service specialist for the Flagler Beach Historical Museum James Fiske and Florida Agricultural Museum director Kara Hoblick for a photo at the first public meeting of the Flagler County Cultural Council hosted at African-American Cultural Center.

Preston Zepp is one of several historians in Flagler County working to save the King’s Road Historic District and surrounding history. 

Sunny Days: Florida Tourism Continues to Grow in Q1 2022

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – May 13, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida welcomed 36 million total visitors between January and March 2022 according to VISIT FLORIDA estimates. This is a 14 percent increase from Q4 2021, and the third consecutive quarter that overall visitation has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Approximately 34.1 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in Q1 2022, representing twelve solid months of domestic visitation growth from 2019, with no signs of slowing.
“Florida’s latest visitation estimates are incredible news for our economy and all Floridians,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Economists originally projected that Florida tourism wouldn’t fully recover until 2024, but quarter after quarter, despite the Biden administration’s utter failure to manage inflation and the nation’s supply chain woes, Florida’s visitation numbers continue to break records and defy conventional wisdom. Florida’s tourism industry begins 2022 with incredible strength, proving that freedom first policies will always win, especially when combatting the inept economic policies coming out of D.C.”
“Our Q1 visitation estimates show that 2022 is shaping up to be another amazing year for Florida tourism,” said Dana Young, VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO. “In addition to breaking more pre-pandemic records domestically, we are seeing an exponential rebound in Orlando as well as our international numbers, which we expect to continue in the months ahead. VISIT FLORIDA is incredibly proud of its marketing efforts that have gotten us here today, and we thank Governor DeSantis for his unwavering support of our organization and tourism industry.”
Additional highlights from VISIT FLORIDA’s latest visitation estimates include:
  • Florida welcomed 1.3 million overseas travelers in Q1 2022, an increase of nearly 169 percent from Q1 2021.
  • Overseas visitation to Florida in Q1 2022 was 14 percentage points closer to full recovery than the rest of the United States.
  • Canadian visitation to Florida during Q1 2022 accounted for 578,000 visitors, an increase of more than 955 percent from Q1 2021.
  • Over 39 percent of visitors traveled to Florida by plane in Q1 2022, marking the highest share for air travel since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.
  • Total enplanements in Florida were up over 70 percent in the first quarter of 2022.
  • Quarterly hotel demand in Florida exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time in Q1 2022. Compared to the same period in 2021, the number of hotel rooms sold grew by 31.4 percent during the first three months of the year. Florida’s average daily rate (ADR) was up over 38 percent, and its occupancy rate increased by nearly 24 percent.
Florida tourism’s sustained record-breaking growth further demonstrates our state’s enduring popularity and leadership in the recovery of the U.S. travel sector. For nearly two years, VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing has drawn travelers from far and wide, rebuilding our No.1 industry to new heights, and gaining a tremendous advantage over our competition. With Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has transcended the challenges of the pandemic to serve as a role model for tourism and hospitality, and a top global travel destination both in 2022 and beyond.
Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Image: FLGOV.com

United Way Selects Second Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Initiative Grant Recipient African American Entrepreneurs Association (AAEA)

Daytona Beach, FL On May 13, 2022, The United Way of Volusia-Flagler County named the African American Entrepreneurs Association (AAEA) the recipient of their second grant distributed under United Way of Volusia-Flagler’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiative. “These funds will support their Access to Capital Workshop Series. Keep up the great work!” said the United Way of Volusia-Flagler County. The award recognizes the need for this education within the minority community and the need to teach community members the various elements of successful money usage and assorted venues for minority business owners to access much needed capital to grow and expand their businesses.

“It is an honor to have such a supportive community partnership with the United Way of Volusia-Flagler County that sees the value  to the minority business growth and development offered by our programs at the AAEA,” says Leslie Giscombe, Founder and CEO at African American Entrepreneurs Association. “ The importance of bringing this kind of education and financial support to the minority community will in turn have resounding positive overall effects on the local communities as a whole. The board at the United Way of Volusia-Flagler County officially recognizes and supports that mission and has awarded the AAEA our first United Way Grant.  Thank you to the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties  for their Access to Capital Workshop Series Grant.”

“S.E.E.D: Success through engaging economic development. With this seed, I thank you, United Way of Volusia-Flagler County. Your contribution helps us expand the reach of the African American Entrepreneurs Association (AAEA).” says Maurice Myrick, Community Development Director at African American Entrepreneurs Association. “Lives will be changed, and communities will be impacted as we strive to educate minority business owners to increase business, jobs, and financial stability for future generations. When we are UNITED, we all win. Thank you”

The ceremonial check award was presented to Leslie Giscombe, AAEA Founder/CEO, and Maurice Myrick, AAEA Community Development Director by Francine Martine, United Way Community Impact Manager, and Heather Prasse, Resource Development Senior Manager at the office located at  3674 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL.

The community is encouraged to participate in this educational workshop series, hosted on Zoom every Tuesday from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm EST and can register for free at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81615597937 .

The AAEA was created to develop and create economic development through entrepreneurship within the underserved African American community through education, mentoring, workshops, group economics, and micro-financing opportunities.  The AAEA focuses its partnerships on businesses and organizations that are dedicated to the support of equity, diversity, and inclusion. It is imperative that as a community we support and work together. With any questions or concerns regarding the AAEA please call the AAEA office at (386) 234-2014 or visit www.aaeassociation.org.

On the Move: Flagler Beach Realtor Achieves Dream

Media Release courtesy 321 Realty: We are so proud and honored to officially announce the FIRST (of many to come) INDEPENDENTLY BROKER OWNED and operated 321 REALTY locations.

Congratulations and welcome to the new 321 REALTY FLAGLER BEACH and the incredible new Broker/Owner, Faith Stiles!!

It’s been over 2 years in the making with perfect site selection, meticulous planning, extensive training, new licensing, marketing, and so much more!

Faith Stiles and Rob Stiles have worked tirelessly for years for their clients and to build their business becoming known as “The Locals Realtor” in Flagler Beach. Now they will continue that local legacy as the locals Broker/Owner of 321 REALTY FLAGLER BEACH!

Congratulations Faith on this incredible accomplishment and milestone in your career. We all can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and the new 321 Realty Flagler Beach Team!

Please join us in congratulating them and feel free to call or stop by and say hi anytime.

321 Realty Flagler Beach 

(386) 320-5530

213 South 2nd Street, Unit 10

Flagler Beach FL 32136

Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Representative Cord Byrd as Secretary of State

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Representative Cord Byrd as Florida’s Secretary of State. Rep. Byrd, a Jacksonville attorney, has been a staunch advocate for election security, public integrity, the fight against big tech censorship and the de-platforming of political candidates. Representative Byrd has served in the Florida House of Representatives since 2016.
“Cord Byrd has been an ally of freedom and democracy in the Florida Legislature, and I am confident he will carry that mission forward as Secretary of State,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I look forward to his successes ensuring Florida’s elections remain safe, secure and well-administered.”
“Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida has led the way on election security and preserving freedom for its residents,” said Representative Cord Byrd. “As Secretary of State, I will make sure Florida continues to have secure elections and that we protect the freedom of our citizens in the face of big-tech censorship and ever-growing cybersecurity threats.”
Over the past six years in the Florida House, Rep. Byrd served all six years on the Public Integrity and Elections Committee, including two years as vice chair. During his time in the Florida Legislature, Rep. Byrd has sponsored a number of bills that will protect freedom in Florida, including:
  • Sponsoring legislation banning Sanctuary Cities in Florida;
  • Sponsoring legislation requiring the use of E-Verify in Florida;
  • Sponsoring HB 1 in 2021, the most pro-law enforcement legislation in the nation;
  • Sponsoring legislation establishing the Parents’ Bill of Rights in Florida; and
  • Sponsoring HB 1297, improving Florida’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Image: CordByrd.com