Kissimmee seeks citizens for Advisory Boards
The City of Kissimmee is seeking qualified residents to fill several positions for volunteer boards to help shape the future of local government and provide different perspectives, fresh ideas, and new ways to strategically analyze issues.
Advisory boards are made up of local residents and business owners willing to make suggestions about a variety of City departments and services. The positions are specifically for the Board of Adjustment and Planning Advisory Board, which there are vacancies for at the moment.
“We are looking for various levels of expertise for these roles,” said Mayor Olga Gonzalez. “Volunteering is a great way to become involved with the City of Kissimmee, giving residents an opportunity to share their insight and better understand how the government works.”
An advisory board acts as an opportunity for the City Commission to obtain different view points and access expertise that might not be ordinarily available. The advisory boards are all volunteer positions and there is no compensation. The participation varies based on the board. “Your input comes with a sense of purpose towards our community,” Gonzalez added.
If you are interested in serving your community on one of the City’s advisory boards, please check out the City of Kissimmee’s website, where you can find an Advisory Board Member Application and more information: https:// www. Kissimmee. gov/AdvisoryBoards.
Agriscience leadership program nominations
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson sent a letter to school superintendents across Florida seeking nominations of educators in their district for the 2023-24 Agriscience Education Leadership Program.
“The Agriscience Education Leadership Program is a unique and exciting opportunity that allows educators to step outside of the walls of the classroom and experience the full breadth of Florida agriculture,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Agriculture is an important component of the lives of every Floridian, and I’m confident that the participants in this program—and their students—will benefit from understanding how this industry affects their everyday lives and the role it plays in ensuring Florida’s future.”
The Agriscience Education Leadership Program equips and empowers educators with greater agricultural knowledge and leadership experience as they prepare the next generation of Florida’s leaders. The program provides resources and experiences that will bring new knowledge and insight into the classrooms of Florida’s schools. More than 200 teachers have graduated the program since its inception in 2001 and are using the awareness and skill they gained to better prepare their students for the workforce and postsecondary education.
To continue the success of the program, FDACS is asking each school district to nominate one agriscience teacher and one science teacher, each with three or more years teaching experience, and one administrator with direct responsibility for agriscience or science education. The program will provide educators the opportunity to participate in up to four separate agribusiness tours and leadership development sessions throughout next school year. There is no cost to the participants and the dates of the four programs have been selected to minimize time away from the classroom.
The deadline for nominations is May 5. Nominations can be submitted online here: https://bit.ly/41caqPU.
Ag Commissioner Simpson encourages wildfire awareness
With a reminder that all of Florida is in confirmed drought conditions, Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Forest Service highlighted Florida’s current wildfire conditions and urge residents to be wildfire ready. Historically, Florida’s year-round wildfire season peaks in April, May, and June, and the National Interagency Fire Center has predicted above normal wildfire potential for Florida this season.
“With above normal wildfire potential this wildfire season, it’s more important than ever for Floridians to be aware of and prepared for the devastating effects of wildfire,” said Commissioner Simpson. “I’m urging all Floridians to be wildfire ready and to use extra caution, because we all want to keep our firefighters and communities safe this wildfire season.”
Since January, over 1,000 wildfires have burned more than 35,000 acres in Florida. Last year, a total of 2,500 wildfires burned more than 141,000 acres across the state. The Florida Forest Service is encouraging the public to “Be Wildfire Ready” – know Florida’s outdoor burning laws, prepare your yard, prepare your home, and prepare an emergency supply kit.
