Tag Archives: Florida

Weatherby Consulting LLC, Leading Florida-based Vacation Rental Consulting Firm, Adds Financial Analyst Gil Nuss to its Team

December 3, 2018 straightlinepr Leave a comment

Weatherby Consulting LLC, a leading vacation rental consulting firm based in Florida, has announced the hiring of Gil Nuss as a Financial Analyst.

Miramar Beach, FL, December 03, 2018 — Weatherby Consulting LLC, a leading vacation rental consulting firm based in Florida, has announced the hiring of Gil Nuss as a Financial Analyst.

Nuss graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in business finance with a concentration in real estate.

In his free time, Nuss enjoys playing golf and basketball and spending time with friends and family.

“I enjoy getting to see vacation rental businesses from different perspectives and enjoy learning from everyone I come into contact with!” says Nuss.

About Weatherby Consulting

Weatherby Consulting provides strategic transaction advisory services, vacation rental consulting an expert accounting services to create opportunities and solutions in the highly competitive vacation rental and resort management industries.

Founded in 2013 by vacation rental industry veteran Ben Edwards, Weatherby Consulting is the preeminent provider of consulting services in the vacation rental industry with more than 100 buy-and-sell transactions and more than $200 million in sales of vacation rental companies throughout his career.

Based in Miramar Beach, Florida, Weatherby Consulting delivers high-impact results, provides partner-level attention and implements solutions tailored to address every client’s unique goals and objectives.

Weatherby Consulting has worked with industry leading clients in more than 200 resort markets across North America and beyond. With more than 18 years of industry and accounting knowledge, Weatherby Consulting provides rapid, strategic advice to assist our clients with purchase-and-sale transactions, profitability consulting and vacation rental specific financial reporting.

With an unwavering dedication to both the short- and long-term interests of your company, our services are designed to identify underlying issues, provide straightforward answers, and create solutions that will achieve the maximum financial benefit and a competitive advantage for your organization.

Their services include:

1. Transaction Advisory Services — This service line includes the purchase and sale of Vacation Rental Companies, our primary service line.

2. Vacation Rental Consulting — We provide consulting services focused on creating sustainability, efficiencies and increased profits.

3. Accounting Services — We provide expert-level accounting services and financial reporting to more than 30 companies across the U.S.

4. Partnership Opportunities — Weatherby Consulting is willing to partner with Vacation Rental Companies to more effectively manage certain business operations and substantially increase the value of the business.

Weatherby Consulting, LLC

755 Grand Boulevard

Suite 105-275

Miramar Beach, Florida 32550

Toll-Free: (888) 304-1405

Fax: (888) 304-1405

Email: info@weatherbyconsulting.com

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.weatherbyconsulting.com

Business

Florida East Coast Industries Appoints Chris Scott President & CEO of Flagler Global Logistics

February 26, 2014 staronepr Leave a comment

Florida East Coast Industries, Inc. (FECI) today announced industry veteran Chris Scott has joined Flagler Global Logistics (FGL) as President and CEO.

Coral Gables, FL (February 24, 2013) — Florida East Coast Industries, Inc. (FECI) today announced industry veteran Chris Scott has joined Flagler Global Logistics (FGL) as President and CEO. Scott, who brings nearly 30 years of strategic supply chain management experience to his new role, will be responsible for managing the overall strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the company.

For more than a decade, Scott has served in a variety of senior executive leadership positions at Bi-Lo/Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., a Fortune 500 food retail company with annual net sales exceeding $10 billion and 686 retail locations throughout the southeastern United States. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Supply Chain & Logistics, where he was responsible for the company’s entire supply chain including logistics strategy and implementation, financial planning, more than 2,000 employees, a fleet of 1,500 tractor trailers, and 5 million square feet of frozen, refrigerated and dry warehouse and distribution space.

“Chris is a proven leader who possesses tremendous expertise in the development and implementation of global supply chain management strategies,” said Vincent Signorello, President and CEO of Florida East Coast Industries, Inc. “He elevates the stature and capability of our logistics and warehousing platform and will lead the dramatic growth of our business in both the United States and Latin America.”

Prior to joining Winn Dixie, Scott served as Vice President of Southeast Operations at Marriott Distribution Services, a division of Marriott International, Inc. (MAR / NYSE). He previously held escalating management positions with Pepsico across various functions of the supply chain, including operations, transportation, and warehousing.

Scott serves on the University of Tennessee’s Global Supply Chain Institute Advisory Board. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Jacksonville University.

About Flagler Global Logistics
Flagler Global Logistics is a worldwide logistics company that provides a full suite of integrated supply chain management services, including consolidation and deconsolidation, multimodal transportation, warehouse management, Foreign Trade Zone, and dry and refrigerated cargo services, as well as flexible real estate solutions. Flagler Global Logistics has exclusive connectivity to South Florida’s busiest ports and airport, which provides clients a competitive advantage when importing and exporting goods. The Company owns strategic assets throughout Florida, including approximately 1 million square feet of warehouse space and additionally 1,500 acres of well-located developable land suitable for 24 million square feet of industrial development. Headquartered in Coral Gables, Fla., Flagler Global Logistics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Florida East Coast Industries, LLC. For more information, visit http://www.flaglergl.com.

About Florida East Coast Industries
Florida East Coast Industries, LLC (FECI) is one of Florida’s oldest and largest full-service commercial real estate, transportation, and infrastructure companies. Headquartered in Coral Gables, Fla., FECI has a rich history dating back over a century. Mr. Henry Flagler first established a predecessor company in 1892, which became a pioneer in the development of Florida’s eastern coast. Today, FECI continues to transform Florida as the parent company to four distinct business lines including Flagler, a full-service commercial real estate company; All Aboard Florida, the United States’ first privately owned and operated intercity passenger rail system; Flagler Global Logistics, an integrated logistics company that offers a wide range of logistics services and real estate solutions; and Parallel Infrastructure, a leader in third-party Right of Way (ROW) investments and management services. FECI is owned by private equity funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, LLC. For more information, visit http://www.feci.com.

Media Contact:
Mary Sudasassi
rbb Public Relations
305-448-6163
mary.sudasassi@rbbpr.com

Business

Parallel Infrastructure Offers New Fiber Optic Network along Florida’s East Coast, from Miami to Jacksonville

February 3, 2014 staronepr Leave a comment

New Superhighway Promises Broader Capacity and Faster Data Transmission.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (February 3, 2014) — Parallel Infrastructure LLC, a leading right-of-way (ROW) land management and communications infrastructure development company, today announced it is offering a new fiber optic network along its right-of-way (ROW) corridor that runs along Florida’s east coast from Miami to Jacksonville. These new fiber strands will offer increased speed and capacity and will be operational by the end of the year.

According to Parallel Infrastructure President and CEO, Frank Chechile, the company is already receiving interest from potential customers who want to take advantage of this new broadband infrastructure. “It’s been more than a decade since the last fiber cables were installed along this 351-mile corridor,” Chechile commented. “These new, low-latency strands can transfer large amounts of data faster, and are in high demand.”

The nature of the new, state-of-the art fiber infrastructure will allow companies to increase their capacity to support their needs without incurring additional operational expenses for each incremental bit transmitted. The network system will serve companies such as telephone and wireless carriers, utility companies, cable companies, data centers, municipalities, and other educational and healthcare businesses that transmit large amounts of data on a regular basis. Additionally, the fiber will be used to support the needs of All Aboard Florida, the country’s first privately owned and operated intercity passenger rail that will provide service along Florida’s east coast.

“There are added economic benefits to expanding Florida’s broadband infrastructure,” added Chechile. “This project will not only create more jobs locally, but thanks to Parallel Infrastructure’s ability to combine two of the most sought-after assets in telecom-contiguous land and dark fiber-we are better positioned to attract more high-tech companies to the region and fuel the growth of existing companies.”

Parallel Infrastructure manages a total of 1,700 miles of ROW corridor across 22 states on behalf of a prestigious list of railroad landowners. According to Chechile, the company is investigating plans to construct similar fiber optic networks along these routes over the next 24 months.

About Parallel Infrastructure
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., with regional office nationwide, Parallel Infrastructure LLC is the first universal Right-of-Way (ROW) management and communications infrastructure development company focused on monetizing and maximizing the value of underutilized land assets along railroad and highway corridors for third-party clients. The company’s service offerings include real estate management services, telecommunications infrastructure development, and generating ancillary revenue streams through alternative ROW uses. Parallel Infrastructure is a wholly owned subsidiary of Florida East Coast Industries, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.parallelinfrastructure.com.

About Florida East Coast Industries, Inc.
Florida East Coast Industries, Inc. (FECI) is one of Florida’s oldest and largest full-service commercial real estate and infrastructure companies. Headquartered in Coral Gables, Fla., FECI has a rich history dating back over a century. Mr. Henry Flagler first established a predecessor company in 1892, which became a pioneer in the development of Florida’s eastern coast. Today, FECI continues to transform Florida as the parent company to four distinct business lines including Flagler, a full-service commercial real estate company; All Aboard Florida, the United States’ first privately owned, operated and maintained intercity passenger rail; South Florida Logistics Services, an integrated logistics company that offers a wide range of logistics services and solutions; and Parallel Infrastructure, a leader in third-party Right of Way (ROW) management and development services. FECI is owned by private equity funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC. For more information, visit http://www.feci.com.

Media Contacts:
Mary Sudasassi
rbb Public Relations
305-448-6163
mary.sudasassi@rbbpr.com

Kathleen Rodriguez
Florida East Coast Industries
305-520-2306
kathleen.rodriguez@feci.com

Business

Sabadell United Bank Achieves BauerFinancial’s Five-Star ‘Superior’ Rating

May 9, 2013 staronepr Leave a comment

Sabadell United Bank today announced it has received the coveted five-star rating by BauerFinancial Inc, a distinction awarded to only 17 percent of the banking institutions in Florida.

Miami, FL, USA (May 8, 2013) — Sabadell United Bank today announced it has received the coveted five-star rating by BauerFinancial Inc, a distinction awarded to only 17 percent of the banking institutions in Florida. This is the bank’s third consecutive time receiving this high ranking.

BauerFinancial’s ratings are based on upon an analysis of current financial reports that are filed with federal regulators four times a year. The data is thoroughly analyzed and compared to past data provided by Sabadell. The bank is required to maintain a capital ratio of at least 4%, a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 4% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%.

Sabadell United Bank reported a net income of $5.8 million for the last quarter ending on December 31, 2012. Sabadell United Bank’s fourth-quarter Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 17.58 percent and its Tier 1 to average assets ratio was 10.39 percent, well above the FDIC standards for a well-capitalized bank of six and five percent, respectively. Additionally, Sabadell United Bank’s profits have increased 12 percent to $6.5 million in quarter one of 2013.

“This recognition is a testament to what a strong banking institution with sound management is capable of achieving,” said President and CEO Mario Trueba said. “It’s gratifying to once again receive such high rankings because it underscores our commitment to always be there for our clients.”

About BauerFinancial

BauerFinancial, one of the nation’s most respected independent ratings agencies, uses federal regulatory data to rate banks based on capital ratio, profit/loss trend, delinquent loans and other factors. The rankings range from a high of five stars to a low of zero stars. A five-star rating is classified as “superior,” and those banks are on BauerFinancial’s Recommended Report.

About Sabadell United Bank

Sabadell United Bank, headquartered in Miami, Florida, is a locally-managed, nationally-chartered banking institution. The bank has 23 locations throughout the state, serving more than 40,000 clients, and is the fifth largest bank in Florida by deposits. Bauer Financial Reports recognized the financial strength of the bank by awarding it a five-star rating, the highest available. Sabadell United Bank is recognized as the trusted financial advisor for professionals and businesses as well as domestic and international high-net-worth individuals.

Media Contact:
Ana Marquez
rbb Public Relations
305-967-6668
ana.marquez@rbbpr.com

Business

FPL launches PoweringFlorida.com – a new online resource to help strengthen Florida’s competitive business advantage and grow the state’s economy

February 1, 2013 staronepr Leave a comment

FPL President Eric Silagy said, “as the largest electric utility and one of the largest companies in Florida, we believe we have a responsibility to help grow our state’s economy and create jobs for our fellow Floridians. When Florida’s economy grows, everyone wins.”

JUNO BEACH, Fla., Jan. 31, 2013 — Florida Power & Light Company’s Office of Economic Development today announced the launch of PoweringFlorida.com – a new online resource dedicated to helping businesses start up, expand or relocate their operations in Florida.

The initiative builds on FPL’s existing economic development efforts, which include special discounted electric rates to promote Florida to new and expanding businesses that create jobs for Floridians.

“As the largest electric utility and one of the largest companies in Florida, we believe we have a responsibility to help grow our state’s economy and create jobs for our fellow Floridians. When Florida’s economy grows, everyone wins,” said FPL President Eric Silagy. “A discount on FPL’s already-low rates can help businesses set up shop and expand in our service territory, which covers about half the state, but PoweringFlorida.com is designed to help expand the economy across the entire state.”

“PoweringFlorida.com showcases the diverse benefits that Florida has to offer and empowers all of our local communities with tools to help them to market the unique values that each corner of the state has to offer,” Silagy said.

“Economic development is a team sport. I am grateful to FPL for providing a product to enhance not only the competitiveness of the communities in their territory but also in the entire state. These strategic partnerships are critical to getting Floridians back to work,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s principal economic development organization.

PoweringFlorida.com offers two sets of services:

• One-Stop Shop for Site Selectors: PoweringFlorida.com provides thousands of site-selection experts across the globe with direct access to information about Florida’s workforce, available real estate, utility rate options and potential discounts and incentives – all information that is essential to selecting a location for new or expanding business operations.

• Market Resource Center for Local Economic Development Organizations: PoweringFlorida.com also provides local agencies in Florida tailored data about their communities that can help them better market their strengths and target businesses best-suited for their specific economic and workforce profiles.

“Never before has all this information existed in one place,” said Lynn Pitts, director of FPL’s Office of Economic Development. “It’s taken many months to build, but the benefits are limitless.”

For the first time together on one site, PoweringFlorida.com integrates independent third-party data from GIS Planning and Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI), specialists in location scouting and workforce evaluation, respectively. FPL is providing access free-of-charge for local economic development agencies in Florida that do not currently have these capabilities.

“Across the country, companies looking to expand are demanding reliable and accessible information to guide their decisions, and to maximize their investments,” said Del Boyette, president and CEO of Boyette Strategic Advisors, a leading site consulting firm. “PoweringFlorida.com has achieved a first: bringing the best planning and workforce data together in one click. What that means for companies and their site selectors is unfiltered and unparalleled insight – county by county and block by block. What that means for Florida is a competitive advantage for the right types of jobs and investment.”

“We greatly benefit from a strong partnership with FPL and its Office of Economic Development. FPL’s enhanced marketing efforts and resources provided to economic development organizations and the state are proving to be valuable assets for attracting and expanding business in Florida,” said Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.

“FPL is a strong economic development partner in the Northeast Florida region. Beyond providing a discounted rate incentive, the FPL team is aggressively marketing the state to attract economic development projects. We appreciate the assistance and support that FPL provides to our partner counties to grow our region’s economy,” said Jerry Mallot, president of JAXUSA Partnership of the Greater Jacksonville Region.

PoweringFlorida.com is live now for site selectors worldwide and local economic development organizations in Florida. FPL plans to demonstrate the website’s functions to local economic development stakeholders at Enterprise Florida Inc.’s meeting in Tallahassee later this week.

Visit PoweringFlorida.com to learn more.

Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves approximately 4.6 million customer accounts and is a leading Florida employer with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while its typical residential customer bills, based on data available in December 2011, are about 25 percent below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
For more information, visit: http://www.poweringflorida.com

Energy

Nothing is scarier than wasting electricity on energy phantoms

November 1, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

“While FPL customers have the lowest electric bill in Florida, we’re committed to helping them and their families manage the energy they use every day,” said Craig Muccio, FPL Energy Expert.

Juno Beach, FL (October 31, 2012) — FPL offers kids Top 10 Tips to Fight Energy Phantoms lurking in homes this Halloween.

Florida Power & Light Company doesn’t want its customers to get spooked by energy phantoms creeping around this Halloween. In fact, the company has many ways to help shed light on these unwanted energy consumers.

Phantom energy, or phantom load, is electricity consumed by an electrical device when it is in the “off” mode. Many electronic items are in “standby” mode when turned off, helping them turn on faster or respond to a remote control. Power adapters, such as cell phone chargers, are also powered whenever they are plugged in. This is why they feel slightly warm even when there’s no device connected. Also, anything with a lit digital display uses a tiny bit of power, even when not in use.

“While FPL customers have the lowest electric bill in Florida, we’re committed to helping them and their families manage the energy they use every day,” said Craig Muccio, FPL Energy Expert. “Halloween is a perfect time to teach kids how they can rid their homes of these scary energy-phantoms.”

Top 10 Tips to Fight Energy Phantoms

1. Unplug your charger when you’re not charging your cell phone
2. Turn off electronics, like the radio, TV, computer and video games, as well as lights and ceiling fans when you leave a room
3. Keep windows and outside doors closed when the air conditioning is on
4. Open curtains so you can use the sunlight during the day
5. Use a small lamp when you read or study at night
6. Use the microwave to warm up food instead of the stove
7. Decide what you want from the refrigerator before opening the door
8. Turn off the dishwasher before the drying cycle to let the dishes air dry
9. Take short showers so you’re not using as much energy to heat water
10. Ask your parents to replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights

There are other tips that can help you reduce the amount of electricity you may not realize you’re wasting, find out what they are at, http://www.FPL.com/energyfit.

About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla. – based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
http://www.newsroom.fpl.com/phantoms

Business, Energy, Environment

Energy-Efficient Donations help Fort Myers Homeless Organization save on its Electric Bill

October 3, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Businesses and organizations looking to better manage their energy use and save on their monthly bills can take FPL’s free Business Energy Evaluation.

Juno Beach, FL (October 3, 2012) — Today, Florida Power & Light Company and local contractors led an effort to benefit a nonprofit organization that helps those in need every day. Fort Myers-based Community Cooperative Ministries Incorporated (CCMI) received a free energy makeover from FPL, which will help the organization save at least $3,000 a year in electricity costs.

Incorporated in 1984, the CCMI is dedicated to ending hunger in Lee County by providing nutritious meals, groceries, quality early childhood education, social services, case management and referral to the homeless, homebound, seniors, working poor, children and the frail in our community. The agency provides more than 14,000 meals each month through their Everyday Café & Marketplace and Home Delivered Meals programs. CCMI also educates 40 children in its Community Montessori, offers homeless and comprehensive case management services through its United Way Resource House, oversees an emergency mobile food pantry and supplies weekend backpacks full of food to more than 2,500 children each school year.

“We are so appreciative and thankful to FPL and its partners for their generosity and hard work in making our organization more energy-efficient,” said Tracey Galloway, CEO of Community Cooperative Ministries Incorporated. “It feels good to know that there are companies out there that take an active role helping those in need in our community. The money we save on our electric bill will help us to provide more comprehensive services to the homeless in our community.”

FPL and local contractors added film to all windows to save energy by reducing solar heat gain in summer and retaining heat in winter. Other upgrades included the installation of energy-efficient lighting and the addition of new freezer curtain strips in the organization’s large walk-in freezer to keep chilled air inside and energy bills even lower.

“We are very grateful for the CCMI’s important role in the community,” said FPL Community Relations Specialist, Tim Moore. “We’re happy that we are able to give back to such an integral organization in our neighborhood. This makeover has allowed us to give the CCMI a long-term return on the investments we make here today at no charge to them. FPL customers have the lowest electric bills in the state, and these upgrades will help them continue to save and further help others who need assistance.”

Most of the energy efficiency upgrades that were completed today can be adopted by any business customer looking to make smarter energy choices. Businesses and organizations looking to better manage their energy use and save on their monthly bills can take FPL’s free Business Energy Evaluation.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
http://www.newsroom.fpl.com

Business

Nova Southeastern University Launches $50 Million Coral Reef Research Center in Hollywood, Fla.; saves thousands with FPL’s Economic Development Rate

September 28, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Juno Beach, FL (September 28, 2012) — Nova Southeastern University (NSU) opened its new $50 million Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Ecosystems Research, the largest facility of its kind in the country, on Sept. 27 in Hollywood, Fla.

The Center qualified for Florida Power & Light Company’s specially discounted economic development rate new or expanding businesses that meet certain minimum requirements in terms of jobs created and added energy usage, which will save tens of thousands of dollars on electric bills over four years.

At a price tag of $50 million, the Center has created 22 new academic jobs and 300 construction jobs, and it will employ 50 graduate students as well as preserving 22 existing academic jobs.

“Reefs across the world are under extreme threat from both global and local stressors. Research is urgently needed for improved understanding, management, and conservation. Our research is funded by grants and contracts, and conducted in a state-of-the-art facility right here in South Florida,” said NSU President George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. “We are grateful for this discounted rate because savings in operational expenses translates into an increased ability to keep our tuition competitive for our students and conduct research activities that help benefit society.”

Protecting coral reefs also helps to protect the livelihoods of thousands of South Floridians. Florida is home to 84 percent of the nation’s reef ecosystems. These ecosystems contribute more than $6 billion annually to South Florida’s economy and contribute to a total of roughly 71,000 tourism, government, academic and research-related jobs, according to NSU.

“We are very pleased that our economic development rate was able to help support NSU’s efforts to grow their program and create jobs while also helping to protect the coral reefs that are crucial to the environment and Florida’s economy,” said Pam Rauch, FPL’s vice president of development and external affairs.

FPL offers discounts off its already-low business rates that are among the very lowest in the state and well below the national average as part of the company’s ongoing effort to support Florida’s future by helping businesses power economic growth. Businesses eligible for FPL’s economic development rate receive a discount on their standard base energy and demand charges over four to five years. Visit http://www.PoweringFlorida.com for more information.

For more information on the Center, visit http://www.nova.edu/ocean/excellence or contact Ken Ma, NSU associate director of public affairs, at ken.ma@nova.edu or 954-621-7961. For more information on how to support the Center, contact Wendy Wood-Derrer, NSU-OC assistant director of development, at wendyw@nova.edu or 954-262-3617.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
Visit http://www.PoweringFlorida.com for more information.

Business, Energy, Environment

Florida Power & Light Energizes Classrooms with Zany, New Educational School Show

September 13, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

“We know that many teachers reach into their own pockets to supplement their teaching and to help bring lessons to life,” said FPL’s Education Program Manager, Maureen Wilt.

Juno Beach, FL, USA (September 13, 2012) — The fast-paced educational school show, “Men in Plaid: The Kilowatt Connection,” is energizing classrooms throughout Florida Power & Light Company‘s service territory. The program, featuring an incredible cast of characters, is available free of charge to teachers who are looking to enrich their science curricula for the 2012-13 school year.

“Men in Plaid: The Kilowatt Connection” delivers important energy conservation messages through an engaging cast of characters including Moldy and Skuller, The Boss, Ooot Blatuu, and The Slug. The foursome travels the planet finding ways electricity is being used unsafely and unwisely. The cast teaches students how energy is made, used and wasted and why it’s important to conserve it.

“We know that many teachers reach into their own pockets to supplement their teaching and to help bring lessons to life,” said FPL’s Education Program Manager, Maureen Wilt. “It’s our hope that programs like this will inspire students to be energy conservation advocates in their homes and ease the educational load on Florida teachers.”

The show is performed by professional actors from The National Theatre for Children based in Minneapolis, Minn. This organization specializes in writing and performing educational programs for children nationwide using simple sets and audience participation.

The 25-minute live theatre performance is offered to kindergarten through fifth-grade students in FPL’s service territory. The show can be performed at individual schools in the gym, cafeteria or any large assembly area where students can be seated on the floor. Each show includes grade-appropriate workbooks for each student, and comprehensive online teacher guides.

To learn more about arranging a performance or to see the tour schedule, visit http://www.fpl.com/community/learning/show.shtml.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
For photos visit: http://www.fpl.com/newsroom

Business, Energy

On Hurricane Andrew’s 20th Anniversary, FPL Recognizes the Contributions of Electric Workers

August 23, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Juno Beach, FL (August 22, 2012) — As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew is observed, Florida Power & Light Company is paying special tribute to the members of its team whose work is critical to providing reliable power year-round and in the wake of devastating storms – electrical workers.

Karl Greer, an FPL electric worker based in South Florida, knows the importance of having a plan and being prepared because Greer rode out Hurricane Andrew 20 years ago with his family in Homestead, the storm’s ground zero. After the storm, he worked 16-hour shifts alongside thousands of FPL employees until power was fully restored.

“We put up wires and poles for a living, but the need I saw after Hurricane Andrew was unlike anything that I had ever witnessed,” said Greer. “Andrew taught us all a vital lesson about the seriousness of storms, and the need for serious preparation.”

Greer’s experience during Andrew was like many in the region. At 12:35 a.m., his power went out, and the noise of the wind and debris against the shutters grew so loud that he and his family could barely hear their own voices. When daylight arrived, he went outside to find his roof in tatters, and each of the 29 mature pine trees in his yard fallen. His uncle’s home on a neighboring property, once a two story residence, had been cut in half, with only the bottom floor remaining.

However, Greer had to put aside his personal challenges, because duty called. “The roads were all blocked, but as soon as I could I was at FPL with my crew, getting the power back on,” said Greer. “In one area, we replaced every single pole along a 6-mile stretch. It was tough, but what kept me going was the thought that my friends and family were counting on us; people all throughout the area were counting on us.”

The efforts of electric workers and other dedicated employees after Hurricane Andrew helped to improve FPL’s preparations for storms and the recovery that follows. The strategies employed to create restoration staging areas to coordinate with out-of-state service providers to assist with field operations were formed by experiences in Hurricane Andrew.

“Our electric workers are our first responders, consistently answering the call for help, whether it’s working to upgrade our electrical system on a daily basis or leading the charge after a storm,” said Keith Hardy, FPL’s vice president of Distribution. “We are showing our appreciation by celebrating throughout August, especially on Sunday Aug. 26, Lineworker Appreciation Day in Florida.”

To hear more from FPL electric workers that were on the ground during Hurricane Andrew, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_5-obibfjg&feature=youtu.be

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
Tel: 305-552-3888
E-Mail: amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
Web: To hear more from FPL electric workers that were on the ground during Hurricane Andrew, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_5-obibfjg&feature=youtu.be