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COACH Foundation Executive Director Granted Full Pardon By Governor Scott
Reverend Willie Dixon, Founder and Execu- tive Director of COACH Foundation, Inc. was granted a Full Pardon by Governor Rick Scott and his Cabinet on Friday, June 24, 2016. Dixon submitted his appli- cation for a full pardon with the authority to own and pos- sess a firearm to the Florida State Clemency Board. He gave an oral presentation and answered questions.
His daughter, Joy Dixon and Ray Collins were ready to speak to the Board on his behalf. However, within two minutes of his talk, Gover- nor Scott asked the ques- tion, “Why do you want the authority to own or possess a firearm”? Dixon replied, “That’s a good question and stated, “to avoid being ar- rested and convicted for con- structive possession of a firearm”! Governor Scott said, “That is a good answer, application granted.”
The Florida Commission
REV. WILLIE DIXON
on Offender Review (FCOR) had previously issued a favor- able advisory recommenda- tion to the Governor. Dixon thanked the governor, his cabinet and the Clemency Board for granting his peti- tion, but mostly he gave thanks to God. Through Him, anything is possible.
Previously, Dixon was granted a Partial Pardon on November 20, 1986. The partial pardon restored his civil rights and allowed him to vote, but it did not allow
him or any of his family members to possess a firearm. Dixon sought the Full Pardon because of his concerns with a little known law called “constructive possession of a firearm.”
Dixon said “I realized I cannot “uncommit” my past action but, I can lead a com- mitted life based upon my faith in God and obeying the law.” Through COACH Foundation, he has helped over 200 families become first time homebuyers and stimulated the local economy with over $24 million.
At 84 years of age, Dixon does not desire to own a gun, but was simply seeking to be able to take his family out in public so they could enjoy themselves without having to worry about violating the law.
Dixon has chronicled his life story in an autobiogra- phy, the fourth edition of his book, called “A Story to Tell: From Death to Life Play Book For Life.”
Orange County Public Schools Launches Veteran Small Business Program
The Florida Veteran Busi- ness Enterprise Opportunity Act was signed into law by then-Governor Charlie Crist on Veterans Day, 2008. Paul Curtis, CEO of Cur- toom Companies, Incorpo- rated, was then a Crist appointee and Commissioner on the Florida Affordable Housing Study Commission. He is also a member of the American Legion Veteran Small Business Task Force in Washington, D.C.
Recently, Curtoom excelled to propose and win three (3) separate planning, design, and observation contracts in civil, architectural, and envi- ronmental engineering for Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). They may administer improvements valued over $100 million over a five year period in school improvements for the agency.
The firm recently com- pleted providing project over- sight services of projects valued at over $80 million on the 1.2 million square foot Department of Veterans Af- fairs Medical Facility at Lake Nona, Florida.
Curtoom is a design and facilities management serv-
Former Governor, Charlie Crist, and Paul Curtis, CEO of Curtoom.
ices company that provides a wide range of essential serv- ices to design firms, agencies and facility owners in the ed- ucation, healthcare, trans- portation, utilities and housing industries. Curtis said these new contracts will boost its Lake Nona, Orlando office staff from 4 to 12 by next year.
“OCPS has bettered the Florida law by applying its own preference across the board and on each procure- ment opportunity, State Leg- islators should take note,” Curtis said.
“OCPS is poised for great success at attracting Veteran owned small businesses, their families and benefits. It’s a win for all.”
Three Grant Writing Workshops Planned For July
The Center for Non-Profit and Community Development and the National Institute for Strategic and Tactical Planning will host free professional grant-writing workshops during the month of July. The workshops will take place on three separate dates.
The first workshop this month will take place from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, 1002 E. Palm Avenue. It will be held on Thursday, July 28th.
The second workshop will take place on Friday, July 29th, from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., the Children’s Board of Hillsbor- ough County, 1002 E. Palm Avenue.
The third workshop will take place on Saturday, July 30th, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will take place at the West Tampa Library, 2313 W. Union Street.
All three workshops will cover the same information. Seat- ing is limited and anyone wishing to attend the workshops must e-mail nonprofitcenter1@aol.com to confirm a seat and to obtain an invitation and workshop packet. No one will be admitted without an invitation. For more information contact Michael Randolph at (813) 857-7657.
While the workshops are held at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, the organization is not a sponsor of the event and does not endorse or support the content of the ma- terials, presentations, staff, volunteers, or messages delivered during the workshop.
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 7-A