The primary funding source for the Florida ProStart program has been through a grant received through the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), initiated through the Hospitality Education Program (HEP). HEP requires a $10 license fee which all Florida restaurants must pay. A portion of these funds are kept by DBPR for administrative purposes while a percentage of the funds are held in a trust until distributed by the grant recipients.
For July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, the grant funds were line-item vetoed by Governor Charlie Crist. This has created a budget shortfall for the FRLAEF. Due to the current budget situation, the following event will not take place during the 2010-2011 school year:
The following benefits will not be available during the 2010-2011 school year:
- Scholarship Awards
- Mini Grants
- Stipends (Full Implementation, ProStart Certification, Competition)
- Regional Workshops
- ServSafe materials (some SafeStaff materials will be distributed to schools that complete the Fall Survey only--no additional materials will be available)
The following events will take place during the 2010-2011 school year:
The following benefits will be available during the 2010-2011 school year:
- ProStart teachers and students may attend FRLA Show free of charge. Click here for registration information.
- The top ProStart teacher, student and industry participant will be recognized at the FRLA Full Board meeting during the FRLA Show next month. Click here for nomination forms.
- Teachers may still award their students the FRLAEF Hospitality Excellence Award--we will mail you the certificate. Click here for information
- ProStart teachers returning their Fall ProStart Survey will receive a handful of free SafeStaff Foodhandler Guides
- Fully Implemented ProStart schools will receive free aprons for their classroom use
We understand you may have questions regarding these changes so feel free to contact Laura Rumer or Amy Parker. |