Autism Speaks is dedicated to:

• Science and Research - leading us to answers and interventions
• Family Services - providing families with information, tools and resources
• Awareness - increasing public knowledge and understanding of autism
• Advocacy - accelerating national and state autism legislation

In Florida, we have funded over $3,125,000 in the areas of research and family services. We are also proud to have been a part of the grassroots efforts that encouraged Governor Charlie Crist and the state's legislators for passing Senate Bill 2654 - which will ultimately provide each family with up to $36,000 insurance coverage of evidence based, medically necessary autism therapies.

The Florida community continues to turn out in record numbers in support of the Autism Speaks. Join us at one of our Spring Walk Now for Autism events to find more about continuing statewide advocacy efforts, local community resources, upcoming events, and ways to get involved:

• Palm Beach County - Saturday, February 21st - Flagler Drive
• Treasure Coast - Saturday, February 21st - Jensen Beach High School
• Miami-Dade - Sunday, February 22nd - Crandon Park on Key Biscayne
• Tampa - Saturday, March 28th - Museum of Science and Industry
• Broward County - Saturday, April 18th - Nova Southeastern University
• Southwest Florida - Saturday, November 7th - Estero Community Park
• Jacksonville- Sunday, November 8th- University of North Florida, Hodges Stadium
• Orlando- Saturday, November 14th- Cranes Roost Park at Uptown Altamonte
  

Florida's Local News
Insurance Legislation Signed By Govener Crist - Autism Speaks joins Florida families in applauding Governor Charlie Crist and the state's legislators for passing Senate Bill 2654, which will ultimately require insurance carriers to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies. To send a note of Thanks to Governor Crist, please visit the AutismVotes.org webpage.

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• Jacksonville News
• South Florida News
• Orlando News
• Southwest Florida News
• Tampa Bay News

Jacksonville News

The Jacksonville Walk Now for Autism Speaks has officially begun in North Florida! If you are interested in strarting a team, becoming a vendor at the 2009 Resource Fair, Sponsoring this event, or joining the Walk Planning Committee, check out our website at www.walknowforautism.org/jacksonville!

Please Join Us: Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at the University of North Florida, Hodges Stadium for the Inaugural Jacksonville Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Join thousands across the United States and beyond as we tackle autism and raise awareness in our communities.

Please check out the FREE Services provided by Autism Speaks for families, providers, doctors and parents in YOUR community!

Become a FAN of the Jacksonville Walk Now for Autism on FACEBOOK!

For more information on services and events in North Florida, please contact Sarah Murry, Jacksonville Walk Manager at 888-777-6227x 7321 or Jacksonville@autismspeaks.org!

South Florida News

Broward - 2nd Annual Surfers for Autism Event  Saturday, May 2, 2009 - in Deerfield Beach on the North side of the Pier from 8 AM to 4 PM. This event gives the local South Florida Surfing Community an opportunity to unite and to give an autistic child the experience of a lifetime by spending a day in the water with skilled South Florida Surfers all while raising awareness for autism. All proceeds will benefit the Broward Walk Now for Autism. For more information please e-mail surfersforautism09@live.com

Broward - Summer STEPS 2009
If you are an individual or know an individual with a developmental, cognitive, hearing, physical, or vision disability we have 82 full-time (30 hours per week) openings at worksites throughout Broward County. Electronic applications will be available at www.danmarinofoundation.org as of February 1, 2009. Questions? Contact susan Morantes at  (954) 389-4445  or by e-mail at susan@danmarinofoundation.org  

Palm Beach - Friday, April 24, 2009 - Celebrity Bartending Night - Team Renaissance Learning Center is hosting their annual fundraiser benefiting the 2009 Palm Beach County Walk Now for Autism at E.R. Bradleys (104 S Clematis St West Palm Beach, FL 33401); 4:30PM to 6:30PM Happy Hour!  For more information please e-mail kateandjoec@aol.com

Please join one of our four Spring walks in South Florida by visiting the Walk Now for Autism website!

Orlando News

Please join us for the 5th annual Orlando Walk Now for Autism Speaks!
On Saturday, November 14, 2009 we will be hosting the Orlando Walk at our new location, Cranes Roost Park at Uptown Altamonte!

This year we will have live entertainment, costumed characters, bounce houses, food, fun, games, and prizes for Team T-shirt of the Year, Team Banner/Sign of the Year, Top Team Page, and more! To start winning prizes and receiving email updates from Orlando Walk Now for Autism please register your team TODAY!

If you are interested in strarting a team, becoming a vendor at the 2009 Resource Fair, Sponsoring this event, or joining the Walk Planning Committee, check out our website at www.walknowforautism.org/orlando!

Become a FAN of the Orlando Walk Now for Autism on FACEBOOK!

Southwest Florida News

Autism Speaks Night at the Everblades
On April 4, The Everblades helped celebrate Autism Awareness Month by hosting a special game night.  Max Memoli threw out the ceremonial "first puck" along with opposing team captains, Craig Brush, owner of the Everblades, and his mom, Elly Hagen, Chair of The Southwest Florida Walk Now for Autism.  Families and professionals enjoyed a great night at the 'Blades and their ticket purchases benefited Autism Speaks.

 
Join us at these upcoming events:

• Beef O'Brady's Dine Out Nights to Benefit Autism Speaks
  April 20 and 27—Beef O'Brady's in Estero
• Promising Pathways– The Road to Best Practices in Autism Conference
  April 25 at FGCU
• Art Walk - Downtown Fort Myers
  Autism Speaks will be featured charity; Friday, October 2
• Southwest Florida Walk Now for Autism; Saturday, November 7
  Estero Community Park; Register now at www.walknowforautism.org/southwestflorida

For more information contact: swfl@autismspeaks.org.

Tampa Bay News

Help us reach our goal by hosting your own team wrap around event!

Congratulations to Kimmie and Howie Fine for hosting a successful Wine Tasting event. Over 100 people joined them at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club on March 7^th to raise over $4,000 for the Finest Team. Kimmie would like to thank Ben Wamboldt from Trinchero Family Estates and his wife Erin for donating the wine for the evening.