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.

Jacksonville News

• As the nation's leading autism organization, we are excited to be coming to Jacksonville! Please join us for our upcoming informational meeting, in Jacksonville, to learn about Autism Speaks and activities such as Walk Now for Autism. Find out how you can help make a difference to increase the pace and progress of autism research, advocacy, awareness, programs, and services. It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.

  Save the Date!
  Jacksonville Meeting
  Wednesday, November 12, 2008
  7:00pm-9:00pm

  6271 St. Augustine Rd., Suite 1
  Jacksonville, FL 32217
  (Offices of CARD – Jacksonville)

  For more information or to RSVP, please contact Catie Currey, Director of Community Development - Southeast, or call 770.451.0570.
  
  These meetings are open to the public.
  
  Come learn more about Autism Speaks, volunteering, bringing a Walk Now for Autism event to your community, becoming part of the Leadership Committee or just to ask general questions, plan on joining us at one of these events.  We are looking forward to growing Autism Speaks in the Jacksonville Community!  We hope you will be there!
  

South Florida News

•  Saturday, June 14, 2008 Walsh’s Pub in Hollywood, Florida held their 3rd Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Broward Walk Now for Autism. This year’s event at the Hollywood Golf and Country Club hosted over 120 golfers and Walsh’s Pub served lunch at the Pub following the event. Much thanks to Teri Wash, David Podolan, and Golf Tournament Chair Darlene Catalano for all their hard work. The event raised over $12,000 for Autism Speaks!

Southwest Florida News

• On Wednesday, October 8, nearly 900 students and staff at Villas Elementary met on the soccer field to blow bubbles as a symbol of hope, support and wishes for families affected by autism. Each student was equipped with their own bubble blower and spent 10 minutes enjoying the sunshine, each others’ company and blowing bubbles to show their unified support of autism awareness.   
  
  This event was part of Disabilities Awareness Week at Villas. Events included a presentation to students by 10 year old Reno Williams, who talked about how to be friends with someone with autism, daily videos about disabilities on the morning news, and a poster contest to recognize the strengths of individuals with disabilities.

Tampa Bay News

• Save the Date! The 2009 Tampa Bay Planning Committee has chosen to return to MOSI on March 28, 2009 for the Tampa Bay Walk Now for Autism. Please visit www.walknowforautism.org/tampa to register your team today. We will see you in March at MOSI!

•  Team Ashleys Angels will be hosting their First Annual Golf Outing on October 25th at the Summerfield Golf and Country Club in Riverview. There will be raffles, a silent auction, and 18 holes of fun for all. 1:00 shot gun start. For more information or to register please contact Tony Valenti at 813-604-1343.