The Florida Commission on the Status of Women has had a busy 2007, and we look forward to a successful 2008 as we strive to fulfill our mission of empowering Florida women in achieving their fullest potential. Please be sure to join us for the 2007/2008 Florida Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 5:00 p.m. in the Capitol Courtyard. The Commission is eagerly awaiting the announcement of the three outstanding women selected by Governor Crist who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Be sure to check the FCSW website for the announcement of the three inductees!

We are also proud to be continuing our educational seminars with our next Florida Women Mean Business program on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at Hodges University in Ft. Myers, Florida. This seminar will provide important information, inspirational stories, and resources that are available to help women become successful entrepreneurs.

The Commission also supports the efforts of Attorney General Bill McCollum and his commitment to protecting children from those who would prey upon them through the Internet. According to current statistics, more than 77 million children regularly use the Internet. According to the Federal Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Florida ranks fourth in the nation in volume of child pornography. Nationally, one in seven children between the ages of ten and 17 has been solicited online by a sexual predator.

To combat the growing threat of cybercrimes against children in our state, the Attorney General's Child Predator CyberCrime Unit was established in 2005. This unit works to expand programs to further safeguard children from predatory criminals and includes law enforcement investigators and prosecutors whose primary mission is to target child predators, child pornography, and Internet-based sexual exploitation of children. In less than two years, the unit has facilitated the arrests of 51 individuals who created, possessed or distributed child pornography, or who sexually solicited children online and traveled to meet them.

The soon to be published 2007 FCSW Annual Report will provide information and resources to help the Women of Florida protect themselves and their families from crimes committed on the Internet. The Commission is also planning educational seminars and outreach to give women the tools they need to be CyberSafe.

Thank you again for your support and have a safe and happy Holiday Season.