In June 2019, the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) released the most recent Florida Prison Recidivism Report. Every year, the Bureau of Research and Data Analysis within the Florida Department of Corrections takes a hard look at the rate of recidivism in their institutions- or the percentage of previously incarcerated inmates who re-offend within three years after release and return to the prison system. At the time of our last article in the December 2017 issue, the Florida prison system housed approximately 95,000 inmates, and at the time of this writing, there are approximately 94,000.  
In the state of Florida, 86% of prisoners currently incarcerated will, at some point, be released and return to their communities, and of those, 24.7% of inmates released in 2015 have returned to the FDOC three years later. Repeat offenders pose a unique challenge to the state and federal penal system, as well as a significantly higher burden on the state’s financial resources. However, there is one factor, in particular, that seems to make a marked difference in recidivism rates, as noted in the same report.   

Read more> https://www.masonrymagazine.com/blog/2020/04/20/building-walls-behind-bars-a-closer-look-at-the-fdoc-cte-masonry-program/?_zs=29oRX&_zl=jue42

​SAT, MAY 16, 2020
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

​INTRODUCTION TO MASONRY 28101-13
Provides information about basic masonry materials, tools, techniques, and safety precautions; explains how to mix mortar by hand and lay masonry units; and describes the skills, attitudes, and abilities of successful masons.​

COST: $0 REGISTERED STUDENTS
​

​Join Stephen Borg, of The Keelen Group and Jeff Buczkiewicz of the Mason Contractors Association of America as they discuss the recently passed $2 trillion stimulus package and what regulations, tax credits, and funding may impact and be available to mason contractors and small businesses that will ensure you are able to keep your trusted, skilled employees on board and your businesses afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. MCAA is here to support and aid our members and mason contractors throughout the country weather this storm and hope this webinar will be a great resource to you.

The MCAA's Association Healthcare Plan allows small employers to gain access to large group plan designs and doctor networks while avoiding pitfalls that add costs to small group medical plans.
 
The MCAA has partnered with Assurance, one of the premier insurance brokerages in the country, to develop an Association Health Plan (AHP).

FULL DETAILS AVAILABLE HERE: https://bit.ly/2wpRvbs

​By  George F. Will Columnist

Baker Correctional Institution winners of first ever competition


SANDERSON, Fla. — Inmates from across the state traveled to Baker Correctional Institution to compete in the first ever Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) inter-institutional inmate masonry competition. Seven teams from various Florida correctional institutions showcased their masonry skills, judged by members of the Florida Masonry Apprenticeship and Educational Foundation (FMAEF).


“This is a perfect model of how we are trying to take our rehabilitation programming and actually have it contribute to restoring the men and women under our care back to their communities with a skill that can immediately result in employment,” said FDC Secretary Mark S. Inch. “This competition demonstrates the skill that meets industry standards for immediate employment. We have skilled instructors that are following industry standards, and we have great support from the business community; both from professional and educational organizations.”


Masonry competitions are used industry wide to highlight the quality, skill and fidelity of masonry education programs. FDC’s masonry programs offer industry-recognized certifications through rigorous coursework and hands-on experience. This training program equips inmates with the skills necessary for employment. Prior to release, inmates are paired with industry professionals through FMAEF to assist with immediate employment opportunities.

Read more:: http://www.dc.state.fl.us/comm/press/Main/01-27-Masonry.html

  JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A four-story apartment building under construction on Jacksonville’s Southside burned to the ground before dawn Sunday morning in a fire that kept the eastbound lanes of Baymeadows Road blocked at Interstate 295 all morning.
Flames from the Fusion Apartment at Baymeadows being built along Baymeadows Road East spread to woods but the fire was stopped before it could spread into the neighboring Hampton Park neighborhood.

The Masonry Association of Florida MASONRY APPRENTICE CLASSES are beginning soon. See dates and locations for Open House events in your area:

​SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020
Individual class times are listed below: