NWS Southern Region Director Bill Proenza (fifth from right) and Deputy Regional Director Steven Cooper (far right) join Gov. Jeb Bush (left), Leslie Chapman-Henderson and the Governor's Cabinet at recognition ceremony in Tallahassee (Photo courtesy of Governor's office)

(August 9, 2005) - National Weather Service Southern Region Director Bill Proenza addressed Florida Governor Jeb Bush and his cabinet while in session in Tallahassee. Governor Bush said he was quite pleased with the performance of NWS Weather Forecast Offices serving Florida - as well as the National Hurricane Center.

Proenza also presented Leslie Chapman-Henderson, CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), with a NOAA Environmental Hero Award. Ms. Chapman-Henderson has provided outstanding support to the National Weather Service's severe weather, hurricanes, wildfires and floods outreach and education program.

FLASH has also served as a full partner in the National Weather Service's highly successful Turn Around, Don't Drown® flood safety awareness campaign.