SASHTO 2008 -- A HUGE SUCCESS!!

Wow!! SASHTO 2008 was incredible!!

The Florida SASHTO Team (including yours truly) came together and produced a very memorable event. Our sincere thanks to each and every one who attended.

I was very busy doing my part. Checking the signs, keeping the registration crew happy, checking the sound equipment and best of all, meeting all the kids who brought their parents and grandparents to Orlando.

The SASHTO Photography Team (Matt, Terry, Doug and Frank) took lots of photos. I especially like the ones of ME! You can see them HERE.

And . . . just when I thought it couldn't get any better, my friends Jerry, Martin, Rusty, Debra and I teamed up to produce an award-winning (or at least award-deserving) video called "Gotta Go". You can view it HERE. Can you believe we stayed up all night to get it ready for viewing at the Closing Event on Tuesday evening.

I made many new friends in Florida as you can see by the many photos. I was ready to stay but I have work to do in Mississippi. So as the song says, "I gotta go". See you in Biloxi, Mississippi next year!

We're Almost Ready for SASHTO 2008!

The Florida DOT staff and I are making the final preparations for everyone to come to Orlando. We'll be wearing different shirts each day -- it was my idea! I have my own shirts too. Just look for us in blue shirts on Friday and Monday, Tangerine shirts on Saturday and Tuesday and Apple shirts on Sunday and Wednesday. Gotta go! I think Secretary Kopelousos needs me.

Mayor Kaplan and I Know How to Run a Meeting!

There are 26 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in Florida. Mayor Richard J. Kaplan is the Chairman of the Florida Metropolitan Planning Oganization Advisory Council (MPOAC). In other words, he is someone important and he and I are now big buds!

I went to the MPOAC meeting today and they made me feel right at home. Can you believe several people wanted a picture with me?

The MPOs and FDOT work closely together to improve transportation in Florida for everyone! I like that.

Go Seminoles, Gators and Jaguars!

Boy, did I have fun today! I am now an official Florida Seminole, a Florida Gator and a Jacksonville Jaguar. Just check out my new duds and you'll see. Those mascots better watch out cause my agent is at work!

Albert's Favorite Videos

I thought you might like to see my favorite videos. Click on the arrow in the middle to start the first video. All the videos will play automatically or you can select them on the right. I hope you like them.

Drive Safely

If you're driving to SASHTO 2008, please drive safely. The Florida Department of Transportation is dedicated to making travel in Florida safer and more efficient. You can learn more about FDOT's safety programs HERE.

And don't worry, I won't be behind the wheel. This was just a photo-op that I agreed to do. Don't forget to Buckle Up!

My Award

Can you believe it? I received an award today at the annual awards ceremony for the Intermodal Systems Development (ISD) offices. Assistant Secretary Debbie Hunt presented the award to me in the auditorium in front of lots of people. The award says, "for outstanding dedication and fashion sense". Very cool! I thanked my Mom, my Dad, my director, my producer, Bubba, Toni Daigle and all the others who made this possible.

La Nouba™!

Have you heard about the Opening Event for SASHTO 2008? Wow!!
It will be on Sunday evening, August 10 and it's called La Nouba™! It's a creation of Cirque du Soleil®. I've been working with the cast and teaching them some of my best moves. Want to see a sneak preview? Just click HERE

Cinco de Mayo

On May 5 we observed "Cinco de Mayo", a time to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. The holiday commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces over French forces in the Battle of Pueble on May 5, 1862. My friends at the Florida DOT bought me a new sombrero. How do you like it? You can learn more about Cinco de Mayo HERE.

My Friend DD

This is my friend DD Florez. She works at FDOT and I think she really likes me. She dresses me in outfits for the holidays. I love all the attention I get. I have made many special friends as I travel from state to state. Paula San Gregorio also contributes to my ever expanding wardrobe.

Is it Albert or the Easter Bunny?

Okay, the responsibilities I have as the SASHTO monkey are huge. I have to keep everyone motivated and be the goodwill ambassador. So when they asked if I would mind dressing up as the Easter Bunny, I said, "No problem". It's a tough job being the SASHTO monkey, but someone has to do it.

P.E. Trainees

Today, I got to meet the Professional Engineer Trainees in FDOT. What a great group! Here I am with Jeannine Offutt and Jason Trujillo. Looks like the future Secretary and Chief Engineer of FDOT don’t you think? They asked to have their photo with me which demonstrates how quickly they recognize true talent when they see it! I hope they didn’t confuse me with the Easter Bunny. The future of FDOT will be in good hands with these aspiring young engineers.”

St. Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day what a great holiday. Pretty cool hat, huh? Green bananas anyone?

I say we make Ireland a member of SASHTO!!