The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have issued a joint statement regarding supervisory practices for financial institutions impacted by Hurricane Milton. These agencies are offering regulatory assistance to affected institutions under their supervision.
Hurricane Milton has prompted one of the largest multi-agency activations in Florida National Guard history. The Florida Air National Guard (FLANG) mobilized over 900 Airmen to prepare for and respond to the storm, which required significant coordination among various teams.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has announced the launch of Operation Blue Roof, a program run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District. This initiative is designed to assist residents impacted by Hurricane Milton by providing temporary roofing solutions.
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a $9.5 million award to SeaPort Manatee for infrastructure repairs following Hurricane Milton's damage. The port, a crucial hub in Southwest Florida, faced potential losses of $225 million due to the hurricane. Damage included the loss of 10 out of 13 warehouses and three docking facilities.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Following the destruction caused by Hurricane Milton, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued guidance to local law enforcement regarding enhanced penalties for looting and other crimes during a declared state of emergency. This announcement aims to deter criminal activities in storm-affected areas.
The Secretary of State, Cord Byrd, has announced the opening of an exhibition celebrating the 29th anniversary of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State Agreement. The exhibit will be available for viewing at the 22nd Floor Capitol Art Gallery from October 16 to December 31, 2024. A reception is scheduled for October 16 at 5:00 p.m.
Governor Ron DeSantis has allocated $9.5 million to SeaPort Manatee for repairs after it sustained significant damage from Hurricane Milton. The port, a crucial hub in Southwest Florida, suffered potential losses estimated at $225 million, including the destruction of 10 out of 13 warehouses and damage to three docking facilities.
The Florida National Guard faced a demanding period from late September to early October as it responded to two major hurricanes, Helene and Milton. Hurricane Helene struck Florida's Big Bend region on September 26, 2024, prompting the activation of nearly 4,100 troops for emergency operations. As these efforts unfolded, the Guard prepared for another storm, Hurricane Milton.
FloridaCommerce has provided over $10 million in financial assistance to more than 242 small businesses in Florida affected by Hurricane Helene. This aid is part of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, designed to support businesses as they await other funding sources such as insurance.
Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning to Floridians about potential scams and fraud in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The hurricane struck Florida's West Coast on Wednesday night, causing severe weather conditions such as storm surge, flash flooding, tornadoes, and high winds across much of the state. In response to these events, Attorney General Moody advises residents to be cautious of scams related to debris removal, contractor services, and other disaster-related schemes.
FloridaCommerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, offering $50 million to businesses affected by Hurricane Milton. Small business owners in Florida seeking assistance can apply at FloridaJobs.org/EBL.
FloridaCommerce, in collaboration with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), has launched the Business Damage Assessment Survey to evaluate the impact of Hurricane Milton. This initiative allows business owners to report both physical and economic damages they have experienced due to the hurricane. The data collected will help the state streamline recovery efforts by understanding the needs of affected businesses.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced several closures and operational changes for its healthcare facilities in Florida due to the upcoming federal holiday and potential impacts from Hurricane Helene or Milton. The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System's C. W. "Bill" Young VAMC Campus will be closed from Thursday, October 10 through Tuesday, October 15, including its Emergency Department. All other sites within this system will also be closed from Friday, October 11 to Monday, October 14.
For deaf and hard of hearing individuals, finding traditional employment often comes with numerous challenges, but rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft are changing that. By introducing accessibility features and forming partnerships with advocacy groups, these companies are opening doors to flexible, inclusive work environments.
Tom Gaitens, the executive director of Florida Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA), said tort reform is needed to settle injustives against businesses and customers during Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a series of closures and schedule adjustments for its facilities in Florida due to Hurricane Milton. The affected dates are Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10, 2024. Several VA healthcare systems across the state have altered their operations in response to the storm.
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has filed an emergency motion in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, seeking to extend the voter registration deadline. This action comes as Floridians deal with consecutive hurricanes, Helene and Milton, which have disrupted essential services during the final days of voter registration.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties in Florida due to the impending Hurricane Milton. This declaration, Executive Order 24-215, amends EO 24-214 as the hurricane is expected to intensify and impact a wide area. The storm poses significant risks, including storm surge, coastal flooding, heavy rainfall, and damaging winds.
Florida ranks 18th in workplace flexibility across the nation, with 82% of companies offering employees the option to work with flexible arrangements. While the state as a whole maintains a solid position, the level of flexibility varies significantly between cities, highlighting regional differences within Florida’s workforce landscape.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a series of closures across several healthcare systems in Florida due to Hurricane Milton. The closures are scheduled from Tuesday, October 8, through Thursday, October 10, affecting various facilities.