FloridaCommerce has approved over $1.5 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses affected by Hurricane Debby. So far, 42 businesses have been approved to receive these funds, which are intended to provide temporary financial relief while awaiting other sources of funding such as insurance.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla — Yesterday, the New College of Florida discarded hundreds of library books focused on LGBTQ+, diversity, and religious studies topics, including collections from its former Gender and Diversity Center. Neither students nor the public were given the opportunity to acquire or adopt these books before they were discarded or damaged, as provided by FS 273.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody, along with 20 other attorneys general, is demanding answers from online retailer Temu following concerning recent reports. Attorney General Moody and the coalition are seeking information regarding the company’s alleged ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), data collection and sharing practices, and possible violations of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida's unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate for 45 consecutive months. In July 2024, Florida's statewide unemployment rate was 3.3%, which was one percentage point lower than the national rate of 4.3%. Additionally, Florida's private sector employment grew by 201,500 jobs (+2.3%) over the year since July 2023, outpacing the national rate of 1.5% over the same period.
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of six individuals to the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board. The appointees are Douglas Bassett, Rafael Echarri, Robert Lombardo, Kevin McElroy, Donald Smith Jr., and Clarence Tibbs.
Tallahassee, Fla., August 16, 2024 – Today, Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., announced August’s chosen books for the Commissioner’s Book of the Month, a monthly reading challenge aimed at promoting literacy and reading engagement in preK-12 schools.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Dr. Steven Christie and Dr. James “Matthew” Knight and the reappointment of Dr. Scot Ackerman and Dr. Hector Vila to the Board of Medicine.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Jaime DiDomenico and Brittany Riner to the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota District Board of Trustees.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed an amicus brief alongside 23 other state attorneys general, urging the Supreme Court of the United States to hear Republican National Committee v. Mi Familia Vota. The coalition seeks confirmation that states can establish rules governing their own elections, including requiring voters to show proof of citizenship.
FloridaCommerce has announced that the Miami metro area gained the most private sector jobs among all metro areas over the year in July 2024. The region saw an increase of 35,400 jobs, marking a 3.1% rise.
Florida's economy is marked by notable achievements, including substantial investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and a business-friendly environment under Gov. Ron DeSantis. These factors contribute to Florida's leading position in job growth, low unemployment rate, and high rate of new business formations. Additionally, the state ranks as the number one destination for net in-migration due to its favorable economic conditions and quality of life.
Inflation rates for motor vehicle insurance increased by 1.2% in July, which is 1% higher than the national average inflation rate of 0.2% reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) summary.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking participants to help identify images of eastern indigo snakes, listed as federally threatened, from a database of digital trail camera photos. This project, the Indigo Snake Watch, aims to improve understanding of the reintroduced snakes’ activity and distribution while providing volunteers an opportunity to contribute to the conservation of North America’s largest native snake species.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of Lowder’s Gulf Hammock, a 691-acre working timber and wetland property in Levy County, through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The preservation is facilitated by a rural land protection easement valued at $691,200.
Tallahassee, Fla – Today, Florida TaxWatch released its 2024 update: "Are Floridians Ready to Go Back to School? Not Without More Teachers," an analysis of Florida’s teacher shortage. In Florida’s FY2023-24 state budget, education was one of the largest consumers of taxpayer dollars; however, a teacher shortage prevents these funds from being effectively utilized.