A. D. Bamburg News

FloridaCommerce awards $6.5 million for non-custodial parent employment program

FloridaCommerce has awarded over $6 million to various organizations through the Non-Custodial Parent Employment Program (NCPEP). The funding aims to help Floridians achieve self-sufficiency and improve their ability to consistently meet child support payments. Nine organizations will use these funds to provide employment assistance, job training, and other supportive services.

DeSantis meets Irish business leaders to foster economic collaboration

Recently, Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly joined Governor Ron DeSantis to meet with several business leaders in Dublin, Ireland, to discuss investment and research opportunities in Florida’s innovation economy. Both Florida and Ireland are recognized for their rapidly accelerating economies.

Governor DeSantis highlights success reducing nursing shortages through LINE & PIPELINE funds

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis visited Daytona State College today to highlight Florida’s progress in enhancing the nursing talent pipeline through the Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) Fund and the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund. These programs aim to increase the number of nurses entering the workforce by incentivizing collaboration and performance in nursing education.

Florida marks one year since Hurricane Idalia's landfall

Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) commemorates the one-year anniversary since Hurricane Idalia made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida as a strong Category 3 hurricane. Hurricane Idalia was the first major hurricane on record to hit this part of the Big Bend region. The storm brought a devastating storm surge of 7-12 feet above normally dry ground to the coastline in Levy, Dixie, and Taylor counties.

Florida to certify primary election results on August 29

The Florida Department of State's Division of Elections has announced a meeting of the Elections Canvassing Commission to certify the 2024 Primary Election results.

Governor DeSantis reappoints two to South Florida Water Management District

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Benjamin Butler and Carlos “Charlie” Martinez to the South Florida Water Management District.

Key West realtor Jaime Caballero emphasizes community engagement and historic preservation

Jaime Caballero, a real estate professional in Key West, has built a notable career through her dedication to property management and community involvement. Initially entering the field out of necessity, Caballero explained, “I became a real estate agent only because I [needed my license] when I changed companies.” After managing properties for a prominent local family, she joined Century 21, which required her to obtain an agent's license.

AG Moody urges vigilance against voter fraud at annual conference

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody addressed the Florida Tax Collectors Association Annual Conference in Orlando, urging vigilance in identifying and reporting voter fraud. Tax collector offices, where Floridians frequently interact with government services, play a significant role beyond tax collection. These offices provide vehicle tags, hunting licenses, driver’s licenses, and facilitate voter registration.

Florida Attorney General warns public about dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians about the dangers of drug use on National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. According to a report, law enforcement seized more than 115 million counterfeit prescription pills containing illicit fentanyl in 2023. Fentanyl is also being found mixed in other illicit drugs, like meth and cocaine. To keep Floridians informed about the threats of this deadly substance, Attorney General Moody updated the Fast Facts on Fentanyl toolkit with additional resources to report online drug dealers.

First loan approved for hurricane recovery under new Florida agricultural aid program

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the approval of the first Hurricane Debby recovery loan through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. The application process was launched on August 9, 2024, to assist eligible Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers in rebuilding and recovering from Hurricane Debby. This loan approval comes just 15 days after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida.

Florida's seaports face funding challenges amid rising capital improvement needs

When it comes to ensuring that Floridians have access to critical commodities like food, fuel, and healthcare supplies, Florida’s seaports are the essential supply chain leader.

Florida schools receive grants for annual School Fishing Club Program

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will issue a School Fishing Club Grant to 50 schools for the upcoming school year. The School Fishing Club Program is an annual educational grant program that teaches youth anglers about best fishing practices to help ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

Attorneys general urge Supreme Court to hear voter registration case

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.

CareerSource partners with Chamber on future economy

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.

Florida residents urged to report wild turkey sightings until Aug. 31

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking Floridians to report all sightings of wild turkeys between now and Aug. 31. This includes hens, with or without poults, and bearded turkeys.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance available for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Debby

Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Debby and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Debby are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.

Florida Realtors® highlights environmental benefits of grass lawns

Florida Realtors® has highlighted the multifaceted benefits of grass lawns, citing their positive impacts on people, pets, and the environment. According to The TurfMutt Foundation, which promotes the care and use of green spaces such as yards and parks, grass lawns offer several significant advantages.

Florida's annual python challenge begins with hundreds participating

The 2024 Florida Python Challenge™ commenced at 12:01 a.m. on August 9, with participants scouring the Everglades to locate and remove invasive Burmese pythons. Hundreds have registered for the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes while contributing to the protection of Florida’s native wildlife and the Everglades ecosystem.

Flags to be flown at half-staff for fallen deputy sheriff

On August 2, 2024, Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Link was shot and killed in the line of duty at the age of 28. He leaves behind his wife and parents. Before joining the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, he served with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for two years. Link was also a United States Army Reserves veteran. His career exemplified an unwavering commitment to service. Link displayed bravery and valor in his efforts to protect his community and will be remembered for his sacrifice.

Governor DeSantis issues updates on state response to Hurricane Debby

As of this morning, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) emergency response personnel have completed preliminary assessments of over 10,000 lane miles of state roads. A total of 181 FDOT crews have performed cut-and-toss operations, removing road debris on over 6,596 miles of road. State roadways are now clear except for inaccessible and flooded roadways.