Gulf Coast Dispatch News

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association endorses Jimmy Patronis for Congress

Today, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) officially endorsed Jimmy Patronis, Florida's Chief Financial Officer, for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida’s 1st Congressional District.

Florida Policy Institute warns against ending tuition fairness for Dreamers

Allowing Florida's Dreamers to access in-state tuition has not resulted in financial losses for the state.

Florida Realtors set to discuss 2025 real estate trends at upcoming summit

A significant event in the Florida real estate sector, the Real Estate Trends summit, is scheduled for January 31.

Attorney General Moody supports Thin Blue Line Act enhancing penalties against violence on officers

Attorney General Ashley Moody has expressed her support for the Thin Blue Line Act, a piece of legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.

Naples realtor Tahlia Urbinati Jacobs balances career success with community service

Tahlia Urbinati Jacobs, a third-generation Realtor in Naples, has been navigating her career with a focus on balance and community involvement.

DeSantis establishes Hope Florida Office within executive branch

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis have established the Hope Florida Office within the Executive Office of the Governor.

Moody unveils new guide against senior-targeted grandparent scam

Attorney General Ashley Moody hosted a Senior Scam Seminar in Marion County, Florida, where she introduced a new resource aimed at protecting seniors from scams.

Florida board approves revised college course list

The State Board of Education in Florida has approved a new list of general education courses for the state's 28 colleges.

Florida education department promotes Black History Month contests for students

The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida have announced the 2025 Black History Month student art and essay contests, themed "Honoring African American Contributions to Florida’s Success."

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association honors top industry leaders at annual gala

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) recently held its annual gala at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, Florida.

FWC seeks public input on Levy County manatee zone changes

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced a public hearing to collect input on proposed changes to manatee protection zones in Levy County.

Florida Chamber Foundation hosts summit on economic outlook featuring industry experts

The Florida Chamber Foundation is set to host its annual Florida Economic Outlook & Jobs Solution Summit, a virtual event featuring experts from various sectors including banking, real estate, and tourism.

Florida unveils new tools and incentives against human trafficking

Attorney General Ashley Moody has announced new initiatives to combat human trafficking in Florida.

Florida think tanks warn against rising costs of school voucher programs

With Florida's legislative session on the horizon, the Florida Policy Institute (FPI) and Education Law Center (ELC) have issued a report warning about the financial implications of the state's universal voucher program.

Common Cause hosts briefing on Southern legislative priorities

Common Cause hosted a press briefing on January 14, 2025, marking the first in their series titled "Protecting Democracy in the South."

New fishing pier opens in Lake City honoring WWII veteran

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) celebrated the grand opening of the new Harter Pier at Lake Montgomery Fish Management Area on January 10.

Foundation supports Indiana's new Medicaid reform initiative

The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) has expressed approval for Indiana State Senator Ryan Mishler's efforts in introducing legislation aimed at reforming the state's Medicaid system.

Funding available for veteran recovery housing in Florida

FloridaCommerce has announced the availability of $3.1 million in funding to support transitional housing for veterans and individuals recovering from substance use disorders through the Recovery Housing Program (RHP).

Florida highlights economic impact of defense industry with new reports

Recently, the FloridaCommerce Office of Military and Defense and the Florida Defense Support Commission released two reports: the Florida Defense Industry Economic Impact Analysis and the Florida Military and Defense Economic Impact Summary.

AG Moody addresses rise in antisemitic hate crimes with new training initiative

Following a report indicating a significant rise in hate crimes against Jewish residents in Florida, Attorney General Ashley Moody is set to host a law enforcement training session aimed at addressing antisemitism on college campuses.