The ninth edition of the FWC Lionfish Challenge concluded on September 2, with competitors battling until the last minute and breaking the record set in 2023. Participants showcased their determination to rid Florida waters of invasive lionfish and claim the titles of Lionfish King or Queen and Commercial Champion.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the 2024-2025 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest. The annual program invites youth from around the world to connect with nature and learn about fish and aquatic habitats while exploring creative art and writing. Since its founding in 1997, the Fish Art Contest has reached over 85,000 youth in 46 countries, building future stewards of the outdoors.
TALLAHASSEE – After nearly eight years at The James Madison Institute, Logan Padgett has been promoted to Senior Vice President. The staff and Board of Directors congratulated her on this advancement.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Samantha Ferrin, Robert “Bob” Majka, Monica Russell, and Chris Young to the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Dr. Roberto Diaz, Rylan Douthett, Geoffrey Fraser, Dr. Amit Rastogi, and Thomas Sabatino to the Health Care Innovation Council.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced a significant milestone for its TrophyCatch program, marking the approval of 15,000 trophy bass catches.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce has announced its third round of legislative endorsements for the 2024 elections. These candidates were selected after a comprehensive vetting process conducted by the Florida Chamber Political Institute, which involved interviews with over 100 candidates across five cities over six weeks. More than 80 business organizations participated in this process.
The Heritage Foundation has announced that Florida ranks first in Education Freedom for the third consecutive year. This ranking reflects Florida's focus on expanding school choice, supporting parental rights in education, and enabling families to choose the best educational options for their children. The Education Freedom Report Card was initiated in 2022, and Florida has maintained the top position since its inception.
The Heritage Foundation announced today that Florida ranks #1 in Education Freedom for the third consecutive year. This achievement is attributed to Florida’s initiatives to expand school choice, support parental rights in education, and ensure families can make optimal educational choices for their children. The Education Freedom Report Card, which began in 2022, has consistently placed Florida at the top.
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch has released a report titled "From Roads to Roots: A Review of Florida’s Highway Landscape Spending," advocating for the establishment of an upper limit on landscape spending by the legislature. The report acknowledges the value of highway landscaping and suggests that policies should be implemented to better protect investments in this area.
In recognition of National Preparedness Month and with storms brewing in the Atlantic Ocean, Attorney General Ashley Moody is encouraging all Floridians to take proactive steps to be ready for potential storm strikes. September is also the peak of hurricane season, and it is important that Floridians review emergency plans, gather essential supplies, and stay informed about possible threats.
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and Pinellas Technical College recently hosted a signing day event for students. DJJ Secretary Eric Hall expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “DJJ is proud to partner with Pinellas Technical College in providing transformative opportunities for Britt Technical Youth Academy students to pursue a college education.” He emphasized that this partnership highlights DJJ’s dedication to accelerating academic achievement and facilitating meaningful change in the lives of the students.
Tallahassee, Fla., September 11, 2024 – Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. announced the selected books for the Commissioner’s Book of the Month for September. This initiative is part of a monthly reading challenge aimed at promoting literacy and engagement in preK-12 schools. Each month, Commissioner Diaz highlights five recommended books, one for each selected grade range.
PALM HARBOR, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at the Palm Harbor 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor the memories of those lost in the attacks on September 11th, 2001.
Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Main Street DeFuniak Springs in Walton County has been designated the September 2024 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody, alongside 41 other attorneys general, is urging congressional leaders to enact legislation mandating a U.S. Surgeon General warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. This call for action comes amid increasing concerns about the impact of social media on young people's mental health.
A Realtor since 1984, Markowitz-Lewis was recognized as Realtor of the Year in 2010 by what was then the South Broward Board of Realtors. She has served as vice chair of the South Broward Regional Board for her local association, the Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors, and has been a member of her local Professional Standards Committee for over 28 years.
Lynn Hartley, a Realtor® based in Fort Walton Beach, has been named Humanitarian of the Year for her extensive support of Building Homes for Heroes. Over the past two years, Hartley has chaired the Building Homes for Heroes Task Force, which constructs or modifies homes and gifts them mortgage-free to injured veterans, first responders, and their families. The organization also provides support services aimed at helping recipients build better lives.