Fifteen realtors have joined the ranks of Florida Realtors' Board Certified Professionals for 2024. The newly certified members include Cathy Alley, Michele Bailey, Hollie Billero Buldo, Cindy Birge, Eddie Blanco, Sandra Fernandez, Benjamin Gilbert, Erin Halstead, Patti E. Ketcham, Gonzalo Mejia, Catherine "Cookie" Miller, Charles Sowers, Tula Tucker, Sue Vasquez and Mary Anne Windes.
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 are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.
As colleges and universities begin a new academic year, Attorney General Ashley Moody today reminded higher education officials in Florida of their duty to protect Jewish students from harassment, intimidation, and other incidents of antisemitism. This reminder follows radical antisemitic protests across the nation and destructive protests at colleges and universities in the previous academic year.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) stated that Florida is among several states that have prohibited certain types of "manipulative" advertising from law firms. The ILR shared its statement in an August 16 blog post.
Nearly 800 people gathered at Port Canaveral’s Jetty Park to bid “Bon Voyage” to Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas as it embarked on its first revenue sailing from the port. The event, dubbed “The World’s Biggest Wave Out,” was organized by the port for the local community, campground guests, and beachgoers. Attendees enjoyed a festive afternoon featuring a DJ, bubble machine, giveaways, and refreshments provided by local vendors.
On August 16, 2024, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of Joseph Miller Ranch, a 490-acre cow/calf operation in St. Lucie County, through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The preservation was achieved through a rural land protection easement valued at $2,070,000.
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.
The survey found that residential, industrial, and timber land posted the strongest price growth by type of land, aligning with pre-COVID performance. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), land value accounts for 41% of household real estate assets based on Federal Reserve Board data on household real estate and the cost of structures.
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Adam Mohammadbhoy as Chair, Denise Marzullo, and Christina Riggio to the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor DeSantis provided updates on response and recovery efforts to Hurricane Debby. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) began rapid damage assessments today in Dixie, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee, and Taylor counties to gather data for determining what disaster assistance may become available to residents and businesses to ensure communities can return to normalcy as quickly as possible.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) continues to monitor and prepare for potential impacts from Tropical Depression Four. Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-157 on August 2, amending EO 24-156 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties. This order allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential areas that the storm may impact.
Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) continues to monitor and prepare for potential impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Four. Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-156 on August 1, declaring a state of emergency for 54 counties. This order allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential areas that the storm may impact.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of eleven individuals to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council. The appointees include Kevin Baird, Tess Dewhirst, Joseph Knittig, Robert Pacienza, Marilyn Rivera, Megan Rose, and Michael Watkins. Additionally, James “Scott” George, Jerry Haag, Calvin Martin, and Pam Olsen have been reappointed.
The Florida Department of Education has announced the 2024 school grades under a new grading scale. Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. commented on the results, stating, “This year’s school grades reflect Florida’s steadfast commitment to excellence in education. Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, we have continued to raise the bar for providing students with a quality education that suits their individual needs, and these school grades are proof positive that our approach is working.”
Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $7.2 million to St. Petersburg College today through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) and the Workforce Development Capitalization Grant Program. The funds will help establish the Semiconductor, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning Training for Technicians (SMART Tech) 4.0 lab.