JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — FloridaCommerce announced that the Jacksonville Metro Area’s total nonagricultural employment increased by 12,100 jobs (+1.5%) over the year in June 2024. The area's total private sector jobs rose by 9,400 jobs (+1.3%) over the same period.
Floridians who sustained losses from the severe storms and tornadoes on May 10 have one month remaining to apply for federal assistance. The deadline for applications is August 19, 2024.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—On National Lottery Day, Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians of scams involving lotteries, prizes, and sweepstakes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scams involving prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries caused nearly $340 million in financial losses to consumers last year and were the third-most commonly reported scam across the nation. Attorney General Moody is issuing tips for Floridians to avoid being swindled.
The 2024 recreational bay scallop season for the Pasco Zone opens on July 10 and will remain open through August 18. This includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, including all waters of the Anclote River.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Brandon Graves, Frank Griffin, and Nicole Ramos Jones, as well as the reappointment of Prakash “Paul” Patel to the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board.
Florida mother, grandmother, and Orlando resident Sharitta Grier was released on July 11, 2024, by the court in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She is the fourth and final American that was being held on ammunition possession charges.
Florida's latest 3rd and 8th-grade reading scores were recently released, reflecting progress toward Florida 2030-related education goals. According to TheFloridaScorecard.org, 3rd-grade reading scores increased by 5 percentage points to 55%, while 8th-grade reading scores rose by 4 percentage points to 51%.
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Executive Order 24-135, suspending Angelica Pacheco from her position as City Councilwoman of Hialeah. The decision follows an indictment on June 18, 2024, by a grand jury in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Pacheco faces charges including one count of Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud and Wire Fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1349, five counts of Health Care Fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, and two counts of Wire Fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343.
The Georgia State Senate has passed Senate Bill 355, legislation aimed at banning ranked-choice voting in the state's elections. The bill, authored by Georgia Senate Majority Whip Randy Robertson (R-Cataula), will now proceed to the Georgia House of Representatives.
NAPLES, Fla. — FloridaCommerce has reported an increase of 6,400 jobs in the Southwest Florida private sector for May 2024 compared to the previous year. The unemployment rate in Naples stood at 2.7 percent, marking a slight increase of 0.1 percentage points over the year. Fort Myers maintained a steady unemployment rate of 3.0 percent.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Marcus Chambers to the Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors.
MARATHON, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted Florida’s investments in coral reef protection and announced enhancements to the 2024 Lionfish Challenge and 2024 Lobster Mini-Season. Through the FY 2024-2025 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget, the Governor invested $57 million for coral reef restoration and coastal protection, bringing the total investment in these efforts during his second term to over $114 million.
Northeast Florida has been known as America’s Logistics Center for decades, with a critical component being the maritime landscape in the region. The area’s connectivity—three major interstates, four railroads, and a world-class international airport system—is strategically complemented by a port system that services the globe and various industries.
The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) has been honored with a Trailblazer Award by the Ohio-based Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA) for its Europe-focused marketing campaign in 2023. The campaign, which resulted in increased volumes for JAXPORT’s European trade lane, showcased the port’s innovative approach to marketing and its significant impact on global trade.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Experienced nursing home administrator, Purple Heart Veteran, and Florida Health Care Association member Frederick Taylor has been selected for the Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). Taylor is one of 15 DELP scholars chosen nationwide to participate in the program designed to cultivate a diverse group of leaders equipped to take on significant roles within the long-term care profession.
Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s State Fire Marshal and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), stated in a June 5 video that due to litigation reforms led by State Representative Tom Leek, coupled with Florida’s hurricane preparedness program, insurance prices in the state are beginning to drop.
The Florida Department of Education and Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., have launched the 4th annual Summer Literacy Institute. The three-day event aims to support districts and schools by expanding literacy education resources and effectively implementing literacy education in VPK-Grade 5 classrooms statewide. The Institute provides professional learning opportunities for literacy leadership teams at the early childhood, school, and district levels. More than 1,200 educators and literacy leaders are attending the institute.