K. R. Nelson News

First Lady Casey DeSantis highlights role of Hope Florida with juvenile justice department

GREENVILLE, Fla.—Yesterday, First Lady Casey DeSantis was joined by Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Eric Hall and Hope Navigators to highlight services offered by Hope Florida – A Pathway to Potential, a juvenile justice program. The program provides preventative resources for at-risk youth and their families, as well as assistance for youth preparing to re-enter their home communities after leaving the juvenile justice system.

Florida faces potential water supply shortage by next year

Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch has released a commentary titled "Florida’s Water Supply: Could Florida Experience a Significant Water Supply Shortage by 2025?" According to a June 2024 report from the Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR), Florida may face a water supply shortage as early as next year, with increasing severity projected through 2040.

Funding available through defense infrastructure grant programs

FloridaCommerce announced today that funding is available through the Florida Defense Infrastructure Grant and Florida Defense Reinvestment Grant programs to benefit military communities and installations across the state. Applications will be accepted until October 4, 2024, with further details accessible on the Office of Military and Defense’s Military Community Programs page.

Florida recognizes September as preparedness month amid peak hurricane season

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a proclamation declaring September as Florida Preparedness Month. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) highlights the importance of Florida residents and visitors preparing for natural and man-made hazards.

Holiday guidelines aim to protect Florida's vulnerable beach wildlife

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued a reminder for beachgoers this Labor Day weekend about the ongoing nesting activities of sea turtles and shorebirds on Florida's beaches. The FWC emphasizes the importance of giving these species space, removing beach gear at night, keeping beaches clean and dark, and filling in holes dug in the sand before leaving.

Governor DeSantis outlines measures against illegal drugs

WINTER HAVEN, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted Florida’s actions to uphold law and order, protect the state from fentanyl and other illegal drugs, and curb illegal immigration. Last year, Governor DeSantis signed legislation establishing the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant program, which provides law enforcement with the funding needed to conduct large-scale drug operations across the state.

Gov. Kemp: Georgia working towards ‘common-sense lawsuit reform’

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp stated on August 22 that he and the state legislature are taking steps towards implementing legislative reform measures to address the "growing problem" of excessive litigation in order to improve the state’s business climate.

Governor DeSantis reappoints two to St. Johns River Water Management District

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Douglas Bournique and Rob Bradley to the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Florida TaxWatch reports significant economic impact from Indian River State College

A new report from Florida TaxWatch, an independent, nonpartisan research institute, reveals that Indian River State College generates substantial economic benefits for its service area (Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties) and the state of Florida. The report, titled "An Independent Assessment of the Economic Impacts of Indian River State College," underscores the college’s role as a key driver of workforce development and economic growth in the Treasure Coast region and beyond.

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd addresses media on primary election night

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd will be available to the media this evening to discuss Florida’s 2024 Primary Election. The press event is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time at the Department of State’s R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee.

Disaster recovery centers open in three Florida counties after Hurricane Debby

FEMA has established Disaster Recovery Centers in Dixie, Sarasota, and Taylor counties to assist residents impacted by Hurricane Debby.

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd to address media on primary election

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd will be available to the media to discuss Florida’s 2024 Primary Election tomorrow morning at the Department of State’s R.A. Gray Building at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The press availability will be in the Department’s Gallery for Innovation and the Arts on the first floor. Press will need to be prepared to show their press credentials.

USACE approves study to deepen Port Tampa Bay's shipping channels

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved Port Tampa Bay's General Reevaluation Report to deepen its shipping channels. This decision will allow the main portions of the navigable waterways serving Port Tampa Bay to be deepened from 43 to 47 feet. The Tampa Harbor Navigation Improvement Study, which began three years ago, received approval on August 14, 2024.

Margaritaville at Sea introduces four-night cruise from Port of Palm Beach

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is introducing a new four-night itinerary from Port of Palm Beach, Florida, featuring a new port of call to Key West and a day at sea.

Disaster unemployment assistance announced 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 who are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.

Funding announced for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby

FloridaCommerce has approved over $1.5 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses affected by Hurricane Debby. So far, 42 businesses have been approved to receive these funds, which are intended to provide temporary financial relief while awaiting other sources of funding such as insurance.

Commissioner Manny Diaz announces August books of the month to promote literacy

Tallahassee, Fla., August 16, 2024 – Today, Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., announced August’s chosen books for the Commissioner’s Book of the Month, a monthly reading challenge aimed at promoting literacy and reading engagement in preK-12 schools.

Florida TaxWatch analyzes ongoing teacher shortage as new school year begins

Tallahassee, Fla – Today, Florida TaxWatch released its 2024 update: "Are Floridians Ready to Go Back to School? Not Without More Teachers," an analysis of Florida’s teacher shortage. In Florida’s FY2023-24 state budget, education was one of the largest consumers of taxpayer dollars; however, a teacher shortage prevents these funds from being effectively utilized.

Florida Fish & Wildlife unveils new manatee & sea turtle decals

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released its 2024-2025 manatee and sea turtle decals. These illustrated decals can be placed on watercraft, vehicle bumpers, water bottles, coolers, tackle boxes, and laptops.

Governor awards $8 million for Miami's roadway and transit infrastructure

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $8 million to Miami-Dade County through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) to support roadway infrastructure at Miami Freedom Park. The JGGF award aims to expand business opportunities in the park and create more than 1,800 jobs.