In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued a safety alert for boaters. The storm has significantly impacted many coastal and inland waterways in Florida, prompting the FWC to prioritize public safety.
FloridaCommerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, providing $15 million to aid businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. The program is open to small business owners in various counties across Florida, including sole proprietors. These areas encompass Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry and Hernando among others.
FloridaCommerce has allocated over $2.2 million through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to assist small businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. As of now, 55 businesses have been approved for these funds, with more applications being processed daily.
Governor Ron DeSantis has initiated Operation Blue Ridge to aid North Carolina and Tennessee in their recovery from Hurricane Helene. This multi-state agency response includes efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, a Florida Law Enforcement Coordination Task Force, and a dedicated Law Enforcement Strike Team.
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida is deploying recovery assistance to North Carolina and Tennessee in response to Hurricane Helene through Operation Blue Ridge. This initiative involves multiple state agencies, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and a Law Enforcement Strike Team.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida is deploying recovery assistance to North Carolina and Tennessee in response to Hurricane Helene. The initiative, named Operation Blue Ridge, involves multiple state agencies including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, a Law Enforcement Coordination Task Force, and a Law Enforcement Strike Team.
Amazon has announced a pay increase for its front-line team members that brings the average total compensation for workers to $29, affecting the 52,000 jobs held by workers across the state of Florida. The wage increases totaled an additional $2.2 billion of investment nationwide.
At 9:30 AM today, Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), held a press conference at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on Tropical Storm Helene. Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, updating EO 24-208 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties. This declaration allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts.
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has filed criminal charges against three women for defrauding a Florida senior out of $350,000. The Leesburg Police Department, with assistance from Attorney General Moody’s Senior Protection Team, conducted the investigation.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Dennis “Rick” Dingle and Dell Hoard Sr. and the reappointment of Tina Clary and Tammy “Chereese” Stewart to the Clay County Development Authority.
FloridaCommerce announced today that the Fort Lauderdale metro area led all metro areas in job gains over the year in several industry sectors for August 2024. The sectors with notable increases include government (+4,500 jobs), other services (+4,400 jobs), and trade, transportation, and utilities (+4,300 jobs). The private sector employment in the Fort Lauderdale area reached 823,000 in August 2024, marking an increase of 20,200 jobs or a growth rate of 2.5% over the previous year.
A joint initiative to combat drunk driving in the U.S., called "Decide to Ride" was launched by partners Uber, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and Anheuser-Busch as they address rising alcohol-impaired fatalities.
Today, Senator Rand Paul and Representative Kat Cammack reintroduced the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act in the 118th United States Congress.
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.
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.
Brad Close, President of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), recently appeared on WCCF-AM 1580 in Fort Myers to discuss the importance of making the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent. He emphasized that Congress should act to prevent an impending tax hike on Florida's small businesses.
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.
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.
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.
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.