FloridaCommerce announced today that the Miami metro area gained the most private sector jobs over the year among all metro areas, adding 35,100 jobs (+3.0%) in June 2024. The area's labor force increased by 2.2% (+30,037) over the same period. Notably, Miami led all metro areas in job gains in three industry sectors: leisure and hospitality (8,400 jobs), professional and business services (8,100 jobs), and construction (5,800 jobs).
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Florida's leading small business advocacy organization, has announced the Florida PAC’s initial endorsements for candidates running for the Florida Legislature. The NFIB’s Florida PAC consists of NFIB members from across the state.
The James Madison Institute (JMI) has announced the appointment of Doug Wheeler as the new director of the George Gibbs Center for Economic Prosperity. In this role, Wheeler will collaborate with business leaders, policymakers, researchers, free market partners, and stakeholders to advocate for market-based policies rooted in limited government, free enterprise, and individual freedoms.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been awarded three Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) by NOAA Fisheries to conduct studies aimed at collecting better data on Atlantic red snapper and other snapper-grouper species. These studies are intended to improve the management of these critical species in the South Atlantic.
Port Canaveral has once again earned Green Marine re-certification, underscoring the port’s commitment to environmental excellence in its operations. This marks the port’s eighth consecutive certification by the international organization. The award was presented at the GreenTech2024 environmental conference held recently in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
FloridaCommerce has approved more than $2.1 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses affected by recent flooding in South Florida. To date, 66 businesses have been approved to receive these funds, which are designed to provide interim financial relief while they await other sources of funding, such as insurance payouts.
This week, the Florida State Guard (FSG) completed its first annual training since Governor DeSantis reactivated the agency in June 2022. During the 14-day mission rehearsal exercise, soldiers underwent rigorous simulations to test their emergency response proficiencies in the aftermath of a catastrophic hurricane with multi-county impacts.
Attorney General Ashley Moody has welcomed new law enforcement officers to Florida from states including Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and New York as part of the Sunshine Salute initiative. The initiative recognizes officers who relocate to serve in Florida and highlights their stories. Several new Sarasota Police Department officers shared their reasons for moving to Florida with Attorney General Moody.
PENSACOLA, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the allocation of over $12 million for workforce development and infrastructure improvements in Northwest Florida through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) and the Defense Infrastructure Grant (DIG). The funds are designated for Pensacola State College, the city of DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa County, and Jackson County to support various sectors including aviation, aerospace, military defense, and workforce housing.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla.—Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis awarded $1,000 bonus checks to all Hope Navigators through the Hope Florida Fund. Additionally, six Navigators received $2,500 bonus checks for their outstanding performance in assisting people in need. The total amount awarded exceeded $175,000.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a 30-year prison sentence for Chrystal Washburn, owner of Amore Pools, in connection with a million-dollar pool contracting scheme. The Honorable Judge Dan L. Vaughn delivered the sentence following Washburn's conviction for defrauding Florida homeowners.
The Thirteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission was convened by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to submit names of candidates for two recent vacancies on county courts.