Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside key state officials, provided updates on Florida's preparedness for Hurricane Milton. The hurricane is currently located about 720 miles southwest of Tampa, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph. It is expected to move near the Yucatan Peninsula before approaching Florida's west coast by Wednesday.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the suspension of tolls across Central Florida, West Florida, and Alligator Alley to aid evacuations ahead of Hurricane Milton. The suspension is set for seven days starting at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024.

Florida's agricultural sector has received a significant boost with the approval of the first recovery loan for farmers affected by Hurricane Helene. This initiative is part of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program, which was announced by Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

Today, the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) announced the availability of resources for Floridians affected by Hurricane Helene. These resources aim to assist residents in locating information about their financial services providers, including state-chartered banks, credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial entities.

Today, FloridaCommerce announced it is providing at least $250,000 in funding to 11 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) affected by Hurricane Helene. This funding will enable the agencies to offer immediate support to their communities. The impacted CAAs include the Capital Area CAA, Central Florida CAA, Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners, Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners, Lee Board of County Commissioners, Pinellas County Urban League, Salvation Army, Suwanee River Economic Council, Step Up Suncoast, and...

FloridaCommerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the program. Businesses in various counties, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin,Gadsden,Gilchrist Glades,Gulf,Hamilton Hardee,Hendry Hernando Highlands...

Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, has announced the launch of an interest-free loan program aimed at aiding farmers, ranchers, and growers affected by Hurricane Helene. The Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program will offer financial assistance to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property such as fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings. The loans can also be used for removing vegetative debris.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Uber will offer free rides to shelters in counties affected by the declared state of emergency due to the potential impact of Hurricane Helene. This initiative aims to assist residents in the 61 counties under a state of emergency.

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 24-209, amending the previous Executive Order 24-208, to increase the number of Florida counties under a state of emergency to 61 due to Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine.

Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 41 Florida counties on September 23, 2024, ahead of Tropical Cyclone Nine making landfall. The cyclone, expected to become Hurricane Helene, could bring serious damage, and small business owners are advised to prepare.

Realtor® Deborah Duvall has carved a niche in the real estate industry by specializing in waterfront properties, luxury homes, second homes, and estate and trust work. "I love the variety and the challenges that come with each transaction," she says. "No two days are the same, and I thrive on the constant learning and problem-solving."

At its September meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed changes to improve the Marine Special Activity License (SAL) program licensing process, accommodate additional requested activities, and update provisions to several license types.

ORLANDO, Fla.—Today, during National College Savings Month, Governor Ron DeSantis announced record refunds to parents through the Florida Prepaid program and encouraged all Florida families to take advantage of an affordable prepaid college plan.

Beginning this fall, students seeking an MBA at the University of South Florida (USF) will have a new blue economy offering to consider. The new options allow MBA students to build expertise in a specific domain, in addition to the fundamental leadership skills earning an MBA degree brings.

PortMiami has been awarded a $19,547,316 grant from the Resilient Florida Program to construct an elevated Berth 10 bulkhead system. This initiative aligns with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s Climate Action Strategy and Future-Ready Economic Plan. The new bulkhead system aims to protect existing uplands from flooding and potential damage caused by sea level rise.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has invited wounded veterans to apply for upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom fishing and hunting trips. Led by the Florida Forest Service, Operation Outdoor Freedom offers recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans on state forests, agricultural lands, and private lands throughout Florida at no cost.

MIAMI LAKES, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis convened a roundtable discussion today with condominium owners and association leaders to address concerns regarding the cost and implementation of new safety legislation.

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) is celebrating National Assisted Living Week from September 8 to 14, with this year’s theme being “Inspiring Generations.” Throughout the week, FHCA will highlight caregivers who go above and beyond on social media in recognition of the national observance, which begins each year on National Grandparents’ Day.

Commissioner Wilton Simpson has announced the preservation of 1,642 acres of Florida farmland through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program aims to safeguard working agricultural lands from development while maintaining their economic viability.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed a lawsuit against the Biden-Harris administration for not producing documents in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The request, submitted by the Florida Attorney General’s Office in March, seeks information on policies that allegedly allow the release of dangerous criminals into U.S. communities following their release from federal prisons.