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.

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.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is emphasizing boater safety as Labor Day weekend approaches. This period traditionally marks the unofficial end of summer, prompting many Florida residents and visitors to take to the water. FWC officers will be on heightened patrol during the holiday weekend, focusing on identifying reckless or impaired vessel operators and other hazardous boating behaviors.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced today the reopening of the recreational bay scallop harvest in the Pasco Zone following a temporary closure. The zone will be open from August 28 through September 24, 2024. This area includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, encompassing the Anclote River.

Florida TaxWatch released a commentary titled "Social Determinants of Health: Education Access and Quality," the second installment in a five-part series examining social determinants of health. These are environmental conditions, such as age and economic background, that affect individual health. The focus of this commentary is on the link between education access and quality and overall health and well-being.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of George Wheeler and the reappointment of Harry Smith and Larry Thompson to the Suwannee River Water Management District.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — 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 are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Debby are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.

TITUSVILLE, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis awarded over $5.8 million to the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF). The funding will support roadway infrastructure by creating direct access from the Space Coast Innovation Park to the Space Coast Regional Airport. The JGGF award aims to expand business opportunities in the park and is estimated to create more than 900 jobs.

Tallahassee, Fla., August 21, 2024 – The State Board of Education convened for its August meeting to implement rules concerning accountability for Voluntary Prekindergarten Programs (VPK), the new School Readiness Plus program, and the creation of a Florida Seal of Fine Arts program. Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. provided remarks on the Florida Department of Education’s progress, noting a 13.3% reduction in teacher vacancies since last year and a decrease in average vacancies per school to 1.11.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has announced the arrest of a supplier involved in a significant drug-trafficking ring operating out of Boynton Beach. William Moyo faces felony charges for trafficking cocaine and conspiracy to traffic cocaine. The investigation revealed that Moyo supplied cocaine and fentanyl to the Big Boi drug-trafficking ring, which has already led to the arrest of 17 defendants.

Gerard van den Heuvel was recently appointed to the Port of Miami Terminal Operating Company (POMTOC) as its new Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Carlos Arocha, who recently retired after a distinguished career with the organization.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured 40-year prison sentences for three members of a Romanian crime ring that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from schools and churches. A Fort Myers jury found Panait Dumitru, Catalin Trandafir, and Simona Trandafir guilty of racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, grand theft, money laundering, aggravated white-collar crime, and unlawful possession of personal identification information. According to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation, the crime ring stole...

The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) praised members of the North Carolina General Assembly for their historic veto override votes on critical election integrity reforms. The Legislature passed Senate Bill 747 in mid-August and presented it to Governor Roy Cooper on August 18. Governor Cooper vetoed the bill on August 24. Today, the Senate overrode the governor’s veto by a vote of 30-19 and the House by a vote of 72-44.

FloridaCommerce announced today that the Jacksonville area’s total private sector employment increased by 15,500 jobs (+2.2%) over the year in July 2024. The Jacksonville Metro Area’s labor force saw a modest increase of 1,972 (+0.2%) during the same period.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody has sent a demand for information to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas following a report by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee. The report suggests that the Biden-Harris administration released nearly 100 individuals on the terrorist watchlist into the interior of the United States.

Florida secures approval of major disaster declaration from FEMA, impacted residents can apply

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Denise Grimsley and Alison Hancock to the South Florida State College District Board of Trustees.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will hold a public meeting regarding the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) Management Plan Amendment on Monday, August 26. The hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center, located at 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL.

Governor Ron DeSantis Visits Taylor County to Provide Storm Updates, Survey Hurricane Damage, and Bring Support for Residents Following Hurricane Debby