As Hurricane Milton approaches, the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) is prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents and staff at its member nursing centers and assisted living facilities. Emmett Reed, CEO of FHCA, stated that these facilities are coordinating with local authorities to prepare for the storm. They are ready to either evacuate or shelter in place as necessary.

Today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Orders 24-212 and 24-213. Additionally, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) was directed to issue Order 2024-09. Executive Order 24-213 includes directives for the Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard, Department of Transportation, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to take actions to mitigate potential disruptions caused by ongoing port strikes affecting the supply chain and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Meanwhile, Executive Order 24-212 focuses on...

Attorney General Ashley Moody's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has successfully secured over $700,000 from Precision Toxicology, LLC in a multistate legal action. The case involved allegations that the company submitted false claims to federal healthcare programs for unnecessary urine drug testing and engaged in kickback practices.

On September 29, 2024, under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) filed Emergency Order 2024-08 to streamline Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and remove barriers for businesses affected by the storm.

FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) have launched the Business Damage Assessment Survey to address the impacts of Hurricane Helene. This survey allows business owners to report both physical and economic damages caused by the hurricane.

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 order allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts.

As Tropical Storm Helene approaches Florida's coast, the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has reassured residents that its members are actively implementing emergency response plans to protect vulnerable populations.

OCALA, Fla.—Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health, Department of Children and Families, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and community partners, has introduced the Florida Swimming Lesson Voucher Program.

Attorney General Ashley Moody, along with 21 other state attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The brief urges the court to deny requests to dismiss a lawsuit brought under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) by survivors and family members of those affected by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, terrorist attack.

FloridaCommerce has approved over $3.2 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby. As of now, 82 businesses have been approved for these funds, with more applications being processed daily.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is recognizing a Clay County Sheriff’s deputy who moved from California to answer the call to Be A Florida Hero. Deputy Colton Harris tells his story in the seventh installment of Attorney General Moody’s Thin Line Tribute: Sunshine Salute Series. Deputy Harris, originally from Oakland, California, highlighted the stark difference in serving in Florida versus California. In an interview, the deputy spoke about the lack of support for law enforcement in California and watching a criminal be released from jail hours after being...

The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) has announced the recovery of more than $10,000 for a victim of a cryptocurrency-based romance scam. The case involves Sunday Adebola, a Nigerian national who was charged in October 2023 with grand theft, scheme to defraud, money laundering, fraudulent use of a money service business, and stolen valor. If he enters the United States, Adebola faces up to 30 years in prison.

Special thanks were extended to all Florida port directors and seaport professionals who recently participated in the annual board meeting in Pensacola. The Port of Pensacola hosted the event, showcasing both the city's beauty and the port's benefits.

FloridaCommerce has announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to Hurricane Debby. This assistance is specifically for those who are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Affected individuals are encouraged to submit claims at FloridaJobs.org.

The MV Canopée, the world’s first hybrid propulsion commercial cargo vessel, recently made its inaugural U.S. visit to Port Canaveral. The specially designed Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) delivered the European Service Module (ESM-3), which will fly on NASA's SLS Artemis-III mission to the moon for the first time since the Apollo era.

The ninth edition of the FWC Lionfish Challenge concluded on September 2, with competitors battling until the last minute and breaking the record set in 2023. Participants showcased their determination to rid Florida waters of invasive lionfish and claim the titles of Lionfish King or Queen and Commercial Champion.

Galavis has effectively utilized her background in political science and passion for political issues throughout her career. She served as the 2023 president of NEFAR and remains highly active in her local association. As chair of NEFAR’s Legislative Committee in 2015, she attended numerous City Council meetings with local representatives to discuss key community issues and continues to support and partner on local projects.

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a directive for flags to be flown at half-staff across the State of Florida on September 11, 2024, in observance of Patriot Day. This marks the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

Wounded veterans are being invited to register for the upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom fishing and hunting events. These events aim to provide recreational opportunities for wounded veterans, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities in a supportive environment.

The motion, filed on behalf of Jason Baez, challenges a $547,850 lien by the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). The lien was instituted in July 2024 after Baez settled a lawsuit against FDC officers who beat him so severely that he lost an eye. If allowed to stand, FDC would take back the money it paid to settle the lawsuit, leaving Baez with debt and a lifelong disability when he is released from prison.