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.

With hunting season approaching, the urgency of addressing chronic wasting disease (CWD) continues as a primary concern for hunters and property owners in the Florida Panhandle. CWD is a contagious, fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, moose, and caribou. Last year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed Florida’s first known case of CWD in a white-tailed deer in Holmes County and has since implemented new rules and regulations to control its spread. This disease poses significant economic and environmental risks for Florida’s...

Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) commemorates the one-year anniversary since Hurricane Idalia made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida as a strong Category 3 hurricane. Hurricane Idalia was the first major hurricane on record to hit this part of the Big Bend region. The storm brought a devastating storm surge of 7-12 feet above normally dry ground to the coastline in Levy, Dixie, and Taylor counties.

Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), was inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame during the Chairman’s Dinner at the annual VISIT FLORIDA Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Tampa. The induction recognizes individuals "whose vision, creativity, and drive have had a positive and significant impact on the development of Florida as a desirable visitor destination."

OSHA has introduced a proposed rule titled “Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings.” This rule seeks to establish consistent, nationwide standards to protect workers from the dangers of excessive heat. It addresses a wide range of industries, including construction, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing, and local government. For businesses in Florida, understanding this rule is crucial because it outlines specific requirements that may directly impact daily operations.

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.

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis awarded funds for workforce development and infrastructure improvements through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) and the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF). Awards were made to Citrus County, Cross City, and Cedar Key for projects aimed at completing critical infrastructure and strengthening rural economies.

The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has filed proposed workers' compensation rates for 2025, citing a reduction in both the frequency and severity of claims as key factors influencing this year's rate filing. This improvement is attributed to employers’ ongoing commitment to enhancing workplace safety and advancements in technology, which have collectively reduced workplace injuries and facilitated quicker return-to-work processes for employees.

A new school year is underway in Florida, bringing new opportunities for students participating in the nation’s largest school choice programs.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted Florida’s actions to uphold law and order, protect the state from fentanyl and other illegal drugs, and curb illegal immigration. Last year, Governor DeSantis signed legislation establishing the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant program, which provides law enforcement with the funding needed to conduct large-scale drug operations across the state.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel published an op-ed by Zack Magin, owner of Tropic Machine Products and a member of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in Ft. Lauderdale. In his piece, Magin emphasized the significance of the Small Business Deduction for his enterprise and outlined the potential consequences if Congress does not make it permanent.

The Florida Department of State's Division of Elections has announced a meeting of the Elections Canvassing Commission to certify the 2024 Primary Election results.

Passengers are finding happiness on the highway of life thanks to Uber drivers who consider destination only part of the job and offer fun and friendliness along the way with everything from holiday games to karaoke.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp stated on August 22 that he and the state legislature are taking steps towards implementing legislative reform measures to address the "growing problem" of excessive litigation in order to improve the state’s business climate.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is organizing a rule development workshop to gather public input on potential modifications to existing manatee protection zones in Levy County. The workshop will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on September 5, at the Inglis Community Center, located at 137 Highway 40 West in Inglis.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Douglas Bournique and Rob Bradley to the St. Johns River Water Management District.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody announced today that Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd will be the keynote speaker for the 2024 Human Trafficking Summit. Sheriff Judd has served as Polk County’s sheriff for nearly 20 years, leading several successful sting operations to dismantle human trafficking rings and rescue victims. In one year alone, Sheriff Judd’s operations resulted in the rescue of 58 human trafficking victims.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Kellie Ralston and Anna Upton to the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Benjamin Butler and Carlos “Charlie” Martinez to the South Florida Water Management District.

Jaime Caballero, a real estate professional in Key West, has built a notable career through her dedication to property management and community involvement. Initially entering the field out of necessity, Caballero explained, “I became a real estate agent only because I [needed my license] when I changed companies.” After managing properties for a prominent local family, she joined Century 21, which required her to obtain an agent's license.