Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida provided an update on the measles outbreak in southeast Florida today. Since January 2024, sixteen states have reported measles cases, including California, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Washington, Indiana, and Arizona. The measles cases in Florida have received disproportionate attention for political reasons.
FloridaCommerce announced that the West Palm Beach metro area recorded the fastest over-the-year job growth rate among all metro areas in the state in education and health services, with a 6.0 percent increase in May 2024. The labor force in the West Palm Metro area grew by 1,114 in May 2024, reflecting a 0.1 percent year-over-year increase. Additionally, the region added 8,600 new private sector jobs over the year, marking a 1.4 percent rise. The unemployment rate in West Palm Beach was 2.9 percent in May 2024, up from 2.7 percent in May 2023.
In light of recent cybersecurity incidents within the automotive industry, such as the CDK incident, dealerships are reminded to implement critical steps to protect against potential threats from malicious actors. While complete immunity from attacks is unattainable, there are essential tools that should be utilized.
Last month, closed sales of existing single-family homes statewide in Florida totaled 26,252, marking a slight year-over-year decline of 0.5%. Existing condo-townhouse sales amounted to 10,415, reflecting an 8.6% drop compared to May 2023. Closed sales can occur from 30 to over 90 days after sales contracts are written.
PENSACOLA, Fla. — FloridaCommerce announced today that the Pensacola metro area saw a 1.6 percent increase in private sector employment, adding 2,800 jobs over the year in May 2024. The labor force in the Pensacola area grew by 0.2 percent, equivalent to an additional 574 individuals. The unemployment rate for the region was reported at 3.0 percent in May 2024, up from 2.8 percent in May 2023.
On Wednesday, June 19, CDK Global reported experiencing a "cyber incident" that necessitated the shutdown of all its systems. Despite restoring DMS, Digital Retail, and CDK Phones, including Unify and DMS direct login access by Wednesday afternoon, another incident occurred later that evening, leading to another complete system shutdown. The duration of the outage remains uncertain, and customer service is currently unavailable.
Last week marked the inaugural Florida’s Training for Emergency Management (FTEM) Symposium: Leading from the Trenches in St. Augustine, Florida. The event was hosted by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Disaster Foundation to provide attendees with training, collaboration opportunities, and leadership development sessions.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Marcus Chambers to the Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors.
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation released a statement by Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky in support of Gov. Ron DeSantis' 2024-2025 Focus on Florida's Future budget. The governor signed the $116.5 billion budget earlier this month.
MARATHON, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis today underscored Florida’s commitment to coral reef conservation and announced updates to the 2024 Lionfish Challenge and Lobster Mini-Season. Through the FY 2024-2025 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget, the Governor allocated a historic $57 million for coral reef restoration and coastal protection, raising total investments in these areas during his second term to over $114 million.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has filed charges against 39 members of a significant drug-trafficking ring operating out of Volusia and Putnam counties. The group, led by Allen Messer, Toure Allen Wilder, Bobby Wilder, and Khyree Douglas Isaac, faces charges including conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl, manufacture of fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, money laundering, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 725 and House Bill 1329 today in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, aiming to support veterans and their families. The legislation addresses services for veterans transitioning to civilian life, ensures long-term care options for spouses, and expands benefits available to veterans.
Scientists at the University of Chicago at Urbana-Champaign are employing a novel method to study insect populations. Utilizing suction traps, researchers aim to gather data on various insect species for agricultural research.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has secured an 18-year prison sentence for Ricardo Villarroel Duerto, the owner of a pool company found guilty of defrauding nearly 100 Florida homeowners. Villarroel, who operated Villa Pavers and Pools, was sentenced by Judge William S. Orth on charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.
FloridaCommerce has released the employment data for the Miami area for May 2024. The detailed statistics can be accessed on their official website at www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.