The Florida National Guard faced a demanding period from late September to early October as it responded to two major hurricanes, Helene and Milton. Hurricane Helene struck Florida's Big Bend region on September 26, 2024, prompting the activation of nearly 4,100 troops for emergency operations. As these efforts unfolded, the Guard prepared for another storm, Hurricane Milton.

FloridaCommerce has provided over $10 million in financial assistance to more than 242 small businesses in Florida affected by Hurricane Helene. This aid is part of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, designed to support businesses as they await other funding sources such as insurance.

Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning to Floridians about potential scams and fraud in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The hurricane struck Florida's West Coast on Wednesday night, causing severe weather conditions such as storm surge, flash flooding, tornadoes, and high winds across much of the state. In response to these events, Attorney General Moody advises residents to be cautious of scams related to debris removal, contractor services, and other disaster-related schemes.

FloridaCommerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, offering $50 million to businesses affected by Hurricane Milton. Small business owners in Florida seeking assistance can apply at FloridaJobs.org/EBL.

FloridaCommerce, in collaboration with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), has launched the Business Damage Assessment Survey to evaluate the impact of Hurricane Milton. This initiative allows business owners to report both physical and economic damages they have experienced due to the hurricane. The data collected will help the state streamline recovery efforts by understanding the needs of affected businesses.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced several closures and operational changes for its healthcare facilities in Florida due to the upcoming federal holiday and potential impacts from Hurricane Helene or Milton. The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System's C. W. "Bill" Young VAMC Campus will be closed from Thursday, October 10 through Tuesday, October 15, including its Emergency Department. All other sites within this system will also be closed from Friday, October 11 to Monday, October 14.

For deaf and hard of hearing individuals, finding traditional employment often comes with numerous challenges, but rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft are changing that. By introducing accessibility features and forming partnerships with advocacy groups, these companies are opening doors to flexible, inclusive work environments.

Tom Gaitens, the executive director of Florida Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA), said tort reform is needed to settle injustives against businesses and customers during Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a series of closures and schedule adjustments for its facilities in Florida due to Hurricane Milton. The affected dates are Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10, 2024. Several VA healthcare systems across the state have altered their operations in response to the storm.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has filed an emergency motion in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, seeking to extend the voter registration deadline. This action comes as Floridians deal with consecutive hurricanes, Helene and Milton, which have disrupted essential services during the final days of voter registration.

Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties in Florida due to the impending Hurricane Milton. This declaration, Executive Order 24-215, amends EO 24-214 as the hurricane is expected to intensify and impact a wide area. The storm poses significant risks, including storm surge, coastal flooding, heavy rainfall, and damaging winds.

Florida ranks 18th in workplace flexibility across the nation, with 82% of companies offering employees the option to work with flexible arrangements. While the state as a whole maintains a solid position, the level of flexibility varies significantly between cities, highlighting regional differences within Florida’s workforce landscape.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a series of closures across several healthcare systems in Florida due to Hurricane Milton. The closures are scheduled from Tuesday, October 8, through Thursday, October 10, affecting various facilities.

The inspiration for Erin’s Hope came after a significant loss experienced by Stacy Horst and her husband in 2014. Following the death of their daughter, Erin, they felt a strong urge to make a difference. "Four days after Erin’s death, my husband and I found ourselves on her bedroom floor, grappling with our grief. It was in that moment we felt compelled to make a change," Horst shared.

FloridaCommerce has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. This assistance is aimed at those whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to the hurricane and who do not qualify for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Affected Floridians are encouraged to file claims at FloridaJobs.org.

Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and FloridaCommerce have collaborated with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) to waive no-pet policies at lodging establishments in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. This initiative is directed by Governor DeSantis to ensure that Floridians in evacuation zones can bring their pets along as they seek shelter.

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order to expand the state of emergency in Florida, as Tropical Storm Milton approaches. The decision, outlined in Executive Order 24-215, increases the number of counties under a state of emergency from 35 to 51.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside Major General John D. Haas, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, addressed the state's preparedness for Hurricane Milton at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.

On October 6, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, amending a previous order and declaring a state of emergency across multiple counties in Florida. This action was taken in preparation for Hurricane Milton's expected landfall.

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.