Florida TaxWatch recently held a ceremony in Tallahassee to announce the winners of the 2024 Government Productivity Awards. This program aims to recognize state employees whose innovative efforts have enhanced state services, increased productivity, and saved money for Florida taxpayers. Over three decades, more than 16,000 nominations have been submitted, with these employees credited for saving or maximizing nearly $10 billion in state funds.
Today, the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) announced the availability of resources for Floridians affected by Hurricane Helene. These resources aim to assist residents in locating information about their financial services providers, including state-chartered banks, credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial entities.
The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) in Tallahassee, Florida, has announced the availability of resources for residents affected by Hurricane Helene.
FloridaCommerce has announced that $60 million is now available to aid local governments affected by Hurricane Helene through the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Program. This funding initiative follows recent legislative changes, including the passage of SB 1420 during the 2024 Legislative Session and its subsequent signing into law by Governor DeSantis. The legislation extends the loan repayment period to ten years, offering increased flexibility for communities recovering from disasters.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has announced its endorsement of Mike Haridopolos for election to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's 8th Congressional District. The NFIB, recognized as a leading advocate for small businesses in the United States, highlighted Haridopolos' history of supporting policies beneficial to small businesses during his tenure in the Florida legislature.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued a safety alert for boaters. The storm has significantly impacted many coastal and inland waterways in Florida, prompting the FWC to prioritize public safety.
Attorney General Ashley Moody of Florida, alongside Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and ten other state attorneys general, is advocating for the passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024. This bipartisan effort aims to ensure that AM radios remain a standard feature in vehicles, especially as newer models, including electric vehicles, are being produced without them.
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Charles Garrett Hill to the Columbia County Court. Hill has been serving as an Assistant State Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit since 2020 and previously worked in the Fourth Judicial Circuit. He holds a bachelor's degree from Faulkner University and a juris doctor from Florida State University. This appointment fills the vacancy created by HB 5401.
FloridaCommerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, providing $15 million to aid businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. The program is open to small business owners in various counties across Florida, including sole proprietors. These areas encompass Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry and Hernando among others.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has announced its endorsement of Representative Laurel Lee for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's 15th Congressional District. This endorsement highlights Rep. Lee's support for small businesses during her tenure in Congress.
FloridaCommerce has joined forces with the Florida Small Business Development Center Network and CareerSource Florida to establish One-Stop Business Resource Sites in 17 counties affected by Hurricane Helene. These sites will offer in-person assistance for businesses and employees seeking recovery resources from Tuesday, October 1, through Wednesday, October 9.
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...
State Senator Clay Yarborough and State Representative Dean Black have announced the date for the Nassau Legislative Delegation meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will take place in the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners Chamber at the James Page Government Complex in Yulee, Florida.
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.
FloridaCommerce has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for businesses and residents affected by Hurricane Helene. This assistance is intended for 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. Eligible individuals are encouraged to submit their claims at FloridaJobs.org.
FloridaCommerce has allocated over $2.2 million through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to assist small businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. As of now, 55 businesses have been approved for these funds, with more applications being processed daily.
Florida Farm Bureau has established a relief fund to support farmers and ranchers in Florida impacted by Hurricane Helene. The initiative, named the Hurricane Helene Relief Fund for Agriculture, aims to aid farm families across the state who have suffered agricultural losses due to the hurricane.
Today, FloridaCommerce announced it is providing at least $250,000 in funding to 11 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) affected by Hurricane Helene. This funding will enable the agencies to offer immediate support to their communities. The impacted CAAs include the Capital Area CAA, Central Florida CAA, Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners, Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners, Lee Board of County Commissioners, Pinellas County Urban League, Salvation Army, Suwanee River Economic Council, Step Up Suncoast, and...
Secretary of State Cord Byrd has invited the public to attend the 20th anniversary of the Blessing of Animals at Mission San Luis. The event will take place on Saturday, October 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pets on leashes or in carriers are welcome and will receive blessings from local clergy. Admission is free.
Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd reminded Florida voters of the October 7, 2024, voter registration deadline for the November 5, 2024, General Election. Floridians can check their voter registration status or register to vote at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.