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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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.
FloridaCommerce has announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. This assistance is aimed at those whose employment or self-employment was disrupted due to the hurricane and who do not qualify for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits.
Governor Ron DeSantis has initiated Operation Blue Ridge to aid North Carolina and Tennessee in their recovery from Hurricane Helene. This multi-state agency response includes efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, a Florida Law Enforcement Coordination Task Force, and a dedicated Law Enforcement Strike Team.
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the launch of Operation Blue Ridge, a multi-state agency response to aid North Carolina and Tennessee in their recovery from Hurricane Helene. The operation involves several Florida agencies, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, a Florida Law Enforcement Coordination Task Force, and a dedicated Law Enforcement Strike Team.
The Florida Department of Education, led by Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr., will distribute free hot meals to families affected by Hurricane Helene. The event is scheduled for Monday, September 30, 2024, in Jefferson County. Lunch will be served at 12 p.m., followed by dinner at 4 p.m., with snacks available throughout the day.
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida is deploying recovery assistance to North Carolina and Tennessee in response to Hurricane Helene through Operation Blue Ridge. This initiative involves multiple state agencies, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and a Law Enforcement Strike Team.
FloridaCommerce has announced the extension of application deadlines for several grant programs due to Hurricane Helene. The new deadline for the Florida Defense Infrastructure Grant (DIG) and Florida Defense Reinvestment Grant (DRG) programs is October 18, 2024. The deadline for the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has been extended to October 31, 2024.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida is deploying recovery assistance to North Carolina and Tennessee in response to Hurricane Helene. The initiative, named Operation Blue Ridge, involves multiple state agencies including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, a Law Enforcement Coordination Task Force, and a Law Enforcement Strike Team.
FloridaCommerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the program. Businesses in various counties, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin,Gadsden,Gilchrist Glades,Gulf,Hamilton Hardee,Hendry Hernando Highlands...
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The fund is part of the Volunteer Florida Foundation and supports recovery initiatives including Activate Hope.