Gulf Coast Dispatch

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis visited Tampa Bay to announce the allocation of $1 million through the Florida Disaster Fund. These funds will aid Hope Florida partners in assisting Floridians recovering from recent storms. The financial support is designated for nonprofit organizations providing essential services such as meals, immediate disaster relief for mothers and children, and assistance for foster children, families, individuals with unique abilities, and seniors.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Catch a Florida Memory program concluded another successful year with its Triple Threat Throwdown event. The competition awarded a Fishing Kayak Bundle to Brian Ferreira, who was selected as the winner. Ferreira received a Bonafide P127 kayak equipped with a fishing package from Mustad Fishing and a Safety Bundle from Russ Vorhis-State Farm Insurance.

The stone crab harvest season commenced on October 15 and will continue until May 1, closing the following day. The minimum size limit for stone crab claws is set at 2 7/8 inches.

Due to the recent impacts of hurricanes Milton and Helene, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced an extension for the application deadline of the Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services Pilot Program. The new deadline is set for October 31, providing additional time for those affected by the storms to submit their applications.

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has announced that the C. W. "Bill" Young VAMC Campus Emergency Department is closed until further notice. Outpatient appointments will be available in most areas, while all surgical, interventional radiology, interventional pain, and endoscopy procedures scheduled for Thursday, October 17, have been canceled. Veterans affected by these cancellations will be rescheduled for the earliest possible appointment.

FloridaCommerce has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for individuals affected by Hurricane Milton. 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. Impacted Floridians are encouraged to file a claim through FloridaJobs.org.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have issued a joint statement addressing...

The State Board of Education in Florida has commended the achievements of the state's apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs. A recent report highlights Florida's advancements towards becoming the leading state for workforce education by 2030. The Board also approved a new rule that allows educators with restricted classical education certification to teach over 1,400 courses listed in the Florida Department of Education’s Course Code Directory.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have issued a joint statement regarding supervisory practices for financial institutions impacted by Hurricane Milton. These agencies are offering regulatory assistance to affected institutions under their supervision.

Hurricane Milton has prompted one of the largest multi-agency activations in Florida National Guard history. The Florida Air National Guard (FLANG) mobilized over 900 Airmen to prepare for and respond to the storm, which required significant coordination among various teams.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has announced the launch of Operation Blue Roof, a program run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District. This initiative is designed to assist residents impacted by Hurricane Milton by providing temporary roofing solutions.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a $9.5 million award to SeaPort Manatee for infrastructure repairs following Hurricane Milton's damage. The port, a crucial hub in Southwest Florida, faced potential losses of $225 million due to the hurricane. Damage included the loss of 10 out of 13 warehouses and three docking facilities.

The Secretary of State, Cord Byrd, has announced the opening of an exhibition celebrating the 29th anniversary of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State Agreement. The exhibit will be available for viewing at the 22nd Floor Capitol Art Gallery from October 16 to December 31, 2024. A reception is scheduled for October 16 at 5:00 p.m.

Governor Ron DeSantis has allocated $9.5 million to SeaPort Manatee for repairs after it sustained significant damage from Hurricane Milton. The port, a crucial hub in Southwest Florida, suffered potential losses estimated at $225 million, including the destruction of 10 out of 13 warehouses and damage to three docking facilities.

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.

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.

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.