Gulf Coast Dispatch

FloridaCommerce has announced that the Miami metro area gained the most private sector jobs among all metro areas over the year in July 2024. The region saw an increase of 35,400 jobs, marking a 3.1% rise.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking participants to help identify images of eastern indigo snakes, listed as federally threatened, from a database of digital trail camera photos. This project, the Indigo Snake Watch, aims to improve understanding of the reintroduced snakes’ activity and distribution while providing volunteers an opportunity to contribute to the conservation of North America’s largest native snake species.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of Lowder’s Gulf Hammock, a 691-acre working timber and wetland property in Levy County, through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The preservation is facilitated by a rural land protection easement valued at $691,200.

On August 15, 2024, FloridaCommerce awarded technical assistance and planning grant funding to 25 Florida communities, including 20 small and rural communities, to foster economic growth. The grants, totaling over $1.5 million through the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) and Competitive Florida Partnership programs, will support various job creation strategies.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking Floridians to report all sightings of wild turkeys between now and Aug. 31. This includes hens, with or without poults, and bearded turkeys.

FloridaCommerce has awarded more than $11 million to 15 local education, workforce, and community development partners across Florida through the ConnectedFlorida’s Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP). These funds aim to enhance broadband internet access and support digital literacy, education, training, mentorship, and employment opportunities in various communities.

Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Debby and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Debby are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released its 2024-2025 manatee and sea turtle decals. These illustrated decals can be placed on watercraft, vehicle bumpers, water bottles, coolers, tackle boxes, and laptops.

Florida secures approval of major disaster declaration from FEMA, impacted residents can apply

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will conduct aquatic plant management on Lake Okeechobee starting August 12. The project is expected to last two days, weather permitting.

The 2024 Florida Python Challenge™ commenced at 12:01 a.m. on August 9, with participants scouring the Everglades to locate and remove invasive Burmese pythons. Hundreds have registered for the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes while contributing to the protection of Florida’s native wildlife and the Everglades ecosystem.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Denise Grimsley and Alison Hancock to the South Florida State College District Board of Trustees.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Amanda Grandy as Chair, Gretta Barrett, and Sarah Davis to the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Adam Mohammadbhoy as Chair, Denise Marzullo, and Christina Riggio to the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County.

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of Alyssa Foganholi, Julia Musella, and Christine Thompson, along with the reappointment of David Kenton and Jeffrey Wood to the Children’s Services Council of Broward County.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Debby can now apply for low-interest and interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Loans can be used by eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property — including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings — or to remove vegetative debris.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will hold a public meeting regarding the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) Management Plan Amendment on Monday, August 26. The hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center, located at 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will celebrate National Shooting Sports Month in partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Created to encourage participation in the shooting sports and emphasize firearm safety, National Shooting Sports Month will take place throughout August.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $8 million to Miami-Dade County through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) to support roadway infrastructure at Miami Freedom Park. The JGGF award aims to expand business opportunities in the park and create more than 1,800 jobs.