Operation Dry Water (ODW) weekend will take place from July 4 through July 6. The national weekend of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) detection and enforcement aims to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents and fatalities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other participating law enforcement agencies will work together to make Florida waterbodies safer by identifying and removing dangerous or impaired vessel operators.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced the introduction of two new license hard card designs featuring student artwork from this year’s Florida State Fish Art Contest. Grace Wang’s depiction of a Florida bass and Emma Nemes’ representation of a snook were selected as the new freshwater and saltwater designs, respectively.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is urging beachgoers to help protect sea turtles and waterbirds during the Fourth of July weekend. Nesting season is currently underway for several imperiled species, including sea turtles, shorebirds, seabirds, and wading birds.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) marks its 25th anniversary today, celebrating a quarter-century of efforts in conserving wildlife and habitats across Florida, while providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The FWC commenced operations on July 1, 1999, following a voter decision to replace the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the Marine Fisheries Commission, and parts of the Department of Environmental Protection with this new agency.
This week, the Florida State Guard (FSG) completed its first annual training since Governor DeSantis reactivated the agency in June 2022. During the 14-day mission rehearsal exercise, soldiers underwent rigorous simulations to test their emergency response proficiencies in the aftermath of a catastrophic hurricane with multi-county impacts.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — 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 the May 2024 North Florida Tornadoes 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 the May North Florida Tornadoes are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.
PENSACOLA, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the allocation of over $12 million for workforce development and infrastructure improvements in Northwest Florida through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) and the Defense Infrastructure Grant (DIG). The funds are designated for Pensacola State College, the city of DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa County, and Jackson County to support various sectors including aviation, aerospace, military defense, and workforce housing.
PENSACOLA, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded funds for workforce development and infrastructure improvements through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) and the Defense Infrastructure Grant (DIG). Awards were made to Pensacola State College, the city of DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa County, and Jackson County for projects that will support the aviation and aerospace industry, the military and defense industry, and increase access to workforce housing.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– FEMA is operating Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers in Leon County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by severe storms and tornadoes. The center schedule is:
Recreational harvest of red grouper in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico, excluding Monroe County, will close on July 1 and remain closed through December 31, 2024. This closure follows an executive order issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) during the May Commission meeting. The measure aims to prevent overfishing and ensure future fishing opportunities. The closure aligns with similar restrictions in Gulf federal waters.
Earlier this week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) TrophyCatch program announced that the first pink-tagged bass of the season was caught and released by an angler fishing in Lake Rochelle.
The recreational harvest of snowy grouper and red porgy in state waters of the Atlantic will close on July 1, with the last day of harvest for both species being June 30. Recreational harvest of snowy grouper will also close in all state waters of Monroe County. Harvest will reopen for both snowy grouper and red porgy in Atlantic state waters on May 1, 2025.
The 2024 recreational bay scallop season, spanning from Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County (including Carrabelle, Lanark, and St. Marks) as well as portions of Levy County and all of Citrus and Hernando counties (including Cedar Key, Crystal River, and Homosassa), opens on July 1 and will remain open until September 24.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Carlos Diaz-Rosillo, Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat, and Ismare Monreal to the Institute for Freedom in the Americas Board of Directors.