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.
Florida's agricultural industry will be prominently featured at the upcoming 2024 Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia, scheduled from October 15 to 17. The Sunbelt Ag Expo is a significant agricultural tradeshow that attracts over 80,000 attendees annually and is recognized as "North America's Premier Farm Show." This event includes various agriculture exhibits, contests, educational opportunities, and entertainment.
The Florida Ports Council is closely monitoring the ongoing strike by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and its potential impact on Floridians. The strike, stemming from a lack of agreement between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), affects several key ports in Florida.
On September 29, 2024, under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) filed Emergency Order 2024-08 to streamline Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and remove barriers for businesses affected by the storm.
Hurricane Helene made landfall last week as a major hurricane, resulting in power outages and flooding in the state. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, and FEMA activated the State Emergency Operations Center.
Attorney General Ashley Moody is advising Floridians to be cautious of price gouging, disaster scams, and fraud following Hurricane Helene. The hurricane struck Florida’s Big Bend region last Thursday, causing significant damage with storm surges, strong winds, and heavy rain affecting millions. Communities have been devastated, homes destroyed, and the death toll is rising. As residents seek essential services like food, shelter, debris removal, or home repairs, the Price Gouging Hotline remains active for reporting extreme price increases and recovery-related scams.
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.
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has released a report detailing the financial and social costs of incarcerating Black children in Florida. According to Delvin Davis, senior policy analyst at SPLC and the report’s author, "The legal system in Florida fails Black youth, trapping them in cycles of trauma and punishment, and at great expense to state taxpayers-$130,520 per child." Davis advocates for a shift from punitive measures to community-based alternatives and policy reforms that would protect future generations.
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 Health Care Association (FHCA) has initiated a Hurricane Helene Relief Fund to support caregivers working in the association's member nursing centers and assisted living facilities. This fund aims to assist employees impacted by the hurricane and aid in their recovery efforts.
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.