Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch has released a report titled "From Roads to Roots: A Review of Florida’s Highway Landscape Spending," advocating for the establishment of an upper limit on landscape spending by the legislature. The report acknowledges the value of highway landscaping and suggests that policies should be implemented to better protect investments in this area.
In recognition of National Preparedness Month and with storms brewing in the Atlantic Ocean, Attorney General Ashley Moody is encouraging all Floridians to take proactive steps to be ready for potential storm strikes. September is also the peak of hurricane season, and it is important that Floridians review emergency plans, gather essential supplies, and stay informed about possible threats.
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and Pinellas Technical College recently hosted a signing day event for students. DJJ Secretary Eric Hall expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “DJJ is proud to partner with Pinellas Technical College in providing transformative opportunities for Britt Technical Youth Academy students to pursue a college education.” He emphasized that this partnership highlights DJJ’s dedication to accelerating academic achievement and facilitating meaningful change in the lives of the students.
Tallahassee, Fla., September 11, 2024 – Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. announced the selected books for the Commissioner’s Book of the Month for September. This initiative is part of a monthly reading challenge aimed at promoting literacy and engagement in preK-12 schools. Each month, Commissioner Diaz highlights five recommended books, one for each selected grade range.
PALM HARBOR, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at the Palm Harbor 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor the memories of those lost in the attacks on September 11th, 2001.
Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Main Street DeFuniak Springs in Walton County has been designated the September 2024 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody, alongside 41 other attorneys general, is urging congressional leaders to enact legislation mandating a U.S. Surgeon General warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. This call for action comes amid increasing concerns about the impact of social media on young people's mental health.
A Realtor since 1984, Markowitz-Lewis was recognized as Realtor of the Year in 2010 by what was then the South Broward Board of Realtors. She has served as vice chair of the South Broward Regional Board for her local association, the Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors, and has been a member of her local Professional Standards Committee for over 28 years.
Lynn Hartley, a Realtor® based in Fort Walton Beach, has been named Humanitarian of the Year for her extensive support of Building Homes for Heroes. Over the past two years, Hartley has chaired the Building Homes for Heroes Task Force, which constructs or modifies homes and gifts them mortgage-free to injured veterans, first responders, and their families. The organization also provides support services aimed at helping recipients build better lives.
In nominating Johnson, her local association described her as “a consummate leader and a key proponent of bridging the divide between commercial and residential real estate through education, board involvement, committee service and networking.” She achieves multi-million dollars in annual sales in both commercial and residential real estate, which is uncommon in the industry.
Tallahassee, FL—Today, FloridaCommerce launched the Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix, a comprehensive reference tool designed to assist military spouses in transferring, renewing, or reissuing professional licenses necessary for employment after relocating to Florida. The matrix can be accessed online.
Galavis has effectively utilized her background in political science and passion for political issues throughout her career. She served as the 2023 president of NEFAR and remains highly active in her local association. As chair of NEFAR’s Legislative Committee in 2015, she attended numerous City Council meetings with local representatives to discuss key community issues and continues to support and partner on local projects.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced a significant financial boost for rural infrastructure in Florida, allocating over $122 million to small county governments and rural municipalities.
LAKE CITY, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced over $122 million in awards to small county governments and rural municipalities across Florida through the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) and the Small County Resurfacing Assistance Program (SCRAP) for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year. Of this total, one-third will be allocated to rural communities impacted by hurricanes Idalia and Debby.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has invited wounded veterans to apply for upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom fishing and hunting trips. Led by the Florida Forest Service, Operation Outdoor Freedom offers recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans on state forests, agricultural lands, and private lands throughout Florida at no cost.
Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a directive for flags to be flown at half-staff across the State of Florida on September 11, 2024, in observance of Patriot Day. This marks the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.
Wounded veterans are being invited to register for the upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom fishing and hunting events. These events aim to provide recreational opportunities for wounded veterans, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities in a supportive environment.
Brad Close, President of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), recently appeared on WCCF-AM 1580 in Fort Myers to discuss the importance of making the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent. He emphasized that Congress should act to prevent an impending tax hike on Florida's small businesses.
GREENVILLE, Fla.—Yesterday, First Lady Casey DeSantis was joined by Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Eric Hall and Hope Navigators to highlight services offered by Hope Florida – A Pathway to Potential, a juvenile justice program. The program provides preventative resources for at-risk youth and their families, as well as assistance for youth preparing to re-enter their home communities after leaving the juvenile justice system.