TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Great Outdoors Initiative to encourage Floridians to go outdoors and explore Florida’s natural resources, including our award-winning state parks, vast recreation areas, and world-renowned waterways. As part of the Great Outdoors Initiative, Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 23-209 (The Great Outdoors Initiative) directing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to provide a significant 50% discount on annual state park passes and FWC Gold Sportsman hunting and fishing licenses.
Since the initiative was announced, sales of FWC Gold Sportsman licenses have increased, with 26% of all Gold Sportsman licenses sold over the last week being purchased by first-time license holders. This includes more than 1,400 Gold Sportsman Lifetime licenses being purchased for children 4 years old and under so that they can enjoy the outdoors for the entirety of their lives. Sales for annual state park passes have also seen huge increases over the last week, with more than 2,488 passes sold in the last week in comparison to 690 passes sold in the same week in 2022.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis applauded and urged swift action in a Special Session of the Florida Legislature to address urgent issues facing the state. The Special Session will feature Governor DeSantis’ proposal to strengthen sanctions on Iran to ensure Florida does not do business with companies aligned with Iran that could in turn fund Hamas and other terrorist groups. The Special Session will also include additional resources for Hurricane Idalia relief, lowering the costs of homeowners’ insurance, increasing access to school choice for students with unique abilities, and additional protections for Florida’s Jewish communities. The Special Session will convene at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 6, and will extend no later than 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 9.
“Following the horrific atrocities committed by Iranian-backed terrorist group Hamas against Israel, I am calling on the Florida Legislature to act swiftly to ensure our state does not send a penny to the Iranian terror state,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am glad to see the Legislature’s willingness to convene and address this along with other important issues for the state.” Continue reading
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Mexican tomato exporters are conducting unfair trade practices and dumping tomatoes into the U.S. market, despite the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement. This is forcing American tomato farmers out of business and destroying the domestic tomato industry.
Rep. Cammack joined U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA) in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo urging the department to terminate the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement with Mexico and defend the American tomato industry. Continue reading
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Kat Cammack joined Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) at a press conference outside the Capitol Building with Women for Gun Rights, a nationwide organization of women committed to safeguarding the Second Amendment, and discussed upcoming gun rights legislation.
“The Second Amendment is clear: shall not be infringed. I was glad to stand with my colleagues and advocates for women’s rights to keep and bear arms,” said Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03). “Thank you to Congressman Hudson and the advocates who traveled to the Capitol today to share their support for this fundamental right.”
“Women for Gun Rights is proud to stand with Congressman Hudson and other members that work to protect the rights of citizens to be able to protect themselves,” said Dianna Muller, Founder, Women for Gun Rights (DC Project). “Witnessing the horror of citizens being murdered in their homes in Israel has really shed light on the importance of our 2nd Amendment and highlighted why we feel safer being armed.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is recognizing 25 years of working with the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers to reward tipsters who provide information that leads to an arrest. Today, in Altamonte Springs, Attorney General Moody, local sheriffs and representatives of FACS and Central Florida Crimeline celebrated the success of this crime-fighting partnership and encouraged Floridians to continue playing an active role in helping law enforcement solve cases.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Crime Stoppers is a vital tool to solve difficult cases and increase safety in our communities. For 25 years, the Office of the Attorney General has worked with Crime Stoppers to encourage the public to help law enforcement bring criminals to justice. Now, we are working to make that process easier—modernizing anonymous reporting to encourage even more tipsters to come forward with pertinent information.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—During National Crime Prevention Month, Attorney General Ashley Moody is urging Floridians to take a stand against crime and report suspicious activity. Following the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is experiencing an increase in reports domestically. Attorney General Moody asks Floridians to report suspicious activity by calling 1(855) FLA-SAFE.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The FBI is experiencing an increase in reports of suspicious activity nationwide, and we must remain on alert in Florida to keep our state safe. If you see something, say something by calling 1(855) FLA-SAFE. While we always need the community’s help during times of heightened alert, public safety is the responsibility of all of us year-round. So, if you have information about an unsolved crime and want to remain anonymous, dial **TIPS from your cell phone. If the information you provide leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Attorney General Ashley Moody, local county clerks and sheriffs today announced the expansion of Project Protect into Manatee and Hardee counties. Florida law enforcement agencies received nearly 104,000 reports of domestic violence in 2021, resulting in more than 63,000 arrests. Project Protect provides doorbell cameras to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and other crimes free of charge to help survivors feel more secure at home.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we are expanding an important program to help survivors feel more secure at home. Starting today, our Project Protect is available in Manatee and Hardee counties, and survivors of domestic violence in these counties can now access free doorbell cameras to watch over their residences. Through this program, we can help survivors feel more secure and build a Stronger, Safer Florida.” Continue reading
Health Fair
- Date:11/01/2023 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location:Ocala Downtown Market
SE 3 St. and SE 3 Ave.
Ocala, Florida 34471
First Friday Art Walk
- Date:11/03/2023 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location:Downtown Square
1 SE Broadway St.
Ocala, Florida 34471
First Friday Art Walk will take place in Downtown Ocala Friday, November 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. First Friday Art Walk occurs on the first Friday of each month, September through May. The following activities will be included in November’s event: Continue reading
NOV 1
Birds of Lake May
Hike with staff to try and spot some of the birds that have been documented at Lake May Reserve. Learn about the habitats and species which utilize them. For beginners.
—————
NOV 2
Culinary Collection – Youth Program
Culinary Collection, Youth Program Soups and Salads Youth will create a homemade soup, homemade salad dressing and taste their creations. 4-H membership not required. Sign up in 4-H online or contact Stephanie Klein at stephanieklein@ufl.edu
—————
NOV 3
Downtown Clermont Food Trucks
Stroll through Downtown Clermont and enjoy 25+ food trucks and vendors. Sip, Shop and Enjoy!
————— Continue reading
APPLE CIDER BRINED TURKEY
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE BRINE
2 qt. apple cider
6 c. water
1 c. kosher salt
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 orange, quartered
1 tsp. whole cloves
1 tsp. whole peppercorns
1 (8-lb.) whole turkey, giblets removed
FOR ROASTING Continue reading
