By Blanca Taylor, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
July 4th brings family and friends together, as well as neighbors, to celebrate that we’re all part of a community. Everyone pitches in, combining their resources — great food, music, and displays — to lift our spirits.
Social Security has been helping people maintain their independence for over 80 years. In that time, we’ve made it even easier for you to access the programs and benefits you might need. Today, applying online is a fast way to get those crucial benefits.
Here are some of the benefits you can apply for:
Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and want your benefits to start no more than four months in the future. Apply at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline. Continue reading
Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis signed the following bills:
CS/HB 7 – Direct Health Care Agreements
CS/HB 207 – Impact Fees
CS/HB 213 – Immunization Registry
CS/CS/CS/HB 301 – Insurance
CS/CS/HB 453 – Micromobility Devices Continue reading
Photo Credit: Governor’s Press Office
Sarasota, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1552: Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative. The bill establishes the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative as a partnership between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and Mote Marine Laboratory to develop technologies and approaches to control and mitigate red tide and its impacts.
This legislation supports the objectives of Executive Order 19-12, signed by Governor DeSantis just two days into his term on January 10, 2019. The executive order called for expedited action to protect and restore waterbodies of the state. Additionally, the Governor’s recommended budget prioritized increased research and a focus on science, and the exploration of innovative technologies to address and mitigate harmful effects of red tide and blue-green algal blooms.
“Innovative technologies will play a vital role in our continued efforts to address water quality issues facing our state and I’m confident this partnership between FWC and Mote Marine will advance our knowledge in this area,” said Governor DeSantis. “I thank the Florida Legislature for their support in addressing these environmental challenges that increasingly threaten our fragile ecosystems and the way of life for so many Floridians.”
Continue reading
Photo Credit: Governor’s Press Office
Tampa, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed CS/CS/HB 501: Alternative Treatment Options for Veterans and CS/CS/HB 427: Honor and Remember Flag, at the University of South Florida’s Office of Veteran Success.
“Here in Florida, we take great pride in being the most veteran-friendly state in the nation and I am proud to sign these two bills today to support our veterans,” said Governor DeSantis. “With more than 1.5 million veterans living in Florida, this community makes up an important part of our state’s identity. While we may never be able to fully repay these men and women for their sacrifices, we will continue to do everything we can to support them and their families.”
“I’m proud of Governor DeSantis, our Cabinet and legislature for supporting FDVA and the 1.5 million veterans of our state,” said Danny Burgess, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Together, we will work to ensure Florida continues to lead the charge as the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.” Continue reading
Some time back a 15 years old school student was told they could not say the Lords Prayer in school. He was inspired to write the following!
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now. Continue reading
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Boeing announced that it is moving its Space and Launch Headquarters from Arlington, Va. to Titusville on Florida’s Space Coast. Below is what Governor DeSantis, state leaders and elected officials are saying about this important announcement:
“Florida is the world’s premiere gateway to space and our commercial space industry continues to flourish,” said Governor DeSantis. “Boeing’s decision to move its Space and Launch headquarters from Arlington, Virginia to Titusville affirms our state’s position as a national leader in innovation and job growth and will bring increased investment to the Space Coast.”
“We are thrilled Boeing has made the decision to relocate to Titusville, Florida,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “It is further evidence that Florida is the ideal environment for the space industry to continue thriving. We welcome Boeing and encourage others to enjoy the benefits out great state has to offer.” Continue reading
Florida loses more children under age five to drowning than any other state. Annually in Florida, enough children to fill three to four preschool classrooms drown and do not live to see their fifth birthday.
It only takes a minute. You look away, you may not hear the splash and your child is nowhere in sight. Drowning – the harsh reality of losing a child in as little as 20 seconds.
Sadly, there are approximately 3500 fatal unintentional (non-boating) drowning deaths a year in the United States. The Lady Lake Police Department is committed to educating parents and caregivers about taking precautions to help end these preventable tragedies.Living in Central Florida, we are surrounded by water. Although children may know how to swim, if left unsupervised, they can drown in less than two inches of water. When participating in outdoor water activities, I encourage you to follow these safety-conscious behaviors: Continue reading
by A.J.(Tony) Powell
Medicare For All ?
President Donald Trump says he has a better plan than any other – We’ll see !
In the meantime, ‘two-out-of-three’ Republicans don’t care if their fellow Americans have Health Care or not. They think that ‘Medicare-For-All’ is a non-starter.
They seem overlook the fact that, in America, almost no-one goes without. The uninsured can go to the emergency room and demand immediate attention or do without.
This, of course, is encouraged by the Medical Industry which rakes in $10,000, $20,000, $30,000 PER DAY for each Walk-In!
One survey reported that almost half of the respondents said that they are “financially burdened” by medical bills. Any employers health plan can cost about $20,000 dollars a year, with ruinous co payments and deductibles. Continue reading
Dear Friends,
Let me begin by telling you that it is truly an honor and privilege to be serving you in the Florida Senate. The people in my district, in hometown America, are salt-of-the-earth, hardworking people who love liberty and freedom. It is such a pleasure to sit in your Senate seat and advocate for those principles you hold dear.
Despite you may (or may not) hear from the liberal media about our work in Tallahassee, your Senator, along with great leadership in the Florida Senate, accomplished much for the citizens of the State of Florida. Even though many major news outlets wish to paint a bleaker picture, there have been many advocacy groups and organizations from across the State of Florida that have chosen to celebrate our success from the past few months and offer recognition on our behalf.
This past year, your Senator was recognized by the Space Coast Public Service Awards & Hall of Fame with the Distinguished Merit Award. The purpose of this is to celebrate the value and virtue of the highest standards of public service and commends those professionals who have performed with exceptional skill, technical expertise, commitment, and innovation while demonstrating sustainable results. A special thank you to Sheriff Wayne Ivey of Brevard County for this recognition.
We just received word a few days ago that your Senator has received another “A” grade from the Florida Chamber of Commerce. It was pleasure to partner with the Florida Chamber on number of different policy areas that would help to lower the cost of living and cost of doing business on families and job creators, while also preparing for future growth and protecting Florida’s constitution.
Also, the Foundation for Florida’s Future selected your Senator to the 2019 Report Card Honor Roll, and was given the highest grade possible. The Foundation advances policies that challenge the status quo – policies and tirelessly advocates for every Florida child to have access to a quality education that prepares them for lifelong success. The Foundations Honor Roll recognizes those policymakers who took bold action to pass student-centered legislation during the 2019 legislative session.
Finally, your Senator received the Outstanding Legislator Award from the Association of Florida Community Developers (AFCD) for our commitment to providing an effective, efficient, and responsible planning and policy framework that will support economic development while protecting Florida’s many natural assets. The AFCD exists to provide a leadership role in the creation of quality community development and the formulation of a responsible approach to the planning and development of Florida’s future.
Thank you for partnering with me in this fight to preserve faith, family, freedom, opportunity, and life itself. As always, if this office can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Dennis Baxley
By Kevin Sheilley
I went Over the Edge! While many have tried to push me over the edge through the years, it was the arts that sent me. To be more precise, it was the Marion Cultural Alliance and their recent fundraiser, Over the Edge – Taking the Arts to New Heights, which saw me and approximately 60 other volunteers help to raise nearly $70,000 by rappelling off of the new 7-story SpringHill Suites hotel. When my mom saw the Facebook post where I was soliciting funds for the event, she called. She was very concerned that “you are going to die.” I assured her that I was planning on “Staying Alive” and thus rappelled in my favorite 70’s disco attire! (Note—while fun, rappelling in Florida in a polyester suit is not recommended).
Why would CEO of the Chamber & Economic Partnership join the Mayor, County Commission Chair, County Administrator, and others in raising funds for the community’s central arts funding organization? It is a fair question and one that is hopefully addressed in this column. Continue reading
