Florida State Wide
Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis sent a letter to President Donald Trump formally requesting that he declare a Major Disaster as Florida responds to COVID-19.
The letter requested the inclusion of the following Individual Assistance Programs in the declaration: Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Community Disaster Loans and the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Program.
The declaration is submitted as a result of the COVID-19 response for the incident period beginning January 20, 2020, for all sixty-seven (67) counties. In addition to the Individual Assistance Programs, the declaration requests additional resources and support from FEMA.
To view the Governor’s letter to President Trump, go to https://www.flgov.com
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis thanked members of the Florida Legislature for providing the necessary resources to address the state’s ongoing response to COVID-19. The Legislature’s action will support the Florida Department of Health’s ability to receive new funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The Florida Department of Health now has the ability to receive nearly $28 million in critical federal funds to support Florida’s ongoing efforts to mitigate and contain COVID-19,” said Governor DeSantis. “These funds will increase capacity in our state labs for more testing and support our efforts to investigate and monitor cases. I thank Senate President Galvano and House Speaker Oliva for their swift action to make these dollars available.”
Today the Florida Department of Health received a notice of award for nearly $28 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address the COVID-19 response in Florida.
“The Florida Department of Health will immediately begin working with the federal government to access these dollars,” said State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees. “Our state labs and epidemiological teams are working around the clock and this grant will help ensure we can continue to increase our capacity to combat COVID-19.”
Received a Restaurant Review about Eaton’s Beach in Weirsdale. Janet says she had Eaton’s Beach salmon. The salmon had a glaze that made the dish, the salad, red wine vinegrette, crisp lettuce tossed with corn, Applewood bacon, tomato, blue cheese crumbles, heart of palm, cucumbers, and egg. The service was friendly and very efficient. The price was $16.99 and I feel was well worth it. The writter says she has several food allergies and the server was more than gracious to have the kitchen meet her needs. Janet says I always feel they take care of the needs of those who have food issues.
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Took my wife to dinner for her birthday. She choose Horse and Hound. It was packed house, long wait to get seated but it was worth it. Monday night 2 for $25 Prime Rib was super great, fixed just the way I ask. My son’s and their wives attended. Really good experience. Continue reading
Dear Friends,
As this column is being prepared, we are a few weeks in to the COVID-19 scare that has taken up much of our focus in the U.S. and most parts of the world. In Senate District 12, we have been very fortunate thus far, with only one reported virus case in the tri-county area of Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. So far, just over 200 cases have been reported statewide but that number is expected to be bit higher by the time this column reaches you. The response by our Governor and emergency management directors has been exceptional. In a state of 22 million people, that number could be much higher had it not been for their great leadership and quick response.
As we continue to monitor the situation, my message today is simple. Use caution. Not panic, fear or anxiousness but ordered and intentional caution. CDC guidelines for avoiding getting sick aren’t much different than those that are given for the common flu and that’s important to remember. Enduring these necessary precautions should help the risk to recede in the coming weeks. We should remain thankful, patient and resolved. Continue reading
COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus; coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals. Other coronaviruses include the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is believed to have emerged from an animal source and is now capable of spreading from person-to-person. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can mirror illnesses such as influenza. Patients with COVID-19 typically display symptoms such as fever (100.4°F or higher), cough, and/or shortness of breath within 2 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. Approximately 80% of those affected with COVID-19 report mild to moderate illness and experience a complete recovery. Some experience more severe illness. People who are more vulnerable to the illness include individuals who are over age 65 with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised, ill or have underlying chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Personal prevention measures are fundamental in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. The department recommends that individuals:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, at Governor DeSantis’ direction, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz issued an Emergency Order temporarily restricting visitation to nursing homes, assisted living facilities (ALFs), adult family-care homes, long-term care facilities and adult group homes.
By restricting visitation, the state is taking proactive measures to limit the potential of COVID-19 entering those facilities. This order has been issued in recognition of the fact that the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. This is also consistent with directions given by the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today named Franklin County Sheriff’s Sergeant Jeff Hewitt and Deputy Jared Hewitt as 2019’s Law Enforcement Officers of the Year. The Attorney General’s Office recognized the father and son duo, along with eight other law enforcement officers across the state for their dedication to protecting Floridians.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Courage and service must run in our award winners’ family. While others were fleeing, this father and son duo headed straight toward the flames. Because of their bravery, an entire family was saved. I am proud to announce Sergeant Jeff Hewitt and Deputy Jared Hewitt as 2019’s Law Enforcement Officers of the Year.”
On June 24, 2018, the small coastal town of Eastpoint experienced one of the most horrific fires in its history. The fire destroyed 36 homes and consumed more than 950 acres of land. Due to the brave and selfless actions of Sgt. Hewitt and Dep. Hewitt, there were no casualties during this tragedy. Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert to ask Floridians to report suspicious crowdfunding charity pages. Friday, the Florida Highway Patrol made the Attorney General’s Office aware of a suspicious-looking page purporting to raise money for the family of a fallen FHP Trooper. In less than an hour, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, working with GoFundMe.com, secured the suspension of the page and the more than $500 that had been raised is being returned to donors.
The account in question featured the name and photo of FHP Trooper Joseph Bullock. Trooper Bullock, a 19-year veteran of law enforcement, was shot and killed in the line of duty last week. An investigation into his death is underway.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Trooper Bullock is a hero, and people want to help honor his service by donating to his family. When FHP told us that someone unknown to the family might be trying to exploit the death of this brave law enforcement officer, I asked my Consumer Protection investigators to act quickly. Our office immediately contacted GoFundMe and the crowdsourcing site took swift action to protect the donations. The company has assured our investigators that these funds will only be released to a member of Trooper Bullock’s family or returned to the donors—per its distribution policies.” Continue reading
On February 12, 2020, in News Releases, by Staff
Jacksonville, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced he is awarding more than $3.6 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to the Florida State College at Jacksonville and St. Johns River State College to create the Northeast Florida Fintech Initiative. This Initiative represents a partnership between both colleges, regional schools, nonprofits and numerous financial services companies to provide new financial technology, or “FinTech” training and certification opportunities.
“I’m pleased to launch the Northeast Florida FinTech Initiative in conjunction with Florida State College at Jacksonville and St. John’s River State College,” said Governor DeSantis. “This innovative collaboration to provide new FinTech-related training and certifications will help equip Floridians with skills in demand by Northeast Florida’s growing FinTech industry.”
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund award for $3.67 million will help the Northwest Florida FinTech Initiative create two FinTech Technical Certificate Programs, a FinTech Support Technician Boot Camp Academy and will embed FinTech related skills and coursework into existing programs related to Accounting, Business Administration, Financial Services and Information Technology. Continue reading
After many months of obstruction by the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Governor’s office received deeply disturbing information regarding the organization’s practices over the past several years. These practices include exorbitant compensation payouts, abuse of state dollars, withholding of information, and breach of public trust.
Governor Ron DeSantis has requested Chief Inspector General (CIG), Melinda Miguel, to determine if there are reasonable grounds to refer the matter for criminal investigation to law enforcement. If the evidence leads to that conclusion, CIG Miguel will take the appropriate action going forward. This investigation is a top priority for Governor DeSantis.
The Governor has been urging action on this matter since 2019. Due to these ongoing concerns, the Governor recommended competitive procurement for domestic violence services rather than continuing to directly contract with the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence in his Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget recommendations. Continue reading
