Florida State Wide
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Following Executive Order 20-52, Attorney General Ashley Moody today activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline for all consumers in the state. The opening of the hotline comes as Governor Ron DeSantis declares a state of emergency in response to positive test results of 20 coronavirus-infected patients in Florida. The Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline can only be activated following a state of emergency declaration issued by the Governor and covers essential commodities outlined in Florida Statute, Section 501.160.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Florida very closely and following the Governor’s state of emergency declaration, our price gouging laws are now in effect. I have a rapid response team ready to immediately respond to allegations of price gouging and our Consumer Protection Division continues to look for scams by fraudsters who would use this situation to rip-off Floridians.
“Be on the lookout for scams and guard against gouging, but remember, the best thing you can do right now is heed the advice of health experts—wash hands regularly and stay home if you are ill.”For a list of the commodities covered under the state’s price gouging laws during the COVID-19 state of emergency, click MyFloridaLegal.com. Continue reading
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. The application period opens tomorrow, March 17, 2020 and runs through May 8, 2020.
“As we mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, the health, safety and well-being of Floridians comes first,” said Governor DeSantis. “I understand the harm mitigation strategies will have on small businesses throughout our state. By activating the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, we are providing the opportunity for Florida’s small businesses to receive cash immediately to ensure they can lessen the impacts felt as a result of COVID-19.”
DEO will administer the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program in partnership with the Florida SBDC Network and Florida First Capital Finance Corporation to provide cash flow to businesses economically impacted by COVID-19. The short-term, interest-free loans help bridge the gap between the time the economic impact occurred and when a business secures other financial resources, including payment of insurance claims or longer-term Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. Up to $50 million has been allocated for the program. Continue reading
Quincy, Fla. – Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has awarded a $1.2 million three-year grant to Gadsden County for a new Criminal Justice Diversion Project. This project will provide a comprehensive array of services and support for citizens with untreated mental health and substance abuse challenges that too often can trap them in the criminal justice system.
“I’m pleased to be working on this collaborative project that aims to reduce recidivism for those who struggle with mental illness and substance abuse disorders,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “With this new diversion program, Gadsden County joins a growing trend of recognizing that these individuals need real care and support to get back on their feet, find meaningful work, support their families and ultimately rejoin their communities.”
The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office helped the county pursue the Criminal Justice, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grant from DCF to implement the diversion project. The project partners with Florida A & M University’s (FAMU) Department of Social Work to provide comprehensive support services to ensure a coordinated response to the health needs of diversion project participants. Continue reading
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
