On October 20, 2023, in News Releases, by Staff

MIAMI — Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis held a roundtable at Mt. Sinai Medical Center to discuss ongoing efforts to support Israel and make awards through the Volunteer Florida Foundation and Hope Florida Fund to support organizations that are providing services to the Israeli and Jewish communities in the state. At the event, the First Lady highlighted health care supply donations for Israel that have been made by Florida medical providers.

“I am proud to live in a state with a Governor that sees an issue that is having a deep impact on Floridians and takes immediate action,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Through the incredible support from the health care community and many others, we have been able to gather thousands of donated supplies to send to our friends in Israel. I am also proud that our state agencies have been able to help organizations here in Florida that are providing important services to those impacted by this tragic war on Israel. We continue to stand with the people of Israel and the Jewish community.” Continue reading →

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 →