TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced results from the successful first year of strike force efforts to interdict human smuggling and trafficking and the seizure of illegal weapons and illicit narcotics transported through the state. Over the last year, strike force interdiction efforts have resulted in thousands of felony charges, more than 40 human smuggling charges, over 150 drug charges and the seizure of $2.7 million worth of illicit drugs.

“The Biden administration is asleep at the wheel, and Florida will not sit idly by while drugs continue to pour across the open southern border and into our communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The overwhelming success of our interdiction strike force serves as a blueprint for states across the nation to uphold the rule of law and protect their communities from the Biden Border Crisis.” Continue reading →

2023 season now totals 87 days, the longest combined season since the state assumed management of Gulf red snapper

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida is extending the already record 2023 recreational Gulf red snapper season by 17 days, adding every Friday through Sunday in September, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving Day to the previously announced season. The 2023 season now totals 87 days, the longest combined season since the state assumed management of red snapper.

Those fishing from private recreational vessels in state and federal waters in the Gulf, and charter vessels without a federal reef fish permit that are limited to fishing in state waters, will be able to participate in the 2023 Gulf red snapper season. Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced $6.9 million in awards through the Florida Disaster Fund to support continued Hurricane Ian recovery efforts in Southwest Florida. These funds have been awarded to support efforts on the ground and ensure that the impacted communities have ample resources to support the long-term recovery efforts. With today’s awards, the Florida Disaster Fund has awarded all $63.2 million in committed and received funds raised to help Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian.

“When Hurricane Ian struck Florida, the First Lady and I made a promise that we would be with the people of Florida every step of the way,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Just under a year after the storm, I am happy to be awarding these funds to continue helping Southwest Florida in the recovery process. The Florida Disaster Fund has helped to cut through red tape and get money quickly into the hands of those who need it most. We’ve worked hard to raise more money than ever before and to disburse those funds faster than with any other storm.” Continue reading →