Florida is setting an unapologetic pro-freedom, pro-parental rights, child-focused example in education for other states to follow.

“And finally I recommend, that on the said day; the duties of humiliation and prayer be accompanied by fervent Thanksgiving to the bestower of every good gift, not only for having hitherto protected and preserved the people of these United States in the independent enjoyment of their religious and civil freedom, but also for having prospered them in a wonderful progress of population, and for conferring on them many and great favours conducive to the happiness and prosperity of a nation.”

   ~John Adams~ 

Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund

To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222. 

Stay Up to Date on Hurricane Ian Recovery:

Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on Hurricane Ian Recovery (flgov.com)

Home | Florida Disaster

GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS 

Governor DeSantis Announces State Office Closings in Celebration of Holidays

Governor Ron DeSantis announced that state offices will be closed on November 23^rd, December 23^rd and December 30^th.

“Our state employees have worked hard throughout the year, especially over the past few months responding to Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.

“Closing state offices on November 23^rd, December 23^rd and December 30^th will provide state employees with some much-deserved time with their families to enjoy the holiday season. The First Lady and I are thankful for the dedication our state employees have demonstrated to helping the people of Florida.”

Office closures on November 23^rd, December 23^rd and December 30^th are in addition to regular office closures during the holidays.

Governor DeSantis Delivers Remarks at the SEUS Japan Joint Meeting

On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis welcomed a diplomatic delegation from Japan to Florida and provided the keynote address for the opening ceremony of the Southeastern United States – Japan Conference (SEUS-Japan). Throughout the day, Governor DeSantis met with leading officials from Japan, including Koji Tomita, Ambassador to the United States, as well as key Japanese business leaders. Governor DeSantis expressed his interest in maintaining and growing Florida’s strategic partnership with Japan as a country with the shared values of democracy, human rights, and a belief in the free market economy. 

Japan is Florida’s third largest bilateral trading partner, with annual trade surpassing $7.7 billion annually. Florida is also home to over 200 Japanese firms that invest billions into the state’s economy. Governor DeSantis believes that this partnership can grow even further with the potential for direct flights between Japan and Florida which would enhance the people-to-people ties that allow entrepreneurship and tourism to flourish.

Governor DeSantis also emphasized Florida’s commitment to opposing the Chinese Communist Party, which continues to demonstrate aggression and belligerence to other nations in East Asia and the Pacific. Last year, Governor DeSantis signed legislation to combat Chinese influence in Florida, with a focus on protecting intellectual property and universities. In September, Governor DeSantis proposed additional legislative measures to counteract China’s malign influence, including protecting Florida’s cybersecurity, preventing Chinese companies from purchasing agricultural land and land near military bases, and making sure Chinese companies cannot donate to state colleges or universities. 

Governor DeSantis Delivers Remarks at the SEUS Japan Joint Meeting (rumble.com)

Florida Continues to Experience Record Tourism Growth in Q3 2022

Ron DeSantis announced continued record visitation to Florida in the third quarter of 2022. VISIT FLORIDA estimates that Florida welcomed 35.1 million visitors between July and September 2022, marking a 6.9 percent increase from Q3 2021, and the fifth consecutive quarter of overall visitation surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to VISIT FLORIDA, 32.6 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in Q3 2022, representing 18 months of domestic visitation growth from 2019. So far this year, Florida has welcomed 104.5 million travelers, an increase of 4.1 percent from the same period in 2019, and over 15.3 percent more than in 2021. To ensure visitors continue to experience Florida and are not dissuaded by the impacts of Hurricane Ian, VISIT FLORIDA has launched a $2.7 million campaign to convey to travelers that the “Sun is Shining in Florida.”

“Our freedom first policies continue to bring visitors to Florida from across the country and around the world,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This increase in tourism will support our entire economy, especially small businesses that have been built from the ground up by hardworking Floridians.”

“We are thrilled to cap off more outstanding growth for Florida’s tourism industry in the third quarter of 2022,” said Dana Young, VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO. “Even as more destinations have become available, Florida has firmly maintained the top spot on every traveler’s list. Looking ahead, VISIT FLORIDA is wholly focused on continuing the momentum we have created, and further reinforcing that we are the No. 1 vacation destination in the world.”

Additional highlights from VISIT FLORIDA’s latest visitation estimates include:

• Florida welcomed 1.9 million overseas travelers in Q3 2022, an increase of 85.5 percent from Q3 2021.
• Canadian visitation to Florida during Q3 2022 accounted for 539,000 visitors, an increase of 442.2 percent from Q3 2021.
• 34.3 percent of visitors traveled to Florida by plane in Q3 2022, marking a return to historical travel patterns.
• Hotel rooms sold grew 9.2 percent compared to the same period last year, and the overall occupancy rate grew by 6.2 percent.

Florida Creates Jobs for the 30^th Consecutive Month Despite Impacts of Hurricane Ian

More Floridians Enter the Workforce While National Labor Force Shrinks 

This week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida’s economic data continues to show strength even with impacts from Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida. In the October 2022 economic data report, Florida’s labor force grew by 36,000 and Florida’s private sector added 35,000 jobs. This is the 30^th consecutive month that Florida created jobs, while private sector job growth has exceeded the Nation’s for the past 19 consecutive months.

Over the month, Florida’s labor force grew by 36,000, while the national labor force shrank, and Florida’s private sector employment growth was double the national growth rate. Florida’s private sector employment grew by 5.6 percent over the year in October 2022 (+447,800 jobs), faster than the national growth rate of 4.0 percent.

Florida’s unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points to 2.7 percent, which is still historically low, and remains a full point below the nation’s 3.7 percent mark. Much of the increase in the unemployment rate is due to increased unemployment in Southwest Florida following Hurricane Ian. The unemployment rate in the Fort Myers area was 3.9 percent during the month, up 0.5 points. Still, this slight increase in unemployment in Florida shows that despite the impacts of a Category 4 storm, Floridians and Florida’s economy remain resilient. The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and CareerSource Florida continue to provide resources to help Floridians find employment if they were impacted by the storm.

“Florida’s economic resiliency is unmatched in the country – no other state could withstand the direct impact of a Category 4 hurricane and continue to grow jobs in the same month,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We have made record investments in our infrastructure and workforce while building a record budget surplus and providing record tax reduction for Floridians.”

“More Floridians enter the workforce each month because they are confident in the opportunities available to them under Governor DeSantis’ consistent leadership,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “DEO is proud to support the Governor’s mission through workforce education and development opportunities that help Floridians realize their potential and support our state’s major industries.”

Florida’s statewide unemployment rate was 2.7 percent in October 2022, remaining 1.0 percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.7 percent. Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate for 23 consecutive months since December 2020.

The leisure and hospitality sector gained the most jobs among all major industries, adding 14,100 jobs (+1.1 percent) over the month, followed by education and health services, adding 8,200 jobs (+0.6 percent), and trade, transportation, and utilities, adding 8,200 jobs (+0.4 percent).

in the month of October continues to indicate there are many job opportunities available for Floridians throughout the state, with more than 476,000 jobs posted online. Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities are encouraged to turn to the CareerSource Florida network for help. Floridians can find guidance on how to register with Employ Florida and search listings of available local job openings. Career seekers also can improve their employability by perfecting resume writing and interviewing skills, establishing career goals, and pursuing customized career training. These services are provided at no cost to job seekers.

Florida Economic Indicators for October 2022 include:

• Unemployment rate is 2.7 percent, 0.2 percentage point higher than the previous month’s rate but 1.0 percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.7 percent.
• Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate for 23 consecutive months since December 2020.
• Between October 2021 and October 2022, Florida’s labor force grew by 334,000, or 3.2 percent. This was faster than the national labor force growth rate of 1.9 percent over the year.
• Between October 2021 and October 2022, total private sector employment grew by 447,800 jobs (+5.6 percent), faster than the national private sector job growth rate of 4.0 percent over the year.
• As of October 2022, Florida employers have added jobs for 30 consecutive months since May 2020. Florida’s private sector over-the-year job growth rate has exceeded the Nation’s for 19 consecutive months since April 2021.

Private sector industries gaining the most jobs over the month were:

• Leisure and Hospitality with 14,100 new jobs.
• Education and Health Services with 8,200 new jobs.
• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities with 8,200 new jobs.

Governor Ron DeSantis Awards $8.7 million for Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts and Workforce Education

On Wednesday, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $7.7 million through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant program and the Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) to support a large-scale rapid credentialing effort between three state colleges, two technical colleges, and Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs).

Governor DeSantis also announced $1 million through the Florida Disaster Fund to organizations to support emergency management personnel, national guardsmen, and community members in the recovery process. Organizations awarded today include the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association, the Florida National Guard Foundation, and three community foundations. The Florida Disaster Fund has raised more than $55 million to support local recovery efforts.

“Today’s awards will help residents rebuild, help emergency management personnel and national guardsmen begin their recovery, and provide new employment opportunities for residents,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership, Florida will continue to see dynamic investments that create solutions and break down silos to better support communities,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Secretary Dane Eagle. “Today’s awards will go a long way for Southwest Florida communities that are still working to get back on their feet following Hurricane Ian, and I look forward to the opportunities these programs will create for Floridians.”

“Hurricane Ian caused unimaginable loss to families across Southwest Florida,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Some will have to completely start over and others will have to go to significant lengths to mitigate the financial impact. Due to the unwavering support and leadership of Governor DeSantis, this funding will allow our educational institutions to lighten the burden and transform lives through workforce education.”

Following Hurricane Ian, several high-skill and high-wage occupations like trucking and logistics, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and diesel maintenance will be needed in the region. Funding awarded today will help students graduate with Commercial Driving Licenses and provide opportunities for short-term, high-impact training in manufacturing and technology. This initiative also focuses on the development of rapid credentialing programs in welding, logistics, and aviation maintenance throughout the impacted counties in Southwest Florida. 

Funding highlights include: 

$7.7 million through WIOA and the JGGF to administer funding for rapid credentialing programs. 

• State College of Florida ($2,940,000) – for the commercial driver license credentialing program.
• Florida Southwestern College (1,980,000) – for information technology credentialing programs.
• South Florida State College ($618,842) – for commercial driver license, welding, and tractor programs.
• Fort Myers Technical College ($973,000) – for diesel maintenance mechanic and Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) programs.
• Cape Coral Technical College ($200,000) – for practical nursing credentialing programs.
• $482,000 through the Governor’s Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support credentialing program equipment needs across the five awarded educational institutions.
• $1 million to CareerSource Suncoast, CareerSource Heartland, and CareerSource Southwest Florida to provide training and support for rapid credentialing programs. 

The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with the public sector, private sector, and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. 

Organizations awarded funds from the Florida Disaster Fund today are: 

• $500,000 to the Florida National Guard Foundation.
• $125,000 to the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association which represents emergency management professionals across the state.
• $125,000 to the Collier County Community Foundation.
• $125,000 to the Charlotte County Community Foundation.
• $125,000 to Collaboratory, a community foundation helping communities across Southwest Florida.

Funds awarded to the community foundations will be utilized for local efforts to repair and rebuild homes in Southwest Florida. 

Florida Designates 114 Purple Star Schools

Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced 114 schools in 10 counties across the state will be designated as Florida’s first class of Purple Star campuses in recognition of their support for the children of military families. Governor DeSantis made the announcement while visiting Fort Walton Beach High School in Okaloosa County, which has the highest percentage of military child enrollment of any school district in the state.

Additionally, the Department of Education (DOE) will work with Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Escambia, and Walton counties to create a first of its kind teacher leadership program at Purple Star schools to both help veterans earn their teaching certification and help other teachers learn how to best serve military families. This program will allow Purple Star schools to fill teaching positions and help qualified teachers receive their certification more quickly.

“Purple Star schools have the tools and knowledgeable faculty needed to help children of military families succeed regardless of the obstacles they face,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We also recognize that no one can better relate to these children than those who have served, which is why we are encouraging our veterans to teach at these schools and across the state.” 

“Congratulations to the schools that have been designated as Purple Star Schools of Distinction,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “Under Governor DeSantis, Florida has raised the bar for military-friendly education initiatives. The Purple Star program is another leap forward in ensuring that military families and students receive the support they need to be successful and the schools that serve them are recognized.”

Purple Star campuses must meet certain requirements designed to support the unique needs of military children and their families as they transition into a new school and navigate a new community. Those requirements include: 

• Designating a faculty member as the military liaison to directly support families.
• Updating the school website with resources for military students and families.
• Offering a student-led transition program to assist military students in acclimating into a school.
• Expanding staff professional development training opportunities on issues relating to military students. 
• Reserving controlled, open enrollment seats for military-connected students to utilize to ensure school choice opportunities are available to them, regardless of the time of year their military transfer takes place. 

The Purple Star teacher leadership program builds on legislation signed earlier this year to allow veterans with four years of military experience and an associate degree to obtain a 5-year temporary teaching certificate while they work towards earning a bachelor’s degree. 

Through the program, schools in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Escambia, and Walton counties will actively recruit veterans to become teachers and then help them earn their certification directly from the school, without having to experience any delays from DOE.

The program will also connect veterans with opportunities to finish their schooling at nearby colleges, getting veterans experience in the classroom and partnering veterans with mentor-teachers. Learn more about the Military Veterans Certification Pathway here. 

See the full list of Purple Star schools here.

WellMed Charitable Foundation Contributes $400K to Support First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hope Heroes Volunteer Program

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that Florida’s Aging Network received a $400,000 grant from the WellMed Charitable Foundation to continue support of seniors in their recovery from Hurricane Ian through Florida’s Hope Florida – A Pathway to Purpose Hope Hero volunteer program.

“We’ve seen the power of our Hope Hero volunteers in full force following Hurricane Ian’s devastation in counties where seniors made up more than half of the population,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Our vision is to have a network of businesses, nonprofits and caring individuals who can help support vulnerable seniors. I’m so appreciative of the WellMed Charitable Foundation for helping us turn that vision into a reality.”

The Hope Hero volunteer program was announced by the First Lady in late August 2022 as a part of the Hope Florida expansion to the Department of Elder Affairs. Hope Florida – A Pathway to Purpose provides support for Florida’s elders by breaking down traditional community silos to unite the private sector, faith-based institutions, non-profits and government entities to increase assistance for seniors in need, while helping to facilitate opportunities for seniors looking to serve. The Hope Hero volunteer program offers a new way for retirees to give back to their communities. Following Hurricane Ian, Hope Hero volunteers were deployed to all affected areas to volunteer at shelters, provide yard clean up, deliver meals to homebound elders and more.

“Hope Heroes is a wonderful demonstration of how public/private partnerships help us do more than we could individually. We’re so proud to support an initiative that addresses the needs of older Floridians struggling with the damage from Hurricane Ian, and that also builds a strong foundation of volunteerism and service for years to come,” said Carol Zernial, WellMed Charitable Foundation Executive Director.

The donation from the WellMed Charitable Foundation was given to Advantage Aging Solutions, the Area Agency on Aging of North Florida, and will help provide direct support for seniors to get back on their feet after Hurricane Ian. A portion of the funds will be used to enhance a communication system to disseminate requests from seniors in need in real time to volunteers ready to assist.

“Upon the First Lady issuing a call for volunteers after Hurricane Ian, we saw over 200 people sign up to help seniors in Southwest Florida. The feedback from those on the ground has been inspiring and emotional,” said Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham. “Hope Hero volunteers are caring citizens who want to help their older neighbors. We are so grateful to the WellMed Charitable Foundation for giving this program the resources to expand.”

To become a Hope Hero volunteer or to learn about additional volunteer opportunities, call 800-96-ELDER or visit helpcreatehope.com.

ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHLEY MOODY

Attorney General Moody Leads Multistate Effort Urging DEA to Extend Telehealth Capabilities for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Attorney General Ashley Moody is leading a bipartisan coalition of 45 attorneys general urging the extension of emergency rules to aid those suffering with opioid use disorder. The attorneys general are calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to permanently extend telehealth flexibilities for prescribing buprenorphine, an opioid use disorder treatment. Buprenorphine is one of three medications that is FDA-approved to treat patients suffering from addiction. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food and Drug Administration allowed telehealth services to prescribe the medication, but this rule is set to expire when the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.

The nation is in the grips of an opioid crisis, with more than 100,000 Americans dying due to overdose last year alone. State attorneys general are on the front lines fighting the crisis to protect Americans from deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Attorney General Moody recognizes that interdiction efforts alone will not end the crisis.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “As we continue to fight the deadly opioid crisis claiming tens of thousands of lives across our nation, it is important that people struggling with addiction have access to medication that can help them stop using. Keeping the telehealth rules for prescribing buprenorphine in place will go far in helping us fight this crisis and save lives—and I am proud to lead a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in this important effort.”

As a condition of the COVID-19 public health emergency, in March 2020 the DEA allowed audio-visual telemedicine services to prescribe all Schedule II-V controlled substances, including buprenorphine. Without the proposed permanent extension, the current expiration of the public health emergency has the potential to cut off an estimated 2.5 million U.S. adults who use the opioid use disorder treatment.

In a letter to head DEA and SAMHSA officials, the attorneys general highlight how the existing flexibilities are critical to linking individuals with opioid use disorder to care. The attorneys general state: “The number of patients receiving buprenorphine as treatment…increased significantly when telehealth flexibilities were allowed…it also improved retention in care and reduced the odds of overdose for individuals prescribed buprenorphine via telehealth for opioid use disorder treatment.”

The current allowance for telehealth services also expands access to buprenorphine to patients who may have previously struggled to receive the medication. The attorneys general state: “An estimated 28 million Americans live more than 10 miles and about three million live over 30 miles from a buprenorphine provider. Today, the delivery of care for buprenorphine treatment has shifted significantly to telehealth, making it more accessible than ever for individuals to access the treatment they need.”

In addition to Attorney General Moody, the attorneys general of the following states and territories signed onto the letter: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

To read the full letter, click here.

Attorney General Moody Secures $390 Million Through Historic Multistate Action Against Google Over Location Tracking Practices

Attorney General Ashley Moody announced a historic multistate action against Google over the tech giant’s location tracking practices. The announcement follows a historic multistate investigation by Attorney General Moody and 39 other state attorneys general into the company’s location tracking practices and cybersecurity disclosures. As a result of the investigation, the business will pay the states $390 million—including $26 million to Florida. Google must also provide consumers more information and clearer options as it relates to tracking practices.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Big Tech is watching us, but Silicon Valley needs to know that we are watching them too, and if they violate our consumer protection laws, we will take strong action to protect our citizens. This is a historic case for the privacy of Americans and the protection of consumers nationwide, and I am proud our office helped lead this massive, nationwide investigation.”

Location data is a key part of Google’s digital advertising business and is among the most sensitive and valuable personal information the company collects. Even a limited amount of location data can expose a person’s identity by tracking routines that can be used to reveal personal details.

The attorneys general initiated the multistate investigation following a 2018 Associated Press article that revealed the company records users’ movements, even when explicitly told not to. The article focused on two account settings: Location History and Web & App Activity. Location History is turned off by default, but Web & App Activity, a separate account setting, is automatically turned on when users set up a Google account, including all Android phone customers.

As detailed in the agreement, the attorneys general found that Google allegedly violated state laws by misleading consumers about location-tracking practices in various ways since at least 2014. Specifically, the company caused confusion among those who thought location tracking could be limited by turning off Location History, while Web & App Activity continued to track users’ locations.

Under the agreement, Google agreed to a series of provisions designed to give consumers more transparency into the company’s practices, including:

• Showing additional information whenever account settings are turned on or off.
• Making key information about location tracking unavoidable.
• Creating an enhanced Location Technologies webpage where users can get detailed information about the type of location data Google collects and how it’s used.

The agreement also places limits on the usage and storage of certain types of location information and requires account controls to be more user-friendly.

Florida took a leading role in the investigation and agreement negotiations, represented by Consumer Protection Division Multistate and Privacy Bureau Chief Patrice Malloy.

Attorney General Moody is joined in this final action by the attorneys general of the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.

To view a copy of the agreement, click here.  

A WORD FROM OUR OTHER U.S. SENATOR

RICK SCOTT

Dear Fellow Floridian,

This week, I ran to be the Republican Leader in the United States Senate because the status quo is broken in Washington. Although the results of our leadership elections weren’t what I hoped for, this is far from the end of our fight to Make Washington Work.

I believe that this week marked the beginning of a new era in the Senate. Throughout my life, and especially during my eight years as Governor of Florida, I have been frustrated by the broken status quo in Washington that continuously fails to deliver on its promises to the American people. That’s why I ran for Senate in 2018 – to end the status quo by fighting every day to Make Washington Work for Florida families. We’ve made progress in this fight, but I know there is so much more that could get done if Washington commits to a plan and works together as a team to advance the priorities that matter most to American families.

There is nothing but opportunity before us and I will never stop fighting for you. I will never stop fighting to end Joe Biden’s reckless government spending and the devastating inflation Democrats have caused; to finally take action to protect Social Security and Medicare and preserve the promise of these programs for our children and grandchildren; to hold government accountable, from the FBI to the IRS; to truly combat the extreme danger posed by Communist China; and to refocus our military on lethal defense instead of woke nonsense. My resolve to stand up for what families across this nation stand for has never been stronger than it is today. So many of you reached out to support my efforts this week and I could not be more grateful. I never thought for a moment that this fight would be easy, but I’m optimistic that, together, we can rescue America with the principles that unite us against the dangerous path Democrats have set it on.

Sincerely,

Rick Scott

Read more HERE.