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Florida’s overall positivity rate fell to 3.91%
Positivity rate statewide under 6% for 11 days
Lowest hospitalization rates since June
Today, Governor DeSantis will be making an announcement about Judge Renatha Francis and the future of the Florida Supreme Court … stay tuned!
Florida universities achieve high marks in U.S. News & World Report public university rankings
Happy Birthday to Governor DeSantis
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Space Coast Daily
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Florida economic development and tourism leaders from across Florida are applauding Governor Ron DeSantis’ support of VISIT FLORIDA’s new in-state marketing campaign to help Florida’s tourism industry and economy recover from COVID-19.
“We appreciate Governor DeSantis’ measured approach throughout the COVID-19 epidemic and his focus on getting our economy going strong again. VISIT FLORIDA’s new campaign is a great way to help bolster travel during the fall and winter months. We encourage Floridians to enrich their lives by exploring the diverse regions of the state and experiencing first-hand destinations like Panama City Beach and the rest of Northwest Florida..."
Tampa Bay Times
Our country and our world face a crisis like one we have never seen. Unlike after the 9/11 attacks — the anniversary of which just passed — COVID-19 is not an enemy we can hunt down with our brave military men and women. But, as we have experienced from other crises — World War I and II, 9/11, the killing of Osama bin Laden — our country will win and beat any enemy.
The re-opening of our economy has not been easy, but it is being done right in most states. Of course, things change, but as we gather more knowledge on this virus, I believe we can combat it and not have to close our economy.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' approach of Safe. Smart. Step by Step is proving to be the right way to re-open the economy. I thank the Governor for his leadership as he has been driven and focused on medical data and helping Florida families with jobs. It’s not all about the economy for him, as parts of Florida as of this writing, are still under phase 1, the most stringent requirements; none are under phase 3....
NBC 2
The reopening means that employees can get back work, customers can support their favorite bars and owners can finally start making money again.
Rusty’s Raw Bar and Grill in Cape Coral has been open because it also serves food, but this is still big news for any bar or restaurant owner in Florida.
Up until now, restaurants had only been allowed to sit their dining rooms at 25 percent capacity. Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis said told NBC2 that he wouldn’t fall back to the 25 percent capacity rule under any circumstances....
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COVID-19 by the Numbers | COVID -19 Fatalities
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ICUs and Hospital Beds by the Numbers | Current as of 9/14/2020
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24.84%
% of ICU Beds Available Statewide
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40.49% % of Pediatric ICU Beds Available Statewide
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27.72% % of Available Hospital Beds Statewide
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Governor and First Lady DeSantis Participate in 2020 Florida Missing Children's
Virtual Ceremony
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Download or share any of these social media graphics or posts below for your personal, business, or agency use.
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Agency for Persons with Disabilities
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Two Useful Websites for Finding Resources and Services The Champion Newsletter APD offers two online systems that help match people with disabilities and their families with the services and resources they seek.
The Resource Directory is a tool designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families learn about available resources and local organizations. The directory features more than 8,000 resources, ZIP code search functionality, and door-to-door directions with Google Maps, as well as interactive tools for users to communicate with APD. Check it out here.
The Florida Navigator is an online search tool built to inform Floridians about services provided by different state agencies and programs. The system tailors search results to your specific needs. Start searching here...
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Agency for Health Care Administration
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Number of COVID-19 Hospitalizations Decline Statewide By WJHG Newsroom PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Hospitalizations related to COVID-19 are down statewide. The Florida Department of Health released new data Sunday evening showing that the number of COVID-19 patients that are currently hospitalized is down more than 70 percent since July. According to the Agency for Health Care Administration, 2,645 people were currently in the hospital with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 Sunday afternoon. State health officials have also seen a steady decline in COVID-19 related deaths and new positive cases. The FDOH says Sunday marked 32 straight says of a positive testing rate under 10 percent. To date, the FDOH reports that there have been a total of 663,994 Florida cases with 12,608 deaths related to COVID-19....
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Department of Business and Professional Regulation
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Local Bars Ready to Welcome Patrons The Villages Daily Sun Florida bars are reopening again. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears signed an executive order Thursday allowing bars in the state to resume the sale and service of alcoholic beverages on the premises starting today. Bars will have to operate at 50% capacity.
Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted round tables with owners of Florida bars, breweries and restaurants, including Sept. 3 in St. Petersburg and on Thursday in Fort Myers, to discuss COVID-19 and the impact it has had on their businesses. Many bars and breweries in The Villages and the surrounding area that were affected by an executive order from the Florida DBPR in June came up with alternative ways to keep business going. Establishments that have a food license and derive less than 50% of their revenue from selling alcohol were not affected when the Florida DBPR on June 26 ordered on-premise consumption of alcohol suspended in response to the rising cases of COVID-19 at the time. That came three weeks after DeSantis had signed an executive order June 5 allowing bars to reopen to the public at limited capacity...
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Department of Children and Families
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DCF Celebrates Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week
It's the first day of Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week! Florida's child welfare workers and child protective investigators are on the frontlines, protecting children across the state every day. Even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they still went into homes and did what needed to be done to keep kids safe. At DCF, we're extremely thankful for the hard work and dedication of our child welfare workers. At our recent Child Protection Summit, Governor DeSantis even gave them a special shout out – watch below!
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Department of Economic Opportunity
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Point of View: Cybersecurity Keeps Florida’s Defense Supply Chain Safe and Competitive Palm Beach Post
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) will soon require all contractors to meet new, enhanced cybersecurity standards under the new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) regulations. This will apply to every company that does business with the DoD at all points along the defense supply chain. In Florida alone, tens of thousands of businesses will be impacted and will need to take action soon to comply with these new standards to ensure they can continue to compete for DoD contracts and maintain their operations.
Essentially, the goal of the CMMC is to help ensure that a company's cybersecurity infrastructure is capable of safeguarding sensitive government information. In our current day and age, cybersecurity attacks are a known threat to every business, large and small, and their infrastructure must be protected appropriately – especially when information related to our nation’s military is involved....
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UF Reaches No. 6 in Annual Rankings The Gainesville Sun
The University of Florida is continuing its climb up the U.S. News & World Report rankings, tying for No. 6 in the 2021 public school rankings.
This is the fourth consecutive year that UF has secured a top-10 public school title. In the 2020 public school rankings, UF was tied for No. 7 with the University of California-Santa Barbara, and this year the two schools have tied once again.
“By nearly every measure, UF is continuing to make gains, and I’m thankful to the elected leaders, faculty, staff and supporters of the university who have made that possible,” UF President Kent Fuchs said in a news release issued Sunday afternoon...
For the second consecutive year, U.S. News ranks USF among nation's top 50 public universities TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of South Florida is once again the fastest-rising university in America, according to U.S. News and World Report's (U.S. News) 2021 Best Colleges rankings released today. Over the past 10 years, USF has risen 78 spots among all universities, from No. 181 to No. 103, and 54 spots among public universities from No. 100 to No. 46, more than any other university in the country. This is the second consecutive year USF is among the top 50 public universities in the nation, according to U.S. News.
"USF is proud to maintain its position as the fastest-rising university in national rankings among institutions both public and private over the last decade. As USF continues to be recognized for the exceptionally talented students and faculty it attracts, both the university and our surrounding region, as well of the state of Florida, benefit," USF President Steve Currall said. "We will continue our strategic focus on initiatives that will help propel USF to even greater heights in the future..."
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Department of Environmental Protection
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DEP and DOH Convene Workgroup to Aid in Implementation of Septic Requirements Under Clean Waterways Act
As part of the implementation of Senate Bill 712 (Clean Waterways Act), the regulation of Florida’s Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems will be transferred from the Florida Department of Health (DOH) to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). To develop recommendations for the transfer, the agencies have convened an interagency work group which held its initial kick-off meeting on Friday, Sept. 11. Since Governor DeSantis signed this historic piece of legislation, DEP has been working closely with environmental health leaders from DOH to coordinate the creation of this workgroup, which will allow DEP to successfully and efficiently implement the critical sewage treatment and disposal sections of the Clean Waterways Act.
The joint agency recommendations coming out of this workgroup are due to the legislature Dec. 31, 2020. These recommendations will form the basis for further legislative action during the 2021 legislative session, as well as the interagency agreement between DOH and DEP required by Chapter 2020-150, Laws of Florida.
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Department of Elder Affairs
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Survey Targets COVID-19 Behaviors Lake Okeechobee News
TALLAHASSEE — On Aug. 19, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the release of an online survey to allow residents, especially older adults, to make important self-assessments on their COVID-19 behaviors through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA). The survey asks Floridians to review their decisions with respect to COVID-19 situations, to see how different actions affect their own health, and the health of others. The Florida Safe Survey allows individuals to have a tool at their disposal that fully engages them in the outcomes of their actions. “Protecting Florida’s most vulnerable has been my administration’s main focus during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said DeSantis. “With the Florida Safe Survey, we hope to further mitigate the spread of this disease and bring another layer of protection to those most at risk of severe symptoms from COVID-19...."
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Florida Reports Fewest Coronavirus Deaths In Months Florida Patch Florida reported eight new coronavirus deaths Sunday, which marks one of the fewest daily increases in months as state health officials reported another 2,423 confirmed cases of the virus. Eight of Florida's 67 counties reported new deaths Sunday, including Broward, Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Leon, Marion and Palm Beach counties. More detailed county-by-county data can be found on the Florida Department of Health's coronavirus dashboard. Sunday's total compares to 98 new deaths Saturday, 176 new deaths Friday, 211 new deaths Thursday, 200 new deaths Wednesday, 44 new deaths Tuesday, 22 new deaths Monday and 38 new deaths last Sunday....
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Department of Transportation
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This week, the department is proud to recognize National Construction Appreciation Week and Construction Safety Week, which highlight the construction professionals who make expanding and innovating our transportation system possible. It is because of the amazing men and women in the construction industry that the department is able to carry out its mission of providing a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity, and preserves the quality of Florida's environment and communities. I encourage you to take a minute to watch and learn more about FDOT’s Office of Construction and remember to always slow down, stay alert, and use caution while driving through work zones to keep our construction workers safe.
Thanks again to our construction professionals and our industry partners for helping the department build an innovative and advanced transportation system that will serve the state of Florida for generations to come.
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Florida Department of Corrections
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Florida Corrections Secretary Mark Inch on Friday announced that starting Oct. 2 he will lift the state’s ban on visiting prisons that has deprived thousands of inmates from seeing their loved ones since mid-March. Suspending prison visitation was one of the first measures Inch put in place to try and minimize the spread of the coronavirus in Florida’s prison system. In a video announcement Friday, Inch said he plans to resume visitations “where it is safe and appropriate to do so” because he understands they are key to maintaining family bonds. “I am confident we can move forward safely with a careful approach,” said Inch, who recently recovered from his own battle with COVID-19. “We will reopen visitation with cautious optimism, and with your cooperation, I know we can be successful...."
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement
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Today is Florida Missing Children’s Day FDLE PIO
The first virtual Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony was released today. The video can be seen on The Florida Channel and on FDLE’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. The annual event is held to remember Florida’s missing children, recognize the state’s efforts in child protection, and educate Floridians on child safety and abduction prevention.
Governor Ron DeSantis said, “Missing Children’s Day is a solemn day of commemoration, where we look for hope in the shadow of tragedy and stand together to remember our most vulnerable citizens. We praise our most heroic who work every day to protect our children and bring those missing home safely.”
First Lady Casey DeSantis said, “Today we raise awareness of Florida’s missing children, a day no parent should ever have to endure. Together we can all make a difference in the life of an abducted child. Be aware, be on the lookout and be alert, because one missing child is too many.” FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “The safety of Florida’s children and families remains the top priority for FDLE, as is the successful recovery of those who are currently missing. Last year, FDLE issued 13 AMBER and 24 Missing Child Alerts. I urge all Floridians to sign up to receive AMBER and Missing Child Alerts because your help could save a child’s life.”
Since its inception, 234 AMBER Alerts have been issued, including 15 so far this year. Florida AMBER Alerts have directly aided in the rescue of 73 children....
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Department of The Lottery
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Florida School Bus Driver, 73, Wins $2 Million Lottery Jackpot FOX 35 Orlando
VERO BEACH, Fla. - A 73-year-old Florida man who has driven a school bus for nearly 20 years is now $2 million richer after buying a winning Powerball lottery ticket. James Dippold of Vero Beach purchased the winning ticket from the 7-Eleven at 1400 Highway A1A. According to the TCPalm, Dippold has driven a school bus for St. Edwards School for nearly two decades. He reportedly checked his numbers before heading off to work last month and realized he was a millionaire....
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Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs
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Honoring Veterans during National Assisted Living Week
In honor of National Assisted Living Week, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs salutes the residents and staff at the Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veterans’ Domiciliary Home in Lake City. Since 1990, they’ve proudly been serving our veterans.
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Florida Division of Emergency Management
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Tropical Storm Sally Soaks Florida, Expected to Strengthen in Gulf USA TODAY
Tropical Storm Sally drenched parts of South Florida Sunday as it roared toward the northern Gulf Coast, where it's forecast to make landfall Monday night with dangerous winds, life-threatening storm surge and flooding rain.
Sally is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane with winds up to 100 mph and higher gusts, but the National Hurricane Center shifted its track westward, farther away from the Florida Panhandle. Sally's storm surge is forecast to raise water levels along the Gulf Coast from Chassahowitzka, Florida to Burns Point, Louisiana....
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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Space Coast Daily
The Lionfish Challenge rewards lionfish harvesters
with prizes for their lionfish removals. The participant who harvests the most lionfish will be crowned the Recreational Lionfish King/Queen and the Commercial Champion. (FWC image)
(FWC) – The Lionfish Challenge rewards lionfish harvesters with prizes for their lionfish removals.
The participant who harvests the most lionfish will be crowned the Recreational Lionfish King/Queen and the Commercial Champion....
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Cruise CEOs Say It’s Time To Sail Again in the US Travel Pulse
Several different cruise ships have returned to the waters around the world.
Here in the U.S. though, Cruise Line CEOs, frustrated by the real and perceived issues with the coronavirus pandemic and cruising, say it’s time to get back to service again.
The comments came out of a meeting of the Miami-Dade County Tourism and the Ports Committee on Thursday...
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Last Friday, AmeriCorps members with Literacy AmeriCorps Palm Beach County sorted over 11,000 pounds of donated goods at Feeding South Florida which resulted in 17,196 meals for Palm Beach County families in need. On the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, Americans across the country are called to volunteer in their local communities in tribute to the individuals lost and injured in the attacks, first responders, and the many who have risen in service to defend freedom.
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Department of Juvenile Justice
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Department of Management Services
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Florida Department of Citrus
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Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
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Florida Housing Finance Corporation
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