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Earlier this week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced bold legislation to stop violent assemblies and protect law enforcement. The proposed legislation, the “Combatting Violence, Disorder and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act,” creates new criminal offenses and increases penalties for those who target law enforcement and participate in violent or disorderly assemblies. See the proposed legislation here.
Positivity Rate Statewide Under 6% for a month
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Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed concern during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday that the coronavirus pandemic will continue to hurt small businesses and may disrupt commercial real estate even after it’s over.
“It seems to me that as you look to see what’s happened, particularly in areas that have done real draconian restrictions on people being able to do businesses, that the pandemic has been a boon for like Amazon and some of these big companies,” said DeSantis, a Republican. “It’s been really difficult on a lot of mom and pops. And you look at these places around the country, some of those will never come back. Period....."
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COVID-19 by the Numbers | COVID-19 Fatalities
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ICUs and Hospital Beds by the Numbers | as of 9/23/2020
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22.62%
% of ICU Beds Available Statewide
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37.12% % of Pediatric ICU Beds Available Statewide
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24.39% % of Available Hospital Beds Statewide
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Agency for Health Care Administration
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Money To Aid Mental Health Services For Florida Children WFSU | By The News Service of Florida Some Florida Panhandle counties will receive additional money to boost mental health services for children. The Florida Department of Education is making $2 million available to rural counties across the state to increase access to telehealth to provide mental-health services for schoolchildren. “I'm excited today to announce to 18 of the rural counties across the state of Florida we’ll be issuing $2 million to those rural districts to help students there increase access to tele- and mental-health services,” Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis said during a Monday news conference at the governor’s mansion. The money is available from federal CARES Act stimulus funding and will be directed to rural counties that have lower rates of internet connectivity and have limited access to health-care professionals. The first lady was joined by school superintendents whose districts will benefit from the funding, including Dixie County Superintendent Mike Thomas; Madison County Superintendent Shirley Joseph; and Taylor County Superintendent Danny Glover, Jr...
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Agency for Persons with Disabilities
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'Longtime Dream' Equestrian Center Open at North Florida School for Special Education Florida Times-Union
At 8, Presley Harvey is an experienced equestrienne.
Born with Down syndrome, she began therapeutic horse riding at 18 months old to build her core strength. At first, she was so weak she had to be held upright atop the horse.
"She was so tiny up on that big horse," said her mother, Pam Harvey.
Eventually, the riding helped build her strength and confidence. She held herself up and even progressed to trotting.
"She loves it," her mother said.
So Presley was thrilled when the North Florida School of Special Education in Jacksonville, which she has attended for three years, opened a therapeutic equestrian center this summer. Part of an $11 million campus expansion, the center features a riding area, viewing deck and horse barn with four stables, tack room and office...
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CareerSource Polk is using a $2.5 million grant from the Polk County Board of County Commissioners to help put people back to work during the pandemic.
The money is part of $126 million the county received as part of the federal government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grant. The county used some of that money to assist homeowners and businesses affected by the sudden closure of establishments, and the ensuing loss of jobs, as the coronavirus spread.
CareerSource Polk is a non-profit corporation that oversees state and federal funds dedicated to preparing and upgrading a skilled workforce. It is coordinating Operation Recovery 2020 to help those recently laid off or furloughed return to the workforce in jobs paying $20 an hour.
“We are excited to offer economic solutions for our community,” said Arlalia Oldham-Wesley, director of operations for CareerSource. “It is my hope that we can both empower our citizens and equip our employers with the resources needed to recover from the impact of COVID-19.”
To find out if you are eligible, click here....
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Department of Business and Professional Regulation
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Restaurant Collaboration During COVID-19 Yields Creativity, Cross-Pollination — and Coin Orlando Sentinel The ramen Quan Van couldn’t keep in the pots at Kai Asian Street Fare was the product of a lunch meetup — local restaurant dudes, grabbing grub at another local. It was Hunger Street Tacos, Joe Creech’s place, where the still-newish birria machete was the dish that Van, like a preponderance of the city’s plugged-in foodies, was hot to sample.
Sexy Instagram vids of house-nixtamalized, landrace corn tortillas, stuffed with brisket and dunked in rich, fiery bone marrow broth had incited a riot of buzz.
Van was hanging with names I’ve typed repeatedly in recent memory — Kwame Boakye of Chicken Fire, Chuck Cobb of Git-n-Messy BBQ. Creech came out to join them on the patio....
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Department of Children and Families
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Drive-Thru Celebration for Child Welfare Workers
As part of Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week last week, DCF’s Southern Region Family Safety program coordinated drive-thru celebrations throughout Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. Child protective investigators and child care licensing employees received Congressional Awards and some other small tokens of appreciation for all their hard work. DCF is grateful to the Southern Region team for showing our child welfare workers so much love and support!
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Fourth-Largest U.S. School District to Allow Students Back in Classrooms The New York Times
Miami-Dade County, Fla., one of the largest school districts in the U.S., will reopen classrooms to students next month.
Students in Miami-Dade County, the fourth-largest district in the United States and the biggest school system in Florida, will be able to choose to return to their classrooms next month under a plan approved by the school board on Tuesday after a marathon two-day meeting.
Students would attend classes five days a week, but families who prefer virtual learning could stick with that option. About half of the district’s families chose remote learning when selecting an option this summer.
The reopening would make Miami-Dade, with 350,000 students, by far the largest district in the country to have students in their classrooms full-time. New York City, the nation’s biggest district, already began restarting in-person instruction on Monday, but with students only attending part-time. Students in Los Angeles and Chicago, the second and third-largest systems, are attending classes remotely....
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Department of Environmental Protection
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DEP Makes Environmental Crimes Arrest
DEP’s Environmental Crimes Unit continues to be vigilant in their law enforcement efforts despite the challenges surrounding COVID-19. Following an investigation and the execution of a search warrant at two illegal waste tire dump sites in Brooksville, DEP’s Environmental Crimes Unit (ECU) recently arrested a suspect on two counts of Felony Littering (over 500 lbs.), two counts of Storage of Waste Tires at an Un-permitted Facility, and two counts of Creating/Maintaining a Nuisance Injurious to Public Health. Following intelligence developed by the ECU, an investigation was initiated in August into the illegal transport and dumping of waste tires in North Brooksville. During the investigation, several suspects were identified, and a search warrant was obtained for a property located in Brooksville. The search warrant led to the discovery of 240 waste tires illegally dumped at the location. Supplementary investigation at this location led to the discovery of an additional illegal waste tire dump site, containing approximately 4,500 waste tires. “Governor DeSantis has made it clear that enforcement of the state’s environmental laws is of the utmost importance, and expected of all Floridians,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “The Department is committed to ensuring lawful environmental practices are followed throughout Florida."
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Department of Economic Opportunity
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Early Reports Show Florida Businesses Suffered Over $4 Million in Damages from Sally WEAR TV
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- The newly appointed director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity was in Pensacola Tuesday, assessing Hurricane Sally's damage to businesses.
He spoke to Channel 3 about the impact for businesses already taking a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dane Eagle is in his second week on the job. He's inherited the COVID-19 economy and the stigma of the unemployment debacle six months ago. And now, he's got a hurricane.
Eagle arrived at the Escambia county Emergency Operations Center with some encouraging numbers to report. Unemployment statewide is down four points since last month, with Escambia and Santa Rosa counties sitting below the state average of 7.4 percent.
He knows the hurricane will have a negative impact. Early reports to his office from more than 85 businesses show more than $4.4 million in damage...
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Department of Elder Affairs
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Seniors Get Comfort from Robotic Companions Highlands News-Sun "Under the leadership and guidance of Governor Ron DeSantis, we remain committed to serving the needs of older adults and their families. We know social isolation disproportionately affects older adults, and COVID-19 has required people with dementia and their caregivers to remain alone for extended periods of time. We look forward to delivering these therapeutic robotic pets to those who will benefit from their companionship," DOEA Secretary Richard Prudom said at the beginning of the campaign. In response, the DOEA turned to Ageless Innovation and ordered 375 animals to give to the elderly. It didn't take long for word to spread and since April, more than 2,450 pets have been given out. These aren't the normal stuffed animal. They have heartbeats, follow sounds and even turn over. The cats purr and the dogs bark. The owner gets all the comfort without having to clean up after real pets. Carol Thorpe, 102, of Sebring, received a silver cat as a surprise. Her aid, Patty Lloyd, found out about the program and forwarded the information to Thorpe's relative. Thorpe was excited to find her beautiful silver cat. She was even more thrilled when she found out everything her cat did...
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Positively Osceola
The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County is joining health departments in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia in urging residents to contact their healthcare provider or pharmacy to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. Once vaccinated, it takes about two weeks for the vaccination to offer protection.
Getting the flu shot each year is important, but reducing illness and hospitalization from flu is even more critical this year to protect frontline health care workers and hospital systems who will continue to care for people with COVID-19 and other illnesses. Also, having the flu and COVID-19 at the same time could lead to a negative outcome.
The flu and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses, but until there is a steady vaccine supply against COVID-19, the way to help prevent these two viruses from circulating at the same time is to get your flu vaccine now....
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Department of Transportation
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FDOT Completes Operation STRIDE Project in Live Oak WCJB LIVE OAK, Fla. (WCJB) - On national rail safety week, the Florida Department of Transportation is making strides to improve rail crossings across the region.
‘Operation STRIDE,' which stands for “statewide traffic and railroad initiative using dynamic envelopes,” intends to prevent more vehicle crashes on railways through several projects. FDOT recently completed one of these projects in Suwannee County. FDOT added a ‘Dynamic Envelope’ on U.S. 129 in Live Oak. Crews painted white connected X’s to highlight the zone so that drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians can remain out of the danger zone. “It is a clearly marked no stop area," said FDOT communication specialist Troy Roberts. "It’s white paint across the ground and basically it’s before you get to a railroad crossing. It’s a visual reminder to motorists on where they can safely stop, and basically where they don’t need to stop when approaching a rail crossing.” The two-week project was completed on Monday evening. The improvements will continue for the rest of the 2020 and into the spring of next year...
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Division of Emergency Management
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'Zombie' Storm Paulette Regains some Strength, Adding to Weird 2020 Weather NBC News
It's alive.
A week after Hurricane Paulette hit Bermuda and weakened as it spun north in the Atlantic Ocean, the system has come back to life as a "zombie" tropical storm, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA's National Hurricane Center issued an advisory late Monday saying Tropical Storm Paulette had re-formed southeast of the Azores, a series of islands off the coast of Portugal. At the time, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.
It's not the first time that NOAA has observed a storm coming back to life, but experts said it's still an unusual phenomenon — one that comes during an extremely busy hurricane season in a year that has been chock full of extremes.
"It's not unprecedented, but it's not something we see very often, and it kind of fits this year of weird, weird things happening," said Phil Klotzbach, an atmospheric scientist at Colorado State University in Fort Collins...
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Florida Department of Corrections
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“The tireless effort of the more than 24,000 FDC staff members has not gone unnoticed during these unprecedented times. Each day, our staff selflessly serve with public safety at the very forefront of their minds. The character, competence, and commitment shown by staff to ensure the health and safety of all who live in and work within our system has far exceeded any expectation,” said Secretary Mark Inch. “I recognize the great patience, professionalism, and perseverance of our officers, medical professionals, educators and administration. Their service to the State of Florida is extraordinarily valued and I am proud to be a part of this team.”
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement
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We Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Heroes in September FDLE The Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) and the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) with the support of Attorney General Ashley Moody have designated the month of September 2020 to honor the service and sacrifice of Florida law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2020, including those who have succumbed to COVID-19 while protecting our communities, and raise awareness of the specific ongoing threat to officers from the COVID-19 virus. https://fpca.com/media/2020/08/FL-Police-Chiefs-Sheriffs-AG-Moody-Honor-Fallen-Heroes.pdf
This year so far, 205 law enforcement officers in the United States have died in the line of duty, including 16 in Florida. Eleven of those deaths in our state are attributed to COVID-19, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said: “FDLE appreciates the honor shown to those who have died in service to their communities. While they represent diverse backgrounds across our state, each shared the sense of dedication and bravery that defines Florida’s law enforcement community. They helped make Florida a safer place for our citizens and visitors, and we continue the mission as we honor them. “
FDLE sworn members are wearing their badges displaying the mourning bands to recognize and honor the fallen.
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Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs
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Twenty Florida Veterans Inducted Into Hall of Fame
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet voted unanimously to induct 20 veterans into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The names for the Class of 2020 were presented for a formal vote during the Sept. 22 Cabinet Meeting by FDVA Deputy Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell.
The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those military veterans who, through their works and lives during or after military service, have made a significant contribution to the State of Florida through civic, business, public service or other pursuits. It is not a traditional military hall of fame, as it focuses on post-military contributions to the State of Florida.
“I was honored to forward the names of these great Americans to the Governor and Cabinet,” said Hartsell, a retired Marine Corps Major General. “These former service members represent the best of the best of our veteran community.”
Last month, the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council met to review and select nominees submitted from the general public. Following a formal report and audit, the results are transmitted to Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, which submits the nominations to the Governor and Cabinet. The Sept. 22 vote formally approves the selection. A ceremony honoring the 20 inductees from the Class of 2020 will be scheduled in the future.
The Class of 2020 is the eighth class to enter the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame:
Gary Clark, Colonel, USAF (Ret) George Duren, U.S. Army Veteran The late Michael Ferguson, Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Ret) Jay Garner, Lieutenant General, U. S. Army (Ret) Martin Gayeski, U.S. Army Veteran Frank Hahnel, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps Veteran George Hardy, Lieutenant Colonel, Army Air Corps/ U.S. Air Force (Ret) Ronald Joe, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret) Daila Espeut-Jones, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army (Ret) Darryle Kouns, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret) Cliff Leonard, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Mike Mason, U.S. Army Veteran Michelle Poitier, U.S. Navy Veteran Deloris Quaranta, Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force (Ret) Dean Resch, Chief Warrant Officer 4, U.S. Army (Ret) Claude Shipley, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret) Donald Slesnick II, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret) Morris Steen Jr., Captain, U.S. Navy (Ret) Dr. Norman Thagard, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Astronaut Alton Yates, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Ret)
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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Florida Housing Finance Corporation
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Florida Daily
On Friday, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) Board of Directors unanimously approved the expansion of the Housing Stability for Homeless Schoolchildren Initiative to Alachua, Bay and Charlotte Counties during the September board meeting.
The program assists homeless families in regaining housing stability and economic self-sufficiency, while also ensuring their school-aged children remain on track with their education.
The state of Florida currently has an estimated 91,675 homeless schoolchildren, and in many cases, a lack of stable housing prevents these children from attending school on a consistent basis. Initial pilot sites in Santa Rosa County and Hernando County evaluated the use of funds for short-term tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA), paired with Department of Education homeless education resources, and community-based supportive services.
“School often serves as a refuge for our youth and the consistency of education is key to building a healthy future,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “This initiative has proven to help homeless schoolchildren and increase academic performance and attendance. The partnership between Florida Housing and local communities will help expand a foundation for housing and educational stability for Florida’s children and families...."
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Halloween is Alive at Universal Orlando Travel Weekly The 2020 Halloween season won't be what Universal Orlando Resort initially envisioned, but festivities will still be featured at its Florida theme parks.
2020 marked the 30th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights, the popular, separately ticketed events that brought multiple haunted houses, "scare zones" and more to the parks. The event was canceled this year, but in-park festivities mimic some of the features of Halloween Horror Nights.
The festivities this year are included with daytime park admission starting on the weekend of Sept. 26 and 27, and daily from Oct. 3 to Nov. 1.
Two new haunted houses will be erected: Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives and Revenge of the Tooth Fairy. Guests may have to use Universal's Virtual Line experience to enter the houses at times. The experiences are not recommended for those under 13...
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Upcoming Webinar: How Do I Choose Where to Serve? Thursday, September 24 at 2 pm (ET)
As a volunteer, what should you consider when choosing how to best serve your community? Join us for tomorrow’s webinar where we will provide a few quick tips for individuals as they consider volunteer opportunities. Click here to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8696375423669184524.
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Department of Juvenile Justice
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Department of The Lottery
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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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