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15th straight day with COVID positivity rates below 10%
Numbers continue moving in the right direction
Schools are open
Unemployment claims drop sharply
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With hundreds of students testing positive for the coronavirus as they return to Florida universities, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday lashed out at the suggestion that sending young people back to school is unsafe.
Not only is it likely that the students contracted the virus before they went back to college or elementary and high schools that have reopened across the state, but the number of kids testing positive is remarkably low, he said.
“You see the headlines that say, oh, 2,000 students at the University of Alabama … have tested positive and they test like 60,000 people. Actually I think it was less than 2,000,” he said.
So the rate is actually lower than it is in the United States, but it is being portrayed as if there was a massive outbreak at the University of Alabama,” he said during a press conference in Tampa.
Continuing his rant against the media, he said there is also no mention of the severity of the symptoms.
“Particularly for that age group, the vast majority of folks who are testing positive on these university campuses don’t have symptoms and don’t end up becoming ill,” he said. “I think that’s significant. I think that people would want to know that.”
Fox 13 Tampa Bay
TAMPA, Fla. - The state of Florida's COVID-19 numbers are trending downward, from new cases to hospitalizations. Florida's percent positivity, the rate of new positive tests, is half of what it was just six weeks ago.
It's encouraging news when just weeks ago, Florida was breaking national records and not for good reasons. But health experts urge everyone to not let their guard down.
Governor Ron DeSantis, encouraged by Florida's COVID-19 data, announced Monday that the Miami Dolphins can soon allow a limited number of fans inside Hard Rock Stadium to watch.
"I think it is something that will give people a little bit of hope," DeSantis said.
That hope, of course, is driven by the numbers. He said that COVID-positive hospitalizations are down 50% in Florida. Sunday's number of 128 COVID-19 admissions was the lowest since late June.
South Florida Sun Sentinel
First-time unemployment claims in Florida took a steep drop to 45,723, a level not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic first stunned the state and national economies in March.
Claims for the week ended Aug. 22 were off by 27,051, the U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday. But nationally, the figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims remained over 1 million, ending the week at 1,006,000, a decrease of 98,000 from the previous week’s revised level.
“There’s been no substantial easing of historically high demand for unemployment assistance, something we’ve seen for five months now,” said Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst for Bankrate.
“New jobless claims dropped slightly by 98,000 to just over 1 million in the latest week,” he added. “Continuing claims are still shockingly high. In total, more than 27 million claims were made across all programs as of the end of the first week of the month.”
William Luther, an economist at Florida Atlantic University, surmised the flow of Floridians joining the ranks of the unemployed is on the decline. And despite the rash of job cuts at hotels and other tourism-related businesses, employees whose services are not required are being furloughed, not laid off.
A bipartisan pair of state lawmakers have a long-shot green stimulus plan for Florida’s gaping pandemic budget hole — legalizing and taxing recreational marijuana.
Pot enthusiasts shouldn’t get their hopes up too high, though.
Such an idea hasn’t caught fire in the conservative Florida Legislature, and Gov. Ron DeSantis opposes full legalization.
But Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Sen. Jeff Brandes think it deserves consideration given that lawmakers need to plug a $5.4 billion budget deficit over the next two years.
And they say cold-hard budget realities could sway people to support their cause.
“We can cut funding for health care, public schools, transportation or housing, or we can find new revenue opportunities and put all sources on the table, including legalizing cannabis for adult use,” said Smith, an Orlando Democrat. “We all know it is going to happen eventually. Why not be proactive?”
Florida Trend
A real understanding of Florida’s experience with the coronavirus may have to wait for the historians — news coverage is so politicized that it’s hard to get any sense of context from the reportage on what’s going on and why. Sifting and sorting through the data and the mess, I think, however, it’s possible to say a few things that will hold up as we move forward.
Florida will almost certainly pass through the corona-crisis without the hospital system meltdown that occurred in the northeastern states. And even after the “surge” in cases in July, Florida’s death rate will remain relatively low. As of late July, Florida was experiencing around 28 deaths per 100,000 compared to 177 in New Jersey, 168 in New York and 124 in Massachusetts. That’s the lowest death rate per 100,000 among the 10 most densely populated states, and the seventh-lowest rate among the 10 most populous states. Even if deaths continued at record levels in the state between the time I’m writing this and the time you’re reading it, Florida probably won’t even move into the top 20 states in terms of death rate.
» Florida’s relatively low population density may have helped. There is a stronger correlation between the density of a state’s population and a high death rate than the size of a state’s population and its death rate. Florida is the eighth most densely populated state, much less densely populated than most of the states ahead of it. And by my reckoning, as of the end of July, the 10 most densely populated states (which include low-population Rhode Island and Delaware and don’t include Texas, California, North Carolina, Georgia and Michigan) accounted for more COVID deaths than the 10 most populous states. That fact is largely a function of the massive number of deaths in densely populated New York City and New Jersey, but I think density helps explain both why the northeastern states had big death rates — and why their caseloads remained low after the initial, brutal spike. Disease spreads faster in densely inhabited areas, and, likewise, pockets of immunity emerge quicker, too.
DOJ To See If States Contributed to COVID-19 Nursing Home DisastersThe Federalist
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division is requesting data from states like New York to determine if a civil rights investigation should be conducted into COVID-19 spread in nursing homes.
“Protecting the rights of some of society’s most vulnerable members, including elderly nursing home residents, is one of our country’s most important obligations,” said Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband. “We must ensure they are adequately cared for with dignity and respect and not unnecessarily put at risk.”
The DOJ examination will determine whether an official investigation will occur under the federal Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), “which protects the civil rights of persons in state-run nursing homes, among others.”
“The Civil Rights Division seeks to determine if the state orders requiring admission of COVID-19 patients to nursing homes is responsible for the deaths of nursing home residents,” the statement reads.
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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 8/27/2020
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20.52%
% of ICU Beds Available Statewide
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36.45% % of Pediatric ICU Beds Available Statewide
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23.77% % of Available Hospital Beds Statewide
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Governor Advocates Getting an AntibodyTest - You Could Save a Life
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Stuff the Bus' delivers school supplies to Marion County students Ocala Star-Banner
Saraiyah Smith, a third grader at Belleview-Santos Elementary, had high marks for the backpack filled with school supplies she received Thursday as part of the community "Stuff the Bus" program.
Saraiyah, 8, flashed two thumbs up as the backpack was fitted to her shoulders by school staff.
The "Stuff the Bus" program, organized by military veterans and in its 20th year, collects material donated by private individuals and local businesses for distribution to students based upon parent requests and school staff recommendations.
This school year, 27 elementary and charter schools in the county will each receive 25 backpacks — a total of 675 — filled with school supplies.
Bellview-Santos Elementary principal Kimberly White was on hand for the backpack delivery.
"This is absolutely incredible. Our community cares about children," White said.
Marion County Veterans Council President Craig Ham, a retired U.S. Army colonel and Suzanne McGuire, group secretary, delivered the backpacks to Belleview-Santos Elementary.
Ham said the backpacks provide the students materials to get off to a good start. No two backpacks are alike, providing anonymity.
McGuire said “Stuff the Bus” has been a proven outreach throughout its history of partnership with county schools.
The early "Stuff the Bus” collection drives used a school bus to place donations but the drive is now using a trailer, the use of which was donated by state Sen. Keith Perry.
She said community donations totaled about $27,000 this year and, due to COVID-19, more were monetary than school materials.
The group purchased some of the school supplies, which were available at wholesale prices.
The "Stuff the Bus" program was started by local veterans including the late military chaplain Lamar Hunt and the Kingdom of the Sun chapter of Military Officers Association of America and now includes the Marion County Veterans Council, Ham said.
Shelly Palmatier, school secretary and bookkeeper, and Alison Polish, school counselor, assisted with the delivery. The balance of the backpacks will be distributed over the next few days.
Kevin Christian, spokesman for Marion County Public Schools, called the program "a blessing."
"Our community never ceases to amaze me with how much they care for students. People spend their own time, money and effort to provide for students in-need. What a blessing they are to thousands of our students who start the year off equipped to succeed," Christian said in an email.
"Though it's had different names the past few years, 'Stuff the Bus' and 'Bus Brigade' have the same goal — providing students with the basics to help them succeed in the classroom," he said.
White said the public has also been generous with donations of items like face masks and coverings for students, required on school campuses.
"We have 350 students on campus and 100 students online. The beginning of the school year has been running It's going like a well-oiled machine,” White said.
White credited three weeks of advanced preparation for making the adjustments go smoothly including students adhering to the mask requirement.
"Perhaps because (mask wearing) has become a norm. It's amazing," White said.
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Department of Children and Families
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Department of Emergency Management
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‘Game changer?’ Florida eyes rapid and sensitive coronavirus test that just hit market Miami Herald A new COVID-19 test approved by the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday could dramatically improve and expand rapid testing for the disease in Florida, according to the state’s testing czar. It’s unclear when they will be available. The U.S. is purchasing 150 million of the tests at a cost of $750 million, President Trump announced Thursday, a move that will boost the nation’s capacity for rapid testing. But Jared Moskowitz, the state’s emergency manager, said they will change the testing landscape in Florida. “There are tests that are as sensitive, and there are tests that are as quick,” he said. “The key is that most of those have not been combined, quick and the sensitivity together. That’s the game changer.” The nasal-swab test, called BinaxNOW, is priced at about $5, a fraction of the cost of the tests Florida currently uses to diagnose the illness, which can range from $50 to $120 each for the state to run. The test is about the size of a credit card and can return results in about 15 minutes. It also does not require lab equipment or personnel to process — meaning it could eventually be used to test students returning to school, people evacuating to hurricane shelters, workers going back to the office and sports audiences. Abbott said it is pairing the test with a mobile phone app that can be scanned like a digital “boarding pass” to enter places where people gather. Though there are drawbacks — the test is only approved for use in cases with symptoms so it won’t catch asymptomatic disease carriers — Moskowitz has already had several phone calls with Abbott, and said he plans to go after the new tests “aggressively.”
By late afternoon, after continued conversations with Abbott, Moskowitz learned that the entire first year’s supply of the tests had been purchased by the federal government. He said he’d already spoken to Gov. Ron DeSantis about securing the tests, and that this meant Florida wouldn’t have to pay for them at all. Florida currently uses two types of tests. The molecular, or PCR test, is highly sensitive and requires healthcare workers to administer and a lab to process results. It involves a nasal or throat swab and can cost the state of Florida as much as $120 for one test.
A quicker test, which measures for a protein of the virus called an antigen, is less sensitive but can be self-administered. It also is done through a nasal or throat swab, costs about $50 for the state, and requires a lab to process results.
But the antigen tests have limited sensitivity, meaning a negative result has less weight because the test is more likely to have a missed infection.
The new Abbott test, which can produce results in less than 15 minutes, was measured to have a 97% sensitivity for people with symptoms, meaning it would catch 97 out of 100 infections.
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Coronavirus: Florida marks 2 weeks of testing positivity rate under 10% Source Local10.com Florida marks the 14th day that the state reports a testing positivity rate that is lower than the 10% target. The Florida Department of Health reported a 5.72% day-to-day coronavirus testing positivity rate on Wednesday. It was a decrease from Tuesday’s 7.49%. The FDOH also reported that from Tuesday to Wednesday there were 155 more deaths associated with coronavirus and 3,220 new cases in Florida. This increased the state’s total coronavirus cases from 605,502 on Tuesday to 608,722 on Wednesday. The death toll since the start of the outbreak increased to 10,872, including 10,733 Florida residents and 139 non-residents. Florida residents’ coronavirus-related hospitalizations increased by 366 from Tuesday to Wednesday. The total resident hospitalizations went from 37,038 on Tuesday to 37,404 on Wednesday. Florida’s overall positivity rate remains at 13.53%. Since the outbreak began in March, the FDOH reported there have been about 4.49 million test results out of which 3.88 million tests have had negative results and 608,722 have had positive results. Although the positivity rate trends are going in the right direction, Florida remains the second state in the country with the most cases after California, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimates that based on the current projection scenario 21,174 people will die of complications with COVID-19 in Florida by Dec. 1.
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BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Senator Tom Wright (R-New Smyrna Beach) accepted the Major General Ronald O. Harrison Distinguished Service Award from the National Guard Association of Florida.
This award is presented annually to an individual who has offered exceptionally outstanding service and contributions over an extended period of time to the Florida Army or Air National Guard.
According to their website, “The Ronald O Harrison award was created in 2003 to honor MG Ronald O. Harrison who was named the Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard March 1, 1992, and lead it until he retired November 3, 2001.”
Wright is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and Space. He also serves on the Florida Defense Support Task Force, Veterans Foundation of Florida, and Halifax Urban Ministries, which oversees the Barracks of Hope that provides transitional housing to Veterans who have struggled with homelessness, addiction, and mental health.
“Through the years my wife Cindy and I have personally devoted our time and resources to give back to those who have given so much to secure the freedom we enjoy each day,” said Wright.
“It was an honor to be recognized by the National Guard Association of Florida and to receive this award standing among our local veterans who continue to serve their communities and inspire me each day to never give up advocating for them at the local, state and national levels.”
The presenters were retired Col. Ronald G. Corey, Executive Director of the National Guard Association of Florida; Carolyn Smith; and Edward A. Kalakauskis (ISG RET), who is with the Enlisted National Guard Association of Florida.
Attendees were members of the Veteran community and their support organizations.
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Agency for Persons with Disabilities
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ADA Anniversary Celebration Receives High Praise from Floridians apdcares
Self-advocate and Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2018 Shevie Barnes wants you to close your eyes and imagine yourself in a mall with a group of your closest friends. “This mall,” she explains, “happens to be two stories, and the food court is upstairs. Well, with the ADA in effect there’s definitely an elevator. But as you race toward the elevator to beat everybody upstairs, you see the thing that most of us hate seeing, and that would be the out of order sign.” For most people, this is an inconvenience, requiring them to find the nearest stairs or escalator. However, Barnes wants us to imagine ourselves, instead, in a wheelchair. “Your only way upstairs is gone. What do you do?”
Shevie Barnes presented this scenario as part of her speech during the 30th anniversary celebration of the ADA on July 24. Her speech asked the 400 attendees of this virtual event to examine the daily challenges of living with a disability, to consider how far we’ve come in the 30 years since the ADA made things like elevators a requirement, and how far we still have to go to make a truly accessible world.
For many who attended this event, Barnes’s speech was thought-provoking. In responses to a post-event survey, attendees described Barnes’s speech as “inspirational,” praising her passion and willingness to share her experience. As one respondent explained, “I had just never thought of how someone in a wheelchair would get to a second floor of a mall without an elevator.”
Barnes was one of three keynote speakers who left an impression on attendees. The event also included speeches by Comptroller for the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology Whitney Harris and Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living of South Florida Peter O’Connell. Like Barnes, Harris and O’Connell shared their personal experiences with the ADA and how it helped them achieve their goals. These speeches were a highlight for most of the attendees, as an overwhelming majority of survey respondents explained that this was their favorite part of the event.
Other highlights included speeches by local and state leaders, self-advocate Kazana McKenzie’s moving performance of the national anthem, and a slide show featuring images of people around the state showing their support of the ADA by wearing their commemorative shirts in their homes and communities. To ensure the ADA Celebration met the public’s expectations, APD did an online survey immediately following the event and received very positive results. More than 90% of survey respondents rated the event as either good or excellent. In the words of one respondent, “Great job not letting the pandemic stop the show!”
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Florida Department of Corrections
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FDC Continues Inmate Education During Pandemic
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) recognizes the vital importance education plays in preparing inmates for successful re-entry and restoration back into their communities. During the COVID-19 health emergency, staff swiftly designed dynamic responses and remained diligent in providing educational opportunities to inmate students incarcerated throughout Florida.
FDC implemented alternative methods to continue programming by offering educational materials to inmates within dorms, computer-assisted instruction, social distancing group instruction and testing in safe environments.
“By providing these modified opportunities for education and supporting those in our custody striving for higher education, we are supplying them with the essential skills and resources needed for effective restoration back into their community,” said FDC Secretary Mark Inch. “I want to commend our staff who continued to seek methods to safely and effectively offer these programs during a challenging situation.”
In July, more than 50 inmate students received their General Equivalency Diplomas (GED), and nearly 450 Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificates and industry credentials were earned by inmates. Certificates and credentials included Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), welding, masonry, electrician technician and building construction technology.
“For educators, the pandemic created a unique challenge for which there is no lesson plan. I am so pleased to see these kinds of numbers despite the hurdles of COVID-19,” said FDC Director of Office of Programs and Re-Entry Patrick Mahoney. “These successes and education gains are directly attributed to the outstanding commitment of our educators and the leadership at our institutions. The work of our staff continues to amaze me.”
For more information on FDC’s Office of Programs and Re-Entry, visit: www.dc.state.fl.us/development/index.html.
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Agency for Health Care Administration
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Reopening nursing homes is a tough call, but the right one | Editorial Orlando Sentinel When it comes to misery, coronavirus has not been an equal-opportunity spreader. Few groups have suffered quite like the elderly and infirm.
The rest of us have been cut off from work, school, restaurants and sports. People in long-term care facilities have been cut off from love.
That’s not overstating it. It’s been five months since long-term facilities in Florida were locked down. Most residents didn’t even get to hug their families goodbye.
That will mercifully be ending soon.
A state task force has sent recommendations to Gov. Ron DeSantis that will reopen long-term care facilities on a limited basis. DeSantis is expected to approve the new guidelines.
“This visitation is long overdue,” he said Wednesday. “We’ve got to get this done.”
It’s a risky move, but it’s the right one. Residents are highly susceptible to contracting COVID-19, but they are also uniquely vulnerable to the current remedy.
“We got a lot of people in our nursing homes and assisted living facilities who are suffering from significant depression,’' said Mary Mayhew, the state’s Health Care Administration Secretary who headed the task force.
Reopening has distinct dangers. As of Thursday, 10,868 Florida residents had died of COVID-19. Almost 82% were 65 or older and 42% of victims lived in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities.
In Seminole County, 70% of COVID-19 deaths have been in long-term care facilities. Those sobering numbers must be weighed against collateral damage that cannot be quantified.
Most residents have been restricted to their rooms. There’s been no socializing at the dining hall, no activities like bingo or Bible study.
Family members can come and visit them through glass doors or windows, but they are not allowed inside. Many residents cannot grasp why. They think they’ve been abandoned to die.
The confusion and isolation has led to plague of loneliness. Families have besieged policy-makers with stories of loved ones who are withering away.
A leading voice has been Mary Daniel from Jacksonville. Her husband, Steve, has Alzheimer’s disease and is in an assisted living facility.
After months of helplessly watching him deteriorate, she took a job as a dishwasher at the facility two nights a week. That allowed her access to her husband’s room.
“I opened the door and Steve just looked at me, wide-eyed. Then he said my name,” Daniel told the Washington Post. “We hugged for the longest time.”
Daniel was a member of the task force. It was supposed to finish its work Tuesday but held an extra session Wednesday to settle on a plan.
School boards, mayors, sports commissioners and countless other decision-makers can relate: When it comes to reopening, every option has a downside.
The difference is workers, students and sports fans must endure and adapt for now. There will be eventually a tomorrow.
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Department of The Lottery
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Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs
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Most Underused State Benefit for Veterans
Florida waives undergraduate-level tuition at state universities and community colleges for Florida recipients of the Purple Heart and other combat-related decorations superior in precedence to the Purple Heart. The waiver program also includes the state’s career and technical training facilities.
Connecting veterans with earned benefits, services and support is the top priority of Florida's teleworking veterans' claims examiners. For assistance on this or any veteran-related issue, call (727) 319-7440 and they'll return your call within 24 hours. You may also email them at VSO@fdva.state.fl.us.
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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Are you an eco-minded fishing guide?
Florida has a new program for eco-minded for-hire fishing guides.
The Florida Friendly Fishing Guide certification recognizes saltwater and freshwater fishing guides who are committed to preserving the future of Florida’s fisheries through sustainable boating and fishing techniques.
Established by UF/IFAS, Florida Sea Grant and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the program helps guides provide a richer fishing experience for their clients through their angling expertise and environmental stewardship.
This online certification course covers science-based techniques that ensure a minimal environmental footprint and includes subjects such as best practices for catch-and-release fishing, seafood safety and handling, an introduction to fisheries management, and more.
Participating guides can put the Florida Friendly Fishing Guide logo on their websites and vessels, letting customers know that they adhere to the highest environmental standards. They also receive a welcome gear pack valued at more than $150, listing on the Florida Sea Grant website and social media promotion.
Learn more about how to sign up and take this online course at FLSeagrant.org/florida-friendly-fishing-guide-certification.
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Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
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Allegiant Adds Seven New Routes With Fares From $29 One-Way Travel Pulse Allegiant Air—one of the best in North America for COVID-19 traveler safety measures—is celebrating the announcement of seven new nonstop routes with fares starting from just $29 each way.
The low-cost carrier's latest expansion includes three new routes to Florida and two to Palm Springs, California. Allegiant also announced that it will extend its seasonal route between Nashville and Bozeman, Montana, offering fares as low as $59 each way.
Beginning November 19, Allegiant will operate twice-weekly flights between Boston and Sarasota, Florida; Phoenix and Santa Maria, California; Palm Springs and Boise, Idaho and Denver and Provo, Utah. Starting November 20, the airline will launch twice-weekly service to Punta Gorda, Florida from Houston and Chicago as well as flights between Palm Springs and Eugene, Oregon.
Finally, seasonal service between Nashville and Bozeman will begin on November 21.
Travelers have until Saturday, August 29 to purchase the introductory one-way fares for travel by February 8, 2021. Contact your travel advisor or visit Allegiant.com to shop the new flights.
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement
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Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission to hold virtual meeting Monday FDLE
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission will hold a web meeting Monday, August 31, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Florida Channel will be broadcasting the GoToMeeting and streaming it live at https://thefloridachannel.org/. It will also available on FDLE’s Vimeo page at https://vimeo.com/451608678/ad0b980a05.
http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/MSDHS/Meetings.
What: Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission Meeting
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
If a member of the public wishes to participate in public comment, please email Public Comments at JenniferMiller2@fdle.state.fl.us.
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission is an independent body with members appointed by the Governor, Senate President and House Speaker. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri is the chairman.
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Florida Housing Finance Corpration
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How to Help with Hurricane Laura Response and Recovery Activities
It is important to note that at this Hurricane Laura still remains an active threat. Even in areas where the storm has passed, there are widespread power outages and ground conditions are not safe. One of the best ways that individuals can help is by donating monetarily. During disasters, cash can be transported instantly and can be used to purchase essential supplies that are needed for both response and recovery activities. For more information about where to donate or how to affiliate with a volunteer organization after the conditions are safe, we recommend reaching out to Louisiana and Texas’ state service commissions. Similar to Volunteer Florida, Volunteer Louisiana and One Star Foundation in Texas coordinate volunteers and donations before, during and after disaster. For more information, please visit www.volunteerlouisiana.gov and www.onestarfoundation.org.
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Department of Business and Professional Regulation
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Columbia-Based Incofilt Chooses Tampa, Florida to Launch First U.S. Operations Area Development Magazine Incofilt, a Colombia-based manufacturer of industrial filters, will launch its first U.S. operations, Delasierra Filters Technology, in Tampa, Florida. The company, which will initially invest $1.5 million, signed a lease to operate out of Regus in Corporate Center One, located at 2202 N. Westshore Blvd. Delasierra will start its operations with a team of commercial advisers and then plans to hire 10 support engineers in its first year. According to Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, after several years of market research and strategic planning, Tampa was selected for its commercial office in the U.S. for several reasons; convenient port access, open-market trade agreements, a diverse pool of highly qualified talent, a strong university system, and a thriving industrial market. “Tampa provides all of the business advantages we need from a strategic and logistical point of view, but the supportive business environment we found here was an added benefit,” said Jose Luis Sierra, director of engineering, Incofilt. “From the very beginning of our research and prospecting, Tampa has opened its doors to us in an exceptional way. We are convinced that with this great support, we will quickly meet all of our objectives.” “The current pandemic has no doubt brought on many challenges for companies, but due to the strategic planning we began five years ago, our company has been able to successfully move forward with our U.S. operations, and I am convinced more companies will follow,” said Sierra. “Disruptions to production and supply chains have occurred, so I encourage companies to find new strategic markets where there are opportunities for growth. It’s one of the most important long-term strategies a company can have to ensure sustainable growth.” The Tampa Bay EDC said it connected Delasierra to several business resources to help set up its U.S. operations and introduced the company to CareerSource Tampa Bay for recruitment assistance. “The Tampa Bay area continues to attract international companies, offering many business advantages including our pro-business climate, accessibility to global markets, and diverse talent pool,” said Marie Chinnici-Everitt, chair of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council and managing director of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC). “Our region’s growing industrial market and strong manufacturing sector will serve Delasierra well, and our team is committed to helping the company succeed.” Delasierra joins a growing list of international companies that have announced plans to expand in the United States and set up operations in Hillsborough County. Prati Donaduzzi, a Brazilian medicine supplier, plans to set up a small research and development center in Tampa. Last year, Cicopal Group, a leading manufacturer of popular snacks in Brazil, chose to launch its first U.S. products here. In 2018, UK-based recruitment firm Frank Recruitment Group opened an office in downtown Tampa, and Danish accessibility products manufacturer LiftUp established its U.S. subsidiary here.
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Department of Juvenile Justice
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Florida Department of Elder Affairs
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How safe are you being during the coronavirus pandemic? A new Florida survey could tell you WTSP.com ST. PETERSBURG, Fla — Floridians are now able to get a glimpse of if their behavior during the coronavirus pandemic has been safe and beneficial to their health -- or not. The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) and Gov. Ron DeSantis recently released an online survey that allows Florida residents to self-assess their "COVID-19 behaviors." “Protecting Florida’s most vulnerable has been my administration’s main focus during this COVID-19 pandemic,” DeSantis wrote in a release. “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.” The survey asks you to review your decisions with respect to coronavirus-related situations to see how your different actions impact your health and the health of others. "Floridians across the state have a new opportunity to make a difference during these unprecedented times,” first lady Casey DeSantis said. “This is a chance for Florida’s aging population to ensure they are doing everything they can to get the best Safe Behavior Score possible with respect to COVID-19. "Through this incredible innovation, we are given the opportunity to save lives.” You can find the survey at FloridaSafeSurvey.com and officials say it only takes a few minutes to complete. Those who choose to take the survey can do so anonymously. According to the website, after taking the survey you will receive "a custom report based on your life and habits, find out how likely you are to get or spread COVID-19, how severe it might be if you get sick, steps to reduce your risks, and ways to have your needs met during the pandemic."
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Department of Management Services
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Department of Enviromental Protection
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DEP's Division of State Lands Prevails in Case Involving Big Shell Island
Marie Keohane (Plaintiff) and the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Defendant) went to trial in June 2020. The trial was held via Zoom due to COVID-19, which presented a final challenge for DEP to overcome at the end of a nine year legal battle over an island property. The battle came to an end on Aug. 20 after the Court ruled in favor of the Board of Trustees. In 2011, the Plaintiff filed a complaint to quiet title to an island lying in the Caloosahatchee River, known as Big Shell Island. The Plaintiff claimed ownership of Big Shell Island based on a 1987 tax deed; however, based on evidence presented by DEP’s Division of State Lands (as staff to the Board of Trustees), the Court ruled in favor of the Board concluding Big Shell Island is state-owned property and was not part of the 1987 tax deed. This determination will allow the state and DEP to protect this island and its resources from private development.
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Department of Transportation
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration announced Thursday morning a $99.9 million grant to the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) for the South Corridor Rapid Transit Project in Miami-Dade County. Officials say the project will provide faster, more reliable transit service from Florida City and other South Dade communities to Dadeland and connections to the Miami Central Business District. “This nearly $100 million federal investment will provide South Florida residents increased access to jobs, healthcare, educational opportunities, and other vital services,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The Miami-Dade County project is a 20-mile Bus Rapid Transit line to be constructed along the existing South Dade busway from the Dadeland South Metrorail Station to SW 344th Street in Florida City.
“FTA is proud to join our partners in Florida to improve public transportation in Miami,” said FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams. “The South Corridor Rapid Transit project will provide fast and efficient service, improving mobility and travel times in this busy corridor.” “This federal investment is an economic boost for Miami-Dade County as the project will create jobs and help communities recover from the COVID-19 public health emergency.”
New crossing signal in Daytona Beach aims to keep children safe during school year Click Orlando DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A first of its kind traffic signal is going into service in an effort to improve pedestrian safety ahead of the school year. The Florida Department of Transportation recently installed a pedestrian hybrid beacon across International Speedway Boulevard near Highland Avenue. Officials said the beacon was needed because of the high volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic near the entrances of Mainland High School and Daytona State College. On Thursday, FDOT held a safety outreach event to inform pedestrians and drivers about the changes. The beacon differs from a traditional traffic signal by staying dark until activated. When a pedestrian presses the push-to-walk button, a flashing yellow light will activate, which warns drivers to slow down. The yellow light then turns solid before two solid red lights appear, which signals drivers to stop. Pedestrians are then given the “walk” signal, which is followed by a flashing countdown that shows how much time is left to cross. During the countdown, drivers see flashing red lights, which indicate vehicles are able to proceed, but only after the crosswalk is clear. The beacon then goes dark after the crossing cycle is complete. According to FDOT, a 2010 study by the Federal Highway Administration showed pedestrian hybrid beacons can reduce crashes involving pedestrians by 69 percent and total crashes by 29 percent. Officials said additional beacons are planned for construction throughout Central Florida, including three along South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando and one on U.S. Hwy 17-92 near Airport Boulevard in Sanford.
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Cape Canaveral Spaceport to Host First Polar Launch in More Than 50 Years This weekend, SpaceX is slated to launch its Falcon 9 rocket carrying the SAOCOM 1B mission, marking the first polar launch from the Cape in more than 50 years. If atmospheric conditions allow, Floridians all along the Southeast coast of Florida may be able to see the launch. Shortly after what will appear to be a routine launch eastward, the vehicle will begin a long right turn and begin to head south just off the coast of Florida and this side of the Bahamas. Somewhere between Vero Beach and Stuart, the first stage will separate, flip over and head back for a return to Landing Zone 1 at the Cape. The second stage will ignite and continue past West Palm Beach and farther south, jettisoning its payload fairings along the way to delivering its payload to orbit. Visibility will be dictated by weather, atmospheric conditions, position of the sun and other factors but it could prove to be quite a show, both visually and audibly, as the rocket will produce sonic booms during its flight back to the Cape. Since the late 1960s, all launches from the Cape Canaveral Spaceport have been into equatorial orbits, to the east or northeast. Attempting to launch a polar orbit from the Cape was ultimately discontinued because of perceived risk to population concentrations along Florida’s coast and the islands to the south. Since that time, all U.S. launches into polar orbits have taken place from California or Alaska. In 2018, after certifying the SpaceX automated flight termination system (AFTS) provided the required safety, the 45th Space Wing granted vehicles using that system authorization to launch into a polar orbit from the Cape. Currently only the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy are equipped to fly with AFTS launching from the Cape, but soon SpaceX’s Starship, Blue Origin’s New Glenn, and ULA’s Vulcan will have similar automatic flight termination systems. This development will significantly enhance the types of orbits accessible from the Cape and increase the potential number of missions that can be launched from the Cape in the future. The return of polar and sun-synchronous orbit launch capability to the Cape Canaveral Spaceport presents an opportunity for launch providers to satisfy almost any orbital launch requirement from Florida, and helps the State remain the leader in the aerospace industry.
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