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- The Division of Emergency Management is closely monitoring two tropical storms. Tropical Storm Delta is forecast to approach the Gulf Coast later this week as a Hurricane. The western Florida Panhandle is in the five-day cone issued by the National Hurricane Center and regardless of the exact path, storm surge, wind and heavy rainfall is possible in Northwest Florida at the end of this week. See tropical storm updates here
- On Friday, Governor DeSantis announced that FEMA has approved Individual Assistance for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties, providing families in Northwest Florida access to critical programs and resources following Hurricane Sally. More info here – https://bit.ly/3joUepl
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National Review
In 1932, Supreme Court justice Louis Brandeis famously called the states “laboratories of democracy.” Different states can test out different policies, and they can learn from each other. That proved true in 2020. Governors in different states responded to the COVID-19 pandemic at different times and in different ways. Some states, such as California, ordered sweeping shutdowns. Others, such as Florida, took a more targeted approach. Still others, such as South Dakota, dispensed information but had no lockdowns at all.
American Council on Science and Health
People are generally poor at evaluating relative risk. They will drive long distances – something that is certainly relevant now – rather than fly, even though the risk of a fatal auto accident is much greater than that of a plane crash. They fear a flu vaccine but not the flu....
People who have had the COVID swab test say that it feels like their brain is being pierced by an oversized cotton bud. Recent lurid headlines will not put people at ease. “Woman’s nose ‘starts leaking brain and spinal fluid’ after she took a Covid swab test”, said the Daily Star. “Coronavirus swab test went so far up a woman’s nose it caused her brain to leak”, was the Mirror’s headline...
Fox News
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday that closing down school campuses in the spring as the coronavirus pandemic began to surge across the country might have been one of the nation’s biggest “public health mistakes...."
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Download or share any of these social media graphics below for your personal, business, or agency use.
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On Friday, September 18th Governor Ron DeSantis and the First Family attended the Citrus vs F.W. Springstead High School Volleyball Game in Spring Hill, FL . During his visit, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis met with coaches and players to discuss the importance of athletics in school. The Governor and First Family look forward to continuing to visit these Florida communities.
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1947 -- Harry Truman makes the first Presidential address televised from the White House
1961 -- "Breakfast at Tiffany's" film released, based on the novella by Truman Capote, directed by Blake Edwards and starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard
2005 -- Vampire novel "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer is first published by Little Brown
2018 -- US unemployment figures hit lowest level since 1969 - 3.7% according to Department of Labor
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Agency for Health Care Administration
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MEDICAID OPEN ENROLLMENT
October 1st marked the start of 2020 Medicaid Open Enrollment. During the enrollment period some health plans in the program are offering additional expanded benefits.
To see the latest expanded benefits, click here. To find out if your Medicaid Open Enrollment period has started, click here or call 1-877-711-3662.
Medicaid is the medical assistance program that provides access to health care for low-income families and individuals. It also assists the elderly and people with disabilities with the costs of nursing facility care and other medical and long-term care expenses.
For additional information on the Medicaid program, visit: http://ahca.myflorida.com/Medicaid/index.shtml.
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Agency for Persons with Disabilities
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CMS Operational Readiness Review for APD iConnect EVV System The Champion Newsletter
Last month, the APD iConnect team met with representatives from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services(CMS) to perform an Operational Readiness Review in anticipation of the Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system launching by January 1, 2021. This review allowed APD to share information and demonstrate how the APD iConnect EVV system works.
The Readiness Review meeting was productive and successful. Rose Salinas has led this effort and coordinated with CMS. Shelia Mott demonstrated the mobile site and the back end of the system. Sriram Kommu presented the data flow across the EVV site, the APD iConnect main system, and AHCA/FMMIS. Mike Sodders discussed the ID PASS process, security measures, and how users will access the system. Steve Davis talked about the relationship between the EVV data and the claims data. Jennifer Buck with WellSky (vendor) was also present to answer questions as needed. Other staff members attended and supported the presenters. Following the meeting, CMS asked for some additional information, which APD provided...
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Department of Business and Professional Regulation
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NY Can Pick Up 100K Jobs by Ending Needless Burdens on Professional Licensing New York Post I grew up in New York. Now I live in Florida. This isn’t an unusual story. For as long as I can remember, Florida has been the top spot for relocating New Yorkers. But recent reports indicate that the lockdowns have rapidly accelerated the exodus, with people escaping the Empire State accounting for two-thirds of all recent long-distance moves, according to data from United Van Lines.
Many of those escapees are choosing to resettle in Florida — a fact I can confirm firsthand, as I watch other native New Yorkers become my new neighbors in the Sunshine State. Yet as someone who loves the Empire State, I take no pleasure in watching this phenomenon unfold. It’s especially painful, since many of New York’s injuries are self-inflicted, the product of a morass of laws and regulations seemingly designed to stifle entrepreneurship....
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Department of Children and Families
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Caring with Compassion and a Love for Reptiles
Recently, a child protective investigator in DCF’s Southern Region was helping relocate a group of siblings after it came to light that they were in an unsafe situation and needed a stable, loving home. In the transition, he realized that one of the children had a pet lizard who was left behind. Even though he had technically fulfilled his duty and the children were no longer in danger, he went out of his way to retrieve the lizard, return it to the child, and bring a much-needed smile to all of their faces. A child welfare worker assisting in the case said “This is one of the reasons we do what we do, these kids have already been through so much and this made a world of difference!” DCF is grateful to this CPI and the countless others who work hard every day to ensure Florida’s children are safe and happy.
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Florida Universities Partner with Defense Organizations to Bolster Innovation and Talent Pipeline Jacksonville Business Journal
State universities across Florida have partnered with two defense organizations in an effort to create innovative solutions to security challenges and bolster the government and industry talent pipeline.
The State University System of Florida, which includes the University of North Florida, has partnered with the National Security Innovation Network and the Florida Defense Alliance.
"This memorandum of understanding is an excellent opportunity for our 12 institutions to support an industry critical to the state of Florida," Syd Kitson, chair of the Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida, said in a statement. "By preparing our graduates for the types of issues and real-world problems facing the defense industry, we build a dynamic talent pipeline for Florida that fosters innovation and problem-solving."
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Department of Economic Opportunity
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The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Announces $8.6 Million in Funding Available to Rural Communities Throughout Florida
Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced $8.6 million in funding is available to rural communities in Florida through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) grant program. The Rural Infrastructure Fund, administered by DEO, provides funding to local governments for infrastructure projects in rural communities to encourage job creation and business investment, as well as to strengthen and diversify rural economies.
“Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature continue to champion programs that help Florida’s rural communities generate sustainable economic growth through infrastructure, which will attract businesses and support a highly-trained workforce,” said Dane Eagle, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “Our team looks forward to working with Florida’s rural communities to help improve the lives of Floridians by investing in and transforming local economies.”
To facilitate access to and maximize the use of state, federal, local and private resources, the Department may award RIF grants up to 50 percent of the total infrastructure project costs related to specific job-creation or job-retention opportunities. Eligible uses of funds include: public infrastructure for industrial or commercial sites; access and availability of broadband Internet service; improvements to inadequate infrastructure that has resulted in regulatory action; upgrades to or development of public tourism infrastructure; and planning and preparation for infrastructure.
Five million in funding is available only to a six-county region impacted by Hurricane Michael in Northwest Florida through a competitive application cycle. Local governments and municipalities in Calhoun, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty and Washington counties have from today until November 30, 2020, to apply for infrastructure project funding. $3.6 million is dedicated to eligible rural local governments throughout Florida to apply for through June 20, 2021, or until all available funds are awarded.
Rural communities can learn more about the Rural Infrastructure Fund and how to apply at www.Floridajobs.org/RIF.
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Department of Elder Affairs
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DOEA and the Aging Network Have Provided Over 11.3 Million Home-Delivered Meals to Older Adults
Since March 2020, Florida’s Aging Network has delivered 11,305,793 meals to older adults needing to stay safer at home. This effort was supplementally funded by the Families First stimulus funds and the CARES Act funds. The Aging Network provided 392,491 meals this past week alone, and 100,772 of those meals were delivered through the Restaurant Initiative. DOEA established the Restaurant Meal Initiative in April as a partnership with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to match the needs of the business and restaurant community with the needs of the elderly and meal delivery services.
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Department of Environmental Protection
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DEP NERRS Engage and Educate Communities to Protect Resources
DEP’s Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) reconnected with the community at an outdoor event in collaboration with the Naples Botanical Garden, the Community Foundation of Florida and the reserve’s citizen support organization. Over 150 free native trees were distributed to members of the community.
Apalachicola NERR also hosted The Estuaries Day BioBlitz, where attendees learned how to identify as many species as possible with the help of a smartphone app, Seek by iNaturalist. Participants had an opportunity to automatically identify specimens and upload photos to the app. Stations were set up in a variety of ecosystems for participants to examine diverse species that dwell in each respective habitat.
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Positivity Rate Remains Below 5% in County The Palm Beach Post
The pace of new cases and deaths from the coronavirus rolled on Saturday as Palm Beach County continued to meet a key metric for the slowdown in the disease's spread. For the past 40 days, the daily rate of positive coronavirus cases reported in Palm Beach County by the Florida Department of Health has fallen below 5% on all but two occasions. The key metric hit 3.5% on Saturday and has topped 5% only twice since Aug. 23.
That slowdown in a percentage that in July averaged 11.7% a day eases the task of tracing patients and quarantining people who have come into contact with them, public health officials say.
It played a role in the state's decisions to reopen Florida businesses, moves that were still firmly in place Saturday even after President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and several White House officials tested positive for the deadly respiratory disease...
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Department of Transportation
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ECAT Offering Temporary Gulf Breeze Route to Ease Traffic from Pensacola Bay Bridge Closure WKRG News 5 Beginning Monday, Oct. 5, ECAT will launch bus Route 20 to help transport passengers between Escambia County and the City of Gulf Breeze. The Pensacola Bay Bridge on U.S. 98 was damaged during Hurricane Sally and will be closed for approximately six months, weather permitting, according to a release from the Florida Department of Transportation on Thursday, Oct. 1. ECAT bus fares remain suspended.
JAXPORT Receives Economic Impact Award from Northeast Florida Manufacturers Association American Journal of Transportation
The First Coast Manufacturers Association (FCMA) recently recognized JAXPORT with the 2020 Economic Impact Award during its annual Excellence Awards program.
The award recognizes JAXPORT as Northeast Florida’s economic engine, growing opportunities for area manufacturers by connecting their businesses to the global economy.
FCMA noted that JAXPORT’s growth has resulted in an increase in area port-related jobs and that the Jacksonville Harbor Deepening project will create new opportunities for Northeast Florida businesses. Cargo activity through Jacksonville’s seaport supports 138,000 jobs in Florida and more than $31 billion in annual economic output for the region and state....
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Division of Emergency Management
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Two Years Later: Bay County Shows Progress after Hurricane Michael Panama City News Herald
PANAMA CITY — For Panama City, the progress will be in the people.
"When we see our numbers coming back, as far as population, that's when we're going to be successful because that's when people are going to say 'that's where I want to live,'" said Panama City Manager Mark McQueen.
Panama City and the rest of Bay County on Saturday will mark two years since Category 5 Hurricane Michael struck, changing the area forever. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed, thousands of trees were snapped and the lives of many families were uprooted.
Despite such devastation, much has improved in the last two years. The area has received hundreds of millions of federal dollars in reimbursement for cleanup efforts — in some cases faster than first expected. Housing has begun to bounce back and programs were created to help people buy homes. Schools have established mental health services to help traumatized students get back on track with their studies...
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Florida Department of Corrections
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Warden Casimir Appointed to CJSTC by Governor DeSantis
Warden Carol Casimir, of Florida’s Women’s Reception center in Ocala, was recently appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC). Casimir is a member of the North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents, the American Correctional Association and the Florida Sheriffs Association. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. Prior to her appointment as warden of FWRC, Casimir served as assistant warden at Central Florida Reception Center and a correctional services administrator and consultant with FDC.
The mission of the CJSTC is to ensure that all citizens of Florida are served by criminal justice officers who are ethical, qualified, and well-trained. Warden Casimir is a great selection for this role and we are thrilled to have her there to represent FDC. Congratulations!
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement
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FDLE Arrests Palm Bay Developer for Bribery FDLE PIO Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Brian Gregory West, 72, of 1151 SW 30th Street, Suite D, Palm City, on one count of bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, and six counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device to further the commission of a felony.
West owned property that would increase in value by an estimated $1,000,000 if the area was rezoned for commercial development. The investigation showed that West conspired to bribe a member of the Palm Bay City Council for their vote in favor of the rezoning.
West was arrested at his home last week and booked into the Martin County Jail on $180,000 bond. The Office of the State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit, will prosecute this case....
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Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs
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Tele-Town Hall Meeting Tonight for Florida Veterans
VA Under Secretary for Benefits Dr. Paul Lawrence will brief Floridians on the status of the Veterans Benefits Administration tonight during his third Tele-Town Hall Meeting beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Following his brief remarks, he’ll take questions from Florida Veterans on a variety of issues, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Dial (833) 380-0417 to listen or ask questions.
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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Stone Crab Season Starts Oct. 15 with Regulation Changes in Place
Several recreational and commercial stone crab regulation changes go into effect in the next few weeks, just in time for the Oct. 15 season start date.
Florida’s stone crab fishery has experienced a long-term decline in harvest and is likely undergoing overfishing. FWC staff worked with stakeholders on these changes that are intended to increase the stone crab population and build resiliency in the fishery.
New regulations in effect this season:
- The minimum claw size limit will be 2 7/8 inches (an 1/8 inch increase)
- Possession of whole stone crabs on the water will be limited to two checker boxes, each up to 3 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet OR a total volume of 24 cubic feet. Checker boxes are used to hold crabs onboard a vessel before they are measured and legal-sized claws are removed.
- The season will now end on May 2.
- All plastic and wood stone crab traps will need to be outfitted with a 2 3/16-inch escape ring before the 2023/2024 season.
Recreational Trap Registration As a reminder, recreational harvesters who are age 16 and older and fish with traps are required to complete an online, no-cost recreational stone crab trap registration and place their registration number on their traps before using them. To register, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, sign in, click the blue “Purchase a License” button, scroll down to the “Saltwater Permits” section, and select “Recreational Stone Crab Trap Registration.”
Upon completion, each person will receive unique trap registration numbers that must be included on each trap along with the owner’s full name and address. This information must be legible and must be permanently attached to each trap.
Other Tips and Regulations Care should be taken when removing the claws so as to not permanently injure the crab.
Claws may not be taken from egg-bearing stone crabs. Stone crabs may not be harvested with any device that can puncture, crush or injure a crab’s body. Examples of devices that can cause this kind of damage include spears and hooks.
Recreational harvesters may take a daily bag limit of 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel, whichever is less, and may use up to five stone crab traps per person.
Recreational and commercial traps may be baited and placed in the water Oct. 5, but claws cannot be harvested or possessed until Oct. 15. Traps that are not being fished should be removed from the water to avoid ghost fishing, a process in which marine species get caught in the trap for extended periods of time and are not harvested.
Stone crab regulations are the same in state and federal waters.
For more information on harvesting stone crabs for recreation, trap specifications, commercial stone crab regulations and licensing information, go online to MyFWC.com/Marine.
Keep up-to-date with saltwater and freshwater fishing regulations on your phone by downloading the Fish Rules app in the App Store or Google Play. Learn more at FishRulesApp.com.
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Florida Housing Finance Corporation
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Panama City News Herald
PANAMA CITY — At this time last year an aerial view of residential parts of Bay County showed a tattered landscape of partially tarped roofs and blighted neighborhoods peppered with severely dilapidated structures.
But two years after Hurricane Michael the view is much different....
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Volunteer Leadership Virtual Convening
Volunteer Florida is excited to host its first-ever volunteer leadership convening. The Volunteer Leadership Virtual Convening: Volunteer Engagement for Changing Communities will be hosted virtually October 27-29, 2020. This no-cost event will cover a broad range of topics that will engage nonprofits, governmental entities and leaders from across the state.
For more information, including registration, please visit: https://www.volunteerflorida.org/volunteer-convening-2020/.
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Department of Juvenile Justice
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Department of Management Services
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Department of The Lottery
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Florida Department of Citrus
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Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
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