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Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-244, moving all of Florida’s 67 counties into Phase 3.
Executive Order 20-244 does the following: Removes state-level restrictions on businesses, such as restaurants.
Provides that no COVID-19 emergency ordinance may prevent an individual from working or operating a business, giving Floridians and business owners needed certainty and the ability to provide for themselves and their families.
Provides that restaurants may not be limited by a COVID-19 emergency order by any local government to less than 50% of their indoor capacity. If a restaurant is limited to less than 100% of its indoor capacity, such COVID-19 emergency order must satisfy the following:
- Quantify the economic impact of each limitation or requirements on those restaurants; and
- Explain why each limitation or requirement is necessary for public health.
Suspends all outstanding fines and penalties, and the collection of such moving forward, applied against individuals related to COVID-19.
Earlier this Morning, Governor Ron DeSantis commended President Donald Trump for critical steps taken to expand access to safe and affordable prescription drugs. Under the leadership of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a rule and guidance allowing states to submit their drug importation program proposals for review and authorization by the FDA.
In celebration of Workforce Development Month, Governor Ron DeSantis, and the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) announced the launch of Get There Florida, a new workforce education initiative aimed at raising awareness of short-term but high-value career and technical education programs. To learn more about this program, see here.
First Lady Casey DeSantis announced contemporary artist, Orestes Bouzon as Florida’s featured artist for Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated September 15 to October 15. Mr. Bouzon, who fled Cuba in 1994 to come to the United States, has made a name for himself and his art across the globe ever since. For more information on Florida's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, see here.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the approval of a major disaster declaration for Hurricane Sally from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The declaration can be found here.
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Tampa Bay Times
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis and some of the state’s top Republicans want to crack down on people who are involved in what DeSantis called “disorderly assemblies.”
DeSantis, speaking at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Winter Haven on Monday, called for a law that would give felony penalties to protesters who block traffic without a permit and to protesters who participate in gatherings of seven or more people that result in injuries or property damage...
Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would seek a “bill of rights” for college students in the wake of crackdowns on parties and other social gatherings that some blame for a surge in coronavirus infections at campuses across the country.
“I understand that universities are trying to do the right thing,” the governor told reporters, “but I personally think its dramatically draconian that a student could get potentially expelled for going to a party. That’s what college kids do,” DeSantis said at a Thursday news briefing at the Capitol....
Space Coast Daily.com
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis announced the approval of a major disaster declaration for Hurricane Sally from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The declaration includes public assistance for all categories in Escambia County and public assistance Category B (emergency protective measures) for Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Washington counties....
RealClearPolitics
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis joined FNC's Tucker Calrson on Monday to announce a new law he is proposing to prevent violent protests and riots that have been occurring around the country this summer from "running amok" in Florida.
"Any municipality which defunds the police, which is just an insane policy, it’s like cutting off your nose to spite your face, if you do that, the state government’s going to defund you," DeSantis said. "We’re not going to be sending you money if you’re doing things like that...."
Governor Ron DeSantis Applauds Trump Administration Actions to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs
HHS and FDA Finalize Rule and Guidance to Allow for the Importation of Prescription Drugs from Abroad
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis commended President Donald Trump for critical steps taken to expand access to safe and affordable prescription drugs. Under the leadership of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a rule and guidance allowing states to submit their drug importation program proposals for review and authorization by the FDA.
“Driving down the cost of prescription drugs for Floridians has remained a top priority of mine,” said Governor DeSantis. “This step towards improved prescription affordability is a win for American consumers, and I thank President Trump for the swift action from his administration. By decreasing the financial burden for Florida patients, we will improve access to essential medications they rely on.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has prioritized paving a pathway forward for the importation of safe, affordable prescription drugs,” said the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Secretary Mary Mayhew. “These actions by President Trump and his Administration will be transformative in supporting increased access to life saving medications.”
In July 2020, Governor DeSantis joined President Trump for the announcement of a historic executive order instructing HHS Secretary Alex Azar to complete the rulemaking process to allow for the importation of certain prescription drugs from Canada to lower health care costs.
AHCA released an Invitation to Negotiate for the Canadian Drug Importation Program on the state’s vendor bid system in June 2020, with an anticipated award date of December 2020 for a vendor to assist with implementation of the program.
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Agency for Health Care Administration
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Telehealth Use Jumped in Medicaid System as Pandemic Swept Florida News Service of Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Medicaid providers, once reticent to use telehealth, turned to the technology to care for patients as COVID-19 swept the state.
Medicaid director Beth Kidder told members of the Medical Care Advisory Committee on Wednesday that the number of providers using telehealth increased from 657 at the end of 2019 to 15,945 as of June amid the pandemic...
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Agency for Persons with Disabilities
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With lockdowns at various parks and venues for youth sports and activities, the one recreation avenue that has provided relief for families to enjoy could be found in the sport of fishing. All an aspiring angler needs is a rod and reel, some bait, a body of water and with some luck you are good to catch some fish. Deliver the Dream, a Fort Lauderdale-based nonprofit, provided the opportunity for 50 families to enjoy some end-of-summer memories with its Family Fishing Day. The majority of the families getting in on the action live in South Florida, with the rest of the participants coming from various locations in Florida as well as a few families from Georgia. One of those recipients said she was thrilled that her family was part of the event....
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Department of Business and Professional Regulation
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Florida DBPR Entry Period for Annual Quota Beverage License Drawing Closing on Sept. 30 62 licenses in 30 Florida counties are available in the 2020 entry period
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco is accepting entry forms for the 2020 Quota Beverage License Drawing until 5 p.m. on September 30, 2020.
The 2020 drawing entry period includes 62 new quota beverage licenses available for issuance in 30 counties, including: Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Clay, Collier, Dade, DeSoto, Duval, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia and Walton.
Quota beverage licenses authorize the holder of the license to sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits, either for package sales only or for consumption on and off the licensed premises, depending on the license series elected. The Florida Beverage Law limits the total number of quota alcoholic beverage licenses by county population estimates, authorizing the Division to issue no more than one license for every 7,500 residents within a county. Upon closing the entry period, the Division will process qualifying entries and announce the winners during a public drawing at a later date. Entrants selected from the drawing will be awarded the right to apply to hold one of the available licenses in the county from which their entry was selected.
For more information or to obtain an entry form, interested entrants are encouraged to review the Division’s 2020 Drawing Entry Period Information Page.
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Department of Children and Families
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DCF’s Southeast Region Celebrates 28 Graduates from The Certified Public Manager® Program at Florida State University
DCF’s Southeast Region is proud to recognize its 28 recent graduates of The Certified Public Manager® Program administered by The Florida Center for Public Management at Florida State University. The nationally recognized program helps to develop and train supervisors and managers with a focus on improving effectiveness and proficiency at the organizational level. The graduates were recognized for their accomplishments and certification during virtual graduation ceremonies this summer, culminating with the final ceremony in September.
DCF’s Southeast Region 2020 graduates represented a broad spectrum of leadership, management and supervisory positions within the organization. Program areas represented included Contract Management, Children’s Legal Services, Adult Protective Services, Family Safety, Human Resources, Regional Planning, Community Development, Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency and more.
Southeast Region graduates of the rigorous, two-year program initially completed course work, instruction and projects in person and then transitioned to online course work and virtual sessions during the pandemic. DCF’s Southeast Region is composed of Circuits 15, 17 and 19 which encompass Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties. Congratulations to all on a job well done!
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Florida Council of 100 Releases Study Showing "Rigor Gap" in Florida Classrooms redefinED A detailed study released today by the Florida Council of 100 in cooperation with the Florida Department of Education includes data indicating the state can do more to align efforts on student growth by helping students and families in real time. Coming on the heels of last year’s dismal National Assessment of Educational Progress scores, the study shows a substantial “rigor gap” between the grades Florida high school students receive and their mastery of content required to pass end-of-course exams in Algebra I and Grade 10 English Language Arts....
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota Rises to Challenge of Teaching During Pandemic Herald Tribune
The COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily altered how we do everything. Our students, however, look to State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), for continuity and progression in their lives.
They do not want to put their futures off until things return to “normal,” and we will provide nothing less than a high-quality SCF education....
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Department of Environmental Protection
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DEP Earns Certificate of Excellence in Chemistry
DEP's Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration's Chemistry Program was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for the State of Florida. The Chemistry Program received results for its full range proficiency test for the soil matrix analyses, including organic matter, metals and nutrients.
The Chemistry Program completed 200 tests, properly detecting the various components of soil and allowing the full team to earn passing test scores. This award highlights DEP's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of scientific excellence.
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Department of Economic Opportunity
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - In recognition of National Small Business Week, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) highlight resources available to small businesses in Florida. “Small businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy and I remain committed to creating an environment where they can thrive,” said Governor DeSantis. “I am proud of how small businesses in Florida have pivoted, found innovative solutions and shown incredible resiliency this year. I will continue to support Florida’s small businesses.”
“There are 2.5 million small businesses in Florida that contribute to the success of the state’s economy and the communities they serve. I am proud to work with the team that provides opportunities to assist businesses and sustain their operations,” said Dane Eagle, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity stands ready to help Florida’s small businesses and entrepreneurs...."
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Department of Elder Affairs
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Learn About Medicare with SHINE’s Free Classes Alachua County Today Florida’s Elder Options SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling and virtual Medicare classes to assist beneficiaries, families and caregivers.
Topics include: Medicare 101 (English & Spanish), Medicare Financial Assistance, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare & COVID-19, Navigating Medicare.gov, SHINE & Preparing for Open Enrollment, and Be Scam Smart (English & Spanish)....
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Health Department offers tips to prevent mosquito breeding after rains; Remember to Drain and Cover Standing Water The County Record
As the Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Sally continue to clean up, the Florida Department of Health reminds everyone to do their part in preventing mosquito breeding and mosquito-borne illness. All Florida residents and visitors are asked to Drain and Cover to help keep our families and neighbors safe; it only takes a bottle cap of water for some mosquitoes to breed and multiply.
It is important to remain vigilant to protect ourselves and neighbors from mosquito bites in and around our homes....
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Department of Management Services
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State Agencies, Last Call!
DMS’ State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP) has telework equipment, generators for hurricane season, office furniture, and more in its Starke Warehouse available to state agencies for purchase at deep discounts. For one more week only, all property is on sale for only 1 percent of the original federal government acquisition cost until Sept. 30. Browse available property online here. Not signed up as a user? Find more details here.
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Golden 100: Software Resources Hits Highest Revenue, Profit in its 28-year History Orlando Business Journal
Software Resources Inc. leaned on its 28-year history of success to continue to build business.
The Lake Mary-based national staffing and recruitment firm places thoroughly vetted contract, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire talent in IT, creative, marketing, finance, accounting and executive-level positions. The company, one of Central Florida's top women-owned businesses — holds several certifications as a woman-owned business enterprise (WBE) certified by Orange County, Women's Business Enterprise National Council and the Florida Department of Management Services....
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Palm Coast Observer
The Flagler County Public Library has received a $36,000 state CARES grant to enhance residents’ safety through the provision of more contactless services for the community in this era of COVID-19. “The total funding available was only $1.9 million for all of the public, school and academic libraries, and all museums across the state of Florida,” said Library Director Holly Albanese. “This is a big deal for us…..."
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Department of Transportation
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ULA's Late-Night Delta IV Heavy Launch will be One Worth Watching Florida Today Space Coast residents and visitors able to muster a second wind late Friday will be in for a visual treat when a rarely seen United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket roars off its pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The three-core, orange-and-white rocket is slated to slowly rise from Launch Complex 37 at 12:14 a.m. Saturday, the opening of a more than hour-long window. Secured atop ULA's most powerful vehicle is an intelligence-gathering satellite for the secretive National Reconnaissance Office. "It's a very dramatic launch," Tony Taliancich, ULA's director and general manager of launch operations, told FLORIDA TODAY in August. "I also call it a majestic launch because it actually leaves the pad pretty slowly and it poses for pictures on the way out, so it's pretty cool to watch." Unlike other rockets, Delta IV Heavy more or less lights itself on fire just before launch as excess hydrogen is burned off, setting the stage for a dramatic opening. Its three RS-68 engines will then produce more than 2.1 million pounds of thrust to boost the NROL-44 satellite off the pad and en route to an eventual orbit thousands of miles above Earth's surface....
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Chicago Business
Hedge funds are planning to expand their presence in Florida, adding to a migratory trend as wealthy residents of northern states face the threat of higher taxes.
Chicago-based Balyasny Asset Management, with about $8 billion of assets, intends to open an outpost in Miami, according to people familiar with the matter, and Bluecrest Capital Management, which has operations in New York, opened a Miami office in 2018 that now accommodates about 10 portfolio managers. Paul Singer’s Elliott Management Corp. is also contemplating opening an office in Florida, other people said....
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Florida Department of Corrections
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Florida Corrections, ICE Working Together to Identify Criminal Aliens Florida Daily
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced last week that have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement to implement the Federal 287(g) Program. The goal of this program is to enhance public safety by identifying criminal aliens received into a correctional facility.
“We take our responsibility to protect our citizens, foster safe communities and uphold the rule of law very seriously,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “I directed Secretary Inch to find opportunities within FDC to participate in programs that facilitate greater cooperation in immigration enforcement with the federal government, and I’m pleased that the implementation of this important program is moving forward.”
On August 17, Florida Department of Corrections Sec. Mark Inch signed a Memorandum of Agreement with ICE to partner in the 287(g) Program, after a thorough review and approval process by the 287(g) advisory board. Northwest Florida Reception Center will be FDC’s first location of the Federal 287(g) Program. The program establishes guidelines and conditions for ICE to gather citizenship information and immigration status of an inmate to make a final determination of further proceedings. It also provides a framework for FDC personnel to be selected, trained and approved by ICE to perform certain functions as a Designated Immigration Officer within the correctional institution....
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement
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September 25 is Florida’s “If You See Something, Say Something®” Awareness Day!
The “If You See Something, Say Something®” (Florida See Say) campaign is dedicated to raising awareness of terrorism-related suspicious activity, as well as emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
The National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) released a report in August 2020 on Mass Attacks in Public Spaces and found that 66 percent of attackers exhibited behaviors that elicited concern in other people. A single person who notices something suspicious can prevent an attack. The campaign has provided campaign resources to both local partners and law enforcement throughout the state to promote awareness of suspicious activity as well as the reporting tools available.
With COVID-19 and an active hurricane season putting extra stressors on our citizens, educating the public on suspicious activity indicators is essential to protecting our communities from potential threats. The Florida See Say campaign offers several outlets for reporting suspicious activity, which include a statewide, toll-free phone number (1-855-FLA-SAFE), online submissions through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website and submissions via the Florida See Say app.
Keeping Florida communities informed and engaged remains one of our greatest assets to identify potential terrorist activity and to prevent attacks. You can do your part this Awareness Day by familiarizing yourself with what suspicious activity looks like on FLSeeSay.org, by reporting suspicious activity, and by educating others on suspicious activity indicators.
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Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs
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John Cleland fought overseas as a parachute infantry unit commander in World War II, Korea and Vietnam over a decorated 37-year Army career.
Cleland met his future wife, Clara, in Chechon, Korea, while he was recovering from wounds at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital — she was the receiving ward nurse.
After he retired, he racked up so many civic and public service accomplishments in Brevard County that he became one of six members of the inaugural class of the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame.
Cleland, who lived in Indian Harbour Beach and Indian River Colony Club in Viera, died in 2017 at age 92.
Saturday, officials will dedicate the still-under-construction $24 million Pineda Causeway bridge overpass in his honor....
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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Appreciate Alligators from a Distance
The American alligator is Florida’s state reptile and plays an important role in maintaining healthy wetland habitats. These fascinating reptiles are also a conservation success story in the Sunshine State. Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size. Alligators occur in all 67 counties, and inhabit all freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps and ponds where they can be supported. Getting to see one from a distance is a special experience for people visiting or living in Florida.
However, the growing number of people living and recreating near water has led to a steady rise in the number of alligator-related complaints, particularly when the weather is warm. When temperatures rise, alligators’ metabolism increases, and they become more active.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints about alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property. The goal of SNAP is to proactively deal with alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving them where they naturally occur. People who believe an alligator poses a threat should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, the FWC will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.
Another important step you can take to co-exist with alligators is never feed them — it’s dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food.
By taking simple precautionary measures when recreating in or near the water, you can reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators. Because alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, swim only during daylight hours and in designated swimming areas. And keep pets on a leash and away from the water. If you see an alligator, keep your distance.
Learn more about Living with Alligators.
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Florida Housing Finance Corporation
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Tampa Bay News Wire
ST. PETERSBURG, September 17, 2020- In the Skyway Marina District of St. Petersburg, Blue Sky Communities broke ground on its latest urban revitalization development project Wednesday. SkyWay Lofts, located on US 19, will replace an old motel with 65 apartment homes for families earing less than 80% of Area Median Income.
This is the first new Workforce Housing development for the resurgent Skyway Marina District, as three major luxury residential projects are already underway. The District Plan was created in 2014 by City of St. Petersburg leaders. Blue Sky was able to take advantage of a density bonus program put in place at that time to encourage Workforce Housing, and the city chipped in with $90,000 of City funds to support the project....
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Allegiant to Extend More than Two Dozen Seasonal Routes Northwest Florida Daily News
EGLIN AFB — Allegiant Air plans to extend 29 seasonal routes to help meet soaring demand.
Flights are now on sale and will be extended through April 2021 instead of ending next February. They will connect cities such as Chicago, Boston and Las Vegas to Savannah, Georgia, San Diego, and Sarasota, Florida, according to the Las Vegas-based airline.
Extended seasonal routes to Chicago, Boston and Houston will include those via Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS).
Allegiant flies more than 450 routes across the United States. Each of the airline’s extended routes is scheduled to operate multiple times per week and will provide travelers with “ultra-low-cost” nonstop flight options, according to Allegiant...
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The deadline to submit an entry for the 2020 Hispanic Heritage Month Art, Essay and Excellence in Education Awards has been extended to Thursday, October 15. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida.” Volunteer Florida is proud to partner with the Executive Office of the Governor, Florida Department of Education, Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Prepaid College Foundation and the Florida Lottery on these exciting contests. For more information, including information on how to enter or nominate an educator, please visit www.floridahispanicheritage.com.
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Department of Juvenile Justice
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Department of The Lottery
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Division of Emergency Management
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Florida Department of Citrus
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Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
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