TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announces the following appointment to Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commission. First Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission Zachary “Zack” Smith, of Pensacola, is a Legal Fellow with The Heritage Foundation.  He received his bachelor’s, master’s, and law degrees from the University of Florida. Smith is appointed for a term ending July 1, […]

Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can visit the Unite Florida Recovery Portal to report sheltering and housing needs and additional unmet needs   TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor DeSantis announced the launch of the Unite Florida Recovery Portal to connect Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian to important recovery resources, including housing support. Florida’s first-ever state-led sheltering […]

Video available for use courtesy of the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis.    ORLANDO, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis welcomed a diplomatic delegation from Japan to Florida and provided the keynote address for the opening ceremony of the Southeastern United States – Japan Conference (SEUS-Japan). Throughout the day, Governor DeSantis met with leading officials from […]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that Florida’s Aging Network received a $400,000 grant from the WellMed Charitable Foundation to continue support of seniors in their recovery from Hurricane Ian through Florida’s Hope Florida – A Pathway to Purpose Hope Hero volunteer program.   “We’ve seen the power of our Hope Hero volunteers […]

More Floridians Enter the Workforce While National Labor Force Shrinks  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida’s economic data continues to show strength even with impacts from Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida. In the October 2022 economic data report, Florida’s labor force grew by 36,000 and Florida’s private sector added 35,000 jobs. This […]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that state offices will be closed on November 23rd, December 23rd and December 30th. “Our state employees have worked hard throughout the year, especially over the past few months responding to Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Closing state offices on November 23rd, December 23rd […]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced continued record visitation to Florida in the third quarter of 2022. VISIT FLORIDA estimates that Florida welcomed 35.1 million visitors between July and September 2022, marking a 6.9 percent increase from Q3 2021, and the fifth consecutive quarter of overall visitation surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to VISIT FLORIDA, […]

MATLACHA, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $7.7 million through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant program and the Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) to support a large-scale rapid credentialing effort between three state colleges, two technical colleges, and Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs). Governor DeSantis also announced $1 million through the […]

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced 114 schools in 10 counties across the state will be designated as Florida’s first class of Purple Star campuses in recognition of their support for the children of military families. Governor DeSantis made the announcement while visiting Fort Walton Beach High School in Okaloosa County, which […]