Campaign

For Immediate Release: June 5, 2024
Contact: Governor’s Press Office, (850) 717-9282, [email protected]

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Highlights Water Safety for Floridians

ORMOND BEACH, Fla.—Today, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Secretary of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Shevaun Harris, State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, and Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Taylor Hatch highlighted resources, education, and tips for water safety and drowning prevention.

“Governor Ron DeSantis and I know that Florida is the best place to be year-round, but especially in the summer,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “As Floridians and their families go outdoors to enjoy all that the Sunshine State has to offer, we want to make sure they do it in a way that is safe and enjoyable. As a result, it’s important that we bring awareness to water safety and share things that families can do to prevent drowning and water-related injuries.”

“The Department of Children and Families is committed to ensuring the well-being of all children and families and as we kick off a fun summer season, it is vital that children, parents, and caregivers exercise safe swimming practices,” said DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris. “Sadly, we continue to see an increase in the number of preventable drownings across our state, and this summer and all year long, DCF is encouraging all Floridians to ensure that water safety measures are in place near any bodies of water.”

Drowning can be prevented. The State of Florida collaborates with numerous state and local partners to provide education, tips, and resources on water safety and drowning prevention.

Here are some important steps you can take to ensure safety around the water:

• Always supervise children in and around water.
• Consider participating in swim lessons.
• Learn CPR and first aid.
• Ensure that pool barriers and gates meet state law requirements.
• Follow life jacket laws and make sure life jackets are properly fitted.
• Check local conditions, such as weather, rip tides, and marine life before heading out to the water.

“Drowning can be silent and happen in the amount of time it takes to check a text on your phone,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “By designating a Water Watcher and using barriers such as a fence, you can protect your children while safely enjoying activities at the pool and beach this summer.”

“Florida’s natural climate creates many enjoyable recreational opportunities centered around water, and that is why today’s event is critical to amplifying the message of water safety for all Floridians,” said Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Taylor Hatch. “Some individuals with disabilities, such as those with autism spectrum disorder, are attracted to water’s sensory impact. Therefore, it’s critical to share proven steps that we can all take to promote water safety, minimize risk, and encourage enjoyable experiences.”

In 2024, 46 children have tragically drowned in Florida. The majority of these incidents occurred in swimming pools, with 76.3% happening during non-swim times when a child is not expected to be in or near water. Let’s work together to raise awareness about water safety and prevent such heartbreaking accidents.

For more information on water safety tips, please visit https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/child-family/child-and-family-well-being/summer-safety-tips/water-safety/water-safety-kids. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2024

CONTACT: FDEM Communications Team, [email protected] | (850) 815-4940

ICYMI: Governor DeSantis Encourages Residents to Take Advantage of Disaster Preparation Sales Tax Holiday

~Governor also awards $7.5 million to continue Hurricane Ian recovery~ 

• Water
• Shelf-stable canned food
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Reusable ice
• Pet items
• Toys
• Portable power banks and more

• Portable generators
• Tarps or other waterproof sheeting
• Smoke detectors and alarms
• Fire extinguishers
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Portable radios less than $50

• Learn about community disaster plans and community warning systems. Every household is encouraged to have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure they can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers.
• Register to receive life-saving emergency weather alerts at FloridaDisaster.org/AlertFlorida.

• Make a list of personal household needs and resources for meeting them in a disaster environment.
• Include all members of the family, including children, in the disaster preparedness planning process, so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Pets are part of the family, too – identify a safe place to take pets if you cannot bring them with you during an evacuation. Never leave household pets behind during a hurricane or tropical storm.
• Make a family plan at FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare, and make a business plan at Business.FloridaDisaster.org.

• Make a record of your possessions – in writing or video – to help claim reimbursement in case of loss or damage.

• Have defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections repaired.
• Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Have cracks in ceilings and foundations repaired.
• Make landscaping hurricane-resistant by trimming trees and plants down and putting any items inside that may turn into dangerous projectiles in high winds.

• Every household should have a fully stocked disaster supply kit with at least seven days of items for each household member, including consideration of children, pets and seniors. 
• Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday began June 1, and provides residents with the opportunity to purchase supplies tax-free during one of two 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays.
• For a full disaster supply kit checklist, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.

• Keep copies of important family records and other documents (birth and marriage certificates, Social Security cards, passports, wills, deeds, insurance cards, etc.) in a safe deposit box or other waterproof location.

• Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to learn if you live in an evacuation zone or low-lying flood-prone area.
• Know your home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds.
• Follow all evacuation orders issued by local county emergency management officials.

• During hurricane season, vehicles should always have at least half a tank of gas or be halfway charged to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm.

• Evacuations do not have to be hundreds of miles away – they can typically be tens of miles inland to a location that can withstand hurricane-force winds and remain out of reach from life-threatening storm surge.

• For a compilation of hurricane preparedness resources, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2024

CONTACTS

Gwynne Gonzalez

Office of Representative Kelly Skidmore

[email protected]

561-496-5940

Representative Kelly Skidmore and Leader Fentrice Driskell’s Sickle Cell Bill Signed by the Governor

 

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Late last week, Governor DeSantis signed HB 7085 sponsored by Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton) and Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa). This new law creates the Sickle Cell Disease Research and Treatment Grant Program within the Department of Health and expands the existing sickle cell registry to allow adults with sickle cell disease to opt into the registry.

The Office of Minority Health and Health Equity within the Department of Health will award grants to community-based sickle cell disease treatment and research centers to fund the operation of Centers of Excellence for the treatment of sickle cell disease. The centers will also develop the health care workforce that is prepared to address the unique needs of patients with sickle cell disease. Additionally, $10 million in recurring funds for the grant program is included in the House and Senate budget.

“This landmark legislation will directly impact individuals and improve the health and quality of life for those suffering from this painful disease and their families,” stated Representative Skidmore. “Sickle cell disease causes chronic pain and requires specialized treatment that is costly and difficult to access. By passing this legislation and adequately funding it, Florida is acknowledging the critical urgency to provide as many research and treatment options as possible.”

According to a 2023 report by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, Florida has an average of 7,000 new cases a year, twice that of the national average. Moreover, the number of people with sickle cell disease enrolled in Florida Medicaid averages 7,328 people per year.

“A lot of these patients will go to the emergency room, and they need treatment for pain. The doctors or their care providers might not recognize why they’re asking for this treatment, and, sometimes, they get treated like drug addicts. I’m very glad that our bill includes an education component that will provide opportunities for community-based sickle cell care providers to educate the doctors and the medical care providers so we can work to provide better care and reduce ER visits,” added Leader Driskell.

The law became effective upon the governor’s signature.

 

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