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Government

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson Launches Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program for Florida Farmers Impacted by Hurricane Debby

Posted on August 9, 2024

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson Launches Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program for Florida Farmers Impacted by Hurricane Debby

~ Florida farmers impacted by Hurricane Debby can apply for low-interest and interest-free loans ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Debby can now apply for low-interest and interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Loans can be used by eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property – including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings – or to remove vegetative debris.

“Supporting our farmers, ranchers, and growers in the aftermath of a natural disaster is not just about rebuilding and replanting – it’s about safeguarding our state and nation’s food security,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By providing immediate and efficient financing to our food producers through the Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program, we’re ensuring that Florida’s agriculture continues to thrive and sustain us all.”

Impacted producers are encouraged to take photos of any property damage sustained from Hurricane Debby and to save all receipts for recovery efforts and supplies. Specific details on the application process are available on the program’s webpage.

Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program

  • Low-interest or interest-free loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from Hurricane Debby.
  • Loans may be used to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings, or to remove vegetative debris.
  • Interested producers can learn more or apply here.

Producers that were previously awarded funds for damages sustained from Hurricane Idalia are eligible to apply for damage sustained from this disaster. The program is still accepting applications from producers impacted by Hurricane Idalia until August 29, 2024.

During a special legislative session in November of 2023, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1-C, which provided $75 million to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a revolving loan fund to support impacted agriculture and aquaculture producers recover from natural disasters.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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Filed Under: Government

PSC Approves Final Storm Recovery Costs for Duke Energy Florida

Posted on August 9, 2024

PSC Approves Final Storm Recovery Costs for Duke Energy Florida

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approved final storm restoration recovery costs of $431.4 million for Duke Energy Florida, LLC (DEF). Recovery costs are associated with charges for Hurricanes Elsa, Eta, Ian, Isaias, and Nicole, and Tropical Storm Fred.

In December 2023, the PSC approved a reduced interim storm restoration recovery charge for DEF’s customers, reflecting an overall $10.7 million reduction in recovery costs and including recovery costs for Hurricane Idalia, which struck in August 2023. The current $5.09 monthly hurricane cost recovery charge for a DEF residential customer using 1,000 kWh will continue through December 2024.

Following the recovery period, revenues collected from the storm charge will be compared to final approved recoverable costs to determine any over- or under-recovery. DEF will use the fuel energy charge to either refund or true-up storm restoration costs.

DEF supplies electricity to 2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

 

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Follow the PSC on X and LinkedIn.

Subscribe to the Commission’s YouTube channel for Consumer Tips and PSAs.

Filed Under: Government

PSC Commission Meetings Rescheduled for Thursday Due to Tropical Storm Debby

Posted on August 5, 2024

PSC Commission Meetings Rescheduled for Thursday Due to Tropical Storm Debby

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) has rescheduled several meetings to Thursday, August 8, due to Tropical Storm Debby. The Commission Conference will be held at 11:00 a.m. A Pre-hearing for Tampa Electric Company’s (TECO) rate case will be held at 1:00 p.m., and the DSM goals hearing will follow the TECO Pre-hearing.

Thursday, August 8, 2024

11:00 a.m. Commission Conference

1:00 p.m. TECO Pre-hearing

DSM Goals Hearing follows TECO Pre-hearing

Betty Easley Conference Center

Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)

4075 Esplanade Way

Tallahassee, Florida

August 9 has been reserved to continue the DSM goals hearing, if needed.

A live broadcast of the Commission Conference and hearing will be available on the PSC’s website (click “Watch Live and Archived PSC Events”) and may be broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listing).

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Follow the PSC on X and LinkedIn.

Subscribe to the Commission’s YouTube channel for Consumer Tips and PSAs.

Filed Under: Government

Partial Lane Closure on US 27 (SR 80) for South Central Florida Express (SCFE) Rail Crossing Rehabilitation

Posted on July 30, 2024

Partial Lane Closure on US 27 (SR 80) for South Central Florida Express (SCFE) Rail Crossing Rehabilitation

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – US 27 (SR 80) will have partial lane closures to vehicular traffic due to a railway grade crossing rehabilitation by South Central Florida Express (SCFE) from Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 7 a.m. to Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 7 p.m. If necessary to complete the work, this closure will extend to Friday, August 16, 2024 at 7 p.m. This will allow SCFE workers to safely perform necessary repairs to the SCFE rail crossing at SR 80/US 27. Project improvements include rehabilitating the existing track, rail repairs, and replacing the crossing surface and paving markings to improve safety and ride quality. See attached flyer for additional details.

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Filed Under: Government

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Issues Stop-Sale Order for Dangerous, Psychedelic Food Products Targeting Children

Posted on July 26, 2024

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Issues Stop-Sale Order for Dangerous, Psychedelic Food Products Targeting Children

Diamond Shruumz-branded products

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has issued a blanket stop-sale order for all Diamond Shruumz-branded products because they have been found to contain poisonous or harmful substances, including psychotropic components, such as O-Acetylpsilocin, a controlled substance pursuant to Chapter 893, Florida Statutes. These products are also subject to a recent recall announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products placed under stop sale include all Diamond Shruumz-brand cones, chocolate bars, and gummies.

“As a state, we have a responsibility to protect our citizens, especially our children, from potentially harmful products and substances, and we are committed to ensuring that all food products sold in Florida meet strict safety standards,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By issuing this stop-sale order, we are taking swift action to ensure these products do not re-enter the marketplace and to safeguard the well-being of Floridians.”

The recall was announced by the FDA on June 28, 2024, and initiated after Prophet Premium Blends, located in Santa Ana, California, identified the presence of Muscimol in the affected products. Muscimol has been associated with adverse symptoms, including seizures, agitation, involuntary muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, abnormal heart rates, and hyper/hypotension. These symptoms were reported in individuals who consumed Diamond Shruumz products.

Prior to the announced recall, FDACS inspectors issued stop-sale orders for nearly 140,000 packages of Diamond Shruumz products at Honest PP&D Inc. in Orlando, Florida, following inspections on February 20, 2024, and June 24, 2024. Inspectors found Diamond Shruumz products with unapproved food additives and a variety of labeling violations, including not listing ingredients, not listing nutrition facts, and not declaring the presence of allergens.

The FDA has recommended that consumers should not buy or eat any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, or gummies.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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Filed Under: Government

Upcoming Public Meeting for Edgewater Drive New Traffic Signal

Posted on July 24, 2024

For Immediate Release
July 24, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office
386-943-5593 | [email protected]

 

Upcoming Public Meeting for Edgewater Drive New Traffic Signal
Meeting will be offered in person and online 

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public meeting regarding project plans on Edgewater Drive (State Road (S.R.) 424) from south of Satel Drive to north of Aloha Street on Thursday, August 1, at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of this project is to address identified safety issues by signalizing the offset intersection along Edgewater Drive at Satel Drive and Aloha Street.

The Department is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the meeting. All participants, regardless of platform they choose, will participate in the same live meeting.

FDOT encourages community involvement and is offering this public meeting in a hybrid format to provide more ways to participate. All attendees, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the same information.

In-Person Open House Option: Participants may attend in person by going Rosemont Neighborhood Center, 4872 Rose Bay Dr., Orlando, FL 32808 anytime between time 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions. If attending in person, please remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the meeting virtually.

Virtual Option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet or mobile device at 6:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/362237843965204832. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. If using a mobile device, use the GoToWebinar app to be able to view the presentation and submit comments. If joining online, please allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.

Those who cannot attend the meeting may view all meeting materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the project website at www.cflroads.com/project/450531-1.  You may also contact FDOT Project Manager Bita Hooman directly at 386-943-5645 or [email protected] to receive project documents.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Melissa McKinney, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at [email protected].

Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Carolyn Fitzwilliam at 386-943-5215 or [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT District Five Public Information Office at [email protected] or by phone at 386-943-5593.

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Filed Under: Government

Florida has Record-Setting Year for Applying Prescribed Fire

Posted on July 23, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 23, 2024

Contact: Communications

850-617-7737

Florida has Record-Setting Year for Applying Prescribed Fire

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the Florida Forest Service’s recording-setting year of applying prescribed fire during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The agency set a new annual record with 277,818 total acres treated for the year on State Forests. Prescribed fire reduces hazardous fuel buildups and the chances of catastrophic wildfires.

“Prescribed fire is one of the best and most reliable tools we have to combat the dangers of wildfires in our state,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “We more than doubled last year’s prescribed fire total, confirming our agency’s commitment to protecting Florida’s homes, businesses, and natural resources in wildfire-prone areas.”

In the past fiscal year – which ran from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 – the Florida Forest Service more than doubled last year’s prescribed fire total of 131,628 acres treated, and it surpassed the previous annual record of 246,104 acres from 2014-2015.

“I’m proud to say the Florida Forest Service has surpassed 200,000 acres prescribed burned in three of the past six years,” said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan. “We also exceeded our annual goal of 266,059 acres entering the fiscal year.”

Additionally, the Florida Forest Service set a new monthly record for prescribed fire this year, totaling 94,087 acres in February.

In addition to mitigating catastrophic wildfires, prescribed fire also supports disease control in young forests, wildlife habitat improvement, range management, preservation of endangered plant and animal species, and the maintenance of fire-dependent ecosystems.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of State Forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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Filed Under: Government

Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement Arrests Suspected Arsonist in Connection with Santa Rosa County Wildfire

Posted on July 16, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 16, 2024

Contact: Communications

850-617-7737

Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement Arrests Suspected Arsonist in Connection with Santa Rosa County Wildfire

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement has arrested Tyler Stephen Meldrim, 23, in connection with a wildfire that occurred on April 27, 2024, in Santa Rosa County. Meldrim has been charged with one count of Intentional Burning of Lands under Florida Statute 590.28, a third-degree felony.

“I want to thank local emergency services and the Florida Forest Service for their swift response to this fire and for preventing a much, much worse outcome. I also want to commend the quick and thorough investigation by the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement to apprehend the individual responsible for this dangerous act, and possibly other recent intentionally set fires in the area,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “We remain committed to protecting Florida’s natural resources and ensuring that those who threaten our communities with such reckless actions are held accountable.”

On April 27, 2024, at approximately 12:05 p.m., a fire was reported to Santa Rosa County emergency services. The Bagdad Fire Department, Avalon Volunteer Fire Department, and the Florida Forest Service responded to the fire near 2640 Garcon Point Rd., Milton, FL. The fire consumed approximately one acre of woodland managed by water management authorities. Fortunately, due to the prompt response from local fire departments and the Florida Forest Service, the fire was contained before causing more extensive damage.

Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed a suspicious individual later identified as Tyler Stephen Meldrim, who was wearing a Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department t-shirt despite no longer being associated with any fire department. Initial reports from the scene indicated that Meldrim was wandering around the fire site and had to be asked to move his vehicle to allow fire department access to the scene.

Emergency personnel noted that Meldrim’s vehicle, a maroon four-door Nissan Sentra, matched the description of a car seen at several other recent fires in the northern part of the county. When questioned by law enforcement at the scene, Meldrim initially claimed he was merely passing by and noticed the fire.

Eyewitnesses later recalled that, prior to the fire being reported to emergency services, they observed a maroon car parked on the side of the road and a suspicious individual coming out of the woods around the area the fire originated. Eyewitnesses later observed the same individual at the scene of the fire with his vehicle directing traffic and asking cars to slow down.

Further investigation by Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement investigators revealed inconsistencies in Meldrim’s previous statements to emergency response personnel on the day of the incident. On June 28, 2024, after being confronted with evidence and eyewitness accounts, Meldrim confessed to intentionally starting the fire by igniting dry pine straw with a lit cigarette and a lighter. Meldrim admitted that his motive was to rejoin a fire department by demonstrating his ability to assist in extinguishing the fire.

On July 10, 2024, Meldrim was arrested by the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement and booked into the Santra Rosa County Jail.

The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement conducts criminal investigations relating to any matter over which the department has jurisdiction, protects consumers from unfair and deceptive trade practices, protects Florida’s agriculture industry from theft and other crimes, and safeguards the integrity of Florida’s food and other consumer products. In support of its mission, the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement operates more than 20 agricultural interdiction stations around the state. Officers conduct vehicle inspections 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect Florida’s food supply and prevent the introduction and spread of agricultural pests and diseases.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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Filed Under: Government

President Biden Announces Major New Actions to Lower Housing Costs by Limiting Rent Increases and Building More Homes

Posted on July 16, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2024
FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Major New Actions to Lower Housing Costs by Limiting Rent Increases and Building More Homes

President Biden calls on corporate landlords to cap rent increases at 5% and takes action to make more public land available for housing

President Biden is taking action to make renting more affordable for millions of Americans. Today, President Biden is announcing new actions to lower housing costs, including:

  • Calling on Congress to pass legislation giving corporate landlords a choice to either cap rent increases on existing units at 5% or risk losing current valuable federal tax breaks;
  • Repurposing public land sustainably to enable as many as 15,000 additional affordable housing units to be built in Nevada; and
  • Rehabilitating distressed housing, building more affordable housing, and revitalizing neighborhoods, including in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The President called on Congress to make the American Dream a reality for more families by passing the Biden-Harris Housing Plan, which would build 2 million homes, and provide $10,000 in mortgage relief to unlock homeownership for millions of Americans. Already, more units are under construction than at any time in over 50 years, and the rate of new housing starts is up 17 percent compared to the last Administration.

The Biden-Harris Administration is using all available tools to lower housing costs, including limiting rent increases on rentals built with federal tax credits; supporting local communities that are building more housing; standing up to price-fixing by corporate landlords setting high rents for tens of millions of apartments; and cutting energy costs by making housing more efficient and climate resilient.

Republicans in Congress have blocked the President’s housing agenda. Congressional Republicans have tried to cut rental assistance and programs that build more homes and lower mortgage costs. And Senate Republicans are currently blocking a bill that passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support that would help build 200,000 affordable homes. In addition, the previous administration secured a special tax subsidy for corporate landlords. While Republicans side with corporate landlords that are raising rents, President Biden is cracking down on price gouging and building more homes to lower rents and put homeownership in reach for working families.

Cracking Down on Corporate Landlords and Lowering Rents

Some corporate landlords have taken advantage of the shortage of available units by raising rents by more than increases in their own costs—resulting in huge profits at a time when millions of Americans are struggling to cover rent each month. And recent analysis showed that the six largest publicly-traded apartment companies reported large profits earlier this year, and many of these same landlords are named in pending litigation for their alleged use of proprietary algorithms to raise rents on tenants.

President Biden is calling on Congress to pass legislation presenting corporate landlords with a basic choice: either cap rent increases on existing units to no more than 5% or lose valuable federal tax breaks. Under President Biden’s plan, corporate landlords, beginning this year and for the next two years, would only be able to take advantage of faster depreciation write-offs available to owners of rental housing if they keep annual rent increases to no more than 5% each year. This would apply to landlords with over 50 units in their portfolio, covering more than 20 million units across the country. It would include an exception for new construction and substantial renovation or rehabilitation. The policy is a bridge to rents stabilizing as President Biden’s plan to build more takes hold. The President believes that this combination of anti-gouging policies and historic levels of support to build more affordable housing effectively balances the needs of tenants without limiting incentives for more supply. The Administration looks forward to working with Congress to ensure renters are protected and corporate landlords comply with the intent of this proposal.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is announcing new actions to protect renters in multifamily properties financed by loans acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These protections apply to future loans acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who have financed an average of 1.2 million multifamily rental units over the past three years. The protections include:

  • Requiring 30-day notice before rent increases;
  • Requiring 30-day notice on lease expiration; and
  • Providing a 5-day grace period before imposing late fees on rental payments.

Repurposing Public Land to Build More Affordable Housing

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new actions to repurpose federal land to build tens of thousands of affordable homes. The Federal Government is the largest landholder in the country, and state and local governments, as well as entities like transit agencies, school districts, public utilities, and faith-based institutions, own considerable amounts of land that are underutilized and may be used in ways that better reflect local priorities and housing needs.

The President is calling on all federal agencies to assess surplus federal land that can be repurposed to build more affordable housing across the country. The White House will work with federal agencies with land disposition authorities, as well as agencies that provide financing tools for housing and needed infrastructure—with a goal of quickly building more housing that is affordable for working families and climate resilient, which will bring down energy costs, while protecting local lands and waters.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is announcing new actions to create thousands of affordable housing units on BLM land in Nevada. BLM is opening a public comment period on a sale of 20 acres of public land to Clark County, Nevada for below market value at just $100 per acre—the largest-ever sale for affordable housing under the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act program, which the county estimates will enable the development of nearly 150 affordable homes for households making less than 80% of area median income. BLM will also soon announce the proposed below-market sale of an additional 18 acres to the City of Henderson, which the City estimates will provide nearly 300 affordable housing units for rent. These actions are the first affordable housing sales conducted under a memorandum of understanding between BLM and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) earlier in this Administration that improves the sale process and lowers the cost for affordable housing parcels.

BLM is considering an additional 562.5 acres of public lands that have been identified by local governments in Southern Nevada and that are appropriate for affordable housing in the Las Vegas Valley—supporting the building of up to 15,000 or more additional affordable rental and homeownership units for Nevadans. BLM will also work with local governments as they come forward with housing-related requests for the roughly 26,000 acres in Las Vegas Valley that remain under BLM control and are eligible for disposition under the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act program.

The United States Forest Service (USFS) is announcing plans to lease Forest Service land to build workforce housing—the first-ever such projects in the nation. USFS is planning to lease strategically positioned sites for workforce housing developments in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Ketchum, Idaho, to create new affordable housing. USFS is actively exploring additional federal land that can be leveraged to support workforce housing, including in high-cost areas across the country.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) will pilot the repurposing of certain surplus properties for housing. USPS owns more than 8,500 facilities nationwide, including some that are not needed for postal operations in areas that face a shortage of affordable housing.

HUD, Health and Human Services (HHS), and General Services Administration (GSA) plan to release a final rule to make it easier for public and nonprofit developers to use federal buildings and land to house the homeless. The Title V program, authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, allows federal agencies to use unutilized, underutilized, excess, or surplus federal properties at no cost to develop housing for people experiencing homelessness. The new rule would make it easier for developers to navigate the process, potentially resulting in thousands of additional housing units to address homelessness and affordability challenges.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) published interim guidance to permit transit agencies to use their property to support transit-oriented development. This will make it easier to build affordable housing near transit.

Call to action for state and local governments to build more affordable housing on public lands. The White House is also calling on state, local, tribal, and territorial entities, as well as transit agencies, public utilities, school districts, and other quasi-governmental agencies, and encouraging faith-based, community, and other non-profit institutions to consider whether land they hold might be suitable for the development of affordable housing. Based on new analysis, the Center for Geospatial Solutions at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy estimates the development potential of underutilized state and local government land located near transit at approximately 1.9 million units nationwide. HUD and DOT both offer technical assistance that can help governments identify and repurpose land they own for housing, and HUD published a best practices guide that includes examples and strategies governments can deploy to repurpose their land for housing.

Investing $325 Million in Housing and Community Development

HUD is announcing $325 million in Choice Neighborhoods grants to build new deeply-affordable homes, spur economic development, and revitalize neighborhoods in communities across the country. The awards will build over 6,500 units of new housing, support small businesses, build childcare centers and new parks, and will be used to leverage more than $2.65 billion in additional public and private investments in these neighborhoods. These awards reflect deep engagement and input from the community, including residents, local leaders, and other stakeholders, such as public housing authorities, cities, schools, law enforcement, business owners, nonprofits, and private developers that have come together to create and implement plans to preserve and expand housing, build neighborhood resources and amenities, and invest in the people who live in these communities.

For example, the $50 million grant awarded today to the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority and the City of Las Vegas will restore 235 existing affordable housing units for extremely low-income renters and build 400 new units of housing. They will invest in an early learning center and provide support for small businesses. In addition, these funds will leverage an additional $212 million in public and private resources in this community, that will activate indoor and outdoor community spaces, and provide supportive services to residents.

Other recipients of these grants include Syracuse, NY; Chattanooga, TN; Huntsville, AL; Miami, FL; Houston, TX; Trenton, NJ; Phoenix, AZ; Shreveport, LA; Cleveland, OH; Baton Rouge, LA; Camden, NJ; Winston-Salem, NC; Lewiston, ME; and Norfolk, VA.

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Filed Under: Government, Leaders

FDLE arrests Pensacola man for possession of child sexual abuse materials

Posted on July 12, 2024

For Immediate Release

July 11, 2024

FDLE arrests Pensacola man for possession of child sexual abuse materials

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Charles “Billy” Danielson, 50, of Pensacola, for 20 counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials and one count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.

The investigation began in February after agents received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about a social media user uploading images of child pornography.

On July 10, agents served a search warrant at Danielson’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices for examination. Agents found numerous images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of male and female children, some as young as infants and toddlers.

Danielson was booked into the Escambia County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 1st Judicial Circuit.

Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at https://secureflorida.org/Family-Safety/BPParents.htm.

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

(850) 410-7001

Filed Under: Government

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