Florida Senate President Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) today released the following statement regarding Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Safe, Smart, Step-By-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery as the state continues to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic. [Read more…] about Statement by Senate President Galvano on Governor DeSantis’ Safe, Smart, Step-by-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery
Government
Florida Farm to You Commodities Page Adds Interactive Map, Transportation Options
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has added several exciting new features to the Florida Farm To You commodities exchange that the Department launched on April 9. [Read more…] about Florida Farm to You Commodities Page Adds Interactive Map, Transportation Options
Tallahassee man arrested for murder and tampering with evidence
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Mario Myles, 35, of 8041 Goodwin Drive, Tallahassee yesterday on charges of second degree murder and tampering with evidence. [Read more…] about Tallahassee man arrested for murder and tampering with evidence
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Provides Reemployment Assistance Update – April 29
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today issued reemployment assistance updates on the Reemployment Assistance (RA) Claims Dashboard. [Read more…] about Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Provides Reemployment Assistance Update – April 29
Rep. Chip LaMarca: NCAA Protect Their Pockets, Not Our Students
Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca (R – Lighthouse Point) released the following statement regarding today’s news from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and their continued inaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“The recommendations today by the NCAA are about protecting their pockets, not about student athletes. All we continue to hear are excuses from this multi-billion dollar, not-for-profit. Now they are shifting the blame for their deliberate inaction to the states that have passed meaningful legislation to protect students’ right to earn a living. It is absurd and shows they care more about protecting TV and apparel deals than they do about these young women and men who have worked their entire lives for this opportunity.
“The NCAA has blocked students from earning a living like their peers for far too long. When Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs SB 646, Florida’s collegiate athletes will be liberated from these restrictions. But, every student athlete across the 50 states should be able to earn from their talent. If the third largest state can do it, then so can this collegiate organization. With a global pandemic challenging our economy, now more than ever students must have the flexibility to continue their education and provide for themselves and their families.
“As we watch these talented young people perform, many would be horrified to know that upwards of 19% of them are suffering from homelessness and 24%* are struggling with food insecurity. This picture does not reflect the utopian vision that the NCAA would have you believe exists in college sports today.”
The recommendations today included backtracking on group licensing, which would be allowed under SB 646. Another recommendation from the NCAA includes potentially regulating sneaker and apparel companies from entering into third-party advertising agreements with collegiate athletes.
LaMarca further commented, “The ability for individuals to group their commercial value together is a fundamental right of personal image rights. Their proposals reek of protectionism.”
*Study from the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice at Temple University published on SI.com (04/21/20).
Florida National Guard COVID-19 Response
The Florida National Guard (FLNG), under the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis, is responding to the needs of the state alongside our interagency partners, helping to protect citizens and guests throughout this crisis. [Read more…] about Florida National Guard COVID-19 Response
Statement by Commissioner Nikki Fried on USDA’s Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) recently announced it would temporarily suspend enforcement of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for fresh fruit and vegetables in response to COVID-19, allowing products sold to foodservice businesses to be redistributed to grocery stores, markets, and other retail businesses. [Read more…] about Statement by Commissioner Nikki Fried on USDA’s Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement
Commissioner Nikki Fried Awards Hunger-Free School Campus Designations
Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) today announced the award of Hunger-Free Campus designations for 131 schools across Florida. [Read more…] about Commissioner Nikki Fried Awards Hunger-Free School Campus Designations
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Provides Reemployment Assistance Update – April 28
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today announced that last week, the department paid almost $412 million to Floridians, which is an increase of almost 600% over the prior week. [Read more…] about Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Provides Reemployment Assistance Update – April 28
Mast Introduces Bill Forcing China To Pay For Coronavirus Outbreak
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today introduced legislation to hold China accountable for its coronavirus deception. [Read more…] about Mast Introduces Bill Forcing China To Pay For Coronavirus Outbreak