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Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Highlights Water Safety for Floridians

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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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Traffic Advisory: Traffic on State Road 535 under I-4 Shifting June 6

Posted on

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office
386-943-5593

[email protected]

Traffic Advisory: Traffic on State Road 535 under I-4 Shifting June 6

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Motorists should be advised that a yearlong traffic shift is scheduled to begin Thursday, June 6, in both directions of State Road (S.R.) 535 (Apopka-Vineland Road) under the Interstate 4 (I-4) overpass.

Single- and double-lane closures are scheduled to occur nightly on northbound and southbound S.R. 535 from Vineland Avenue to Hotel Plaza Boulevard from Tuesday, June 4, through Thursday, June 6, beginning as early as 10:30 p.m. each night and reopening by 7:30 a.m. the following morning. These closures are necessary to shift traffic to the outside shoulder.

Beginning as early as 12:30 a.m. Thursday, June 6, traffic on southbound S.R. 535 from Hotel Plaza Boulevard to the eastbound I-4 on ramp will be shifted over one lane to the outside. As early as 10:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6, traffic on northbound S.R. 535 from Vineland Avenue to the westbound I-4 off ramp will be shifted one lane to the outside. These traffic shifts are anticipated to be in place until spring 2025 and will provide space for crews to conduct bridge work for the westbound I-4 Express extension and new westbound I-4 on ramp.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) advises motorists to follow all posted signs. Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Please continue to use caution while driving through active construction zones. Remember to always be alert while riding or driving.

For more information on the planned improvements on the I-4 and Apopka-Vineland Road project, visit the project website at I4Beyond.com/535.

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

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FDLE announces arrest for petition fraud on abortion initiative

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FDLE announces arrest for petition fraud on abortion initiative

 

For Immediate Release

June 4, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announces the arrest of Jamie L. Johnson, 47, of Dade City, accused of fraud on the abortion initiative.

Johnson had been wanted since February and is charged with nine felony counts of criminal use of personal identification information, one count of criminal use of personal identification of a deceased individual and 10 counts of signing another person’s name or using a fictitious name on a petition.

The arrest was the result of an investigation led by FDLE’s Election Crime Unit (ECU) working with the Florida Department of State Office of Election Crimes and Security (OECS).

Johnson was arrested on May 29 in Nebraska and was booked into the Sarpy County Jail.  Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute the case.

Since February, eight people have been charged with petition fraud following FDLE investigations, including three with fraud on the abortion initiative.

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

(850) 410-7001

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

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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~ 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Concurrent to the start of the 2024 hurricane season, Governor Ron DeSantis today urged residents to take advantage of the 14-day sales tax holiday for disaster preparation supplies. Governor DeSantis also encouraged Floridians to have a plan in place for their families if disaster strikes their area and to put together a disaster readiness kit at home.

Governor DeSantis also announced a $7.5 million award to Lee County through Florida’s Job Growth Grant Fund to help rebuild and enhance the shrimp dock, which was destroyed during Hurricane Ian, at San Carolos Maritime Park. This dual-purpose facility will serve as an emergency operations site to launch barges, provide a place for shrimp vessels to dock, and transfer product to distribution trucks.

“With hurricane season underway, now is the time to get prepared and ensure you have a disaster plan in place,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I encourage all Floridians to use the sales tax holiday to stock up on the necessary emergency supplies and assemble a disaster preparedness kit.”

“Thanks to the steadfast leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state has all the resources necessary to support Florida communities in the event a storm does strike this hurricane season,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “I’ve spent the last month traveling around the state to meet with county emergency managers to ensure preparedness and coordination at all levels. Now, I encourage Floridians to finalize their preparedness plans for their homes and businesses, because it only takes one storm to severely impact a community.” 
Right now, through June 14, the first of two Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays is happening, which means many disaster preparation items can be purchased tax-free, including:
  • Water
  • Shelf-stable canned food
  • Batteries
  • Flashlights
  • Reusable ice
  • Pet items
  • Toys
  • Portable power banks and more
Other important items that are tax-free include:
  • Portable generators
  • Tarps or other waterproof sheeting
  • Smoke detectors and alarms
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Carbon monoxide detectors
  • Portable radios less than $50
And since pets are part of the family, too, several items such as pet leashes, beds, wet and dry food, and over-the-counter pet medications can also be purchased tax-free through June 14. For a full disaster supply kit checklist, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.
Preparedness efforts and resources include:
Get Educated, Get Informed
  • 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 Plan
  • 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.
Inventory Home Possessions
  • Make a record of your possessions – in writing or video – to help claim reimbursement in case of loss or damage.
Reduce Home Hazards
  • 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.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
  • 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.
Safeguard Important Records and Documents
  • 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.
Know Your Zone, Know Your Home
  • 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.
If You’re Halfway Full, You’re Halfway There
  • 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.
Evacuate Tens of Miles, Not Hundreds of Miles
  • 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.
2024 Florida Hurricane Season Guide
For more preparedness content, follow the Division on Instagram, X and Facebook.
     
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Electric Scooters Join Tax Free Holiday in July

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 4, 2024

CONTACT: Travis Flinn, 407-893-2422

 

ELECTRIC SCOOTERS JOIN TAX FREE HOLIDAY IN JULY

Orlando, FL – Beginning July 1st as part of the month long Freedom Summer Sales Tax holiday personal electric scooters will be sales tax free. The provision exempting scooters was added by Senator Linda Stewart (D- Orlando) and would eliminate sales tax collected on scooters retailing for $500 or less.

“This tax exemption can help personal autonomy in transportation, reduce our overall emissions, and help close the transportation access gaps experienced by many Floridians,” said Stewart. “There are countless examples I could give where one of these devises could transform someone’s life and unlock opportunities in employment, education, and access to greater transportation resources.”

These personal mobility devices join the long list of other items aimed to help Floridians enjoy the summer months. Other sales tax exempt goods include fishing supplies, outdoor recreation equipment, and admissions to state parks and museums sales.

To qualify for the exemption the electric scooter must be a vehicle having two or fewer wheels, with or without a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, which is equipped to be propelled by an electric motor and which weighs less than 75 pounds, is less than 2 feet wide, and is designed for a maximum speed of less than 35 miles per hour, with a sales price of $500 or less.

“By providing this sales tax break over the course of a month we give people the chance to save a good amount of money on these sometimes expensive purchases and grant them greater access to opportunities through expanding their mobility,” said Stewart.

 

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Upcoming Public Meeting for U.S. 441 Improvements

Posted on

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office
386-943-5593

[email protected]

 

Upcoming Public Meeting for U.S. 441 Improvements
Meeting will be offered in person and online

 

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public meeting regarding project plans on U.S. 441 (State Road (S.R.) 44/S.R. 500/East Main Street/North Boulevard) from Mills Street to College Drive on Wednesday, June 12, at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this project is to resurface the pavement to extend the service life of the existing roadway and provide additional operational and safety improvements.

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 to The Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle, Leesburg, FL 34748 anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7 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 5:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting https://fdot.cc/US_441_Improvements 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/448735-1. You may also contact FDOT Project Manager Jude Jean-Francois directly at 386-943-5487 or email at [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 Jude Jean-Francois at 386-943-5487 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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Representative Kelly Skidmore and Leader Fentrice Driskell’s Sickle Cell Bill Signed by the Governor

Posted on

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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Florida Lottery’s Limited-Time Promotion Gives Players Even More Reasons To Play Pick Daily Games

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024

CONTACT:

FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS

(850) 487-7727

communications@flalottery.com

 

Text, letter Description automatically generated

 

FLORIDA LOTTERY’S LIMITED-TIME PROMOTION GIVES

PLAYERS EVEN MORE REASONS TO PLAY PICK DAILY GAMES™

 

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Lottery (Lottery) is excited to launch a limited-time PICK Daily Games™ promotion, giving players more chances to win! Throughout June, $1 million in instant-win prizes will be randomly awarded as $5 cash prize coupons.

From June 1 through June 30, players who purchase any PICK Daily Game ticket – PICK 2™, PICK 3™, PICK 4™, and PICK 5™ – worth $1 or more will have an opportunity to win a $5 cash prize coupon printed instantly! That’s right — the more you play, the more chances you have to win!

The $5 cash prize coupons can be redeemed immediately or at any time before August 30, 2024, at any of the Lottery’s more than 13,500 retailers statewide. Coupons cannot be redeemed by mail.

All PICK Daily Games cost $0.50 or $1 to play. Adding FIREBALL doubles the price of the base play ticket and applies to all panels. PICK 2, PICK 3, PICK 4, and PICK 5 drawings are held twice daily, seven days per week, at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., ET.

PICK Daily Games have generated over $7.9 billion for education. Since the games began, there have been more than 55 million winners—and that number continues to rise!

ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY

The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $46 billion to enhance education and sending more than 983,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 99 percent of its revenue into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,500 Lottery retailers, and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $94.2 billion in prizes and made more than 4,000 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.floridalottery.com.

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Play Responsibly

Florida Democratic Party Celebrates Pride Month

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 1, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT

[email protected]

 

FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH 

Tallahassee, FL — June 1 marks the first day of Pride Month. In celebration, the Florida Democratic Party has issued the following statement:

“Since we last celebrated Pride Month, many of Florida Republicans’ most extreme anti-LGBTQ+ measures — including bans on drag queens and the expanded “don’t say gay” law — were overturned by the courts. Even still, Ron’s extreme policies continue to shape Florida today,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “Just this week, Florida was ranked second to last in the country for its treatment of queer and trans people — from bans on books and rainbow lights on bridges to restrictions on gender affirming care for both children and adults.

“While Florida Republicans continue to target queer and trans people to score political points, Florida Democrats are proud to support legislation protecting and honoring the LGBTQ+ community — including sponsoring the first pro-LGBTQ+ bill passed in recent memory, HB 159, which will provide expanded access to HIV prevention medication.

“Today and always, the Florida Democratic Party stands with the LGBTQ+ community and celebrates their contributions to our state. We will continue to oppose all forms of hatred and bigotry, and will work tirelessly to elect pro-LGBTQ+ Democrats this fall to fight back against discrimination in Tallahassee.”

FDLE joins public safety partners in RDSTF full-scale training exercise

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FDLE joins public safety partners in RDSTF full-scale training exercise

Region 6 Domestic Security Task Force highlights importance of coordinated response efforts

For Immediate Release

May 31, 2024

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Fort Myers Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson is hosting a media availability to discuss the full-scale training exercise organized by the Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF). On Tuesday, June 4, FDLE members will join local, state, and federal law enforcement, fire and rescue, health, emergency management, and education partners to participate in a complex coordinated attack scenario. Following the media availability, FDLE will provide a guided tour of part of the exercise.

Who: FDLE Fort Myers Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson and Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno

When: Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please arrive by 10:00 a.m.

Where: JetBlue Park

Address: 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Note: No live weapons of any kind are permitted on the premises during the exercise. A checkpoint will be in place for anyone entering the training site, including media personnel.

Parking: Media should enter through the Fenway South East Entrance and park in the area east of Fenway South Drive and south of David Ortiz Way. The media staging area will be slightly north of the parking area east of Fenway South Drive and north of David Ortiz Way.

For Planning Purposes:

Please contact PIO Jensen Rayburn at (850) 350-6328. For any other requests or inquiries, please contact the FDLE Office of Public Information at (850) 410-7001.