Governor Rick Scott today received a full briefing on Hurricane Florence from the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Governor Scott has also spoken to the governors of Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia to offer support as they prepare for impacts from Hurricane Florence. Florida emergency managers are in constant communication with these states as the storm approaches. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott: Florida Deploys Strike Teams, State Resources in Preparation of Florence
Government
Florida Forest Service Now Accepting Urban and Community Forestry Grant Applications
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today announced that the Florida Forest Service is accepting applications for the 2018 Urban and Community Forestry grant program. The program provides funding to local governments, educational institutions, Native American tribal governments and nonprofit groups for urban forestry projects within their communities.
“As we prepare to assist our neighbors already facing a potentially devastating hurricane season, I urge our cities and counties to take advantage of this grant opportunity to more actively manage urban forests,” said Florida Forest Service Director Jim Karels.
The Urban and Community Forestry grant program is part of Florida’s ongoing initiative to increase and protect existing tree canopies in developed areas. The program is offered for projects implemented on public lands in all Florida counties. This year, the program will focus on promoting storm preparedness and storm recovery assistance. Qualified participants may apply for up to $30,000 in matching grant funds. Program participant projects include:
- Public tree inventory or assessment;
- Community storm preparedness planning;
- Storm preparedness information and education; and
- Replacement of urban canopy due to storms.
The Florida Forest Service will accept applications until Nov. 13, 2018. To submit a proposal or to learn more, contact your local Florida Forest Service county forester or visit the Florida Urban and Community Forestry grant program webpage. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for approval.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than one million acres of public forest land while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. To learn more about Florida Forest Service programs, visit FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Department Assists With Hurricane Florence Preparation and Response Efforts
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is preparing to support Hurricane Florence evacuees and assist with response efforts. [Read more…] about Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Department Assists With Hurricane Florence Preparation and Response Efforts
FDLE agents arrest Orlando registered sex offender for child pornography
FDLE agents today arrested Christopher Angelo Tristram, 54, of 7332 Wethersfield Dr., Orlando, for 10 counts of possession of child pornography. [Read more…] about FDLE agents arrest Orlando registered sex offender for child pornography
Florida PSC Reduces Peoples Gas System Customer Bills
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved a Settlement Agreement that will reduce monthly bills for TECO Peoples Gas System (Peoples) customers beginning in January 2019. [Read more…] about Florida PSC Reduces Peoples Gas System Customer Bills
Gov. Scott: Florida Continues to Break Visitation Records
65.5 million visitors came to Florida in first half of 2018
Governor Rick Scott today announced Florida set another record in tourism by welcoming the highest amount of visitors during any six months in the state’s history with 65.5 million visitors. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott: Florida Continues to Break Visitation Records
Mast Introduces Bill To Help Improve Border Security
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) introduced new legislation, the Secure Border Communications Act, to strengthen interagency border security communication and communication within U.S. Customs and Border Protection. [Read more…] about Mast Introduces Bill To Help Improve Border Security
Governor Rick Scott Announces Multiple Appointments and Reappointments to Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commissions
Governor Rick Scott announced the following appointments and reappointments to Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commissions. [Read more…] about Governor Rick Scott Announces Multiple Appointments and Reappointments to Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commissions
Mast, Rubio, Nelson Secure Deal For Federal Authorization of EAA Storage Reservoir In Water Infrastructure Bill
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18), U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (FL) and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (FL) teamed up to write language authorizing the EAA Storage Reservoir, to be built south of Lake Okeechobee, which is included in the compromise version of the Water Resources Development Act unveiled today. [Read more…] about Mast, Rubio, Nelson Secure Deal For Federal Authorization of EAA Storage Reservoir In Water Infrastructure Bill
Interstate 75 at State Road 70 Interchange Construction Public Meeting
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a public information meeting regarding improvements to Interstate 75 at State Road 70 in Manatee County. The public meeting is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at the Manatee Technical College, 6305 State Road 70 East Bradenton, Florida 34203. [Read more…] about Interstate 75 at State Road 70 Interchange Construction Public Meeting