LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Weekly Report – August 20, 2020
OUR VOICES WERE HEARD: All Posts Can Be OPEN Once Again
ALL POSTS CAN BE OPEN ONCE AGAIN!
Department of Florida American Legion Family Members,
After a lot of hard work by so many people, too many to mention, I am happy to report to you that our Social Quarters can be open and serve alcoholic beverages with food under the below mentioned specified guidelines. Of course this does not apply to the three counties that are still under Phase 1.
We explained to our elected officials that our Post Homes that have Social Quarters (canteens) are much more than a “bar” they are where our members meet, exchange pleasantries, discuss our programs, develop strategies for our community involvement and at the same time raise money to take care of our veterans, their families and the communities in which we live. It was explained that all of our funding is from these grass roots activities and keeping our Posts with Social Quarters closed was prohibiting us from accomplishing our Mission.
Below, you will be able to click on a document from the Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Mr. Michael B. Johnston. Posts with a valid Liquor License may serve alcoholic beverages with food (as long as you have a food service license or permit from a regulatory authority – (DoH, FDACS or your county) on premises while observing 50% or below capacity, and observing other state and local guidance on sanitation and social distancing to prevent the risk and exposure and spread of illness during this pandemic (i.e. masks, sanitizing, temperature taking, etc.)
Should any Post experience a problem with an ABT Inspector, please give them the attached document and immediately call either myself or the Department Adjutant Michael McDaniel so we can help to resolve the issue.
You can view the document either by clicking on the button below or the document displayed below. Once you have the document displayed on your screen you can right click on it to save it to your computer. If you have problems saving it to your computer, you can email distribution@floridalegion.org and a copy will be emailed to you.
Service, Honor, Sacrifice.
William “Rick” Johnson, Commander
The American Legion
Department of Florida
Weekly Report – August 13, 2020
Join special American Legion-VBA town hall
Dear American Legion members,
I wanted to let you know of a special opportunity this week for American Legion members.
On Wednesday, you are invited to participate in a tele-town hall that will allow Legionnaires to ask questions directly to Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Under Secretary for Benefits.
American Legion Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission Chairman Ralph Bozella will serve as a special guest host for the town hall that will take place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday. Legionnaires can participate by calling (833) 380-0417; and press *3 to ask a question.
Topics to be covered include how VBA is operating through the pandemic, and updates on Blue Water Navy veterans and the Veterans Benefits Banking Program.
This is a great opportunity and I look forward to as many American Legion members participating as possible.
Stay safe, my friends and comrades.
For God and country,
James W. “Bill” Oxford
National Commander
Virtual Career Fair
A virtual Career Fair will be held in Orlando on August 27th.
2020-2021 Children & Youth Coin Pre-Order
Pre-order your 2020-2021 Children & Youth program coin today and save $3.00 each! Coins will go to regular price on September 1, 2020 at $10.00 each.
Coins are 1.5″ in diameter and are nickel with gold and silver metal coating, with blue enamel fill.
Profits from the Children & Youth coins go directly in support of the Department of Florida, Children & Youth program. Coins are expected to arrive in late August, and will begin shipping out immediately. They are also available for purchase from your Department Children & Youth Program Chair, Les Martin and will be on hand at the Children & Youth Picnic and Golf Tournament.
“Be SMART Florida” Statewide COVID-19 Campaign
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced the launch of Be SMART Florida, a new statewide COVID-19 consumer awareness campaign asking Floridians to take small actions with proven results to slow the pandemic’s spread.
A nonpartisan, bilingual, multi-channel awareness campaign, Be SMART Florida is an acronym asking Floridians to Social distance, Mask up, Avoid crowds, Remember to wash or sanitize hands, and Throw away disposable items like masks, gloves, and wipes. These common-sense steps are crucial to slowing COVID-19; a World Health Organization-backed study showed that COVID-19’s spread is reduced by up to 85% through wearing masks and up to 82% by social distancing.
The campaign’s launch comes after Commissioner Fried, a member of the Florida Cabinet who oversees Florida’s consumer protection agency, has heard from Floridians, families, parents, teachers, farmworkers, business owners, and others concerned about COVID-19. Last week, Fried also held a virtual roundtable discussion with frontline doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers on the state’s COVID-19 response.
“We’ve never needed to be more united than right now, yet we’re divided by simple actions like wearing a mask and keeping our distance. To reopen our state and our economy safely, we must all be in this together and do the small things that make a big difference in slowing down COVID-19,” said Commissioner Fried. “As Florida’s consumer protection agency, we take seriously the responsibility to help Florida’s people, businesses, essential workers, and economy be safe. I’m hopeful that by working together, we’ll all do our part to beat COVID-19 – so let’s be SMART, Florida!”
VIDEO: HD B-roll and photos of the press conference may be downloaded here
The campaign features short #BeSMARTFL social media videos from well-known Floridians and influencers, shareable graphics and animated videos with important information, and a social media toolkit that encourages everyone to spread the word. In the coming weeks, radio PSAs will also begin airing, and other campaign elements will be introduced. Today, the campaign is launching with short videos from former Miami HEAT player Alonzo Mourning, Congresswoman and former U.S. Secretary of Health Donna Shalala, City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, entertainer and entrepreneur DJ IRIE, and State Rep. Javier Fernández (in Spanish). These videos will be found on the department’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
More information including the social media toolkit and sample videos and graphics can be found at FDACS.gov/SMART.
Commander’s Charity raises $63,107.96 for C.O.T.A.
Help us congratulate Commander Johnson on his efforts of raising $63,107.96 for COTA! Thank you to all those who supported him and made a contribution to help him reach his goal. A special thanks to those who took on the challenge and cut their hair for the cause!
NOTE: Commander Johnson has chosen PROJECT: VetRelief and COTA as his charities for his second year in office. Let’s all help him double his contributions to both charities and support veterans and children in their time of need!
Commander’s Charity raises $116,180.37 for PROJECT: VetRelief
Commander Rick Johnson was also able to raise $116,180.37 for PROJECT:VetRelief!! Taking care of veterans is something he’s passionate about. We appreciate all those who contributed through this charities of choice.
NOTE: Commander Johnson has chosen PROJECT: VetRelief and COTA as his charities for his second year in office. Let’s all help him double his contributions to both charities and support veterans and children in their time of need!
FDACS Asking Floridians to Report Suspicious Seed Packets from China
Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is continuing to warn Floridians about unsolicited packages of seeds received through the mail. The seed packets, which may arrive unexpectedly in packages bearing Chinese characters, may bear the name China Post, and may be labeled as jewelry, have been reported in multiple states including Virginia, Kansas, Washington, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah, and others.
As of July 28, FDACS has received at least 631 reports from Florida residents reporting having received suspicious seed packages. The content of the seed packages remains unknown at this time, until testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) takes place.
UPDATE: Today, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the lead regulatory body on this matter, issued guidance. The USDA believes the seeds to be part of a “brushing” scam, where unsolicited items are sent in order to post false customer reviews and boost online sales. Upon receiving seed packages from recipients, the USDA will test the contents to determine if a risk is posed to agriculture or the environment.
The introduction of plant seeds into the United States is tightly regulated by the USDA. Seeds of unknown origin may constitute agricultural smuggling, may be invasive, may introduce pathogens, toxins, or plant and animal diseases, may pose a risk of foodborne illness, and may pose a threat to plant and animal health. FDACS is continuing to work closely to receive additional guidance from the USDA and APHIS, in consultation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“Plant seeds from unknown sources may introduce dangerous pathogens, diseases, or invasive species into Florida, putting agriculture and our state’s plant, animal, and human health at risk,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “Anyone receiving these suspicious seed packets should not plant them, but should report it to our department immediately, so that our inspectors can safely collect them for analysis.”
UPDATED: What To Do: Anyone receiving unsolicited seed packages from other countries should follow these directions:
- Do not open the seed packet and avoid opening outer packaging or mailing materials, if possible
- Place the seed packet AND mailing materials into a sealable plastic bag – this is important to determining the origin of the seeds
- Do not plant the seeds or discard them in trash that will be landfilled
- Report the seed package to the FDACS Division of Plant Industry at 1-888-397-1517 or DPIhelpline@FDACS.gov
- After reporting the seed package, an Inspector from the FDACS Division of Plant Industry will contact seed recipients to schedule a safe, contactless collection of the seeds, packaging, and mailing materials
When reporting the seed package to FDACS and USDA/APHIS, please be prepared to provide one’s name, physical address, phone number, and email address for contact and seed collection purposes.
PHOTOS: Photos of seed packages received by Floridians can be found here.
Photo credit: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
2019–2020 National History Book Contest Postponed
From: National Historian James “Jim” A. Mariner
To: Department Historians, Department Adjutants, Past National Historians and
NADHAL Members
Date: June 22, 2020
First, I hope everyone is doing well and keeping safe with our worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Just imagine what our founding members would think returning from WWI with the worldwide flu pandemic from 1918 through 1920. As we continue with our Buddy Checks and what we do to serve America’s communities, states, and nation we are laying a “A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE.”
With cancellations and postponement of many programs, conventions and events and considering some departments do their judging at the Department Convention and others do not, we wanted to be fair to all for our 2019–2020 National History Book Contest. A recently received e-mail from National Adjutant Daniel Wheeler included a revised schedule for the 2020 October Meetings in Indianapolis, Indiana due to COVID-19 Social Distancing. These changes have been made for the safety of everyone.
The 2019–2020 National History Book Contest will be postponed until the Spring 2021 NEC Meeting and will still be using the 2019 Officer’s Guide (hard copy or online copy) criteria for the 2019–2020 timeframe. The new deadline for National History Book Certification Forms will be April 2, 2021. The New Historians Workshop has also been cancelled as part of the 2020 October Meetings.
In our Department of New Mexico, we plan to have the 2019-2020 history books mailed before and/or hand carried to our Mid-Winter Conference in early February 2021 where we can hold the judging and declaring winners before the May 2021 Spring NEC Meetings for our National History Book Contests. Again, this will be using the 2019 Officer’s Guide (hard copy or online copy) for the 2019–2020 timeline for the year history. All our departments have different ways of holding their Department History Book Contests, so this is a change but as U.S.A. military, veterans and Legionnaires we adapt and go forth to carry on our American Legion history tradition.
NADHAL will meet electronically for the Fall 2020 Indianapolis, Indiana meetings at a time yet to be determined. As NADHAL we need a big thank you to all our national staff working on our Fall 2020 Meetings with electronic meetings and social distancing keeping all of us safe. NADHAL committees are currently working on electronic history books judging, logistics and rules for any future national disasters or future national pandemics. Currently, we need to carry on our tradition of our hard copy history books. We look forward to our NADHAL electronic meeting.
More details and information on the Spring 2021 Meetings to include our National History Book Contest judging will be coming closer to the meeting dates.
In closing, while keeping safe with adaption and change during these unprecedented times please remember preserving and recording our history is important as we are building “A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE.”
“For God and Country”
James “Jim” A. Mariner
The American Legion
National Historian
That Other Virus
That Other Virus
By James W. “Bill” Oxford
There is a virus in America that could cause more long-term destruction than COVID-19. Just as the novel coronavirus can quickly devastate a healthy body this other virus threatens lives, neighborhoods and infrastructures. No person or place is truly safe. It can embed itself inside a peaceful protest and turn it into a nightmare of violent rioting and retribution. It turns Americans against Americans. This virus is called anarchy.
Perhaps no one should be more concerned about this virus than those who justly fight for civil rights and equality. Their cause has been hijacked. George Floyd and Breonna Taylor receive only occasional mentions on the evening news while footage of statue-toppling, tear gas and batons dominates. One network’s description of a live event will usually have the opposite perspective of another network. Division is a symptom of this virus and its cancer has reached a stage unseen since the Civil War. The patient is quickly approaching stage 4.
At our 1962 National Convention, American Legion delegates defined “Americanism” in such an eloquent manner that we still adhere to it. It stated that the essence of Americanism is class, religious and racial tolerance. Written as if it were a vaccine against our current anarchy virus, it further states “law and order are essential to the preservation of Americanism while lawlessness and violence are distinctly un-American.”
That’s worth repeating. “Lawlessness and violence are distinctly un-American.” Peaceful protests against racism are just, admirable and constitutionally protected. It’s ok if protests make people feel uncomfortable. A good protest is supposed to do that. But many people feel unsafe. This is what distinguishes protestors from anarchists and rioters.
Whether generated from the extreme left or the extreme right, the cracked skulls and burning buildings don’t care. They are damaged, sometimes permanently.
Instead of fighting this virus like good scientists, public officials are failing us. People are being killed while local, state and federal agencies fight over jurisdiction. Add partisan politics to the growing list of symptoms.
Most police officers are brave and honorable. Some are not and those who abuse their positions should be held accountable. In the fog of a riot, it is sometimes difficult for officers to distinguish between a peaceful protestor and a violent anarchist. Again, police officers who commit crimes should be prosecuted. Same with a brick-throwing anarchist.
Federal agents are charged with enforcing federal law and protecting federal property. State and local law enforcement officers have parallel responsibilities in their respective areas. Mayors, governors and the federal government must work as one when it comes to public safety. Agencies at every level must collaborate. People are dying. The enemy is not each other. It’s the violent anarchist. Unity is the cure.
James W. “Bill” Oxford is national commander of The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization, www.legion.org.
Federal and State Agency Updates and Resources on COVID-19
Federal and State Agency Updates and Resources on COVID-19
Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program/Economic Injury Disaster Loans Update:
Attached is the most updated weekly data for Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Individual PPP data was previously released and can be found at www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection. The disaster ADVANCES are no longer available however the Economic Injury Disaster Loan continues to be offered. $20 Billion of non-repayable advances were provided to nearly 6 million small businesses that employed 30.5 million people.
FTC Testifies Before Congress on Efforts to Combat COVID-19-related Scams
USDA Provides Update on Investigation Following 2019 Tyson Beef Plant Closure and COVID-19 Pandemic
Federal Agencies to Hold Virtual Hearings on Seasonal and Perishable Produce
FDA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Daily Roundup July 21, 2020
FDA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Daily Roundup July 20, 2020
Weekly Update: DHS Response to COVID-19
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP):
As of 2pm Monday, July 20th, FSA has approved 442,639 applications for a payment amount of $6,229,463,221.01. In Florida, 3,282 applications have been approved with a payment amount of $79,374,096.73. More details and breakdowns by categories, commodities, and states at the CFAP dashboard here, updated every Monday at 2pm.
Producers of commodities on the expanded eligibility list can now apply. As a reminder, the CFAP application period will remain open through August 28, 2020. Producers with questions about CFAP should be directed to reach out to the CFAP call center at 877-508-8364 for general questions/assistance before applying through their county FSA offices. Additional details can be found in the Federal Register in the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and Final Rule Correction and at www.farmers.gov/cfap. USDA expects additional eligible commodities to be announced in the coming weeks (horticulture/aquaculture).
- If you missed the CFAP Producer Webinar for Additional Eligible Commodities & Program Adjustments, you can watch it here.
- If you missed the CFAP Stakeholder Organizations Webinar, you can watch it here.
- If you missed the CFAP Producer Education Webinar for Specialty Crop Producers, you can watch it here.
- If you missed the CFAP Education Webinar for Dairy & Non-Specialty Crop Producers, you can watch it here.
- If you missed the CFAP Education Webinar for Non-Specialty Crop & Livestock Producers, you can watch it here.
- If you missed the FSA in the Time of Coronavirus Producer Education Webinar, you can watch it here.
Commissioner Fried’s Emergency Orders & Rules
Emergency Order 2020-022 provides relief to pest control, pesticide, fertilizer, and animal feed licensees by suspending the late fees assessed for failure to timely pay fees, or timely renew licenses and certifications.
Executed: July 8, 2020
Expires: 45 days from the date of the Order unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner or upon the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52, as extended by Executive Orders 20-114 and 20-166 or any further extension thereof, whichever comes first.
Emergency Order 2020-021 extends Emergency Order 2020-015 for an additional sixty (60) days. The order suspends Florida Statute and department rules regarding the prohibition of cottage food deliveries by mail for 30 days.
Executed: July 2, 2020
Expires: 60 days from date of execution unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture or upon the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20- 52, as extended by Executive Order 20-114, whichever occurs first.
Emergency Order 2020-020 extends Emergency Order 2020-012, which suspends any rules or portion of rules which require managers with current certified food protection manager certifications or managers whose certified food protection manager certifications expiring within the next 60 days to sit for a proctored examination, for an additional sixty (60) days.
Executed: July 2, 2020
Expires: 60 days from date of execution unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture or upon the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20- 52, as extended by Executive Order 20-114, whichever occurs first.
Emergency Order 2020-0019 temporarily waives continuing education requirements for currently licensed LP gas qualifiers and master qualifiers for 60 days. This permits those individuals to renew their licenses on a provisional basis and to continue working as long as they meet all other renewal requirements. The order extends the amount of time a licensed business has to fill a qualifier or master qualifier vacancy, allowing LP gas dealers, dispensers, and installers who lose personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue providing services to the public. Lastly, it suspends the requirement for meter mechanics to attend an in-person clinic hosted by FDACS. The change allows currently licensed individuals to continue working on and approving for use weighing and measuring devices that are used in the sale of essential goods like food and fuel.
Executed: June 23, 2020
Expires: 60 days from date of Order unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture or upon the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52, as extended by Executive Order 20-114 or further extensions, whichever occurs first.
Emergency Order 2020-0018 extends Emergency Order 2020-010 for an additional sixty (60) days. The order suspends the requirement for Class “G” license applicants to obtain a certification of physical fitness from a physician or physician assistant for 60 additional days. This suspension is extended due to the shortage of available medical providers. It also allows armed security officer classroom training to be conducted by live video conferencing.
Executed: June 23, 2020
Expires: 60 days from date of Order unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture or upon the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52, as extended by Executive Order 20-114 or further extensions, whichever occurs first.
Emergency Order 2020-17 extends Emergency Order 2020-003, previously extended by Emergency Order 2020-008, for an additional sixty (60) days. The order waives fees that would typically be imposed for late renewals of the following permits and registrations: solicitors of contributions (charities), brake fluid, commercially-used weights and measures (e.g., scales), motor vehicle repair shops, and dealers of agricultural products.
Executed June 19, 2020
Expires: 60 days from date of Order unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture or upon the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52, as extended by Executive Order 20-114 or further extensions, whichever occurs first.
Emergency Order 2020-16 extends Emergency Order 2020-004, previously extended by Emergency Order 2020-009, relating to concealed weapons licenses and Chapter 493 licenses, for an additional sixty (60) days.
Executed June 19, 2020
Expires: 60 days from date of Order unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture or upon the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52, as extended by Executive Order 20-114 or further extensions, whichever occurs first.
Emergency Order 2020-0015 suspends Florida Statute and department rules regarding the prohibition of cottage food deliveries by mail for 30 days.
Executed: June 4, 2020
Expires: July 4, 2020, unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture or upon the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20- 52, as extended by Executive Order 20-114, whichever occurs first.
Emergency Order 2020-0012 suspends any rules or portion of rules which require managers with current certified food protection manager certifications or managers whose certified food protection manager certifications expiring within the next 60 days to sit for a proctored examination.
Executed: May 5, 2020
Expires: 60 days from date of this Order unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner or upon expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52, whichever occurs first
Emergency Order 2020-010 suspends the requirement for Class “G” license applicants to obtain a certification of physical fitness from a physician or physician assistant for 60 additional days. This suspension is extended due to the shortage of available medical providers. It also allows armed security officer classroom training to be conducted by live video conferencing.
Emergency Order 2020-011 temporarily waives continuing education requirements for currently licensed LP gas qualifiers and master qualifiers for 60 days. This permits those individuals to renew their licenses on a provisional basis and to continue working as long as they meet all other renewal requirements. The order extends the amount of time a licensed business has to fill a qualifier or master qualifier vacancy, allowing LP gas dealers, dispensers, and installers who lose personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue providing services to the public. Lastly, it suspends the requirement for meter mechanics to attend an in-person clinic hosted by FDACS. The change allows currently licensed individuals to continue working on and approving for use weighing and measuring devices that are used in the sale of essential goods like food and fuel.
Emergency Order 2020-009 extends Emergency Order 2020-004, relating to concealed weapons licenses and Chapter 493 licenses, for 60 days.
Executed: April 20, 2020
Expires: 60 days from the date of the Order unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner or upon the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52, whichever comes first
Emergency Order 2020-008 extends Emergency Order 2020-003 for 60 days. The order waives fees that would typically be imposed for late renewals of the following permits and registrations: solicitors of contributions (charities), brake fluid, commercially-used weights and measures (e.g., scales), motor vehicle repair shops, and dealers of agricultural products.
Executed: April 20, 2020
Expires: 60 days from the date of the Order unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner or upon the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52, whichever comes first
Emergency Order 2020-007 extends Emergency Order 2020-002 for 60 days. The order provides relief to pest control, pesticide, fertilizer, and animal feed licensees by suspending the late fees assessed for failure to timely pay fees, or timely renew licenses and certifications. Also extending the timeframes for both quarterly and annual reporting and renewing licenses and certificates.
Executed: April 20, 2020
Expires: 60 days from the date of the Order unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner or upon the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52, whichever comes first
Emergency Rule 5JER20-3 allows retailers to continue selling fuel that technically would not be season-appropriate pursuant to adopted standards. It also establishes timeframes for distributors and retailers to shift from winter fuel to spring fuel, and from spring fuel to summer fuel. This will help prevent fuel shortages while also helping to ensure that the fuel being offered for sale will remain suitable for use as temperatures rise.
Executed: April 14, 2020
Emergency Order 2020-006 waiving certain packaging and labeling requirements for eggs sold at Florida retail food establishments. Provides that packages of shell eggs will not be required to have printed certain information such as date of pack, grade, and size, although retailers will provide in-store statements with the information typically required. This will allow eggs to be moved more quickly from producers to retailers.
Executed: April 7, 2020
Expires: 30 days, unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture
Emergency Order 2020-002 provides relief to pest control, pesticide, fertilizer, and animal feed licensees by suspending the late fees assessed for failure to timely pay fees, or timely renew licenses and certifications. Additionally, it extends (by 30 days) the timeframes required for both quarterly and annual reporting, as well as for renewing licenses and certificates.
Executed: March 20, 2020
Expires: 30 days from enactment date unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture
Emergency Order 2020-003 waives fees that would typically be imposed for late renewals of the following permits and registrations: solicitors of contributions (charities), brake fluid, commercially-used weights and measures (e.g., scales), motor vehicle repair shops, and dealers of agricultural products.
Executed: March 20, 2020
Expires: 30 days from enactment date unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture
Emergency Order 2020-004 will help concealed weapon licensees and Chapter 493 licensees by suspending renewal application late fees, providing additional time (30 days) to renew licenses set to expire, providing armed security officers additional time to submit proof of annual requalification, and allowing unarmed security officer training to be conducted by live video conferencing.
Executed: March 20, 2020
Expires: 30 days from enactment date unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture
Emergency Rule 5JER20-1 states that the COVID-19 global health crisis and the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s directive to limit travel, there is an extreme and unusual oversupply of fuel meeting winter season volatility requirements, known as “winter blend” fuel. This emergency rule will allow winter blend fuel to be sold longer, ensuring the adequate and rapid distribution of available fuel and helping to stabilize the fuel market, and providing consumers a stable supply of gasoline.
Emergency Rule 5PER20-2 extends the deadlines for Sponsors participating in the National School Lunch Program to appeal agency action that may be issued against them by the Department in the coming weeks. The deadlines are being extended to allow Sponsors the extra time needed to comply with recommendations for social distancing when responding to the agency action and to allow the Department to safely hold hearings at a later date.
Governor Executive Orders Re: COVID- 19
#2020-123 Executive Order re: Full Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery
The Executive Order does the following:
- Allows Restaurants and food establishments, gyms and fitness centers, museums and libraries and in-store retail sales establishments to operate up to 50 percent capacity while maintaining CDC guidelines
- Allows professional sports to operate in the state. Preempts any local rule prohibiting a team conducting or the operations of the venue from hosting sport activities at facilities
- Allows amusement parks to submit a re-opening plan to the state which must be endorsed by a letter from the County Mayor or City Mayor and County Administrator.
- Allows counties to seek approval to operate vacation rentals with written request from the County Administrator and the safety plan must be submitted to Secretary of DBPR, who will then post and update guidance on their website
- Extends Executive Order 20-69 relating to Local Government Public Meetings
- Creates a 2nd degree misdemeanor for violation of this order, punishable by up to 60 days imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $500, or both
Effective: May 18, 2020 at 12:01 am
#2020-124 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Municipal Elections in Pasco County
Reschedules the date for municipal elections in San Antonio and Dade City in Pasco County for June 30, 2020.
Enacted: May 15, 2020
Extends Executive Order 20-94 until June 2, 2020
Executed: May 14, 2020
Allows Broward and Miami-Dade Counties to enter Phase 1
Effective: May 18, 2020 at 12:01 am
Allows for Palm Beach County to enter in Phase 1 of reopening. Also allows for barbershops, hair salons and nails salons to open in the areas previously authorized to proceed with Phase 1.
Effective: May 11, 2020 at 12:01 am
#2020-114 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – Extension of Executive Order 20-52 – COVID-19
Extends state of emergency declared in Executive 20-52 for 60 days
Executed: May 8, 2020
Extends Executive Orders 20-87 and 20-91 until 12:01 am May 4, 2020
Executed: April 29, 2020
Expires: May 4, 2020
#2020-112 Executive Order re: Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery
Regarding Phase 1: Safe, Smart, Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery
Executed: April 29, 2020
Effective: May 4, 2020 at 12:01 am
Governor’s Presentation for Reopening Plan
Final Report of the Task Force
#2020-103 Executive Order extends Executive Order 20-87 re: Vacation Rental Closures
Extends Executive Order 20-87 until April 30, 2020, unless extended
Executed: April 10, 2020
Suspends the bi-weekly reporting requirement by claimants of “actively seeking work” requirement, only to the extent necessary and suspension is on an emergency temporary basis.
Executed: April 16, 2020
Expires: upon expiration of Executive Order 20-52
Governor Destanis’ Re-Open Florida Task Force
#2020-97 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Municipal Elections in Pasco County
Delaying elections in Pasco County at the request of Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley. The municipal elections scheduled on April 14, 2020, for the cities of San Antonio, Dade City, and Zephyrhills in Pasco County, are hereby delayed.
Executed: April 8, 2020
#2020-95 Executive Order re: COVID-19 Emergency Order – Documentary Stamps for SBA Loans
Suspending taxation imposed under Chapter 201, Florida Statutes, for notes and other written obligations made pursuant to Title I of the CARES Act.
Executed: April 6, 2020
Expires: Upon the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions
Suspends evictions for nonpayment of rent due to COVID-19 and mortgage foreclosures for 45 days in the state
Executed: April 2, 2020
#2020-93 Executive Order re: COVID-19 Emergency Order – Reemployment Assistance Program
Executed: April 2, 2020
Expires: upon expiration of Executive Order 20-52 including any extensions
Supersedes any conflicting official action or order issued by local officials in response COVID-19
Executed: April 1, 2020
Executed: April 1, 2020 but effective 12:01 am on April 3, 2020
Expires: April 30, 2020 unless extended by subsequent order.
FAQs for Executive Order 20-91 (Essential Services and Activities during COVID-19)
Immediately closes beaches in Broward and Palm Beach Counties
Executed: March 31, 2020
Expires: Length of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions, unless otherwise modified and suspended pursuant to subsequent order
The state employee health plan benefits plan will include telehealth services at no additional cost to employees, and fees for influenza vaccinations will be waived.
Executed: March 26, 2020
Expires: Upon the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions
Directing all persons who enter the State of Florida from an area with substantial community spread, to include the State of Louisiana, inclusive of those entering the State of Florida by roadways, to isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days
Executed: March 27, 2020
Expires: Upon expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions, or upon an Executive Order lifting the isolation or quarantine after advice from the State Health Officer and Surgeon General#2020-87 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Vacation Rental Closures
Ordering all parties engaged in rental of vacation rental properties to suspend vacation rental operations. Vacation rentals are prohibited from making new reservations or bookings and shall not accept new guests for check-in for the duration of this order.
Executed: March 27, 2020
Expires: In 14 days unless extended by subsequent order
#2020-88 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Re-employment of Essential Personnel
Regarding re-employment of essential personnel.
Executed: March 30, 2020
Expires: Upon the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions
Regarding public access restrictions in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County and Monroe County
Executed: March 30, 2020
Expires: April 15, 2020, unless renewed or modified by subsequent order
The state employee health plan benefits plan will include telehealth services at no additional cost to employees, and fees for influenza vaccinations will be waived.
Executed: March 26, 2020
Expires: Upon the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions
Directing all persons who enter the State of Florida from an area with substantial community spread, to include the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey and New York), to isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of entry into the State of Florida or the duration of the person’s presence in the State of Florida, whichever is shorter.
Executed: March 24, 2020
Expires: Upon expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions, or upon an Executive Order lifting the isolation or quarantine after advice from the State Health Officer and Surgeon General
Directing the State Surgeon General and State Health Officer to issue a public health advisory to all persons over 65 years of age urging them to stay home and to take such other measures as necessary to limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Executed: March 24, 2020
Expires: Upon the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions
#2020-80 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Airport Screening and Isolation
directing all persons whose point of departure originates from outside the State of Florida in an area with substantial community spread, to include the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey and New York), and entering the State of Florida through airports to isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of entry into the State of Florida or the duration of the person’s presence in the State of Florida, whichever is shorter.
Enacted: March 23, 2020
Expires: Upon expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions, or upon an Executive Order lifting the isolation or quarantine after advice from the State Health Officer and Surgeon General
Executed: March 1, 2020
Expires: N/A
#2020-52 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Executed: March 9, 2020
Expires: 60 days from enactment date unless extended
Executed: March 17, 2020
Expires: 30 days from enactment date unless extended
#2020-69 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Local Government Public Meetings
Executed: March 20, 2020
Expires: Linked to the expiration of Executive Order 20-52
Executed: March 20, 2020
Expires: The closures in this order shall remain in effect in accordance with the President’s “15 Days to Slow the Spread”, initiated on March 16, 2020. These closures shall expire on March 31, 2020 but may be renewed upon the written request of the County Administrator. The Broward County Administrator and the Palm Beach County Administrator shall have the ability to enforce, relax, modify or remove these closures, as warranted, pursuant to the directives and parameters as set forth in Executive Order 20-68.
#2020-71 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Alcohol Sales, Restaurants, and Gyms
Executed: March 20, 2020
Expires: Linked to the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions
Executed: March 20, 2020
Expires: Linked to the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions
Executive State Agencies Executive Orders
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Executed: March 14, 2020
Expires: April 13, 2020 at 11:59 or at the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52, unless extended by the Executive Director of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Executed: March 15, 2020
Expires: on the earlier or rescission of Executive Order 20-52, unless extended by the Executive Director of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Office of Financial Regulation
OFR Division of Securities Proclamation
Executed: March 20, 2020
Executed: March 26, 2020
Division of Emergency Management
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Executed: March 23, 2020
Expires: Upon the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions
Executed: March 16, 2020
Department of Economic Opportunity
Executed: March 20, 2020
Expires: May 2, 2020, unless extended by subsequent order
Reemployment Assistance Service Center
Department of Health
Executed: March 10, 2020
Executed: March 16, 2020
Department of Management Services
Executed: March 16, 2020
Department of Transportation
Executed: March 13, 2020
Expires: At the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52 or April 12, 2020 unless extended by the Secretary of FDOT
Department of Children and Families
Executed: March 22, 2020
Expires: Upon the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Executed: March 22, 2020
Department of Education
Executed: March 23, 2020
Department of Juvenile Justice
Executed: March 19, 2020
Department of Lottery
Executed: March 22, 2020
Department of Revenue
COVID-19 – Order of Emergency Waiver Property Tax Due Dates
Executed: March 26, 2020
Expires: Upon expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52 or 11:59 PM on May 1, 2020, unless extended by the Executive Director of Dept. of Revenue
COVID-19 – Order of Emergency Waiver Sales and Use Tax Due Dates
Executed: March 26, 2020
Expires: upon expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52 or 11:59 PM on May 8, 2020, unless extended by the Executive Director of Dept. of Revenue
Federal Agency Coronavirus Announcements/Quick Links:
Administration Actions and Federal Agency Resources: USA.gov is cataloging all U.S. government activities related to coronavirus. From actions on health and safety to travel, immigration, and transportation to education, find pertinent actions here. Each Federal Agency has also established a dedicated coronavirus website, where you can find important information and guidance. They include: Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Education (DoED), Department of Agriculture (USDA), Small Business Administration (SBA), Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of State (DOS), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of the Interior (DOI), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Commerce (DOC), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of the Treasury (USDT), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), and U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). Find out how you can protect yourself and helpful resources on DOJ’s Coronavirus Fraud Prevention website. The Federal Trade Commission has also established a website with helpful information to help consumers avoid coronavirus-related scams. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has setup a website with up-to-date guidance on CARES Act implementation.
House Ag Committee Coronavirus Resource Page
NASDA Coronavirus Resource Page
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program FAQ
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP):
The CFAP application period will remain open through August 28th. Producers with questions about CFAP should be directed to reach out to the CFAP call center at 877-508-8364 for general questions/assistance before applying through their county FSA offices. Additional details can be found in the Federal Register in the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and Final Rule Correction and at www.farmers.gov/cfap.
USDA Announces Additional Specialty Crops Eligible for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Producers will be able to submit applications that include the new commodities on Monday, July 13, 2020. USDA expects additional eligible commodities to be announced in the coming weeks.
CFAP Webinars:
- If you missed the CFAP Stakeholder Organizations Webinar, you can watch it here.
- If you missed the CFAP Producer Education Webinar for Specialty Crop Producers, you can watch it here.
- If you missed the CFAP Education Webinar for Dairy & Non-Specialty Crop Producers, you can watch it here.
- If you missed the CFAP Education Webinar for Non-Specialty Crop & Livestock Producers, you can watch it here.
- If you missed the FSA in the Time of Coronavirus Producer Education Webinar, you can watch it here
USDA Approves $1.2 billion in Contracts for Farmers to Families Food Box Program
USDA Announces Additional Food Purchase Plans
USDA Extends Flexibilities, Paves the Way for Meals for Kids to Continue through Summer
Effective March 26, the State Department has expanded scope of H-2 Processing | H-2A Q&A PDF
DOL Office of Foreign Labor Round 2 FAQs (focuses on potential issues regarding the H-2A temporary agricultural labor certification program)
DOL Releases Round 3 COVID-19 FAQs
USDA and DOL Announce Information Sharing to Assist H-2A Employers
DHS and USDA Move to Protect American Farmers and Ensure Continued Flow of America’s Food Supply (H-2A interim final rule)
USDA Unveils Tool to Help Rural Communities Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
Updated CDC COVID-19 and Pets Information
Agriculture Workers and Employers, Interim Guidance from CDC and the U.S. Department of Labor
Commissioner Nikki Fried, Veterans Agencies Host Military Consumer Month Telephone Town Hall
Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) hosted a telephone town hall meeting for Military Consumer Month to discuss how servicemembers and veterans can protect themselves from scams, fraud, and abuse. Commissioner Fried was joined by Maj. Gen. James S. “Hammer” Hartsell (Ret.), Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs; Al Carter, Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs; and Joe Marino, Executive Director of Veterans Florida. The town hall was moderated by Ed Rodriguez, Veterans Affairs Director for FDACS and a former U.S. Navy corpsman.
“July is Military Consumer Month, and we’re committed to protecting the fighting men and women who proudly serve our state and nation. Florida is home to over 65,000 active duty military personnel, over 202,000 military retirees, and over 1.5 million veterans. Unfortunately, these servicemembers, military families, and veterans are also a prime target for scammers,” said Commissioner Fried. “My message to anyone who would take advantage of Floridians, especially our military personnel and veterans, is simple: we will not tolerate it, we will find out, shut you down, and hold you accountable.”
AUDIO: Audio of the telephone town hall can be found here via The Florida Channel.
“Commissioner Fried’s office serves as a vanguard for those falling victim to consumer fraud and related matters. Together, we have a strong system in place to help veterans avoid predatory consumer practices,” said Al Carter, Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. “The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs looks forward to continuing to partner with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to combat those who seek to abuse Florida veterans.”
“Thank you, Commissioner Fried, for including Veterans Florida in this conversation. The impacts that these kinds of scams have on servicemembers and veterans, especially those with young families, have a huge effect during their time of transition when seeking a new career of starting a new business,” said Joe Marino, Executive Director of Veterans Florida. “These issues are magnified when transitioning military families move to different states, locations, or jobs, any kind of identity theft is going to hurt them. It is unfortunate that there are people out there targeting Florida veterans.”
Servicemembers and military families often have steady incomes, and frequent moves and deployments can make daily management of finances more difficult, which leads scammers to target this community. Upon taking office, Commissioner Fried vowed to ensure FDACS was prioritizing Florida’s veterans and servicemembers; Fried established a new Veterans Affairs Director position, and the Department’s Division of Consumer Services began categorizing consumer complaints received from veterans and servicemembers.
Since 2019, FDACS has received over 660 complaints from Florida servicemembers and veterans, and as time goes on this data will be helpful in identifying patterns about the specific types of scams that military members and veterans are encountering. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission reported claims of over 36,000 military-related people who had fallen victim to imposter scams, with 11% of victims suffering a financial hit, with a median loss of $900 per victim.
Servicemembers and veterans are also prone to many of the same scams that Florida’s civilians are prone to. The following are scams that disproportionately affect servicemembers and veterans:
- Identity Theft: Identity theft occurs when an individual’s personal information such as their name, Social Security number, or credit card number are used without their consent to commit fraud and other crimes. Military servicemembers are especially at risk for identity theft because the frequent moves and deployments that are required of military life makes it more difficult to monitor their finances for the irregularities that identify theft causes.
- Rental Scams: These scams target servicemembers looking for housing near their home base. The scammers pretend to be real estate agents and post fake ads for rental properties on websites. The ads often offer military discounts and other incentives. They attempt to get servicemembers to send them money upfront; scammers then take the money and the victims end up losing this income and are left without housing.
- Charity Scams: Charity scammers use deception to steal money from people who believe they are donating to legitimate causes. They siphon money away from those in need and use it to line their own pockets. Some scam artists set up military or veteran charities to exploit the generosity that our military and veterans communities, and the general public, have towards causes that help service members, veterans and military families.
- Unfair Car Deals: New service members are often first or second time car buyers that may not have a lot of experience in the car purchasing process. Knowing this, some sellers will target these new service members and set them up with payment agreements that include hidden fees and high interest rates. With the steady income that service members have, these car sellers are able to garnish their wages in order collect on the unfair car deals.
FDACS Consumer Action: In March of this year, FDACS conducted an investigation into the Children of Wounded Warriors charity, which claimed to be raising money for the children of injured or slain military servicemembers and first respodners. The investigation concluded that the organization engaged in the improper and personal use of funds, committed perjury, misled donors, and was involved in other illicit actions. The group’s charity status was revoked, and they were fined $60,000.
File a Consumer Complaint with FDACS: Servicemembers, veterans, and family members who think they have fallen victim to a scam or experienced a solicitation which they believe could be a scam should file a consumer complaint with the FDACS Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español), or online at FloridaConsumerHelp.com and report concerns to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/complaint.
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Resources: Veterans seeking additional resources and help are advised to call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838) or visit FloridaVets.org/resources.
Background: The FDACS Division of Consumer Services is Florida’s state consumer protection agency, responsible for regulating charities, handling consumer complaints, and protecting against unfair and unsafe business practices. FDACS handles more than 400,000 consumer complaints and inquiries, oversees more than 500,000 regulated devices, entities, and products like gas pumps and grocery scales, performs over 61,000 lab analyses on products like gasoline and brake fluid, performs nearly 9,000 fair ride inspections, and returned over $2.8 million to consumers through mediations with businesses. The Division regulates businesses including motor vehicle repair shops, pawnbrokers, health studios, travel sellers, intrastate movers, professional surveyors and mappers, sweepstakes/game promotions, and telemarketers.
Webinar with Department Commander
Please register to join us LIVE on Zoom with Florida Department Commander William “Rick” Johnson, as he addresses the concerns of many Florida Legion Posts. Topics will include: How COVID 19 is affecting the Legion, DBPR Emergency Orders, Explanation of the continuous opening and closing of Posts, with a Live Questions & Answers Session!
The Webinar will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 6:00PM EST.
To register for access please use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/…/register/WN_S0b3aflmQOyxFEis5q2DzQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
The webinar will be shared Live on Facebook, however, to interact, you will need to access the webinar through Zoom, we will not be monitoring Facebook questions.
The recorded webinar will be shared via Facebook and YouTube, at a later date.
This webinar is limited to 1,000 participants, and is based on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Erna Schwabe
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department President, Erna Schwabe, on Saturday, July 11, 2020. Erna is survived by her husband, Art; three daughters, Mary, Denise, and Jackie; and many grandchildren. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on our website.
Please keep Art and their family in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief. If you would like to send your condolence you may do so through her husband, Art, at 2115 Prospect St., LaCrosse, WI 54603.
Erna Carol Schwabe, 72 died July 11, 2020 after a long battle with lung cancer. She was born December 19,1947 in Excelsior, WI, the daughter of Eldon and Hazel Coppernoll.
Erna graduated from Ithaca High School, Class of 1966. She went to college at University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She lived in La Crosse, WI and meet and married the love of her life Arthur Joseph Schwabe. They were married for 44 years on July 17th.1976. They lived in Mt.Horeb, WI until 1988 and them moved to Ormond Beach, Fl and lived there for 28 years. Erna was very active in the American Legion Department of Florida. She held many different roles in the Auxiliary of American Legion. But her all time favorite job was helping veterans as the American Legion Auxiliary President for the state of Florida 2014-2015.
Erna is survived by her husband Arthur Schwabe, her three daughters, Mary( Dennis) Szafran, Marci, Trista, and Kobe Szafran, Denise(Brian))Green, Mike, Brandon, Stephanie, Alex, Zach, and Sam Green, and Jackie(Terry) Oelke and Jackie’s children Cassie, Kiara, Trevor and Trenton. And her sisters, Gladys Anderson, Boaz, WI, Rosetta Beilfuss, Boscobel, WI, Frances Strauss, Jefferson, WI, Marjorie Simerson, Huntington, IN, Dale(David) Clason, Black Earth, WI Thankful Santfleben, Mazomanie, WI , and her brother Kenneth(Connie)Coppernoll, Wedgefield, South Carolina. Her sister in law Jan Loomis, Waterford, WI and brother in law Raymond(Carol)Schwabe, Pewaukee, WI. She is serviced by many nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, friend and her legion family.
. In addition to her parents Erna was predeceased by her brothers Hilleman, Dick and Jerry Coppernoll. Her in laws Raymond and Doris Schwabe , her brother in law Dan Loomis and Alton Anderson.
A celebration of life will be help Sunday August 23rd. 2020 at the American Legion in Onalaska, WI at 12pm.
The family would like to thank Gundersen Hospital and the hospice team for their care and support for the last year.
Florida Forest Service Accepting Applications to Help Landowners Combat Southern Pine Beetle Outbreaks
“Pine forests are an essential part of Florida’s ecosystem,” said Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “Helping landowners take preventative action significantly reduces the risk and impacts associated with the southern pine beetle and is critical to preserving the benefits that forests provide Floridians and visitors alike.”
The southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most economically devastating forest pests of the Southeast, with periodic outbreaks leading to deaths of millions of pine trees. Since 2015, over 460 SPB infestations have been reported in Florida, killing trees on more than 2,200 acres. This pales in comparison to the last major outbreaks between 1999 and 2002, which caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses on over 24,000 acres.
Since it was first offered in 2005, the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program has been implemented on more than 197,000 acres and helped thousands of landowners.
“Southern pine beetle activity is relatively low in Florida right now, but it can increase rapidly,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Awareness is key, and we want to help landowners improve the health and productivity of their pine forests.”
Click to view the full-size map of eligible counties
The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, supported through a grant by the United States Forest Service, provides incentive payments for landowners who conduct a first pulpwood thinning and offers partial cost reimbursement for activities, such as prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and the planting of longleaf or slash pine rather than the loblolly pine, the beetle’s preferred species. Qualified landowners can apply for up to two different practices per year, and funding requests may not exceed $10,000. All qualifying applications received during the submission period will be evaluated and ranked for approval.
Visit FDACS.gov/SPBPrevention to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Program or click here to obtain an application.
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 on more than 26 million acres.
C.O.T.A. Teen Transplant
Children’s Organ Transplant Association
Makes All the Difference for Kelvin Jr. and Other Children and Young Adults
Letter to President Trump
To All Members of The American Legion, Department of Florida
Subject: Letter to President Trump on behalf of Department of Florida Membership
Ever since the COVID Pandemic lockdown, it has really bothered me that the VA Hospitals are not seeing our Veterans on a timely basis, are putting off surgeries and are not even doing COVID testing.
I have complained but have seen no results. I have struggled about what to do and finally decided that I should write our President and Commander in Chief and voice our concerns on behalf of all our members and Veterans, not only in Florida but across our great Nation.
Below you will find the letter that I had sent to the President today.
The State of Florida Issues COVID-19 Updates
The State of Florida Issues COVID-19 Updates
~In anticipation of the 4th of July Weekend, this report is being released Thursday, July 2, next week it will be resumed on Friday~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The State of Florida is responding to COVID-19. As of Friday, June 5, the state has moved into Phase 2 of Florida’s reopening plan. The Florida Department of Health will now issue this update once per week. However, DOH will continue to update the COVID-19 dashboard and post the state report daily.
Governor Ron DeSantis is in constant communication with Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz and State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees as the State of Florida continues to monitor and respond to the threat of COVID-19.
Recent actions the state has taken to respond to COVID-19:
This week, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the state budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. The budget totals $92.2 billion, provides over $350 million in tax relief and includes more than $1 billion in vetoed spending. Details on the budget is available here, the veto list is available here.
This week, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-159, regarding the Limited Extension of Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief.
Additional actions the state has taken to respond to COVID-19:
- This week, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) reminded all Floridians to protect the vulnerable by avoiding the Three Cs: Closed Spaces, Crowded Places and Close-Contact Settings and by wearing a mask in public:
- Closed Spaces. Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation that could allow contagious droplets to linger in the air.
- Crowded Places. Avoid crowded places with many people nearby; the greater the number of individuals in an area, the greater the chances of COVID-19 spreading from person-to-person.
- Close-Contact Settings. Avoid close-range conversations and stay at least six-feet from others.
- To date, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has paid out $145,328,912 in CARES Act disbursements to 25 counties. More information about CARES Act funding is available here.
- To date, the Division has sent the following PPE to support health care workers and first responders:
- More than 43 million masks
- More than 12.7 million gloves
- More than 1.9 million face shields
- More than 1.1 million shoe covers
- More than 2.7 million gowns
- More than 94 thousand goggles
- More than 62 thousand coveralls
- Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to continue waiving the work search and work registration requirements for claimants through August 1, 2020. Additionally, the waiting week requirement will continue to be waived through August 1, 2020.
- The Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) Secretary Prudom signed the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) amendment with the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), accepting an additional $3,390,433 from CARES Act funding to provide energy assistance to low-income senior households.
- The DOEA Restaurant Meal Initiative has served 1 million meals to date and continues to deliver more than 120,000 meals each week through the program.
- DOEA’s Aging Network, for the ninth consecutive week, sustained a 200-percent increase in meal delivery, compared to pre-COVID-19 numbers, by delivering at or above 400,000 meals per week: this number is in addition to the Restaurant Meal Initiative.
- EFI created a virtual trade grant program to help Florida companies do business overseas as international travel is restricted. Businesses interested in learning more about the new Virtual Business Matchmaking service should contact one of EFI’s Regional Trade Managers. EFI recently expanded this program to engage Canada and Mexico.
- Friday, July 3, to protect the safety of staff and guests, some Florida State Parks will be closed to visitors or have altered day-use restrictions. These closures are in line with county ordinances. See the latest park and trail information
- Approximately 1,431 Florida National Guardsmen (FLNG) are mobilized to support Florida’s response to COVID-19.
- FLNG has expanded its support to mobile testing teams and the community-based and walk-up test sites. To date, the FLNG has assisted in the testing of more than 592,723 individuals for the COVID-19 virus.
- Since March 1, 2020, Floridians have conducted over 1.7 million motor vehicle and credential transactions virtually through the department’s online services webpage: com. FLHSMV encourages Floridians who can, to complete their driver license or motor vehicle transactions online, rather than in person at a driver license office.
- FDOT continues to lead the coordination of DOH and the Florida Highway Patrol to implement Executive Order 20-86 at the I-95 checkpoint. To date, more than 43,300 traveler forms have been collected at the I-95 checkpoint.
- The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is administering $250 million in CARES Act funding for rental and mortgage assistance for Florida families that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more here.