TALLAHASSEE – With the close of 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) are highlighting a number of policies and initiatives providing critical support to our state’s veterans, their families and survivors. FDVA is a nearly 1,500-member constitutionally chartered State Veterans’ Affairs department with a… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation. Dec. 16, 2022 marks the 78th anniversary of the last major German offensive on the western front during World War II. The battle, which lasted until Jan. 25, 1945, resulted in an Allied victory… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation. Dec. 7, 2022 marks the 81st anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to America’s entry into World War II. The flags of the United States and State of Florida will be flown at… READ MORE »
Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs A new law called the PACT Act just expanded VA health care and benefits for Florida’s Veterans and their survivors. The PACT Act was perhaps the largest expansion of Veteran eligibility in VA’s history. If you served during the Vietnam War, Gulf… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — On Jan. 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will open enrollment for Veterans Affairs Life Insurance — the first new VA life insurance program for Veterans in more than 50 years — extending VALife access to millions of Veterans. VALife will provide up to $40,000 of whole… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Attorney General Ashley Moody is highlighting resources for service members and their loved ones in recognition of Military Family Appreciation Month. Due to service members’ unique lifestyle, such as relocating regularly, scammers may target those who risk their lives to keep the U.S. safe. Attorney General Ashley Moody said,… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted Florida’s commitment to serving the state’s 1.5 million veterans through state programs and initiatives that provide resources and opportunities that help build the future success of Florida’s veterans. As the nation’s most veteran-friendly state, Florida’s state agencies and partners offer an abundance of resources and… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation. The State of Florida is recognized as one of the most military and veteran-friendly states in the nation, with 1.5 million veterans living in the Sunshine State. Nov. 11, 2022 is Veterans Day.… READ MORE »
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – Officials at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home report that Florida Power & Light has fully restored their utilities as of 11:11 a.m. today. The skilled-nursing facility was on full generator power for seven days following landfall of Hurricane Ian last week. # #… READ MORE »
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — First Lady Casey DeSantis visited the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte and met with residents who weathered out the storm at the nursing home. One of the residents, Anna Wojtalik, celebrated her 101st birthday on Thursday, September 29, following Hurricane Ian.… READ MORE »
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis joined the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director James Hartsell to visit the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home. As the most veteran friendly state in the nation, Florida is committed to serving those who dedicated their lives to our… READ MORE »
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – The Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home is providing daily care for its 89 permanent residents following the landfall of Hurricane Ian late last week. The skilled-nursing facility for Florida Veterans was hardened for hurricanes and both the structure and metal roof came through with no damage.… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering a suspension of debt repayments for Veterans and family members affected by Hurricane Fiona or Hurricane Ian. For suspension of benefit debt, Veterans and beneficiaries can contact the VA Debt Management Center via Ask VA at https://ask.va.gov (select Veterans Affairs-Debt as the category) or call… READ MORE »
VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) Post Hurricane Ian Operational Status Update for Saturday, October 1, 2022 Clinic Updates & Other Information Veterans experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency should call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest open emergency room. For virtual care and support, please call VA Health Connect (also… READ MORE »
VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) Operational Status Update for Friday, September 30, 2022 Clinic Updates & Other Information Veterans experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency should call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest open emergency room. For virtual care and support, please call VA Health Connect (also known as the… READ MORE »
The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center provides 24/7, virtual care and support to Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Veterans who receive care in the network can call 1-877-741-3400 around the clock to get their health questions or concerns answered from… READ MORE »
VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) Operational Status Update for Thursday, September 29, 2022 Hurricane Ian Veterans experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency should call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest open emergency room. For virtual care and support, please call VA Health Connect (also known as the VISN 8 Clinical… READ MORE »
VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) Operational Status Update for Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Hurricane Ian Veterans experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency should call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest open emergency room. For virtual care and support, please call VA Health Connect (also known as the VISN 8 Clinical… READ MORE »
Operational Status Update for Tuesday, September 27, 2022 Hurricane Ian Veterans experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency should call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest open emergency room. For virtual care and support, please call VA Health Connect (also known as the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center) at 1-877-741-3400; 24/7. VA… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Gold Star Family Day in Florida Proclamation. We honor all Gold Star Family Members for their courage and tenacity in the face of the tremendous sacrifices made by their loved ones. Never forget. Sunday, Sept. 25 is Gold Star Family Day.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Florida Veteran Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation, reminding Floridians of the state’s continuing pledge to offer support and resources for those who have ensured our nation remains free.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation. Sept. 16, 2022 is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Florida commends and affirms that our Nation is not deterred from pursuing missions to account as fully as possible for our service members who are still missing… READ MORE »
Continue the Mission recruits veterans, military spouses and former law enforcement officers to serve as CPIs, APIs, DCF case managers and mentors TALLAHASSEE — First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted today the success of her Continue the Mission initiative, which launched in June 2022 to recruit veterans, military spouses and former… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet voted unanimously today to induct 10 Veterans into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The names for the Class of 2022 were presented for a formal vote during the Aug. 23 Cabinet Meeting by FDVA Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell. The… READ MORE »
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced Aug. 16 three proposals for the 2023 Legislative Session that will help support and grow Florida’s teaching workforce and leverage the talents of Florida’s retired veterans and first responders. The proposals include a recruitment initiative targeted to bring retired first responders and… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Aug. 11 the launch of a new webpage to help recruit qualified military veterans to join schools across the state. On August 17th, the State Board of Education will consider a rule to formally implement a program for veterans to receive a five-year temporary… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Biden signed into law today new legislation that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. Known as the PACT Act, the legislation empowers the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide much-needed benefits and care to millions of… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Florida Purple Heart Day Proclamation, honoring our state’s Purple Heart recipients. The Florida Legislature unanimously passed legislation in 2012 establishing August 7 as Florida Purple Heart Day.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — To recognize Military Consumer Protection Month, Attorney General Ashley Moody is highlighting the plethora of resources available for service members through the Florida Attorney General’s Office. More than 1.5 million veterans, 100,000 service members and their families call Florida home. Unfortunately, there are scammers who focus on members of… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced July 5 the launch of a new Military Consumer Protection page on the FDACS website, joining the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Defense, and the Consumer Financial Protection… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Korean War Remembrance Day Proclamation, commemorating the start of the Korean War in 1950. More than 93,000 Korean War Veterans currently reside in the Sunshine State.… READ MORE »
PENSACOLA, Fla. – First Lady Casey DeSantis announced June 22 the launch of the Continue the Mission initiative, which will recruit veterans, military spouses and former law enforcement officers to be child protective investigators and Department of Children and Families (DCF) case managers, as well as mentors to children in… READ MORE »
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed six bills June 9 to support veterans, military members, and their families in finding employment and educational opportunities in Florida. These pieces of legislation build on funding provided in the Freedom First Budget signed by Governor DeSantis last week to support… READ MORE »
State Veterans’ Homes Receive Critical Funding to Recruit and Retain Key Health Care Professionals and Expand Access to Eligible Veteran Residents TALLAHASSEE – Thanks to a budget signed into law June 2 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs continues to be the premier point of entry for… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the 2022 Memorial Day Proclamation, honoring our nation’s fallen service members. The U.S. and Florida flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon on Memorial Day in their memory. The 154th Anniversary of Memorial Day is also an opportunity to honor our… READ MORE »
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced today the June 1, 2022 launch of the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program to help Floridians in over 50 critical professions purchase their first home. The Hometown Heroes Housing Program will be available to Floridians including law enforcement officers, firefighters, educators, healthcare professionals, childcare employees,… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Fifteen Florida Veterans were inducted into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame before a capacity crowd at the Florida Capitol on April 27. Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell presided over the ceremony for the members of the Class of 2021. The class was the… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is celebrating April as Military Saves Month by encouraging Florida’s active military members and veterans to pay off debt and prepare for the future by creating an achievable savings plan. Military Saves Month is a month-long national effort to encourage the military community… READ MORE »
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Lake Baldwin State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Orlando, scheduled to open to residents later in 2022, will be renamed in honor of the late Sgt. First Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a U.S. Army Medal of Honor recipient who grew up in nearby Oviedo. The announcement was made… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet voted unanimously today to induct 15 veterans into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The names for the Class of 2021 were presented for a formal vote during the March 29 Cabinet Meeting by FDVA Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell. The… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation. Approximately one in three Florida Veterans served during the Vietnam War era. March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida.… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released its Asset and Infrastructure Review report, March 14, that includes recommendations by the VA Secretary to cement the department as the primary, world-class provider and coordinator of Veterans health care for generations to come. The VA MISSION Act requires Secretary Denis McDonough to… READ MORE »
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) is accepting nominations for the renaming of the Lake Baldwin State Veterans’ Nursing Home, scheduled to open later in 2022. The 112-bed facility, a former U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Living Center on the VA’s Lake Baldwin campus, is… READ MORE »
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Officials with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs are actively preparing for the May 2022 opening of a new state veterans’ home in Port St. Lucie.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) are highlighting a number of policies and initiatives that are providing critical support to the state’s 1.5 million Veterans, their families and survivors. FDVA is a 1,500-member constitutionally created State Veterans’ Affairs department responsible for serving the nation’s… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation. Dec. 16, 2021 marks the 77th anniversary of the last major German offensive on the western front during World War II. The battle, which lasted until Jan. 25, 1945, resulted in an Allied victory… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis’ Freedom First Budget provides timely and vital support to the state’s 1.5 million Veterans, their families and survivors. Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell said: “I’m thankful for Governor Ron DeSantis’ steadfast support of FDVA. As a Navy combat… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation. Dec. 7, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to America’s entry into World War II. The flags of the United States and State of Florida will be flown at… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — Due to supply chain and staffing shortages, the vendor contracted by the Government Publishing Office to provide printing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs is experiencing delays in printing and mailing notification letters to Veterans and claimants. The disruption may impact the ability of some claimants to meet… READ MORE »
Each year more than 6,000 U.S. Veterans take their own lives, including more than 500 here in Florida. Veterans are dying by suicide at a rate nearly 1.5 times higher that of their civilian counterparts. This tragedy covers all age groups and demographics. It is time to take a new… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation. The State of Florida is recognized as one of the most military and veteran-friendly states in the nation, with 1.5 million veterans living in the Sunshine State. Nov. 11, 2021 is Veterans Day. … READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a proclamation commemorating Sept. 26, 2021 as Gold Star Family Day in Florida. Gold Star Family Day grants Floridians the opportunity to show abiding gratitude and keep the memory of deceased service members alive. A Gold Star Family Monument Dedication Ceremony is scheduled… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Florida Veteran Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation, reminding Floridians of the state’s pledge to offer support and resources for those who have ensured our nation remains free. Florida encourages Veterans in need to call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838)… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation. The observance, commemorated annually on the third Friday in September, is an opportunity to honor and recognize our nation’s service members who are classified as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. More than 1,100… READ MORE »