TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a proclamation commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. June 6, 2019 marks the anniversary of the landings and the Battle of Normandy, as well as the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe. An estimated 156,000 American, British… READ MORE »
FDVA salutes Barbara Klein, a health care professional at the Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte. Klein was named the Florida Health Care Association’s 2019 Long Term Care Rising Star in Nursing Award winner. … READ MORE »
Increasing Veterans’ access to health care WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s signing of the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act of 2018 approaches, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is making significant strides in implementing major improvements to community care… READ MORE »
PENSACOLA – The sixth annual Women Veterans’ Conference will be held June 10-11 at the University of West Florida Conference Center. All women who have served or are serving are invited to attend. To register for this event: 2019floridawomenveteranconference2.eventbrite.com … READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council is accepting nominations for the next class of inductees into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The nomination period for the Class of 2019 is open until May 31, 2019. Anyone is permitted to nominate a military veteran. The Florida Legislature… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis joined American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) CEO Jo Ann Jenkins to announce that Florida has been designated an Age-Friendly State, making Florida the fourth state in the nation to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. They were joined during the April… READ MORE »
EGLIN AFB, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced today the Governor’s Initiative on Lawyers Assisting Warriors (GI LAW), an initiative to leverage the talent of Florida’s leading law firms to provide pro bono services to military members. Joined by Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director Danny Burgess, Enterprise Florida… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess released a letter today to Florida’s Congressional Delegation, supporting the DeSantis Administration’s efforts to bring the newly created United States Space Command to Florida. “Bringing USSPACECOM to the Sunshine State is a logical choice and has many advantages,” said Burgess. “With so many… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. “Hammer” Hartsell has been named Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs by FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess. The agency operates a network of seven state veterans’ homes and provides statewide outreach to connect Florida’s more than 1.5… READ MORE »
TAMPA – Gov. Ron DeSantis joined the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs to announce Forward March, an initiative which aims to unite the combined energy and resources of Florida’s state agencies, veterans’ service organizations, private partners and local communities. The new initiative, launched March 29 at the University of South… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a proclamation designating March 29, 2019 as Vietnam Veterans Day in Florida. The Sunshine State is home to more than 519,000 Vietnam-era veterans, the state’s largest veteran demographic group. Vietnam Veterans Day is observed annually as part of the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In honor of National Medal of Honor Day, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced, ‘Operation Return the Valor,’ a statewide initiative to further honor those who serve in our armed forces. The initiative’s first mission will be to find owners or heirs of nearly 40 medals… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has designated the week of March 10-16, 2019 as Women Veterans Recognition Week in Florida. Women veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the veterans’ population. There are more than 144,000 women veterans in the Sunshine State. For more information and resources for… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess provided the following statement in support of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State Address today. “Florida is a national champion in supporting our more than 1.5 million veterans. We offer unique benefits such as in-state tuition rates for veterans and their families… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The 2019 edition of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide is now available. The annual guide helps connect Florida’s more than 1.5 million veterans and their families with earned federal and state benefits, services and support. It also contains useful phone numbers and website addresses for additional information. The… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Former State Rep. Danny Burgess was appointed Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet during the Jan. 24, 2019 Cabinet Meeting. “I thank my fellow members of the Florida Cabinet for approving Danny to lead the Department of… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation. Dec. 16, 2018 marks the 74th 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… READ MORE »
TAMPA, Fla. – To enhance veteran suicide prevention efforts, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) announced today that the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay (Crisis Center) has received a $1 million contract from the VA to enhance… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has signed the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation. Dec. 7, 2018 marks the 77th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to America’s entry into World War II. More than 61,000 World War II veterans currently reside in the Sunshine State.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – During the final Cabinet Meeting of his administration, Gov. Rick Scott recognized three Florida veterans with the Governor’s Medal of Merit. Retired Army Lt. Col. Glenn W. Sutphin Jr. entered active duty service as an enlisted soldier in 1969, received his commission as a Field Artillery Officer, and… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida CEO David Mica Jr. presented Ashton Adler with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition, during the Dec. 4 Cabinet Meeting here. Ashton Adler is an exceptionally active volunteer with Honor Flight South Florida. The mission of… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet voted unanimously to induct 20 individuals into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame during the Dec. 4 Cabinet Meeting at the Capitol. Class of 2018 inductees are: Mark W. Erdrich, U.S. Army veteran (deceased) Lt. Gen. Gordon E. Fornell, U.S. Air Force,… READ MORE »
ORLANDO – The former VA Community Living Center on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Campus at Lake Baldwin in Orange County is being converted to a 114-bed state veterans’ home. The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs accepted title of the facility in August 2018 and is preparing a nine-month… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – This week, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced the official start of the 2018 Paychecks for Patriots events, which connect veterans with great careers in their communities. To celebrate Veterans Day this month, DEO is sharing resources available for veterans and recognizing our partners that excel in serving Florida’s… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet issued a resolution today recognizing Nov. 11, 2018 as Veterans Day. The resolution also notes the observance marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I. The Sunshine State is home to more than 1.5 million… READ MORE »
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Progress continues on the new 120-bed Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in St. Lucie County following the March 20, 2018 groundbreaking ceremony. “We’re finishing the leveling and drainage of the 28-acre property and are preparing to pour the foundation in anticipation of construction,”… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Nov. 11, 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the Armistice which brought an end to the First World War. Floridians in all branches of service were sent overseas to fight in the war as part of the American Expeditionary Force. A total of 42,030 Floridians served in the… READ MORE »
SARASOTA, Fla. – Due to Hurricane Michael relief efforts, the Governor’s Veterans Service Award presentation in Sarasota scheduled for Oct. 23 is cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.… READ MORE »
PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Recovery efforts are underway at the 120-bed Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City. Residents, staff and families sheltered in place during Hurricane Michael, and were safe throughout the storm. The skilled nursing facility, opened in Bay County in 2003, was designed to… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet have signed the Gold Star Family Day in Florida Resolution, recognizing the heartfelt sacrifices Gold Star Family members have experienced through the years. The resolution calls upon local government officials to display the United States Flag on government buildings, and urges Floridians… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott has signed the 2018 POW/MIA Recognition Day Proclamation. The POW/MIA flag is flown at the Florida Capitol, rest areas along Florida’s interstate highways and at Florida’s State Parks as a powerful reminder of those who so faithfully served our country. Sept. 21 is POW/MIA Recognition… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has declared the week of Sept. 9-15, 2018 as Florida Veteran Suicide Prevention Week. The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs is partnering statewide with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in a campaign of awareness and prevention. VA Medical… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott recognized Florida veteran Fred Taylor with the Governor’s Medal of Merit during the Aug. 14 Cabinet Meeting at the Capitol. “It’s a privilege to present Fred Taylor with the Medal of Merit in recognition of his exceptional service to our country,” said Governor Scott. “We… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has signed the state’s annual Spirit of ’45 Day Proclamation, commemorating the 73rd anniversary of the end of World War II. Aug. 14 is Spirit of ’45 Day. There are currently more than 61,000 World War II veterans living in Florida.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has signed the annual Florida Purple Heart Day Proclamation. The governor calls upon Floridians to pay special tribute to those members of the Armed Forces who have received the Purple Heart, while also honoring the families of the fallen. August 7, 2018 is Florida Purple Heart… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott signed the annual Korean War Armistice Day Proclamation, honoring the state’s Korean War veterans and commemorating the 65th anniversary of the end of the war. More than 139,000 Korean War veterans currently reside in Florida. More than 34,000 Americans were killed in action during the… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott announced the release of the 2018 Florida Military-Friendly Guide. The annual guide, created by the Florida Defense Support Task Force, offers a summary of Florida’s laws, programs and services benefitting military servicemembers and their families. It also highlights Florida’s low tax and financial advantages, educational… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott has signed the annual State of Florida Korean War Remembrance Day Proclamation. June 25, 2018 is the 68th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. More than 294,000 Floridians wore the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces during the three-year conflict. More than 34,000… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott announced June 14 the selection of Janet Petro to the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. Governor Scott chose Petro and two other nominees, Adela Hernandez Gonzmart and Lee Bird Leavengood, from a group of ten nominees selected by the Florida Commission on the Status of… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet have released the annual Memorial Day Resolution from the State of Florida. Memorial Day is Monday, May 28, 2018.… READ MORE »
TAMPA – With a veteran population of more than 1.5 million in Florida, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is pleased to announce the Florida Veterans Support Line, 1-844-MyFLVet, has expanded to every county in Florida. Florida has the third largest veteran population in the nation. Through a simple phone call… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott announced April 27 the selection of Marvin Davies and Dr. Reverend Willie Oliver Wells Sr. to the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame. Governor Scott chose Davies and Wells, along with John Dorsey Due Jr., from a list of 10 distinguished nominees selected by the… READ MORE »
Program Pours $10 Million into the Hands of Florida Veterans, and Back into State’s Economy TALLAHASSEE – Veterans Florida, the leading non-profit corporation dedicated to helping veterans transition to civilian life in the Sunshine State, recently announced it has awarded more than $1 million in grant funds to Florida businesses… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council is accepting nominations for the next class of inductees into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The nomination period for the Class of 2018 is open until May 31, 2018. Anyone is permitted to nominate a military veteran. “With the nation’s… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has signed a proclamation designating March 29, 2018 as Vietnam Veterans Day in Florida. The Sunshine State is home to nearly 500,000 Vietnam-era veterans, the state’s largest veteran demographic group. Vietnam Veterans Day is observed annually as part of the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act… READ MORE »
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Gov. Rick Scott and Senate President Joe Negron joined civic, community and veteran leaders in the Port St. Lucie community of Tradition on March 20, 2018 for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new 120-bed Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home. “I was proud to… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has designated the week of March 11-17, 2018 as Women Veterans Recognition Week in Florida. Women veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the veterans’ population. Of the approximately 21.3 million living veterans nationwide, more than 2 million are women. There are more… READ MORE »
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs is hosting a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie on March 20, 2018 at 2 p.m. The new 120-bed state veterans’ home will be located near 10700 SW Tradition Parkway… READ MORE »
VA’s onboarding process can be overwhelming at times. Veterans who have visited a VA outreach booth, VA eligibility office, or have gone through a Transition Assistance Program know that VA has no shortage of technical handouts, benefits books and materials. But, even with all of these resources, Veterans are telling… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON – A joint initiative between the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments has yielded a web-based tool that will provide customized guidance to veterans who desire to upgrade or change the conditions of their military discharge. View the full article at https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1424677/dod-va-release-online-tool-to-help-vets-with-discharge-upgrade-process/. Access the online tool at https://www.vets.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The 2018 edition of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide is now available. The annual guide helps connect Florida’s more than 1.5 million veterans and their families with earned federal and state benefits, services and support. It also contains useful phone numbers and website addresses for additional information. An… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation. Dec. 16, 2017 marks the 73rd 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… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has signed the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation. Dec. 7, 2017 marks the 76th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to America’s entry into World War II. As part of the observance, the governor has directed the flags of the… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced Nov. 29 that the White House VA Hotline, first launched in June 2017 as part of President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to reforming VA, is now fully staffed with live agents working to serve veterans 24-hours a day, 365 days a… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced Nov. 29 that the application process for the national Veterans Identification Card (VIC) is now available for veterans. The new card has been mandated through legislation since 2015 to honor veterans, and the rollout of the ID card fulfills that overdue… READ MORE »