Note: Appointments that are not converted to virtual will be rescheduled. (Monday, October 14 is a Federal Holiday (Columbus Day). All VA outpatient clinics and administrative offices will be closed.) Bay Pines VA Healthcare System C. W. “Bill” Young VAMC Campus Thursday, Oct 10 – Tuesday, Oct 15. The campus… READ MORE »
Note: Appointments that are not converted to virtual will be rescheduled. Bay Pines VA Healthcare System C. W. “Bill” Young VAMC Campus Tuesday, Oct 8 – Thursday, Oct 10. The campus will be CLOSED. (Including Emergency Department) All other sites of care CLOSED Tuesday, Oct. 8 – Thursday, Oct 10… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation. Sept. 20, 2024, is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The POW/MIA flag is flown daily over the Florida Capitol, rest areas along Florida’s Interstate Highways, at Florida’s State Parks, and the state’s network of veterans’ homes… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted Dec. 22 the continued success of the Hope Florida initiative. Throughout the year, the First Lady has reaffirmed her commitment to support and advocate for Florida’s children, families, and vulnerable populations by breaking down community silos to unite faith institutions, nonprofits, private sector entities… READ MORE »
LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs hosted a Hope Florida – A Pathway for Patriots roundtable with Senator Daniel Burgess and Senator Jay Collins at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home. The event highlighted the Hope Florida expansion Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady… READ MORE »
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs hosted a Hope Florida – A Pathway for Patriots roundtable with Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Paul Renner and state leaders at the Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home. The event highlighted the Hope Florida expansion… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis highlights Florida’s commitment to serving Florida’s 1.5 million veterans through state programs and initiatives that provide resources and opportunities for veterans and their families. Governor DeSantis set a goal for Florida to be the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — Until 11:59pm local time on Sept. 30, 2023, Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Oct. 1, 2013 are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. This special enrollment period gives Veterans… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the 2023 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 155th Anniversary of Memorial Day is also an opportunity to honor… READ MORE »
LARGO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs is conducting a Job Fair at its headquarters in Largo on May 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Job Fair will be conducted on the first floor of the Mary Grizzle Building at 11351 Ulmerton Road in Largo. Positions… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation. More than 485,000 Florida Veterans served during the Vietnam War era. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming, which repatriated 591 American Prisoners of War from North Vietnam following the Paris Peace Accords.… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced today an updated version of its 1959 mission statement. The new mission statement is: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.”… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget provides timely and essential services and support to the state’s 1.5 million Veterans, their families and survivors through the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA). FDVA is a constitutionally chartered State Veterans’ Affairs department responsible for serving the Nation’s third largest… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 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 »
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 a proclamation honoring our state’s Purple Heart recipients, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the freedoms we hold so dear. The Florida Legislature unanimously passed legislation in 2012 establishing Aug. 7 as Florida Purple Heart Day to recognize recipients of… READ MORE »
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – First Lady Casey DeSantis announced July 14 an expanded Hope for Healing website that makes it easier for Floridians to access help for mental health and substance abuse. The new site is an aggregator of federal, state, local, private sector, faith-based and non-profit mental health resources,… READ MORE »
Cabinet Members Unanimously Approve TALLAHASSEE – Retired Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell was appointed Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs by Gov. Ron DeSantis during the May 4, 2021 Cabinet Meeting. Florida’s three Cabinet Officers unanimously approved the appointment. “We appreciate you and thank… READ MORE »
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities in Florida can now provide COVID-19 vaccines to all Veterans, regardless of discharge, their spouses and adult caregivers at no cost. Check out their websites or give them a call to learn how you can get the COVID-19 vaccine. Bay Pines VA Healthcare… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation. One out of every three veterans in Florida is a Vietnam-era veteran. March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has directed the Florida Department of Health and Florida Division of Emergency Management to coordinate with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs to identify veterans of World War II and the Korean War who are unable to travel to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The Governor will continue to… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, is impacting many Floridians as well as Florida’s veterans, active duty military members and their families. As many businesses and organizations are being forced to close their doors, our veterans are unable to work and provide an income to support their families. The Florida… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — In the state’s ongoing efforts to provide transparency and clarity regarding COVID-19, the Florida Department of Health announced March 16 the launch of a new COVID-19 Case Dashboard. To keep Florida residents and visitors safe, informed and aware about the status of the virus, this dashboard will be updated twice… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) has announced additional steps to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state of Florida. • Effective March 11, 2020, FDVA is restricting visitor access to its State Veterans’ Nursing Homes and Domiciliary until further notice, with the exception of essential… READ MORE »