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 »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott joined the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Nov. 27 to honor 20 inductees to the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognizes and honors military veterans who have made a significant contribution to the State… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott announced today that Florida State Parks will be offering free admission for all families and visitors on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to honor all who have served and are currently serving in our U.S. military. Florida State Parks offer year-round discounts on Annual Entrance Passes… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet issued a resolution today recognizing Nov. 11, 2017 as Veterans Day. The resolution was presented during the Nov. 7 Cabinet Meeting at the Capitol. “I am proud to issue this resolution recognizing Veterans Day as we honor those who have served… READ MORE »
By Glenn W. Sutphin, Jr. Executive Director Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs As we come together to honor the contributions of our state’s more than 1.5 million veterans during the Veterans Day weekend, many Floridians are still recovering from the long-term impact of Hurricane Irma. Florida’s network of county veteran… READ MORE »
DAYTONA BEACH – The Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Volusia County has openings for qualified veterans. The 120-bed skilled nursing facility, located at 1920 Mason Avenue in Daytona Beach, has a number of available rooms for both male and female veterans. Basic admission requirements for all state… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has signed the Gold Star Family Day in Florida Proclamation, recognizing the heartfelt sacrifices Gold Star Family members have experienced through the years. Sept. 24 is Gold Star Family Day in Florida.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – With Hurricane Irma approaching the State of Florida, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is announcing temporary closings and suspensions of many clinics and services. Patients who had scheduled appointments will be contacted to reschedule their appointments. Complete address and contact information for all VA facilities in Florida… READ MORE »
Gov. Rick Scott has signed the 2017 POW/MIA Recognition Day Proclamation. Friday, Sept. 15 is POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott recognized U.S. Army Spc. Christopher Allyn with the Governor’s Medal of Merit during the Aug. 16 meeting of the Florida Cabinet. On April 10, 2016, Allyn witnessed a car accident in Cape Coral where a vehicle had overturned and caught fire. He broke the car… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Fall 2017 edition of the Florida Military-Friendly Guide is now available online, courtesy of the Florida Defense Support Task Force. The guide contains a summary of various advantages military service members and their families enjoy while being stationed and living in Florida. “Our goal is to maintain… READ MORE »
Gov. Rick Scott has signed the 2017 Spirit of ’45 Day Proclamation, commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II. Monday, August 14 is Spirit of ’45 Day. There are currently more than 65,000 World War II veterans living in Florida.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott is calling upon Floridians to join him in observing Tuskegee Airmen Recognition in Florida to honor and pay tribute to those who helped pave the way for the full integration of the U.S. Armed Forces following World War II. His proclamation notes the activation of… READ MORE »
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, 2017 is Florida Purple Heart Day.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott signed the annual Korean War Armistice Day Proclamation, honoring the state’s Korean War veterans and commemorating the 64th anniversary of the end of the war. More than 144,000 Korean War veterans reside in the Sunshine State. The Korean War was fought from June 25, 1950… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott awarded 723 veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award for their service to Florida and the nation during his four-city “Honoring Florida Veterans” tour July 6-7. The Governor also highlighted funding included in the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget that supports active military, veterans and… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott has signed the annual State of Florida Korean War Remembrance Day Proclamation. June 25, 2017 is the 67th 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 and Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Chester Spellman awarded Kelly Kowall with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition, during the June 14 Cabinet Meeting. “I’d like to thank Kelly for her selfless service to help those who are mourning… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott recognized George Bennett (Ben) Ritter with the Governor’s Medal of Merit during the June 14 meeting of the Florida Cabinet. Ritter is a former non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and serves his community as an advocate for veterans with disabilities. “I want to… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott recognized retired Sgt. Maj. Ray A. Quinn with the Governor’s Medal of Merit during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, May 23. Sergeant Major Quinn served in the U.S. Army and Florida National Guard for 30 years. “I’d like to thank Sergeant Major Quinn for… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and members of the Florida Cabinet presented the 2017 Memorial Day Resolution during the May 23 Cabinet Meeting. The resolution was accepted on behalf of Florida’s veterans by Glenn Sutphin, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The Governor and Cabinet ask all… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Attorney General Pam Bondi launched a new consumer protection program May 17 that will serve the unique needs of Florida’s military and veteran communities and directly assist with consumer protection-related issues. The Military and Veterans Assistance Program is Attorney General Bondi’s most recent effort to spread awareness of… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Senate unanimously confirmed retired Army Lt. Col. Glenn W. Sutphin Jr. as executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, May 5. The vote took place toward the end of the 2017 Florida Legislative Session. Sutphin was appointed executive director by Gov. Rick Scott and… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott announced April 21 the selection of Dr. Arnett Girardeau and Willie H. Williams to the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame. Governor Scott chose Girardeau and Williams, along with the late Patricia Stephens Due, from a list of 10 distinguished nominees selected by the Florida… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – April 6, 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I against Germany. Floridians in all branches of service were sent overseas to fight in the war as part of the American Expeditionary Force, alongside service members from Britain and France. A total… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott signed a proclamation March 24 honoring Florida’s former Prisoners of War. April 9 is designated by Congress as the Presidentially proclaimed observance of National Former POW Recognition Day. On April 9, 1942, United States forces surrendered on the Bataan Peninsula, beginning the Bataan Death March.… READ MORE »