TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day proclamation. Dec. 16, 2024, marks the 80th 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 and… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation. Dec. 7, 2024 marks the 83rd 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… READ MORE »
Note: Appointments that are converted to virtual will be rescheduled Bay Pines VA Healthcare System C. W. “Bill” Young VAMC Campus Thursday, Oct 10 – Tuesday, Oct 15. The campus will be CLOSED. (Including Emergency Department) All other sites of care CLOSED Thursday, Oct. 10 – Tuesday, Oct 15. Tampa… READ MORE »
Confirmed VISN 8 Operational Status updates as of Monday, October 7, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. Note: Appointments that are not converted to virtual will be rescheduled. Bay Pines VA Healthcare System C. W. “Bill” Young VAMC Campus Monday, Oct 7 – CLOSED for in-person appointments. Tuesday, Oct 8 – Thursday,… READ MORE »
Confirmed VISN 8 Operational Status updates as of Monday, October 7, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. Note: Appointments that are not converted to virtual will be rescheduled. Bay Pines VA Healthcare System C. W. “Bill” Young VAMC Campus Monday, Oct 7 – CLOSED for in-person appointments. Tuesday, Oct 8 – Thursday,… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The fund is a component of the Volunteer Florida Foundation and supports recovery initiatives including Activate Hope. The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s… READ MORE »
Confirmed VISN 8 Operational Status updates as of Monday, September 20, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Note: Appointments that are not converted to virtual will be rescheduled. North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System Lake City VA Commerce Clinic – CLOSED Monday, September 30. FULLY OPERATIONAL Tuesday, October 1 Perry VA Clinic… READ MORE »
SARASOTA, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced “Activate Hope,” an expansion of Hope Florida to serve Floridians recovering from the impacts of disasters. Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to… 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 August 7 as Florida Purple Heart Day to recognize recipients of… 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 75,000 Korean War Veterans currently reside in the Sunshine State.… READ MORE »
LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 725 and House Bill 1329 to support Florida’s veterans and their families through services for veterans shifting to civilian life, ensuring spouses can enjoy long-term care together, and expanding benefits available for veterans. “Florida is committed to remaining the… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Focus on Florida’s Future budget into law June 12, ensuring timely and essential services and support to Veterans, their families and survivors through the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA). FDVA is a constitutionally chartered department responsible for serving the… READ MORE »
TAMPA, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the ‘Focus on Florida’s Future’ Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. The Focus on Florida’s Future Budget totals $116.5 billion—less than the previous fiscal year—which reflects a reduction in overall state spending. This year’s budget features significant investments for Florida’s top needs, and… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis signed today a proclamation commemorating Florida’s observance of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied Invasion of occupied Northern France during World War II. An estimated 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of heavily fortified coast of France’s… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the 2024 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 156th Anniversary of Memorial Day is also an opportunity to honor… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida proclamation, honoring the Sunshine State’s more than 462,000 Vietnam Veterans. We honor all Vietnam Veterans and their families and recognize the enormous contributions they continue to make to our state. … READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis was joined by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner on March 8 to mark the end of the 2024 Legislative Session and highlight the record number of historic wins that have been delivered for the people of Florida. Thanks to the work… READ MORE »
VA is expanding health care eligibility to millions of Veterans — including all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11 — years earlier than called for by the PACT Act WASHINGTON — VA announces that all Veterans who were… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – In advancing the DeSantis administration’s efforts for Florida’s veterans, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced the inaugural Race For Our Heroes 5K at Tom Brown Park as part of her LG on Mission initiative. The Lieutenant Governor was joined by Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director James S.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez hosted a roundtable discussion regarding SB 174, which would allow veterans’ spouses to qualify to live in state-run long-term care facilities for veterans. The roundtable brought together Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell and State Senator… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez shared the many successes under her leadership over the past year. “I am humbled to continue serving Floridians in our second term in office and I am proud to work alongside our great Governor Ron DeSantis,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “I… READ MORE »
PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs hosted a Hope Florida – A Pathway for Patriots roundtable with State Representative Michelle Salzman and State Representative Patt Maney at the Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home. The event highlighted the Hope Florida expansion Governor Ron DeSantis and… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation. Dec. 16, 2023 marks the 79th 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, 2023 marks the 82nd 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… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2024 Budget provides timely and essential services and support to the State’s Veterans, their families and survivors through the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA). FDVA is a constitutionally chartered department responsible for serving the Nation’s estimated second largest Veteran population. Operating as the premier… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced an expansion of Hope Florida to the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA). Hope Florida – A Pathway for Patriots will support veterans by connecting them to services, earned benefits and community resources through Hope Navigators. Unique to this expansion, Hope Navigators… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Twenty Florida Veterans were inducted into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame before a capacity crowd at the FSU Alumni Center in Tallahassee on Nov. 14. Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell presided over the ceremony for the members of the Class of 2023.… 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, 2023 is Veterans Day. … READ MORE »
TAMPA, Fla. — Today, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez held a roundtable highlighting Governor DeSantis’ ongoing investments to support military service members and veterans in Florida. Through her initiative ‘LG on Mission,’ the Lt. Governor will meet with veterans in every corner of the state and discuss how the administration can continue… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation. Sept. 15, 2023 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 and… READ MORE »
ORLANDO, Fla. — First Lady Casey DeSantis launched Hope Florida – A Pathway to Possibilities, an expansion of the Hope Florida Program, in cooperation with private sector partners, to assist Floridians with unique abilities in reaching their potential. Through the Pathway to Possibilities program, Floridians with unique abilities will be… READ MORE »
~ Declaration includes 100% cost-reimbursement for debris removal and emergency protective measures for 30 days ~ TALLAHASSEE — Today, Governor DeSantis announced that President Biden has approved Florida’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Idalia, allowing for the reimbursement of debris removal and authorizing individual assistance for those impacted… READ MORE »
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System C.W. “Bill” Young VA Medical Center emergency department will re-open Thursday, August 31 at 7:30 a.m. (outpatient services and administrative business will be closed) The following clinics are fully operational Sebring Port Charlotte Naples Lee County Healthcare Center The following clinics will re-open Thursday, August… READ MORE »
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System C.W. “Bill” Young VA Medical Center emergency department is on divert status and closed to walk-ins beginning Monday, August 28 C.W. “Bill” Young VA Medical Center will be closed for all operations beginning Tuesday, August 29 through Friday, September 1 All elective surgeries have been… READ MORE »
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — First Lady Casey DeSantis, in collaboration with Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Florida’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA), celebrated the one-year anniversary of her Continue the Mission initiative. Continue the Mission actively recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers to be child… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $6.1 million in awards to military communities through the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program, the Defense Reinvestment Grant Program, and the Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant Program. Through the collaborative efforts of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Enterprise… READ MORE »
Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs WASHINGTON – VA is committed to improving the customer experience for Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors. The first interaction many Veterans will have when they inquire about the care and benefits they have earned from their service are through VA… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis signed eight bills to support Florida’s military members and their families. Florida is the most military-friendly state in the nation and is home to nearly 1.5 million veterans, the third largest veteran population in the country. Bills signed by the Governor will support veteran education… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON – Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans… READ MORE »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 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 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 »