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 »
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 »
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 »
You Are Not Alone Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs If you have questions about your service or whether it was worth the sacrifices you made, you are not alone. You may feel frustrated, sad, and helpless, or filled with grief and distressed. If you have questions or… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis signed three additional Veteran-related bills on June 29 that were sent to him following the 2021 Florida Legislative Session. House Bill 231 – Services for Veterans and Their Families As part of the state’s focus on mental health care and Veteran suicide prevention with the… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis has proclaimed June 12, 2021, as Women Veterans Day in Florida. The Sunshine State has the second highest population of women Veterans in the nation. The proclamation salutes and honors Florida’s more than 162,000 women Veterans. In addition, the City of Jacksonville and the Northeast Florida Women… READ MORE »
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed three military- and veteran-related bills into law to establish a “Purple Star Campus Program,” help transitioning servicemembers gain workforce training, and enhance veterans’ preference in hiring. “Florida is the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation,” said Governor Ron… READ MORE »
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Budget Highlighting Strong Support for Florida’s 1.5 Million Veterans, Their Families, and Survivors TALLAHASSEE – Thanks to a budget signed into law today by Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs continues to be the premier point of entry for Florida veterans to access… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the 2021 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 153rd Anniversary of Memorial Day is also an opportunity to honor our… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Armed Forces 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 and more than 130,000 service members stationed in the Sunshine State. Armed… READ MORE »
Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs WASHINGTON— All U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and clinics that administer COVID-19 vaccines are accepting walk-ins for eligible Veterans, spouses and caregivers. This walk-in service ensures all Veterans enrolled in VA health care and those authorized under the SAVE LIVES Act… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Young-jun Kim, donated 10 boxes of protective masks to the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs during a televised ceremony at the Capitol, April 22. The masks will be used in Florida’s network of state veterans’ homes. During the visit, Consul… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — In recognition of April as Military Saves Month, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is 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… 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 2021 is open until May 30, 2021. Anyone is permitted to nominate a military veteran. The Florida Legislature… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Florida Leads budget provides critical support to the state’s 1.5 million veterans, their families and survivors. Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell said: “I’m very proud of Governor Ron DeSantis’ steadfast support of FDVA, ensuring Florida remains the most… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Veterans Florida, a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state, issued the following statements supporting Senate Bill 586 by Senator Tom Wright. SB 586 creates a statewide awareness and employment program… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and officials from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) are pointing to a string of policies and initiatives that were providing critical support to the state’s 1.5 million veterans in 2020. Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell said:… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced Dec. 16, the formal launch of 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411), a single access point to all VA contact centers. The number is available 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year to serve Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. Responding to Veteran feedback on the challenges of… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation. Dec. 16, 2020 marks the 76th 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, 2020 marks the 79th 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 »
TALLAHASSEE – Veterans Florida, a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state, has received a three-year, $745,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund the Veterans Florida Agriculture Program in partnership with the University… READ MORE »
Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it published an interim final rule affirming VA’s current policy allowing VA health care professionals to practice across state lines in accordance with the scope and requirements of their VA employment,… READ MORE »