Governor Highlights Achievements of 2024 Legislative Session

March 11, 2024

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 »


All Veterans Exposed to Toxins and other Hazards during Military Service Eligible for VA Health Care beginning March 5

February 29, 2024

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 »


Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez’s Race For Our Heroes 5K Raises Over $10,000 for Florida Veterans

February 26, 2024

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 »


Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Hosts Roundtable on Long Term Care Facilities for Florida Veterans

January 19, 2024

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 »


Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Highlights 2023 Administration Successes

January 5, 2024

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 »


First Lady Casey Strengthens Florida’s Families through Hope Florida

December 27, 2023

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 »


Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Hosts Hope Florida – A Pathway for Patriots Roundtable with Veteran Senators

December 20, 2023

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 »


Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Hosts Hope Florida – A Pathway for Patriots Roundtable with House Speaker Paul Renner

December 19, 2023

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 »


Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Hosts Hope Florida – A Pathway for Patriots Roundtable with Veteran State Representatives

December 18, 2023

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 »


Governor Proclaims Dec. 16 as Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida

December 15, 2023

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 »


Governor Signs Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation

December 7, 2023

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 »


Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2024 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget Provides Vital Funding to Florida’s Veteran ‎Community

December 6, 2023

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 »


First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces Hope Florida Initiative Expansion to Serve Florida Veterans

November 22, 2023

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 »


Florida Inducts 20 Veterans into Hall of Fame

November 16, 2023

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 »


Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Florida’s Commitment to Being the Most Veteran and Military Friendly State in the Nation

November 10, 2023

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 »


Governor Signs Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation

November 9, 2023

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 »


Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Hosts Roundtable on Military and Veterans Affairs

October 20, 2023

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 »


Governor Signs Proclamation Commemorating POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida

September 15, 2023

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 »


Celebrating Two Year Anniversary of Hope Florida, First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces Initiative Expansions

September 6, 2023

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 »


Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Approval of Florida’s Major Disaster Declaration

August 31, 2023

~ 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 »


Updated VISN 8 Hurricane Idalia Operational Status

August 30, 2023

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 »


VISN 8 Hurricane Idalia Operational Status

August 29, 2023

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 »


The Next PACT Act Deadline: Health Care Enrollment for Veterans who deployed to Combat Zones

August 22, 2023

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 »


First Lady Casey DeSantis Highlights the Success of Continue the Mission on the One-Year Anniversary of Its Launch

June 26, 2023

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 »


Governor Ron DeSantis Announces More Than $6.1 Million in Awards to Support Florida’s Military Communities

June 12, 2023

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 »


VA Contact Centers modernize to improve the Veteran experience

June 5, 2023

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 »


Governor DeSantis Signs Legislative Package to Support Florida Veterans and Families

May 30, 2023

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 »


Florida Observes Memorial Day 2023

May 25, 2023

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 »


FDVA Holds Hiring Fair in Tampa/St. Pete Area

April 21, 2023

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 »


50th Anniversary of Operation Homecoming Highlights Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida

March 20, 2023

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 »


New VA Mission Statement recognizes sacred commitment to all Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors

March 16, 2023

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 »


Governor’s Framework for Freedom Budget Strongly Supports Florida’s Veteran ‎Community

February 3, 2023

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 »


Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in Suicidal Crisis can go to any VA or Non-VA Health Care Facility for Free Emergency Health Care

January 13, 2023

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 »


Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Highlights ‎2022 Successes Impacting State’s Veterans

January 3, 2023

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 »


Governor Proclaims Dec. 16 as Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida

December 13, 2022

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 »


Florida Observes Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

December 5, 2022

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 »


VA Hosts PACT Act Benefits Open Houses in Florida

December 1, 2022

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 »


VA will Launch New Life Insurance Program in January, Making Life Insurance Available to More Veterans than Ever Before

November 30, 2022

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 »


Attorney General Moody Highlights Resources for Service Members and Their Loved Ones in Recognition of Military Family Appreciation Month

November 15, 2022

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 »


Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Florida’s Commitment to Serving State’s 1.5 Million Veterans

November 11, 2022

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 »


Governor Signs Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation

November 10, 2022

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 »


Utility Power Restored at Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home

October 5, 2022

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 »


First Lady Casey DeSantis Wishes Veteran a Happy 101st Birthday Following Hurricane Ian

October 4, 2022

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 »


First Lady Casey DeSantis Meets with Residents and Staff at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home

October 3, 2022

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 »


Update: Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home

October 2, 2022

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 »


VA offers benefit debt relief to Veterans affected by recent hurricanes

September 30, 2022

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 Health Care Closures for Saturday, Oct. 1

September 30, 2022

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 Health Care Closures for Friday, Sept. 30

September 30, 2022

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 »


Hurricane Ian Information for Veterans

September 29, 2022

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 Health Care Closures for Thursday, Sept. 29

September 28, 2022

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 Health Care Closures for Wednesday, Sept. 28

September 27, 2022

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 »


VA Health Care Closures for Tuesday, Sept. 27

September 27, 2022

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 »


Florida Honors Gold Star Family Members

September 21, 2022

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 »


Florida Observes Veteran Suicide Prevention Month

September 15, 2022

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 »


Governor Signs Proclamation Commemorating POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida

September 14, 2022

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 »