Courtesy of the Florida Veterans Foundation TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) launched its statewide Veterans Dental Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to expand access to vital dental care services for eligible Veterans across Florida. FVF’s comprehensive network of selected 501c3 nonprofit organizations will deliver no-cost services to… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida proclamation, honoring the Sunshine State’s more than 423,000 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 – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs announces its Hope Florida: A Pathway for Patriots initiative, has served more than 1,000 Florida Veterans and their families since the program was established in the state agency in late 2023. The innovative program created by First Lady Casey DeSantis leverages Hope… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Twenty Florida Veterans were formally inducted into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame during ceremonies here, Feb. 7. The Class of 2024 is the 12th class of inductees to enter the Hall of Fame. The inductees include: Augustus Aikens, Colonel, Florida Army National Guard (Ret) Ronald Beasley,… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2025 Budget provides the nation’s highest premier services and support to the state’s veterans, their families and survivors through the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA). FDVA is responsible for serving the nation’s estimated second largest veteran population. Serving as the premier point of… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced today his budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026. The proposed “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” Budget totals $115.6 billion with $14.6 billion in reserves, providing a significant reduction over last year’s spending while still leaving ample resources for unforeseen economic issues. Florida has experienced record… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis established the Hope Florida Office within the Executive Office of the Governor on Jan. 14 to oversee and administer the growing Hope Florida Pathway to Prosperity Initiative.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – With the close of 2024, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) are highlighting policies and initiatives providing critical support to our state’s Veterans, their families, and survivors. FDVA, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2024, is a constitutionally chartered department responsible for… READ MORE »
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 »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Veterans Day and Veterans Appreciation Month in Florida proclamation. Florida is home to 1.4 million veterans, and is proud to be the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation.… READ MORE »
Note: Appointments that are not converted to virtual will be rescheduled. Bay Pines VA Healthcare System C. W. “Bill” Young VAMC Campus Emergency Department is CLOSED until further notice; Outpatient appointments will be offered in most areas All surgical, interventional radiology, interventional pain, and endoscopy procedures are CANCELED Thursday, Oct… READ MORE »
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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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, 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »