Gov. Ron DeSantis calls to permanently ban COVID-19 restrictions in Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced a package of proposals Tuesday to make permanent bans on COVID-19-related restrictions in Florida, from mask requirements to medical professionals’ ability to disagree with those COVID-19 restrictions.
DeSantis issues state of emergency in Bay County; wildfires burn more than 1,400 acres, FEMA says
The governor issued Executive Order 22-54 to declare a state of emergency in Bay County after the wildfires engulfed eight homes and led to the evacuation of thousands more, with weather conditions expected to maintain a moderate drought in the area for at least the next three days, according to the order.
1 in 5 Floridians have unclaimed property, are you one of them?
ORLANDO, Fla. – One in five Sunshine State residents have unclaimed property, according to the Florida Department of Financial Services. Officials said more than $27 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians in February. CFO Jimmy Patronis said more than $349 million in unclaimed property has been returned since March 2020. [TRENDING: Video: Arrest of Naked Cowboy at Bike Week | 36,000 Fla. Republicans leave GOP | Man rescued 135 miles off Fla. coast]AdThe state released the most common types of unclaimed property: dormant bank accounts, unclaimed insurance proceeds, stocks, dividends, uncashed checks, deposits, credit card balances and refunds. More than $4.8 million was returned to people in the Orlando area in February.
Florida CFO advocates for business protections on restaurant tour
Florida’s CFO Jimmy Patronis, stopped in Central Florida Wednesday for his Rally at the Restaurant Tour. “We must provide our small business owners the confidence to be able to re-open without the fear of litigation,” said Patronis. Patronis, surrounded by legislators and business owners, said in the midst of a pandemic, he’d like to see Tallahassee pass liability protections for Florida businesses. It’s something business owners agree is a protection that’s needed. “Legislation is extremely important so that our small businesses can stay in business and continue to thrive whenever we get beyond this,” said business owner, Lauren Miller.
Orlando area holds more than $359 million in unclaimed property
ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s top financial official is on a treasure hunt to find the owners of millions of dollars worth of unclaimed property. Jimmy Patronis, the state’s chief financial officer, announced Monday that the Orlando area currently has more than $359 million in unclaimed funds. Overall, Florida has $2 billion in unclaimed property. According to his office, one in five Floridians has unclaimed property. Patronis said to keep up with this month’s Holiday Money Hunt, follow the hashtag #FLHolidayMoneyHunt on Twitter.
Pardon blocked for felons’ rights leader
DeSantis and Patronis on Wednesday blocked Meade’s request for a pardon, with DeSantis saying the panel should take the issue “under advisement” until it can gather more information. The state’s labyrinthine and years-long clemency process prompted Meade and other advocates to initiate the constitutional amendment, which enabled Meade to cast a ballot in last month’s primary elections. Meade said his focus is on getting his rights restored in Florida, as a pardon would restore rights such as being able to serve on juries and have firearms. Critics have condemned the state’s clemency process as a remnant of Jim Crow-era laws designed to keep Black people from voting. The number is a stark contrast to more than 155,000 felons who had their rights restored under an “automatic” process initiated by Scott’s predecessor, former Gov.
Furloughed Epcot worker waiting for unemployment benefits living on canned vegetables, help from friends
ORLANDO, Fla. – Dan Crowder’s wait for unemployment benefits has turned into a 8-week test of endurance as the furloughed Disney worker waits for his first check from the Florida Department of Employment Opportunity. By April 19, an estimated 43,000 Disney World employees were out of work with health benefits still covered by the entertainment giant. Disney employees furloughed due to closures were automatically enrolled in Florida’s unemployment system known as CONNECT. Crowder’s wait for benefits seems to reflect the frustration hundreds of people have reported their benefits are “pending” without explanation. If you would like to help Dan Crowder or you have an unemployment issue email us at makeendsmeet@wkmg.com.