DeSantis names new boss for Florida Veteransâ Affairs
James S. Hartsell, a Lake Wales native, has been the acting director since former Executive Director Danny Burgess stepped down last year to successfully run for a state Senate seat.
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is seen during a news conference Tuesday, March 30, 2021 in the Everglades. [ The Florida Channel ]
By News Service of Florida
Published Yesterday
Updated Yesterday
TALLAHASSEE â Retired Marine Corps Major Gen. James S. âHammerâ Hartsell was promoted Tuesday to executive director of the Florida Department of Veteransâ Affairs after a brief interview with Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet.
Florida lawmakers strengthened punishments for abuse of elders, disabled
Caregivers convicted in those cases would be removed from the victimâs will or estate. The legislation awaits the governorâs signature.
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A scene from the Florida Capitol, where lawmakers strengthened protections for the elderly and disabled during the just-completed legislative session. [ NEWS-JOURNAL ARCHIVES | The Daytona Beach News-Journal ]
Updated May 4
TALLAHASSEE â Floridaâs legal system would have more power to act against people who abuse the elderly or disabled adults and seek to profit from their actions, under newly approved legislation awaiting a signature from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Two âProtection of Elderly Persons and Disabled Adultsâ bills cleared the House and Senate with ease during the legislative session, which ended Friday. The legislation would make it easier for the state to investigate and prosecute individuals for the abuse, neglect, exploit
The pandemic created new circumstances for how the Florida Legislature conducted business and it came on the heels of one of the country s most historic years – bringing along legislation that tackled unique issues.
As the 60 days come to a close, take a look back at the best stories and photo galleries by USA Today-Florida Network Capitol Bureau reporter and photographer Tori Lynn Schneider.
1. Florida legislation a family affair
Three legislators with young families move to Tallahassee full-time for the 2021 legislative session – making a local apartment, townhome and an RV park a home.
2. The Senate s new top dog
Say hello to Briar Burgess, Sen. Danny Burgess s family dog who became a Capitol celebrity as lawmakers trickled back into town for the start of the 2021 legislative calendar.
Gov. DeSantis signs bill banning vaccine passports; suspends COVID-19 local emergency orders
By FOX 13 News staff
Published
Dan Matics reports
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - From a waterfront restaurant in St. Petersburg, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended all local-government coronavirus emergency orders on Monday as he signed a bill that makes permanent his ban on COVID-19 vaccine passports and limits the authority of cities and counties in future healthcare crises. My message is that the vaccines protect you. Get vaccinated, and then live your life as if you are protected, DeSantis said during an event at the Big Catch at Salt Creek, a St. Petersburg restaurant. You don’t have to chafe under restrictions Infinitum.
Winners and losers emerging from the 2021 Legislative Session
They all can t be winners. Here is the definitive list of who s up and who took a fall.
The ending of a Session is never a surprise. It’s like harvest season. What you get at the end is the result of months, maybe even years of tilling, planting, watering, tending, and shepherding.
Against the odds and despite many challenges, the 2021 Legislative Session ended on time. The House Speaker and the Senate President were together for the iconic dropping of the hankie. There weren’t any strained smiles or forced compliments. They stood side by side, thanking each other as much as they talked about themselves.