Discussions with DEO

June 2019

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This month, I've had the pleasure of traveling to Florida communities and meeting business leaders to discuss important issues to Florida's economy, including workforce development.

Through these meetings, DEO wants to learn the different economic strengths of every community, what they need to grow and achieve their economic goals and how we can assist.

We are still working hard to attract businesses to Florida, because they contribute to diversifying and strengthening the economy. Florida businesses provide jobs to Floridians and stimulate local economies so every Floridian has the opportunity to achieve economic prosperity.

While we work with businesses, we are also working to identify the strength of Florida's communities and begin the conversation of how we can get families to move and stay in Florida. Florida is a premier destination for tourism, but it's also a great place to work and raise a family. I'm looking forward to connecting with more Floridians throughout the state and hearing about the great work they do in their communities.

Make sure to keep up with DEO on our Facebook and Twitter as we travel throughout Florida this month.

Sincerely,

Ken

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Disaster Recovery

Governor DeSantis Awards First Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan

Governor Ron DeSantis announced that DEO has awarded the first Small Business Emergency Bri dge Loan for agricultural producers following Hurricane Michael to John P. Jordan Farm in Bascom, Florida. The Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan was activated to provide relief to Florida farmers whose crops were damaged by the storm.

“We are so grateful to Governor DeSantis for activating the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan for the upcoming growing season. We also want to thank the farmers and the community of Jackson County for advocating for this program,” said John and Cindy Jordan. “This loan will help us restore our crops and create a more resilient farm land.”

The deadline to apply for the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan is Sunday, June 30, 2019. To learn how to apply, please visit FloridaDisasterLoan.org.

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Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Encourages Businesses to Prepare for Hurricane Season

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) urges all businesses across the state to utilize the FloridaDisaster.biz website to prepare for the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season that started June 1. FloridaDisaster.biz equips business owners with resources to prepare a basic business continuity plan, access critical updates during a disaster event and learn about post-disaster recovery resources available to help get Floridians back to work.

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Director Lawson's Response to Governor Ron DeSantis' signing of the 2019-2020 Budget

“Since taking office, Governor DeSantis has remained committed to providing smart, strategic investments for Florida. The Bold Vision for a Brighter Future budget allows our team the opportunity to help strengthen Florida’s communities with increased funding for rural communities, authority for our agency to spend critical dollars for long-term disaster recovery efforts and offer continued opportunities to enhance infrastructure and workforce training programs through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. We look forward to working with Governor DeSantis and our sister agencies to continue focusing on making strong, smart and strategic investments in Florida’s infrastructure and workforce to achieve Governor DeSantis’ vision for a better and brighter future for all Floridians.”

Learn more about the 2019-2020 budget

Florida This Month

Florida's economy continues to strengthen. Florida's low taxes and reasonable regulatory environment continue to attract businesses to Florida. Florida's private-sector businesses created more than 208,000 jobs over the year and 16,000 in May 2019, this is a 0.2 percent increase from April 2019 and a 2.7 percent increase over the year.

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Over the year, 124,000 Floridians entered the labor force, which is an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent. Floridians are confident about entering the workforce. We will continue to prioritize workforce training through apprenticeships so that Florida's economy can give every Floridian the opportunity to work.

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Agency News:

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Completion of Rebuild Florida’s First Home Repair

Rebuild Florida completed the first repair of a Hurricane Irma damaged home in the City of Palm Bay. The Palm Bay home, owned by Robert and Stacie Bark, experienced significant roof damage and a broken window from Hurricane Irma. After working through the steps to receive assistance, Rebuild Florida paid to replace the Barks’ roof and broken window. To see photos of Rebuild Florida’s first home repair project, click here .

The Rebuild Florida Housing Repair and Replacement Program is helping eligible homeowners impacted by Hurricane Irma by repairing, rebuilding or replacing damaged homes across the hardest-hit communities .

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