Hello!
Much like last month, we have observed the anniversary of another devastating storm. Hurricane Michael impacted the Panhandle one year ago, October 10, 2018. As this anniversary passes, I would like to share our efforts on long-term disaster recovery in this area.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is committed to helping Florida's communities recover from the overwhelming impacts of Hurricane Michael. DEO is the governor-designated state authority responsible for administering all U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) long-term disaster recovery funds (CDBG-DR funding) awarded to the state.
This past May, the President of the United States announced the allocation of $448 million for Panhandle recovery efforts as a result of Hurricane Michael. Even though the state of Florida and DEO are waiting for HUD to release the federal guidelines explaining how these funds can be utilized, DEO is not waiting to act.
We have begun planning and working with local, state and federal partners to determine the continued long-term recovery needs are in the Panhandle. Input from stakeholders is critical in order for DEO to determine what the long-term recovery priorities will be of impacted communities. DEO's Office of Disaster Recovery created a survey, found
here
, to help us generate feedback on the unmet recovery needs still lacking in the Panhandle.
In the meantime, our team continues to be creative and seek other opportunities to assist communities in the Panhandle.
- More than $1 million in Community Services Block Grant funding to impacted local Community Action Agencies to provide disaster case management and funding for temporary housing and assistance to meet basic needs of low-income residents. These agencies and DEO have served more than 1,300 households.
- $16 million in Dislocated Worker Emergency Grants to Local Workforce Development Boards to provide temporary employment to workers affected by Hurricane Michael. As of last month, more than 660 participants have been served through these boards.
- $1.9 million to communities in the impacted areas through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program to provide funding for economic activities, infrastructure improvements and housing rehabilitation.
- Nearly $500,000 to implement a workforce training program to create skilled labor for the construction industry in order address housing needs in the impacted region.
- Governor DeSantis also had the forethought to activate the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for agriculture producers impacted by Michael. Through this, our agency was able to provide $13.1 million to assist more than 70 farmers.
On the anniversary of Hurricane Michael, I had the privilege to stand with Governor DeSantis as he announced the
Job Growth Grant Fund
award of $2.8 million investment for Panama City to help the community promote development, support job creation and workforce retention. You can watch the announcement
here
.
The award will fund the construction of two new connecting roads and associated underground utilities to serve future housing and apartment developments in Panama City.
Click here
to learn more about this award.
Our work is not done in the Panhandle. We are currently accepting applications for the special appropriation of $5 million for the Rural Infrastructure Fund for Calhoun, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty and Washington Counties to assist with infrastructure projects that will, in turn, encourage job creation and business investments.
Click here
to learn more about DEO's Rural Infrastructure Fund.
Lastly, I want all of you to know that DEO and the state of Florida remain committed to working alongside all communities to help with their economic gro
wth, security and resiliency. If you have any questions about any recovery efforts in the Panhandle or the rest of our state, reach out to
RebuildFlorida@deo.myflorida.com
.
My team is there to help you and answer any questions you have. We are committed to helping Florida rebuild stronger, more resilient and better than ever!
Sincerely,
Ken
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Florida Job Growth Grant Fund
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The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is currently accepting applications. This economic development program is designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) and chosen by the Governor to meet the demand for workforce or infrastructure needs in the community they are awarded to.
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Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Florida Talent Development Council held its first meeting on Monday, October 7, 2019. The Florida Talent Development Council will work to develop a coordinated, data-driven, statewide approach to meeting Florida’s needs for a 21st century workforce that employers and educators use as part of Florida’s talent supply system. Visit the
Florida Channel
to watch the first meeting,
part 1
and
part 2
.
During the initial meeting five working groups were created to accomplish and develop the strategic plan. The working groups are listed below:
- Policy and System Alignment;
- Workforce Readiness;
- Cross-Sector Collaboration and Engagement;
- Data and Accountability; and
- Equity and Access.
Click here
for more information about the schedule for upcoming work groups and meetings and information regarding previous meetings.
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Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced the first
regional public workshops
to seek input for the use of more than $633 million in first-of-its-kind federal funding for mitigation projects in communities affected by hurricanes Hermine, Matthew or Irma. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is providing the funding through the newly created Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) program.
These are the first in a
series of public workshops across the state to provide more information on the newly created mitigation program and to solicit feedback and input for the the use of the mitigation funds
.
Visit
RebuildFlorida.gov
for announcements and updates related to upcoming and additional public workshops.
For additional information on the mitigation program or other Rebuild Florida programs, visit
RebuildFlorida.gov
.
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Governor DeSantis recently announced Florida's unemployment dropped to a low 3.2% for the month of September! Floridians continue to have opportunities to find a job so they can provide for their families, fulfill their dreams and continue to contribute to their communities.
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Governor Ron DeSantis announced three
Local Workforce Development Boards
were awarded Veterans’ Performance Incentive Awards for their diligent work of providing employment and training opportunities to thousands of veterans. The three Local Workforce Development Boards being recognized for this achievement are CareerSource Central Florida, CareerSource Flagler Volusia and CareerSource Polk.
The CareerSource Florida network employs more than 150 veteran employment specialists, who are also veterans themselves and are dedicated to helping veterans find employment.
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Governor Ron DeSantis announced the relaunch and expansion of "
Find It Florida
!"
,
Enterprise Florida
’s commercial property search tool. "Find It Florida!" is a robust, public database for viewing and uploading available commercial building and site properties across the state. The relaunch includes updates to the functionality of the site and a new layer featuring Opportunity Zones.
"
Find It Florida!
"
allows users to seamlessly search using dozens of criteria combinations and site overlays for infrastructure, education, broadband technology and more. The site also includes up-to-date demographics and statistics for all 67 Florida counties and nearly 1,000 Florida cities, towns and communities.
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12 Businesses Honored as Exceptional Employers
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“Employment is important to all Floridians,” said Ken Lawson, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “We are pleased to recognize the businesses in our state that hire individuals with disabilities. These businesses, much like the businesses in the Unique Abilities Partner Program, see the importance of employing all Floridians so they can continue to strengthen the workplace and their communities.”
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