Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, released the Keeping Workers Paid and Employed Act, a $300 billion small…
PINELLAS COUNTY, FL (March 19, 2020) The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Florida small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance per small business and can provide vital economic support to small businesses…
Governing is operated as a virtual office. Our staff lives in five different states and three different time zones. We’ve made it work, and you can, too. Remote work does take some adjustment. Here are some habits and strategies drawn from my own experience in working from home for nearly a decade now. Read the…
People experiencing homelessness don’t have access to the recommended precautions to stave off the coronavirus. The state of play: They often don’t have access to places to wash their hands, many sleep outside in crowded encampments, and social distancing is next to impossible in crowded shelters. The population living outside tends to be older and…
Florida lawmakers ended the 2020 legislative session by approving House Bill 1339 that authorizes local governments to approve affordable housing on any land zoned for residential, commercial or industrial use. Gov. Ron DeSantis would need to sign or veto the bill. Lawmakers could vote to override the veto. The bill introduced by Republican Rep. Clay…
In Florida we have a habit of cheering half measures and Johnny-come-lately actions from our public leaders. To wit: The Florida Legislature last week passed the first bill in a decade that acknowledges climate change – this in a state widely known as extraordinarily vulnerable to our altered climate. The bill will require that the…
Gainesville residents and visitors are a step closer to being able to navigate the streets on rented electric scooters. The City Commission voted on the first read of an ordinance regulating “dockless electric scooters” last week. The vote was to adopt the permit program that would allow the scooters, called “micromobility devices” by city officials,…
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, wants Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto a bill that would allow Floridians to legally buy fireworks for use three days a year. The animal rights group expressed concerns that the proposal approved by the Legislature last week “would endanger the state’s most vulnerable residents of many…
For 4-year-old Cadynce Nettles a Saturday morning walk in the park took on new meaning March 7 as the New Port Richey Public Library celebrated the opening of a permanent installation called StoryWalk at the James E. Grey Preserve. Her mom, Amy Garton, could barely keep up with Cadynce, who bounded down the trail looking…
Florida faces many vital issues related to managing and planning for growth, conserving critical lands and waters, and protecting the environment. During the most recent Florida Legislative Session, more than 3,500 bills were introduced with only 194 passing into law. To make the best use of our limited resources, each session 1000 Friends identifies our…
FRA Webinar: 2020 CRA LOCAL ANNUAL REPORTS Thursday, March 19th 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDST Although the local annual report due March 31 has been the law for many years for CRAs in Florida, the contents of the report have been changed. It is a SHORT list of contents, but EVERY CRA must make…
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), creators of the LEED green building rating system, announced the City of Sarasota is among 20 new cities and counties selected to participate in the 2020 LEED for Cities and Communities Grant Program. The program helps local governments committed to accelerating progress on climate change, resilience and social equity…
