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Our Mission
To advocate with purpose and passion for Florida veterans and link them to superior services, benefits and support.
 From Executive Director Danny Burgess:
The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs is making great strides in enhancing direct communication to those we serve. I am very excited for this kickoff newsletter and believe this will be an effective means to communicate all the great things that FDVA is doing to serve veterans.
Forward March!
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Agency Newsletter Kick-off
The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs is pleased to announce the launch of a monthly agency newsletter, coinciding with the January 2020 release of our Forward March Report. Be on the lookout for updates on the latest information about policies and happenings impacting our state’s 1.5 million veterans and their families. The newsletter is a direct result of our recent statewide Forward March campaign, which identifies where Florida needs to reinforce best practices, reduce redundancies and implement solutions to fill gaps. We hope you enjoy this inaugural edition.
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FDVA Statement on 2020 State of the State Address
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director Danny Burgess provided the following statement Jan. 14 regarding Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State Address.
“Florida is well-situated as a national champion in supporting our 1.5 million veterans and their families. With the nation’s third largest veterans’ population, we offer unique benefits such as in-state tuition rates for veterans and their families using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, several layers of property tax exemptions, expanded veterans’ preference, and extensive benefits, licensure and fee waivers for many activities and occupations. We also offer high quality care at our network of seven state veterans’ homes, with two additional homes to open later this year in Port St. Lucie and Orlando. As an Army Reserve Captain and former state legislator, I’m proud to support the bold vision of our Governor and Navy veteran, Ron DeSantis, as we unveil the report from our Forward March veterans’ outreach initiative. Governor DeSantis and I are turning ideas into action and ensuring the Sunshine State sets the national standard in veteran service and support. Together, we will continue to ensure that Florida continues to lead the charge as the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
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Governor and FDVA Executive Director Highlight Historic First Year in Office
Gov. Ron DeSantis and officials from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) are pointing to a string of policies and initiatives that are providing critical support to the state’s 1.5 million veterans. “It’s been a fast-paced and meaningful first year,” said Governor DeSantis. “As a Navy veteran who served in Iraq, our state’s 1.5 million veterans will always have my unwavering support, along with all Floridians. With FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess’ leadership, we will continue to ensure that veterans and their families in our great state have access to meaningful benefits, support and mental health services.” For a detailed summary of benefits, services and support, click here.
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 Roy Clark Named Director of Legislative and Cabinet Affairs
Retired Army Col. Roy Clark has been named Director of Legislative and Cabinet Affairs for the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs by FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess. Click here for the announcement.
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 Commissary, Exchange, MWR Access
The Defense Department has announced expanded Commissary, Military Service Exchange and MWR access and established a standard for physical access to military installations. See here for details.
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 Governor Honors Veterans' Homes
The Governor’s Panel on Excellence in Long-Term Care has awarded its 2020 Gold Seal Award for excellence to the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte and Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes.
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VISIT FLORIDA Launches Website for Veterans
Visit Florida has launched a new website with information and discounts for military members and veterans. Visit www.visitflorida.com/military for details.
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Governor Appoints FDVA Executive Director to 2020 Census Committee
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the designation of Florida’s 2020 Census Statewide Complete Count Committee, Jan. 7. The U.S. Census will be conducted from March to June 2020 and Florida’s Complete Count Committee will coordinate with the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure Floridians are accurately reflected in the federal count. The Governor also announced his appointment of Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez as Chair of the committee, in addition to the appointment of Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director Danny Burgess to the committee representing Florida’s veteran community. You can find the full article here.
Honor and Remember Flag
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law CS/CS/HB 427: Honor and Remember Flag. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tommy Gregory and Sen. Joe Gruters, allows the flying of the Honor and Remember Flag to serve as the state’s emblem of the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who have given their lives in the line of duty.
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Alternative Therapies for Veterans
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law CS/CS/HB 501: Alternative Treatment Options for Veterans. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mel Ponder and Sen. Tom Wright, creates a $200,000 pilot program focused on treating post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries in veterans using alternative therapies. It expands available therapies for eligible veterans to include accelerated resolution therapy, equine therapy, music therapy, service animal training therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy at registered facilities.
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Did you know?
You may track veteran-related legislation and appropriations during the 2020 Florida Legislative Session by visiting our website or contacting our legislative team at (850) 487-1533.
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Stay Tuned: Upcoming Dates & Events
January 14 - March 13 – Florida Legislative Session
January 29 - Florida Senior Day – Activities at the Florida Capitol
February 17 - Presidents’ Day (VA Clinics in Florida Closed)
February 6 - Military Day at the Fair, Charlotte County Fairgrounds
February 13 - Lake City Homeless Stand Down, American Legion Post 57, Lake City
If you would like to add your event to the FDVA calendar, please email
Sferrazza-riosl@fdva.state.fl.us
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