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FDVA Executive Director James S. Hartsell addresses a group of local Veterans on July 31, at American Legion Post 80 in St. Cloud, Fla., while VA Deputy Secretary Dr. Paul R. Lawrence looks on. Lawrence was in town to address delegates at the National DAV Convention in Orlando the following day.
The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs was honored at the recent Florida Health Care Association Annual Conference & Trade Show held in late July in Orlando.
Group Volunteer of the Year - Veterans Support Fund (top)
For more than 30 years, the Veterans Support Fund has supported residents of the Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Daytona Beach through thousands of volunteer hours, special events and fundraising efforts that enhance residents’ quality of life.
Bronze Quality Award - Robert H. Jenkins Veterans’ Domiciliary (bottom right)
The Robert H. Jenkins Veterans' Domiciliary in Lake City received the Bronze Quality Award, recognizing its commitment to quality improvement and serving as the first step in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The Bronze Quality Award helps long-term care and assisted living providers evaluate and improve organizational performance.
Compassion in Action Award - Sheila Spisak (bottom left)
Sheila Spisak, Human Services Counselor at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte, was honored as a Shining Star with FHCA’s 2026 Compassion in Action Award for social services professionals. Spisak is known for her extraordinary dedication, empathy and hands-on care, helping ensure every resident feels valued while providing families with comfort and guidance.
Groundbreaking took place in Citrus County on July 24 for a new VA Clinic in Lecanto. Once completed, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient facility will greatly expand services for local Veterans, offering increased access to Primary Care and Mental Health, as well as new Audiology, Podiatry, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Prosthetics and Sensory Aids, Radiology, Home Based Primary Care, and limited Pharmacy services.
 FDVA Deputy Executive Director D.J. Reyes, in the red shirt, and a group of volunteer mentors with the 13th Judicial Circuit Veterans Treatment Court in Hillsborough County, accepts a Champion of Service Award from Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo in recognition of their participation in the Volunteer Mentor Program, during a court recess in Tampa, Aug. 20.
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FDVA State Veterans’ Service Officer Liliana Alcazar-Rands assists a Veteran at the Osceola County Summer 2026 Community Resource Fair on July 26. During the fair, Alcazar-Rands helped Veterans file disability claims and appeals, answered questions about earned benefits, and provided information on available federal and state programs and services. |
Herman Oberg, a resident at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte, bowls for a strike during an outing at Treasure Lanes Bowling Alley, July 23. Each month sees residents at different venues that encourage movement and fun while working on therapy.
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FDVA Communications and External Affairs Director Steve Murray, second from left, reviews plans for the new 120-bed State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Collier County with senior staff from Grace Design Studios at the National Association of State Veterans Homes annual conference in Oklahoma City, July 29. Groundbreaking on the State Veterans’ Home designed by Grace Design Studios was held July 10, in Naples. |
 The Florida Veterans Foundation announces their Gadsden Flag Specialty License Plate is now the seventh best-selling specialty plate in Florida. Every plate purchased helps fund critical programs for Florida’s Veterans. Thank you to everyone who’s helped make this possible.
 Back by popular demand! We’ve printed an additional 50,000 copies of the 2026 edition of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guides to help Veterans and their families better understand the benefits, services, and resources they have earned. Request a guide today. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4g6lIzF
 The new Freedom Haulers program helps Veterans transition to trucking careers by providing training, employer connections, and resources tailored for former service members. Veterans can use GI Bill benefits for CDL training, access fast-track licensing for heavy vehicle experience and connect with nationwide employers. Read more: https://bit.ly/4bXDnHg
 ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando VA Healthcare System will host a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2026, in the first-floor canteen lobby of the Orlando VA Medical Center located at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando Fl, 32827. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The ceremony will honor and remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day, recognize the courage and sacrifice of first responders, and pay tribute to the service members and Veterans who answered the nation's call in the years that followed.
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FDVA Executive Director James S. Hartsell poses with Solyani Rodriguez, a licensed practical nurse, at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes, Aug. 5. During his rounds at the home, he paused to thank her for the extraordinary compassion and dedication to the Veterans in her care. |
 Veterans Florida Deputy Executive Director Jeremy Sinnemaki, second panelist from right, participates in the fifth annual Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, Aug. 18. Sinnemaki highlighted Veterans and transitioning service members as an important economic asset for Florida. He spoke about the leadership, technical skills, experience, and entrepreneurial potential Veterans bring to the civilian workforce, as well as the importance of connecting that talent with opportunities across the state.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Finding the right VA office for your Freedom of Information Act records request just got easier. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has redesigned the page Veterans use to request records. Whether you’re requesting a DD214, medical record or benefits letter, this page helps you get started. It replaces a maze of legal terms and links with clearly labeled boxes that match you to the form you need.
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 Contact a State Veterans’ Service Officer by calling (727) 319-7440 or via email at FDVA.VSO@FDVA.FL.GOV. All services provided by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs are free to the client.
The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs operates a network of State Veterans’ Homes and provides statewide outreach to connect Veterans with earned services, benefits and support. In addition, we offer various bonuses to eligible direct-care staff. Click on the graphic (above) to join our award-winning team by visiting bit.ly/48g5lLy.
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