Florida

APAPA President Andrew Jeng Aids Kissimmee Residents in Hurricane Irma Recovery

Published

7 years ago

September 21, 2017

KISSIMMEE (FNN NEWS) - APAPA President Andrew Jeng (left) tours the community post-Irma to offer assistance. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) President Andrew Jeng and other community activists toured the community today to survey the damage Hurricane Irma left behind. Though the storm had weakened to Category 2 by the time it found its way to Central Florida, Irma was strong enough tear off rooftops, uproot trees, tear down power lines and cause major flooding as she passed through. Hundreds of families evacuated according to Governor Scott’s instructions, but for those who couldn’t or didn’t–and even for those who did and returned–Irma’s damage was overwhelming.

Kissimmee City Commission candidate Andrew Jeng surveys severe roof damage in a home while visiting Kissimmee residents after Hurricane Irma. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

APAPA President Andrew Jeng surveys severe roof damage in a home while visiting Kissimmee residents after Hurricane Irma. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

Jeng, a 25-year Kissimmee resident, traveled through the community speaking with residents and hearing their personal stories of loss. After a thorough tour of each person’s house, he also helped residents complete necessary documents to receive aid to help them gather needed supplies.

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Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs “Victoria’s Law” Alongside David and Jackie Siegel

Published

1 week ago

April 9, 2024

FNN NEWS

SANFORD, Fla. (FNN) – SB 66, “Victoria’s Law,” designate June 6 as “Revive Awareness Day”. The law is named after Victoria Siegel, who died of an overdose in 2015.

Victoria was the daughter of billionaire couple David Siegel, founder of the Westgate Resorts timeshare company, and his wife, Jackie, “The Queen of Versailles.”

Jackie delivered remarks on Victoria’s Law during a press conference held by Governor DeSantis.

Revive Awareness Day coincides with National Naxolone Awareness Day on June 6.

Florida

USDA Invests in Clean Energy to Reduce Energy Costs, Strengthen Florida Businesses

Published

3 weeks ago

March 28, 2024

FNN NEWS

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) State Director Lakeisha Hood Moїse announced today that USDA is investing in renewable energy projects that lower energy costs for small businesses in Florida.

“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is committed to ensuring farmers, ranchers and small businesses are directly benefitting from both a clean energy economy and a strong U.S. supply chain,” said Hood Moїse.

USDA is awarding $190,845 to two Florida businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families.

In Levy County, Blue Grotto LLC will receive $137,398 to install a proposed 45.0 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. This installation will increase efficiency of the overall business operation and decrease outside energy costs. This project is estimated to save the business $7,750 a year, which is enough electricity to power seven homes.

Click here to read the full news release.

Florida

Governor DeSantis Deploys Additional Personnel, Assets to Southern Florida and the Keys to Stop Potential Influx of Illegal Immigration from Haiti

Published

1 month ago

March 13, 2024

Willie David

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—In anticipation of a potential influx of illegal immigrants from Haiti, Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered additional state assets to the Keys and southern waters of the State of Florida.

“For quite some time, the State of Florida has been dedicating significant resources to combat illegal vessels coming to Florida from countries such as Haiti,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Given the circumstances in Haiti, I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida to protect our state. No state has done more to supplement the (under-resourced) U.S. Coast Guard’s interdiction efforts; we cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida.”

Currently, state agencies have security and surveillance assets in South Florida and the Keys as a part of Operation Vigilant Sentry to stop illegal immigration at sea. The governor’s directive today will send additional personnel and assets from the following agencies:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement: 39 additional officers.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: 23 additional officers with eight additional seacraft.
The Florida National Guard: 48 additional Guardsmen with four additional helicopters.
The Florida Highway Patrol: 30 additional officers with an additional aircraft and drones for surveillance.

Governor DeSantis will also today authorize a deployment of the Florida State Guard to the Keys to assist in the operation. This deployment includes up to 133 soldiers.

Illegal immigrants feel empowered to enter the sovereign territory of the United States because of the federal government’s refusal to diligently enforce our immigration laws and protect the integrity of the border. When a state faces the possibility of invasion, it has the right and duty to defend its territory and people. Under Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida will act.