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Governor DeSantis Encourages Residents to Take Advantage of Disaster Preparation Sales Tax Holiday

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Concurrent to the start of the 2024 hurricane season, Governor Ron DeSantis today urged residents to take advantage of the 14-day sales tax holiday for disaster preparation supplies. Governor DeSantis also encouraged Floridians to have a plan in place for their families if disaster strikes their area and to put together a disaster readiness kit at home.
Governor DeSantis also announced a $7.5 million award to Lee County through Florida’s Job Growth Grant Fund to help rebuild and enhance the shrimp dock, which was destroyed during Hurricane Ian, at San Carolos Maritime Park. This dual-purpose facility will serve as an emergency operations site to launch barges, provide a place for shrimp vessels to dock, and transfer product to distribution trucks.
“With hurricane season underway, now is the time to get prepared and ensure you have a disaster plan in place,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I encourage all Floridians to use the sales tax holiday to stock up on the necessary emergency supplies and assemble a disaster preparedness kit.”
“Thanks to the steadfast leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state has all the resources necessary to support Florida communities in the event a storm does strike this hurricane season,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “I’ve spent the last month traveling around the state to meet with county emergency managers to ensure preparedness and coordination at all levels. Now, I encourage Floridians to finalize their preparedness plans for their homes and businesses, because it only takes one storm to severely impact a community.”
Right now, through June 14, the first of two Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays is happening, which means many disaster preparation items can be purchased tax-free, including:
  • Water
  • Shelf-stable canned food
  • Batteries
  • Flashlights
  • Reusable ice
  • Pet items
  • Toys
  • Portable power banks and more
Other important items that are tax-free include:
  • Portable generators
  • Tarps or other waterproof sheeting
  • Smoke detectors and alarms
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Carbon monoxide detectors
  • Portable radios less than $50
And since pets are part of the family, too, several items such as pet leashes, beds, wet and dry food, and over-the-counter pet medications can also be purchased tax-free through June 14. For a full disaster supply kit checklist, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.
Preparedness efforts and resources include:
Get Educated, Get Informed
  • Learn about community disaster plans and community warning systems. Every household is encouraged to have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure they can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers.
  • Register to receive life-saving emergency weather alerts at FloridaDisaster.org/AlertFlorida.
Make a Plan
  • Make a list of personal household needs and resources for meeting them in a disaster environment.
  • Include all members of the family, including children, in the disaster preparedness planning process, so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
  • Pets are part of the family, too – identify a safe place to take pets if you cannot bring them with you during an evacuation. Never leave household pets behind during a hurricane or tropical storm.
  • Make a family plan at FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare, and make a business plan at Business.FloridaDisaster.org.
Inventory Home Possessions
  • Make a record of your possessions – in writing or video – to help claim reimbursement in case of loss or damage.
Reduce Home Hazards
  • Have defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections repaired.
  • Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
  • Have cracks in ceilings and foundations repaired.
  • Make landscaping hurricane-resistant by trimming trees and plants down and putting any items inside that may turn into dangerous projectiles in high winds.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
  • Every household should have a fully stocked disaster supply kit with at least seven days of items for each household member, including consideration of children, pets and seniors.
  • Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday began June 1, and provides residents with the opportunity to purchase supplies tax-free during one of two 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays.
  • For a full disaster supply kit checklist, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.
Safeguard Important Records and Documents
  • Keep copies of important family records and other documents (birth and marriage certificates, Social Security cards, passports, wills, deeds, insurance cards, etc.) in a safe deposit box or other waterproof location.
Know Your Zone, Know Your Home
  • Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to learn if you live in an evacuation zone or low-lying flood-prone area.
  • Know your home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds.
  • Follow all evacuation orders issued by local county emergency management officials.
If You’re Halfway Full, You’re Halfway There
  • During hurricane season, vehicles should always have at least half a tank of gas or be halfway charged to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm.
Evacuate Tens of Miles, Not Hundreds of Miles
  • Evacuations do not have to be hundreds of miles away – they can typically be tens of miles inland to a location that can withstand hurricane-force winds and remain out of reach from life-threatening storm surge.
2024 Florida Hurricane Season Guide
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Florida

Ex-Florida Speaker Paul Renner Says Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Cory Mills Must Resign or Be Removed from Congress

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Gubernatorial candidate and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner is calling for the resignation or removal of U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a South Florida Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a Central Florida Republican

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Gubernatorial candidate and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner is calling for the resignation or removal of U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a South Florida Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a Central Florida Republican, citing what he describes as serious breaches of ethics and public trust.

Renner emphasized that strong governance requires integrity, stating, “America needs leaders focused on service, not self-interest. When elected officials use their office for personal gain, they damage the credibility of the institution and betray the public they were elected to serve.”

ETHICS PROBE INVOLVING REP. CORY MILLS
The House Ethics Committee is investigating Mills, a New Smyrna Beach Republican, over accusations that he profited from defense contracts while serving in Congress. The committee has also expanded its review to examine allegations that Mills assaulted one former girlfriend and threatened to distribute intimate photos of another.

FEDERAL FRAUD CASE AGAINST CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK
Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, are accused of diverting federal funds intended for COVID-19 vaccination distribution. Prosecutors allege that excess funds were routed through multiple accounts and later used as political contributions. If convicted on all counts, she could face up to 53 years in prison. Cherfilus-McCormick maintains her innocence.

RENNER’S CALL FOR RESIGNATION
Renner argued that both lawmakers have demonstrated “a pattern of self-interest and low moral character,” adding, “They should do the right thing and resign immediately. If they refuse, Congress must expel them without delay.”

He concluded by asserting that the Republican Party must model higher standards of integrity: “Democrats will excuse anything to gain power and have lost credibility with the American people. Republicans must hold themselves to a stronger standard to restore public faith in government.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________

News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Faith & Family

Child Evangelism Fellowship Unites Four Central Florida Counties at First Vision Dinner Celebrating 88 Years of Ministry

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — FNN Faith and Family Reporter Hidekel Griffin was on location as Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) hosted its first annual Share Vision Dinner, celebrating 88 years of ministry and uniting leaders from four Central Florida counties—Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake.

The event marked the first time the entire CEF Central Florida chapter gathered under one roof, commemorating God’s faithfulness and outlining future plans to expand ministry efforts to children and families throughout the region.

A Unified Mission Across Central Florida

The Share Vision Dinner highlighted CEF’s long-standing mission: “Every Child, Every School, Every Day for Christ.” Executive Director Brenda Whitwam emphasized the importance of collaboration among churches, volunteers, and community partners as ministry efforts continue to grow.

“Together, we’re building bridges between counties, churches, and communities. We’re united under one purpose—to reach the children of Central Florida with the love of Jesus,” Whitwam said.

CEF programs—including Good News Club®, 5-Day Club®, and Christian Youth in Action® (CYIA™)—continue to equip volunteers, churches, and young leaders to share the Gospel in schools and neighborhoods throughout the state.

Leadership and Vision from Keynote Speaker Chuck Madden

State Director Charles “Chuck” Madden delivered the keynote message, drawing from more than 20 years of ministry experience as a youth pastor, children’s pastor, and associate pastor. Madden currently oversees 15 chapters, more than 30 staff members, 80 board leaders, and more than 2,000 trained volunteers across Florida.

Under his leadership, CEF Florida has expanded outreach into public schools, launched new chapters, and strengthened adult and youth training programs through the Children’s Ministry Institute.

The dinner drew pastors, educators, and community leaders whose participation underscored increasing regional collaboration and a shared commitment to reaching the next generation.

A Global Ministry with Local Impact

CEF remains the world’s largest missionary organization dedicated to children. In 2024 alone, more than 22.9 million children made decisions for Christ through its worldwide outreach.

The inaugural Share Vision Dinner served as a rallying point for churches and ministry partners to expand Good News Clubs, support new outreach initiatives, and raise up young leaders to carry the Gospel into every school and community across Central Florida.

About Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)

Founded in 1937, Child Evangelism Fellowship is a global, Bible-centered ministry reaching millions of children annually through Good News Club®, 5-Day Club®, and Christian Youth in Action® (CYIA™). Operating in more than 200 countries, CEF partners with churches and volunteers to bring the message of Jesus to every child, everywhere.

For more information, visit www.CEFofCentralFL.com.

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Florida

Magic Stun Heat 106–105 as Franz Wagner Drops 32 at the Kia Center

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic delivered a dramatic finish at the Kia Center on Friday night, edging the Miami Heat 106–105 in a nail-biting showdown sealed only after Bam Adebayo’s jumper at the buzzer bounced off the rim.

Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat, Kia Center. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Franz Wagner led the charge with a game-high 32 points, attacking the rim relentlessly and providing the offensive spark Orlando needed in the final minutes. Jalen Suggs added 22 points, including a critical late-game layup that gave the Magic a five-point cushion with just over a minute remaining.

The victory marks Orlando’s seventh win in its last nine outings, continuing a strong stretch as the team gains momentum heading into the NBA Cup quarterfinals.

Banchero Returns, Provides Boost

Paolo Banchero made his long-awaited return after missing 10 games with a strained left groin. Though limited to 20 minutes, he contributed nine points and six rebounds, giving the Magic additional inside presence and energy.

Desmond Bane struggled from the field, finishing with five points on 2-for-16 shooting, but Orlando’s defensive effort helped compensate for the off night.

Heat Rally Too Late

Miami nearly stole the game in the final seconds behind Norman Powell’s 28 points, including two late layups that brought the Heat within one. Adebayo added a strong double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds, but his potential game-winner fell short.

The Heat played without Tyler Herro, who suffered a right big toe injury earlier in the week. Miami has now lost three of its last four following a previous six-game winning streak.

Rematch on the Horizon

The Magic and Heat will meet again Tuesday night at the Kia Center in an NBA Cup quarterfinal showdown. With emotions high and both teams showing playoff-level intensity, another thriller may be on deck.

Up Next:
Heat: Host Sacramento on Saturday night.
Magic: Travel to New York to face the Knicks on Sunday.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

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