Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis Proposes New Measures to Protect Puppies and Crack Down on Abuse in Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida’s tourism industry delivered record-breaking economic benefits in 2024, generating $133.6 billion in economic impact and saving the state’s more than 9 million households nearly $2,000 each in taxes, according to the 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism study released by VISIT FLORIDA.
Out-of-state visitors spent $134.9 billion in Florida last year, a 3.0% increase from 2023. U.S. travelers accounted for $120.1 billion of that total, while international visitors contributed $14.8 billion. The study also showed that for every dollar spent by visitors, 99 cents remained in Florida, boosting local businesses, wages, and public revenue.
Record-Breaking Tourism Growth
Florida welcomed 143 million visitors in 2024, marking the highest annual total in state history. Tourism accounted for 7.8% of Florida’s nominal Gross State Product, and the sector continued to be one of the strongest pillars of the state’s economy.
“Our tourism industry is critical to Florida’s strong economic position,” Governor Ron DeSantis said. “Florida remains the top destination for travelers from across the country and the world because we prioritize freedom and safety. Tourism fuels jobs and keeps Florida’s economy strong.”
Major Tax Revenue and Household Savings
Tourism-generated activity produced $33.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2024, a 3.3% increase over the previous year. Without this tax revenue, Florida households would have paid an additional $1,730 annually to maintain current state and local government services.
“Tourism drives Florida’s economy,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “This data demonstrates the value of Florida’s investment in tourism marketing. Florida’s 9.1 million households are saving nearly $2,000 a year because of the tax revenues generated by Florida tourism.”
Strong Workforce and Wage Growth
The tourism sector supported 1.8 million jobs in 2024, representing a 1.8% year-over-year increase. Tourism-related wages totaled $79.9 billion, including $44 billion in direct wages—a 4.6% increase from 2023. For every visitor dollar spent, 59 cents directly supported worker salaries, up from 2023 figures.
The report, produced by Rockport Analytics, applies a revised methodology that has been retroactively implemented for previous years. Year-over-year changes reflect these updated calculations.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Jacksonville Jaguars (6–4) delivered a commanding 35–6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers (7–4) Sunday at EverBank Stadium, marking their first meeting since Jacksonville’s historic 27-point comeback in the 2023 AFC Wild Card round.
Jacksonville Jaquard running back(#41) Bhayshul Tuten capped the Jaguars’ first scoring drive with a 4-yard rushing touchdown Photo by Arthur Morgan / Florida National News
Jaguars Take Control Early
Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker opened the scoring with a 41-yard field goal, but Jacksonville quickly answered. Running back Bhayshul Tuten capped the Jaguars’ first scoring drive with a 4-yard rushing touchdown, and kicker Cam Little added the PAT to give Jacksonville a 7–3 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen sacked Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to set a new franchise record with 56 career sacks, breaking Tony Brackens’ longstanding mark. Dicker followed with a 46-yard field goal to pull the Chargers within one, but Jacksonville responded again—this time with a 2-yard touchdown run from Travis Etienne Jr., extending the lead to 14–6 heading into halftime.
Jacksonville Jagaurs Quarterback (#16) Trevor Lawrence celebrating after a run for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. Photo by Arthur Morgan / Florida National News
Lawrence Extends the Lead After Halftime
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, making his first appearance at EverBank Stadium as a Jaguar, surpassed 5,000 career receiving yards early in the third quarter. Later in the drive, quarterback Trevor Lawrence powered into the end zone on a 1-yard keeper, and Little’s extra point pushed the lead to 21–6.
Jacksonville added another score early in the fourth when Lawrence connected with wide receiver Tim Patrick on a 1-yard touchdown pass. On the Chargers’ next drive, Herbert’s first throw was intercepted by safety Antonio Johnson, who returned the ball 44 yards to set up a short field for Jacksonville. Two plays later, Etienne broke free for a 13-yard touchdown to seal the 35–6 victory.
Standout Performances and Salute to Service Tribute
Lawrence finished the game with 153 passing yards, one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Tuten led Jacksonville on the ground with 74 yards and a touchdown, while Meyers led all receivers with 64 yards. Attendance was announced at 58,461.
Photo by Arthur Morgan / Florida National News
Sunday’s matchup also marked the Jaguars’ 2025 Salute to Service game, part of the NFL’s 15-year initiative honoring military members, veterans and their families. Since its launch, the league has raised more than $75 million for organizations supporting the military community.
Jacksonville next travels to Arizona to face the Cardinals on Sunday, Nov. 23 at State Farm Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. The Jaguars then face the Titans before returning home to host the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 7.
For more coverage, visit www.FloridaNationalNews.com.
Florida
Navy Veteran and Former NASA Chief of Staff Bale Dalton Launches Campaign Against US Rep. Corey Mills
SANFORD, Fla. (FNN) – Bale Dalton, a Navy veteran, former NASA Chief of Staff and longtime public servant, announced Monday that he is running for Congress in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. Dalton, a retired Naval Aviator with more than two decades of military service, will seek the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla.
In his announcement, Dalton contrasted his background with what his campaign characterized as “self-serving and unethical behavior” by Mills. Dalton’s campaign referenced past allegations and ongoing inquiries involving the congressman, emphasizing that voters “deserve mission-first leadership.”
“I’m running for Congress because Floridians deserve leaders who know what real service looks like,” Dalton said in a statement. “It’s courage, sacrifice, and putting the American people first. I will put people ahead of politics to lower costs and deliver results.”
Dalton, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, served 23 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve — including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and the Pacific. He flew medical evacuation missions in Kuwait, provided Hurricane Katrina relief, supported special operations, and directed combat air support in Afghanistan.
After his active-duty service, Dalton worked at the State Department and served as a military legislative assistant to former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. He later returned to active duty as commanding officer of a Navy special operations support squadron before transitioning to the private sector and eventually becoming NASA’s Chief of Staff, where he helped manage an agency workforce of roughly 16,500 employees.
Dalton’s campaign said he is running to “restore integrity and service-driven leadership” to Washington. “Families in Central Florida want lower costs, safer communities, opportunities to thrive, and a representative who works for them — not himself,” Dalton said.
Florida’s 7th Congressional District includes all of Seminole County and southern Volusia County.
Bale Dalton’s Background in Service and Federal Leadership
Dalton brings more than two decades of military service, experience in federal agencies, and senior leadership roles — including serving as NASA Chief of Staff.
Dalton’s Contrast With Rep. Cory Mills (According to His Campaign)
Dalton’s announcement frames the race as a contest between “mission-first service” and what his campaign portrays as ethics concerns surrounding the incumbent.
Issues Dalton Says Will Define His Campaign
Dalton says he will focus on lowering costs for families, strengthening community safety, expanding opportunities, and returning accountability to Florida’s 7th District.
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