Joseph Bell

The Florida Defense Alliance meeting included discussions on mission sustainment, focusing on the implications of the "Live Local Act" on military installations, and family support, addressing issues such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and its amendments, spousal employment, and educational services for exceptional children. Updates were provided on the Florida Defense Support Task Force. The meeting also covered significant initiatives and challenges in various regions, including infrastructure improvements, community partnerships, and encroachment protection.

The Florida Defense Alliance meetings and teleconferences covered a range of topics including federal updates, base commanders' meetings, discussions on the oil drilling ban, updates from the Mission Sustainment and Family Support Working Groups, and the FDSTF strategic plan. Discussions also included MacDill AFB Health & Wellness initiatives, the ADC Installation Innovation Forum 2019, and local defense community strategic initiatives. Updates were provided on the Tyndall Rebuild, DRG/DIG Grants, and the Military Veterans Assistance Program. The meetings also addressed energy resiliency, space Florida partnership, and legislative matters.

The meetings covered a range of topics including updates from the DEO on defense grants, discussions on key issues in Washington, D.C., and updates on the Florida Defense Support Task Force. Discussions also included energy resiliency for military installations, strategic discussions on local defense communities, and legislative updates. Specific initiatives such as the Gulf Range Enhancement Program and efforts to support military families were also addressed.

The Task Force meeting included discussion and remarks from Governor Ron DeSantis, who outlined his priorities for military and defense in Florida. These priorities include maintaining the state's military-friendly environment, protecting active duty components and installations, and increasing the defense industry presence. Updates were provided on the Tyndall Air Force Base rebuild, focusing on securing supplemental funding and the progress of mission restoration. The Task Force also discussed the selection of Langley AFB as the alternative for the F-22 Formal Training Unit and the potential cessation of rebuild efforts at Tyndall AFB if supplemental funding is not secured.

The Florida Defense Alliance meetings covered a range of topics including family support, military family challenges, spousal employment, Purple Star Schools, and licensure. Discussions also included resilient grants, regional statements of capabilities, Alzheimer's Association support for veterans, FDSTF updates, and legislative updates. The economic development community shared significant current initiatives, and working groups reported on mission sustainment and family support.