Dear Friend,

Thank you for reading my newsletter! My team and I continue to work for you and our community. It’s been a busy week in our district, so I wanted to highlight a few things you may have missed.

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES: Newly-released data shows nearly 83,000 jobs in our district were saved because of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a program created by Congress to help small businesses and their employees weather the coronavirus pandemic. This is GREAT news for small businesses in our area who have struggled during the past few months – and I’m looking forward to seeing them keep their doors open and employees on payroll. 

Paycheck Protection Program highlights in our district include:

Read stories about small businesses in our district that have benefited from the PPP here.

NOTE: The PPP deadline has been EXTENDED to August 8, 2020 to help more small businesses in our community. If you’re still interested in participating, click here for more information.

HONORING HEROES IN OUR COMMUNITY: Last week, I joined the St. Augustine Beach Police Department to honor four heroes for springing into action and saving two people from drowning at St. Augustine Beach in May. Thanks to their bravery and selflessness, Kelly Wood and Gia Iwanski are both alive today. Thank you, Rod Boothe, Ty Cox, Leanna Swilley and Kelsey Genners for your heroism in risking your lives for others. I was on the beach that day and saw Kelly’s lifeless body being pulled from the surf. I was afraid she was gone – but thanks to the heroism of these four people, she and Gia are still alive today. 

Honoring Ty Cox, Rod Boothe, Leanna Swilley and Kelsey Genners for their heroism

THANKING OUR POLICE OFFICERS: Our police officers put their lives on the line each day to keep our communities safe. Last week, I met with St. Augustine Beach Police Department Chief Hardwick and some of the SABPD deputies and officers to thank them for their hard work. We are so grateful for their commitment to serve and protect. So if you see a cop today, be sure to thank them.

Meeting with St. Augustine Beach Police Department Chief Harwick and SABPD officers

ENCOURAGING INNOVATION, EXPLORATION WITH FUTURE SPACE LEADERS: From email, text messages, to navigation and banking, space touches every aspect of our lives these days. It’s important we continue to explore and innovate in space, not only to continue our modern way of life and protect our critical assets. This is why America needs to lead in space – and exactly why we need bright, intelligent young folks working in our space industry. Last week, I discussed the importance of dedicating our resources towards American space innovation and exploration during this year’s Future Space Leaders Conference. We’re going to need all hands and minds on deck if we want to advance and keep our critical infrastructure safe on earth AND in space.

Click below to watch some of my remarks about the importance of

advancing America’s space industry:

As always, follow my daily work on social media by liking my Facebook page and following me on Twitter, YouTube and Instagram and feel free to reach out to my offices in Florida or Washington, D.C. if my team or I can ever be of service.

In Service,

Michael Waltz