"Today marks the beginning of an effort by the state to increase citizens' access to their government," said State CIO Kimberly Bahrami. "Floridians will now be able to access their local weather, receive breaking news and complete job applications online, all at one convenient Web site."
The updated portal includes a new online alerting system to provide citizens and businesses guidance on critical events such as terrorist alerts, hurricane warnings and Amber Alerts as they visit the Web site. There is also improved performance for citizens with disabilities and enhanced online information services to answer questions visitors may have, from identifying the state bird to becoming a U.S. citizen. There is also personalized Web content, including breaking business news, sports scores, local news and weather.
"This is a significant step in serving the needs of all citizens and visitors to the state of Florida," said Bahrami. "Our goal is to make information and services available to all citizens, and this is the beginning to reaching that goal."