State employees in Florida are set to enjoy an early Thanksgiving holiday this year as state offices, including the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will close on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. This decision comes at the behest of Governor Ron DeSantis, allowing employees an extra day off to prepare for the Thanksgiving festivities. For those required to work on that day, they can take their additional day off at a later time before June 30.
In the past, Governor DeSantis has supported state employees by providing them with extra days off beyond the standard holidays, including additional time off during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday periods. According to state spokesperson Bryan Griffin, further announcements regarding potential time-off options for the upcoming Christmas season will be made in December.
Thanksgiving is historically one of the busiest travel periods in the United States, with AAA estimating that nearly 80 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this Thanksgiving. Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, notes that this year could see record-high travel activity as families connect with loved ones, a trend that has soared in the post-pandemic era.
As more people hit the roads, the Florida Highway Patrol is preparing for the potential rise in vehicle accidents and is urging drivers to exercise caution. Additionally, the upcoming holiday season is also expected to be bustling for retailers, with Black Friday marking the start of significant holiday shopping.
The National Retail Federation projects that shoppers will spend an average of $902 on gifts as they prepare for the holidays. Florida Retail Federation President and CEO Scott Shalley highlighted that retailers are ready to meet the needs of consumers this holiday season by offering the latest trends and products along with attractive sales.
This combination of early holiday time for state employees and increased travel and shopping activity underscores the spirit of Thanksgiving and the excitement of the holiday season, promising opportunities for connection and celebration across the state.
In summary, Florida state employees will benefit from an early Thanksgiving break, contributing to the overall festive atmosphere as millions prepare to travel and retailers gear up for holiday shopping. This initiative reflects a commitment to appreciating the hard work of state employees and sets a positive tone for the holiday season ahead.