Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) released the following statement following the U.S. Department of Commerce’s termination of the 2019 Suspension Agreement on fresh tomatoes from Mexico:
“For far too long, American tomato growers—especially those in Florida—have been forced to compete against artificially low prices driven by unfair trade practices,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “The termination of this agreement sends a clear message: we’re standing up for American farmers and restoring integrity to our agricultural markets. Food security is national security. Our farmers deserve a fair shot to compete—and this marks a critical step forward in making that possible. I am grateful to the Trump Administration and Secretary Lutnick for their unwavering support.”
Background:
Florida is one of the nation’s largest tomato-producing states, and growers have long raised concerns about the impact of dumped Mexican imports on their ability to stay in business. The 2019 Suspension Agreement halted anti-dumping duties on Mexican tomatoes in exchange for price and volume restrictions from Mexican exporters. With yesterday’s decision, those duties will now go into effect, with most imports subject to a 20.91% tariff. This decision is widely seen as a victory for domestic agriculture and a meaningful step toward fairer trade enforcement. Continue reading
The REC Marion County Monthly Meeting, will be held at Ocala Golf Banquet room located at 3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470 FL, Monday July 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM. Doors open at 6 PM. Next Month’s meeting at Ocala Golf Banquet Room on Monday Aug. 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM. Doors open at 6 PM.
The Golden Age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first. Our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced. The vicious, violent and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government will end. And our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous and free. America will soon be greater, stronger and far more exceptional than ever before.
Ken Racioppi
MCREC V. Chair / Legis Lead
This is a summary we used for a recent REC meeting, again student performance is affected by a multiple factors so the DOE 2025 data is one dimension of student innate skills. However, the data provides insight to the symptoms that many of the County student skills are lagging.
We focused on third grade since education experts (not me) indicated this grade is a key marker for future success as students transition from learning to read to learning to learn. Below is a “snip-it” copy of the summary for the meeting / I have also provided a ppt of the charts of state data (2025 DOE) we used to further our discussion of ways the REC could support our schools.
All the data taken directly from the DOE website excel tables for Marion County, just plotted the table into graphs of Level 1 and Level 2 student test data percentages, obviously there are many students on and above grade level across the County.
Feel free to contact Brigitte Smith or Len Racioppi if there are any questions.
Lady networking luncheon was a great success. Pictures with two people standing are door prize pictures and people sitting are business people attending the luncheon. The attendee’s sit at different tables so they can learn more about each other’s businesses.
Saving Lives Through Enforcement and Education: Florida Department of Transportation and Partners Launch 8th-Annual Operation Southern Slow Down
Creating lasting changes in driver behavior through enhanced enforcement and education
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is proud to announce the launch of Florida’s annual Operation Southern Slow Down campaign, which begins July 14. Through this campaign, FDOT aims to reduce the risk of speed-related crashes by leveraging the use of enhanced enforcement of speed limits and public safety messaging about the dangers of speeding. In partn
ership with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), FDOT’s Operation Southern Slow Down efforts are part of a broader initiative involving its counterpart transportation and law enforcement organizations in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
“Florida’s transportation system is meticulously engineered to maximize safety – it’s woven into every design plan, every education campaign, and every traffic safety law enforced by our law enforcement partners. Operation Southern Slow Down is a strong example of how each of these facets works together to create safer roadways,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “We encourage communities to join our efforts in creating a safer transportation future by recognizing the risks of unsafe driving behaviors, like speeding.xxxxxx Continue reading
LADY LAKE — The Town of Lady Lake’s Water Utility recently underwent a comprehensive sanitary survey inspection by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The review, conducted by three inspectors on June 6, included visits to all three of the Town’s water treatment plants.
The inspection evaluated all major aspects of the Town’s water system, including water sampling plans, maintenance records, emergency preparedness, and cross connection control. Lady Lake’s water utility staff provided documentation demonstrating that the Town is maintaining and operating its water system in accordance with state requirements and public health standards.
The inspection reviewed the Town’s: Continue reading
Forward Momentum
By Tamara Fleischhaker
In Ocala, horses are more than just a backdrop—they’re the rhythm of daily life, the foundation of local identity, and the lifeblood of a multi-billion-dollar economy. But thanks to the CEP’s Equine Initiative, they’re also becoming a source of inspiration for the next generation. What began as a simple effort to educate business partners about the equine industry’s scope has grown into something far greater, a community-wide movement that reaches classrooms, sidewalks, and civic events.
Where Hooves Meet Literacy: In a county with more than 80,000 horses, not every child has the chance to meet one. But that’s exactly what happens through the CEP’s literacy outreach, developed in partnership with Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses. These tiny, trained therapy horses visit schools to promote reading, kindness, and confidence. The result is a heartwarming experience where children, some reading aloud for the first time without fear, share books with a patient four-legged listener by their side. This unique program doesn’t just teach literacy—it fosters empathy, curiosity, and a newfound love of horses among students who may never have had that opportunity otherwise. Continue reading
LADY LAKE – On the two-year-anniversary of the Town’s only unsolved homicide, the Lady Lake Police Department is asking the public for help in solving this tragic crime.
20-year-old Bryson “Swift” Leverette was one of two victims shot at 104 Caroline Ave. on June 30, 2023. Lady Lake Police responded within minutes and performed life-saving measures, however Leverette was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim survived their injuries.
The initial investigation revealed that both victims were leaving the home in the Skyline Hills area of Lady Lake at around 12:44 a.m. when they were attacked by a group of suspects armed with several different firearms. The suspects fled the scene in unknown vehicles.
Since his death, Leverette’s girlfriend gave birth to their son. Leverette’s mother, family and friends continue to grieve their loss and eagerly await news of an arrest. Continue reading
