PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis attended the groundbreaking for the new inflow pump station at the critical EAA Reservoir Project. The EAA Reservoir, located south of Lake Okeechobee, will store over 78 billion gallons of water—larger than Manhattan—and deliver up to 470 billion gallons of clean water annually to the Everglades and Florida Bay. It also supports the Biscayne Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for South Florida.

This ceremony marks the 80th milestone event since 2019, celebrating ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and major achievements across Everglades restoration projects under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis—the most in state history.

“Florida reached a historic agreement with the Trump Administration earlier this year to expedite and advance Everglades restoration,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today, I was pleased to announce a milestone in Everglades restoration made possible by our cooperation with the federal government.  Florida is now breaking ground on the new EAA Inflow Pump Station, an essential component of the EAA Reservoir project. This is the second Everglades restoration project to commence since the agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers last summer, which has empowered Florida to step up our Everglades restoration efforts. Today’s groundbreaking marks the 80th milestone event in Everglades restoration that has taken place since 2019, thanks to our leadership and commitment to getting this done.” Continue reading →

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) formally submitted an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that, upon approval, will allow Florida to assume management of the recreational red snapper fishery in state and federal waters off the Atlantic Coast beginning in 2026.

“State management and expansion of Gulf snapper season have been a major boon for our Gulf of America communities, allowing so many Floridians and visitors to enjoy the Red Snapper our waters have to offer,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I was proud to announce that Florida anglers will soon be able to enjoy more Atlantic Red Snapper fishing as well. The Trump Administration has taken action to rein in the bureaucracy and return this power to the states, where it belongs. To that end, Florida has submitted a formal request to the federal government for state management of the recreational red snapper fishery. Just as it has on the Gulf coast, Florida’s management of Atlantic Red Snapper fishing will boost local economies along our Atlantic coast, supporting tackle and bait shops, hotels, restaurants, and the entire recreational fishing community.” Continue reading →

Washington, D.C. —U.S. Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) released the following statement after voting in favor of a petition to compel the Justice Department to release the remaining Jeffrey Epstein files, delivering long-overdue transparency and accountability:

“Going back to 2021, on multiple occasions, I have publicly called for the release of the Epstein files, so today’s vote is momentous. Before today’s vote, I sat down with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s heinous crimes to hear their stories. Their courage has been the game changer in helping get us one step closer to full transparency,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “For years, these women have carried the burden of these atrocities while others tried to hide the truth. I am proud to have voted for full transparency because this is about standing with survivors, exposing the truth, and finally ending the decades of cover-ups that protected Epstein and his powerful allies.”

Background:

The American people deserve to know the full truth, which is why House Republicans took decisive action to petition the Justice Department to release the files on Jeffrey Epstein. Transparency is long overdue, especially for the survivors who have waited years for accountability.  Continue reading →

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) joined Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03) in introducing a bipartisan resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans. The resolution commemorates the generations of men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, calling on all Americans to observe Veterans Day in recognition of their courage, sacrifice, and continued contributions to our nation. It also honors the families who share in that sacrifice and underscores the importance of ensuring veterans receive the care, benefits, and support they have rightfully earned.
“Every veteran has worn the uniform with pride, standing guard over our freedoms and defending the values that make America the greatest nation on earth,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “As the wife of a first responder and someone who grew up in a military family, I’m deeply honored to cosponsor this resolution and say thank you—for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering love of country. Here in North Central Florida, thousands of veterans continue to serve their communities as business owners, first responders, and leaders. This resolution is a reminder that freedom endures because of their courage.”
Background Continue reading →

FORT MYERS, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has secured the conviction of Phuc Minh Tran, 38, of Lehigh Acres, on 40 counts of child pornography possession.

“This predator is facing decades behind bars, which is right where he belongs,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Deputy Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Julie Chaikin and Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Agnieszka Thomas, this monster is off the streets and away from our children.”

On August 15, 2024, Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers carried out a search warrant at Tran’s residence after known child sexual abuse material was flagged by the FDLE cyber squad as being downloaded by Tran. Tran was arrested on the scene.

After a week-long jury trial, Tran was found guilty on all 40 felony charges of second-degree possession, control, or intentional viewing of child pornography.

Tran will be sentenced on December 22 and faces up to 600 years in the Department of Corrections.

BROOKSVILLE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that a Hernando County grand jury indicted Nathan Douglas Holmberg, 36, on twenty-five counts, which include seven counts of capital sexual battery on a child under twelve, following an investigation by the Hernando County Sheriff, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. The State of Florida will seek the death penalty in its case against Holmberg.

“If you harm a child, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will seek the maximum penalty under the law,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “The nature of these crimes demanded a statewide special task force, and the investigation is far from over. Hernando County Sheriff Nienhuis and State Attorney Gladson have the full support of our Office of Statewide Prosecution.”

“When an individual commits a truly heinous crime, as in this case, the full weight of the law must be brought to bear,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit. “There is no place for mercy when the acts committed against a child are so unspeakable. Accountability will be had, any chance of recidivism will be nonexistent, and justice will be served.”  Continue reading →

STUART, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier today announced that Isaias Coy, David Desormeaux, Miguel Angel, Antonio Rojas, Mohamed Mesregah, and Jeremiah Gillyard have been arrested on charges relating to the sexual exploitation of children.

“These predators believed that they could hide behind a screen to exploit our children—they were wrong,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Several of these defendants are now on ICE detainers and will face prison before deportation. We will never stop protecting kids in Florida; those who target them will be caught and punished.”

“These men will soon come to realize that they traveled to the wrong county in the wrong circuit,” said Thomas Bakkedahl, State Attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit of Florida.

“This operation is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal partners come together with one shared mission—to protect our children,” said Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek. “These arrests should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can prey on children in our communities. We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will hold you accountable.” Continue reading →