PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis announced he is recommending pay increases for state law enforcement officers and firefighters in his Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
“We support the men and women who keep our streets and communities safe,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Throughout my time in office, I have delivered on my promise to support law enforcement and first responders. Therefore, in the coming fiscal year, I am recommending a well-earned pay raise.”

The Governor’s Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget recommends $118.3 million in pay increases for more than 4,700 state sworn law enforcement officers and more than 730 state firefighters. This includes a:

  • 20% pay increase for state entry level sworn law enforcement officers; and
  • 25% pay increase for veteran sworn law enforcement officers and all state firefighters.
    These pay increases will build on the support already delivered to support law enforcement and first responders. As a result of these initiatives, Florida continues to have record-low crime rates; continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family; and remains the friendliest state in the country for first responders.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida continues to be the top destination for travelers from all over the world as it welcomed a record-breaking 142.9 million visitors in 2024. This marks a 1.6% increase over 2023, the previous record annual visitation in the state’s history.

The fourth quarter of 2024 also set a new benchmark with 33.1 million visitors, surpassing the previous record for a Q4 period—setting the highest visitation for any fourth quarter. The record-breaking visitation was fueled by 29.9 million domestic visitors, 2.5 million overseas visitors, and 742,000 Canadian visitors.

“The results are clear—Florida is the best place to visit, live, and do business,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Another record-breaking year is proof that leadership matters, and the Free State of Florida is a model for the nation.” Continue reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) announced significant progress for the future of the McGriff Channel, also known as ‘Wadley Pass,’ where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Suwannee River in Dixie County, Florida.

Mid-last year, Rep. Cammack secured the votes for inclusion of McGriff Channel in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). In December of last year, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) included the matching provision in the Senate year-end package. This measure secured a federally required economic impact study by the Army Corps of Engineers for the McGriff Channel, which is a necessary step to keep the project moving. This move follows the 2021 study, which concluded that dredging was not economically feasible and no action could be taken. Continue reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Kat Cammack and Greg Steube reintroduced their plan to expand access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for five million lower-income Americans.

The Affordable Care and Comprehensive Economic Support through Savings Act (ACCESS Act) empowers individuals by giving them the option to receive direct contributions to an HSA instead of relying on reduced cost-sharing under government-controlled health insurance exchanges. This commonsense reform removes bureaucratic restrictions imposed by the ACA, allowing individuals to take control of their health care dollars and use them as they see fit.

“Access to affordable care has diminished over the past decade, as the prices of medical care have skyrocketed and provider networks have shrunk,” said Rep. Cammack. “But with money in an HSA, you can obtain the personalized services you need, and see the doctors you trust, even if they’re not covered by your health insurance plan. For working families in my district and across the country this option is a lifesaver and will give many the flexibility to afford visits and procedures they may not be able to otherwise. I am proud to introduce the ACCESS Act today for many reasons, but mostly because it provides more access and more freedom for families whose health care needs aren’t being met by government-controlled health care programs.” Continue reading

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—The Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a 5-year prison sentence for a Romanian crime ring member. Vasile Bricage stole more than $38,000 in smartphones and other items from six Walmart locations across five Florida counties — all within the span of six days.

Acting Attorney General John Guard said, “This member of a Romanian crime ring targeted Walmart locations spanning five Florida counties — causing more than $38,000 in losses. Now, thanks to our Statewide Prosecutors, he will pay for his crimes.”

Vasile Bricage, working alongside co-defendant Antonio Briceag and two unknown female accomplices, stole smartphones and other items from Walmart locations in Citrus, Okaloosa, Pinellas, Santa Rosa and Sarasota counties. In several cases, Bricage and his accomplices entered the stores and proceeded to the electronics department. Then, members of the group would distract employees or act as lookouts while using an unknown implement to defeat the anti-theft devices at the phone display.

In one Citrus County incident, the group used a different strategy. Bricage, after browsing the electronics department, proceeded to the hardware section of the store and selected a black crowbar. The defendant then went back to the electronics department and pried two locked phone cabinets open, and the group stole 26 iPhones — valued at more than $22,000. The damage to the cabinets totaled more than $1,600. Continue reading

There is a list of action taken by either Ashley Moody  and  James Uthmieir

February 14, 2025: Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution

Secures a 5-Year Prison Sentence for Member of Romanian Crime Ring.

February 13, 2025: Florida Attorney General’s Office Warns Floridians About Romance Scams Ahead of Valentine’s Day.

February 13, 2025: Florida Attorney General’s Office Secures Order Prohibiting MV Realty from Enforcing Liens or Encumbrances on Homes After Deceiving Florida Homeowners.

February 10, 2025: Florida AG’s Office Announces Shutdown of Fraudulent SunPass Websites with FDLE and Releases New Scams at a Glance: SunPass Safety.

February 07, 2025: Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution Secures 12-Year Prison Sentence for Child Predator.

February 06, 2025: Florida Attorney General’s Office Secures More Than $350,000 for Florida Medicaid from Pharmaceutical Company Over Kickback Allegations.

February 05, 2025: Florida Attorney General’s Office Secures More Than $2.3 Million in Multi-state Action from Pfizer-Owned Bio-haven Pharmaceutical Company. Continue reading

Mar 5

Restoration Ecology

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lake Norris Conservation Area in Eustis

What does a natural community look like? What is an altered ecosystem.

 

Mar 7

Exploration Hike

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Ferndale Preserve in Clermont

Join staff and explore the habitats and species of Ferndale Preserve. Hike intensity: Vigorous. Reservations required.

 

Mar 8

Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey

7:30 AM – 11:00 AM Pasture Reserve in Groveland

Assist staff with surveying one of Lake County’s conservation lands for birds and butterflies.

 

Mar 8

AdventHealth Great Clermont Triathlon

7:00 AM – 1:00 PM Waterfront Park in Clermont

 

The 41st Annual Great Clermont Triathlon, Florida’s traditional season opener featuring an International distance triathlon, International Aquabike & More

 

Mar 12

Water Wednesday (lakes, rivers, and streams)

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Hickory Point in Tavares

Discover the fascinating wildlife that inhabits Florida’s lakes, rivers, and streams, from fish to amphibians to birds. Sustainable Activity:

Continue reading

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau recently conducted a three-day human trafficking operation, dubbed Operation Forced Labor. Operation Forced Labor was conducted at an undisclosed location in the central part of Lake County from February 6-8, 2025. The focus of the undercover operation was the identification, safe recovery, and stabilization of human trafficking victims. Detectives from the Clermont, Eustis, Leesburg, and Mount Dora Police Departments, along with detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security, provided significant assistance throughout the investigation. During the operation, detectives worked in an undercover capacity using various known prostitution websites to solicit prostitutes and individuals looking for services provided by prostitutes. Continue reading

On February 20, 2025, Lake County deputies responded to 31504 Colby Pl, Sorrento, in reference to a person-shot complaint. Responding deputies located the victim, Justin Kates (DOB 01/27/1988), deceased with a gunshot wound, lying in the roadway. Witnesses reported that the victim and suspect, Justin Joseph Raymond Fout (DOB 06/25/1993), were involved in a verbal altercation prior to the suspect shooting the victim. The suspect was last seen fleeing the scene driving an older model white Dodge Ram van with a female passenger and person of interest, Patricia Neeley. The van should have front and rear end damage, red transfer paint on the rear, a black spray-painted rear right door, and a busted-out rear left door window. Detectives are working closely with outside agencies, following up on investigative leads and seeking the public’s assistance for information related to Fouts’s whereabouts. A Lake County arrest warrant for the crime of Murder in the Second Degree has been issued for Fout.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Justin Fout is asked to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 352-343-2101, local law enforcement, or Crimeline.

 

Feverdreams: Sunset Songs Serie

• Date:04/09/2025 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Location:Downtown Square

1 SE Broadway St.

Ocala, Florida 34471

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Sunset Songs Series

Music lovers of all ages will enjoy Sunset Songs Series! This free concert series on the downtown square brings you the best local and regional artists performing funk, blues, reggae, and country originals as the sun goes down. Kick back and soak in the melodies with the perfect Wednesday night activity. If you love music and sunsets, the Sunset Songs Series is for you! End your day on a melodic high note at these not-to-be-missed community concerts.

• Monthly concerts September through May featuring top-notch musical talent

• All concerts are 100% free – just bring your lawn chair or blanket!

• Unwind and discover great new music in a gorgeous outdoor setting

• Grab a bite to eat at one of our many amazing local downtown restaurants

Headlining Act: Feverdreams

Born off the back of a COVID 19-induced dissolution of their former band, The States, and the isolation of the lockdown, Joshua Jacobs and Matthew Weisberg started dreaming up what would be next for their musical endeavors. Two ideas emerged: forming of a new musical project they called Feverdreams and an in-home recording studio, Kindred House Studio.

After working musically together for the better part of a decade, Weisberg and Jacobs had a type of secret language only they could understand. They began writing and producing their own songs, seeking a more blue-collar, “DIY” approach than previously done. They released their first single, “Wildfire”, a roots-driven rock song pushing them into the subgenre of heartland rock. Continue reading

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