WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the establishment of a bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to explore how Congress can ensure America continues to lead the world in AI innovation while considering guardrails that may be appropriate to safeguard the nation against current and emerging threats. Congresswoman Kat Cammack was tapped as a member of the new group along with three other Republicans from the Florida delegation.

Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries have each appointed twelve members to the Task Force that represent key committees of jurisdiction and will be jointly led by Chair Jay Obernolte (CA-23) and Co-Chair Ted Lieu (CA-36). The Task Force will seek to produce a comprehensive report that will include guiding principles, forward-looking recommendations and bipartisan policy proposals developed in consultation with committees of jurisdiction.

“Because advancements in artificial intelligence have the potential to rapidly transform our economy and our society, it is important for Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to understand and plan for both the promises and the complexities of this transformative technology,” said Speaker Mike Johnson. “I am happy to announce with Leader Jeffries this new Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence to ensure America continues leading in this strategic arena.” Continue reading

Dear Neighbor,
This week I was back home in the district after three long weeks in Washington! It is always great to be home working with my team to best advocate for the policy issues that impact and matter the most to you. This week, we visited Alachua, Marion, and Gilchrist Counties to meet with folks and hear from them about what’s most on their minds. We’re looking forward to sharing more details and photos from those stops next week.

While back home in Florida, I joined a letter with 80 of my peers to demand President Biden take a cognitive test. America is the greatest and most powerful country in the world, and the chief executive must be mentally and physically equipped to tackle the challenges we face. We’re concerned about President Biden’s mental fitness and are united in ensuring the president—no matter the party—is up to the job.

Additionally, the 2024 Congressional Art Competition is now open. I am so proud of the art our students produce in Florida’s Third, and I can’t wait to see what this year’s competition has in store. Interested applicants can read more about submitting their artwork here. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 5 at 5pm ET. Continue reading

Dear Neighbor,
It was a big week in Washington. The House finally impeached DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for the utter negligence at the southern border. We will continue to hold him accountable and push for stronger border security that puts an end to the crisis.

In the Energy & Commerce Committee, we made meaningful headway in gathering support for the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act. I am a proud sponsor of this bill and had the chance to speak about it during a legislative hearing with the bill’s namesake in the audience. Advocating for the sanctity and quality of life for people with disabilities is our responsibility and one I take seriously.

Additionally, I spoke on the House Floor this week about the Biden administration’s LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) export ban. The House also passed H.R. 7176, the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act, to reverse this LNG ban to protect our American energy jobs and our economy. Continue reading

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a 30-year prison sentence for a man operating an elaborate real estate investment scheme. Miquel Angel Perez defrauded more than 20 victims out of retirement and life savings through a scheme involving real estate pitches and false promises of wealth made from investments. A Pasco County jury found Perez guilty of 22 felonies, including racketeering, grand theft, exploitation and mortgage fraud. The judge sentenced Perez to 30 years in prison.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This real estate schemer claimed to be a successful investor but instead stole people’s hard-earned money, leaving many in deep debt and with poor credit. He tricked more than 20 victims, including senior citizens, to gain millions in investment funds all to fund his own lavish lifestyle. Now, thanks to our law enforcement partners and Statewide Prosecutors, his next real estate venture will be relocating to a jail cell.”

According to the investigation, Perez held free investment seminars and showed attendees how to purchase and convert single-family residences into assisted living facilities for a profit, in exchange for the attendees’ investments. Perez claimed to garner great success in real estate investments, and accumulated millions in net worth—promising to help attendees attain a similar lifestyle. Continue reading

TALLAHASSEE — Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution charged a man for stealing more than $28,000 worth of electrical wire in a fraudulent barcode scheme. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigation, Edrey Santo Rojas stole rolls of wire through fraudulent sales and returns from multiple Lowe’s and Home Depot stores in 15 counties throughout Florida and the Southeast United States. In a seven-month period, Rojas fraudulently used authentic barcodes from lesser-priced electrical wire to purchase expensive rolls of wire. Rojas then conducted fraudulent returns by taking products in the store that matched the receipt from the prior purchase to customer service for a full refund. Rojas is charged with multiple felony counts of retail theft.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This thief stole more than $28,000 worth of wire rolls from home-improvement stores throughout 15 counties in a fraudulent barcode scheme. He committed more than 70 different thefts crossing multiple judicial circuits. Thanks to law enforcement and our Statewide Prosecutors, his spree is wired shut and now he faces multiple felony charges.” Continue reading

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution charged a man for stealing more than $28,000 worth of electrical wire in a fraudulent barcode scheme. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigation, Edrey Santo Rojas stole rolls of wire through fraudulent sales and returns from multiple Lowe’s and Home Depot stores in 15 counties throughout Florida and the Southeast United States. In a seven-month period, Rojas fraudulently used authentic barcodes from lesser-priced electrical wire to purchase expensive rolls of wire. Rojas then conducted fraudulent returns by taking products in the store that matched the receipt from the prior purchase to customer service for a full refund. Rojas is charged with multiple felony counts of retail theft.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This thief stole more than $28,000 worth of wire rolls from home-improvement stores throughout 15 counties in a fraudulent barcode scheme. He committed more than 70 different thefts crossing multiple judicial circuits. Thanks to law enforcement and our Statewide Prosecutors, his spree is wired shut and now he faces multiple felony charges.”  Continue reading

Feel the Love from Rex this Valentine’s Season! Sign your child up by February 8th to receive a special valentine in the mail from Rex himself!

*Postcards are limited to 500 cards total and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents must provide a valid recipient’s name and mailing address. The city is not responsible for lost or late mailers.

Live On the Square– Halfway Hippie

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The Lee Boys: Sunset Songs Series

Music lovers of all ages will enjoy the new 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 January 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

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By TomL

Many Americans have been known for their bravery, grit, pride, family, God and country. Most have a lot of grit meaning they face danger with resolution, take action and move on to the next challenge.

I remember when the movie “True Grit” came out staring John Wayne. In the movie John Wayne had a lot of grit. Here was an old Sheriff / Bounty Hunter, alcoholic that was a real True American. At the end of the movie he was on one side of a clearing and a number of bad guys were on the other side making fun of him. He was on his faithful horse, took the reigns in his teeth and a gun in each hand and charge the group of bad guys. That is true Grit!

That is what we need, not necessarily a cowboy but a person of courage. Not necessarily a goody goody but a bit of a rough who throws caution to the wind and does the right thing. We have someone who has some of those characteristics in the name of “Donald Trump”. The Democrats are afraid of him because he will hold them accountable for the wrong things they have done. The Dictators around the world are also afraid of him because he will, no questions asked retaliate if we have been wronged. He will hit them harder then we got hit. If a Terrorist continuously  keeps coming into view by killing our people or trying to kill our people “he will take them out!” Continue reading

Lady Lake named Tree City for 18th year LADY LAKE – For the 18th year, Lady Lake has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. To receive the prestigious designation, a Tree City must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observation and proclamation. According to Tree City USA, a commitment to trees helps lead to cooler temperatures, cleaner air, higher property values and healthier residents. “We are very proud of our Tree City USA designation,” said Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske. “We view this as a commitment to our community to continue to maintain our trees whenever possible, and work with residents to plant new trees for future generations.” Continue reading

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CEP – Click to learn more

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