GAINESVILLE, FL — This morning, Congresswoman Kat Cammack issued the following statement about the U.S. Department of Commerce’s announcement of its intent to withdraw from the 2019 Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Investigation on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico, with termination effective in 90 days.
“This has been a priority of ours for years in Florida,” said Rep. Kat Cammack. “For half a decade now, our producers have been subject to an unfair marketplace. In the past five years alone, Mexican tomato producers have violated the suspension agreement over 100 times. The economic impact of these violations has been catastrophic on our domestic tomato producers.”
“I’ve long been a champion of free but fair trade. Since the beginning of 2000 we have dropped from 250 producers to just 25. I’m grateful the Trump administration is working so hard to enforce international U.S. trade laws, and I know our tomato producers in Florida will be relieved to once more have a level playing field. As the only Florida Member on the House Agriculture Committee, I’m proud to work on behalf of our farmers, ranchers, and producers to deliver the support they deserve and keep their industry alive. Food security is national security which is why ensuring our producers are protected from unfair trade practices is critical,” Rep. Cammack added. Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Attorney General James Uthmeier secured the return of tens of millions of dollars from Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC) to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF). The agreement resolves allegations that the company fraudulently submitted numerous ineligible claims for reimbursement in violation of the Florida False Claims Act. This is the first time the Office of the Attorney General has secured repayment related to an insurance fraud case.
“Thanks to the outstanding work of Associate Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Weilhammer, Director Liz Brady, and Assistant Attorney General Andrew Butler, our office secured the return of more than $30 million to the state’s hurricane fund from fraudulent insurance submission allegations following Hurricane Irma,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “As Floridians, we know the impact that hurricanes can have on our state and how important recovery efforts are in a storm’s aftermath in helping residents start to rebuild. This office is committed to a healthy and stable insurance market for Florida homeowners, meaning insurance companies must play by the rules.”
The FHCF is a tax-exempt state trust fund administered by the State Board of Administration that serves a vital role in stabilizing the Florida insurance market when hurricanes cause widespread or catastrophic damage. FHCF provides reimbursements to residential property insurance companies for a portion of their payments to homeowners for hurricane-related property damage. In the event of widespread, major hurricanes, such as Hurricane Irma, FHCF provides a backstop to the losses faced by insurance carriers. Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a major legal challenge against the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accusing the federal agency of illegally blocking the development of advanced nuclear technologies—technologies that could revolutionize energy production in America.
“For decades, Washington has made promises about nuclear energy—but then throws up roadblocks when real innovation comes along,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Florida is done waiting. We’re taking action to unleash the full potential of safe nuclear technology, strengthen our energy independence, and secure cleaner water and air in our state.”
With its rapidly growing population and increasing electricity demand, Florida faces significant challenges in meeting the energy needs of its residents. Last year, Governor DeSantis signed HB 1645, which directs the Public Service Commission to study the feasibility of using advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), to meet the state’s power needs. Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a subpoena to Roblox, a popular online gaming platform, demanding information about how the platform markets to children, sets age-verification requirements, and moderates chat rooms.
“As a father and Attorney General, children’s safety and protection are a top priority,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “There are concerning reports that this gaming platform, which is popular among children, is exposing them to harmful content and bad actors. We are issuing a subpoena to Roblox to uncover how this platform is marketing to children and to see what policies they are implementing—if any—to avoid interactions with predators.”
There are numerous concerning reports about children being exposed to graphic or harmful material on the gaming platform, as well as predatory adults being able to message minors on the app freely. The Attorney General’s subpoena also demands Roblox to hand over documents related to the platform’s collection and processing of children’s data. Continue reading
May 01
Storytime Station
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Ride the reading train into Storytime Station. This literature rich experience will bring books to life through story and song.
May 02
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.
May 02
First Friday
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Downtown Eustis in Eustis
Join us for our Eustis First Friday Street Party from 6 – 9 p.m.! Our family-friendly monthly street parties host a wide variety of food, vendors and more
May 03
Umatilla Garden Club
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Connect with local garden enthusiasts and cultivate your green thumb! Continue reading
Date:05/14/2025 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location:Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala, Florida 34471
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
Headliner: Kash’d Out Continue reading
Marion County Republican Executive Committee (MCREC) opposition to CS/ SB 1080 (Reconsideration Attempt)
Seems to be an enormous amount of opposition to SB1080 in our communities through out our State, and even after it failed in final committee, there seems to be a move internally to reconsider the bill.
It is with some level of dismay and disappointment that the will of the electorate of the Marion County Republican Party is being ignored by this Bill’s sponsor. The Senator again is pushing for passage, despite a public “No” decision by the legislature, as well as prior numerous letters from a number of County Republican organizations. Some of the key factors are noted below, what is most distressing is the disregard of a legislator to support the will of the people.
So the following is our opinion on why we opposed the bill and the following is what we addressed to each Senator. Make up your own minds because this bill is not dead yet.
On behalf of the Marion County Republican Executive Committee (MCREC), representing more than 130,000 registered Republican voters we strongly oppose this bill and recent amendment. Continue reading
(NAPS)—Rachel Oh sat in an office at a military hospital, shifting in her seat and clicking the pen an American Red Cross representative had just given her. It was a day of much anticipation but at that moment, all she felt was nerves.
“I initially joined the Red Cross because I was interested in volunteering at the hospital where my mom worked,” said Oh. “It was straight out of COVID, and I was looking for something productive to do.”
The Red Cross, thanks to its Congressional Charter, which authorizes the organization to provide emergency communication services to deployed service members around the world, is granted unique access to U.S. military installations, military hospitals and veteran care facilities.
Oh lives in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Her mother is a doctor in the oncology department at the largest U.S. military hospital outside of the continental U.S.
“I was always interested in the hospital where my mom worked and wanted to be closer to her.”
But she was too young at the time, so they introduced her to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Youth Action Campaign (YAC) instead.
AC is an educational outreach campaign that promotes awareness of and commitment to humanitarian principles in times of war. Outreach like this holds special significance to children of active-duty military parents like Oh, who describes the military as being a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Continue reading
LADY LAKE — The Town of Lady Lake invites courageous moms and their adventurous sons to the second annual Survivor: Mother-Son Edition. This exciting, family-friendly event presented by the Town of Lady Lake Parks & Recreation Department, will take place on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Snooky Park, located at 120 W. Lady Lake Blvd.
Inspired by the hit TV show Survivor, this action-packed day will challenge participants to outwit, outplay, and outlast opposing teams in a series of fun and engaging games. Teams will compete in age-appropriate challenges designed to strengthen bonds, create lasting memories, and have a blast.
“Our inaugural event was such a hit that we knew we had to bring it back,” said Amy Alicea, Events Coordinator for the Town of Lady Lake. “It’s a great way for moms and sons to team up and enjoy a day in our beautiful park filled with laughter, fun, and friendly competition.”
In addition to the games, each ticket includes a picnic-style lunch and a chance to win exciting prizes. Tickets are just $10 per person and must be purchased in advance by April 24 at Lady Lake Town Hall, the Lady Lake Library or by calling 352-205-2826. Space is limited to ensure an optimal experience for all participants, so early registration is encouraged.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a thrilling adventure and celebrate the special bond between mothers and sons. Join the fun at Snooky Park on May 3—and let the games begin!
For more, visit www.ladylakefl.gov and follow us on Facebook at @townofladylake.
The Town of Lady Lake is excited to present the Sounds of Spring Concert Series, a lineup of free live music bringing the community together for an unforgettable season of fun, food, and live entertainment.
Held under the oak trees of Snooky Park , located 120 Lady Lake Blvd., this three-part concert series will feature talented tribute and cover bands, food trucks, and beverages for all to enjoy. Mark your calendars for these performances:
Saturday, May 17 | 11 AM – 2 PM – The Rundown Band will close out the series with electrifying rock and pop favorites.
The concert will feature delicious food trucks and beer & wine for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs to relax and enjoy the show.
“This concert series is a wonderful way for our community to come together, enjoy live music, and celebrate the beautiful spring season in Lady Lake,” said Events Coordinator Amy Alicea. “We invite everyone to join us for a great time with family and friends.”
