Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott K. H. Bessent, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), urging swift action to address a Chinese investment that threatens U.S. intellectual property, jobs, and national security. The letter highlights growing concerns surrounding FastWave Medical, a Minnesota-based American startup pioneering laser-based intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) technology—a lifesaving advancement in cardiovascular care with critical dual-use applications in semiconductor manufacturing and precision military systems.

FastWave’s technology is classified under federal export controls as a “critical technology” due to its national-security implications. Yet the company’s future is being jeopardized by Grand Pharmaceutical (GP), a Chinese investor operating through its Hong Kong subsidiary, which has used its veto power to block new U.S. capital investment for more than a year.

“This is exactly how the Chinese Communist Party seeks to gain leverage over American innovation,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “They buy in, block out U.S. investors, and bleed out the company until they can siphon off our intellectual property and take it back to Beijing. We can’t let that happen—not with technologies that save American lives and protect our national security.”

“Grand Pharmaceutical’s actions are preventing a vital U.S. innovation from reaching the patients who need it most,” said Dr. Arthur Lee, an interventional cardiologist based in Gainesville, Florida, and Managing Partner at Epic Venture Partners, an investor in FastWave. “America’s technological leadership, economic security, and the health of millions of citizens are on the line. A U.S. MedTech startup pursuing federally regulated critical technology is being suffocated by a foreign entity with clear connections to the People’s Republic of China. We need CFIUS to act decisively so FastWave can raise investment capital and continue its journey toward delivering life-saving technology to patients here at home.” Continue reading

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) released the following statement after House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), landmark legislation that advances President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda and delivers critical support to America’s warfighters, military families, and defense industrial base. The legislation includes Congresswoman Cammack’s amendment to ensure National Guard units have the equipment they need to execute homeland defense missions.

“From strengthening deterrence to rebuilding our industrial base, the FY26 NDAA restores America’s military advantage and ensures our servicemembers have the tools, training, and support they deserve,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “America relies on the National Guard every single day—whether in natural disaster response or homeland defense. They cannot do their jobs without the right equipment, and this provision gives Congress the transparency needed to address these shortfalls and ensure our Guard is fully prepared to meet any mission.”

The FY26 NDAA fulfills several major priorities: Continue reading

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) released the following statement after the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform passed her bill, the Unauthorized Spending Accountability (USA) Act:

“I’m grateful to Chairman Comer and my colleagues for advancing this critical bill,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “For too long, Washington has allowed billions of taxpayer dollars to flow to programs that haven’t been reviewed or reauthorized in years—sometimes decades. The USA Act restores accountability by forcing Congress to do its job: examine these programs every three years, determine whether they are effective, and ensure that federal funds are being used responsibly. This is a commonsense, necessary step to rein in wasteful spending and return real oversight to the American people.”

Chairman James Comer (KY-01) praised the legislation, saying: “It is not too much to ask that Congress provide the appropriate level of scrutiny over the federal programs it has established and find the time every three years to ensure that federal funds are being used responsibly and effectively. The timeframe under the USA Act forces that to happen. Ensuring that every federal program is properly authorized gives Congress the oversight and budgetary tools to increase government efficiency, improve the effectiveness of federal agency programs and missions, and help reduce government spending.”

The USA Act puts all unauthorized programs on a pathway to sunset in 3 years and requires any new authorizations or reauthorizations to include a sunset clause. This means every government program will be routinely scrutinized and updated by the People’s representatives.

In its latest report, CBO found 1,264 authorizations that expired before fiscal year 2024 began and 25l that are set to expire before the end of the fiscal year. Additionally, it reported that $516 billion in appropriations for 2024 is linked to 491 expired authorizations. Two decades ago, this figure was $35 billion marking an 1,374% increase of unauthorized programs and agencies that are still taxpayer funded.

Congresswoman Kat Cammack represents Florida’s Third Congressional District, covering 12 counties across North Central and Northeast Florida. She serves on the House Agriculture and Energy and Commerce Committees and chairs both the Republican Women’s Caucus and the Republican Study Committee’s Emerging Tech Task Force.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit successfully seized cryptocurrency valued at $1.5 million USD in a money laundering case against a Chinese national.

“While scammers are changing their methods, I am proud of our Statewide Prosecutors’ ability to adapt and deliver justice,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “I want to thank our Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office for their continued dedication and for making this fraudster’s victim whole again.”

The investigation started in July 2024 after a report was filed with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. The victim, a Citrus County resident, reported he had been scammed out of $47,421 USD through an internet-based investment scheme.

As a result of the investigation, Tu Weizhi, of China, was charged with Money LaunderingGrand Theft, and Organized Scheme to Defraud. If Weizhi ever attempts to enter the U.S., he will be arrested. The seizure was conducted under the Fugitive Disentitlement Act.

A seizure warrant was filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit to recover Weizhi’s entire cryptocurrency wallet, valued at approximately $1.5 million, which contained AVAX (Avalanche), DOGE (Dogecoin), PEPE (Pepe), and SOL (Solana) cryptocurrency tokens.

Cryptocurrency-related crimes are on the rise. If you believe you have been the victim of fraudulent activity, you may file a complaint at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.

FORT MYERS, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution secured the conviction of Ivan Gutierrez Miranda for stealing and reselling trailers meant for recovering hurricane victims who lost and were rebuilding their homes. Miranda is a Cuban national who entered the United States illegally in 2022.

“This illegal alien was allowed in by the Biden administration, and he targeted critical resources during a disaster when many Floridians needed temporary housing,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Paul Thomas and Tim Donnelly, this criminal will stay behind bars for a long time before we send him back to where he came from.”

The investigation, conducted by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol, revealed that Miranda and his codefendants operated in the early morning hours as well as late evening in an attempt to blend in during the state of emergency where RVs/Campers were being moved daily to aid displaced Floridians in need due to Hurricane Ian.

After a week-and-a-half-long trial, the Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a guilty verdict against Miranda. A key piece of evidence in the trial was a video Miranda filmed, in which he advertised the features of the stolen trailers.

The jury found the defendant guilty on the charges below:

  • RICO
  • Conspiracy to Commit RICO
  • Organized Scheme to Defraud
  • Dealing in Stolen Property – 5 counts

Sentencing is scheduled for January 26, 2026. Miranda faces up to 165 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, with a mandatory minimum of eight years. After serving his sentence, Miranda will be deported.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrests of Jorge Armando Nieto, 39, Martin Theodore Cassady, 61, and Joel Orellana, 25, all from the greater Orlando area, on a combined 81 felony charges of Possession of Child Pornography.

“The depraved individuals who choose to engage in and trade content showing the sexual abuse of children will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Protecting our kids is my utmost priority, and I am confident in our Statewide Prosecutors’ ability to hold these predators accountable for this abhorrent behavior.”

The investigations were launched by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Cybercrimes Task Force following tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The executed search warrants revealed graphic sexual abuse materials involving children and animals on their personal devices. Some of the children appear to be under two years old.

These cases will be prosecuted in the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida by Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Rodrigo Caruco.

The investigations are ongoing, and further charges may be added once the information is filed.

Dear Friend,

We are delighted to share an in-depth look into the Marion County Republican Executive Committee (MCREC) – your local Republican Party, powered by your neighbors and dedicated to upholding the principles that strengthen our community, state, and nation. The MCREC is a vibrant grassroots organization, a cornerstone of the Republican Party in Florida, committed to shaping a brighter future through principled leadership and active civic engagement.
At its heart, the MCREC is composed of everyday citizens – your friends, family, and neighbors – who are united by a common set of core beliefs and values. We firmly believe in:

Protecting Constitutional Freedoms:

  • Upholding the fundamental rights endowed to every American, from the sacred right to bear arms to ensuring a limited government that respects individual liberties.
  • Securing Our Elections:** Championing the integrity of our democratic process by advocating for robust measures that ensure only eligible U.S. citizens cast votes, strengthening public trust in our electoral system.
  • Empowering Responsible Energy Solutions:** Promoting energy independence and economic prosperity through the strategic and responsible expansion of America’s abundant natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear power.
  • Defending Life and Faith-Based Values:** Standing unequivocally for the protection of the unborn and advocating for policies that reflect and honor our community’s deeply held faith-based principles.
  • Upholding Lawful Immigration:** Advocating for secure borders and a just, orderly immigration system rooted in the rule of law, ensuring the safety and sovereignty of our nation.
  • Championing Medical Freedom:** Protecting individual autonomy in healthcare decisions, opposing government mandates, and ensuring patients have the right to choose their treatments and vaccinations without coercionand vaccinations without coercion.

The Power of Grassroots Action: Your MCREC Members    Continue reading

By Tom James

‘Leadership In Its Purest Form’

Alex Sosa, B.B. Graphics

“Flying influences everything I do in life, including how I run my business.”

CEP partner Alex Sosa draws clear parallels between how he runs B.B. Graphics and how he approaches aviation.

“Being a captain teaches you leadership in its purest form,” he says, stressing the importance of details. “When people’s lives are in your hands, your decisions carry real weight. I approach business the same way—making sure our product is top-quality, our team is well-trained, and every client’s experience is seamless.”

Away from the office, it’s up, up, and away for Alex, who has built an unshakeable bond with the friendly skies starting the moment he received his high school diploma.

“I began my flight training right out of high school and aviation has taken me places I probably never would have seen otherwise.”

Flying runs deep in Alex’s family, as multiple family members have spent time in the cockpit. Continue reading

  • We have 4 digital Newspapers!
  • We have five websites!
  • We are a Ocala CEP partner!
  • Current member and past President of the Ocala Business Leaders!
  • Current president, past president and co-founders of The Select Business Associates of Ocala!
  • Current member and past president of The Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce!
  • Winner of over 100 state wide awards for Newspaper excellence!
  • Graduate Publisher of the CPF Leadership Institute!
  • Our publications are in the University of Florida Library!
  • AND MORE!

This year has brought us many new friends ands associates. I want to thank them: My graphic artist, our advertisers.

Tell them you read it here.

Read us on Ocaladowntown.com and TomLPublishing.com

Contact us – Hate mail or nice mail – email me at tloury@att.net

By TomL

To The Board of County Commissioners.

I have written several letters to Board about taxes and insurance. I agree you need the money to get Marion County ready for many residents moving here. The perfect storm is to be ready before they move here but, you can see what is happening I’m sure. When you raise taxes, you raise value of the homes, The mortgage Companies raise the insurance value and the tax payers are receiving astounding Insurance increases every year. I have talked to many people that say their insurance monthly payment has gone up $200 to $400 per month in two year’s. That is not sustainable. When a person turns 65 they should not have increases like that. Retirees work many years in Marion County, pay taxes to build the current infrastructure and now they risk all the planning to live comfortably for the rest of their lives because of taxes and Insurance. Again I understand you need the money to get the County ready for the incoming, Someone said a thousand a month, but the people moving here should pay the expense not the Marion County elderly. I am sorry I have to write this letter but it’s getting worse for the mortgage holders and the banks don’t care and the Insurance Company’s LOVE IT!  It is in your hands to help the elderly mortgage holders. One question. Have you looked at the fore closures lately.

A suggestion was offered by one of the Marion County residents, if the insurance company has not paid a claim that year on the said property give the insured half their money back or credit half money for the next year.

I am sending a copy to the Governor also, you are honorable people I understand maybe the Governor is acting on this.

I have been a Marion County tax payer for 56 years. I have already paid for the infrastructure!

Respectfully Tom Loury

Dunnellon Florida (the forgotten).

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CEP – Click to learn more

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