Governor Ron DeSantis hand delivered a joint statement signed by all public postsecondary presidents to the U.S. Department of Education, becoming the first state in the nation to affirm its commitment to academic and operational excellence in response to the National Call to Action issued to postsecondary institutions nationwide. The joint statement, signed by all 28 Florida College System presidents and 12 State University System presidents, affirms the Florida College System and State University System’s commitment to rigorous teaching, pathbreaking research where applicable, and service to the nation, while outlining the standards and priorities Florida’s institutions are committed to upholding.

“Florida’s colleges and universities offer world-class opportunities for learning, research, and career pathways. We’ve ignored the noise and focused on merit, and the results speak for themselves, said Governor Ron DeSantis.” “Today, we led the way in answering the call from the Department of Education to affirm Florida’s commitment to rigorous instruction, groundbreaking research, and service to our country in higher education.”

“Secretary McMahon’s Call to Action reinforces what matters most: higher education’s mission of educating students and serving the economic and civic needs of our state and nation, said System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues.” “The State University System of Florida is proud to affirm the principles that have made our universities a national model for higher education. Florida remains focused on academic excellence through merit-based admissions, rigorous teaching and scholarship, meaningful public service, and a belief that intellectual diversity is critical to a marketplace of ideas. Our institutions will continue to offer a world-class education at the most affordable price in the nation.”  Continue reading →

Governor Ron DeSantis announced nearly $188 million in awards to strengthen health care in Florida’s rural communities by expanding access to care, supporting rural hospitals and clinics, and growing the state’s rural health care workforce.

The funding will support more than 80 awards serving communities across 31 rural counties, home to nearly 1.2 million Floridians. Awardees include hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), rural health clinics, and other health care providers and community organizations working to meet the unique needs of rural Floridians.

“These investments in rural Florida will strengthen hospitals and clinics, expand the rural health care workforce, and help ensure Floridians can access high-quality care in their own communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.

The awards are part of Florida’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Florida received $209 million through the federal-state initiative to strengthen rural health care systems, modernize infrastructure, expand access to services, and build the health care workforce. Continue reading →

Governor Ron DeSantis announced $60 million in awards through the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Florida Cancer Innovation Fund and opened the application cycle for Fiscal Year 2026-27, with $70 million available for new awards, a $10 million increase over last year.

“Today, I was proud to announce the winners of this year’s Florida Cancer Innovation Fund awards and the opening of applications for next year’s awards. This promising initiative now has $70 million in funding for groundbreaking cancer research projects, $10 million more than the previous cycle,” said Governor DeSantis. “Congratulations to the awardees, and thank you for all you do to make Florida a beacon of hope in cancer research and treatment.”

Since 2019, Florida has invested more than $1.4 billion in cancer research and treatment, and funding for cancer research programs has increased by more than 175 percent under Governor DeSantis. In Fiscal Year 2026-27 alone, Florida committed nearly $228 million to cancer research and innovation.  Continue reading →

Governor Ron DeSantis awarded nearly $8.8 million to 12 small and rural communities across Northwest Florida to support critical infrastructure investments and community development projects. The funding, awarded through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) Grant Program, will support projects that strengthen local infrastructure, enhance community resiliency and promote long-term economic growth.
“This morning in Bonifay, I was pleased to announce more than $8.8 million in funding for critical infrastructure and community development projects in 12 small and rural Florida communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These Community Development Block Grant awards will help improve water and wastewater systems, stormwater infrastructure, roads, and workforce housing. These investments promote long-term economic growth that will help rural Florida families thrive for many years to come.”
“Strong infrastructure and thoughtful community planning are essential to creating opportunities in Florida’s small and rural communities,” said Secretary of Commerce, J. Alex Kelly. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, these investments will help communities address critical water, wastewater, roadway and infrastructure needs while strengthening economic readiness and long-term resiliency. These projects give local leaders the resources they need to build stronger communities, support businesses and create greater opportunities for Floridians.”
The following communities will receive an award through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program: Continue reading →

Governor Ron DeSantis celebrated the start of the 2026-2027 school year by highlighting Florida’s continued leadership in education. The event showcased Florida’s commitment to putting students first by supporting teachers, empowering parents, and maintaining high academic standards that will continue to produce nation-leading results.

“We’ve led the way to champion policies that expand opportunities for students, strengthen workforce education, support great teachers, and ensure every child has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in life,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “As students across the state get ready to go back to school, we wish them a successful year ahead. We appreciate the parents, educators, and school leaders whose dedication to students is leaving them better prepared than ever, and we will keep working to ensure that the best days for education in Florida are still ahead.”

“Education changes the trajectory of a child’s life. Every classroom, every lesson, every parent, and every educator help shape opportunities that extend far beyond the next grade level or graduation,” said Commissioner of Education Henry Mack. “As we begin this school year, we remain committed to building on our successes and strengthening Florida’s education system as a national model of excellence—challenging students to reach their highest potential, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their future careers, and preparing them to make meaningful contributions to Florida and the United States as productive citizens.” Continue reading →

Cammack amendments strengthen America’s military by rooting China out of defense supply chains, countering foreign influence operations, protecting military families, and improving National Guard disaster readiness.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today announced that ten of her amendments were adopted in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (H.R. 8800), which passed the House by a vote of 216-214. The legislation authorizes a pay raise for every service member and now advances to the Senate.

“Our troops deserve a raise and our adversaries deserve a reason to think twice. This bill delivers on both,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “I fought to make sure it delivers accountability too. We cannot just throw money at the Pentagon. My amendments force answers to hard questions about who is in our supply chains, whether we’re ready for tomorrow’s threats, and where American taxpayer dollars are going.”

Together, Rep. Cammack’s ten adopted amendments strengthen military readiness, reduce dependence on foreign adversaries, improve care for military families, accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies, and strengthen America’s disaster response capabilities. Continue reading →

Cammack helped craft and shepherd the Rural Health Transformation Program through committee, securing more than $200 million for Florida and delivering critical resources to rural communities across FL-03.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today announced more than $42.2 million in Rural Health Transformation Program investments benefiting health care providers and communities across North Central Florida, following her work in Congress to help craft and advance the legislation that created the program.

As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its Health Subcommittee, Cammack helped shape the rural health provisions and shepherd them through the committee process as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts law. The resulting Rural Health Transformation Program secured $209 million for Florida in its first year alone, with funding now reaching rural hospitals, physicians, health systems, and communities across the state. Continue reading →

Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the results of a significant operation conducted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. The operation resulted in 116 arrests to date, with that number expected to rise as outstanding warrants are served. Five victims of human trafficking—three adults and two juveniles—were recovered and connected with critical support services.

“These human traffickers and child predators prey on the most vulnerable in our communities, exploiting women and children for their own gain,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to the outstanding work of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution, 116 of these criminals are behind bars, five victims have been rescued, and one trafficker is facing three life sentences. Florida has zero tolerance for this evil, and we will continue to hunt down every last one of them.”

“Human trafficking is a crime that thrives in the shadows, and operations like this one shine a light on it,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This work is not merely a job, it’s a mission, a mission to protect and preserve the very fabric of our community. Every arrest made during Operation Relentless Summer represents a predator who is no longer a threat to the families of Hillsborough County.” Continue reading →

Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that over 2,000 child predators have been arrested since he took office in February 2025. The milestone reflects the aggressive work of the Office of Statewide Prosecution in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children.

“Protecting our children is my number one priority,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “With over 2,000 child predators arrested since I took office, we are sending a clear message: if you prey on kids in this state, we will find you, arrest you, and put you behind bars. Thanks to our law enforcement partners and Statewide Prosecutors, we are breaking all-time records against predators.”

“Florida is safer with the men and women at FDLE doing their very best to protect our communities from individuals who exploit and harm our children,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “Our agents and analysts will continue to work with our criminal justice partners and Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution to accomplish the mission of keeping our streets free from these criminals.”

“At the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, we are constantly looking ahead,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “We are not waiting for a child to become a victim before we act. We are investing in training, technology, intelligence, and the people who have dedicated their lives to protect protecting children. This is what proactive policing and solid partnerships look like.” Continue reading →

Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a conviction against Kimberly Ruth Bitting of Leesburg for exploiting an elderly widow by abusing a power of attorney and position of trust to steal approximately $350,000.

“This defendant systematically exploited a vulnerable senior widow grieving the loss of her husband, abusing a power of attorney to drain her life savings, purchase property for herself, and isolate her from family,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Florida will not tolerate those who prey on our elderly under the guise of caregiving or trust. I thank the Leesburg Police Department, Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Taylor Chatting, and Special Counsel Ana Sacco for their outstanding work securing this conviction.”

According to the investigation, Bitting obtained power of attorney over her elderly neighbor—a senior widow—shortly after the victim’s husband died in August 2021. Over the next 15 to 18 months, Bitting used that authority to issue numerous checks from the victim’s accounts to her own accounts and those of others, make repeated ATM withdrawals confirmed by surveillance video, and transfer funds from investment accounts. Continue reading →