WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, following 25 hours of markup, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) with bipartisan support, advancing the long-awaited farm bill to the next stage of consideration.

Congresswoman Kat Cammack’s (R-FL-03) top priorities were successfully secured in the bill, including major wins for Florida producer.

“For years, producers have been operating without the stability they need to plan and invest,” said Cammack. “The farm bill is the backbone of American agriculture, food security, and rural communities. This legislation delivers meaningful improvements for Florida farmers and ensures our growers have the tools they need to recover, rebuild, and compete.”

Cammack pointed to the toll hurricanes, flooding, and recent freezes have taken on Florida’s specialty crops, citrus groves, berry farms, and nursery operations, noting the bill strengthens the agricultural safety net to reflect the realities growers face. Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the results of a two-day sting operation targeting illegal gaming operations. The operation spanned Volusia, Brevard, Duval, and Flagler counties, resulting in the seizure of 525 illegal machines and $190,000 in illicit proceeds across 39 locations, according to preliminary operation results.

“Unlawful gambling operations often play a role as the financial backing behind criminal networks,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “These illegal casinos fuel organized crime, prostitution, and other illicit activities. Florida will see a major statewide crackdown on illegal gaming in 2026. If you’re running an illegal operation, don’t roll the dice; shut it down now.”

“The partnerships we have with the Attorney General, Florida Gaming Control Commission and surrounding law enforcement agencies are what give us great results,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. “They help us keep our crime down in our communities and keep our citizens safe, because we don’t turn a blind eye to any crime!” Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of seven individuals for their roles in a multi-county organized retail theft ring targeting beauty and fragrance products.

“This was a coordinated criminal enterprise that robbed retailers across Florida and turned stolen goods into illicit proceeds,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect Florida businesses, keep prices low for consumers, and quickly dismantle organized retail theft rings from the ground up.”

“Organized retail theft is not just about stolen merchandise, it is about coordinated criminal activity that impacts families, small businesses, and our entire community,” said Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz. “This investigation demonstrates the strength of our partnerships across jurisdictions and our shared commitment to holding those who engage in organized criminal enterprises accountable. In Miami-Dade County and throughout Florida, we will continue working with our state and local partners to identify these networks, disrupt their operations, and ensure they face the full consequences under the law.” Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Blake McKinniss, 37, of Sanford. McKinniss faces 53 Counts of possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), 46 counts of possessing AI-generated CSAM, and one count of possessing a child-like sex doll. During a search of his house, law enforcement found a bedroom decorated for a little girl, even though no children lived there.

“Law enforcement and prosecutors walked into a house of horrors upon executing this search warrant,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “This guy could spend the rest of his life in prison, and I’m grateful our team worked to ensure he never has access to our kids. I also thank Representative Plakon for supporting legislation to keep convicted predators away from children.”

“I am honored to work alongside my fellow legislators to protect Florida’s children from those who exploit them through harmful materials,” said Representative Rachel Plakon. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Attorney General and our dedicated law enforcement agencies for their relentless efforts in enforcing these critical laws.” Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier opened a civil investigation and subpoenaed Discord, a popular online chat platform. The subpoena demands documents and information related to the platform’s practices in marketing to children, enforcing age-verification requirements, content moderation, parental control features, and reporting of exploitative activity.

“Many of our criminal investigations into internet child predators lead to one place: Discord,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Groomers and predators seem to believe that they can get away with targeting children on Discord—and we are going to find out why. Discord owes us an explanation on the overwhelming use of its platform among predators, and what they are doing to protect children.”

“Investigations show that offenders are using platforms like Roblox and Discord as an access point to reach children. Parents should know we are taking this seriously,” said Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. “My message is clear, we are committed to protecting our kids, and predators have no safe place in our community. If you exploit children, we will find you, arrest you, and hold you accountable.”  Continue reading →

(NAPSI)—While most people think of parks as just scenery, they are also a silent powerhouse of public health, says the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for outdoor living and the care and stewardship of yards and parks.

“From backyard sanctuaries to sprawling community commons, green spaces are engines that fuel our mental health, physical well-being, public safety, and economic development,” explains Kris Kiser, President of the TurfMutt Foundation.

Parks are environmental superheroes, too. They support pollinators, produce oxygen, reduce carbon, capture and filter rainwater, and mitigate urban heat islands.

According to research conducted for the TurfMutt Foundation by The Harris Poll, the data is clear. Americans aren’t just visiting parks; they are prioritizing them.  Continue reading →