Florida State Wide
PANAMA CITY, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded more than $13 million to the Panama City – Bay County Airport and Industrial District, the City of Port St. Joe and the Gulf County Board of County Commissioners through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund—supporting workforce and infrastructure needs for aerospace and aviation, and maritime industries.
“Today, I announced the latest round of Job Growth Grant Fund awards to support critical infrastructure and workforce housing in the Panhandle. These projects will create hundreds of good jobs and attract investments to help Panama City, Port St. Joe, and Gulf County prosper,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Since 2019, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund has facilitated the creation of more than 42,000 new jobs and 32,000 workforce education opportunities throughout our state. Thanks to strategic investments like these, Florida is now the number one state in the nation for workforce education–five years ahead of the goal we had set in 2019.” Continue reading
HAMILTON COUNTY, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a new statue honoring Founding Father Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton County, continuing Florida’s commemoration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and recognizing Hamilton’s lasting contributions to the American Republic and to Florida’s early history. The statue, located in White Springs along the banks of the historic Suwannee River, is part of a broader initiative to install monuments to America’s Founding Fathers in Florida counties that bear their names.
“I was proud to unveil a new statue of Hamilton County’s namesake, Alexander Hamilton,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “His participation in the fight for independence, his contributions to writing the Federalist Papers, his public service as a diplomat and ‘Father of the Treasury,’ and his role as a confidante to George Washington made Hamilton an indispensable figure in our nation’s history.”
“Installing a statue of Alexander Hamilton in the county named after him is a fitting tribute to the Founding Father who was the most vocal about Florida’s vital importance to America’s destiny,” said America250FL Chair and Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “Florida is number one in the nation when it comes to celebrating our 250th anniversary with events planned throughout 2026.” Continue reading
BRADENTON, Fla.— Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Florida’s coasts and strengthening coastal resilience and restoration efforts. The governor also announced plans to reopen the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers following reconstruction and rehabilitation projects.
“My administration has delivered historic investments to protect Florida’s 1,300 miles of coastline,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today, I signed legislation to preserve the Terra Ceia Bay and to build on our work to promote coastal resiliency and water quality statewide. We are committed to protecting Florida’s environment for future generations to enjoy.”
“Protecting Florida’s environment has been a top priority of the DeSantis Administration from day one,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “House Bill 1417 streamlines processes so the department can carry out its mission more efficiently while maintaining strong environmental protections, including ratifying a rule to restore the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and their priority springs. Along with Senate Bill 302, which strengthens protections for the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve and supports nature-based solutions to improve coastal resilience, these bills help ensure Florida’s natural resources remain strong for generations to come.”
“Thank you Governor DeSantis for taking swift action to sign this legislation into law,” said Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd. “My amendment is a small part of this broader bill to strengthen coastal resiliency, but it will have a big impact on this region for decades to come. When a recent proposal threatened the future of the islands and coastlines that border the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, I made a commitment to stop it. With this bill now signed into law, this region, the precious coastlines, pristine waters and wildlife habitats are effectively protected from massive transformations that would have destroyed them. Since I was a teen, I have explored these natural treasures, and now future generations will have the opportunity to see, enjoy and love the Terra Ceia we know today.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) announced agricultural producers across Florida, including those in the Third Congressional District, can now apply for more than $600 million in disaster assistance through the Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program. The program provides critical relief to producers impacted by the devastating 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons.
As the only Florida representative serving on the House Agriculture Committee, Cammack helped secure the more than $600 million in federal disaster relief for Florida’s agricultural community, working in coordination with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson.
“Florida’s farmers, ranchers, citrus growers, and timber producers are the backbone of our state’s economy, and they’ve endured tremendous losses over the past two hurricane seasons,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “As the only Floridian on the House Agriculture Committee, I fought to ensure our producers were not left behind. This $600 million in disaster relief is critical support to help them rebuild infrastructure, recover from market losses, and restore operations. I encourage every eligible producer to apply as soon as possible.” Continue reading
WASHINGTON, D.C. — “Operation Epic Fury” resulted in Khamenei’s death. Tonight, I am thinking of all my fellow Americans who had a loved one injured or killed due to his diabolical terror spree. Khamenei was a terrorist and a scumbag. He can rot in hell for all the terror he inflicted around the world.
The situation in Iran and across the Middle East is evolving by the moment, and I am monitoring it closely. I look forward to a briefing from the Administration as soon as possible. As an America First constitutional conservative, avoiding the prolonged wars and conflicts that my generation experienced firsthand, many on the battlefield, is critical. I am hopeful today’s actions will prevent further necessary engagement and put direct threats to the United States to rest. God bless our troops.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters as the Secretary signed a disaster declaration for Florida counties impacted by this year’s historic winter freeze, beginning the federal process to deliver relief to farmers suffering catastrophic losses.
The declaration comes after a bipartisan letter led by Rep. Cammack and signed by all 29 members of Florida’s congressional delegation urging USDA to act quickly after freezing temperatures struck the state during peak harvest in late January and early February.
Several members of the Florida delegation attended the announcement, including
Reps. Scott Franklin, Byron Donalds, Neal Dunn, Randy Fine, Greg Steube, and Dan Webster, who each outlined the damage farmers in their districts are facing not only from the historic freeze but also from storms and drought conditions that have compounded challenges for Florida agriculture.
“On behalf of all of us, I can say it’s incredibly refreshing to have a Secretary of Agriculture who is not only willing to listen, but willing to act,” said Cammack. “Every single one of us in Florida has a district that’s been affected by this freeze, which is why today’s declaration is so important.” Continue reading
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
