TALLLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution today secured a strong prison sentence against a woman operating a million-dollar pool contracting scheme. The Honorable Judge Dan L. Vaughn sentenced Chrystal Washburn, owner of Amore Pools, to 30 years in prison for defrauding Florida homeowners. Chrystal, alongside husband and co-defendant Brian Washburn, took deposits and payments for pools—often leaving dangerous debris piles and gaping holes in victims’ backyards. In total, the duo stole more than $1.2 million in unaccounted-for cash.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This couple promised to deliver dream pools, but left holes in Floridians’ hearts and backyards, by abandoning pool projects and stealing more than $1.2 million in cash. Thanks to our Statewide Prosecutors, Chrystal Washburn, the owner of this pool company, will now serve 30 years in prison for operating this scheme.”  Continue reading →

This week, our Office of Statewide Prosecution announced the arrest of six fraudsters for stealing nearly $250,000 from Florida seniors through grandparent scams.

The defendants contacted seniors posing as lawyers or legal representatives of one of the victim’s grandchildren. The fraudsters told the targets that the grandchildren needed bail money after being arrested for hitting a pregnant woman with a vehicle, then arranged for the victim to send payment.

These fraudsters knew that most grandparents would do anything to help a grandchild in need, and through a convincing imposter scheme they used fear and family to extort Florida seniors—stealing nearly a quarter of a million dollars. Working with our great law enforcement partners in South Florida, we were able to shut down this far-reaching grandparent scheme and now the six fraudsters will have to answer for their crimes. Continue reading →

GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis touted Florida’s success in maintaining order and ensuring student safety on Florida’s campuses. In Florida, pro-Hamas encampments were disbanded in minutes, and Jewish students were kept safe from harassment.

“In Florida, we prioritize order and student safety on campus,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “While other states allowed their college campuses to be vandalized and taken over by antisemitic agitators, Florida held the line.”

“The Florida Highway Patrol is proud to protect citizens from the intentional and unlawful criminal actions and antisemitic behavior that threaten the safety of our college campuses and communities,” said Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Dave Kerner. “Through the direction and support of Governor DeSantis, Floridians can rest assured that FHP will not tolerate antisemitic agitators and will not stand on the sidelines, but instead will take immediate action to ensure public safety from radicalized intimidation and violence.” Continue reading →

HARDEE COUNTY, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1084 to prohibit the sale of lab-grown meat in the state of Florida. Florida is taking action to stop the World Economic Forum’s goal of forcing the world to eat lab-grown meat and insects, “an overlooked source of protein.” While the World Economic Forum is telling the world to forgo meat consumption, Florida is increasing meat production, and encouraging residents to continue to consume and enjoy 100% real Florida beef.

“Today, Florida is fighting back against the global elite’s plan to force the world to eat meat grown in a petri dish or bugs to achieve their authoritarian goals,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our administration will continue to focus on investing in our local farmers and ranchers, and we will save our beef.” Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —Governor Ron DeSantis issued EO 24-94 which designates 12 counties to be under a state of emergency in order to maximize state resources and cooperative efforts to assist in recovery following severe weather on May 10th, 2024, that impacted North Florida.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management is in contact with local emergency management officials as recovery is underway.

Florida’s utility providers are actively working to restore power to damaged accounts. More than 100 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) personnel have worked since the end of the storm and have completed the clearing of state roads. At the Governor’s direction, state FDOT assets and personnel are now assigned to assist localities in roadway and power recovery.

State Response Efforts Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the award of $2.3 million through the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program. These awards will bolster Florida’s military communities by supporting infrastructure projects and economic development of their surrounding communities.

“Florida is the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation, and we are continually working to ensure that our military communities remain strong,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Through these awards, we are spurring economic growth that will support our servicemembers and their families.”

“Under Governor DeSantis’ decisive leadership, Florida remains committed to the success of our military communities and supporting our military families,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Today’s awards build on the more than $7.9 million awarded already this year, strengthening Florida’s military communities and stimulating economic growth for the future.” Continue reading →

CORAL GABLES, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced additional actions in Florida to stop human trafficking. The governor will approve $4.9 million in the 2024–2025 budget to expand access to emergency beds for victims of human trafficking and provide additional support staff, as well as establish a $900,000 grant opportunity through the Department of Children and Families to enhance training for law enforcement officers who respond to human trafficking incidents.

“Florida is being proactive about stopping human trafficking,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Though our open southern border invites criminal activity like human trafficking, states can combat it with stronger penalties and increased training for emergency personnel to recognize and respond to trafficking, and today I was pleased to institute those measures in Florida.”

“There is simply no place for human trafficking in the State of Florida. As someone who has been in the fight to combat human trafficking for more than 15 years, I can tell you that Florida has come a long way in combating this pervasive evil and is a recognized leader across the nation,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Today’s announcement reaffirms that Florida continues to lead the way in investing in prevention, enhancing training, and providing meaningful services that will help victims get back on their feet and start to rebuild their lives again with dignity and opportunity.” Continue reading →

Hope Florida has helped nearly 30,000 transition off of government assistance and is consequentially estimated to save Florida taxpayers nearly $800 million dollars over the next 10 years.

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. —Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted the success of the Hope Florida Initiative and awarded seven Panhandle nonprofit organizations with $20,000 each through the Hope Florida Fund. Recipients recognized by the Governor and First Lady were: St. Andrew Christian Care Center, Food for Thought Outreach, A Bed 4 Me Foundation, Caring & Sharing of South Walton, BeGenerous, and Vision of Hope. The Governor and First Lady also awarded $20,000 to First Baptist Church of Pensacola, one of the top five needs-meeting Hope Florida CarePortal churches in Florida.

Hope Florida funding awards are made possible by the generosity of the Florida private sector. Hope Florida utilizes Hope Navigators to guide Floridians on an individualized path to prosperity and economic independence by focusing on community collaboration between the private sector, faith-based communities, nonprofits, and government entities. This first-of-its-kind program brings together different parts of the community to maximize support and uncover new opportunities for those going through difficult times. Hope Navigators help individuals identify their needs, develop long-term goals, map out a path forward, and work to ensure all sectors of the community have a ‘seat at the table’ to be part of a lasting solution. Continue reading →

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA-02) introduced a resolution expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, which occurs each May.

In addition to recognizing the National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, the resolution recognizes efforts to improve access to hearing, balance, speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive care.

Communication disorders are among the most common conditions of children and adults, affecting tens of millions in the U.S., and when undiagnosed, can negatively impact academic, employment, and social success, as well as quality of life.

“This May, I’m proud to introduce this resolution with Congressman Carter, my fellow co-chair of the Unified Voices Caucus,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “Last year when we launched this caucus and shed light on the importance of communication disorders, we saw the outpouring of support from Americans who rely on audiologists and speech-language pathologists for everyday care. It’s important that people know they aren’t alone and there are champions in Congress who recognize their challenges and support their journeys to overcome them. I look forward to continuing our great work to bring awareness to these issues and the policies that promote diagnosis and treatment.” Continue reading →

WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Kat Cammack joined Chip Roy (TX-21) and a group of 48 GOP House members in introducing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to protect U.S. elections.

Since President Biden took office, millions of illegal aliens have poured into our country illegally and many are given the opportunity to register to vote in federal elections. The SAVE Act would thwart Democrat efforts to cement one-party rule by upholding and strengthening current law that permits only U.S. citizens to vote in Federal elections.

Representative Roy said, “Secure elections are a key cornerstone for any representative government; without them, we won’t have a country. Radical progressive Democrats know this and are using open border policies while also attacking election integrity laws to fundamentally remake America. That’s why I am proud to introduce the SAVE Act with Speaker Johnson and my Republican colleagues, along with the invaluable support of citizens and organizations that recognize we must end the practice of non-citizens voting in our elections.” Continue reading →