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 →

Jacksonville, Fla

Batson, Aleizha

[Feb. 9, 2026] – Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, has named Tony Jenkins as market president for Northeast Florida, effective Mar. 1, 2026. Jenkins, a native of Jacksonville, will succeed Darnell Smith, who recently announced his retirement after 35 years of dedicated service to Florida Blue.

Jenkins joined the organization in 2001, serving the last 20 years as market president for Central Florida. A seasoned health care executive with a track record of leadership and community engagement, Jenkins also brings a deep understanding of Northeast Florida’s unique needs and opportunities.

“Tony’s extensive experience in health care, strong local connections, and exceptional community leadership make him ideal to take this role,” said Kari Regar, senior vice president, Florida Market Leader at Florida Blue. “We are excited about his return to Jacksonville, and confident Tony will advance our 80-plus year commitment to our members and partners throughout Northeast Florida.”

Jenkins joined Florida Blue following a distinguished career with CSX Corporation and the Walt Disney World Company. He has distinguished himself for his commitment to improving the health and well-being of communities. Continue reading →

The Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) is an agency within the Executive Office of the President that provides objective economic analysis and advice on both domestic and international policy. The CEA is considered one of the most prestigious appointments an economist can receive and is often viewed as the “pinnacle “ career. Unlike other government agencies that are often led by political operatives, the CEA is almost exclusively staffed by toptier academic economists including several Nobel Prize winners. This is why reports issued by the CEA are taken seriously by both politicians and economists.

The January 2026 report by the CEA is labeled “The Economic Impact of State Income Tax Elimination” and their Executive Summary states:

* Income taxes are more economically damaging than sales or property taxes;

* The harmful economic effects of state income taxes include outmigration, brain drain, stifled innovation and entrepreneurship, and reduced GDP;

* The harmful fiscal effects of state income taxes include revenue volatility with “feast and famine “ cycles, with states often gaining little or no new revenue from income tax hikes because of the negative economic effects they unleash. Key findings from CEA’s analysis of state income tax phase-out include: Continue reading →

It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, John E. Sununu, who is running to represent the beautiful State of New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate.

John is strongly supported by the most Highly Respected Leaders in New Hampshire, and many Republicans in the U.S. Senate and, as your next Senator, he will work tirelessly to advance our America First Agenda. John will fight hard to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Advance MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Provide Access to Affordable and High Quality Health Care, Champion School Choice, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Support our Brave Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.

John E. Sununu has my Complete and Total

Endorsement – HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN — ELECT JOHN E. SUNUNU!Trump Endorses Sununu

Seminole County, FL (February 3, 2026) — Seminole County’s Office of Emergency Management invited community members to practice their tornado action plan during ‘The Great Tornado Drill’ on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Some community members participated as a business, school, faith-based organization, or family unit. Participants should discuss how they would receive a tornado warning alert and practice taking shelter in the most secure interior room at work or home.

The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service in Melbourne partnered to develop The Great Tornado Drill in 2015. Since then, the State of Florida adopted the event, with all 67 counties participating annually during Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week.