Chairman’s Message

Historic funding for manatee protection efforts

Governor DeSantis said this week he will commit more than $30 million to improve and expand manatee rescue and rehabilitation efforts and provide habitat restoration for areas where manatees are concentrated. This record investment in manatee protection more than doubles this year’s budget.

“This historic funding will support important restoration efforts across the state to benefit our manatees and Florida’s natural environment,” Governor DeSantis said while visiting the Manatee Critical Care Center located at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. “My administration will continue working to find new and innovative ways to support our native species, like the manatee, so that the generations to come can experience Florida’s natural resources.” 

The $30 million includes:

• $20 million to expand the network of manatee acute care facilities, restore access to springs, provide habitat restoration in manatee concentrated areas, expand manatee rescue and recovery efforts, and implement pilot projects like the supplemental feeding trials that took place this past winter.
• $5.3 million to expand Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manatee mortality and response efforts, including 12 new positions.
• $4.7 million in base funding to support manatee acute care facilities and research, rescue, and conservation activities
• $160,000 to support increased aerial surveys

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/05/02/governor-ron-desantis-announces-historic-30-million-in-funding-for-manatee-rescue-programs-and-habitat-restoration/

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Expanding the fight against red tide

Governor DeSantis announced that Florida will invest another $14 million to continue combating red tide, bringing the total Florida has invested since he took office in 2019 to $40 million to mitigate the impacts of red tide. 

This funding will support research through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Mote Marine Laboratory along with grants through the Department of Environmental Protection for red tide cleanup.

 “Since my first week in office, I have been focused on protecting Florida’s environment,” Governor DeSantis said. “Not only do red tide blooms affect our coastal waterways, but impacts of blooms can also negatively impact businesses and decrease tourism. We will continue to proactively work with local partners to ensure Florida is at the forefront of innovative technologies to mitigate against harmful blooms.” 

About $4.8 million will go to the Center for Red Tide Research at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, which was created at the request of Governor DeSantis in 2019 to improve statewide red tide monitoring and conduct research to better track, predict, and mitigate the effects of red tide on Florida communities. As a result, red tide sampling has increased by 68 percent and involves more than 60 partners across the state. Additionally, offshore sampling, where red tide originates, has doubled since 2019.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/05/04/governor-ron-desantis-announces-funding-to-continue-supporting-red-tide-research-and-innovative-mitigation-technologies/

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More data shows Florida leading the nation in business creation

Under Governor DeSantis’ strong leadership prioritizing freedom for individuals and businesses while providing tools for expanding workforce education, Florida has become the leader in small business creation and in training the employees needed to support that growth.

Florida leads the nation in business formations, increasing by 61% since 2019. In 2021, Florida saw 114,000 more new businesses than the second place state of California, despite that state having a population that is 40% larger than Florida’s. As of January 2022, the number of small businesses opening in Florida increased nearly 10 percent compared to pre-pandemic January 2020. 

And this week Governor DeSantis has announced that Florida accounts for nearly 30 percent of all Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) certifications nationwide. That surge has led the United States to pass China in the number of ESB examinations between January 2021 and March 2022 with 25,754 exams compared to China’s 16,199. More than 7,500 Florida students have earned the certification in just the past eight months.

This is creating a strong foundation for business and employment growth in Florida.

“Florida’s economy depends on entrepreneurship and successful small businesses, and we know that freedom is the best way to achieve economic success, contrary to the philosophy of the Chinese Communist Party,” Governor DeSantis said. “Florida is committed to being the best place to do business and it is by supporting manufacturing and business friendly policies that this country can continue to surpass China on all fronts. The rest of the nation should take note that this is how you place the U.S. back as a leader on the world stage.”

Supporting access to ESB certifications is a part of Florida’s goal to be the best state in the nation for workforce education by 2030. Governor DeSantis has supported entrepreneurship and small business education throughout his time in office, including keeping Florida open over the past two years. 

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/05/04/florida-propels-u-s-to-surpass-china-in-entrepreneurship-and-small-business-certifications/ 

IMPORTANT REMINDER: You have the ability to greatly expand the beliefs and ideas of the Republican Party of Florida by sharing out Facebook and Twitter posts. Please follow and retweet us on Twitter @FloridaGOP, and like and share us on Facebook at FloridaGOP. We can win over others only if we all pitch in to reach them with our message.

 

FLORIDA

$20 million for resilience from flooding

Governor DeSantis announced nearly $20 million for the Resilient Florida Program Planning Grants to support 98 projects to develop or update comprehensive vulnerability assessments in inland and coastal communities.  

Additionally, Governor DeSantis announced that the Department of Environmental Protection has opened the application portal for Resilient Florida Planning Grants for the coming fiscal year.  

“For the first time, Florida has strategic coordination guiding statewide efforts to protect coastal and inland infrastructure, and dedicated funding to support these projects,” Governor DeSantis said. “These grants will strengthen Florida’s infrastructure to withstand the impacts of flooding and storm surge. My administration will continue the momentum to support resilience in communities across the state.” 

Vulnerability assessments are required to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding from sea level rise, storm surge and rainfall events. The assessments assist local communities in developing strategies and projects to mitigate the effects of flooding.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/05/03/governor-ron-desantis-announces-award-of-nearly-20-million-for-98-projects-through-the-resilient-florida-grant-program/ 

See the list of projects here: https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/sites/default/files/documents/FY2021-22_RF_PlanningGrants.pdf

The application portal is here: https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/state-action/grants-submissions

 

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$22 million for broadband and other infrastructure

Governor DeSantis announced $22 million in funding to 15 Florida communities to support projects that include expanding broadband internet services, improving community centers and accessing small business grants.  

“We have been responsible, we have protected people’s freedoms, and we have kept the economy open in Florida,” Governor DeSantis. “Today we are proud to announce another $22 million for workforce development and infrastructure across Florida. Communities across the state are going to benefit from this funding and their growth will help us continue to succeed as a state.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/04/29/governor-ron-desantis-awards-more-than-22-million-for-broadband-infrastructure-and-workforce-development-in-florida-communities/

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More help on the way for tornado ravaged Southwest Florida

Governor DeSantis and the Florida Division of Emergency Management announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration granted Florida’s request for a Disaster Declaration, which makes disaster loans available to individuals and businesses impacted by the January 2022 Southwest Florida tornadoes.  

The Disaster Declaration provides additional relief in the form of low-interest loans in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. This announcement follows the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision to deny Florida’s appeal for Individual Assistance for disaster survivors. 

“In January, I assured Southwest Florida residents that the State of Florida would identify all available forms of assistance to help their recovery efforts following the tornadoes,” Governor DeSantis said. “It’s a shame that after months of waiting for an appeal decision, the Biden Administration decided to deny Individual Assistance again to these disaster survivors. However, despite the federal government’s lack of support, the State of Florida will not let impacted residents suffer because of White House politics.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/05/04/governor-desantis-announces-u-s-small-business-administration-disaster-loans-available-to-residents-impacted-by-southwest-florida-tornadoes/

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Video: Marco Rubio is right for Florida

Watch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5RE6dGL-bQ

 

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AG Moody chosen to lead national fight against human trafficking

Attorney General Ashley Moody was chosen this week by the National Association of Attorneys Generals to lead the organization’s Human Trafficking Committee that focuses on anti-human trafficking policies and services for survivors.  

“Ending human trafficking in Florida is one of my top priorities, but we can’t achieve this lofty goal by working within our state borders alone,” Attorney General Moody said. “That’s not how traffickers operate, so we too must break down barriers and work together. The members of this prestigious committee will work in unison to share ideas and strategies for combating human trafficking and saving lives.”

The Human Trafficking Committee helps with education, investigation, outreach, prevention, prosecution and victim services protection while sharing information on emerging issues and practices in the fight against human trafficking. 

In January, Attorney General Moody launched the 100 Percent Club, which recognizes Florida businesses and organizations that commit to training their employees on how to spot and report suspected human trafficking.  

Further, the Attorney General is working with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to train truck drivers to spot and report human trafficking. Since its launch, more than 4,600 commercial truck drivers have received anti-human trafficking training and are now better equipped to help keep an eye on Florida’s 12,000 miles of highways. 

Read more: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/CBC0AEAB075F2AB18525883600541775

And more: https://thecapitolist.com/ag-ashley-moody-tapped-to-lead-national-human-trafficking-committee/

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LG Nuñez guest editorial in the Miami Herald:

“Florida has a special bond with Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East”

My faith has been an inextinguishable light in my life. There are moments where, yes, it flickers and dims, but there are moments where that light burns ever so brightly.

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East, alongside five other lieutenant governors from across the county. We exchanged ideas with Israeli industry leaders, met with government officials and military leaders, visited the Embassy in Jerusalem, the Iron Dome, all while exploring cultural and biblical sites that date back to over 3,000 years ago. Israel is a vibrant country where faith is palpable and warmth is exuded at every turn.

We arrived during the festival of Purim, yet another example of the tenacity of the Jewish people. I am reminded that Esther and Mordecai risked their lives to save those of their fellow Jews. We are all called to serve, undoubtedly in different capacities.

There is no room for nonchalance when it comes to Israel. “For such a time as this.” Pride is clearly in the Israeli’s DNA. They do not apologize for their zeal. They promote it. They do not reflect on their trials and lament; they perceive the triumph through their battles. They do not wallow in defeat; they learn and surge in victory.  

As I walked the halls of Yad Vashem seeing portraits of those innocent souls lost, I thought about our Holocaust survivors in Florida and I reflected on my own moral responsibility as a public servant. The phrase “never again” compels us to fight against hatred in all its forms and challenges us to confront today’s polarization so that we build stronger, safer and unified communities.

Read the rest here: https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article261023347.html

 

Chairman’s Message

“Our Governor is Red, White, and Blue”

Listen to the Van Zant song on Spotify, Apple Music, and SweetFloridaSong.com

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Florida Puts Children and Parents First

Florida is protecting children and parental rights, and Floridians and Americans support it

While the media-Democrat-Hollywood-Disney axis continues to melt down over Florida protecting children under 9 years old from being exposed to homosexual and transgender teaching in public schools, polls show that Floridians and Americans overwhelmingly support the law.

Governor DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education bill this week while two polls found significant bipartisan support for the law. First, a Politico poll found 51 percent of registered voters nationally support the law while only 34 percent oppose the law. That poll did not use the plain language of the statute, but instead summarized the two views from left-leaning Politico, yet it still found support for the law up by 17 points.

Second, a poll by Floridians for Economic Advancement, a PAC made up of major corporations including Disney, big Florida unions and some leftist organizations, found more than half of likely Florida Democrat voters support the legislation — 52 percent surveyed supported while just 36 percent opposed the new law. Remember, these are likely Democrat voters who will be voting in the August primaries, and they support the law by 16 points.

What these two polls show that despite a months-long media disinformation campaign wrongly calling the bill ‘don’t say gay,’ and staged protests seen across the country that included walkouts and protests by Disney employees, a significant majority of Americans and Democrats support the bill.

In the face of these polls, Democrats continued to make things up and misrepresent the bill to suit their own agenda. Florida Politics reported that Orlando Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani told the news outlet that it’s what isn’t mentioned in the bill that matters. So it’s the imaginaries, not the actual legislation, that counts.

For the record, the new law simply reinforces parents’ fundamental rights to make decisions regarding the upbringing of their children. The bill prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through 3rd grade, prohibits instruction that is not age appropriate for students and requires school districts to notify parents if there is a change in services from the school regarding a child’s mental, emotional or physical well-being.

“Parents’ rights have been increasingly under assault around the nation, but in Florida we stand up for the rights of parents and the fundamental role they play in the education of their children,” Governor DeSantis said at the bill signing. “Parents have every right to be informed about services offered to their child at school, and should be protected from schools using classroom instruction to sexualize their kids as young as 5 years old.” 

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/28/governor-ron-desantis-signs-historic-bill-to-protect-parental-rights-in-education/

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Governor signs curriculum transparency and school board term limits bill

 Governor DeSantis signed legislation that requires school districts to be transparent in the selection of instructional materials, including library and reading materials.

As a part of the Year of the Parent, this legislation preserves the rights of parents to make decisions about what materials their children are exposed to in school. Additionally, the bill sets 12-year term limits for school board members.

“In Florida, our parents have every right to be involved in their child’s education. We are not going to let politicians deny parents the right to know what is being taught in our schools,” Governor DeSantis said.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/25/governor-ron-desantis-signs-bill-that-requires-curriculum-transparency/

FLORIDA

Governor DeSantis Spurs Historic Increase in Republican Voter Registrations

Republicans outnumber Democrats in active voter registrations by more than 100,000

 

As of March 29, 2022, Florida Republicans reached a new milestone, exceeding Democrats in active voter registrations by more than 100,000. Since Governor DeSantis came into office, Republicans in Florida have increased their active registrations by 363,000.

The distinction between active and inactive voters is significant, as inactive voters represent less than one percent of the voting electorate in any election. Additionally, in 21 of the past 22 months, Republicans have outperformed Democrats in voter registrations.

“Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ bold leadership, Florida continues to write the playbook on individual freedom and maintains its national prominence as the number one state to live, work and raise a family,” said RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters.

 

IMPORTANT REMINDER: You have the ability to greatly expand the beliefs and ideas of the Republican Party of Florida by sharing out Facebook and Twitter posts. Please follow and retweet us on Twitter @FloridaGOP, and like and share us on Facebook at FloridaGOP. We can win over others only if we all pitch in to reach them with our message.

 

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Governor DeSantis calls Special Session for congressional redistricting

 

Governor DeSantis called a Special Session of the Florida Legislature to produce a new map establishing lawful congressional voting districts in Florida. The Governor vetoed CS/SB 102 this week after reviewing the bill, citing legal concerns. The Special Session will convene at 12 p.m., April 19, and will extend no later than 11:59 p.m., April 22.

“We have a responsibility to produce maps for our citizens that do not contain unconstitutional racial gerrymanders,” Governor DeSantis said. “I vetoed a map that violates the U.S. Constitution, but that does not absolve the Legislature from doing its job. I appreciate the Legislature’s willingness to work with me to pass a legally compliant map this Special Session.”

Read the proclamation: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/SLA-BIZHUB22032913200.pdf

Read the transmittal letter: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/SLA-BIZHUB22032912100.pdf

  
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Illegal immigrant charged with brutal double murder in Daytona

The Biden Administration’s dangerous immigration policies, as well as the soft-on-crime policies of the 9th Circuit State Attorney’s Office, have once again resulted in the needless deaths of innocent Floridians.  

On March 10, 2022, Jean R. Macean, a citizen of Haiti and an illegal immigrant, was charged with the murder of Terry and Brenda Aultman. Macean had previously been arrested in Orange County prior to the murders, but the charges were inexplicably dropped by the State Attorney’s Office under former State Attorney Aramis Ayala. 

Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young described these killings as “one of the most vicious attacks I’ve ever seen in my 20 years.”

“Floridians should not be subject to the reckless open border policies that the Biden Administration is imposing on this country,” Governor DeSantis said. “These policies are deadly — we also need answers as to why the State Attorney’s Office dropped charges against the defendant.”

The Biden Administration announced a new Temporary Protected Status designation for Haiti last year, a reversal of the policy of the previous administration. The policy allowed Macean to stay in the country. 

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/30/man-who-brutally-murdered-daytona-beach-couple-during-bike-week-was-an-illegal-immigrant-with-multiple-prior-drug-charges/

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Florida approves 17,000 acres of conservation acquisitions

Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet this week approved 10 land and conservation easement acquisitions to protect Florida’s natural environment.

The properties, covering more than 17,000 acres, will be managed and monitored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Seven of the 10 projects, totaling 16,706 acres, are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

“These essential land and conservation easement acquisitions are important to protecting Florida’s rich natural areas and will preserve Florida’s critical ecosystems,” Governor DeSantis said. “Since day one, my administration has prioritized protecting and restoring Florida’s environment and natural resources.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/30/governor-desantis-approves-10-land-and-conservation-easement-acquisitions-totaling-more-than-17000-acres/

 

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What are Florida university academicians trying to hide?

Last year, Florida passed a reasonable law requiring universities and colleges to conduct annual surveys that “considers the extent to which competing ideas and perspectives are presented and members of the university (or college) community, including students, faculty, and staff, feel free to express their beliefs and viewpoints on campus and in the classroom.” 

This used to be one of the high goals of academia. Apparently no longer, which shows the need for the law, which also allows students and employees to not participate in the surveys.

Nonetheless, opponents of the law are fighting it in court, asking a federal judge to prevent the state from moving forward with surveys about “intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity” on college and university campuses. They are asking for an emergency restraining order as the surveys will go out in April.

The opponents filed an overall challenge to the law last summer, contending that the surveys would violate the First Amendment. It seems like a frivolous lawsuit, but the question all this pushback raises is: What are they trying to hide? Why don’t they want Floridians to know if they allow multiple viewpoints? 

At this point, Floridians should be very curious about the answers to those questions.

Read more: https://thecapitolist.com/opponents-rush-to-court-to-block-floridas-intellectual-freedom-surveys-on-college-campuses/

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$10.5 million for apprenticeship programs in Florida 

Governor DeSantis announced $10.5 million in continued investments to expand registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs at 11 colleges across Florida. This money helps state colleges and technical colleges to start or expand registered apprenticeship and/or pre-apprenticeship programs. 

Registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training programs are a key component of Florida’s workforce education. They provide excellent opportunities for employers to develop and apply industry standards to training programs that increase productivity, attract and retain highly qualified employees and improve retention and overall performance. And they provide a top quality pathway for students to get into high-paying careers with minimal or no debt.

“We are proud to invest in programs that make a difference for students and their employers,” Governor DeSantis said. “This $10.5 million will provide opportunities for an additional 4,200 students in the next year and will encourage more businesses to start their own apprenticeship programs to meet industry demands.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/30/governor-ron-desantis-announces-10-5-million-in-funding-to-expand-registered-apprenticeship-and-preapprenticeship-programs/

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Val Demings says she is open to court packing

She just cannot seem to say ‘no’ to the radical left.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycNHXrHNehM

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AG Moody sues over Biden’s mask mandate on public transportation

Attorney General Moody is leading 20 other states in an action against President Joe Biden’s unlawful mask mandate on public transportation, arguing that it exceeds the authority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

The Biden administration continues to use a failed interpretation of a quarantine statute — which courts have ruled against several times — to authorize the CDC’s rule. The agency’s mandate rule interferes with state law in places like Florida, which has imposed laws banning forced masking. The mandate also runs afoul of basic reason, as now even the states with the most stringent COVID-19 policies are beginning to lift indoor mask mandates.

 “President Biden’s shortsighted, heavy-handed and unlawful travel policies are frustrating travelers and causing chaos on public transportation,” Attorney General Moody said. “It’s long past time to alleviate some of the pressure on travelers and those working in the travel industry by immediately ending Biden’s unlawful public transportation mandates.”

Governor DeSantis supported the lawsuit. “Florida has led the nation in standing up to misguided federal government policies and fighting back against heavy-handed mandates that have no scientific backing,” Governor DeSantis said. “If politicians and celebrities can attend the Super Bowl unmasked, every U.S. citizen should have the right to fly unmasked. It is well past time to get rid of this unnecessary mandate and get back to normal life.”

Read more: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/AA77384F1742127E852588140055CA74

Read more:

https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/29/governor-ron-desantis-and-attorney-general-ashley-moody-announce-lawsuit-against-the-cdcs-unlawful-mask-mandate-on-public-transportation/

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CFO Patronis honors first responders after Panhandle wildfires

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis presented a Cabinet Resolution honoring Florida’s first responders that answered the call of duty following the Chipola Complex Wildfires that broke out in the Florida Panhandle March 10, 2022.

“As Florida’s State Fire Marshal, I was honored to present this resolution recognizing the courage and dedication of Florida’s first responders in Bay County and to all of the other firefighting professionals who traveled from near and far and worked around the clock to respond to the Panhandle wildfires,” CFO Patronis said. 

Read more: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/sitePages/newsroom/pressRelease.aspx?id=6145

 

ICYMI

Florida Ascendent

John Hinderaker, of the popular Powerline site, based in Minnesota, had this to say about Florida’s growth and leadership:

“People vote most sincerely when they vote with their feet. One of the basic realities of our time, transcending and perhaps ultimately overwhelming many of our current political debates, is that people are fleeing blue states and moving to red states. What states are in decline? California, New York, Illinois, Minnesota. What states are prospering? Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah. And above all, Florida.

“Current Census Bureau data speak for themselves:

“Four of the nation’s top 10 metro areas with the highest population growth last year were in Florida — more than any other state, according to new US Census data. 

…

“Florida’s growth isn’t mainly retirees. It is a great place to do business: 

“The US Census also revealed this month that the Sunshine State accounted for more new business applications than any other state.

“I have been to Florida four times in the last four months, and can attest that the state is booming. You pretty much have to see Naples, for example, to believe it. It isn’t just economic prosperity, either – Florida has an atmosphere of fun, activity, and freedom that draws people from across the country.

“Florida benefits, obviously, from excellent leadership. Governor Ron DeSantis and the state’s Republican legislature have scored another win with the state’s anti-grooming law, which protects small children from being indoctrinated with LGBTQ+ theories in the public schools. Remarkably, liberals have chosen grooming as a hill to die on, as in the Oscars last night, even though polls show the Florida law is supported overwhelmingly by Florida Democrats, let alone Republicans and Independents.”

Read the entire column: https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2022/03/florida-ascendant.php

 

Social Media Highlights   

• https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/1507471087466164226
   
• https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1508787550617546754
   
• https://twitter.com/FloridaGOP/status/1509186877085077510
   
• https://twitter.com/LtGovNunez/status/1508537075318116363
   
• https://twitter.com/AGAshleyMoody/status/1508921726364753925
   
• https://twitter.com/JimmyPatronis/status/1507062178234474503
   
• https://twitter.com/teamrondesantis/status/1507025026503041030
   
• https://twitter.com/TeamMarco/status/1508945850289905665

 

REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state, and you are integral to making that happen.