Florida GOP Newsletter March 6, 2023

“The raid of Mar-a-Lago is another escalation in the weaponization of federal agencies against the Regime’s political opponents, while people like Hunter Biden get treated with kid gloves. Now the Regime is getting another 87k IRS agents to wield against its adversaries? Banana Republic.”

Chairman’s Message:

Governor DeSantis Announces New Opioid Recovery Program

Governor DeSantis announced the expansion of a new, piloted substance abuse and recovery network to battle the opioid epidemic. The Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) program is the first of its kind in the nation, coordinated through the state’s Department of Health, Department of Children and Families, and the Agency for Health Care Administration. Governor DeSantis also announced the appointment of Dr. Courtney Phillips as the first Statewide Director of Opioid Recovery.

“Biden’s border crisis has caused a massive infusion of drugs coming into our state,” Governor DeSantis said. “This year we increased the penalties for individuals trafficking drugs in our state, and now we are giving Floridians the tools they need to break the substance abuse cycle.”

WE’RE STRONGER PULLING TOGETHER!

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FLORIDA

Florida’s Fight Against Woke Corporations

PayPal is part of the growing woke corporate structure that Florida is fighting against under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, and they struck again last week, this time against Florida-based Moms for Liberty.

Governor DeSantis tweeted out: “Last week Tina Descovich, Co-Founder of Moms for Liberty, shared that PayPal locked their account and withheld funds with no warning or justification. Days after our event, their funds were released. Florida has put WOKE banking on notice.”

The most recent steps taken by the Governor were a series of protections for Floridians from the environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) movement that threatens the vitality of the American economy and Americans’ economic freedom by targeting disfavored individuals and industries to advance a woke ideological agenda.

Previously, Governor DeSantis signed HB 7 into law giving businesses, employees, children and families more tools to stand up to against discrimination and woke indoctrination. The law:

Aims to prevent discriminatory instruction in the workplace and in public schools;
Defines individual freedoms based on the fundamental truth that all individuals are equal before the law and have inalienable rights; and
Is the first of its kind in the nation to take on both corporate wokeness and critical race theory in schools in one act.

First Lady Casey DeSantis Launches Florida Cancer Connect

First Lady Casey DeSantis unveiled Florida Cancer Connect, a new resource-filled website which focuses on providing centralized information on cancer treatment, caregiver tools and stories from courageous Floridians who have fought this disease. First Lady DeSantis was joined by Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Simone Marstiller, Dr. Scot Ackerman and Florida cancer survivors to launch the initiative. The website is located at flcancerconnect.com.

“When I was going through my cancer fight, I saw the need for a centralized hub that housed everything patients and caretakers could need while dealing with this disease,” First Lady Casey DeSantis said.

The Florida Cancer Connect website, which is continuing to grow, offers current tools that help Floridians:

Understand cancer research and prevention programs;
Locate a health care provider specializing in cancer care;
Navigate the complexities of cancer related insurance coverage;
Find caregiver resources; and
Hear from brave Floridians who have fought cancer.

Marco Rubio Always Fights for Veterans

Senator Rubio calls it a “moral obligation” to help veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits while serving America.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gpHz_8qWIw

Senator Rubio Condemns Biden’s China Connection

Senator Rubio wrote a guest column for Fox News slamming Joe Biden’s connections to China and very favorable policies for the communist regime:

“Beijing Biden” is beginning to seem an appropriate nickname.

No, I am not talking about Hunter, but the “Big Guy” himself.

President Joe Biden struck a tough tone on China during his first address to Congress. Puffing out his chest, Biden bragged that he told China’s Marxist dictator the United States “will defend America’s interests across the board.” But 15 months later, it is increasingly clear the president’s policies are helping Beijing far more than Scranton—even as China threatens the U.S. Speaker of the House with military force.

Just look at what is happening in Congress this week.

With Biden’s blessing, Senate Democrats will vote to give massive tax breaks for electric batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines manufactured in China. The taxes are part of the Democrats’ so-called “Inflation Reduction Act,” a 725-page boondoggle that will increase taxes by hundreds of billions of dollars in the middle of a recession they created.

Attorney General Moody Announces Formation of Nationwide Anti-Robocall Task Force

Attorney General Ashley Moody announced this week a new Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force that will investigate scammers operating outside of the United States. Florida serves on the executive committee of the task force that consists of 50 attorneys general focusing on telecommunications companies that are responsible for bringing the majority of foreign robocalls into the United States. The new task force has one goal: to cut down on illegal robocalls.

“My office is working with states across the nation to stop the influx of illegal robocalls originating overseas,” Attorney General Moody said. “These calls are often used to execute devious scams and steal from Americans—so it’s important that we work together to investigate these foreign phone calls and find ways to stop them from harming our citizens.”

CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Eight Arrests in Manatee County Unlicensed Contractor Sting

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced this week the arrest of eight unlicensed contractors in Manatee County.

The joint operation between CFO Patronis’ fraud detectives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office was launched to deal with unlicensed contractors who were both working without a required contractor license and doing construction work without having workers’ compensation insurance or a workers’ compensation insurance exemption.

“Performing construction work without workers’ compensation insurance and the required contractor licenses is not only illegal, but dangerous,” CFO Jimmy Patronis said. “Taking advantage of hard-working Floridians just to save a few bucks is despicable and puts customers and employees at risk.

LG Nuñez keynote speaker at St. Thomas University College of Law Human Trafficking Academy

Lieutenant Governor Nuñez tweeted this week: “I was honored to be the keynote speaker at this year’s John J. Brunetti Human Trafficking Academy at St. Thomas University College of Law. Because of St. Thomas Law’s commitment to fight this crime, we can take an all-hands-on-deck approach to protect Floridians and save lives.”

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

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

PAID FOR BY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE. WWW.FLORIDA.GOP

RPOF Newsletter – June 6, 2022

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Governor signs $109.9 billion Freedom First Budget with record tax relief

Governor DeSantis signed the $109.9 billion Freedom First budget that includes the largest tax cut in Florida history and the largest rainy day fund while vetoing a record $3.1 billion.

“Florida has preserved freedom and kept the economy open, which has enabled the state to outperform the nation in jobs, growth, and business formations,” Governor DeSantis said.

Despite reckless and disastrous federal economic policies, Florida has maintained – and even increased – its sound fiscal footing with more than $20 billion in reserves due to a robust economy driven by our state staying open and free during the pandemic.

Some Freedom First Budget highlights include:

$1.24 billion in tax relief, largest in history of Florida
$3 billion in rainy day funds, part of a record $20 billion reserves.
Record-breaking education spending with largest increase in per-pupil funding
Record-breaking infrastructure investments
Record-breaking conservation and environmental funding
Prioritizes public safety and continues commitment to law enforcement
Florida continues to have the lowest taxes per person in the nation.

FLORIDA

Governor signs property insurance reforms

Governor DeSantis signed legislation implementing the most significant property insurance reforms Florida has seen in decades to provide relief to Floridians’ skyrocketing insurance costs. Additionally, Governor DeSantis also signed legislation that modifies structural inspection and financial reserve requirements for condominium associations.

“These bills will help stabilize a problematic market, help Floridians harden their homes through the My Safe Florida Home Program and pave the way for more choices for homeowners,” Governor DeSantis said.

Reforms increasing condominium safety include:

Requiring inspections for all condominiums and cooperative buildings that are three stories or higher.
Requiring condominiums and cooperatives to conduct structural integrity reserve studies for buildings three stories or higher to ensure funding for future structural repairs.
Increasing transparency by requiring all structural inspections reports and reserve studies to be part of the associations’ official record and provided to potential purchasers.

WE’RE STRONGER PULLING TOGETHER!

Senator Rubio receives strong law enforcement support

Senator Rubio’s campaign released a video revealing he has the backing of 55 Florida Sheriffs, the 1,000-member Florida Police Chiefs Association and the 30,000-member Police Benevolent Association.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7JIIcKDsbk

AG Moody instrumental in getting feds to fight foreign robocalls

Attorney General Moody led the way in persuading the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take action to decrease illicit, foreign robocalls.

“The best way to stop scams associated with robocalls is to block the avenues some telemarketers use to send fraudulent automated messages,” AG Moody said. “By working with the FCC, we are gaining ground in our fight to protect Floridians by ensuring carriers utilize the latest technology to try and keep foreign actors from bombarding phones with illegal robocall messages.”

CFO Patronis urges preparations for the hurricane season

On Wednesday, the first day of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis joined Urban Search & Rescue Florida Task Force 2 and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez to urge Floridians to prepare for disasters now, before a hurricane takes aim at Florida. Experts recently predicted an above-normal 2022 Hurricane Season, with the possibility of up to 21 named storms and six major hurricanes.

LG Nuñez reminds Floridians to be ready for hurricane season

Lieutenant Governor Nuñez urges Floridians that with hurricane season starting this week, every resident and visitor needs to prepare and have a plan in place. She reminded Floridians to take advantage of the Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which runs from now through June 10.

More information on the tax holiday here: https://www.floridadisaster.org/globalassets/plan–prepare/2022-disaster-prep-tax-holiday-flyer-updated.pdf

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

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

RPOF Newsletter – May 6, 2022

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

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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.

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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.

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.

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.”

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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.”

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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.

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

RPOF Newsletter – April 1, 2022

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.”

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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

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

RPOF Newsletter – March 3, 2022

Chairman’s Message

First Lady DeSantis is Cancer Free

Today Governor Ron DeSantis announced that First Lady Casey DeSantis is cancer free, and thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Our First Lady is an inspiration to us all and her courage has inspired many facing the same battle.

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Governor DeSantis liberates students from “COVID theater”

It seems there are some things only Governor DeSantis is willing to say, but we all know is true.

One of those moments came during a press conference on cybersecurity training at the University of South Florida, where several high school students were arrayed behind the Governor, and all were dutifully masked up. All of the adults were unmasked, even while these youth have all along been the least vulnerable to COVID, and with Omicron have essentially zero risk. Why were they masked?

Like he so often does, Governor DeSantis said what most common sense Americans have been thinking for a very long time. Enough already.

The Governor walked to the podium but addressed the students first: “You do not have to wear those masks. Please take them off. Honestly, it’s not doing anything. We’ve got to stop with this Covid theater. So if you wanna wear it, fine, but this is ridiculous.”

And that folks, is what the science says. There was absolutely no reason for them to be masked at their expense beyond theater for some adults. As usual, the Democrat media avoided the merits of the Governor’s point — which are unassailable — and spun it into “bullying.” Seriously. So desperate. But also as usual, they are wrong. Governor DeSantis actually was liberating the students, allowing them to breathe freely and all of us to see their faces. Their faces showed it.

It was a wonderful sight as most of them smiled broadly when they took the masks off. This is exactly the principled, evidence-based leadership that Governor DeSantis has been showing all along. And Florida and our students are better for it.

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President Trump Freedom Tour hits Florida

For one historic day, the American Freedom Tour is coming to Florida March 19 at FLA Live Arena in Fort Lauderdale! It’s time for conservatives to get motivated and defend freedom.

The American Freedom tour will be in Fort Lauderdale. Come see President Donald J. Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Candace Owens, Dan Bongino, Sarah Huckabee Sanders and many, many more live and in person. Get your tickets now. This is a historic, must-attend event featuring America’s top insiders and influencers. Register today. Build important relationships, help promote a conservative agenda and protect America’s future.

To register: https://americanfreedomtour.com/events/244/gop

FLORIDA

Florida launches cybersecurity and IT training expansions

Governor DeSantis announced $20 million for cybersecurity and IT training opportunities while visiting Cyber Florida — the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida.

Starting next week, the University of South Florida will use the money to begin coordinating three regional partnerships to develop workforce education clusters in cybersecurity for middle school, high school and college students. Last school year, nearly 143,000 Florida middle and high school students were enrolled in career and technical education programs that accelerate cybersecurity and IT pathways.

“This funding will not only create opportunities for Floridians seeking jobs in this important field but will also improve our national defense, protect Floridians and their businesses, and maintain the integrity of our elections,” Governor DeSantis said. “By doubling available opportunities in this field, Florida continues to lead.”

In 2019, Governor DeSantis set the goal of making Florida the number one state in the nation for workforce education by 2030. So far, Florida has invested over $3.5 billion to expand workforce education and training programs in the state. Globally, the shortage of cybersecurity professionals is estimated to be about 2.7 million. In Florida, there are an estimated 22,000 unfilled cybersecurity-related jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that cybersecurity employment growth will be around 31 percent over the next few years, with average median wages around $104,000 annually.

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Florida provides $7.1 million to help with tornado recovery

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the availability of more than $7.1 million in funding and resources to help families recovering from the impacts of recent tornadoes in Southwest Florida on January 6. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has also sent people to Charlotte and Lee counties to help homeowners in need.

Following the federal government’s denial of Florida’s request to provide assistance to individuals impacted by the tornadoes, Governor DeSantis and the Florida Division of Emergency Management launched a donation portal to provide immediate relief for disaster survivors impacted by the tornadoes. The donation portal is available at FloridaDisaster.org/Assistance.

“Victims of these tornadoes in Southwest Florida deserve assistance to kickstart their recovery process,” Governor DeSantis. “Despite the Biden Administration’s failure to help Floridians in need, I will continue working with state agencies to find ways that we can assist our residents who have been devastated by these tornadoes.”

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$4.4 million for Southeast Florida rural infrastructure

Governor DeSantis announced more than $4.4 million for communities in Southeast Florida to build and improve rural infrastructure.

Indian River County will use the money to attract new industry opportunities to the Headwaters Commerce Park. Broward County will use the funding to increase internet accessibility and provide rental assistance to residents. Monroe County will use funds to make improvements to a community waterfront park that will be a multi-use location.

“By connecting Floridians with the resources they need to create jobs, support new talent, and help businesses to stay open and grow, we are supporting Florida’s economic resiliency,” Governor DeSantis said. “I will continue seeking strategic approaches to long-term opportunity for all Floridians.”

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Senator Rubio comes on strong at CPAC

Senator Marco Rubio released a new video with highlights from his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando last week. Here’s one such highlight:

“There are people that perhaps have never voted the same way any of you have in a presidential race. And they’re really angry. And they’re getting rid of school board members because they’re coming for their kids. And they’re getting rid of local government officials because they’re coming for their business. And they’ll get rid of federal leaders that are coming for their freedom.”

Watch Senator Rubio CPAC highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61QXo_JJST4

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AG Moody leads 26 other states in Supreme Court fight for religious freedom

Leading 26 other states, Attorney General Moody is urging the Supreme Court of the United States to reverse the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on Joseph A. Kennedy v. Bremerton School District.

In this case, the Ninth Circuit failed to uphold the constitutional rights of a high school coach who was punished for praying alone on a football field in view of students.

“High school coaches, like other government employees, do not check their constitutional rights at the door when they agree to pursue a career of public service,” AG Moody said. “We should be encouraging people of faith to pursue noble careers educating and coaching our youth.”

The amicus brief argues that:

Contrary to the Ninth Circuit’s opinion, Supreme Court precedents do not hold that a public employee’s private speech, like Coach Kennedy’s private prayer, is exempt from First Amendment protection;
Allowing the school district to justify its discriminatory actions under the Establishment Clause not only conflicts with settled constitutional principles, but it also creates problems for both public employers and employees; and
The Ninth Circuit’s curtailment of First Amendment liberties is detrimental to public service. Private religious expression and public service can and must coexist.

Read the amicus brief: http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/GPEY-CC5TKD/$file/21-418+tsac+Arizona.pdf

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CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Honors Urban Search & Rescue Task Forces 1 and 2 During “Year of the US&R”

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis honored members of Florida’s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Forces 1 and 2 during a ceremony in Miami as a part of his “Year of the US&R” statewide tour.

Following the tragic Surfside Condo Collapse, CFO Patronis fought to secure $10 million in funding for equipment and training to support Florida’s dedicated US&R task forces. CFO Patronis was joined by members of the Florida fire service community, the Florida Professional Firefighters, the Florida Fire Chiefs Association and elected officials to honor members of US&R Task Forces 1 and 2 with Surfside Memorial Challenge Coins. The CFO distributed nearly 160 challenge coins to US&R Task Forces 1 and 2.

“It was an honor to be in Miami today and recognize the brave men and women of Florida’s US&R Task Forces 1 and 2. I saw the work of God when hundreds of Florida’s Urban Search & Rescue Team members fought, and kept fighting, for any hopes of life,” CFO Patronis said. “They worked 12 hour shifts in the Miami summer, cutting rebar, cutting concrete, filling 5-gallon buckets of debris, hand-by-hand. These men and women battled fire, they battled rain, they battled the heat. Their boots and gloves were destroyed. On that mound of rubble, I saw hell on Earth. But I also saw God’s presence in the men and women that fought with every ounce of their being to save lives.”

“As the State Fire Marshal, I felt compelled to do something to honor these heroes for everything they sacrificed,” he said. “In today’s ceremony, we honored them with a challenge coin and a ribbon for them to wear on their uniform. The challenge coin represents respect, unity and courage, values that Florida firefighters live by. It is my hope that these coins are passed on through generations of their children, and their children, and their children, so that everyone knows that heroes walk amongst us.”

ICYMI

Press Release from Republican Party of Florida:

Lockdown Adam Hattersley is not for Florida

While CFO Jimmy Patronis has fought alongside Governor Ron DeSantis to keep Florida open and free, Democrat candidate for Florida’s CFO, Adam Hattersley, advocated for lockdowns and mandates like the mandatory masking of children and closing beaches and businesses.

Adam Hattersley has opposed Governor DeSantis at every turn and supports draconian mandates. He is not a friend to our hard-working business community. If you have a family, run a business, work for a business or love that Florida is free and open, you aren’t going to like Lockdown Adam.

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More ethics issues for Val Demings

An ethics complaint says Val Demings inappropriately used taxpayer dollars by sending a campaign-style mailer outside her district.

The Washington Free Beacon has the story:

House Dems Block Investigation Into Dem Senate Candidate

Democratic leadership in the House is shutting down an investigation into illegal use of taxpayer funds by Rep. Val Demings (D., Fla.), who was caught abusing mailing privileges as she runs in a high-profile statewide race.

The Washington Free Beacon has learned that the bipartisan House Communications Standards Commission last month opened an investigation into Demings following a complaint that she sent a 12-page, campaign-style mailer to Floridians outside her district. The Democratic chairwoman of the commission, Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (Pa.), told her Republican colleagues in a letter obtained by the Free Beacon that she does “not believe that further inquiry is warranted” and on Tuesday will vote against investigating the matter further. Her vote against further action will effectively end the investigation.

Following the commission’s initial investigation of the complaint, Demings in a three-page letter from attorneys at Elias Law Group, obtained by the Free Beacon, admitted that the mailings went outside her district. The firm was founded by longtime Democratic operative Marc Elias. Scanlon’s campaign also employed Elias for “legal services,” having paid his previous law firm thousands of dollars since 2019.

“This is just the latest example of Democrats twisting rules, process, and precedent to cover up the violation of a member,” a senior congressional aide with knowledge of the matter told the Free Beacon. “On top of that, the involvement of a partisan attorney like Marc Elias, who simultaneously represents the chair of the Commission, only further raises issues of a conflict of interest. This was a valid complaint filed with the Commission and a clear-cut violation of the rules, yet the Democrat members of the Commission are not only moving towards dismissing the complaint but are actively blocking any attempts to further look into the matter.”

Social Media Highlights

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

RPOF Newsletter – February 18, 2022

Chairman’s Message

Florida busts through tourism records

Governor DeSantis’ determination to keep Floridians free and Florida open for business continues to pay off for the state and Americans everywhere as more people than ever are flocking to Florida for vacations. They are escaping more than just cold weather. Lockdowns, mask mandates and weariness over the endless authoritarianism in many other states makes Florida a refuge from crushing policies.

The Governor announced that 30.9 million visitors came to Florida between October and December 2021, marking the second consecutive quarter that visitation has surpassed 2019, pre-pandemic levels. That brings the overall totals for 2021 to nearly 118 million domestic visitors to our state — the highest level in state history, as residents of other states flocked to Florida as a haven from lockdown policies.

“In Florida, we put freedom first, and as a result people are choosing to vacation in our state from across the country and the world to escape lockdowns, including the politicians who advocated for those reckless policies and who are often spotted vacationing here,” Governor DeSantis said. “While tourism in other states is only just beginning to recover, Florida is at the front of the pack — now we are surpassing pre-pandemic levels and setting new visitation records. I’m thankful that VISIT FLORIDA continued to market our state throughout the past two years, and I am confident that 2022 will be another great year for Florida’s tourism industry.”

Here are a few highlights from the report:

Estimates from VISIT FLORIDA show that 29 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in the fourth quarter of 2021, reflecting a 57 percent increase from the same period in 2020, and a 7 percent increase from pre-pandemic 2019.
Approximately 1.5 million overseas visitors came to Florida in the fourth quarter of 2021, an increase of 198 percent from 2020, and 43 percent from the third quarter.
About 359,000 Canadian travelers visited Florida in the fourth quarter of 2021, nearly three times as many as in the previous quarter.
Latin America was the driving force of overseas visitation in 2021, with Colombia becoming the state’s No. 1 international market with a record 710,000 visitors.
In addition, Florida’s total hotel revenue reached its highest ever in 2021 at $17.3 billion, a 2 percent increase over 2019.

For more details on the tourism numbers: https://visitflorida.app.box.com/s/yybwlayqp5ul95851p1vobhwjpsxr2cr

Story here: https://thecapitolist.com/2021-saw-the-highest-rate-of-domestic-tourism-in-state-history/

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Tourist-related businesses and organizations praise the Governor

The principled, freedom-driven policies of Governor DeSantis are drawing high praise from businesses and organizations around the state, who realize that those policies set the foundation for VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing successes.

Richard Gonzmart, fourth generation Co-Owner of Columbia Restaurant Group, said, “Florida’s food and beverage sector heavily depends on visitation to our state, so tourism’s record year in 2021 is a huge win for our industry. We sincerely appreciate everything Governor DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA have done to generate visitors and support businesses.”

Darien Schaefer, President and CEO of Visit Pensacola, said, “Tourism in Pensacola and beyond is thriving thanks to Governor DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA’s unwavering commitment to our industry. Their efforts have allowed us to take full advantage of the national pent-up travel demand and introduce millions of new visitors to everything our great state has to offer.”

Philip McDaniel, CEO of St. Augustine Distillery said, “As one of Florida’s top destinations, St. Augustine runs on tourism, and VISIT FLORIDA has been crucial for boosting our visitation share this past year. We are grateful for Governor DeSantis’ support of Florida’s No. 1 industry and keeping our tourism economy strong.”

Loretta Shaffer, Director of the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, said, “Florida tourism’s amazing year further underscores the value of Governor DeSantis’ leadership and VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing, which has helped drive visitation to Florida’s destinations large and small. Marion County was one of Florida’s fastest growing counties for domestic visitation in 2021.”

More about what they’re saying: https://www.flgov.com/2022/02/16/what-they-are-saying-florida-tourism-industry-is-booming/

FLORIDA

Governor DeSantis denounces Biden administration denial of individual assistance for victims of SW Florida tornado

Governor DeSantis announced today that Florida will appeal the federal government’s denial of emergency aid for Southwest Florida after a series of severe storms in the early morning of January 16 generated an EF-1 tornado in Charlotte County and an EF-2 tornado in Lee County.

The victims of the disaster represent a significant elderly population, with 84 percent of the impacted population receiving Social Security Income. On January 24, Florida requested all programs under the Individual Assistance program, including the Individuals and Households program, Disaster Case Management, Crisis Counseling and Training program, Disaster Legal Services and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

The Florida Department of Emergency Management will appeal the denial due to the amount of destruction and number of displaced residents caused by the tornadoes. FDEM is also helping residents in identifying other forms of disaster assistance that may be available to help them recover.

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$91 million for Panhandle communities hit by Hurricane Michael

Governor DeSantis announced more than $91 million to 14 communities across the Panhandle region to strengthen infrastructure, including improvements to wastewater and sanitary sewer, potable water and stormwater systems.

“I’ve said from the beginning that recovery from Hurricane Michael would be a long-term process,” Governor DeSantis said. “Michael has forever left a mark on Panhandle communities, but through the funding provided today, we can ensure these communities are stronger and better equipped for the future.”

“More than three years since Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, Governor DeSantis continues to make good on his promise to support these communities with vital resources to recover from this historic storm,” Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said. “This additional $91 million in recovery funding will go a very long way in improving the infrastructure needed to support the families and businesses impacted by Hurricane Michael.”

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AG Moody fights to end federal contractor vaccine mandate

Continuing to fight for Floridians, Attorney General Ashley Moody is leading 17 other states in filing an amicus brief in support of the state of Georgia’s multi-state suit against President Joe Biden’s federal contractor vaccine mandate.

The suit seeks an immediate end to the unlawful requirement that federal government contractors require all employees receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Not only are there many Florida companies that will be negatively impacted by the unlawful requirements, but the vaccination requirements intrude on Florida’s laws expressly restricting employer-vaccine mandates.

Attorney General Moody filed a similar action in October 2021 and won a preliminary injunction against the unlawful mandate. The federal government is currently appealing the state of Georgia’s case.

“While COVID-19 infections are rapidly decreasing, President Biden is showing no signs of relenting in his pursuit of power over the personal medical decisions of Americans,” Attorney General Moody said. “As Florida’s Attorney General, I am fighting to protect Floridians from Biden’s unlawful federal overreach and I am proud to lead a multi-state effort in support of Georgia’s case to stop the unlawful vaccine mandate for federal contractors.”

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Demings continues embrace of Carville after his violent, hate-filled rant

Fox News reports:

Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., has been touting the endorsement of veteran Democratic strategist James Carville as she seeks the Democratic nomination for the Florida Senate race but is keeping quiet about his recent comments about punching “piece of sh–” unvaccinated people in the face.

Demings’ campaign has sent out fundraising emails to supporters from Carville in which he tells backers that she can “ONLY win if activists like YOU dig deep and support her every step of the way.”

“I’m neck and neck with Marco Rubio in the race that will determine Senate control, and CNN contributors like James Carville have ‘zero doubt’ that I CAN win,” she says.

Separately, Demings is scheduled to appear at a “virtual grassroots rally” next week with Carville. Carville led President Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential bid and infamously said, “If you drag a hundred dollar bill through a trailer park, you never know what you’ll find” as an attack against one of Clinton’s accusers.

Despite sticking close to Carville, Demings’ campaign has remained silent on controversial remarks he made during a recent podcast about punching unvaccinated people in the face.

“I wish what they’d do is pass a law to make you immune from liability if you punch some unvaccinated person right in the face, which I’d really like to do,” Carville said. “If you ask me what’s my first reaction to you if you’re not vaccinated, you don’t have any medical reason not to be, you’re a piece of s—, OK? I just want to punch you in the god—-ed face. That’s the way I look at these people.”

Senator Rubio is urging Demings to condemn Carville’s violent, hate-filled rhetoric.

ICYMI

Florida pulling out of federal illegal immigrant minor program

The Florida Department of Children and Families is proposing a rule prohibiting the renewal of licenses for organizations that house Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC), mostly older teenagers, whom the federal government is resettling across the United States, including Florida, unless there is a cooperative agreement between the State of Florida and the federal government.

“Through its policies, the federal government has made a decision to encourage the mass smuggling of minors to the southern border without their parents,” DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris said. “No government that claimed to care for children would ever tolerate this. The federal government’s careless policies have led to this unsafe situation, and Florida will no longer be complicit in it. By ending the state’s involvement with the UAC program, the proposed rule will finally force the federal government to take full responsibility for the care and treatment of the UAC population.”

The proposed rule will not affect the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) program because there is a cooperative agreement that governs the resettlement of URM. Additionally, the rule also bars existing licensees from adding to their UAC population, and requires them to conduct regular, in-person welfare checks of any UAC from their current population who are placed with sponsors in Florida.

These unaccompanied teens are often smuggled or trafficked by criminals, sometimes with the knowledge or participation of family members who are already illegally in the country. The Biden Administration’s willful refusal to faithfully enforce the nation’s immigration laws has incentivized this intolerable state of affairs. In President Biden’s first year of office, the number of unaccompanied minors arriving at the southern border ballooned to more than 146,000, compared to approximately 33,000 in fiscal year 2020 and 80,000 in fiscal year 2019.

Social Media Highlights

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

PAID FOR BY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE. WWW.FLORIDA.GOP

RPOF Newsletter – February 6, 2022

Chairman’s Message

Fighting for Florida’s resilient, environmental future

Governor DeSantis went to Pinellas and Miami-Dade counties to announce more than $404 million for 113 environmental projects across the state through the Resilient Florida Grant Program. This money will help prepare coastal and inland communities for the impacts of flooding and storm surge.

“Today’s record investment, as well as the projects included in the statewide plan for future funding, will strengthen our infrastructure to withstand the impacts of flooding and storm surge,” Governor DeSantis said. “For the first time ever, Florida has strategic coordination of statewide efforts to protect our coastal and inland infrastructure, and the dedicated funding to support these projects. This announcement is just the beginning. My administration will continue to support our communities’ resilience efforts across the state.”

The projects awarded this week span 25 counties to improve efforts to protect inland and coastal communities from storm damage. Including the local matches with these projects, the investment for resilience totals more than $730 million.

“Today’s record investment is a testament to our administration’s steadfast commitment to preserving and restoring Florida’s natural treasures,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, a South Floridian.

This is the result of Governor DeSantis’ vision and the support of the Republican Legislature. In his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22, Governor DeSantis recommended the creation of the Resilient Florida Grant Program to help prepare communities for the impacts of sea level rise and flooding. The Legislature answered the call, passing Senate Bill 1954. And the budget included funding to support the most significant investment in the state’s history — over $640 million — to support efforts to ensure state and local communities are prepared to deal with the impacts of sea-level rise, intensified storms and flooding.

The list of projects can be found here: https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/sites/default/files/documents/FY2021-22_Resilience_RFGP_Awards.pdf

Governor DeSantis and Senator Rubio call on Biden for Everglades funding

The critically important Everglades restoration is supposed to be a 50/50 partnership between Florida and the federal government, but the federal government has long lagged in coming through with its half of the deal.

So Governor DeSantis was joined by Senator Rubio, Congressman Brian Mast, Congressman Byron Donalds and other stakeholders to call on the Biden Administration to allocate the federal share of funding to move forward the federal portion of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir project. Additionally, Governor DeSantis requested the Biden Administration include at least $725 million for Everglades restoration in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2023 budget request.

“The EAA Reservoir project is the crown jewel of Everglades restoration, providing relief from harmful discharges to the estuaries and sending more clean water south to the Everglades,” Governor DeSantis said. “Advancing the state’s portion of this project is our number one priority, but the federal government has stalled, most recently failing to dedicate a single cent from its infrastructure package to its portion of this project.”

Senator Rubio added: “The Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir is the crown jewel of Everglades restoration and is the single most important project for reducing harmful discharges and sending more water south. I am grateful that Governor DeSantis, Congressman Mast, and Congressman Donalds continue to prioritize this critically important project for our state. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration did not allocate a single dollar for the project.”

The EAA Reservoir Project is one of the most important Everglades restoration projects for reducing harmful discharges to the estuaries and sending more clean water south to the Everglades. Governor DeSantis expedited this critical Everglades project on his second day in office.

The importance of Everglades restoration is widely recognized, as is Governor DeSantis’ leadership.

“The Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, to be built south of Lake Okeechobee, is the most important project in the entire Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, and this is something Governor Ron DeSantis has led on,” said Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation.

And here: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F543BC41-0838-4A61-AD8E-A8CCE9C2CF6C

FLORIDA

Governor DeSantis announces $89 million in funding for workforce education

Governor DeSantis announced $89 million in funding for workforce education, including a first-of-its-kind Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiative for charter schools.

Governor DeSantis made the announcement at Santa Fe College, which was awarded funding to create a charter school that will allow high school students to earn credentials and college credit while in high school. The funding also includes high school CTE dual enrollment programs, apprenticeships and cybersecurity and IT training.

In 2019, Governor DeSantis set the goal of making Florida the number one state in the nation for workforce education by 2030, and with this investment, Florida has dedicated more than $3.5 billion to expand workforce education and training programs in the state since 2019.

“I set a goal to make big improvements to workforce education opportunities in Florida, and we are making great strides,” Governor DeSantis said. “Today’s announcement will expand technical education opportunities across Florida, especially for high school students. These initiatives will also help businesses in Florida recruit highly-skilled workers to fill needed positions, thereby strengthening Florida’s economic base.”

LG Nuñez holds panel on combating human trafficking

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez held a roundtable discussion aimed at combating human trafficking in the state of Florida as part of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The Lieutenant Governor was joined by Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris, Citrus Health Network President and CEO Mario Jardon, and Kristi House CEO Amanda Altman.

“Governor DeSantis and I understand the threat that this pervasive evil poses to Floridians and we will not stand idly by as human trafficking runs rampant in our state,” Lieutenant Governor Nuñez said. “From parents to teachers to business owners and community leaders, each one has a role to play. While today we were able to shed a light on this practice that is hidden in plain sight, our administration will continue to do what we can to hold traffickers accountable, give victims the chance to live their lives that were stolen from them, and eradicate this crime in Florida.”

About 40 percent of human trafficking victims in Miami-Dade County are minors, with ages ranging between 12-14 years old for girls, and 11-13 years old for boys. Some estimates project that a trafficker can make $150,000-$200,000 per child per year and average 4-6 children. In fiscal year 2020-2021, DCF received 2,289 allegations of human trafficking throughout the state of Florida, affecting 1,750 children.

AG Moody slams Democrat authoritarianism and Biden’s border chaos

Attorney General Ashley Moody was on Fox Business Wednesday to discuss the struggle between “nonsensical, misguided, misinformed” authoritarianism and the resulting pushback from parents and leaders. She said school COVID mandates are “all about control.”

She also discussed Florida’s latest legal action against the Biden Administration to stop them from acting like a travel agency for illegal immigrants — who, because of the President’s terrible policies, are now essentially able to bill the American taxpayers for their travel expenses.

Watch AG Moody’s interview here: https://video.foxbusiness.com/v/6295015961001#sp=show-clips

Florida Sheriffs explain why they support Senator Rubio

In highlighting the endorsement of 55 Florida sheriffs, Senator Rubio’s campaign released a video with comments from several of those Florida sheriffs.

“Senator Rubio understands law enforcement. He has a proven track record of supporting law enforcement, supporting the sheriffs. He understands that safe neighborhoods are the key to any successful community,” Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said.

“Senator Rubio is an amazing man. He has proven over the course of his term as a Senator to be a frontrunner and champion for law enforcement,” said Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “There’s one clear choice for U.S. Senate and that’s Marco Rubio.”

Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvzZI2vyeGg

Life Update

Senate Committee passes bill to prohibit abortions after 15 weeks

On Wednesday, the Florida Senate Committee on Health Policy passed Senate Bill 146 on Fetal and Infant Mortality Reduction. Based on modern medical knowledge confirming significant developmental milestones of an unborn child by 15 weeks, the legislation prohibits abortion after that point. The legislation also increases health care and education resources available to pregnant mothers and women who may become pregnant with a focus on the prevention of fetal and infant death in Florida.

“When Roe v. Wade was decided almost half a century ago, scientific knowledge of fetal development was very limited. We now know so much more about how a baby develops inside the mother’s womb. We also know that later-term abortions pose greater health risks to women,” said bill sponsor Senator Kelli Stargel. “Having once been a scared teenage mother myself, I understand the challenge and anguish of a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, but I support life, and believe we have a duty to protect it. This bill safeguards innocent, unborn children with beating hearts, who can move, taste, see, feel pain, and whose lives should be protected under the laws of this state.”

Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson added: “Abortion kills children and forever changes the life of the mother, the father, and the entire extended family. As an adoptive child myself, it’s always been important to me that we do everything we can to promote adoption as an alternative to abortion.”

ICYMI

Attorney General Moody files lawsuit against Biden border violations

On Wednesday, Attorney General Ashley Moody announced Florida is taking legal action against the Biden administration for ignoring federal immigration law as the out-of-control situation at the Southwest border continues.

The Attorney General filed an amended complaint challenging President Joe Biden’s latest unlawful immigration policy. Instead of commencing immigration court proceedings against illegal immigrants caught at the border, the federal government is releasing them into the interior without even starting the legal process for their removal. The government is calling this unlawful policy “Parole + Alternatives to Detention.”

The amended complaint comes after shocking evidence showed dozens of adult male illegal immigrants brought to a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement office, and then bussed to a nearby airport to be sent to their chosen destination inside the United States, including Miami, according to news reports.

“It is appalling that the president is using taxpayer dollars to fund his open-borders agenda — even facilitating flights to transport illegal immigrants around our own country,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody.

“The Biden administration has not only consciously refused to enforce immigration laws, but it has also developed an operation to secretly resettle illegal aliens into communities across Florida and the rest of the United States,” Governor DeSantis said. “They’re doing this in the dark of night without any coordination with states, without any background checks, and without any efforts to initiate the legal process for their removal. I am glad Attorney General Moody is continuing our fight to hold the Biden Administration accountable for its reckless disregard for immigration laws.”

Read the complaint here: http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/GPEY-CB9JCG/$file/Parole+Amended+Complaint+as+filed.pdf

Social Media Highlights

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

RPOF Newsletter – November 4, 2021

Chairman’s Message

Florida job growth soars. Covid cases plummet.

At the same time as Covid cases continue to plunge in Florida, to the lowest in the nation, the state’s job growth soars to the highest in the nation — demonstrating again the wisdom of Governor DeSantis’ freedom-first agenda.

Florida’s Covid case count is down 90 percent from two months ago, and 76 percent since Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo signed new rules about a month ago that empowered parental control over their children’s health, banned quarantining healthy people and kept kids in school mask-free. Florida’s case rate is currently half of California’s, which has the strictest mask and vaccine requirements in the nation and is mandating every child over five be vaccinated to attend school.

“Without mandates or lockdowns, COVID-19 cases in Florida have decreased 90% since August,” Governor DeSantis said. “In addition to cases, hospitalizations have plummeted in our state. This has been accomplished by making monoclonal antibody treatments and vaccines widely available throughout our state while protecting Floridians from government overreach.”

Draconian, freedom-squashing government mandates do not stop Covid and Florida’s path is shown to be the best in dealing with the virus while allowing people to freely make their own health decisions.

These freedoms have fueled Florida’s economy by allowing businesses and consumers to go about creating a thriving marketplace.

Florida’s economy rapidly accelerated in September, growing at three times the rate of the nation’s growth. Florida gained 84,500 total jobs, marking 17 consecutive months of private-sector job growth. Importantly, Florida has also seen 11 consecutive months of labor force increases, adding 50,000 workers in just the past month. Florida’s labor force growth of 5.4% is dramatically higher than the national rate of 0.8%.

In total, Florida has gained more than one million jobs since April 2020, and September’s job creation was almost twice that of California.

“While the entire nation gained 194,000 jobs in September, Florida gained 84,500 jobs in the same month – we are outpacing the nation in job growth and job opportunities because businesses know that Florida will stand up for them,” Governor DeSantis said. “We will continue to work hard to keep Florida open, free and built for opportunity.”

Governor DeSantis was joined this week by representatives of three Florida-based businesses — Tervis, PGT Innovations, and Anna Maria Oyster Bar — to highlight the recent success of Florida’s job market and support Florida-based companies.

“Governor DeSantis has created a business environment that has enabled us to hire 115 people since June that has helped minimize the broader impact that the pandemic created, and Tervis is very fortunate to be in a state with a healthy economy,” said Rogan Donelly, President and CEO, Tervis. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Tervis was able to keep our headquarters open in order to manufacture our products, our employees were able to safely stay at work and provide for their families.”

“The pro-business atmosphere in Florida has been crucial for PGT innovations to prosper; specifically over the last 18 months, our business has benefited from low taxes from forward-thinking policies,” said Rod Hershberger, Chairman, PGT Innovations. “We’re able to stay open and continue working because of Governor DeSantis’ efforts to protect Florida jobs. This is the best place to work from a tax perspective and from the leadership that we have, and we intend to stay here for a long time.”

“Everybody in our industry feels we’ve got a governor that’s got our back, that’s working with us, that’s working to help us,” said John Horne, President & Owner, Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

These three represent the sentiments of thousands of thriving and grateful Florida businesses.

FLORIDA

Governor DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody announced a lawsuit today against the Biden Administration’s order requiring employees of federal contractors to be vaccinated by December 8. The Governor promised to take legal action to stop federal overreach and is keeping that promise, making Florida the first state in the nation to hold the President accountable.

The lawsuit seeks an immediate end to the unlawful requirement that federal contractors ensure that all employees are injected.

“Just months ago Joe Biden was saying that it wouldn’t be appropriate or lawful for the federal government to mandate these COVID shots,” Governor DeSantis said. “But now we have somehow gone from 15 days to slow the spread to 3 jabs to keep your job. The federal government is exceeding their power and it is important for us to take a stand because in Florida we believe these are choices based on individual circumstances.”

“I have never seen such blatant disregard for the Constitution or the laws governing our country,” said Attorney General Moody. “President Biden does not have the authority to force millions of Americans to receive a shot, nor does he have the ability to punish Florida economically for not abiding by his authoritarian, unlawful, and unconstitutional executive order.”

The Governor and Attorney General were joined at the announcement by Floridians who are facing consequences as a result of vaccine mandates.

And here: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/florida-biden-lawsuit-covid-vaccine-mandates-federal-contractors

Watch the full press conference here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=337652531454633

Read the lawsuit here: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/047123627394.pdf

WASHINGTON, D.C.

With Congress back in session, Val Demings radicalness is impossible to hide. She is in lock-step with the most extremist members of Congress, such as the socialist Squad, and out of touch with Floridians by supporting every penny of the full-fledged $3.5 trillion socialist spending spree.

In joining fellow radicals to push this budget, Demings is supporting 40 separate tax increases that would take $2 trillion out of Americans’ pockets. In addition to tax hikes on Florida families, the socialist spending spree paves the way for the Green New Deal, amnesty for illegal immigrants, and taxpayer-funded abortion.

Demings is trying to unseat Senator Marco Rubio, who released a great ad highlighting how radical his opponent is, voting with the Squad 94 percent of the time.

Watch the Rubio ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ccc2oKnGBG8

ICYMI

What they’re saying about Governor DeSantis calling for a Special Session

Business owners and industry leaders from around the state applauded Governor DeSantis’ call for a Special Session of the Florida Legislature last week to protect Florida employees from unconstitutional vaccine mandates and vaccine passports.

Here is what they are saying:

Ralph A. Lewis, Co-Owner of Florida’s oldest steakhouse, Okeechobee Steakhouse, said: “Without Governor DeSantis holding his ground and making decisions based on scientific facts, our loss of business would be catastrophic. From the staff of Okeechobee Steakhouse and Okeechobee Prime Meat Market, thank you, Governor DeSantis, for allowing us to keep our jobs.”

Charles Musgrove, Jr., CPA and Founder of CAPSERV360, said: “Thank you to Governor DeSantis for standing in the breach to protect our liberties. I have never been prouder to be a Floridian than over the past 18 months. Your leadership is inspirational for all Americans and an example for all political leaders whether local, state, or federal.”

Nick Sarra, Chief Operations Officer of Saltwater Restaurants, said: “Allowing customers to freely dine without mandated vaccine passports has allowed us to continue to employ hundreds of workers in our nine restaurants across Northwest Florida. Placing our employees on the front line of our customers’ medical decisions is not their responsibility as professionals in the restaurant industry. We are grateful for Governor Ron DeSantis’ strong support of restaurants and our employees.”

RPOF Newsletter – October 15, 2021

A Note from RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters

October 15, 2021

When it comes to elections, Florida is the model to follow, and President Trump agrees!

During the Evander Holyfield-Vitor Belfort promotional fight, President Trump praised Florida’s 2020 elections, saying “Florida has been great. And they ran the election clean and that’s very important.”

Watch Video

Earlier this week, Governor DeSantis was asked about an election audit in Florida and our Governor made it clear that Florida is the gold standard of elections with results that were quickly and efficiently tabulated. Florida has already audited the election, in fact, Florida law requires an automatic audit in all 67 counties, and the results are open to the public.

Watch Video

“What we do in Florida is, there’s a pre- and post-election audit that happens automatically,” DeSantis said, in an article published by News Service of Florida. “So, that has happened. It passed with flying colors.”

Florida law requires that after every election, an audit is automatically conducted in every county. This audit is open to the public.

Amongst the election reforms Governor DeSantis and the Republican legislature put in the books is ensuring voter ID not only for in-person voting but when requesting a VBM too, making sure there is no ballot-harvesting and going forward, VBM drop boxes must be staffed at all times to ensure the integrity of the ballots deposited.

Assuring voters that election integrity will be upheld has been of significant concern for Governor DeSantis who replaced two disgraced supervisors of elections in Broward and Palm Beach counties in the first month of his administration. Other states should follow Florida’s lead.

President Trump put out the following statement this week regarding the country’s 2020 election.

Florida is the model to follow when it comes to election integrity. We are very proud of the great work that Republicans in Florida are doing to ensure that this remains so. We would hope that the numerous states that showed election irregularities would follow Florida’s lead.

While running a clean election is key, our enormous victory in November 2020 was made possible by the efforts of Florida Republicans and our grassroots organization–we surpassed expectations from the “experts”, pollsters and punditry class.

The impressive results reflected a great Republican team effort in the Sunshine state which saw record numbers of volunteers knocking on doors, making phone calls, putting up signs and donating– showing patriotic support in numerous ways. Headlines reluctantly had to reflect that Florida is no longer a swing state and Florida sees Red everywhere.

A few key decisions helped pave the way toward victory: investing in on-the-ground field staff to enhance GOTV, and a robust voter registration effort that was propelled by Governor DeSantis which narrowed the gap between registered Republicans to Democrats to a historic low. Additionally, under Governor DeSantis’ leadership and commitment by the Florida Republican legislature this past Legislative Session, Florida further strengthened statutes related to election integrity helping ensure that our laws continue to be a model for the country.

For example, the Legislature amended the law to allow for more time for pre-canvassing of vote-by-mail (VBM) ballots prior to the election—codifying the extended time Governor DeSantis provided to supervisors of elections in 2020 through Executive Order. Without this extra time to count VBM ballots, Florida would have been like other states where VBM ballots were still being counted weeks after the election.

As a result of our great efforts, President Trump duly won the state of Florida and all 29 electoral votes. We flipped two congressional seats in Miami Dade county, picked up five state House seats and two open seats that had been held by Democrats. Republicans also defeated Amendment 3 that would have turned our primary system into California’s and would have caused Florida irreparable harm.

We are proud of all we’ve accomplished and our momentum continues–we are 23,000 Republican voters away from taking the advantage and flipping Florida’s voter registration RED.

Thanks to your hard work the Sunshine State is the model to follow for the rest of the nation!

Thank you,

Chairman Joe Gruters
Republican Party of Florida