The Webster Wire

Listening to Floridians

Dear Friends:

This morning, Debby made landfall in the Big Bend region as a category 1 hurricane. While Debby has been downgraded to a tropical storm after hitting Florida, it will continue to bring heavy rain and wind as it makes its way across north Florida. Please continue to stay safe and follow the directions and advisories of local officials. For more information and contact information for emergency personnel, please visit my website at: webster.house.gov/disaster-preparedness.

Praying for Our Community

Friday evening, three Lake County deputies were shot when responding to an incident in  Eustis. It is with great sadness to report that Master Sheriff Bradley Michael Link was killed, while Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell and Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano were injured.

Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link’s service in the U.S. Army Reserve and both the Polk and Lake County Sheriff’s Offices reflects a life devoted to protecting others. My prayers are with his wife, Brittany, his parents, Christi and Daniel, and all who knew and loved him. His legacy of bravery and service will never be forgotten. I continue to pray for our law enforcement and their families. Every day, the men and women in blue put their lives in danger to protect our communities.

~Photo from Lake County Sheriff’s Office~

Eliminate Taxing Seniors

For decades, seniors have paid into Social Security with their tax dollars. Already burdened by the inflation caused by the Biden-Harris Administration, many seniors in my district and across the country dependent on their Social Security benefits are struggling due to the requirement to pay income taxes on these benefits. This is wrong.

For years, I’ve introduced legislation that would eliminate this double tax on our seniors, and I’m thrilled that President Trump has expressed support for my proposal. My bill, the Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act, would eliminate the unjust double-tax and boost retirement income for millions of seniors. I am committed to protecting Social Security, keeping our promises to seniors, and preserving retirement security for every generation.

Seeing and Serving You

In Washington last month, I had the pleasure of meeting with United Way, where we discussed the importance of helplines and the impacts in our state. United Way Worldwide and local United Ways across the country, support a 24/7 helpline phone number and digital network with operators. Callers can contact 211 for critical services, including finding housing, utilities, healthcare, employment, childcare, and financial assistance, as well as evacuation routes, shelters, access to food, water, and emergency supplies during and after natural disasters. 211 is a powerful tool for identifying and responding to community needs, and I look forward to its continued success.

I also recently met with the Executive Director of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and his team. We discussed several issues in the fishing industry, and NOAA regulations based on outdated and one-dimensional science data collection methods. As a Floridian and senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee, responsible oversight of our nation’s wildlife, environment, and fishing industry is one of my priorities. Throughout my public service, I have advocated for policies that support local projects and find solutions that preserve our beautiful natural resources while balancing the needs of our industries.

Pam Jones, my Community Relations Representative in Lake County, attended the South Lake Chamber Breakfast. Held at the Sterling Event Venue in Minneola, updates from the City of Minneola were shared regarding the local projects that are undergoing which include Minneola Town Center, Hills of Minneola, and Sugarloaf Mountain. 

Pam also recently attended the Grand Opening of the Wesley Christian Academy at the Living Hope Church in Clermont. The Ribbon-Cutting hosted by the Principal Robert McCue, and Rev. Dawn Carter, South Lake Chamber with Executive Director; David Colby, Clermont Mayor; Tim Murry, faculty members and chamber members. The community came out to celebrate and tour the new K-8 academy!

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress