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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis JUST IN: Governor Ron DeSantis Awards Medal of Freedom to Jimmy Buffett & 4 Other Florida Icons Tallahassee, Fla. — August 20, 2025 Governor Ron DeSantis today honored five legendary Floridians with the Governor’s Medal of Freedom , the state’s highest civilian award. The recipients— Jimmy Buffett, Bob Graham, Buddy MacKay, Lincoln Díaz-Balart, and John Thrasher —were recognized posthumously for their lifelong contributions to Florida’s culture, politics, and public service. “I’m proud to recognize the legacies of these great Floridians,” Governor DeSantis said. “Our state is better for their contributions, and we’re proud they called Florida home. They have each earned the honor of being awarded the Governor’s Medal of Freedom.” The award, created in 2020, celebrates individuals who have made “especially meritorious contributions” to the state of Florida and its citizens. Honorees and Their Legacies Jimmy Buffett (1946–2023): Beloved singer-song...

  Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0,  via Flickr Governor DeSantis Appoints Three to South Florida Regional Transportation Authority TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the appointment of Albert Cacace and the reappointment of Carlos Penin and James Scott to the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) , a key body overseeing public transportation initiatives in the region. Albert Cacace Albert Cacace is the Founder and Managing Partner of R30 Agency. A veteran of the United States Army, he brings extensive experience in private security and community service. He currently serves as an Area Director for the International Intelligence Network and has previously served in a similar capacity with the Florida Association of Private Investigators. Cacace holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Aspen University. Carlos Penin Carlos Penin is the President of CAP Government, Inc. and CAP Engineering Inc. With a stro...

  Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0,  via Flickr TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — July 23, 2025 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of Christian Caban and the reappointment of Monesia Brown to the Tallahassee State College District Board of Trustees , reinforcing the state’s commitment to strong leadership in higher education. Christian Caban Joins the Board Christian Caban, a community leader and entrepreneur, currently serves as the Leon County Commissioner for District 2 . In addition to his role in local government, Caban is the Principal of Wolf Hospitality Group , a growing business venture rooted in the region. He brings significant civic experience, serving on the Juvenile Justice Board for Circuit 2 , the Leon County Value Adjustment Board , and the Downtown Tallahassee Redevelopment Commission . Caban earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical science from Florida State University , and his appointment marks a continued effort to integrate loc...

Ron DeSantis Governor DeSantis Reappoints Richard Burke and Alex Lastra to Florida Transportation Commission TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — July 22, 2025 — Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the reappointment of Richard Burke and Alex Lastra to the Florida Transportation Commission , reaffirming their roles in helping guide the state’s transportation priorities and policies. The Florida Transportation Commission plays a vital role in providing leadership, oversight, and accountability within the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), ensuring the agency effectively serves the mobility needs of Florida residents and businesses. Richard Burke Burke brings extensive experience from the private sector and nonprofit leadership. He currently serves as an Operating Partner at Energy Capital Partners Management, LP . He is also the Chairman of the Board of Biffa , a leading UK-based waste management company. In addition to his business endeavors, Burke contributes to causes such as veterans’ w...

  Florida Governor Ron DeSantis 🏆 Florida Named #1 State for Religious Liberty in the U.S. SARASOTA, FL — July 2025: Florida has officially earned the top spot in the First Liberty Institute’s Religious Liberty in the States Index , marking another historic milestone under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership. The ranking recognizes Florida as the #1 state in America for protecting religious liberty through comprehensive laws and policy initiatives. The Religious Liberty in the States Index is the most in-depth legal comparison of religious freedom protections across all 50 states. It evaluates how states protect individuals, families, and institutions in living out their faith through laws related to religious exemptions, religious schooling, faith-based speech, and more. “Florida holds several #1 rankings—education, economy, tourism—and now, we are #1 in religious liberty,” said Governor Ron DeSantis . “Religious liberty is foundational to America, and I’m proud Florida l...

  Governor Ron DeSantis 📰 Governor Ron DeSantis Makes Four Judicial Appointments Across Florida TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | July 17, 2025 — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of four accomplished legal professionals to serve on state appellate and circuit courts, further shaping the judiciary with experienced and credentialed figures. Fourth District Court of Appeal Appointments Shannon Shaw – Jupiter, Florida Shannon Shaw has been appointed to the Fourth District Court of Appeal. She currently serves as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, a position she has held since 2017. Prior to that, Shaw was an Associate at Hunton & Williams LLP and also served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable K. Michael Moore and the Honorable James King of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. A graduate of Duke University and Vanderbilt University Law School , Shaw will fill the vacancy created by the resig...

  Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0,  via Flickr 📢 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Four New Judges Across the State TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | July 17, 2025 — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of four distinguished legal professionals to serve as judges across the state, marking a continued commitment to strengthening Florida’s judicial system with experienced and principled leaders. 🔹 Jason Jones Appointed to Second Judicial Circuit Court Jason Jones , of Tallahassee, has been appointed to the Second Judicial Circuit Court , filling the vacancy left by Judge Wheeler's retirement . Jones has served as a County Court Judge for Leon County since 2020 and previously held the position of General Counsel for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement . He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and earned his J.D. from Florida State University . 🔹 Aaron Hubbard Appointed to Sixth Judicial Circuit Court Aaron Hubbard , o...

  Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0,  via Flickr DeSantis Defends Federal Reimbursement for Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' Detention Site Tallahassee, FL — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded to questions Monday about how the federal government would reimburse the state for expenses related to “Alligator Alcatraz” , a temporary detention facility established to process illegal migrants on repurposed state property in the Everglades. Speaking at a press briefing, DeSantis emphasized that the process of federal reimbursement is routine , citing precedents from disaster recovery efforts. “The federal government reimburses us for stuff all the time,” he said. “When we had Hurricane Milton, for example, the Biden administration approved 100% reimbursement for debris removal and emergency protective measures. This isn’t any different.” “Alligator Alcatraz,” so nicknamed for its secure and remote location surrounded by Everglades terrain, is one of several tempo...

  Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0,  via Flickr MUST WATCH: DeSantis, ICE Official Spar With Reporter Over ‘Dog And Pony Show’ Claim Amid Immigration Crackdown Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and a top ICE official forcefully responded to a reporter’s accusation that the state’s Operation Tidal Wave immigration enforcement effort is little more than a “dog and pony show,” defending their approach as necessary to restore law and order in Florida. During a tense press briefing, a reporter from WSBN challenged DeSantis, alleging that some American citizens were being mistakenly deported despite showing proof of legal status, including birth certificates and passports. “With all due respect, this is the United States of America,” the reporter said. “This is a dog and pony show. American citizens are being deported, and the process is sloppy.” DeSantis Fires Back: "Who Are You Fighting For?" Gov. DeSantis did not hold back in his reply, challenging the media narrati...

  Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0,  via Flickr 🔴 JUST IN: Gov. Ron DeSantis Defends Controversial $10 Million Donation to Hope Florida Amid Scrutiny TALLAHASSEE, FL – April 24, 2025 — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was pressed on Wednesday about a controversial $10 million donation to the Hope Florida initiative — a signature program closely associated with Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis. During the press briefing, DeSantis was asked to clarify how the donation was distinct from a $67 million legal settlement last fall involving the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Critics have questioned whether public resources were appropriately allocated and whether the donation had any political or ethical implications. “AHCA put out the letter with all the documentation. I would just look at that. It totally debunks the bogus media narratives,” DeSantis said firmly. 📄 DeSantis Dismisses “Phony Narratives” The governor defended the transparency of...

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0,  via Flickr Gov. Ron DeSantis Slams Florida House Bill, Warns of 'Re-Wokifying' Higher Education TALLAHASSEE, FL — In a strongly worded video released Thursday on social media, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis condemned a newly proposed bill in the Florida House of Representatives, warning that it could reverse the state’s progress in depoliticizing higher education and “re-wokify” Florida’s universities . The legislation, backed by some Republicans, would reportedly alter oversight and governance structures in the state’s public colleges and universities — a move DeSantis claims would open the door for a resurgence of leftist ideology on campuses across Florida. DeSantis: Florida’s Higher Education System Must Focus on Truth, Not Ideology In the video, DeSantis reiterated his administration’s position that Florida’s universities should focus on “truth, critical thinking, and citizenship,” not political indoctrination. “Our u...

  Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0,  via Flickr JUST IN: DeSantis Responds to Trump Tariffs Concerns for Florida's Fishing Industry TALLAHASSEE, FL — At a press briefing on Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was asked directly about the potential effects of former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on the state's robust fishing industry . While DeSantis downplayed a direct connection to recreational fishing , he took the opportunity to spotlight a more pressing issue: federal overregulation and outdated data harming Florida’s anglers. “In terms of recreational fishing, I’m not sure that [tariffs] are necessarily going to be as direct,” said DeSantis. “The bigger issue is that the federal government continues to restrict the ability of our anglers to access resources in the Atlantic and Gulf .” DeSantis: State Management of Red Snapper Season a Game-Changer DeSantis pointed to Florida’s success in managing Gulf red snapper seasons after the feder...