Today was a big day for Marianna with the grand opening of the new Public Safety Building. This project has been several years in the making, and State Representative Shane Abbott and I have been proud to work together to secure funding through the Florida Legislature to help get it across the finish line. The new facility brings City of Marianna operations, the Marianna Police Department, and the Marianna Fire Department together under one roof, giving the men and women who serve this community a facility built for the needs of today and for many years to come. I hated to miss the ribbon cutting today, but sometimes being Dad has to come first. I’m thankful to Shane for being there to celebrate this milestone and for his kind words about why I couldn’t be there. It’s good to see a project we’ve worked on for years finally become a reality. A lot of people have put a lot of time into making today possible, and I’m proud the Legislature could play a part in it. Congratulations to the City of Marianna and especially to the first responders who will call this building home. I hope it serves you as well as you serve this community.

I was 12 years old on September 11, 2001. I was old enough to know something terrible had happened, but probably not old enough to understand just how much that day would change our country. Twenty five years later, I understand it differently. I understand the magnitude of what we lost that day. I understand the courage it took for first responders to run toward something everyone else was running from. And I understand why those who remember it so clearly have worked so hard to make sure the rest of us never forget. But there is another part of that story I think is worth telling our kids. September 12. The next morning, Americans woke up grieving, but we woke up together. Flags were everywhere. Churches were full. Neighbors checked on neighbors. People took care of each other. For a while, the things that divided us didn’t seem nearly as important as what we had in common. My children will only know September 11 through the stories we tell them. I want them to know about September 12, too. I want them to know what this country can look like when we remember that being Americans is something we share. And I want them to know about the 2,977 people who never got to see September 12, 2001. Twenty five years later, we remember them. And maybe we could stand to remember a little more of who we were the day after, too. Never forget. 🇺🇸

Beginning today, Floridians can purchase eligible hunting, camping, and fishing gear tax-free through December 31, 2026. Enjoy tax-free savings and get outside! Learn more:
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A wonderful evening in Jackson County for the 2026 Reagan Day Dinner! The Jackson County Republican Executive Committee put together an outstanding event, bringing together so many friends and familiar faces from across Northwest Florida. It was also a pleasure to welcome U.S. Senator Ashley Moody back to the Panhandle as this year’s guest speaker. Thank you to the Jackson County REC for your hospitality, your hard work, and your continued commitment to our conservative values and our communities.

Florida is ranked #1 for Higher Education in the 2026 #BestStates rankings by @usnews. This achievement marks a decade of leading the nation in higher education. 🎉 Read what our Board Chair, Chancellor & University Presidents have to say: flbog.edu/2026/07/28/fl10yea…

Today, we celebrate the birth of a nation founded on freedom and the countless Americans who have preserved it through courage, sacrifice, and service. May we never take those blessings for granted. Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and blessed Fourth of July. God bless America. 🇺🇸

Governor DeSantis has officially signed Florida’s Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget into law. For me, this budget has always been about making sure the people of Northwest Florida are represented at the table. I’m proud to have secured $88,884,483 for projects across Senate District 2, investing in our schools, health care, transportation, public safety, natural resources, and the communities we call home. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, I had the opportunity to help shape a budget that keeps Florida financially strong while continuing to invest in the priorities that matter most. It lowers state spending, preserves tax relief, pays down debt, and makes record investments in education, health care, law enforcement, veterans, agriculture, and Florida’s future. I’m grateful to Governor DeSantis for signing this budget into law, and I’m looking forward to seeing these investments make a real difference for the families, businesses, and communities of District 2.

Thank you, Mr. President, for recognizing the needs of Florida’s Panhandle and approving this critical disaster funding. These resources will help our communities continue recovering, rebuilding, and moving forward after the storms. Thank you for standing with Northwest Florida.

Looking for a place to celebrate the Fourth of July? 🇺🇸 We’ve put together a list of Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday fireworks celebrations happening across Florida Senate District 2 to help you make plans with family and friends. Did we miss an event? If you know of another Fourth of July celebration or fireworks display happening in Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, or Calhoun County, let us know so we can help spread the word. Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸🎆

Father’s Day is a chance to recognize the men who have made a difference in our lives. As a father of three young children, I think often about the example I’m setting for them. I also think about my own dad and the impact he had on me. Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from what he said, but from watching how he lived his life and treated other people. Strong fathers help build strong families, and strong families help build strong communities. The influence of a good father extends far beyond his own home. Today, I’m grateful for my father and for all the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who show up for their families day after day. Thank you for being there through the big moments and the ordinary ones that matter just as much. Happy Father’s Day.

Today in DeFuniak Springs, we honored Deputy William May, not just with words, but with a permanent reminder along U.S. 90 between Lancelot Road and Oakridge Way that will carry his name for generations to come. No sign can replace what was lost. But memorials matter. They remind future generations of the people who shaped our communities through service and sacrifice. I was honored to sponsor the amendment securing this highway designation, and even more honored to present Deputy May’s family with a Senate Proclamation, a House Proclamation presented by Rep. Shane Abbott, and a flag flown over the Florida State Capitol on the day of his funeral at the direction of Governor DeSantis. To Will’s family: Walton County and the State of Florida have not forgotten him. We never will.

Today, we remember D-Day. June 6, 1944. Thousands gave everything to turn the tide of World War Il and fight for freedom, not just for their country, but for the world. Their legacy is one of strength, unity, and sacrifice and we honor them today, always.

Freedom is not inherited by chance. It is preserved by the courage of those willing to stand in harm’s way for people they may never meet. This Memorial Day, we honor the Americans who gave everything for our country. Not for recognition. Not for glory. But because they believed the United States of America was worth defending. Behind every flag placed at a gravesite is a story of sacrifice, a family forever changed, and a hero who never came home. May we live in a way worthy of their sacrifice, carry forward the freedoms they protected, and never allow their legacy to fade from memory. We remember the fallen. Forever, we honor them.

Griff has been a tremendous advocate for Bay County and Northwest Florida during his time in the Florida House. Public service requires sacrifice, and Griff has served with integrity, accessibility, and a genuine heart for helping others. Whether fighting for local priorities or protecting the quality of life that makes Bay County so special, he has always put his community first. I am grateful for Griff’s friendship and service, and thankful for Laura and the support she has given throughout his years in public office. We wish their family nothing but the best in this next chapter, and I know Griff will continue making a positive impact on Bay County for years to come.

Senate President Ben Albritton and Speaker Daniel Perez have issued a Joint Proclamation convening a Special Session beginning May 12 to finalize Florida’s state budget and key implementing legislation for the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year. This special session ensures the Legislature can complete its constitutional responsibility to pass a balanced budget that invests in Florida’s priorities, including education, health care, public safety, infrastructure, retirement obligations, and tax relief. As Chair of Senate Health and Human Services, I remain committed to advancing responsible policy that strengthens Florida’s health care system and supports patients, providers, seniors, and families across our state. I will also continue advocating for critical resources and investments that support the communities of Senate District 2, including Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, and Calhoun counties. Looking forward to continuing the work on behalf of the people of Florida.

Honored to have Pastor Dr. Doug Stauffer serve as today’s Pastor of the Day for the Florida Senate and open the session in prayer. Pastor Stauffer, of Faith Independent Baptist Church in Niceville, was my guest today and represents the heart and values of our district so well. Thankful he could be here and be part of today’s session.