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DeSantis, Florida Cabinet Approve $27.4M to Protect 21,500 Acres of Conservation and Farmland

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday approved the protection of more than 21,500 acres of conservation and agricultural lands across the state, representing a $27.4 million investment through the Florida Forever Program and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

The approved acquisitions are designed to strengthen Florida’s conservation network, preserve family-owned farms and ranches, protect water resources, and support military readiness through the Sentinel Landscapes initiative. Together, the projects ensure Florida’s natural, rural, and working landscapes remain intact for future generations.

“From day one, my administration has recognized the importance of preserving Florida’s environment for future generations,” DeSantis said. “By protecting the right lands in the right places, we’re securing clean water, supporting military readiness, strengthening rural economies, and preserving the natural heritage that makes Florida a world-class destination.”

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said the approvals reflect a commitment to keeping agricultural lands in the hands of families who work them.

“Every acre protected through these programs keeps our state a little more rural — and a lot more Florida — while supporting farmers, ranchers, and conservation efforts statewide,” Simpson said.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said continued support from the governor and Cabinet allows Florida Forever to deliver long-term conservation outcomes that protect ecosystems, water resources, and working lands.

Conservation and Wildlife Connectivity

Two conservation easements totaling 10,996 acres within the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor in Collier and Hendry counties were approved to enhance connectivity between the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Dinner Island Wildlife Management Area. The lands provide critical habitat for imperiled species, including the Florida panther, while remaining in agricultural use. The properties are located within the Big Cypress Area of Critical State Concern and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

In Escambia County, a 7,437-acre conservation easement within the Coastal Headwaters Longleaf Forest Florida Forever Project will protect water quality and aquifer recharge in the Perdido and Escambia river watersheds. The property also provides a protective buffer for key military installations and lies within the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Support for Family Farms and Rural Lands

The Cabinet also approved a 2,060-acre rural lands protection easement within the Tilton Family Farm Project in Putnam County. Family-owned since 1973, the property supports a cow-calf operation, timber production, row crops, and the production of honey and fresh produce that serves local communities, including food deserts. The land is located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

In Okeechobee County, a 1,059-acre rural lands protection easement was approved for the Siboney Ranch Project. The family-owned ranch operates as a cow-calf operation and is situated between Pine Creek Sporting Club and Quail Creek Sporting Ranch, preserving productive agricultural land and rural heritage. The property lies within the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Future Funding Commitments

As part of his proposed Floridians First Budget for fiscal year 2026–27, DeSantis has recommended $115 million for the Florida Forever Program to support land conservation and conservation easements, including projects within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The proposed budget also includes $200 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to sustain Florida’s working agricultural lands and family farms.

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Crimes and Courts

Attorney General Uthmeier: Central Florida Woman Charged in Child Sexual Abuse Material Case

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged a Central Florida woman with multiple felony offenses involving the sexual abuse of a child and the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Taylor Michelle Dorsey, 33, of Ocoee, faces eight felony counts, including sexual abuse of a child over the age of 12 and several charges related to the production, possession, and promotion of CSAM.

“The details in this case are gut-wrenching, and there is zero place for this kind of vile behavior in Florida,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “I am confident in our statewide prosecutors’ ability to fight for the maximum penalty that fits these heinous crimes against children.”

Investigation and Arrest

The investigation was conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) following a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip originated from Yahoo, which reported that Dorsey had uploaded multiple files containing child sexual abuse material.

According to investigators, Dorsey sexually abused the victim, produced the illegal material, and actively shared it with an inmate in federal prison who is serving time for sexual abuse of a child and possession of child pornography.

On Dec. 10, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dorsey’s residence, where she was arrested without incident.

Charges Filed

Dorsey is charged with the following offenses:

  • Promote Sexual Performance of a Child

  • Lewd and Lascivious Molestation

  • Child Abuse

  • Child Neglect

  • Possession of Child Pornography (four counts)

She is currently being held in the Orange County Jail without bond.

Prosecution and Ongoing Case

The case will be prosecuted in the Ninth Judicial Circuit by Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day. Officials stated the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as evidence continues to be reviewed.

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Florida

Florida Voices for Health Warns Against Proposal to Repeal Childhood Vaccine Requirements

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Voices for Health is raising concerns following a Florida Department of Health workshop held Tuesday to consider repealing vaccination requirements for children attending public schools.

The proposal under review would eliminate several long-standing immunization requirements, including vaccines for Hepatitis B, chickenpox, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and pneumococcal disease.

In response, Scott Darius, executive director of Florida Voices for Health, cautioned that the changes could put children and communities at risk.

“While we recognize the skepticism that some Floridians feel about vaccine safety, extensive research shows vaccines are extremely effective,” Darius said. “Polling also shows that an overwhelming majority of Floridians support these requirements.”

According to Darius, Florida parents’ views closely mirror national sentiment, with 82% saying public schools should require these vaccines, compared with 17% who oppose the mandates.

“These changes would place Florida’s children and communities at greater risk from diseases that are easily preventable,” Darius added.

The Department of Health has not announced a timeline for a final decision following the workshop.

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Florida

Honorable Daisy Morales Celebrates 65th Birthday: A Legacy of Leadership, Public Service and Community Advocacy

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Source: Daisy Morales

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, a trailblazer for Puerto Rican representation in Florida politics, is celebrating her 65th birthday. Morales, once the highest-ranking Puerto Rican woman elected official in the state, continues to champion community empowerment, cultural preservation and public service across Central Florida.

A longtime advocate with deep roots in both federal service and local government, Morales remains a powerful voice for Puerto Rican culture and for underserved communities statewide.

A Legacy of Leadership in the Florida House

Morales represented District 48 in the Florida House of Representatives from 2020 to 2022. Her tenure was marked by a bipartisan governing style that delivered meaningful results for Floridians. Known for working across party lines, she gained praise for her legislative productivity and drew occasional pushback from within her own party for her independent approach.

Her legislative portfolio addressed consumer protection, disability rights, military families, education and financial relief for vulnerable residents.

Legislative Achievements That Made Statewide Impact

During her term, Morales led or supported several key measures that achieved tangible results for communities across Florida:

  • HB 45 — Expanded educational opportunities for disabled veterans. The bill became a national model and inspired similar legislation in other states.

  • HB 213 — Created the Down Syndrome Awareness specialty license plate to generate ongoing funding and awareness initiatives.

  • HB 13 — Increased property tax exemptions for widows, widowers, blind residents and fully disabled individuals from $500 to $5,000, offering significant financial relief.

  • HB 857 (amended into HB 1347/SB 1120) — Strengthened regulations on commercial telemarketing to protect consumers from predatory solicitation.

  • HB 855 — Deregulated barber services and streamlined licensing, expanding opportunities for professional barbers statewide.

Morales was also recognized for attending the Governor’s Summit on Disabilities annually with The Family Café since 2014, reflecting her long-standing advocacy for individuals with disabilities.

Champion of Puerto Rican Culture and Heritage

A proud cultural advocate, Morales led the creation of House Resolution 8069, which designates April 2 as Puerto Rican Heritage Day in Florida. The initiative earned proclamations from Governor Ron DeSantis, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Her work culminated in the founding of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit launched in 2023. The organization promotes Puerto Rican heritage through programs centered on education, workforce development, social impact, justice, culture and leadership.

Federal Service and Early Public Roles

Before entering state politics, Morales served 24 years in the U.S. Government, holding positions with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State.

Her elected career began in 2014 when she won a seat on the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, where she went on to serve as Interim Chair, Vice Chair and Media Relations Officer.

Her community-focused leadership and federal experience helped build the foundation for her later work in the Florida Legislature.

Overcoming Political Challenges and Looking Ahead

Despite her accomplishments, Morales faced internal party opposition due to her bipartisan approach, contributing to her primary defeats in 2022 and 2024. Still, her commitment to public service remains unwavering.

As she celebrates her 65th birthday, supporters, community leaders and constituents across Florida continue to share messages of gratitude and admiration for her decades-long dedication. Morales’ legacy as a Puerto Rican leader, federal official and community advocate continues to inspire future generations.

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