Florida
DeSantis, Florida Cabinet Approve $27.4M to Protect 21,500 Acres of Conservation and Farmland
Published
11 months agoon
By
Willie DavidTALLAHASSEE, 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
Florida Gambling Crackdown Earns International Award After 14000 Slot Machine Seizures
Published
5 days agoon
October 28, 2026The commission reports more than $24 million in gambling proceeds seized since July 2022, with international recognition highlighting its coordinated enforcement efforts.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Gaming Control Commission has won the 2026 Regulatory Excellence Award from the International Association of Gaming Regulators, recognizing the agency’s coordinated efforts to combat illegal gambling.
The commission announced the award Oct. 26. The honor recognizes excellence in gaming policy, regulation, compliance and enforcement outcomes.
International Recognition for Coordinated Enforcement
IAGR CEO Kevin Mullally praised the commission’s collaboration with enforcement partners and its support for international efforts against illegal online gambling.
“The Florida Gaming Control Commission’s coordinated approach to combating illegal gambling has produced impressive results,” Mullally said. “Its strategy illustrates the power of collaboration.”
He also recognized the agency’s willingness to support IAGR’s international work targeting illegal online gambling.
Agency Reports 14,000 Illegal Slot Machines Seized
Since beginning operations in July 2022, the commission says it has seized more than 14,000 illegal slot machines and more than $24 million in illegal gambling proceeds.
In the past year, the agency reported shutting down 184 illegal gambling arcades and making 160 arrests.
According to the commission, its investigations have also helped authorities combat illegal narcotics, illegal firearms and dog betting rings connected to criminal gambling operations.
The enforcement figures describe seizures, closures and arrests reported by the agency; arrests do not establish guilt.
Commission Chair Credits Staff and State Support
Commission Chair Julie Brown said the award recognizes the agency’s employees and the support of Florida’s elected leaders.
“We are thrilled to receive such a tremendous honor for our very young agency,” Brown said.
Brown credited Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature and Attorney General James Uthmeier for supporting the commission’s work.
Attorney General Calls for Tougher Penalties
Uthmeier said his office will continue working with the commission to investigate illegal gambling and pursue stronger criminal penalties.
“Illegal gambling operations pose a serious threat to public safety and jeopardize the integrity of gaming in our state,” Uthmeier said.
He said stronger penalties would help hold illegal gambling operators accountable and support law enforcement efforts.
Oversight Extends Beyond Illegal Gambling
The commission’s responsibilities also include regulating authorized gambling activities, including pari-mutuel wagering, cardrooms and slot machine facilities, along with overseeing the state’s gaming compacts. Its authority excludes the Florida Lottery.
Central Florida News
Attorney General James Uthmeter announces 100 felony counts against Kissimmee man, sues AI platform
Published
6 days agoon
October 28, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Wednesday, Oct. 28, that a Kissimmee man faces 100 felony counts involving child sexual abuse material and images depicting sexual activity with animals. In a separate action, the state sued an artificial intelligence company accused of enabling users to generate sexualized images of children and other people without their consent.
The criminal case names Jerry Jesus Reyes, 26. The civil lawsuit targets Rengstorff Consulting Ltd., the company operating the A2E artificial intelligence platform.
“There is nothing more evil than the sexual exploitation of children, and anyone who possesses, shares, or creates these images is an active participant in that abuse,” Uthmeier said in a statement.
Tip leads to criminal investigation
According to the attorney general’s office, the Reyes investigation began with a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children concerning activity on a Snapchat account.
Detectives with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit used subpoenas and search warrants to link the account to Reyes, authorities said. Investigators reported finding files depicting the sexual abuse of children and sexual activity involving an animal.
The charges include:
- 86 counts of unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child.
- 13 counts of unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual activity with animals.
- One count of transmitting child pornography by electronic device.
According to the announcement, the child sexual abuse material possession charges were reclassified as first-degree felonies because the case involved 10 or more images. First-degree felonies generally carry a maximum sentence of 30 years per count under Florida law.
The second-degree felony transmission charge carries a five-year mandatory minimum, according to the announcement, and a statutory maximum of 15 years. Third-degree felonies generally carry up to five years per count.
Reyes could face decades in state prison if convicted. His total sentence would depend on the convictions, applicable sentencing provisions and whether the judge orders sentences served concurrently or consecutively.
The attorney general’s office said Reyes was being held at the Osceola County Jail on $100,000 bond, with conditions of release prohibiting internet access and contact with minors.
Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day is prosecuting the case in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Separate lawsuit targets AI platform
In the civil case, the state alleges A2E allows users to upload photographs or videos of real people, including children, and generate nude or sexually explicit depictions without their consent.
The complaint also alleges the platform permits users to digitally alter adults to appear underage in sexualized imagery.
Although A2E’s terms prohibit certain abusive content, the state alleges the company failed to enforce those restrictions through adequate monitoring, consent verification and reporting of illegal material.
The complaint cites separate criminal investigations in Tampa and Tallahassee in which people allegedly used A2E to generate child sexual abuse material.
“Predators who traffic in the abuse of children and animals have no place in Florida,” Uthmeier said.
He added that companies profiting from AI tools that facilitate child sexual abuse material or nonconsensual sexual imagery “will be held accountable.”
State seeks injunction and financial penalties
The lawsuit, filed in Sarasota County, alleges violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
The state seeks a permanent injunction restricting the company’s provision of the challenged AI tools, restitution, recovery of profits and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per willful violation.
Reyes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The allegations against Rengstorff Consulting have not been proven in court. Responses from Reyes or his attorney and the company were not included in the materials available for this report.
Central Florida News
FBI Director Kash Patel Addresses Global Threats, Crime-Fighting Partnerships at International Police Conference in Orlando
Published
6 days agoon
October 28, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — FBI Director Kash Patel discussed bureau priorities, violent crime and cooperation across jurisdictions during the 2026 International Association of Chiefs of Police conference at the Orange County Convention Center.
The annual conference and exposition, held Oct. 24-27, brought together law enforcement professionals from the United States and abroad for training, presentations and discussions about public safety.
Patel addressed the evolving global threat environment and the importance of partnerships among federal, state, local, territorial and international law enforcement agencies confronting violent crime and transnational threats.
FBI priorities and violent crime
Violent crime enforcement was among the priorities Patel discussed during his Orlando visit.
Published coverage of his weekly update from Orlando described a broader agenda encompassing cybercrime, fraud and other investigative responsibilities. The update also highlighted cooperation among the FBI, the Justice Department and state and local authorities.
The conference provided an opportunity for bureau leadership to discuss those priorities with police executives whose agencies work alongside federal investigators.
Cooperation across jurisdictions
Partnerships were a central theme of Patel’s appearance, including coordination among agencies at different levels of government and cooperation with international counterparts.
Transnational investigations can involve suspects, evidence and criminal activity spanning multiple jurisdictions, requiring agencies to work across geographic and institutional boundaries.
Published coverage of Patel’s visit also reported plans for meetings with the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the IACP Board of Directors.
Patel highlights partnerships in X post
“Great to be in Orlando visiting with our brilliant law enforcement partners,” Patel wrote in a post on X about the conference.
Patel described the gathering as drawing more than 20,000 law enforcement professionals, leaders and partners. He credited cooperation with the FBI for reductions in crime.
In the post, Patel cited a 20% reduction in the national murder rate and more than 54,000 FBI violent crime arrests, which he described as a 90% increase.
The post did not specify the reporting periods or underlying datasets for those figures. The statistics were not independently verified for this article..
Global threats and local policing
The changing threat environment was another focus of Patel’s remarks, connecting the FBI’s national responsibilities with challenges facing police departments and their international partners.
The gathering offered law enforcement leaders an opportunity to discuss shared concerns, exchange professional knowledge and strengthen relationships that support investigations.
FBI Director Kash Patel, right, participates in a fireside chat with IACP President David B. Rausch during the Closing General Assembly of the 2026 International Association of Chiefs of Police conference at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Florida National News.
Training and professional development
Beyond executive presentations, the four-day conference featured educational sessions, networking opportunities and an exposition showcasing products and services for law enforcement.
Organizers identified training, networking and exhibit hall education as the conference’s three central components.
The Orlando event brought those activities together to help police leaders develop their agencies and exchange approaches to public safety.
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Florida National News Staff | News@FloridaNationalNews.com