Florida

Gaetz Sex Probe Suddenly Threatens a Speedy Washington Rise

Published

5 years ago

April 3, 2021

FILE - In this March 7, 2020, file photo, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., fourth from right, and others stand before a dinner with President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Compared with most congressional newbies, it didn’t take Rep. Matt Gaetz long. Phone calls from the president. Rides aboard Air Force One. Hundreds of television appearances. A darling in conservative circles.

Yet barely four years after arriving in Washington as a little-known Republican state legislator from Florida’s Panhandle, the 38-year-old unblushing defender of Donald Trump is facing a possible abrupt end to his once promising career because of a federal sex-trafficking investigation.

The overwhelming reaction of Gaetz’s GOP colleagues — a deafening silence. That reflects the resentments he’s sparked during his breakneck rise as one of the party’s celebrities and the challenge he faces to retain his seat.

Government agents are investigating if Gaetz had sex with a 17-year-old and other underage girls and violated federal sex trafficking laws, people familiar with the probe have told the AP. No charges have been filed, and Gaetz has denied the allegations.

But with new, damaging details emerging regularly, Gaetz’s political arc is beginning to resemble the myth of Icarus, who plunged to earth after ignoring warnings that his waxen wings would melt if he flew too close to the sun.

The coming days will test the crisis management skills of one of the most visible members of Congress’ younger generation, who critics say care more about promoting their own brand than serious legislating.

“They’re here for notoriety and to perform to their base, and anything else that may come is secondary,” said Doug Heye, a Trump critic and former top GOP congressional aide. “And if you boo him that’s great too, as long as you’re watching.”

David Bossie, president of Citizens United, which backs conservative causes and candidates, countered that Gaetz “has been a conservative warrior, working every day to make America great again and fight for President Trump’s agenda.”

Gaetz’s congressional Twitter account is topped with a photo of himself taking a selfie with Trump, apparently on Air Force One. On his personal Twitter account, Gaetz describes himself as “Florida man. Fiancé. Firebrand. America First.” He became engaged at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in December.

Gaetz is quick with a quote and looks little older than a college student. And by his own account, he’s hardly led a prudish lifestyle while battling for conservative causes.

In his 2020 autobiographical book, “Firebrand,” Gaetz praised Trump as someone “who doesn’t care for puritanical grandstanding or moralistic preening.” He added, “If politicians’ family lives aren’t what really matter to the voters, maybe that’s a good thing. I’m a representative, not a monk.”

Chris Latvala, a former GOP colleague in the Florida legislature, suggests that while there, Gaetz went too far. On Friday, Latvala revived a 2020 tweet in which he accused Gaetz of creating a “game where members of the FL House got ‘points’ for sleeping with aides, interns, lobbyists, and married legislators.”

Latvala wrote Friday, “ I am just sorry that this guy may have victimized others, including possibly minors before others came forward to verify it.”

The game was also described by two other Florida Republicans, who spoke on condition of anonymity to reveal what was a private matter. Gaetz has denied knowing about it.

The son of Don Gaetz, a wealthy businessman and one-time Florida state Senate president, Matt Gaetz came to Congress after six years of building his conservative credentials in the state House with pro-gun and other legislation.

Just months after Gaetz arrived in Washington in 2017, when Trump’s presidency also began, special counsel Robert Mueller began investigating Russia’s influence in Trump’s election.

Gaetz sprang into action to defend Trump, filing one resolution asserting investigative wrongdoing aimed at making Mueller resign, and essentially never stopped. His persistence was noted by Trump, who began calling the young lawmaker.

The day before a House hearing on the Russia investigation in 2019, Gaetz tweeted at former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, who’d turned on Trump and was about to testify, asking, “Do your wife & father-in-law know about your girlfriends?” The House Ethics Committee formally admonished Gaetz for the tweet, which some saw as an attempt at intimidation, and he apologized.

Gaetz was highly visible again months later when the House began its impeachment investigation over Trump’s efforts to pressure Ukraine to provide political dirt on Democrat Joe Biden, who would eventually defeat Trump in the election.

Most notably, Gaetz led a cluster of House Republicans who barged past Capitol Police officers into a secure basement meeting room where House Intelligence Committee members were questioning witnesses. They caused a delay of several hours that had little impact on the probe but garnered press attention.

Gaetz was grabbing the spotlight in other ways, too. He brought a white nationalist who questioned the Holocaust as his guest to Trump’s 2018 State of the Union address, later claiming ignorance of the man’s views.

In March 2020 as the pandemic was taking hold, Gaetz wore a gas mask on the House floor. Critics accused him of downplaying COVID-19, as Trump repeatedly did, but Gaetz asserted he was calling attention to lawmakers’ vulnerability to the disease.

All the while, his visibility was growing. Gaetz has made 346 weekday cable news appearances since August 2017, according to Media Matters, a liberal group that monitors conservative media activity.

That makes Gaetz second in Congress only to Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a fellow Trump ally and ubiquitous TV presence.

Through it all, Gaetz has shown no hesitation to criticize fellow Republicans.

In a 2020 tweet, he accused Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., of “screwing all Americans” by dumping stock using insider information as the coronavirus pandemic was starting. The Justice Department investigated Burr but brought no charges.

In Gaetz’s book, in a first chapter called “Sex and Money,” he wrote that when he arrived in Congress, he asked current House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., for a seat on the Armed Services Committee. Gaetz wrote that “to my shock,” McCarthy suggested he contribute $75,000 to the House GOP’s campaign committee — a donation Gaetz wrote he actually doubled.

This past January, Gaetz helped spearhead an effort to depose Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., from her post as No. 3 House GOP leader after she was among 10 Republicans to vote for Trump’s second impeachment.

Gaetz even traveled to a campaign event in Wyoming, where he urged voters to oppose her 2022 reelection and accused her of ignoring “the will of the people.” Days later, Cheney was reelected to her leadership post.

All of that helped alienate him from many Republicans, several GOP lawmakers and aides said.

Among his only defenders this week has been Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who tweeted, “Take it from me rumors and headlines don’t equal truth.” Greene has become a pariah even among some Republicans for showing support for false and violent sentiments.

Having a deep well of support among colleagues can help a beleaguered lawmakers retain their seat should party leaders begin viewing them as a liability. Ominously, McCarthy has called the charges against Gaetz “serious.”

Gaetz has reportedly had inconclusive discussions with Newsmax, a small pro-Trump television outlet, about working for it or another network. A person close to Newsmax said Friday the network has no plans to hire him as a talent.

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Business

FNN Spotlight Javier Garcia: From Producing Publix Toledo Scale Handrails to Leading in News Media and Youth Mentorship

Published

2 weeks ago

September 22, 2025

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News proudly recognizes Javier Garcia, a dedicated sports reporter for FNN News en Español and co-host of the FNN News en Español Podcast Talk Show, during Hispanic Heritage Month 2025. Garcia’s story highlights his contributions not only to journalism, but also to Florida’s metal fabrication industry and his commitment to youth advocacy.

Javier Garcia manufactured more than 700 pairs of handrails for Toledo scales, the iconic weighing machines placed at Publix supermarket entrances.

Javier Garcia began his professional journey in the metal fabrication industry.

From Metal Fabrication to Lasting Impact

Garcia began his professional journey in the metal fabrication industry, working for Downing Sheet Metal, a Winter Park company with over 100 years of history. This role taught him discipline, teamwork, and innovation. At just 20 years old, Garcia manufactured more than 700 pairs of handrails for Toledo scales, the iconic weighing machines placed at Publix supermarket entrances. His craftsmanship became part of Florida’s everyday history, a contribution that continues to touch countless lives.

Garcia also carried his mentorship into youth sports. Parents named him coach of his daughter’s soccer team, he instilled teamwork, discipline, and joy for the game.

Advocacy and Mentorship for Youth

Beyond his industrial contributions, Garcia has dedicated his time to uplifting young people. He visited correctional facilities to motivate and inspire incarcerated youth, earning a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of Florida, presented under Secretary James V. Crosby Jr. and Administrator Charles E. Germony. His encouragement focused on ethics, resilience, and self-respect—values that continue to shape the next generation.

Garcia also carried his mentorship into youth sports. When parents named him coach of his daughter’s soccer team, he instilled teamwork, discipline, and joy for the game. Later, in volleyball, his guidance transformed a struggling team into victors, reminding young athletes to focus on good serves, joy, and encouragement. That single win symbolized more than a scoreline—it was a triumph of character and unity.

Media, Community, and Continuing Legacy

As a reporter and podcast host for FNN News en Español, Javier Garcia brings his passion for storytelling to the broader Hispanic community. His sports coverage spans the Orlando Magic, Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, and other major sporting events. Beyond sports, Garcia reports on cultural moments such as the annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival in Downtown Orlando, as well as everyday events that matter to the community. Through his work, he amplifies Hispanic voices, highlights community achievements, and inspires others to share their stories. Garcia also invites members of the Hispanic community to participate as guests on the FNN News en Español Podcast Talk Show, ensuring their contributions are celebrated and remembered.

Florida National News proudly honors Javier Garcia for his passion, integrity, and lasting contributions across industries and generations.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Business

Jenny Rosario, VP of Florida National News, Kicks Off 2025 National Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight

Published

3 weeks ago

September 15, 2025

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News kicks off the 2025 National Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting one of its own: Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News and FNN News Network. Appointed to the VP role in January 2020, Rosario has been a pillar of the organization since joining in 2014, previously hosting the FNN Entertainment Buzz Show while also reporting for the network.

FNN is honored to showcase Rosario’s contributions in media, entertainment, acting, and film production as she continues to lead Florida National News and FNN News Network into the future.

A Bronx Native with Cuban and Puerto Rican Roots

Rosario, a native of the Bronx, New York, is of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent. She began her career in film and production after graduating from Valencia College’s Film Program with a degree in Film Production Technology. Starting as a production assistant, she worked her way through multiple roles including makeup artist, script supervisor, writer, producer, and director. She later launched her own small production company, Rmarcfilms Corp., and founded Pink River Productions DBA The Booking Actor.

Her on-screen career blossomed as a lifestyle and fashion model before she pursued acting studies in 2000. Discovered by a scout, she was recruited into pageantry and went on to win several titles, including Ms. Latina Florida USA (2002), Ms. Latina International (2003), and Ms. International World (2015).

Education, Career, and Global Mission Work

Alongside her entertainment career, Rosario is a strong advocate for education. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.S. in Project Management. She is also a spokesperson, life coach, and the accomplished author of the children’s book Sunny Days with Mommy and Me. Beyond her professional endeavors, Rosario is a dedicated local and global missionary, having completed mission work in Ukraine, Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador.

Her extensive portfolio includes hosting talk shows, appearing in hundreds of commercials, and acting in both feature and short films. Rosario’s ability to balance leadership at FNN, her acting career, community advocacy, and missionary work highlights her versatility and dedication.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2025

Florida National News’ celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Monday, September 15 through Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The annual observance recognizes the culture, traditions, and contributions of U.S. residents tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Through its spotlight on Jenny Rosario, FNN proudly honors her Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage and her significant impact as a Latina leader in media, entertainment, and the community.

___________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Florida

Governor DeSantis Pushes to Correct Census Undercount, Calls for Fair Representation in Congress

Published

2 months ago

August 20, 2025

Willie David

LAKE WORTH, Fla. (FNN) – Governor Ron DeSantis announced his support for updating the 2020 Decennial Census, a move that could secure additional congressional seats for Florida. He was joined by Attorney General James Uthmeier, who has been leading the charge to correct census errors and push for reapportionment that reflects Florida’s true population.

“Even the Biden administration acknowledged that Florida got shortchanged in the reapportionment stemming from the last census,” Governor DeSantis said. “My office is working with Attorney General Uthmeier in our mission to secure Floridians’ due representation in Congress and to fix mistakes that have been identified in the aftermath of the 2020 Census.”

Attorney General Uthmeier echoed the Governor’s concerns, highlighting what he described as deliberate efforts that hurt Florida. “Florida was robbed by the left’s multi-year effort to rig the 2020 Census, and Floridians didn’t get the representation they deserve in Congress,” Uthmeier said. “President Trump called for a new census, and I’m ready to work with Governor DeSantis to bring solutions to the president and get it done.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 Post-Enumeration Survey (PES), Florida was one of the most severely undercounted states during the 2020 Census. The PES revealed Florida’s population was undercounted by nearly 3.5 percent—a shortfall that cost the state additional representation in Washington.

Adding to the urgency, Florida has grown by nearly two million residents since 2019, many of whom were not captured in the Census Bureau’s 2020 reports. Leaders argue that this undercount means Florida is currently vastly underrepresented in Congress, despite being one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.

Governor DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier pledged to continue pursuing every legal and political avenue to ensure Floridians receive fair representation based on the state’s true population.