Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces New Monoclonal Antibody Site in Osceola County
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins is positioning his military background and “warrior leadership” philosophy as a central message in his campaign for governor as he works to gain momentum in Florida’s competitive Republican primary race.
FNN Politics & Power Talk Show with host Jenny Rosario
Speaking during a South Lake Chamber of Commerce business roundtable in Clermont and later in an exclusive interview with FNN Politics & Power host Jenny Rosario, Collins emphasized leadership shaped by military service, resilience and crisis management rather than traditional politics.
“I don’t consider myself a politician,” Collins said during the discussion. “I consider myself a warrior focused on service, leadership and solving problems.”
A 23-year Army veteran and former Green Beret, Collins spoke openly about the severe combat injuries he sustained during military service, including the loss of a leg while deployed overseas. He described moments during combat operations when he performed emergency medical treatment on himself while under extreme conditions.
Collins said those life experiences helped shape the leadership approach he believes Floridians are seeking in their next governor.
Throughout the event, Collins repeatedly stressed the importance of decisive leadership during times of economic uncertainty, natural disasters and national security concerns. He pointed to his leadership role with Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit organization that has helped provide more than 1.65 million hot meals to Florida communities impacted by hurricanes and other disasters.
The roundtable discussion focused heavily on Florida’s economy, workforce development, education reform and agriculture.
Collins highlighted Operation F3 — Fortifying Florida’s Workforce — an initiative aimed at expanding workforce opportunities in aerospace, aviation, manufacturing, skilled trades and national security industries. He said Florida must continue strengthening domestic manufacturing and preparing students for future job markets.
Education reform also remained a major focus of the discussion. Collins advocated for what he described as a more classical approach to education centered on foundational academics, critical thinking, civic understanding and workforce readiness.
Raised in rural Montana after being adopted by his grandparents, Collins shared personal stories about growing up in poverty on a farm, experiences he said taught him discipline, perseverance and appreciation for agriculture and small-town communities.
Now residing in Odessa in Hillsborough County, Collins said he remains committed to protecting Florida’s agriculture and maritime industries while supporting continued economic growth statewide.
Additional topics discussed during the event included H-1B visas, national security, economic stability and the recent Raul Castro indictment, which Collins connected to broader concerns about leadership accountability and public safety.
As Florida’s 2026 governor’s race continues to take shape, Collins faces growing competition in the Republican primary field. Byron Donalds is currently viewed by many political observers as the Republican front-runner following an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
When asked about Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis, Collins said he believes Trump has not yet had the opportunity to know him personally. He also emphasized that DeSantis selected him as lieutenant governor because he trusted Collins’ readiness to lead the state if needed.
Collins closed the event by saying his campaign is ultimately focused on creating greater opportunities for future generations and leaving Florida stronger for his children and families across the state.
Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.
Florida
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia Targets Orange County Over $300 Million in Alleged Wasteful Spending
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Blaise Ingoglia announced that more than $300 million in the 2025-2026 Orange County budget has been identified as “excessive and wasteful spending,” as part of an ongoing statewide review of local government finances.
According to the Florida Agency of Fiscal Oversight, Orange County’s General Fund Budget has increased by 66.06% since 2019. Last year, the CFO’s office identified nearly $200 million in what it described as excessive spending in the county’s 2024-2025 budget.
Ingoglia said the continued increase in spending highlights the need for property tax reform across Florida.
“Last September, my office revealed that Orange County’s local government officials were irresponsibly spending taxpayer dollars,” Ingoglia said in a statement. “Not only did they not heed our warning, but they doubled down on excessive spending. The taxpayers are suffering the consequences of their wasteful spending problem. The time for property tax reform is now.”
ORANGE COUNTY BUDGET GROWTH
State officials reported that Orange County’s General Fund Budget increased by $688,768,908 since 2020, while the county’s population grew by 131,538 residents during that same period.
According to the report, for every family of four that moved to Orange County, the budget increased by approximately $20,945.
The Florida Agency of Fiscal Oversight also stated that Orange County has spent an estimated $747.5 million in excessive or wasteful expenditures over the last six years.
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROPOSAL
The report claims Orange County could reduce its millage rate by 1.22 mills without disrupting essential county services. If implemented, homeowners could see annual savings based on taxable property values:
- A taxable home value of $300,000 could save approximately $365 annually.
- A taxable home value of $400,000 could save approximately $486 annually.
- A taxable home value of $500,000 could save approximately $608 annually.
The findings come as Florida leaders continue discussing broader statewide property tax reform initiatives focused on reducing the burden on homeowners.
STATEWIDE FISCAL OVERSIGHT EFFORT
Ingoglia said his office has now uncovered more than $2.4 billion in excessive and wasteful government spending statewide. He pledged to continue reviewing local government budgets and advocating for transparency and accountability in taxpayer spending.
Americans for Prosperity also voiced support for the effort.
“CFO Ingoglia continues to keep his foot on the gas when it comes to identifying wasteful spending within local governments,” said Greg Ungru of Americans for Prosperity. “Taxpayers deserve transparency, especially as Orange County has continued to throw away money over the last six years.”
