Florida

Ron DeSantis Picks Florida House Rep. Jeanette Nunez as Running Mate

Published

7 years ago

September 6, 2018

Rep. Jeanette Nunez, R-Miami, speaker pro tempore of the Florida House, listens to a legislator Tuesday April 4, 2017 at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Politico reports that Congressman and Republican Florida gubernatorial nominee Ron DeSantis has picked State Representative Jeanette Nunez of Miami as his running mate for the November midterm election. DeSantis made the official announcement during a Republican unity rally in Orlando Thursday.

“Jeanette Nuñez is a strong, principled leader who will be an outstanding Lieutenant Governor for the people of Florida,” DeSantis said Thursday morning. “She has a proven record of leadership and legislative accomplishments, delivering for both her constituents in Miami-Dade and the state of Florida as a whole.”

According to Politico, Rep. Nunez was reluctant to accept the nomination, but she changed her mind after a last minute talk with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, whom she strongly supported during the 2016 Republican presidential primary.

Republicans have already expressed their excitement for her nomination. Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who supported Adam Putnam during the primary, supports her as Lieutenant Governor. State Rep. Matt Gaetz is also excited for the Nunez pick. “I served with Jeanette Nuñez for 6 years in the State House. I have long extolled her her virtues, and I think she would make a great pick for lieutenant governor,” Gaetz said.

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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com

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Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils Statue of President James Monroe as Florida Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday

Published

14 hours ago

February 16, 2026

FNN NEWS

MONROE COUNTY, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a new statue of President James Monroe, the namesake of Monroe County, in Monroe County as part of the ongoing statewide commemoration of America’s 250th birthday and the state celebration of George Washington’s Birthday, which the governor recognized as a state holiday in 2026. America 250 Florida marks the state’s official observance of America’s semiquincentennial and will host and help sponsor special events throughout the year for Floridians from all corners of the state to enjoy.

“In recognition of his contributions to our country, I was proud to unveil the statue of President James Monroe near Bahia Honda State Park in Monroe County today,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “In Florida, we honor our nation’s history, celebrate those who made our country great, and strive to pass down their legacy of civic virtue to the next generation.”

“Every mile of coastline and acre of our beautiful landscape serves as a monument to President James Monroe who saw the potential of Florida,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “And today, just as in President Monroe’s era, our state continues to play an important role leading the rest of the nation. We are the free state of Florida.”

“Through this statue series and our ‘all-in’ commitment to America’s 250th, Florida is setting a national precedent for reigniting patriotism and civic life,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “By bringing these founders back into the public square, we are highlighting their contributions and inviting everyone to come celebrate America in Florida.”

The unveiling is part of a broader initiative announced last year to place statues of the Founding Fathers in Florida counties that bear their names, reinforcing civic pride, historical literacy, and respect for the nation’s founding principles. President Monroe, the nation’s fifth president, played a pivotal role in American history through his service in the Revolutionary War, his decades of diplomatic leadership, and his presidency following the War of 1812. His legacy is deeply tied to Florida through the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819, which transferred Florida from Spain to the United States, and through the Monroe Doctrine, which established American leadership in the Western Hemisphere.

The Monroe statue also reflects Florida’s broader commitment to civic education, historical preservation, and American heritage, as the state continues to lead nationally in civics instruction, education freedom, and higher education excellence.

The monument is part of the newly designated Spottswood Heritage Trail, named in honor of the late Monroe County Sheriff and State Senator John M. Spottswood, a community leader and veteran whose legacy of service and conservation continues through the preservation of surrounding lands and waterways. It is located adjacent to Bahia Honda State Park, the historic Flagler Railroad Bridge, and Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve.

The unveiling ceremony occurred on the final day of George Washington’s Birthday Weekend, which provided free entry for all Floridians to state lands, including state parks, as part of the state’s ongoing semiquincentennial celebration. Further activities will continue to be announced over the coming months.

Floridians can find information on events, exhibits, heritage sites, and participation opportunities at America250FL.com, the state’s official hub for the Semiquincentennial celebration.

Florida

Attorney General James Uthmeier Announces Arrests in Central Florida Medicaid Fraud Case

Published

3 weeks ago

January 28, 2026

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrests of Alexander McKinnie and Kara Morrison in connection with a scheme to defraud Florida’s Medicaid program.

“Medicaid fraud is a clear example of theft from taxpayers,” Uthmeier said. “In Florida, our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit will safeguard public funds and aggressively pursue anyone who exploits these programs.”

An investigation by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit determined that McKinnie submitted tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent claims for non-emergency medical transportation gas reimbursements for trips that never occurred.

Investigators said McKinnie fraudulently billed Medicaid for more than $65,000 in medical services that were never provided. Morrison assisted in the scheme by submitting approximately $7,000 in false reimbursement claims.

McKinnie is charged with one count of Medicaid provider fraud exceeding $50,000 and one count of organized scheme to defraud. Both charges are first-degree felonies, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Morrison is charged with one count of Medicaid provider fraud under $10,000 and one count of organized scheme to defraud. Both are third-degree felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

McKinnie was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, while Morrison was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The cases will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney for Florida’s Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.

Florida

Handshake Snub Overshadows DeSantis’ Last Address as Governor to Joint Legislature

Published

1 month ago

January 15, 2026

Willie David

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered his final State of the State address Tuesday to a joint session of the Florida Legislature, capping his remarks with a visible display of the deepening rift between the governor and House Speaker Daniel Perez.

DeSantis shook hands with Senate President Ben Albritton but appeared to bypass House Speaker Daniel Perez before taking the podium in the House chamber. After finishing his State of the State address, DeSantis exited quickly, leaving before Albritton could direct the sergeant-at-arms to provide the traditional ceremonial escort that formally concludes the appearance.

The moment underscored months of strained relations between the term-limited governor and Republican leaders in the House, even as both chambers begin a high-stakes 60-day session dominated by debates over taxes, insurance, affordability and redistricting.

Final Address Sets a Confrontational Tone

In his last State of the State, DeSantis struck a combative tone as House and Senate leaders advance competing priorities for the session. Republican leaders have pledged to focus on affordability and economic pressures facing Floridians, while maintaining what they describe as a unified GOP agenda.

“From tax-free grocery store food, to diapers, clothes, and supplies for young children, key household safety items, to year-round hurricane preparedness, Florida has been laser-focused on affordability,” Albritton said, emphasizing the Senate’s commitment to cost-of-living relief.

Behind the messaging, however, divisions persist — particularly between DeSantis and Perez, who remains at odds with the governor following disputes over taxes, the budget and legislative authority.

Legislative Agenda and Lingering Disputes

Perez, speaking earlier in the day, outlined an ambitious agenda that prioritizes insurance reform, taxes, the economy, prescription drug prices and rising household costs.

“We stand here today, ready to write the second half to our story,” Perez said during opening day remarks.

He later downplayed the handshake snub, saying, “Whether the governor wants to be petulant and not shake the hand of a partner, that’s not going to change our direction.”

Lawmakers face a crowded agenda, with nearly 1,800 bills filed for consideration. Property taxes and insurance reforms are among the top issues expected to dominate debate.

Redistricting Looms Over the Session

Adding to the tension, DeSantis has warned that the regular session may not be enough. He has already issued a proclamation calling for a special session in April to redraw Florida’s congressional map ahead of the November midterm elections.

State lawmakers have 60 days to pass legislation.