Florida's Latest News

Rick Scott Demands Answers For NY's Failure To Prosecute Medicaid Fraud

U.S. Senate Aging Committee Chairman Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) recently issued a letter to New York Attorney General (AG) Letitia James demanding an explanation for why her office has failed to crack down on Medicaid fraud and hold fraudsters accountable.

“Since you assumed office, fraud indictments and convictions secured by the [New York Medicaid Fraud Control] Unit have declined dramatically,” Sen. Scott wrote, drawing concerns about the unit’s performance.

According to Sen. Scott, from 2023 to 2025, “New York secured only 53 Medicaid fraud convictions,” a number that far exceeds “the next-lowest comparable state,” which secured 129.

Additionally, the AG’s office recorded fewer than ten criminal fraud indictments in four of the previous five years (2021-2025), ranking last among similarly situated states during that period.

DeSantis Unveils Statue of Andrew Jackson for 'America 250'

Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of President Andrew Jackson as part of America's ongoing 250th birthday celebration while speaking at a press conference in Marianna in Jackson County on the Florida Panhandle this week.

"I think this is a very impressive statue. This county that bears President Jackson's name, that General Jackson when he was here in Florida," DeSantis said. "This will be something that school kids will be able to come. We got the little placard that goes through talks about Andrew Jackson's life and legacy and then talks about his relationship to the free state of Florida."

Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States from 1829 to 1837. He was also first unofficial leader of the then Florida territory in 1821.

In addition, Jackson served as a major general during the War of 1812 against the British, including at the victorious Battle of New Orleans in January 1815.

Four Florida Farms, Ranches Protected Through State Conservation Program

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced Wednesday that more than 2,600 acres of working agricultural land across four Florida farms and ranches will be permanently protected from development through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

The properties include three operations in Hardee County and one in Marion County. Together, the conservation easements are valued at more than $16 million, with several projects receiving additional funding through U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs.

The properties include the 639-acre Ludwig Property in Hardee County, the 589-acre Dale Wright Farms in Marion County, the 672-acre C&G Cattle – Charlie Creek property and the 779-acre C&G Cattle – Fish Branch property.

The easements allow the properties to remain privately owned and in agricultural production while permanently restricting future development. The farms and ranches include cattle operations, cropland, citrus groves, wetlands and forested areas.

President Donald Trump Endorses Catalina Lauf in Florida's 19th District

With one well-placed Truth, President Donald Trump has ended the contentious congressional race in Florida's 19th District by endorsing Catalina Lauf over the field of Republican candidates.

"It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Catalina Lauf, who is running to represent the tremendous people of Florida’s 19th Congressional District! Catalina Lauf has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Congresswoman from Florida’s 19th Congressional District — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!"

From Lauf:

"I'm humbled and honored to have President Trump's complete and total endorsement.”

“President Trump's FIGHT is what first called me to public service. I joined his administration because I believed in President Trump’s leadership in MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. I'm running for Congress because the families of Southwest Florida deserve a fighter in Washington who will put them FIRST.”