So under full Republican control, the Republican controlled Senate can’t pass the Save America Act for election integrity, the House just passed a bill giving another $9 billion to Ukraine, Republicans are planning to merge our military with Israel’s military while Trump has us in another foreign war that’s costing $2 billion a day and has driven gas over $4.50, and not a single person has been held accountable for the pedo Epstein files.
This week in the Senate Education Postsecondary Committee, my bill, SB 372, which expands public postsecondary tuition and fee waivers for Sheriff’s Office employees, passed unanimously
SB 372 is about recognizing the men and women who serve our communities in law enforcement and ensuring they have access to affordable education and professional development. By reducing financial barriers to higher education, this bill supports workforce retention, career advancement, and stronger sheriff’s offices across Florida.
Investing in education for public safety professionals is an investment in safer communities and a more skilled workforce.
SB 372 now heads to the Appropriations Committee on Higher Education. I look forward to continuing to advocate for this important legislation.
This Labor Day, we honor the hardworking men and women who are the backbone of our state and nation. Their dedication, resilience, and determination keep our communities strong and our future bright. May we never take for granted the value of honest work and the people who do it every day.
Here’s the video of Kaylee’s sister, Alivea Goncalves, shredding Bryan Kohberger:
“The truth is you’re as dumb as they come, stupid, clumsy, slow, sloppy, weak… If you hadn’t attacked them in their sleep… Kaylee would have kicked your fucking ass.”
SINE DIE | 2025 Legislative Session Comes to a Close
Tonight, we officially adjourned the 2025 legislative session sine die—marking the end of a session that brought real challenges—but also real opportunities to lead.
As Chair of the Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee, I had the responsibility of presenting a critical part of the state budget—ensuring we prioritize care for our most vulnerable, protect access to healthcare, and invest in the long-term wellbeing of Floridians.
Representing Bay, Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Walton, and Washington counties, I stayed focused on delivering real results for the communities I serve—especially in a year that brought significant challenges and tough choices.
Despite the tightest budget environment Florida has seen in years, we delivered on key priorities:
▶️ Protected rural hospitals and healthcare access
▶️ Strengthened mental health and substance abuse programs
▶️ Expanded services for children, seniors, and veterans
▶️ Secured important investments for infrastructure, schools, and economic development in our region
Session may be over, but my work continues—at home in District 2. I’ll be back in our communities, listening, working, and preparing for the year ahead.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve—and for your continued trust and support.
This year has been one of the most chaotic, unpredictable sessions we’ve ever experienced—but through every late night, surprise amendment, and evolving challenge, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to the 530,000+ people of Senate District 2.
There’s something special about working for someone we genuinely believe in—someone who leads with conviction, prioritizes what truly matters, and never loses sight of the people he represents. Senator @jaytrumbull’s leadership is defined not just by the policies he fights for, but by the purpose he brings to this work every single day.
It’s an honor to be part of this mission—and this team. We don’t take lightly the trust that’s been placed in us. Every bill reviewed, every conversation had, every vote cast—it’s all been rooted in a deep responsibility to do what’s right for our communities.
For the first time in 10 sessions, we were able to take an official team photo. This team has worked with heart, grit, and resilience. And while we rarely pause long enough to take a photo, we’re proud of what we’ve done together—and we’re not done yet.
SB 1622 Customary Use has officially passed the House floor & is headed to the Governor!
This is a major victory for protecting public beach access & defending the way of life Walton Co residents cherish. Thank you to everyone who fought alongside us — we’re almost there!
Grateful to celebrate Patty Harrison and her incredible two decades of service in the Florida Senate! Patty has been a steady, respected force in Florida’s legislative process. Her dedication and heart for the people of our state are unmatched. Thank you, Patty!
We’ve worked to make Florida the freest state in the nation, and that freedom should extend to our waters.
Right now, FWC officers can stop and inspect any boat without probable cause—an overreach that too often leads to law-abiding boaters being repeatedly stopped and inconvenienced while simply trying to enjoy a day on the water.
Let me be clear: I support law enforcement and their mission to keep our waters safe. But Floridians should not be subjected to unnecessary stops and searches when they are doing nothing wrong. I’ve heard the stories—and experienced it myself—where boats are stopped multiple times in a single outing. That’s not just frustrating; it’s an infringement on our rights.
The Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388) will:
✅ Prohibit officers from stopping or boarding boats without probable cause or prior knowledge of a violation.
✅ Ensure that safety and marine sanitation equipment violations are treated as secondary offenses—meaning officers cannot stop a boat just to check for compliance.
✅ Create the “Florida Freedom Boater” safety inspection decal, issued at registration or renewal, to indicate compliance with safety equipment requirements and further limit unnecessary stops.
Florida’s boating community deserves the same protections and freedoms we uphold on land. The Boater Freedom Act will ensure our laws respect the rights of boaters while still allowing law enforcement to focus on genuine violations that impact safety.
It’s time to end random boat inspections and protect the freedoms of Florida’s boaters. Let’s get this done!