After a successful 2023 Legislative Session, I am excited to be back in Shalimar and spending time "out and about" in our community. As we await news regarding bill signings and appropriations projects from this year's Session, I am participating in community events and already preparing for the 2024 Legislative Session. It's coming quickly, as Committee Weeks begin in September. Thus far, Governor DeSantis has signed six bills that I was privileged to sponsor this past Session: click HERE and HERE to see my Facebook posts and HERE to see coverage in Florida Politics.
Education Report Card
For the second year in a row, the Foundation for Florida's Future has given me an "A" for supporting education initiatives in the Legislature!
Disaster Preparedness
Hurricane season is here and, in addition to Florida's Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, CFO Jimmy Patronis' office wants you to be prepared for any eventuality:
My Safe Florida Home Program
The CFO encourages Floridians to consider hardening their home with storm resistant products through the My Safe Florida Home mitigation inspection and grant program. This session, the Legislature appropriated an additional $100 million for mitigation grants and passed legislation to improve the functionality of the program. These improvements include an increase in the grant amounts for low-income homeowners, availability for all homeowners in the State of Florida to participate, and opening protections for townhomes. By hardening your home, homeowners can protect their most valuable asset and save money on insurance premiums through mandatory discounts.
Click HERE to visit the Prepare FL website for more information and HERE to see my Facebook post with information from the Florida Division of Emergency Management. If you missed this recent Sales Tax Holiday, don't worry! A second one is coming for August 26 - September 8.
New Orleans Mission
The New Orleans Mission is a faith-based organization that currently runs two shelters in Louisiana: a men's shelter and a women's shelter. Their newest property, a men's shelter, has just opened in Marianna and they are hoping to stand up a fourth in Crestview, specifically for women with children. Read the news coverage of the Marianna shelter HERE.
Out in Okaloosa
Niceville Chamber of Commerce
May 10 at the Niceville Chamber of Commerce breakfast with Fresh Start for Children & Families Executive Director Donna Tashik and Florida President of CCB Community Bank Alan Wood.
Destin Chamber of Commerce
May 12 at the Destin Chamber of Commerce breakfast with Okaloosa County Commissioner Mel Ponder, Destin Chamber CEO Shane Moody, and Pastor Doug Stauffer.
Crestview Rotary Dinner
May 12 at the Crestview Rotary Dinner with Okaloosa School Board member Tim Bryant and Parker Destin of Dewey Destin Seafood Restaurant.
Shoal River Republican Club
May 16 at the Shoal River Republican Club with the President of the organization, Larry Medlock.
TeCMEN Industry Day
TeCMEN's Industry Day on May 17 brought together an impressivegathering of technology and manufacturing companies excited to network and demonstrate what they can bring to the table. This event provides wonderful opportunities each year for local business people to make contacts and engage with like-minded professionals.
AAPI Event
On May 25, it was my pleasure to speak on behalf of my good friend Dr. Paul Hsu at the Asian American & Pacific Islander heritage event at Hurlbert Field.
See my Facebook post highlighting Dr. Hsu HEREand my post highlighting local resident and restaurant owner, Minh Nguyen, HERE.
Memorial Day Ceremony
It was my honor to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetary and read names of Okaloosa County veterans who passed away in the last year.
