Liberty Partners of Tallahassee wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season!

IN STATEWIDE NEWS:

While legislators are back in their districts for the holidays, legislation is continuing to be filed ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session which begins on January 13, 2026. 985 bills have been filed, including more than 100 bills filed last week alone. Upon returning to Tallahassee, the House and Senate will continue to move bills through the committee process and begin bringing legislation to their respective floors for consideration.

On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced $311 million in awards to support infrastructure improvements in 37 communities across the state, including 32 awards to rural counties and cities. Awarded projects will be funded through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Infrastructure Repair Program and the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF). A wide range of projects received funding, including infrastructure needs related to utility, transportation and emergency operations infrastructure.

IN CLIENT NEWS:

The Washington County Sheriff's Office along with the Holmes County Sheriff's Office recently received holiday cheer, as more than 400 handcrafted wooden toys were donated to their respective agencies. The toys were crafted by inmates in the woodworking program at the Holmes Correctional Institution and are the product of weeks of work. In addition to teaching inmates skills and giving them an opportunity to give back, the toys will support local toy drive efforts by both Sheriff's Offices, including Deputy Jingle's Toy Drive by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Governor Ron DeSantis recently appointed Charles "Wade" Ellenburg to the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners to fill the District 2 vacancy. An established farmer, Ellenburg is active in the community and we look forward to working with him.

To close out 2025 and welcome in 2026, Liberty Partners of Tallahassee will be highlighting our various clients and the services they provide. We are proud to represent clients from a variety of sectors, and highlight our association clients in this week's newsletter.

IN FIRM NEWS:

Liberty Partners of Tallahassee Vice President Tim Parson was in Pensacola on Tuesday for the Florida's Great Northwest (FGNW) Board of Directors meeting. The meeting reflected on FGNW's achievements and progress in 2025 and the impact this has had on growth in Northwest Florida. FGNW President & CEO Jennifer Conley provided an insightful year-in-review presentation and highlighted ways FGNW is attracting leaders in the aerospace industry. Additionally, Darrick McGhee provided a legislative update and AT&T Regional Director for External Affairs Eddie Thompson was named Chair of the FGNW Foundation during the meeting.

HIGHLIGHTS

From left to right: Liberty Partners of Tallahassee Vice President Tim Parson, NWFWMD Chief of Staff Caitlyn Brongel, AT&T Regional Director for External Affairs Eddie Thompson, and Darrick McGhee.

FLORIDA'S GREAT NORTHWEST HOLDS

ANNUAL BOARD MEETING

On Tuesday, Liberty Partners of Tallahassee Vice President Tim Parson traveled to Pensacola to attend the Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Annual Board of Directors meeting at the Lewis Bear Company headquarters. It was an incredible meeting focused on the leadership, progress and milestones FGNW has achieved in 2025 and how this has impacted Northwest Florida’s growth. During the meeting, AT&T Regional Director for External Affairs Eddie Thompson became the 2026 Chair of the FGNW Foundation.

FGNW President and CEO Jennifer Conoley provided a comprehensive 2025 Year-in-Review that highlighted the incredible efforts made by FGNW to promote economic development in the Panhandle. She also offered insight into their recent trip to Hamburg, Germany for the Aviation Forum and ways the region is attracting additional businesses specializing in the aerospace industry. Darrick McGhee then offered a legislative update including the status of several key pieces of legislation that are currently being considered by the Florida Legislature. Closing remarks were made by Florida Blue President and CEO Brian Pieninck who highlighted how health outcomes play a critical role in building stronger communities across Northwest Florida.

The Board and others in attendance were encouraged to travel to Tallahassee during the Legislative Session on February 18 and 19 to participate in Northwest Florida Days 2026. This annual gathering serves as an opportunity to honor the Northwest Florida Legislative Delegation along with their legislative aides. The event also brings the region together to show support, advocate for the region’s priorities and celebrate what makes Northwest Florida such a great place to work, live and play.

Image courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

WASHINGTON AND HOLMES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICES RECEIVE HANDCRAFTED TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS DONATIONS

The Christmas season grew a little brighter in the Panhandle recently, as the Washington and Holmes County Sheriff's Offices received a special delivery from the Holmes Correctional Institution. More than 400 handcrafted wooden toys, created by inmates in the facility’s woodworking program, were presented to Sheriff Crews and Sheriff Tate as part of an annual community outreach effort.

The donated toys are the result of weeks of design and assembly by participating inmates. Program leaders note that the initiative teaches practical skills, builds confidence, and gives individuals the chance to contribute something meaningful to the communities they will eventually return to. For local families, during the Christmas season, these gifts carry a heartfelt impact.

Washington County Sheriff Kevin Crews and Holmes County Sheriff John Tate praised the effort, emphasizing how partnerships like this strengthen the bond between institutions and the community. They expressed gratitude for the dedication behind each piece and thanked Warden Lykins along with Mr. John White for their continued guidance and support of the program. The toys will be delivered to children and families across the counties as part of ongoing holiday outreach efforts. Read more here.

CHARLES "WADE" ELLENBURG APPOINTED TO HOLMES COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Governor Ron DeSantis recently appointed Charles "Wade" Ellenburg to the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners. Ellenburg is a long-time farmer in the community and is a member of the Florida Farm Bureau Fruit and Vegetables State Advisory Board and the Florida Farm Bureau Holmes County Board of Directors. Additionally, he was elected to serve on the Holmes County Value Adjustment Board in 2025.

Commissioner Ellenburg will fill the District 2 vacancy on the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners and we look forward to working with him in this role. Read more here.

LIBERTY PARTNERS CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

As we begin to wrap up 2025 and shift our focus to the New Year, we will be highlighting our various clients and the work they do on behalf of Floridians. This week, we are recognizing our amazing association clients and the value they bring to the state. Stay tuned as we highlight the rest of clients in the coming weeks!

Florida Sheriffs Association

The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) has served Florida Sheriffs since 1893. FSA consists of all 67 Sheriffs in the state, more than 100,000 residents, business leaders and law enforcement officers. FSA supports the needs of the law enforcement community throughout the state by providing an opportunity for Sheriffs to address legislators and advocate for positive reform. Additionally, FSA provides a number of services to Sheriff's Offices including training, task forces, and legal/legislative work. We are proud to represent FSA since 2018.

Members of FAA during Florida Tourism Day.

Florida Attractions Association

For more than 75 years, the Florida Attractions Association (FAA) has been a voice for Florida's finest family attractions. With more than 100 of the state's top attractions, FAA's diverse membership welcomes nearly 120 million annual guests. FAA helps their members navigate Florida's tourism landscape and each member of FAA is committed to the overall success of the attractions industry. Additionally, FAA advocates on behalf of their members before local and state government, and works with national partners on federal issues. We are proud to represent FAA since 2014.

From left to right: Liberty Partners of Tallahassee Director of Governmental Affairs Adam Potts, FALA CEO Bijou Ikli, and Liberty Partners of Tallahassee President & CEO Jennifer Green.

Florida Assisted Living Association

As the oldest assisted living association in the state, the Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA) has been serving their members for more than three decades. FALA provides education, regulatory and advocacy support to nearly 500 assisted living facilities (ALFs) and adult family care homes in the state, along with nearly 300 associate members that provide services and products to ALFs. FALA consists of six regions, with each region working collaboratively to ensure excellence in assisted living. We are proud to represent FALA since 2019.

Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Since 1905, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) has served the state's CPAs and accounting and finance professionals. With more than 18,500 members, FICPA provides educational and career development support, advocacy, and various other resources to their members. FICPA is one of the largest CPA associations in the nation and fights to protect and promote the CPA license in the state. Prior to establishing Liberty Partners of Tallahassee, Liberty Partners President & CEO Jennifer Green served as the Deputy Executive Director and lead lobbyist for FICPA. We are proud to represent FICPA since 2006.

Florida Chamber of Commerce

The Florida Chamber of Commerce - originally the Florida Cattle Tick Eradication Committee - was established in 1916 by agricultural business leaders in the state in response to the federal quarantine caused by the cattle tick. This threat on Florida's economy led to business leaders banding together to ensure the state's economic safety and security. Since the Florida Chamber of Commerce's inception, the state's population has climbed from 900,000 to more than 23 million, but the Chamber's goal remains to encourage a friendly business environment that allows for private-sector job creation and growth. We are proud to represent the Florida Chamber of Commerce since 2016.

TEAM LPOT - HERE FOR YOU

The team at Liberty Partners remains vigilant in gathering information for our clients. Whether it is related to state, local or Federal government, feel free to send your questions Here or visit our website at: libertypartnersfl.com.

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IN THE NEWS

Blaise Ingoglia calls for more stipulations to proposed local government spending legislation

-Florida Politics

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia rolled out additional stipulations Thursday in his proposed legislation to tighten spending plans for local governments in Florida. Full story here.

GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS ANNOUNCES A TOTAL OF $311 MILLION IN AWARDS TO IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE IN 37 FLORIDA COMMUNITIES

-FL Gov.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced a total of $311 million in awards to improve infrastructure in 37 Florida communities, which includes 32 awards to rural counties and small cities. Full story here.

DeSantis floats getting rid of tolls for Florida residents

-WLRN

Do Florida tolls take a toll on your wallet? There's a chance a change could leave you with more change. Full story here.

Ingoglia Introduces Proposal to Codify Fiscal Oversight Agency, Increase Local Transparency

-The Capitolist

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia on Wednesday announced a legislative proposal that would formally establish the Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight in state law and expand financial oversight of local governments, framing the initiative as a response to rising property taxes and what his office describes as widespread wasteful spending. Full story here.

‘We have a right to do this’: DeSantis wants Florida to move ahead with AI policies

-Politico

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting states from passing artificial intelligence laws won’t stop Florida from pursuing policies like new safeguards for children. Full story here.

GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS AND FLORIDA CABINET APPROVE STRATEGIC CONSERVATION AND AGRICULTURAL LAND ACQUISITIONS

-FL Gov.

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the protection of over 21,500 acres of conservation and agricultural lands, including Florida Forever and Rural and Family Lands Protection Program acquisitions, representing a total investment of $27.4 million. Full story here.

SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS OF THE WEEK

@LibertyPartners

@Sen_Albritton: It was an honor to recognize Mrs. Varna Mitchell in my office for 10 years of service to the Senate. Varna is our highly-valued gatekeeper! She is a Godly woman of great faith who is always lifting up our team in prayer. I'm blessed to know her.

https://x.com/Sen_Albritton/status/2002071283438399868?s=20

@Expedia: The card game rules are crystal clear. Your plan for our next vacation? TBD

https://x.com/Expedia/status/2001336592045092948?s=20

FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE LINKS