Ron DeSantis

This morning, history was made in Tampa Bay with Florida’s first Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) electric aircraft demonstration flights. From the first commercial airline flight over Tampa Bay in 1914, to today’s AAM demonstrations along that same historic route, Florida has long been a launchpad for new ideas that shape the future of transportation.   I’m proud that Florida is a place where groundbreaking transportation technologies can be developed and deployed. Thanks to strategic investments, education partnerships, and policies that promote innovation, we’re ensuring that Florida continues to lead the way in aviation and aerospace.

In 1914, thousands gathered on the shores of Tampa Bay to witness Tony Jannus make history with the world’s first commercial airline flight. Today at the same site, we celebrated the first flights of “flying cars” in Florida—electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft retracing Jannus’ historic route.   Today’s flight event, which featured three types of eVTOL aircraft, was part of a series of demonstrations through the FAA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Integration Pilot Program. I’m proud of Florida’s leading role in this national program and the years of preparation that brought us here. We’ve made infrastructure investments, enacted innovation-friendly policies, and worked hard to usher in a new era of transportation here in the Sunshine State.   Florida has long been a staging ground for the future. Today’s historic AAM flights have proven that Florida remains on the cutting edge of transportation innovation.

Governor DeSantis Highlights Florida’s First Advanced Air Mobility Demonstration Flight xitter.gq/i/broadcasts/1qKDzWNrB…

Florida’s freshwater springs are an important part of our natural heritage. They support wildlife, attract visitors, and offer great opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round. That’s why I was proud to announce $100 million for a total of 45 projects to restore Florida’s springsheds and expand our state’s clean water supply. These strategic investments will build on the progress we’ve made in protecting our natural resources and improving water quality in communities across Florida, so that we can leave this state to God better than we found it.

Today in Crystal River, I was proud to announce $100 million for springs restoration and alternative water supply projects throughout Florida. This funding will support: ✔️ 23 Springs Restoration Grants to protect the quality and quantity of water that flows from our freshwater springs. ✔️ 22 Alternative Water Supply Grant projects to help communities plan for and implement water conservation, reuse, and supply projects. Since 2019, my administration has invested over $430 million in 147 springs restoration projects across Florida. These projects have reduced total nitrogen pollution by an estimated 930,000 pounds annually, helping improve water quality and protect the ecosystems that sustain our springs. Florida’s freshwater springs are among our state’s most treasured natural resources. We have a responsibility to protect these resources for future generations.

Governor DeSantis Announces $100 Million to Restore Florida’s Springsheds and Water Supply xitter.gq/i/broadcasts/1AGRnZQlO…

Today I issued an Executive Order designating “Seminole Wind” by John Anderson as the official anthem of Florida. I have also directed the @FLSecofState to erect historic markers in the City of Apopka depicting John Anderson’s contribution to Florida’s heritage. In addition, I have tasked @FLDEPNews to work with the @SJRWMD to designate wildlife drive and trail system within Lake Apopka North Shore as the John Anderson Wildlife Drive and Trail System.

Great to be in St. Petersburg today with state and local leaders to highlight the need for meaningful property tax relief.  Florida taxpayers deserve a break. Amendment 3 provides the most meaningful homestead relief in history — and provides a pathway for even more.

Governor DeSantis Hosts Property Tax Relief Roundtable with Tampa Bay Area Leaders xitter.gq/i/broadcasts/1AxRnZDwM…

In just the past seven years, property tax revenues across Florida’s 67 counties have increased nearly 100 percent. Local governments are taking in almost twice as much money—for more than the inflation in population has increased. The State of Florida has reduced its budget FOUR YEARS in a row. Local governments can surely do the same. Amendment 3 creates a path to full elimination of property taxes for homesteaded Floridians. It also provides immediate and meaningful relief for Florida residents by expanding the homestead exemption from non-school property taxes. Vote YES on Amendment 3!

Governor DeSantis Holds Property Tax Relief Roundtable with Officials in Miami-Dade County xitter.gq/i/broadcasts/1MJgNbBMm…

In 2023, fentanyl killed nearly 5,000 Floridians. By 2025, the death toll from fentanyl had fallen to 2,000.  Florida’s State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) grant program has supercharged law enforcement capacity to keep our communities safe from deadly illicit drugs. We have strengthened drug interdiction efforts, supported law enforcement operations to dismantle cartel-linked trafficking syndicates, and increased access to life-saving tools like naloxone for first responders. In addition to the 60% decline in fentanyl overdose deaths, the latest Florida Medical Examiners Commission report found that deaths caused by fentanyl analogs have declined by over 50%. The data also show broader declines in all drug-related deaths over the past year. We will continue supporting law enforcement and remain committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Floridians.

The Florida Medical Examiners Commission recently released their 2025 Annual Drug Report, which shows a nearly 60% decline in fentanyl-caused deaths statewide since our State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) grant program launched in 2023. So far, S.A.F.E. has resulted in almost 3,000 arrests of drug traffickers and dealers, as well as significant seizures of dangerous narcotics. Officers have seized more than 600 pounds of fentanyl and 65,000 fentanyl pills—enough to kill nearly 40% of the U.S. population. These are not small-time drug busts; they are major cartel-linked operations dismantled in Florida. The Trump Administration’s commitment to securing the border, and our work with federal partners on immigration enforcement, has undoubtedly helped save many lives. State, local, and federal law enforcement continue to work together to combat drug trafficking and protect Floridians. If you are pushing poison in Florida, you will be caught, you will be arrested, and you will be held accountable for your crimes.

Governor DeSantis Announces New Data Showing Nearly 60% Decline in Fentanyl Deaths xitter.gq/i/broadcasts/1jxXgBreE…

As the Panhandle recovers from Hurricane Isaias, we are helping businesses reopen safely and getting Floridians back to work. Thanks to the efforts of first responders, emergency management personnel, and state agency teams, many businesses in the region have already been able to start operating again and welcoming customers—including Jackacuda’s Seafood and Sushi in Destin.   Our efforts to help businesses reopen and restore the region’s economy are ongoing in the hardest-hit communities. So far, 236 Business Damage Assessment Surveys have been completed, and we have made available $10 million through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. These are short-term, zero-interest loans to help small business owners get the immediate cash flow they need to reopen while they wait for other funding, like insurance, to kick in. We’re committed to doing everything we can to help Panhandle communities get the assistance they need to get back on their feet. If you are a business owners or local resident affected by Hurricane Isaias, visit FloridaDisaster.org for more information on resources available to you.

Governor DeSantis Highlights Successful Business Reopenings Since Hurricane Isaias xitter.gq/i/broadcasts/1MJgNbmwZ…

Since Hurricane Isaias made landfall, we have been working to ensure that those affected by this storm have the assistance they need to get back on their feet. We are operating seven Multi-Agency Resource Centers where Floridians can learn about available assistance and get connected with recovery resources. Thanks to our partnership with Emergency RV, we have started providing travel trailers to Floridians displaced by significant hurricane damage, so they have a safe place to live while they rebuild. We’re also committed to helping the first responders whose homes were impacted by the storm and still showed up to serve their communities. With funding from the Florida Sheriffs Association, we are providing these first responders with $5,000 each to show our gratitude. Schools in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties have reopened and resumed normal operations. We’re grateful for the hard work of school teams, transportation crews, and all our partners who helped make them safe for students and staff. For more information on Hurricane Isaias resources, visit FloridaDisaster.org.

Governor DeSantis Provides Hurricane Isaias Update in Pensacola xitter.gq/i/broadcasts/1vJpPNvOm…

Today, I was proud to present the Governor’s Medal of Freedom to Baseball Hall of Famer and great Floridian Andre Dawson. His distinguished career in Major League Baseball, his contributions to the sport, and his lasting impact on our state have earned him this award. From his childhood in Southwest Miami, to his college days at FAMU, to his legendary MLB career, “The Hawk” has represented Florida in the best possible way for decades. His generous support of FAMU and its baseball program has helped generations of student-athletes succeed. The Governor’s Medal of Freedom is the highest honor I can bestow on any Floridian, and Andre Dawson truly deserves this recognition.