Florida is setting an unapologetic pro-freedom, pro-parental rights, child-focused example in education for other states to follow.

“An Elective Despotism Was Not the Government We Fought For; but one in which the powers of government should be divided and balanced among the several bodies of magistracy as that no one could transcend their legal limits without being effectually checked and restrained by the others.”

    ~James Madison~ 

Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund

To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222. 

Stay Up to Date on Hurricane Ian Recovery:

Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on Hurricane Ian Recovery (flgov.com)

Home | Florida Disaster

RPOF CHAIRMAN JOE GRUTERS' MESSAGE

ON ELECTION

Historic GOP Blowout!

Governor Desantis

20-Point Victory

"I have only begun to fight!"

GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS 

If you have not seen his victory speech, you must!



Here: DeSantis Victory Speech: "Florida Was A Refuge Of Sanity When The World Went Mad" | Video | RealClearPolitics

Governor DeSantis won a historic landslide victory Tuesday night as the state of Florida provided a red tsunami to Republicans at every level from Governor and Cabinet to the Legislature and Congress. 

Governor DeSantis gave a Churchillian-level victory speech election night to an ebullient crowd:

“Florida was a refuge of sanity when the world locked down. We stood as a citadel of freedom for people across this country and indeed across the world. We faced attacks, we took the hits, we weathered the storms, but we stood our ground. We did not back down. We had the conviction to guide us, and we had the courage to lead. We made promises to the people of Florida, and we have delivered on those promises. And so today, after four years, the people have delivered their verdict. Freedom is here to stay.” 

The victory was as complete and overwhelming as possible and cements Florida not just as a red state, but a leading red state. Exit polls show huge swings among Hispanics and female voters, all age groups over 29, and improvement among black voters, with Governor DeSantis winning almost every demographic. He won:

1. Males (64%)
2. Females (53%)
3. White (65%)
4. Latino (58%)
5. Cuban (69%)
6. Puerto Rican (56%)
7. College grads (56%)
8. Married (62%)
9. Non-Married (50%)
10. Independents (52%)
11. Suburban (58%)

Full exit polls: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-elections/florida-governor-results

And here: https://www.cnn.com/election/2022/exit-polls/florida/governor/0

MIAMI-DADE AND OTHER FLIPS

Miami-Dade was the biggest county to flip from the 2018 gubernatorial race, but so did Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Duval and Osceola counties. 

No other state in the nation is turning major metro areas such as Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville red.

Gubernatorial Race Results 2022

Gubernatorial Race Results 2018

SENATOR MARCO RUBIO

17-Point Victory

Senator Rubio demolished Democrat-media darling Val Demings. She spent almost twice as much money and had the media flogging for her, but all to no avail as Senator Rubio won almost every demographic and also flipped formerly blue counties red. 

CONGRESSMAN BILL POSEY

29-Point Victory

This will be Bill Posey's eighth two-year term for Congressional District 8 which includes all of Brevard and Indian River counties, along with part of eastern Orange County. The margins that Republicans have in both in Brevard and Indian River counties — as well as the power of incumbency that Posey has and his fundraising advantage — combined to help the congressman to beat Democrat Joanne Terry.

CABINET

ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHLEY MOODY

21-Point Victory

CFO JIMMY PATRONIS

19-Point Victory

AG COMMISSIONER WILTON SIMPSON

19-Point Victory

LEGISLATURE

Republican successes ushered in supermajorities in both the Florida House and the Senate, cementing conservative, pro-freedom dominance in Florida.

CONGRESSIONAL PICKUPS

Florida Republicans picked up four Congressional seats and lost none, contributing to Republicans re-taking control of the U.S. House. Republicans now hold 20 Florida congressional seats to the Democrat's 8.

GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS

Florida Ranks #1 in Nation Attracting and Developing Skilled Workforce

Florida’s focus on training workers with the technical skills and credentials is paying off as the Sunshine State has been named number one in the U.S. for attracting and developing a skilled workforce. Governor Ron DeSantis announced this ranking as a part of Lightcast’s 2022 Talent Attraction Scorecard, which confirms that our state’s strong policies, open economy, and focus on education have solidified Florida as the nation’s best state to learn, work and live.

“By keeping Florida free and open, we have created a positive economic environment and invested in our state’s workforce and communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “As a result, Florida is leading the nation in net migration and talent attraction. As other states continue to struggle at the hands of poor leadership, people and businesses are flocking to Florida.”

“Each Floridian benefits when our state is providing high-paying jobs in growth fields that will boost our economy for years to come,” said Florida Deputy Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella. “The proof is everywhere as counties big and small are growing and thriving thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis who has prioritized aligning employee training and education with local workforce needs.”

This is the seventh year Lightcast has prepared the scorecard. The report measures seven growth areas of the most recent five-year period including net migration of counties adding new residents, education attainment, job creation, skilled job creation, competitive effect, and average annual job openings.

Highlights show successful job creation and growth across the state in counties big and small:

• Florida led the nation’s states in talent attraction with fifteen large counties in the top 50, led by Hillsborough County (#8), Polk (#10), Lee (#12), St Johns (#18), and Pasco (#20).
• Florida also led all states in net migration, adding more than 388,000 residents between 2016-20. That is nearly double than the next state, Texas.
• Three Florida counties were among the top ten large counties nationally in net migration: Lee, Pasco and Polk counties.
• And Nassau County led the nation in net migration among small counties with Walton County ranked fourth.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has laid the groundwork for lasting success,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. “Our number one ranking for talent attraction is more proof that we are on the right track when it comes to education and economics. We stand ready to build on our successes and continue moving forward for the benefit of all Floridians.”

Governor Declares First Annual Victims of Communism Day

Governor Ron DeSantis signed a proclamation declaring November 7 as the first annual Victims of Communism Day in Florida. Florida is home to millions of individuals who came here seeking freedom from countries controlled by Communist governments, including Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. To honor the memories and sacrifices of those who suffered under these despotic regimes the Legislature passed and Governor DeSantis signed HB 395 to establish a yearly day during which students in Florida’s schools will learn about the atrocities committed by Communist regimes and the more than 100 million people who were persecuted and lost their lives in Communist countries. To read the full proclamation, click here.

“At a time when Marxism, socialism, and communism are actively promoted by prominent politicians and pop-culture figures in our own country, it is more important than ever to teach Florida’s schoolchildren about the horrific history of Communist countries and to provide them with opportunities to hear from individuals who suffered under the rule of Communist dictators,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “That is why I established Victims of Communism Day and launched an initiative to record video testimonials of Floridians who suffered under these regimes. When we comprehend the horrors of the past brought about as a result of this evil ideology, we are inspired to defend our nation’s republican government, its free enterprise economy, and its vibrant religious traditions and civil society from the forces which seek its destruction.”

“As the daughter of Cuban exiles, I know firsthand the devastating impact communism has had on the people of Cuba,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “In Florida, we will not allow that dangerous ideology of communism to permeate into our society, and we will continue to educate our children about the atrocities that have happened at the hands of communist dictators. I am proud that our administration has and will always stand for freedom and oppose those who want to take it away from us.”

“As a Cuban American, my family is just one of many who have suffered from the evils of communism. Some of the devastating impacts of Communist regimes include the stealing of citizens’ homes, the murdering and imprisoning of their loved ones and the stripping away of their freedoms,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. “It is imperative that every single student in Florida learns of the atrocities committed in the name of communism so that it never has a place here in America. Thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis for honoring those victimized because of this hateful ideology.”

Throughout his time in office Governor DeSantis has honored those who fought and continue to fight against the predations of communism, including Cuban American hero Felix Rodriguez, whom he awarded the first-ever Governor’s Medal of Freedom. Governor DeSantis has also allocated historic levels of funding for the Bay of Pigs Museum and the Freedom Tower, a symbol of Florida’s history of staunch anti-communism. Governor DeSantis has also pushed back against the malign influence of Communist China.

Per the text of HB 395, today all public high school students in U.S. Government classes will receive instruction on “topics such as Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution, Joseph Stalin and the Soviet System, Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution, Vladimir Lenin and the Russian Revolution, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, and Nicolás Maduro and the Chavismo movement, and how victims suffered under these regimes through poverty, starvation, migration, systemic lethal violence, and suppression of speech.” History and Social Studies teachers of other grade levels are encouraged to incorporate these themes into their lesson plans, as well.

Victims of Communism Day is an opportunity for students of all ages and Floridians of all backgrounds to learn about the dangers posed by socialism around the world and here at home, as well to reflect upon the blessings of liberty afforded to us and our posterity as a result of the American traditions of limited government and individual freedom.

To watch the video, click here. 

FL Dept of Education and Volunteer Florida Partner with Seminole Tribe of Florida to Launch Inaugural Native American Heritage Month Contests

The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida announced the official launch of the Native American Heritage Month student contests in partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This year’s contests are focused on the theme of “Celebrating the Achievements of Native American Floridians.” Native American Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States from November 1 to November 30.

“I am proud to honor and celebrate Native American Heritage Month to showcase the rich culture and their contributions to our country,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “We recognize the resiliency and strength of Native Americans and continue to empower their voices for future generations.”

“Native Americans in Florida have made incredible contributions to our state and nation,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “We are proud of our rich Native American history and look forward to celebrating their many achievements.”

“The Seminole Tribe plays an important part in Florida’s history and culture, and we sincerely appreciate being included in this meaningful educational outreach program that reaches students across our state,” said Marcellus Osceola Jr., Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. “We want to thank Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, as well as Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr., for their continuing commitment to the Seminole Tribe and the native people of Florida.”

All Florida students are invited to participate in academic and creative contests based on this year’s theme. Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest, while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers, and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award. Prizes for contest winners are provided by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. All contest entries must be received by 5 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, November 17, 2022.

About the Student Art Contest

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Native American Heritage Month Art Contest is open to all Kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $100 art supplies gift card and a 1-year pass to Florida state parks.

About the Student Essay Contest

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Native American Heritage Month Essay Contest is open to all fourth through twelfth-grade students in Florida. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Six winners will be selected: two elementary school students (grades 4–5), two middle school students (grades 6–8), and two high school students (grades 9–12). Each winner will receive a 2–Year Florida College Plan scholarship and a $100 gift card for school supplies.

In the contest, students are encouraged to write about a Native American who has had an impactful and inspiring effect on their community whose story should be shared. The subject of the essay should be Floridian. Some examples are:

• Betty Mae Tiger Jumper, the first female chairwoman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Prior to being elected as the first female chairwoman in 1967, Betty Mae Tiger Jumper was a nurse and was co-founder of the newspaper Seminole News, which has since become the Seminole Tribune.
• Osceola, an outspoken advocate for Seminole rights in the 1800s, led the Seminoles against forced removal from their lands during the Second Seminole War.
• Micanopy, born near St. Augustine in the late 1700s, became chief of the Seminoles in 1819. During his time as chief, the United States purchased Florida from Spain and he served as the Seminole chief during the Second Seminole War.
• Billy Bowlegs III, born in 1862, was considered one of the greatest hunters and guides in Florida of all time. He lived to be nearly 103 years old, and was a spokesperson for the Seminoles, helping to document and inform others about their history.

About the Excellence in Education Award

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Four winners will be selected, and nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian, or student. Excellence in Education award winners will receive $2,500 and a set of classroom books.

Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines

Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at www.FloridaNativeAmericanHeritage.com.

Volunteer Florida

Native American Heritage Month Committee

1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, November 17, 2022.

For more information about the contests, please visit www.FloridaNativeAmericanHeritage.com