Florida Leaders Rise: Ashley Moody Joins U.S. Senate, Marco Rubio Becomes Secretary of State
January 23, 2025 — This Week's News from Central Florida
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Who Is Ashley Moody? Former Florida Attorney General Joins U.S. Senate
Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Attorney General Ashley Moody to replace U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who was nominated and subsequently confirmed to be U.S. Secretary of State under President Donald Trump. Moody is a familiar name for Florida voters, known for her electoral success and deep ties to the state. A fifth-generation Floridian born and raised in Plant City, Moody first gained statewide recognition as the 1993 Florida Strawberry Queen before attending the University of Florida, earning a bachelor’s, master’s, and law degree. Moody began her career at law firm Holland & Knight before serving as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, prosecuting drug and firearm cases. At 31, she became the youngest circuit court judge in Florida history. Her statewide political career took off in 2018 when she was elected Attorney General, garnering more votes than any other statewide candidate that year. As Attorney General, Moody was a staunch ally of DeSantis, defending his policies in court and challenging the Biden administration’s policies. She's tackled issues like opioid abuse and human trafficking, while also joining controversial, partisan lawsuits, including one challenging the 2020 presidential election results, which the U.S. Supreme Court rejected. Moody's appointment to the Senate came midway through her second term as Attorney General, winning re-election in 2022 with nearly 61% of the vote – a bigger margin of victory than DeSantis or Rubio received that year. Her ascent to national office marks a new chapter for the Republican rising star that brings her conservative credentials and legal expertise to a larger stage.
Marco Rubio Sworn in as U.S. Secretary of State
Former Florida Senator Marco Rubio was sworn in as the 72nd U.S. Secretary of State on Tuesday morning by Vice President JD Vance in Washington, D.C. Rubio became the first confirmed Cabinet member of President Donald Trump's second administration. The Senate unanimously approved Rubio's nomination with a 99-0 vote on Monday evening, hours after Trump's inauguration. This swift confirmation followed a unanimous vote by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee earlier that day, where he drew strong bipartisan support from colleagues who viewed him as highly qualified. In a speech immediately after being sworn in, Rubio pledged that three key questions would guide all State Department actions: "Does it make us stronger? Does it make us safer? And does it make us more prosperous?" The 53-year-old Miami-born Cuban-American emphasized his immigrant background as the son of two refugee parents from Cuba. He became the first Hispanic American to hold the position of U.S. Secretary of State. Before his Senate tenure started in 2011, Rubio served as a West Miami city commissioner and as speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. Rubio's appointment comes during significant global challenges, including ongoing conflicts and tense international relations. His previous experience in the Senate and on the Intelligence Committee is expected to inform his approach to these complex issues. "[Trump's] primary promise when it comes to foreign policy is that the priority of the United States Department of State will be the United States. It will be furthering the national interest of this country,” he said. Among his leading priorities at the State Department will be taking a hardline stance against China, referring to the Chinese Communist Party as a “potent” and “dangerous” foe during his confirmation hearing.
DeSantis Seeks Power to Transport Migrants Outside U.S.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office has proposed granting the state authority to transport undocumented migrants outside the United States, according to legislative documents sent to Florida lawmakers. The proposals were shared ahead of a special legislative session scheduled for January 27 to support President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration. Among the governor’s suggestions is a bold restructuring of Florida’s Unauthorized Alien Transport Program to include deportations beyond U.S. borders. The proposal also outlines penalties for local officials and law enforcement who fail to comply with state and federal immigration enforcement policies, including criminal charges. Additional measures would require at least 10% of law enforcement personnel to be trained in immigration enforcement, allow the Florida National Guard to assist in deportations, and mandate businesses to verify identities for foreign money transfers and report it to the state. DeSantis also wants to implement stricter bail policies for undocumented immigrants in custody by refusing bail eligibility. The governor’s office has publicly discussed some of these plans but has yet to address the specifics of transporting migrants abroad or criminal penalties for non-compliance. No formal legislation has been filed yet.
DeSantis Blames Florida House for Condo Reform Stalemate
Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized Florida House leaders last week for stalling action on condo reform, despite a financial crisis looming for condo owners due to a 2022 law passed after the Surfside tragedy. Speaking at news conference, DeSantis said he and the Senate are ready to address the issue, with the upper chamber having “solicited ideas,” but the House is resistant. The governor called a special legislative session starting January 27 to address various issues, including condo reform. However, House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) and Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) resisted the move in a strongly worded letter issued on January 13, preferring to waiting until the regular session began in March. “My sense is that the House is not really in a position where they think anything needs to be done,” DeSantis said. The law requires condo associations to fully fund repair budgets by 2025, which has led to rising costs for many owners.
Proposed Legislation Would Give Relief to Low-Rise Condo Owners Facing Financial Burden
Florida lawmakers are considering legislation to alleviate the financial burden on owners of low-rise condominiums away from the coast, as mandated reserve funding requirements for structural repairs strain many residents' budgets. State Senator Rosalind Osgood (D-Tamarac) plans to introduce a bill that would exempt buildings under six stories located inland from fully funding reserves for repairs by 2026, as mandated by Florida’s Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) law. The law, introduced after the deadly 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse, requires condo associations to include reserve funding for structural repairs in their annual budgets. Osgood emphasized balancing safety with financial realities, noting, that HOA and condo boards need to continue building maintenance to ensure safe structures, but the SIRS requirement has many condo owners facing financial burdens that put them in fear of being homeless. The mandates have significantly impacted Florida's condominium landscape, affecting associations, property owners, and potential buyers, resulting in hefty special assessments, increasing maintenance fees, and adding to exorbitant insurance costs. Retirement communities and elderly owners on fixed incomes have been especially hard hit.
Ashley Moody’s Rise to the U.S. Senate
Ashley Moody’s career has been defined by her commitment to law enforcement and justice. Following in the footsteps of her father, U.S. District Judge James Moody, she built a reputation as a dedicated public servant in the Tampa Bay area. Moody has been a vocal advocate for law enforcement and a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump. She gained national attention when she joined 16 Republican state attorneys general in challenging the 2020 election results, citing concerns about election integrity. In December, Moody pursued charges against the suspect accused of attempting to assassinate Trump at his West Palm Beach country club. During her tenure as Attorney General, she closely aligned with Gov. DeSantis’ priorities, including opposition to the recent ballot measures on expanding abortion rights and recreational marijuana legalization. Her office’s efforts to prevent the two initiatives from appearing on the 2024 ballot were rejected by the state Supreme Court. Moody's appointment makes her only the second woman to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate after Paula Hawkins served in the chamber nearly four decades ago. She joins 25 other women currently serving in the U.S. Senate and in her first statement after being appointed by Gov. DeSantis, Moody emphasized her role as a mother and her drive to represent Floridians’ values in Washington.
Florida Leaders Praise Ashley Moody’s Appointment to U.S. Senate
Gov. DeSantis’ decision to appoint Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Marco Rubio's vacant U.S. Senate seat garnered widespread support from Florida's Republican establishment. DeSantis himself praised Moody's "demonstrated record of delivering results" and her steadfast loyalty to conservative principles. U.S. Senator Rick Scott quickly endorsed the choice, highlighting Moody's efforts in keeping Florida communities safe. Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis expressed confidence in Moody's ability to represent Florida and support President Trump's agenda. Several Republicans in Florida’s congressional delegation, including Byron Donalds, Laurel Lee, Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez, María Elvira Salazar, and even Democrat Congresswoman Kathy Castor of Tampa, lauded Moody's career and advocacy for Floridians. “I look forward to working with Senator Moody on issues that lower costs and improve the lives of Florida families and small businesses,” Congresswoman Castor (D-Tampa) said in a statement, defying partisanship and noting that she would be the first U.S. Senator from Tampa/Hillsborough County. Tampa's Democratic Mayor Jane Castor also wished Moody well, posting on X “I know you'll serve our state well & will make our Tampa Bay region proud.” Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) congratulated Moody in a post on X, saying Senator Marco Rubio “leaves big shoes to fill,” but expressed confidence in the senator-designate’s ability to “carry the torch for the rule of law, freedom abroad, and prosperity at home.” State Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) called Moody a "strong conservative warrior," emphasizing her role in advancing Trump's agenda. Meanwhile, the Florida Democratic Party criticized the appointment, saying in a statement that Moody “ignored the growing property insurance crisis and let wealthy corporations rip off Floridians” while “chasing political attention and currying favor with the far right.” “Ashley Moody has been Ron’s personal lapdog from day one…and defended his extreme agenda at every turn,” added Party Chair Nikki Fried.
Florida Governor’s Race: Potential Candidates for 2026 Begin to Emerge
With the 2026 Florida gubernatorial primary still nearly 600 days away, the race to replace term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis is already shaping up. While no major candidates have formally declared, speculation is rife about both Republican and Democratic contenders. On the Republican side, former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz has hinted at a run after stepping down from Congress following a controversial tenure. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody was considered a strong contender for the job. Still, following her appointment to the U.S. Senate, it is very unlikely she would leave the post to run for governor. Another member of the Florida Cabinet, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, is entertaining the idea of succeeding DeSantis, having already amassed a $30 million campaign war chest. Perhaps most likely to enter the race is GOP rising star U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Naples), a close ally of President Trump who boasts strong statewide name recognition and would have the backing of some of the nation’s most prominent conservative voices. Donalds is reported to have engaged big-name Florida donors about a potential gubernatorial run and has hired a pollster used by the Trump campaign in 2016 and 2024. With Ashley Moody now sworn in as the state’s junior U.S. Senator, Donalds has a clearer path to the governor’s mansion as possible Republican competition thins. While the GOP primary would effectively decide the next governor in the once-purple state that has shifted firmly to the right, Democrats are anticipated to mount a strong field of candidates vying to be the first Democrat to lead the state in over a quarter century. At the top of the list is U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Parkland), who has a demonstrated track record of bipartisanship, serving as the state’s director of the Division of Emergency Management under Gov. DeSantis. Florida Democratic Party Chairperson Nikki Fried was the only Democrat to hold statewide elected office from 2018 to 2022 as agriculture commissioner. Now, she’s rumored to be thinking about another run for governor after losing the 2022 Democratic gubernatorial primary against then-Congressman and former governor Charlie Crist. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava is seen as another potential challenger, alongside legislative party leaders like House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) and Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo (D-Sunny Isles Beach). Party recalibration, revamped messaging, and voter turnout will be crucial as Democrats aim to regain ground in Florida’s political landscape that favors Republicans.
Trump Reinstates Cuba as State Sponsor of Terrorism
Within hours of taking office, President Donald Trump reversed one of Joe Biden’s final foreign policy actions, reinstating Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Last week, Biden had lifted the designation as part of a Vatican-brokered agreement to free political prisoners in Cuba. The move by Trump was part of an extensive executive order rescinding 78 actions Biden took during his presidency. Following the former president’s decision, Cuban authorities began releasing detainees, including those arrested during 2021 protests. The Cuban government announced plans to release 553 prisoners, linking the gesture to the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee celebration rather than U.S. actions. By Sunday, 130 prisoners had been freed. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned Trump’s decision, calling it “political coercion” and criticized the renewed designation as detrimental to the Cuban economy and its citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a long-time advocate of strict sanctions, and Florida leaders praised the move, citing concerns over Cuba’s eligibility for delisting. In response to a question during his confirmation hearings, Rubio stated his belief that the communist island nation was undeniably a state sponsor of terrorism, citing their support of terrorist groups in South America, ties to Iran, espionage activities, and cooperative relations with Hamas and Hezbollah. After President Biden’s action to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, the Florida Democratic Party issued a rare rebuke, condemning the country’s long history of cruelty and human rights violations. More than 60% of Cuban Americans in the U.S. reside in Florida.
Pam Bondi Awaits Senate Confirmation as U.S. Attorney General
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is currently awaiting confirmation by the U.S. Senate to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ). Democrats have delayed a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing vote by one week, making it unlikely that the nominee would be confirmed before February. The committee is expected to recommend Bondi’s nomination to a floor vote of the full Senate when they convene on January 29, with Republicans holding on to majority in the Senate. Despite Bondi’s qualifications going unquestioned by members of either party, her confirmation is likely to face some challenges by Democrats. During a confirmation hearing last week, the Tampa native faced questions on potential conflicts of interest from her lobbying career with Florida-based firm Ballard Partners, balancing loyalty between Trump and the Constitution, and her role in challenging the 2020 election outcome. On her lobbying ties, Bondi was pressed about her work with large corporate clients, which could be subject to legal matters involving the DOJ. Her involvement representing private prison firm GEO Group drew scrutiny as they maintain federal government contracts for immigration detention facilities and could benefit from Trump’s immigration policies. Bondi pledged to consult ethics officials on possible conflicts. Her role working for the Trump campaign in the wake of the 2020 election also came under fire. At the time, she cast doubt over vote counting and election integrity in Pennslyvania, alleging instances of fraud had taken place. When asked during her confirmation hearing on who won the 2020 election, Bondi declined to say whether Joe Biden won or Trump lost, instead affirming Joe Biden as the current president. Meanwhile, Republicans praised Bondi’s vision for restoring the DOJ’s focus on security and crime, viewing her leadership as a remedy to the perceived politicization and partisan bias under the Biden administration. She vowed to restore the department’s core mission on law enforcement, prioritizing issues like gang violence, drug cartels, border security, and foreign threats.
Meet James Uthmeier: DeSantis’ Pick for Florida Attorney General
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced his intention to appoint James Uthmeier, his current chief of staff, as Florida's next attorney general. This move comes as part of a political reshuffle triggered by President Donald Trump's nomination of Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Gov. DeSantis’ appointment of Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill the vacant Senate seat. Both Rubio and Moody have been officially sworn-in to their new roles this week.
Uthmeier, a University of Florida and Georgetown Law graduate, has been a key figure in DeSantis' inner circle since 2019. He served as deputy general counsel before becoming general counsel in 2020 and chief of staff in 2021. His role expanded to campaign manager during DeSantis' unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid amid financial and polling challenges, later returning to his role as chief of staff. Prior to his work in Florida, Uthmeier gained federal experience as a senior advisor and counsel in the U.S. Department of Commerce to Secretary Wilbur Ross during the first Trump administration. As DeSantis’ chief of staff, Uthmeier has been instrumental in the governor’s legal and political strategies, overseeing judicial nominations and leading opposition to 2024 ballot initiatives on marijuana legalization and abortion rights. He was also deeply involved in the controversial migrant relocation flight program to Martha's Vineyard. Once officially appointed, Uthmeier will serve as attorney general until the 2026 election. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Florida Becomes First to Adopt ‘Gulf of America’ in Weather Advisory
Florida became the first state to officially refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" in a weather advisory issued Tuesday. The change follows President Donald Trump’s inaugural address promise to rename the Gulf, which he previously described as a “beautiful name.” In his first day of office, Trump signed an executive order to initiate the renaming process, citing the Gulf’s economic significance to the U.S. maritime industry. A declaration of a state of emergency for winter weather impacts issued by Gov. DeSantis references “an area of low pressure moving across the Gulf of America, interacting with Arctic air, [that] will bring widespread impactful winter weather to North Florida beginning Tuesday, January 21, 2025.” President Trump’s intention to formally change the name of the body of water is not binding for other countries. International recognition, which the International Hydrographic Organization governs, remains unlikely. The name "Gulf of Mexico" dates back to early Spanish explorations of the region and was commonly used by the late 16th century.
DeSantis Seeks State Control Over Everglades Restoration
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced plans to seek control of Everglades restoration from the federal government, expressing frustration with bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies in the current 25-year partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers. DeSantis criticized the Corps for delays that have quadrupled costs, now estimated at $23 billion. “We don’t want to be bogged down by red tape. We don’t want to be bogged down by bureaucracy,” the governor said at a recent press conference. He argued that Florida has outpaced federal contributions, though data shows the Corps has spent $2.6 billion, closely matching the state’s $2.8 billion investment. DeSantis argued that Florida could execute projects more quickly and efficiently without federal oversight. He also cited the state’s intimate knowledge of the unique ecosystem. Some environmental advocates believe state management could accelerate progress on critical projects, such as the reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, a project that is essential for reducing pollution in nearby estuaries.
Recreational Pot Advocates Take Another Shot at 2026 Ballot
Smart & Safe Florida, the group behind the 2024 recreational marijuana amendment, is gearing up for another attempt to get the issue on the 2026 ballot. They spent over $150 million campaigning to legalize recreational marijuana during the 2024 election cycle, which garnered 56% of the vote—just shy of the 60% needed. The new proposal addresses concerns raised by Gov. Ron DeSantis, including prohibiting public smoking or vaping of marijuana and limiting possession to two ounces. It also allows private property owners to restrict marijuana use and requires the Legislature to create a licensing pathway for new businesses to sell recreational pot, beyond existing medical marijuana treatment centers. This move aims to alleviate concerns about the concentration of power among existing marijuana companies. To make it onto the 2026 ballot, Smart & Safe Florida will need to collect nearly 900,000 validated signatures and withstand potential Florida Supreme Court review. However, the petition process is currently under scrutiny, with DeSantis pushing for an overhaul citing concerns about fraud. A special legislative session called by the governor to be held next week aims to reform the citizens’ initiative petition process, including the elimination of petition form collection by third parties.
Former State Rep. Amesty Faces Charges for COVID Relief Fraud
Former State Representative Carolina Amesty (R-Windermere) has been charged with two counts of theft of government property related to COVID-19 pandemic-era relief funds. The ex-lawmaker served one term in the Florida House until she was defeated in the 2024 General Election. U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg announced the charges last Friday, alleging Amesty and a relative obtained over $500,000 across 15 COVID-19 disaster loans under the 2020 CARES Act. However, on at least two of the loan applications, prosecutors allege that Amesty falsified information, including financial details and employee numbers to secure $122,000 in pandemic relief funds. $84,500 went to her nonprofit, the Carolina Amesty Foundation, and another $37,500 flowed through an unlicensed car dealer, Dinocar Auto Sales LLC., that did not exist at the stated address. Investigators found additional discrepancies such as instances where bank accounts were opened just before or on the day of the loan applications. They also found that the federal funds were transferred to other businesses or people, with some of the money being used for personal expenses. If convicted, Amesty faces up to 20 years in prison.
This is not the first time Amesty has faced legal trouble. During her re-election bid, the Windermere Republican was indicted on forgery charges that loomed over her campaign and likely cost her the narrow election against Democrat Leonard Spencer. The charges were dropped in December 2024 after she completed a diversion program.
State Supreme Court to Hear Appeal Over Voter Fraud Arrest
The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal from one of 20 convicted felons arrested as part of Gov. DeSantis’ 2022 high-profile voter fraud crackdown. The defendant was accused of illegally registering to vote and casting a ballot in the 2020 general election despite ineligibility due to a 1989 sex offense conviction. However, the charges are being challenged based on the authority of the statewide prosecutor’s office to pursue the case. The dispute centers on jurisdiction, with attorneys arguing their client’s actions occurred solely in Broward County. However, the state contends the case spans multiple judicial circuits since voter registration data was transmitted from Broward to the Florida Department of State in Leon County. A lower court initially dismissed the charges, but an appeals court reinstated them, citing a 2023 law expanding statewide prosecutorial authority that could be applied retroactively. No date for arguments has been set.
Brightline Awarded $34M Grant to Expand Rider Capacity
Brightline has received nearly $33.8 million in federal funding to increase passenger capacity on its trains. The grant, awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), will allow Brightline to extend its trains from five to seven coach cars, addressing the growing demand for intercity rail service between Miami and West Palm Beach. “This funding allows us to expedite new passenger cars into service, increasing availability for South Florida travelers,” said Brightline Florida President Patrick Goddard. The grant, part of a $146 million FRA initiative supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to bolster passenger intercity rail services nationwide. Brightline’s expansion will unfold over the next two years, improving accessibility and enhancing travel options for local communities.
UCF Begins $88M Stadium Expansion Project
The University of Central Florida has broken ground on a transformative $88 million expansion of its football stadium's Roth Tower. The project, set to be completed by fall 2026, aims to elevate the fan experience and generate new revenue streams. Funded through a 2023 Tourism Development Tax Agreement, the expansion will add 1,236 club seats, 34 loge boxes, 34 sky bays, and 25 luxury suites to the existing structure. UCF Athletic Director Terry Mohajir said the construction project at FBC Mortgage Stadium will enhance the athletics program and promote local tourism. The upgraded facility will also serve as a versatile event space that allows the university to host weddings, corporate functions, and alumni gatherings year-round.
Florida Flags Raised for Trump’s Inauguration
Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags at state buildings to be raised to full-staff for President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, temporarily pausing the nationwide half-staff observance for former President Jimmy Carter. This decision aligns with similar directives from other Republican governors and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who ordered flags at the U.S. Capitol to be raised on Inauguration Day. As is the tradition following the death of a president, President Biden ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on federal properties for 30 days following the death of former President Carter. The flags will return to half-staff on January 21. Trump had previously expressed concern about flags being at half-staff during his inauguration.
Amazon Launches Same-Day Grocery Delivery in Orlando
Amazon has announced the expansion of its same-day grocery delivery service to Orlando, becoming the second city in the U.S. to offer the convenient service. Customers can now use Amazon Prime Now to order groceries through Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market, with delivery available in as little as one hour. Shoppers can use the Amazon Prime Now website or mobile app to select groceries, with orders typically fulfilled from Amazon's warehouse and/or Whole Foods. There is a minimum order of $35 for free delivery, with one-hour delivery available for an additional $5 to $10 fee. Two-hour delivery is free. Delivery covers Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Universal Orlando hotels.
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