Republican Party of Florida Update – January 21

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Message from Chairman Joe Gruters

Welcome home, President Trump. Florida is ready to have you here full time. On behalf of Florida Republicans, I want to thank you for pushing so hard for policies that put America and Americans first.

You will be remembered long after you leave office for your enormous accomplishments, including remaking the federal judiciary with over 230 Constitutionalist appointees, creating Space Force, massive deregulation, energy independence, operation Warp Speed for the vaccines, multiple Mideast peace agreements, driving our economy to record highs, exposing China and Big Tech and securing our border.

And the best is yet to come!

So now we look forward, knowing that the freedoms and foundations of the most exceptional nation on earth rest on our shoulders. They are ours to carry and defend. We are the voices for our cherished American rights. We are the voices for the hard-working Americans aspiring for better lives for themselves and their children. We fight for the American Dream to remain alive. It does not die on our watch.

And in looking forward, we see the Republican Party of Florida in a very strong position going into 2022 Midterms. Our standard bearer Governor Ron DeSantis is a proven, effective and principled leader, the best governor in the nation who understands and defends the basic freedoms of Floridians. His response to the pandemic is now widely seen as the path other states should have taken last spring and are finally beginning to. He is a leader among leaders and we are fortunate to have him heading our Party in 2022.

We have closed the registration gap on Democrats and intend to overcome them by November 2022 and have a majority Republican Florida! This is very doable and working together in all 67 counties we can make it happen. We have more Republicans in Congress, more Republicans in the state Senate, more Republicans in the state House and we will be getting at least two more Congressional seats for 2022.

The future for the Republican Party of Florida is bright, but only because we are all pulling together, defending the Republic, defending a bright future for our children against the forces of leftist socialism that would tear down everything.

 

Annual Meeting

It was a great meeting as Governor DeSantis gave a dynamic update.

“Republicans around the country are looking at the State of Florida for leadership,” Gov. DeSantis said. “We will be undeterred in our defense of freedom — the freedom of Floridians to work, to send their kids to in-person school, and to enjoy the blessings of a beautiful state. With your help and hard work, we will be successful today, tomorrow and into the future.”

In a strong show of unity, members also heard from Republican leaders including Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nunez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Senate President Wilton Simpson, House Speaker Chris Sprowls, Congressman Mike Waltz, Congressman Byron Donalds and Congressman Matt Gaetz.

Members also reelected Chairman Joe Gruters, Vice Chairman Christian Ziegler, Treasurer Mike Moberly, Secretary Kristy Banks, Assistant Secretary Clint Pate and Assistant Treasurer Jeremy Evans. All were unanimous votes.

Florida Update

President Trump granted deferred enforced departure to Venezuelan nationals for the next 18 months as one of his last acts in office, a move long sought by Floridians Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, who argued it was wrong to force Venezuelans to return home while Nicolas Maduro remains in power.

“The Trump Administration has taken a significant and much-needed step to help Venezuelan nationals residing in the U.S.,” Rubio said in a statement.

https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/memorandum-deferred-enforced-departure-certain-venezuelans/

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The COVID vaccination rollout continues to be a success despite limited supplies of the vaccine. Governor DeSantis highlighted Florida’s strong momentum on vaccinating seniors age 65 and older. Since the beginning of the public health emergency, Governor DeSantis has put Florida’s Seniors First and the results are proving the effectiveness of his efforts.

Florida was the first state in the nation to vaccinate more than 500,000 individuals 65 years of age or older and is one of only three states to administer vaccines to more than one million people. Florida continues to have the highest percentage of vaccines administered to seniors 65 and older, with vaccinations in that age bracket accounting for nearly 65% of total vaccinations in the state.

“Florida remains steadfast in our commitment to putting Seniors First and the numbers speak for themselves,” Governor DeSantis said.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/01/20/florida-leads-the-nation-in-vaccines-for-ages-65-with-seniors-first-approach/

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Florida surgeon general reassures Floridians. Most recently, Florida’s Surgeon General Scott Rivkees urged the federal government to increase shipments of coronavirus vaccines to the Sunshine State where we have a large population of seniors who are facing the greatest risk of illness and death from this horrible virus. Dr. Scott Rivkees also shared a message of hope and reassurance with Floridians that their turn will come!

“The message is this: We will get to you,”

~~ Dr. Scott Rivkees, Florida Surgeon General

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/seniors-florida-coronavirus-pandemic-1e63239e1724958fcb9245e63e593364

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Florida continues to expand the state’s partnership with Publix to establish COVID vaccination sites at an additional 137 Publix locations, Governor Ron DeSantis announced this week. New vaccination sites will be established at Publix pharmacies throughout six counties:

  • 67 in Palm Beach County;
  • 32 in Lee County;
  • 22 in Brevard County;
  • 7 in Charlotte County;
  • 7 in Martin County; and
  • 2 in Monroe County.

These vaccination sites are in addition to the 105 Publix locations announced in the past two weeks, for a total of 242 Publix locations in 18 counties.

Three new state-run COVID sites have been launched by the Florida Department of Health and Florida Division of Emergency Management: the Marlins Stadium in Miami; University Mall in Tampa; and the Regency Square Mall in Jacksonville. All three sites will be open seven days a week and will offer the vaccine to all individuals 65 years of age and older, as well as frontline health care workers.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/01/19/governor-ron-desantis-announces-additional-covid-19-vaccination-sites-at-publix-super-markets-3/

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Governor DeSantis is targeting “vaccination tourism,” creating a set of guidelines to stop people who are just visiting the state from getting vaccinated.

At separate news conferences Tuesday, Governor DeSantis said he wants to ensure the state’s COVID vaccine supply is being directed to Florida residents. “That can include people who live here half the year, but it’s not for people just visiting,” the governor said during an appearance in Rockledge.

Read more here:
https://www.news4jax.com/news/florida/2021/01/20/gov-desantis-targets-vaccination-tourism/

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To get text alerts and updates regarding from Governor Ron DeSantis on the state’s COVID-19 efforts text FLCOVID19 to 888777.

Separate from the Republican Party? I think not!

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Russell Tuff
President
Collier County Republican Men’s Club

It’s 2021 and as I write this, it is Martin Luther King Day and Joe Biden will be sworn in as President tomorrow.

A military force is in place for the inauguration in our capital so large that it makes US foreign military zones embarrassed. Hmmm.

We’ve gotten a glimpse of what’s to come. Thousands are coming from Honduras to attempt to gain access to the US. They want free health care, free education, free food, and all that the US provides.

Biden stated he will give legal status for 11M illegal immigrants. Foreign policy: Will Biden and some of his cabinet picks be blackmailed by the Chinese government on policy issues because of what they can threaten to expose?

A pick for senior White House advisor Anita Dunn, was forced to resign in the Obama administration for a clip that appeared with her stating that Chairman Mao was one of her “favorite political philosophers.”

What do Republicans do?

What are we Republicans to do who cherish our freedoms, who believe and are proud to continue to strive to Make America Even Greater?

Whether you did or didn’t like President Trump, we do believe in his policies and saw their success.

Rather than separate ourselves from the Republican party, we need to defend and share examples of what does work in America. What did our Republican values bring us over the past four years.

Here’s a short view; greatest economy of all time, substantially increased wages and employment levels for minorities and women, energy independence, peace through perceived strength that gave us peace in the middle east, held back enemies aggression, and stabilized the world. He made our emergency personnel proud to do the work to protect us and keep us safe. The Republican party has taken over leadership in environmental policy through funding rather than talking in restoring the Everglades and improvements for our future water quality.

To win the battle of minds in America we need to fight to eradicate censorship, the cancel culture, and identity politics (whether sexual or racial).

We need to do what Martin Luther King dreamed of, that is for people to be judged by their character and not by the color of their skin.

What do we need to do to attract minorities and women? The answer is to do what we do for everyone else, that is to provide them the opportunities to thrive and prosper based on their initiative, ingenuity and willingness to work to achieve the American Dream. It still exists. Let’s unite the Republican party and fight for that.

WE BELIEVE…

The proper function of government is to do for the people those things that have to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well, by individuals, and that the most effective government is government closest to the people.

WE BELIEVE…
Good government is based upon the individual and that each person’s ability, dignity, freedom, and responsibility must be honored and recognized.

WE BELIEVE…
That free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative and incentive have given this nation an economic system second to none.

WE BELIEVE…
Sound money management should be our goal.

WE BELIEVE…
In equal rights, equal justice, and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex, or national origin.

WE BELIEVE…
We must retain those principles of the past worth retaining, yet always be receptive to new ideas with an outlook broad enough to accommodate thoughtful change and varying points of view.

WE BELIEVE…
That Americans value and should preserve their feeling of national strength and pride, and at the same time share with people everywhere a desire for peace and freedom and the extension of human rights throughout the world.

WE BELIEVE …
The Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government

Commissioner Rick LoCastro January 18th Update

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Over 13,955 have already signed up for this newsletter…and still counting… I’m “Working To Exceed Your Expectations Every Day”! This regularly released Commissioner’s Report will update citizens regarding projects, events, news, and timely information regarding programs, services, and initiatives… and how we are working hard to work for YOU!

As your Collier County District 1 Commissioner, it’s my goal to ensure constituents are informed about things taking place in District 1… and also around ALL of Collier County… and you always have access to me.

 

 

Besides the details below… this past week we addressed many long standing issues:

  • Major speeding problem on Isles of Capri (yes, many tickets given out… please slow down)!  Thank you to our Sheriff’s Office for their partnership assisting me.
  • Finally attacking the long overdue raising of the Goodland Road to handle regular flooding/tidal problems.  Bid for construction occurred on December 11, 2020.  Award of contract going to the Board of County Commissioners February 23, 2021.  Notice to proceed with construction March 2021!

We continue to light a fire under the Marco Executive Airport “NEW Terminal” project…
a $9 Million taxpayer project that is a year and a half behind schedule… NOT any more!
On January 12, 2021, I was honored to be selected by my fellow Commissioners to Chair three Collier County Committees.

  • Affordable Housing Committee
  • Public Safety Coordinating Council
  • Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

The purpose of this committee is to review policies, procedures, ordinances, land development regulations, and recommend specific actions concerning affordable housing.

 

PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL

 

The Public Safety Coordinating council was established to assess the population status of all detention & correctional facilities owned or contracted by the County. The council shall formulate recommendations to ensure the capacities of these facilities are not exceeded. Additionally, the council will assess the availability of pretrial intervention or probation programs, work-release programs, substance abuse programs, bail bond schedules, and the confinement status of inmates housed in County facilities.

 

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL

 

 

The mission of the SWFL Regional Planning Council is to work together across neighboring communities to consistently protect and improve the unique and relatively unspoiled character of the physical, economic, and social worlds we share for the benefit of our future generations.
The Council enables local jurisdictions to provide services & facilities, to optimize employment of geographic, human, economic & natural resources in support of economic, natural resources, social, land use, transportation & public safety development.
FOCUS AREAS:

  • Water Quality
  • Affordable Housing
  • Regional Transportation
  • Storm Resiliency & Climate Change
  • Intergovernmental Coordination & Communication

I will Co-Chair this Council with Commissioner Bill McDaniel (District 5).

 

OUT IN THE COMMUNITY

 

VETERANS COMMUNITY PARK

 

 

I visited Veterans Community Park and met with the leadership team from Parks & Recreation and the Veterans Park staff and walked the entire area.

The park and fields are in great shape.  We do have some drainage problems we are now addressing that may have made the fields less than optimum at times during rainstorms.  That’s now being fixed.  I’m aware of the theft in the batting cages… security cameras are now also coming and the cages are now locked.  The long time missing basketball hoops are now on order as well.  The dog park and pavilion are in amazing shape and the park was packed with pickleball players and others enjoying the park.

Although Veterans Community Park is in District 3, as a veteran myself this park has extra special meaning… I will continue to keep close watch over it. More improvements coming!

 

Pickleball has become a popular sport in all our parks… We look to continue to convert “some” tennis courts to popular pickleball courts.

 

WASTEWATER PLANT

 

I am continuing my visits of Collier County Depts & Facilities.  We must ensure we’re spending taxpayer dollars wisely, have efficient processes & procedures, and I want to meet our leaders & teams responsible for the missions of our County.  Water treatment is critical and another behind the scenes job that must be in good hands.  I was impressed with what I saw & heard… and will stay linked to this important service.

 

Visiting one of our  water treatment plants ensuring  we have the infr​astructure to continue to properly treat and provide water for our County.

 

CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

 

 

Visited Senior Environmental Specialist, April Olson,  and Director of Environmental Policy,  Nicole Johnson, to discuss our environment and issues the Conservancy is focused on… and how we can work together to find common ground.

 

LEADERSHIP COLLIER

 

 

Honored to speak to this year‘s Leadership Collier Class and join fellow newly elected officials on a panel…the Mayor of Naples and new City Council members from Everglades City and Marco Island.  As a 2013 Leadership Collier Graduate myself… it’s great to see this valuable Chamber of Commerce program continue to mentor our current & future Collier County leaders.

Senator Passidomo January 15 update

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Today concludes the first of the Legislature’s Interim Committee Weeks ahead of the 2021 Legislative Session.  In anticipation of the upcoming committee hearings and other meetings in Tallahassee, I took a COVID-19 test on Thursday, January 7.  On Sunday, January 10, I learned that my test result was positive.

I am fortunate to have experienced only mild, cold-like symptoms.  Out of extreme caution for the health and safety of my colleagues and staff, and in accordance with Florida Senate protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been self-isolating at home.  Though I was not physically in Tallahassee, there was work to be done and my schedule was full.  I was able to participate in briefings, committee hearings and meetings this week by phone, Zoom and over the Florida Channel.

I look forward to returning to Tallahassee soon and rejoining my colleagues at the Capitol to represent District 28.  I hope you are in good health and remain safe for the coming year.

Diaz-Balart Applauds Sanctions Against Cuban Ministry of Interior and its Leader

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Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Cuban Ministry of Interior and the Minister of Interior, Lazaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, for serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.

“Today’s sanctions on Cuba’s MININT, which is responsible for brutal repression against the Cuban people, and Lazaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, for human rights abuses is another appropriate action by the Trump Administration to hold the Cuban dictatorship accountable for its horrors. While Cuba’s pro-democracy opposition continues to endure increasing repression, this step shows that the atrocities committed by the Cuban regime’s human rights abusers, will have consequences. I commend the Trump Administration for its tough stand against tyranny and its solidarity with the Cuban people in their struggle for freedom.”

Diaz-Balart Will Continue as Leading Republican on T-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee

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Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) was re-elected by the House Republican Steering Committee to continue his service as the leading Republican on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriation Subcommittee.

“I am grateful to my colleagues, the Steering Committee, and Ranking Member Granger for reiterating their trust in me, and, once again, electing me to be the lead Republican on the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee on Appropriations. During my years on T-HUD, as former Chairman and now Ranking Member, I have brought millions of federal dollars to South Florida to support our veterans, the elderly, the disabled, and other vulnerable populations. These federal dollars were especially evident when Miami-Dade County effectively ended veteran homelessness in 2018.

“I have also worked diligently to maintain and upgrade our nation’s roadways, seaports, transit systems, and airports. Further, I have successfully been able to bring these investments into our community. Whether through the first federal capital for the SMART plan, PortMiami receiving the largest grant for port infrastructure development, or helping to build the Underline, I am thankful to have been at the forefront of obtaining these funds.

“I’m thrilled to continue working on the T-HUD Subcommittee, and I again thank my colleagues for this opportunity. I look forward to continuing this collaboration in the 117th Congress.”

Vaccine Distribution is Number One in Nation – CDC Adopts Florida Plan

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Our Governor Ron DeSantis is continuing to travel that state and has remained laser-focused on keeping Florida’s Seniors First by leading the way on prioritizing those 65 and older for the vaccine (issued January 11, 2021).   In fact, on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the CDC reversed course following Florida’s lead of immunizing seniors who are 65 years of age and older.  Gov. DeSantis’ strategy went above and beyond recommended guidelines issued by the federal government. Once again, our state is leading by example and our Governor and his administration are taking all the steps necessary to ensure the safety of Floridians.

As the state heads into its fifth week of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, Florida has vaccinated nearly 350,000 seniors – more than any other state in the nation that’s reporting updates on this critical effort.

In case you missed it, we are including a press release that was issued last night by Governor Ron DeSantis’ office.  You can read it below. You can also watch a video that his office released earlier yesterday by clicking here.

CDC to Reverse Course and Follow Florida’s Lead Prioritizing “Seniors First” for Vaccinations

Per reports, the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) will announce new vaccine deployment recommendations that mirror Florida’s unique strategy. Florida’s fifth week of vaccine distribution is currently underway, and the state has continued to prioritize vaccine access to seniors age 65 and older – a strategy that initially went above and beyond recommended guidelines issued by the federal government.

Florida has vaccinated nearly 350,000 seniors – more than any other state in the nation that’s reporting updates on this critical effort.

Our state is home to more than 4.5 million seniors, and both nationwide and in Florida, seniors 65 and older have more severe risks, accounting for more than 80% of all COVID related deaths. The Governor has made it clear this population is his top priority.

Innovative pilot programs, such as the ones we’ve launched with Publix as well as with our places of worship, will ensure the vaccine is as accessible as possible and incentivize swift deployment by our partners on the ground. The state has also worked across sectors to develop innovative and unique sites to increase vaccine access statewide. Such locations include:

  • Places of Worship
  • State-Run Testing Sites
  • Partnership with Publix
  • Supplementing LTC Facility Federal Efforts
  • Senior Living Communities

As vaccine distribution expands to wider populations, Florida will continue this stride and develop multi-faceted resources to ensure Floridians have access to the COVID-19 vaccine. For more information on vaccines and access, please visit the Florida Department of Health.

Diaz-Balart: The Trump Administration has Placed the Cuban Regime Back Where it Belongs

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Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the Department of State announced its designation of the Cuban regime as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST).

“The Trump Administration has placed the Cuban regime back where it belongs— on the SST list — due to its support of terrorist groups such as the FARC and ELN, harboring fugitives such as an FBI Most Wanted Terrorist Joanne Chesimard and propping up the Maduro regime. The previous administration should never have delisted the Cuban regime in 2015, particularly at a time when the regime’s intelligence services are assisting international terrorist organizations and assisting in the brutal suppression of the Venezuelan people. The Trump administration has once again kept its promise to hold the malevolent, anti-American regime in Cuba accountable for its actions. The Cuban regime has oppressed the Cuban people, aided terrorist organizations, and wreaked havoc throughout our hemisphere. That is why President Reagan included it in the SST list in 1982. I applaud the Trump Administration’s decision to place the regime on that list once again.”

In 2019, Diaz-Balart sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo urging him to reclassify the Cuban dictatorship as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.

Welcome 2021 – A New Begining

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Russell Tuff, President Collier County Republican Men’s Club

Hello, I’m Russell Tuff and was appointed as your President of the Men’s Republican Club of Collier County.

First, I would like to shower Jim Carter (former president) with a great debt of gratitude for bringing the club from a small group gathering to a strong, robust organization during his tenure. When you look around the room and feel that sense of comradery with like minded people, it was Carters efforts that made that possible.

Next, we had two other dedicated board members that worked tirelessly and diligently to assist Carter that past years and their work and effort should be acknowledged. They were instrumental in putting plans and actions into place. These two men include, John Thomas and Chad Gillenwater. They did more than you will ever know and were quiet in not getting the just recognition for a job well done.

We welcome new board and officer members Mark Batchelor, Glenn Brown, and Reg Buxton. They join Randy Cash, John Dugan, Pete Koenig, Michael Nadolski, Jerry Sanford.

The new board and officers can be seen here.

What can you expect over the next two years from your new men’s club president?

Jim Carter agreed to assist in continuing to arrange program speakers, so you can expect the same high level of speakers as in the past.

We’ve created a new position of Vice-President of Business Development, which will be chaired by Reg Buxton. We hope to capture more inclusion from the Naples businesses and residents and engage them in our efforts to carry out the belief’s we hold dear. See those beliefs here.

In addition, we will be expanding our Outreach effort through local media, electronic media, and PR methods to improve our standing in the community and demonstrate the benefits of carrying out the Republican beliefs mentioned before.

We will continue our scholarship efforts to encourage our youth to strive for the ideals we have been raised to believe; Respect for Life, Respect for the Constitution, Limited Government, and Personal Responsibility.

Membership will be aggressively pursued to assist in growing and strengthening the Republican Image in Naples/Collier County. We need everyone’s help to spread the word

We will develop closer relationships and sharing of information with the other Republican organizations in the community, as working together we will all be stronger.

I look forward to serving as your president and assisting our great board and officers in the future. I’m honored and humbled that you put me in this position, and I will need your help to achieve any of the goals listed.

Here’s to a great 2021!

Russell Tuff

President

Collier County Republican Men’s Club