First Lady defends Hope Florida, Governor criticizes South Tampa lawmaker
Share this @internewscast.com

BRANDON, Fla. (WFLA) — On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis conducted a roundtable in Brandon to promote Hope Florida. This initiative, led by the first lady, aims to guide Floridians toward private and faith-based organizations instead of relying on government financial support.

Hope Florida Foundation, which oversees the funds donated to the program to distribute as grants, was at the center of a Florida House investigation.

“We are not going to be dissuaded by the critics who have been captivated by willful ignorance,” Casey DeSantis said.

This gathering follows the closure of an investigation concerning allegations that $10 million, sourced from Medicaid settlement funds, was given to the Hope Florida Foundation. State legislators involved in the investigation mentioned that those funds reportedly made their way to political action committees operated by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who was previously the chief-of-staff.

“We will not allow any petty politics to drown out the voices of families who have told us, for the first time, they actually feel a sense of hope,” stated Casey DeSantis.

One of the critics is a Tampa Bay republican lawmaker who, the governor said, distributed material that was critical of the alleged $10 million money trail.

“All this stuff that gets put out there, so much of it is intentionally fraudulent,” the governor said.

Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman is a republican who represents South Tampa.

“Karen Gonzalez Pittman took propaganda that was done by far-left democrats, she re-branded it and was passing it out. That is a fraud,” the governor said.

The republican lawmaker’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

“I think Karen Gonzalez Pittman has done a poor job as the representative from South Tampa,” the governor said.

DeSantis then applauded the work of former Rep. Jackie Toledo who once represented that district. The governor has suggested he will use his political action committee to help fund challengers to defeat republican political opponents. He didn’t confirm whether he would do that in South Tampa.

Since Hope Florida is a signature program for First Lady DeSantis, many have speculated she may run for governor.

“It’s more than a year away from qualifying,” Casey DeSantis said.

First Lady DeSantis then went on to talk about her husband’s work as governor and saying the focus right now should be on the budget.

“Whoever he (governor) ultimately decides should be following after him, should be somebody that I think, obviously it’s up to the people of the state of Florida, but it should be somebody in the mold of a DeSantis who is willing to get out there and fight,” the first lady said.

The well-known politicians who have announced a run for governor are Rep. Byron Donalds, who has President Trump’s endorsement, and Sen. Jason Pizzo, who is under No Party Affiliation.

For those who would like to be connected to Hope Florida, the number is 833-GET-HOPE.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

“DA Cook Jones Criticizes Leaders’ Statements as ‘Premature and Problematic'”

SAVANNAH, Ga. — After the incident at Oglethorpe Mall, Chatham County District…

Environmentalists and Democrats Voice Concerns About Alligator Alcatraz

A team of environmental advocates from Florida has initiated a federal lawsuit…

VIDEO: Fireworks mishap at Boone Lake leaves 2 injured

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A fireworks incident at the Boone Lake…

Tragic Fireworks Accident Claims Life of 8-Year-Old Girl in California

(KTLA) – Police confirmed Saturday that an 8-year-old girl died after she…

Paxton’s 41st Annual Traditional Fourth of July Celebration

More than 700 attendees gathered at Pells Park in Paxton to celebrate…

Julian McMahon, Known for ‘Nip/Tuck’ and ‘Fantastic Four,’ Passes Away at Age 56

Julian McMahon, recognized for his role as Dr. Doom in the “Fantastic…

Tucker Carlson Speaks with Iranian President as MAGA Supporters Divided Over Iran-Israel Tensions

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson said Saturday he would soon air…

How Weather Contributed to the Devastating Flash Floods in Texas

WASHINGTON – The air was saturated with moisture, which powered a slow-moving…

Sonoma State University Student Injured in Tornado: Family Reflects on Recovery Process

A Savannah State University student, Malachi Chaney, is on the road to…

Ukraine Reports Striking Russian Air Base Amidst Wave of Drone Attacks

Ukraine reported a successful strike on a Russian air base on Saturday,…

Tropical Storm Chantal Expected to Drench the Carolinas with Heavy Rain

Tropical Storm Chantal has developed off the southeastern coast of the U.S.…

Breaking News: Arrest Warrants Issued in Oglethorpe Mall Shooting by SPD

SAVANNAH, Ga. () – The Savannah Police Department, alongside the Chatham County…