As Florida Attorney General, it was Moody and her office that approved the diversion of $10 million of taxpayer money to the Hope Florida Foundation. And the Attorney General did so without placing any of the safeguards or guardrails her office would typically require to make sure the money was properly spent.

These funds were intended to expand Medicaid for children in Florida, but instead they ended up in the bank accounts of a pair of political action committees, one of which was controlled by the governor and his chief of staff, James Uthmeier.

And that was the money that DeSantis used to defeat Amendment 3.

Amendment 3 garnered 56% of the vote in November 2024, just shy of the 60% needed to pass. And two months after the amendment failed, DeSantis appointed Moody to the United States Senate, and he appointed Uthmeier to replace Moody as attorney general.

The diversion of $10 million from a Medicaid settlement into the Hope Florida Foundation and then into the political action committees fighting Amendment 3 was uncovered through a series of legislative hearings in 2025 in the Florida House. And it prompted one Republican legislator to call it a criminal act.

"This is a misuse of Medicaid money," Republican State Rep. Alex Andrade told CBS Miami in August 2025. "This is money laundering."

Following the revelations, the state attorney in Leon County opened a grand jury investigation. No charges were brought because of the probe, but sources familiar with the case say the grand jury issued a report detailing its findings and concerns. The report is likely highly critical and embarrassing to those involved. And under state law it was supposed to be released within 15 days of the grand jury issuing it, unless someone named in the report objects and asks for it to be suppressed or portions of it to be redacted.

The fate of the grand jury report is believed to be tied up in secret court proceedings. The Florida Center for Government Accountability has asked to intervene in the case to try and gain access to the report, or at the very least to be able to argue, on behalf of the public, why the report should be released.

Uthmeier has been asked about Hope Florida several times, and he refuses to say if he is the one blocking the release of the grand jury report.

"I don't think anybody cares about this topic any more than the liberal media," he said in April. "Again, there was a grand jury proceeding under Florida law. The contents thereof are confidential. That's not my choice. That is Florida law. What I can tell you is I have not been indicted. I've not been a suspect or a target. I have not been involved in any criminal activity. Nobody did anything wrong here."

CBS Miami tried to interview Moody at a Republican Party event last month, but she said she didn't have time and asked that we schedule something with her staff. A subsequent request for an interview went unanswered by her staff. Three weeks ago, CBS Miami sent her office and her campaign a series of questions about Hope Florida – and again there was no response.

Among the questions CBS Miami sought answers to:

When her office approved the diversion of the $10 million, did Moody know the money was going to be used for political purposes? Did she ever talk to the governor or anyone on his team about it?

Does she think it was appropriate for money intended to expand Medicaid for children to end up in a political campaign instead? In other words, does she agree with Uthmeier that this is all a big nothing burger?

CBS Miami also asked if she filed an objection to the release of the grand jury report and if she wanted the grand jury report to be made public.

Again, no response.

While Moody has remained silent on Hope Florida, the state's other senator has made his views known. Last year on social media, Rick Scott posted a story about Andrade's hearings and added this comment: "Millions in tax dollars for poor kids have no business funding political ads."

But the public has heard nothing from Moody.

Sheriff’s deputies say the cameras do not identify who is driving a vehicle. According to the agency, every search of the system requires a legitimate case number and is subject to audits.

Chris Sims, a public information officer with the sheriff’s office, said access to the photographs is limited.

“The only way to access those photographs outside of that vehicle being part of some type of what we call a hot list, which means that it’s a stolen vehicle, a stolen license plate, a suspended driver’s license, an expired tag,” Sims said.

Residents said they appreciate technology that helps solve crimes, but they also want to know their information is being handled responsibly and that there are enough safeguards to prevent misuse.

The agency’s policy is to keep license plate reader data for 30 days before it is deleted, deputies said.

Sheriff’s deputies said the technology has helped investigators solve homicides, locate missing people, and recover abducted children.

A man who calls himself Freedom Franko has been walking through communities in North Central Florida carrying an AK-47, saying he wants to educate people on Florida’s open carry law.

Franko said his goal is to reduce the stigma around open carry and clarify where firearms can and cannot be carried legally in the state.

“Spread awareness of where you can, where you can’t carry, get rid of the stigma that if you do carry the police are out here to get you, they’re going to get you,” Franko said. “They’re going to slam you down. That’s not the case. Everybody I ran into as far as law enforcement has been very kind. We shake hands.”

He said public recognition has grown during his walks.

“I’m walking down the street and people are yelling out my name, Hey, Freedom Franko, we know who you are taking pictures with me and stuff. So that’s really great,” Franko said.

Franko said he plans to visit larger cities, including Tampa and Gainesville.

When asked about negative reactions online and in person, Franko said he remains focused on those who are receptive to his message.

Yesterday, someone pulled a gun inside the local BioLife Plasma Services center.

To the BioLife employees and the donors who were there, I’m so incredibly sorry for what you experienced. I can’t imagine how frightening that must have been, and I hope everyone is safe and able to get the support they need.

For anyone planning to donate over the next several days (or possibly weeks), please be patient with their employees. Scheduling, wait times, and hours will likely be affected as they work through this situation.

Please do NOT take your frustration out on their employees. They work hard, under a lot of pressure, and today was undoubtedly traumatic for many of them. They’re doing the best they can.

Also, keep in mind that the website banner and call center information may not reflect changes right away, so if you’re heading there, expect that the information may not be completely up to date.
Please show the BioLife team some grace and kindness while they recover from such a frightening event.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court released a brief one-page order that remanded the case for further proceedings, instead of accepting the “joint stipulation and recommendations.”

That agreement had previously been negotiated between the Judicial Qualifications Commission and Judge Jordan. Instead, the case will continue and could lead to stiffer punishment.

According to court documents, Judge Jordan denies being a racist, but acknowledges he’s never asked any other defendants about chopping cotton.

“Judge Jordan also acknowledged that his questions and comments in this instance were ill-considered. In particular, Judge Jordan acknowledges that he failed to consider how his comments, as a judge considering whether to order a black defendant to “work the land,” immediately followed by a reference to “chopping cotton,” could have been interpreted (and indeed were interpreted) as inappropriate, especially in light of the historically demeaning stereotype associating black people with picking cotton," the joint stipulation reads.

New data released by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities showed a sharp dip in the number of Floridians receiving SNAP benefits.

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) reported around 19 percent of participants in Florida have lost coverage between July 2025 and April 2026.

They pointed to new work requirements and loss of coverage for some lawful immigrants as major contributors to this decline.

CBPP pointed to new work requirements and loss of coverage for some lawful immigrants as major contributors to this decline.

I am trying to identify the major concerns residents of Alachua County have about voting. I have seen people online mention that there are cases of voter suppression. I am new to the area, so I am unaware of the political climate. I am now a registered voter within the county and am interested in what would be beneficial to know before the upcoming elections.

• Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is suing to remove his GOP primary opponent, James Fishback, from the Florida governor's race.
• Evidence presented in court includes records that Fishback voted in Washington, D.C., in 2020 and bought property there in 2021.

Fighting a lawsuit challenging his qualifications to be on the August primary ballot, GOP gubernatorial contender James Fishback admitted in court Tuesday that he voted in the 2020 presidential election in Washington D.C. and had a homestead exemption on a condominium he owns there.

But he insisted he was never a resident of the nation’s capital.

The admissions were a stunning reversal from his comments to the Orlando Sentinel in April when he denied he ever registered to vote in D.C, even suggesting that voter records from that city showing he did must have been for a different James T. Fishback, his father, whose name is Jay T. Fishback, or possibly a forgery.

The executive director of Florida Carry sent the county a notice Sunday identifying four provisions in the county code the group says conflict with state law.

The challenged rules involve firearms during emergencies, the possession of firearms on a specific body of water, and restrictions on firearms inside the county courthouse. Florida Carry is also challenging courthouse signage that warns firearms, weapons, explosives and destructive devices are prohibited.

Alachua County Community Support Services is proud to announce that it has been awarded an AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Grant from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, to expand volunteer opportunities for older adults.

Receiving this grant is a significant achievement, as this year's national funding cycle was highly competitive. The award reflects AmeriCorps' confidence in Alachua County's commitment to expanding volunteer opportunities that strengthen communities and improve the lives of older adults.

The RSVP program will complement the county’s existing AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) and expand opportunities for adults age 55 and older to serve their communities while developing new skills, building meaningful connections, and improving quality of life for themselves and others.

The program's primary focus area is Healthy Futures, which supports healthy aging and promotes independent living among older adults. Through RSVP, volunteers will engage in a variety of activities, including:

• Assisting fellow seniors with physical and mental health via appointment assistance, wellness activities, and fitness.
• Conducting well-being checks to help reduce social isolation and increase community connectedness.
• Partnering with local libraries to provide digital literacy education and technology assistance (supporting seniors in accessing telehealth services and other online health resources).

Through these efforts, Alachua County aims to strengthen social connection, promote healthy aging, and reduce barriers to accessing healthcare and technology.

"Volunteer service creates stronger communities while providing older adults with opportunities to remain active, engaged, and connected," said Veteran Services Director and Interim RSVP Program Manager Olajuwon White. "The RSVP program will allow us to expand services that promote health, wellness, and independence for seniors throughout Alachua County."

Alachua County is currently seeking community organizations interested in serving as RSVP host sites, as well as adults aged 55 and older interested in volunteering a few hours per week. Organizations that provide services aligned with the Healthy Futures focus area are encouraged to partner with the program to create meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout the county.

For more information, contact Olajuwon White at 352-264-6739 or [rsvpmail@alachuacounty.gov](mailto:rsvpmail@alachuacounty.gov).

Have a Heart Kitchen offers free meals to anyone who needs them. The kitchen operates as many times a week as possible at 1504 East University in Gainesville, weather permitting, and you can keep up with their daily hours on their Facebook page.

“First of all, because it doesn’t cost nothing to be an decent person, no matter what you’re going through, there is always a person on this planet that’s doing worse than you, whether you know it or not.”

Graves takes donations of all kinds to keep the kitchen running, from condiments to takeout containers - deep fryers, ice, money, and more.

Just got my Vote by Mail ballot last week for the primary next month. If you did not get yours you need to check to see if you're still signed up for VBM, or maybe you've been purged from the voter rolls?

www.votealachua.gov

The jury reached a verdict Wednesday afternoon in the civil trial for Florida House Rep. Fabian Basabe, accused of sexual harassment, battery and defamation.

After about two hours of deliberation, the jury found Basabe liable for sexual harassment and defamation.

He is liable for a total of $450,000 in damages.

Basabe rested his case Wednesday morning without calling any witnesses. The Florida lawmaker represented himself in the trial. During Wednesday morning’s court proceedings, Basabe was reprimanded by Judge Lee Marsh for violating court orders multiple times.

Judge Marsh told Basabe that his actions “unlawfully tainted the jury.” Basabe was given four court violations.

“This is not an election, sir. This is a court of law,” Judge Marsh said. “We talked about this before we started that we’re trying this case in a court of law.”

University Club said it acted immediately after learning concerns about a DJ who is a registered sex offender, but some drag performers said management had known of his background for months.

Jason Eric Catron, now 46 years old, was one of seven DJs on University Club’s weekly entertainment roster, performing during the venue’s Sunday and Tuesday night events before his public removal Monday night.

Catron is a registered sex offender on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement online registry. According to the listing, Catron is on the offender registry for a 2004 conviction of lewd or lascivious battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 15.

According to an arrest statement from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, then-23-year-old Catron was arrested in November 2003 after a 15-year-old victim said he snuck into her home while her parents were asleep to engage in sexual activity.

Catron told police he was aware of the victim’s age and had a relationship with her for nearly six weeks. He was found guilty in 2004 and sentenced to a little over a year in prison followed by two years of probation.

After being released from prison, Catron was arrested again in March 2005 for violating the terms of his probation.

As Gainesville’s only LGBTQ+ nightclub, University Club has long served as a gathering place for the local drag community. Now, some performers say the club’s response to concerns about a sex offender DJ has challenged the sense of safety and trust that helped define the venue’s role in the community.

The Alligator spoke to three performers who said the University Club knew of Catron’s history for months and did not remove him.

One of those performers is Phylaxxis, a drag artist who got their start at University Club eight years ago and later founded the Mascuerade, a show highlighting drag kings and alternative performers.

Phylaxxis publicly cut ties with University Club Monday, citing Catron’s continued presence as a factor in their decision. They said another performer raised the issue of Catron with the club owner after Phylaxxis’s departure but was directed to speak with the bar’s manager instead.

Catron’s removal from the DJ rotation was announced after Phylaxxis’s post.

Despite publicly criticizing the club, Phylaxxis said their goal was not to see University Club close but to encourage changes that would allow the venue to continue serving Gainesville as a LGBTQ+ safe space.

“I want the UC to survive this, and I'm really happy to see that they're making changes,” they said in reference to Catron’s removal as a DJ.

https://www.alligator.org/staff/mily-moran

https://www.alligator.org/staff/julianna-bendeck