US Hub

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis JUST IN: Governor Ron DeSantis Awards Medal of Freedom to Jimmy Buffett & 4 Other Florida Icons Tallahassee, Fla. — August 20, 2025 Governor Ron DeSantis today honored five legendary Floridians with the Governor’s Medal of Freedom , the state’s highest civilian award. The recipients— Jimmy Buffett, Bob Graham, Buddy MacKay, Lincoln Díaz-Balart, and John Thrasher —were recognized posthumously for their lifelong contributions to Florida’s culture, politics, and public service. “I’m proud to recognize the legacies of these great Floridians,” Governor DeSantis said. “Our state is better for their contributions, and we’re proud they called Florida home. They have each earned the honor of being awarded the Governor’s Medal of Freedom.” The award, created in 2020, celebrates individuals who have made “especially meritorious contributions” to the state of Florida and its citizens. Honorees and Their Legacies Jimmy Buffett (1946–2023): Beloved singer-song...

  Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0,  via Flickr Governor DeSantis Appoints Three to South Florida Regional Transportation Authority TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the appointment of Albert Cacace and the reappointment of Carlos Penin and James Scott to the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) , a key body overseeing public transportation initiatives in the region. Albert Cacace Albert Cacace is the Founder and Managing Partner of R30 Agency. A veteran of the United States Army, he brings extensive experience in private security and community service. He currently serves as an Area Director for the International Intelligence Network and has previously served in a similar capacity with the Florida Association of Private Investigators. Cacace holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Aspen University. Carlos Penin Carlos Penin is the President of CAP Government, Inc. and CAP Engineering Inc. With a stro...

  Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0,  via Flickr TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — July 23, 2025 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of Christian Caban and the reappointment of Monesia Brown to the Tallahassee State College District Board of Trustees , reinforcing the state’s commitment to strong leadership in higher education. Christian Caban Joins the Board Christian Caban, a community leader and entrepreneur, currently serves as the Leon County Commissioner for District 2 . In addition to his role in local government, Caban is the Principal of Wolf Hospitality Group , a growing business venture rooted in the region. He brings significant civic experience, serving on the Juvenile Justice Board for Circuit 2 , the Leon County Value Adjustment Board , and the Downtown Tallahassee Redevelopment Commission . Caban earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical science from Florida State University , and his appointment marks a continued effort to integrate loc...

Ron DeSantis Governor DeSantis Reappoints Richard Burke and Alex Lastra to Florida Transportation Commission TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — July 22, 2025 — Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the reappointment of Richard Burke and Alex Lastra to the Florida Transportation Commission , reaffirming their roles in helping guide the state’s transportation priorities and policies. The Florida Transportation Commission plays a vital role in providing leadership, oversight, and accountability within the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), ensuring the agency effectively serves the mobility needs of Florida residents and businesses. Richard Burke Burke brings extensive experience from the private sector and nonprofit leadership. He currently serves as an Operating Partner at Energy Capital Partners Management, LP . He is also the Chairman of the Board of Biffa , a leading UK-based waste management company. In addition to his business endeavors, Burke contributes to causes such as veterans’ w...

  Florida Governor Ron DeSantis 🏆 Florida Named #1 State for Religious Liberty in the U.S. SARASOTA, FL — July 2025: Florida has officially earned the top spot in the First Liberty Institute’s Religious Liberty in the States Index , marking another historic milestone under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership. The ranking recognizes Florida as the #1 state in America for protecting religious liberty through comprehensive laws and policy initiatives. The Religious Liberty in the States Index is the most in-depth legal comparison of religious freedom protections across all 50 states. It evaluates how states protect individuals, families, and institutions in living out their faith through laws related to religious exemptions, religious schooling, faith-based speech, and more. “Florida holds several #1 rankings—education, economy, tourism—and now, we are #1 in religious liberty,” said Governor Ron DeSantis . “Religious liberty is foundational to America, and I’m proud Florida l...

  Governor Ron DeSantis 📰 Governor Ron DeSantis Makes Four Judicial Appointments Across Florida TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | July 17, 2025 — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of four accomplished legal professionals to serve on state appellate and circuit courts, further shaping the judiciary with experienced and credentialed figures. Fourth District Court of Appeal Appointments Shannon Shaw – Jupiter, Florida Shannon Shaw has been appointed to the Fourth District Court of Appeal. She currently serves as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, a position she has held since 2017. Prior to that, Shaw was an Associate at Hunton & Williams LLP and also served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable K. Michael Moore and the Honorable James King of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. A graduate of Duke University and Vanderbilt University Law School , Shaw will fill the vacancy created by the resig...

  Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0,  via Flickr 📢 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Four New Judges Across the State TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | July 17, 2025 — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of four distinguished legal professionals to serve as judges across the state, marking a continued commitment to strengthening Florida’s judicial system with experienced and principled leaders. 🔹 Jason Jones Appointed to Second Judicial Circuit Court Jason Jones , of Tallahassee, has been appointed to the Second Judicial Circuit Court , filling the vacancy left by Judge Wheeler's retirement . Jones has served as a County Court Judge for Leon County since 2020 and previously held the position of General Counsel for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement . He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and earned his J.D. from Florida State University . 🔹 Aaron Hubbard Appointed to Sixth Judicial Circuit Court Aaron Hubbard , o...