Today, we remember D-Day. June 6, 1944. Thousands gave everything to turn the tide of World War Il and fight for freedom, not just for their country, but for the world. Their legacy is one of strength, unity, and sacrifice and we honor them today, always.

Freedom is not inherited by chance. It is preserved by the courage of those willing to stand in harm’s way for people they may never meet. This Memorial Day, we honor the Americans who gave everything for our country. Not for recognition. Not for glory. But because they believed the United States of America was worth defending. Behind every flag placed at a gravesite is a story of sacrifice, a family forever changed, and a hero who never came home. May we live in a way worthy of their sacrifice, carry forward the freedoms they protected, and never allow their legacy to fade from memory. We remember the fallen. Forever, we honor them.

Griff has been a tremendous advocate for Bay County and Northwest Florida during his time in the Florida House. Public service requires sacrifice, and Griff has served with integrity, accessibility, and a genuine heart for helping others. Whether fighting for local priorities or protecting the quality of life that makes Bay County so special, he has always put his community first. I am grateful for Griff’s friendship and service, and thankful for Laura and the support she has given throughout his years in public office. We wish their family nothing but the best in this next chapter, and I know Griff will continue making a positive impact on Bay County for years to come.

Senate President Ben Albritton and Speaker Daniel Perez have issued a Joint Proclamation convening a Special Session beginning May 12 to finalize Florida’s state budget and key implementing legislation for the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year. This special session ensures the Legislature can complete its constitutional responsibility to pass a balanced budget that invests in Florida’s priorities, including education, health care, public safety, infrastructure, retirement obligations, and tax relief. As Chair of Senate Health and Human Services, I remain committed to advancing responsible policy that strengthens Florida’s health care system and supports patients, providers, seniors, and families across our state. I will also continue advocating for critical resources and investments that support the communities of Senate District 2, including Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, and Calhoun counties. Looking forward to continuing the work on behalf of the people of Florida.

Honored to have Pastor Dr. Doug Stauffer serve as today’s Pastor of the Day for the Florida Senate and open the session in prayer. Pastor Stauffer, of Faith Independent Baptist Church in Niceville, was my guest today and represents the heart and values of our district so well. Thankful he could be here and be part of today’s session.

Brooke Loyed has made Bay County and our entire district proud by being named Florida’s 2026 Principal of the Year. This is one of the highest honors in education across our state, and it speaks volumes about the caliber of leadership we have right here at home. Her work at Patronis Elementary is producing real results. Student achievement is rising, innovative programs are making a difference, and children are being given every opportunity to succeed. That kind of impact does not happen by chance. It comes from strong, focused leadership and a deep commitment to students, teachers, and families. To have the top principal in the entire state come from our district is something worth celebrating. It highlights the strength of Bay County schools and the dedication of the educators who serve our community every day. Brooke Loyed is setting the standard for excellence in Florida education, and we are fortunate to have her leading the way right here in Bay County.

We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Captain Jared Sasnett, a dedicated public servant who gave more than a decade of his life to protecting the people of Bay County. Those who serve in emergency services answer the call in our community’s most difficult moments, often putting others before themselves. Captain Sasnett’s commitment, leadership, and compassion made a lasting impact on everyone he served alongside and every life he touched. Our prayers are with his wife, Christina, their four daughters, and the entire Bay County Emergency Services family during this incredibly difficult time. May we honor his life by remembering the sacrifice behind the uniform and supporting those he loved most.

Today in Bay County, we joined PanCare of Florida to highlight the life saving impact of EKG screenings for student athletes and to honor Chance, whose story is changing lives across our state. I was honored to introduce Chance’s mom, Gal Gainer, who turned unimaginable loss into tireless advocacy. After losing her son Chance, a senior football player at Port St. Joe High School, to an undiagnosed heart condition, she channeled her pain into action and worked alongside legislators to help make the Second Chance Act a reality. Beginning July 1, Florida will become the first state in the nation to require EKG screenings for high school student athletes. Chance was the ninth child in Florida to lose their life to an undiagnosed heart condition, and this law ensures more families will be protected moving forward. This effort is already saving lives. Screenings in neighboring counties have identified multiple students with undiagnosed heart conditions, all referred for care, with two requiring emergency surgery. More than 1,000 students in Bay District Schools are already signed up for screenings. We are also seeing this effort expand even further. Through partnerships with organizations like Who We Play For, schools are offering affordable, optional heart screenings to middle school students, helping detect conditions even earlier and giving families access to potentially life saving information. We are grateful for the strong community support behind this effort. Contributions from FPL, Florida Blue Foundation, and The St. Joe Community Foundation are helping expand access and ensure more students can be screened. This is about protecting our kids, supporting families, and turning tragedy into action that saves lives.

Truly honored to be named the 2026 Champion of the Heart by Epilepsy Alliance Florida. Supporting individuals and families impacted by epilepsy is important work, and I remain committed to advancing policies that improve care, expand resources, and strengthen our communities. Proud moment made even better by my daughter stepping in to accept the award while I was in committee. I guess she is getting some early practice.

Advocacy in action.

I had the priviledge of welcoming Brent Patrick, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Gulf Coast Children's Advocacy Center, along with Luzed Cruz, Executive Director of the Florida Network of Children's Advocacy Centers, to the Capitol this week. We spent time discussing the critical work being done to protect children, support families, and strengthen the coordinated response to child abuse cases across our region and throughout Florida. Children’s advocacy centers provide hope, healing, and a voice for some of our most vulnerable children. I was truly honored to receive the Legislative Leadership Award from the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers. I am grateful for the recognition, but even more grateful for the dedicated professionals who stand in the gap for children every single day. Supporting Florida’s children and the organizations that serve them will always be a priority.

Leadership Walton and Leadership Okaloosa stopped by the Capitol this week, and it was great spending time with such an engaged group of community leaders. We had a thoughtful conversation about the legislative process, key issues impacting Walton and Okaloosa Counties, and what to expect in the upcoming session. I always appreciate the opportunity to answer questions and hear directly from those who are investing their time and talent into strengthening our region. Northwest Florida is well represented by leaders who care deeply about their communities.

Welcome to the Florida Senate Mr. and Mrs. Jay Trumbull, Sr.!

It doesn’t matter how old you are, having your parents see you doing something you care about still means everything. This morning I had the honor of presenting the Health and Human Services budget on the Senate floor, and seeing my parents in the gallery made it even more meaningful. Grateful for the example they set and the values they instilled in me. Proud to carry those with me in this work every day.

This week also included a sit down with Lynn Haven Fire Chief Mark Johnson to review the department’s current needs and long term priorities. We covered staffing, equipment, and overall response capabilities, including how to continue strengthening operations as our area grows. Ensuring our first responders have the resources necessary to protect the community will always be a priority.

It’s been a very busy few weeks. Happy to get a chance to meet with several of our local credit union leaders to talk about what they’re seeing in our community and how we can keep supporting families and small businesses. Credit unions play a steady, important role in our local economy, and it was a good conversation about keeping that momentum going.

Leadership Bay County visited the Capitol this week to learn more about the legislative process and the work underway this session. We talked through how the state budget comes together, key priorities before the Legislature, and how local voices play a role in shaping policy. Engaged leaders make a difference, and it is encouraging to see that commitment from Bay County. The group also joined me in the Appropriations Committee to observe the process firsthand and see how funding decisions are made. Thank you to Leadership Bay County for taking the time to be involved and invested in our community’s future.