Jay Trumbull Jr.

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.

An educated workforce is essential to the long term success of Northwest Florida. I recently met with Northwest Florida State College President Mel Ponder and Board Chair Rhea Goff to discuss the college’s continued growth and its impact on our region. NWFSC is creating strong pathways for students through career and technical education, dual enrollment, and degree programs that align with the needs of local employers. We talked about keeping higher education affordable, responsive, and focused on student outcomes so graduates are prepared to step directly into the workforce or continue their education.

Thank you to @RepAlbritton, @Sen_Hooper, & Senator @jaytrumbull for the $4.1 million increase for the #MaryBroganProgram & for supporting increased access for ALL women in #Florida!

Today is University of West Florida Day at the capitol and I had the pleasure of meeting with the University of West Florida National Championship Golf Team to congratulate them on an exceptional season and see their national championship trophy up close. The Argonauts captured the 2025 NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship, winning their third national title in program history and their first since 2008 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. They battled through match play and came out on top in a dramatic playoff finish to bring the trophy home. It was inspiring to hear from the players and coaches about the hard work, resilience, and team focus that fueled their success. Their achievement speaks volumes about the talent at UWF and the commitment it takes to compete at the highest level. Congrats again to all the student-athletes and staff. Representing your school and community with this kind of excellence is something to be proud of, and Florida is proud of you.

Each year, one of the moments I look forward to most is welcoming some of our youngest constituents to my office. Children from across district two, and the entire state of Florida who participate in the Children’s Hearing Aid Program, along with their families, stop by to share their stories and say thank you for continued support in the health and human services funding in the state budget. While the faces may change from year to year, the impact remains the same. Hearing about their journeys and seeing their progress firsthand is a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Investments in health care and early intervention services are not just numbers on a page. They are life changing opportunities for children and families across Florida. Visits like these truly make this job worth it.

This was a special moment for me. My two daughters sat in committee as I presented and passed a bill. They have seen the long hours and the late nights, but today they were able to see the work itself. That meant more than they know. Public service is about shaping the future. Having them there was a reminder of exactly who we are working for and why it matters to get it right.

This Valentine’s Day, I am reminded that the strongest communities are built on commitment. Commitment to family. Commitment to faith. Commitment to serving one another with integrity and respect. In a world that often feels divided, love still shows up in quiet, steady ways. It shows up in parents who put their children first. In neighbors who look out for one another. In spouses who stand side by side through every season. Today is a good day to pause and be grateful for the people who anchor our lives and make the hard work worthwhile. Wishing you a meaningful Valentine’s Day spent with the ones who matter most.

Spent time this week with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County, Inc. and left reminded of what is possible when a community chooses to invest in its young people. We had the privilege of meeting two incredible success stories, Jeremiah and Tiffany. Their journeys are proof that mentorship, structure, and encouragement can change the trajectory of a life. The Club is not just an afterschool program. It is a launchpad for leaders, professionals, and difference makers. Bay County is stronger because of organizations like this and because of young men and women like Jeremiah and Tiffany who are turning opportunity into impact. The future is bright, and it is already taking shape right here at home.

Today, City of Panama City Commissioner Janice Lucas traveled from Bay County to meet and discuss shared priorities for our communities. We talked about responsible growth, infrastructure needs, and supporting local families and small businesses. I appreciate the opportunity to connect with local leaders and talk about the issues that matter to our community.

Today, I had the opportunity to meet with several of our outstanding Supervisors of Elections from across Northwest Florida, including Bay County Supervisor of Elections Nina Ward, Okaloosa Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux, Jackson County Supervisor of Elections Carol Dunaway, Walton County Supervisor of Elections Ryan Messer, Holmes County Supervisor of Elections Rusty Williams, and Calhoun County Supervisor of Elections Sharon Chason. These local officials work year round to ensure our elections are conducted with integrity, accuracy, and transparency. I appreciate the chance to hear directly from them about the important responsibilities they carry and the challenges they face in administering secure and accessible elections for Floridians. Thank you all for your dedication to public service and for the work you do to uphold confidence in our democratic process.

Today, I had the opportunity to meet with the Florida Home Builders Association and home builders from across District 2 to discuss the important work they do every day to strengthen our communities. We talked about the challenges facing the industry right now, including rising construction costs, workforce shortages, permitting delays, and the need to keep housing attainable while maintaining strong building standards. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share insights and advocate for the future of housing in our region.