Jay Trumbull Jr.

Today, we celebrate the birth of a nation founded on freedom and the countless Americans who have preserved it through courage, sacrifice, and service. May we never take those blessings for granted. Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and blessed Fourth of July. God bless America. 🇺🇸

Governor DeSantis has officially signed Florida’s Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget into law. For me, this budget has always been about making sure the people of Northwest Florida are represented at the table. I’m proud to have secured $88,884,483 for projects across Senate District 2, investing in our schools, health care, transportation, public safety, natural resources, and the communities we call home. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, I had the opportunity to help shape a budget that keeps Florida financially strong while continuing to invest in the priorities that matter most. It lowers state spending, preserves tax relief, pays down debt, and makes record investments in education, health care, law enforcement, veterans, agriculture, and Florida’s future. I’m grateful to Governor DeSantis for signing this budget into law, and I’m looking forward to seeing these investments make a real difference for the families, businesses, and communities of District 2.

Thank you, Mr. President, for recognizing the needs of Florida’s Panhandle and approving this critical disaster funding. These resources will help our communities continue recovering, rebuilding, and moving forward after the storms. Thank you for standing with Northwest Florida.

Looking for a place to celebrate the Fourth of July? 🇺🇸 We’ve put together a list of Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday fireworks celebrations happening across Florida Senate District 2 to help you make plans with family and friends. Did we miss an event? If you know of another Fourth of July celebration or fireworks display happening in Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, or Calhoun County, let us know so we can help spread the word. Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸🎆

Father’s Day is a chance to recognize the men who have made a difference in our lives. As a father of three young children, I think often about the example I’m setting for them. I also think about my own dad and the impact he had on me. Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from what he said, but from watching how he lived his life and treated other people. Strong fathers help build strong families, and strong families help build strong communities. The influence of a good father extends far beyond his own home. Today, I’m grateful for my father and for all the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who show up for their families day after day. Thank you for being there through the big moments and the ordinary ones that matter just as much. Happy Father’s Day.

Today in DeFuniak Springs, we honored Deputy William May, not just with words, but with a permanent reminder along U.S. 90 between Lancelot Road and Oakridge Way that will carry his name for generations to come. No sign can replace what was lost. But memorials matter. They remind future generations of the people who shaped our communities through service and sacrifice. I was honored to sponsor the amendment securing this highway designation, and even more honored to present Deputy May’s family with a Senate Proclamation, a House Proclamation presented by Rep. Shane Abbott, and a flag flown over the Florida State Capitol on the day of his funeral at the direction of Governor DeSantis. To Will’s family: Walton County and the State of Florida have not forgotten him. We never will.

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.