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Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins Pushes “Warrior Leadership” Message in Race for Governor

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins Pushes “Warrior Leadership” Message in Race for Governor

May 28, 2026

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins is positioning his military background and “warrior leadership” philosophy as a central message in his campaign for governor as he works to gain momentum in Florida’s competitive Republican primary race. Speaking during a South Lake Chamber of Commerce business roundtable in Clermont and later in an exclusive interview with FNN Politics & Power host Jenny Rosario, Collins emphasized leadership shaped by military service, resilience and crisis management rather than traditional politics.

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Lt. Gov. Jay Collins joins Orlando's Morning News for exclusive interview

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins joins Orlando's Morning News for exclusive interview

May 27, 2026

News to discuss his current gubernatorial campaign, among other topics related to current affairs. Collins is running for the position soon to be vacated by Ron DeSantis as a Republican candidate. Collins announced his candidacy about four months ago. When asked how he thinks his campaign is doing as opposed to other candidates such as Byron Donalds and James Fishback, Collins said he feels “great.”

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Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford Endorses Jay Collins for Governor

Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford Endorses Jay Collins for Governor

May 26, 2026

Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford announced his endorsement of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins for Florida governor by praising his conservative values in a statement this week. “It is an honor to give Lt. Governor Jay Collins my full endorsement in his race for governor,” Vent Crawford said. “Jay Collins is a man of integrity, a warrior for our country, and a fighter for the conservative values that make Hardee County and the entire state of Florida great. I’m supporting Jay because I trust him to lead and carry on the safety and success Florida has seen over the past several years. As our current Lt. Governor, I know he is ready to go on day one.”

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Collins pushes trade education, AI oversight in gubernatorial campaign vision

Collins pushes trade education, AI oversight in gubernatorial campaign vision

May 26, 2026

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Lt. Gov. and Florida gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins outlined a broad education and workforce development agenda during an interview Friday on Florida Voice Radio, arguing Florida should place a greater emphasis on trade education, cybersecurity protections for students and oversight of artificial intelligence as the state prepares for future workforce demands. Collins, who is running for governor in 2026, said Florida’s education system should better align with long-term economic and labor needs while giving students more pathways beyond traditional four-year degrees.

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Jay Collins unveils policy platform targeting farm infrastructure and youth extremism

Jay Collins unveils policy platform targeting farm infrastructure and youth extremism

May 26, 2026

CLERMONT, Fla. — Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a Green Beret and candidate for governor, on Tuesday unveiled a multi-pronged policy platform aimed at strengthening the state’s agricultural infrastructure and cracking down on what he characterized as a rising tide of foreign-backed youth extremism. Speaking at a press conference at the iconic Florida Citrus Tower in Lake County, Collins introduced his “Farming. Florida’s Future.” initiative, asserting that agricultural preservation is directly tied to the country’s broader defense interests.

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Betting On The Barn And Classroom: Jay Collins Launches Dual-Front Plan At Florida Citrus Tower

Betting On The Barn And Classroom: Jay Collins Launches Dual-Front Plan At Florida Citrus Tower

May 26, 2026

Florida Lieutenant Governor and gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins stepped to the microphone today at Lake County’s historic Florida Citrus Tower, rolling out a pair of major policy initiatives targeting the state’s agricultural industry and youth security. Speaking from a landmark that symbolizes the state’s farming heritage, Collins introduced his “Farming. Florida’s Future” initiative. The agricultural plan focuses heavily on land preservation and industry resilience, structured around four primary pillars: controlling development on protected agricultural land, hardening farm infrastructure against natural disasters, linking the economy with education, and fostering the next generation of farmers.

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Dundee Mayor Joe Garrison Endorses Jay Collins for Governor

Dundee Mayor Joe Garrison Endorses Jay Collins for Governor

May 22, 2026

Dundee Mayor Joe Garrison announced his endorsement of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins for Florida governor by praising his conservative leadership and more than two decades of military service through a release this week. “I am proud to endorse Lt. Governor Jay Collins to be our next governor," Garrison said. "As a strong conservative, Jay Collins is the only candidate I trust to secure Florida’s conservative wins and keep our state on the right path. I am grateful for Jay’s military service. He lost his leg and kept on fighting for us and our values. He is an American hero and a man of integrity. I look forward to continuing to support his campaign.”

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Disney apologizes after police denied entry for logos

Disney apologizes after police denied entry for logos

May 21, 2026

Florida lieutenant governor intervenes after security denies entry to police. LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Police officers from around the country attending a traffic safety conference in Orlando say they were turned away from Disney Springs over clothing with law enforcement logos. And only News 6 was there Wednesday night as Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins showed up at Disney Springs to personally confront security over the issue.

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Collins launches ‘Operation F3’ education platform in gubernatorial bid

Collins launches ‘Operation F3’ education platform in gubernatorial bid

May 19, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. — Lt. Gov. Jay Collins on Monday unveiled a new education initiative as part of his campaign for governor, outlining proposals focused on cybersecurity in schools, workforce training and expanded education pathways tailored to students’ career goals. Collins announced the initiative, dubbed “Operation F3: Florida Families First: Education on Florida’s Terms,” during an event in Tampa, where he framed the proposal as an effort to keep education policy rooted in state priorities rather than federal oversight.

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Jay Collins Outlines 'Florida Families First' Education Plan

Jay Collins Outlines 'Florida Families First' Education Plan

May 19, 2026

“Florida’s families need a Governor who truly understands the classrooms, the challenges, and the dreams of Florida’s children,” Collins said through a release. “Florida doesn’t need more Washington-style bureaucracy. We need bold, practical leadership rooted in our values, and that’s exactly what I’ll deliver as your next Governor.”

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Green Beret Turned Governor Hopeful Storms Tampa To Shake Up Florida Schools

Green Beret Turned Governor Hopeful Storms Tampa To Shake Up Florida Schools

May 19, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. — Florida Lieutenant Governor and gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins officially launched a new education platform on Monday, taking to a stage in Tampa to unveil “Operation F3: Florida Families First.” The decorated Green Beret pitched the initiative as a direct challenge to federal oversight, framing it as a plan to reshape the state’s school system on strictly local terms. Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Collins positioned himself as a practical alternative to standard political operators. “Florida’s families need a Governor who truly understands the classrooms, the challenges, and the dreams of Florida’s children,” Collins said. “Florida doesn’t need more Washington-style bureaucracy. We need bold, practical leadership rooted in our values, and that’s exactly what I’ll deliver as your next Governor.”

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Jay Collins unveils education agenda with focus on workforce options

Jay Collins unveils education agenda with focus on workforce options

May 18, 2026

If elected Governor, he promised investments in cybersecurity to prepare students for an artificial intelligence-driven world and expanded education paths including for workforce education and agriculture training. “Florida’s families need a Governor who truly understands the classrooms, the challenges, and the dreams of Florida’s children,” Collins said. “Florida doesn’t need more Washington-style bureaucracy. We need bold, practical leadership rooted in our values, and that’s exactly what I’ll deliver as your next Governor.”

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Veterans for America First Endorses Jay Collins for Governor

Veterans for America First Endorses Jay Collins for Governor

May 14, 2026

“Today, we are once again standing on principle." Veterans for America First (VFAF) announced its endorsement of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins for Florida governor in a statement released this week. VFAF, originally founded as Veterans for Trump in 2015, praised Lt. Gov. Collins' "military background, conservative legislative record, and commitment to preserving individual liberty" in their support.

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VFAF Endorsement of Jay Collins for Florida Governor exclusive announcement by Politico

VFAF Endorsement of Jay Collins for Florida Governor exclusive announcement by Politico

May 14, 2026

MIAMI, FL — Veterans for America First (VFAF) proudly announces its endorsement of Jay Collins for Governor of Florida in the 2026 election cycle. Founded in 2015 as the first national grassroots coalition of veterans to support Donald Trump before he descended the escalator to announce his historic presidential campaign, VFAF has become one of the nation’s leading America First veterans organizations dedicated to defending liberty, national sovereignty, border security, and constitutional freedoms.

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Vetting Jay Collins

Vetting Jay Collins

May 14, 2026

Lt. Gov. JAY COLLINS is out with a fresh endorsement from Veterans for America First as he tries to break through in the GOP governor’s primary. The group says the endorsement, shared first with Playbook, likely marked the first time it has split with President DONALD TRUMP since quickly rallying behind him in the 2016 race. The grassroots organization formerly was known as Veterans for Trump and looks to support MAGA-aligned campaigns, including non-veterans.

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Jay Collins earns Veterans for America First endorsement in Florida governor’s race

Jay Collins earns Veterans for America First endorsement in Florida governor’s race

May 14, 2026

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Decorated Green Beret, Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a Republican candidate for governor, has received an endorsement from Veterans for America First, a grassroots veterans group aligned with the America First movement. The organization said Collins’ military service, conservative legislative record, and commitment to individual liberty made him its clear choice in the race. “VFAF was the first grassroots veterans organization to stand with President Trump before the political establishment understood what the America First movement would become,” VFAF President Robert Cornicelli said in a statement.

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Collins announces AI data center policy proposal

Collins announces AI data center policy proposal

May 8, 2026

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - Republican gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins announced a new policy proposal focused on artificial intelligence data centers and AI oversight. Collins said the plan, called the “Florida Strong Plan,” is designed to prioritize Floridians as the state navigates the growth of AI infrastructure. He said the proposal would require operators to fund infrastructure costs, preserve local authority and meet stronger transparency standards. “We need pro-citizen, Florida First policies when it comes to AI data centers,” Collins said. “We cannot sacrifice energy independence or affordable electricity for working families.”

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Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office hosts Lt. Governor Jay Collins for Public Safety Discussions

Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office hosts Lt. Governor Jay Collins for Public Safety Discussions

May 7, 2026

OKEECHOBEE — The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office was honored to welcome Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins today as part of his continued outreach efforts with law enforcement leaders across the state of Florida. Lieutenant Governor Collins met with Sheriff Noel E. Stephen and members of the OCSO command staff to discuss a variety of public safety topics impacting agencies throughout Florida. Discussions included current and future training needs, operational support challenges, recruitment and retention concerns, emerging technology, and the evolving demands facing law enforcement and corrections professionals.

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Florida lawmakers approve new congressional map as Supreme Court strikes down Louisiana's

Florida lawmakers approve new congressional map as Supreme Court strikes down Louisiana's

April 30, 2026

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss why he believes the new congressional map will hold up in the courts, his take on whether how the move will impact midterms and more. Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins discusses the state's newly approved congressional map, which could secure four additional House seats for Republicans. Collins emphasizes the map's legality, based on geography and population shifts, following a Supreme Court decision that struck down Louisiana's redistricting plan. He criticizes Democrats' changing stance on gerrymandering and expresses confidence in Florida's approach.

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Collins lands FireWatch Magazine backing as he campaigns to succeed DeSantis

Collins lands FireWatch Magazine backing as he campaigns to succeed DeSantis

April 30, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. — Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a Republican candidate for governor, has received the endorsement of FireWatch Magazine, a Tampa-based, veteran-owned publication that serves service members and first responders. In a statement, FireWatch Magazine CEO Sarah Williams said the endorsement reflects a need for experienced leadership, describing Collins as someone who has “lived a life of consequence, not comfort.” The publication also praised his military background, calling him “a warrior” and “a leader” who has proven his ability to serve under pressure.

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Collins announces military-style wellness initiative for Florida first responders

Collins announces military-style wellness initiative for Florida first responders

April 23, 2026

MIAMI — Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced a comprehensive new initiative Thursday to strengthen support for Florida’s first responders by adapting a U.S. military wellness program designed for elite forces. Collins unveiled the “Preservation of the Force and Family – First Responder Edition” at a news conference in Miami-Dade County. The plan adapts the U.S. Special Operations Command’s Preservation of the Force and Family program to address the needs of law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and their families.

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Florida governor’s race: Jay Collins claims Byron Donalds would lose to Democrat David Jolly

Florida governor’s race: Jay Collins claims Byron Donalds would lose to Democrat David Jolly

April 20, 2026

The Republican battle for the nomination to become Florida's governor broke into open warfare on Monday, with Lt. Gov. Jay Collins insisting that Rep. Byron Donalds is unelectable in November. Collins held a press conference in reaction to rumors that he is considering dropping out of the race. During the press conference, his campaign dropped a thirteen-page dossier of information about Donalds that they deem to be negative.

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Collins attacks Donalds in governor's race

Collins attacks Donalds in governor's race

April 20, 2026

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins said Monday that if Byron Donalds is the nominee of the Republican Party in the race for governor, that Donalds would lose the November election to a Democrat. FOX 13's Evan Axelbank reports.

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Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins denies campaign exit rumors and launches new attacks on GOP rival Byron Donalds

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins denies campaign exit rumors and launches new attacks on GOP rival Byron Donalds

April 20, 2026

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins sought Monday to turn rumors about the viability of his campaign into a show of defiance, insisting at a St. Petersburg press conference that he is staying in the Republican governor’s race. He announced his team was launching a seven-figure media buy, then sharpened his attacks on front-runner Byron Donalds. “Rest assured, whoever started the rumor, I think I've handled that very clearly, and I'll stand on my last statement,” said Collins. “We are not suspending our campaign.”

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Jay Collins Calls Out Byron Donalds in Fla. Governor Race

Jay Collins Calls Out Byron Donalds in Fla. Governor Race

April 20, 2026

Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins held a news conference in St. Petersburg today, where he confirmed he will not drop out of the governor's race despite speculation on social media. He also took shots at fellow republican candidate Byron Donalds, saying that Florida republicans are at risk of losing the election if Donalds is elected GOP nominee. FOX 35's Garrett Wymer spoke with UCF Political Science Lecturer, John Hanley, about what comes next in the Florida gubernatorial race.

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Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins not folding: Doubles down with ad blitz and Byron Donalds attack

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins not folding: Doubles down with ad blitz and Byron Donalds attack

April 20, 2026

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Amid mounting rumors regarding the viability of his campaign, Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins held a press conference Monday in St. Petersburg to announce he is not suspending his bid for higher office. Instead, Collins signaled an aggressive new phase of his campaign, launching a seven-figure statewide media buy while leveling a series of direct attacks against fellow Republican Congressman Byron Donalds.

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DeSantis’ right-hand man unloads on Byron Donalds in Florida governor’s race

DeSantis’ right-hand man unloads on Byron Donalds in Florida governor’s race

April 20, 2026

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who is running as a Republican for Florida governor, unleashed criticism against the GOP front-runner, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, at a news conference Monday. Collins said Donalds has “flip-flopped on the issues like a fish out of water.” His campaign handed out a 13-page list of attacks against Donalds that singled out past associates, stock trades, votes in Congress and other issues.

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‘Agriculture Security Is National Security’ — Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins Meets With Local Farmers

‘Agriculture Security Is National Security’ — Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins Meets With Local Farmers

April 14, 2026

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins met with farmers from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on Monday in Jay. “Having grown up on a family farm, touring Diamond Farm in Santa Rosa County today and spending time with those on the front lines of Florida agriculture was personal for me,” Collins said. “We had critical conversations about the current state of the ag industry, the challenges producers are facing, and the opportunities ahead.”

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This Week In South Florida: Lt. Gov. Jay Collins

This Week In South Florida: Lt. Gov. Jay Collins

April 12, 2026

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — Local 10 News This Week In South Florida Anchor Glenna Milberg interviews Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who is campaigning for governor. The primary elections are on Aug. 18, and the Florida gubernatorial election is on Nov. 3.

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Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins tours Bay County Sheriff’s Office

Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins tours Bay County Sheriff’s Office

April 6, 2026

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins is meeting with local law enforcement. Lieutenant Governor Collins arrived at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office at around 4 p.m. Tuesday. His visit began with a tour of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, followed by a meeting with Sheriff Tommy Ford. They say the topics of discussion included operations of the sheriff’s office and the tools law enforcement are using for things like water rescues. The lieutenant governor applauded the Sheriff’s Office.

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Jay Collins lays out national security agenda after MacDill bomb threat

Jay Collins lays out national security agenda after MacDill bomb threat

April 1, 2026

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins addressed the bomb threat at MacDill Air Force Base and touted his record on preventing foreign espionage at a news conference in South Tampa on Wednesday. Collins, a former Green Beret in the U.S. Army, has repeatedly emphasized his 2023 bill that banned the Chinese Communist Party from purchasing or acquiring property in the state.

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Rep. Susan Plasencia Rescinds Donalds Endorsement, Joins Jay Collins Campaign

Rep. Susan Plasencia Rescinds Donalds Endorsement, Joins Jay Collins Campaign

March 31, 2026

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced Rep. Susan Plasencia (R-Orlando) will be joining his gubernatorial team to run statewide political and field operations, according to a release by his campaign this week. "It is an honor to support Lt. Governor Jay Collins as he runs for Governor," Plasencia said. "His service to our state and nation is unmatched. From his time as an Army Green Beret to his great work as a Senator where we worked together to fight for Floridians, Jay Collins has earned my full support."

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Jay Collins promoted his vision for Florida to Sebring voters

Jay Collins promoted his vision for Florida to Sebring voters

March 29, 2026

In an atmosphere marked by patriotism and civic engagement, Florida’s gubernatorial candidate and Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins appeared at The Ministry Center in Sebring as the keynote speaker for the Heartland Voters Event, organized by the Highlands County Republican Executive Committee on Friday night.

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BONUS: Former Green Beret SLAMS Newsom Over The Hegseth "Surf & Turf" Military Saga

BONUS: Former Green Beret SLAMS Newsom Over The Hegseth "Surf & Turf" Military Saga

March 13, 2026

Former Army Green Beret and Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins joins us to react to the leftist outrage over the Pete Hegseth “Surf and Turf” saga, how Americans should prepare for potential sleeper cells in our country, and property taxes. Stephen Yates from Heritage joins us to break down China's response to the Iran strikes, the shift in global politics, when will the strikes end and much more.

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Lt. Governor Jay Collins Visits Astronaut High School

Lt. Governor Jay Collins Visits Astronaut High School

February 20, 2026

Brevard Public Schools welcomed Lt. Governor Jay Collins to Astronaut High School this week, where he toured the school’s expanding Career & Technical Education offerings and spent time with students in the nationally recognized welding program.

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Dundee Mayor Drops Major Endorsement In Florida Governor Race

Dundee Mayor Drops Major Endorsement In Florida Governor Race

May 22, 2025

Florida Lieutenant Governor and gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins has secured the official endorsement of Dundee Mayor Joe Garrison, his campaign announced today. Garrison, a local business owner and former Assistant Chief of the Dundee Fire Department, publicly backed Collins for the state’s highest office, citing the candidate’s military background and conservative alignment. “I am proud to endorse Lt. Governor Jay Collins to be our next governor,” Mayor Garrison said. “As a strong conservative, Jay Collins is the only candidate I trust to secure Florida’s conservative wins and keep our state on the right path. I am grateful for Jay’s military service. He lost his leg and kept on fighting for us and our values. He is an American hero and a man of integrity. I look forward to continuing to support his campaign.”

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