“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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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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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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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.
Read More »“I’m grateful to have the endorsement of the Volusia County Deputies Association."
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Volusia County Deputies Association has endorsed Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins in the state’s gubernatorial race, adding to a growing list of law enforcement support for the Republican candidate. The association, IUPA Local 6035, represents deputies with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
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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 — 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 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.
Read More »"Jay Collins understands what’s at stake because he’s lived a life of consequence, not comfort."
Read More »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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Republican Lt. Gov. Jay Collins made a campaign stop in Cross City on Wednesday, speaking with voters about issues facing Dixie County. Click here to watch.
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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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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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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visited Pinellas County on Monday to host a news conference to dispel rumors that he’s dropping out of Florida’s gubernatorial race.
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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 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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Collins, who is an opponent of Donalds in the GOP primary, also clarified that he’s not dropping out of the race.
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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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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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Lt. Governor Jay Collins said he is not dropping from the race despite recent polling showing him behind Rep. Byron Donalds.
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Lt. Governor Jay Collins and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds both spoke in the Tampa Bay area on Monday.
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“But there is too much at stake to ignore the reality of what’s in front of us. Because this race is not about just who can win the Primary, who has the most money or the most endorsements. It’s about who can win the General Election. It’s about who will be the next Governor of the great state of Florida.”
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He releases a 13-page report alleging the ‘liabilities’ of the front-runner for GOP nomination.
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“We can’t afford to have a Democrat in the Governor’s Mansion."
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Florida Lt. Gov Jay Collins said Monday that he's not dropping out of the race for governor. He doubled down on criticisms of the GOP front-runner, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds.
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Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins sought Monday to turn rumors about the viability of his campaign into a show of defiance, insisting that he is staying in the Republican governor’s race.
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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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Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins denied rumors he is suspending his campaign for governor, launching new attacks against GOP front-runner Byron Donalds.
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Collins meets with Farm Bureau, vows to address food security concerns.
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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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SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. -- Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins paid a visit to farmers in north Santa Rosa County on Monday amid the ongoing severe drought.
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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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Large donation from prominent DeSantis backer signals effort to unite GOP base behind Collins' bid.
Read More »Lt. Governor Jay Collins has raised roughly $2.2 million in his first official fundraising reporting cycle of the 2026 midterm elections, which appears to have him in line with what then-gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Ron DeSantis, raised when he first ran for governor in 2018.
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TAMPA, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a press conference in Tampa on Monday morning. Lieutenant Gov. Jay Collins will also be in attendance, per the release.
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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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Topics of discussion included water rescues and operations of the Sheriff's office.
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TAMPA, Fla. (CBS12) — Governor Ron DeSantis is scheduled to hold a news conference in Tampa on Monday morning.
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US Army Special Forces Veteran Jay Collins doesn’t believe in leaving anybody behind and believes the US military will do everything they can to bring home the missing pilot. “We have their back,” Mr Collins said. “If something happens, we're going to go get them and bring them home because we don’t leave people behind.”
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'If they can't do their job to protect our people, then they need to be removed from office.'
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TAMPA, Fla. - Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins spoke on Wednesday morning near the MacDill Air Force Base to give an update on the threats against the base’s security. Collins expressed his concerns about an improvised explosive device (IED) that was recently found at MacDill Air Force Base.
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a GOP candidate for governor, pledged Wednesday to crack down on visa holders from “countries of concern” and remove prosecutors and judges from office who are soft on crime as part of his new proposals to “defend the homeland.”
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The GOP gubernatorial candidate cites recent history in discounting polls showing him behind frontrunner Byron Donalds.
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The former Senator is 'happy to help' win the seat in the General Election.
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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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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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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.
Read More »Viva Cuba!
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Jay Collins addresses the viral alligator shooting controversy, emphasizing accountability, wildlife protection laws, and growing scrutiny over social media-driven incidents in Florida's natural reserves.
Read More »"I am proud to endorse Lt. Governor Jay Collins as he campaigns to serve as Florida's next governor."
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3 leading lawmen like the LG in the GOP Governor's race.
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Florida lieutenant governor and gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins made a campaign stop on the Treasure Coast today, visiting Ikonick USA, an ammunition manufacturer in Stuart, to discuss economic growth and workforce development.
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Florida Lieutenant Governor and gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins is set to step inside the shooting range at Ikonick USA on Friday as part of a behind-the-scenes visit to the Martin County firearms and training facility.
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Collins wants Floridians to own their home "free and clear of the government."
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The race for Florida’s Governor saw a significant development today as Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon officially endorsed Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins. The endorsement brings together a decorated Green Beret and a law enforcement veteran with over three and a half decades of experience in the state.
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KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon on Monday endorsed Lt. Gov. Jay Collins for Florida governor, citing a shared commitment to “law and order” and public safety.
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The GOP candidate is 'humbled' by the development.
Read More »"Jay understands the meaning of duty, sacrifice, and accountability."
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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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FORT MYERS, Fla. — Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who is running for governor of Florida, visited Fort Myers today and spoke exclusively with Gulf Coast News Chief Political Reporter Dave Elias about his campaign priorities, focusing on insurance costs and property taxes.
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On "Florida Matters Live & Local," Lt. Gov. Jay Collins explains why he's running to be the next governor, his passion for helping veterans transition into the workforce and more.
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Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins addressed a packed room at the Republican Club dinner in Boca Raton, emphasizing his background as a retired Green Beret and focusing on key issues affecting South Floridians.
Read More »"He was shot in battle and performed surgery for himself in a firefight."
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood on Thursday endorsed Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins for Florida governor, praising his military service and character.
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For the lawman, the endorsement comes down to trust.
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Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has officially thrown his support behind Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins in the race for Florida governor. The endorsement, announced Thursday in DeLand, marks a significant alignment between one of the state’s most prominent law enforcement figures and the decorated Green Beret’s gubernatorial campaign.
Read More »Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins brought his campaign for governor to Boca Raton on Thursday, pitching himself as a proven conservative leader focused on public safety, immigration enforcement, and easing the state’s affordability crisis.
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Lt. Gov. Jay Collins dials into “Florida Matters Live & Local” to talk about why he’s running for governor and review some of his legislative priorities.
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Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visited Punta Gorda to meet with local officials about hurricane recovery, insurance costs and the state’s Elevate Florida program.
Read More »PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — Florida’s lieutenant governor visited Punta Gorda Monday to meet with local leaders and hear what Southwest Florida communities still recovering from recent hurricanes need from the state.
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MAYO, FL — Today, decorated Green Beret, Lieutenant Governor, and Gubernatorial Candidate Jay Collins met with Lafayette County Sheriff Brian Lamb, visited Lafayette Logging, LLC in Branford, and spoke to voters at the Lafayette County Republican Executive Committee town hall.
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Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins made a campaign stop in north central Florida on Monday.
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"Leadership Has A Cost…Your Own Self Interest. Rise Above It, Lead From The Front & Get Things Done." No matter which side of the political aisle you are on…
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On August 18, Florida, one of the most prosperous states in the United States, will decide its immediate future. These will be the primary elections…
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This campaign rally centers on Jay Collins' vision to strengthen the state through accountable leadership, economic growth, safer communities, and expanded opportunities for families…
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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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Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visited the Kennedy Space Center to meet with the Astronaut Memorial Foundation and observe a scheduled Starlink launch
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Lt. Gov. Jay Collins was in Santa Rosa County Monday, Feb. 9, to talk about the proposed 2026 budget and meet with Sheriff Bob Johnson…
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“We were honored to host Lt. Governor Collins today and show how our team works every day to ensure that Central Floridians have access to the healthy food they need to thrive,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO at Second Harvest.
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Florida Lieutenant Gov. Jay Collins — now a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor — traveled to the Panhandle Monday to promote Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget request to raise starting pay for correctional officers and staff.
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Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins held a news conference on Monday morning at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institute, highlighting the essential role of the Department of Corrections.
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MILTON, Fla. — Today, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins stood with Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) Assistant Deputy Secretary of Institutions Hope Gartman and correctional officers…
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Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visited the Santa Rosa County Correctional Institute in Milton Feb. 9 to announce a $373.9 million initiative to provide pay raises…
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Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is campaigning for governor as Ron DeSantis is term-limited, making the race wide open. FOX 13’s Blake DeVine reports. Watch here.
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Lt. Governor Jay Collins toured Parkesdale Farms in Hillsborough County on Tuesday afternoon, where Matt Parke, the farm's manager, estimates a crop loss of 20% that will raise prices at the grocery store.
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Tallahassee, FL — This week, CareerSource Florida, in partnership with FloridaCommerce and the Florida Department of Education, hosted the second annual Workforce Day at the Capitol—gathering workforce leaders to celebrate Florida’s #1 ranking in talent attraction and advance strategies that make our workforce system the most responsive in the nation.
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After months of speculation, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a Republican and former Green Beret, announced his candidacy this week, becoming the 34th person to file for the 2026 race, according to state records.
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Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a former U.S. Army Green Beret, launched his campaign for Florida governor on Jan. 12, entering the 2026 race to replace term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.
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Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is running for governor in the 2026 election. He faces Republican candidates Rep. Byron Donalds — endorsed by President Trump — former House Speaker Paul Renner and investor James Fishback.
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Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins announced he has joined the crowded Republican field to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis.
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Collins served as a state senator before being tapped by DeSantis to be the next lieutenant governor after then-lieutenant governor Jeanette Nuñez was appointed to be the next president of Florida International University.
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OVIEDO, Fla. — Florida has launched a new task force named Senior Shield to combat scams targeting seniors, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins announced at a news conference in Oviedo today.
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Florida Lieutenant Gov. Jay Collins stops by Good Day Orlando and talks about his background and the speculation around a possible governor run.
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In an exclusive interview with CBS12 News reporter Katie Bente, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins defended Governor Ron DeSantis’ push to eliminate property taxes for homesteaded properties — arguing it’s about preserving the American dream of homeownership and keeping government out of people’s pockets. (WPEC)
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The latest international evacuation flight brought people home after they endured a Cat 5 storm.
Read More »"A 'monarchy' that doesn’t event exist in the United States."
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'Florida will lead from the front.'
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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier accused State Attorney Monique Worrell of being soft on crime for not prosecuting or pressing charges in recent child predator cases, and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced hundreds of detentions in immigration operation.
Read More »Newsom fired back, claiming Ron DeSantis 'lost to Mickey Mouse' and proved 'so-called sanctuary laws actually work'.
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TAMPA, Fla. - Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed State Sen. Jay Collins as the state’s lieutenant governor.
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‘Sen. Jay Collins is the Chuck Norris of Florida politics.’
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DeSantis-Collins will be the only dual-veteran governorship team in the country
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Florida Senator Jay Collins partners with Grey Bull Rescue to assist nearly 5,000 Americans evacuating Israel.
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