Gov. DeSantis Appoints Jay Collins as Florida's Lieutenant Governor

Florida's Strong Leadership and New Appointments

• 🎯 Florida is highlighted as the number one state for law and order, education choice, public higher education, new business formations, economy, and protecting parental rights.
• 🔑 Governor DeSantis has made key appointments, including James Um as Attorney General and Blaze as Chief Financial Officer, both praised for their immediate impact and strong performance.

Lieutenant Governor Selection Criteria

• 💡 The selection for Lieutenant Governor focused on finding someone capable of delivering more wins for Florida and able to serve as governor if needed.
• 🧠 Key criteria included being strong on policy, having a record of delivering conservative results, and possessing a solid foundation of conservative principles.
• ⚡ The chosen candidate must be willing to lead and "run towards the fire," understanding that leadership comes with criticism and attacks.

Jay Collins: A Decorated Public Servant

• 🎖️ Jay Collins is introduced as a former Green Beret who served with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and was wounded in action.
• 🚀 Despite losing a leg, Collins re-enlisted as a Green Beret and later served as a Florida State Senator, known for delivering conservative wins and being a productive legislator.
• 🤝 Collins has demonstrated a commitment to service beyond politics, actively participating in disaster relief efforts by distributing meals to first responders and displaced residents.

Rescue Missions and Leadership

• ✈️ During the Iran conflict, while the governor coordinated from Tallahassee, Senator Collins personally went to Israel and Jordan to help rescue stranded Floridians and Americans.
• 🎭 Collins is described as embodying the Green Beret ethos of being the "first ones in and the last ones out," prioritizing results over recognition and demonstrating "service above self."
• 🗣️ Speakers highlighted Collins's actions, not just words, as proof of his leadership, citing his legislative work on issues like banning the purchase of land by the Chinese Communist Party and supporting education reform.

Swearing-In and Future Vision

• 🇺🇸 Jay Collins was sworn in as Florida's Lieutenant Governor, making Florida the only state with both a governor and lieutenant governor who are military veterans.
• 🌟 Collins expressed gratitude and emphasized his commitment to continuing the mission of keeping Florida strong, focusing on freedom, education, public safety, and fiscal responsibility.
• 🤝 He pledged to have the back of all Floridians, regardless of political affiliation, and to fight for the values that make Florida a model for the nation.