ABOVE VIDEO: Schumer faces party scrutiny after Dems cave on shutdown

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Senate ended its weeks-long shutdown standoff late Monday night by advancing a bipartisan funding package aimed at reopening the federal government.

The measure passed after eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans to support the plan, providing the votes needed to send the legislation to the House.

The agreement came on the 41st day of the shutdown and includes a continuing resolution combined with three separate spending bills in a single “minibus” package.

For much of last week — and even earlier Monday — it was unclear whether the Senate would reach this point. Lawmakers cleared an early procedural hurdle earlier in the day, but last-minute objections and procedural delays threatened to slow progress.

“I think everybody’s pretty united behind this bill,” said Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio. “We want to reopen the government.”

Throughout the shutdown, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and most Democrats had called for reopening the government only if an agreement was reached on extending certain health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. That deal did not come together, but the final package includes a commitment from Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to hold a future vote on the issue.

Thune said that a vote would come, “No later than the second week of December.” The subsidies are set to expire by the end of the year.

“We have senators, both Democrat and Republican, who are eager to get to work to address that crisis in a bipartisan way,” he said. “These senators are not interested in political games, they’re interested in finding real ways to address healthcare costs for American families. We also have a president who is willing to sit down and get to work on this issue.”

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WASHINGTON, DC — After 40 days of stalemate, the Senate moved closer to ending the federal government shutdown on Sunday as eight Democrats broke ranks to support a Republican-led proposal to temporarily fund the government through late January.

The crossover votes provided enough momentum to advance a revised continuing resolution that would reopen federal agencies until January 30, 2026. The measure also includes a package of three bipartisan spending bills and guarantees back pay for furloughed workers.

Democrats had previously refused to back any funding bill without a deal to extend expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, but that demand was dropped in the latest compromise. The only concession secured by Democratic negotiators was a promise from Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R–S.D.) to hold a vote on the subsidies before mid-December.

Among those voting with Republicans were Sens. Angus King (I–Maine), John Fetterman (D–Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D–Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D–N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D–N.H.), Jacky Rosen (D–Nev.), Tim Kaine (D–Va.), and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D–Ill.).

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–N.Y.) denounced the compromise, saying it failed to address what he called a “devastating healthcare crisis.” Progressive lawmakers, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I–Vt.), also criticized the decision, warning it would embolden the Trump administration.

Republican leaders, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the plan would pave the way for a final resolution. “We can’t stay stuck in this endless cycle of shutdown politics,” Thune said, reaffirming his commitment to allow a healthcare vote next month.

The bill still faces hurdles in both chambers, as the House must approve the Senate’s revisions before the measure can reach President Donald Trump’s desk. Even with Sunday’s progress, lawmakers cautioned that procedural steps could delay the reopening for several more days.

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BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Voters in Indialantic and Melbourne Beach are heading to the polls today to cast ballots in municipal elections that will shape the future of their respective governments.

Voters in Indialantic and Melbourne Beach are choosing new leaders for their town councils and commissions, while Barefoot Bay residents weigh in on a proposed recreation project.

In Indialantic, former council member Julie McKnight faces Guy Harvey Newman in a contest for Town Council Seat 1. The race marks McKnight’s bid to return to local office and Newman’s first run for council.

Meanwhile, Councilman Doug Wright is running unopposed for Seat 3, ensuring his continuation on the five-member council.

Indialantic’s council members are elected at large and must have lived in the town for at least one year before taking office.

Members serve two-year terms and earn $2,400 annually. Those elected will be sworn in during the town’s first council meeting in December. The remaining two council seats and the mayor’s position are scheduled for election next year.

Moving south down the Space Coast, voters in Melbourne Beach are deciding among four candidates for two open seats on the Town Commission.

Bruce Larson, Terry Cronin, Sherri Quarrie, and Steve Walters are competing for the at-large positions as terms for Vice Mayor Dawn Barlow and Commissioner Rob Baldwin come to an end.

Commissioners in Melbourne Beach serve three-year terms and earn $3,100 per year.

Local law limits commissioners to two consecutive terms, after which they must wait one year before seeking office again. Mayor Alison Dennington’s term continues through 2026, while Commissioners Anna Butler and Tim Reed remain in office until 2027.

In Barefoot Bay, residents are voting on whether to allocate $180,000 for the construction of new pickleball courts, a measure aimed at expanding recreational amenities in the community.

Polls across Brevard County opened this morning and will remain open until 7 p.m. tonight. Results from the municipal and community votes are expected to be reported later this evening, stay tuned to Space Coast Daily for the results.

Related Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! October 27, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced Florida awards $30 million in grant funding to four specialty children’s hospitals in Florida to develop and improve access to clinical trials, advance treatment protocols, and discover cures for childhood cancer.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Nemour’s Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, and Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville were each awarded $7.5 million.

“Since I became governor, Florida has invested more than $1 billion in cancer research and treatment–a 114% increase. We created the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator program within the Florida Department of Health this year to enhance cancer research throughout Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Four of Florida’s top children’s hospitals have received a total of $30 million in funding for their innovative proposals to help children and adolescents who are fighting cancer. By investing in statewide infrastructure for pediatric cancer initiatives, we aim to eliminate the need for Florida families to travel out of state for potentially life-saving experimental therapies and specialized care.”

The Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator was created in 2025 to further Florida efforts as a leader in cancer research and treatment.

The Incubator is funded with $30 million and will focus on pediatric cancer in its first five-year funding cycle.

While pediatric cancer accounts for just one percent of cases nationally, Florida’s pediatric cancer population is significant, with the state accounting for six percent of all new pediatric cancer cases in the U.S., thereby impacting thousands of children and families every year.

“Research Incubator investments to advance research, prevention, and treatment for pediatric cancer represents a meaningful step forward in our mission to improve outcomes, strengthen families, and ensure that every child has access to the most advanced care possible right here in Florida,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “I’m deeply grateful to Governor DeSantis for his unwavering leadership and commitment to advancing cancer research in Florida.”

“Thanks to the vision and leadership of First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida continues to set the national standard for advancing adult and childhood cancer research and care,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A Ladapo.

“Through the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator, we’re not only investing in science–we’re investing in hope for children and families across the state.”

The Incubator is part of Florida’s Cancer Connect Collaborative, an innovative model designed to accelerate research, share best practices, and turn data into actionable results. Guided by five pillars–Data, Best Practices, Innovation, Honesty, and Funding–the initiative brings together public and private partners to reshape cancer care delivery.

“Thanks to the leadership of First Lady and Governor DeSantis, Florida continues to make cancer research and treatment a top priority,” said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris. “The Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator is a bold step forward, beginning with pediatric cancer research. We look forward to seeing the strides made among the awardees and the collaboration that will accelerate breakthroughs, improve access to therapies, and offer hope to families across our state.”

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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Board of Governors to crack down on H-1B Visa abuse in higher education.

Governor DeSantis also announced that Florida DOGE has partnered with Federal DOGE, the State University System, and institutional partners to cancel or repurpose millions of dollars in DEI-related grants.

“Universities across the country are importing foreign workers on H-1B visas instead of hiring Americans who are qualified and available to do the job,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We will not tolerate H-1B abuse in Florida institutions. That’s why I have directed the Florida Board of Governors to end this practice.”

Florida is requiring institutions to put American graduates first and ensure taxpayer-funded schools serve the American workforce, not to be used to import cheap foreign labor.

H-1B visas are allegedly intended to hire individuals for a specialty occupation, but many universities and institutions have hired foreign workers for jobs that could easily be filled by qualified Americans. Universities are exempt from federal H-1B caps, enabling year-round hiring of foreign labor.

By working with Federal DOGE, the State University System, and individual institutions, Florida has also repurposed or canceled DEI-related grants that were made with total intended amounts of more than $33 million.

Several grants were cancelled due to their lack of compliance with state and federal law regarding DEI-centric, discriminatory missions. Examples include:

– $1.5 million for “Challenging Anti-Black Racism in Civil and Environmental Engineering Curriculum,” a grant centered around environmental justice and equitable and inclusive curriculum for civil engineers.
– $1.3 million for “Mobilizing Physics Teachers to Promote Inclusive and Communal Classroom Cultures Through Everyday Actions,” a grant focused on inclusive and equitable practices for women and minority racial groups and promoting inclusion and equity in classrooms.
Florida repurposed millions of dollars in previously DEI-centered grants to align with state and federal law and represent an appropriate use of taxpayer funds. Examples include:

– $1.5 million grant previously focused on promoting “historically marginalized students” in STEM fields to focus on financial background, rather than race or ethnicity.
– Expanded a $700,000 National Science Foundation grant historically focused toward exclusively black students to include eligibility for all students, regardless of race or background.
– Florida DOGE has also identified over $10.6 million in grants within the Florida College System to repurpose or cancel. Examples include:

– $454,000 for a grant targeted toward “underrepresented populations” in drone work and avionics.
– $750,000 for a grant exclusively available for minorities pursuing STEM degrees.

The post Gov. Ron DeSantis Directs Florida Board of Governors to Crack Down on H-1B Visa Abuse in Higher Education appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The City of Melbourne’s Housing and Urban Improvement Division is inviting residents to share their input through the Melbourne Community Survey, now open through November 22.

The survey aims to identify local priorities for the use of federal and state funding that supports low- and moderate-income families and individuals.

Feedback gathered will help shape the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2023–2028), guiding how these funds are distributed to best meet community needs.

Completing the survey takes only three to five minutes, and all responses will remain anonymous. Residents are encouraged to participate and make their voices heard in shaping future programs and services.

For questions or more information, contact the Housing and Urban Improvement Division at huid@mlbfl.org.

Related Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! October 27, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

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ABOVE VIDEO: Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky to announce continued progress in Florida’s insurance market, with major reforms driving down rates, attracting new insurers, reducing litigation, and delivering significant savings for Florida consumers.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky to announce continued progress in Florida’s insurance market, with major reforms driving down rates, attracting new insurers, reducing litigation, and delivering significant savings for Florida consumers.

The governor highlighted the success of Florida’s insurance reforms, which are now benefiting both homeowners and auto policy holders statewide.

The governor also announced that, thanks to improved market conditions, Progressive will refund nearly $1 billion to Florida auto policyholders, reflecting reduced losses and strong savings tied directly to the state’s tort and insurance reform efforts.

“Florida’s insurance market is stabilizing with decreasing auto and home insurance rates, and frivolous litigation is declining,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.

“This year, Florida’s top five auto insurers are averaging over a 6% rate reduction, and we’ve secured nearly $1 billion in credits for Progressive auto policyholders – and the other carriers are expected to follow suit soon. Also, 17 new companies have entered the homeowners’ market, 33 companies have filed for rate decreases, and reinsurance market rates have declined.

“Florida’s insurance market continues to see great stability and the strong underwriting gains in the auto market is just the latest sign of success since Florida’s historic tort reforms,” said Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky. “OIR has been diligent in communication with auto insurance companies to proactively ensure credits owed to policyholders are paid, and millions of consumers will start feeling the benefits with many companies in the process of issuing refunds. Companies must act in the best financial interest of Florida consumers—please know that OIR is fully aware of the books, and we are watching. So do the right thing, come to us first before we make you comply with the law.”

“Florida’s historic insurance reforms laid the groundwork necessary for our insurance market to strengthen. Auto insurance rates have dropped so much that policyholders are now starting to receive refunds from their insurance company,” said Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. “It’s a good day when the insurance companies are the ones sending the checks to the policyholders instead of receiving checks from policyholders. I have said since day one that I will fight for the policyholders, not insurance companies or trial attorneys. Thank you Governor DeSantis and the legislature for continuing to make our insurance market better for Floridians.”

Since the passage of historic reforms, Florida’s property insurance market has experienced record growth and stability. Seventeen new insurance companies have entered the marketplace, bringing with them more than $574 million in policyholder surplus to support expansion in Florida’s property sector. Today, more than 7.61 million residential insurance policies are in force across the state, making Florida one of the largest property markets in the nation. Domestic property insurers reported $954 million in net income at the end of 2024—up from $292 million in 2023 and reversing a $741 million loss in 2022.

HOMEOWNERS:

Homeowners are also seeing relief. Since reforms were enacted, the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has received more than 150 residential filings for rate decreases or zero percent increases. Since January 2024, 33 companies have filed for rate decreases, while 46 companies have requested no change or 0% increases. Florida Peninsula Insurance Company, one of the state’s largest insurers, requested its biggest rate decrease in company history, averaging -8.4% statewide and -12% for condominium owners. The 30-day average for homeowner rate filings is now -1.3%, compared to -0.1% one year ago, and the 180-day average shows a -0.1% change compared to a +7.6% increase in the same period last year. According to S&P Global, the Insurance Information Institute, and Lending Tree, Florida had the lowest average homeowners rate increase in the nation in 2024—just one percent—while 33 other states experienced double-digit increases. Reinsurance costs have also continued to decline, with risk-adjusted costs dropping 1.56% in 2024 and another 0.36% in 2025, reflecting continued confidence in Florida’s market.

AUTO:

Florida is seeing great success within the auto insurance industry. Commissioner Yaworsky recently announced a decline in auto insurance rates for Florida. For 2025, Florida’s top five auto writer insurance groups are indicating an average -6.5% rate change, down from an average +4.3% in 2024 and a staggering average of +31.7% in 2023. The top five auto writer insurance groups amount to 78% of Florida’s auto market. For more information, click here.

In September, Progressive recorded a $950 million policyholder credit expense, representing a current estimate of profit earned on the three-calendar year period ending Dec. 31, 2025. The company expects to provide credits to active policyholders as of Dec. 31, 2025—estimated at approximately 2.7 million personal auto policyholders in Florida.

In a September SEC filing, Progressive credited Florida’s reforms for its success, stating: “Since Florida insurance reform was enacted in early 2023, we have seen lower loss costs on certain types of personal auto accident claims and favorable reserve development, and we have experienced strong profitability in our Florida personal auto business.”

Excess profits for motor vehicle insurance are prohibited. Auto insurers are statutorily obligated under Section 627.066, Florida Statutes, to return excess profits to policyholders when applicable. Thanks in large part to historic legislative reforms over the last several years that have strengthened the state’s insurance market, OIR is aware that several auto insurance companies may be approaching the statutory threshold. For more information about Florida’s excess profit statute, click here.

LITIGATION DECLINE AND MARKET IMPROVEMENT:

Florida’s legal climate has also dramatically improved. Thanks to the Governor’s tort reforms, frivolous property claim litigation has declined sharply—down 25% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Overall, insurance litigation filings fell 23% year-over-year from 2023 to 2024 and remain below pre-2018 levels. Every month of 2025 has reported a continued decline in litigation compared to the same month the previous year, further proof that the state’s legal environment has stabilized and is discouraging abusive lawsuits.

The success of these reforms is also evident in the depopulation of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. Citizens, which serves as the state’s insurer of last resort, has seen a total exposure reduction of more than $304.5 billion. In 2024, 477,821 policies were assumed by private insurers, and an additional 216,799 policies have transitioned so far in 2025. This demonstrates a clear shift of risk back into the private market, signaling renewed industry confidence and stronger consumer protection.

Governor DeSantis also announced continued investments in the My Safe Florida Home program for 2026, ensuring more families can harden their homes to withstand weather events and lower premiums. This program provides free wind mitigation inspections and matching grants for homeowners to harden their properties against storm damage. Since the program was reinstated in 2022, more than 122,000 inspections have been completed, with 63,000 home hardening applications approved and 42,000 projects completed. More than 62,000 homeowners have received grants totaling $383 million, resulting in an average $900 premium reduction last year.

For highlights on Florida’s insurance market, click here.

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ABOVE VIDEO: NBA Players, NBA Coach Arrested by FBI in Mafia-Linked Sports Rigging and Gambling Probe

(FOX NEWS) –  Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA guard and coach Damon Jones were among the more than two dozen arrested as part of a widespread FBI investigation on Thursday, officials said Thursday.

The federal investigation involved multiple agencies and the NYPD as they targeted the La Cosa Nostra crime families in two separate operations across several states.

Officials said Billups, Rozier and Jones face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

“Day in and day out, this FBI is following the money — and today is the result of that outstanding work,” FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital in an exclusive statement.

“This operation involved an expansive effort across 11 states arresting 34 subjects, including multiple NBA players and coaches, who allegedly took advantage of their own positions of power to rig gambling systems for their own benefit — eventually funneling money to La Cosa Nostra, enriching some of the most notorious criminal networks in the world.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE ON FOX NEWS

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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the success of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Python Action Team – Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program in achieving record-setting removal numbers of invasive Burmese Pythons from Florida’s Everglades.

The governor also called on funding for the program to be continued annually to build off of the state’s initial $2 million investment in 2025.

“FWC’s partnership with Inversa has supercharged the removal of invasive Burmese Pythons from the Everglades,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The new program accomplished more removals in July 2025 alone than in the entire year before. Our $2 million investment in python removal in the state budget has made this partnership possible, amplifying the success of the PATRIC program. We must now build on their achievements and continue investing in this proven strategy to protect the Everglades for many years to come.”

“Governor DeSantis has consistently been a champion for conservation and protecting the Everglades,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Our partnership with Inversa and the Python Action Team Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program highlights the milestones we’ve achieved against the invasive Burmese Python, which will benefit generations to come.”

“The success we are achieving against invasive species wouldn’t be possible without the support of Governor DeSantis and the Legislature,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “Thank you to the Inversa team for helping us combat this problem using emerging technological advancements.”

The Python Action Team – Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program has achieved historic success at removing invasive Burmese Pythons from the Everglades since its establishment in 2017. Last year, FWC partnered with Miami-based company Inversa to help achieve its goal of increasing python removals by three times in two years. Today, PATRIC has already delivered on its Year 2 objectives, a full year and a half ahead of schedule. In just three months (May – July 2025), 1,022 pythons were removed, compared to 343 during that same period in 2024, and 748 were removed in July alone—more than the entire previous year’s total. Furthermore, FWC management workload is down 89% and python hunters’ pay has increased by 60% in that same period.

Since 2019, the state has taken unprecedented action to remove pythons in Florida:

– Governor DeSantis directed FWC and DEP to allow for the removal of invasive Burmese pythons from all state parks. The agencies entered into an agreement that resulted in an additional 135,000 acres of land that are now accessible for python removal.
– Governor DeSantis announced the U.S. Department of the Interior granted Florida’s request to increase access to federal lands for python removal, particularly within the Big Cypress National Preserve in southwest Florida.
– The Florida Python Challenge is intended to increase awareness about invasive species and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology, while offering the public a way to get directly involved in Everglades conservation through removal of invasive Burmese pythons. Competitors have the opportunity to win tens of thousands of dollars in prizes based on the size and quantity of pythons captured and removed. During this year’s 10-day competition, 934 participants from 30 states and Canada helped support Everglades conservation by collectively removing a record 294 invasive Burmese pythons from south Florida.

Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native species. They are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida, where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles. A female Burmese python can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time. Since the year 2000, more than 23,000 wild Burmese pythons have been removed from the state of Florida and reported to the FWC.

In addition to the Florida Python Challenge, there are other ways people can continue to help control nonnative species such as Burmese pythons. Anyone may remove and humanely kill pythons and other nonnative reptiles at any time on private lands with landowner permission and on 32 FWC-managed lands throughout south Florida.

The public can also help control invasive species by reporting nonnative snakes, tegus and monitor lizards to the FWC’s Invasive Species Hotline at 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681), and by reporting sightings of other nonnative fish and wildlife online at IveGot1.org or by downloading the free IveGot1 smartphone app.

For more information, visit https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/.

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WATCH LIVE: Brevard County Tourist Development Council to Hold Meeting Wednesday in Viera

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard County Tourist Development Council (TDC) will meet on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Florida Room at the Government Center in Viera. Chair Rob Feltner will preside over the meeting, with Vice Chair Tom Hermansen and other council members in attendance.

The agenda includes administrative items such as roll call, agenda review, and approval of the September 24, 2025, meeting minutes. Reports will be presented by the Brevard County Clerk of Court and the TDC Director, Peter Cranis. The council will also discuss Causeway Cleanings and consider action on proposed changes to the TDC Operating Procedures Manual. Public comment and individual board member reports will follow.

Tourist Development Tax collections for fiscal year 2024–25 totaled approximately $24.3 million through August, representing a 4.2 percent shortfall from the budget but still 3 percent higher than the previous year. Monthly revenues showed some softening during the late summer months, with July and August falling slightly below projections.

Short-term rental and lodging data for September showed a countywide occupancy rate of about 54 percent, compared to 57 percent in 2024. The average daily rate was $121, about 5 percent lower than last year, while revenue per available room averaged $65, down 11 percent year over year. Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral continue to lead the county in room rates, while Viera showed modest improvement in occupancy and Palm Bay remained the strongest performer overall.

Environmental and community updates will also be reviewed, including the ongoing collaboration between Waterway Warriors and Keep Brevard Beautiful to enhance cleanup efforts along Pineda Causeway and State Road 528. Waterway Warriors has requested assistance in maintaining 35 trash barrels along Pineda Beach, and discussions with Port Canaveral and the Florida Department of Transportation are continuing regarding cleanup jurisdiction.

The council will also consider revisions to its Operating Procedures Manual, including a proposal to reduce the number of required meetings from ten to six per year while allowing flexibility to hold special meetings as needed. The updated manual also clarifies governance policies, committee structure, and participation rules for council members.

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BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Republican Party of Florida has removed longtime Brevard County Republican Executive Committee Chair Rick Lacey from his position, ruling that he violated multiple party rules involving campaign finance and internal conduct.

The decision, finalized Tuesday, October 21, follows a months-long investigation and a formal recommendation from the party’s Grievance Committee. The ruling not only ousts Lacey from his leadership post but also bars him from holding any official Republican Party role for two years.

According to the committee’s report, Lacey—who recently won a fifth term as Brevard GOP chair—was found to have breached 15 separate party rules. Those included alleged failures to properly disclose donations and expenditures, misuse of authority, and violations of the state party’s model constitution.

The investigation stemmed from a series of complaints filed by Congressman Randy Fine, State Committeewoman Marie Rogerson, and several other Brevard Republicans. All complaints were consolidated and reviewed together during an October 16 meeting of the state Grievance Committee.

“The Grievance Committee’s decision is justice for every honest Republican who plays by the rules,” Fine said in a statement. “For too long, Lacey treated the Brevard GOP as his personal piggy bank and political machine.”

In a post celebrating the decision, Fine called Lacey a “lifelong Pennsylvania Democrat” and said his expulsion would allow Brevard Republicans to “elect a chairman who is not working for Democrats.”

Lacey, a Viera-based real estate broker, has not responded publicly to the ruling.

He had narrowly won reelection earlier this year, defeating Public Defender Blaise Trettis in a closely watched 140–110 vote that exposed deep divisions within the county party. The contest drew high-profile endorsements from both sides, including Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey and State Rep. Randy Fine.

Under party bylaws, Brevard GOP Vice Chair Dave Fosdick will assume interim leadership duties until a new election is held.

The state committee’s findings emphasized what it described as a “repeated pattern of violations and ineffective leadership.” The panel concluded that removing Lacey was “in the best interests of the Brevard Republican Executive Committee.”

The action marks the latest escalation in a long-running feud between Brevard’s Republican factions. In July, Lacey’s local committee unsuccessfully attempted to remove Fine from his position as state committeeman—a move state party leaders later reversed.

With Lacey’s removal now official, Brevard Republicans face a leadership transition amid continuing internal strife that could shape the party’s direction heading into 2026.

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We are issuing criminal subpoenas to Roblox, which has become a breeding ground for predators to gain access to our kids. pic.twitter.com/vcyTVnkrxU

— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) October 20, 2025

ABOVE VIDEO: Florida is issuing criminal subpoenas to Roblox, which has become a breeding ground for predators to gain access to our kids.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Attorney General James Uthmeier is issuing criminal subpoenas to the popular online gaming platform Roblox.

The subpoenas will investigate whether Roblox’s actions, or lack thereof, are aiding predators in accessing and harming children.

“Platforms like Roblox have become breeding grounds for predators to gain access to our kids,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier.

“We will stop at nothing in the fight to protect Florida’s children, and companies that expose them to harm will be held accountable.”

Multiple investigations have revealed that sexual predators are using Roblox to access, communicate with, and groom minors.

Troubling allegations against the gaming platform include negligence in adequately verifying users’ ages and failures in content moderation that have allowed sexually explicit material to evade filters and circulate within the platform.

Reports also suggest that predators are utilizing the platform’s in-game currency, “Robux,” to bribe minors into sending sexually explicit images of themselves.

Victims have accused Roblox of knowingly failing to implement meaningful safety measures or provide adequate warnings to parents about the dangers their children face, while publicly maintaining that the platform is safe for young users.

Further reports indicate that Roblox has knowingly failed to report incidents of child victimization to the proper authorities.

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