Wife of Jay; Mom to Gabe & Colt; Vet 🇺🇸 school choice; ASD mom; proud Floridian; conservative fighter; Gov DeSantis Appointee - FL Board of Education🏖️

Tampa, FL
Joined October 2011
Layla Collins retweeted
Higher education should produce independent thinkers, not ideological followers. @HenmackIII nails it. Florida is putting truth, academic rigor, and intellectual freedom back where they belong: at the center of education.
The crisis is an indicator of wholesale mission failure. Higher education abandoned its purpose: forming informed, virtuous citizens (⬅️ that actually *means* something!), an intellectual grounding in the Great Books, and the cultivation of other habits of mind required for self-rule. It replaced the Great Conversation with postmodern skepticism of truth, goodness, merit, and shared inheritance. 🇺🇸 Return to education for democratic citizenship. Require rigorous engagement with the Western Canon alongside genuine intellectual diversity. Build public centers for civic thought that treat open inquiry as non-negotiable. Florida is already doing this—classical standards, anti-ideological capture, and pathways that form citizens who can reason about the good, not just their group identity.
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Layla Collins retweeted
American citizenship means something. The right to vote in our elections belongs to American citizens. Verify eligibility. Keep voter rolls accurate. Investigate credible evidence of illegal voting and prosecute those in violation. Calling illegal voting rare is no argument for tolerating it. Enforce the law. Zero tolerance. We must ensure that lawful elections are protected.
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Layla Collins retweeted
I was honored to speak at Saturday night’s Mission Possible Gala in St. Johns County supporting Operation New Uniform. Our veterans bring leadership, discipline and a commitment to something greater than themselves. ONU helps them carry that mission into civilian careers, providing free training and professional development for service members, veterans and military spouses. Thank you to a great American, Lt. Col. @AllenWest, for the introduction and to the ONU team and everyone standing behind our military families. The desire to serve doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Let’s make sure those who served have the opportunity to keep leading.
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Layla Collins retweeted
Property near a military base isn’t just another real estate investment. Who controls it matters. I sponsored SB 264 to restrict the Chinese Communist Party from buying land near Florida’s military installations and critical infrastructure. Our troops train there. Sensitive operations happen there. National security must be considered. The CCP doesn’t need a foothold next door to an American military base.
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Layla Collins retweeted
When families need help, you get to work. Yesterday in Santa Rosa County, I joined Sheriff Bob Johnson and Undersheriff Randy Tifft at @paceassembly to get supplies into the hands of residents recovering from the hurricane. I also stopped at Jay City Hall’s relief distribution point to hear directly from residents and town officials about recovery needs. Thank you to @ConvoyofHope, @BRACEbeready, the church team and every volunteer working to serve the community. Trucks full of supplies only make a difference because people show up to unload them, organize them and get them to families. This is faith in action. Neighbors serving neighbors. I’m proud to stand alongside them.
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Layla Collins retweeted
A hurricane puts jobs on the line. Helping local businesses recover has to be a priority. Today in Walton County, I sat down with local business owners at South Bay Stables to discuss recovery and the challenges they’re facing. I also met with the @WCSOFL for an update on storm damage and recovery operations, then visited Choctaw Beach. These businesses support jobs, families and the local economy. They need clear answers and practical support to move forward. That’s where we need to deliver.
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Layla Collins retweeted
Martin County Schools received more than $2.5 million in Workforce CAP funding in 2024 to expand CTE opportunities in aerospace, welding, healthcare, construction, and more. martinschools.org/o/mchs/art… And this is just a glimpse of what’s happening across Florida. Excited to share who will be receiving this year’s Workforce CAP awards soon! 👀
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Layla Collins retweeted
Taking off the uniform doesn’t end your commitment to serve. I ended yesterday at American Legion Post 221 in Niceville to thank veterans who stepped up after the hurricane by cutting trees, clearing debris and helping their neighbors in a time of need. They’ve already served this country. Nobody had to tell them to serve their community. I’m proud to stand with veterans who still answer the call.
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Layla Collins retweeted
You need to hear from the people living through a disaster to understand what recovery takes. In Okaloosa County, yesterday’s stops included a meeting with Sheriff Eric Aden and county officials to discuss hurricane damage and recovery efforts. In Mary Esther, I sat down with local leaders and residents to hear what their community needs next. This morning in Destin, I met with Mayor Bobby Wagner and other city officials to discuss recovery. Every community’s challenges are different. Our commitment to helping them recover must be just as strong.
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Layla Collins retweeted
Recovery doesn’t end when the storm moves on. I met with Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons yesterday for an update on Hurricane Isaias damage and recovery efforts. Thank you to the deputies and local teams working to keep residents safe. My priority is making sure local needs are heard and getting obstacles out of the way. Families deserve follow-through, and local responders need the resources to deliver. We’re staying focused on the Panhandle until the job is done.
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Layla Collins retweeted
Thank you @MCSDFlorida for your incredible hospitality. The Carillon Singers were incredible, and the JROTC students exemplified patriotism and discipline.
EXCELLENCE ON DISPLAY 🇺🇸 @wearesouthfork Carillon Singers & Army JROTC Color Guard proudly represented @MCSDFlorida at the @EducationFL Board of Education meeting with the National Anthem and presentation of the flags. Proud of our students & staff! 🇺🇸 #ALLINMartin👊
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Thank you @MCSDFlorida for your incredible hospitality. The Carillon Singers were incredible, and the JROTC students exemplified patriotism and discipline.
EXCELLENCE ON DISPLAY 🇺🇸 @wearesouthfork Carillon Singers & Army JROTC Color Guard proudly represented @MCSDFlorida at the @EducationFL Board of Education meeting with the National Anthem and presentation of the flags. Proud of our students & staff! 🇺🇸 #ALLINMartin👊
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Layla Collins retweeted
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Deeds, not words.
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At today’s meeting, the State Board recognized an incredible @MCSDFlorida student, Elle Wall, and heard from education leaders from across the state. We will continue fighting for students, parents, and educators and ensure Florida remains the nation’s leader in providing opportunity and success for our children.
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Layla Collins retweeted
Transitioning from the military is an incredibly complex process. Veterans face a litany of obstacles, from learning the lexicon of civilian life to navigating the military-civilian divide and confronting biases. It helps to have friends in your corner. Veterans Florida helps veterans explain their military experience, prepare for interviews and connect with employers. Those services are free and also available to Guard and Reserve members and military and veteran spouses. Looking for your next opportunity? Visit veteransflorida.org/career Florida employers: veterans know how to lead, take responsibility and get the job done. Put that experience to work.
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🚨Floridians in the Panhandle: Remain indoors and continue following guidance from local emergency officials. Keep yourself and your family SAFE: -Never drive or walk through floodwaters. -Continue to monitor weather alerts and follow local officials’ guidance. -Stay away from flooded roads and storm drains. For official weather updates, follow @FLSERT. For up-to-date education information and resources, visit: fldoe.org/em-response/storm-…
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Layla Collins retweeted
Florida, we're prepared, but we need you to do your part. Our National Guard, State Guard, first responders, emergency management teams, and utility crews are standing ready to respond and help our communities. But please remember, the danger doesn't end when the storm passes. Stay off the roads. Don't go out to survey damage. Watch for downed power lines, flooding, and tornado warnings. Give our emergency crews the space they need to restore power, clear roads, and protect lives. And when it's safe, check on your neighbors. That's what Floridians do. We look out for one another. As a father, husband and community member, my message tonight is simple: Protect your family. Stay safe. We'll get through this together. God bless Florida. For storm updates and emergency resources: floridadisaster.org/
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Layla Collins retweeted
A hurricane is no excuse to exploit Florida families. Attorney General James Uthmeier activated Florida’s price gouging hotline for Isaias. If you suspect extreme price increases on essentials like gas, water or lodging in areas under the emergency declaration, report them. Keep your receipts and document the price, business and location. Call 1-866-966-7226 or use the reporting form linked below. Families dealing with a storm deserve fair treatment. Anyone taking advantage of their hardship should be held accountable. news4jax.com/news/local/2026…
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Layla Collins retweeted
It was good to spend time with folks in Kissimmee today and thank them for the hard work they’re putting into their community. I appreciate everyone who came out and continues to show up for Osceola County. Florida is stronger because of people willing to get involved and keep working. I’m proud to stand with you.
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To all our friends and family in the Panhandle, please listen to the warnings, prepare, and follow evacuation guidelines. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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