Innovation is happening right here in Lakeland. I had the chance to visit Catapult and see how local entrepreneurs are turning ideas into growing businesses. From its workspace and commercial kitchen to its makerspace for manufacturing and engineering, Catapult gives founders the tools, mentorship and resources they need to start, scale and create new opportunities in our community. It’s encouraging to see this kind of entrepreneurship taking root in FL-18.

Hardworking Americans shouldn't be footing the bill for fraudsters exploiting taxpayer-funded programs. Every dollar lost to fraud hurts taxpayers and those who genuinely need assistance. I'm joining @VP in his pledge to stop fraudulent payments, strengthen oversight and hold bad actors accountable. Taxpayer dollars aren't a blank check.

Congratulations to Dr. Alice Beth Barfield on representing Glades County at the National Association of School Superintendents’ celebration of education leaders from across the country. Being named a finalist for the 2026 NASS Superintendent of the Year is a well-deserved recognition of her commitment to improving student achievement, expanding educational opportunities and serving the students and families of Glades County.

Florida’s National Guard answers the call at home and abroad, from hurricane response to overseas deployments, but its force structure has not kept pace with our state’s rapid growth or increasing mission demands. I joined @SenAshleyMoody and members of Florida’s congressional delegation in calling for an increase in the Guard’s authorized force structure. Florida’s soldiers and airmen continue to deliver when our state and nation need them, and they deserve the personnel and resources necessary to carry out the mission and meet Florida’s growing needs. Read the letter here 👇 moody.senate.gov/wp-content/…

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month, we recognize those battling breast cancer, honor the survivors and remember the lives lost to this terrible disease. Early detection saves lives. I encourage women across FL-18 to stay informed, schedule regular screenings and take charge of their health.

It was great to spend time with the @FLSouthern Moccasin Battalion and talk with the next generation of Army leaders as they prepare to commission next spring. For 75 years, Florida Southern’s ROTC program has trained officers for the Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve. As a retired Naval Aviator, I always appreciate the opportunity to hear from young men and women who have chosen a path of service to our country.

Polk State College plays an important role in preparing students for careers and meeting the workforce needs of our growing region. I met with President Stassi Kamoutsas to hear about his first 90 days leading the college and his vision for what comes next. We discussed workforce training, expanding educational opportunities and how @PolkState can continue building strong pathways from the classroom to good-paying careers across FL-18 and beyond.

For 251 years, the U.S. Navy has stood watch around the world, defending our nation and protecting freedom at sea. As a retired Naval Aviator who served 26 years, I’m grateful for the generations of Sailors who answered the call and those who continue to serve today. Happy Birthday to the United States Navy!

America’s farmers put in the work every day to keep food on our tables and communities across the country moving. On National Farmers Day, we recognize the men and women whose long hours, resilience and dedication sustain our nation. Thank you to the farmers across Florida’s Heartland and beyond who keep America growing.

Today we recognize Columbus Day and the enduring spirit of exploration that has shaped our nation for generations.

The new Lakeland Senior Hub is bringing resources, wellness and community together under one roof for seniors across Polk County. The 44,000-square-foot facility has already engaged 74 businesses and nonprofits to help connect folks with services, education, physical activity and one another. It’s great to see another resource in FL-18 focused on helping seniors stay active, informed and connected.

🚨 I just sent a letter to @USDA and @CommerceGov demanding immediate action as sulfur shortages and rising costs force American fertilizer plants to cut production. Last month, I led Florida's congressional delegation in raising the alarm. Now, jobs, local businesses and farmers are paying the price. The Administration must move beyond reviewing this crisis and deliver a coordinated plan to secure sulfur supplies, remove costly barriers and get production back on track.

The Annual Okeechobee Farm Bureau meeting was a good opportunity to hear directly from local farmers and recognize the work they do to keep agriculture strong in our community. I appreciate the recognition from @FlaFarmBureau as a supporter of Florida agriculture and will keep working to stand with the farmers and ranchers who help feed our state and nation.

Florida Poly is leading the way in preparing students for high-demand careers and building the workforce of tomorrow. It was great to showcase the incredible work happening at @FLPolyU to @Sonderling47 during a roundtable focused on connecting education with the evolving needs of employers. His visit also marked the first time Florida Poly hosted a sitting U.S. Secretary of Labor.

Florida’s citrus growers are continuing the fight against citrus greening, and that work takes everyone. Our team joined growers and industry leaders from across FL-18, including longtime citrus policy leader Rick Dantzler, fourth-generation grower Jim Snively, Frostproof nursery owner Phillip Rucks, @Sen_Albritton, @FLCitrusMutual and the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation team. By sharing research, resources and firsthand experience from the grove, we can keep working toward a stronger future for Florida citrus.

A reliable water supply is critical to FL-18’s continued growth. At the Polk Regional Water Cooperative’s Southeast Wellfield Project, @GarneyConstruct is helping build the infrastructure needed to deliver millions of gallons of clean drinking water each day to communities across the county. We had a good discussion about Garney’s employee-ownership model and the opportunities it creates for workers. Giving employees a stake in the company they help build rewards hard work and allows them to share in its long-term success.

Three years ago today, Hamas carried out the deadliest terrorist attack in Israel’s history, murdering nearly 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage. Today, we remember the innocent lives taken on October 7th and the families forever changed by that horrific day. We stand with the people of Israel and remain committed to confronting terrorism and antisemitism wherever they appear.

Enjoyed attending the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s monthly meeting and hearing from recent Graduate Medical Education (GME) graduates. This community effort helps attract, train, and retain doctors to address our primary care shortage. We’re grateful these new physicians have chosen to call Lakeland home and care for our community.