Senators Pick Up RJC Endorsements As 2026 Election Cycle Heats Up
The RJC is proud to endorse Senators Susan Collins, John Cornyn, Lindsey Graham, and Thom Tillis. These four patriots represent the best of the Senate Republican majority, and the RJC is committed to ensuring that they are reelected in 2026, to defend GOP control of the US Senate as Republicans work to continue delivering results for the American people.
A sixth-generation Mainer and the most senior Republican woman in the US Senate, Senator Susan Collins has earned a national reputation as a highly effective legislator who works across party lines to solve problems and deliver results for the people of Maine and America. Known for her work ethic, Senator Collins has cast more than 9,000 consecutive votes and holds the longest perfect voting record in the history of the US Senate. As Chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins has been a staunch advocate for fiscal responsibility, enhancing our national security, and defending our great ally, Israel.
Texas Senator John Cornyn has dedicated his career to public service, beginning as a district judge, then as a Texas Supreme Court Justice, and later serving as Texas Attorney General. In 2002, Texans elected him to the United States Senate, where he has fought to uphold the principles of limited government, personal freedom, and economic opportunity. With deep roots in Texas and a proven record of fighting for the Lone Star State, John Cornyn always puts Texans first.
Senator Cornyn is a true friend of the Jewish community in Texas and across the country. He has led the charge on Holocaust restitution, most recently introducing the bipartisan Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act, which extends and strengthens a law Cornyn wrote in 2016. The updated bill would remove the sunset date in the original bill and strengthen existing procedural protections to ensure that Holocaust victims’ claims are not dismissed due to non-merit-based factors such as time constraints.
>>>New Yorkers: RJC Board Member Eric Levine and the RJC PAC are co-hosting a fundraising reception for Senator Cornyn on Wednesday, June 18 in New York City–MORE DETAILS HERE<<<
A longtime friend of the RJC and one of the strongest advocates for the American Jewish community, Senator Lindsey Graham has been a leading voice in the US Senate for over two decades, bolstering America’s national security, fighting for conservative principles, and standing strong against antisemitism. Senator Graham is a champion of the US-Israel alliance and is one of Israel’s proudest defenders in the Senate. Senator Graham is a true fighter, and the RJC is proud to support him once again for re-election in South Carolina.
>>>Washingtonians: RJC Chairman Senator Norm Coleman and the RJC PAC are hosting a fundraising reception for Senator Graham on Thursday, June 12 in Washington, DC–MORE DETAILS HERE<<<
A proven winner in an increasingly competitive state, North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis has a track record in public service that reflects a deep commitment to fighting for the American people with common-sense leadership. Now in his second term, Senator Tillis serves on key committees, including the Senate Finance Committee, Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Judiciary Committee.
A true friend of the Jewish community, Senator Tillis consistently and forcefully stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Jewish students and pro-Israel patriots across the country against the scourge of antisemitism and anti-Americanism plaguing our college campuses. Senator Tillis proudly introduced the Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act, legislation that brings much-needed transparency, accountability, and clarity to foreign gift reporting requirements for American colleges and universities.
Recreational Harvest of Snook for Florida’s East Coast will Close June 1
The recreational harvest of snook in the Northeast, Indian River Lagoon and Southeast management regions will close June 1. The recreational harvest season will reopen Oct. 1, 2025, in the Northeast, Indian River Lagoon and Southeast management regions. Within each region, this includes all Florida state and inland waters as well as adjacent federal waters.
These regions and regulations are part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) holistic management approach for Florida’s most popular inshore fisheries. Through this approach, seven metrics are used to evaluate the fishery by region, adding a holistic perspective to management decisions and allowing the FWC to be more responsive to regional concerns. To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Snook.
Northeast
Open season: Feb. 1–May. 31 and Sept. 1–Dec. 14
Closed season: Dec. 15–Jan. 31 and June 1–Aug. 31
Bag limit: One fish per person per day
Slot limit: 28–32 inches total length
Boundaries: The northern coastal boundary is at the Florida-Georgia border and the region extends south to the Lytle Avenue/South Causeway in New Smyrna Beach. Includes the waters of the St. Johns River and its tributaries. Does not include the waters of the Withlacoochee and Kissimmee rivers, Cypress Lake, and lakes Hatchineha and Kissimmee. The management region extends inland, as shown on the map, and into adjacent federal waters.
Indian River Lagoon
Open season: Feb. 1–May 31 and Sept. 1–Dec. 14.
Closed season: Dec. 15–Jan. 31 and June 1–Aug. 31.
Bag limit: One fish per person per day.
Slot limit: 28–32 inches total length.
Boundaries: The northern coastal boundary is at Lytle Avenue/South Causeway in New Smyrna Beach and the region extends south to the Martin-Palm Beach county line. Includes all waters of the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee. Does not include the waters of Loxahatchee and St. Johns rivers and their tributaries. The management region extends inland, as shown on the map, and into adjacent federal waters.
Southeast
Visit MyFWC.com/BNP to learn about the special regulations that apply to snook when fishing in Biscayne National Park
Open season: Feb. 1–May 31 and Sept. 1–Dec. 14
Closed season: Dec. 15–Jan. 31 and Jun. 1–Aug. 31
Bag limit: One fish per person per day
Slot limit: 28–32 inches total length
Boundaries: The northern boundary is the Martin-Palm Beach county line and the region extends south to the Miami-Dade/Monroe county line. Includes all waters of Hillsboro Canal, Miami Canal, North New River Canal and West Palm Beach Canal, and the Loxahatchee River and its tributaries. Does not include Lake Okeechobee and Everglades National Park. The management region extends inland, as shown on the map, and into adjacent federal waters.
For more information on recreational snook regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Snook. This page includes the snook annual reviews, which provide summaries of key findings from the annual evaluation of management metrics for each region.
CDC Removes COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines from Immunization Schedule, Florida Leads the Nation in Groundbreaking Public Health Shift
Tallahassee, Fla.—In a historic decision, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced today that the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have been removed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women.
This decision marks a major turning point in national health policy—one that reflects growing concerns about the safety, necessity, and scientific basis for the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in vulnerable populations.
Florida has played a critical role in shaping the national conversation on this issue. In March 2022, Florida became the first state to formally recommend against COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations for healthy children. In January 2024, Florida made history again as the first state to recommend against the use of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines for all populations. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, the state has consistently prioritized data transparency, medical freedom, and parental rights over federal pressure and pharmaceutical influence.
“Florida has continually demanded honest science and accountability in our public health decisions,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “Today’s federal action, thanks to the tireless efforts of Secretary Kennedy, is an important advancement for parents, physicians, and children across the country. Ultimately, scientific evidence dictates that the use of these products should end for all populations.”
Florida’s stance has been informed by accumulating data on adverse events, including myocarditis, and questions about the long-term efficacy and safety of the vaccine in all populations. The state has also called for greater scrutiny of pharmaceutical influence in federal health recommendations and convened leading experts to examine these issues independently.
The removal of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine from the CDC’s pediatric schedule is an important step, and more must be done. Americans deserve to have medical recommendations that are grounded in sound science, not political agendas. Florida is proud to have led the way in protecting our vulnerable populations and restoring trust in public health.
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law
LOXAHATCHEE, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida Senate Bill 150, Trooper’s Law, making it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or at any time in which a mandatory or voluntary evacuation order is in effect. Governor DeSantis also signed Florida House Bill 255, Dexter’s Law, to strengthen penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and ensure that offenders face appropriate criminal penalties.
“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I was proud to sign Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law today. Florida stands by man’s best friend.”
Trooper’s Law was inspired by the dog that was left chained up in the path of Hurricane Milton and rescued by Florida Highway Patrol last year.
Florida Senate Bill 150 Trooper’s Law:
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Makes it a felony to restrain and abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation, punishable by up to five years in prison and $10,000 fine.
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Codifies penalties for failing to provide confined animals with sufficient food, water, and exercise, and for abandoning an animal, as misdemeanors of the first degree, with similar fines.
Dexter’s Law was named after a shelter dog that was brutally killed in Pinellas County days after being adopted.
Florida House Bill 255 Dexter’s Bill:
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Enhances penalties for aggravated animal cruelty, including a 1.25 sentencing multiplier.
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Creates Florida’s first animal abuser database to prevent abuse and protect communities. Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
As Hurricane Prep Becomes More Urgent, Sales Tax Holiday Remains Stalled in Budget Bill
FLORIDA – May 28, 2025 – We’ve all heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” to which in Florida we might add, “and May flowers bring hurricane season.” While record-breaking rainfall in many areas over the past month provided some welcome if only brief relief to drought conditions, the resulting street flooding in some regions also served as a reminder of what’s to come.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the rainy season in most of Florida runs from now through October, overlapping with hurricane season which runs from June 1 through November 30. With Colorado State University (CSU) predicting another above-average hurricane season, that’s cause for concern and a good reason to quickly finalize any preparations.
CSU is predicting 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes defined as Category 3 (111 mph) or higher. Topping the list of states most at risk is Florida, with a 92 percent chance of being impacted by a named storm. That includes a 65 percent chance of a hurricane making landfall in the Sunshine State, and a 35 percent chance that it will be a major hurricane.
The Florida Legislature is now several weeks overdue in approving the state’s budget, which would normally include a sales tax holiday for specified hurricane preparedness supplies. If the sales tax holiday is approved, details will be reported in news outlets and posted on the Florida Department of Revenue website which can be found HERE. [https://floridarevenue.com/Pages/default.aspx]
While a sales tax holiday is uncertain, Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) urges all Floridians to finish up their plans now. Click HERE for general information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) [https://www.noaa.gov/take-action-today]. Topics covered include:
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Determine your risk from water and wind
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Begin preparing now, before a storm
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Learn how to understand hurricane forecasts and alerts
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Learn what to do before, during, and after a storm
Click HERE for a detailed Disaster Supply Checklist and other information from the Florida Division of Emergency Management [https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/]. Topics covered include:
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General information and phone numbers
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Clothing, first aid, food and water
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Important documents and vehicle readiness
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Special needs and pet care items
FGUA prepares year-round to minimize the impact of storms on its customers, with a priority focus on preventing service disruptions by investing in upgraded systems, working with electric utilities to expedite the restoration of power, and sharing timely information through its website and the news media.
Even with the best preparation, equipment and systems, Mother Nature is a powerful competitor. Heavy rainfall, widespread flooding, water main breaks from uprooted trees and loss of power to pumping stations may result in loss of water pressure. All current outages and notices are posted on the FGUA website at fgua.com.
The Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) owns and operates almost 100 water and wastewater utility systems in 14 Florida counties, providing service to more than 120,000 customer connections. Counties served by FGUA include Citrus, Hillsborough, Lake, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Polk, Seminole, Hardee, Lee, Alachua, Flagler, Putnam and Volusia.
Palm Coast Honors the Fallen at 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony
Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, at Heroes Memorial Park. Each year, this deeply moving tradition brings our community together in a shared act of remembrance—honoring the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families who carry their legacy forward.
Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding the crowd through a morning steeped in reverence and reflection. The ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors by the Matanzas High School Junior ROTC and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Vice Mayor Pontieri, setting a tone of unity and gratitude.
Palm Coast resident Melissa Trumble, of Sweet Melissa Music, opened the ceremony with a stirring rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Following her performance, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Mark Chavez offered an invocation that invited attendees into a moment of spiritual reflection.
Congressman Randy Fine then took the podium, reminding the crowd that Memorial Day is not simply the start of summer—but a solemn occasion to reflect on the lives lost in service to our nation and the enduring sacrifice of the families left behind. His words were echoed by Vice Mayor Pontieri, who recounted the history of Memorial Day and called on the community to remember its true meaning: to honor the fallen and acknowledge the cost of our freedoms.
Council Members Ty Miller, David Sullivan, and Charles Gambaro Jr. took part in a deeply personal tribute, reading aloud the names of local fallen service members submitted by their families.
As a symbol of unity across our community, Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Joe Barile, Council Members Ty Miller, Charles Gambaro, and David Sullivan, Joseph Pepin of the American Legion, and Tamila and Mackenzie Treber Family—a Gold Star Family—laid a wreath at the base of the five memorial displays. Their gesture served as a poignant reminder of the strength and sacrifice that binds our military, public safety officials, and Gold Star families.
Palm Coast Fire Lieutenant Patrick Juliano performed a heartfelt performance of “Amazing Grace,” and then the Marine Corps League Detachment #876 performed the 21-Gun Salute. Bryan Ray of the Palm Coast Community Band brought the ceremony to a gentle close with the echoing notes of “Taps.”
To conclude, attendees participated in the second annual Honor Walk—a silent procession through Heroes Memorial Park—where families and residents laid flowers at the memorials in a final, personal act of remembrance.
The City of Palm Coast is deeply grateful to all who helped make the 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony a powerful and meaningful tribute. From our veterans and Gold Star Families to every resident who stood in solidarity, your presence honored the fallen, uplifted the living, and reaffirmed the enduring value of service and sacrifice.
Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/
When Disaster Strikes: Summer CERT Classes Start June 10
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – As hurricane season approaches, officials are on offense, working to prepare Flagler County before a storm hits the area.
Among the organizations helping prepare residents to assist is the team at the Flagler Volunteer Services in conjunction with Flagler County Emergency Management.
Judy Bucek, Volunteer Coordinator and Project Director for Flagler Volunteer Services, leads the training coordination for residents interested in supporting the professionals during emergencies.
“Our summer CERT class begins June 10. It runs for three weeks, three days a week, from 1 pm to 4 pm and it is free of charge for all residents,” said Bucek.
Learning response techniques for more than a dozen scenarios, the CERT training has been invaluable during past hurricanes, tornadoes, and even in traffic emergencies.
“It teaches you how to be a first responder before the first responder comes,” she said.
With hurricane season starting June 1st, this is a great time to learn how to prepare yourself, your family, and your neighbors in case a disaster does come our way Bucek added.
“You could always be more ready, and remember, no matter the weather forecast says, all it takes is one storm of any magnitude to impact our county,” she said.
More Than Money, Volunteers Are Priceless
Prior to any storm coming, Flagler Volunteer Services activates volunteers who help fill sand bags, direct traffic, prepare the shelters and the call centers.
“We do reach out to our CERT volunteers first because of their training,” said Bucek.
Post-storm, local governments ask for help from the federal government.
“Documented volunteer hours serve as a match, so put a dollar amount to the volunteer hours. All the hours that are turned in and documented come off the total bill that the cities and the county are responsible for,” she noted.
“You’re saving your own taxpayers money.”
Is There a Role for YOU?
“We tell them, there IS something for everyone to do,” said Bucek.
Working with residents experiencing mobility issues, Bucek says there is a role for everyone.
“I just did a training where people don’t even have to leave their house and answer phone calls,” she said.
“We definitely have something for everyone and we teach that in CERT – there is a job for every, single person. When it comes to volunteering, we can utilize anyone who’d like to help.”
Classes: June 10 – June 26, 2025
Tuesdays, Wednesday & Thursdays 1:00pm – 4:00pm
(except June 26th, 9am – 4pm, lunch included)
Flagler County Emergency Operations Center
1769 E Moody Blvd. Building #3 Bunnell, FL 32110
Full Schedule:
Tuesday, June 10 – Disaster Preparedness
Wednesday, June 11 – CERT Organization
Thursday, June 12 – Disaster Medical Operations – Part 1
Tuesday, June 17 – Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2
Wednesday, June 18 – Disaster Psychology
Thursday, June 19 – Fire Safety & Utility Controls
Tuesday, June 24 – Light Search & Rescue Operations
Wednesday, June 25 – CERT & Terrorism
*Thursday, June 26 Morning – Course Review, Final Exam &
Simulation Brief
Afternoon – Disaster Simulation and Graduation
The Flagler County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains neighbors to prepare for, respond to, and assist in recovering from local emergencies. CERT is a nationally certified curriculum that allows people to train with subject matter experts. Previous experience is not necessary!
Attendance is necessary at ALL sessions to receive certification.
(If unable to attend a session, it can be made up in another class. You will then receive your certificate upon completion)
Upon completion of the classes, volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and emergency kit!
REGISTER HERE
Questions?
Call 386-597-2950 or Email CERT@flaglervolunteer.org
Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … More Brains = Fewer Errors
One of the best qualities a successful leader has is discernment. It is the ability to separate fact from fiction.
It is not just knowing who to listen to on important issues although that is critical. It is being a systematic thinker and carefully collecting and considering all evidence from multiple sources and correctly interpreting it with your team. Brick, brick, brick…wall of evidence.
Depending on the significance of the issue, it is listening to a diverse spectrum of internal and external subject matter experts such as those who actually do the job and others recognized for their knowledge and experience with this specific subject. It is seeking and encouraging different and competing perspectives to be shared. More brains = fewer errors.
It is being able to determine when you have only been given part of the picture or half of the story. It is knowing when someone has an agenda other than what is best for the company. It is effectively evaluating the quality of the evidence and the credibility of those presenting information to you.
It is slowing down enough to think through all key aspects of implementation and major pros and cons of the decision. Do not rush get it right as one of my favorite CEOs likes to say.
You will never have perfect information or all the time in the world, but you can avoid self-inflicted errors such as bad data and irrational reasoning.
Depersonalize the decision – what is all the data really telling me?
Now, we all make mistakes. Real leaders learn from them. Effective leaders correct them.
I have seen excellent decisions made with amazing results from the right data, metrics, analysis, and listening to a diverse and full range of stakeholders and subject matter experts on an issue. I have also witnessed ridiculously bad choices made when someone in leadership listens solely to the wrong person, only sees the facts which fit their conclusion, disregards the data or metrics, or allows ego, emotion, or personalities to drive their decision.
I have two rules which have never failed me: first, someone too dumb to recognize when someone has lied to them when it is now obvious that occurred is too stupid to ever be on my team. You would be surprised at the number of CEOs who allow one person to fill their heads with a false reality to secure a decision they want, and the CEO does not see the obvious. Secondly, if you have not done your homework before asking me to make a consequential decision, I will not be making the decision you seek right now.
Leaders solve problems. Leaders make decisions. Leaders compare the actual outcomes to the promised results of their decisions so they can always make the best choices in the future.
Your decisions impact a lot of people. It is not about being brilliant. It is about being disciplined, avoiding the traps others do not, recognizing your strengths and limitations, and seeking to have the information you truly need to make the best decision. If it later turns out the decision needs to be modified or completely changed, leaders of integrity do not hesitate to do it because we want what is best for those we serve.
Sources: Abrashoff, 2002; Blanchard, 2011; Collins, 2001; Drucker, 2001; Grant, 2017; Kotter, 2012; Lencioni, 2012; Maxwell, 1998; Welch, 2005
#LeadershipLessonswithDrSaviak
Flagler County Turtle Trail Gains “Quilty 6.1” with Hetty Addition
PALM COAST, Fla. – It was a happy day indeed for the Verhagens as the cover was lifted and “Hetty” was unveiled to the world. Designed in collaboration with artist Bettie Eubanks, the Dutch inspired windmill scene on the shell of the loggerhead turtle was breathtakingly received by onlookers during the ceremony Thursday morning.
As part of the 22 feature Flagler County Turtle Trail overseen by the Flagler County Cultural Council, Hetty replaces the stolen “Quilty”, who was number six on the turtle trail route throughout Flagler County.
Sponsored by Bill and Pat Verhagen, the couple revealed that Quilty had been patterned after a special quilt Pat had crafted for Bill.
Stolen from her location on Waterfront Drive in 2022, the theft was a shock to the arts community. A reward of up to $5,000 was offered and remains available in conjunction with the Northeast Florida Crime Stoppers for a tip that leads to an arrest of the turtle napper.
The Verhagens would just be happy to have the missing Quilty returned, no questioned asked and even offered his business office, just steps from where she was stolen, as a drop off point.
Until then, Hetty, aka “Quilty 6.1” is resting comfortably in the park at the corner of Waterfront Drive and Colbert Lane, for all to enjoy.
Nationally recognized artist Bettie Eubanks said she falls in love with the turtle when she gets to the turtle’s face and makes a deep connection with the artwork.
Eubanks worked on both Quilty and Hetty, and took her time researching the history behind the blue and white Dutch pottery known as “Delft” that inspired Hetty’s look.
“I too had to fall into understanding history and it’s always been beautiful to understand the history behind what you’re doing so that it’s more meaningful,” she said.
“I sealed it with the color of the pottery that is done in the Netherlands, before I started to paint. It took two layers to actually get that there because I wanted that to come up through that white. I was trying to be as authentic as possible and trying to express as much care as I could.”
She was more than happy to share her talents for the art in public places project that has become a tourist attraction as visitors take part in a scavenger hunt-like adventure to visit all 22 turtles.
“My inspiration is the community,” said Eubanks. “I truly want them to have something they can enjoy as far as art. It takes a long time to get people to understand that it’s for everyone.”
Based on the works of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, Hetty is a nod to Bill Verhagen’s Dutch heritage and a beloved family member of the same name.
“It’s just incredible to work with Bettie again. She just did a fantastic job in taking a totally different artistic concept and putting it to work,” said Bill Verhagen.
A coffee table book featuring all the turtles and their history will be available through the Flagler County Cultural Council in October 2025.
To see a map of the Flagler County Turtle Trail, visit www.FlaglerArtsandCulture.org.
