The Citrus Eagle-Buzz of the Beak
July 21, 2026 - Reader-supported FREE interactive newsletter w/paid option. *There Are Advertisements. Connecting you with valuable resources & Event Notices to increase community engagement! 👀
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If you would like to see how the Citrus County Commissioners voted on a specific topic, click the following button and Search (search bar is on the right) by topic, (i.e, Holder). You may also search in “Motion By” to see who’s putting forth a topic, etc.
If you have questions, Commission Chair Diana Finegan can be reached at diana.finegan@citrusbocc.com
ICYMI - During my search for candidates running in this election, I was surprised to discover this social media post by Commissioner Rebecca Bays.
CBP Seizes $53,800 in Undeclared Currency at Fort Lauderdale Airport
07/16/2026 01:20 PM EDT
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport seized more than $53,800 in undeclared U.S. currency from an outbound traveler headed to Kingston, Jamaica, who was arrested July…
CBP seizes five luxury vehicles valued at more than $539,000 in Tampa export fraud investigation
07/16/2026 01:10 PM EDT
TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Tampa seized five luxury vehicles valued at more than $539,000 after uncovering an export fraud scheme on June 26. The vehicles were being prepared for export using fraudulent documents…
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS
Time For Some Comedy. Enjoy!
Super Service, Super Food, Super Accomodations!
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THANK YOU, HEROES for Defending Our Country! I LOVE YOU!
As many of you know, with the new redistricting, Congressman Gus Bilirakis will be representing our district through December. We have a new champion in Congress that will be on the ballot for Citrus County this November, Congresswoman Laurel Lee.
For those of you that have yet to meet her, she is a POWERHOUSE to our community. She’s a former federal prosecutor and circuit judge and a profound supporter of President Trump’s legislation. Congressman Gus Bilirakis has ensured us at his campaign kickoff that she will be a fighter just as he is. He even had her give opening remarks about his style of leadership, what it’s like to work with him, and that he measures his success by his ability to provide results for his constituents.
It was truly an honor to be at such a momentous occasion and while I am a strong supporter of Gus Bilirakis, I am also excited to welcome Congresswoman Laurel Lee to our community with open arms and great enthusiasm.
When you cast your vote this November, Remember to vote for LAUREL LEE! Gus has assured me that he will still be available and work with our community and Laurel Lee.
Sincerely,
Elaine T Kleid
Excerpts from Byron Donalds Newsletter.
For Immediate Release
June 11, 2026
Contact: Madison Ferrie
(202) 225-2536
Donalds Introduces the Tax Dollar Accountability Act
WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) has introduced the “Tax Dollar Accountability Act” to protect hard-earned taxpayer dollars by requiring local and state governments to open their financial books to federal auditors or face a total freeze of their federal funds.
Introduced as the 26th piece of legislation by Congressman Donalds in the 119th Congress, this measure furthers the Trump administration’s commitment to rooting out waste, fraud and abuse.
Any government entity that accepts federal funding must grant the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency complete access to its internal financial records that pertain to federal dollars. This includes detailed budgets, expenditure reports, vendor contracts, and grant distributions. Local and state officials will be legally required to hand over these documents at the conclusion of every fiscal year to verify that federal taxpayer dollars are being managed properly.
“The rampant fraud and abuse of federal taxpayers that has been allowed to take place is not just unacceptable but is a direct insult to hardworking Americans across the country. The precious dollars that our citizens are compelled to send to Washington must be guarded with the utmost care and used for the betterment of our country, not to line the pockets of corrupt individuals and organizations,” said Congressman Byron Donalds. “Americans everywhere deserve to know where their money is being sent and what it is being used for, and that is why I’m proud to introduce the Tax Dollar Accountability Act to audit all federal dollars sent to every level of government.”
Trump Endorses Byron Donalds For Florida Governor
President Donald Trump has endorsed Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) for Florida Governor.
Through a post on Truth Social, President Trump lauded Representative Donalds and predicted he would be a great governor.
“As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda,” claimed Trump.
Memory Lane
For Immediate Release - July 17, 2026
Rep. Laurel Lee Hosts Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Announce FDA Proposal Supporting Florida Citrus Industry
Lakeland, FL – Today, Representative Laurel Lee (FL-15) hosted Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL), Representative Kat Cammack (FL-03) and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson for a press conference alongside Florida citrus growers and industry leaders to discuss the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed rule to modernize the federal Brix standard for not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice.
Excerpts from Congressman Laurel Lee’s Newsletter
Featured in PBS Frontline’s Baby Brokers
Recently, PBS Frontline premiered its documentary, Baby Brokers, which examines the challenges and gaps in oversight within America’s domestic adoption system. I was honored to participate in the documentary and discuss my work to strengthen protections for children and families through the bipartisan ADOPT Act.
As a former family court judge, I have seen firsthand how important it is to ensure every adoption is handled with transparency, integrity, and the best interests of the child at the center of every decision. The ADOPT Act would strengthen oversight of unlicensed adoption intermediaries, improve accountability, and help protect birth parents, adoptive families, and children from exploitation.
Watch the full episode of Frontline: Baby Brokers here.
Launching Trump Accounts for America’s Next Generation
This week Trump Accounts was officially launched, a new initiative designed to help more American children begin building financial security from an early age.
Created through the One Big Beautiful Bill that Congress passed last year, Trump Accounts allow parents or legal guardians to open long-term investment accounts for any child under the age of 18. Children born between 2025 and 2028 will also receive a $1,000 federal contribution to help give them a strong financial start. Parents, grandparents, family members, friends, employers, and others can continue contributing over time, giving these accounts the opportunity to grow alongside the child.
Whether a young person chooses to pursue higher education, start a business, buy a home, or invest in career training, these accounts are intended to provide a stronger financial foundation as they enter adulthood.
As a mother, I know that every parent wants to give their children every opportunity to succeed. That is why I supported this initiative. It is about looking beyond today’s challenges and making smart investments in the next generation. Alongside permanent tax relief for working families and policies that strengthen our economy, Trump Accounts represent another way we are helping ensure that America’s children have greater opportunities to achieve the American Dream.
To learn more or sign your child up today click here.
Illinois Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation in Nepal
Guatemalan National Extradited to the United States Admits to Role in 2021 Alien Smuggling Mass Casualty Event in Chiapas, Mexico
Dallas Seafood Business Fined $250,000 for Falsifying Country of Origin for Salmon
Pennsylvania Doctor Pleads Guilty to Multiple Child Sexual Exploitation Offenses
Two Key Members of Chinese Money Laundering Network Charged with Laundering $43 Million in Investment Fraud Proceeds
Former Census Bureau Program Manager Sentenced to Prison for Bribery and Procurement Fraud Conspiracy
Successful Transfer of Abdikerm Eidleh from Somalia to Minnesota to Face Charges for Role in Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme
Florida Man Admits to Strangling Military Spouse on Two Occasions and Lying to FBI
Nevada Businesswoman Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulent Scheme Seeking Millions in COVID-19 Tax Credits
Nine Criminal Aliens from Venezuela Plead Guilty for Roles in Sex Trafficking Organization
Two TD Bank Insiders Sentenced to Prison for Facilitating Money Laundering, Fraud
Former Adviser to Federal Reserve Board of Governors Sentenced to Federal Prison Term
Three Russian Nationals and Two Companies Indicted for International Cybercrimes Resulting in More Than $62M in Victim Losses
Pharmacy Owner and Technician Sentenced for Falsifying Audit Documents and Submitting Fraudulent Claims
Trade Fraud Task Force Surpasses $1 Billion in Recoveries and Charged Losses in Less Than One Year
Massachusetts Man Convicted of Violating U.S. Sanctions Against Iran
Dear Fellow Floridian,
Great news for Florida! This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed my Sunshine Protection Act this bill would end America’s twice-yearly time change and allow our great state to stay on Daylight Saving Time year-round.
I have been calling on Congress to pass the Sunshine Protection Act ever since I was Governor. In 2018, as Governor of Florida, I signed legislation that, pending federal approval, would exempt Florida from the time change.
In Florida, an extra hour in the evening allows people more time to be outside to play with their kids, walk their dogs, play golf, fish, and enjoy our world-famous beaches and parks. Daylight Saving Time helps our farmers, encourages healthier families by encouraging more time outdoors. It also helps make neighborhoods safer, grows the economy, and reduces electricity costs.
Now it’s time for the Senate to do its job and pass the bill and then send it to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
This week I joined NewsNation to discuss the Sunshine Protection Act. You can watch that interview HERE
Rick Scott
United States Senator
To be the first to find out about Senator Scott‘s actions and statements, follow him on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
See a video of Senator Scott’s Annual Hurricane Preparedness message for the 2026 Hurricane Season HERE
If you would like to stay updated on the work I am doing on behalf of Floridians in the U.S. Senate, I invite you to visit my website, subscribe to my newsletter and YouTube, and follow me on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
Sincerely,
Ashley Moody
Volunteer Opportunities & Events with Senator Moody
Congressional Representatives
Bill Tracking
31,000 Florida Professional Firefighters endorse Blaise Ingoglia.
Finance Appropriations
Representatives’ Roll Call Votes/Voting Records
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Voter Data Center - Registering to Vote in Florida
Florida voters can register to vote in a variety of ways:
Online here.
In person at your local supervisor of elections office.
By completing a Florida Voter Registration Application and mailing it to your local supervisor of elections office.
To register:
You need to register with your local, county Supervisor of Elections. The list can be found here. The rules for voting by mail can be found here.
To be eligible you must:
Be a United States citizen
Be a Florida resident
Be 18 years old
Not have been convicted of a felony without your civil rights having been restored
Registration Deadlines
You can register at any time. However, to vote in an election, you must be registered by the book closing date, which is normally the 29th day before each election.
For more information on voter registration in Florida, you can visit the Florida voter registration page here.
Florida Office of Inspectors General
Any questions email kenmccard@gmail.com or text/call 954-258-1111.
Ken McCard Lake County Republican Party https://www.lakecountyrepublicans.org/
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07/16/2026 08:37 AM EDT
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FREE FOR ALL FRIDAY With Steve Gruber
Call the common sense hotline
877-310-9966
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Courageous & Free - Rehabilitation Center for Human Trafficking Survivors
Click Here & Get The Book! Government Gangsters By Kash Patel
“Some recognize the mysteries around us and want to probe them and understand them, while others are content with the static reality they have boxed themselves in. However, it is the curiosity of skeptical minds that seek the path of truth, knowledge, and understanding and with this comes wisdom. These are the gifted souls that are remembered for advancing civilization...”
Author CS Bennett
*************************
Hello, all... Just keeping my word as promised on providing updates on my latest literary project for those interested in my latest literary work. Outside of political books, I write military suspense, human-interest, and adventure novels. Attached to this email is the final draft of the script I signed off on for the video trailer promoting my latest adventure-filled Allure of Roses Project. This project is centered on two adventure novels I authored and the booklet I wrote to promote them. The novels are centered on two famous paintings lost at sea while being transported on two different cargo ships that sank, many years apart. One of the paintings being sought by professional treasure hunters is The Rose of Enchantment. If recovered intact and in excellent condition, it is said to be valued at around $250 million. The second painting, the frantic hunt is on for, which is also the subject of the sequel to the first novel, is known as The Essence of Cinnamon. If this painting is recovered intact and in excellent condition, it is valued at around $320 million.
As some of you may know, an accomplished, legendary Hollywood Producer and former MGM and Columbia Studios Executive has taken a great interest in this project and is personally writing the screenplay for the first novel. His name is Peter Anthony Andrews. The script I am sharing with you today focuses on the two novels as presented in the third booklet titled, The Model, The Author, His Wife, The Artist & The Producer. As with anything involved and time-sensitive, I labored over the script and got it done within 24 hours. I had to make this the pitch of my writing career.... Not sure if I accomplished that, but I gave it my best try... The dialogue required for these promotional trailers is short and has to take into account the visual aspect of the trailer.
I had to envision what was needed in the script, wrestled with it once I decided on it, and then I wrote it and finalized it. Sophia, my lead graphic and video designer/guru, is going to see to it that the trailer drops sometime in June or July with all of the fanfare of a major Hollywood movie premiere. I wrote this script to be as dramatic as any suspense movie trailer that was ever made. The script is divided into the narrative section with the accompanying visual I envisioned and approved, which mirrors the written narrative. When all of this is put together in the video trailer, I will share it with you. I do this for the love I have of writing and for the love and passionate support I have for those who inspired me... CS Bennett
THE JEWISH-CHRISTIAN CONNECTION
Zechariah 2: 8 “For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.”
For centuries the Jewish nation has been criticized, hated and many murdered by the misinformed. To base an opinion of a culture, nation or religion on generational thinking rather than truth and fact is unwarranted and unjustified.
Results of those misunderstandings have been catastrophic. The support of Israel against their 4000 year old enemy is imperative for Judeo-Christians.
Thousands of deaths on both sides of the conflict have been cataclysmic. Cultures, in many cases, do not coexist in harmony. Tolerance and a “live and let live” philosophy do not appear to be possible.
Dating back to Sarah (wife of Abraham) and Hagar (servant of Sarah) the disdain (Genesis 21:8-14) between the two factions has never ended.
While America was not founded based on Judaism, the foundation of the Christian faith is based on the Old Testament teachings.
One of the American founding fathers admonitions to future generations was a high regard for rights and particularly, the rights of others. One of those basic rights was freedom of religion.
America has many freedoms including freedom from oppression. Christianity through the concepts passed to us by the Jewish nation gives Christians freedom from the bondage of sin.
The first pioneers/settlers on the shores of the western hemisphere were Christian and their religion was Christianity. To be hated or intimidated by another belief is not freedom.
To allow the infiltration of the new country by other religions was essential but problems have been spawned. Over the years those problems have escalated and a solution for coexistence is doubtful.
Jews first arrived in New Amsterdam (now New York City) from Brazil in 1654. The inquisition in Brazil was by the Portuguese, refusing to accept religious tolerance.
Over 600 Jews fled Brazil. Many went back to Europe but twenty-three went to the new world; now America.
The influence those Jews had on the settling of the new world was mostly positive. They assimilated into the population and very little, if any, conflict existed between them and the Christians.
As we consider the history and expansion of the Jewish people throughout the world (Ezekiel 36: 19), we must realize their influence on the rest of us is immeasurable.
Our history has a connection to Jerusalem more than any European city or country. Our blood came from Europe and other parts of the world but our connection to God came from Israel. When Moses went onto Mt. Saini and brought down the Ten Commandments, the stage was set for the formulation of many of man’s laws written yesterday and today.
Those laws (commandments) established by God, connected today’s world to the Jews, in a way that can never be severed or disputed.
God established the Jewish nation and their land around 4000 years ago. Their purpose was to provide the world with a Savior (Isaiah 49: 6).
Savior Jesus came nearly 2000 years ago to make eternal salvation a result of a faith based belief in Him. John 3: 16 states “whosoever believes in Him” will have eternal life. What was a horrifying ordeal for Jesus makes eternity simple for us.
For anyone to discredit the Jewish nation for providing the world with a Savior, a great misunderstanding does exist.
Genesis 12: 2-3 “I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
We can see from verse three, to condemn and hate Israel is extremely dangerous. That great blessing noted in verse three was to be Savior Jesus.
The Jews set the concept of the blood sacrifice. The practice of the Jews in Old Testament times was to take an animal to the altar and bleed it. That blood sacrifice was for the atonement of their sin.
Leviticus 17: 11 “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”
This verse also offers a biological fact. Blood is literally alive. To analyze the implications of our blood by its characteristics and abilities would fill volumes. Our blood furnishes oxygen and nourishment to all of the thirty-trillion cells in our bodies, one atom at a time.
The shedding of blood and that being associated with death signifies the salvation connection with Jesus’ death on the cross.
Hebrews 9: 22b “without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.” The writer of Hebrews was explaining the Old Testament-New Testament connection.
That practice was followed for 1500 years before Christ was born. He became the blood sacrifice for the sin of the world.
When examined in detail, we see how the world is connected to the Hebrew people. Sad to say, billions do not realize this and the hatred of that people will continue.
One of our greatest enemies is misunderstanding. As long as misinformation is passed from generation to generation, the lies and deceptions will continue. Read and study the Bible for yourself.
John 1: 17 “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” Jesus gave us eternal salvation by grace and mercy by being a believer-follower of Christ Jesus, crucified and resurrected.
Van Yandell is a retired Industrial Arts teacher, an ordained gospel evangelist and missionary, His email is vmy3451@gmail.com
Now’s the Time!
Big question of all time. What happens with the Iran war? I get confused listening to the various opinions, although lately I see a light. Some are now mentioning a boots on the ground option, which I always saw as the only resolution that results in the Iranian People taking control of their government. I have yet to hear about where the Arab countries are. Those countries that hate & fear Iran, the ones who experience terrorism against their citizens, along with missiles, all caused by Iran.
Now is the time for those countries & others to unite with the objective of boots on the ground to eliminate the Republican Guard (the core of the problem), which will free the Iranian people. If America must have boots on the ground, it should be limited to protecting Iran’s oil industry, critical for the Iranian people to rebuild their country. By then Irans oil industry will be far enough away from the fighting, coupled with their coastal attacks having been nullified, it will be the safest option to control the oil. At that point, the war is over & the Middle East will have peace & prosperity, the Iranian people will have Freedom. For me, the solution is quite simple, yet I haven’t heard about a commitment, not yet. Although many retired military people are talking along the same lines.
Now is also the time to pass the legislation ’Save America Act’. The latest evidence is clear (no longer right-wing ‘conspiracy’ theory), our election system is broken with fraud. An act that requires all people voting to prove they are a citizen, a simple license, birth certificate, etc & if already a registered voter, you do nothing, just vote. The Act should have no argument. That bipartisan thing, but it’s not, in reality, the Party voting against it is the same Party linked to the election fraud, imagine that!
Which brings me to a really disturbing reality. Is there any doubt that the Democratic Party is being controlled by the Democratic Socialists of America faction? Where are the moderate Democrats with their silent voices? Do they agree with the platform of DSA? I can’t stop thinking about where those Democrats are who will stand up and take their Party back to serving the American people. Those Democrats we used to sit with & debate our positions, resulting in passing legislation, America needs THOSE Democrats.
Leaving with the thought, get facts & make sure to vote on all levels of Govt, State, Local, or Federal, America needs your support & we need America.
Stories on the Thinking Zone: https://fdlovell.wixsite.com/the-thinking-zone/home
Frank D. Lovell
American Patriots
Free State of Florida
Advisor, Secretary, Independent Author, Poet & Publisher
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