Tag Archives: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Cabinet Approve Strategic Conservation and Agricultural Land Acquisitions

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Press release from Office of Governor Ron DeSantis:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the protection of over 21,500 acres of conservation and agricultural lands, including Florida Forever and Rural and Family Lands Protection Program acquisitions, representing a total investment of $27.4 million. These strategic acquisitions will strengthen Florida’s conservation network, support military readiness through Sentinel Landscapes and preserve family-owned agricultural lands, ensuring the state’s natural and rural landscapes remain intact for future generations.

“From day one, my administration has recognized the importance of preserving Florida’s environment for future generations,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “By protecting the right lands in the right places, we’re securing clean water, supporting military readiness, strengthening rural economies, and preserving the natural heritage that makes Florida a world-class destination.”

“Protecting Florida’s agricultural and conservation lands means keeping it in the hands of the families who work them,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “I was proud to approve the protection of these lands today alongside the Governor and my fellow Cabinet members. Every acre protected through these programs keeps our state a little more rural – and a lot more Florida – while supporting farmers, ranchers, and conservation efforts statewide.” 

“Florida Forever continues to deliver transformative conservation outcomes for our state,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “The Governor and Cabinet’s ongoing support ensures we can continue safeguarding vital ecosystems, water resources, working lands and the landscapes that define Florida.”

About today’s land acquisition approvals:

  • Two conservation easements totaling 10,996 acres within the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor in Collier and Hendry counties will enhance connectivity between the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve and Dinner Island Wildlife Management Area. These properties provide critical habitat for imperiled species such as the Florida panther, while supporting agricultural operations. These properties lie within the Big Cypress Area of Critical State Concern and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
  • A 7,437-acre conservation easement within the Coastal Headwaters Longleaf Forest Florida Forever Project in Escambia County will provide a critical buffer for key military installations while protecting water quality and aquifer recharge in the Perdido and Escambia river watersheds. This property lies within the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and Florida Wildlife Corridor.
  • A 2,060-acre rural lands protection easement within the Tilton Family Farm Project in Putnam County. The property has been family-owned since 1973 and includes a cow/calf operation, timber stands and row crops. The farm produces honey and fresh produce, supporting local food deserts and sustaining community access to fresh, healthy food. This property lies within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
  • A 1,059-acre rural lands protection easement within the Siboney Ranch Project in Okeechobee County. The property has been family-owned since 2003 and operates as a cow/calf operation. It is bordered by Pine Creek Sporting Club to the west and Quail Creek Sporting Ranch to the east, preserving productive agricultural land and maintaining rural heritage. This property lies within the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape and Florida Wildlife Corridor.

As part of his proposed Floridians First Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27, Governor DeSantis has recommended $115 million for the Florida Forever Program, the state’s blueprint for conserving natural and recreation lands and securing conservation easements, including those within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The proposed budget also includes $200 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to support Florida’s working agricultural lands and family farms. More information on today’s land approvals can be found here.

Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Pascale Achille To Broward Circuit Court Bench

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Press release from the 17th Judicial Circuit:

Pascale Achille

Fort Lauderdale, FL – The 17th Judicial Circuit is delighted to announce the appointment of Pascale Achille to the Circuit Court bench. Governor Ron DeSantis made the appointment on Monday to fill the vacancy created by the August 15th resignation of Judge Gary M. Farmer, Jr.

“We would like to formally congratulate and extend a warm welcome to Judge Pascale Achille on her appointment to the 17th Judicial Circuit Court bench,” said Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips. “We greatly look forward to working alongside her.”

Judge Achille has worked as an Assistant State Attorney at the Broward State Attorney’s Office for 12 years where she has been a member of the Homicide Trial Unit since 2018. She was previously assigned to the sexual battery and career criminal units. Earlier in her career, she spent eight years as a civil attorney handling federal and state matters, drafting appellate briefs and arguing before the Second and Fifth District Court of Appeal.

A graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Art’s degree in English, Judge Achille earned her Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University College of Law.

“I am truly grateful to the Governor’s Office and the Judicial Nominating Commission for the privilege of serving the people as a Circuit Court Judge,” said Judge Achille, a longtime Broward County resident. “It has been an honor to serve Broward County as an Assistant State Attorney in the Homicide Trial Unit.”