NewsCreative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsJuly 30, 2026Florida
Calls for release of grand jury report on Hope Florida funding
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried is urging Attorney General Ashley Moody to release a grand jury report regarding the use of $10 million in taxpayer funds for the Hope Florida Foundation. The request follows concerns over how state welfare initiative funds were allocated in 2024.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsWhy It Matters
The request concerns the transparency of $10 million in state taxpayer funds allocated to the Hope Florida Foundation, a welfare initiative associated with the First Lady.
Key Facts
- Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried is requesting the release of a grand jury report.
- The report concerns the diversion of $10 million in taxpayer funds to the Hope Florida Foundation.
- The funds were diverted during the 2024 calendar year.
- Hope Florida is a state-wide welfare assistance initiative launched by First Lady Casey DeSantis.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida.”personJohn Guard“Former deputy attorney general under Moody.”organizationFlorida Agency of Healthcare Administration“Signed the $67 million settlement agreement with Centene.”personAngie Nixon“Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.”personNikki Fried“Florida Democratic Party Chair calling for the report's release.”organizationCentene Health Plan“Managed care provider that paid the $67 million settlement.”personCasey DeSantis“First Lady of Florida who launched the Hope Florida initiative.”personJack Campbell“State Attorney in Tallahassee who led the grand jury investigation.”personAlex Andrade“State Representative who commented on the settlement signatories.”personAlex Vindman“Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.”organizationHope Florida Foundation“Recipient of $10 million in diverted taxpayer funds.”personJames Uthmeier“Former chief of staff to Gov. Ron DeSantis; linked to political committees recei”personAshley Moody“U.S. Senator and former Florida Attorney General involved in the original settle”