Florida agency instructs newspaper to cease coverage of foundation linked to…

Title: Tensions Escalate Between Florida’s Department of Children and Families and Orlando Sentinel Over Investigative Reporting

In a significant development that highlights conflicts over press freedom and state accountability, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to the Orlando Sentinel regarding an upcoming story focused on grants allocated by Hope Florida. This organization, which collaborates with the DCF, has reportedly distributed funding to various families and entities to aid in recovery from last year’s devastating hurricanes.

Roger Simmons, the Executive Editor of the Orlando Sentinel, vehemently rejected the DCF’s claims of intimidation directed at families involved in the coverage. He characterized the agency’s representation of the incident as “completely false” and underscored the newspaper’s commitment to journalistic integrity. “We stand by our stories and reject the state’s attempt to chill free speech and encroach on our First Amendment right to report on an important issue,” Simmons stated in an email communication.

The DCF’s letter, which the agency made public via social media, asserts that Hope Florida has been instrumental in helping foster families by providing financial support for home repairs. However, legal experts suggest that the DCF’s actions may constitute an unlawful effort to impose prior restraint on the journalism process—a concept that, in a democratic society, is generally deemed unconstitutional.

Clay Calvert, a law professor emeritus at the University of Florida and a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, criticized the DCF’s approach, indicating that such measures are attempts to suppress unfavorable reporting. “If I were the Sentinel’s attorney, I would tell the agency to go pound sand,” he remarked, further noting that compliance with such cease-and-desist orders is not obligatory for the media.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, prosecutors in Tallahassee have initiated an investigation concerning Hope Florida. A records custodian confirmed the open inquiry last month, which was originally reported by the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times. This investigation scrutinizes financial transactions involving Hope Florida that have drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle, particularly focusing on its million allocation from a state Medicaid settlement to two nonprofits. These organizations subsequently contributed substantial amounts to a political committee led by Governor Ron DeSantis’ former chief of staff, tied to a campaign against a failed referendum on recreational marijuana.

The inquiry led by Republican state Representative Alex Andrade has concluded his part, deferring the remaining investigation to federal authorities, although there is currently no public indication that the FBI or DOJ are actively pursuing the matter. Andrade has alleged that the financial operations of Hope Florida could involve serious criminal activities, including conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud.

In the face of these unfolding events, Governor Ron DeSantis has dismissed the inquiry as a politically motivated attack targeting his wife, whom he has positioned as a potential successor in the 2026 gubernatorial race. As tensions simmer, the Orlando Sentinel remains poised to publish its investigative report, thereby underscoring the vital interplay between journalism, public oversight, and governmental accountability in Florida.

For ongoing updates on this evolving situation and other news, readers can follow Mike Schneider on social media platforms.