Letters: DeSantis’ damaging reign | State Guard mismanagement

DeSantis does damage on several fronts

Sunday’s headline “DeSantis begins prickly final session” reflects disappointing but not unexpected behavior from Gov. Ron DeSantis. After he rudely snubbed House Speaker Daniel Perez, he boasted about fiscal achievement, environmental improvements and ripping into universities to submarine what he considers dreaded DEI policy. He has a lot of explaining to do to the voters of Florida on these very topics.

In my opinion, the $10 million Hope Florida grand jury investigation over accusations of fraudulently diverting funds from Medicaid is not fiscal prudence, it’s criminal. The $83 million purchase of four acres in Okaloosa County, bought from a donor at 10 times its original purchase price, looks like a taxpayer ripoff. Meanwhile, a decision to shift funding to questionably performing charter schools, at the expense of the public school system, marks a personal assault on the children of Florida.

But as I see it, the biggest environmental blunder in the country was the $300 million Alligator Alcatraz. While FEMA approved monies in September 2025, Florida hasn’t seen a dime returned to taxpayer coffers while we continue to accrue additional operating costs. A requirement of the funding was having federal environmental impact studies, which were skipped in the clandestine processes of state agencies.

DeSantis’ war on diversity damaged our higher education. The Wall Street Journal ranked the University of Florida 34th among public universities, down from No. 11, citing factors like diversity and learning environment. Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation that “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth” should be taken to heart by DeSantis as he finishes his lame-duck term.

Debra Lupton Winter Park

More state shortcomings

Imagine that, another accusation of fiscal mismanagement and lack of oversight of a state agency (“Florida State Guard officers accuse leaders of fraud, waste and negligence,” Jan. 21).

I guess it’s time for Gov. Ron DeSantis and his appointed minions to fire up the bandwagon again.

I wonder which local government or LGBTQ issue they will attack to divert attention away from yet another state-level problem they were elected to handle in a professional and dignified manner?

Gerald S. Sutton Winter Park

Reiner tragedy spotlights children’s mental health

Recent headlines involving the Reiner family tragedy have once again thrust children’s mental health into public conversation and into family courts. While details continue to emerge, the broader reality is clear: children’s mental health struggles are increasing in both frequency and severity, and family law systems must confront that reality head-on.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that anxiety, depression and behavioral disorders affect millions of children. Divorce can intensify these challenges, yet many parenting plans still focus almost exclusively on schedules, transportation and extracurricular activities.

When a child or young adult shows signs of anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm or suicidal ideation, indecision and adult conflict can deepen the harm. Parenting plans, often viewed as private family documents, increasingly function as public-interest safeguards, providing structure for how mental health care is initiated and more. Clear provisions can require timely evaluations, ensure continuity of care and set a process when parents disagree.

At the same time, adolescents and young adults need appropriate confidentiality to engage in treatment, particularly as parents shift from decision-makers to supporters. Plans should address who may communicate with providers, and how urgent concerns are escalated — without turning therapy into another battleground.

Acknowledging a child’s mental health needs may be difficult, but avoidance carries far greater risk. Emotional safety is inseparable from physical well-being, and planning for it is no longer optional; it is essential.

Rebecca L. Palmer Orlando

Rebecca L. Palmer is the managing partner of The Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group, focusing on family and marital law.

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