Rep. John Rutherford✓

I was deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Harry Shorstein, five term State Attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. The criminal justice system and citizens of Clay, Duval and Nassau counties will forever owe him a deep amount of gratitude for his service to our communities. My prayers and condolences go out to the entire Shorstein family and all those who loved and admired him.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Criminals are using more creative tactics every day to impersonate IRS agents and scam taxpayers. Please make sure to ALWAYS double-check before responding to an unknown number AND report any suspicious or scam texts by emailing phishing@irs.gov.  To learn more about IRS scam warning signs, you may visit the IRS website here:

As the son of a Navy veteran, I join our sailors today in celebrating the U.S. Navy's 251st birthday! I am proud to represent a robust Naval community in Northeast Florida that will continue to support their efforts on land, in the air, and at sea.

Florida's farmers work hard to provide for our nation, feeding more than 100 million Americans and generating hundreds of millions of dollars for our economy. This National Farmers Day, I'm proud to support and recognize our great Florida farmers.

Every time I pass by the commanding painting of Christopher Columbus hanging in the Capitol Rotunda, I am reminded of our nation’s rich history. John Vanderlyn’s painting depicts the landing of Columbus and his crew members on a beach in the West Indies on October 12, 1492, marking the first landfall of their expedition to find a westward route from Europe to Asia. Today, we celebrate the first historic landing in America and the first chapter in our nation’s rich history. Happy Columbus Day!

I met with the American Trucking Association (ATA) and the owner of Moving and Storage of Jacksonville to discuss cracking down on fraudulent movers and brokers who are committing crimes against Americans and the moving industry. We must protect against cargo theft, “crash for cash” staged accident schemes, and the rising number of frivolous lawsuits facing transportation businesses in our community and nationwide. I was proud to cosponsor and vote YES on H.R. 2853, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, to help strengthen federal enforcement against organized retail and supply-chain crime, including cargo theft, and improve coordination among federal law enforcement agencies. I look forward to seeing this important legislation be passed by the Senate and signed into law.

I met with the Consortium of State School Boards Association (COSSBA) to discuss several issues impacting public education, including support for high school career and technical education programs, special education services, and professional and leadership development for teachers. Preparing our children for all opportunities is important, and so is giving our educators opportunities to develop the skills they need to succeed. To help address local educator shortages and improve the education of all children, it’s important we invest in our schools, teachers, and special education programs.

First Coast Crime Stoppers is a Jacksonville-based nonprofit that works with local law enforcement by allowing residents to anonymously report information about crimes and providing cash rewards when tips lead to arrests. In 2025, the organization received nearly 3,000 tips that resulted in 188 arrests and 484 cases cleared. The key to the success of First Coast Crime Stoppers is protecting and maintaining the anonymity of tipsters. Thank you for helping keep our communities safe. Keep up the great work!

Today marks 33 years since two U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopters were shot down over Mogadishu, Somalia, killing 18 Americans and wounding 73. We honor and remember the service members who sacrificed their lives that day and the days thereafter.

It was great to meet with members of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) to discuss ways we can support the veterinary workforce, pet owners, and the health and well-being of Americans. Right now, the demand for rural veterinarians, especially for those who treat large animals and livestock, is very high, with many regions in America vastly underserved. That’s why I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 2398, the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act, to address the shortage of food animal and public health veterinarians in rural and underserved communities.

In 1672, Florida Governor Manuel de Cendoya thrust a shovel into the ground to begin the fortification of St. Augustine. Since then, the fort has served as a monument to the First Coast's robust history and resiliency. The 20-acre site stands proud as the oldest and largest masonry fortress within the continental United States. Happy 354th birthday to Castillo de San Marcos!

Wind, storm surge, and flooding can be just as deadly as the hurricane itself. As peak hurricane season continues, please heed caution, monitor all weather alerts, and be prepared. Listen to 89.9 WJCT-FM and go to my website for more hurricane preparedness information:

We owe so much to the men and women who have served our great nation. This National Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Day, may we remember and honor those who sacrificed so much to keep the air we breathe free.

The knock on a door that initiates military families into the Gold Star community is one that changes their lives forever. Today, we honor our nation's Gold Star mothers and recognize their selfless contribution to preserving the liberties we hold dear.

The long-awaited South Atlantic red snapper season is finally here. From October 9th to October 22nd, I encourage everyone to take advantage of Florida's beautiful waters and go fishing! While it is fewer days than we hoped for, this season is a great opportunity for us to learn more about the red snapper fishery, collect high-quality data, and lay the groundwork for a longer and more predictable recreational season in 2027 and the years to come. Read my full statement here:

Wishing our Jewish community in Northeast Florida and across the nation a meaningful Yom Kippur and an easy fast. Yom Tov!

The POW/MIA flag flies across our nation to remember the more than 81,000 Americans who went missing in action or were imprisoned for their loyalty to our nation in the midst of conflict. This National POW/MIA Recognition Day, may we never forget their sacrifices.

Happy 79th birthday to the @USairforce! Thank you to the brave airmen and women who bravely defend our country each and every day. Aim High… Fly-Fight-Win! 🇺🇸

Today, we celebrate the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave Americans on September 17, 1787. Happy Constitution Day! 🇺🇸

On this solemn day, we remember the 9/11 terror attacks that shook our nation 25 years ago. May we never forget the Americans who lost their lives that day and the many days that followed. God Bless our brave servicemembers and allies who joined together in the aftermath of this great tragedy to fight terrorism around the world. As a nation, may we continue to find peace and strive each day to be worthy of their sacrifice. 🇺🇸