When I served as CEO of the Second Harvest of the Big Bend years ago, I saw firsthand how USDA funding was essential in providing healthy food to those in need. On May 2, I learned the federal government is slashing some of the food bank’s most critical programs. As a result, Second Harvest is losing $2 million in fresh food funding and forcibly ending grocery deliveries for nearly 100 local seniors.
Two turtles, named Neptune and Cloacina, were released at Alligator Point on Tuesday afternoon after receiving treatment at the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab.
In Panacea, Jack Rudloe has relied on AmeriCorps workers in building the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab into one of the nation’s best marine environmental programs. We learned last week that the entire AmeriCorps program is being dismantled – another victim of DOGE’s haphazard and senseless cuts – and the 10 essential AmeriCorps volunteers who worked at the lab in exchange for a small federal stipend were let go, without warning.
These decisions from Washington are hurting some of the Big Bend’s most vulnerable people.
Here in North Florida, we know that all politics is local. So, while it may be tempting to tune out the chaos at the federal level and ignore newscasts about wrongful deportations, tariffs, federal layoffs, and constitutional crises, these issues are coming for us whether we like it or not.
Lee Hall on FAMU’s campus.
Tariffs have already increased local prices for coffee and some produce by 15% to 20%. Florida State University is facing a loss of more than $50 million for scientific research and other grant work, and Florida A&M University has realized an $11 millioncut to an NIH grant for research on minority healthcare disparities. That is in addition to the loss of a $16.3 million grant cancelled by the NIH which supported the pharmacy school and FAMU’s Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) program.
Hurricanes like Michael and Helene remind us that accurate weather forecasts can save lives and property. AccuWeather predicts 10 or more hurricanes for this year, but the Trump Administration plans to slash funding for the National Weather Service and eliminate NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division. And FEMA has cancelled nearly $300 million for Florida’s hurricane relief and flood mitigation efforts.
While all of this may tempt us to shut down and tune out, there is one thing we must remember: we are not powerless. In fact, the most powerful tool we have is something nearly every American already owns — a smartphone.
As an elected official, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of hundreds—or thousands—of constituents making their concerns known. Even the most entrenched policymakers take notice when their phones ring off the hook and their inboxes are overflowing.
Already we’re beginning to see bipartisan pushback from Congress, so your engagement, combined with that of others, can change outcomes.
So what should you do?
Start simple. Make it a habit—just like brushing your teeth and drinking your coffee each morning. Every day, take five minutes to call the offices of Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody and Congressman Neal Dunn, or visit their ‘Contact Us’ webpages to send them an email. Tell them how you and your family are affected or include a link from a credible news story. Urge action. Be respectful but be direct.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Feb. 24, 2025, he was formalizing a Florida DOGE task force.
And don’t stop there. Encourage your friends and family members to call and write, too. Share your messages on social media to inspire others. Attend nonviolent protests. Join local civic groups. But above all, use your First Amendment rights to demand accountability at the federal level—loudly, clearly, and repeatedly. This is about real consequences to real lives, and your voice matters.
Throughout our nation’s history, Americans have marched, fought, and died for the rights we enjoy today. In 2025, our fight to preserve democracy won’t involve bayonets and battlefields—but it does involve persistence, courage, and a fully charged phone.
So don’t wait. Start today.
Rick Minor
Rick Minor, who represents District 3 on the Leon County Commission, has also worked with federal, state and local elected officials and candidates for more than 20 years.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Rick Minor: Protecting the Big Bend from federal cuts begins with you
