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Florida Bar Dismisses Defamation Case Amid Drug Trafficker Arrest

2/8/2026

Center

Corben's Defamation Dismissed

The Florida Bar dismissed the defamation complaint filed by Billy Corben against Monique Pardo Pope for insufficient evidence.
Corben criticized the decision, alleging it endorses unethical behavior after Pardo Pope made false statements about his legal history during her campaign.
In Martin County, Bryan Gomez-Colin, a major drug trafficker, was arrested in a case tied to a large marijuana and THC seizure prompted by vaping complaints.

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DeSantis Defends DOJ

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised Department of Justice for reportedly dismissing a complaint in the Hope Florida scandal.
DeSantis described the investigation as a “witch hunt.”
Centene agreed to return $67 million to Florida, including $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation.
Critics say funds were funneled to a political action committee opposing a marijuana legalization amendment.
Casey DeSantis, Ron DeSantis's wife, could run for governor in 2026.

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Guthrie Faces DOJ Delay

According to Florida's emergency management director Kevin Guthrie, the Justice Department is delaying a $608 million reimbursement to Florida for immigration enforcement, including the Alligator Alcatraz detention center, after FEMA approved the funds.
The Florida Department of Health paused AIDS Drug Assistance Program cuts after legal challenges from advocates seeking transparency about a $120 million budget shortfall.
Lawmakers are debating emergency fund reauthorization, with some expressing skepticism about accountability in spending.

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Corben's Defamation Dismissed

The Florida Bar dismissed the defamation complaint filed by Billy Corben against Monique Pardo Pope for insufficient evidence.
Corben criticized the decision, alleging it endorses unethical behavior after Pardo Pope made false statements about his legal history during her campaign.
In Martin County, Bryan Gomez-Colin, a major drug trafficker, was arrested in a case tied to a large marijuana and THC seizure prompted by vaping complaints.

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