NewsCreative Loafing Tampa BayJuly 30, 2026Florida
Calls for Release of Grand Jury Report on Hope Florida Funds
Photo: Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried is urging U.S. Senator Ashley Moody to facilitate the release of a grand jury report concerning the redirection of $10 million in taxpayer funds to the Hope Florida Foundation. The funds, originally part of a $67 million legal settlement with Centene Health Plan, were allegedly used to influence a 2024 ballot initiative.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa BayWhy It Matters
The public release of this report would clarify how $10 million in state settlement funds were allocated and whether those funds were used for political purposes, impacting public trust and government accountability.
Key Facts
- A $67 million legal settlement was signed between the Florida Agency of Healthcare Administration and Centene Health Plan.
- $10 million of the settlement was diverted to the Hope Florida Foundation in 2024.
- The $10 million was allegedly used to help defeat a 2024 ballot initiative regarding recreational marijuana.
- A grand jury investigation into the fund diversion was conducted by State Attorney Jack Campbell.
- No criminal charges were brought as a result of the grand jury investigation.
- Under state law, grand jury reports are typically released within 15 days of completion unless redactions or withholding are requested by involved parties.
- The remaining $57 million of the settlement was allocated to the Florida Agency of Healthcare Administration.
- Ashley Moody served as Attorney General when the settlement was signed.
Who's Mentioned
PersonRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida.”PersonJohn Guard“Former deputy attorney general.”PersonAngie Nixon“Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.”PersonNikki Fried“Florida Democratic Party Chair calling for the report's release.”OrganizationCentene Health Plan“Managed care provider that signed a $67 million settlement with the state.”PersonCasey DeSantis“First Lady who launched the Hope Florida initiative.”PersonJack Campbell“State Attorney in Tallahassee who led the grand jury investigation.”PersonAlex Andrade“State Representative who commented on Moody's role in the settlement.”PersonAlex Vindman“Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.”OrganizationHope Florida Foundation“Recipient of $10 million in diverted settlement funds.”PersonJames Uthmeier“Former chief of staff to Gov. DeSantis; linked to political committees receiving”PersonAshley Moody“U.S. Senator and former Florida Attorney General involved in the settlement.”