TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) - Florida has a new second-in-command. Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday appointed Republican State Senator Jay Collins as lieutenant governor, filling a position that has been vacant for six months.

The appointment is one of DeSantis’ most closely watched moves as he heads into his final two years in office. Term-limited in 2026, the governor has been working to cement his political legacy and elevate allies who could succeed him.

“Florida must remain the best state in the nation to build, grow, and relocate families and businesses. To accomplish this, we must build on the successes of the past,” Lt. Gov. Collins said.

Collins, an Army combat veteran, former Green Beret and nonprofit executive, replaces Jeanette Nuñez, who resigned i

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