TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ( WWSB ) — Florida has a new lieutenant governor. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed state Sen. Jay Collins to the role Tuesday morning, ending a six-month vacancy.

Collins succeeds Jeanette Nuñez, who stepped down earlier this year to become president of Florida International University. Her departure left the post empty in January.

Florida ranks #1 for religious liberty in the U.S., Governor Ron DeSantis says

The swearing-in took place during a news conference at the Capitol. Collins, a Republican from Tampa, said he’s ready for the challenge.

“I’ve lived a life of service,” Collins said. “When you’ve worn the cloth of our nation, you’ve been in the fire and fought for something greater than yourself … you don’t flinch.”

Collins will vacate his Senate seat, which he

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