Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump surprised many Florida Republicans when he endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that could legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. He did so roughly six weeks after state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, did the same.

Gruters and Trump share a years-long connection, as the former Republican Party of Florida chair chaired the Florida arm of Trump’s successful 2016 presidential campaign. So did the Florida lawmaker influence Trump becoming the most prominent Republican ever to support decriminalizing cannabis.
“You will have to ask him that,” Gruters said, “but I am thankful for our continued relationship, and to me this is a winning issue.”

Gruters in July came out in support of Amendment 3, and shortly after announced plans to file implementing legislation that would regulate smoking pot in public places. Should the measure pass, Gruters said he wants Florida law modeled off existing statute in Arizona, where marijuana may be consumed recreationally but with significant restrictions on the time, place and manner.

The marijuana initiative will appear as Amendment 3 on the November ballot statewide. At least 60% of voters in that election must approve it for the language to be added to Florida’s constitution.

Of note, the position puts him at odds with Gov. Ron DeSantis. After Trump announced his support for the amendment, DeSantis’ senior staff attacked Gruters for it.

“It’s a shame that someone like Joe Gruters would support an amendment that has virtually no checks on where and how marijuana can be consumed—putting kids at risk,” posted James Uthmeier, DeSantis’ chief of staff, on X. “Someone should check who has given him political (money) and then see who is backing this amendment.”

That seems to be an implication Gruters accepted political donations from Trulieve, the state’s largest medical marijuana provider and the largest backer for Amendment 3. The company has not donated anything to Gruters’ 2026 campaign for Governor, but the company did give $1,000 to Gruters’ Senate campaigns in 2020 and 2022. Gruters is not up for election this cycle.

Gruters waived off the potential for conflict with the Governor this year or through 2026, when both men will serve out their last two years in their current offices. The Sarasota Senator was the first lawmaker in the state to endorse Trump over DeSantis for president this cycle. “None of these people liked me anyway,” he said of the Governor’s staff.

He also noted Trump took another position on a Florida ballot measure. After drawing some fire from members of his own party for criticizing Florida’s six-week abortion ban, Trump said he will vote against Amendment 4. That would return Florida law to its state before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Trump said that would remove the ability for Florida to stop abortions after a fetus can, according to some studies, feel pain.

That’s an issue where DeSantis, Trump and Gruters agree. Gruters filed “pain-capable” abortion bans even before Roe was overturned, and he voted for Florida’s current six-week ban. He said no political issue is as important to him as restricting abortions, and suggested the Governor would more wisely use his capital defeating Amendment 4.

Gruters said he can’t take credit for Trump’s stance on either amendment. “I talked to him about both amendments, but lots of people talk to President Trump,” he said. But he’s happy to be in complete alignment with Trump on both measures. 

Photo: Joe Gruters.

Pulte Homes, one of the nation’s most recognized and trusted new homebuilders for over 70 years, has commenced amenity construction in Arbor Oaks, its resort-inspired single-family home community in The Woodlands in North Port. To celebrate this exciting milestone, Pulte Homes invites interested home seekers to visit Arbor Oaks on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a preview of the community’s new resort-style amenities. Designed for a vacation-every-day lifestyle, Arbor Oaks’ expansive private amenities include a 7,300-square-foot clubhouse, fitness center, heated swimming pool, barefoot bar and both indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Located only 30 minutes from Gulf of Mexico beaches, Arbor Oaks is close to shopping, dining, entertainment, parks and premier boating.For more information about new homes in Arbor Oaks, visit www.ArborOaksFL.com or call 941-541-2966. 

To learn more, visit.

Please join Sarasota County Schools’ Human Resources department for this virtual event to learn more about our classroom paraprofessional jobs for the 2024-2025 School year! Participants should register at: https://scsvirtualevent.easyvirtualfair.com/. Questions? Please email recruitment@sarasotacountyschools.net 

Last week’s well attended Villa Ballada AIA hard hat tour provided an exciting glimpse into the future of urban living in the Rosemary District. The tour highlighted the project's innovative approach to enhancing community and pedestrian experiences. Featuring 22 urban residential units, the development skillfully integrates retail spaces along Kumquat Court, transforming a neglected street into a vibrant public destination. The elevated courtyard and open-air pool, along with terraces on each unit, further underscore the project’s commitment to promoting outdoor activity and resident well-being. With a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom units, Villa Ballada is designed to accommodate various lifestyles, offering unique features like 14-foot ceilings in fifth-floor units and shaded balconies that extend the building’s energy efficiency. This development not only aims to enhance street life but also sets a new standard for mixed-use projects in the area. 

To learn more, visit.

Trace Eye-D, a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative security and detection solutions, is thrilled to announce a new distributor partnership with Security Pro USA, a premier security industry solutions provider & supplier of critical presumptive-testing products to law enforcement agencies & allied military organizations across the United States & Asia. This exciting collaboration marks a significant expansion of  Trace Eye-D’s network of distributors, enhancing the availability of their instant detection narcotic and explosive products across the country.Through this partnership, Security Pro USA will now carry Trace Eye-D’s range of cutting-edge detection products, including the feature product in the fight against the fentanyl epidemic, the F1 Fentanyl Wipe. This wipe is designed to detect both synthetic and natural opioids, providing instant results and enhancing safety for law enforcement, first responders, and other security and healthcare personnel.“Trace Eye-D is at the forefront of developing solutions that address critical security and safety needs,” said Chris Baden, CEO of Trace Eye-D. “We are very excited about our new partnership with Security Pro USA. Their extensive reach and commitment to quality align perfectly with our mission to make the world a safer place. This collaboration will significantly expand the availability of our products, especially in the battle against the opioid crisis.” Customers can purchase Trace Eye-D’s instant detection wipes through Security Pro USA’s website at www.securityprousa.com. For more information about Trace Eye-D, their products, and their training offerings, visit TraceEyeD.com.