If you’re tired of questionable additives in your baby’s bottle, good news: Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state leaders are as well.

During a press conference in Bartow, DeSantis and other state leaders condemned toxic filler in formula, introducing members of the Florida MAHA Commission and lauding their efforts to test “staples” like infant formula.

“What we just want is, basically, transparency and the truth, and we want people to be able to make the best decision for them — not necessarily what would be in the best decision of some, you know, manufacturer or something like that,” DeSantis said.

First Lady Casey DeSantis, a survivor of breast cancer and a mother of three, said “small, repeated toxins” can add up to consequences, particularly in what’s being fed to babies.

Baby formula contamination “affects the most vulnerable among us,” she said, noting that Friday’s action is just the first of many “major announcements” regarding toxic additives to food in the coming days and weeks.

Florida’s Department of Health tested 24 formulas for contaminants, with 16 of them having at least one heavy metal that exceeded federal standards, the First Lady said, evidencing “systemic problems” and showing the need for manufacturers to test for “harmful chemicals.”

“Of the 24 infant formulas tested, 16 of those formulas contained at least one, if not more, heavy metals that exceeded federal standards. Mercury was the most common detected above federal benchmarks in 16 formulas. Arsenic exceeded benchmarks in five formulas; cadmium, three; and lead, two.”

The First Lady said this initiative showed Florida’s willingness to help out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Stork Speed operation, and called on other states to join the effort and be a “force multiplier.”

She also said that families in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will now have more formula options covered by financial assistance, in the event people want to change, and urged them to check out ExposingFoodToxins.com to find out specifics about given products on the market.

Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, a father of three himself, noted that many families supplement with, or exclusively use, baby formula for nursing infants, and said neurological development could be harmed by the heavy metals found in formula.

“I wish I could say this was an isolated finding,” Ladapo said.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins said a “medically-complex child” of his could only take formula, and noted that one of those identified in the state testing was one that his kid used.

Christina Lambert’s bid to become West Palm Beach’s next Mayor has crossed the seven-figure mark, a fundraising pace her campaign says is unmatched in city election history.

The campaign announced it has raised more than $1.02 million in the 12 months since filing last January, combining receipts from Lambert’s official campaign account and the Friends of Christina Lambert political committee. The total makes Lambert the fastest mayoral candidate in West Palm Beach to hit the $1 million milestone, according to her campaign.

Lambert’s campaign account has brought in more than $172,000, fueled by 382 donations from 342 unique contributors. The average contribution was just under $456, with donations ranging from $1 to the $1,000 legal maximum. Campaign officials said 128 donors maxed out, underscoring strong financial backing.

The bulk of her fundraising flowed through the Friends of Christina Lambert political committee, which raised more than $854,000 from 46 donations made by 36 unique donors. Those contributions included support from business leaders, unions, community figures and companies that have recently relocated or expanded in West Palm Beach.

Among the most significant contributions were $50,000 from philanthropists Howard and Wendy Cox of Palm Beach and $25,000 from Rob Posner and his investment services firm, which recently moved operations to the city.

“This campaign is about neighborhoods and the people who call West Palm Beach home,” Lambert said. “Reaching this milestone so early shows that people value local experience and a reflection of the broad coalition we’re building: residents, workers, business owners, faith leaders, and community advocates who believe in a city that works for everyone.

“I’m deeply grateful for the trust people have placed in me, and I’m excited to keep listening, leading, and fighting for every neighborhood in West Palm Beach. Our residents and leaders understand how important West Palm Beach has become to the county and region and want to see strong and steady leadership that is ready to tackle future challenges, while continuing to build on the successes we have accomplished.”

The fundraising haul comes as Lambert continues an early, active campaign for a race that won’t be decided until March 2027. The election will be open because the current Mayor, Keith James, is term-limited.

Since launching her campaign, Lambert has emphasized neighborhood-level engagement, including targeted direct mail, text outreach and community events tied to public safety, growth and quality-of-life issues. She has held listening sessions and conducted citywide community surveys, hosting five meetings across all districts during a Spring and Summer listening tour.

Beyond fundraising, Lambert has also rolled out a long list of early endorsements, including the outgoing Mayor, the local Fraternal Order of Police, the West Palm Beach Firefighters Association, the Service Employees International Union, the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches and the Democratic Black Caucus, along with more than 500 residents.

She has also assembled several campaign coalitions, including a Women’s Leadership Council comprising 100 local executives and community leaders.

Lambert last won election to the West Palm Beach City Commission in March 2024, securing 72% of the vote in District 5.

So far, the only other candidate to file for Mayor is Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss. He first joined the Palm Beach County Commission in 2018 and has a term ending this year.