TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Eric Delenback has announced his resignation as executive director for Hope Florida. It is a nonprofit founded by First Lady Casey DeSantis to connect low-income residents with churches and charities rather than relying on government-funded support.
The program is being scrutinized by Republicans in the Florida family, as well as the First Lady considers the governor’s run.
Former new university official accused of exposing himself to a mall employee
On Wednesday, the governor’s office confirmed Delenbach’s plans to step down to become CEO of Florida Family Voice, but continued to work with Hope Florida in advisory capabilities.
Just a day ago, Delenback responded to questions from state lawmakers at a hearing in Tallahassee that included the final use of funds from the $10 million settlement.
During the same hearing, Hope Florida board president Joshua Hay admitted the hiccups, including the operation.
“In recent weeks, public reports have revealed that an error has occurred,” Hay said.
The board chair then told lawmakers one of the reasons behind some of the issues.
“The reporting procedure has expired and the Foundation is not providing the personnel delivery support necessary to ensure that all issues are being handled promptly and properly,” Hay said.
The board chair said he will work with foundation counsels to make the amendments.
Recently, Hay submitted a tax document known as Form 990 for the last fiscal year ended June 2024. A total of $40,000 grant was distributed to four organizations.
But in the current fiscal year, lawmakers are questioning how the $10 million settlement fund was spent after hoping Florida would distribute those dollars.
“Based on the proposals submitted by the two organizations that received the funds, I had no reason to doubt their hopes of working with Florida’s mission,” Hay said. “Like you all, I want to understand how these funds were used.”
Some Republicans say they followed the money, which may have been used to help beat the revision 3. Keeping voters that voter measurements from the 60% threshold was the goal of governors, first lady and other Florida officials. The First Ladies are not accused of fraudulent conduct over those funds.
On Wednesday, the governor spoke at Fort Myers. He called on House Republicans to match his budget proposals, particularly when it came to funding law enforcement. DeSantis also defended his wife’s signature welfare assistance program.
“They never ran with Democrats to try and produce smears against the administration, the governor, or even the first lady,” DeSantis said. “The program has acquired 30,000 people from welfare and saved $100 million. And that’s really what it’s all about.”
First Lady DeSantis is expected to announce whether she will throw a hat at the lace this summer. Tara Newsom, a professor of political science at St. Pete College, said it is unclear whether voters will remember the survey next year, and whether voters will link First Lady to questions from lawmakers.
“It’s a long way from the next election, so if she decides whether or not she’s going to run is another story, whether or not their memories will be kept with them,” Newsom said.
The Florida Board of Directors will hold a public Zoom meeting on Thursday to discuss grants, tax forms and state laws that apply to open meetings.
