Florida State Senator Ileana Garcia Faints During Conference Hosted by Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday – Details

What began as a high-stakes announcement about Florida's stance on public health policy took an unexpected turn when a state senator's health scare momentarily halted the event.

Florida State Senator Ileana Garcia appeared to faint during a press conference in Miami on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The event hosted by Governor Ron DeSantis included other political figures addressing a proposed statewide policy related to public drinking water.

Garcia, who represents District 36 in southern Florida and is a Republican, had just begun speaking when she turned to the governor and said, "Governor, forgive me, I've got to sit down, because I am not feeling well."

Moments later, she looked visibly unsteady before Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who was nearby, quickly moved to assist her. "We've got you, we've got you, we've got you," he added as he supported her into a seat on the stage.

Others on stage also stepped in to help, ensuring Garcia had water and space to recover. After composing herself, the senator returned to the podium and addressed the crowd with humor and determination.

"Are you kidding? This was my moment..." she remarked. She added, "Nerve-wracking, but this was my moment. And I so appreciate your grace, Governor DeSantis."

Miami Dade Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez later acknowledged Garcia's resilience, telling the audience, "Absolutely nothing is going to stop that woman from fighting for the people of Florida."

Garcia had been speaking in support of a state initiative to restrict local governments from adding fluoride to drinking water without state approval.

The press conference centered on Senate Bill 700, which seeks to ban local governments in Florida from unilaterally adding fluoride to public drinking water. On May 7, Governor DeSantis posted about the event online.

"Today I was in Miami to support SB 700, which bans local governments from unilaterally adding fluoride to public drinking water. With wide access to topical fluoride, there's no need to medicate entire communities without their consent. The Free State of Florida says no to forced medication, and we're proud to lead the nation on this effort!" he wrote on X.

Despite the brief health scare, Garcia resumed her role in the event and remained actively engaged throughout. The incident concluded without further medical concern, and her quick recovery was met with supportive applause from those in attendance.

The moment echoed another recent public event that was unexpectedly interrupted by a medical scare — this time involving a child.

Dr. Mehmet Oz had just been sworn in as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Friday, April 18, when his 11-year-old granddaughter, Philomena, reportedly fainted during the ceremony, abruptly halting remarks by President Donald Trump.

The event was held in the Oval Office and officiated by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Dr. Oz stood with family members, including his wife, Lisa, and children Daphne, Arabella, Zoe, and Oliver. Several grandchildren were also present, positioned on the other side of the Resolute Desk.

President Trump was delivering his remarks on Oz's appointment when the incident occurred. In the course of his speech, Trump shifted to the topic of nuclear weapons and warned those in attendance that they would be in "great danger" if Iran became armed with a nuclear weapon.

During this moment, a commotion broke out in the room. Footage from the event shows journalists reacting as the situation unfolded. One of Oz's daughters was heard saying, "Philo fainted, Philo fainted. Dad, go!" Oz walked over to check on his granddaughter before returning to Trump's side.

White House aides quickly intervened and began ushering people out. "Everybody out!" one aide yelled. Another added, "Get out right now." A third voice was heard instructing, "No photos."

Although the video did not capture the moment of Philomena's collapse, it did show Daphne and Oliver helping her out of the room. Philomena appeared to be ill as they exited. The footage then cuts off.

In a statement issued after the incident, a White House spokesperson confirmed, "We are happy to say she is okay."

Daphne Oz, known for her work as a television host, nutrition author, and judge on "MasterChef Junior" since Season 8, and her husband, John Jovanovic, are parents to four children: Philomena, Domenica, Giovanna, and a son. Philomena is the eldest.

Reaction to the incident quickly followed online, with many users criticizing Trump's demeanor and perceived lack of concern during the medical emergency.

One Instagram user wrote, "All was all about trump , he didn't care about the grand daughter. [sic]" Another added, "His face says how dare she take the attention from me! [sic]" A separate comment read, "He didn't even ask what happened. SMH."

Another commenter stated, "He's probably mad the attention was turned away from him," while another asked, "Why didn't the grandfather doctor man help his little granddaughter. [sic]" Another user remarked, "They were more concerned about the press leaving than the child."

The conversation about Dr. Oz's reaction extended to Facebook, where one user commented, "Doesn't look like he did anything but look."

Another said, "He didn't assess her [sic] he didn't jump into action? 😂 he went back on that podium as fast as he went down it .." A third person added, "I hope she's ok!! I don't care for any of the politicians around her!! But I have empathy for her!"

The swearing-in came just hours after Trump issued remarks on a separate matter, where his statement drew scrutiny.

President Trump appeared somber as he delivered a brief statement from the Oval Office on Friday in response to the shooting at Florida State University (FSU), which occurred on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

"It's a horrible thing. Horrible that things like this take place," Trump said. He added that he had been "fully briefed" on the situation and described the tragedy as "a shame."

When asked by reporters whether the shooting would lead him to consider tighter gun regulations, Trump reiterated his longstanding position on the Second Amendment. "These things are terrible. But the gun doesn't do the shooting, the people do, phrases used probably too often," he said.

Trump added, "As far as legislation is concerned, this has been going on for a long time. "I have an obligation to protect the Second Amendment. I ran on the Second Amendment, among many other things, and I will always protect the Second Amendment."

He also remarked that he was familiar with the region, noting that he knew "the very area well" and had knowledge of both the university and the state of Florida.

Trump's remarks prompted a flood of responses online. One netizen commented, "Such deep and wise words from our profound leader." Others were more critical. "I'm surprised they were able to pin him down for a comment between rounds of golf 🙄," one wrote.

Another user stated, "He doesn't know the words he never had sympathy for anyone or empathy for anyone. He only has sympathy and empathy for himself."

One post read, "The recent shooting is truly heartbreaking, and it's important that we don't overlook its impact. My thoughts and deepest condolences go out to everyone affected by this tragedy."

More reactions followed. A separate commenter argued, "His lack and compassion is deafening," while another urged, "Trump try using your big boy words." One sarcastically added, "So articulate."

Another asked bluntly, "1st grader talk?" while one noted, "This is the first time he has acknowledged a school shooting this year. I wonder what we don't know yet."

According to the Miami Herald, the shooting that shocked the FSU community left two people dead and six others injured.

The suspect, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner — an FSU student and the son of a Leon County Sheriff's deputy — used a handgun that had once belonged to his mother, which she had legally purchased for personal use. Ikner was shot by responding officers and taken into custody.

The attack occurred around noon near the university's student union. Police later confirmed that the two people killed were not enrolled at FSU. The six others who were wounded were taken to the hospital. A motive has not yet been identified.

While investigators continue to piece together what led to the attack, Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil said the department knew the suspect personally. Ikner had been involved in the sheriff's Youth Advisory Council and had participated in several of the agency's training programs.

"He has been steep in the Leon County Sheriff's family, engaged in a number of training programs that we have ... so it's not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons," McNeil said during a press briefing.

The shooting caused panic on campus, triggering a full lockdown. Among them was sophomore Paula Maldonado, who recounted the chaos to ABC News. She said that once the active threat alarm sounded, her class immediately turned off the lights and used desks to barricade the door.

Her classmates crouched together at the front of the room, whispering instructions and offering quiet comfort to one another. Some began to cry, while others gave safety tips — one student advised her to hold her backpack in front of her body as protection.

"A cop came inside and I thought it was the shooter, so it was very scary," Maldonado recalled. After a few tense minutes, officers returned and instructed the students to exit the classroom with their hands raised.

In the aftermath, FSU President Richard McCullough addressed the university community, calling the incident a "tragic and senseless act of violence at the heart of our campus." He said the university's immediate focus was on supporting victims, their families, and the broader community.

"It means students, faculty, and staff who were nearby and are now trying to make sense of what they experienced. And it means every person in our campus community who is feeling shaken or overwhelmed," McCullough said.

ABC News reported that an update from FSU Alerts said the victims' families have been notified. The university also announced that students who were separated from their belongings during the lockdown will have an opportunity to retrieve them.

Following the university's update, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the tragedy in a video posted on X. He and his wife, Casey, offered condolences and support.

"We're mourning the two individuals who lost their lives in this tragic attack, and we wish well those who are currently recovering in the hospital," he added.

DeSantis emphasized accountability, "This killer must and will be brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law."

He also praised the quick response from law enforcement officers, "They ran towards the danger, they stopped this killer from inflicting more harm, and there is no question that they saved lives."