A press conference led by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took an unexpected turn on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, when State Senator Ileana Garcia, a Republican from Florida’s District 36, briefly lost consciousness while speaking about proposed environmental legislation.
While at the podium addressing attendees, Garcia indicated to DeSantis, who was offscreen, that she was unwell and needed to sit down. Moments later, her eyes closed, and her body began to lean, risking a fall.
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, present at the event, quickly moved to assist Garcia. Ladapo caught her before she could fall and helped her into a chair.
“We’ve got you,” Ladapo repeatedly assured Garcia while assisting her.
The audience reacted promptly, with several attendees moving to support Garcia. Governor DeSantis and others provided her with water and attempted to cool her, offering comfort during the incident.
Despite the incident, Garcia showed resilience. After about one minute of rest, she regained her composure, stood, and returned to the podium to finish her speech.
Upon resuming, Garcia lightened the situation, joking it was her moment and she couldn’t miss it. She then continued with her remarks on environmental legislation, earning admiration from those present.
The press conference in Miami, Florida, was organized to discuss significant environmental policy changes. Before Garcia’s address, Governor DeSantis announced plans to prohibit local governments from adding fluoride to public drinking water statewide.
DeSantis expressed concerns about “forced medication” with fluoride in public water supplies, noting that while it can benefit dental health, alternative methods for obtaining fluoride exist. He argued that adding it to water removes personal choice for those preferring to avoid potential overexposure.
Garcia later described the experience as nerve-wracking but expressed gratitude towards Governor DeSantis for his support during the medical episode. DeSantis, a former U.S. Navy officer deployed to Iraq in 2007, was seen smiling at the conclusion of Garcia’s speech, acknowledging her determination.
The exact cause of Garcia’s fainting was not immediately known. Nonetheless, the swift actions of Surgeon General Ladapo, along with the supportive response from Governor DeSantis and others, ensured efficient handling of the situation.
Garcia’s quick recovery and dedication to complete her remarks were praised by fellow officials. Miami-Dade Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez commended her tenacity, emphasizing her commitment to advocating for Florida residents.
Garcia, representing parts of Miami-Dade County, has been an active voice on environmental issues in Florida’s state legislature.
The incident video has circulated online, capturing Ladapo’s quick response to assist Garcia and her subsequent return to the podium.
