OCALA, FL (352today.com) – “At our core we’re here to serve you.” Those words from United States Rep. Kat Cammack set the tone during the reopening of her district office at the McPherson Governmental Campus April 14, 2025. Cammack was joined by her team, local dignitaries, and community members for the ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP).
Cammack, who is renowned for her indefatigable spirit, and limitless work ethic, also announced she was pregnant at the ceremony, that featured a ribbon cutting ceremony from the Ocala Metro CEP.
During the event, Cammack also announced she is expecting a baby, sharing the news with attendees as part of the celebration. The McPherson Governmental Campus, which houses several public service offices, is now once again home to a congressional field office intended to support local constituents.
“I want to thank you all for being here because this is not my office, it’s your office,” said Cammack. “I serve as your representative in the people’s house in Washington. When we talked about reopening a space here, we wanted to make sure that it was well established, that we serve you, that we work for you.”
She added that the office is meant to be a resource where constituents can find help navigating federal issues and voicing concerns that need representation in Congress.
Several local leaders spoke at the ceremony, including Marion County Commission Chair Kathy Bryant, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, and Ocala Police Department Chief Mike Balken.
Cammack also addressed a recent federal decision impacting Florida agriculture, specifically tomato producers. She credited her team’s efforts for influencing a policy shift that she said would protect one of Florida’s legacy industries from the effects of an international trade dispute.
“For the last couple of months, we’ve been hearing from our producers, specifically our tomato producers, around the state,” Cammack said. “The Mexican government was dumping illegally onto our markets, making it impossible for our local producers to be able to sell their product.”
According to Cammack, Florida’s tomato industry has seen a dramatic decline – from approximately 250 producers in 2000 to just 23 today. She said the trade imbalance and lack of enforcement contributed to the industry’s struggles.
“This was your team, they were the ones that did the hard work on this,” said Cammack. “They saved the Florida tomato industry.”
Cammack said she had recently been in communication with officials from the White House, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She announced that the trade agreement in question had officially been terminated.
“This was a moment where families who’ve been here for generations, who’ve made their livelihood, will now have a choice – whether to continue on or to sell and do something different,” Cammack said. “But it’s a choice they should have to make, not be forced into.”
The newly reopened district office aims to serve as a direct link between residents and federal services, providing support in areas such as veterans affairs, small business issues, and immigration casework.