Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo intervened [1] during a press conference on Tuesday in Miami after State Senator Ileana Garcia suddenly fainted while speaking at the podium.
The incident took place during a public event held by Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers outlining plans for a proposed statewide ban on water fluoridation.
The press conference was attended by several officials, including Surgeon General Ladapo and Miami-Dade Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez.
Senator Garcia, who represents parts of Miami-Dade County, was mid-speech when she paused, swallowed hard, and addressed the governor.
“Governor, forgive me, I’ve got to sit down, because I am not feeling well,” she said.
Seconds later, Garcia collapsed. Surgeon General Ladapo, 46, who was seated nearby, responded immediately by rushing onto the stage and catching her before she could fall to the ground.
“Hey, hey, hey, hey, got you, got you, got you,” Ladapo said as he helped ease the senator into a chair positioned on stage.
Governor DeSantis, along with others on stage, assisted by bringing Garcia water and fanning her while she remained seated and regained her composure.
Medical attention from Ladapo continued while the senator remained in the chair, recovering from the episode.
WATCH: The moment Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo caught Sen. Ileana Garcia as she seemingly fainted or nearly passed out speaking at a press conference today
Garcia ultimately was fine and finished her remarks at the podium pic.twitter.com/Olloxog0AF [2]
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) May 6, 2025 [3]
After a few minutes, Garcia stood back up and returned to the podium to a round of applause.
Despite the incident, she completed her remarks without further issue.
“Are you kidding this was my moment? I could not,” Garcia said, receiving laughter and applause from those in attendance.
“Nerve wracking, but this was my moment. And I so appreciate your grace, Governor DeSantis.”
She concluded her speech and left the stage as the crowd responded with a second round of applause.
Following the senator’s remarks, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez took the podium and commended Garcia’s resilience.
“Guys, can we just get another round of applause to Ileana Garcia,” Gonzalez said.
“Absolutely nothing is going to stop that woman from fighting for the people of Florida.”
The event continued as planned, with officials focusing on the proposed legislation regarding the removal of fluoride from public drinking water sources in the state.
Governor DeSantis and Surgeon General Ladapo have been vocal about concerns related to fluoridation, citing various health and policy reasons behind the move.
Senator Garcia did not require hospitalization following the incident. Her office has not yet released a formal statement but confirmed she is doing well and will resume her regular duties.
Dr. Ladapo, a central figure in Florida’s public health leadership under Governor DeSantis, was praised by attendees and officials for his swift and calm response during the medical emergency.
The incident briefly interrupted the event but ultimately highlighted the state’s top health official’s readiness and the determination of lawmakers to continue legislative discussions despite unexpected disruptions.