The Luxury Golf Simulator at the Governor’s Mansion
So, picture this: a *golf simulator* worth over $27,000 sitting pretty in the Florida Governor’s Mansion. Yep, you read that right! Back in 2019, homebuilding mogul Mori Hosseini decided to lend this fancy piece of equipment after Ron DeSantis took office. This news has created quite the buzz lately, with people sharing their thoughts on the matter.
What’s the Deal with the Simulator?
Now, before you get too curious, let’s break down what makes this golf simulator so special. The basic model starts at a cool $27,500, while the swankier curved screen versions you might be dreaming of cost at least $69,500. Imagine practicing your swing in style, all from the comfort of the Governor’s Mansion!
Who’s Behind This Fancy Donation?
Mori Hosseini isn’t just any homebuilder; he’s the big boss at ICI Homes based in Daytona Beach and has a reputation for showering financial support on Republican candidates, especially DeSantis. Not stopping at just the simulator, Hosseini also lent DeSantis and his wife a private jet more than a dozen times. Plus, he helped the DeSantis couple navigate a trip to the exclusive Augusta National Golf Club back in 2018. Talk about a golf buddy!
The Rules of the Game
While Hosseini claims the simulator donation follows all *Florida laws*, questions remain about whether it counts as a “gift.” According to state law, any gift worth $100 or more has to be reported. In a detailed breakdown, the letter from James Uthmeier, DeSantis’s then-lawyer and now chief of staff, confirmed the simulator’s use at the Mansion gym. What’s more, Uthmeier verified that this donation followed the rules laid out in the Governor’s Ethics Code and Florida Statutory Code.
What People Are Saying
The reaction to this news has been swift and varied. Those who lean toward DeSantis are defending him, claiming that this is a media hit piece and emphasizing the approval behind the loan. Meanwhile, on the flip side, critics aren’t holding back either. One Twitter user pointedly remarked about “Ron DeSantis’ Florida Swamp in Action,” while another commenter bemoaned the “elites with their golf simulators and private jet flights.”
Are We Overthinking This?
There’s been some back-and-forth about whether the golf simulator is really a gift to the governor or the Governor’s Mansion Commission as an organization. Caroline Klancke, an ethics expert, added a layer of intrigue by questioning if the simulator will be used for public purposes or if it’s all about private leisure. In her words, will it be “maintained in a public building for a public purpose?”
A Little About Mori Hosseini
Before we wrap up, let’s not forget about Mori Hosseini himself. He stepped onto the scene in 1980 when he founded ICI Homes and has since built thousands of homes across Florida, developing some of the largest communities in the state. He’s also a board chairman at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, showing he’s got clout in more ways than one!
Conclusion
As the conversation around the golf simulator continues, it’s clear this story has captured the attention of many. Whether you’re a fan of Ron DeSantis, Mori Hosseini, or simply curious about how a golf simulator found its way into a governor’s mansion, there’s no denying the complexity—and entertainment—of this situation. Will this become a talking point in DeSantis’s presidential run? Time will tell!
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
