Polk Times

Congressman Scott Franklin, who represents Florida’s 18th district in the U.S. Congress, recently posted a series of tweets highlighting both national and local issues. Franklin, who has served in Congress since 2021 after succeeding Ross Spano, addressed topics ranging from federal government shutdowns to agricultural innovation and community leadership.

On October 9, 2025, Franklin criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s comments regarding a potential government shutdown. He wrote: "When Chuck Schumer says, 'Every day gets better for "us" in a shutdown,' who’s he talking about? Certainly not hardworking, tax paying Americans who expect their government to work for them. Disgraceful!".

The following day, October 10, Franklin congratulated a local business leader in Okeechobee. In his post he stated: "Congratulations to H. Gilbert Culbreth, Jr. on being named Entrepreneur of the Year! A lifelong leader in Okeechobee’s business community, Mr. Culbreth’s dedication to job creation, service and local growth embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Florida’s heartland."

Later that same day, Franklin shared insights from his visit to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. He commented: "Great visit to the @UF_IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center to see how Florida is leading the way in ag innovation. Researchers are using AI for disease prediction, fruit assessment, precision spraying, UV light treatments and drone monitoring to help farmers grow".

Scott Franklin was born in Thomaston, Georgia in 1964 and currently resides in Lakeland at age 58. Before entering Congress, he served in the Florida House of Representatives. He is an alumnus of both the United States Naval Academy and Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University.