In a recent government meeting, the chairman of Associated Builders and Contractors North Florida, a Milton resident and fifth-generation Santa Rosan, raised concerns regarding potential damages to the local business community attributed to Commissioner James Calkins. The chairman highlighted a specific incident involving an email sent on July 31 by the America First Alliance, led by Calkins' grandmother, Judith Sorensen. This email allegedly contained false information about the organization’s stance on illegal immigration and misused copyrighted material.

In response to the email, the chairman stated that his legal team issued a cease and desist notice to the America First Alliance on August 2, but claimed that neither Sorensen nor Calkins had responded to their outreach efforts. He expressed frustration that, despite the cease and desist notice, the America First Alliance continued to use unauthorized materials in communications that disparaged Rhett Rowell, a candidate endorsed by the organization.

The chairman's remarks underscore ongoing tensions within the local political landscape and highlight concerns over the impact of misinformation on community businesses. The lack of response from Calkins and Sorensen raises questions about accountability and the potential ramifications for local businesses caught in political disputes.