Ex-UF President Ben Sasse's $1.3M Catering Expenses Under Scrutiny
Sasse's lavish spending on social events and remote staff jobs raises questions about fiscal stewardship at the University of Florida.
- Ben Sasse, former president of the University of Florida and ex-senator, spent over $1.3 million on catering for social events, including a $38,610 sushi bar.
- Sasse's catering expenses were nearly double those of his predecessor, Kent Fuchs, who spent an average of $476,000 per year.
- The spending included a $176,800 holiday party with a $7,000 liquor bill, raising concerns about the use of taxpayer dollars or donor contributions.
- Sasse also faced criticism for awarding high-paid remote jobs to former staffers and Republican officials, contributing to his office's $17.3 million annual expenditure.
- Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the state auditor general to investigate Sasse's expenditures as part of a scheduled audit of the university.