Florida

Alex Vindman Calls on Ashley Moody to Support Release of Hope Florida Grand Jury Report

Published

1 hour ago

August 1, 2026

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman renewed criticism of U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody this week, calling on her to publicly support the release of the confidential Hope Florida grand jury report as questions surrounding the state’s controversial Medicaid settlement continue to draw statewide attention.

Vindman made the remarks during a Thursday news conference at the Florida Capitol alongside supporters, including a registered Republican, arguing that Florida voters deserve greater transparency regarding the Hope Florida investigation.

Vindman Launches New Campaign Website

The Vindman campaign also unveiled a new campaign website, MoodyCorruption.com, highlighting Moody’s role in the Hope Florida controversy and encouraging voters to contact public officials in support of releasing the grand jury report.

The campaign said the website was launched following recent reporting by the Miami Herald examining additional connections between Moody’s Senate campaign and the Hope Florida controversy.

Focus on Attorney General’s Role

Vindman criticized Moody’s actions while she served as Florida attorney general, pointing to the Attorney General’s Office’s approval of a $10 million Medicaid settlement transfer that later became the focus of legislative and criminal scrutiny.

According to public reporting, the settlement funds originated from a Medicaid agreement involving Centene Corp. before money was later directed through the Hope Florida Foundation and subsequently distributed to nonprofit organizations that later contributed to political committees. Investigations into the transactions have generated legislative hearings, public records litigation and criminal inquiries.

Vindman argued that the public deserves to know what conclusions, if any, a statewide grand jury reached during its investigation.

“If she has nothing to hide, she should go ahead and call for this release,” Vindman told reporters.

Grand Jury Report Remains Sealed

A central issue in the controversy is whether the final statewide grand jury report should remain confidential.

Court records indicate objections have been filed seeking to prevent or delay public release of the report. The identities of those objecting have not been publicly confirmed through court filings.

A judge is expected to determine whether the report, or portions of it, should become public.

Media Coverage Highlights

Vindman’s news conference received statewide media coverage.

WFSU reported that Vindman focused on CBS News reporting concerning Moody’s role in approving the original settlement agreement while serving as attorney general.

WUSF reported Vindman argued voters should consider the controversy as they evaluate candidates in Florida’s 2026 U.S. Senate race.

CBS Miami highlighted Vindman’s challenge for Moody to publicly support releasing the grand jury findings.

WFLA News Channel 8 reported Moody had been scheduled for an interview but that her campaign later requested to reschedule.

ABC 20 reported ongoing litigation surrounding the confidential grand jury report while covering Vindman’s criticism of Moody.

Spectrum News noted Democrats continue pressing for disclosure of the report, citing public records showing the Attorney General’s Office approved the initial transfer that later became the subject of controversy.

Moody Has Not Publicly Called for Release

As of Friday, Moody had not publicly announced support for releasing the confidential grand jury report.

The report remains under court review, and no final judicial decision has been issued regarding whether it will be released.

Why the Report Matters

Supporters of disclosure argue the public has a right to understand how taxpayer-related Medicaid settlement funds were handled and whether investigators identified misconduct or recommended reforms.

Those opposing disclosure contend grand jury secrecy protects ongoing legal interests and confidential proceedings until a court determines what may legally be released.

The court’s decision could significantly shape public understanding of one of Florida’s highest-profile political controversies as the 2026 U.S. Senate campaign continues.

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Venezuelan Candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago Leads Florida House Race with Nearly $200,000 Raised as Cross-Party Endorsement Scandal Continues

Florida

Venezuelan Candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago Leads Florida House Race with Nearly $200,000 Raised as Cross-Party Endorsement Scandal Continues

Published

5 hours ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

Credit: Princeton University's Pace Center

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic Florida House District 43 candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago has emerged as the fundraising and endorsement leader in the 2026 Democratic primary while continued questions surrounding the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee’s handling of internal party discipline have become an issue in the closely watched legislative race.

According to his campaign website, Samuel Vilchez Santiago serves as a Senior Nonprofit Manager at ActBlue, where he helps thousands of nonprofits and grassroots organizations across the country build people-powered fundraising programs aimed at shifting political influence away from corporations and toward communities.

According to publicly available campaign finance reports and his campaign website, Vilchez Santiago has secured endorsements from numerous Democratic elected officials, labor organizations, and party-affiliated political committees. His campaign biography states that he serves as a Senior Nonprofit Manager at ActBlue, one of the nation’s largest Democratic fundraising platforms.

Vilchez Santiago has also publicly discussed his family’s political history, including fleeing Venezuela and seeking asylum in the United States as political refugees.

“I grew up with politics in my house. My grandfather was a communist and my parents were very politically involved against the Chavista regime.”
— Samuel Vilchez Santiago, quoted in a 2019 Princeton University profile

The statement has become part of his publicly available political biography and has resurfaced during the 2026 campaign as voters examine candidates’ personal backgrounds and political histories.

The statement has received renewed attention amid heightened national political debate over socialism and communism. President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders have frequently criticized segments of the Democratic Party by arguing that some Democratic candidates and democratic socialist movements reflect increasingly left-wing political ideologies. Although Vilchez Santiago has not publicly identified himself as a communist, his own description of his family’s political history has become part of the broader political discussion surrounding his candidacy.

Campaign finance reports show that Central Floridians for Change PAC, affiliated with Samuel Vilchez Santiago’s political operation, contributed $40,000 to the Florida House Democratic Campaign Committee ahead of the August 18, 2026, Democratic primary.

Fundraising and Endorsement Advantage

The Democratic primary for Florida House District 43 has developed into one of Central Florida’s most competitive legislative contests, with a significant disparity in campaign fundraising between the two Democratic candidates.

According to campaign finance reports, Vilchez Santiago‘s campaign raised more than $139,000 and spent more than $114,000 during the election cycle.

A political committee affiliated with Vilchez Santiago’s political operation, Central Floridians for Change PAC, reported raising more than $55,000 and spending approximately $43,000. The PAC’s chair and treasurer is José Gamboa, who also serves as treasurer for Vilchez Santiago’s campaign. Gamboa is also an Account Management Specialist with the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue.

Campaign finance reports show one of the PAC’s largest expenditures was a $40,000 contribution to the Florida House Democratic Campaign Committee, the political committee responsible for supporting Democratic candidates seeking election to the Florida House of Representatives. The contribution represents a substantial portion of the PAC’s reported expenditures and has become a point of discussion during the Democratic primary.

Combined, the campaign and PAC reported raising approximately $200,000, giving Vilchez Santiago a significant financial advantage over former State Representative Daisy Morales, whose campaign finance reports show approximately $8,400 raised and about $6,500 spent during the same reporting period.

Campaign finance reports show that Johanna López, then a candidate for Florida House District 43, raised approximately $58,000 during the 2022 election cycle. As the incumbent seeking reelection in 2024, her campaign finance reports show she raised approximately $68,000 for the same Florida House District 43 seat now being contested by Samuel Vilchez Santiago and Daisy Morales.

Vilchez Santiago has also secured endorsement from current Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, numerous Democratic elected officials, organized labor unions, and party-affiliated organizations.

Despite the fundraising disparity, history suggests campaign spending alone does not determine election outcomes. During the 2020 Democratic primary for Florida House District 48, Vilchez Santiago also enjoyed a fundraising and endorsement advantage. Morales nevertheless defeated him by approximately ten percentage points before winning the general election and serving in the Florida House.

Political observers noted Morales’ countywide name recognition, earned during her service as an elected Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, may have contributed to that victory.

While fundraising and endorsements often increase campaign visibility, advertising, and voter outreach, Morales has argued that legislative experience, constituent service, and a demonstrated record of passing legislation are more important measures of a candidate’s preparedness to serve in the Florida House.

Former Rivals Meet Again

The 2026 Democratic primary represents a rematch between Vilchez Santiago and Morales, whose political rivalry dates back to the 2020 election.

During Vilchez Santiago’s 2020 campaign, current State Representative Johanna López served as his campaign manager, while José Gamboa served as deputy campaign for Vilchez Santiago’s campain.

Morales has argued that these longstanding political relationships warrant public examination because several individuals connected to Vilchez Santiago’s earlier campaigns later assumed influential roles within Democratic Party organizations or campaign operations.

Florida National News has not independently concluded that these relationships affected any party disciplinary decisions. However, Morales has cited them as part of her request for an independent review by the Florida Democratic Party.

Morales continues to emphasize her legislative accomplishments, constituent services, appropriations secured for Central Florida, and previous electoral victories as evidence that she is prepared to return to Tallahassee.

Local Democratic Party Dispute Continues

Beyond traditional campaign issues, the House District 43 race has become intertwined with an ongoing dispute involving the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee.

According to campaign records, Angie Gallo endorsed and served as campaign manager for Republican candidate Joel Montilla’s campaign

Morales contends the committee selectively enforced party rules following the 2024 Orange County Commission District 5 election, ultimately resulting in her removal from the local Democratic Party.

According to several news reports, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer endorsed Republican former Winter Park Mayor and Orange County Commission District 5 candidate Steve Leary. Mayor Dyer has endorsed Republican candidates in previous elections as well. Florida National News is not aware of any public disciplinary action taken by the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee regarding those cross-party endorsements.

According to Morales, other Democrats who participated in the same election and allegedly engaged in similar cross-party political activity were not subjected to comparable disciplinary proceedings.

Morales said her removal, combined with the absence of publicly known disciplinary action against other Democrats in similar circumstances, raises questions about whether party rules were enforced consistently, whether preferential treatment was given, and whether adequate oversight existed throughout the disciplinary process.

Morales has requested that the Florida Democratic Party conduct an independent review to determine whether party rules were applied consistently, whether due process requirements were followed, and whether conflicts of interest existed during the disciplinary process.

Florida National News has not independently verified those allegations, and the Florida Democratic Party has not publicly announced the results of any review concerning the matter.

Why the Records Matter

Morales has stated that both she and the Orlando Sentinel requested records concerning the disciplinary process, including meeting minutes, resolutions, voting records, notices of alleged violations, correspondence, investigative materials, and documentation supporting the committee’s actions.

According to Morales, those records are necessary to determine whether party bylaws were followed and whether disciplinary procedures were applied equally to similarly situated Democrats.

Florida National News will also request the same records from both the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee and the Florida Democratic Party and will publish any responsive documents or official statements received.

Questions That Remain

Several questions remain unanswered as the Democratic primary approaches, including:

Were identical party rules applied consistently to every Democrat involved in the 2024 Orange County Commission District 5 race?
What official findings, if any, supported the committee’s disciplinary action?
Will the Florida Democratic Party conduct or publish an independent review?
Will the requested records be released to the public?

Florida National News will continue reporting on campaign finance filings, public records, candidate responses, and any official actions related to this matter as additional information becomes available.

Business

Essence Magazine Co-Founder Jonathan Blount Dies at 84, Leaving Enduring Legacy in Civil Rights and Black Media

Published

7 days ago

July 25, 2026

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Jonathan Sebastian Blount Dunn Morse, a visionary entrepreneur, one of the four founders of Essence magazine, pioneering civil rights activist, Black business leader, publisher, and community advocate, died peacefully Monday, July 20, 2026, at his Orlando home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with prostate cancer that later spread to his bones and liver. He was 84.

For more than seven decades, Morse dedicated his life to advancing civil rights, expanding opportunities for Black-owned businesses, strengthening independent Black media, and empowering communities through economic opportunity, education, and public service.

His life’s work stretched from the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina to the boardrooms of Wall Street and, ultimately, to the neighborhoods of Central Florida, where he remained a tireless advocate until his final days.

Jonathan Morse at a Glance

1930s–1940s

Born in Monroe, North Carolina.
Adopted and raised by Carrie Blount.

1950s

Civil Rights activist under Robert F. Williams.
Survived an attempted lynching while challenging segregation.

Late 1960s

Conceived the vision that became Essence magazine.

1970

Co-founded Essence magazine.
Became its first President and Chairman of the Board.

1970s–1990s

Helped raise more than $1 million in Wall Street investment capital.
Founded additional Black publications.
Consulted nationally with Black-owned businesses.

2000s–2026

Relocated to Orlando.
Founded the African American Art and Heritage Museum.
Led Operation Clean Sweep.
Mentored Caribbean American Passport News Magazine and celebrated its evolution into CAP Village.

July 20, 2026

Passed away at age 84.

A Vision That Changed Black Media

Morse is best known as one of the four founders of Essence magazine, the publication that forever changed how Black women were represented in American media.

While history remembers him as a co-founder, Morse often smiled and described himself as the magazine’s “ideational and conceptual founder,” explaining that the original vision for a fashion and lifestyle publication devoted specifically to Black women was his.

That vision became Essence, now one of the world’s most influential media brands serving Black women.

Known affectionately by many as “The Father of Essence,” Morse served as the publication’s first President and Chairman of the Board, helping transform an ambitious idea into a nationally recognized institution.

Under his leadership, the founders became among the first Black-owned businesses to raise more than $1 million on Wall Street, an unprecedented accomplishment during an era when Black entrepreneurs faced enormous barriers to investment capital.

Although philosophical differences over preserving majority Black ownership eventually led Morse and fellow founder Cecil Hollingsworth to leave the company, he remained proud of the publication’s continued success.

Years later, fellow founder Clarence O. Smith publicly acknowledged that Morse had been right in advocating for Essence to remain Black-owned.

A Freedom Fighter Before He Was a Publisher

Long before changing American media, Jonathan Morse was risking his life for civil rights.

Growing up in Monroe, North Carolina, he came under the mentorship of legendary civil rights leader Robert F. Williams, whom Morse affectionately called “Uncle Rob.”

Together with other young activists, Morse helped defend Monroe’s Black neighborhoods from Ku Klux Klan violence while challenging segregation.

At only 14 years old, he nearly lost his life after participating in an effort to integrate a segregated county swimming pool, surviving an encounter with a lynch mob.

More than six decades later, in 2022, the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission honored Morse and his fellow activists with a historical marker recognizing their courage and sacrifice.

Building Black Business

Following his years with Essence, Morse continued creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.

He launched several publishing ventures, including:

In Advance
Eagle and Swan
Élan

He later became one of the nation’s most respected consultants to Black-owned businesses and advertising firms.

Among the accomplishments he valued most was helping secure what was then the largest contract ever awarded to a Black advertising agency—a $10 million U.S. Census Bureau contract.

Economic empowerment remained one of his life’s defining passions.

His favorite Frederick Douglass quotation became his guiding philosophy:

“Power concedes nothing without demand.”

Transforming Orlando

When Morse made Orlando his home, he quickly became one of Central Florida’s most recognizable community advocates.

Among his many accomplishments, he:

Founded the African American Art and Heritage Museum.
Organized Operation Clean Sweep.
Served as President of the Parramore Business Association.
Created a community tool library.
Coordinated free paint and home improvement supplies.
Helped secure the first corporate funding for Orlando’s SALT hygiene program.
Successfully challenged diversity issues within public broadcasting.
Helped relocate Orlando’s Martin Luther King Jr. Parade onto Orange Avenue’s Main Street.

Whether attending City Council meetings, neighborhood forums, NAACP events, or nonprofit gatherings, Jonathan Morse became known as someone who consistently showed up—not for recognition, but to serve.

A Champion of Independent Black Journalism

Journalism remained one of Jonathan Morse’s greatest passions.

He became a trusted mentor and advisor to Caribbean American Passport News Magazine, working closely with founders Sam and Guenet Roberts as the publication expanded throughout Central Florida and the Caribbean diaspora.

He later celebrated its transformation into CAP Village, where he proudly participated in filming portions of his own documentary.

Morse believed independent Black media preserved history, amplified underrepresented voices, and held institutions accountable.

He encouraged young journalists to pursue difficult stories, ask challenging questions, and never underestimate the value of community journalism.

Family First

Despite a remarkable public career, Jonathan Morse considered family his greatest achievement.

He rarely missed a grandchild’s recital, athletic event, school performance, Easter program, or talent show.

Opening night at the Central Florida Fair became a cherished annual tradition shared with his family.

To Morse, family extended far beyond blood relatives.

Many who knew him referred to him as a brother whose friendship, wisdom, and generosity changed their lives forever.

Courage Through Every Challenge

Later in life, Morse publicly shared his diagnosis of bipolar disorder, hoping his openness would encourage others to seek treatment without fear or shame.

During his battle with cancer, he again chose transparency, believing honesty could inspire hope and reduce stigma for others facing serious illness.

His willingness to discuss deeply personal challenges reflected the same courage that defined his life’s work.

Finding His Roots

Born in Monroe, North Carolina, Morse was adopted at birth by Carrie Blount.

After her passing, he began searching for his biological family through an appeal published in Jet magazine.

That search ultimately reunited him with his birth parents and siblings, completing a deeply personal chapter that remained among the most meaningful experiences of his life.

Comments and Reflections

Family Statement

“Jonathan believed every generation has a responsibility to leave the world better than it found it. We will forever cherish his love, wisdom, humor, and unwavering commitment to family, community, and justice.”

Florida National News

“Jonathan Morse leaves behind more than an extraordinary résumé. He leaves stronger institutions, empowered communities, inspired journalists, successful entrepreneurs, and generations of leaders who benefited from his mentorship. His impact will continue to be felt wherever courageous journalism and community leadership thrive.”

Community Reflection

“Jonathan never measured success by titles or recognition. He measured it by how many people he helped, how many doors he opened, and whether the next generation had greater opportunities than his own.”

Why Jonathan Morse Still Matters

Jonathan Morse’s vision remains remarkably relevant today.

Long before diversity became a corporate priority, he insisted Black voices deserved their own media platforms.

Long before conversations about media ownership became commonplace, he warned of the importance of preserving Black ownership of Black institutions.

Long before community journalism faced unprecedented economic pressures, he championed independent local news organizations as essential pillars of democracy.

His ideas continue to shape conversations about journalism, entrepreneurship, civil rights, economic opportunity, and community empowerment.

Life and Legacy

Jonathan Sebastian Blount Dunn Morse helped shape modern Black America.

He stood against segregation as a teenager.

He helped create one of America’s most influential Black-owned media companies.

He championed Black entrepreneurship.

He strengthened independent journalism.

He revitalized Orlando neighborhoods.

He mentored generations of journalists, civic leaders, entrepreneurs, and community advocates.

His influence extended from Monroe to Manhattan, from Wall Street to Washington, and from Central Florida to communities across the nation.

His legacy is measured not only by the organizations he helped build, but by the countless lives he inspired.

As Jonathan Morse often demonstrated, history is not written only by those who hold public office or corporate titles—it is written by those with the courage to imagine a better future and the determination to build it.

Rest in Peace and Power, Jonathan Sebastian Blount Dunn Morse.

Thank you for believing that ordinary people, united by courage, conviction, and compassion, truly can change the world.

Florida

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan, Randy Fine Endorse Joe Strada for Congress

Published

1 week ago

July 24, 2026

FNN NEWS

People attend an abortion-rights rally at the Utah State Capitol Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Republican congressional candidate Joe Strada announced endorsements Thursday from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and U.S. Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Randy Fine of Florida, adding support from prominent conservative leaders to his campaign for Florida’s 11th Congressional District.

Strada, founder of Strada Services, said the endorsements reflect confidence in his business experience and commitment to advancing conservative priorities in Congress.

Conservative Leaders Rally Behind Strada

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise praised Strada’s private-sector leadership and pledged his support for the campaign.

“Joe Strada is a strong conservative Republican who will stand with President Trump to help us deliver on the America First agenda for hardworking families in Central Florida and across the country,” Scalise said. “Joe Strada has my full endorsement because, as a businessman, Joe knows firsthand what it takes to solve problems, create jobs and empower those who are willing to work for their piece of the American Dream.”

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan highlighted Strada’s workforce development efforts and business record.

“Joe Strada has built the American Dream for countless families in Florida and across this great nation,” Jordan said. “He’s tackled the skilled worker shortage by building his own training program and graduating students directly into the workforce. Now, more than ever, we need leaders like Joe Strada in Congress because he is a problem solver who will stand up for our shared conservative values and with President Trump.”

Florida Congressman Randy Fine also endorsed Strada, citing their shared business backgrounds and longtime friendship.

“Joe Strada doesn’t just talk about the American Dream—he’s helped thousands of Floridians live it,” Fine said. “While Washington created problems, Joe built solutions by creating his own workforce training program and putting graduates directly into good-paying jobs across Central Florida. President Trump needs fighters who know how to get things done, and I want Joe standing with President Trump and me in Congress.”

Business Background

Strada is the founder of Strada Services, which the campaign describes as the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned provider of air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and security services. His campaign has emphasized his experience as a self-made businessman and employer, arguing that his private-sector leadership prepares him to address workforce and economic challenges in Congress.

Campaign Message

According to the campaign, Strada is running on a conservative platform focused on supporting President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, strengthening workforce development, expanding job opportunities, and promoting pro-business policies.

The endorsements from Scalise, Jordan, and Fine are expected to bolster Strada’s campaign by highlighting support from influential Republican leaders with strong ties to the House Republican Conference and the conservative movement.

Looking Ahead

Florida’s 11th Congressional District is expected to draw significant attention during the 2026 election cycle. As the campaign progresses, endorsements from national and state Republican leaders are likely to remain an important part of candidates’ efforts to build support among primary voters.