Central Florida News
Bale Dalton Secures Frontline Fighters Backing in Challenge to Cory Mills
Published
3 months agoon
By
Willie David
SANFORD, Fla. (FNN) — Frontline Fighters announced Tuesday that it is endorsing Bale Dalton’s campaign for Congress in Florida’s 7th Congressional District, where he is challenging U.S. Rep. Cory Mills.
Frontline Fighters was founded by Noah Widmann after he suspended his own congressional campaign and endorsed Dalton in January. The organization has also endorsed Navy veteran Rebecca Bennett in New Jersey and Marine veteran JoAnna Mendoza in Arizona.
Widmann said defeating Mills is a top priority heading into November.
“My highest priority heading into November is getting our country’s most corrupt congressman out of office and helping Democrats flip the House,” Widmann said. “That’s why Frontline Fighters is proud to endorse Bale Dalton — a Navy captain and former NASA chief of staff who’s served his country with dedication and integrity for over two decades. I’m confident he’s the right person to win this seat and to fight for Central Floridians in office.”
Dalton welcomed the endorsement and criticized Mills’ record.
“I’m grateful to Noah and Frontline Fighters for their support in this must-win race,” Dalton said. “Families here in Central Florida are struggling, and Congressman Mills is too focused on his ethics scandals to do anything about it. I’m ready to win this seat and give Central Floridians a representative who’s actually focused on fighting for them — not himself.”
Dalton’s Military and Public Service Background
Dalton is a decorated Navy captain and former NASA chief of staff. Raised in Central Florida, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and has served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve for 23 years. His deployments include Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and the Pacific, where he flew Navy helicopters and directed air combat support operations.
After active duty, Dalton worked for former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, assisting Florida veterans with accessing benefits and care. He later returned to federal service as NASA chief of staff, where he helped oversee approximately 16,500 employees.
Ethics Investigation and Legal Matters
Mills is currently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegations including sexual misconduct, dating violence and improperly profiting from arms sales tied to government contracts. In October, a Florida judge issued a restraining order against Mills related to allegations involving his ex-girlfriend.
Mills has previously denied wrongdoing.
Dalton is seeking to unseat Mills in Florida’s 7th Congressional District in the upcoming election.
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Central Florida News
Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period
Published
2 hours agoon
June 12, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.
“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”
Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races
Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.
“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”
The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.
According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.
Historic Member of Congress
Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed
Published
3 hours agoon
June 12, 2026By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.
Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.
Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.
Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.
Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Published
4 days agoon
June 8, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs will present “HYPE HAIR,” a new exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Peppermint Sandy, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando.
The exhibit will be on display from June 11 through June 25, 2026, showcasing Sandy’s wearable sculptures and mixed-media works that explore beauty, fashion, culture, and identity through the lens of Black hair and lived experiences.
Opening Reception Scheduled June 11
An opening reception will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Orange County Administration Center.
- Doors open at 5 p.m.
- Program begins at 5:45 p.m.
- Admission is free
- Advance registration is requested
Exploring Beauty, Culture and Identity
Peppermint Sandy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates fabric, hair, textiles, and mixed media to examine cultural and societal perceptions of beauty, fashion, and personal identity.
“HYPE HAIR is a series of wearable sculptures inspired by not just my relationship with Black hair, but a dedication and love letter to all Black women and girls everywhere with our hair as well,” Sandy said. “From the beginning of time, Black hair is not only art, but a form of communication.”
The exhibition highlights the artistic, historical, and cultural significance of Black hair while celebrating self-expression and identity through contemporary art.
Exhibit Information
The exhibition will remain on display through June 25, 2026, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.
The Administration Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
The exhibit is presented by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs as part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and cultural perspectives throughout Central Florida.
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