TAMPA, Fla. (FNN) – The King family held a pregame press conference during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints game in Tampa to announce a new community service initiative.

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Florida National News reporter J. Willie David III asked Martin Luther King III for his thoughts on President-Elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

King emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “The President has expressed his desire to bring America together. To achieve this, he must actively reach out to those who did not support him.”

Tampa Bay, Florida, USA, January 5, 2025, New Orleans Saints face Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

The King family shared its community service initiative the media.

Realize the Dream is a collaboration between the Martin Luther King III Foundation and NGOs across the country to reach the ambitious goal of 100 million hours of service by 2029, the 100th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday.

Florida National News was unsuccessful in obtaining a comment after reaching out to the Trump-Vance Transition team

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel, D-Dania Beach, announced Friday that she has switched her party affiliation to Republican, becoming the second House Democrat to do so since the November elections. The move further solidifies the Republican supermajority in the Florida House, now boasting 87 members in the 120-seat chamber.

Cassel, an attorney and mother, shared her decision on X, formerly Twitter, expressing alignment with the Republican Party’s “vision for a better, more prosperous Florida.” She also cited growing discomfort with the Democratic Party’s stance on key issues, including support for Israel.

“As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged on their character and their actions, not their labels,” Cassel wrote. “As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism.”

Cassel also criticized the Democratic Party’s ability to connect with everyday Floridians and questioned whether it truly represents her values.

“I know I won’t always agree on every detail with every Republican,” she said, “but I do know that I will always have input, collaboration, and respect.”

Cassel’s announcement follows Tampa Rep. Susan Valdes’ December 9 switch from Democrat to Republican after losing a bid to lead the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee. The Florida House promptly updated Cassel’s party affiliation on its website, and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, welcomed her with a post on X, saying, “Welcome to the team!”

Support and Backlash

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power praised Cassel’s decision, stating, “I’ve known her for a long time, and I know she will be a valuable addition to our team!”

However, Democratic leaders criticized the move, calling it a betrayal of voters and party principles.

Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, lambasted Cassel’s decision as “a betrayal of the voters who entrusted her to represent their values as a Democrat.”

Kristen Browde, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, expressed disappointment, stating, “One has to wonder whether Rep. Hillary Cassel is abandoning her principles as well as her party and the voters who elected her. Now she is joining the forces of those who have sought to destroy equality. This is inexplicable as well as disappointing.”

Impact on Florida Democrats

Cassel’s party switch deals a significant blow to Florida Democrats, who had hoped to cut into the GOP supermajority after the Nov. 5 elections. Instead, her decision has widened the Republican stronghold and further diminished Democratic influence in the state legislature.

Elected in 2022 to represent Broward County’s House District 101, Cassel had been a prominent figure for House Democrats, particularly on property insurance issues. Her unopposed reelection in November signaled confidence from her constituents, making her defection to the GOP even more impactful.

With the Republican supermajority growing, Florida Democrats face an uphill battle in maintaining relevance and addressing critical policy issues in the legislature.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, President and CEO of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, expressed her sorrow at the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. In a heartfelt statement, Morales celebrated Carter’s unwavering dedication to justice, human dignity, and inclusion, highlighting his historic contributions to the Hispanic community.

Carter’s legacy as a champion of Hispanic inclusion was particularly noteworthy. During his presidency, he appointed a significant number of Latinos to key positions in his administration, a groundbreaking move at the time:

• Graciela Olivarez: Director of the Community Services Administration and the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Carter administration.
• Arabella Martinez: Headed the Office of Human Development Services within the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
• Alex Mercure: Served in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
• Esteban Torres: U.S. Representative to UNESCO and later head of the first White House Office of Hispanic Affairs.

Carter also solidified his commitment to the Hispanic community through Proclamation 4516 in 1977, officially designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. This act reinforced the nation’s recognition of Hispanic contributions and heritage.

Morales further stated:
“President Carter’s legacy is one of inclusion, compassion, and humanity. His groundbreaking work for the Hispanic community and his tireless efforts to uplift others inspire us to continue the work of equity and justice. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless individuals touched by his leadership.”

Key Takeaways

• Jimmy Carter was a champion of justice, integrity, and human dignity.
• His administration set historic milestones in Hispanic representation.
  • Appointed Graciela Olivarez, the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in his administration.
  • Created the first-ever White House Office of Hispanic Affairs under Esteban Torres.
• Issued Proclamation 4516 in 1977, establishing National Hispanic Heritage Week.
• Carter’s post-presidential humanitarian efforts remain iconic.