Politics
Conservative Champion Riley Gaines Leads Empowerment Charge at Orlando’s First Annual Women’s Rights Conference
Published
3 months agoon
ORLANDO, Florida (FNN) – The Leadership Institute held Orlando’s inaugural Women’s Empowerment Conference at the Rosen Centre, with Senior Director Angela Faulkner serving as MC and Attorney Vennia Francois as Event Chair. The event inspired over 500 attendees with a powerful message on women’s rights.
The event kicked off with a welcome reception, bringing together local politicians, community leaders, and out-of-town guests for an evening of networking and celebration.
Notable among the attendees was Congressman Cory Mills, who energized the audience with a speech emphasizing the essential role of men as protectors and allies in the fight for gender equity.
Mills’ powerful words, “Boys by Birth, Men by Age, and Gentlemen by Choice,” resonated deeply, reinforcing the event’s theme of mutual respect between men and women.
Keynote speaker Riley Gaines, a 12x All-American swimmer and outspoken advocate for maintaining single-sex spaces in women’s sports, took center stage. She was joined by other prominent figures, including detransitioner Chloe Cole, Florida Congresswomen Laurel Lee and Kat Cammack, Florida State Senator Erin Grall, State Representatives Rachel Plakon, Karen Gonzalez-Pittman, and Kaylee Tuck, former State Representative Deborah Tamargo, Orange County School Board Member Alicia Farrant, Event Chair Attorney Vennia Francois, South Dakota State Senator-Elect Amber Hulse, and Moms for Liberty Co-Founder Tina Descovich. Each speaker delivered compelling messages about the urgent need to protect women’s rights, particularly concerning Title IX, women’s sports and spaces.
The Leadership Institute also hosted panel discussions on five critical topics:
- Women’s Voices in Leadership
- Parental Rights
- Defending Women’s Spaces
- Civic Engagement in the Real World
- Gen Z: The Voices of Future Leaders
A key concern voiced by the speakers was the threat posed by changes to Title IX, which could jeopardize women’s opportunities in sports and compromise safety in private spaces like locker rooms and bathrooms. Gaines warned, “If men are allowed to enter female sports, female sports will no longer exist. If men are allowed in women’s private spaces, those spaces and women’s safety will cease to exist as well.”
In a nod to the historic women’s suffrage movement, attendees wore white and purple sashes emblazoned with the hashtag #XX≠XY, underscoring the importance of preserving women’s rights. Purple, symbolizing unity, was a dominant color throughout the event, along with a resounding call for courage.
Gaines reminded the audience, “Being courageous doesn’t mean you’re free from fear; it means standing up for what’s right in spite of it.”
The event also featured personal stories of resilience and empowerment. Hollywood actress Roxanne Hoge shared her story of overcoming adversity, encouraging women to stand firm in their beliefs and rise above challenges. Performances by artist Stefan Otto, dancers, and inspirational films, such as “Sacred Journey of Womanhood” by actress and producer Jenny Rosario, added emotional depth to the event.
Vendors lined the venue, offering patriotic apparel, athletic wear, and motivational merchandise. A special highlight was the meet-and-greet with Riley Gaines, where young women had the chance to receive personal advice and take photos with the champion athlete.
The conference concluded with the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, and a color guard ceremony, driving home the message that this is not just a partisan issue, but an American issue. Organizers echoed suffragist leader Millicent Fawcett’s words: “Courage calls to courage,” as Orlando’s women stand united in protecting women’s rights and spaces.
Politics
Orange County Commissioners Wilson, Uribe, and Semrad Sworn In for New Four-Year Terms
Published
2 days agoon
December 5, 2024By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – In a momentous ceremony at the Orange County Convention Center, Commissioners Nicole Wilson (District 1), Mayra Uribe (District 3), and Kelly Semrad (District 5) took their oaths of office, marking the beginning of their new four-year terms on the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.
The event, attended by community leaders, family, and supporters, highlighted the importance of continuity and fresh perspectives in guiding Orange County’s growth and development over the next four years.
Nicole Wilson – Championing Sustainability and Community Growth
Commissioner Nicole Wilson, re-elected for District 1, reaffirmed her commitment to sustainability, conservation, and managing the region’s rapid development. During her previous term, Wilson focused on preserving natural resources and ensuring responsible growth that balances environmental and economic interests.
Wilson emphasized, “We have a responsibility to manage growth in a way that honors our community’s character and protects our environment for future generations.”
Mayra Uribe – Prioritizing Infrastructure and Family Advocacy
Representing District 3, Commissioner Mayra Uribe vowed to continue her focus on improving infrastructure, addressing housing affordability, and championing family-friendly policies. Known for her dedication to practical solutions, Uribe has been a strong advocate for improving roads, schools, and public services.
Uribe noted, “Our community’s success depends on how well we address the needs of our families and ensure every resident has access to essential resources.”
Kelly Semrad – A Vision for Economic Innovation
Newly elected to represent District 5, Commissioner Kelly Semrad brings a fresh perspective to the Board, leveraging her background in business and academia. Semrad’s priorities include fostering economic innovation, enhancing workforce development, and ensuring Orange County remains competitive on a global scale.
“This is an exciting time for Orange County,” Semrad stated. “I’m honored to work with my colleagues to drive initiatives that strengthen our economy and create opportunities for all residents.”
Takeaways from the Ceremony
- Unity and Collaboration: Each commissioner emphasized the importance of working together to address Orange County’s challenges.
- Community Engagement: Residents are encouraged to participate in discussions shaping Orange County’s future.
- Innovation and Sustainability: The Board aims to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and infrastructure development.
Looking Ahead
The Orange County Board of Commissioners faces key priorities in the coming term, including tackling housing affordability, managing population growth, enhancing public transportation, and promoting sustainability. With a mix of experience and fresh leadership, the commissioners are poised to make significant progress in these areas.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Stephanie Daltirus, and J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Politics
Kelly Loeffler Nominated as SBA Administrator, Co-Chair of Presidential Inaugural Committee
Published
2 days agoon
December 5, 2024By
FNN NEWSWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – Former U.S. Senator and business leader Kelly Loeffler, a prominent figure from Georgia, has been nominated to serve as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). The announcement highlights Loeffler’s extensive experience in business and public service, positioning her as a key figure in advancing opportunities for small businesses across the nation.
Championing Small Business Growth
The SBA Administrator role is critical in fostering growth and innovation within America’s small business sector. Loeffler’s nomination underscores her dedication to reducing regulatory barriers, cutting government waste, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our great economy,” the statement emphasized. “Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape and unleash opportunities for small businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Loeffler, who served as U.S. Senator during the Trump Administration, was instrumental in advancing key legislation, including the first-ever bill to protect women in sports. Before her Senate tenure, she built a 25-year career in financial services and technology. As Executive Vice President of a Fortune 500 company, she and her husband, Jeff, grew the business from 100 employees to over 10,000.
Her professional journey is deeply rooted in her belief in the “American Dream.” Raised on her family’s farm in Illinois as a fourth-generation farmer, Loeffler became the first in her family to attend college, earning a Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from DePaul University. She also made history as the first CFA charterholder to serve in the Senate.
Commitment to Public Service
Since leaving the Senate, Loeffler has dedicated herself to voter outreach and election integrity through her nonprofit organization, Greater Georgia. Her leadership in restoring confidence in elections and expanding voter registration efforts has been widely recognized.
In addition to her SBA Administrator nomination, Loeffler has been appointed Co-Chair of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, further reflecting her integral role in shaping the administration’s vision for the future.
A Vision for Accountability and Innovation
As SBA Administrator, Loeffler is expected to focus on ensuring taxpayer accountability, combating waste and fraud, and fostering an environment where small businesses can flourish without undue regulatory burdens. Her financial acumen and public service experience position her as a strong advocate for the nation’s entrepreneurs.
This nomination celebrates a career defined by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to empowering businesses and communities across the country.
Politics
Governor DeSantis Appoints Judges to 17th, 18th, and 20th Judicial Circuits
Published
2 days agoon
December 4, 2024By
FNN NEWSTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Governor Ron DeSantis announced three new judicial appointments on Monday, filling vacancies in the Seventeenth, Eighteenth, and Twentieth Judicial Circuits. Each appointee brings extensive legal experience to their new roles.
The Appointees:
- Johnathan Lott, of Fort Lauderdale, appointed to the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court:
Lott has served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida since 2020. Before that, he was an Associate Attorney at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from the University of Chicago. Lott will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Murphy. - Laura Moody, of Rockledge, appointed to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court:
Moody has been the Chief Legal Counsel for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office since 2019. Prior to that, she worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Moody holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a juris doctor from Florida A&M University. She steps into the position left vacant by the retirement of Judge Maloney. - Darrell Hill, of Labelle, appointed to the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court:
Hill has served as a County Court Judge for Hendry County since 2018. Previously, he owned his private practice, Darrell R. Hill, P.A. Hill received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from the Cumberland School of Law. He fills the judicial vacancy created by the enactment of HB 5401.
Background on the Appointments
These judicial appointments highlight Governor DeSantis’ focus on selecting experienced professionals with a commitment to serving the public and the judiciary. The appointees will play a crucial role in their respective circuits, addressing the legal needs of Florida’s residents and upholding the law.
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