Politics
Conservative Champion Riley Gaines Leads Empowerment Charge at Orlando’s First Annual Women’s Rights Conference
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.
Event Chair Attorney Vennia Francois and Keynote Speaker Riley Gaines led the discussion on defending women’s sports at the 2024 Leadership Institute’s Embracing Womanhood Conference. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News.
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.
Photo by Florida National News
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.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – A political showdown is unfolding in Florida Senate District 15, as former State Senator Randolph Bracy and his sister, State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis, both officially enter the race to replace the late Senator Geraldine Thompson, who passed away unexpectedly on February 13 due to complications from knee replacement surgery.
A Vacancy That Sparks a Family Feud: Bracy vs Bracy
The loss of Senator Thompson left a crucial legislative seat open during the 2025 session, prompting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to soon order a Special Election to fill the vacancy. The race is already shaping up to be a contentious battle between two high-profile political figures—who also happen to be siblings.
Representative LaVon Bracy Davis formally announced her candidacy on Friday morning, surrounded by state and local leaders, family, and members of Geraldine Thompson’s family, signaling strong political support.
“This is about the people,” Bracy Davis declared. “I’m not running against anyone—I’m running for the people of Senate District 15.”
Her brother, Randolph Bracy, wasted no time responding. Just one day after Thompson’s passing, he took to social media, posting:
“The answer is yes, I will be seeking election for District 15.”
Bracy’s decision follows his 2024 campaign against Thompson, in which he controversially accused her of not living in the district. During that race, Bracy Davis notably backed Thompson over her brother, a move that now adds another layer of complexity to the sibling rivalry.
Randolph Bracy Calls Out His Sister’s Candidacy
Bracy was blunt in his reaction to his sister’s announcement, expressing disappointment and disbelief over her decision to run against him.
“This is a sad day for the Bracy name. My sister choosing to run against me dishonors our father’s legacy in every way possible,” he stated. “I will not disparage our father, who believed in this family, by debating my sister in any format. People know my record, and I will continue to walk and live in the light, putting the PEOPLE over POWER.”
Bracy Davis emphasized her legislative experience and commitment to addressing critical issues in her campaign launch.
“My experience as a state representative has shown me the importance of fighting for the needs of our community,” she said. “I am ready to serve the people of District 15 and committed to bringing the same passion and dedication I’ve had throughout my career to the Florida State Senate, addressing critical issues like affordable housing, education, and economic development.”
With the Bracy siblings heading toward an intense political showdown, the District 15 Special Election promises to be one of Florida’s most closely watched races.
What’s Next for the Bracys?
- Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to announce a Special Election date soon.
- Campaigns are ramping up, with both candidates expected to hold events, debates, and public forums.
- Political tensions rise as voters will have to choose between two well-known family members with opposing perspectives.
________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News2FloridaNationalNews.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – A bill designed to reduce housing application costs for Florida renters has advanced in the Florida Legislature.
House Bill 43 (HB 43), sponsored by Representative Jervonte Edmonds (D-West Palm Beach), passed its first committee, the Civil Justice and Claims Committee, marking a significant step toward financial relief for renters.
The bill would allow landlords to accept reusable tenant screening reports, enabling renters to submit the same credit report for up to 30 days instead of paying for multiple credit checks with each housing application. This change also aims to reduce the number of hard credit pulls, helping to protect renters’ credit scores while saving money.
“I’ve heard too many stories of hardworking Floridians struggling just to apply for housing,” said Representative Edmonds. “This bill is about making the process fairer, easier, and more affordable for those trying to secure a home.”
Following its success in the first committee, HB 43 now moves to the next legislative step. Representative Edmonds emphasized his commitment to pursuing solutions that improve the quality of life for Florida families.
____________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Forida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Politics
Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill Seeks Political Comeback with Reelection Bid
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, who is facing criminal charges but has not been convicted, announced Wednesday that she will run for reelection to reclaim her District 5 seat.
Hill’s Legacy in District 5
First elected in 2013, Hill has focused on job creation, education opportunities, business development, and affordable housing for her district, according to the City of Orlando.
Despite her legal troubles, Hill maintains that her leadership has brought transformative change to the community.
Announcing her candidacy on social media, she stated, “After much reflection, prayer, and supplication in response to the enthusiastic requests of many community members, I’ve decided on this day, the beginning of Lent, to submit my paperwork to officially run for reelection as the commissioner of District 5 to continue serving my beloved community.”
Legal Battle and Criminal Allegations
Hill is accused of financially exploiting a 96-year-old constituent, allegedly misusing more than $100,000 of her money and fraudulently securing a $428,000 mortgage in the elderly woman’s name for a home in Orlando. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Hill in March 2024.
While she has not been convicted of any crime, her trial, originally set for January 27, 2025, was postponed after her attorney requested additional time for depositions. A pre-trial hearing is now scheduled for April 29.
Suspension and Special Election
Following her arrest, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Hill from office, triggering a special election for her seat. In June 2024, Shaniqua Rose defeated former state representative Travaris McCurdy in a runoff election and was sworn into office on June 23, 2024.
Hill’s extensive arrest history didn’t matter to District 5 voters, who repeatedly elected and reelected her to office.
Rose confirmed that she will seek reelection, stating, “I filed to run for reelection in July 2024. Our community deserves a leader who will continue to fight for honesty, integrity, and real change. I will continue to listen, take action, and put the people of District 5 first.”
A High-Stakes Race for District 5
Hill’s decision to run again has sparked intense debate among residents and sets up a heated election battle in District 5. With legal proceedings still unfolding and the campaign season in full swing, District 5 voters will ultimately decide whether Hill deserves another term or if leadership should remain with Rose, District 5 Interim Commissioner.
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