Central Florida News

Daisy Morales Blasts Rita Harris as the “Worst Lawmaker in Orange County State Delegation”

Published

3 years ago

May 19, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, Daisy Morales, candidate for State Representative District 44, released a statement calling State Representative Rita Harris the worst lawmaker in the Orange County State Legislative Delegation in passing proposed bills during the 2023 Legislative Session.

15 lawmakers are part of Orange County State Legislative Delegation

Florida State Senator Dennis Baxley serves as the Senate President Tempore and also represents part of Orange County, but also did not introduce any bills during the 2023 Legislative Session.

Rita Harris’ Report Card: Bills Passed 0
“With a disastrous record of zero wins in passing seven different pieces of legislation in the Florida House, Harris recently filed for re-election, kicking off her campaign as an ineffective lawmaker,” said Morales.

“The seven proposed bills she filed were dead on arrival:

2023	HB 61	Medicaid Expansion through a Medicaid Buy-in Program	Died in Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee
2023	HB 393	Gay and Transgender Panic Legal Defenses	Died in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
2023	HB 863	Holocaust Remembrance Day	Died in Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee
2023	HB 905	Deferred Retirement Option Program Eligibility for School Employees and Personnel	Died in Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee
2023	HB 907	Denial of Health Care Services	Died in Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee
2023	HB 1033	Reproductive Health Care Rights	Died in Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee
2023	HB 1053	Organ Donation	Died in Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee

Source: MyFloridaHouse.gov

“It’s clear that all of Harris’s bills had one thing in common: They didn’t pass on the House floor, didn’t make it to the Governor’s desk, and didn’t become law.

“Harris is going to have a very difficult time explaining to District 44’s voters, donors, businesses, and elected officials who endorsed her 2022 campaign why they should support her re-election campaign.

“Remember, a lawmaker’s job is twofold: pass legislation and balance the state budget. The second part always gets done, but she’s hurting on the first.

“She co-sponsored 27 bills during this Session and shared the list with her constituents saying she ‘helped pass’ them. When I ran in 2022, Harris brushed off my cosponsored bills saying, ‘Anyone can co-sign a bill.’

“And that’s exactly what an outsider, ignorant of the process, would say.

“Now that she’s finally been in the trenches, she was quick to share those 27 bills. And even then, that pales in comparison to my 56 cosponsored bills—much less the fact that three pieces of legislation I sponsored passed the Florida House, and two of them were signed into law by the Governor during my first Legislative Session. And this Legislative Session wasn’t any worse than 2021 or 2022. I was there when the Governor decided to wage his war with Disney. I was there during the Special Sessions on property insurance, and I’m still prepared to fight on behalf of Floridians again concerning that.

“And then there’s District 44. Florida is a tourism-heavy state, and this district is the tourism epicenter and economic linchpin for the entire state. Harris has failed the people of this district.

“She was so far out of touch, she managed to miss one of the biggest, most visible issues in the heart of her district—the FreeFall amusement ride incident that resulted in the unfortunate death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson. State Senator Geraldine Thompson relentlessly fought for the Tyre Sampson Act, which unanimously passed the Florida Legislature during the 2023 Legislative Session. Though Harris cosponsored the bill, her fellow Democrats didn’t consider her or invite her to be a primary sponsor. Sen. Thompson instead connected with Rep. LaVon Bracy-Davis, who represents a different district, for the House companion bill.

“District 44 deserves better.

“As a public servant for over 30 years, working for the U.S. government, then elected as an Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor, then as State Representative, I understand how to gauge what matters most to the people. I understand how to introduce legislation and House Resolutions that benefit the people of Florida and District 44.

“For instance, during the 2022 Legislative Session I introduced historic House Resolution 8069 celebrating Puerto Rican Heritage Day statewide. During the 2021 Legislative Session, I introduced House Resolution 8053 recognizing World Vitiligo Day and hosting Orlando’s first-ever World Vitiligo Day celebration educating my constituents on this “silent disease,” freeing them by busting the myths and misconceptions around it, and empowering them with ways to improve their relationships with the people in their lives who struggle with it.

“I’m the best candidate for District 44 because I’ve proven myself effective. I’m still focused on what’s still hurting Florida families and the district: rising prices, struggles with affordable housing, finding good jobs, securing affordable health care, and building a strong economy. These issues matter as much to business owners and leaders in District 44 as they do to the residents who work for them. Also, since Democrats are even more outnumbered in the legislature, it’s more important now than ever before to sponsor common sense legislation—like the Tyre Sampson Act, that both sides can agree on and get passed.

“Hispanics never stop fighting for what’s right, especially Puerto Rican voters seeking to boost their political voice in Tallahassee,” said Morales. “They are ready to send me back to the Florida House as the next state representative for District 44.” I’m ready to serve all Floridians.

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Central Florida News

Orange County Announces $28,200 Public Art Opportunity at Tangelo Park Community Center

Published

2 days ago

October 2, 2026

FNN NEWS

Artists and artist teams invited to submit qualifications for artwork at the renovated center in Orlando’s historically Black Tangelo Park community

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Public Art Review Board is seeking artists or artist teams to develop artwork for the newly renovated Tangelo Park Community Center, according to a public art call announcing a $28,200 commission budget.

The request for qualifications invites participation from one or more artists or artist teams. Applications must be submitted through CaFÉ by 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 4, 2026, according to the announcement.

Art Opportunity in a Historically Black Community

The announcement describes Tangelo Park as a historically Black community with a proud heritage. The artwork will be developed for a community center designed to bring residents of different generations together through social services, recreation and community activities.

The center sits within a midcentury modern neighborhood next to Tangelo Park Elementary School and an adjoining outdoor recreation center.

Renovated Center Expands Community Space

According to the announcement, the renovated community center features a multipurpose meeting space, classrooms, a computer lab and offices. The site also includes an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor pool and solar gazebos available for community use.

The center’s primary purpose is to support county social service programs and recreational activities. Its spaces are also intended to accommodate family programs, community gatherings, art exhibitions, festivals and other events.

The announcement describes the facility as a welcoming extension of home, where individuals and families can gather safely and comfortably.

Application Details

The public art call lists the following information:

Project: Tangelo Park Community Center public artwork.
Location: Orlando, Florida.
Seeking: One or more artists or artist teams.
Commission budget: $28,200.
Application platform: CaFÉ.
Deadline: Nov. 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Artists interested in the commission should consult the complete CaFÉ listing for submission requirements and additional project details.

Business

Hola at the Park Set for Oct. 3 in Altamonte Springs; Admission Free

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.

According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.

FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices

Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.

The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.

Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.

Photo: Florida National News

Food, Entertainment and Family Activities

The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.

Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.

Photo: Florida National News

A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte

Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.

The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Time: 2–6 p.m. EDT
Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
Host: Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
Presenting sponsor: AdventHealth
Admission: Free and open to the community
Registration: Not required

Photo: Florida National News

Vendor Inquiries

For information about vendor opportunities, contact the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando at info@hispanicchamber.com or events@hispanicchamber.com.

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Announce $20 Tickets, $2–$7 Concessions for Home Games

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2026

FNN SPORTS

New affordability options include ticket offers, merchandise deals and select concessions at Kia Center.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced new affordability options Wednesday, including $20 ticket offers, select concessions priced from $2 to $7 and merchandise starting at $15, aimed at making home games more accessible to fans.

The initiative includes monthly ticket promotions, community ticket programs, designated concession value menus and retail deals at Kia Center.

“Making Magic games accessible to every fan has always been a priority for our organization, and this season we worked closely with the DeVos family to build on that commitment,” said Charlie Freeman, the Magic’s president of business operations.

$20 Ticket Offers and Community Programs

The Magic’s Monthly Steals Program will offer $20 ticket options for every home game, with offers released on the first of each month.

The team also will offer group ticket options, including complimentary tickets through the Jr. Magic and Honor Roll programs. Discounted tickets will be available to Orange County Public Schools staff and through OneBlood donations.

Fans can find more information at OrlandoMagic.com/MonthlySteals or by calling 407-89-MAGIC.

Concession Value Menu Features Items From $2 to $7

The Fan Favorites Value Menu will be available at Slam Dunk in Section 115 and Flavors of Orlando in Section 218.

Select food and beverage items will cost between $2 and $7. Options include hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, nachos, cookies, chips, bottled water, soda and beer.

“From affordable ticket and concession options to retail merchandise deals, we want to make sure a Magic game remains within reach for families across our community,” Freeman said.

Merchandise Deals Start at $15

The Magic will offer an item of the game at every home game, with merchandise starting at $15.

Weekly deals at the Magic Authentics team shop at Kia Center also will feature a $15 hat or T-shirt. The team’s Eighty9 Collection, an affordable private-label merchandise line, will be available in the shop at each game.

SunRail Partnership Supports Game-Day Transportation

The Magic said they will continue working with SunRail to ensure trains operate after weeknight home games, allowing fans to ride free with a game ticket.

According to the announcement, SunRail serves 17 stations across Central Florida, including locations in DeLand and DeBary, and provides access near Kia Center.

Keeping Games Within Reach for Fans

Freeman said the affordability initiative reflects the ownership group’s commitment to maintaining access as the team grows.

“The DeVos family ownership has been clear that growth on the court should go hand-in-hand with keeping this experience affordable for the fans who support us every night,” he said.