Central Florida News
Daisy Morales Blasts Rita Harris as the “Worst Lawmaker in Orange County State Delegation”
Published
3 years agoon
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.
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
Orlando Begins Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Review, Addresses Property Tax Reform and Future Spending
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 10, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The City of Orlando will officially begin its Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget process on Monday, July 13, with a public budget workshop outlining Mayor Buddy Dyer’s proposed spending plan for the coming fiscal year.
City officials said the proposed budget is balanced, does not increase the city’s millage rate, and continues to prioritize the core municipal services residents rely on every day.
Budget Workshop Scheduled for July 13
The budget process begins with a workshop at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of Orlando City Hall.
During the workshop, Mayor Buddy Dyer and members of the Orlando City Council will receive an overview of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget from Chief Financial Officer Jose Fernandez and Assistant Chief Financial Officer Jason Wojkiewicz.
In addition to presenting the proposed spending plan, city financial officials will discuss proposed property tax reform and its potential impact on future city budgets and long-term financial planning.
Public Hearings Scheduled for September
Following the budget workshop, Orlando residents will have opportunities to provide public input during two public hearings in September.
Budget Hearing No. 1
Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
5:01 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Orlando City Hall
During the first hearing, the City Council is expected to adopt a proposed millage rate and establish a tentative Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and Capital Improvement Program.
Budget Hearing No. 2
Monday, Sept. 28, 2026
5:01 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Orlando City Hall
The second and final public hearing will include the City Council’s vote to adopt the final millage rate, Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and Capital Improvement Program.
Budget Takes Effect Oct. 1
If approved, Orlando’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget will take effect on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, marking the beginning of the city’s new fiscal year.
FY 2026-27 Budget Timeline
- Monday, July 13 — Budget Workshop (10 a.m.)
- Monday, Sept. 14 — First Public Budget Hearing (5:01 p.m.)
- Monday, Sept. 28 — Final Public Budget Hearing and Adoption Vote (5:01 p.m.)
- Thursday, Oct. 1 — Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Implementation
The annual budget process establishes funding priorities for city operations, public safety, transportation, parks, infrastructure, capital improvements and other municipal services while determining the city’s property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year.
Central Florida News
Orlando Police Arrest Three Following Shooting at West Lakes Apartment Complex
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 10, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Orlando Police arrested three suspects Thursday following a shooting at the Pendana at West Lakes Club Apartments that led to a high-speed pursuit spanning Orange and Seminole counties.
Police said no injuries were reported despite multiple rounds being fired during the incident.
Shooting Reported at Apartment Complex
According to the Orlando Police Department (OPD), officers responded at approximately 3:50 p.m. Thursday, July 9, to the 2000 block of Orange Center Boulevard after receiving reports of gunfire at the Pendana at West Lakes Club Apartments.
During the investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance video showing occupants of a black sedan and a black SUV firing multiple rounds at two individuals riding scooters through the apartment complex.
Investigators said everyone involved fled the scene before officers arrived.
Police Locate Suspect Vehicles
Shortly after the shooting, Orlando officers located both suspect vehicles in the North Pine Hills area.
With assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), officers conducted a traffic stop on the black sedan and detained two suspects without incident.
Officers later located the black SUV and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop, triggering a police pursuit.
Helicopter Assists During Pursuit
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit tracked the fleeing SUV from the air while directing responding officers on the ground.
The pursuit ended in Altamonte Springs, where the driver stopped in front of a Burlington Coat Factory, abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.
Orlando Police officers quickly apprehended the suspect.
Three Suspects Arrested
Police identified the suspects as:
Jacorey Lowery (DOB: July 8, 2006)
Charges:
- Attempted Felony Murder (Firearm/Discharge)
- Discharging a Firearm at Residential Property
Quincy Desponosse (DOB: April 21, 2008)
Charge:
- Principal to Attempted First-Degree Murder
Semaj Blackshear
Charges:
- Principal to Attempted Felony Murder with a Firearm
- Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement at High Speed with Disregard for Public Safety or Property
- Resisting an Officer Without Violence
- Juvenile Violation of Probation
None of the Suspects Lived at the Complex
Investigators determined that none of the three individuals arrested were residents of the Pendana at West Lakes Club Apartments.
Police have not released information regarding a possible motive or whether the suspects knew the two individuals on the scooters.
Investigation Continues
The Orlando Police Department said the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
Central Florida News
Labor Unions Back Samuel Vilchez Santiago as Democratic Primary Battle With Daisy Morales Intensifies
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 9, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago has announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations as he seeks the Democratic nomination for Florida House District 43, setting up a high-profile primary contest against former State Rep. Daisy Morales.
The endorsements come as both candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, where voters will decide who advances to the November general election.
Broad Labor Coalition Backs Vilchez Santiago
Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations representing workers in education, healthcare, public safety, transportation, construction and other industries.
The endorsing organizations include:
- Florida AFL-CIO
- Central Florida AFL-CIO
- SEIU Florida
- Florida Education Association
- Orange County Fire Fighters Association
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625
- Orange County Classroom Teachers Association
- United Auto Workers
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606
- Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517
- SMART Transportation Division PAC
- Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596
Vilchez Santiago: ‘These Endorsements Are Deeply Personal’
In announcing the endorsements, Vilchez Santiago said organized labor has shaped both his family’s experience and his policy priorities.
“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.
He added:
“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”
Vilchez Santiago pledged to continue advocating for workers’ rights if elected to the Florida House.
Primary Contest Revives Familiar Political Rivalry
The endorsements add another chapter to an increasingly competitive Democratic primary between Vilchez Santiago and Morales.
The two candidates previously faced each other in the 2020 Democratic primary for what was then Florida House District 48. Morales defeated Vilchez Santiago and went on to win the general election, serving one term in the Florida House from 2020 to 2022.
Following legislative redistricting, both candidates are now seeking the Democratic nomination in House District 43, creating a rematch between two well-known Democratic figures in Central Florida politics.
Competing Messages to Democratic Voters
Vilchez Santiago has centered his campaign on issues including workers’ rights, affordable housing, healthcare access and support for organized labor.
Morales has emphasized her legislative record, highlighting more than 110 bills she sponsored or co-sponsored that became law, as well as funding secured for local projects during her time in office. Her campaign has argued that voters should compare legislative accomplishments and experience when choosing their next state representative.
The labor endorsements provide Vilchez Santiago with additional organizational support as both campaigns work to mobilize Democratic voters before early voting begins.
Key Background
Samuel Vilchez Santiago
- Democrat seeking election to Florida House District 43.
- Former chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party.
- Previously served as Senior Manager at ActBlue.
- Was the Democratic nominee defeated by Daisy Morales in the 2020 House District 48 primary.
Daisy Morales
- Former Florida State Representative (2020–2022).
- Former Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor.
- Campaigning on her legislative experience, bipartisan accomplishments and record of securing funding for Central Florida communities.
Race to Watch
Florida House District 43 is expected to be one of Central Florida’s most closely watched Democratic legislative primaries.
With endorsements, fundraising and voter outreach accelerating, both candidates are expected to continue drawing support from elected officials, community organizations and advocacy groups throughout the campaign.
The Democratic primary will be held Aug. 18, 2026, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 3–16. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
