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

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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:

2023HB 61Medicaid Expansion through a Medicaid Buy-in ProgramDied in Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee
2023HB 393Gay and Transgender Panic Legal DefensesDied in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
2023HB 863Holocaust Remembrance DayDied in Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee
2023HB 905Deferred Retirement Option Program Eligibility for School Employees and PersonnelDied in Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee
2023HB 907Denial of Health Care ServicesDied in Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee
2023HB 1033Reproductive Health Care RightsDied in Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee
2023HB 1053Organ DonationDied 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.

Celebrity

LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge

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Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.

Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)

Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.

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Central Florida News

“Olympic Bronze Medalist Omari Jones Leads 41st MLK Holiday Parade as Grand Marshal”

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Martin Luther King, Orlando, Orange County, History, Civil Rights, Parade, Holidays
Olympic Bronze Medalist Omari Jones leads 41st MLK Holiday Parade Downtown Orlando, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Downtown Orlando came alive with vibrant energy as the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade took place on Saturday, January 18, 2025. The parade began at the Downtown Orlando Courthouse and made its way through the city streets, concluding at the picturesque Lake Eola Park.

 

This year’s parade theme, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365,” served as a rallying cry for unity and action. The theme inspired participants and spectators alike to honor Dr. King’s mission by promoting love, nonviolence, and equality throughout their daily lives.

Parade Participants marched down Orange Avenue for the 41st MLK Holiday Parade Downtown Orlando, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III

Leading this year’s parade as Grand Marshal was Orlando native Omari Jones, a Bronze Medal-winning boxer. Jones is one of eight members of Team USA Boxing preparing to secure a spot in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. His presence underscored the importance of perseverance and the power of achieving dreams against all odds.

US Congressman Darren Soto celebrates 41st MLK Holiday Parade Downtown Orlando, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III

The parade featured a dazzling display of colorful floats, marching bands, and community groups celebrating Dr. King’s legacy. Families and attendees of all ages lined the streets to cheer, wave, and take in the festive atmosphere. The event was a true testament to the enduring impact of Dr. King’s message of freedom, justice, and equality.

Senator Carols Smith and Representative Anna V. Eskamani marched down Orange Avenue for the 41st MLK Holiday Parade Downtown Orlando, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III

Attendees were encouraged to go beyond celebration and take intentional steps to uphold Dr. King’s dream in their own lives. The event organizers emphasized the importance of supporting the parade’s mission through sponsorships, vendor opportunities, or active participation in future parades.

As the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade concluded, the sense of inspiration and unity lingered in the air, reminding everyone of the ongoing work to build a just and equitable society.

 

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Central Florida News

Former Haitian Ambassador Dr. Rudolph Moise Reflects on Haiti Earthquake Anniversary and Rescue Efforts

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MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) – The 15th anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti was commemorated in a solemn ceremony at the statue of Toussaint Louverture at the corner of North Miami Avenue and 62nd Street. The event, organized by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marlene Bastien and the Family Action Network Movement (FANM), honored the lives lost and the heroic efforts of those who provided aid during Haiti’s darkest hours.

Among the distinguished attendees was Dr. Rudolph Moise, former Haitian Ambassador at Large. He joined several South Florida elected officials, community leaders, and residents who gathered to pay their respects and share reflections on the tragedy that claimed the lives of over 250,000 people on January 12, 2010.

Dr. Moise’s First-Hand Role in Rescue Efforts
Dr. Moise highlighted his personal involvement as part of the Miami-Dade Urban Search and Rescue Team dispatched to Haiti immediately after the earthquake. “In 10 days, we pulled 12 people out of the rubble, including two children,” he shared during the ceremony, emphasizing the profound impact of those life-saving efforts.

The emotional gathering provided an opportunity for the community to reflect on the resilience of the Haitian people and the unity demonstrated in the face of such overwhelming loss. Commissioner Marlene Bastien remarked, “This ceremony is a reminder of the strength and solidarity that emerged in the aftermath of unimaginable devastation. We must continue to honor those we lost and support Haiti’s recovery.”

Impact and Legacy

The earthquake, which struck near Port-au-Prince, destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, leaving millions displaced. The heroic efforts of rescue teams, including Dr. Moise and his colleagues, provided hope amid the chaos. Their actions remain a testament to the power of humanity and international cooperation.

Today’s ceremony also served as a call to action for continued support for Haiti’s rebuilding efforts and advocacy for disaster preparedness. Community members shared heartfelt comments, recalling the lives lost and the need to maintain focus on recovery and resilience.

Event Highlights

  • The event was attended by several elected officials from across South Florida, including key community leaders and activists.
  • Speeches were delivered at the statue of Toussaint Louverture, a symbol of Haitian independence and resilience.
  • Personal reflections from attendees highlighted the ongoing emotional and cultural significance of the earthquake.

As Haiti continues its journey toward recovery, events like this remind us of the enduring strength and determination of its people and the critical importance of international solidarity.

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