Florida
Daisy Morales, Florida Lawmakers Mourn the Passing of Rep. Joe Casello
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Honorable Daisy Morales, who served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2020 to 2022, is joining fellow current and former lawmakers across the state in mourning the passing of Rep. Joe Casello (D-Boynton Beach).
Casello, a retired firefighter, former Boynton Beach City Commissioner, and U.S. Air Force veteran, served in the Florida House of Representatives since 2018 and was known as a devoted public servant with a legacy of compassion and bipartisanship.
Daisy Morales Reflects on Working with Rep. Casello
“Florida has lost another true public servant,” said Morales. “Rep. Joe Casello was more than a colleague — he was a compassionate leader who dedicated his life to improving the lives of everyday Floridians.”
She continued, “During my time in the Florida House, I had the honor of collaborating with him on key legislation, including the Purple Alert system (HB 79), which helps locate missing adults with mental or developmental disabilities. That initiative was personal to me, having a sister with a developmental disability.”
“Morales also praised Casello’s unwavering dedication to first responders, highlighting her co-sponsorship of his legislation, HB 31, which granted firefighters specific rights during informal inquiries and investigations. ‘His work has left a lasting imprint on public safety and civil rights throughout Florida,’ she said.”
State Leaders Honor Rep. Casello’s Legacy of Service
Multiple members of the Florida Legislature expressed their condolences and honored Casello’s legacy.
Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman said, “Joe Casello was a true public servant who worked tirelessly for the people of Palm Beach County. It was my honor to work with him, especially on the Purple Alert system. May his memory be a blessing.”
Senator Tina Polsky described Casello as “the kindest, most humble public servant,” recalling their years of service together and his trademark warmth and Massachusetts accent.
Senator Mack Bernard added, “Joe Casello epitomized what a public servant should be — a firefighter, legislator, and friend to all. His dedication inspired us.”
A Quiet Yet Powerful Presence in the Legislature
Rep. Joe Casello served as Democratic Ranking Member of the State Affairs Committee during his senior term in the Florida House. Prior to his election in 2018, he served five years on the Boynton Beach City Commission. His time in public service was deeply shaped by his 33-year career as a firefighter and his military service in the U.S. Air Force.
House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) praised Casello’s steady leadership:
“Joe was a gentle giant in the Florida House who rarely spoke, but when he did, everyone listened. He wasn’t there for show — he was there to serve. His life embodied quiet strength and selfless dedication.”
A Deeply Personal Loss Among Colleagues and Friends
Rep. Daryl Campbell (D-Fort Lauderdale) shared heartfelt memories of Casello:
“He was not just a dedicated legislator but an extraordinary friend. His warmth, humor, and wisdom brought light into every room. We’ve lost a treasure, and I will deeply miss the firefighter from Worcester — and my loyal friend.”
Casello’s passing marks a profound loss for the Florida Legislature and for his constituents in Palm Beach County. His tireless work on behalf of vulnerable populations, public safety professionals, and veterans will continue to resonate throughout the state.
Florida
DeSantis’ New Florida Congressional Map Could Spark Lawsuits, Legislative Showdown, and Statewide Protests
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a proposed congressional redistricting map that could significantly reshape Florida’s representation in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The proposal, released Monday, outlines districts that could favor Republicans in 24 seats, compared to four Democratic-leaning districts. Currently, Florida’s congressional delegation includes 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with one vacant seat.
REDISTRICTING PROPOSAL & POLITICAL IMPACT
The governor said the new map reflects Florida’s population changes and fulfills his commitment to mid-decade redistricting. Lawmakers have been called into a special legislative session to consider the proposal.
The map appears to eliminate four Democratic-held seats, including a Tampa-area district represented by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, an Osceola County district held by U.S. Rep. Darren Soto—the first Puerto Rican elected to Congress from Florida—and a Palm Beach-Broward district that could displace U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz.
The proposal also affects a majority-Black voting district spanning Palm Beach and Broward counties, previously represented by former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, raising concerns about the future of minority representation.
Supporters, including Evan Power, say the map could better align districts with voter distribution. Critics, including Nikki Fried, have called the proposal unconstitutional gerrymandering. Florida law prohibits partisan gerrymandering, setting up potential legal challenges.
Rep. Tray McCurdy, D-Orlando and Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville sit on the Florida Seal in protest as debate stops on Senate Bill 2-C: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State in the House of Representatives Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Rep. Daisy Morales, D-Orlando, joins the protest, holding a sign. The session was halted on the protest. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
LOOKING BACK: 2022 PROTESTS OVER REDISTRICTING
The current debate mirrors tensions from 2022, when Democratic lawmakers staged a sit-in protest on the Florida House floor in opposition to a previous congressional map backed by DeSantis.
Lawmakers including Yvonne Hinson, Angie Nixon, Travaris McCurdy, Felicia Robinson, and Daisy Morales participated in the protest, temporarily halting legislative proceedings.
Morales, a member of the Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee and the only Hispanic lawmaker involved in the sit-in, strongly criticized the map at the time.
“Our democracy is being attacked. The governor eliminating two Black congressional seats is a power grab and it’s wrong,” Morales said in a written statement. “Stripping seats from Black representation is the same as saying the Black voice—the Black vote—doesn’t matter.”
She also warned about potential impacts on Hispanic representation:
“With this map passing, I’m deeply concerned it could target the only Puerto Rican representing Florida in Congress, Darren Soto, to benefit partisan interests. We don’t want to disenfranchise the 1.2 million Puerto Ricans in Florida.”
WHAT COMES NEXT IN 2026
As lawmakers prepare to debate the new proposal, Democrats are expected to push back through legal challenges, legislative opposition, and public advocacy.
The outcome of Florida’s redistricting battle could play a pivotal role in shaping control of the U.S. House and influence the national political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Entertainment
160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Music set times have been released for the 15th anniversary of Welcome To Rockville, Florida’s largest rock, metal and punk festival, set for May 7–10, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.
Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the four-day event will feature more than 160 bands performing across five stages, marking the festival’s largest lineup to date.
HEADLINERS AND DAILY LINEUP
This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses and Bring Me The Horizon.
- Thursday, May 7: Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Staind
- Friday, May 8: Foo Fighters, Turnstile, The Offspring, Parkway Drive
- Saturday, May 9: Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, Motionless in White, Lamb of God
- Sunday, May 10: My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, Rise Against, Yellowcard
FESTIVAL EXPANSION AND NEW FEATURES
Organizers announced several enhancements for 2026 aimed at improving the fan experience. A new “Pit Stop” fan zone near the Apex Stage will feature artist interviews, special performances and interactive experiences.
In addition, the Garage Stage will be fully tented for the first time, offering expanded shade coverage and upgraded production for attendees.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
Festivalgoers can kick off the week with a pre-party on May 6 featuring performances by Fuel, Local H and others.
A new crossover event, “Blood4Blood,” will also take place at the Ocean Center, combining live music with bare-knuckle fighting, including a headline bout featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail.
TICKETS, ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE
Festival gates will open daily at 11:30 a.m. Organizers are offering a range of ticket options, including single-day, weekend, VIP and camping packages. A new Camp to Coast shuttle will provide transportation between the speedway and nearby beaches.
With expanded attractions, including rides, themed bars and interactive zones, Welcome To Rockville 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Daytona Beach, reinforcing its role as a major driver of Florida’s tourism and live entertainment economy.
Crimes and Courts
Florida Creates Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, Appoints Special Prosecutor to Crack Down on Fraud
