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
U.S. Embassy Reopens in Caracas, Offering New Opportunities for Venezuelans in Central Florida
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — The United States has formally resumed operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, marking the first permanent diplomatic presence in the country since 2019 and signaling a new phase in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
The reopening could have significant implications for Florida’s growing Venezuelan community, particularly in Central Florida, where thousands of Venezuelan families now call the Orlando region home.
The U.S. Department of State announced that diplomatic operations officially resumed March 30, following years in which U.S. engagement with Venezuela was conducted through the Venezuela Affairs Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.
In January, Ambassador Laura F. Dogu arrived in Caracas as Chargé d’Affaires to lead U.S. government operations on the ground and oversee preparations for the eventual return of full embassy personnel and consular services.
Potential Impact on Venezuelan Families
For years, many Venezuelans seeking U.S. visa interviews or consular assistance were required to travel to Bogotá, often incurring significant travel expenses and logistical challenges.
While routine visa and passport services have not yet resumed in Caracas, U.S. officials said embassy personnel are working toward restoring full consular operations.
Once fully operational, the embassy could provide Venezuelan families with easier access to visa processing, family reunification services, emergency assistance and other consular support.
Economic and Business Opportunities
The reopening could also strengthen economic and commercial ties between Venezuela and Central Florida.
Florida has become a major destination for Venezuelan entrepreneurs, investors and professionals. Business leaders say a restored diplomatic presence may encourage additional trade, investment and business expansion opportunities between the two regions.
Industries including real estate, healthcare, construction, logistics and professional services could benefit from increased cross-border activity.
Strengthening Community Ties
Community leaders believe renewed diplomatic relations could further strengthen cultural, educational and civic connections between Venezuela and Central Florida.
Orlando-area organizations, universities and business groups may find new opportunities for collaboration, exchanges and partnerships as relations continue to normalize.
Former Florida Lawmaker Welcomes Diplomatic Reengagement
Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, who is also a candidate for Florida House District 43, applauded the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and highlighted its potential impact on Central Florida’s large Venezuelan and Hispanic communities.
Morales, a retired federal official who served with both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State, said the reopening represents an important first step toward strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the United States and Venezuela.
“I applaud the United States for taking this important first step in reopening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and strengthening diplomatic relations with Venezuela,” Morales said. “This decision could have a positive impact on Central Florida, particularly for Venezuelan families, businesses and community organizations. As diplomatic relations continue to improve, it could also create opportunities to establish a Venezuelan consulate or honorary consulate in Orlando to better serve the growing Venezuelan population in our region.”
Morales noted that during her tenure in the Florida House, the district she represented was approximately 70 percent Hispanic, providing her with extensive experience working with diverse immigrant communities, foreign nationals and diplomatic representatives of Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Haiti, Grenada and France.
“Throughout my public service, I have worked closely with foreign nationals and diplomats on issues affecting our communities,” Morales said. “As conditions continue to improve and return to normalcy, I would not rule out visiting Venezuela in the future to strengthen relationships and explore opportunities that benefit both our communities and Central Florida.”
Morales also said that while renewed diplomatic engagement presents opportunities, policymakers should remain mindful of past experiences involving U.S. diplomatic relations with other nations.
“When President Barack Obama announced the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba in 2015, many viewed it as the beginning of a new chapter in U.S.-Cuba relations,” Morales said. “However, diplomatic relationships can evolve over time and are often affected by changing political and security conditions. As the United States begins this new chapter with Venezuela, policymakers should proceed carefully and remain focused on protecting U.S. interests, promoting democratic values and ensuring the safety and well-being of Americans.”
Challenges Remain
Despite the reopening, challenges remain.
The U.S. Embassy in Caracas has not yet resumed routine consular services, and the State Department continues to maintain travel advisories for Venezuela because of ongoing security concerns.
In addition, immigration programs affecting Venezuelans residing in the United States, including asylum and Temporary Protected Status policies, remain separate from the embassy reopening and continue to be governed by federal immigration policy.
For many Venezuelans in Central Florida, however, the return of a U.S. diplomatic presence in Caracas represents an important milestone and a step toward reconnecting families, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening ties between both regions.
Florida
Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11
The ad was produced by political strategist Brad Herold of Something Else Strategies and marks the first major media investment of the campaign.
$5 MILLION PERSONAL LOAN TO CAMPAIGN
Strada, founder of Strada Services, announced last week that he had loaned his congressional campaign $5 million, providing the campaign with substantial financial resources early in the election cycle.
Strada Services is one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned companies specializing in air conditioning, electrical, security, and plumbing services.
The campaign said the loan and advertising investment demonstrate Strada’s commitment to communicating directly with voters throughout Central Florida.
FIRST MAJOR MEDIA PUSH
The $1 million advertising effort is expected to reach voters across Florida’s 11th Congressional District through a combination of television, radio, and digital media platforms.
The campaign has positioned Strada as a conservative outsider and successful entrepreneur focused on bringing private-sector experience to Washington.
Additional details regarding future advertising and campaign events are expected in the coming weeks.
ABOUT FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Florida’s 11th Congressional District includes portions of Central Florida and is expected to be one of the state’s closely watched congressional races during the 2026 election cycle.
Crimes and Courts
Attorney General Uthmeier Announces Charges Against Six in South Florida Drug Trafficking Enterprise
