Central Florida News
Daisy Morales Qualifies, Loans Campaign $50,000, Blasts Rita Harris On “Dead Bills”
ORLANDO, Fla. – Former Representative Daisy Morales wasted no time attacking her opponent, incumbent Representative Rita Harris, blasting her for delivering a pile of dead bills each Legislative Session (2023 and 2024) in a heated rematch for Florida House District 44.
On Tuesday, Morales campaign fired off a loaded press release blasting Harris as a “bad actress playing lawmaker” for the Democratic establishment. The two Democrats will face-off in the August Primary Election. At this point, no other candidate qualified before the qualifying deadline June 14.
Morales’ Full Press Release
Former state Representative Daisy Morales has qualified for the August 20, 2024 ballot in a rematch election against Rita Harris for the Florida House District 44 seat.
The Daisy Morales Campaign paid a qualifying fee of $1781.82 on May 31, ahead of her opponent.
Daisy Morales also plans to self fund her campaign up to $50,000.
She first won her House seat with 65% of the vote in 2020.
The former State Representative and former Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor has a eight year history of defeating her Democrat and Republican opponents who gathered more donors and endorsements.
Daisy Morales is an old name that has been cemented in Orange County politics. In this race name recognition and community engagement matters, especially to Hispanic voters.
“My campaign team is excited and fired up to take back Florida House District 44 from an ineffective Democratic lawmaker, Rita Harris. She has delivered a pile of dead bills each Legislative Session. Zero bills passed.
It’s time for District 44 voters to pink slip this bad actress playing lawmaker for the Democratic establishment. The people deserve better.”
“I am running for State Representative because of my love for public service. I’ve spent over 30 years of my life working for the people at the local, state, and federal levels. I’m simply a dedicated public servant committed to making the government work for all people in District 44.”
As former State Representative, Daisy sponsored and cosponsored over 100 bipartisan bills (2021 and 2022) that became state law in her first term.
As the Mother of a Military Veteran, and a State Lawmaker, Daisy will continue to fight every day to make sure our Veterans have access to programs and services that meet their needs.
Related story: Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Six Bills to Support Florida’s Military Families
“I’m proud that the Governor included my bill, HB 45 in a 2022 bill signing ceremony. House Bill 45 provides educational opportunities for disabled veterans by providing additional assistance to achieve a 100 percent award for tuition and fees.
HB 45 National Model For States
“Florida’s HB 45 of the 2022 legislative session could serve as a national model to provide educational opportunities to our disabled veterans and provide an avenue for their future success,” said Louisiana State Representative Beau Beaullieu.
Also, a South Carolina State Lawmaker is considering HB 45 for their disabled veterans in 2024.
“I look forward to returning back to the Florida House to deliver results for the people of Florida.”
Related Story: Last Call for 6.11.24 — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics
It’s shots fired in House District 44, as former Rep. Daisy Morales is looking to paint her Primary opponent, Democratic Rep. Rita Harris, as “ineffective.” “She has delivered a pile of dead bills each Legislative Session. Zero bills passed,” Morales said. Maybe it’s time for a Fireball with all that heat.
Central Florida News
Commissioner Uribe Announces New Date for Hispanic Heritage Festival Due to Weather
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Commissioner Uribe announced that the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been rescheduled due to weather conditions. The event will now take place Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando.
The festival will celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through live music, dance performances, food and community resources.
Scheduled highlights include:
- Live music by youth orchestra The Nucleus Orchestral.
- Dance performances featuring Maria Saavedra of FusionFest with Huellas de Colombia, Unidos for Ecuador and Mexico Dansa.
- Food from Zaza.
- Community resources from 311 and other participants.
Join Commissioner Uribe and the community for a morning celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage.
NEW DATE: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
TIME: 9 a.m. to noon
LOCATION: Cypress Grove Park
ADDRESS: 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839
New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.
UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.
Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.
FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.
UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.
Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.
Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.
INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.
The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.
– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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