Politics
DESANTIS: Caloosahatchee C-43 Reservoir Grand Opening Marks $8 Billion Everglades Investment
HENDRY COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Governor Ron DeSantis officially opened the Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir on Friday, marking one of the most significant milestones in Florida’s Everglades restoration history. Joined by environmental leaders and state and local officials, Governor DeSantis celebrated the completion of the 10,000-acre reservoir, which will play a key role in improving water quality, protecting coastal ecosystems, and increasing Florida’s water storage capacity.
“During my time as governor, we have set new records for investing in conservation, water quality improvements, and Everglades restoration,” said Governor DeSantis. “Today, I was proud to announce the opening of one of the most consequential Everglades restoration projects that Florida has ever undertaken: the Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir. This project will have an impact far beyond the Caloosahatchee—it’s a landmark achievement in our broader mission to restore the Everglades, expand Florida’s water storage capacity, and leave this state better to God than we found it.”
Historic Investment in Florida’s Water Future
Since taking office, Governor DeSantis has made Everglades restoration and water quality a top priority. On his second day in office, he signed Executive Order 19-12, committing $2.5 billion over four years for water quality and Everglades restoration projects. That goal was exceeded during his first term, with $3.3 billion invested—more than the previous 12 years combined.
In his second term, the Governor has continued that momentum. With $1.4 billion included in the FY 2025-26 Budget, the state has now committed $4.6 billion in the first three years of his second term. Altogether, nearly $8 billion has been invested since 2019 toward Everglades restoration and statewide water quality improvements.
“Today I was excited to join the Governor for this major milestone in restoring Florida’s Everglades with the start-up of the C-43 Reservoir,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we’ve invested more towards restoration and are seeing meaningful results—on time, under budget, and with strong returns for Florida’s taxpayers.”
C-43 Reservoir By the Numbers
The newly completed C-43 Reservoir is designed to store and treat excess freshwater from the Caloosahatchee River, reducing harmful discharges to downstream estuaries and stabilizing water supply during dry periods.
Key features and impacts of the reservoir project include:
10,000 acres of surface area dedicated to water storage
A pump station capable of moving 650,000 gallons per minute
Water storage capacity has tripled in South Florida to 176 billion gallons since 2019
Nutrient reductions now exceed 1.8 million pounds of nitrogen and 770,000 pounds of phosphorus annually
More than 75 Everglades restoration projects have been completed or broken ground since 2019
Florida Leads Restoration, Seeks Federal Flexibility
Florida and the federal government maintain a 50/50 funding agreement for Everglades restoration. To accelerate progress and reduce taxpayer costs, Florida has proposed taking the lead on completing several federally authorized projects.
The state has already shown leadership by completing its portion of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir ahead of schedule in 2024. Governor DeSantis and state officials continue to work with federal partners, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to explore options for updated agreements or a block grant model that would allow Florida to assume a greater implementation role.
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J Willie David, III contributed to this report. He can be reached at News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida
Orange County Mayor Launches Obama-Style Campaign for Florida Governor, Calling for Unity, Leadership, and Change
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Before a packed ballroom of cheering supporters at the Rosen Centre on Orlando’s International Drive Thursday evening, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings officially launched his campaign for Governor of Florida in 2026, declaring that it’s time to “turn the page” on division and usher in a “new style of leadership.”
The 66-year-old former Orlando Police Chief and Orange County Sheriff — now serving his second term as mayor — delivered a powerful, hopeful message reminiscent of President Barack Obama’s campaign themes of unity and renewal, rallying voters with the promise that “the power of the people is greater than the people in power.”
A Message of Unity and Renewal
“This is not a right or left moment, but a right or wrong moment in our history,” Demings told the energized crowd. “We’re tired of toxic and divisive politics. If you vote for me, it’s a vote for a new style of leadership. It’s a vote for change. It’s a vote for democracy.”
The crowd erupted as Demings leaned into his record of public service and crisis management, drawing a sharp contrast with political partisanship in Tallahassee. He pledged to restore local control, raise wages, stabilize housing costs, and improve access to mental health care through public-private partnerships.
“They call me woke,” Demings said, pausing as the audience laughed. “I don’t know what they mean — but after four and a half decades of public service, they woke me up.”
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ wife, former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, tells a standing-room-only crowd, “Help is on the way,” during her husband’s campaign kickoff rally for Florida governor at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Photo by J. Willie David, III / Florida National News
Val Demings: ‘Help Is on the Way’
Demings’ wife, former Congresswoman Val Demings, introduced him to thunderous applause. “Through all of the darkness,” she told the audience, “help is on the way.”
Her remarks framed her husband’s candidacy as a call to hope and action, positioning him as a pragmatic problem-solver rooted in Florida values.
Demings, who has long clashed with Governor Ron DeSantis over COVID-19 restrictions, immigration, and state control of local budgets, promised to bring people together across party lines. “My goal is to engage the private sector in working with the public sector to solve the issues that affect us all,” he said.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings held a press conference to answer questions from the media following his historic campaign kickoff rally for Florida governor at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Photo by J. Willie David, III / Florida National News
A Campaign to Make History
If elected, Demings would become Florida’s first Black governor — a milestone both Republicans and Democrats acknowledge as a turning point in the state’s history.
He faces a crowded field, but his reputation as a steady crisis manager — having led Central Florida through mass shootings, hurricanes, and the pandemic — has made him a formidable contender.
Asked to contrast himself with likely Republican opponent Rep. Byron Donalds, Demings didn’t hesitate: “He’s never been a crisis manager or leader. I’ve led through storms, tragedies, and rebuilding — not from the sidelines, but in the arena.”
‘A New Sheriff in Town’
Demings’ closing line drew roaring applause: “If you vote for me, it’s a vote for the right person at the right time,” he said. Then, echoing a phrase once used by DeSantis himself, Demings smiled and declared, “It’s time for a new sheriff in town.”
With a listening tour planned across the state, Demings aims to build a grassroots movement that transcends party lines — one he hopes will awaken Florida’s independent voters and redefine what leadership looks like in the Sunshine State.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
TAMPA BAY, Fla. (FNN) – The David Jolly for Governor campaign has extended a warm welcome to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who officially entered the 2026 Democratic primary for Florida Governor. The campaign emphasized the importance of a respectful and substantive primary race that strengthens the Democratic Party and enhances its chances in the general election.
“I welcome Mayor Demings to this important race,” said former U.S. Representative David Jolly, Democratic candidate for Governor. “All of Florida—Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike—deserves a spirited Democratic Party primary that puts voters first, one rooted in real solutions for the affordability of housing and healthcare, the future of public education, protecting personal freedoms, and restoring trust and competence in government.”
Jolly’s remarks signal a collaborative tone within the Democratic field, focusing on unity and shared goals amid growing anticipation for a competitive 2026 gubernatorial race.
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J Wilie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
North Florida News
State Rep. Felicia Simone Robinson Files Bill to Establish Florida Voting Rights Restoration Database
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Representative Felicia Simone Robinson (D–Miami Gardens) has introduced House Bill 73 for the 2026 Legislative Session, aimed at improving transparency and access to information for returning citizens seeking to restore their voting rights. The proposal would establish a statewide, publicly accessible database to help individuals with felony convictions determine their eligibility to vote. A companion measure, Senate Bill 132, has been filed by Senator Tina Polsky (D–Boca Raton).
Centralized Database to Streamline Restoration Process
Under the proposed legislation, the Florida Commission on Offender Review would be responsible for developing and maintaining a centralized database that tracks key information, including supervision terms, restitution, fines, and other legal financial obligations related to felony sentences.
The bill mandates cooperation between state and local agencies—such as clerks of court, county comptrollers, the Department of Corrections, and the Office of Executive Clemency—to ensure the data is accurate and updated regularly. The database would be publicly accessible online and updated monthly, providing a clear path for eligible individuals to confirm their status.
Protecting Returning Citizens and Ensuring Transparency
The legislation also includes protections for individuals who rely in good faith on the database’s information, shielding them from prosecution for unintentional voting violations. Additionally, the Florida Commission on Offender Review would be required to submit a detailed implementation plan—outlining costs, staffing, and technology needs—to both the Governor and the Legislature. If approved, the law would take effect July 1, 2026.
Rep. Robinson Calls for Fairness and Dignity in the Process
Representative Robinson emphasized the moral and civic importance of restoring clarity to Florida’s electoral system.
“Floridians who have completed their sentences deserve clear, timely access to information about their rights,” said Rep. Robinson. “Too many are uncertain whether they still owe obligations or whether they can safely register to vote. This legislation will eliminate confusion and restore dignity.”
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