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Florida Congressman Darren Soto, EPA Announce $188.3M Loan to Toho Water Authority

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Source: US Congressman Darren Soto

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN) – Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water Mae Wu announced a transformative $188.3 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the Toho Water Authority. This federal funding will modernize water infrastructure in Osceola and Polk Counties, ensuring a resilient water supply for over 450,000 residents.

“We are thrilled to secure this $188 million WIFIA loan for Toho Water Authority, which will play a crucial role in protecting clean water, preserving our environment, and meeting the needs of our rapidly growing community,” said Rep. Soto. “This investment is a significant step towards a sustainable water future for Central Florida.”

The WIFIA loan will support the Toho Water Authority’s One Water Initiative, designed to reduce reliance on fresh groundwater by expanding water treatment facilities and improving the drinking water distribution system. The initiative will also implement cutting-edge technologies to enhance water quality, increase system resilience, and reduce operational costs. The project, expected to create approximately 1,750 jobs, aligns with the state’s Central Florida Water Initiative rule and aims to protect the environment by reducing effluent discharges.

“This $188.3 million loan will fund key upgrades that are essential for public health, environmental protection, and economic growth in Central Florida,” said EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator Mae Wu. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s investment in America’s infrastructure, we’re ensuring a sustainable water future for communities across the nation.”

Toho Water Authority’s CEO/Executive Director Todd Swingle expressed gratitude for the continued support: “Supported by this WIFIA financing, Toho’s One Water Initiative will deliver a portfolio of water projects to responsibly serve our rapidly growing Central Florida community in the years and decades to come.”

The U.S. EPA’s WIFIA program has been instrumental in accelerating water infrastructure investment nationwide, having announced over $20 billion in financing to support $44 billion in projects, creating approximately 150,000 jobs. This latest loan to the Toho Water Authority is part of a master agreement that will commit a total of $292 million in WIFIA assistance to the authority.

 

Central Florida News

State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.

Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.

Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.

House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.

Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

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Central Florida News

Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period

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US Congressman Maxwell Frost gives federal update

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.

“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”

Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races

Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.

“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”

The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.

According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.

Historic Member of Congress

Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.

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Central Florida News

State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.

Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.

Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.

Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.

Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.

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