Florida
Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins Pushes “Warrior Leadership” Message in Race for Governor
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins is positioning his military background and “warrior leadership” philosophy as a central message in his campaign for governor as he works to gain momentum in Florida’s competitive Republican primary race.
FNN Politics & Power Talk Show with host Jenny Rosario
Speaking during a South Lake Chamber of Commerce business roundtable in Clermont and later in an exclusive interview with FNN Politics & Power host Jenny Rosario, Collins emphasized leadership shaped by military service, resilience and crisis management rather than traditional politics.
“I don’t consider myself a politician,” Collins said during the discussion. “I consider myself a warrior focused on service, leadership and solving problems.”
A 23-year Army veteran and former Green Beret, Collins spoke openly about the severe combat injuries he sustained during military service, including the loss of a leg while deployed overseas. He described moments during combat operations when he performed emergency medical treatment on himself while under extreme conditions.
Collins said those life experiences helped shape the leadership approach he believes Floridians are seeking in their next governor.
Throughout the event, Collins repeatedly stressed the importance of decisive leadership during times of economic uncertainty, natural disasters and national security concerns. He pointed to his leadership role with Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit organization that has helped provide more than 1.65 million hot meals to Florida communities impacted by hurricanes and other disasters.
The roundtable discussion focused heavily on Florida’s economy, workforce development, education reform and agriculture.
Collins highlighted Operation F3 — Fortifying Florida’s Workforce — an initiative aimed at expanding workforce opportunities in aerospace, aviation, manufacturing, skilled trades and national security industries. He said Florida must continue strengthening domestic manufacturing and preparing students for future job markets.
Education reform also remained a major focus of the discussion. Collins advocated for what he described as a more classical approach to education centered on foundational academics, critical thinking, civic understanding and workforce readiness.
Raised in rural Montana after being adopted by his grandparents, Collins shared personal stories about growing up in poverty on a farm, experiences he said taught him discipline, perseverance and appreciation for agriculture and small-town communities.
Now residing in Odessa in Hillsborough County, Collins said he remains committed to protecting Florida’s agriculture and maritime industries while supporting continued economic growth statewide.
Additional topics discussed during the event included H-1B visas, national security, economic stability and the recent Raul Castro indictment, which Collins connected to broader concerns about leadership accountability and public safety.
As Florida’s 2026 governor’s race continues to take shape, Collins faces growing competition in the Republican primary field. Byron Donalds is currently viewed by many political observers as the Republican front-runner following an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
When asked about Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis, Collins said he believes Trump has not yet had the opportunity to know him personally. He also emphasized that DeSantis selected him as lieutenant governor because he trusted Collins’ readiness to lead the state if needed.
Collins closed the event by saying his campaign is ultimately focused on creating greater opportunities for future generations and leaving Florida stronger for his children and families across the state.
Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.
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
Florida
Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Rep. Paula Stark has been disqualified from seeking reelection in Florida House District 47 after failing to satisfy candidate qualifying requirements before the noon Friday filing deadline.
According to state election records, Stark’s candidacy was disqualified due to a deficiency involving required financial disclosure filings, commonly referred to as Form 6. Florida law requires candidates for legislative office to timely submit all qualifying documents, including financial disclosure forms, to appear on the ballot.
Form 6 Financial Disclosure Requirement
Form 6 is a public financial disclosure document required for state elected officials and candidates. The form requires candidates to disclose assets, liabilities, sources of income, and other financial interests.
The disclosure includes a sworn certification stating: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Form 6 and that the facts stated in it are true.”
Candidates are required to complete, sign and timely file the disclosure as part of Florida’s qualifying process. Failure to properly file required qualifying documents, including Form 6, by the statutory deadline can result in disqualification from the ballot.
Democrats Advance to Primary Election
With Stark removed from contention, Democrats now have an opportunity to capture the Republican-held seat in House District 47.
The only candidates remaining in the race are:
- Jorge Figueroa, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
- Anthony Nieves, a state investigator
The two Democrats will compete in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, with the winner becoming Representative-Elect.
House District 47 covers portions of Osceola County and has been represented by Stark since her election to the Florida House.
The disqualification was among the most notable developments of Florida’s 2026 candidate qualifying period and significantly alters the political landscape in a district Republicans had hoped to retain.
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