Politics
Former Congressman Alan Grayson’s Legislative Record Key to Florida Senate Seat 35 Win
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — A high-stakes State Senate seat in western Orange County, covering parts of Orlando, Ocoee, Apopka, and Eatonville, has become the battleground for one of Central Florida’s most watched Democratic primary races. Former U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson, a nationally recognized progressive voice, is making a bold return to local politics — and this time, his message is all about performance.
“There’s a tremendous need for someone who actually gives a damn,” Grayson said. “I see people suffering, and I see a government that just doesn’t care.”
Known for his unapologetic stance on issues affecting working families, Grayson is leaning on his proven track record to make the case for why he’s the best candidate for the job.
LEGISLATIVE WINS THAT DELIVERED FOR ORANGE COUNTY
Grayson isn’t new to results. During his three terms in Congress, he spearheaded a series of impactful initiatives that directly benefited Central Florida residents:
Funded Orlando’s first Veterans Hospital, dramatically improving local healthcare access for veterans.
Delivered $50 million more for Osceola County schools, ensuring better educational resources for families.
Secured $10 million for Celebration Hospital and helped expand local healthcare infrastructure.
Helped fund SunRail’s expansion through Osceola County, enhancing public transportation options.
Cut foreclosures in half through targeted housing programs, offering stability to families during the housing crisis.
Launched no-down-payment, zero-percent mortgage programs and increased bilingual housing counseling by 50%, improving homeownership opportunities for working families.
WHY GRAYSON STANDS APART FROM HIS OPPONENTS
The June 24th Democratic primary features four candidates: former Congressman Grayson, former State Senator Randolph Bracey, State Representative Lavon Bracey-Davis, and Attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith. But Grayson says the race isn’t about personalities — it’s about proven results.
“I’m literally the only person in this race who’s gotten anything meaningful done while in office — or ever will,” Grayson emphasized. “If you’re tired of politicians who overpromise and underdeliver, I’m your candidate.”
Unlike his opponents, Grayson offers a clear record of securing tens of millions in state and federal funding, championing veterans’ services, cutting taxes, and fighting for affordable housing and lower insurance costs — priorities that resonate with local voters.
A FUTURE OF HIGHER PAY, LOWER COSTS, AND STRONGER COMMUNITIES
As State Senator, Grayson pledges to aggressively pursue:
Higher pay for workers
Lower taxes for families
Lower housing costs
Lower insurance premiums
He also promises to restore funding for free business training courses, expand healthcare access, and continue fighting for veterans, seniors, and working families in Orange County.
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.
Politics
CARICOM Launches Online Platform for 51st Heads of Government Meeting Gros Islet, Saint Lucia conference set for July 5-8, 2026
