Florida
Former State Representative Daisy Morales Statement on Veterans Day
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales joined current and former political leaders across the U.S. in issuing a statement for Veterans Day.
Statement by Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales:
A steadfast advocate for veterans, military personnel, and their families, Morales expressed her dedication to supporting them on Veterans Day. Known for championing increased employment and educational opportunities for veterans in Florida, particularly those with disabilities and military families in transition, Morales shared her commitment to prioritizing these initiatives.
“We have a duty to care for our veterans and their families, especially here in Florida,” said Representative Morales. “We owe them a debt that we can never fully repay. Supporting those who wear the uniform is a commitment that unites all Floridians.” As the mother of a veteran who served honorably, Morales underscored the importance of legislation that uplifts veterans and military families.
During her tenure in the Florida Legislature, Representative Morales sponsored and co-sponsored key bills, now law, that have directly impacted the lives of veterans, military members, and their families:
Key Legislation Sponsored and Co-Sponsored by Representative Daisy Morales:
- Sponsored HB 45 – Educational Opportunities for Disabled Veterans: Expanded educational access for disabled veterans.
- Co-sponsored HM 63 – Recognizing Veteran Suicide: Raised awareness and supported preventive measures for veteran suicide.
- Co-Sponsored HB 153 – Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children: Ensured equal educational opportunities for military children across state lines.
- Co-Sponsored HM 505 – Florida National Guard: Advocated for welfare and resources for the Florida National Guard.
- Co-Sponsored HB 559 – Occupational Licensure of Military Spouses: Eased licensure barriers for military spouses to support career mobility.
- Co-Sponsored HB 573 – Educator Certification Pathways for Veterans: Created pathways for veterans to become certified educators.
- Co-Sponsored HB 1315 – Veteran Suicide Prevention Training: Implemented veteran suicide prevention training programs.
These legislative achievements showcase Morales’ dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans and their families. Her work reflects her overarching goal: providing veterans with the resources, opportunities, and respect they have earned through service.
“When veterans return home, we need to help them transition and provide pathways for success,” Morales added. “Whether it’s ensuring educational benefits, simplifying professional licensing, or supporting military children in school transitions, our veterans deserve this support.”
Representative Morales’ work continues to resonate with Florida’s veterans and their families, honoring their commitment to the nation and strengthening communities across the state.
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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