Politics
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Mark Robens and Marlon Weiss to Florida Circuit Courts
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointments of two new judges to the state’s judicial benches. Mark Robens has been appointed to the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, while Marlon Weiss will serve on the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court. Both appointments fill vacancies left by retiring judges in their respective circuits.
Mark Robens Appointed to Sixth Judicial Circuit Court
Mark Robens, of Dade City, will now serve as a Judge on the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. Robens has been a Partner at Stichter, Riedel, Blain & Postler, P.A. since 2022 and has worked with the firm since 2014.
A dedicated legal professional with nearly a decade of experience in private practice, Robens brings a strong background in civil litigation and corporate law to the bench. He earned his bachelor’s degree from St. John Vianney College Seminary and received his juris doctor from Stetson University College of Law.
Robens fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Stearns.
Marlon Weiss Appointed to Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court
Marlon Weiss, of Hollywood, has been appointed to the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court. Weiss currently serves as a Partner at Armstrong Teasdale, LLP, a position he has held since 2021. Prior to his private practice career, Weiss clerked for the U.S. District Court, gaining valuable experience in both criminal and civil matters at the federal level.
Weiss holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and earned his juris doctor from Emory University School of Law. He will fill the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge Tuter.
Both appointments reflect Governor DeSantis’ continued efforts to strengthen Florida’s judiciary with accomplished, experienced legal minds dedicated to upholding the law and serving their communities.
J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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.
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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