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Honorable Daisy Morales Celebrates 65th Birthday: A Legacy of Leadership, Public Service and Community Advocacy

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, a trailblazer for Puerto Rican representation in Florida politics, is celebrating her 65th birthday. Morales, once the highest-ranking Puerto Rican woman elected official in the state, continues to champion community empowerment, cultural preservation and public service across Central Florida.

A longtime advocate with deep roots in both federal service and local government, Morales remains a powerful voice for Puerto Rican culture and for underserved communities statewide.

A Legacy of Leadership in the Florida House

Morales represented District 48 in the Florida House of Representatives from 2020 to 2022. Her tenure was marked by a bipartisan governing style that delivered meaningful results for Floridians. Known for working across party lines, she gained praise for her legislative productivity and drew occasional pushback from within her own party for her independent approach.

Her legislative portfolio addressed consumer protection, disability rights, military families, education and financial relief for vulnerable residents.

Legislative Achievements That Made Statewide Impact

During her term, Morales led or supported several key measures that achieved tangible results for communities across Florida:

  • HB 45 — Expanded educational opportunities for disabled veterans. The bill became a national model and inspired similar legislation in other states.

  • HB 213 — Created the Down Syndrome Awareness specialty license plate to generate ongoing funding and awareness initiatives.

  • HB 13 — Increased property tax exemptions for widows, widowers, blind residents and fully disabled individuals from $500 to $5,000, offering significant financial relief.

  • HB 857 (amended into HB 1347/SB 1120) — Strengthened regulations on commercial telemarketing to protect consumers from predatory solicitation.

  • HB 855 — Deregulated barber services and streamlined licensing, expanding opportunities for professional barbers statewide.

Morales was also recognized for attending the Governor’s Summit on Disabilities annually with The Family Café since 2014, reflecting her long-standing advocacy for individuals with disabilities.

Champion of Puerto Rican Culture and Heritage

A proud cultural advocate, Morales led the creation of House Resolution 8069, which designates April 2 as Puerto Rican Heritage Day in Florida. The initiative earned proclamations from Governor Ron DeSantis, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Her work culminated in the founding of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit launched in 2023. The organization promotes Puerto Rican heritage through programs centered on education, workforce development, social impact, justice, culture and leadership.

Federal Service and Early Public Roles

Before entering state politics, Morales served 24 years in the U.S. Government, holding positions with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State.

Her elected career began in 2014 when she won a seat on the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, where she went on to serve as Interim Chair, Vice Chair and Media Relations Officer.

Her community-focused leadership and federal experience helped build the foundation for her later work in the Florida Legislature.

Overcoming Political Challenges and Looking Ahead

Despite her accomplishments, Morales faced internal party opposition due to her bipartisan approach, contributing to her primary defeats in 2022 and 2024. Still, her commitment to public service remains unwavering.

As she celebrates her 65th birthday, supporters, community leaders and constituents across Florida continue to share messages of gratitude and admiration for her decades-long dedication. Morales’ legacy as a Puerto Rican leader, federal official and community advocate continues to inspire future generations.

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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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Florida

Alan Grayson Returns to Politics, Eyes Cory Mills’ Congressional Seat

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SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Former U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson, one of Florida’s most recognizable Democratic firebrands, has entered the race for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, setting up what could become one of the state’s most closely watched congressional contests of 2026.

Grayson’s late entry adds a high-profile name to the Democratic primary as the party seeks to unseat incumbent U.S. Representative Cory Mills. The race is expected to generate significant political attention and sharp contrasts between Democrats and Republicans heading into the August primary and November general election.

THE RETURN OF A DEMOCRATIC FIREBRAND

Among Democrats, Grayson remains known for his outspoken criticism of Republican leaders and his combative political style. Supporters view him as a proven campaigner and effective debater who built a national profile during his time in Congress.

Grayson was first elected to Congress in 2008, representing Florida’s 8th Congressional District. After serving one term, he was defeated by a Republican challenger in 2010. He returned to Congress in 2012 after winning election in Florida’s 9th Congressional District and served two additional terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

ETHICS QUESTIONS SURROUND INCUMBENT

Mills enters the race while facing ongoing scrutiny related to ethics matters.

The Office of Congressional Ethics previously investigated Mills and reported that government contracts had been awarded to entities owned by Mills since January 2024. In November 2025, the House Ethics Committee established an investigative subcommittee to examine allegations involving potential fraud and two reported incidents involving Mills’ conduct toward women.

Mills has denied wrongdoing.

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY TAKES SHAPE

Grayson joins a Democratic field that includes former Navy nuclear reactor plant supervisor Marialana Kinter and former NASA’s Chief of Staff Bale Dalton.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has identified Florida’s 7th Congressional District as a top target in Democrats’ effort to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives and backed Dalton.

REPUBLICAN CHALLENGERS EMERGE

On the Republican side, former FOX 35 news anchor Ryan Elijah, businesswoman Sarah Ulrich, and self-described “Reagan Republican” Don Johnson are challenging Mills in the Republican primary.

LOOKING AHEAD

With Grayson’s entry, Florida’s 7th Congressional District is poised to become one of the state’s most competitive and closely followed races. The contest now features a well-known Democratic firebrand, an incumbent facing ethics scrutiny, and multiple challengers from both parties seeking to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction and shifting political dynamics.

Florida’s primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.

#AlanGrayson #CoryMills #FL07 #FloridaPolitics #CongressionalRace #Election2026 #Democrats #Republicans #SeminoleCounty #FloridaNationalNews

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