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Houston Rockets Owner Tilman Fertitta to Represent the U.S. as Ambassador to Italy

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Houston Rockets Owner Tilman Fertitta to Represent the U.S. as Ambassador to Italy

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – President-elect Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Tilman J. Fertitta to serve as the United States Ambassador to Italy. Fertitta, a renowned businessman and philanthropist, brings decades of leadership and community engagement to this prestigious diplomatic role.

A Legacy of Success and Community Impact

Tilman Fertitta is best known as the founder and CEO of one of America’s leading entertainment and real estate companies, which employs approximately 50,000 Americans across the nation. His business acumen and commitment to excellence have established him as a leader in the hospitality and sports industries.

In addition to his business success, Fertitta is deeply rooted in philanthropy. Over the years, he has contributed to numerous causes, including children’s charities, law enforcement initiatives, and advancements in the medical field. His generosity and dedication to improving lives have earned him widespread recognition and respect.

Fertitta’s long-standing commitment to education is exemplified by his tenure as the longest-serving Chairman of the Board of Regents for the University of Houston. His leadership has helped transform the university into a thriving institution, fostering opportunities for students and faculty alike.

A Passion for Sports and Community Engagement

Tilman Fertitta is also a celebrated figure in the sports world as the owner of the Houston Rockets basketball team. Under his ownership, the team has seen significant success and continued to inspire fans across the globe. Fertitta’s investment in the sports industry underscores his ability to connect communities and promote unity through shared experiences.

Role as U.S. Ambassador to Italy

As Ambassador to Italy, Fertitta is expected to leverage his business expertise and philanthropic values to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Italy. His focus will likely include fostering economic partnerships, promoting cultural exchanges, and supporting initiatives that benefit both nations.

President-elect Trump expressed confidence in Fertitta’s ability to excel in this role, stating:
“Tilman Fertitta’s exceptional leadership and dedication to community will serve the United States well in strengthening our ties with Italy. His passion for fostering positive change is unmatched, and I am confident he will be an outstanding ambassador.”

The Road Ahead

Fertitta’s appointment comes at a time when U.S.-Italy relations remain strong and collaborative. His expertise in business, philanthropy, and community engagement positions him to address critical issues while promoting mutual growth and understanding.

As the Senate prepares for Fertitta’s confirmation, his nomination has already garnered praise from various sectors, highlighting his readiness to take on this important diplomatic role.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill Seeks Political Comeback with Reelection Bid

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, who is facing criminal charges but has not been convicted, announced Wednesday that she will run for reelection to reclaim her District 5 seat.

Hill’s Legacy in District 5

First elected in 2013, Hill has focused on job creation, education opportunities, business development, and affordable housing for her district, according to the City of Orlando.

Despite her legal troubles, Hill maintains that her leadership has brought transformative change to the community.

Announcing her candidacy on social media, she stated, “After much reflection, prayer, and supplication in response to the enthusiastic requests of many community members, I’ve decided on this day, the beginning of Lent, to submit my paperwork to officially run for reelection as the commissioner of District 5 to continue serving my beloved community.”

Legal Battle and Criminal Allegations

Hill is accused of financially exploiting a 96-year-old constituent, allegedly misusing more than $100,000 of her money and fraudulently securing a $428,000 mortgage in the elderly woman’s name for a home in Orlando. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Hill in March 2024.

While she has not been convicted of any crime, her trial, originally set for January 27, 2025, was postponed after her attorney requested additional time for depositions. A pre-trial hearing is now scheduled for April 29.

Suspension and Special Election

Following her arrest, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Hill from office, triggering a special election for her seat. In June 2024, Shaniqua Rose defeated former state representative Travaris McCurdy in a runoff election and was sworn into office on June 23, 2024.

Hill’s extensive arrest history didn’t matter to District 5 voters, who repeatedly elected and reelected her to office.

Rose confirmed that she will seek reelection, stating, “I filed to run for reelection in July 2024. Our community deserves a leader who will continue to fight for honesty, integrity, and real change. I will continue to listen, take action, and put the people of District 5 first.”

A High-Stakes Race for District 5

Hill’s decision to run again has sparked intense debate among residents and sets up a heated election battle in District 5. With legal proceedings still unfolding and the campaign season in full swing, District 5 voters will ultimately decide whether Hill deserves another term or if leadership should remain with Rose, District 5 Interim Commissioner.

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Thousands Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Civil Rights Titan Senator Geraldine Thompson

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Thousands of mourners from across Florida filled Majestic Life Church in Orlando Friday morning to honor the life and legacy of state Senator Geraldine Thompson, a revered civil rights leader and dedicated public servant.

Thousands of mourners from across Florida filled Majestic Life Church in Orlando, Friday, February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Thompson, 76, passed away on February 13 following complications from knee replacement surgery. She served western Orange County for over 16 years as a Democrat in the Florida Legislature, both in the state House and Senate, and had recently been reelected to the state Senate in November 2024.

Her memorial, a heartfelt “going home celebration,” drew a wide array of current and former federal, state, and local elected officials, as well as federal, state, and county judges. Notable attendees included U.S. Congressman Maxwell Frost, former Congressmen John Mica and Alan Grayson, state Senate President Ben Albritton, state Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo, local State Senators Carols Guillermo Smith and Kristen Arrington, Democratic House Leader Fentrice Driskell, State Representative Michele Rayner, local State Representatrive Anna Eskamani, former local State Representative Daisy Morales, Orange and Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell, former Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, former Orange County Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Ocoee City Commissioner George Oliver, III.

Sitting in the front row, famed Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump, Florida State Representative Michele Rayner, Attorney Natalie Jackson, and former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales paid their respects to the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Civil Rights Attorneys Ben Crump and Natalie Jackson also paid their respects. Many attendees wore scarves in tribute to the beloved state lawmaker.

Dr. LaVon Bracy, a friend of the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson for over 50 years, spoke to thousands at the homegoing celebration in Orlando on Friday, February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Honoring Thompson’s Legacy

Dr. LaVon Bracy, a friend of Thompson for over 50 years and the maid of honor at Thompson’s wedding to her husband Emerson, reflected on the significance of Thompson passing during Black History Month.

Bracy highlighted Thompson’s activism during her time at the University of Miami, where she was a pioneer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, advocating for Black faculty representation and the creation of a Black Student Union.

The daughters and son of the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson shared their mother’s impact during her homegoing celebration in Orlando, Florida, on February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

A Mother’s Influence

Thompson’s daughter, Elizabeth Grace, shared how her mother instilled confidence and strength in those around her.

“She believed in us so hard, breathed life into us, and made us believe in ourselves so strongly that I think each of us sit here knowing there’s nothing that we can’t do,” Grace said.

Charlean Gatlin, a former staff member, shared the impact of the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson on the community in Orlando, Florida, on February 25, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Impact on Community Leaders

Charlean Gatlin, a former staff member, asked everyone who had ever worked for Thompson to stand, showcasing the breadth of her influence.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the individuals standing before you are representations of Sen. Thompson’s essence of influence,” Gatlin said. “They are educators, community advocates, lobbyists, and public servants whose round of expertise has reached from the State House to the White House.”

The family of the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson shared the iconic lawmaker’s legacy during the homegoing celebration in Orlando, Florida, on February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Continuing the Legacy

Thompson’s granddaughter, Symone Thompson, emphasized her grandmother’s dedication to preserving Black history and storytelling.

“Her work ethic, passion for her community, determination, and love for preserving Black history are things I will never forget,” Symone Thompson said.

Filling Thompson’s Seat

During a press conference Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the timeline for a Special Election to fill Thompson’s Senate District 15 seat.

“It’s too early to set a date,” DeSantis said. “We will likely announce the date after her funeral and work with Orange County to find a convenient time.”

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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State Rep. Ashley V. Gantt Files 7 Bills Prioritizing First Responders, Veterans

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MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Representative Ashley V. Gantt (D-Miami) announced the filing of seven bills for the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session, focusing on key priorities such as mental health services for first responders and support initiatives for veterans and military spouses.

The proposed bills include:

  • HB 1167 – Mental Health Services for First Responders: Codifies the Behavioral Health Analysis Program to ensure every fire station in Florida can provide adequate mental health support for firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders. The bill also waives copays for all mental health services.

  • HB 821 – Business Development Initiatives for Veterans and Military Spouses: Waives all state-level filing and formation fees and offers a five-year corporate tax income exemption for businesses owned by veterans and military spouses in Florida.

  • HB 819 – Relative Caregiver Program Payments: Allows temporary full-time guardians of children removed from their homes under Chapter 39 of the Florida Statutes to receive funds from the Relative Care Program before the adjudication of the child’s pending dependency case.

  • HB 349 – Delivery of Patient Protection: Mandates healthcare facilities to maintain minimum staffing requirements with a direct nurse-to-patient ratio to ensure proper care.

  • HB 347 – Specialty License Plates: Authorizes the Florida Department of Transportation to create a specialty license plate for Miami-Dade College.

  • HB 1305 – Intestate Succession Involving a Person Born Out of Wedlock: Requires Florida to recognize heirs of a decedent who are not citizens of Florida or the U.S. if legally deemed heirs by their state or country of residence.

  • HB 1243 – Florida Museum of Black History: Designates Opa-Locka as the permanent location for the Florida Museum of Black History, requiring at least two exhibits within the first year of opening.

Representative Gantt emphasized her commitment to everyday Floridians, stating, “My bills are focused on everyday Floridians. I do not have the time, and my community does not have the luxury for me to be focused on culture war politics when people need our help and have entrusted us by voting for us to introduce, advocate for, pass, and implement policy that allows them to live healthy, prosperous, and safe lives. Each of my bills will make the quality of life for Floridians much better by addressing the needs in my community and the state overall. My goal being in office is to help people, and I do not take lightly that I’m in a position and have the power to do so.”

Takeaways:

  1. Mental Health Priority: HB 1167 aims to improve mental health support for first responders by codifying the Behavioral Health Analysis Program and waiving copays.

  2. Support for Veterans: HB 821 proposes fee waivers and tax exemptions for veteran and military spouse-owned businesses.

  3. Community Impact: Bills address healthcare staffing, kinship care, historical preservation, and equitable probate processes.


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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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