Florida
“I-4 to TEXAS”… A Florida Grassroots Disaster Relief Effort for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – On Sunday, September 3rd, donors and supporters gathered to send the first of five semi-trailer trucks filled with toiletries, diapers, pet food/supplies, nonperishable human food, water and more as part of a grassroots drive called “I-4 to Texas.” The event organizer and Florida National News contributor, Randy Ross, said, “This truly was a community movement to help the victims of the hurricane. This could just as easily have been Florida. We had donations driven in from Orange, Lake and Polk counties [in addition to] people from all over the State. It was refreshing to see Americans helping each other. ”
Chris Comins, a Belle Isle resident who funded the donation item transportation along with his girlfriend Ashley Morgan noted, “It’s great to see us come together as Americans putting aside our political differences. No matter your socioeconomic status or race or gender…seeing everyone come together warms my heart and makes me proud to be an American.” This is not Comins’ first generous offering to the community. As previously reported, Comins rebuilt the City of Belle Isle Police Department and is in the early stages of building a special needs park in Orange County’s Warren Park.
Over 20,000 pounds of pet food and supplies were collected. The Animal Medical Clinic of Orlando began an internal donation drive early in the week with so many pet supplies and food they needed a large box truck to deliver them. Organizers arrived with over 20 of their staff and volunteers at Belle Isle City Hall. Animal activist Ashley Morgan spoke to the outpouring of support for pets, especially for horses, “I am so happy we are part of this. Not only did you pull together to help people, but also dogs and cats, and cows and chickens and horses. Thank you so much.” Morgan also donated over 200 pounds of horse feed to the cause.
Chris Comins and Ashley Morgan
The Animal Medical Clinic of Orlando supplies
Cheryl Hall organized the Lake County effort. “This experience was very overwhelming and touched my heart like nothing else. This is about and should be about people helping people. I’ve never experienced a community coming behind an event like they did. It was a blessing.”
Cheryl Hall with Randy Ross
Students from all over, who received much needed community service hours, came out to learn the value of hard work and volunteerism. Four Boone High School students showed up multiple days to help in the community effort.
Boone High School volunteers (l-r) Conner Paffrath, Cole Hutto, Jameson Degan, Shane Hutto
While 1 of 5 semi-trucks is on the road to Houston, the balance of trucks, along with volunteers from Orange and Lake Counties, will depart for Houston on Tuesday. Ross shared, “We aligned with AmeriCorps as our delivery partner as we wanted to ensure the donations received would go directly into the hands of the people who needed them most. When we arrive in Houston on Wednesday, we will meet up with AmeriCorps and The American Red Cross to begin our distribution process.”
What started as a few bottles of water and a box of diapers at 8AM on Wednesday morphed into the following estimations on the five-tractor trailers in five days.Here’s the breakdown of what was received and his headed to Houston:
-Over 20,000 pounds of pet food and supplies. (including dog, cat, bird and horse)
-Over 75 pallets of water and Gatorade
-2,500 boxes of diapers and baby wipes
-6,000 pounds of nonperishable human food
-56 pallets of paper towels and toilet paper
-600 earphones valued at nearly $18,000.00
-3,000 blankets from a local resort
-25,000 individual toiletry items including toothpaste, toothbrushes, soaps, feminine products, deodorant, shampoos, hand sanitizers, first aid supplies and other hygiene items
The relief effort flier went viral and has been shared more than 1,000 times on Facebook.
The original donation estimate was $250,000.00 and now nears $300,000.00
The kickoff event concluded with Burma Davis Posey recognizing President Trump’s National Day of Prayer. All prayed. “I am so glad we recognized President Trump’s call for a National Day of Prayer. It’s going to take months, maybe years, for some to rebuild their lives,” Posey said. “This is a reminder of what made America great in the first place. By standing together and leaning on Gods wisdom we will save our beloved America. That continues to be my prayer each day.”
Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke remarked, “This is just a great outpouring of support. I sure wish we could share this support and love 365 days a year. Imagine how much better our world would be?” Belle Isle Commissioner Bobby Lance added, “I couldn’t be more proud of how the residents of our community have come together.”
FNN News contributor Randy Ross will report live from Houston for Florida National News and provide feedback as to “I-4 to Houston” disaster relief delivery as well as the conditions in Houston overall.
Siegel, widely known as the “Queen of Versailles” and the widow of late timeshare Billionaire David Siegel, welcomed community leaders, business professionals, supporters, and guests interested in learning more about Razack’s campaign and priorities.
A Different Kind of Candidate
As voters across The Villages, Sumter County, Lake County, Citrus County, Hernando County, Polk County, and portions of Pasco County prepare for the August 18, 2026 Republican primary, Razack is positioning himself as a candidate whose professional experience differs significantly from that of traditional politicians.
A board-certified neurosurgeon, Razack has spent decades treating patients, leading medical teams, teaching future physicians, practicing law, and building healthcare organizations.
If elected, Razack would join a small number of physicians serving in Congress and could become Florida’s first neurosurgeon elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The most prominent American neurosurgeon to enter national politics is Ben Carson. Although he never served in Congress, Carson gained national recognition through his 2016 presidential campaign and later served as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in President Donald Trump‘s Cabinet.
Healthcare Expertise at the Forefront
During the gathering, Razack discussed issues affecting residents throughout Central Florida, including healthcare access, Medicare, physician shortages, veterans’ healthcare, government accountability, public safety, and economic opportunity.
“Congress has many career politicians, but very few physicians who have dedicated their careers to caring for patients and solving complex problems,” Razack told Florida National News during an interview at the Siegel estate. “As Washington debates healthcare, Medicare, physician shortages, and patient care, it is critical that medical professionals have a seat at the table and help shape policies that impact millions of Americans.”
Razack emphasized that his background in medicine, law, education, and business provides a unique perspective on public policy and government reform.
Appeal to The Villages and Senior Voters
The Villages and surrounding communities represent one of the nation’s largest concentrations of retirees and senior citizens, making healthcare and retirement security among the most important issues for many voters.
Razack’s campaign is expected to focus heavily on protecting Medicare for current beneficiaries, expanding access to physicians and specialists, supporting veterans’ healthcare services, reducing unnecessary healthcare bureaucracy, and promoting fiscal responsibility in Washington.
Supporters argue that his experience making life-and-death decisions as a neurosurgeon demonstrates the type of leadership and accountability voters are seeking from elected officials.
From the Operating Room to Congress
Razack told attendees that his campaign is centered on bringing practical problem-solving experience to Washington.
“For decades, I have worked in environments where results matter and failure is not an option,” Razack said. “The challenges facing our nation require leaders who can analyze problems, build consensus, and deliver solutions.”
As the Republican primary campaign begins to take shape, Razack is expected to continue introducing himself to voters throughout Florida’s 11th Congressional District while emphasizing his record of service in medicine, education, law, healthcare leadership, and business development.
Listed below are the candidates currently filed for Florida’s 11th Congressional District following the retirement announcement of Daniel Webster, late April 2026.
Republican Candidates
- Carey Baker
- Chanelle Krisette Barnes
- Ivette Palomo
- Nizam Razack
- Anthony Sabatini
- Ryan Lee Smith
- Tim Wilkins
- Mike Wilnau
Democratic Candidates
- Barbara Harden Hall (“Barbie”)
- Walter J. Walker
- Royal Sylvester Webster II
- Dan Williams
Libertarian Candidate
- Ralph Groves
The Republican primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.
Florida
Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones Will Not Seek Re-Election, Fuels Speculation About Congressional Run
Florida
Former Air Force Colonel and Physician Rudolph Moise Seeks Florida Congressional Seat Vacated by Frederica Wilson
MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — South Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has announced she will not seek reelection to Florida’s 24th Congressional District, creating an open-seat race that is expected to draw significant attention ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Even before Wilson’s retirement announcement became public, Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Moise had already shifted his political focus. Moise withdrew from the crowded race for Florida’s 20th Congressional District to pursue a campaign for the seat currently held by Wilson.
Moise Brings Military, Medical, Legal, and Business Experience
Moise is a longtime physician, attorney, businessman, and retired U.S. Air Force colonel. Over the years, he has built a public profile through his medical practice, community involvement, and repeated campaigns for federal office in South Florida.
His decision to enter the race immediately positions him among the most recognizable candidates seeking to succeed Wilson in Congress.
No Stranger to Running Against Wilson
Moise is no stranger to challenging Wilson at the ballot box.
He previously mounted two congressional campaigns against the longtime Democratic incumbent but was unsuccessful in his efforts to unseat her. Despite those defeats, Moise maintained a visible presence in South Florida politics and continued advocating on issues related to healthcare, economic development, public safety, and government accountability.
With Wilson now stepping aside, Moise will have his first opportunity to compete for the seat without facing the incumbent congresswoman.
Political observers note that Moise’s prior campaigns have given him valuable name recognition and an established network of supporters throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Redistricting Could Reshape the Political Landscape
Florida’s congressional map underwent significant changes following redistricting approved by Governor Ron DeSantis. The revised boundaries altered several congressional districts across the state, including portions of South Florida.
The new district configuration could create different political dynamics than those Moise faced during his previous campaigns against Wilson.
As candidates begin to organize for the 2026 election cycle, the open-seat contest is expected to attract a competitive field of Democratic and Republican contenders seeking to represent one of South Florida’s most prominent congressional districts.
With Wilson’s departure ending an era in South Florida politics, voters will soon decide who will succeed the veteran congresswoman and represent Florida’s 24th Congressional District in Washington.
