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Key Rubio Provisions for Everglades Restoration Included in Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill

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Rubio, Jaishankar Discuss Strait of Hormuz Security During Diplomatic Call

Washington, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Appropriations approved the 2018 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, which includes key provisions proposed by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) that would help advance critical Everglades restoration projects to benefit South Florida’s environment and economy, and help protect drinking water supplies.

Specifically, the bill includes funding for environmental and flood control infrastructure, including $82 million for the ongoing rehabilitation of Herbert Hoover Dike, and $76 million for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER), which includes Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects. Herbert Hoover Dike and SFER will both be eligible to compete with other projects throughout the nation for additional funding pots made available to the Army Corps of Engineers by this bill totaling $275 million and $40 million, respectively, to increase dedicated 2018 funding levels even more.

Additional Rubio provisions included in the accompanying report to the Energy and Water Development Act of 2018 that impact Everglades restoration include:

CEPP Expedited Validation Report: Recognizes the importance of restoring America’s Everglades, and urges the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the required validation report for the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) so that the Corps can grant a new start to study and design the engineering and construction of this vital project.

Indian River Lagoon Expedited Preconstruction Engineering and Design: Recognizes the importance of eliminating discharges from Lake Okeechobee that help fuel harmful algal blooms in the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. Urges the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite preparations for preconstruction engineering and design work on the C-23 and C-24 South Reservoirs that along with the C-44 Reservoir will serve as crucial elements of the Indian River Lagoon South CERP project to collect and clean discharges before they enter the Lagoon.

South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER) Federal-State Cost Share Transparency: Directs the Corps to make an annual snapshot of the federal-state cost-share accounting for SFER publicly available to encourage transparency and trust between the Army Corps, non-federal project sponsors, and taxpayers.

SOURCE | US Senator Marco Rubio

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Central Florida News

Commissioner Maribel Gómez Cordero Withdraws from Orange County Clerk of Courts Race Amid Legal Challenge

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gómez Cordero has withdrawn from the 2026 special election for Orange County Clerk of Courts, citing personal reasons and a desire to avoid continued litigation over her candidacy.

Her decision comes after former Orange County Property Appraiser and fellow Clerk of Courts candidate Rick Singh filed a lawsuit seeking to remove her from the ballot, arguing that Florida’s resign-to-run law required Gómez Cordero to resign from her County Commission seat before running for the countywide constitutional office.

The withdrawal ends Gómez Cordero’s campaign and concludes her pursuit of another elected office as her nearly eight years of service on the Orange County Board of County Commissioners comes to a close.

Withdrawal Ends Legal Dispute

The lawsuit filed by Singh challenged Gómez Cordero’s eligibility under Florida’s resign-to-run law, raising questions about whether she could legally seek election as Clerk of Courts while continuing to serve as the District 4 commissioner until the end of her term.

Rather than continue the legal battle, Gómez Cordero announced she would withdraw from the race.

In comments to La Prensa Newspaper Orlando, she said the decision was based on personal reasons and her desire to avoid further litigation involving public resources.

“I don’t think it is in the public interest for me or the campaign to continue spending money litigating this issue,” Gómez Cordero told La Prensa Newspaper Orlando.

She added that ending her campaign was the appropriate decision under the circumstances.

Her withdrawal effectively ends the legal challenge over her candidacy and removes her name from the race for Orange County Clerk of Courts.

Term-Limited After Two Terms

Gómez Cordero sought the Clerk of Courts office after reaching the Orange County Charter’s limit of two consecutive four-year terms as a county commissioner.

First elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, she was ineligible to seek another consecutive term representing Orange County Commission District 4, making the Clerk of Courts race her next opportunity to continue serving in elected office.

Record of Service on the County Commission

During nearly eight years on the Board of County Commissioners, Gómez Cordero also served as Orange County Vice Mayor and built a record centered on community engagement and constituent services.

Her priorities included:

  • Expanding mental health and behavioral health resources.
  • Supporting affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization.
  • Investing in transportation and infrastructure improvements.
  • Strengthening parks and recreational opportunities.
  • Supporting small businesses and economic development.
  • Improving public safety and emergency preparedness.
  • Advocating for residents through active constituent outreach.

Known for maintaining a visible presence throughout District 4, Gómez Cordero regularly attended neighborhood meetings, cultural celebrations, nonprofit events, and community forums while advocating for county investments that benefited residents and businesses.

Impact on Orange County Commission District 4

Gómez Cordero’s departure marks the end of nearly eight years representing one of Orange County’s fastest-growing and most diverse districts.

Because she is term-limited, District 4 voters will elect a new commissioner in 2026 regardless of the outcome of the Clerk of Courts race.

Her successor will inherit responsibility for addressing continued residential growth, transportation improvements, housing affordability, economic development, public safety, and infrastructure needs across the district.

Impact on the Clerk of Courts Race

Her withdrawal reshapes the special election to succeed former Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell, who resigned to run for Orange County mayor.

The departure of a sitting county commissioner narrows the field leaving candidates Rick Singh and Roberta Walton Johnson seeking to lead one of Orange County’s largest constitutional offices. The Clerk of Courts oversees court records, marriage licenses, official records, jury administration, and financial services supporting the local court system.

With Gómez Cordero no longer in the race, the remaining candidates will continue campaigning ahead of the special election.

Why the Lawsuit Mattered

Singh’s lawsuit focused attention on Florida’s resign-to-run law, which governs when elected officials must resign before seeking another office.

The case highlighted how election law can significantly affect candidate eligibility and reshape local races before voters cast their ballots.

Although the court will no longer decide Gómez Cordero’s eligibility following her withdrawal, the dispute underscored the importance of understanding Florida’s election laws and the legal requirements governing candidates for public office.

Looking Ahead

While Gómez Cordero has not announced her future plans, her decision concludes both her campaign for Clerk of Courts and her tenure as a county commissioner.

Her statement emphasized that avoiding prolonged litigation and protecting taxpayer resources ultimately outweighed continuing her campaign.

As Orange County prepares to elect both a new Clerk of Courts and a new District 4 commissioner, Gómez Cordero leaves public office with a record of community engagement, constituent service, and county leadership.

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Florida

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan, Randy Fine Endorse Joe Strada for Congress

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People attend an abortion-rights rally at the Utah State Capitol Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Republican congressional candidate Joe Strada announced endorsements Thursday from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and U.S. Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Randy Fine of Florida, adding support from prominent conservative leaders to his campaign for Florida’s 11th Congressional District.

Strada, founder of Strada Services, said the endorsements reflect confidence in his business experience and commitment to advancing conservative priorities in Congress.

Conservative Leaders Rally Behind Strada

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise praised Strada’s private-sector leadership and pledged his support for the campaign.

“Joe Strada is a strong conservative Republican who will stand with President Trump to help us deliver on the America First agenda for hardworking families in Central Florida and across the country,” Scalise said. “Joe Strada has my full endorsement because, as a businessman, Joe knows firsthand what it takes to solve problems, create jobs and empower those who are willing to work for their piece of the American Dream.”

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan highlighted Strada’s workforce development efforts and business record.

“Joe Strada has built the American Dream for countless families in Florida and across this great nation,” Jordan said. “He’s tackled the skilled worker shortage by building his own training program and graduating students directly into the workforce. Now, more than ever, we need leaders like Joe Strada in Congress because he is a problem solver who will stand up for our shared conservative values and with President Trump.”

Florida Congressman Randy Fine also endorsed Strada, citing their shared business backgrounds and longtime friendship.

“Joe Strada doesn’t just talk about the American Dream—he’s helped thousands of Floridians live it,” Fine said. “While Washington created problems, Joe built solutions by creating his own workforce training program and putting graduates directly into good-paying jobs across Central Florida. President Trump needs fighters who know how to get things done, and I want Joe standing with President Trump and me in Congress.”

Business Background

Strada is the founder of Strada Services, which the campaign describes as the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned provider of air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and security services. His campaign has emphasized his experience as a self-made businessman and employer, arguing that his private-sector leadership prepares him to address workforce and economic challenges in Congress.

Campaign Message

According to the campaign, Strada is running on a conservative platform focused on supporting President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, strengthening workforce development, expanding job opportunities, and promoting pro-business policies.

The endorsements from Scalise, Jordan, and Fine are expected to bolster Strada’s campaign by highlighting support from influential Republican leaders with strong ties to the House Republican Conference and the conservative movement.

Looking Ahead

Florida’s 11th Congressional District is expected to draw significant attention during the 2026 election cycle. As the campaign progresses, endorsements from national and state Republican leaders are likely to remain an important part of candidates’ efforts to build support among primary voters.

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Politics

Jack Reed, Tammy Duckworth Endorse Alex Vindman in Florida U.S. Senate Race as Campaign Momentum Grows

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman has received endorsements from U.S. Sens. Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, two military veterans whose support adds to a growing list of elected officials, labor organizations, and editorial boards backing his campaign.

The endorsements come as Vindman reports a strong second-quarter fundraising performance and seeks to build momentum in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races.

Veterans Back Vindman’s Campaign

Reed, a West Point graduate and former Army Ranger, and Duckworth, a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and combat veteran, endorsed Vindman, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, highlighting his military service and continued commitment to public service.

Vindman said he is honored to receive the support of fellow veterans serving in the U.S. Senate.

“The path to a Democratic Senate majority runs through Florida, and I am honored to earn the endorsement of Senators Jack Reed and Tammy Duckworth, fellow veterans who have continued their call to public service in the Senate,” Vindman said.

Vindman criticized his Republican opponent, U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, accusing her of putting special interests ahead of Florida families.

“I am not a career politician. I am a 21-year combat veteran who is ready to fight to lower costs and crush the corruption in Washington that is driving up costs for Florida families,” Vindman said.

Campaign Momentum

The endorsements follow Vindman’s announcement that his campaign raised $8.5 million during the second quarter, surpassing Moody’s fundraising by nearly $5 million. His campaign also reported $7.3 million cash on hand, positioning him for what is expected to be one of the country’s most competitive Senate contests.

Campaign officials also point to recent public polling that they say shows the race between Vindman and Moody effectively tied heading into the next phase of the campaign.

Growing Coalition of Support

Reed and Duckworth join a growing coalition of supporters that includes:

  • The Miami Herald Editorial Board.
  • Florida Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman.
  • State Sen. Tina Polsky.
  • State Rep. Dan Daley.
  • SEIU Local 1991.
  • Southern Regional Council of Carpenters.

The endorsements reflect support from military leaders, Democratic elected officials, organized labor, and media voices.

Florida First Agenda

Vindman is campaigning on what he calls a Florida First Agenda, focusing on lowering everyday costs for Floridians.

His platform includes proposals addressing:

  • Rising grocery prices.
  • Higher gasoline costs.
  • Property insurance affordability.
  • Housing affordability.
  • Government ethics and anti-corruption reforms.

Vindman argues Washington has failed to address many of the economic issues affecting Florida families and says he would prioritize lowering household costs while increasing government accountability.

Looking Ahead

The Florida U.S. Senate race is expected to remain one of the nation’s most competitive contests, with fundraising, endorsements, and voter outreach likely to intensify as Election Day approaches. Both parties view the race as strategically important in the battle for control of the U.S. Senate.

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