Central Florida News

Labor Unions Back Samuel Vilchez Santiago as Democratic Primary Battle With Daisy Morales Intensifies

Published

3 months ago

July 9, 2026

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago has announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations as he seeks the Democratic nomination for Florida House District 43, setting up a high-profile primary contest against former State Rep. Daisy Morales.

The endorsements come as both candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, where voters will decide who advances to the November general election.

Broad Labor Coalition Backs Vilchez Santiago

Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations representing workers in education, healthcare, public safety, transportation, construction and other industries.

The endorsing organizations include:

Florida AFL-CIO
Central Florida AFL-CIO
SEIU Florida
Florida Education Association
Orange County Fire Fighters Association
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625
Orange County Classroom Teachers Association
United Auto Workers
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606
Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517
SMART Transportation Division PAC
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596

Vilchez Santiago: ‘These Endorsements Are Deeply Personal’

In announcing the endorsements, Vilchez Santiago said organized labor has shaped both his family’s experience and his policy priorities.

“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.

He added:

“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”

Vilchez Santiago pledged to continue advocating for workers’ rights if elected to the Florida House.

Primary Contest Revives Familiar Political Rivalry

The endorsements add another chapter to an increasingly competitive Democratic primary between Vilchez Santiago and Morales.

The two candidates previously faced each other in the 2020 Democratic primary for what was then Florida House District 48. Morales defeated Vilchez Santiago and went on to win the general election, serving one term in the Florida House from 2020 to 2022.

Following legislative redistricting, both candidates are now seeking the Democratic nomination in House District 43, creating a rematch between two well-known Democratic figures in Central Florida politics.

Competing Messages to Democratic Voters

Vilchez Santiago has centered his campaign on issues including workers’ rights, affordable housing, healthcare access and support for organized labor.

Morales has emphasized her legislative record, highlighting more than 110 bills she sponsored or co-sponsored that became law, as well as funding secured for local projects during her time in office. Her campaign has argued that voters should compare legislative accomplishments and experience when choosing their next state representative.

The labor endorsements provide Vilchez Santiago with additional organizational support as both campaigns work to mobilize Democratic voters before early voting begins.

Key Background

Samuel Vilchez Santiago

Democrat seeking election to Florida House District 43.
Former chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party.
Previously served as Senior Manager at ActBlue.
Was the Democratic nominee defeated by Daisy Morales in the 2020 House District 48 primary.

Daisy Morales

Former Florida State Representative (2020–2022).
Former Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor.
Campaigning on her legislative experience, bipartisan accomplishments and record of securing funding for Central Florida communities.

Race to Watch

Florida House District 43 is expected to be one of Central Florida’s most closely watched Democratic legislative primaries.

With endorsements, fundraising and voter outreach accelerating, both candidates are expected to continue drawing support from elected officials, community organizations and advocacy groups throughout the campaign.

The Democratic primary will be held Aug. 18, 2026, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 3–16. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

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Central Florida News

USF Comes Up Short at UTSA as Late Touchdown Seals 31-24 Loss

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) crosses the goal line on a 15-yard touchdown run to open the scoring against UTSA Thursday night at the Alamodome. Photo by Stephen Galvin / University of South Florida Athletics.

South Florida held an early advantage and reclaimed the lead late, but UTSA’s second-half execution proved to be the difference Thursday night at the Alamodome.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida gave itself a chance to steal a road win Thursday night, but UTSA answered when it mattered most, defeating the Bulls 31-24 at the Alamodome.

USF struck first behind D.J. Crowther, who broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls an early advantage. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. helped keep South Florida’s offense moving throughout the night as the Bulls continued to respond whenever UTSA threatened to take control.

USF stayed within reach from start to finish, but the second half belonged to a UTSA offense that consistently found a way to finish drives.

UTSA Finds Its Rhythm

Running back A’Marion Peterson became the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, finishing with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

UTSA scored on every second-half possession, gradually shifting momentum away from a USF team that continued to battle offensively. The Roadrunners leaned heavily on their ground game while keeping the Bulls from building any sustained separation.

(more…)

Central Florida News

Commissioner Uribe Announces New Date for Hispanic Heritage Festival Due to Weather

Published

4 days ago

October 9, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Commissioner Uribe announced that the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been rescheduled due to weather conditions. The event will now take place Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando.

The festival will celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through live music, dance performances, food and community resources.

Scheduled highlights include:

Live music by youth orchestra The Nucleus Orchestral.
Dance performances featuring Maria Saavedra of FusionFest with Huellas de Colombia, Unidos for Ecuador and Mexico Dansa.
Food from Zaza.
Community resources from 311 and other participants.

Join Commissioner Uribe and the community for a morning celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage.

NEW DATE: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
TIME: 9 a.m. to noon
LOCATION: Cypress Grove Park
ADDRESS: 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839

Basketball

UPSHOT Announces Professional Women’s Basketball Franchise for Tampa Bay

Published

6 days ago

October 7, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

Jacksonville Waves battle at the rim against the Charlotte Crown during UPSHOT League action in Jacksonville. Photo by Nisey Spruill/FNN Sports.

New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.

UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.

FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.

UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.

INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.

The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.

– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com