Central Florida News
Latino Leadership Chief Marucci Guzmán Enters Race for Florida House District 35
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Latino Leadership executive director Marucci Guzmán filed Wednesday to replace Republican State Representative Fred Hawkins in Florida House District 35, which encompasses parts of Orange and Osceola counties, according to a campaign press release.
State Rep. Hawkins resigned his seat June 30, 2023 after he was named President of South Florida State College.
Guzmán’s family is part of a political powerhouse of elected officials at the state level representing Orange and Seminole counties. She is married to former Republican Florida State Representative Rene “Coach P” Plasencia, who resigned from the Florida House in 2022 for a job with IBM. Guzmán’s sister-in-law Susan Plasencia is the current Republican Florida State Representative for House District 37.
In her run for HD 35, Guzmán will add her name to a list of Puerto Rican candidates in Orange and Osceola counties seeking to rewrite history by electing a wave of Puerto Ricans to represent State Senate seat 25, and State House seats 43, 44, 46 and 47.
Guzmán, a registered Democrat, will join a rematch fight between candidates Rishi Bagga and Tom Keen for the Democratic nomination. Erika Booth, Ken Davenport and Scotty Moore are among the Republicans seeking to keep Hawkins’s seat in the Republican Party.
Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-140, setting a Special Election for House District 35 with the Special Primary Election happening November 7, 2023 and the Special General Election happening January 16, 2024.
“I’m excited to announce my campaign for the Florida House. Working families in Orange and Osceola counties deserve an experienced leader who fights for them and not for Tallahassee elites, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work earning their trust and support,” Guzmán’s statement said.
“As a working mom and longtime resident of Orlando who has dedicated her career to working with underserved central Florida families, I have seen time and time again our community’s disenfranchisement. We deserve better.”
In her press statement, Guzmán noted that this Special Election is a critical opportunity to flip this seat from Republican control and ensure that the people here at home have a strong Democrat fighting for them every day. “That’s exactly what I plan to do and I am excited to bring all of us together and run a strong race that puts the people back in charge.”
A mother of two daughters, Guzmán currently serves as the Executive Director of Latino Leadership, Central Florida’s most prominent Latino-focused nonprofit community-based organization. Her accomplishments span the globe, having organized disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico, Haiti, and El Salvador. She also founded Latino Leadership Behavioral Health in response to the mental health trauma caused by Hurricane Maria. Additionally, with a passion for advocating for special needs children, Guzmán led an effort to pass legislation that made it easier for children on the autism spectrum to receive the critical and unique medical care they need.
Guzmán most recently spearheaded the creation of Clínica Mi Salud, a free medical clinic for the uninsured, which serves more than 800 patients through primary care, psychiatry, pediatrics, and women’s health. She also served two terms on the Orange County Library Board of Trustees, where she focused on highlighting the importance of bringing a new branch to Lake Nona. Her career has been recognized by the University of Phoenix’s National Hispanic Leadership Scholarship and Coors Líderes, the statement cited.
Central Florida News
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Central Florida News
Puerto Rican Business Owner Tatiana Fernandez running for Orange County Commission District 8
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Board of County Commissioners recently approved a new District 8 seat to address the county’s continued population growth and expanding communities.
Tatiana Fernandez officially entered the race for the newly created Orange County Commission District 8 seat after announcing her candidacy on social media and filing the necessary paperwork with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections.
Fernandez Highlights Business, Advocacy, and Community Leadership Experience
Fernandez, a Puerto Rican-born business owner, autism advocate, and community leader, said her campaign is focused on strengthening families, supporting small businesses, and expanding opportunities throughout Orange County.
“Latinos are shaping the future of America,” Fernandez stated in her campaign announcement. “Together, we can build stronger communities, greater opportunities, and a brighter future for our children.”
Fernandez currently serves on the Orange County Commission on Aging Board, where she advocates for programs and services benefiting seniors throughout the county.
Her professional and community background includes:
• Business owner since 2015 with extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business development.
• Owner of Pantera Technical Services, a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida.
• On-the-job training provider for Florida Vocational Rehabilitation students since 2019.
• Autism advocate serving families in Seminole County since 2007.
• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Born and raised in Puerto Rico.
• Resident of Florida since 2004 after living in Boston from 1994 to 2000.
• Academic studies in banking, pre-law, finance, government relations, and healthcare administration.
• Volunteer with the Lake Mary High School Robotics Program from 2017 to 2020.
• Registered volunteer for former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales in both Orlando and Tallahassee offices.
• Candidate for Florida’s 7th Congressional District during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles.
Campaign Focused on Families, Seniors, and Small Businesses
Fernandez said Orange County residents deserve leadership that listens to the community and understands the challenges facing working families, senior citizens, and small-business owners.
“Our community deserves leadership that listens, works hard, and truly understands the needs of families, seniors, and small businesses,” Fernandez said. “I look forward to continuing to serve Orange County with integrity, compassion, and dedication.”
She is encouraging supporters to volunteer, share campaign information, and contribute to her effort to represent the newly established district.
Crowded Field Emerges for New District 8 Seat
Fernandez joins a growing field of candidates seeking election to the new Orange County Commission District 8 seat. Other announced candidates include Vic Torres, Jeannette Quinones-Hernandez, Isaiah Louis Anderson, Julio Rocha, and George Haas.
Candidate qualifying is scheduled for June 8-12, 2026. The primary election will be held on August 18, 2026, with voters selecting the first commissioner to represent the newly created district.
The District 8 seat is expected to be one of Orange County’s most closely watched races as candidates compete to represent a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse constituency.
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
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