Connect with us

Central Florida News

Lawmakers Rouson and Driskell Secure $3.75M for Sickle Cell Programs

Published

on

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Florida Senator Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) and House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) have successfully secured $3.75 million in state funding to support two critical initiatives led by the Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research. These investments will advance research into Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) mortality and expand access to care for patients across the state.

This achievement builds on Leader Driskell’s legislative success in 2024, when she passed a bill establishing Sickle Cell Centers of Excellence across Florida, including in the Tampa Bay region.

Senator Rouson and Leader Driskell secured $1.25 million to launch a Cause of Death Initiative, which addresses a major gap in data on SCD-related mortality. Due to historically low autopsy consent rates, causes of death for many SCD patients remain unclear. The new initiative will encourage and support autopsies to gather vital data, helping drive treatment innovations, shape public health policy, and enhance advocacy.

An additional $2.5 million will go toward improving non-emergency transportation for SCD patients. Reliable transportation is often a barrier to receiving consistent, preventive care. The new funding will provide two non-emergent transport vans to each of Florida’s 15 Sickle Cell Centers of Excellence, significantly improving patient access to outpatient care.

“This funding represents not just a financial commitment, but a moral one—to stand with families affected by SCD and to bring dignity, data, and dependable care to a community too often overlooked,” said Senator Rouson.

“I’m incredibly proud to have worked with Senator Rouson to secure this funding,” said Leader Driskell. “These projects directly address two of the most urgent needs in the sickle cell community—understanding mortality and improving access to care. With this investment, Florida is taking a meaningful step toward better health access and outcomes for individuals living with SCD.”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Central Florida News

State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44

Published

on

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.

Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.

Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.

House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.

Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

Continue Reading

Central Florida News

Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period

Published

on

US Congressman Maxwell Frost gives federal update

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.

“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”

Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races

Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.

“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”

The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.

According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.

Historic Member of Congress

Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.

Continue Reading

Central Florida News

State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed

Published

on

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.

Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.

Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.

Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.

Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending