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Mayor Jerry Demings Takes Governor Campaign to Ocala in Push for Statewide Support

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FILE: Mayor Jerry Demings gives the 2023 State of Orange County address at the Orange County Convention Cente, Friday, June 9, 2023. (J. Willie David, III / Florida National News file photo)
File Photo by Florida National News

OCALA, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, now officially a candidate for Florida Governor, continued his early statewide outreach with a keynote appearance at the Achievement Week Banquet at the College of Central Florida on November 15. Demings attended as a special guest alongside his wife, former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings.

The event, hosted by the Friendship and Faith Foundation, Inc. and the Psi Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., centered on the theme “Honoring Our Legacy, Empowering Our Future.” Ocala was one of several stops following Demings’ recent kickoff event in Orlando as he works to introduce his platform to voters across the state.

Demings Ramps Up Statewide Voter Outreach

Following his launch, Demings and Val Demings have begun traveling across Florida to connect with local voters, community leaders, clergy, and elected officials. Ocala represented a strategic stop as the campaign aims to build momentum in Central and North Florida—regions essential for any Democratic path to victory.

U.S. Representative Val Demings (D-10, Florida) spoke during Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’s COVID-19 press conference at Orange County Emergency Operations Center, providing an update about the House passing the Family First Coronavirus Act Saturday, March 14, 2020. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

File – U.S. Representative Val Demings (D-10, Florida) spoke during Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’s COVID-19 press conference at Orange County Emergency Operations Center, providing an update about the House passing the Family First Coronavirus Act Saturday, March 14, 2020. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

Fundraising Will Be Critical for Competitive Primary Run

Demings enters the race facing an expensive and competitive Democratic primary in August. His campaign will require substantial financial backing to match better-funded opponents and reach voters statewide.

He benefits from the political star power of Val Demings, who brings statewide and national recognition after her high-profile 2022 U.S. Senate campaign, during which she raised approximately $80 million. Her network is expected to be a major asset as fundraising efforts intensify.

Two of the most notable Democratic candidates in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race are former U.S. Congressman David Jolly and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings


Crowded Gubernatorial Field Presents Challenges

Demings will face Democrat David Jolly (see above photo) and other emerging candidates in the primary. Jolly, a former Republican who became a Democrat, has slowly built early support and fundraising momentum with endorsements from several Democratic leaders prior to Demings’ entry.

Three of the most notable Republic candidates in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race are US Congressman Byron Donalds, Lt. Governor Jay Collins and Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner.

On the Republican side, candidates such as Byron Donalds (endorsed by US President Doanld Trump) are leading in fundraising efforts, bolstered by the GOP’s advantage of 1.4 million more registered voters than Democrats statewide—an obstacle any Democratic nominee must overcome.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Florida

Florida Legislative Black Caucus Urges Due Process Amid Calls to Impeach Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper

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Credit: Representative Felicia Robinson

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Legislative Black Caucus says it is aware of recent calls for the impeachment of Tiffany Baker-Carper following the signing of Missy’s Law, according to a press statement released by the caucus.

The caucus acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised but emphasized that impeachment should remain a constitutional process rather than a political response.

“We recognize the gravity of these concerns and the importance of accountability in public service,” the statement said. “However, we must be equally clear: impeachment is a constitutional remedy, not a political reaction.”

Facts Before Force

The caucus stated that any consideration of impeachment must be grounded in verified evidence rather than speculation or political pressure.

“Impeachment must be based on verified evidence,” the statement said. “The integrity of our democratic institutions depends on a disciplined commitment to truth.”

Due Process and Fairness

Members of the caucus also stressed the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.

“Every individual — regardless of position — is entitled to fairness, due process and the presumption of innocence,” the statement said. “Rushing to impeachment without a complete factual record undermines the very justice we seek to uphold.”

Transparency and Public Trust

The caucus said Floridians deserve transparency and clarity as the situation unfolds.

“Any actions taken must be conducted openly, with findings made available to the public to ensure confidence in the outcome,” the statement said.

The caucus urged lawmakers and stakeholders to avoid premature political escalation and instead follow a responsible process that balances accountability with justice.

The Florida Legislative Black Caucus said it will continue monitoring developments and advocate for a process that reflects the highest standards of governance.

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Florida

VIDEO: NASA Artemis II Mission Sends Astronauts Around the Moon in First Crewed Test Since Apollo

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The Artemis II crewed lunar mission launches from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026. Four astronauts blasted off aboard a massive NASA rocket on a long-anticipated journey around the Moon—marking the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years. Photo by Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (FNN) — NASA is preparing to launch the crew of Artemis II on a historic journey around the Moon, marking the first time astronauts will travel beyond low-Earth orbit since the era of Apollo Program.
The mission will lift off from Kennedy Space Center aboard the Space Launch System, carrying astronauts in the Orion spacecraft on a multi-day flight that will orbit the Moon before returning safely to Earth.

The Artemis II crewed lunar mission launches from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026. Four astronauts blasted off aboard a massive NASA rocket on a long-anticipated journey around the Moon—marking the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years. Photo by Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News.

 

Historic Return to Deep Space Artemis II is the first crewed mission in NASA’s Artemis program, designed to return humans to the Moon and eventually establish a sustainable presence there. The flight follows the successful uncrewed test mission, Artemis I, which demonstrated the Orion spacecraft’s ability to travel to lunar orbit and return to Earth. The Artemis program represents NASA’s long-term strategy to explore deep space, including preparing astronauts for future missions to Mars. Astronaut Crew to Circle the Moon

The Artemis II crew includes four astronauts selected to test Orion’s life-support systems and navigation capabilities during the mission.

The Artemis II crewed lunar mission launches from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026. Four astronauts blasted off aboard a massive NASA rocket on a long-anticipated journey around the Moon—marking the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years.
Photo by Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News.

 

Their journey will take them thousands of miles beyond the Moon before returning to Earth. The mission will also demonstrate critical technologies needed for future lunar landings planned under upcoming Artemis missions.

Florida’s Space Coast in the Global Spotlight The launch is expected to draw thousands of spectators to Florida’s Space Coast, including viewers gathering along beaches in Cocoa Beach and nearby communities to witness the historic liftoff.

Local officials and tourism leaders say the Artemis program continues to reinforce Florida’s role as the nation’s gateway to space exploration.

 

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Entertainment

Orlando International Fashion Week Announces Media Partnership With Florida National News

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Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN)Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has announced a new media partnership with Florida National News (FNN), expanding media coverage and audience reach for one of Central Florida’s premier fashion and cultural events.

Hosted annually in Orlando, Orlando International Fashion Week brings together designers, models, influencers and industry professionals from around the world. The event celebrates fashion, beauty, music, art and luxury lifestyle while showcasing emerging and established talent through runway shows, networking events and industry programming.

Through the new partnership, Florida National News will provide expanded editorial coverage of Orlando International Fashion Week events throughout 2026. Coverage will include runway highlights, designer features, exclusive interviews and digital media content designed to deliver local, national and international exposure for participating designers and industry leaders.

Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW)


Expanded Media Coverage for a Global Audience

Florida National News will produce multimedia coverage throughout the event, including photo galleries, video interviews, behind-the-scenes content and feature stories highlighting designers, models and creative professionals participating in the event.

With a growing digital audience and a track record of covering major events across Florida, Florida National News aims to amplify the reach of Orlando International Fashion Week while delivering engaging storytelling and industry insights to viewers across multiple platforms.

Florida National News has served as a trusted media platform for more than a decade, providing event coverage, interviews and trend analysis that spotlight designers and fashion innovation across the state.

Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW)


Leaders Highlight the Value of the Partnership

“Florida National News is proud to partner with Orlando International Fashion Week to showcase the creativity, innovation and rising talent shaping the fashion industry,” said Jenny Rosario, vice president of Florida National News. “Our platform is committed to highlighting designers, artists and industry leaders while bringing global visibility to the exceptional talent featured during this event.”

“We are excited to welcome Florida National News as an official media partner for Orlando International Fashion Week,” said Dr. Jessica Henlon. “Their strong media presence and commitment to storytelling will help elevate our designers and participants while expanding the reach of OIFW to audiences worldwide.”

Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW)

Orlando’s Growing Influence in Fashion and Culture

As Orlando continues to grow as a destination for arts, culture and international events, partnerships like this are helping position the city as an emerging hub for fashion, creativity and industry innovation.

Events such as Orlando International Fashion Week attract designers and creative talent from across the United States and abroad, strengthening Orlando’s reputation as a center for global cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.

What’s Next for Florida National News’ Partnership Growth?

Florida National News continues to expand its partnerships across sports, entertainment, fashion and cultural events throughout Florida and beyond.

Looking ahead, the media organization is expected to pursue additional collaborations with major event producers, creative industry leaders and cultural institutions. These partnerships aim to broaden multimedia storytelling, increase digital and streaming distribution, and position Florida National News as a leading platform for event coverage and industry insights across the state.

With continued investment in digital media, live event coverage and strategic partnerships, Florida National News is poised to expand its role as a key media partner for high-profile events while delivering wider exposure for creators, organizations and communities throughout Florida.

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