TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez delivered a powerful and reflective speech during the Organization Session of the 92nd term of the Florida Legislature. In his address to the House Chamber, Perez set a tone of accountability, action, and dedication to serving the people of Florida.

Focus on People Over Politics
Perez emphasized his commitment to serving everyday Floridians rather than catering to lobbyists, special interests, or social media activists. He vowed to focus on the concerns of small business owners, families, and individuals across the state. “We are the People’s House, and it is the people of our state who should be our priority,” he stated.

Rejecting Empty Promises
Breaking from tradition, Perez declined to announce a narrow list of legislative priorities. Instead, he criticized the political culture of self-congratulation over superficial laws that fail to solve real problems. He committed to ensuring that every law passed under his leadership would meaningfully impact Floridians.

Tackling Florida’s Key Issues
Perez highlighted several issues vital to Floridians, including:

• Insurance Reform: Ensuring laws are not written by and for insurance companies.
• Homeownership: Fighting against predatory practices by private equity firms.
• Education and Healthcare: Giving families access to good schools and the freedom to choose their doctors.
• Small Business Growth: Removing bureaucratic barriers to entrepreneurship.

Fiscal Discipline and Accountability
Perez called for greater financial responsibility within state government, pointing out wasteful spending on natural disaster recovery, poorly managed land acquisitions, and IT projects that fail to deliver. He stressed the need for a budget that prioritizes “value over excess,” urging lawmakers to shift from merely reallocating resources to truly solving systemic issues.

Equality of Opportunity
Perez made a passionate case for dismantling barriers to employment and competition, advocating for laws that level the playing field for all Floridians. “Floridians want equality of opportunity. They want a system that treats the needs of everyday Floridians as special,” he said.

Looking Ahead
Perez encouraged his colleagues to work collaboratively, declaring the next two years as a pivotal time to deliver results for the people of Florida. “The time for talk is over. It’s time to get to work,” he concluded.

Perez’s speech underscored his vision for a Legislature that prioritizes action over rhetoric and meaningful change over political theater.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) announced a transformative $53.3 million federal grant secured for the PEV Regional Port Operations With Emissions Reductions Project at Port Everglades. This groundbreaking funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation, marks a significant step toward decarbonizing one of South Florida’s busiest ports and creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The federal grant will drive the purchase and deployment of advanced zero-emissions cargo-handling equipment, replacing older, diesel-powered machines that have been in use for over a decade. The project also includes vital infrastructure improvements to sustain long-term zero-emissions operations.

Equipment and Infrastructure Upgrades

The grant will fund:

• Electric terminal tractors and forklifts
• Hybrid gantry cranes and pickup trucks
• Advanced tier-4 diesel reach stackers
• Reefer racks
• Electrical upgrades for charging stations
• High mast lighting for enhanced operational safety
• An electrification master plan for sustained zero-emissions operations

These upgrades will directly improve air quality for surrounding communities like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach while preserving nearby sensitive ecological areas.

Workforce Development

Beyond emissions reduction, the project includes a workforce development program to prepare the local community for clean-energy jobs, fostering economic growth and sustainability.

Statements from Leaders

“I will always fight for Port Everglades in our nation’s capital, and I am thrilled to help deliver more than $53 million for this emissions reductions project,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “In June, I directly urged Secretary Pete Buttigieg to fund this critical initiative, and now, we are one step closer to reducing health risks and environmental damage for communities surrounding the port.”

Broward County Mayor Nan Rich emphasized the significance of the grant, saying, “We’re grateful to the Congresswoman for her longstanding advocacy. These funds will empower terminal operators to tackle climate change, enhance resiliency, and implement key infrastructure improvements.”

A Foundation for the Future

This grant builds on more than two years of meticulous planning and market assessment by MARAD, Broward County, Port Everglades, and private terminal operators. The upgrades align with broader goals for environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and operational efficiency.

What’s Next?

The Port Everglades team will now proceed with:

• Acquiring and deploying the new equipment.
• Upgrading infrastructure to support electric operations.
• Launching the workforce development program.
• Monitoring environmental and community impact as operations transition to zero emissions.

These efforts aim to position Port Everglades as a national leader in sustainable port operations while improving the quality of life for nearby communities.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – As Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term as President of the United States, Mar-a-Lago, his Florida residence and private club, has solidified its position as a global political epicenter. The FNN Politics & Power Series explores Mar-a-Lago’s influence and its broader impact on Florida.

In his second term, Trump’s homes—Mar-a-Lago, the White House, and Camp David—serve as central hubs of presidential activity. Mar-a-Lago, however, stands out for its blend of opulence, robust security, and pivotal role as a nexus for political and global decision-making, furthering Florida’s prominence on the international stage.

PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 1: Aerial View of Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida on March 1, 2021. Credit: mpi34/MediaPunch /IPX

Highlights on Mar-a-Lago

• Winter White House: Mar-a-Lago is solidified as the “Winter White House,” hosting administration planning and critical meetings behind its lavish doors.
• Elon Musk’s Presence: Musk has been a frequent visitor, joining Trump during family dinners and global calls, further amplifying Mar-a-Lago’s international significance.
• Security at Mar-a-Lago: The estate boasts fortress-like security, including robot dogs and armed guards patrolling the perimeter, ensuring its exclusivity and safety.
• CPAC Summit: The Conservative Political Action Conference’s investors’ summit will be hosted at Mar-a-Lago, with tickets ranging up to $25,000, showcasing its role as a political and economic nexus.
• Argentine Connection: Argentina’s President Javier Milei is expected to visit Mar-a-Lago next week, underlining its growing diplomatic importance.

Trump’s Transition Picks and Florida’s Role

• Florida Talent Pipeline: Trump’s reliance on loyalists like Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff underscores Florida’s growing political influence in his administration.
• Marco Rubio: Nominated as Secretary of State.
• Mike Waltz: Selected as National Security Advisor.
• Byron Donalds: Considered a potential pick for Department of Education.
• Joseph Ladapo: Florida Surgeon General and potential nominee for U.S. Surgeon General.

Joe Gruters’ Loyalty: Gruters, a Florida state senator, emphasizes Mar-a-Lago as a base for “true believers” who align with Trump’s vision.

Credit: Palm Beach Post Files

Impact of Trump’s Presidency on Florida

• Florida as the Hub for the National Agenda: Florida’s congressional and Senate delegations are playing a pivotal role in shaping the national political agenda, with the state serving as a recruitment ground for key positions in the Trump administration.
• Mar-a-Lago’s Prestige: Slater Bayliss, a prominent Florida lobbyist, calls Mar-a-Lago the “most sacred real estate in the political universe,” cementing Florida’s status as a center for global political power and influence.
• Economic Boost for West Palm Beach: The local economy benefits significantly as hotels, restaurants, and other businesses thrive from the influx of political insiders, office-seekers, and influential visitors surrounding Mar-a-Lago.

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J Willie David, III, FNN Politics & Power Series
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com