ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — After three years of dedicated service, Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazar has announced his resignation from the Orlando Fire Department, effective November 3, 2025. The City of Orlando expressed its deep appreciation for Chief Salazar’s leadership and contributions to the department’s growth and modernization.
Salazar’s Leadership and Achievements
During his tenure, Chief Salazar spearheaded several major initiatives that strengthened the department’s operational capacity and community outreach. His key accomplishments include:
Securing approval for up to four new fire stations to meet the demands of Orlando’s growing population.
Overseeing the approval of a new OFD Training Complex, which is set to break ground soon.
Launching a Cadet Program that provides local residents—especially those from underrepresented communities—pathways to become firefighters.
Creating the Community Engagement & Preparedness Officer role to enhance public safety awareness.
Introducing the PMO crossover-to-firefighter program, expanding professional opportunities within the department.
In a farewell statement, Salazar shared, “My departure comes with a personal decision to return home to Texas, where I look forward to spending more time with my growing family — including two grandchildren who were born during my time here. While this next chapter brings joy and reunion, it also brings a bittersweet farewell to a city and a department that welcomed me with trust and purpose.”
Mayor Dyer Appoints Revoldt as Interim Fire Chief
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has appointed Deputy Chief Jason Revoldt as Interim Fire Chief, effective October 18, 2025. Revoldt, a 24-year veteran of the department, brings extensive experience across multiple operational areas. He is certified as a State of Florida Paramedic, Law Enforcement Officer, FBI Bomb Technician, and Arson K-9 Handler.
Before this appointment, Revoldt led the Life Safety Bureau, overseeing new construction and development reviews, the Arson & Bomb Squad, community outreach and safety programs, and the Fire Marshal’s Office.
City Thanks Salazar, Welcomes Revoldt’s Leadership
City officials extended heartfelt thanks to Chief Salazar for his service and steady leadership over the past three years. They also expressed confidence in Chief Revoldt’s ability to continue guiding the department with integrity and dedication.
“We’re thankful for Chief Salazar’s stewardship and congratulate Chief Revoldt on his new role,” the City’s statement read.
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.
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.
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.