ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The arrest of Osceola County Sheriff Marcos López — Florida’s first Puerto Rican and Hispanic elected sheriff — sent shockwaves through Central Florida’s Hispanic community. “It comes amid a steady decline in Puerto Rican political representation in Florida, with key seats lost since November 2016, despite major gains that year with the election of the state’s first Puerto Rican member of Congress.”

PUERTO RICAN POLITICAL CLOUT IN FLORIDA DIMINISHES

Once holding several influential elected positions, including a State Senate seat, multiple State Representative seats, and key county offices in Orange and Osceola Counties, Puerto Rican leaders have faced notable electoral setbacks. “With Sheriff López’s recent arrest — now caught in the criminal justice system and presumed innocent until proven guilty — the community faces yet another blow to its political influence in a state that’s home to one of the nation’s largest Puerto Rican populations.”

DAISY MORALES SPEAKS ON HER JOURNEY AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

Amid this political shift, former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales took to social media to reflect on both the community’s challenges and her own history-making career. Morales shared a personal message with her followers, urging hope and resilience:

“It’s OK To Believe,” Morales posted, highlighting her accomplishments as a proud Puerto Rican public servant.

Morales Statement:
“I find myself overjoyed watching Daisy Morales’ remarkable journey. She built an impactful career — serving as a U.S. Government official for 24 years, becoming a political newcomer elected Supervisor of the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District for six years, appointed to the Orange County Disability Advisory Board, and later elected as a State Representative in the Florida House of Representatives.

Her achievements are etched into law, state budgets, community projects, and even in the Soil and Water Conservation District signs welcoming visitors to Orange County from Osceola and Seminole Counties.

Leaders like Daisy Morales show us what’s possible and inspire us to believe in our own potential — reminding us that we too can rise, lead, and leave our mark on history.”

PRESERVING CULTURE AND ADVOCACY THROUGH NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP

In addition to her public service career, Morales is the Founder and President of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, a nonprofit organization she established in 2023. The organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting Puerto Rican culture, history, and leadership through educational initiatives, events, and community advocacy, according to PRHN’s website. The nonprofit has become a growing platform for conversations around representation, culture, and civic engagement for Florida’s Puerto Rican population.

COMMUNITY AT A CROSSROADS

The Puerto Rican community in Florida now finds itself at a political crossroads, navigating how to rebuild its influence in local and state government. With leaders like Morales speaking out and new grassroots initiatives forming, advocates hope to reignite civic participation and prepare a new generation of Puerto Rican leaders to reclaim their place in Florida’s political landscape.

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Staff: News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, FL (FNN) – “Florida National News was the first media outlet on the scene to capture a major law enforcement operation that unfolded Thursday morning in the Lake Pickett community of East Orange County, drawing the attention and concern of residents.”

Police Activity on Ithaca Way

At appoximately 11:00 a.m., multiple units from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office converged on a home located at 14044 Ithaca Way, Orlando. Deputies dressed in military-style tactical gear and body armor could be seen surrounding the property while issuing commands over a loudspeaker, instructing the occupants to exit the home.

An Orange County Fire Department unit was staged nearby as a precaution.

Drone Deployment and Suspect Detention

In a display of advanced law enforcement tactics, an Orange County Sheriff’s drone was deployed over the property, providing aerial surveillance as the situation developed.

Florida National News captured an known female temporarily detained in plastic white handcuffs before being escorted to speak with what appeared to be an undercover deputy nearby. Moments later, the woman was re-handcuffed — this time with standard sheriff-issued cuffs — and placed back into a marked patrol vehicle.

Crime Scene Secured

Authorities sealed off the property with crime scene tape, limiting access while deputies remained stationed at the residence.

At this time, the specific nature of the warrant being served and the details of the investigation have not been officially released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

“Florida National News contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office regarding the large law enforcement presence in the Lake Pickett community. In an email statement, the Sheriff’s Public Information Officer confirmed that deputies were serving a search warrant in the area. No further details were provided.”

Stay Connected for Updates

This is a developing story. Stay connected with Florida National News (FNN) for updates as we receive more information from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

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J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

MIAMI, FLORIDA (FNN NEWS) — Three Florida state legislators have issued a joint statement condemning what they describe as the growing politicization of presidential appointments within the State University System of Florida.

THE ISSUE AT HAND

In a forceful message released on Monday, Representative Ashley V. Gantt (D-Miami), Representative Michele K. Rayner (D-St. Petersburg), and Representative LaVon Bracy Davis (D-Ocoee) voiced alarm over a pattern of politically motivated leadership appointments at several state universities, including Florida A&M University (FAMU), New College of Florida, Florida International University (FIU), and the University of Florida (UF).

“We are deeply disturbed by the troubling pattern emerging in the selection and appointment of university presidents across our state,” the legislators stated. “These critical leadership decisions appear to be driven more by political ideology than by a commitment to academic excellence, equity, and the long-term success of our institutions.”

SPECIFIC CONCERNS: FAMU & UF

The lawmakers pointed to the rejection of Santa Ono as a finalist for the presidency at UF, attributing the decision to his support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives — a disqualifier they assert should be viewed as a leadership strength.

They also criticized the recent appointment of Marva Johnson as FAMU’s president, which, they claim, ignored student and alumni voices while prioritizing political alliances and boardroom deals. “There is no regard for student or alumni opinion,” the statement reads. “The focus centered on shutting student protests down rather than listening.”

The legislators drew parallels to the controversial appointment of Ben Sasse at UF, which they argue reflected a similar pattern of politically charged selections, undermining the university’s reputation and academic rigor.

A BROADER TREND OF POLITICAL OVERREACH

“This is not about individual personalities; it’s about the process,” the lawmakers declared. “A process that sidesteps meaningful engagement and leans into political expediency over shared governance is a betrayal of the trust our community places in its leadership.”

LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS FOR TRANSPARENCY

The joint statement also highlighted recent legislative efforts to reform the presidential selection process. The Florida House passed HB 1321, a bill introduced by Representative Michelle Salzman, aimed at enhancing transparency and requiring participation from students, faculty, and administration in presidential search committees. However, Governor Ron DeSantis opposed the bill, refusing to sign it into law and labeling it ‘treacherous.’

A CALL TO ACTION

The legislators emphasized that FAMU is more than a boardroom decision. “It is a cultural institution, a beacon of hope, and a sacred space for generations of Black excellence,” the statement read. “To handle its future with anything less than transparency and reverence is not only wrong — it’s dangerous.”

They concluded by reaffirming their commitment to advocate for accountability, transparency, and academic freedom throughout Florida’s higher education system.

“Our students deserve leadership chosen for their vision, experience, and dedication to education — not their political alignment,” the lawmakers declared. “Our future depends on it.”