Florida
Puerto Rican Heritage Network President Daisy Morales Reflects on the 7th Anniversary of Hurricane Maria
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Puerto Rican Heritage Network (PRHN) President and former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales released a statement marking the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Maria, emphasizing the resilience and perseverance of Puerto Ricans in the aftermath of the catastrophic storm. Soon after the hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, Morales expressed both sorrow for the devastation and admiration for the island’s spirit of recovery.
Hurricane Maria made landfall as a Category 4 storm, with sustained winds of 155 mph, causing $90 billion in widespread destruction across Puerto Rico. Flooding and communication breakdowns led to prolonged suffering, with aid struggling to reach affected communities. The hurricane claimed over 3,000 lives, displacing hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans in Florida, some of whom relocated permanently.
“On the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Maria, I stand with Puerto Ricans in mourning their losses and honoring the strength of the island in the aftermath of tragedy,” Morales stated. Recounting her time advocating for Puerto Rican families who relocated to Central Florida following the storm, she added, “I spoke with families whose lives had been devastated, who had lost everything, and were left without much hope for how to rebuild.”
Despite the tremendous challenges, Morales emphasized Puerto Rico’s resolve. “Seven years later, we have all seen Puerto Rico’s inspiring grit and ambition to rebuild,” she noted.
With over 35 years of public service in both the U.S. Government and the Florida State Government, Daisy Morales played a key role in garnering support for Puerto Rico during its recovery from Hurricane Maria. Her extensive experience allowed her to work effectively alongside state and local leaders to advocate for the island’s recovery efforts, ensuring that the Puerto Rican community received the assistance it needed. Morales’ leadership helped mobilize relief efforts and contributed to building stronger relationships between Florida and Puerto Rico in the wake of the disaster.
Florida Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Daisy Morales, representing the residents of Orange County, joined Puerto Rican elected leaders and community advocates at a press conference in Tallahassee, urging Florida’s governor to assist Puerto Rico with recovery and relief efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria on September 20, 2017.
“I am proud to have joined my Puerto Rican brothers and sisters in Tallahassee calling on the Florida Governor to assist in disaster and recovery relief,” she said. Now, as PRHN President, she reaffirmed her ongoing commitment, stating, “I will always be committed to Puerto Rico’s future and to ensuring that Puerto Ricans has the opportunity to succeed.”
Florida
Ex-Florida Speaker Paul Renner Says Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Cory Mills Must Resign or Be Removed from Congress
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Gubernatorial candidate and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner is calling for the resignation or removal of U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a South Florida Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a Central Florida Republican, citing what he describes as serious breaches of ethics and public trust.
Renner emphasized that strong governance requires integrity, stating, “America needs leaders focused on service, not self-interest. When elected officials use their office for personal gain, they damage the credibility of the institution and betray the public they were elected to serve.”
ETHICS PROBE INVOLVING REP. CORY MILLS
The House Ethics Committee is investigating Mills, a New Smyrna Beach Republican, over accusations that he profited from defense contracts while serving in Congress. The committee has also expanded its review to examine allegations that Mills assaulted one former girlfriend and threatened to distribute intimate photos of another.
FEDERAL FRAUD CASE AGAINST CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK
Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, are accused of diverting federal funds intended for COVID-19 vaccination distribution. Prosecutors allege that excess funds were routed through multiple accounts and later used as political contributions. If convicted on all counts, she could face up to 53 years in prison. Cherfilus-McCormick maintains her innocence.
RENNER’S CALL FOR RESIGNATION
Renner argued that both lawmakers have demonstrated “a pattern of self-interest and low moral character,” adding, “They should do the right thing and resign immediately. If they refuse, Congress must expel them without delay.”
He concluded by asserting that the Republican Party must model higher standards of integrity: “Democrats will excuse anything to gain power and have lost credibility with the American people. Republicans must hold themselves to a stronger standard to restore public faith in government.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Faith & Family
Child Evangelism Fellowship Unites Four Central Florida Counties at First Vision Dinner Celebrating 88 Years of Ministry
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — FNN Faith and Family Reporter Hidekel Griffin was on location as Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) hosted its first annual Share Vision Dinner, celebrating 88 years of ministry and uniting leaders from four Central Florida counties—Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake.
The event marked the first time the entire CEF Central Florida chapter gathered under one roof, commemorating God’s faithfulness and outlining future plans to expand ministry efforts to children and families throughout the region.
A Unified Mission Across Central Florida
The Share Vision Dinner highlighted CEF’s long-standing mission: “Every Child, Every School, Every Day for Christ.” Executive Director Brenda Whitwam emphasized the importance of collaboration among churches, volunteers, and community partners as ministry efforts continue to grow.
“Together, we’re building bridges between counties, churches, and communities. We’re united under one purpose—to reach the children of Central Florida with the love of Jesus,” Whitwam said.
CEF programs—including Good News Club®, 5-Day Club®, and Christian Youth in Action® (CYIA™)—continue to equip volunteers, churches, and young leaders to share the Gospel in schools and neighborhoods throughout the state.
Leadership and Vision from Keynote Speaker Chuck Madden
State Director Charles “Chuck” Madden delivered the keynote message, drawing from more than 20 years of ministry experience as a youth pastor, children’s pastor, and associate pastor. Madden currently oversees 15 chapters, more than 30 staff members, 80 board leaders, and more than 2,000 trained volunteers across Florida.
Under his leadership, CEF Florida has expanded outreach into public schools, launched new chapters, and strengthened adult and youth training programs through the Children’s Ministry Institute.
The dinner drew pastors, educators, and community leaders whose participation underscored increasing regional collaboration and a shared commitment to reaching the next generation.
A Global Ministry with Local Impact
CEF remains the world’s largest missionary organization dedicated to children. In 2024 alone, more than 22.9 million children made decisions for Christ through its worldwide outreach.
The inaugural Share Vision Dinner served as a rallying point for churches and ministry partners to expand Good News Clubs, support new outreach initiatives, and raise up young leaders to carry the Gospel into every school and community across Central Florida.
About Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)
Founded in 1937, Child Evangelism Fellowship is a global, Bible-centered ministry reaching millions of children annually through Good News Club®, 5-Day Club®, and Christian Youth in Action® (CYIA™). Operating in more than 200 countries, CEF partners with churches and volunteers to bring the message of Jesus to every child, everywhere.
For more information, visit www.CEFofCentralFL.com.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic delivered a dramatic finish at the Kia Center on Friday night, edging the Miami Heat 106–105 in a nail-biting showdown sealed only after Bam Adebayo’s jumper at the buzzer bounced off the rim.
Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat, Kia Center. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
Franz Wagner led the charge with a game-high 32 points, attacking the rim relentlessly and providing the offensive spark Orlando needed in the final minutes. Jalen Suggs added 22 points, including a critical late-game layup that gave the Magic a five-point cushion with just over a minute remaining.
The victory marks Orlando’s seventh win in its last nine outings, continuing a strong stretch as the team gains momentum heading into the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Banchero Returns, Provides Boost
Paolo Banchero made his long-awaited return after missing 10 games with a strained left groin. Though limited to 20 minutes, he contributed nine points and six rebounds, giving the Magic additional inside presence and energy.
Desmond Bane struggled from the field, finishing with five points on 2-for-16 shooting, but Orlando’s defensive effort helped compensate for the off night.
Heat Rally Too Late
Miami nearly stole the game in the final seconds behind Norman Powell’s 28 points, including two late layups that brought the Heat within one. Adebayo added a strong double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds, but his potential game-winner fell short.
The Heat played without Tyler Herro, who suffered a right big toe injury earlier in the week. Miami has now lost three of its last four following a previous six-game winning streak.
Rematch on the Horizon
The Magic and Heat will meet again Tuesday night at the Kia Center in an NBA Cup quarterfinal showdown. With emotions high and both teams showing playoff-level intensity, another thriller may be on deck.
Up Next:
Heat: Host Sacramento on Saturday night.
Magic: Travel to New York to face the Knicks on Sunday.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida22 hours agoMagic Stun Heat 106–105 as Franz Wagner Drops 32 at the Kia Center
Florida16 hours agoEx-Florida Speaker Paul Renner Says Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Cory Mills Must Resign or Be Removed from Congress
Faith & Family17 hours agoChild Evangelism Fellowship Unites Four Central Florida Counties at First Vision Dinner Celebrating 88 Years of Ministry
Central Florida News8 hours agoNoah Widmann Gains Momentum as FL-7 Shifts Toward GOP Lean, Vows to Defeat Cory Mills
Central Florida News7 hours agoFL-7 Moves to ‘Likely Republican’ as Scandals Weigh on Cory Mills, Dalton Sees Opportunity
