Florida
Rep. Gallop Franklin Secures Key Committee Assignments for 2024-2026 Florida Legislature
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Representative Gallop Franklin (D-Tallahassee) has been appointed to serve on five influential committees and subcommittees for the 2024-2026 term of the Florida Legislature. Chief among these appointments is his role as a member of the 26-member Florida House Commerce Committee, a key body that oversees significant aspects of the state’s economy and business environment. The announcement of committee assignments was made Tuesday by House Speaker Daniel Perez.
“The citizens of Gadsden and Leon counties have entrusted me with the sacred duty of representing their interests,” said Rep. Franklin. “It is my responsibility to advocate for their needs and work toward what’s best for all Floridians as I cast votes on their behalf in these committees and on the floor of the Florida House.”
The Florida House Commerce Committee is one of the most powerful committees in the legislature, considering matters related to Florida’s economy, business and professional regulation, housing, transportation infrastructure, energy, utilities, telecommunications, insurance, financial entities, and gaming. Rep. Franklin’s role on this committee will enable him to directly influence legislative decisions impacting businesses, industries, and communities across Florida.
In addition to the Florida House Commerce Committee, Rep. Franklin will also serve on the following subcommittees:
- Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee
This subcommittee addresses matters related to transportation infrastructure, energy, utilities, telecommunications services, broadband services, telephone solicitation, and emerging marketplaces. Rep. Franklin’s involvement in this subcommittee positions him to influence the development of critical infrastructure projects that will impact both his district and the entire state. - Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee
Focused on access and affordability of health care, this subcommittee considers consumer price transparency, health facility regulation, and operations for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance programs for low-income Floridians. It also addresses commercial health insurance coverage and the state employee health plan. Rep. Franklin’s role here allows him to advocate for better health care solutions for his constituents in Gadsden and Leon counties. - Higher Education Budget Subcommittee
This subcommittee examines legislation with a fiscal impact on workforce education, the Florida College System, state universities, private colleges and universities, and student financial aid. It also oversees the Division of Blind Services, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Board of Governors. With education being a top priority, Rep. Franklin’s participation in this subcommittee is vital for advancing educational opportunities for students in his district and statewide. - Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee
This subcommittee handles issues related to housing, agriculture, tourism, economic development, defense development, sports, international trade, rural programs, unemployment compensation, growth management, homeowners’ associations, condominiums, and mobile homes. Given Florida’s reliance on agriculture and tourism as economic drivers, Rep. Franklin’s role in this subcommittee ensures that his district’s interests are represented as major decisions affecting these sectors are made.
The Florida House of Representatives will begin committee meetings in January 2025 to hear presentations and consider proposed legislation. These discussions are part of the lead-up to the 2025 Regular Session of the Florida Legislature, which officially begins on March 4, 2025, and is scheduled to adjourn on May 2, 2025. Key decisions on bills that affect Florida’s economy, education, health care, and infrastructure will be made during this period.
The scheduled 2025 Florida House committee weeks leading up to the Regular Session are as follows:
- January 13th through 17th
- January 21st through 24th
- February 3rd through 7th
- February 10th through 14th
- February 17th through 21st
Rep. Franklin’s appointments to these pivotal committees and subcommittees place him in a prime position to advocate for Gadsden and Leon counties while shaping policy that affects all Floridians. His leadership roles will allow him to influence crucial legislative areas, from health care reform and education funding to business development and infrastructure growth.
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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida
Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11
The ad was produced by political strategist Brad Herold of Something Else Strategies and marks the first major media investment of the campaign.
$5 MILLION PERSONAL LOAN TO CAMPAIGN
Strada, founder of Strada Services, announced last week that he had loaned his congressional campaign $5 million, providing the campaign with substantial financial resources early in the election cycle.
Strada Services is one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned companies specializing in air conditioning, electrical, security, and plumbing services.
The campaign said the loan and advertising investment demonstrate Strada’s commitment to communicating directly with voters throughout Central Florida.
FIRST MAJOR MEDIA PUSH
The $1 million advertising effort is expected to reach voters across Florida’s 11th Congressional District through a combination of television, radio, and digital media platforms.
The campaign has positioned Strada as a conservative outsider and successful entrepreneur focused on bringing private-sector experience to Washington.
Additional details regarding future advertising and campaign events are expected in the coming weeks.
ABOUT FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Florida’s 11th Congressional District includes portions of Central Florida and is expected to be one of the state’s closely watched congressional races during the 2026 election cycle.
Crimes and Courts
Attorney General Uthmeier Announces Charges Against Six in South Florida Drug Trafficking Enterprise
Florida
Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Rep. Paula Stark has been disqualified from seeking reelection in Florida House District 47 after failing to satisfy candidate qualifying requirements before the noon Friday filing deadline.
According to state election records, Stark’s candidacy was disqualified due to a deficiency involving required financial disclosure filings, commonly referred to as Form 6. Florida law requires candidates for legislative office to timely submit all qualifying documents, including financial disclosure forms, to appear on the ballot.
Form 6 Financial Disclosure Requirement
Form 6 is a public financial disclosure document required for state elected officials and candidates. The form requires candidates to disclose assets, liabilities, sources of income, and other financial interests.
The disclosure includes a sworn certification stating: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Form 6 and that the facts stated in it are true.”
Candidates are required to complete, sign and timely file the disclosure as part of Florida’s qualifying process. Failure to properly file required qualifying documents, including Form 6, by the statutory deadline can result in disqualification from the ballot.
Democrats Advance to Primary Election
With Stark removed from contention, Democrats now have an opportunity to capture the Republican-held seat in House District 47.
The only candidates remaining in the race are:
- Jorge Figueroa, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
- Anthony Nieves, a state investigator
The two Democrats will compete in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, with the winner becoming Representative-Elect.
House District 47 covers portions of Osceola County and has been represented by Stark since her election to the Florida House.
The disqualification was among the most notable developments of Florida’s 2026 candidate qualifying period and significantly alters the political landscape in a district Republicans had hoped to retain.
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