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Senator Linda Stewart secured $30 Million for Central Florida projects in state budget

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Florida State Senator Linda Stewart speaks during a committee hearing at the State Capitol. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signs record $117 billion budget, the largest in state history, and voted $511 million in local projects.

Democrats may be frustrated with State Senator Linda Stewart’s voting record with the Republican supermajority. Her constituents, however, see her project championed, delivering $30M to them.

Today’s budget signing guarantees $29.9 million for multiple Central Florida projects, championed by Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando). These budget items will provide a variety of important services to constituents and organizations throughout the community.

“Crafting a $116.5 billion dollar budget is not an easy task, and I applaud all of my colleagues for their hard work in responsibly allocating dollars across our state. While this session was tough, there are many things to be proud of in this budget, such as $850 million for the Florida Wildlife Corridor, $100 million recurring funding for Florida Forever, over $400 million towards affordable housing, $112 million towards broadband equity, and $46 million to arts and culture grants, just to name a few,” said Stewart. “I’m pleased to personally bring home $29.9 million to our community. These projects will have large positive impacts directly in Central Florida, and provide many needed services, create job opportunities, and continue to make our community a safe place to call home.”

Senator Stewart’s secured projects include the following:

  • Developing STEM Learning Zones in City Communities – $250,000
  • Adolescent Mental Health Services for the Uninsured – $175,000
  • Devereux support services to individuals with Dual Diagnosis – $500,000
  • AdventHealth – Type 1 Diabetes Research Pilot – $796,063
  • Valencia College – Lake Nona Campus Building #2 – $5,000,000
  • University of Central Florida – College of Nursing Building – $14,781,430
  • City of Apopka – Regional Trail Connections – $2,000,000
  • Homeless Services Network of Central Florida -Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project – $1,000,000
  • City of Belle Isle – Hoffner Avenue Traffic Improvements – $1,500,000
  • IDignity – Statewide Operational Headquarters – $1,000,000
  • BRIDG – Microchip Advanced Packaging Design Center $2,950,000

Central Florida News

State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44

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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.

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Central Florida News

Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period

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US Congressman Maxwell Frost gives federal update

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.

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Central Florida News

State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed

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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.

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