Central Florida News
Senator Linda Stewart Secures $34.9 Million In Project Funding For Central Florida Community
Published
2 years agoon
Orlando – Today’s budget signing guarantees $34.9 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 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 $500 million in funding for Florida Forever programs, over $200 million towards affordable housing, and $100 million towards broadband equity, just to name a few,” said Stewart. “I’m pleased to personally bring home $34 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.
Enhancements to Children’s Mental Health services at Devereux – $750,000
Continued funding for the construction of Valencia College Lake Nona Campus classroom buildings at $3,000,000 and an additional $3,000,000 for faculty support.
Creation of a teaching bakery for adults and teens at the Shalom Orlando Yarmuth Family Kitchen – $150,000
For the construction of a new Discovery and Innovation Hub at the University of Central Florida that will provide new classrooms to multiple colleges – $20,000,000
Construction of the new Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity – $5,000,000 plus an additional $5,000,000 in matching funds from private donors.
Statewide expansion of access to dental and behavioral healthcare services – $3,000,000
Central Florida News
State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 13, 2026
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.
Central Florida News
Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 12, 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.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026By
Willie David
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.
