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Soto, Frost Announce $5 Million EPA Clean School Bus Program Grant for Orange County Public Schools

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ORLANDO, FL — This week, Reps.Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) and Darren Soto (FL-09) announced that Orange County Public Schools will receive $5 million from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program to purchase 20 electric school buses. The Clean School Bus Program was established under President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Law and will deliver $5 billion over five years to replace school buses across the country with low- to zero-emission models.

“House Democrats and the Biden Administration continue to deliver on critical investments for the future of our clean energy communities,” said Congressman Frost. “This $5 million for electric school buses will help us tackle some of the worst contributors to climate change and help usher in a new era of clean energy for Orange County. With the climate crisis being a clear and present danger to our community and humanity, it is steps like this that help us fight this existential threat.”

“We are thrilled to see Orange County Public Schools receive $5 million from the Environmental Protection Agency to help transition their school bus fleet to electric. I was proud to vote for the new Infrastructure Law which continues to deliver for Florida. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a critical step to protect clean air for our students, combat climate change, and preserve the planet for future generations,” said Congressman Soto. “I look forward to seeing the positive changes coming to the school district and will keep working to secure more federal funds for Central Florida.”

“OCPS is excited to be a recipient of the EPA’s Clean School Bus Grant Program. The additional twenty (20) electric busses will help the district on our pathway towards sustainability,” said Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez. “We are grateful for the support from Congressmen Soto and Frost to help us accomplish this goal.”

For the 2023-2024 funding period, OCPS was one of 67 applicants awarded in the country and one of five in the state of Florida. They operate the largest transportation department in Central Florida with more than 700 buses on the roads daily, more than 540 routes operated, and approximately 58,000 students served annually.

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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