ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Democratic State Senator Linda Stewart announces candidacy to run against incumbent Democratic Commissioner Mayra Uribe for Orange County Commission District 3 seat.

Press Release by Linda Stewart Campaign:

Stewart says there’s a desperate need for change in leadership on the Board of County Commission (BCC).

Over the past two decades Linda Stewart has proven that she can deliver to the needs of Orange County citizens. Just this year alone, she has secured 50 million dollars in the state budget for Central Florida, representing 20 projects such as funding for the construction of the new Holocaust Museum for Hope and Humanity, Habitat for Humanity, a community center with Alianza, Devereaux for enhancement to
children’s mental health programs, and affordable housing initiatives with Lift Orlando.

Continuing her advocacy, Linda has championed reforms for women’s issues by vocally supporting women’s freedom to choose reproductive healthcare and through the passage of Miya’s law, Donna’s law, and Gail’s law. She has also been a big contributor to the needs of law enforcement. Passing policies aiding in the prevention and prosecution of inappropriate public exposure, for luring and enticing
children, and for disturbing a body to conceal evidence. Working with other legislature members, she has championed water quality improvements and maintained funding for conservation efforts.

Linda has continued to demonstrate the bi-partisan work she has done with everyone without compromising her values. She feels that respect and honesty are the most valuable attributes she has possessed throughout her 18 years in public service. This attitude has demonstrated a strong record of success and is more valuable than ever in today’s world.

Her service and knowledge will be a major asset to our community as we move into the next decade. Responsible decisions must be made, and we must listen carefully to everyone and continue to provide outstanding constituent services.

“Some of my most rewarding times as an elected official came from my service at the local level, and there is nothing quite like the direct day-to-day involvement in your community. I hope to continue my success here in Orange County and continue to work with the State on issues to make sure our voices are heard,” said Stewart.

Current Orange County Commission District 3 Candidates:

Gus Martinez (09/01/2023), incumbent Mayra Uribe (10/02/2023), Delila Smalley (12/01/2023) and Linda Stewart (05/01/2024)

Primary election is set for August 20, 2024.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando Police Department said that at approximately 5:55 p.m. officers stopped a vehicle driven by a suspect with warrants for attempted murder and aggravated stalking from an Orange County Sheriff’s case. As officers exited their vehicle, the suspect produced a handgun and fired a round. One officer returned fire.

Orlando Police Department officers and FDLE investigate the crime scene of what the Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith called a “police-involved shooting” at Orange Avenue and South Lucerne Circle Downtown Orlando, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. ( FNN) – On Tuesday, Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival organizers held a press conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at SeaWorld to provide details about the 2024 parade and festival, and related events across Orlando.

The Parade

The annual parade will kick off April 27th at 11:00 am, at Rosalind Avenue and Robinson Street, ending at Orange Avenue and Amelia Street, Downtown Orlando.

Organizers are hoping the appointment of Dr. Arcilio Alvaradoa as Ambassador of Latin America communities can also help increase attendance from last year’s 25,000 attendees to 50,000 this year.

Florida Puerto Rican Parade Chairman Ralph Morales (center) parade Grand Marshal Betsy Franceschini (left) and parade Godfather Marcos Vilar (right) spoke spoke about the parade’s preparations during the press conference. Photo by Florida National News

Ralph Morales, Chairman of the Florida Puerto Rican Parade announced the names of key individuals who will have a major role in the parade this year.

• Grand Marshal
  Betsy Franceschini is the former Florida Director, Hispanic Federation, former Florida Regional Director, Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, former District Deputy Director, former US Congressman Alan Grayson, and Central Florida Hispanic Outreach Director, Florida Democratic Party.
• Parade Godfather
  Marcos Vilar is the chairman of United for Progress PAC, Principal of Vilar Strategy Group, LLC, President of Alianza for Progress and Alianza Center, former National Field Director of Mi Familia Vota, and former Political Director of SEIU.
• Parade Godmother
  Angélica Torres Figueroa is a social media influencer. She’s better known as Candy Lover who garnered over 5.4 million Facebook followers.

Morales also announce that the 2024 Parade will be dedicated to the municipality of Juncos, Puerto Rico.

The Puerto Rican Parade and Festival are the signature events of the FLPRP organization and provide our residents with an opportunity to highlight the rich Puerto Rican community culture, heritage, and contributions to the state of Florida, according to a news release issued by the Organizers.

This year’s festivity’s theme is “Civic Engagement and Responsibilities,” which encourages our community to get involved in local and national elections, give back to the community through volunteerism in nonprofit organizations, participate in government politics, and hold leadership positions in government, the news release stated.

The Festival

Morales also announce the artists who will participate in the festival are Hip hop El Jibarito, Victoria Sanabria, Nino Segarra and “Yomo”.

For more information about the 2024 Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival, please visit floridapuertoricanparade.org

Stay connected with Florida National News and FNN NEWS en Español as we cover the 2024 Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival.