SANFORD, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has endorsed Democrat Bale Dalton in the race for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, adding another high-profile endorsement to Dalton’s campaign to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Cory Mills.

Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot who previously represented New Jersey in Congress, pointed to Dalton’s military service, government experience and campaign organization in announcing her support.

“As a fellow Navy helicopter pilot and former NASA chief of staff, Bale Dalton has spent his career in public service,” Sherrill said. “Having flipped a Republican stronghold from red to blue in 2018, I know what it takes to win in hard places. I’m confident that he’s built the winning coalition and grassroots support to defeat Cory Mills in November and fight for an economy that actually works for working people.”

Dalton Welcomes Sherrill Endorsement

Dalton thanked Sherrill for her support and highlighted their shared backgrounds as Navy helicopter pilots.

“Gov. Sherrill has spent her career in public service, flying Navy helicopters and serving as a tireless advocate for her constituents,” Dalton said. “She knows how to win tough races, and I’m grateful for her support as we work to unseat the most corrupt member of Congress and build an economy that works for Floridians.”

Dalton’s description of Mills as “the most corrupt member of Congress” is a campaign characterization.

Dalton Builds List of Democratic Endorsements

The Sherrill endorsement is the second high-profile endorsement announced by Dalton’s campaign this week, following an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel on Wednesday.

Dalton’s campaign also lists support from several current and former Florida elected officials, including former U.S. Reps. Val Demings and Stephanie Murphy, former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Other supporters include state Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis, state Reps. RaShon Young and Rita Harris, Maitland Mayor John Lowndes, Winter Springs Commissioner Sarah Baker and Casselberry Commissioner Tom Kirk.

Dalton is campaigning for the Democratic nomination in Florida’s 7th Congressional District, with the eventual nominee seeking to challenge Mills in the November general election.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Orange County’s Neighborhood Services Division has awarded Central Florida Dreamplex a $15,000 Youth Sports Enhancement Grant to help expand the nonprofit’s Orlando Magic Dreamers youth wheelchair basketball program.

The funding will support the purchase of specialized sports wheelchairs and uniforms, helping make adaptive sports more accessible to young athletes ages 5 to 18 across Central Florida.

“Wheelchair basketball gave me a space where my disability didn’t hold me back,” said Adriel Rosario, a 16-year-old member of the Orlando Magic Dreamers. “The team gave me a community where I belong and a court where I can compete at full strength.”

Grant Expands Access to Adaptive Sports

Sports wheelchairs can represent a significant expense for athletes and their families. Orange County officials said the investment is intended to reduce that barrier and create more opportunities for young athletes who might otherwise be unable to participate.

The $15,000 grant will allow Central Florida Dreamplex to expand access to equipment while strengthening opportunities for youth participation in adaptive basketball.

“We are incredibly grateful to Orange County for investing in our athletes,” said Cameron Gomes, CEO of Central Florida Dreamplex. “This grant will help more young people get onto the court, build confidence, and experience the belonging that comes from being part of a team.”

Supporting Youth Sports in Orange County

Orange County’s Youth Sports Enhancement Grant provides financial assistance for facility improvements and program enhancements at eligible nonprofit organizations offering public youth sports programs.

To qualify, organizations must ensure their programs are accessible to participants and do not impose exclusionary eligibility requirements.

The Central Florida Dreamplex provides sports, recreation and other programs designed to serve people with disabilities and their families. The Orlando Magic Dreamers wheelchair basketball program gives young athletes an opportunity to develop their skills, compete and participate as part of a team.

For additional information about the Youth Sports Enhancement Grant and other funding opportunities, visit Orange County’s Neighborhood Services Grants Program.

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2. Central Florida Dreamplex Receives $15,000 Orange County Grant for Orlando Magic Dreamers
3. Orange County Invests $15,000 in Adaptive Youth Sports Through Central Florida Dreamplex

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed veteran linebacker Jahlani Tavai, the team announced Thursday. Jacksonville also waived linebacker Jared Bartlett with an injury designation.

Tavai brings seven seasons of NFL experience and a résumé that includes 107 regular-season games and 67 starts.

The 29-year-old linebacker has played for the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots since entering the NFL as a second-round selection by Detroit with the No. 43 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Over his career, Tavai has recorded 432 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits, 14 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Last season with New England, Tavai appeared in 12 regular-season games, making seven starts. He finished with 34 tackles, including four tackles for loss, and one forced fumble.

Tavai also appeared in all four of New England’s postseason games, making two starts, including an appearance in Super Bowl LX.

College Career at Hawaii

A native of Inglewood, California, Tavai played college football at Hawaii from 2014-18.

During his collegiate career, he appeared in 47 games and totaled 391 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, seven passes defensed, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

The addition gives Jacksonville another experienced option at linebacker as the Jaguars continue preparing for the 2026 NFL season.