Politics

State Rep. Daisy Morales Meets with Lawmakers During Puerto Rico Visit

Published

3 years ago

August 16, 2021

Rep. Morales meets with Puerto Rico's Senator Carmelo Javier Ríos ahead of Florida's 2022 Legislative Session. Photo courtesy of State Representative Daisy Morales (Facebook).

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Daisy Morales visited Puerto Rico this week in an effort to learn firsthand what the needs of the Puerto Rican people are.

Rep. Morales told Florida National News this two-week visit is intended to strengthen the alliance between the Puerto Rican government and Florida’s government, as well as communicate the people’s needs to their family members here on the mainland, inspiring them to use their right to vote.

Rep. Morales met with Puerto Rican lawmakers to learn what policies are important to them so that she can bring those ideas back to Florida and garner state and federal support for them. She spoke with Puerto Rican Senators Carmelo Javier Rios and Jose Luis Dalmau Santiago, along with their colleagues.

State Representative Daisy Morales meets with Senator Carmelo Javier Rios and his colleagues in Puerto Rico. Photo courtesy of Senator Carmelo Javier Rios (Facebook).

Rep. Morales meets with Puerto Rico’s Senator Jose Luis Dalmau Santiago ahead of Florida’s 2022 Legislative Session. Photo courtesy of State Representative Daisy Morales (Facebook).

Photo courtesy of State Representative Daisy Morales (Facebook).

State Representative Daisy Morales poses for a photo in Puerto Rico’s Capitol. Photo courtesy of State Representative Daisy Morales (Facebook).

After being elected November 2020 as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, Rep. Morales became the highest ranking Puerto Rican woman elected official in Florida, representing Florida House District 48 in Orange County.

Orange County ranks second nationally with an estimated 209,151 Puerto Ricans, behind The Bronx, which has 268,556 residents of Puerto Rican origin in 2018, according to the census. “Within Orange County, District 48 has a large Puerto Rican population, so it’s important to strengthen my office’s relationship with the governing bodies in Puerto Rico, its businesses, organizations and families,” Rep. Morales told Florida National News during a phone interview.

Rep. Morales took action when the influx first began in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. She travelled to Tallahassee to push for disaster relief from then governor Rick Scott’s administration.

Since Hurricane Maria, more than 400,000 people have relocated to Florida, many who have family members back home in Puerto Rico who need assistance.

Rep Morales shared that Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) Regional Office is located in District 48. “I’ve worked closely with the Regional Director Anthony Carrillo to create a resource pipeline between Central Florida and Puerto Rico.”

Deeply Rooted in Puerto Rico

Rep. Morales has deep roots in Puerto Rico. Though she was born in the Bronx, Rep. Morales’s parents took her back to the island when she was a child and raised her there. She also attended college on the island, receiving an associates degree. Much of her family lives there.

One of Puerto Rico’s most recent shining moments came during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with Jasmin Camacho-Quinn making history as Puerto Rico’s first-ever gold medalist in athletics after winning the women’s 100-meter hurdles finals. Even a week after the Olympics are over, Puerto Ricans continue to celebrate, and eagerly await her arrival. “I felt such a sense of pride when she won,” said Rep. Morales. “She’s a great example of perseverance, especially after her heartbreak in Rio. She’s a true comeback kid.

“What makes it so surreal is that she chose to train for the Tokyo Olympics here in the Orlando area,” Rep. Morales added.

Puerto Rico: The Aftermath

Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the entire island of Puerto Rico over three years ago. Unfortunately, the hurricanes’ effects were worsened with the earthquakes that followed, which caused even greater damage to the island’s land and energy infrastructure. Now the island is also battling the COVID-19 pandemic, which has put a huge strain on its health care system. This week, Rep. Morales got to witness those struggles with her own eyes.

After Hurricane Maria, Congress had allocated approximately $42.5 billion in federal funds for the island´s recovery. Three years later, much of the funds have been delayed, including Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) that were made available.

Three Congressional members represent parts of Rep. Morales’ district: U.S. Representatives Val Demings, Stephanie Murphy, and Darren Soto.

“Our fellow American citizens need help, and I’m here to help amplify their voice in any way I can,” Rep. Morales told Florida National News. “I’ll continue fighting for all Puerto Ricans on the island and the constituents who now call Central Florida home.”

_____________________________________________________

Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com

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Politics

Orange County Commissioners Wilson, Uribe, and Semrad Sworn In for New Four-Year Terms

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2024

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – In a momentous ceremony at the Orange County Convention Center, Commissioners Nicole Wilson (District 1), Mayra Uribe (District 3), and Kelly Semrad (District 5) took their oaths of office, marking the beginning of their new four-year terms on the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.

The event, attended by community leaders, family, and supporters, highlighted the importance of continuity and fresh perspectives in guiding Orange County’s growth and development over the next four years.

Stephanie Daltirus / Florida National News

Nicole Wilson – Championing Sustainability and Community Growth

Commissioner Nicole Wilson, re-elected for District 1, reaffirmed her commitment to sustainability, conservation, and managing the region’s rapid development. During her previous term, Wilson focused on preserving natural resources and ensuring responsible growth that balances environmental and economic interests.

Wilson emphasized, “We have a responsibility to manage growth in a way that honors our community’s character and protects our environment for future generations.”

Stephanie Daltirus / Florida National News

Mayra Uribe – Prioritizing Infrastructure and Family Advocacy

Representing District 3, Commissioner Mayra Uribe vowed to continue her focus on improving infrastructure, addressing housing affordability, and championing family-friendly policies. Known for her dedication to practical solutions, Uribe has been a strong advocate for improving roads, schools, and public services.

Uribe noted, “Our community’s success depends on how well we address the needs of our families and ensure every resident has access to essential resources.”

Stephanie Daltirus / Florida National News

Kelly Semrad – A Vision for Economic Innovation

Newly elected to represent District 5, Commissioner Kelly Semrad brings a fresh perspective to the Board, leveraging her background in business and academia. Semrad’s priorities include fostering economic innovation, enhancing workforce development, and ensuring Orange County remains competitive on a global scale.

“This is an exciting time for Orange County,” Semrad stated. “I’m honored to work with my colleagues to drive initiatives that strengthen our economy and create opportunities for all residents.”

Stephanie Daltirus / Florida National News

Takeaways from the Ceremony

Unity and Collaboration: Each commissioner emphasized the importance of working together to address Orange County’s challenges.
Community Engagement: Residents are encouraged to participate in discussions shaping Orange County’s future.
Innovation and Sustainability: The Board aims to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and infrastructure development.

Looking Ahead

The Orange County Board of Commissioners faces key priorities in the coming term, including tackling housing affordability, managing population growth, enhancing public transportation, and promoting sustainability. With a mix of experience and fresh leadership, the commissioners are poised to make significant progress in these areas.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Stephanie Daltirus, and J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

Politics

Kelly Loeffler Nominated as SBA Administrator, Co-Chair of Presidential Inaugural Committee

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2024

FNN NEWS

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – Former U.S. Senator and business leader Kelly Loeffler, a prominent figure from Georgia, has been nominated to serve as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). The announcement highlights Loeffler’s extensive experience in business and public service, positioning her as a key figure in advancing opportunities for small businesses across the nation.

Championing Small Business Growth

The SBA Administrator role is critical in fostering growth and innovation within America’s small business sector. Loeffler’s nomination underscores her dedication to reducing regulatory barriers, cutting government waste, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our great economy,” the statement emphasized. “Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape and unleash opportunities for small businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive.”

A Legacy of Leadership

Loeffler, who served as U.S. Senator during the Trump Administration, was instrumental in advancing key legislation, including the first-ever bill to protect women in sports. Before her Senate tenure, she built a 25-year career in financial services and technology. As Executive Vice President of a Fortune 500 company, she and her husband, Jeff, grew the business from 100 employees to over 10,000.

Her professional journey is deeply rooted in her belief in the “American Dream.” Raised on her family’s farm in Illinois as a fourth-generation farmer, Loeffler became the first in her family to attend college, earning a Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from DePaul University. She also made history as the first CFA charterholder to serve in the Senate.

Commitment to Public Service

Since leaving the Senate, Loeffler has dedicated herself to voter outreach and election integrity through her nonprofit organization, Greater Georgia. Her leadership in restoring confidence in elections and expanding voter registration efforts has been widely recognized.

In addition to her SBA Administrator nomination, Loeffler has been appointed Co-Chair of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, further reflecting her integral role in shaping the administration’s vision for the future.

A Vision for Accountability and Innovation

As SBA Administrator, Loeffler is expected to focus on ensuring taxpayer accountability, combating waste and fraud, and fostering an environment where small businesses can flourish without undue regulatory burdens. Her financial acumen and public service experience position her as a strong advocate for the nation’s entrepreneurs.

This nomination celebrates a career defined by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to empowering businesses and communities across the country.

Politics

Governor DeSantis Appoints Judges to 17th, 18th, and 20th Judicial Circuits

Published

2 days ago

December 4, 2024

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Governor Ron DeSantis announced three new judicial appointments on Monday, filling vacancies in the Seventeenth, Eighteenth, and Twentieth Judicial Circuits. Each appointee brings extensive legal experience to their new roles.

The Appointees:

Johnathan Lott, of Fort Lauderdale, appointed to the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court:
Lott has served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida since 2020. Before that, he was an Associate Attorney at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from the University of Chicago. Lott will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Murphy.
Laura Moody, of Rockledge, appointed to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court:
Moody has been the Chief Legal Counsel for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office since 2019. Prior to that, she worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Moody holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a juris doctor from Florida A&M University. She steps into the position left vacant by the retirement of Judge Maloney.
Darrell Hill, of Labelle, appointed to the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court:
Hill has served as a County Court Judge for Hendry County since 2018. Previously, he owned his private practice, Darrell R. Hill, P.A. Hill received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from the Cumberland School of Law. He fills the judicial vacancy created by the enactment of HB 5401.

Background on the Appointments
These judicial appointments highlight Governor DeSantis’ focus on selecting experienced professionals with a commitment to serving the public and the judiciary. The appointees will play a crucial role in their respective circuits, addressing the legal needs of Florida’s residents and upholding the law.