Central Florida News
Published
7 months agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — State Representative Jervonte Edmonds (D-West Palm Beach) has filed HB 253 for the 2026 Legislative Session, proposing the creation of a statewide Veterans Dental Care Program to expand affordable and comprehensive dental care for honorably discharged veterans across Florida.
The bill directs the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs to establish and administer the program, offering a wide range of preventive, restorative, endodontic and prosthodontic services. Covered care would include routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, root canals, bridges, dentures and dental implants.
Expanded Dental Care Through Statewide Partnerships
Under HB 253, the Department may partner with community health centers, nonprofit dental clinics, private dental providers, accredited dental schools and mobile dental units. These partnerships aim to increase access in rural and underserved areas where veterans often face the greatest barriers to care.
Program funding would depend on annual legislative appropriations. The Department would also be authorized to seek federal matching funds, grants and private donations to support statewide implementation.
Accountability and Annual Reporting Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2027, the Department would submit an annual report to the Governor, Senate President and House Speaker detailing the number of veterans served, services provided, total expenditures, funding sources and recommendations for program improvements.
Lawmaker Says Veterans Deserve “Dignity, Comfort and Care”
“Too many veterans in our state go without the dental care they need because of cost or lack of access,” Rep. Edmonds said. “HB 253 recognizes that dental health is essential health, and our veterans deserve dignity, comfort and care after sacrificing so much for our country.”
If approved by the Legislature, HB 253 would take effect July 1, 2026.
#VeteransCare #FloridaLegislature #JervonteEdmonds #HB253 #FloridaNews
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State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44
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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
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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.
