Central Florida News
State Rep Susan Valdés’ Education Bill (HB 443) Passes Florida House
Published
3 years agoon
By
Willie David
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Last Friday, House Bill 443, Education, sponsored by Representative Susan L. Valdés (D-Tampa), unanimously passed out of the Florida House of Representatives. This bill streamlines processes and creates transparency for charter schools by allowing the Florida Department of Education to create a standardized site review form. This clearly provides guidelines charter schools must follow based on Florida Statutes and rules, creates uniformity, and provides transparency to Florida’s families to ensure we are holding charter schools to the same standard across the state.
This will also put money back into schools by expanding the staff eligible for the teacher classroom supply allocation, and directs districts to timely review federal grant reimbursements. Currently, the timeliness of reimbursement of federal grant funds by certain districts have been so delayed it has led to unnecessary hardship on charter schools, with hundreds of millions of dollars statewide being held up.
The bill also requires charter schools that limit enrollment to place a student that is not meeting academic standards on a progress monitoring plan for at least one semester before dismissing the student from the school.
“I am very passionate about our children’s education and the affordability of providing different education options that parents can choose for their children. This is a bill that will help streamline a lot of processes and become a little bit more uniform in what districts do, and collaboratively along with the charter school partners,” said Representative Valdés.
“One thing about Representative Valdés: she lives and breathes education for our children, and for that I’m very grateful and thankful for the work she put into this bill. Whether kids go to public school or charter school, they are all our children, and we need to ensure that they get the best education possible to succeed,” said Representative Marie Woodson (D-Hollywood). “We truly appreciate the work you put in, in order for our kids to be successful and move forward in life.”
The Senate companion bill, Senate Bill 986 sponsored by Senator Danny Burgess (R- Hillsborough), has unanimously passed through each Senate Committee and is ready for consideration in the Senate Chamber.
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Central Florida News
State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44
Published
3 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
Published
3 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
3 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.
