Central Florida News
Todd Bowles Praises Coaching Staff, WR Depth, and Player Development Ahead of Bills Matchup
Published
11 months agoon
By
Willie David
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles addressed the media this week, balancing preparation for the regular season opener with the evaluation of players during preseason. With the final preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills looming, Bowles offered insights on coaching decisions, player growth, and roster depth.
Balancing Preseason and Week 1 Preparation
Bowles emphasized that preparing for Week 1 is a year-round focus, even while navigating preseason games.
“There’s not a day that goes by without looking forward to that week, but at the same time you still have to get stuff done for the preseason games. You install stuff in hopes that it’ll work Week 1 every week and every day without them knowing it.”
Josh Grizzard’s Play Calling and Coaching Style
Bowles praised Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard, noting the challenges of managing a rookie quarterback and adapting to different in-game situations. Grizzard has coached from the sidelines during preseason, though the staff is still considering whether he might move to the booth for the Bills game.
“Each situation in each game has been different for him…he’s been fine,” Bowles said of Grizzard’s performance.
Player Development and Depth at Wide Receiver
Bowles highlighted WR Tez Johnson, who is working his way back after injury, and WR Ryan Miller, who has shown significant growth since entering the league as a college tight end. Bowles praised Miller’s toughness, versatility, and improved confidence, joking that his haircut symbolized his transformation into a “mini vet.”
The team also faces the challenge of replacing WR Jalen McMillan, sidelined for an extended period after a strong summer.
“That was a big blow for us…guys just have to step up,” Bowles noted.
Coaching and Emerging Talent
Bowles praised Outside Linebackers Coach Larry Foote as a hands-on, player-focused teacher who connects with athletes in multiple ways. He also highlighted T Benjamin Chukwuma, an international prospect transitioning into football, calling him a “very strong individual with great tools” and high potential once he learns the game.
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J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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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.
