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Trailblazer Daisy Morales Celebrates 64th Birthday: A Look at Her Legacy of Leadership and Legislative Wins

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2020-2022 Florida State Representative Daisy Morales in her district office in Orlando, Florida. Source: Daisy Morales' Social Media Platform
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, a trailblazer for Puerto Rican representation in Florida politics, is celebrating her 64th birthday today. Morales, once Florida’s highest-ranking Puerto Rican woman elected official, continues to be a force for community advocacy and cultural preservation.

2020-2022 Florida State Representative Daisy Morales hosts joint Community Event with Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz. Source: Daisy Morales Social Media Page

A Legacy of Leadership and Bipartisanship

Daisy Morales served two impactful years in the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 48 from 2020 to 2022. Her tenure was defined by a bold, bipartisan approach to lawmaking, which saw her spearheading key legislative victories that directly impacted Floridians. Her ability to work across party lines made her a standout lawmaker and drew both praise and opposition from within her own party.

Her advocacy extended far beyond politics. Morales remains a vital community figure as the founder of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2023. The organization’s mission is to advance Puerto Rican heritage through educational programs, projects, and events focused on six key areas: education, workforce, social impact, justice, culture, and leadership.

Members congratulate Rep. Daisy Morales, D-Orlando, after the passage of HB 855, a bill relating to Barber Services, on the House floor. April 1, 2021. Source: Florida House of Representatives

Legislative Accomplishments that Made History

During her time as a state representative, Morales’ legislative impact was undeniable. She sponsored and supported critical bills that aimed to improve the lives of Floridians. Here are some of her landmark achievements:

  • House Bill 45 — Provides educational opportunities for disabled veterans. This bill became a national model, inspiring similar legislation in other states. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a bill-signing ceremony for six Military bills, including HB 45.
  • House Bill 213 — Created a Down Syndrome Awareness specialty license plate, generating both funding and awareness for Down Syndrome initiatives.
  • House Bill 13 — Increased property tax exemptions for widows, widowers, blind persons, and persons who are totally disabled from $500 to $5,000. This legislation provided significant financial relief to vulnerable Floridians.
  • House Bill 857 (Amended into HB 1347 / SB 1120) — Strengthened regulations on commercial telephone solicitation, protecting consumers from predatory telemarketing practices.
  • House Bill 855 — Deregulated barber services, creating a streamlined process for barber certifications and increasing access to professional licensing opportunities.

Daisy Morales an advocate for the disability community attends the annual Governor’s Summit on Disabilities with The Family Cafe, since 2014.

Her work in the Florida House left an indelible mark on state policy, improving access to education, protecting consumers, and reducing financial burdens for Floridians in need.

2020-2022 Morales’ advocacy for Puerto Rican heritage led to the establishment of House Resolution 8069, which recognizes April 2nd as “Puerto Rican Heritage Day” in Florida.

Puerto Rican Powerhouse: Daisy Morales Marks 64th Birthday with a Legacy of Advocacy and Bipartisan Success

Champion of Puerto Rican Culture

Daisy Morales’ advocacy for Puerto Rican heritage led to the creation of House Resolution 8069, officially recognizing April 2nd as “Puerto Rican Heritage Day” in Florida. The resolution received support through Proclamations from Governor Ron DeSantis, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. This effort underscores Morales’ dedication to preserving Puerto Rican culture and ensuring its representation within Florida’s legislative framework.

United States Government

Early Career and Community Service

Before her rise to state office, Morales served as a federal official for 24 years with the U.S. Government working for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State. She began her elected service in 2014 when she won a seat on the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. Her leadership was quickly recognized, and she went on to serve as Interim Chair, Vice Chair, and Media Relations Officer.

Political Challenges and Ongoing Advocacy

Despite her successes, Morales faced significant opposition from members of her own party. Her bipartisan approach to governance drew criticism from Democratic party insiders, ultimately leading to her defeat in the 2022 and 2024 elections. However, her defeats have not dampened her passion for public service.

Looking Ahead

Today, as Daisy Morales celebrates her 64th birthday, she remains a vital voice for her community. Supporters, community leaders, and constituents have taken to social media to share their well-wishes and gratitude for her continued advocacy. Her legacy as a trailblazer and champion for Puerto Rican rights will continue to inspire generations of future leaders.

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Florida

Sen. Kristen Arrington and Rep. Dan Daley Push New $10,000 Tax Relief for Florida’s Disabled Veterans

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CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Senator Kristen Arrington (D-Kissimmee) and Representative Dan Daley (D-Coral Springs) have introduced a bipartisan effort to provide enhanced financial relief to disabled veterans and their families. The proposed bills, SB 218 and HB 39, aim to amend Florida law to increase the property tax exemption for disabled ex-servicemembers from $5,000 to $10,000, offering meaningful economic support.

The legislation, titled “Tax Exemption for Disabled Ex-servicemembers,” will take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed, and will enable disabled veterans to significantly reduce their property tax burdens.

Who Qualifies for the Tax Exemption?

To be eligible, an ex-servicemember must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a Florida resident.
  • Have been discharged under honorable conditions.
  • Possess a disability rating of 10 percent or more, resulting from either wartime service or misfortune.

Eligible veterans must present proof of their disability by providing a certificate from either the United States Government or the Department of Veterans Affairs to their county property appraiser. Additionally, the bill preserves the current provision that extends the tax exemption to the unremarried surviving spouse of a disabled ex-servicemember.

Key Benefits and Impact

The bill would exempt $10,000 of a property’s assessed value from taxation, providing substantial financial relief for Florida’s disabled veterans. This increased exemption will ease the financial strain on these veterans and their families, particularly in the face of rising living costs.

  • Senator Kristen Arrington emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans’ sacrifices, stating:

    “Our servicemembers risk their lives to defend our country, and this expanded tax exemption offers much-needed financial relief to veterans and their surviving spouses, easing their burden and honoring their sacrifice.”

  • Representative Dan Daley highlighted the significance of this initiative, adding:

    “This legislation is about showing our gratitude to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. By doubling the property tax exemption for disabled ex-servicemembers, we are taking a meaningful step to ease their financial burden and honor their dedication. It’s our responsibility to ensure these heroes and their families receive the support they’ve earned.”

Broader Implications

This measure is expected to impact thousands of veterans and their families across Florida, reinforcing the state’s commitment to supporting those who served. It also serves as an important step in addressing financial equity for veterans with disabilities.

 

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SBA Opens Additional Business Recovery Centers in Florida: Disaster Loans Available for Hurricane Relief

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ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will open Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) in Charlotte, Seminole and Volusia counties on Friday, Jan. 10 and Monday, Jan. 13 respectively, to assist small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations who sustained economic losses from Hurricane Helene and Milton.

“SBA’s BRCs are a cornerstone of our support for business owners,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At the BRCs, business owners can meet face-to-face with specialists to apply for disaster loans and access a wide range of resources to guide them through their recovery.”

Customer Service Representatives at the BRCs will assist business owners complete their disaster loan application, accept documents for existing applications, and provide updates on an application’s status. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment at an SBA Disaster Recovery Center in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The centers will operate as indicated below.

Business Recovery Center (BRC) Charlotte County

Port Charlotte Town Center Mall 1441 Tamiami Trail

Unit 185

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Opening: Friday, Jan. 10, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Business Recovery Center (BRC) Seminole County

Sanford Information Center 230 E 1st St

Sanford, FL 32771

Opening: Monday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Business Recovery Center (BRC) Volusia County

Deltona Regional Library 2150 Eustace Ave.

Deltona, FL 32725

Opening: Monday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs offer working capital assistance for businesses impacted by the disaster, even if they did not sustain physical damage. Loan funds may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that would have been met if not for the disaster.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

SBA’s Disaster Loan Program funding was replenished via the American Relief Act, 2025, which was signed into law on Dec. 21, 2024. The SBA acted immediately and, within six hours of the Act being signed into law, issued more than 21,000 outstanding commitment letters (loan offers). The SBA will continue to issue new loan offers and ensure survivors quickly understand their loan options.

With the changes to FEMA’s Sequence of Delivery, survivors are now encouraged to simultaneously apply for FEMA grants and SBA low-interest disaster loan assistance to fully recover. FEMA grants are intended to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. The SBA disaster loan program is designed for your long-term recovery, to make you whole and get you back to your pre-disaster condition.

Do not wait on the decision for a FEMA grant; apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster.

Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return economic injury loan applications is June 30, 2025.

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Florida

Florida Civil Rights Association President statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter

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The Florida Civil Rights Association joins the nation and the world in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter, a visionary leader and tireless advocate for humanity.

President Carter championed civil liberties and human rights throughout his life. He courageously advocated for racial equality during a time of deep division in America, set global precedents for advancing democracy, and worked tirelessly to address affordable housing for families through his partnership with Habitat for Humanity. His profound belief in the dignity of every human being continues to inspire movements for equality and justice worldwide.

Florida Civil Rights Association President J. Willie David, III:

“President Jimmy Carter was not just a former president; he was a global icon for justice and compassion. His unwavering commitment to human rights and equality stood as a beacon of hope for generations. President Carter’s legacy of fighting for civil rights, eradicating poverty, and championing affordable housing aligns perfectly with the core values of the Florida Civil Rights Association.

He reminded us that ‘the bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices.’ His tireless dedication to creating a better world, even in his post-presidency, is a testament to the power of selfless service.

We join the nation and the world in mourning his loss while celebrating the monumental impact of his life. President Carter’s legacy challenges us to continue the work he began—to lift others, to advocate for justice, and to remain relentless in the pursuit of a more equitable society. He will forever remain an inspiration to us all.”

Rest in peace, President Jimmy Carter. Your legacy of service and justice will guide generations to come.

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