Florida
Trailblazer Daisy Morales Celebrates 64th Birthday: A Look at Her Legacy of Leadership and Legislative Wins
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.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Support Florida National News
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida
DeSantis’ New Florida Congressional Map Could Spark Lawsuits, Legislative Showdown, and Statewide Protests
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a proposed congressional redistricting map that could significantly reshape Florida’s representation in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The proposal, released Monday, outlines districts that could favor Republicans in 24 seats, compared to four Democratic-leaning districts. Currently, Florida’s congressional delegation includes 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with one vacant seat.
REDISTRICTING PROPOSAL & POLITICAL IMPACT
The governor said the new map reflects Florida’s population changes and fulfills his commitment to mid-decade redistricting. Lawmakers have been called into a special legislative session to consider the proposal.
The map appears to eliminate four Democratic-held seats, including a Tampa-area district represented by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, an Osceola County district held by U.S. Rep. Darren Soto—the first Puerto Rican elected to Congress from Florida—and a Palm Beach-Broward district that could displace U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz.
The proposal also affects a majority-Black voting district spanning Palm Beach and Broward counties, previously represented by former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, raising concerns about the future of minority representation.
Supporters, including Evan Power, say the map could better align districts with voter distribution. Critics, including Nikki Fried, have called the proposal unconstitutional gerrymandering. Florida law prohibits partisan gerrymandering, setting up potential legal challenges.
Rep. Tray McCurdy, D-Orlando and Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville sit on the Florida Seal in protest as debate stops on Senate Bill 2-C: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State in the House of Representatives Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Rep. Daisy Morales, D-Orlando, joins the protest, holding a sign. The session was halted on the protest. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
LOOKING BACK: 2022 PROTESTS OVER REDISTRICTING
The current debate mirrors tensions from 2022, when Democratic lawmakers staged a sit-in protest on the Florida House floor in opposition to a previous congressional map backed by DeSantis.
Lawmakers including Yvonne Hinson, Angie Nixon, Travaris McCurdy, Felicia Robinson, and Daisy Morales participated in the protest, temporarily halting legislative proceedings.
Morales, a member of the Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee and the only Hispanic lawmaker involved in the sit-in, strongly criticized the map at the time.
“Our democracy is being attacked. The governor eliminating two Black congressional seats is a power grab and it’s wrong,” Morales said in a written statement. “Stripping seats from Black representation is the same as saying the Black voice—the Black vote—doesn’t matter.”
She also warned about potential impacts on Hispanic representation:
“With this map passing, I’m deeply concerned it could target the only Puerto Rican representing Florida in Congress, Darren Soto, to benefit partisan interests. We don’t want to disenfranchise the 1.2 million Puerto Ricans in Florida.”
WHAT COMES NEXT IN 2026
As lawmakers prepare to debate the new proposal, Democrats are expected to push back through legal challenges, legislative opposition, and public advocacy.
The outcome of Florida’s redistricting battle could play a pivotal role in shaping control of the U.S. House and influence the national political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Entertainment
160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Music set times have been released for the 15th anniversary of Welcome To Rockville, Florida’s largest rock, metal and punk festival, set for May 7–10, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.
Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the four-day event will feature more than 160 bands performing across five stages, marking the festival’s largest lineup to date.
HEADLINERS AND DAILY LINEUP
This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses and Bring Me The Horizon.
- Thursday, May 7: Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Staind
- Friday, May 8: Foo Fighters, Turnstile, The Offspring, Parkway Drive
- Saturday, May 9: Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, Motionless in White, Lamb of God
- Sunday, May 10: My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, Rise Against, Yellowcard
FESTIVAL EXPANSION AND NEW FEATURES
Organizers announced several enhancements for 2026 aimed at improving the fan experience. A new “Pit Stop” fan zone near the Apex Stage will feature artist interviews, special performances and interactive experiences.
In addition, the Garage Stage will be fully tented for the first time, offering expanded shade coverage and upgraded production for attendees.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
Festivalgoers can kick off the week with a pre-party on May 6 featuring performances by Fuel, Local H and others.
A new crossover event, “Blood4Blood,” will also take place at the Ocean Center, combining live music with bare-knuckle fighting, including a headline bout featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail.
TICKETS, ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE
Festival gates will open daily at 11:30 a.m. Organizers are offering a range of ticket options, including single-day, weekend, VIP and camping packages. A new Camp to Coast shuttle will provide transportation between the speedway and nearby beaches.
With expanded attractions, including rides, themed bars and interactive zones, Welcome To Rockville 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Daytona Beach, reinforcing its role as a major driver of Florida’s tourism and live entertainment economy.
