Central Florida News
Unopposed: Does Carlos Guillermo Smith has a Straight Shot to the Florida Senate?
Published
1 year agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Today, incumbent state Senator Bryan Avila picked-up Democratic challenger Adrian Jesus Jimenez in Senate District 39 race. This move leaves Democratic former state Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith the only state Senate candidate running unopposed.
Its appears that Smith has a straight shot to the Florida Senate. He’s running for state Senate District 17 open seat held by Senator Linda Stewart. She can not run for reelection due to term limits. No Democrat or Republican has filed paperwork to run before the qualifying deadline, June 14.
Here’s a list below of candidates who filed to run for the Florida Senate 2024
| District | Candidate | Status | Primary | General |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gaetz, Don (REP) | Active | ||
| Newell, Lisa (DEM) | Active | |||
| 3 | Nesmith, Kimblin Eugene (DEM) | Active | ||
| Parks, Daryl (DEM) | Active | |||
| Simon, Corey J. (REP) *Incumbent | Active | |||
| 5 | Davis, Tracie (DEM) *Incumbent | Active | ||
| Jeanty, Francky L. (DEM) | Active | |||
| 7 | Gist, Michael Levone (NPA) | Active | ||
| Hill II, George Anthony “T” (DEM) | Active | |||
| James, Gerald Gerry (REP) | Active | |||
| Leek, Tom (REP) | Active | |||
| 9 | Dore, Sylvain (DEM) | Active | ||
| McClain, Stan (REP) | Active | |||
| 11 | Holleran, Marilyn (DEM) | Active | ||
| Ingoglia, Blaise (REP) *Incumbent | Active | |||
| 13 | Blancett, Cheryl “CJ” (REP) | Active | ||
| Dukes, Stephanie L. (DEM) | Active | |||
| Entsuah, Ebo (REP) | Active | |||
| Kou, Bowen (REP) | Active | |||
| Truenow, Keith (REP) | Active | |||
| 15 | Bracy, Randolph (DEM) | Active | ||
| Thompson, Geraldine F. (DEM) *Incumbent | Active | |||
| 17 | Smith, Carlos Guillermo (DEM) | Active | ||
| 19 | Ahrens, Vance (DEM) | Active | ||
| Fine, Randy (REP) | Active | |||
| Hattaway, Robyn (REP) | Active | |||
| Sheridan, Charles Chuck (REP) | Active | |||
| 21 | Carroll, Doris H. (DEM) | Active | ||
| Hooper, Ed (REP) *Incumbent | Active | |||
| Siamas, John (REP) | Active | |||
| 23 | Braver, Benjamin Grant (DEM) | Active | ||
| Burgess, Danny (REP) *Incumbent | Active | |||
| Houman, John (IND) | Active | |||
| 25 | Arguello, Jon H. (REP) | Active | ||
| Arrington, Kristen Aston (DEM) | Active | |||
| Martinez, Jose Augusto (REP) | Active | |||
| Torres, Carmen (DEM) | Active | |||
| 27 | Albritton, Ben (REP) *Incumbent | Active | ||
| Carter, Phillip Ray (DEM) | Active | |||
| 29 | Aldieri, Randy James (DEM) | Active | ||
| Grall, Erin (REP) *Incumbent | Active | |||
| 31 | Bauer, Joseph Alan (REP) | Active | ||
| Harrell, Gayle (REP) *Incumbent | Active | |||
| Hawkins, Aaron James (DEM) | Active | |||
| 33 | Martin, Jonathan (REP) *Incumbent | Active | ||
| Proia, Christopher Joseph (DEM) | Active | |||
| 35 | Jacobs Jr., Rodney W. (DEM) | Active | ||
| Klitzman, Chad (DEM) | Active | |||
| Parlatore, Vincent (REP) | Active | |||
| Sharief, Barbara (DEM) | Active | |||
| 37 | Mohammad, Imtiaz (REP) | Active | ||
| Pizzo, Jason (DEM) *Incumbent | Active | |||
| 39 | Avila, Bryan (REP) *Incumbent | Active | ||
| Jimenez, Adrian Jesus (DEM) | Active |
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Central Florida News
Former State Senator Victor Torres Files for Newly Created Orange County Commission District 8 Seat
Published
3 days agoon
November 13, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN ) – According to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website, former Florida State Senator Victor Torres, Jr. has officially filed paperwork to run for the newly created Orange County Commission District 8 seat (11/10/2025) — one of two new districts added as part of the county’s historic expansion of its governing board.
Veteran Lawmaker Eyes County-Level Leadership
At 78 years old, (born July 22, 1947) Torres is making a return to public service at the local level after more than a decade of elected leadership in the Florida Legislature, where he served in both the House of Representatives and the State Senate. Known for his advocacy on transportation, veterans’ affairs, and working-class families, Torres brings extensive legislative experience and name recognition to the race.
The former senator’s entry marks the first high-profile candidacy for the newly formed District 8 seat. However, Torres is expected to face additional challengers, including other prominent community leaders seeking to represent the new commission district.
Early Opponent: Tatiana Fernández
Torres will face Tatiana Fernández, who was the first to file for the race (10/29/2025). Fernández is a political newcomer and former aide to Florida State Representative Daisy Morales. She previously ran an unsuccessful campaign for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, but has remained active in community initiatives and local outreach efforts.
The matchup between Torres and Fernández sets the stage for an engaging race that contrasts legislative experience with fresh perspective in one of Orange County’s fastest-growing regions.
Overview: New Orange County Commission Districts 7 and 8
The Orange County Commission expanded from six to eight districts following population growth revealed in the 2020 U.S. Census and the adoption of new district boundaries. The addition of Districts 7 and 8 aims to ensure more equitable representation for residents across Central Florida’s diverse and expanding communities.
District 7 includes portions of northwest Orange County, designed to represent urban neighborhoods and fast-developing residential zones.
District 8, where Torres has filed to run, covers southern and southeastern Orange County, encompassing areas of rapid growth, economic development, and suburban expansion.
The 2026 local elections will mark the first time voters in these new districts elect their representatives to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride Partner with The Ruckus to Host Community Food Drive
Published
3 days agoon
November 12, 2025By
FNN SPORTSORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride are proud to announce a partnership with The Ruckus, one of the Club’s recognized Supporters’ Groups, to host a community food collection drive aimed at fighting food insecurity in Central Florida. Beginning this week, fans and community members are encouraged to donate shelf-stable and nonperishable food items at two convenient locations: the Gate D lobby at Inter&Co Stadium and the Club’s front office. Donations will be accepted during the following times: Weds., Nov. 12 through Weds., Nov. 26, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. ET to 5 p.m. ET daily. This initiative coincides with The Ruckus’ own collection efforts and complements Orlando City’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution presented by Publix. Together, these efforts will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank and help ensure that families in need have access to essential food items during the holiday season. “Food insecurity is a pressing issue for many in our community, especially as we approach Thanksgiving,” said Kaia Forgét, Vice President of Community Impact for Orlando City and Orlando Pride. “We’re proud to work alongside The Ruckus to make a lasting impact and be a good neighbor to those who need it most.” Those wishing to participate are encouraged to bring donations and join Orlando City, Orlando Pride and The Ruckus in giving back to the Central Florida community. |
Central Florida News
Former State Rep. Daisy Morales Honors Veterans Day, Highlights Legislative Support for Florida’s Heroes
Published
4 days agoon
November 11, 2025ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Hon. Daisy Morales honors Veterans Day with a message of gratitude and legislative impact, which the former Florida state lawmaker shared on her official Facebook page.
In observance of Veterans Day, former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales shared a heartfelt message recognizing the bravery, sacrifice, and service of America’s military veterans and their families. Morales, a proud mother of a U.S. military veteran, emphasized her deep respect for those who have worn the nation’s uniform and her continued commitment to advancing veteran-related policy.
Honoring the Heroes Who Serve
“As a proud mother of a U.S. military veteran and as a former member of the Florida House of Representatives, I hold deep respect and gratitude for the men and women who have served our nation in uniform,” Morales said. “Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to defending our freedoms embody the very best of America.”
Legislative Leadership for Veterans and Military Families
During her first term in the Florida House of Representatives, Morales sponsored and co-sponsored several key pieces of legislation designed to support veterans and their families. Among her most notable contributions was House Bill 45: Educational Opportunities for Disabled Veterans, which became a national model for recognizing and assisting those who have served.
“These efforts reflect my commitment to ensuring that our veterans receive not only our gratitude but also the tangible support they deserve,” Morales added.
A Call to Action for All Floridians
As Veterans Day is commemorated across the state, Morales encourages residents to reflect on the service of veterans and to show appreciation in their communities.
“This Veterans Day, I encourage all Floridians to take a moment to honor our heroes—past and present—and to extend a hand of friendship and community to veterans and military families in your neighborhood. Let us stand united in appreciation and continue working to make Florida the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
— The Honorable Daisy Morales, Former Florida State Representative
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