Florida
Women’s History Month Spotlight: Former State Lawmaker Daisy Morales’ Impact on Florida & Beyond
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Florida National News highlights the groundbreaking contributions of Daisy Morales, a proud Puerto Rican leader whose dedication to public service has left a lasting impact on Florida and beyond. Morales made history as a Florida State Representative and an elected Supervisor for the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District, serving a total of eight years in public office.
A Legacy of Bipartisan Leadership
During her tenure as a State Representative, Morales proved to be a champion for bipartisan collaboration. She sponsored and co-sponsored over 110 bipartisan bills that became state law in her first term—more than any other Democratic lawmaker at the time. Among her key legislative achievements, she successfully spearheaded efforts to expand educational opportunities for disabled veterans. Her landmark legislation was included in the Governor’s bill-signing ceremony and later became a national model for lawmakers in other states, reinforcing her influence beyond Florida.
“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women who have shaped our communities and paved the way for future generations,” Morales told Florida National News. “As a Puerto Rican lawmaker, I have dedicated my career to advocating for equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.”
Commitment to Environmental Conservation
Before serving in the Florida House, Morales focused on environmental conservation as an elected Supervisor for the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District. She worked alongside two Orange County Commissioners to install Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District signage at key county lines, marking the boundaries between Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties. Her leadership helped raise awareness about local environmental conservation efforts and reinforced the district’s role in protecting Florida’s natural resources.
Leadership in Crisis Response
Morales distinguished herself as a dedicated leader during the COVID-19 crisis and in response to hurricanes, effectively addressing the challenges that impacted her district and the people of Florida. Her proactive approach and leadership during these crises helped ensure critical resources and support reached those in need.
Continuing Advocacy Through the Puerto Rican Heritage Network
Even after leaving public office, Morales continues her commitment to community service. In 2023, she founded the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Puerto Rican culture, education, and leadership. Through this initiative, she remains an active force in uplifting and empowering Puerto Ricans across Florida and beyond.
Recognizing a Champion for Women’s History Month
As we honor Women’s History Month in 2025, Daisy Morales’ legacy stands as a testament to the power of dedicated leadership. Her contributions to education, veterans’ rights, environmental conservation, and bipartisan policymaking continue to inspire future generations. Through her unwavering advocacy, she remains a powerful voice for inclusivity and progress in Florida.
Florida
Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11
The ad was produced by political strategist Brad Herold of Something Else Strategies and marks the first major media investment of the campaign.
$5 MILLION PERSONAL LOAN TO CAMPAIGN
Strada, founder of Strada Services, announced last week that he had loaned his congressional campaign $5 million, providing the campaign with substantial financial resources early in the election cycle.
Strada Services is one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned companies specializing in air conditioning, electrical, security, and plumbing services.
The campaign said the loan and advertising investment demonstrate Strada’s commitment to communicating directly with voters throughout Central Florida.
FIRST MAJOR MEDIA PUSH
The $1 million advertising effort is expected to reach voters across Florida’s 11th Congressional District through a combination of television, radio, and digital media platforms.
The campaign has positioned Strada as a conservative outsider and successful entrepreneur focused on bringing private-sector experience to Washington.
Additional details regarding future advertising and campaign events are expected in the coming weeks.
ABOUT FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Florida’s 11th Congressional District includes portions of Central Florida and is expected to be one of the state’s closely watched congressional races during the 2026 election cycle.
Crimes and Courts
Attorney General Uthmeier Announces Charges Against Six in South Florida Drug Trafficking Enterprise
Florida
Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Rep. Paula Stark has been disqualified from seeking reelection in Florida House District 47 after failing to satisfy candidate qualifying requirements before the noon Friday filing deadline.
According to state election records, Stark’s candidacy was disqualified due to a deficiency involving required financial disclosure filings, commonly referred to as Form 6. Florida law requires candidates for legislative office to timely submit all qualifying documents, including financial disclosure forms, to appear on the ballot.
Form 6 Financial Disclosure Requirement
Form 6 is a public financial disclosure document required for state elected officials and candidates. The form requires candidates to disclose assets, liabilities, sources of income, and other financial interests.
The disclosure includes a sworn certification stating: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Form 6 and that the facts stated in it are true.”
Candidates are required to complete, sign and timely file the disclosure as part of Florida’s qualifying process. Failure to properly file required qualifying documents, including Form 6, by the statutory deadline can result in disqualification from the ballot.
Democrats Advance to Primary Election
With Stark removed from contention, Democrats now have an opportunity to capture the Republican-held seat in House District 47.
The only candidates remaining in the race are:
- Jorge Figueroa, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
- Anthony Nieves, a state investigator
The two Democrats will compete in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, with the winner becoming Representative-Elect.
House District 47 covers portions of Osceola County and has been represented by Stark since her election to the Florida House.
The disqualification was among the most notable developments of Florida’s 2026 candidate qualifying period and significantly alters the political landscape in a district Republicans had hoped to retain.
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