Florida's Latest News

Central Florida hoteliers announce new round of endorsements

Democratic Rep. Daisy Morales, three other Democrats and two Republicans drew endorsements for their House races in the latest round from the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA).

Morales faces another Democrat, Rita Harris, in an open Primary Election on Aug. 23 for the seat representing House District 44 in south-central Orange County.

The new House endorsement, which officially come through the CFHLA’s political action committee and political committee, include four others who also have Primary Election battles on Aug. 23 for open seats: Republican Apopka City Commissioner Doug Bankson, Democrat LaVon Bracy Davis, Democrat Dan Marquith and Republican Bruno Portigliatti.

The association also endorsed Orange County School Board member Johanna López for an open House seat election. She already has the Democratic nomination so will not be on the August ballot. In November, she will face the winner of a Republican Primary Election.

University of Florida surpasses $1 billion in research spending

The University of Florida (UF) surpassed $1 billion in research spending for the first time, developing treatments for diseases, new agricultural products, engineering solutions, and countless other advancements.

With $1.076 billion in research expenditures, UF swamps in-state competition. Florida State University and the University of Miami, the next two highest-spending research schools in the state, both spend between $325 million and $350 million on research, respectively, according to the economic reports of both schools.

“Surpassing the $1 billion research milestone reflects UF’s continued rise as one of the leading research universities in the United States,” said university Vice President for Research David Norton. “But this number represents far more than dollars – it represents the value of these researchers’ remarkable intellect and talent and its impact on our state, our nation, and the world.”

Southwest Florida state candidates focus on water quality, education, guns

Two Southwest Florida state House and Senate races each feature a Republican and Democrat who face no opposition in the August primary before facing off in November. 

District 26 Sen. Ben Albritton, a Republican, is running for Senate District 27 (which will be vacated by Sen. Ray Rodrigues), and he will face Fort Myers trucker and Democrat Chris Proia for that seat later this year. 

The race for House District 78 features Republican incumbent Jenna Persons-Mulicka and Democrat Howard Sapp, both running unopposed during the Aug. 23 primary. 

The newly drawn lines of Senate District 27 include Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Boca Grande, Pine Island, Fort Myers Beach, North Fort Myers and the eastern part of Lehigh Acres. 

AIF releases roster of 2022 legislative endorsements

The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) released its roster of endorsements for legislative races in Florida.

AIF stamped its seal of approval on nearly 100 incumbents and candidates running in the House and Senate on Tuesday. The “Voice of Florida Business” said they interviewed more than 80 candidates over the past three months, asking them a series of questions on issues important to the business community around the state of Florida.

AIF noted in a news release that endorsements were issued on the answers given during these interviews. The business group also took the voting records of elected officials running for re-election or another seat into account.

“This year, AIF continued its long-held tradition of reviewing and speaking at length with candidates so that we can help better inform the business community about who will fight for pro-business policies and initiatives,” said AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis. “Governor Ron DeSantis and the Legislature have built a state that businesses and people are flocking to, but we want that to continue, and we believe these are the best legislative candidates to make that happen.”