Press Release: Florida House Candidate Daisy Morales Blasts Orlando Sentinel for False Reporting

Press Release: Florida House Candidate Daisy Morales Blasts Orlando Sentinel for False Reporting

ORLANDO, Fla. (September 23, 2020) – In response to the Orlando Sentinel’s September 22, 2020 article accusing her of failing to attend Soil & Water Board meetings, Florida House District 48 nominee Daisy Morales is calling out the Orlando Sentinel once more to report accurately and stop its propaganda campaign to mislead readers in order to sway another election.

The article states in relevant part:

“…Morales, 59, has served as an elected Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District supervisor since 2014, though she was absent for meetings of the nonpartisan environmental board from March 2019 to February 2020. She has said she had tried to call into the meetings for months — even yelling into the phone —until she realized she was calling the wrong number.”

“During the time she failed to attend the Soil & Water Conservation District board’s meetings, she attended ribbon cuttings alongside Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Hurricane Dorian press conferences and participated in holiday parades as a board supervisor.”

Morales slammed the Orlando Sentinel’s claims. “This article frames a poisonous narrative that I was absent from Board meetings for a year, and that’s an outright lie,” said Morales. “To be clear, I was present for the March 2019 meeting, because the Board needed to vote on a new Board Chair. And for the record, as Supervisor in 2018 and as Board Chair in 2019, I pushed for all supervisors to attend all meetings in person. The others voted against me to allow supervisors to also call in as an option. One careful look at the minutes would’ve confirmed that. According to state law, minutes and agendas should be available for review on the website, orangesoilandwater.org. 

“I was physically present during the January 2020 meeting, which an Orlando Sentinel reporter, Ryan Gillespie, was present for and covered in January. Florida National News also covered the meeting. It appears the reporter for this article, Stephen Hudak, sourced the fact that I dialed the wrong number from Gillespie’s January 17, 2020 article, and yet Gillespie’s article confirms my January attendance while this article falsely pegs me as absent. I was also present for the February 2020 meeting, so Hudak’s reporting of my absences is false.

“This article also conveniently omits the fact that some meetings were canceled altogether. Again, a careful review of the minutes would have confirmed that.

“The Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Board is comprised of five elected supervisors and is structured to be able to run with a three-person quorum, meaning two supervisors can be absent. Only the Board can vote on what counts as an inexcusable absence, and it hasn’t in the last six years. Supervisor Michael Barber is Board Chair and Secretary, Supervisor Dawn Curtis is Vice Chair, former Supervisor Nicole McLaren was the Public Relations Liaison, and Supervisor Tiffany Dziekan is Treasurer. Why am I being targeted by the Orlando Sentinel? I can always be reached–to the point where state government had to contact me in order to reach several other supervisors because the agencies had difficulty reaching them.

“There is no excuse for the inaccuracies in this article. I’m calling on the Orlando Sentinel to apologize to the public and correct this false and misleading piece to reflect the truth, because it’s wrongful and damaging. Readers are relying on this information as if it’s the truth. A letter has already been written to the editor and published by the Orlando Sentinel in response to this under the false impression that I was absent for a year.

“I’ll say again, the public deserves to have a news outlet that is accurate, transparent and trustworthy.”

Media Contact: DaisyForFlorida@gmail.com | Campaign Website: DaisyForFlorida.com

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Press Release: Congressman Darren Soto Endorses Daisy Morales for State Representative

Press Release: Congressman Darren Soto Endorses Daisy Morales for State Representative

ORLANDO, Fla. (September 18, 2020) – The Daisy Morales campaign is excited to announce another major endorsement: Congressman Darren Soto has endorsed Supervisor Morales for State Representative of House District 48 today.

“Daisy Morales has been a champion of higher paying jobs, access to healthcare and protecting our environment,” said Congressman Soto. “She will be a strong advocate for our community in Tallahassee.”

Congressman Soto, a fellow Puerto Rican American like Supervisor Morales, works tirelessly for Floridians in Washington, D.C. He serves on the Natural Resources Committee and Subcommittee on the Environment and Climate Change. Congressman Soto was on the front lines in aiding the island of Puerto Rico while also securing resources for displaced Puerto Ricans who came to Florida in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Supervisor Morales went to Tallahassee to speak with lawmakers, pushing for aid for Puerto Ricans during Hurricane Maria.

“I’m honored to receive an endorsement from the first person of Puerto Rican descent to serve in Congress from Florida, Congressman Soto,” said Morales. “I look forward to joining him on the front lines as he leads the fight for Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans in Florida—he’ll fight on the federal level, and I’ll do so at the state level. We also share a strong passion for the environment and protecting Florida’s natural resources.”

After winning the Florida Democratic primary, Morales has earned the endorsements from the top-ranking Democrats in the Florida House of Representatives, Co-Leaders Bobby Dubose (D-District 94, Fort Lauderdale) and Evan Jenne (D-District 99, Dania Beach), and most recently earned the endorsement of Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried.

During the primary election, Representatives John Cortes (D-District 43, Kissimmee) and Bruce Antone (D-District 46, Orlando) also endorsed her for Florida House District 48.

The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

The campaign will announce more major endorsements soon.

Media Contact: DaisyForFlorida@gmail.com | Campaign Website: DaisyForFlorida.com

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Press Release: Top-Ranking Florida House Democrats Endorse State Representative Nominee Daisy Morales

Press Release: Top-Ranking Florida House Democrats Endorse State Representative Nominee Daisy Morales

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 31, 2020) – The Daisy Morales campaign announced today that both Florida House Democratic Caucus co-leaders, Representatives Bobby DuBose (D-District 94, Fort Lauderdale) and Evan Jenne (D-District 99, Dania Beach), have endorsed Puerto Rican State Representative nominee Daisy Morales for Florida House District 48.

“Daisy Morales is a dynamic combination of generosity and advocacy. She doesn’t hesitate to find out what’s needed and get things done,” Representative and Co-Leader Bobby DuBose expressed in a written statement. “She’s deeply entrenched in the community as a thirty-year Orange County resident and has been an environmental champion for the past six years as an elected Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor. I look forward to working with her on improving our education system, making healthcare and housing more affordable, and creating a better future for Floridians. That’s why I’m endorsing her for Florida House District 48.”

Representative and Co-Leader Evan Jenne said in a written statement: “I’m proud to endorse Democratic nominee Daisy Morales for Florida House District 48 because of her tireless advocacy. She’s no stranger to Tallahassee, having traveled there several times to push for aid for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, fight for affordable housing, and be a voice for Florida’s agriculture industry, Florida’s second largest industry. Her leadership and her passion for people are exactly what’s needed in Tallahassee.”

“I’m honored to receive the endorsements, ideas, and activism from the top Florida House Democratic leaders in my campaign to replace Representative Amy Mercado (D-District 48, Orlando) who is running for Orange County Property Appraiser,” said Morales, who is currently serving as an elected Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor. “Co-Leaders Jenne and DuBose have been fighting for causes near and dear to me and to District 48: education, public safety, and growing the economy. I’ve been in dialogue with them and other lawmakers several times at the State Capitol while advocating for the people. District 48 is vast and I’m ready to work alongside them in Tallahassee to make significant strides in every community.”

State House District 48 covers part of Orange County, with a heavy-Hispanic population, and a large Puerto Rican community. Democrats have a 30 percent advantage over Republicans in registered voters. The district is considered a safe Democratic Puerto Rican-held seat since 2012.

Morales defeated four men to win the August primary election with 40 percent of the votes. During the primary, Representatives John Cortes (D-District 43, Kissimmee) and Bruce Antone (D-District 46, Orlando) also endorsed her for Florida House District 48.

The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

Media Contact: DaisyForFlorida@gmail.com | Campaign Website: DaisyForFlorida.com

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Press Release: State Representative Nominee Daisy Morales’s Statement on Women’s Equality Day

Press Release: State Representative Nominee Daisy Morales’s Statement on Women’s Equality Day

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 27, 2020) – State Representative Nominee Daisy Morales (D-District 48, Orlando) released the following statement on Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment:

“As we reflect on one hundred years since American women were granted the right to vote through the ratification of the 19th amendment, we must honor the legacy of those who paved the way for not only a woman’s voice in our democracy, but a woman’s role in leading it.

“While this is a landmark to celebrate, we also know that the 19th Amendment only gave some women, white women, the right to vote. African American women like Mary Church Terrell, Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, and so many women whose names we may not know, played critical roles in the suffrage movement and often don’t get the recognition they deserve. Their efforts were not realized until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, when all women of color finally received the right to vote.

“We can be proud of the fact that in the Florida Legislature we are seeing a growing number of women elected to state office. And in spite of racism and sexism, women of color are continuing to lead, especially a black woman as the Vice Presidential nominee.

“For this year’s Women’s Equality Day, we must recommit ourselves to empowering women, listening to women, and electing women.

“With women continuing to rise, America is a better place.”

Media Contact: DaisyForFlorida@gmail.com | Campaign Website: DaisyForFlorida.com

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Press Release: Daisy Morales Endorses Karolyn Campbell in Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Race

Press Release: Daisy Morales Endorses Karolyn Campbell in Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Race

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 21, 2020) – State Representative nominee and Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Daisy Morales has endorsed the Board’s first legally blind candidate, Karolyn Campbell, who is running to replace Supervisor Morales on the Board.

“I endorse Karolyn Campbell for Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Seat 2. She brings experience and extensive knowledge of Orange County’s natural resources,” said Supervisor Morales.

Campell serves on the Orange County Disability Board, where Supervisor Morales also serves as Vice Chair. She also often volunteered with Supervisor Morales on several community events over the years.

Campbell boasts a background in environmental education, life cycle sustainment, soil and water conservation management and green initiatives. As a speaker and mentor, she’s been an advocate for increasing diversity, women, and people with special needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) for creative solutions.

Supervisor Morales has advocated for the special needs community for many years. She was the legal guardian and caretaker for her mother and special needs sister, both of whom are now deceased. This cause is so personal to her, she made it a campaign promise in her run for State Representative for District 48.

Supervisor Morales won the Florida House District 48 primary against four opponents Tuesday night.

“I promised the people of District 48 that I would go to Tallahassee and fight for quality healthcare for all and for the special needs community,” said Supervisor Morales recently. “What better way to advocate for them than to help someone from the community get elected to public office?” Supervisor Morales added. “Karolyn is more than qualified for the seat.”

Campbell, a military veteran and UCF graduate, has four Bachelor of Science degrees: in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Molecular and Microbiology, and Psychology; she holds a Master of Science in System Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Business Administration in Aviation and Finance from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Campbell also graduated from the Department of the Navy Acquisition Development Program in August 2012. She is Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III Career Field Certified in Engineering and Life Cycle Logistics and also holds certifications in Program Management, Facilities Engineering, Science & Technology Management, SPRDE – Program Systems Engineering, and is a Defense Acquisition Corps Member.

Campbell is running against Sean McQuade in a special election in November to serve the remaining two years of Supervisor Morales’s Seat 2 term. The seat is available again in 2022.

McQuade ran against incumbent Supervisor Morales in the 2018, losing with 144,321 votes to Morales’s 256,342.

The general election takes place November 3, 2020.

Media Contact: DaisyForFlorida@gmail.com | Campaign Website: DaisyForFlorida.com

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Press Release: Daisy Morales Praises Joe Biden’s VP Pick Kamala Harris

Press Release: Daisy Morales Praises Joe Biden’s VP Pick Kamala Harris

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 12, 2020) – The Daisy Morales campaign has released the following statement from Daisy Morales, candidate for Florida House District 48, on former Vice President Joe Biden selecting Senator Kamala Harris:

“Congratulations to Senator Kamala Harris for being named as former Vice President Joe Biden’s pick for VP. This historic moment shattered the glass ceiling and even a few walls. Not only is Senator Harris one of only a handful of women to ever be at the top of a major party nominee ticket, but she’s the first African American, Caribbean American (Jamaican heritage) and South Asian American (Indian heritage) to ever do it. Senator Harris’s sharp, relentless pursuit of the truth and accountability inspired Biden, her former opponent, to pick her.

“Biden committed to choosing a woman as his running mate, and it only makes sense he chose Senator Harris. She embodies the poise, confidence, experience, passion and heart for service that we as women carry and share with the world every single day.

“The response surrounding Senator Harris’s pick is also a powerful lesson on how important it is for women to support each other. Senator Amy Clobuchar, former National Security Advisor Susan Rice, our Florida Congresswoman Val Demings, and many other women in key leadership roles across the country have rallied around Senator Harris in this historic moment, raising their voices in solidarity with hers to inspire all of us as Americans to make ours heard at the ballot box. Women are an unstoppable force for positive change when we rally together, and there’s no better time than now for us to make change. This is not the time for petty competition or silent blocking or sabotage, but to unify like never before.

“I look forward to helping the Biden-Harris campaign to win the Puerto Rican vote in Florida.”

Media Contact: DaisyForFlorida@gmail.com | Campaign Website: DaisyForFlorida.com

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Press Release: Daisy Morales’ Statement on Puerto Rico’s Election Crisis

Press Release: Daisy Morales’ Statement on Puerto Rico’s Election Crisis

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 11, 2020) – The Daisy Morales campaign has released the following statement from Daisy Morales, candidate for Florida House District 48, on Puerto Rico’s recent election crisis:

“Puerto Rico’s recent primary election crisis is unfair and unacceptable. Voters couldn’t exercise their right to vote because not all voting precincts received their ballots in time, causing voters to be turned away after risking their lives amid the COVID-19 pandemic by waiting in line to exercise their right to vote.

“As leaders, it’s our responsibility to serve the needs of the people and be as prepared as possible. As a result of the primary ballot shortage this weekend, the ballots cast will be counted and the election paused until the remaining precincts receive their ballots and voters can cast them next Sunday, Aug. 16. Several elected leaders have leveled lawsuits against the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission for being unable to deliver ballots to more than half of the island’s election precincts.  

“Puerto Ricans take elections seriously. Some 70% of the island’s population typically turns out to vote. And as someone with family still living on the island, this is personal to me. What’s heartbreaking is that this weekend’s fiasco is discouraging some Puerto Ricans from engaging in the voting process at all, and that shouldn’t be the case. Every vote counts, and every eligible voter deserves to exercise their right to vote on the appointed election day.”

Campaign Update: Team Daisy Waves Signs at John Young and Oak Ridge

Campaign Update: Team Daisy Waves Signs at John Young and Oak Ridge

Team Daisy did a sign waving at the corner of John Young Parkway and Oak Ridge Road Friday. With vibrant music and bold U.S. and Puerto Rican flags honoring the community and Daisy’s heritage, our team lit up the corner and engaged with District 48 voters who passed by, blowing their horns in support. Some stopped to talk with us and we gladly answered their questions.

Vote Daisy Morales for House District 48 on or before August 18th!

To learn more about our campaign, make a donation, or volunteer, visit daisyforflorida.com.

Release: Supervisor Daisy Morales Gets Celebrity Endorsement From Music Artist Lillie Nicole McCloud for Florida House District 48

Release: Supervisor Daisy Morales Gets Celebrity Endorsement From Music Artist Lillie Nicole McCloud for Florida House District 48

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 29, 2020) – International R&B and Dance artist Lillie Nicole McCloud is using her star power to rally her millions of followers to support and vote for Daisy Morales for State Representative of Florida House District 48. The outspoken singer, who resides in Orlando, has endorsed Supervisor Morales, highlighting her passion for advocacy and leadership in her role as Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor.

McCloud posted a portion of her endorsement on Facebook in response to Supervisor Morales’s announcement of her candidacy. “You are an amazing woman. We certainly need you on top,” she expressed. “We need strong, resourceful, brilliant, hard-working, fair-minded women parked in powerful places who care about the people.”

The international dance singer was also a contestant on FOX’s X Factor during its third season, wowing the world with her vocal performances, garnering over 47 million YouTube views. She’s performed alongside other superstars such as dance legend Donna Allen, three-time GRAMMY nominee Angie Stone, and veteran Hollywood starlet Robin Givens.

“You have my utmost respect for every achievement you have accomplished and for your passion and love for all people, remaining fearless and attacking without hesitation any task that is set before you, getting the jobs done,” she shared in her post.

McCloud, who is currently overseas in Slovakia, lives in District 48, near Orlando International Airport. She has encouraged her followers to volunteer, vote, or donate to Supervisor Morales’s campaign.

“I’m excited to receive Lillie’s endorsement,” said Supervisor Morales. “It’s an honor to have someone of her stature support my campaign.”

This isn’t the first time the famed music artist has supported Morales for public office. Then Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson played an important role in her swearing in ceremony in 2014. “She [McCloud] performed at the event, Demings led the Pledge Allegiance and Congressman Grayson administered the Oath of Office,” said Supervisor Morales.

“I’m honored to have McCloud all in for Team Daisy. I look forward to having her play an active role in my campaign to win the Democratic State Representative nomination in the primary election on August 18.”

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Release: Morales Campaign Announces Endorsement From State Representative John Cortes

Release: Morales Campaign Announces Endorsement From State Representative John Cortes

“With a steadfast drive to serve her constituents and be as accessible to them as possible, Supervisor Daisy Morales is deeply rooted in the community,” said State Representative John Cortes. “She has no problem working with elected officials across county lines, and she’s no stranger to Tallahassee, having advocated for various issues such as housing, agriculture, the environment, and working wages.”

Cortes added, “She’s a strong advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves, which is exactly what we need in Tallahassee. She is someone that I know and trust, and I look forward to working with her to become the next State Representative of House District 48.”

“It is wonderful to have the backing and guidance of Representative Cortes,” said Supervisor Morales. “I’m honored to have the support of a remarkable public servant at the state level who works every day to keep Floridians safe and plan for smart growth. We share a strong dedication to public safety.”

Morales retired from the U.S. government after working 24 years for various agencies, including the Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security and State Department.

#TeamDaisy | #DaisyForFlorida | #DaisyFor48