Central Florida News

Affordable Housing, Transportation, and Public Safety Top Orange County’s $8.3B Budget Priorities

Published

10 months ago

September 18, 2025

Orange County, Fla. (FNN) – The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will hold its second public hearing on the proposed $8.3 billion Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 5:01 p.m. in the BCC Chambers at the Orange County Administration Center.

The proposed budget reflects the County’s investment in affordable housing, transportation safety, public safety, parks and recreation, and utilities to support Orange County’s growing population and infrastructure needs.

Housing For All
Orange County continues advancing its commitment to affordable housing. To date, nearly 3,000 affordable housing units have been created. For FY 2025-26, the County has allocated $17.7 million to the affordable housing trust fund as part of its $160 million, ten-year commitment.

Transportation Improvements
The Accelerated Transportation Safety Program completed its first year with more than 60 projects, including 14 miles of new sidewalks, 14 miles of roadway lighting, and safety upgrades across 21.4 miles of roadways. For FY 2025-26, the County has earmarked $23.9 million to continue these improvements, contributing to a larger five-year investment exceeding $100 million.

Public Safety Commitment
Public safety remains a top priority. More than $1 billion has been allocated for FY 2025-26, including $575 million for Fire Rescue, $220 million for Corrections, and $446 million for the Sheriff’s Office. Funding will support staffing, new infrastructure, and the construction of additional fire stations to ensure quick emergency response across the County.

Parks and Recreation
Orange County’s 100+ parks, trails, and recreation sites will benefit from $133 million in FY 2025-26. The funding includes 15 capital improvement projects for construction, renovations, and new amenities designed to enhance residents’ access to safe outdoor spaces.

Utilities and Essential Services
To strengthen critical infrastructure, Orange County Utilities will invest $297.9 million in water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and solid waste services. As an enterprise fund, Utilities operations are supported through customer rates and fees rather than tax dollars.

Residents can review the full budget report for detailed highlights on the FY 2025-2026 County Budget.

Up Next

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Part 1 – Supporting a Loved One Through Diagnosis

Don't Miss

Congressman Frost, Stephanie Vanos Defend Public Schools in Heated Debate on School Choice and Vouchers

Click to comment

Central Florida News

Orlando Begins Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Review, Addresses Property Tax Reform and Future Spending

Published

2 weeks ago

July 10, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The City of Orlando will officially begin its Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget process on Monday, July 13, with a public budget workshop outlining Mayor Buddy Dyer’s proposed spending plan for the coming fiscal year.

City officials said the proposed budget is balanced, does not increase the city’s millage rate, and continues to prioritize the core municipal services residents rely on every day.

Budget Workshop Scheduled for July 13

The budget process begins with a workshop at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of Orlando City Hall.

During the workshop, Mayor Buddy Dyer and members of the Orlando City Council will receive an overview of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget from Chief Financial Officer Jose Fernandez and Assistant Chief Financial Officer Jason Wojkiewicz.

In addition to presenting the proposed spending plan, city financial officials will discuss proposed property tax reform and its potential impact on future city budgets and long-term financial planning.

Public Hearings Scheduled for September

Following the budget workshop, Orlando residents will have opportunities to provide public input during two public hearings in September.

Budget Hearing No. 1

Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
5:01 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Orlando City Hall

During the first hearing, the City Council is expected to adopt a proposed millage rate and establish a tentative Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and Capital Improvement Program.

Budget Hearing No. 2

Monday, Sept. 28, 2026
5:01 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Orlando City Hall

The second and final public hearing will include the City Council’s vote to adopt the final millage rate, Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and Capital Improvement Program.

Budget Takes Effect Oct. 1

If approved, Orlando’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget will take effect on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, marking the beginning of the city’s new fiscal year.

FY 2026-27 Budget Timeline

Monday, July 13 — Budget Workshop (10 a.m.)
Monday, Sept. 14 — First Public Budget Hearing (5:01 p.m.)
Monday, Sept. 28 — Final Public Budget Hearing and Adoption Vote (5:01 p.m.)
Thursday, Oct. 1 — Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Implementation

The annual budget process establishes funding priorities for city operations, public safety, transportation, parks, infrastructure, capital improvements and other municipal services while determining the city’s property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year.

Central Florida News

Orlando Police Arrest Three Following Shooting at West Lakes Apartment Complex

Published

2 weeks ago

July 10, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Orlando Police arrested three suspects Thursday following a shooting at the Pendana at West Lakes Club Apartments that led to a high-speed pursuit spanning Orange and Seminole counties.

Police said no injuries were reported despite multiple rounds being fired during the incident.

Shooting Reported at Apartment Complex

According to the Orlando Police Department (OPD), officers responded at approximately 3:50 p.m. Thursday, July 9, to the 2000 block of Orange Center Boulevard after receiving reports of gunfire at the Pendana at West Lakes Club Apartments.

During the investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance video showing occupants of a black sedan and a black SUV firing multiple rounds at two individuals riding scooters through the apartment complex.

Investigators said everyone involved fled the scene before officers arrived.

Police Locate Suspect Vehicles

Shortly after the shooting, Orlando officers located both suspect vehicles in the North Pine Hills area.

With assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), officers conducted a traffic stop on the black sedan and detained two suspects without incident.

Officers later located the black SUV and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop, triggering a police pursuit.

Helicopter Assists During Pursuit

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit tracked the fleeing SUV from the air while directing responding officers on the ground.

The pursuit ended in Altamonte Springs, where the driver stopped in front of a Burlington Coat Factory, abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.

Orlando Police officers quickly apprehended the suspect.

Three Suspects Arrested

Police identified the suspects as:

Jacorey Lowery (DOB: July 8, 2006)

Charges:

Attempted Felony Murder (Firearm/Discharge)
Discharging a Firearm at Residential Property

Quincy Desponosse (DOB: April 21, 2008)

Charge:

Principal to Attempted First-Degree Murder

Semaj Blackshear

Charges:

Principal to Attempted Felony Murder with a Firearm
Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement at High Speed with Disregard for Public Safety or Property
Resisting an Officer Without Violence
Juvenile Violation of Probation

None of the Suspects Lived at the Complex

Investigators determined that none of the three individuals arrested were residents of the Pendana at West Lakes Club Apartments.

Police have not released information regarding a possible motive or whether the suspects knew the two individuals on the scooters.

Investigation Continues

The Orlando Police Department said the investigation remains active.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

Central Florida News

Labor Unions Back Samuel Vilchez Santiago as Democratic Primary Battle With Daisy Morales Intensifies

Published

2 weeks ago

July 9, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago has announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations as he seeks the Democratic nomination for Florida House District 43, setting up a high-profile primary contest against former State Rep. Daisy Morales.

The endorsements come as both candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, where voters will decide who advances to the November general election.

Broad Labor Coalition Backs Vilchez Santiago

Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations representing workers in education, healthcare, public safety, transportation, construction and other industries.

The endorsing organizations include:

Florida AFL-CIO
Central Florida AFL-CIO
SEIU Florida
Florida Education Association
Orange County Fire Fighters Association
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625
Orange County Classroom Teachers Association
United Auto Workers
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606
Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517
SMART Transportation Division PAC
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596

Vilchez Santiago: ‘These Endorsements Are Deeply Personal’

In announcing the endorsements, Vilchez Santiago said organized labor has shaped both his family’s experience and his policy priorities.

“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.

He added:

“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”

Vilchez Santiago pledged to continue advocating for workers’ rights if elected to the Florida House.

Primary Contest Revives Familiar Political Rivalry

The endorsements add another chapter to an increasingly competitive Democratic primary between Vilchez Santiago and Morales.

The two candidates previously faced each other in the 2020 Democratic primary for what was then Florida House District 48. Morales defeated Vilchez Santiago and went on to win the general election, serving one term in the Florida House from 2020 to 2022.

Following legislative redistricting, both candidates are now seeking the Democratic nomination in House District 43, creating a rematch between two well-known Democratic figures in Central Florida politics.

Competing Messages to Democratic Voters

Vilchez Santiago has centered his campaign on issues including workers’ rights, affordable housing, healthcare access and support for organized labor.

Morales has emphasized her legislative record, highlighting more than 110 bills she sponsored or co-sponsored that became law, as well as funding secured for local projects during her time in office. Her campaign has argued that voters should compare legislative accomplishments and experience when choosing their next state representative.

The labor endorsements provide Vilchez Santiago with additional organizational support as both campaigns work to mobilize Democratic voters before early voting begins.

Key Background

Samuel Vilchez Santiago

Democrat seeking election to Florida House District 43.
Former chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party.
Previously served as Senior Manager at ActBlue.
Was the Democratic nominee defeated by Daisy Morales in the 2020 House District 48 primary.

Daisy Morales

Former Florida State Representative (2020–2022).
Former Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor.
Campaigning on her legislative experience, bipartisan accomplishments and record of securing funding for Central Florida communities.

Race to Watch

Florida House District 43 is expected to be one of Central Florida’s most closely watched Democratic legislative primaries.

With endorsements, fundraising and voter outreach accelerating, both candidates are expected to continue drawing support from elected officials, community organizations and advocacy groups throughout the campaign.

The Democratic primary will be held Aug. 18, 2026, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 3–16. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.