APOPKA, Fla. (FNN) – Senate District 15 candidates, former U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson and prominent personal injury attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith, rolled out the red carpet for Apopka voters and its religious leaders Thursday night during a spirited candidate forum held at Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church — located in one of the fastest-growing cities in Orange County.

The forum was organized to spotlight local priorities and address pressing community concerns. It was moderated by Florida National News Managing Editor Moncia Hoyos and simulcast live across social media and on-demand platforms by the Joy Broadcasting Network, led by Daniel Smith. The forum will be rebroadcast on Saturday, June 14 on Florida National News and FNN News Network platforms, expanding its reach to voters throughout Central Florida ahead of the pivotal primary.

Senate District 15 encompasses several of Orange County’s most diverse and historically significant neighborhoods, including Parramore, Pine Hills, Winter Garden, Ocoee, the Dr. Phillips area, International Drive, Eatonville, Apopka, and Washington Shores.

Missing Voices at the Table: The Bracy Family Absent

One of the night’s most notable developments was the absence of State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis and her brother, former State Senator Randolph Bracy — both of whom had been invited to participate in the forum. A message was read on behalf of Rep. Bracy Davis, but neither sibling nor any representative for them appeared.

This continues a headline-making saga between the siblings, who are locked in a heated battle for the same Senate District 15 seat vacated by Senator Geraldine Thompson.

Both Bracy Davis and Bracy filed to run for the seat, triggering local and statewide media coverage of the family feud. Florida Politics reported on LaVon Bracy Davis’s announcement to challenge her brother. WESH 2 News aired a pointed statement from Randolph Bracy calling his sister’s candidacy “a sad day for the Bracy name.” Florida National News and Fox 35 also covered the escalating rivalry, which continues to shape the dynamics of this high-stakes Democratic primary.

Key Issues Discussed

While the Bracy family feud dominated headlines, candidates Alan Grayson and Coretta Anthony-Smith used the forum to focus on real issues affecting voters in Apopka and surrounding communities.

Education
Both candidates pledged to advocate for increased teacher salaries, retention incentives, and ensuring public schools remain competitive amid Florida’s expanding K-12 scholarship (voucher) programs. They also addressed how to protect educators navigating new book bans and curriculum restrictions.

Economic Development
Economic growth in District 15’s diverse communities, such as Apopka, Pine Hills, and Washington Shores, was another major topic. Candidates proposed policies addressing:

• Affordable housing amid rising rent costs.

• Expanding the “Rural Renaissance” bill (SB 110) district-wide.

• Leveraging SunRail’s expansion to uplift underserved neighborhoods.

• Using new state laws allowing churches and nonprofits to build affordable housing to serve struggling families.

Health and Human Services
Mental health, substance abuse, and food insecurity remain critical challenges in the district. Candidates discussed strategies for:

• Improving access to mental health and substance abuse services.

• Partnering with healthcare systems like AdventHealth and Orlando Health’s Smart Bus and Red Bus initiatives to address hunger and healthcare disparities.

• Advocating for affordable healthcare policies benefiting residents of all ages.

Budget and Appropriations
With Florida’s $118.6 billion state budget in play, candidates debated whether the current tax model meets the needs of everyday residents and businesses. Both weighed in on how they would prioritize local funding requests, while also confronting the state’s ongoing property insurance crisis and debating solutions for stabilizing the market.

Audience Engagement

The forum’s interactive format allowed Grayson and Anthony-Smith to field five direct questions from Apopka residents, offering voters a chance to address local concerns about infrastructure, economic equity, education, and state leadership firsthand.

Outlook: A Race Reshaped by Family Rivalry

With the Bracy siblings’ ongoing feud keeping both absent from the forum, Thursday’s event provided a clear stage for Coretta Anthony-Smith and Alan Grayson to connect directly with voters in a faith-based, community-driven setting.

As the race heats up, political insiders say the Bracy rivalry may split a loyal voter base, creating a unique opportunity for either Anthony-Smith or Grayson to capture the nomination in the Democratic Primary.

The candidate forum will rebroadcast on Florida National News, and FNN News Network platforms ahead of election day.

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Monica Hoyos, Managing Editor, Florida National News
monicahoyos@FloridaNationalNews.com