Florida
Fiery Orange-Osceola State Attorney Debate Exposes Deep Divisions, Calls for Election Investigation Intensify
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The contentious race for Orange-Osceola State Attorney escalated dramatically in a fiery debate as incumbent Andrew Bain and former State Attorney Monique Worrell traded sharp attacks. With just weeks left before the November election, the forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters, became a battlefield over crime policies, political manipulation, and allegations of election interference.
Bain, who was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis following Worrell’s suspension, touted his tough-on-crime approach, claiming it has made the community safer.
He repeatedly emphasized his focus on prosecuting violent offenders, stating, “Under my leadership, we have taken a stand against criminals and delivered justice to victims.”
Worrell, who was ousted over accusations of neglecting her duties, pushed back fiercely. She argued that the crime reductions seen under Bain were a direct result of the policies she had already put in place during her time as State Attorney.
“If crime is down, you’re welcome. My reforms are still working, despite me not being in office,” Worrell fired back.
A major focus of the debate was Bain’s handling of high-profile cases like the Daton Viel incident, where an offender released on bond later shot two police officers, and the Keith Moses case, where a suspect in a dropped marijuana possession case went on to commit a triple homicide. Bain used these cases to criticize Worrell’s past decisions, accusing her of endangering public safety by being lenient on offenders. Worrell defended her record, explaining that her office had followed legal protocols, and pointed out that judicial decisions, not prosecutorial ones, were responsible for the bond releases in those cases.
Beyond crime policy, the debate took a sharp turn when Republican Thomas Feiter, a former candidate for the State Attorney seat, raised allegations of political manipulation. Feiter, who lost the Republican primary to Seth Hyman, accused Governor DeSantis and the Republican Party of engineering Hyman’s candidacy to favor Bain. After Hyman won the primary, he quickly dropped out, leaving Bain without a Republican challenger. Feiter, alongside Worrell, called for a federal investigation into what he called a “sham candidacy” orchestrated to ensure Bain’s victory.
“The integrity of this election is at stake,” Worrell said, echoing Feiter’s call for FBI involvement. “We cannot allow political games to dictate who prosecutes our criminals.”
Bain, however, brushed aside the allegations, suggesting that any investigation should be handled at the state level, not federal, and insisted that he was focused on keeping the community safe.
As tensions escalated, the debate became increasingly volatile, with accusations flying and audience members growing restless. Worrell continuously pressed Bain to address the growing calls for an investigation, while Bain maintained his focus on public safety and his record since being appointed.
“I am here to serve the people, not to get caught up in political drama,” Bain stated firmly.
With the election just around the corner and legal battles looming, the race for State Attorney has become one of the most controversial in Florida. Both candidates are expected to square off again in the next debate on September 20 at the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida, where these heated issues will undoubtedly take center stage once more.
Florida
Puerto Rican Leaders Reflect on Political Setbacks in Florida Amid Arrest of Osceola Sheriff Marcos López
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The arrest of Osceola County Sheriff Marcos López — Florida’s first Puerto Rican and Hispanic elected sheriff — sent shockwaves through Central Florida’s Hispanic community. “It comes amid a steady decline in Puerto Rican political representation in Florida, with key seats lost since November 2016, despite major gains that year with the election of the state’s first Puerto Rican member of Congress.”
PUERTO RICAN POLITICAL CLOUT IN FLORIDA DIMINISHES
Once holding several influential elected positions, including a State Senate seat, multiple State Representative seats, and key county offices in Orange and Osceola Counties, Puerto Rican leaders have faced notable electoral setbacks. “With Sheriff López’s recent arrest — now caught in the criminal justice system and presumed innocent until proven guilty — the community faces yet another blow to its political influence in a state that’s home to one of the nation’s largest Puerto Rican populations.”
DAISY MORALES SPEAKS ON HER JOURNEY AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
Amid this political shift, former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales took to social media to reflect on both the community’s challenges and her own history-making career. Morales shared a personal message with her followers, urging hope and resilience:
“It’s OK To Believe,” Morales posted, highlighting her accomplishments as a proud Puerto Rican public servant.
Morales Statement:
“I find myself overjoyed watching Daisy Morales’ remarkable journey. She built an impactful career — serving as a U.S. Government official for 24 years, becoming a political newcomer elected Supervisor of the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District for six years, appointed to the Orange County Disability Advisory Board, and later elected as a State Representative in the Florida House of Representatives.Her achievements are etched into law, state budgets, community projects, and even in the Soil and Water Conservation District signs welcoming visitors to Orange County from Osceola and Seminole Counties.
Leaders like Daisy Morales show us what’s possible and inspire us to believe in our own potential — reminding us that we too can rise, lead, and leave our mark on history.”
PRESERVING CULTURE AND ADVOCACY THROUGH NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP
In addition to her public service career, Morales is the Founder and President of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, a nonprofit organization she established in 2023. The organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting Puerto Rican culture, history, and leadership through educational initiatives, events, and community advocacy, according to PRHN’s website. The nonprofit has become a growing platform for conversations around representation, culture, and civic engagement for Florida’s Puerto Rican population.
COMMUNITY AT A CROSSROADS
The Puerto Rican community in Florida now finds itself at a political crossroads, navigating how to rebuild its influence in local and state government. With leaders like Morales speaking out and new grassroots initiatives forming, advocates hope to reignite civic participation and prepare a new generation of Puerto Rican leaders to reclaim their place in Florida’s political landscape.
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Staff: News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Crimes and Courts
Drone, SWAT-Style Operation Shocks East Orange County Residents During Police Action
ORLANDO, FL (FNN) – “Florida National News was the first media outlet on the scene to capture a major law enforcement operation that unfolded Thursday morning in the Lake Pickett community of East Orange County, drawing the attention and concern of residents.”
Police Activity on Ithaca Way
At appoximately 11:00 a.m., multiple units from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office converged on a home located at 14044 Ithaca Way, Orlando. Deputies dressed in military-style tactical gear and body armor could be seen surrounding the property while issuing commands over a loudspeaker, instructing the occupants to exit the home.
An Orange County Fire Department unit was staged nearby as a precaution.
Drone Deployment and Suspect Detention
In a display of advanced law enforcement tactics, an Orange County Sheriff’s drone was deployed over the property, providing aerial surveillance as the situation developed.
Florida National News captured an known female temporarily detained in plastic white handcuffs before being escorted to speak with what appeared to be an undercover deputy nearby. Moments later, the woman was re-handcuffed — this time with standard sheriff-issued cuffs — and placed back into a marked patrol vehicle.
Crime Scene Secured
Authorities sealed off the property with crime scene tape, limiting access while deputies remained stationed at the residence.
At this time, the specific nature of the warrant being served and the details of the investigation have not been officially released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
“Florida National News contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office regarding the large law enforcement presence in the Lake Pickett community. In an email statement, the Sheriff’s Public Information Officer confirmed that deputies were serving a search warrant in the area. No further details were provided.”
Stay Connected for Updates
This is a developing story. Stay connected with Florida National News (FNN) for updates as we receive more information from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
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J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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