Central Florida News
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia Calls Out $200 Million in “Excessive Spending” in Orange County Budget
Published
10 months agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia has sharply criticized Orange County’s General Fund Budget, calling nearly $200 million in spending “excessive and wasteful.” Ingoglia says that after accounting for population growth and inflation, the county’s current budget exceeds what is necessary, and he is urging officials to cut waste and provide immediate property tax relief to residents.
CFO Ingoglia Highlights Taxpayer Impact
“This money belongs in the hands of taxpayers, not bureaucrats who have proven fiscally irresponsible,” said Ingoglia. “Orange County is wastefully spending nearly $200 million in taxpayer funds, and it is high time that residents are armed with the information to hold their locally elected officials accountable. Floridians are tired of this misuse of tax dollars.”
Florida TaxWatch Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jeff Kottkamp supported the CFO’s call for accountability, stating, “Safeguarding taxpayer dollars should be a top concern for local governments. We are proud to work with CFO Ingoglia to highlight wasteful spending that leads to higher taxes for Floridians.”
Local Business Leaders Support Call for Efficiency
Nathan Ducote, Partner and Chief Strategic Officer at MassiveMAKE, praised the focus on efficiency: “Central Florida has everything it needs to lead the nation in advanced manufacturing and 3D printing. CFO Ingoglia’s focus on efficiency in government creates a transparent and affordable environment where businesses can thrive and talent can stay.”
Jerry Pierce, Founder of Restaurant Equipment World, echoed the sentiment: “As an Orange County resident, property taxes have grown exponentially for me and my employees. I am grateful to CFO Ingoglia for his commitment to keeping Florida affordable and cutting government waste.”
Orange County Budget Growth and Staffing Concerns
Since 2020, Orange County’s General Fund Budget has increased by $559 million, a 53.6% rise, while the population has grown by only 79,000 residents. This equates to a $7,074 budget increase per new resident, or $28,296 for a family of four.
Additionally, the county has added 661 new employees, with average local government wages increasing 24.5% over four years—outpacing both private sector and state government growth. CFO Ingoglia estimates that residents are overtaxed by $148 per person and that the county could reduce the millage rate by 0.86 mils without affecting services.
Ingoglia plans to continue identifying wasteful spending across the state as part of his role as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer.
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Central Florida News
State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 13, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.
Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.
Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.
House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.
Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
Central Florida News
Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.
“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”
Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races
Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.
“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”
The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.
According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.
Historic Member of Congress
Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.
Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.
Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.
Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.
Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.
