APOPKA, Fla. (FNN) — Apopka mayoral candidate Christine Moore has secured endorsements from five former Orange County Board of County Commissioners members, strengthening her campaign ahead of the city’s April 14 runoff election.

Former county commissioners Rod Love, Dr. Robert Sindler, Victoria P. Siplin, Betsy VanderLey and Scott Boyd announced their support for Moore, citing her leadership, collaborative approach to governance and commitment to improving the quality of life for Apopka residents.

ENDORSEMENTS FROM FORMER COUNTY LEADERS

The five former commissioners said Moore’s record of leadership and community service makes her well-qualified to lead the city of Apopka.

Rod Love, a former Orange County commissioner from Apopka, said Moore understands the importance of supporting seniors, helping small businesses grow and creating safe environments for children.

“Commissioner Christine Moore understands that a strong Apopka means taking care of our seniors, supporting small businesses and investing in children,” Love said. “She brings the experience, compassion and leadership Apopka needs.”

FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Former Commissioner Dr. Robert Sindler praised Moore’s environmental leadership and her efforts to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the region.

Sindler highlighted Moore’s commitment to completing local trail systems and using the West Orange Trail as a catalyst to help revitalize downtown Apopka. He also pointed to her work supporting conservation land purchases, expanding county parkland and advancing septic-to-sewer conversions to protect water quality and Florida’s Class I springs.

COLLABORATION ON COMMUNITY POLICY

Former Commissioner Victoria Siplin said Moore demonstrated strong leadership through collaboration when the two worked together on issues impacting the Pine Hills area.

Siplin noted their joint efforts to improve infrastructure and expand services for residents, as well as policy initiatives allowing faith-based organizations with larger land holdings to build affordable housing.

RECOGNITION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE

Former Commissioner Betsy VanderLey credited Moore with working diligently to secure funding and services for residents in her district.

VanderLey pointed to Moore’s role in advancing the $125 million septic-to-sewer infrastructure projects and described Moore as strategic and thoughtful in her governance approach.

Former Commissioner Scott Boyd added that Moore’s ability to listen to constituents and collaborate with colleagues stood out during their work on school zoning issues.

“Her collegiality and willingness to listen to all sides before making decisions impressed me,” Boyd said. “I recommend Christine Moore for mayor of Apopka.”

MOORE RESPONDS TO ENDORSEMENTS

Moore expressed appreciation for the support from the former county commissioners, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in public service.

“I am grateful for the support of these outstanding and accomplished county commissioners,” Moore said. “Serving collaboratively has resulted in much success for county residents. It takes collegiality, patience and persistence to make progress in our community. It was my honor to work alongside them.”

Moore’s campaign said the endorsements reflect growing momentum from community leaders, residents and advocates focused on preserving Apopka’s character while planning responsibly for the city’s future.

The Apopka mayoral runoff election is scheduled for April 14.

Moore made history as the first woman elected to represent District 2 on the Orange County Commission and previously served on the Orange County School Board. During her tenure in county government, she helped lead major infrastructure initiatives, including the $125 million Wekiwa Springs septic-to-sewer conversion project in Apopka.

Moore holds the Advanced Certified County Commissioner (ACCC) and Certified Board Member (CBM) designations and is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognizes retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas, a military veteran, author, speaker and advocate for women’s sports.

Thomas has built a career defined by service, leadership and storytelling, transitioning from two decades in the U.S. Army to a growing influence in the sports and media industry.

Photo Credit: U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Facebook page – Tampa (Captain Jocelyn Thomas speaker)

Commander, United States Army (Retired)

Thomas entered the United States Army at just 19 years old, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career that would take her across the United States and around the world.

During her time in service, she held numerous leadership roles including Company Commander (twice), Battalion S3, Battalion Assistant Support Operations Officer (SPO), Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Team Leader.

Her assignments included Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Korea and Florida, along with combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.

As a Company Commander, Thomas led a military unit responsible for approximately 100 to 250 soldiers, overseeing mission readiness, operational planning, training and the well-being of service members under her command.

Her responsibilities included:

• Tactical Leadership: Planning and executing company-level operations and maneuvers
• Training and Readiness: Ensuring soldiers were prepared for combat while maintaining equipment and operational standards
• Personnel Management: Mentoring and developing subordinate leaders, including platoon leaders
• Disciplinary Authority: Upholding military discipline and accountability within the unit

“Being a woman in the Army is a unique experience unlike any other,” Thomas said. “I want people to know that beneath the uniform, I am my own person.”

She describes herself as influential, trustworthy and hardworking. In addition to her military accomplishments, Thomas is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, discipline and personal well-being.

Crewing Coordinator at ESPN

Following her military retirement, Thomas transitioned into the sports and media industry, where she currently works as a Crewing Coordinator at ESPN.

In this role, she supports live sports productions, managing behind-the-scenes logistics and coordinating on-air talent to ensure seamless broadcasts.

Thomas is also a Disney Military Fellowship Program Ambassador, representing the program that helps military veterans transition into civilian careers within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.

Her leadership, organization and communication skills have proven valuable in the fast-paced environment of sports broadcasting.

Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Prior to joining ESPN, Thomas worked as a Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where she helped oversee major sporting events from planning through execution.

Her background as a U.S. Army Operations Officer provided the leadership and logistical expertise needed to manage complex sporting events and coordinate teams working behind the scenes.

Advocate for Women’s Sports

Thomas has also become a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly women’s flag football.

Her work includes storytelling and coverage for initiatives such as:

• She Is Football Weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Girls Flag Football Week with the Atlanta Falcons
• Coverage of Alabama State University’s Women’s Flag Football Team during the 2026 season

Through these efforts, Thomas continues to amplify opportunities for female athletes and expand awareness of women’s football programs across the country.

Author and Motivational Speaker

Beyond sports media, Thomas is also a best-selling author and national keynote speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and perseverance.

She has delivered presentations for organizations including:

• Collegiate Sports Management Group
• ESPN Wide World of Sports
• Military Influencer Conference
• The Mayweather brand
• Streaming platform Twitch

Thomas has also spoken at universities and institutions such as Spelman College, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa, along with numerous military programs and high schools.

Her philosophy remains simple yet powerful:

“Success is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Impact on Women and Future Leaders

Thomas’ journey from Army commander to sports media professional reflects the growing influence of women leaders in fields traditionally dominated by men, including military leadership, sports broadcasting and athletics.

Through her advocacy for women’s flag football, leadership mentoring and public speaking, Thomas continues to inspire young women, athletes and veterans pursuing new careers after military service.

Key Achievements and Milestones

• 20-year U.S. Army combat veteran
• Three combat deployments
• Two-time U.S. Army Company Commander
• Leader responsible for more than 10,000 soldiers during her military career
• Disney’s first Military Veteran Intern (Fellow) at Disney Sports
• First Disney Fellow to complete the fellowship program and be hired full-time by ESPN
• Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
• Former Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
• Best-selling author and national keynote speaker
• Sideline reporter and journalist for the Atlanta Truth Women’s Professional Tackle Football team and Alabama State University Women’s Flag Football team
• Mother to Legend Thomas (8)

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About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series

Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office released body-worn camera footage from a deputy-involved shooting involving a suspected shoplifter outside a Walmart store nearly a month after the incident.

Deputies Respond to Armed Shoplifting Call

According to investigators, deputies responded around 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2026, to a reported shoplifting incident at the Walmart on East Colonial Drive.

A caller told dispatchers a man wearing a black ski mask was attempting to steal merchandise, appeared to have a knife and was declaring “martial law” as he exited the store with a shopping cart full of items.

Bodycam Shows Confrontation Before Shooting

Deputies said a responding deputy encountered the suspect on Colonial Drive near the store pushing a cart loaded with merchandise.

Body-camera footage shows the deputy giving multiple commands for the man to stop. Authorities said the suspect ignored the commands. The deputy then deployed a Taser, but it had no effect.

Shortly afterward, the deputy can be heard warning the suspect at least three times not to reach. Moments later, the deputy fired his service weapon, striking the man.

Deputies on scene secured the suspect and provided first aid before he was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators said two knives were recovered at the scene.

Suspect Identified; Investigation Underway

Authorities identified the suspect as Jason Anthony Beal, 48. He was charged with robbery with a deadly weapon and resisting an officer with violence.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which will submit its findings to the State Attorney’s Office for review.

As part of standard protocol, the deputy involved has been placed on temporary paid administrative leave pending the initial FDLE review. The sheriff’s office will also conduct an internal investigation once the state probe is completed.