Politics

Florida NOW Condemns DOGE Audit of Orange County as Undemocratic Overreach

Published

11 months ago

August 2, 2025

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) has issued a sharp rebuke of the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), calling its recent audit demand of Orange County “insulting, undemocratic, politically motivated, and mean-spirited.”

The July 24 letter from DOGE to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings accuses the county of a 57% spending increase over five years—including a $330 million increase in property tax collections and $1.6 billion rise in total expenditures. The agency’s tone, according to critics, is hostile and accusatory, implying reckless fiscal management.

FL NOW criticized the audit’s authoritarian tone and the targeting of progressive policy areas, such as DEI initiatives, environmental programs, and homelessness services—labeling the letter “chilling” in its language and intent. The audit demands access to county data, facilities, and staff for on-site inspections, and threatens financial penalties for noncompliance—raising concerns about data privacy and overreach.

“This is an obvious and unjustified political intrusion that undermines local governance and equity-driven policy,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “Orange County’s budget reflects the needs of our growing community. Our elected officials were chosen by voters—not to be micromanaged by Tallahassee.”

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings responded by emphasizing that the county has added more than 81,000 residents since 2020, placing greater strain on law enforcement, fire rescue, and other public services. He committed to cooperating with the state but described the audit as “mean-spirited politics” targeting blue counties like Orange, Broward, and Gainesville.

In its public statement, FL NOW issued a statewide call to action, urging residents to contact their elected officials, support Mayor Demings and the Orange County Commission, and raise awareness about what they describe as Tallahassee’s pattern of punishing progressive local governments.

“We envision a Florida where local voices are respected, equity is non-negotiable, and communities are empowered to build futures that reflect their values,” the statement concludes. “That future begins with standing firm.”

______________________________________________________-

By J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Politics

Vice President JD Vance to Visit Milwaukee, Discuss Trump Administration’s Anti-Fraud Efforts

Published

2 days ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — Vice President JD Vance will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, where he is scheduled to deliver remarks on the Trump administration’s efforts to combat fraud, according to a White House press release.

Politics

Five Charged in Florida EBT Fraud Case; Two Illegal Aliens Among Defendants, Attorney General Says

Published

2 days ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — James Uthmeier announced today that five individuals have been charged in connection with an organized scheme to defraud Florida’s public assistance program by using stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information and personal identifying information (PII) to obtain taxpayer-funded benefits.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the investigation was conducted by the Orlando Police Department and involves an alleged fraud operation that spanned Orange County and Seminole County.

“Florida is not going to tolerate organized schemes that steal taxpayer-funded benefits intended for Florida families,” Uthmeier said in a statement.

“We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to identify every individual connected to this scheme and hold them accountable.”

Investigation Details

Investigators allege the defendants used stolen personal identifying information and EBT card data belonging to numerous victims to purchase high-resale merchandise, including:

Monster energy drinks
Red Bull energy drinks
Coffee
Bottled water
Other retail goods

Authorities allege the merchandise was later resold for cash, diverting taxpayer-funded nutritional assistance intended for eligible Florida families.

Defendants Charged

The five defendants are:

Carlos Ruben Gomez Jimenez
Maite Lazara Mesa Labrada
Carlos Luis Diaz Jimenez
Enrique Gonzalez
Luis Gonzalez Dominguez

According to the Attorney General’s Office, immigration records indicate that Gomez Jimenez and Mesa Labrada entered the United States unlawfully in 2024.

Criminal Charges

All five defendants are charged with:

Organized Scheme to Defraud (less than $20,000)
Public Assistance Fraud ($200 or more but less than $20,000)

Additional charges include:

Gomez Jimenez, Mesa Labrada and Diaz Jimenez are charged with Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information involving EBT accounts belonging to 10 or more individuals.
Dominguez is charged with Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information.
Diaz Jimenez and Enrique Gonzalez are also charged with Dealing in Stolen Property.

Potential Sentences

According to prosecutors:

Carlos Luis Diaz Jimenez faces up to 40 years in prison.
Carlos Ruben Gomez Jimenez, Maite Lazara Mesa Labrada and Enrique Gonzalez each face up to 25 years in prison.
Luis Gonzalez Dominguez faces up to 15 years in prison.

Additionally, Gomez Jimenez, Mesa Labrada and Diaz Jimenez face mandatory minimum sentences of three years if convicted of Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information involving 10 or more victims.

Investigation Remains Active

The Attorney General’s Office said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional arrests or charges may be filed as investigators continue to identify others connected to the alleged fraud scheme.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Counsel for Public Assistance Fraud Scott Strauss in Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida.

Central Florida News

Orange County Commission District 3 Lawsuit Set for July 10 Hearing, Candidate Randy Ross Says

Published

2 days ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

Florida National News learned of the July 10 court date following a press conference held by Ross and later received a news release from his campaign announcing the scheduled hearing.

Lawsuit Challenges Election Process

Ross filed the lawsuit after challenging the application of Florida’s resign-to-run law following Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe’s decision to seek another elected office.

“This lawsuit has never been about me,” Ross said. “It has always been about the right of District 3 residents to elect their own County Commissioner. On Friday, the people finally get their day in court.”

Ross: ‘The Law Matters’

Ross said his legal challenge is focused on ensuring election laws are applied consistently.

“While others relied on politics, assumptions and opinion, I relied on one thing … the law,” Ross said. “If we expect our citizens to follow the law, then government must follow it too. There cannot be one set of rules for politicians and another for everyone else.”

Concerns Over Election Accountability

Ross said the case raises broader questions about accountability and public confidence in Orange County’s election process.

“Candidates place their trust in our election officials to provide competent, accurate guidance,” Ross said. “Voters deserve confidence that elections are conducted according to Florida law … not political convenience. When government gets it wrong, someone has to stand up. I chose to do exactly that.”

Campaign Message

Ross, a longtime Orange County resident and community leader, said the lawsuit reflects the type of leadership he would bring to the County Commission.

“I don’t back down from difficult fights. I don’t accept government incompetence. And I don’t believe taxpayers or voters should pay the price when public officials fail to do their jobs.”

He also pledged to provide a public update immediately following Friday’s hearing.

“I welcome this opportunity because facts matter. The law matters. Most importantly, the voices of District 3 voters matter. This isn’t about politics … it is about protecting the integrity of our elections and ensuring the people, not government bureaucracy, decide who represents them.”

The hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026. The court’s ruling will determine the legal issues presented in the case. The allegations and legal arguments discussed are those advanced by the plaintiff and remain subject to judicial review.