Politics
GOP, Dem Candidates Joined at the Hip to Take on the Governor and Andrew Bain
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Orange-Osceola State Attorney race is heating up, with unlikely alliances and explosive accusations shaking up the political landscape. At a recent news conference in downtown Orlando, Republican attorney Thomas Feiter stood alongside suspended Democratic State Attorney Monique Worrell to launch a united offensive against Governor Ron DeSantis and current State Attorney Andrew Bain.
Feiter, who lost the Republican primary to Seth Hyman, accused the GOP of foul play. He announced plans to file a lawsuit against Hyman, Bain, and others, claiming that Hyman was a “sham candidate” who entered the race only to drop out, ensuring Bain a clearer path to victory in the upcoming November General Election.
Worrell and Feiter’s Common Ground
While Feiter and Worrell may stand on opposite sides of the political spectrum, they found common ground in their criticism of Governor DeSantis. Worrell, who was suspended from her position by the governor last year, claimed DeSantis overstepped his authority in meddling with the State Attorney’s office. Feiter echoed her concerns, pointing to what he alleges was political interference designed to manipulate the Republican primary in favor of Bain.
“The very foundation of our democracy is at risk,” Worrell said, calling on the FBI to investigate the situation. Feiter added, “It’s clear that the powers that be are playing a dangerous game here.”
Hyman’s Exit and Accusations of Collusion
Hyman, who defeated Feiter in the Republican primary, dropped out shortly after his victory, citing a lack of financial resources to continue his campaign. But Feiter isn’t buying it. He claimed Hyman was colluding with Bain and the DeSantis administration, accusing them of orchestrating his candidacy with the intent for him to bow out, giving Bain a boost with Republican voters in the general election.
At Monday’s press conference, Feiter leveled sharp criticism, claiming the DeSantis camp had dangled the prospect of political rewards, including the possibility of becoming a judge or state representative, if he dropped out of the primary.
In response, Hyman called Feiter a “sore loser” and countered that Feiter must be working with Democrats to undermine Bain’s campaign. “This is nothing more than political theater,” Hyman said in a brief statement. “Feiter’s accusations are preposterous.”
Feiter’s Allegations Against Bain and DeSantis
During the news conference, Feiter laid out his case, saying he would file a lawsuit accusing Bain, Hyman, and other unnamed parties of collusion. He further alleged that Bain, with the backing of DeSantis, was preparing to disqualify Worrell or remove her from office should she win back her position in the upcoming election.
Feiter also filed a complaint with the Florida Bar, alleging that DeSantis’ Chief of Staff James Uthmeier and attorney Jeff Aaron offered him political incentives to drop out. The Bar dismissed the complaint, labeling it a civil issue.
Bain Campaign’s Response
In a sharp rebuke, Bain’s campaign dismissed the press conference as a “distraction” and framed the November election as a clear choice for voters.
“In this election, the voters have a clear choice between a former suspended State Attorney who failed to prosecute crime, and State Attorney Andrew Bain, who has proven to hold violent offenders accountable and protects our community,” the campaign statement read.
As the November election approaches, all eyes are on this contentious race, where even members of opposing parties seem to be joining forces in an effort to shake up the status quo.
Central Florida News
Affordable Housing, Transportation, and Public Safety Top Orange County’s $8.3B Budget Priorities
Orange County, Fla. (FNN) – The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will hold its second public hearing on the proposed $8.3 billion Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 5:01 p.m. in the BCC Chambers at the Orange County Administration Center.
The proposed budget reflects the County’s investment in affordable housing, transportation safety, public safety, parks and recreation, and utilities to support Orange County’s growing population and infrastructure needs.
Housing For All
Orange County continues advancing its commitment to affordable housing. To date, nearly 3,000 affordable housing units have been created. For FY 2025-26, the County has allocated $17.7 million to the affordable housing trust fund as part of its $160 million, ten-year commitment.
Transportation Improvements
The Accelerated Transportation Safety Program completed its first year with more than 60 projects, including 14 miles of new sidewalks, 14 miles of roadway lighting, and safety upgrades across 21.4 miles of roadways. For FY 2025-26, the County has earmarked $23.9 million to continue these improvements, contributing to a larger five-year investment exceeding $100 million.
Public Safety Commitment
Public safety remains a top priority. More than $1 billion has been allocated for FY 2025-26, including $575 million for Fire Rescue, $220 million for Corrections, and $446 million for the Sheriff’s Office. Funding will support staffing, new infrastructure, and the construction of additional fire stations to ensure quick emergency response across the County.
Parks and Recreation
Orange County’s 100+ parks, trails, and recreation sites will benefit from $133 million in FY 2025-26. The funding includes 15 capital improvement projects for construction, renovations, and new amenities designed to enhance residents’ access to safe outdoor spaces.
Utilities and Essential Services
To strengthen critical infrastructure, Orange County Utilities will invest $297.9 million in water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and solid waste services. As an enterprise fund, Utilities operations are supported through customer rates and fees rather than tax dollars.
Residents can review the full budget report for detailed highlights on the FY 2025-2026 County Budget.
Politics
Congressman Frost, Stephanie Vanos Defend Public Schools in Heated Debate on School Choice and Vouchers
WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – U.S. Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs, brought Orange County School Board Member Stephanie Vanos to testify before Congress during a high-profile Oversight subcommittee hearing titled “Opening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice and Alternatives to Four-Year College Degrees.”
The hearing, led by Republicans, sought to highlight private schools and expanded voucher programs, but Frost and Vanos argued these policies come at the expense of public schools and the majority of American students.
Frost Defends Public Schools Against Voucher Expansion
In his opening remarks, Congressman Frost pushed back on the Republican framing of school choice, warning that taxpayer subsidies for private schools weaken public education.
“Every student’s school should set them up for success—whether through college, trade school, apprenticeships, or the workforce,” Frost said. “But in the richest country in the world, we are failing to deliver on that promise. Their so-called solution of taxpayer subsidies for private schools drains resources from the 90% of students who attend public schools.”
Frost shared his own story of attending an underfunded Florida public arts school where teachers invested in him despite challenges. “That path took me all the way to the United States Congress,” he said, underscoring the value of public education.
Vanos Calls Out $3.9 Billion in Diverted Florida Taxpayer Dollars
Orange County School Board Member Stephanie Vanos warned that Florida’s public schools are being shortchanged. She pointed to $3.9 billion in taxpayer funds being diverted into voucher programs with little oversight or accountability.
“Public school families love public school choices, but these choices cannot be sustained with current funding constraints,” Vanos said. “Parents are frustrated when they see billions drained away into a shadow system of unregulated, unaccountable private schools.”
She urged Congress to prioritize investment in schools that are transparent, accountable, and able to serve all children.
Public Schools Under Pressure Amid Funding Cuts
The testimony comes at a critical moment for Florida schools, which face increasing budget cuts and declining student performance in math and reading. Frost and Vanos argued that public schools are the backbone of education, serving the overwhelming majority of families, and that funding must reflect that reality.
“Let’s fund their choice,” Vanos concluded. “Let’s invest in the schools that 90% of American families actually rely on.”
Central Florida News
Mayor Jerry Demings, a former Sheriff and Police Chief Hints at Florida Governor Run
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, a former Orange County Sheriff, former Orlando Police Chief, and husband of former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, is signaling interest in a potential run for Florida Governor. As a countywide CEO known for bipartisan appeal, Demings has built his reputation on representing all residents—Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike.
Budget Clash With Florida CFO
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia (R) took direct aim at Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings this week, accusing his administration of “excessive and wasteful” spending. Speaking at a press conference, Ingoglia claimed that Orange County residents are being overtaxed by at least $148 per person and argued the county could “easily” cut nearly $200 million from its $8.2 billion budget.
“Anyone who looks at the numbers can see it,” Ingoglia said. “In just five years, a budget that went from $1.1 billion to $1.6 billion for only 79,000 people—it’s common sense they’re wasting a tremendous amount of money.”
Mayor Demings quickly pushed back against the attack, firing back that Ingoglia should focus on his own office before criticizing Orange County’s finances: “He ought to get his own house in order first before he goes looking in someone else’s house.”
Demings Teases Possible Run for Governor
As Demings nears the end of his final mayoral term, speculation is growing about his political future. During a press conference in Orlando, when asked about a possible gubernatorial run, Demings left the door wide open:
“I’m not saying I’m not going to run. Given all these things that have been happening? I might just do that.”
Crowded Republican Primary Ahead
The Republican primary for governor is expected to be one of Florida’s most contentious in years, with names such as Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (R) and Rep. Byron Donalds (R)—already endorsed by President Donald Trump—likely on the ballot. Governor Ron DeSantis’ role in shaping the party’s direction will also loom large over the contest.
What’s Next for Jerry Demings?
If Mayor Demings officially enters the race, he would join the Democratic primary against former Rep. David Jolly (D). For Democrats, a strong nominee could be key to uniting moderates and progressives in a state that has leaned increasingly Republican in recent cycles.
As a seasoned law enforcement leader and two-term Orange County Mayor, Demings could bring a blend of executive experience, bipartisan appeal, and name recognition to the Democratic ticket. His potential candidacy raises the stakes for Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race, signaling that Democrats may put forward a serious challenge in a state long dominated by Republicans.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
