Florida
[Opinion] All Politics are Local…but Small Town Politics are Brutal
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Walt Disney once wrote, “You can create and dream the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make the dream a reality.” Factor in an election in some of our most wonderful Central Florida cities and the “people” can get downright nasty. This article is simply an observation of local politics. Things might vary in other parts of the country, but in municipalities in and around Orlando, small town politics…they’re interesting.
Some of the more memorable local races were Mayor Scott Vandergrift of Ocoee; the battle for Orange County Property Appraiser between incumbent Bill Donegan, who ultimately lost to Rick Singh; and the battle to fill the void after the passing of long term Orange County Tax Collector Earl K. Wood, leaving the local Democratic Party to decide the future tax collector. The contentious and rigorous selection process ultimately saw Scott Randolph, a former State House Representative and former chair of the Orange County Democratic party, fill the role. But it’s the observance of politics, in general, in the spotlighted cities of Belle Isle, Winter Park and Apopka that have grabbed recent attention.
THE CITY OF BELLE ISLE
Belle Isle is a small city of approximately 7,500 people just south of downtown Orlando which encompasses the Conway Chain of Lakes and beautiful tree-lined streets. But don’t let all that beauty fool you–it seems there is always some drama in the town hall. First, know that the City elected officials, the Mayor and City Council, all work for free–yep, for free–so you’d think it must clearly be the love of the City that’s their motivation. Well, I’m sure that’s part of it, but when you factor in the ever increasing value of real estate in the area and the proximity to downtown and the airport, Belle Isle is a very desirable place to live and call home. And desirable sometimes brings drama.
Much like the Town of Windermere in the early ‘90s, Belle Isle is a city evolving, a meeting of established residents and newer residents ready to identify a tear down home to build their dream home. Additionally, like Windermere, Belle Isle is primarily a residential area. Simply put, there are residents that long for the way Belle Isle was, and many wanting to advance it to the future.
The Mayor of Belle Isle, Lydia Pisano, a long-term member of the City Council, was voted into office by proxy, if you will, when her opponent in 2016 left the race for reasons many still aren’t aware of. This immediately placed Mayor Pisano in an unlikely position: she won with no voting necessary.
For some residents, this was and remains a sore spot. One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, “Our Mayor is far too active on Facebook. I think it undermines her role as an elected official.” For others, they recognized the commitment and length of service Mayor Pisano has brought to the community. Another resident sees her differently: “I feel our Mayor is a tireless servant to our community and we’re lucky to have her.” Uniquely, the Mayor has no vote on the Council, leaving all control to the remaining City Councilmen and Councilwomen. And Pisano, who ran for County Commission twice, is rumored to be considering a third bid for County Commission to replace term-limited and popular Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke, who is also rumored to be considering a bid for Orange County Mayor.
Pisano’s immediate challenge, once elected, was identifying a replacement for City Manager, Keith Severans. This process made the news as interim replacement, Richard Anderson, was caught up in a scandal of allegedly leaving the scene of an accident. The situation, of course, gained a great deal of media attention for the city. Add to that a former Belle Isle finance manager being accused last year of stealing $15,000 from the City and you have a reality show in the making. While the Sunshine Law is a wonderful way of ensuring transparency, in Belle Isle it’s often put to the test with an investigation still ongoing from the State Attorney’s office. This too made the news last year, forcing nearly all of the City Council and the Mayor to present countless emails, social media posts and messaging as well as text messages.
Of the three highlighted cities, Belle Isle seems to get the most media attention. And some attention is actually great. Probably the brightest spot of Belle Isle Government is its police department. I’ve had the pleasure of working on a few projects where they were engaged and you simply can’t ask for a more professional and dedicated community driven team.
Additionally, some Belle Isle police officers were actual first responders to the tragic Pulse mass murder event of June 12, 2016, where 49 innocent people were killed. The Belle Isle Police Department continues to receive ongoing recognition for its efforts.
They’ve also been spotlighted in the media for bringing awareness to the need for Narcom, a drug that all but reverses heroin overdoses. But it isn’t cheap. The department chief worked with time share mogul David Siegel to ensure they and other departments have this life saving remedy at hand.
Recently, we learned the Belle Isle Police Station was found to be filled with deadly black mold. Belle Isle resident Chris Comins, a philanthropist, stepped in offering to manage the construction and totally rebuild the station at his own expense. Not too many people would lend their own resources to such an endeavor, but for Comins it was a simple decision.
While items like these keep the City in the headlines, you’d be surprised that it’s the more obscure things that fall under the radar. For example, last year we learned that there’s no law in place to keep hunters from shooting ducks on the Conway Chain of Lakes. Most of us would consider hunting in a residential area prohibited. I mean, imagine you’re sitting on your boat dock with your favorite beverage and all of a sudden people are boating by shooting at ducks.
Further investigation illustrates why the City unfortunately has no control over this issue. The waterways are in fact controlled by the State. Surprisingly, the neither Belle Isle Mayor nor City Council have any control over the hunting laws and guidelines. As a result, the City of Belle Isle can only lobby state officials to reverse this law. And when you factor in all the issues facing the State, duck hunting on a residential lake, while surprising, isn’t a top priority. Don’t look for any changes on this issue anytime soon with the legislature soon leaving session this coming Monday and no perceived action in place.
THE CITY OF WINTER PARK
When I completed my Public Relations Internship at Walt Disney World in 1987, I recall driving what seemed like forever to get a haircut on Park Avenue. I had heard Winter Park was an upscale area and my initial visit certainly supported that opinion, which still holds even today. In recent years, especially during the Mayoral Election of 2014, there was what amounted to an old-versus-new approach to Winter Park politics between former Judge and longtime Winter Park resident Cynthia McKinnon and newer, forward moving and thinking candidate Steve Leary.
Additionally, there were traffic nightmares with the the newly erected shopping area that included the much anticipated Trader Joe’s. It was one of the more recent highlights of commercial development in the area, yet no one needed a degree in urban planning to quickly realize the parking and traffic issues it created. How no one anticipated the excitement of Trader Joe’s and the predicted success of all the shops in the plaza is still a mystery. In fact, the red flag of how this area impacted the “thinking” of Winter Park development was now clear for all to see.
It would create huge discussions regarding the development plans for the historical Best Western hotel property located on 17-92. McKinnon operated on a platform of preserving old Winter Park and Leary suggested we could have managed growth and maintain the presence of such a beautiful area also known for its chain of lakes, tree lined streets, majestic homes and fine shopping and dining. Leary, now Mayor Leary, won that race by less than 500 votes and a new and energized leadership approach stepped in. To his credit, there are far less rumblings than that of yesteryear, so he, the City Council, and City management must be doing something right.
But wait…
In the recent City Council elections and possibly even back then, there was a far-from-silent yet powerful group of people, known as “One Winter Park,” that organized grassroots efforts to impact the election in a surprising way–but don’t waste your time searching for a Facebook page or Google results. No, this group operates stealthily yet effectively. Some have even suggested the group uses intimidation, slander and alternative facts to create narratives that make the candidate not of their choice, well, dead in the water. And in a City with a clash of ideas on maintaining the City’s historical integrity coupled with growth, there’s certainly the opportunity for a showdown in the 2018 mayoral race. Uniquely, we’re seeing a wave of calling out such groups that go for the jugular in politics despite truth or integrity. The 2018 Mayor’s race should be a nail-biter with one City Council member already rumored to be willing to take on the incumbent Mayor. Grab your popcorn, folks.
THE CITY OF APOPKA
Located in the northwest quadrant of Orange County, The City of Apopka is best known for agriculture. Travel that way and you’ll find everything from fields of ferns to acres of roses being pruned. But Apopka is growing by leaps and bounds residentially as a result of its proximity to the ever-growing City of Orlando. Apopka too is going to have a nail-biter of a mayor’s race next year already heating up by former State House Representative, now Orange County Commissioner, Bryan Nelson announcing he will take on the incumbent Mayor Joe Kilsheimer. Kilsheimer gained attention almost immediately when we won the seat from longtime Mayor John Land by terminating powerhouse Attorney Frank Kruppenbacher and all but giving himself a raise to boot. Nelson, who is also known for his family’s rose business Nelson Roses, is a staple in the Apopka area and considered a down-to-earth neighbor-next-door type. Nelson is leaving his Commissioner seat after one term, giving up a conservative stronghold on the board of county commissioners as the district skews more left. “The mayor’s race should draw a lot of attention, pitting fiscal conservative Bryan Nelson against free-spending incumbent Joe Kilsheimer,” said Barb Zakszewski, an engaged Apopka resident no too pleased with the current Mayor’s performance.“A host of issues are expected to be brought up during the campaign, making things very interesting for the City of Apopka.”
ONE UNIQUE CONNECTION
Apopka and Belle Isle have something in common: Richard Anderson was the City of Apopka Manager when he went to help the City of Belle Isle as interim City Manager for a mere rumored $6ka month. Not a bad gig if you can get it. Recently, Anderson pled to a lesser charge in his case and settled for probation. It certainly is a small world.
All in all, Central Florida is a great place to live, work, play and raise a family. We have a quality of life unlike many places on earth. Whether in a city here, or anywhere, local politics truly are interesting, rivaled only by discussions about religion. (Can I get an amen?) What appears to be a common theme in most local politics, since all politics are local, is the struggle for power and control. If a politician tells you he or she doesn’t have an ego or agenda, don’t believe it. Everyone has an agenda. And you know what? Walt Disney was right: “You can create the most wonderful place in the world. But it’s the people that make the dream a reality.”
_________________________________________________
Randy Ross is a contributing political writer for Florida National News. He is President of the Orange County Trump Republican Club and Florida Chairman for America First Federated. info@floridanationalnews.com
Florida
Former Lawmaker Daisy Morales Calls for Florida Democratic Party Investigation of Ex-Chair Samuel Vilchez Santiago
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Former Florida State Representative and Democratic candidate for Florida House District 43 Daisy Morales is demanding an independent investigation by the Florida Democratic Party into the circumstances surrounding her removal from the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee. In a sharply worded press release issued Friday, Morales challenged allegations that she endorsed Republican Orange County Commission District 5 candidate Joel Montilla during the 2024 election cycle, arguing the claim should be independently reviewed.
Morales Campaign questions former Orange County Democratic Party chair Samuel Vilchez Santiago’s credibility, judgment, and statements to the Orlando Sentinel.
Morales said the investigation should examine whether party rules were applied fairly, consistently, and in accordance with established procedures, while also reviewing whether any actual or perceived conflicts of interest existed involving former Orange County Democratic Executive Committee Chair Samuel Vilchez Santiago, who is now her opponent in the Democratic primary for House District 43.
“I welcome a fair and impartial investigation. Democratic voters deserve confidence that party rules are applied equally to everyone, regardless of political position, personal relationships, or whether someone is running for office.”
— Daisy Morales
Request for Independent Investigation
Morales is asking the Florida Democratic Party to conduct an independent review rather than relying solely on local party officials.
According to Morales, the review should determine:
- Whether party rules were consistently enforced.
- Whether proper due process was followed.
- Whether any conflicts of interest existed during the disciplinary process.
- Whether official records support the actions taken.
Morales said an independent review would help ensure public confidence in the integrity of the party’s internal governance.
How the Issue Re-Emerged
Morales said she first learned the matter had resurfaced during the 2026 House District 43 campaign after receiving questions from an Orlando Sentinel reporter.
According to Morales, the reporter indicated that Samuel Vilchez Santiago cited an alleged endorsement of Republican candidate Joel Montilla as the basis for questions regarding her removal from the local Democratic Party.
Morales disputes that characterization.
Joel Montilla: “There Was No Endorsement”
Florida National News contacted attorney Joel Montilla, the 2024 Republican candidate for Orange County Commission District 5, requesting clarification.
According to Montilla:
“It wasn’t an endorsement, it was support as the President of the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida, Inc.”
When asked directly whether Daisy Morales endorsed his campaign, Montilla responded:
“She did not. She only agreed to be on my host committee as I launched my campaign.”
Montilla further stated:
“There was no endorsement, only support in running. Daisy and I worked on a number of initiatives within the Puerto Rican community. My goal was to have half Democrats and half Republicans support my kickoff to show the bipartisanship in a nonpartisan race. Daisy wasn’t the only local Democrat on my host committee. There were a few.”
Asked what documentation supports his statement, Montilla replied:
“The Host Committee flyer is the only material bearing her name.”
Morales said Montilla’s statements reinforce her request that the Florida Democratic Party review all relevant records before reaching any conclusions.
Campaign Finance Disclosure
Morales also noted that Samuel Vilchez Santiago’s January 30, 2026, campaign finance report disclosed a $100 contribution from Joel Montilla.
Morales said she believes the Florida Democratic Party should determine whether party rules have been applied consistently in light of publicly reported interactions involving Democratic candidates and Republican officeholders.
Source: winterparkvoice.com
Questions About Consistency
Morales is asking the state party to review whether similar situations involving Democratic officials received comparable treatment.
Among the examples she cited:
- Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s public endorsement of Republican Steve Leary during the 2024 Orange County Commission District 5 race.
- A Florida Politics report published in August 2025 stating that former Kissimmee Mayor and Democratic State Representative Jose Alvarez endorsed Republican State Representative Fabián Basabe.
Morales also noted that Alvarez later endorsed Samuel Vilchez Santiago’s House District 43 campaign.
Morales said these publicly reported examples should be reviewed to determine whether party rules were enforced consistently.
“If party rules are going to be enforced, they should be enforced fairly, consistently, and transparently. Equal treatment and due process should apply to every Democrat.”
— Daisy Morales
Request for Records
Morales is requesting preservation and production of records related to the disciplinary process, including:
- Executive Committee meeting minutes
- Official resolutions
- Voting records
- Disciplinary findings
- Party bylaws
- Correspondence
- Notices
- Investigative materials
- Supporting documentation
She said a complete documentary record is necessary for any independent review.
Campaign Impact
Morales said the circumstances surrounding her removal have become part of campaign messaging during the Democratic primary.
She is asking the Florida Democratic Party to determine whether the disciplinary process created either an actual or perceived campaign advantage and whether safeguards existed to prevent conflicts of interest during a contested primary.
Morales’ campaign also said it believes an independent investigation should determine whether there were any irregularities in the disciplinary process, including improper document handling, fabrication of evidence, misrepresentation of facts, or other procedural concerns. The campaign said these allegations warrant review by the state party, rather than solely by local officials, because some local officials may have participated in or possess knowledge of the events under review.
Public Confidence
Morales emphasized that her request is intended to strengthen confidence in the Democratic Party rather than undermine it.
“This investigation is bigger than one campaign. It is about protecting the integrity of the Democratic Party and ensuring that every member is treated fairly, consistently, and with due process.”
— Daisy Morales
The Morales campaign alleges that Samuel Vilchez Santiago weaponized the local Democratic Party and the media to further what it describes as a campaign of disinformation and misinformation against Morales.
She added:
“There should be no place for anyone to weaponize a political party’s disciplinary process for personal or political advantage. Democratic voters deserve transparency, accountability, and confidence that the rules apply equally to everyone.”
Requested Action
Morales is asking the Florida Democratic Party to:
- Conduct an independent investigation.
- Preserve all relevant records.
- Review whether local and state party rules were consistently applied.
- Examine any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
- Issue findings based on the complete documentary record.
Morales also said that if the investigation determines Samuel Vilchez Santiago engaged in conduct that violated party rules, ethical standards, or compromised the integrity of the disciplinary process, she believes the Florida Democratic Party should take whatever action it determines is appropriate under its rules, including requesting that he withdraw from the House District 43 race, if warranted by the investigation’s findings.
What’s Next for the Florida Democratic Party?
If the Florida Democratic Party chooses to review Morales’ request, the process could include:
- Determining whether an independent review is warranted.
- Preserving relevant records while any review is pending.
- Evaluating whether local party procedures complied with party bylaws.
- Reviewing whether similarly situated cases received comparable treatment.
- Determining whether any conflicts of interest existed.
- Deciding whether additional action is appropriate under party rules.
As of the information contained in Morales’ press release and the publication of this story, the Florida Democratic Party had not publicly announced whether it would open an investigation or otherwise respond to her request.
Business5 days agoEssence Magazine Co-Founder Jonathan Blount Dies at 84, Leaving Enduring Legacy in Civil Rights and Black Media
Central Florida News3 days agoRick Singh, Roberta Walton Johnson Face Off in Orange County Clerk Race After Maribel Gómez Cordero Withdraws
Central Florida News3 days agoCommissioner Maribel Gómez Cordero Withdraws from Orange County Clerk of Courts Race Amid Legal Challenge
Sports4 days agoJaguars Place Two Offensive Linemen on Active/PUP List Ahead of Training Camp
Central Florida News4 hours agoOrange County Fire Chief Anthony Rios Resigns Following Budget Meeting; Mayor Demings Briefs County Commissioners
