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Orange County Commissioners Approve Sales Tax Referendum on November Ballot

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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (center) and Orange County Commissioners Mayra Uribe (left) and Maribel Gomez Cordero in a board meeting January 26, 2021. Photo: Orange County Government (via Twitter).

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – By a vote of four to three, Orange County approved the inclusion of the Transportation Sales Tax referendum on the ballot for the general election on November 8th.

The measure would ask Orange County voters to approve a one-cent sales tax increase that would be used to improve transportation in the county.

Commissioners Christine Moore, Mayra Uribe and Maribel Gomez Cordero joined Mayor Jerry Demings on the vote. Mayor Demings had been pushing to include the tax since 2019.

“I’m happy that our Board, at least the majority, saw fit to give the power to the people and let residents decide whether to tax themselves in this manner,” Mayor Demings said after the vote.

If voters approve, the sales tax in the county would be increased to 7.5 percent.

According to the presentation before the vote, the improvement in transportation–which would include a commuter train–would create over 5,000 new jobs, $4 billion in economic output, a $910 million increase in personal income, and $2.4 billion in gross domestic product (GDP).

Demings’ team estimates that $21 billion are needed to improve the current transportation system in Orange County. With the sales tax $600 million annually could be raised to cover that, according to the team’s calculations.

Commissioners Emily Bonilla, Nicole Wilson and Victoria Siplin opposed the measure. Wilson in particular said that there was a lack of transparency in the plan.

As a compromise, the commissioners agreed to create a citizens oversight board to evaluate the city’s transportation plans.

Demings assured both the opposing commissioners and voters that he would work to ensure that everything is indeed transparent.

A 2022 Orange County survey indicated that a majority of residents desire a better transportation system and are concerned with growing traffic. The full results of the survey can be seen here.

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Juan Carlo Rodriguez is a politics and entertainment reporter for Florida National News, and Assistant Editor for FNN News en Español. | info@floridanationalnews.com

Florida

Ex-Florida Speaker Paul Renner Says Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Cory Mills Must Resign or Be Removed from Congress

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Gubernatorial candidate and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner is calling for the resignation or removal of U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a South Florida Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a Central Florida Republican

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Gubernatorial candidate and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner is calling for the resignation or removal of U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a South Florida Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a Central Florida Republican, citing what he describes as serious breaches of ethics and public trust.

Renner emphasized that strong governance requires integrity, stating, “America needs leaders focused on service, not self-interest. When elected officials use their office for personal gain, they damage the credibility of the institution and betray the public they were elected to serve.”

ETHICS PROBE INVOLVING REP. CORY MILLS
The House Ethics Committee is investigating Mills, a New Smyrna Beach Republican, over accusations that he profited from defense contracts while serving in Congress. The committee has also expanded its review to examine allegations that Mills assaulted one former girlfriend and threatened to distribute intimate photos of another.

FEDERAL FRAUD CASE AGAINST CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK
Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, are accused of diverting federal funds intended for COVID-19 vaccination distribution. Prosecutors allege that excess funds were routed through multiple accounts and later used as political contributions. If convicted on all counts, she could face up to 53 years in prison. Cherfilus-McCormick maintains her innocence.

RENNER’S CALL FOR RESIGNATION
Renner argued that both lawmakers have demonstrated “a pattern of self-interest and low moral character,” adding, “They should do the right thing and resign immediately. If they refuse, Congress must expel them without delay.”

He concluded by asserting that the Republican Party must model higher standards of integrity: “Democrats will excuse anything to gain power and have lost credibility with the American people. Republicans must hold themselves to a stronger standard to restore public faith in government.”

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News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Faith & Family

Child Evangelism Fellowship Unites Four Central Florida Counties at First Vision Dinner Celebrating 88 Years of Ministry

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — FNN Faith and Family Reporter Hidekel Griffin was on location as Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) hosted its first annual Share Vision Dinner, celebrating 88 years of ministry and uniting leaders from four Central Florida counties—Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake.

The event marked the first time the entire CEF Central Florida chapter gathered under one roof, commemorating God’s faithfulness and outlining future plans to expand ministry efforts to children and families throughout the region.

A Unified Mission Across Central Florida

The Share Vision Dinner highlighted CEF’s long-standing mission: “Every Child, Every School, Every Day for Christ.” Executive Director Brenda Whitwam emphasized the importance of collaboration among churches, volunteers, and community partners as ministry efforts continue to grow.

“Together, we’re building bridges between counties, churches, and communities. We’re united under one purpose—to reach the children of Central Florida with the love of Jesus,” Whitwam said.

CEF programs—including Good News Club®, 5-Day Club®, and Christian Youth in Action® (CYIA™)—continue to equip volunteers, churches, and young leaders to share the Gospel in schools and neighborhoods throughout the state.

Leadership and Vision from Keynote Speaker Chuck Madden

State Director Charles “Chuck” Madden delivered the keynote message, drawing from more than 20 years of ministry experience as a youth pastor, children’s pastor, and associate pastor. Madden currently oversees 15 chapters, more than 30 staff members, 80 board leaders, and more than 2,000 trained volunteers across Florida.

Under his leadership, CEF Florida has expanded outreach into public schools, launched new chapters, and strengthened adult and youth training programs through the Children’s Ministry Institute.

The dinner drew pastors, educators, and community leaders whose participation underscored increasing regional collaboration and a shared commitment to reaching the next generation.

A Global Ministry with Local Impact

CEF remains the world’s largest missionary organization dedicated to children. In 2024 alone, more than 22.9 million children made decisions for Christ through its worldwide outreach.

The inaugural Share Vision Dinner served as a rallying point for churches and ministry partners to expand Good News Clubs, support new outreach initiatives, and raise up young leaders to carry the Gospel into every school and community across Central Florida.

About Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)

Founded in 1937, Child Evangelism Fellowship is a global, Bible-centered ministry reaching millions of children annually through Good News Club®, 5-Day Club®, and Christian Youth in Action® (CYIA™). Operating in more than 200 countries, CEF partners with churches and volunteers to bring the message of Jesus to every child, everywhere.

For more information, visit www.CEFofCentralFL.com.

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Florida

Magic Stun Heat 106–105 as Franz Wagner Drops 32 at the Kia Center

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic delivered a dramatic finish at the Kia Center on Friday night, edging the Miami Heat 106–105 in a nail-biting showdown sealed only after Bam Adebayo’s jumper at the buzzer bounced off the rim.

Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat, Kia Center. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Franz Wagner led the charge with a game-high 32 points, attacking the rim relentlessly and providing the offensive spark Orlando needed in the final minutes. Jalen Suggs added 22 points, including a critical late-game layup that gave the Magic a five-point cushion with just over a minute remaining.

The victory marks Orlando’s seventh win in its last nine outings, continuing a strong stretch as the team gains momentum heading into the NBA Cup quarterfinals.

Banchero Returns, Provides Boost

Paolo Banchero made his long-awaited return after missing 10 games with a strained left groin. Though limited to 20 minutes, he contributed nine points and six rebounds, giving the Magic additional inside presence and energy.

Desmond Bane struggled from the field, finishing with five points on 2-for-16 shooting, but Orlando’s defensive effort helped compensate for the off night.

Heat Rally Too Late

Miami nearly stole the game in the final seconds behind Norman Powell’s 28 points, including two late layups that brought the Heat within one. Adebayo added a strong double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds, but his potential game-winner fell short.

The Heat played without Tyler Herro, who suffered a right big toe injury earlier in the week. Miami has now lost three of its last four following a previous six-game winning streak.

Rematch on the Horizon

The Magic and Heat will meet again Tuesday night at the Kia Center in an NBA Cup quarterfinal showdown. With emotions high and both teams showing playoff-level intensity, another thriller may be on deck.

Up Next:
Heat: Host Sacramento on Saturday night.
Magic: Travel to New York to face the Knicks on Sunday.

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J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

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