Florida
Orange County Mayor Launches Obama-Style Campaign for Florida Governor, Calling for Unity, Leadership, and Change
Published
5 months agoon
By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Before a packed ballroom of cheering supporters at the Rosen Centre on Orlando’s International Drive Thursday evening, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings officially launched his campaign for Governor of Florida in 2026, declaring that it’s time to “turn the page” on division and usher in a “new style of leadership.”
The 66-year-old former Orlando Police Chief and Orange County Sheriff — now serving his second term as mayor — delivered a powerful, hopeful message reminiscent of President Barack Obama’s campaign themes of unity and renewal, rallying voters with the promise that “the power of the people is greater than the people in power.”
A Message of Unity and Renewal
“This is not a right or left moment, but a right or wrong moment in our history,” Demings told the energized crowd. “We’re tired of toxic and divisive politics. If you vote for me, it’s a vote for a new style of leadership. It’s a vote for change. It’s a vote for democracy.”
The crowd erupted as Demings leaned into his record of public service and crisis management, drawing a sharp contrast with political partisanship in Tallahassee. He pledged to restore local control, raise wages, stabilize housing costs, and improve access to mental health care through public-private partnerships.
“They call me woke,” Demings said, pausing as the audience laughed. “I don’t know what they mean — but after four and a half decades of public service, they woke me up.”
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ wife, former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, tells a standing-room-only crowd, “Help is on the way,” during her husband’s campaign kickoff rally for Florida governor at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Photo by J. Willie David, III / Florida National News
Val Demings: ‘Help Is on the Way’
Demings’ wife, former Congresswoman Val Demings, introduced him to thunderous applause. “Through all of the darkness,” she told the audience, “help is on the way.”
Her remarks framed her husband’s candidacy as a call to hope and action, positioning him as a pragmatic problem-solver rooted in Florida values.
Demings, who has long clashed with Governor Ron DeSantis over COVID-19 restrictions, immigration, and state control of local budgets, promised to bring people together across party lines. “My goal is to engage the private sector in working with the public sector to solve the issues that affect us all,” he said.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings held a press conference to answer questions from the media following his historic campaign kickoff rally for Florida governor at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Photo by J. Willie David, III / Florida National News
A Campaign to Make History
If elected, Demings would become Florida’s first Black governor — a milestone both Republicans and Democrats acknowledge as a turning point in the state’s history.
He faces a crowded field, but his reputation as a steady crisis manager — having led Central Florida through mass shootings, hurricanes, and the pandemic — has made him a formidable contender.
Asked to contrast himself with likely Republican opponent Rep. Byron Donalds, Demings didn’t hesitate: “He’s never been a crisis manager or leader. I’ve led through storms, tragedies, and rebuilding — not from the sidelines, but in the arena.”
‘A New Sheriff in Town’
Demings’ closing line drew roaring applause: “If you vote for me, it’s a vote for the right person at the right time,” he said. Then, echoing a phrase once used by DeSantis himself, Demings smiled and declared, “It’s time for a new sheriff in town.”
With a listening tour planned across the state, Demings aims to build a grassroots movement that transcends party lines — one he hopes will awaken Florida’s independent voters and redefine what leadership looks like in the Sunshine State.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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Entertainment
160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience
Published
4 days agoon
April 15, 2026By
Willie DavidDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Music set times have been released for the 15th anniversary of Welcome To Rockville, Florida’s largest rock, metal and punk festival, set for May 7–10, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.
Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the four-day event will feature more than 160 bands performing across five stages, marking the festival’s largest lineup to date.
HEADLINERS AND DAILY LINEUP
This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses and Bring Me The Horizon.
- Thursday, May 7: Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Staind
- Friday, May 8: Foo Fighters, Turnstile, The Offspring, Parkway Drive
- Saturday, May 9: Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, Motionless in White, Lamb of God
- Sunday, May 10: My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, Rise Against, Yellowcard
FESTIVAL EXPANSION AND NEW FEATURES
Organizers announced several enhancements for 2026 aimed at improving the fan experience. A new “Pit Stop” fan zone near the Apex Stage will feature artist interviews, special performances and interactive experiences.
In addition, the Garage Stage will be fully tented for the first time, offering expanded shade coverage and upgraded production for attendees.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
Festivalgoers can kick off the week with a pre-party on May 6 featuring performances by Fuel, Local H and others.
A new crossover event, “Blood4Blood,” will also take place at the Ocean Center, combining live music with bare-knuckle fighting, including a headline bout featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail.
TICKETS, ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE
Festival gates will open daily at 11:30 a.m. Organizers are offering a range of ticket options, including single-day, weekend, VIP and camping packages. A new Camp to Coast shuttle will provide transportation between the speedway and nearby beaches.
With expanded attractions, including rides, themed bars and interactive zones, Welcome To Rockville 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Daytona Beach, reinforcing its role as a major driver of Florida’s tourism and live entertainment economy.
Crimes and Courts
Florida Creates Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, Appoints Special Prosecutor to Crack Down on Fraud
Published
4 days agoon
April 15, 2026TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — James Uthmeier announced the launch of the Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, a multi-agency initiative aimed at strengthening investigations and prosecutions of fraud involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs.
As part of the effort, Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Scott Strauss has been appointed as special prosecutor to oversee complex, multi-circuit fraud cases and coordinate legal strategies across agencies.
TASK FORCE TO TARGET FRAUD
The task force is designed to provide legal counsel and streamline criminal prosecutions for state agencies and law enforcement, enhancing Florida’s ability to build strong cases against individuals accused of fraud.
“We are launching this task force to bring accountability and prosecute those who are stealing from Floridians,” Uthmeier said. “Florida is not Minnesota or California, and we will safeguard the taxpayers’ investment in the services meant for the vulnerable.”
MULTI-AGENCY COLLABORATION
State leaders emphasized the importance of coordination across agencies to combat increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.
“Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier, Florida has continued to identify, address, and prevent fraud,” said Shevaun L. Harris, secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. “This multi-agency initiative creates an opportunity to collectively reaffirm that commitment.”
Brad McVay added that protecting taxpayer-funded programs is essential to maintaining public trust.
“Floridians deserve a government that safeguards their taxpayer dollars from fraudsters,” McVay said.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass also stressed enforcement.
“If you commit fraud against public assistance programs, you will be held accountable,” Glass said.
ROLE OF SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
The special prosecutor will evaluate and oversee ongoing multi-circuit investigations, assist in developing cases for prosecution, and support law enforcement with legal tools such as warrants and affidavits.
Kathleen Von Hoene said the initiative will strengthen protections for vulnerable populations.
“Our goal is to protect the public, preserve the integrity of the Medicaid program, and safeguard the populations it serves,” she said.
PROGRAMS AND ENFORCEMENT
Florida’s public assistance programs include Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, housing assistance and reemployment services. Fraud involving these programs can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties including fines, restitution and incarceration.
Law enforcement agencies interested in participating in the task force can contact the Office of Statewide Prosecution for more information.
Florida
Former Property Appraiser Rick Singh Launches Clerk of Courts Bid, Passes on Mayor and CFO Races
Published
4 days agoon
April 15, 2026By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Rick Singh, a U.S. Army veteran, business leader and former Orange County property appraiser, has announced his candidacy for Orange County Clerk of Courts, outlining a platform focused on efficiency, modernization and improved customer service.
While some observers expected Singh to pursue higher-profile offices such as Orange County mayor, Florida chief financial officer or Congress, his decision to run for Clerk of Courts reflects a focus on operational leadership and improving local government services.
“I’m running to make government work faster, smarter and more efficiently for the people of Orange County,” Singh said. “Residents deserve a Clerk’s Office that is responsive, transparent and built for today’s needs.”
PLAN TO MODERNIZE AND IMPROVE SERVICES
Singh outlined several immediate priorities if elected, including upgrading technology and expanding digital access.
“We will modernize the system by reducing long lines, enhancing online services and making it easier for residents to access records, make payments and interact with the Clerk’s Office,” Singh said.
His plan includes improving website and mobile access, streamlining in-person services and reducing wait times for residents.
FOCUS ON EFFICIENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
In addition to modernization, Singh said he will prioritize operational improvements and customer service reforms.
“We will overhaul customer service to prioritize speed, respect and accountability,” Singh said. “That includes auditing operations to eliminate delays and inefficiencies that frustrate residents.”
Singh emphasized that creating a more efficient and user-friendly experience will be a top priority from day one.
EXPERIENCE, INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVE FIELD
During his tenure as property appraiser, Singh led the office with the scope and visibility of a countywide constitutional role, implementing reforms that improved transparency, accuracy and efficiency.
His annual “State of Orange County Real Estate” events drew thousands of attendees, including elected officials, real estate professionals, financial leaders and community stakeholders, positioning the office as a key platform for economic insight and public engagement.
Supporters point to Singh’s track record of innovation — including modernizing systems and improving operational performance — as a model for how he would lead the Clerk of Courts office.
“I’ve led a large countywide office and delivered results,” Singh said. “I’m ready to bring that same level of leadership, innovation and accountability to the Clerk of Courts.”
His entry into the race adds to an already competitive field that includes Maribel Gomez Cordero, a current county commissioner and former vice mayor, and Emily Bonilla, a former commissioner and vice mayor, both of whom bring experience in local government leadership and community engagement.
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