ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Board of County Commissioners recently approved a new District 8 seat to address the county’s continued population growth and expanding communities.

Tatiana Fernandez officially entered the race for the newly created Orange County Commission District 8 seat after announcing her candidacy on social media and filing the necessary paperwork with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections.

Fernandez Highlights Business, Advocacy, and Community Leadership Experience

Fernandez, a Puerto Rican-born business owner, autism advocate, and community leader, said her campaign is focused on strengthening families, supporting small businesses, and expanding opportunities throughout Orange County.

“Latinos are shaping the future of America,” Fernandez stated in her campaign announcement. “Together, we can build stronger communities, greater opportunities, and a brighter future for our children.”

Fernandez currently serves on the Orange County Commission on Aging Board, where she advocates for programs and services benefiting seniors throughout the county.

Her professional and community background includes:

• Business owner since 2015 with extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business development.

• Owner of Pantera Technical Services, a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida.

• On-the-job training provider for Florida Vocational Rehabilitation students since 2019.

• Autism advocate serving families in Seminole County since 2007.

• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.

• Born and raised in Puerto Rico.

• Resident of Florida since 2004 after living in Boston from 1994 to 2000.

• Academic studies in banking, pre-law, finance, government relations, and healthcare administration.

• Volunteer with the Lake Mary High School Robotics Program from 2017 to 2020.

• Registered volunteer for former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales in both Orlando and Tallahassee offices.

• Candidate for Florida’s 7th Congressional District during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles.

Campaign Focused on Families, Seniors, and Small Businesses

Fernandez said Orange County residents deserve leadership that listens to the community and understands the challenges facing working families, senior citizens, and small-business owners.

“Our community deserves leadership that listens, works hard, and truly understands the needs of families, seniors, and small businesses,” Fernandez said. “I look forward to continuing to serve Orange County with integrity, compassion, and dedication.”

She is encouraging supporters to volunteer, share campaign information, and contribute to her effort to represent the newly established district.

Crowded Field Emerges for New District 8 Seat

Fernandez joins a growing field of candidates seeking election to the new Orange County Commission District 8 seat. Other announced candidates include Vic Torres, Jeannette Quinones-Hernandez, Isaiah Louis Anderson, Julio Rocha, and George Haas.

Candidate qualifying is scheduled for June 8-12, 2026. The primary election will be held on August 18, 2026, with voters selecting the first commissioner to represent the newly created district.

The District 8 seat is expected to be one of Orange County’s most closely watched races as candidates compete to represent a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse constituency.